Hey everyone,
So I know that this is just another one of many chapters that has been edited, but I want to keep you guys on your toes and see how many of you read these things. So I have a question for you all and I will give a second shout-out in chapter 49 to everyone who answers: Where are you in Kingdom Hearts 3 right now in regards to Sora's level and story?
Let me know,

Venquine1990


Chapter 30
Learning Different Lessons

29th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Jessica's POV

I've hardly ever had anything and had to work myself into a fainting period more often than not just to get a little bit to eat or some cloths to wear while growing up. And so, when I finally got to have people who cared for me, did I grow to appreciate anything and everything they gave me, whether it was big or small, for my birthday, Christmas or just because they felt like it. But while I sometimes wondered, did I never imagine this.
Two gigantic piles are in front of me, one the size of Hagrid, the other still massive even at one-third the size of the other. "That many gifts? All in Godric's Hollow?" I ask in shock, the idea that my original birth home was where all misdirected mail had gone to being something I can barely phantom and Lupin nods as he says: "I was shocked myself. To be honest, I hadn't even considered Godric's Hollow until I saw Sirius propose to James.
Also, if you're wondering how did no one notice this? The gifts were all brought to your mother's old bedroom, which is on the second floor and out of sight of the crowds. The room was also enchanted to have its inside grow in size the more the gift kept piling up." At this I nod at him and then dad says: "I guess that means I have more work to do tonight." This makes Lupin look at him and I suddenly whiten as I realize what he means.
"Dad, are any of those contracts even still valid? Now that I've changed gender, I mean?" Yet to this dad rolls his eyes and says: "Sweetie, your gender change doesn't matter a bit. If I don't agree with the clauses of a contract, I can make it null and void, so whether it is set up for Harry or Jessica Potter really doesn't matter. And if they dare to try and scam you out of something with the contracts – I'll just set Lea onto them."

This makes me sigh in relief and I see Lupin looking confused as dad says: "Lady Destiny showed us that others had set up all kinds of contracts with House Potter after Harry beat Voldemort." And the man nods, but then he hums and says: "You know, it might be a better idea if you let me take those back to London.
That way James has something to do between the periods of time that we get to read with you guys. Albus convinced him to stay inside London until Bill's gotten them in contact with the Goblins about the state of Potter houses and estates. He definitely wants to leave pronto, but he agrees that leaving for something safer is the best option."
"And what about Campbrina? Can't mum just go back there?" I ask, but Lupin shakes his head and says: "He'd rather not as that would nullify the use of the papers Lily got send." This is something I can't deny and I shrug as I say: "Oh well, as long as they don't get reminded of Dumbledore's orders the way dad was."

"You really have a bone to pick with Molly, don't you?" Lupin winces and I mutter: "Has she apologized yet?" Making him wince again before I roll my eyes and ask: "Let me guess, she tried to downplay it because she believes that she was in the right to discredit dad, regardless of dad being my father and her just being a friend?"
And the way that Lupin is trying to look anywhere but at me makes me groan and I say: "Never mind. Thanks for getting us those gifts, Lupin." And the man smiles as he says: "Don't mention it. Oh, and I took the liberty of screening the stuff for dangerous spells as well as sorting out anything male and the latter I changed turned feminine. I also took out everything that I sent you myself and left those in the other room as I wasn't sure where your bedroom was.
You will have to change a few colors, though, but only if you don't think they will suit you now that your looks have changed so much." I nod distracted at this as I can only think about the potential of there being more dresses and skirts hidden in that amazing pile, but then I remember that I already have something changed on.

"Hey Lupin, what do you think?" And I happily stand up and twirl on my axis, keeping one hand on my skirt to keep it from rising up in only to do Riku a favor. Lupin smiles as he sees me do this and says: "I think your parents can consider themselves lucky that you've already found your destined mate, is what I think."
This confuses me and he goes on: "If not, then I have no doubt Sirius would have to name himself your official guard dog, just to keep the more nastier types away from you, just because of how attractive you look. Trust me, girl, when you make your first appearance at Hogwarts, you are going to turn a LOT of heads."
And this, while it makes me turn red with shyness, is also exactly what I wanted to hear, but then Lupin walks over and whispers: "Though I do suggest working on the cup size of your bra, little girl. Your chest area is quite well-sized and it doesn't seem as if your current size is offering the right amount of support and control."

And this absolutely mortifies me and I ask: "Lady Destiny, can I please have someone here to help me with this, please?" And I hear the ethereal voice of the deity say: "Of course, sweetie. So sorry I didn't do so earlier this morning." And I sigh relieved as a bright light appears where Lupin stood when I showed him my new cloths. The man looks shocked, but then seems to hear Destiny speak to him and he smiles at me and waves at us all before he vanishes.
From it a tanned girl who is a few years older than me, who has long black hair tied in two braids and warm brown eyes appears, the girl looking disorientated for a short couple of seconds before she looks around and her eyes widen when she sees me before she asks: "Jessica? Are we reading of another match chapter already?"
But I shake my head and say: "I need your help, Angelina. Mind coming with me?" And I turn to my dad, but before I can open my mouth, does he smile and nod as he says: "Girl stuff, got it. Have fun." I nod and gently lead the girl out of the reading room, through the Video and Special room and up the staircase to my own room, yet it's at this last part that I have a bit of trouble as my height, length and weight are really quite different from the day before.
Luckily enough does Angelina help me here by keeping one of my hands in her grasp and supporting my back with the other and when we reach my bedroom, do I take a deep breath and say: "I need your help. My wand no longer works because of my gender change and I really want that stuff downstairs up here. I also need help adjusting my bra size. I just showed off my new outfit to Lupin and he told me he could see that this bra doesn't support right."

This makes the girl cringe and she asks: "And you've been wearing it this entire time? While in the same room as your dad, brother and his mate?" And I mutter: "Yes, and I am so lucky that dad is too worried about the book's contents, that Riku is too busy being overprotective and that Sora – well, he's your regular boy."
This makes the girl look at me shocked and I cross my arms as I say: "Hey, I've practically been your typical poster boy for the regular teenage boy for the last two to two and a half years, having been completely obvious to how girls think and why they behave different from guys, so I have a right to say that about my brother, thank you." Which makes the girl chortle and laugh before she says: "Alright, show me your bra's."
And I wince before I mutter: "I only have one. I didn't know how to change my stuff into one, so Lady Destiny granted me this one earlier today." I hear Angelina gasp and she asks: "You – you only have one bra? There really were no new sets waiting for you in your trunk or the closet over there?" I shake my head and say: "I was a boy until yesterday and Lea never bought me any under garments, remember. Besides, this desire was my secret."

This makes the girl look at me shocked and then the voice of Lady Destiny says: "If she can manage to get to Hogsmeade before you finish reading the book, I will allow her to return here once she has bought you the required materials." And instantly the girl asks: "How many chapters do you have left before you finish?"
At which I cringe and say: "Two, I think. Three at max. Though we do seem to take at least half an hour per chapter, sometimes longer." This turns Angelina thoughtful and she says: "I know it's Monday, but McGonagall will probably understand, if not Hermione, so I think I can work with that. Okay, now for the uncomfortable part. I'm going to need you to take off your cloths." This shocks me and the girl says:
"And I mean all of your covering cloths; your robe, skirt and shirt. If you only have one bra then I will need that one so I know what cup size and material I am working with here. And sorry, dear girl, but I don't think I want to know what you turned your panties into." And this, alongside the thought of showing my bare upper body to a teammate, really makes me turn beet red before I mumble: "I just shrunk their lengths."

At this Angelina groans and I feel my face turning even more red as I pull off the cloths Angelina told me to take off, something I've barely ever to never done in front of others when I was still Harry due to my injuries and old scars. Yet I ignore this, somehow feeling more confident in showing them off than I ever felt when I was still Harry as I look at Angelina, wearing nothing but a simple a pair of girl panties and clasping my arms around my chest, feeling awkward.
The girl is rubbing her chin with her finger and she says: "Your shrinking of the panties actually looks better than I was afraid it would, due to how boy underwear usually looks, but Lupin was definitely right about the bra. Your rack is just amazing and that bra is doing nothing, unless its purpose is to entice boys with your size."
And while I can only imagine how that would have gone if it had happened with Lea around and feel grateful that the older teen was too concerned with my emotional state at the time to actually notice this problem, do I ask: "What do I need to change then?" And the girl answers: "Nothing, leave it to me. My mum taught me these spells when I first started developing. I do have one question, though. Have you experienced your monthly yet?"

This makes me shake my head and I ask: "My what?" At which the girl winces and says: "I'll take that as a no." Only further confusing me. The girl sighs and says: "Jessica, sit down. We need to talk about something that is very, very vital for girls our age to know." And I nod, intrigued as I really want to know everything about my gender and remembering that dad told me that there might be somethings that are better left explained by either aunt Lily or my friends.
The girl comes to sit next to me, an actual look of sisterly love and concern on her face, that I recognize thanks to Sora and she says: "Okay, this is going to sound horrifyingly mortifying, so just – hear me out, alright?" And while this makes me feel a little uneasy, do I nod and Angelina sighs before she says: "As you probably know, is this about the time that our bodies start to change; chest size grows, hair at different places, etc."
I nod as these things sound pretty similar to what I was experiencing as Harry the last two years or so and the girl goes on as she says: "Well, inner changes also happen at this age as they are supposed to help us get ready for adulthood. And one of the things that comes with female adulthood is – the ability to have kids. You know about teen pregnancy, right?" And while I feel my face starting to heat up, do I still nod and she says:
"That is possible, Jessica, because the hormones and other internal – requirements, I guess you can call them – already get to grow at around this age. However, girls that don't – get intimate with someone – need their inner bodies cleansed and that's something that happens once a month; hence the term a woman's monthlies."

By now I am beyond glad that I took dad on his word and that I am getting this talk from one of my close friends and not someone like dad or Riku and Angelina says: "I won't lie to you, Jessica. A monthly is the worst time a month for a girl. Mood swings, cramps, stomach aches and, worst of all, having to go to the bathroom a good four to five times a day."
This last part shocks me and I ask: "Do monthlies make a girl drink that much?" But the girl shakes her head and says: "No, a girl's body cleanses itself of the wasted hormones and whatnot – by having a girl bleed out her lower parts, which is also the cause for the aches and the stomach pains, though not all girls experience the latter."
Yet the last part of her statement does nothing to not make me look down between my own two legs in horror, yet then I suddenly notice my trunk lighting up alongside another light coming from the edges of the door that I, a few days ago, found out leads to my own bathroom and Angelina rushes for the trunk, opening it before she sighs in relief and says: "Looks like Lady Destiny decided to help you here." And she shows me a small box of contents.
I tilt my head at this and the girl says: "These are sanitary towels, Jessica. They serve to keep your underwear clean when you have your monthly. Oh, and she packed Stomach ache relief potions, dreamless sleep potions and regular pain relief potions as well. I guess she really wants to help you in any and every way possible."

And this statement reminds me of what Lady Destiny told me of what she saw coming before she took action the way she did and I mutter: "You have no idea." At which the girl nods and says: "Well, that takes care of that. Just know that a monthly usually takes between four and seven days a week, though the first two are always the worst."
At which I wince and say: "Dully noted. Can we get back to my undergarments now?" At which the girl nods and says: "Good idea. And, if you want, I can even buy you some more feminine undergarments when I go out. Like actually sexy bras and knickers? Maybe to wear around that mate of yours sometime?"
And I turn a worse shade of red than Ron's hair and mutter: "Yeah, and then have Riku roast Lea alive for seeing me wear such a thing. No thanks, Angelina. Maybe when that overprotective idiot has calmed down on his new tendencies somewhat. In all honesty, I've only been wearing this one for a few hours and didn't even have it on when Lea was here – and I was lucky he didn't notice." At this Angelina giggles and moves back to sit with me as she says:
"Alright then, if you say so. But you know, if you want me to, I can always just buy them now and then give them to you when that has finally happened. I mean, it's obvious that you don't need to do much to get his attention, but you do deserve to show off your assets to him.""Why are you so adamant on this anyway?" I ask and the girl groans as she says: "Because I have a younger sister who has already grown her breasts and they're crazy flat.

As for why you never met her, she chose Beauxbattons over Hogwarts. Yeah, my parents actually let her. The Johnsons don't really care where their kids want to study magic as long as it's somewhere within Europe." At this I nod and I ask: "How – flat are we talking here?" And the girl groans: "She wears boys' cloths just because she can." Making me wince as that really does prove that the girl has no chest size whatsoever and I say:
"Okay, you can buy them. But please, send pictures of what you bought and – if possible –." But then Lady Destiny says: "I will make sure those pictures end up in your trunk, dear, no worries." At which Angelina squeals and asks: "So, I can buy you sexy bras and knickers?" At which I decide to create a compromise and say:
"Two sexy sets, one extra moderately sexy bra and one pair of knickers. But nothing that will make dad want to lock me up or make Riku want to rip the both of us a new one, got it?" And the girl squeals: "Deal." Before she starts to giggle to show her excitement and I ask: "Ehm, can we get started on my current set before either my dad or Riku come to check on us." And the girl giggles before she says: "Sure, let me get to work."

And to my utter relief does it take Angelina only ten more minutes to properly measure me and adjust my current bra as well as help me realize that there are different styles and fabrics, helping me discover which style and fabric I like best and even change the rest of Harry's older boxers and undergarments and as we walk back downstairs does the girl ask: "Hey, what happened to your other cloths, anyway?"
And I answer: "Dad turned them feminine last chapter. He must have just respected my privacy enough not to do the same for my undergarments." And the girl nods, yet while we walk back to the Reading room, do I feel the same dread as before the last chapter rise up yet again thanks to the slightly long period of time that I was mostly bare and naked in front of my friend and I suppress my shivering as I think:
"Lady Destiny, I beg of you. Please, let Angelina stay for the hurtful part of this chapter. I – I need her female support when it comes to that part. Please." And the voice speaks in my mind as she says: "Alright dear, but this will be the last time for five chapters." And I nod in relief, not really caring about the odd number.

Then we enter the Reading room and I see that dad seems to be sorting all of the gifts between two piles and that Riku and Sora are actually using their Keyblades on each item that falls from the left pile respectively onto a pile in front of them, causing it to either be hit with a beam of light or get burned to cinders.
"What's going on?" Angelina asks and dad answers: "We decided to do a little something Remy forgot to – to check the gifts for dark origins and whether or not they were age appropriate. I can only assume he didn't do the latter because he believed that the gifts stopped when Harry first went to Hogwarts. Yeah, apparently not."
This makes me wince and makes Angelina grimace before she says: "That sucks. Well, I guess this is where I –." But then the voice of Lady Destiny speaks and says: "No, Angelina Johnson. You and your House made a grave mistake in the upcoming chapter and this is your chance – your only chance – to prove you regret it."
And while I wince at this, as I had actually forgotten that Quidditch had been affected by that crap as well, does this make my family share a concerned look before Angelina asks: "Point loss?" And I nod and say: "Point loss." At which the girl nods before she does something not yet done before. She picks up the book and starts to read.

The Forbidden Forest

"Is there a connection between that and what happened last chapter?" Dad asks and I answer: "It was our punishment, chosen for us by McGonagall." And the man looks shocked, while I see Angelina turn white and this makes me know that no one in Gryffindor ever knew how we were punished before she reads on.

Things couldn't have been worse.

"Oh, Angelina? I do want to mention that there might be parts of this chapter that aren't 100% correct; they are more situations that come from – amazingly enough – another universe and are put there by Lady Destiny to teach me important lessons." I tell one of my best friends and the girl looks intrigued before she continues reading.

Filch took … the last.

"And there we have our first example. I wasn't thinking of any of those. I was trying not to think of how the Dursleys would respond to me arriving back at their doorstep a good two months before I was supposed to. And trust me, Ange, I had good reason not to think of that." This makes the girl nod in concern before Sora reassures her and says: "Don't worry, she's never going back to them." This makes us both smile at him as my friend reads on.

He couldn't … the cloak?

"What kind of cloak are we talking here?" Angelina asks and I answer: "An Invisibility Cloak. It was my mum's.""Oh, that's right. The whole school knows your mother's alive and everything. The Weasleys told us all last night and – well, it spread. And then Lea came." This last part makes me giggle and I ask:
"What did he do?" And she makes my day as she says: "He finally put that foul toad in her place. He called on all these people and then Umbridge tried to intervene and he beat down every last argument she had of him being a Dark Wizard before telling her that her glare didn't scare him. Heck, he was constantly just looking at her as if she just bored him and he kept ignoring Dumbledore trying to tell him to stop. Seriously, it was just so amazing."
At this I can't help but think: "Finally, someone is doing the teacher's job. I knew Lea was perfect for me; the fact that he can do an adult's job just as great." And this makes me feel like I'm swooning and makes my inner Kitsune long for my beloved hotshot. I put both of my hands onto my chest and feel my heart beating a little faster as I think of my beloved mate and I hear Angelina giggling as if in the distance before she continues reading.

There was … bags already.

"Who's Norbert?" Angelina asks and Riku snarls: "Hagrid's responsibility, which he completely mucked up and left to those who he really shouldn't rely on the way he did just because they were related to people he was able to rely on in the past." At this Angelina and I share a look and I mutter: "What did I tell you?" And the girl giggles, making me follow suit and calming Riku down before she continues reading.

Had Harry … a drag – "

"That crazy giant was leaving a dragon to a bunch of kids?" Angelina asks shocked and I feel part of me wanting to stand up for Hagrid, but I think: "He's my friend, but he's not without faults. I can't mollycoddle him here." And while I have no doubt that Harry would have objected to this, regardless of the fact that he would, do I just listen as Angelina reads on, amazed to spot another something that makes me differ from who I was only days ago.

Harry shook … of them.

"I'm going to assume that she's not going to believe you?" Sora asks worriedly and I answer: "She went one step further. She became the stepping stone of why I didn't trust in adults the way I should until I met dad. The Professor to prove that adults don't need to have magic to be just like those blasted Dursleys." And this makes all three males in the room look worried, yet Angelina looks guilty herself as she reads on.

"I would … a statue.

"She's not going to tell another lie, like with Ron and the Troll?" Riku asks shocked and I answer: "Can you think of anything here that she could have used to lie about?" And my brother by bond seems to think this one through before he sighs and says: "No, I can't." At which I nod at him before Angelina continues the chapter.

"I think … into trouble.

This makes Angelina stop in shock and she asks: "Wait, why is she mistaking you for – for the twins or – or Malfoy?" And I sigh as I answer: "Because she believed me – at the time – to be my father's son, if you get what I mean." Yet at this the girl snarls: "But that's no excuse!" To which I sigh and mutter back at her:
"Not one I like to accept, that's for sure." And the girl looks at me shocked before I turn to her and ask: "Who exactly stands up to the Head of Gryffindor House, Angelina? Other than the Head of House for Slytherin, who have been our rivals for centuries? Can you tell me that?" And this makes the girl grimace, her facial expression proving how much she hates that I am right about this before she continues reading.

I've already … it, too?"

"She actually believed that?" Angelina asks shocked and I roll my eyes as I say: "Yes, and even now that I do know my parents, I still don't get that one. Did any of you ever play pranks like this on each other?" And dad shakes his head, an affronted look on his own face as he mutters: "We did April's Fools stuff and joked about each other's faults and whatnot, but never went this far." And Angelina huffs in disgust before she reads on.

Harry caught … thing before!

"WHAT KIND OF LYING BULL IS THAT? MINERVA CAUGHT YOUR MOTHER AND ME A GOOD 200 TIMES IN OUR FIRST YEAR ALONE! WHAT IS THAT WOMAN'S PROBLEM?" Dad shouts in rage and Angelina hisses: "I will happily ask her this when I get back." And dad smirks at her as she wants to read on.
Yet then Sora shocks us as he summons his Keyblade and aims it at the sky as he says: "Thunder." Yet nothing happens and we all look at him, seeing a smirk of glee and vengeance on his face as Riku mutters: "You didn't?" Yet Sora only sends him a look that soundlessly asks: "Didn't I?" Before Angelina continues reading.

In the mean time
At Hogwarts

"The brother has heard of your lie in regard to how many students you catch out of bed a night." The voice of Lady Destiny interrupts my class and then, to my shock, does a small clap of thunder come down from out of nowhere and hit me just hard enough to make me yelp and my students look at me shocked as they see this happen.
"Ehm, Professor. No offense, but if this is how Sora is going to respond to you saying you've never seen four students being out of bed after curfew before – how is he going to respond when he hears how you took 150 points for being out of curfew?" And I instantly start casting several protective spells around myself.

You, Miss … from Gryffindor."

"Oh, so when a fellow staff members puts them out after – wait, FIFTY? Why fifty?" Dad asks shocked and I answer: "Because Professor McGonagall wanted me to be my mum in every way – bar the prank-pulling way." To which Sora growls: "That's no excuse." And while I just know he will blow up soon, does Angelina read on.

"Fifty?" Harry … pointed nose.

"EXCUSE ME!" Dad, Sora and Riku shriek in fury and then Angelina lowers the book and her head as she says: "Jessica, I – I'm so sorry. I – I never should have believed that stupid rumor I heard. I'm so sorry of how I behaved after all this." And while this changes the boy's shock and fury into curiosity, does dad actually move to pull the girl close against his side, as if to prove that he doesn't hold her accountable and she smiles as she read on.

"Professor – please –" … Gryffindor students."

"And I have never been more relieved that my child doesn't have to suffer under a biased, lying Head of House anymore." Dad growls in rage and Sora mutters: "I should have hit her with something harder than just Thunder." Making me hold back a snicker as I can only imagine how bad that had hurt before Angelina reads on.

A hundred … for this?

"By telling the entire House what happened, so they will pressure that blasted woman into becoming more impartial and fair." Dad says and I mutter: "I didn't want to get Hagrid in trouble." To which dad rolls his eyes and he says: "He would have deserved it. His mistake got you in trouble after all." To which Angelina nods and reads on. And as she does, do I find myself realizing that, while Harry might not have, I don't feel as obligated to protect him.

Harry didn't … they'd done?

"We'd be utter idiots who would forget that we have our famous hero at our disposal and that we can just ask him what happened and instead went with our hormones and our imaginations." Angelina mutters with utter revulsion sounding through her voice and while this makes my family grimace at her does she then read on.

At first, … first years.

"Wait, they only knew that you had done it, but now how? Are you telling me Minerva actually didn't tell anyone?" Dad asks shocked and Angelina sighs as she says: "Like I said, we let our hormones and imagination get the better of us, in the worst ways possible." And this makes dad grimace in angered concern as Angelina reads on.

From being … most hated.

And instantly I feel the reason as to why I begged Lady Destiny to let Angelina stay hit me as shivers over what could have happened to me had I been Jessica at the time start to run through my body. Angelina feels this happening against her arm and she quickly wraps a warm arm around my waist before dad asks:
"Angel, you okay?" But I shake my head and say: "Just – just let Angelina read. I – I don't know how descriptive Lady Destiny is about – about what they did in – in response to the point loss, but – but I'd rather not say until I do know." And while the man looks ready to skin my former attackers alive, does he nod as Angelina read on.

Even Ravenclaws … like them."

"Yet the reason they lost points was always told to the students by either the teachers or by them themselves. Though that really doesn't make it right that any of us attacked you without at least hearing your side. Damn, I feel as awful now as I did back then." Angelina mutters, at which I smile at her as she reads on.

"They've never … now on.

"If you had kept to that promise, half of us would have been either Petrified or dead by now. Though maybe that would have made the teachers realize that they need to stop forcing you to do their job for them, seriously." Angelina mutters, but I shake my head and say: "Such a thing isn't worth a sacrifice like that."
At this Angelina rolls her eyes and says: "Maybe not, but I really don't see any other way to get those lazy bastards of their high horses – and their asses." Yet to this we hear the voice of Lady Destiny ask: "Why do you think I let all this happen? Why I think it's such a good idea for Lea to be precious Jess's messenger boy and why I reward him whenever he succeeds?" Which makes Angelina and me share a huge smile of glee before the girl reads on.

He'd had … "the Seeker."

"You know, I don't know who to be angrier at right now. You and the girls for treating an innocent kid like that. The twins for being utter hypocrites. Or Wood for being a blind as a mole in regards to his entire team turning on one of their own." Dad growls in fury and I think: "Good thing they can't be brought here." As Angelina reads on.

Hermione and … in silence.

By now I am slightly hating Lady Destiny as it seems that she has really downplayed all the horrible stuff that happened when the point loss became known to students all around the school and my family seems to have noticed the same as they are all looking at me with mixed looks curiosity and concern shown on their faces.
I sigh at this and say: "I – I was in the Hospital Wing every weekend. I started carrying healing Potions on me after the second day of the point loss becoming common knowledge. I – I actually stuck to walking in between Ron and Hermione to keep some of the students from cursing as they would hit either of them first.
And – and – and worst – worst of – worst of them all –." Yet here I stop as I can barely voice that last part, my voice having left me due to the fear coursing through me, my mind running wild with possible outcomes of what the lions could have done if they got their wish granted and making me feel as if I am facing a Boggart and a Dementor at the same time and I just start shivering and whimpering in utter fear, unable to say another word.

Sora's POV

My little sister. The girl who has read about mountain Trolls, cursed brooms and abusive relatives and has barely cared for anything other than how we reacted to it. The girl who doesn't even care for the fact that her secrets are being revealed any more than for the fact that we're revealing them. That same girl is now trembling like a leaf, has tears of utter terror running down her eyes without her knowing and is whimpering like a newborn infant.
The girl looks more terrified of this than I have ever seen anyone, her eyes are staring right into my own as I am crouched in front of her and yet she doesn't see me. And the notion that this wasn't done by some overpowered magical beast, but by a bunch of students that share a school with her is what shocks me the most, but also worries me the most as it makes me wonder if this was just a first of many times for this to happen.
I then gently move away from where I was crouched down in front of my sister in the hopes of making her focus on me instead of her frightened thoughts. Jessica is being hugged and cuddled by Angelina as the girl tries, fruitlessly, to calm my precious baby sister down and while part of me wonders why Lea hasn't arrived yet, do I then shake my head and think: "This isn't up to the mate, it's up to the older brother to take care of."

And with that do I look at Angelina, who seems hesitant, but then nods and lets go off my sister. The girl's whimpering increases and she wants to shrink down into a ball form of herself, but I instantly take the Chaser's place and a second later, do I have my lap filled with my precious baby sister, the girl clinging to me as she cries and whimpers the same mantra over and over:
"Protect me. Don't let them have me. They can't take it. Not that. Don't let them take it from me." And while this both confuses and worries me, does dad softly ask: "Is it physical, angel?" And Jessica nods and this is exactly what makes everything make sense; what makes all of the pieces fall into place in my mind.
"Those sick bastards. They must have been talking about raping Harry, but didn't because he was male. And now Jessica is female and she's terrified that, if this becomes known to those sick twisted bastards, they will come to do what they threatened they would. She's been abused so many times she actually expects something as horrible as this to happen, just because her gender changed." Goes through my mind, yet even this isn't enough.
It isn't enough to make my concern for my sister to be overwhelmed by any other emotion or enough to make me want to do anything other than be there for the one member of my family who never had anyone to rely on and so I just pull the younger girl even closer against me and I whisper: "I will. They won't. I won't let them."

And I repeat this mantra over and over, trying to gently be heard by my sister over her own crying and whimpering and trying to connect my heart with hers, hoping it will help her feel reassured and comforted. And while it takes a while, does Jessica seem to hear me in the end as she slowly stops her mantra, yet I continue my own, determined to make sure that my sister knows I mean what I am saying and that I am there for her.
The girl, after a good twenty minutes, finally calms down and looks up at me, her eyes filled with a desperate need for me to protect her, a need that I can feel resonate within my own heart and I whisper: "That's what I'm here for, little – sweetling." And the nickname that I suddenly come up with sparks a very small, very thin smile to show on my baby sibling's face and makes me feel as if a small ray of light now shines within me.
I smile at her, even if from the corner of my eye I can tell that the others in my family are having more trouble keeping their anger at these bastards from overcoming their needs to be there for Jessica. I then start to gently rock my little sister and Jessica cuddles her face in the crook of my neck as I urge Angelina to continue reading.

Harry was … goblin rebellions...

And the girl's gentle voice, together with my rocking and the story taking such a dull turn of events seems to do the trick. Jessica yawns and again buries her face back in the crook of my neck. I then feel her breathing evening out and I smile at her sleeping form. I then turn to my silently raging relatives and whisper as I tell them:
"We will deal with those bastards once Lady Destiny lets us." At which the voice of the Deity speaks in my mind and it says: "This is for healing, not punishment. I will allow you to let your friends know, specifically the friends from other worlds, but do not try anything yourselves. You have your own goals that you must focus on, for yourselves and her." And dad, Riku and I nod before Angelina continues reading.

Then, about … up ahead.

"He actually moved on his own at times?" Dad asks shocked and Angelina looks thoughtful before she says: "To be honest, that definitely has become a more rare thing over the years, though sometimes – it doesn't look as if that's because Harry wants it to be that rare." And this makes Riku grimace before Angelina continue reading.

As he … not meddling.

"He actually stopped himself?" Dad asks shocked, yet Riku seems concerned about something else and he says: "What worries me is whether or not someone had really passed through that other door. That mentioning of Quirrell's turban being straightened just doesn't sit well with me." And I nod at him as Angelina reads on.

All the … at last.

"Please tell me this doesn't mean a repeat of Harry going after Snape into the Forest." Dad moans, but Angelina shakes her head and says: "Snape didn't look any different after this. And to be honest, I find the reason for them to be in the Forest even worse than them chasing Snape." Before she reads on, concerned anger in her voice.

Harry went … Harry could.

"Is that a common thing?" Riku asks with annoyance sounding through his voice and Angelina asks: "Do any of you know about us meeting in the Hog's Head?" Yet while I wonder what that is, does dad nod and Angelina answers: "That was a pretty similar meeting, just – more awkward." And dad grimaces as he says: "Dung did say that it didn't look as if there was proper communication between Harry and Hermione." The girl nods and then reads on.

"Go to … of explaining."

"He could have just said he doesn't trust adults." I can't help but say, but Angelina rolls her eyes and says: "He tried that once. Ron thought Harry was accusing his parents and Hermione went into a two-and-a-half hour rant – and no, I'm not exaggerating and that's not the only time that happened. To be honest, it seems to happen more and more often lately." Making Riku and me look at her in utter shock before the girl reads on.

Hermione looked … poking around."

"And this is what happens when you punish kids for the wrong things and award them for stuff they should be punished for. It makes them think they can only get in trouble for doing what's right and that risking their lives means nothing to the adults assigned to care for them." Dad grumbles in anger as Angelina reads on.

He pulled … Professor McGonagall

"MINERVA MCGONAGAL, YOU HYPOCRITICAL BLASTED WITCH!" Instantly I worry for my sister, yet I see Angelina's wand wave around my sister's head and the Chaser says: "I saw that shout coming, so I cast a combination of a Bubble-head charm and a silencing spell while I read." And I smile at her in relief.
I then turn back to my sister, yet as I look at how calmly and peacefully she sleeps, do I decide on a different course of action. And so while Riku takes on my dad in an actual wrestling match, dad actually changing into his Animagus form in his rage, do I get off my seat and switch my hold on my little sister.

I then move into the Video room and past it before I pass the Special Room and move up the staircase to my sister's room. The room itself seems to have gained a few feminine touches here and there and actually has a dressing table with a huge mirror set into the table that is shaped like a leaf with three petals on the leaf.
I smile at this and then move over to the huge Queen-sized bed, yet before I can try and switch my grip on my sister again to get a hand free to move the blanket, does it actually move on itself and I turn around, smiling when I see Angelina standing in the doorway, wand in hand. The girl smiles back at me and moves into the room.

She then helps me tuck my sister in and then swishes her wand a second time across my sister before she says: "I changed her uniform into a nightgown. Felt it would help her sleep." At which I nod and keep standing at the bed for another minute, needing to remind myself that she is sleeping peacefully and will be fine before we happily move back to the Reading Room. Yet as we walk there, does Angelina say: "You're perfect, you know that."
To which I retort: "Perfect and taken, thank you." But the girl laughs and says: "Not what I meant. Sorry, but you are not even close to being my type. I meant that you're perfect for Jessica. She's been alone so long and it's obvious she still has issues opening up to Sirius because he is the epitome of a perfect parent to her and she doesn't want to risk letting him down or something.
But while you definitely have your faults – and yes, I have noticed a few – you're also much closer to Jessica's age and you're easy to like. There is just something about you and how easily you take to others, especially, Jessica that draws her into wanting to be close. And, most importantly, you're much better at controlling your emotions for her sake. She can really rely on you, even if you read of something that offends or angers you on her behalf.

You're exactly what Jessica needs right now, if only to grow accustomed to the fact that she really does have family that cares for her. To give her the best chance at, for herself, wanting to start relying on others and no longer considering her troubles a burden." By now I am beet red as I can't believe that I am getting this large amount of compliments and then a husky voice mutters: "I couldn't agree more." And I feel a pair of warm arms engulf me.
"We worried for you lot when you were suddenly gone. Where'd you go? And where's Jessica?" Riku asks, his breath against the side of my face making me suppress a shiver of incredible delight and I see dad pacing the fire grate in his dog form and I say: "We put Jessica to bed. She looked like it would be better, like she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon." At this dad's dog form sighs and Angelina goes back to her seat and continues reading.

Harry had … they'd got.

"Not even close, though I will be happy to let them all know that later today." Riku growls angrily and Angelina says: "Just send your friends my way after I go back. I'll make sure they have a few more details of what happened those weeks and then take them to Fred and George and they can make sure none of your friends get caught." At which Riku sends her a predatory smirk that almost makes me gulp as Angelina reads on.

At eleven … you do."

"I would love to know what Albus would do if he knew about that." I hear dad growl, but then Angelina snorts and says: "He's currently dealing with a female version of him working for the Minister. What he does about her is a perfect example of what he does about Filch." Before she reads on, grumbling as she does.

They marched … get started."

"Is he actually taking responsibility for the fact that Harry and Hermione got in trouble for his actions? Are we actually going to see this giant's better, more responsible side?" Riku asks, but notice Angelina cringing and she mutters: "Hagrid and responsibility – don't really match." And Riku snaps to himself: "Neither does that oaf and him showing loyalty to anyone other than Dumbledore." Before she reads on, sounding worried.

Harry's heart … one piece."

"RUBEUS HAGRID, YOU BLEEDING CRAZY OAF! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WOULD SEND A BUNCH OF FIRST YEARS INTO THE BLEEDING FOREST! YOU NEVER EVEN HAD TO PULL ME OUT OF THERE UNTIL MY THIRD! WHAT IN THE NAME OF MAGIC WERE YOU EVEN THINKING?"
Dad screams in utter rage and I instantly notice that Riku very much shares his anger as his hand is shimmering, as if he's trying to hold back on summoning his Keyblade. At this I lie a hand on Angelina's arm to keep her from reading on and then move over to Riku, summoning my own Keyblade as I walk.
Riku nods, a hint of gratitude showing in his eyes as he sees me approach and I pass him and dad and move over to another empty part of the room, where I instantly turn on my axis and raise up my Keyblade, blocking Riku's uppercut slash attack. The two of us smirk at each other and I mutter: "Don't hold back."

And Riku takes these words to heart as he and I use everything we have, from our abilities and physical strength to the various forms of magic we learned over the years of our journeys such as Flowmotion and Shotlock. And after almost an hour are both of us completely spent and am I lying on my back with my arms spread, while Riku is crouching down.
The boy actually sags down and falls down across from me as he wheezes: "Thank you, Sora. I needed that." At this I smile at my beloved mate, who looks incredible even when spent and mutter: "I know what my mate needs." Making him smile and he slowly gets back up before reaching out a hand to help me up as well. Yet as I grab his hand, does he hoist me on my feet and whisper: "Yes, you do." Before slamming his lips against mine.
I moan in the kiss and love it as Riku wraps one arm around my waist and buries the other in my hair at the nape of my neck. I happily wrap my own arms around his neck and use one finger to twirl his hair around it before Riku releases me and whispers: "I might just start making this a tradition." Making me grin excitedly.
We then move back to the seats and I smile as I see that dad has gone to sit with Angelina, allowing Riku and me to share the other couch once again. Yet Riku doesn't seem done with showing his affections as he actually pulls me onto his lap and cuddles me close, making me turn quite red with loving glee. And then Riku completes the whole picture as he moves to kiss the mark he gave me days ago, making me moan in delight as Angelina reads on.

At this, … I heard."

"I'm almost afraid to ask, but do those actually exist?" Riku asks and Dad answers: "I'm pretty sure I confirmed that when we first met. Not to mention the fact that you met one yourself." This shocks Riku and me both, even though I had almost lost myself to the sensation of Riku kissing my mark earlier and when the man motions his head for the three piles of gifts and the one pile of charred remains, can I not help but exclaim: "Wait, LUPIN?"
And dad nods before Riku says: "Strange. He looks nothing like I thought a human werewolf would look like." To which Angelina rolls her eyes and replies: "Lupin hates being what he is. It's why he looks so sick and tired all the time. Not to mention that everyone bar Dumbledore is against him just for that one part of him." At which I can't help but think: "Reminds me of Beast." And while I feel for the gentle man, does Angelina read on.

Neville clutched … shouldn't you?"

"And you should realize that you're detrimental to Hogwarts' reputation." Dad snarls, but then Angelina rolls her eyes and says: "Hogwarts doesn't need him to have her reputation in shatters. It's got the teachers, Fudge and Umbridge for that." And while this makes Riku and I share a concerned look, does the girl read on.

Hagrid came … the darkness.

"Isn't Umbridge is charge of who gets suspended and fired nowadays? Has she fired Filch yet?" Dad asks, but Angelina rolls her eyes and says: "Umbridge will never do that. She and Filch are kindred spirits. He might be an obvious Squib and something that she is usually against, but his hatred for the students is something she shares in. They're way too much alike for her to want to be rid of him." And while this makes dad grimace, does Angelina read on.

Malfoy now … fer it."

"Hagrid, stop being a hypocrite." Dad snarls and Angelina sighs as she says: "You know, if it weren't for the fact that I absolutely despise everything Umbridge stands for, I would almost be enticed to send this her way, if only to see Hagrid punished for his actions." And dad nods, a grimace on his own face as I can't help but ask:
"Why not just go to Dumbledore with this?" To which Angelina rolls her eyes and says: "Because Hagrid is too useful to the Order in the war for Dumbledore to even conceive the notion of giving him the punishment he deserves." And while I feel more and more glad that my little sister ain't going back there, does Angelina read on.

"But this … this, he'd –"

Yet here, for some strange reason, does Angelina falter, her voice losing its strength for just a second, yet long enough that both Riku and I pick up on it and I ask: "What's wrong?" And the girl looks troubled before she asks: "Have you three noticed how – how Jessica has – has taken a liking to – well, wearing gloves?"
And only then do I realize that the girl is right as every outfit my sister has worn so far – and even the few she wore when she was still Harry – either had long sleeves or were complimented with a pair of long or short sleeved gloves, depending on whether the outfit had long or short sleeves. "What is she trying to hide?"
Riku asks and Angelina sighs before she mutters: "This." And she raises up her own left hand, allowing me a first good look at the back. I must show true loyalty. Is written on the back of her hand, her skin red and raw and a few veins visible underneath the scarred bits of skin. All in all her hand looks horrible.

"How did –?" I ask, too horrified by what I'm seeing to complete my sentence and Angelina answers: "Umbridge. Harry was her most frequent visitor and I had the pleasure of being his replacement last night. I did already dip my hand in murtlap essence, but – I guess I've been a bit too frequent a visitor myself these past few weeks."
This knowledge disgusts me and I instantly summon my Keyblade again, aiming the tip at the back of her hand as I say: "Curaga!" And a whirlwind of leafs and flower petals attacks the girl, yet I focus on her hand and feel pride fill me up as I see the scars thin down and fade away, leaving only pure and unblemished skin behind.
I stop the spell once I am sure the scars are completely gone and that the skin is healed and then ask: "Lady Destiny, can you please –?" But then the voice says: "I will send those who are in her detention to your mother. I can't allow any more visitors, especially if they are just random students and strangers to sweet Jessica."
At which I nod in understanding, while Angelina looks at her healed hand in shock and asks: "And – and your – your mum can do the same?" At which I shrug and say: "He might not be able to use the full-powered version just yet, but he should be able to do this much." Making Angelina sigh in relief before she goes back to reading.

" – tell yer … a moment."

"Hagrid, anything you consider dangerous should be handled by people like yourself, Minerva and, maybe, Dumbledore – NOT A BUNCH OF BLEEDING FIRST YEARS!" Dad screams in fury, but then I wonder something and ask: "Do you really think this is how it went?" And we all grimace in wonder as Angelina reads on.

He led … unicorn blood.

"THAT'S WHAT!" Dad shouts and instantly he goes on and says: "No! Just – just NO! Lady Destiny, please let James know that he needs to read. I know this doesn't concern Snape, but – but this –." And to my relief does dad not have to try and find the words to express himself as the pages of the chapter do indeed light up.

At the same time
Grimmauld Place
James' POV

Dinner has just passed and this alone was quite the tense event as it was just Arthur, Remus, Molly, Lily and myself and all four of us are still a bit pissed at the woman for insulting Jessica in her gorgeous dress as well as her bond with Lea the way she did. And to make matters worse, has the woman yet to apologize.
Instead of that does the woman seem of the belief that Arthur having taken over the care of the kids to be punishment enough and has she been trying to make it look as if her actions and words haven't brought my daughter to tears or ruined what should have been a wonderful time of me celebrating being engaged to my beloved.
And the worst of it all, I can easily spot her sending inconspicuous looks to Lily and myself and I'm definitely not stupid enough not to notice that the looks are filled with longing and stubborn belief. "It won't happen, Molly." I decide to say and the woman turns from the stove to look at me, feigning not to understand me.

"Lily is my blood-adopted sister. Magic itself will protect us both from anyone trying to change our minds." I emphasis the last three words and the woman grimaces before she turns back to dinner, yet I am done with her trying to play the innocent card and say: "Just do yourself a favor and accept it, Molly. Sirius – is – my – mate.
He and I belong together, our bond was recognized by Lady Destiny herself and Siri has obviously been wanting for the longest time to marry me. And we will be married." And while the woman pretends that she is just listening, do I easily notice her grip on the spoon in the pot tightening with every sentence I speak.
"Sora and Jessica are Sirius and James' kids, Molly. And I think I know exactly why you're so against all this." Lily then says and Molly's voice sounds really tight as she asks: "Do you now?" And Lily retorts: "I do. You want to stay being Jessica's mother. Sirius is Jessica's father, yet you don't want to accept James as his mother either.
And that's not because you think James can be a bad mum, but because you can't see what James sees in Sirius. Sirius is your entire reason for being against all of this. Because you believe that any decision Sirius makes will hurt Jessica. But I have one question for you." Here the woman turns around in fury as Lily asks:

"If Lady Destiny is so against Sirius being Jessica's father – why is he the one who was sent there and not you?" And while I can tell that Molly really wants to start ranting and raving, does she seem not to have a cohesive answer and I ask: "Could it be that Lady Destiny saw something in Sirius? Something you can't or, perhaps, won't see?"
And the woman presses her lips together, obviously angered that we are stopping her from having her tirade, yet before this can go any further, do we all get shocked as a bright light emits from the room and a new set of papers – that look to come from the same book – appear before us. And on top of it is a two-worded note:

Read NOW!

This instantly puts me at unease and I say: "That's Sirius' handwriting. The last time he wrote like that, Bellatrix tried to corner mum in Diagon Alley when the two of them went shopping for our seventh year supply list." And instantly the others are at the table with me, Molly casting a spell on the food as I start to read.
Yet before I can, does another note appear on top of the first page and I scan it before saying: "It's a summary of everything that happened between last time and now. Apparently Hagrid won himself a dragon egg, got Harry and Hermione to get rid of it and then the two of them got in trouble for being out after curfew.
Wait, Minerva took 150 points for that? What was she thinking? And Hagrid thought that, for punishment, he could take them with him as he went into - INTO THE WHERE TO DO WHAT NOW!" I shout in utter rage as I read the last part and Molly asks: "Where? Where did they go? What did he have them do?"

But before I can answer, does an ancient voice ask: "Did I miss something?" And we see Dumbledore coming out of the fireplace. "Albus, did Minerva really take a 150 points from Harry and Hermione for being out after curfew?" Molly asks appalled and the man seems shocked before he says: "Yes, but I managed to fix it in the end."
Yet this worries me as I wonder how much further this in the end took place and I ask: "And the detention? Did you know it took place after curfew and inside the Forbidden Forest?" At which the man says: "Yes, Hagrid felt guilty, so he asked if he could make it up by overseeing the detention." Yet at this I snarl:
"By having a bunch of first years hunt a UNICORN KILLER?" And to my relief does Dumbledore seem shocked by this as the rest all turn white and I ask: "Albus, did Hagrid even tell you he planned this?" But the man shakes his head and I sigh as I say: "Well, considering this all started because of a mistake on his part, this really doesn't surprise me. And at least Sirius now gave us a chance to find out." And I start reading.

There's a … its misery."

"Hunting a Unicorn killer is bad enough, but he wants to scar them by making them watch as he puts something as pure as a Unicorn down? Does Hagrid even understand the concept – Albus, don't bother. I get that Hagrid's vital to the war, but this is a lesson he has to learn. Especially if he still has that bleeding teaching wish."
Yet here Albus cringes and I raise an eyebrow as he says: "Hagrid is – already teaching. Cornelius went in the wrong with him in 1993 and offered him the position to make things right." This shocks me senseless and I growl in anger as I say: "All the more reason for him to learn some valuable lessons. My daughter obviously cares greatly for him and I will not let him abuse that care, just out of stupidly misplaced arrogance." Before I read on.

"And what … said Hagrid.

"I'm betting half my vault Harry will prove him wrong before we reach the last book." I can't help but growl, having always liked Hagrid, but having never trusted him at the same time. "James, the last time someone took you up on that, you had to convince them for a month that you were joking." Remus says and I sigh as I ask:
"How is old Frank anyway?" And the whole group winces, making Lily and I share a concerned look. "They were attacked, James. They were attacked shortly after Halloween. The Lestranges and Barty Crouch Junior went down on them harsh. They're still trying to recover." Arthur tells me and my eyes widen before I go back to the text.

"An' keep … diff'rent directions.

"That's it! I'm buying that bloody oaf a new collection. A collection of reference guides and dummy guides on how to be a GOD DAMNED TEACHER!" I shout in furious rage and I hear Albus mutter: "That might just get Dolores off his neck." Making me groan as I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not before I read on.

There's blood … the other.

"And that's another bad idea. I'm not saying I'd rather see my baby go into the forest by himself, but we've already seen evidence that Malfoy can get under Neville's skin a lot easier than Harry's. This is just going to give that little blondie a reason to cause trouble, maybe even hurt Neville." Lily mutters worriedly and I read on, grimacing at her as I know that Neville is her godson and that she has been worrying greatly for him over the years.

Now, if … let's go."

"I know I'm going to sound like Alastor here, but he really should have told them to take out their wands before he took them over to the forest or even take them inside the perimeter." Lily mutters, to which Albus chuckles: "There is nothing wrong with sounding like a cautious man." Which I can't disagree with before I read on.

The forest … close by.

"They're nearing the stream? That makes things only worse!" I exclaim in concern and when the others look at me, do I say: "There are Kelpies in that stream. Hagrid actually told me that even he sometimes falls for their tricks and that only his size saves him." And the others turn worried as Remus mutters: "Even we never went near that stream, not even on our nights." And while I'm shocked at him talking about this do I continue reading.

There were … the ground.

"The killer – is human?" Lily asks shocked, but Dumbledore shakes his head and says: "What was hunting the unicorns, Lily, was once human. It can no longer be called such." And instantly Lily and I realize what it must be that my baby had encountered there that night and this makes fear cloud my voice as I continue reading.

Hagrid was … a horse?

"Now that is just rude." Molly snaps, but then Lily shrugs and says: "No, it's more the common reaction from all Muggleborns and Muggle-raised that meet with a Centaur for the first time. Before then, we just believe them to be myths and their myths describe them in many forms." Which really intrigues Arthur as I read on.

To the … bright tonight."

And instantly I whiten as I remember what the Goblin told me upon my return and I ask: "Albus, was Mars bright during the last war?" Yet before Albus can answer: "Surely you don't –." But I glare at her and say: "Spend one day with Beck and then tell me if I should believe this or not. Albus, was Mars bright during the last war?"
"I do believe so. And Molly, I would like you to know that, the night your brothers died, both Mars and Pluto were bright." This makes me really grimace, yet Molly asks: "What does that mean?" And I answer: "Pluto, for the romans, was the God of Death, also known as Hades." And while the woman whitens, do I read on.

"Yeah," said … is now."

And this causes for everyone bar Lily to sigh in sorrow and Lily and I share a concerned look as Albus says: "Voldemort's return – was on the same day that Cedric Diggory was murdered." And this instantly makes me worry for the boy and I ask: "Has his body been found yet?" Yet then Albus makes me feel even worse.
"Yes, it was Harry who brought him back. He and Cedric were transported to Voldemort's location together and before Voldemort returned, Cedric was murdered by his accomplice. Harry fought Voldemort and then managed to bring the fight to a stalemate before he escaped with young Diggory's body in tow."
And instantly I feel more relieved than ever before that Lady Destiny has decided to take my precious little girl away from here. Then, as if she read my mind, does the voice of the deity speak and says: "And all the facts of the books still to come are my reason for having done what I did." At which I read on, feeling slightly better.

"Yeah," said … many secrets."

"Now there's a nice, indirect way to tell Hagrid to GET MY SON THE HECK OUT OF THAT FOREST!" I shout in the end and Albus sighs as he says: "Unfortunately, Hagrid is not the kind who will recognize that, James, I am sad to say." This makes me sigh and decide to visit Hagrid tomorrow morning as I continue reading.

A movement … the moon."

"Or you just need to learn their language. Which is something you would expect a Care of Magical Creatures teacher to have done years before, if you ask me." Lily mutters to herself and I think: "Maybe I should ask the Mother if I can have Mike to come with me when I visit Hagrid tomorrow?" Before I read on.

"Are there … in trouble!"

"Three Galleons that it's Malfoy's fault." I mutter in anger and Molly asks: "Do you really believe that? They could be in serious trouble. In danger even." Yet while I agree with her, do I mutter: "I do believe it. And they shouldn't have even been in there in the first place." At this the woman does agree with me as I read on.

"You two … first place."

"No, according to what I read, it was Hagrid's fault for putting responsibility on your shoulders for something that he should have reported to Dumbledore right from the word go and Minerva's for thinking you would consider an illegal dragon some kind of prank material. Molly, has Harry ever even pulled a prank?"
The woman looks shocked that I am actually asking her and then she says: "Well, no. I mean, he does hang with Fred and George a lot and he does support many of their pranks, even their less acceptable ones, but I've never seen him pull a prank of his own." At this I nod, even if it only serves to make me angrier and I say:
"Then I think we can all guess where Minerva's belief of Harry doing something like that in the name of a prank came from. Her belief that my baby is nothing more and nothing less than my clone. And sorry, Albus, but I will have words with her about this; especially because of what I read here." And with that I read the other note

Minerva McGonagall took 150 points from Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom for being out after curfew
After this she did not report the reason behind the point loss.
After this she ignored the fact that Madam Pomfrey came to her with the report that Harry Potter visits her Hospital Wing each weekend with clear signs of bullying and spell damage.

Dumbledore looks shocked at this and I say: "According to this note, the bullying and spell damage was caused by students, who believed all kinds of rumors instead of questioning any of the three what actually happened. And that Minerva did nothing about this – sorry, Albus, that needs to be addressed. And before you bring up the war, winning that will mean nothing if the winners just continue to make mistakes like this." To which the man asks:
"And the fact that I am currently dealing with a woman who will practically do a victory dance if she finds even a sliver of evidence of why Minerva should be removed from school?" To which, while part of me thinks: "Then you shouldn't have let your school go like you did." Do I just calmly answer: "That's quite simple. You leave Minerva and Hagrid to me – and that woman to the Mother." And the man nods as I read on.

The minutes … the sparks.

"I hate to say it, but – told you so." I sigh in resigned defeat and Molly says: "I can't believe that boy. Does he have no self-preservation skills or something? Did he actually forget where he was? Was he underestimating the dangers of the forest or something? Did he not even stop to think about what he was searching for?"
And with that, do I just lie the book down, having the belief that I just need to let the woman have her chance to rage. And while I definitely agree with some of the things she says, do I feel she is going a bit far with a few others. Then finally, after almost an hour and a half, does the woman stop to pant and I read on, feeling impressed.

"We'll be … this done."

"If that was so important to you, you shouldn't have relied on a bunch of first years, Hagrid. You should have asked Albus or maybe that Grubbly-Plank person." I mutter to which Albus says: "James, I assure you, if I had known what Hagrid had planned, I would have gone with him myself." And this makes me read on in relief.

So Harry … and sad.

"That is a horrible sight to behold, whether you're eleven or thirty-five." I can't help but mutter and Lily asks: "Remember that mistake one of Mike's students tried to make?" And I mutter: "First student to be expelled in over 67 years, honestly." And the others look a combination of shocked and intrigued to which I say:
"It was a stupid little fourth year who thought he could make money amongst the students by forcing two Unicorns to fight each other. He got caught trying to add a Rage draught to their food and admitted that he only wanted the money. He hadn't even thought of casting protective charms to keep the students safe or anything."
This shocks our small crowd of fellow readers and Lily says: "It's a rare occurrence for a Campbrina student to get suspended or even expelled, but then again, there are always a few idiots that come in among the rest. There being an idiot like that fourth year is a severe rarity though." And I nod in agreement before I read on.

Its long, … its blood.

"WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD DO SUCH A HORRIBLE THING?"Remus shouts in furious disgust, his voice reminding me that the next full moon is only a week away and I darkly ask: "Can you really not think of anyone who you'd consider desperate enough?" And instantly my best friend's anger gets replaced with horrified fear and he sits back down, a whine of concern for his pack cub escaping his throat as I read on.

"AAAAAAAAAARGH!" Malfoy … on fire.

This shocks and confuses me, but before I can comment on it, does the voice of Lady Destiny say: "Don't worry, my dear. Jessica's presence in my realm is purifying her of that horrid dirt. Also, Albus Dumbledore, did you bring a Curse Breaker out of Egypt or didn't you?" And while the man seems shocked at this, do I read on.

Half blinded, … was that?"

"Something that should no longer exist, that I will soon have the right kind of help to deal with. Also Albus, instead of despairing over something that should have never been, you could take the chance I gave you and that I will give you in the weeks to come. You do realize that, right?" Lady Destiny asks and I turn to Albus as I say: "She's not wrong, you know." And I make sure to emphasis the Deity's gender before I read on.

The centaur … his back.

"He is actually letting Harry ride him?" Molly asks and I snicker as I say: "It might surprise you, but that is actually how we conduct tours around the grounds of Campbrina to newfound students and teachers. The centaur herd we have is proud, but they love living amongst the humans." And this amazes the others as, which reminds me of what I myself was like when I first came to the campus so long ago before I read on.

There was … common mule?"

"I would love to have him meet with Lowan and say that. He'll be dead within the hour." I mutter and Molly shrieks: "Why would you say that?""Because Lowan takes great pride in both Centaur traditions as well as the bond Centaurs can have with humanity. He considers centaurs who think low of helping other races to be an embarrassment to their culture and own race." And while the woman looks white with shock, do I read on.

"Do you … the planets?"

"And he just signed his own death sentence." Lily mutters, to which Albus asks: "Because of Lowan? Does he really matter that much?" To which I answer: "Albus, Lowan can track his lineage back to the legendary Chiron himself – and he is the only Centaur who can." And while my old Headmaster looks impressed and while part of me wonder if this Rowan is willing to change his tune if he were to be told of this, do I read on.

Ronan pawed … our forest!"

"No offense meant, Albus, because Campbrina definitely has quite a few faults of her own and the magic that decides when the Mother should go out to save someone's life or not is definitely one of those – but these papers are really reminding me why I thought Campbrina superior to Hogwarts." I tell the man before I read on.

Firenze suddenly … behind them.

"Had Lowan been there to hear that, he would have adopted Firenze on the spot." I mutter and Lily asks: "Isn't he still looking for a worthy heir? Maybe we can convince him to take a trip to Hogwarts and meet with Firenze." And while I smile at her and say: "My plans, exactly." Do I continue reading before anything else can be said.

Harry didn't … your lips."

"Which is exactly why Voldemort now has the horrifying facial features that he has." Albus calmly says and I ask: "You know what he looks like now?""Yes, Harry was quite descriptive of this when I asked him to rely what he had witnessed." Yet for some reason do I feel alarm bells ring in my mind and I carefully lie the papers back down before feeling glad that the man is seated opposite of me as I look him straight in the eye and ask:
"Albus, where did you ask Harry to do this?""In my office, James." This makes me grimace and I ask: "And has Harry been there often?" The man looks thoughtful before he says: "I would call that his 2nd or 3rd visit, I do believe." To which I ask: "And you would call a place that seldom visited a good place to relive such a thing?"
"James, you don't understand –." Dumbledore says, but then Lily asks: "How much time did Harry have to heal before he relayed this info to you?" And when the man answers: "He was given a Pepper-up potion." Does his off-handed tone over all this break the hold I have over my anger and I jump out of my seat as I shout: "ALBUS PERCIFAL WULFRIC DUMBLEDORE, HOW CAN YOU BE SO BLEEDING CARELESS!"
And the man looks shocked as I ask: "So Harry, a fourteen year old child, witnessed murder, witnessed the return of a terrorizing megalomaniac, fought someone 50 years his senior, probably to the death – and then you treat him like an Order recruit reporting to his superior or an Auror reporting to the Head of the Department instead of a student needing a teacher's guidance? Did you even think of offering him any comfort or reassurance?"

The man cringes and I cross my arms as I say: "You just made it abundantly clear why Lady Destiny took my child away from here. Let me guess, this all happened a week ago or so?" But the man shakes his head and says: "It happened in June." To which I feel concerned enough to ask: "And Harry is still suffering from it?"
And before Albus can try and deny this, does the voice of Lady Destiny say: "Yes, it is one of the reasons I did what I did. This year doesn't just signify adults doing what they believe is best without consulting Harry, it also signifies the year that brings the start of the end of Harry's rights of choice – as well as his rights as a person. This is the year where, if things had gone on as I saw them, Harry would have been lost – even while surviving the war."
And this actually makes Dumbledore blanch and makes Molly, Arthur and Remus gasp in shock, yet Lily and I share a look and I just know that she is thinking the same thing I am. "Long live Lady Destiny. She prevented all of these factors from breaking my precious little one the same way the Potter War Curse almost broke me." And while I feel new relief and gratitude over the fact that my daughter is now somewhere safe, do I read on.

Harry stared … understand who –"

"Ehm, Albus. Please tell me that you got that Stone out of Gringotts?" I can't help but ask, venom lacing my voice until Albus nods. This makes me sigh in relief and I mutter: "Then it's the decoy one, thank the mother." And Albus actually seems to look shocked before Lily asks: "Albus, what is, by record, the safest place on earth?"
And the man actually looks at us both flabbergasted, to which we shrug and I say: "I mean, I don't know where it's at, but – I do know one thing; it's not inside the one place that has the most curious bunch living on Campbrina grounds, aka the students." And each time I emphasize my words, does Albus cringe in guilt.
"What – what exactly does this decoy do?" He then asks and while I feel determined to get more of a story out of him about all this later, do I temper my still seething rage and answer: "The same thing all other decoys do; puts a glamour on items it touches to make them look like gold and makes a Draught of Living Death instead of the Elixir of Life." And while this latter one makes Albus actually look thoughtful, do I read on.

"Can you … was Vol-"

Here I stop, feeling concerned, but I then notice the note that I read from before lighting up and I read it. "Hermione interrupted the two, Hagrid went to search for the Unicorn and Harry, Neville and Hermione returned to the common room to discuss what they knew, though Neville instantly went to bed after reaching the common room as the whole thing had him emotionally drained." Which makes me sigh in relief before Molly asks:
"Wait, there isn't any more to the text?" And I shake my head as I say: "It was send to us specifically so we can realize how irresponsible and unfit Hagrid is as a teacher and how many interaction lessons he needs to learn." And while the woman looks clearly worried for my daughter and friends, does she still nod in acceptance and I smile at her as I hand her the note that just lit up. And after reading the note for herself, does she sigh in relief.

Sora's POV

"Harry! Harry, are you all right?"

And while this is clearly a welcome interruption, does Angelina still look white like snow as she must have realized who Firenze was talking about and dad has taken her under his wing, having hugged her and pulled her close against him for comfort. "I – I – I know that – that Neville mentioned it in the – the Hog's Head, but – but still."
The girl whimpers and she shivers before she steels herself and I actually see a look upon her face that I often see on the faces of Terra, Aqua or Ventus as she says: "No Angelina. You can't show fear like that. That's why Jessica, Ron and Hermione approached you in the first place. It's why you love the DA so much. Why you love being part of it." And while I feel curious about this DA, does dad then interrupt her and say:
"Angelina, just because you're learning to defend yourself, doesn't mean that things like Voldemort and other monsters stop scaring you. You can still be scared of something; if anything, it will give you more of a reason to fight against it. Trust me, my friends and I got terrified with fear every time we even so much as saw him when in battle." And the girl smiles at my dad in gratitude before she cuddles against him as she reads on.

Hermione was … those times."

"I intend to make it so." The voice of Lady Destiny then says and this makes all of us smile before she shocks us as she says: "However, I cannot do so – if you four keep relying on others. You must learn to rely on each other. It is why I summoned you and you alone. There are others, like Lea and James, that I understand that you can't be without, but please do what is needed." And this makes me feel a little guilty as Angelina reads on.

He turned … the forest.

"You know, I hate the implications of what I just read, but at the same time – I just know that there are going to be dozens of students who will wish they had been in my shoes just now. Cause, even though Jessica is getting quite a bit of hate these days, there are still plenty of students who are curious as to what Harry Potter goes through."
"Why are you saying it like that? Why refer to her by her old name?" I ask and Angelina answers: "Cause Jessica is probably going to receive the same amount of attention – for entirely different reasons. People, if I have to guess especially the older teenage lads, will stop being interested in her adventures –." And while she stops there, does dad say:
"But they will get double as interested in her looks." And Angelina nods, making Riku glare into nothing in the protective rage that I know and love him to feel for my sister before I mutter: "Thank Destiny for picking Lea as her mate. If anyone can have a protective, possessive streak like no other, it is definitely that guy." And Riku nods before dad says: "Not to mention, his phasing ability." And Angelina happily reads on.

Harry couldn't … hear them.

"Has he put that Taboo back up yet?" Riku asks, but dad shakes his head and says: "At the current moment, our world is in a state of disbelief and Voldemort is using that to increase his army numbers. Don't ask me why our world is like that, the reason is just plain insulting." And this, alongside the tone of his voice and the angry glint that enters Angelina's gaze at this, makes me grimace as Angelina reads on, her voice dark with annoyance.

Harry wasn't … as well."

"It wasn't, but what I read in the stars that make up the multiverse made me know I had to do what I did. And so far, I have yet to regret it." I hear the voice of Lady Destiny speak and then she says: "Also, you should follow your brethren's example when Angelina is done." And we all nod before Angelina goes on reading.

"Will you … afraid of.

"And unfortunately does Albus believe in a certain something a little too harshly, making it so that he makes all the right decisions for others, but all the wrong ones for my baby girl. His beliefs will get her killed – or they would have, if she had still been a boy." Dad mutters in relief in the end and I feel greatly worried as the man looks up and says: "I want to tell you, but she needs to be ready first. And right now, she isn't." We nod at him and Angelina reads on.

With Dumbledore … of magic."

"Hate to say it, but when it comes to things like Divinations, Minerva really isn't the right person to listen to. She may accept that Transfigurations requires imagination and whatnot, but that's as far as she will allow herself to have an open mind. And the fact that she can't even imagine Harry to be anything other than my mate just proves that." Dad mutters with a grimace and his arms crossed and Angelina nods before she reads on.

The sky … in case.

This last statement shocks me and dad sighs as he says: "Like I said, all the wrong decisions." Yet this makes me say: "But – but – but that means that – that – that he's planning – or that – that he planned to –." And Angelina looks white with shock as she mutters: "That Dumbledore planned to leave the Stone ready for the taking."
And with that does Lady Destiny's bright light engulf her and does she vanish, leaving us behind as I feel as if my world has slipped out from under my feet. The very idea that someone as ancient and powerful as Dumbledore would leave something as valuable as the Stone to be protected by my eleven year old baby brother.

"What kind of nonsense does someone need to believe in to think notions as crazy as that could work?" I think as I ask: "Was – was – was he – was he hurt?" But dad sighs and says: "Unfortunately, the only one who has that answer just left. And we should leave for bed. Better we be well-rested when we read of that."
And while part of me wants to object and stay here, do I hear Riku whisper: "You're too frazzled, my gorgeous peafowl." And the compliment makes me turn slightly red before I sigh and say: "Let's – let's just go to bed. Oh, eh dad? Would you – would you mind if –?" And dad turns from me to Riku as he says:
"Take care of him." And I sigh in grateful relief as Riku nods and I happily cuddle my head on Riku's shoulder as we move over to my bedroom. There Riku and I each take a turn outside the door to get changed and then we happily tuck ourselves into bed, Riku softly kissing my forehead and whispering: "Sweet dreams, my Sora."

But I shake my head and ask: "Riku, do you – do you think – could it be possible that –?" Riku looks at me and whispers: "What's on your mind, Sora?" I look at him and ask: "Could Ansem have been manipulating Dumbledore – the way he did you?" Riku's eyes widen, but he shakes his head and I instantly ask: "How do you know?"
"Xehanort was too focused on the Keyblade War, on our universe. He would have no knowledge – or even interest in other universes. And even if he was interested, he would have used the kind of magic he learned in that world against us. But the only magic he ever used was a darker form similar to that of Master Yen Sid. He never went there, I'm sure.
And this is exactly what I need to hear, what makes my tense body relax and makes me cuddle closer against Riku, who softly starts to run his hand through my hair as he whispers: "I get why you'd think this, Sora. But not every horrible action is that man's work. He's gone and he can never hurt us – or others – again." And to those comforting words, do I fall asleep.


And there we go.
Now I will be honest with you, there might be a chance that I will go back to this chapter some other time to further try and add stuff to it. For now, I am happy with the stuff I managed to add – especially the hints for what I have planned for the future sequels of this story. And I already know I am going to enjoy the upcoming chapter as well.
What do you think,

Venquine1990