Chapter 05
When did you see that?
6th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Ariel's POV
I still think Erik is overreacting with his worry over me and the baby and the way he seems convinced that the baby will be a girl, but it also warms my heart. It had also, yet again, proven to my father that choosing Erik as my one true love was a wise decision as my father had really warmed up to my husband's worries and concerns. And the way that I was treated by the staff had convinced father that there were more good humans than bad.
I shake my head at this as it had taken Master Yen Sid much longer than it should have to convince those two to let me go, which had made me worry that he might not have enough time to get other friends to help as well. Yet as I arrived at the tower I had gotten reassured of this. I still feel very proud that my resolve to become human, if only for Erik, is a character trait that made Master Yen Sid send us here as the first ones.
I then look at Sora and the family he is with and can easily see how the four of them are related. The youngest of them, who actually has a few tear tracks on his face, has the same messy hair as the black-haired adult holding him and has the same blue eyes as Sora and the slender black-haired adult sitting next to them. All of them sit close together and show a deep family bond. But I also remember Master Yen Sid's words and this explains the tear tracks.
I smile at this as it's obvious that a family reunion just took place and because I believe that Sora really deserves a family of his own for all the ways that he's helped me – even if he's had one for the last nineteen years. And then Erik helps me sit down on a brown recliner that looks very out of place around the other wooden chairs, but I decide to ignore this as the baby seems to react to the sudden traveling we experienced and moves.
I grab my stomach and instantly Erik is next to me, his hands over mine and his blue eyes that I love so much filled with worry as he asks: "Are you alright? Did something happen? Do you need anything?" And I shake my head, a bit of annoyance in my heart, but a loving smile on my face as I say: "Nothing's wrong, Erik, just the baby responding to our sudden journey." Erik smiles in relief at me and then down at my stomach with love.
The black-haired man with silver-blue eyes sitting with Sora and who is probably his father named Sirius says: "I was just like that when James was pregnant with Sora. Happens to every first father, I guess." And I sigh as it's only been three months and Erik is already driving me up the wall. I even turn to the servants instead as they are slightly more grounded. Then the other man – probably James – smirks at me and says:
"You know, there is always such a handy little thing called the couch." This confuses me as our castle has a good dozen if not two dozen of those and he shrugs as he says: "A perfect object to threaten with if he becomes too much, if you catch my drift?" This shocks me and he stretches before he puts his hands behind his head as he says: "I do believe Sirius spent 3 weeks of my 9 month pregnancy sleeping there if I remember correctly."
This makes me smile widely and I ask: "You let your husband sleep on the couch?" While Erik seems absolutely horrified by the idea and James says: "It's a pretty common way for submissive males or females of a relationship to punish their other halves. A night on the couch means no cuddling with your loved one, after all."
And while Sirius moans: "Did you have to tell her that?" the man smirks and says: "It's my duty from one submissive partner to another." And his partner moans as Erik looks at me desperately and I say: "I'll consider it, thanks." And the man moans, while Sora and the other kid are laughing their heads off. A bushy haired, brown-eyed girl and a red-haired, blue-eyed boy also smile at the Sora's brother in great pleasure.
I wonder about the bond between these two and my best friend's younger brother, one that looks to be just as strong as the bond between Sora and his own two friends. I look up as a tanned man with bald head and who has a long purple robe on coughs softly. He draws everyone's attention and strangely enough everyone but the messy haired male, myself and Erik become serious and silent in a matter of seconds as they turn to him.
James looks around confused and Sirius says: "We're reading books to prepare us for the war, to make sure we win it. We've started with one that's about this upcoming year. The first few chapters are about the last three days. And the first chapter wasn't exactly promising." The man nods while he holds his youngest a little tighter. I smile as that is exactly the kind of mother I want to be once my little one is there – whether it be male or female.
I turn to the bald, tanned man and I look at the book he's holding and while I wonder if the phoenix on the cover might be belying the severity and dark nature of the book, I think: "He seems only on the second chapter. How bad can the first few chapters of a book be? Aren't the first few chapters usually easy fillers?" And when I mutter this to Erik, he nods and whispers back: "We'll just have to listen to understand, I guess."
I nod, yet I wonder if the seriousness of these people and the worry they seem to emit as they look at the book can be healthy for my upcoming baby – even if I'm only three months along. But then I decide not to worry about this like my husband has been over the last, aggravating month. Instead I silently decide that I will ask the other man for more tips on what my pregnancy might be like later and I focus on the upcoming reader.
Kingsley's POV
I took the book out of Auror duty and because I want to know exactly when my partner Tonks and I can leave to arrest the Muggles. I know Tonks and I know that she and I are both Aurors for the same reason. We both want to protect Minors like Harry against monsters like the Dursleys. Because of this I only listen half to what is going on around me. I had been beyond ecstatic to see the Potter-Blacks reunite and I consider this another crime on Molly's record.
I had written a full-on report on Walt Disney for my Muggles Studies N.E.W.T.s, something I considered a must as a lot of Dark Wizards are usually guilty of attacking Muggles instead of their fellow wizards. I can barely believe that the man was a Seer and that all his stories are actually based on worlds where – if I have to go by what I heard last night – Sora has travelled to during his journeys. Yet I focus my thoughts back on my task at hand and start to read.
A Peck of Owls
"Don't you mean, pack?" Hermione asks, while I can tell it is more automatically than really to judge me and Harry mumbles: "It refers to a bit of misspeaking from Vernon." The girl nods and she looks at Harry worriedly. I hate how only the thought of that man takes away Harry's happy attitude as he seems to be pulling in on himself and become smaller while in his mother's lap, I quickly read on and I already want this chapter to be over with.
"He left!" … kill him!"
"She sure sounds like her, but I need more proof." Sirius growls and I suddenly remember that it's not just Harry's relatives who are the problem of these first few chapters and Harry asks: "Who exactly does she sound like, Siri – dad?" And the man looks from his son to his mate, who whitens with his eyes wide as he whispers: "No. No, she wouldn't be. She – she can't be. It – it just – it can't be her, Siri, it can't be."
But this worries me even more as I remember James being much more capable of keeping his emotions, especially his fear, in check and Harry and Sora ask: "Who?" And James takes a deep breath as he says: "Shortly before my eleventh birthday, a neighbor of the village we were living close to inspired my dad to hold my birthday party in the plaza of that village, because eleven meant I would be attending Hogwarts."
We all nod, while I can see how this information intrigues those that travelled here, especially Sora. And James sighs as he pulls his son close against his form. Sirius instantly moves closer as well to offer comfort and James says: "Unfortunately the plaza was a trap and if my father didn't believe in a proper family presentation as he led me and my mother there, my life would have ended that very day – at that very party."
This shocks everyone and Sirius growls, obviously enraged at the idea that anything could take his mate from him like Molly did for years as he says: "Apparently little Figgy had only invited James and his family, because her family was in feud with his and she wanted to end it – the wrong way. She had let someone of Knockturn Alley set a specified spell on the fountain in the middle of the plaza and she had awaited him there.
James and his parents had arrived and if it weren't for Charlus being aware of the Feud and being very wary of the woman – then I never would have met my mate as he and his family would have been either blown to their deaths by the exploding fountain or been drowned by the flood of water that came with the explosion. He instantly Apparated them back home, yet he was one of the only ones as several young kids who were also invited did drown."
My eyes are wide as James never told me any of this and Sirius says: "It took me six years of friendship and half a year of him and me dating before James finally told me this. Apparently Figgy was arrested and was sentenced to Azkaban, but because it concerned a feud gone wrong, Life-Sentence was out of the question, even with the charges of murder. Two of them just didn't hold the ground they needed as the children – were Muggles.
Figgy got free in our Fifth and James only told me this, because – because she had – because at one breakfast meal, he had received –." But then the man stops and I can tell that it's not from pain, but from anger. The man has his hands clenched tightly while his arms are wrapped around his family. He pulls Sora along and firmly against James and Harry, while he seems to try and suppress some kind of angered need at the same time.
I hate that my friend, someone I once served the Aurors with during the war had to live in the same neighborhood as a delusional woman like that, as I hear James say: "After the – the letter arrived, my dad sent me a letter of his own. In it, he told me he had moved our house and changed it to go under, as a way to throw Fanatical Figgy – as we named her – off our back. Since then Godric's Hollow has been our home."
This shocks me as I never would have guessed that the house James was attacked in is actually the mansion I first met him in during a Christmas Celebration thrown by the Potter House. Yet then I remember that, even after the war, no one ever found a trace of the ancient ancestral home. I look at the man, who had to go through so much, both as a youth and as an adult and a mother and to this I turn my head away.
I do this to hide the angry glare I know will shock my friend as he might just think that I am angry at him if he sees it. Yet in reality my anger is at everyone who has ever hurt that family – Voldemort, the Dursleys, Fanatical Figgy, Dementors and so many more. And the fact that both James and Harry had to endure the most of this when they were only in their teens makes matters worse. I silently resolve not to let anything else happen to them, as I read on.
"But –" The … warned him –"
"A Squib?" Sirius asks, his face now whiter than freshly washed white linen and James almost whimpers: "It's her. It's Fanatical Figgy. She's back and she found my son." Instantly the man's embrace on his son is as tight as Harry's was on James when he first entered this room and both his partner and older son move so closely against the two they almost look like one person, but then suddenly the fire in the fireplace lights up.
I realize it can be only one person as no one else uses the Fireplace but Albus, I quickly cast a Disillusion spell on James, Sora, Riku, Ariel, Kairi and Erik and cast a spell to make the recliner look like a wooden chair. And while he obviously doesn't want to, Harry pulls himself out of his mother's embrace and take the seats on his left just when the white-haired, blue eyed Headmaster of Hogwarts steps through the fire.
Albus' POV
Yesterday my Order and I had a meeting on what to do now that Harry was at Headquarters, about what Cornelius could do and what I expected of Kingsley and Tonks until the hearing was over. I told them both specifically that they had to be at work every day, so they could scout out the situation on a daily basis and help us prepare. I worried when I found out that neither of them have reported at their stations yet and I decide to check on my new recruits.
Therefore, I was not expecting to find them seated in the basement kitchen of our Headquarters, with Kingsley holding an interesting looking book and everyone else seeming to be listening to him. Especially the ever so vibrant and active Weasley twins, who are doing everything they can to join or listen in on the Order or the ever more agitated-growing Sirius Black, who obviously misses the world outside his home.
I wonder what could be happening here as I step through the fireplace. I also notice that there are several Notice-Me-Not spells cast around the room, but I just let it be for now. With a small tap into my magical core, do I vanish the sooth and ashes from my robes before Alastor says: "A little late, Albus. We're already down to the second chapter." As if I have been here reading along. This confuses me, but makes the twins snicker.
I decide to play along and I silently smiling as I see Harry and Sirius sit quite close together. The two of them deserve every chance to make up for the time I took from them by leaving Sirius in Azkaban as I ask: "Well now, Alastor, what did I miss?" And the loaded glances that everyone shares with each other worries and intrigues me, before Sirius says: "The Dursleys committed three out of five, Albus. Three out of five."
This shocks me as Arabella was sworn to inform me of things like this. The man seems to read my mind as he says: "And before you start, Fanatical Figgy isn't exactly the right candidate for a report job there." And just that nickname lets me know that I made a terribly grave mistake in choosing a guard for young Harry. And instantly my mind catches up with me and I remember sitting in on the trial that sent her to Azkaban for four years.
Then Sirius sighs and says: "We're lucky that every form of Darkness has its own way of being defeated." This confuses me and Sirius asks: "You know that there is very little that I actually like and accept about my family and this is one of them. Tell me, what creature blood runs down my family?" And as he asks this, he wraps an arm around Harry and instantly the truth hits me like a Bombarda spell as I whisper:
"Harry was yours." And while I wonder who his destined mate could be and how James plays a role in all this, Sirius retorts: "Was and is. And he's not going back. He's not Blood-related and if you even try, you will have your own men – and I don't even mean me this time – against you as those two are just dying to arrest them." And with his head he motions for Kingsley and young Tonks, who nod at me in confirmation.
Then Sirius says: "As I said, every form of darkness has its own way of being defeated and some – take time travel. Time travel and a first born." And with that the man removes the Notice-Me-Not spell. And as he does, I see a boy with his full face, high cheekbones and eye color, but then with messy brown hair appear.
I look shocked to see young Sora Arturo Black-Potter and then, as if him being visible is a match to light up a torch, more and more people become visible, under which a boy I recognize as Alice and Frank's first born. But then the man in between Harry and Sirius, who I hadn't noticed sitting there thanks to the powerful Notice-Me-Not charm hiding the distance, shocks the living daylights out of me and forces me to sit down.
Messy black hair that sticks out mostly at the back, hazel brown eyes that look at me with mischief and then at Sirius with deep love, a skinny face with high cheekbones, a broad chest, but slim waist and the clear build of a Veela's Submissive who has spent his whole life playing Quidditch. It's James Christian Black née Potter.
I look at the man I thought I lost so long ago – the father I thought Harry lost so long ago – and I see the man smiling at Sirius with a love that I know only James Potter can show off. Harry happily crawls back into his lap and Sora moves back to his side. And then Arthur shocks me even more as he says: "It was Molly, Albus. She saved him with some kind of Petrification charm and then locked him away in our basement for all these years."
I look at the man as he has his head down in shame and lie my hand on his shoulder, slightly overwhelmed by this new revelation, but not enough to not support my own troops and I say: "If she can fool every witch and wizard in this world – including myself – then you cannot be blamed for not seeing through her lies, Arthur." Yet I also notice that Ginny doesn't seem to be here either and wonder if she has been helping her mother in this.
The man nods and says: "Sirius found James in a dream last night and the twins brought him back this morning. Bill woke him and now we're reading the second chapter of a book concerning the upcoming year. Sora, Riku and Kairi brought these books with them on orders of their mentor and they're bringing in friends as well, a few at a time. We just finished reading about the Dementor Attack on Harry and now seem to be dealing with the aftermath of it."
I feel grateful for the short, but thorough summary of the events that led to all of this as well as the introduction of the young girl sitting with the Longbottom and Black Heir as I ask: "And once that aftermath is done, will Kingsley and Tonks leave to arrest the Muggles?" Arthur nods and I adjust myself to sit a little more comfortably as I want personal evidence that Fanatical Figgy is really as bad as she was when she tried killing James so long ago.
Kingsley's POV
I am relieved to understand why Albus came here as he must have visited the Ministry before coming here to check on why we weren't there. I change the chair of Ariel back into a recliner and Erik makes sure it's tilted slightly back to give her some more comfort. He smiles at me gratefully as he does so. I nod at the man, who then starts to gently give his wife and queen a foot-massage, obviously still scared of that whole couch thing and I read on.
"This Mundungus … to say?
"As if Fanatical Figgy cares about that. She's probably annoyed that those Dementors didn't actually finish the job and would have been willing to use her Squib status as an excuse. Heck, she must already be thinking of ways to explain why Harry was outside." Sirius growls and I see Albus looking inquisitive as he asks: "Why were you outside, Harry?" And Harry shortly answers: "I feel safer outside than in." Before he turns back to his parents.
This worries me and further proves that those Muggles abused the poor lad and that he really is better off far away from them. I turn to Albus as he seems to be expecting more of an answer. I catch the man's glance and notice how it seems aimed more at James than Harry. I slowly slide my list of accusations down to his part of the table and the man reads them. He whitens as he reads before he asks: "And you found all of this –."
And while I keep a close eye on Harry as I don't want to aggravate him more than these chapters probably already do, I explain: "In only the first chapter. That monster tried choking him and Harry came clean about just how much he had been doing and how little he himself knew of the Wizarding World. I'm personally amazed that no one told either that Muggle or Harry about the consequences of committing those crimes."
And just as I say this, it seems to trigger something in my leader's memory as Albus says: "Arabella assured me she had done so while Harry was at Diagon Alley with Hagrid." To this Harry, who seems to have caught onto our conversation says: "How could she? I mean, Vernon had been trying to move us just to escape those letters. In the end, Hagrid found me in a hut in the middle of the ocean and we took the only boat off that island.
The Dursleys only came home ten minutes before I did and they were still soaking wet. They were about to take a shower and Dudley and Vernon were actually fighting each other on who would go first when I came in." This shocks the elder man and Sirius growls: "Seems like Fanatical Figgy isn't above lying to keep her plans running." And while James cringes at this, Harry hugs them close and I quickly make sure to read on.
You!" she … a teabag."
"But she knows exactly how to make people do magic for her." Sirius growls and he goes on: "She proved that plenty enough twenty four years ago." But then James shudders and says: "Siri, please, no more. I just want this part over with. The idea of my little boy near her scares me enough. I almost felt like I was back in that plaza when you explained what happened between us just now." The Veela nods and I read on.
She stooped … swayed dangerously.
"That is bad, even for someone like him." Bill murmurs and Albus says: "William, surely young Dudley –." But while I know that Harry really won't like to be reminded of this, I quickly page back and show Albus the paragraph about Dudley making fun of Harry's nightmares as I am not willing to read it out once again if only to spare the lad. The man's eyes widen as he reads about this and he slumps down in his chair as he asks:
"How could any child be this cruel? Surely Dudley knows what happened to young Mr. Diggory?" But we all shake our heads and I say: "We discovered that Harry keeps the Dursley world apart from the magical world. They never talk. Not during dinner and not about anything magical. The Dursleys seem to have a strict taboo on anything magical other than their nephew or something." The man looks at me and Sirius coughs.
Albus looks at him and as he softly strokes through Harry's hair in order to keep the boy calm, he says: "I hate saying this, Albus, but when Hermione mentioned to Harry that, as my son, he has no blood relation to those Dursleys, Harry responded to this by begging me to tell you that and to convince you to never send him there again. He cried as he begged me, Albus, and we both know that that's saying something."
Albus seems overwhelmed at this, while James hugs Harry tighter to him and whispers soft comforting words that I can't hear in his hair. The boy himself is again whimpering the same way he was last night after doing as Sirius just said. And as Albus looks at the two Sora says: "I was able to connect to my brother's heart last night, sir, and it was filled with so much light and darkness fighting each other – it frightened me."
The shock on the elder man's face becomes more and more visible and Sora says: "The light was clearly coming from Harry's feelings for his friends, his family and those close to him and it was definitely one of the most strongest lights I have ever been fortunate enough to sense. But the darkness was so strong, I could only focus on the word Dursley ringing through my head as I looked at it, with a whisper of Voldemort."
Albus is almost blended together with his seat by now, his limp form making me worry for the man. I send a quick look at the others to keep them from mentioning more and then I turn to the man and I say: "It wasn't fully your fault, Albus. You might not have listened to Harry's pleas in his first year – as Hermione told us – but you were a victim of Fanatical Figgy as much as Harry was a victim of those Muggles."
The man nods and I can tell that even Sirius and James agree with me on this one as Albus, yet again looking more at James than at the man's son asks: "Harry, would you mind telling me everything those monsters ever did to you?" But Harry, as I already expected, shakes his head so fanatically, I only see a blur of his wild swinging hair. James grabs the side of his head and pushes it into his shoulder as he silently offers comfort.
Albus looks at this in shock and Sirius says: "Understand that Harry has only just reached the sanctuary of his light, Albus. He only just reunited with his friends and family. If he is to discuss it now would only allow the Darkness to grow. Give it time and help Harry heal, then it will be easier for him to talk about it. And besides, we have the books. They'll tell us everything Harry isn't ready, willing or able to."
Albus nods at the man. He now sits up straight again and there is a fire in his eyes that makes me know Arabella is going to be in a lot of trouble as I can already predict what the man is going to say. And indeed he turns to me and says: "I will accompany you when you arrest the Muggles, Kingsley, Arabella and I need a firm word together. And I want to know why, why Petunia would take in a child, but not offer him the care he deserves."
I nod as I feel more than happy to let the man have the first shot at this woman. I understand why he would want answers like that and yet I still tell him: "Just make sure to officially report to the Auror Department about your visit and your role in the arrest after you're done, Albus. If she's in on the abuse, then she will be arrested along with those Muggles." My leader and friend nods back and I focus back on the reading.
"Hurry up!" … afraid of –
Albus seems to have regained himself during this small bit of text. He is sitting up more calmly now as he nods and gravely says: "I suppose we can only hope that we can be prepared for whatever Cornelius tries to gain from this. As he will surely try to exaggerate the case to the fullest extent." I nod and say: "Good thing then, that this book goes further than our current timeline. It concerns all of the school year and thus Harry's hearing."
The man nods, though he is still looking slightly wary of the idea of changing the future and Sirius says: "Trust me, it's better than this outcome." He draws the same envelope as the one Riku gave him last night out of his robe pocket and shows it to Albus. As he does this, I remember my silent promise to myself to copy those pictures at some point. The man looks over the pictures and, with wide eyes as he looks at the last, asking: "What are these creatures?"
"They're called Heartless." Riku answers and his tone lets me know that he has realized that he is talking with someone with great power. Great respect is in his voice as he goes on: "Where we come from, every heart has darkness in it and Heartless are Darkness made real. They're what's left of a human heart if it gives into the power of Darkness. In this world apparently, you can learn to control the darkness in your heart and with that the Heartless."
He then shakes his head and says: "Something I once could as well, a long time ago." To this Sora hugs him and says: "Only because Malificent and Ansem, who are some of the darkest beings we ever confronted, were controlling and manipulating your every move. It was after all Ansem who opened the door to Darkness and you after all gained the power, after Malificent found Kairi and brought her to you, remember?"
Riku nods, while James and Sirius share a greatly worried look over hearing about all of this and Sora, with his fists up, says: "I have no doubt that, by then, she already knew Kairi was a Princess Pure of Heart. Why else would she later try to use Kairi and ditch girls like Wendy? She must have known all along and used that – along with stupid excuses – to lure you into helping her find the other Princesses." And while it sounds like these are old arguments, I can tell that both boys still hold to their beliefs – or in Riku's case, his fears – just as strongly.
"And to convince me, she said Kairi had lost her heart and that it could possibly be found behind the Door to the Heart of All Worlds. I listened to her stupid tale and she gave me the power of Darkness and even unlocked the Darkness from my own heart, calling it the power that slumbers within me. And I actually reveled in it." The boy is almost growling at himself at the end and Sora shouts: "KNOCK IT OFF ALREADY!"
Riku and a few others look at him shocked and Sora looks determined to convince his best friend. He has therefore gone to stand up as he says: "You are the only one who has ever been able to turn Darkness as strong as that of Ansem into a power of Light. Only you can do that, Riku, and that proves how strong you really are. Nothing what Ansem, Xehanort, Xemnas or even DiZ ever threw at you knocked you out, remember?
You can't be beaten, Riku. No one can ever defeat you and anyone trying to use Darkness against you has already lost the battle. Because you conquer that darkness, return it to Light and throw it right back in that person's face." He ends with such vigor and strength I am absolutely amazed by his powerful stance and strength of speech. And yet it's beyond obvious to me that, at certain points through his speech, Sora wanted to say something and refrained from this.
Riku, in the mean time, is smiling at the boy gratefully, as if he's actually used to speeches like this and then Ron says: "Guess Harry didn't get that speech talent from a stranger, it runs in the family." And Hermione goes on: "It sure does, I haven't felt these goose bumps on my arms since Harry's speech in first year."
And while the two smile at each other and Harry turns red at the praise, the youngest son of Potter and Black still smiles at his brother in pure pride. And because I now feel quite sure of the bond between the Heirs of Black and Longbottom, that Riku is Sora's mate, I think: "How much longer will it take for Sora to make such a speech and confess his love while doing it?" But I decide to let that matter drop for now and I read on.
What's that … say anything?"
Now Albus' shock seems to have returned, even though Sora's speech had given him some of his emotional strength and pride back and he says: "So she's been lying to me all these years." Harry turns to him and he says: "Arabella told me she confronted you the day after your first visit to Diagon Alley and that you have been having secret Potter Lord Practice lessons with her to prepare yourself for your seventeenth birthday."
Harry looks shocked and says: "I haven't seen her in between this summer and my first unless I was strolling through the neighborhood. The last time I've been to her place was when Aunt Petunia took Dudley shopping for his first school uniform." The elder man sighs in defeat, yet I hear James whisper: "Thank Merlin for that." And Harry quickly hugs his mother close in order to further comfort him as I read on.
"Dumbledore's orders. … enjoyed it.
"HOW MUCH EVIDENCE OF NEGLECT AND ABUSE DO YOU NEED?" Sirius shouts at the book and James grumbles almost fearfully: "I want to bet she reveled in knowing that and not reporting it to Albus or anyone else. That she put up a disgusting front to my son and a perfectly peachy front to everyone else. She probably reported all kinds of crap to Albus to keep him satisfied and kept the actual truth out all the time."
He shakes his head and whimpers: "She hasn't changed a bit. She was exactly like that before she wrote her letter, when she got out of Azkaban. Even when she was on trial and heard that the whole Feud thing saved her from a Life-Sentence, she was like this. Reveling in our fear of what she would do next and telling everyone else she would never more harm me in the mean time. It scared us all so much to see her like that."
The man shudders again and Harry hugs him tightly, whispering: "I haven't seen her in a long time, mum. She invited me over constantly this summer, but I never went. We only met in passing. She was too out in the open to harm me. I was probably the oldest wizard living there. There might only be one other who is currently eleven, no other." And this seems to be exactly what James needs to hear as he calms down considerably.
He hugs his youngest son close and whispers a soft Thank you in his hair. I really wish for a change of subject and again, as if he reads my mind, Albus asks: "Where exactly are Molly and young Ginerva?" And while I remember agreeing with Arthur, Tonks and Alastor not to arrest the two until we have read up to the current moment of time, Riku answers in a cold retort: "Didn't exactly take a good look at those pictures, did you sir?"
The man looks shocked and while I can tell that Hermione wants to address him about his tone, yet Riku doesn't give her the chance as he asks: "Who were the only ones on those pictures not looking terrified, heart-ached, agitated or deeply angered and annoyed?" And the man answers: "Molly and young Ginny. Were they – were they controlling the Heartless?"
Riku nods and says: "The pictures, like me and my friends, are from the future. They were taken by Kairi after she found a corridor connecting our home to the Burrow. It was our reason for traveling back in time and taking these books with us, because just changing things there would not be as beneficial as doing it in this timeline. Or so our mentor, Master Yen Sid, told us before he send us on this mission."
Dumbledore nods and Hermione says: "And to top it all, Headmaster, the famous Muggle Walt Disney is actually a Seer who looked into the worlds Sora traveled to. All the creatures we know as Disney characters are actually living beings, living in their own world in the universe Sora and Riku were send to. Queen Ariel and King Eric here are living proof of this. I know them from the story that describes how they got together."
The man looks at – what I can only call – his smartest student ever in wondering shock and I feel glad that the man can finally be revealed something that is shocking, but then in a very pleasant way. And while I wonder who will be arriving next – probably next chapter – what their story might be, how Sora plays a role in it and what the young girl might know about it, I focus back on the book and I continue reading.
It wasn't … KILL YOU!"
"Talk about a change of subject, she really has gone mad in Azkaban." James says shocked and I see another ghost of the man Sirius became in that Prison float over Sirius' face ever so shortly. This to me proves how much the man is trying to hide his own past from his mate. And because of what we are reading about, I cannot blame him as I read on. Yet as I do, I also feel sure that these attempts will fail once Sirius comes back into the book.
There was … Invisibility Cloak.
"So you got our family's Cloak, did you?" James asks in excitement while almost everyone except Albus, Sirius, Remus, Ron and Hermione are shocked at hearing this. I spot the twins trying to hide a small look of envy as Harry answers: "Yeah, Professor Dumbledore gave it to me for my First Christmas at Hogwarts. It really came in handy the last few years. Kept me out of trouble and sticky situations more times than I care to remember."
But James seems confused and asks: "Why only then? I charmed it to make sure you would get it at age five, in case I was away on mission or something?" Harry shrugs and then Albus shocks me deeply as he asks: "Harry, did you ever receive any of the gifts and letters those concerned of you have been sending you? There were many, I can assure you, not just from fans, but also from close friends of both Lily and James."
And Harry, who seems unable to understand the concept that people other than his friends might care for him enough to send gifts, answers: "Not since I got Hedwig and since then it's only been from Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Sirius, Mrs. Weasley, Professor McGonagall and the Daily Prophet." The man frowns at this and says: "It seems someone put a ward around your house to keep you from what is rightfully yours, dear boy.
I do remember seeing the cloak trying to disappear and even saw a House Elf I did not recognize appear in the chamber I kept it in on the day of your Fifth birthday. But while it did have the cloak, it seemed unable to disappear to your location and I promised the little guy I would give it to you when you were ready. It tried to fight me, but I assured it that it would be at some point of your first year here and that I would ensure it would be for you and you alone."
Everyone looks at this tale in shock and James says: "She was able to convince a Knockturn Alley Curse Breaker to put that lethal spell on the fountain back in the plaza. I have no doubt that Fanatical Figgy hired the same Curse Breaker to put those wards around my little boy's place. She must have been getting everything ever send to him. No, he was visiting her, so she probably hid it somewhere else, somewhere he didn't know about."
"Something I will be sure to rectify after I had a few words with her, James, I assure you." Albus tells the young adult, the look on his face proving he will leave no stone unturned until he has gotten to the bottom of this. James nods gratefully, while Harry looks down in wonder, obviously thinking about what could possibly have been kept from him, a thought that is almost enough to anger me again as I continue reading.
"S'up, Figgy?" … your watch!"
"She sure has a vile mouth for someone who is willing to try and kill an eleven year old." One of the twins says and the other goes on: "It fits her, I guess." And while the first nods, Erik looks at the twins in shock. I try not to snicker at this as I had pretty much the same reaction the first time I met the two a few weeks ago and then he says: "No offence to you guys." And he turns back to his pregnant wife before he says:
"But I really hope you're only expecting a single child." To this Ariel laughs and says: "If I'm anything like my mother, you can bet on that. And on a pregnancy every year for the next few." To which Erik shouts: "A PREGNANCY EVERY YEAR? WHY?" And while I can tell that this impresses even Arthur, Ariel answers: "Because I have six older sisters, of course." Which makes the other Weasley kids look at her with empathy.
Erik slumps down in shock and asks: "So those six girls swimming around your father during our wedding were your sisters?" Ariel nods and says: "Yep, and they were all born with one year in between. My mum was a little fertile, you see." And while the young man looks at his wife in shock, I also notice Harry sneaking a hopeful look at his parents. James is oblivious to this, but others who also spot it smile at him as I read on.
"Blimey," said … opportunity, see –"
"It really wasn't smart of him to have said that around her." Harry mumbles and then Sirius growls: "He shouldn't have said it at all, in the first place." And Arthur, Erik, Ariel and James all nod and they are all looking just as angry. I smile at the middle two as Ariel has her hands wrapped protectively around her still-flat stomach with an angry, protective look on her face as Arthur says: "Oh, you'll be excellent parents, I can already tell you that."
The two smile at him and Erik, sounding very hopeful asks: "Are you sure?" And Arthur nods as he says: "You're just as angry as we parents are over a child – sorry Harry – being left behind for some business deal. And I can tell that, like us, you've already started considering Harry your own, which is also a good sign. Trust me, you will do just fine." The two smile from my red-haired colleague to each other and I smile at him myself before I read on.
Mrs. Figg … – to – help!"
"He didn't get the chance." Sirius says and when Harry looks at him, does he say: "Figgy had already warned Albus that something was wrong with the pendant the two of them share and it made me know Dung had screwed up. When I heard from him that it was Dementors that he allowed near you, I just lost it and went bonkers on him. He never even got the chance to explain why he didn't keep to his guard duty in the first place."
"Like you went bonkers on Frank when he tried to play airplane with Harry?" James asks and Sirius strictly says: "Exactly like that – and worse." James cringes while Remus laughs and Sirius sends his mate a rueful smile as Harry asks: "Airplane?" And his mum says: "It's a game some parents play with their children when they are young. Frank was holding you in the sides while he had you high up in the air and was spinning on his axis.
Sirius, even though he was already pretending to be your godfather, thought he was about to throw you like those baseball players sometimes do when he saw Frank do this – Lily's work. And trust me, even his Grim form couldn't have scared Frank more that day. He never held you higher than his side again." The man ends as he shakes his head with a large smile on his face. Hermione giggles as Harry looks at James with wide eyes and I read on.
"Keep your … waiting for?"
"Did she just seriously ask that? Why didn't she send you off further ahead while she dealt with him? How can she round it on you when she's the one to blame?" James asks in shock and Harry answers: "The story of my life at the Muggles. Blame Potter and be done with it." Which in itself makes Albus blanch in shock, the shock made worse by the disinterested tone of Harry's voice, as if it's something he's been used to his entire life.
I personally shake my head, as I think that a boy as powerful and talented – and definitely kind-hearted – as him shouldn't have these thoughts. I grab the list again, writing down: mental abuse; subject thinks everything is his fault by constantly putting blame of everything on subject. I make sure to write this down under all three of the residential Muggle names – as I have too little information on Marge to do so – before I quickly read on afterwards.
Harry decided … pixies now."
"Those are some really strange sayings, you know." Hermione suddenly says, which worries me as she should be used to them after living in this world for the last four years and James smiles as he says: "Lily said the exact same thing when I taught her the most commonly used ones to help her during Pureblood parties and all that. Can't say I don't believe the same about Muggle sayings, though." The girl shrugs at this and I read on.
"So," Harry … were intelligent…
"What happened in June?" James asks his son, but instantly fear is seen on Harry's face. And while the rest of us grimace as we got to hear about a bit of what happened last chapter, Sirius lays a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder as he looks at James and whispers: "Let me tell you that. Harry told me and after that he tried getting over it himself. It didn't work." His mate nods and asks: "Was it – that bad?"
And Sirius, who makes sure that Harry can't hear him by putting his hands over his son's ears, whispers War in James' ear, only barely loud enough for me to hear as I am only a few seats away. But it's still loud enough to make James blanch as badly as Harry has and he hugs his son close. His cheek rubs up and down the top of his son's head and a soft hum sounds from the back of his throat, that slowly seems to calm Harry down.
"You always were a genius when it came to calming down our little boy." Sirius smiles at his mate and while Sora and Harry beam at the man, James retorts: "Just like only you and my parents were ever able of calming me down. It runs in the family – and in those you trust the most." Sirius nods and Hermione and Ron share a happy smile at hearing this. James turns to beam at his eldest and then runs a soft hand through his youngest son's hair.
I too feel glad as it means that Harry – even while knowing nothing about his parents – already trusts his new-found mother enough to calm down just from a soft humming tune and I think: "And Molly was actually keeping Harry from that kind of love and comfort. She housed both the mother and son twice in two years and still kept them apart and unaware of each other. I really hope she gets her due." And with that I read on.
right… get … house. Goodnight."
"She really was way too obvious there. She should have just told him that others would tell him what he needed to know and leave it at that. She shouldn't have mentioned she was awaiting instructions, that proved her to be a close contact and supposedly vital part of the Order. She just ratted herself out there, the dumb bint." Alastor growls and I know he means our plans to keep other listening ears from hearing too much.
"Does it really matter? Harry already knew she was in contact with the Order." Ron says and Alastor answers: "Yes, but Death Eaters didn't, did they lad?" Ron turns red as he realizes this and Arthur says: "Just let me answer my son's questions about the Order, alright Alastor? And besides, if Death Eaters were watching, they would have seen more than enough from seeing her confront Dung." The ex-Auror grunts at this and I read on.
"Hang on … the matter!"
"What is with that woman and retarded nicknames?" Ron now asks, obviously in need to blow off steam and Hermione says: "I would almost call it a whole new case of abuse." And to this Albus answers: "Which in turn should make us glad she didn't treat Harry this way. It truly was a blessing in disguise, as Muggles say."
"A blessing that should have never happened." Sirius growls and then he says: "Albus, there is one thing I want to talk to you about when this chapter is over and no, it doesn't concern Harry." The older man nods and James looks at him inquisitively, but Sirius shakes his head and whispers: "Later." And while I heard many times that Harry is really inquisitive, even he just quickly accept this. I smile at the boy and then I quickly read on.
Harry looked … Vernon? VERNON!"
Now Harry turns to his parents and asks: "Please tell me you wouldn't react like that. I felt so embarrassed watching it and I wasn't even the target of her Drama-Queen bitching." And the teens laugh, while Sirius says: "I might have reacted slightly like that, but I still don't like you using those words, young man.
The drama-queen, I can accept, the bitching goes a little far for even your age. And even your grandfather would have agreed on that." He says as Harry has opened his mouth twice now and James goes on: "Even I agree with that and my tongue can be quite vulgar when it wants to be." Remus and Sirius nod at this, while Alastor and Albus seem to remember such occasions. And while I would love to hear about one of them, do I read on.
Harry's uncle … to you?"
"Now that does go too far. That does deserve the title you just gave it, minus the last word of that title, that is." Sirius says annoyed. He aims a single finger at the book and looks at it as if it's a person who's gone mad or something. James nods and rolls his eyes to show he shares his mate's sentiment as he says: "Even I wouldn't have overreacted like that without getting information. After getting it – can't tell yet, haven't experienced it."
To this all Weasley kids present share a glance alongside Hermione and James asks: "I probably will, won't I?" And while I remember the few meetings where Sirius and Molly would bring up things Harry had gone through, Hermione seems to decide to bring the news gently as she says: "Harry has a saying that I think will explain our shared glance. I don't go looking for trouble, it usually finds me." James rolls his eyes at this and says:
"That's what dad always used when he tried creating a new spell while knowing he had failed his Ancient Runes O.W.L.s. He was just so determined to make up for that and prove he had what it took to create spells as being a Spell Creator had been his dream before he married mum and took over as Lord Potter. It just always ended up with either mum screaming at him or him ending up in St. Mungo's again – before she would scream at him."
I laugh and nod as one of those meetings in the hospital also led to James and me meeting as my father and I had just returned from a long trip through Africa from South to North and I say: "But James, surely not all those visits were all that bad." And my old friend, who had also joined me on some Auror missions and even been there for my dad and me when my mother was killed, seems to recognize me as he laughs and says:
"No, they weren't all bad. I really had some good experiences there too. I even met a few friends." He ends and he smiles at me. But Harry sounds almost hysterical with concern as he asks: "You met in the Hospital?" And I smile at the boy for his care as I answer: "Don't worry, nothing serious. My dad and I had just gotten back from traveling from South Africa all the way to North and needed a private room there to rest and gain energy again."
The teen looks at me both relieved and amazed and while I remember the greatness of that journey, Sora whispers: "I don't know how far that is, but by my brother's look, I'd say as far as our travels or at least something like that." He whispers at Riku and the slightly older boy nods at him. I look at James, who nods at me and I quickly summon a map of the world. I spread it out on the table in front of the two boys and say:
"This here is South Africa." And I point to one of the lowest parts of the map, before slowly moving my finger up the continent and ending up between Egypt and Libya and say: "And this here is North Africa, the Bardiyah Bay to be exact and that is where my father and I took our Portkey back to Europe, which is above it, here."
And while I motion for the continent above it, Sora, Kairi and Riku are wide eyed and Riku asks: "And where are we now?" And I aim for our proud motherland as Sora asks: "Our home is on an island that small?" And Riku, at the same time asks: "Our home world is actually that big?" And Kairi seems to finish the whole joke as she mutters: "Even the Play Island looks bigger than this country." And it's mostly their shock that makes us all laugh hard.
The three then look at each other and they mentally discuss something. I feel amazed over their close bond and Sora turns me as he says: "Your journey is almost as much as me traveling from Twilight Town to Port Royal." And Riku and Kairi nod, Kairi still looking at the map in shock. I smile at the three new arrivals and banish the map again. I sit back down and I share a smile with my friend, James, before I read on.
In all … voice. "Him."
"This can only end bad, can't it?" Erik asks as we all groan and Riku says: "You have no idea." Albus seems worried about this and I know that part of him still wants to believe that Petunia really does care for Harry. I shake my head and hope that the man will soon see sense regarding his student. I shortly look at the Potter-Blacks and I feel sure that their interaction will help in this. I smile in confidence and quickly read on.
Harry froze … his thing?"
"How sick is that woman? What makes her say such things? Doesn't she understand the bloody ramifications of what she's actually saying?" Hermione shouts. She shocks us all as she really managed to keep her cool just last night during the reading and she goes on: "From any other point of view but from a magical one's, that could sound as if she's accusing Harry of rape or something. Seriously, how sick is she?"
Everyone looks shocked, yet I try not to think of the chance that it might be the other way around, and she sighs as she says: "I'm sorry, it's just –. These chapters have made me see the truth behind Harry's actions regarding the Dursleys and the many signs of abuse that Ron and I have constantly been seeing. We never reported them, because Harry never really seemed to care enough to make me think it mattered."
We all nod and Remus says: "You're right, Hermione, and you're not the only one to blame. We were all so adamant to treat Harry as another student, to not give him reason to think that his title should give him special privileges or treatment, that we started believing only that ourselves and that made us too stubborn to accept signs we too saw very clearly. We're all at fault here." But to this Harry suddenly shouts:
"NO, YOU'RE NOT!" Everyone looks at him shocked and yet, while he had jumped up as he shouted, he sits back down and shrinks down on himself as he whispers: "It's my fault." These three words shock me as I had been expecting him to accuse the Dursleys and give me more evidence to fill my list with. Not for him to have a backslash and fall back into behavior obviously pushed into him by multiple forms of severe abuse.
Instantly, James seems to realize the same and he wraps his arms around his son and actually holds Harry as if he were a newborn or an infant and muttering: "It's not your fault, or ours, son. It's the Dursleys. The ones who started it all. They're at fault and they'll suffer, Harry. They'll finally get what they should have gotten a long, long time ago. I know Kingsley and I know he will come through for us, for you. I promise, little one."
But Harry barely seems to hear him and whispers: "But if I didn't exist, Voldemort wouldn't be after you and then –." But while Sirius and Sora whiten at just the thought of the boy not existing, Riku says: "And then Sora wouldn't have had a brother to travel back in time for and none of this would have happened. That woman would have won. That is what would have happened, had you not been born."
Harry looks at him in shock, yet after a few minutes of the two locking eyes, a glint of belief starts to shine in Harry's eyes and Riku whispers: "Please tell me I was not like this." But Sora cringes and says: "When you were really down on your self-confidence – heh, Harry came pretty close there." Riku hits himself on the head and Harry releases a small smile, while we can both clearly see the love shining in Sora's eyes.
I really wish that the young man was old enough to have the dreams, as I look from him to Riku. And again, just like the many times they were speaking to each other last night, I see how absolutely perfect for each other they are as Sora's way of sitting makes it almost too easy for Riku to lift him up and sit the boy down on his own lap.
I really hope that, when Sora does get the dreams, he will have dreams of Riku all the time. I share a glance with my best friend and younger Auror, Tonks and she nods as she is a seriously hopeless romantic when she's not at work. This makes me know she is as determined as I am to stimulate Sora into chasing after Riku as his mate, the minute he has his first dream. The two of us share the same smirk we shared many times before now as I turn back.
Harry seems to really relax in James' arms as the man has his head softly on top of his son's and seems to be humming a soft tune in his son's hair. And I smile as I remember the one time I met Harry as a baby as he had been slightly frightened of my tall form and James had done the exact same thing back that day. Yet another thing that makes me smile is that, in his mother's arms, Harry looks as if all the troubles of his past are falling off his shoulders.
I feel intensely glad to know that that same trick still works even fourteen years later and that James has such a positive effect on his second-born. I smile as James guides Harry into sitting on his left, next to Sora. Riku and Sora instantly move to sit closer to the teen, both hug him closely in clear comfort and while Harry seems to tense up for just a second, he seems to feel the comfort as he relaxes instantly afterwards and hugs his brother back.
I hate how these chapters – and the fact that these events were only three days away – are affecting the poor boy that has so much love to give and deserves even more love and comfort in return. Yet at the same time I again silently bless Kairi and her mentor for sending the three of them to come help us like they are. I quickly grab my list and write down: Abuse extensive enough to fear personal contact before continuing to read.
Slowly, tremulously … of Magic
"Wait a second, how does that make sense?" Erik suddenly asks and he goes on: "First they snap his wand and then he gets to go to a disciplinary hearing? How could that work?" And Ariel goes on: "And why didn't they investigate? Surely the spellwork was severe enough that they wondered why he would use it, wasn't it?"
And I remember Amelia calling me to her office and raging about how Fudge forbid her from exactly that, as Harry sighs and says: "Fudge is very adamant on getting me in as much trouble as possible and dragging my name through the mud as much as he can, so getting my wand snapped and then making a big, national drama of my hearing is exactly what he would love." This confuses the two newcomers and Ariel asks:
"But you were innocent. How would that have helped him?" And while I can't help but look at Sirius at this, Harry asks: "How do you think it would look if the Boy-Who-Lived – another time – had to go and buy himself a new wand at age fifteen. It would have been spoken about and rumored about and exaggerated to the point of absolute madness." He shakes his head and then mutters: "Just like so many other aspects of my life."
The two now look shocked and Erik asks: "And people just accept that? How can they think such a thing is right?" And Harry groans: "They don't think about right or wrong. They see my scar and they stop thinking all together. They don't even think – ever – about how I might feel about the night I became famous, became an orphan." To this Erik turns to me and says: "Please tell me you have a house of royalty along the Ministry."
I nod and say: "Yes, but she and her court are Muggle. Even if you are royal yourself it would take us months to explain it to them." And Ariel retorts: "Not if we invite them to meet us somewhere private. Then she can see with her own eyes that we are real and that magic makes much more possible than she knows and we can tell her all about this. And if she sees Keyblades and the magic they can cast, she'll probably be more willing to believe."
This makes me share a look with my partner and Tonks says: "That is actually a really good idea. We always go to them to inform them, but it won't be too hard to think of an excuse she can use to come to us now, will it?" I shake my head, especially because I know that the whole thing with the Dursleys is already excuse enough. I then decide to write the letter as soon as the chapter is over and this makes me read a little faster.
Harry read … run – now.
"How is that a good idea?" Ariel asks shocked and Harry retorts: "Better than anxiously waiting for those monsters." The young woman shrugs and Erik says: "I still think it –." And Sirius answers: "It is, but let me." The man nods, while some of the people around me are shocked at Sirius' behavior. Personally I think this is stupid as he proved himself an excellent father just the other night and he gently turns to Harry as he says:
"Harry, running away would have only given Fudge more reason to drag your name through the mud. He could have ruined your reputation, called you a fugitive, made you a public enemy and made it like mine is today. It might have even made him able to send the Dementors after you instead of me. It might have been better than to wait in fear, but running from those responsible for you – whether your guardians or the Ministry – is never right, understand?"
Harry nods and James, who sits between the two smiles. He hugs the man tightly and Sirius happily responds in kind. And while James tucks his head under Sirius', he mutters: "I just knew you'd be an awesome father. I just knew it." This makes Sirius smile at his beloved widely and he asks: "Good, then maybe you can convince Mr. Disbelief over there as well?" And he motions, again, for a shocked looking Remus.
The man shakes his head as he seems to realize that he was mentioned. James looks at him and then turns back to Sirius and asks: "What's the matter with him? It's almost as if he's forgotten the many times you were responsible around Harry, the times we faked that you were babysitting him so Lily and I could look for a hiding place." And Remus turns red to prove his friend's point. Sirius rolls his eyes and he answers:
"He's a little stuck in the past, Jamie. Not a bad thing, per say, but our friend's a little too far stuck – say back when we were in fifth or sixth year or so." James groans at this and says: "Back before you and I got together and you became responsible because you wanted to prove you took our relationship seriously, you mean? Before dad helped you become the responsible adult he was willing to leave his son to after he died of Dragon Pox?"
Sirius nods and Remus turns even worse red, proving he has forgotten about that as well and James asks: "Why on earth would he forget about that?" And Sirius answers: "He's still stuck grieving for what, until yesterday, we thought were your and Lily's deaths and that made thinking about times like that hard for him."
"But Sixth year was nineteen years away. Why would he try and forget so far back?" James asks, now obviously even more confused and Sirius shrugs as he says: "My guess, the time before Sixth was the happiest we had and the memory of those happier times makes it easier for him to forget about everything bad after that. Things definitely did take a turn for the worst in the summer between our Sixth and Graduation, after all."
His lover nods, while Remus has wide eyes and James groans as he asks: "So he even forgot about your perceptiveness?" Sirius shrugs and says: "That I have no answer to. I just think, because of my behavior back in fifth, that he still tries to see me as Snape does; as an irresponsible player who loves being popular and loves pranks."
James shakes his head and says: "Dad always told us that living in the past like that is just bad for you. Didn't he say that, Paddy?" Sirius nods and says: "Yeah, along with that if we keep our face in the same pose for too long, magic will allow it to stay like that forever. Those 2 advices always followed each other up, remember?"
James nods at his love, while some of those around us snicker and giggle at hearing these sayings and Harry says: "Grandpa sure sounds like a really smart man, having all those rules and giving all those pieces of good advice." James smiles at his son at this as it's obvious that his ire over his friend is gone now that he has his son close and he pulls Harry close enough he's almost in his lap, Harry smiling at this as he says:
"Dad was a brilliant man, Harry. He was a writer, a law enforcer, he even worked part time at Muggle shops every now and then during the summer. He really did so much, he just inspired us to be just as varied, but – being as young as we were and having the war over our heads – we decided to be wide and varied in our pranks first."
Harry looks at his mum in amazement and Hermione asks: "You said Law Enforcement. Does that mean something else than Auror?" James nods and says: "He worked for the office of the Ministry that made sure Aurors didn't break any laws themselves if they went on missions. He was send out quite often during the war. Especially after Crouch tried to give them permission to use the Unforgivables against the Death Eaters."
The girl looks amazed and asks: "There really is such an office?" James now looks confused and asks: "Of course there is. How come you don't know of it?" And while the girl looks abashed, obviously not liking the idea of being in the unknown about anything, does Albus sigh an answer: "Lucius, who is illegally holding the title of Lord Black, took several Courses off of the curriculum over his time as Member of the Board of Governors, I'm afraid."
James looks shocked and says: "Then he must have used his marriage to Narcissa to get on that Board, because the Malfoys have long since been banned of that job offer." He then turns to his mate and ask: "Why didn't you stop him from using that title? As my mate and father of two Heirs of Black, doesn't that title belong to you? And how did Lucius even manage to claim the Lord Black Title? Why didn't you fight him over that?"
Sirius sighs and says: "I'll explain it after we've read a few chapters today, okay love? Kingsley and Tonks really want to arrest those filthy Muggles and we've been running off course a lot of times already. Plus, the story that explains all that – I'd rather tell you in private. It's – it's a long one." James nods at this, while obviously concerned for how defeated his mate sounds and I decide to ease off his tension as I read on.
Where he … the wand.
"Harry!" Everyone shouts and Harry spats: "Look, I wasn't thinking, okay? The magical world was all I ever had, the first and only place I could ever call home and to be expelled from it – next to Dementors – is my greatest fear because it means a lifelong stay with those monsters! I could only think of that, so I panicked and I never do the right things when I panic."
Everyone looks shocked, yet some of us, like me – also nod in understanding with the boy's explanation and Sirius lovingly says: "I can more than understand that, Harry. But why did you think it would mean a lifelong stay there? Surely Muggles leave their parents when they grow up?" And Harry blushes as he says: "I thought being expelled meant I wouldn't have access to my money anymore either."
The man groans and James sends his son a short understanding smile before he turns to Albus and asks: "I take it Law and Order was also taken off the Curriculum?" And Albus nods as he answers: "It was one of the last Lucius took off the list, but he was sure to get it off before Harry came back. And before you ask, I took a look at all the courses afterwards and those taken off would have really benefitted Harry."
"Benefitted me? How?" Harry asks, tilting his head and blinking in curiosity and Albus answers: "Lucius thought you would be Lord Potter once you grow up, because we all believed Lily and James to be dead, thus making you the direct and only Heir to the House of Potter. By taking off these courses, he kind of made sure you would remain unaware of this fact. That, once you turned seventeen, you would struggle with your rightful duties."
Harry looks shocked and James, glaring at hearing this and stretching his arm out wide enough he can pull both his sons in for a protective hug, says: "Something I will be more than happy to get him back for in due time. Taking my son the rights to his inheritance. I'm betting half the classes he took off were classes my family specifically put into the curriculum to help upcoming Heirs to several Noble and Ancient Families."
Albus nods and Harry says: "But that doesn't make sense. Why take off such classes if they benefit me as well as his own son?" And Albus says: "You forget that Lucius really thinks things through, Harry. He more than likely already began teaching Draco those things himself at a much younger age and must have inspired his friends to do the same thing. Giving his son a private version of the classes he took from other students."
Harry nods and asks: "So what courses are we talking about, exactly?" And Albus counts down on his fingers as he answers: "Well, there are Law and Order, as your mother mentioned, Feasts and Socialization, Finances for the Financial and Ancient History of Ancient Houses. All classes a Direct Pureblood Heir would greatly benefit from. And of course, Muggleborns would benefit as well as they would learn more about the world they entered."
Harry looks at this shocked, Hermione glares as if feeling enraged over the fact that she missed out on so many extra lessons and Albus sighs and says: "Add to that that he took Magical Traditions and Tragedies off the curriculum and changed Muggle Studies from a Mandatory to an Elective Course and he made it all the harder for you to properly function, not to mention many other Muggleborn students around you."
"Muggle Studies was mandatory?" Hermione asks shocked and Sirius says: "Running off course again." The Muggleborn turns red, yet Sirius just smirks at her to prove he doesn't blame her and James says: "Don't worry, we'll help you guys. We'll just do some small studies after the reading to make sure you know the basics of the subjects and then try to get the courses back. For those of you interested, of course."
Everyone nods at this, Ron turning a little red as he had looked repulsed over the idea of extra classes over summer and Sirius says: "And if you can get my name cleared – don't ask –." He says as James looks concerned and confused and he goes on: "We can use the Potter-Black name combined to get those classes back and make all the changes Hogwarts really needs." This makes the students cheer and I read on, smiling.
"You can't …Arthur Weasley
"How is that helpful advice? And why write it like that? Couldn't you have at least asked him how he was? Surely you know he wouldn't use magic unless absolutely necessary? And, did I forget, the danger was two DEMENTORS! Why didn't you send a bar of chocolate along with that letter?" James shouts at the end of his rant and Arthur turns red in shame as he says:
"I was reacting more to the fact that I knew Harry would most likely overreact to being expelled than anything else and I didn't really think my letter through. I just wanted Harry somewhere we could reach him as I saw that Sirius was finally winning ground on getting Harry to be brought here and that's what I wrote the letter for."
"What do you mean, finally winning ground? Why didn't anyone listen to that in the first place? Doesn't Sirius have first right in decisions regarding Harry? Even if he was faking to be godfather, doesn't that title outweigh all of yours or something?" James asks, confused and angry and Sirius grumbles: "Not if everyone believes me that I haven't spent enough time with Harry to know him as well as they do."
James looks at this shocked, while Albus, Arthur and Remus cringe at the way that the man throws their words back in their face and asks: "What kind of hippogriff dung is that statement? And what in Merlin's name do you mean hiding from the law?" Sirius sighs and says: "Let's just say Halloween had a really bad ending, for both Harry and myself." James looks curious at this, but I see my chance and read on.
Dumbledore was … alone expulsion.
"I really should have written you a better letter. And your mother is right, I should have send chocolate along with it to help you with possible aftereffects. I just really thought I had everything covered that would help you calm down and keep you from overreacting." Arthur sighs in defeat and Harry says: "There are many sides of me you don't know." The man nods and Sora says: "And even more that I don't know about.
Good thing these books are here, now I can." He ends exuberantly and I see Harry sharing a look with Arthur's youngest son and Hermione, one that obviously says: "Wonder how long he'll think that." Sighing as Harry just didn't have an easy life and won't have either, with the war that's coming ever closer. Yet the way that I saw Sora, Riku and Kairi look when they took on Molly makes me feel a little more sure that the boy will be safe and with that do I read on.
His mind … this before.
"Thank goodness those Muggles didn't destroy all your faith in others or adults." Remus sighs and Harry says: "Oh, in adults they destroyed it, alright. They shattered it to pieces on my eleventh birthday when Hagrid came to pick me up to take me to Diagon Alley. I just had a lot more people around me, ten months a year, four years in a row that helped me restore it – or enough that I can stop myself from overreacting too much."
He ends with his hand in the back of his hair and his head down a little, making Sora tilt his head before he shakes it, as if unaware of his own actions. Wondering what that could be about, do I decide to believe that it must be because of the boy's so called journeys and, confident to find out more about that and hoping to also find out why it was Hagrid who took Harry to Diagon Alley for the first time, do I read on.
"Right," Harry … the dogs."
"He really thinks the Ministry for Magic has a hand in the British Government? We're only obligated to tell the Prime Minister of big events happening from time to time, nothing more. Seriously, who on earth brought Potter there, because they obviously forgot to help those Muggles integrate, or at least explain them enough to help them explain Potter would he need it." Moody growls and then suddenly a loud sound is heard.
Looking around, we see Harry lying on the floor, his hands over his stomach and laughing so hard, tears run down his cheeks and his eyes are closed in near pain. We all look at him shocked, even though a small part of me is glad that the boy can still laugh this hard about something as he gasps: "In-in-inter-integrate? Them? Oh, hilarious! Yeah right and Voldemort is the Kindest Minister For Magic of the Century."
And he laughs on, his eyes now closed in actual pain and he cries: "My stomach, my lunges, I can't take it." Before laughing on, while everyone of us either looks at him shocked or shares a worried glance with someone sitting close to us. Finally after a few more minutes Harry wheezes down and gasps, pushing himself up on hands and knees.
He shakes his head and says: "Now that was a laugh I strongly needed." He then turns to Mad-Eye and says: "Thanks, Moody, I needed that." But the man just sends him a confused look with his good eye as he says: "Potter, I wasn't joking." Shocking the teen into sitting up as he goes on: "It's not uncommon for orphans, especially during wartime, to be raised by Muggles until they can get into the adoption program.
Those that do – are raised by Muggles, I mean – have someone be send with them to explain the Muggles of the Magical World, all its Magical Means, where we have connections and what the duties and responsibilities of the Muggles are regarding the child, would he or she stay for longer than the program actually requires. They even, if it's considered possible, offer the Muggles in question to adopt the orphaned child."
Harry looks at the Ex-Auror in shock and then he seems to remember something. He turns to Dumbledore and says: "Wait, Hagrid was being literal back then? He actually meant it when he said that you just left me with nothing but a letter? I thought he was joking or that you had left them the letter to help them if they needed more answers, not that I was just – left on a doorstep in the middle of November or something."
And everyone else also looks shocked at this and then Sirius says: "We'll talk later, Albus. But from now on, any decision you want to make about my sons – that doesn't concern their schooling and involves Minerva – goes through James and me first. And I won't take no for an answer, Albus. I respect you as Headmaster, you respect me as his father." Albus had tried to argue, but he nods in the end and I read on.
When Harry … his mind.
"And that only further proves that they know nothing of the magical world." James sighs and Harry says: "Because I never talk with them." But Sirius shakes his head and says: "That's not it, son. Lily confessed to us years ago that her sister is amazingly intelligent and even has a photographic memory. Add to that her nosiness and that she used to spy on her little sister and it just doesn't explain the whole picture."
James rubs his chin at this, pulling at the skin with his forefinger and thumb like he always did when investigating a case for the Aurors or Hit Wizards and he says: "It must be because she doesn't know what caused the whole thing. If she hears it was Dementors, then surely she will understand why Dudley was hearing things. I remember Lily telling me about her learning about them before she went to Hogwarts for her First."
Sirius nods and slaps his mate on the back, saying: "As brilliant and thinking things through as always." And Hermione smiles: "Just like Harry." Making Harry blush as his mother smiles at him in pride, something I know Hermione planned on letting happen with that comment. And I smile at the young witch, loving that she managed to cheer up the situation while we are reading such an annoying chapter as I read on.
"What sort … to hear?
"Most bullies actually feel what their victims feel when near Dementors. They feel as if they are the victims and as if it's happening over and over again. Most of them even feel the helplessness the victims feel when the bullies go unpunished." I mutter and Harry asks: "How do you know that?" And while his curiosity reminds me of James and the many questions he had about my travels the first time we met in St. Mungo's, do I answer: "There were some cases of magical Bullies that I investigated back in my early days.
I felt just as curious as you did a few days ago, so I called for a Questioning Hour, where the prisoner is allowed out of his cell and into an Interrogation Chamber inside Azkaban for an hour and where an Auror can question them about anything, and where there will be Patroni outside the small room, keeping the Dementors at bay.
I did just that and found out. Felt it was quite the suitable punishment as well. Not only do those Dementors suck the happiness out of those idiots, they also make them feel as if they were the victims of their own bullying. Poetic justice, that's what I call it." Harry nods and then seems to realize something as he asks:
"If you did that, then why didn't you question Sirius as well?" And I sigh as this had been one of the reasons I took Sirius' case after he escaped and say: "Knew you were going to ask that. I was still a Second Year Trainee when I did this, only two levels below where Tonks is now and only Hit Wizards and the Minister were allowed in the area of Azkaban where Sirius was kept. I actually needed a higher-ranked Auror's Patronus to do what I did.
I had no right to even be near that place, let alone get involved with the criminals incarcerated there. If I had been, I would have surely questioned Sirius first chance I got, seeing I became a Trainee shortly after he was arrested. It just took me five years to get to Tonks' level and after that, cases like that aren't opened anymore. We don't feel it necessary, because the prisoners either admit to their crimes during either the trial or their stay there or – well – you get it."
And at this do the kids shudder, while Sora, Riku and Kairi share a dark look with each other. "But that's just plain wrong. Even in the Muggle World criminals can ask for temporary release, no matter how harsh their crimes. The decision on whether to grant it, of course, does slightly depend on that, but still. If cases like Sirius' aren't opened anymore, how are we supposed to get him set free?" Hermione asks angrily.
And Ariel answers: "We reveal that Walt Disney was a Seer and that I am of Royal Blood." Everyone looks at her shocked and she says: "I am a Princess of the Sea and a Queen of the Land world in my world, since I married Erik years ago. And, thanks to Walt Disney releasing a movie about my adventure to go from mermaid to human, I'm right famous in the Muggle world. I have full rights to stand for Sirius and give him a trial myself, I'm sure of it."
To this I sigh and say: "You might have that right, Your Highness, but Fudge is not going to allow it." And yet Moody proves that he's still as stubborn and unwilling to subject to corrupt leaders as always as he says: "Unless he has to." I turn to him and he says: "We're already planning to inform Her Majesty of what has been happening to the Hero of our world, why not inform her of this injustice while we're at it?"
This idea startles me, but as I realize that it has merit, does it make my eyes shine in happiness as I've been wanting to free Sirius since I joined the Order and discovered about his innocence and then Hermione asks: "Why didn't anyone else think about presenting Sirius' problem to the Queen? I mean, they were informed about his escape, so why not this?" And I sigh as I say: "We have some very precise agreements with her.
There are only three specific situations, outside of Muggles committing one of five to Magical Minors, where we can involve her. We are not to disturb her unless Hogwarts and another Magical School in England both need her assistance. We are not to inform her of anything regarding the Ministry, other than the elections for Minister. And we are not to present every single case of Wizarding Judgment to her, unless they are linked together."
The girl nods and says: "I guess that makes sense. Her Majesty more than likely has her hands full on just the Muggle side of our country. But still, with Sirius being Harry's father and Harry being the victim in the Heavy Abuse Case, that would be a linked case you could present to the Queen, having her court take care of the Dursleys, while she takes care of Sirius' innocence." I nod and smile at her intelligence before reading on again.
"How come … Aunt Petunia.
"And there's the proof that she, like her sister, has a Photographic memory. Just such a shame she uses it for the wrong reasons." Arthur sighs and Moody growls: "I call it a good thing, will help us get the truth out of her easier if she still has such clear recollections of what she and her monster of a husband put Potter through."
This makes me nod, even if I wish it wasn't true and James turns Harry to him as he asks: "What on earth did that Monster put you through?" And Harry hangs his head low as Sirius lies a hand on James' shoulder and says: "Enough that he needs our love, comfort and full-time support." James nods, but then he turns back to his son with a loving smile on his face as he says: "And he has that, regardless of any situation." Making Harry smile as I read on.
Two seconds … horribly flustered.
"I never talked with Lily about the Dementors. She already knew about them by the time we really started talking with each other." James says confused and Albus answers: "Lily had another Halfblood living near her home. She was good friends with him and he became her confident and mentor as her bond with her sister lessened – but, alas." James seems to understand this, turning his head down in guilt and he asks:
"The fact that we needed her to continue our plan and keep the bond between me and Siri secret made her have to chose between us and him and she chose us." He seems to remember something and turns to Albus with a determined look on his face as he says: "I need to speak with him. There is something we found out, about Lily, during the war that he deserves to know. We wanted him to know then, but – the war –." Albus nods, Harry looks confused and I read on.
Harry was … didn't exist.
"Excuse me? When exactly did this happen?" James asks, now looking shocked and angry, obviously over the insult to his sister-by-magic and Harry spats bitterly: "Remember what I said about Hagrid and my eleventh birthday? It happened that day. On the same day as that I received my first letter and that I was told you and Lily were killed instead of dying in a car accident." But then he seems to realize what he said.
He slaps a hand over his mouth, for some reason looking horrified and even terrified, as if he's afraid that we will punish him for telling us this. But while I disagree is it obvious that the pot is on fire now as everyone is beyond furious and I certainly can't blame them as no one should be lying to a child about his parents, let alone how they were killed. Trying to focus on writing this down under Petunia's name, I use the focus to stay calm and not lose my temper.
Others have taken to other means to calm down their own raging emotions as both Sora and Riku have drawn their Keyblades and have apparently drawn each other into battle, their minds obviously so onto their anger they can only focus on each other as they swing their weapons and parry and block the many attacks the other throws at them. Yet while watching them, can I not help but spot a hint of desire to assert his dominance in Riku's eyes.
Kairi is sitting next to Ariel with Erik, trying to calm the redhead down and remind her of her child and Sirius is holding onto James and Harry so tightly, it's obvious he's using his love for them to keep his own anger under control. James is holding onto him as well and making a soft crooning sound, even if the anger is heard underneath.
Ron and Hermione have joined the twins, who have drawn out a list of their own and the four of them seem to make a formidable foursome as they whisper and mutter and snicker together, obviously thinking of many devious ways of getting back at the woman who was horrible enough to lie to her own nephew, their friend. And the looks on their faces, especially Hermione's, makes me feel glad that the girl is on our side.
Tonks is next to me and while she and Moody seem to be holding a break-your-opponent's-hand competition, is her hair growing and lengthening beyond any I have ever seen, the color so black, I almost wonder if there is enough light in this room as the darkness seems to swallow her up like a dark shadow of some kind.
Arthur is just as angry as anyone and he seems to actually be educating his son in the many ways Ancient Runes can be used to hurt people instead of protecting them – something I know he was studying before he married Molly and joined the Ministry – and Bill is angrily scribbling down everything his father tells him. I am sitting on the lad's right and am able to see that the man is also scribbling down plans through which he can use his current lessons.
Remus, on the other hand, seems to take this the worst as he had stormed out of the room and I can now hear him raging upstairs on the first and second floor and I almost wonder if, in his anger, he'll be able to take Mrs. Black down, but then lie my focus where it really belongs – with the little boy this is all about in the first place.
Harry is just looking from his father, to the door leading upstairs, to Hermione sitting with the twins, to Arthur, to Kairi and then back to his father, before the whole cycle begins again. And even if his father seems to draw Harry's attention the most, another piece of evidence that the boy has been deprived of love for too long a time, do I also notice a look of shocked amazement on his face as if he was expecting a completely different reaction.
Then suddenly I notice something and ask: "Where did Albus go?" And everyone seems to calm down at hearing this as they all look around, but nothing indicates that the man was ever here, other than the empty space next to Arthur where the man had been seated earlier. Looking around the room some more, I see something.
The fireplace is still alight and I can see small green sparks flying from the ashes, while the pot of Floo Powder is lying on the floor, having obviously been smashed as someone must have reached for it in a daze and I realize that the man must have been too devastated by what he heard to stay, something I can't blame him for. He had been the one to send Harry there, ignore his pleas to stay elsewhere and now heard evidence of why he shouldn't have.
Sirius sighs and says: "Sora, Riku, blades down. That'll do." The two nod, but Riku's eyes still shine with fury and I know the teen will probably demand to come along when we go to arrest the Dursleys. I also notice him grimacing and remember that hint of dominance, realizing the boy must be bumped about the fight ending in a tie. Hoping to have even more evidence against the Muggles by the time that happens, if only to really secure their punishment, do I read on.
Or so I try, but Sirius says: "Not now, Kingsley. Wait a second, if you please." I nod, understanding that the man must still be too angry to listen to anything about those monsters right now. He turns to Harry yet his calm tone and the loving look in his eyes proves otherwise as he says: "Harry, this – what you just told us – is a crime in and of itself. Do you know why it is?"
Harry shakes his head, which just utterly disgusts me, yet I don't blame the boy as Sirius says: "Because you not knowing what happened to James and Lily could have very well allowed for others – like the Malfoys or the Lestranges – to twist the story around and make you feel guilty for taking down their lord. They could have used you not knowing to cause all kinds of things, even Last June to happen a lot sooner.
You not knowing this truth, this story, is a danger to you and to anyone who tries to honor Lily's death as – anyone at age eleven – would be willing to believe other stories if they hear someone knew their parents and knew they couldn't have died in a car accident. But that's not what I'm most angry about." The man ends, while I myself feel amazed that he is able to hold back on his anger enough to try and educate his son like this.
I look at him confused and he says: "What I am most angry about, Harry, is that I know Petunia and if she told you about Lily's faith when you were eleven and when you received your letter, then I just know she wasn't fair to you when she told you the truth. She must have told you some horror story and that isn't right either."
Harry smiles at this and says: "Don't worry, Siri – dad. Hagrid was there and he told me the story – well, what people knew of it anyway." Sirius nods, while I can tell that he's confused as to why Hagrid would be there and I can't help but agree with him and wonder about the Half-Giant myself as I read on as Remus returns.
Uncle Vernon … 'April Fool!'
"What's that?" Arthur asks and Harry, Hermione, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Erik and Ariel look at him shocked, but for some reason do I get the feeling that the shock of Harry and Hermione has a different reason behind it than that of the others and then Ariel says: "It's the first of April when everyone plays little pranks on each other." The woman giggles after this and Erik groans as he asks: "Why do you always remember that one?" Making his wife giggle harder.
This makes the man look at his twin sons, who look at each other shocked and then Ron laughs and says: "They were actually born pranksters. Mum having them on that day actually made them born pranksters. This is – is- is just too – too – too good." And he laughs on, his hand banging on the table in front of him. Arthur also smiles and says: "I don't think I have ever been happier that you two were two weeks late." Apparently shocking Ron out of his laughter.
"So you never knew your sons were born on the day where everyone plays practical jokes and hoaxes on each other, even if it's not recognized as an official National Holiday?" Hermione asks shocked and Arthur shakes his head as he says: "That must be a Muggle thing, because Pranks aren't exactly restricted to one day with us."
"They aren't with us either, Mr. Weasley, Muggles just tend to go loose a little more with hoaxes and pranks on April Fool's day, that's all. Even people who usually don't like to or aren't that much into pranks, like myself, tend to let loose on the first of April. It's just something that has been going through Muggle history since Medieval times." The man nods, looking very interested in this and I feel intrigued myself before reading on.
When nobody … shut again.
"And he thinks that's going to work?" Sora asks and he goes on: "It didn't work last time, why would it now?" And Riku answers: "First of all Sora, I'm more worried about that letter. And second, and this is a question formed from what Harry told us a few times last night, do you really want to try and understand that Muggle or how he thinks?"
The boy wrinkles his nose at this, something I notice that Riku pays more attention to than anyone else really would and he says: "Forget I asked." The silver-haired lad nods and I really wish Sora would be sixteen again as it's obvious those two belong together and just need the dreams to prove it and with that thought, do I read on.
Dear Mr. Potter … Ministry of Magic
"That woman is totally mad!" Sora ends with a shout and he goes on: "She's capable of writing down how much time there was between the two letters, but can't even bother finding out why my brother used the Patronus charm? What kind of a hag is that?" I sigh and answer: "Amelia is forbidden by Fudge from doing so. Trust me, I know she hates it; I heard her rage in her office after she got the orders." Yet Hermione says:
"Still, I got to agree with him. Why is it even possible that the Ministry can detect Magic done around Muggles, but don't take the time to investigate? I mean, this is the second time it's happened around Harry and the other time he was innocent as well." And Alastor grunts as he says: "We decided not to investigate the cases anymore after discovering that 60% of our cases were accidental magic performed by those under age eleven.
It made us so busy trying to tune the detectors onto those at the right age that, in the end, the Wizengamot tied several Magical Laws to the detection spells. And after that the detection spells became the Trace, which is added to each new bought wand and is broken when the witch or wizard turns off age.
Therefore our needs to investigate the cases became unnecessary as the trace was a part of both the Wizard's core as well as their wand. Any magic more severely than that of a ten year old was considered a violation of the rules and thus in need of the letters we send to them. Though now that I know that Potter got falsely accused not once, but twice, I see that that plan has spiraled completely out of control."
The man grunts again and says: "Too bad we have no one at the Wizengamot or they could have brought this up right next meeting, which Fudge is probably going to hold just before or after Potter's little hearing." This makes my lips turn thin yet again as I absolutely hate how Fudge is trying to ruin everything for us and I ask: "Would it be too much of a risk to get Bonehead Fudge coming to this reading as well?"
And yet Harry instantly jumps up and shouts: "WITH MY FATHER RIGHT NEXT TO ME?" And while Sirius smiles at being called dad, do I hit myself in the head and say: "Right, didn't think that one through. Sorry." Harry sighs as he sits back down, yet he also shrugs and says: "It's okay, I get that all the time. Or, at least a lot of times." And while Ron and Hermione nod, amused smiles on their faces, do I read on.
Harry read … hopeful afterthought.
"As a WHAT?" James, Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Moody and Arthur shout, while all of Harry's friends, Sora, Riku and Kairi just seem either too furious or horrified to speak and then Arthur says: "In name of the Department of Misuse Of Muggle Artifacts do I, Arthur William Weasley, Head of the Noble House of Weasley, demand right to attend the Hearing of Vernon Dursley after his arrest. So I swear, so mote it be."
I look shocked at this, but know Arthur has that right as this still concerns a Muggle, even if he's not being baited like all of Arthur's other cases and then Harry asks: "That hearing will still be private, right? Even with a Department Head now joined in on it all?" And I nod, smiling in order to reassure the boy as I say: "It will probably be a Private Hearing inside the Queen's court, that's at least what I'm working on."
This makes the young man smile in relief and he says: "Just make sure not too many people attend that hearing, it will draw suspicion. And I definitely don't want someone like Malfoy or Skeeter to get the wrong details about all this." And while I can understand this, does Sirius laugh as he asks: "Didn't we already prove that we can hide ourselves from the public eye? Look at this house! Look at the guard duty we've been performing for the last month."
Harry smiles at his dad and the man goes on: "And don't forget who you're talking to either, young man. I have been able to keep out of the hands of the Ministry for the last two years, you know?" Harry now smiles widely and while I personally don't really see that last one as an accomplishment, do I want read on.
But then suddenly the fireplace lights up again and Albus steps back through, his face a mask of calm I can easily see through as he asks: "Did I miss anything?" And Arthur answers: "I vowed to come along when the Muggles are arrested." The headmaster nods at this and takes his seat again, repairing the Floo jar as I read on.
"I've got … Vernon nastily.
"That bastard is so dead." James snarls and then Riku turns to me and asks: "Permission to use Keyblades in between hearing and official sentencing?" And I smile as I say: "You'll have to repeat that request to her Majesty, Riku, but if you didn't have to, I would have approved." The silver haired boy smiles and I notice two things. One is a look of dark delight on his face and the other is Sora staring at him adoringly as I read on.
"Well, if … they DO?"
This, while I wonder why Albus never bothered to send the Dursleys small bits of text to explain them about the dangers of our world, makes James hit himself on the head as he says: "And I bonded my family through magic to that?" To which many snicker and the man sighs before he shrugs and says: "At least Lily made it worthwhile." To this Sirius nods and then Harry looks up and says: "Wait a second, I – I wonder about something."
We all look at him and he turns to his mother as he asks: "It's about that Halloween night that I survived all those years ago. If Lily and I didn't share blood, then, like professor Dumbledore explained me, how was it possible that her love for me and her acceptance to stand between me and Voldemort caused for a Blood Protection to be activated inside me upon her death?" James looks at this shocked while I feel intrigued and he asks:
"You think that's what happened?" And Harry turns to Dumbledore as he says: "Sure, what else?" The man himself looking equally intrigued and confused and James says: "Harry, you're an Empathic Veela. Lily and I found that out after we went down under. She simply changed all her emotions into a transportable form of magic and upon her death used non-verbal wandless magic to transport that to you, enhancing your own Empathic powers."
This shocks the boy and while he tries to be almost dead-silent, do I still hear Dumbledore whisper: "The power the Dark Lord knows not." And while I still hate that sentence, along with the rest of the prophesy we are guarding, do I agree with the man as Voldemort would never care for Veelas as people enough to study the many kinds there are and thus never discover the actual power Empathic Veela hold in their emotions.
Relieved that Harry now has a real power – one he can learn to harness and that will probably be strengthened when he finds his own mates – to defend himself. I still hate this fact at the same time as it proves that Harry is indeed the child of the Prophesy, destined to take down Voldemort. I look at Sora, having full trust that the kind-hearted boy – that is so easily liked – will do anything he can to aid and protect his little brother.
Smiling at this as Harry and Sora both have this trait as part of their personality, I just know that the two together will be a force to be reckoned with – even without them really having to do anything as their personalities will be enough to take anyone that stands in their way everything that person could hold dear. They will be able to take those in power all of their sources of power and able to build armies, just by being kind to those who deserve it.
Shuddering at the thought – and the idea of being on the wrong side of that event – I take another look at the two boys and think: "How can two people, who are so kind and generous, be so dangerous – just by being so kind and generous?" Deciding not to think about it anymore, as the idea of using generosity and kindness for evil or nefarious purposes just isn't something either Sora or Harry would do, do I turn my attention back on the book.
"I told … did you?"
"This guy officially needs medical help, fast." Ariel says, her voice proving that, like me, she is growing sick and tired of these chapters concerning the Muggles and then Erik goes on and says: "Yeah, on how to grow some understanding and then some. And of course – when he finally gets it – the help of someone understanding the Magical world like he understands that boxing thing." This shocks Harry and then he says:
"That's it." We all look at him and he says: "I've – I've always believed that if you explain Muggle things to a magical person in such a way they understand it, then the gap between Muggleborns and Purebloods would shrink. And that Muggleborns could benefit from it the same way if wizards were to do the same. I could just never think of a way to do so, so I kept my mouth shut. But what Erik just said – that's exactly it."
Everyone looks from the confused prince to the young man and he says: "All we need to do is put a lot of Magical references in our Muggle explanations and the Purebloods will feel as if we're explaining the Floo system to them or something. They just don't understand Muggle stuff, because technology has too many unknown terms in it. Because Muggles have evolved way further than most witches and wizards even realize."
Everyone looks at the boy with wide eyes and Hermione asks: "You really think that can work?" And while the girl sounds curious, do I also spot a hidden undertone that sounds quite disbelieving. And apparently wanting to prove his point, does Harry ask: "Ron, would you like me to elaborate further on my explanation on those bikes that were mentioned earlier?" Ron nods, while Arthur looks intrigued and Harry says:
"You can actually compare most of them to how wizards use their brooms for sports and short-term transport. The paddles in the middle are like the accelerator on a broom. The steering wheel's the same as the front of a broom and the metal bars attached to them are like the brake on a broom. The rest of it – just the frame to make sure the bike stays together and that everything works in perfect order without causing incidents, you get me?"
The other boy looks at his best friend shocked and asks: "So it's – it's just a Muggle form of sport gear and the wheels are just meant to make the broom move the same way magic makes a broom fly?" Harry nods and says: "Yes exactly. Like brooms bikes have sport-models and easier models, like for kids. Hell, they even have models for grandma's and all." Ron looks shocked and Hermione asks: "So you actually get it now?"
And Ron answers: "Get it? Heck, I would take Muggle studies first chance if the stuff would be explained that way. Why didn't you ever do it this way? Harry was right, you know? You use so many Muggle terms, I feel like you're speaking Japanese or something." And the girl's mouth just drops open, while Riku, Sora, James and Sirius smile at their son, brother and best friend's brother in total pride, Harry turning red and trying to hide as he sees this.
Hating how the boy just can't accept a praise, not even a silent one from his family, do I decide not to add this to the list as some people are just naturally shy and instead do I say: "I really think Harry should open up a small study group when he gets to Hogwarts and invite students to understand Muggles his way."
Everyone nods at this, Albus and Arthur smiling in excitement at this, even if I also spot a bit of envy in Arthur's eyes, making me smirk and Harry says: "That will get some heavy criticism from the Board of Governors." And James says: "Not if I can get myself registered as alive before that time and can get the Board back under my control, seeing that the original Founding Father of that Board of Governors was a Potter."
This shocks Harry and he asks: "So – if – if Mrs. Weasley hadn't had you where you were and I would have turned seventeen –." And James ends: "Then you would have officially been allowed to take over the Board as Leading member, alongside several other official titles and duties. And that is also taking into account whether or not Sora had come back." This shocks Harry senseless and James says: "Which is exactly what I'll be doing soon enough."
"NO!" Harry suddenly shouts and everyone looks at him shocked – that is, everyone but Sirius as the man lies his hands on his son's shoulders and says: "We'll discuss this after the chapter, okay son?" Harry nods, still looking at his mother with a fear I just can't seem to understand and instead of trying, do I read on.
"You can't … Sirius's handwriting.
This makes Harry cringe harshly, but then Sirius wraps an arm around his shoulders and says: "With everything you have been waiting for and the fear you've been growing to feel thanks to all that not knowing and all those nightmares, can I honestly say that I cannot blame you, son, I really, honestly can't." And yet I can't help but raise an eyebrow at the two, wondering why Harry would feel bad for thinking negative on his family even only once.
This makes Harry smile at him slightly uncomfortable and then Albus asks: "Harry, are you still –." And Sirius asks: "Having nightmares about that horrible event? Yes, yes, he is, Albus. He has them every night. The book told us so just last chapter. I told you, Albus. I told you it was a bad idea to question him so soon after he experienced it all. Heck, it wouldn't even have been half bad, had the scenery been different."
This confuses Albus and Sirius asks: "I know how much you care, Albus, so I'm sure you can work with me here. Imagine yourself as a fourteen year old. Where would you rather relieve yourself of a mental, exhausting burden? An office filled with things you don't know about and living portraits, or a living room with warm fireplace and your friends surrounding you, holding your hand in comfort and support when needed."
The man cringes and Sirius says: "You should have allowed for Harry to choose the time and place for where he would tell you what you needed to know. If I know him like I think I do, he would have suggested the next morning, named one or two people he'd want there, and told you everything. You should not have expected of him to report to you like we of the Order do – and then not even accept him into said Order, because that is just too hypocritical and wrong."
Albus sighs and says: "You're right, Sirius and I apologize. Thinking back, I remember myself overwhelmed by grief and the need to prepare for Voldemort's return. I was not thinking straight that night. Harry, I will fully pay for whatever funds you need to get yourself healed of what happened back in June." To which Sirius rolls his eyes and asks: "Ehm, who's cousin of mine did you allow into the Order and what is her mother's profession again, Albus?"
And everyone turns to Tonks, who is happily smiling as she says: "Mum would love to come and help." And James asks: "After she got to know Harry and Harry has had time to get to know her as well? After all, no one opens up to a total stranger, not even if it's recommended for them or their health." Tonks nods and Harry smiles at his parents, while I can tell that Albus feels as if he failed Harry again and I read on.
Ignoring Uncle … you do.
Now, while I remember that the writing of this letter took the better part of ten minutes, James turns to his mate and asks: "And I had the guts to shout at Arthur? What WERE YOU EVEN THINKING?" But then Hermione distracts him and says: "Actually he was busy being held back by Lupin and others from killing Mundungus. I only just got him to write that down and didn't exactly read it through myself before sending it off."
The man looks shocked and I say: "Those two lines, James, took ten minutes." At this James shrugs, relieving us and says: "I can get that." But then he turns back to Sirius and says: "But still, you really should have tried to control your temper, love. You always know just how to put yourself into other people's shoes when you do, after all, and our son really needed that strong sense of empathy from you back then."
Sirius nods and says: "That's true, sorry Harry." But Harry just smiles widely, staring between his parents and I can only shake my head at how much Harry takes out of seeing his parents interact and finding out what kind of people they are. Still silently blessing the boy for getting more chances like this, do I read on.
Harry found … been done.
This makes the two mentioned men cringe in guilt and Arthur says: "We really should think the situations we're in through before writing Harry next time." But Sirius shakes his head and says: "First of all, we already established that Harry won't be back with the Muggles, so situations like this will already be lessened. Still we shouldn't do that, we should have, whoever guards Harry, take him away and back to us the minute he's in danger again.
Then we can show him we care and worry and he won't feel like he's being punished or that we aren't proud of him. Besides, now that Harry will be living with James and me, I won't have to be part of the writing team anymore anyway." This makes Harry smile and then Sirius goes on and says: "Not taking into account that our little man will be working hard to keep himself to the three rules I set up earlier, of course." Harry cringes at this and I read on.
"…A peck … "No idea."
"Was it Voldemort?" Harry asks, but while some of his friends still cringe and grimace at hearing the name, does Albus shake his head and say: "I'm afraid not, my boy. If I have to go by what we've seen Cornelius try to take out of this situation, am I almost 80% sure that this was an inside job. That it was done by someone working highly up the Ministerial rank, someone who cannot have this crime be traced back to them."
This makes Harry shudder, yet he also actually looks at Tonks, Arthur and me with a look of clear concern on his face and then Riku asks: "And the reason we didn't just take Harry out of his timeline and back into ours and our world was – what exactly?" Shocking us all and he says: "What? This world has more hearts filled with Darkness than all the people I've met since Ansem – and he was a Heartless for crying out loud."
This makes Sora sigh and he says: "We can't do that. Harry belongs here and so do we, Riku. We were born here and – I guess we just have to work our magic here like we did in the other Universe. We have to use the Keyblades, find the Keyhole like Master Yen Sid told us and our Back-up and friends to give the Light a new chance to shine in this world. We've been on so many journeys, we will definitely have enough lights to do so."
This makes Riku sigh and he says: "I know that, Sora, I'm just remembering what you were like just before we came here; what you feared and hate how it came true. Three years after a war and we're thrown right back into a new one. Will we ever be able to just relax and be ourselves?" To this Harry lies his hand on the boy's shoulder and says: "You can. Here you have family, friends and everyone who cares about you and will help you.
You're helping us better this world, we'll help you be yourself. No one will ever expect anything more out of you than they should." This makes Sora and Riku smile at the boy and I too feel amazed that someone so young can be so wise in such a caring way. Yet then Ron asks: "You mean like people expect the craziest of things out of you?" And Harry cringes as Hermione slaps Ron on the back of the head and Harry says:
"They expect that out of me because I'm considered their hero, Ron, and it's not like I can do anything about it." This angers me as the helplessness in the boy's voice proves to me that he has just given up on trying, even when he had sounded so strong and wise only minutes before. I send a look at Albus, silently telling him that his students and his fellow members of staff are partially responsible for this as well.
The man sighs and says: "No, but I can, Harry, and I haven't. The teachers and I tried to stay as neutral to you as possible to prove to the other students that, to us, you were but a normal student, but it seems that in our effort, we failed you as we failed to officially punish anyone giving you any other idea or impression of yourself."
"Add the abuse that I have listed to that and it's a miracle he's still on our side." I mutter silently, trying not to let Albus hear me. And it seems that the man doesn't as he keeps his eyes on a now squirming Harry and before the boy can open his mouth – probably to argue or tell the man that after all these years it is too late for this – does Ron intervene and does he say:
"Don't even think about it, mate. Those bastards deserve to be punished for everything they put you through, just because they didn't think any further than your scar and trust me, I've already served detention myself. I reported myself after the first task and McGonagall was very disappointed in me, like she should be."
This shocks Harry and Ron says: "And not just at me either, Harry, she should be disappointed in everyone in school, except the Ravenclaw and Slytherin First and Second years and the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff First years. Everyone else deserves to feel ashamed of what they did and they deserve to be punished, no matter what. They've been pushing you around and forcing their expectations on you for no good reason for years on end and that's just not right."
Harry hangs his head at this, obviously disagreeing, but recognizing the Weasley Stubbornness like myself. And while I cannot believe how little self-value Harry has that he won't even stand up to people expecting ridiculous stuff out of him, only because of his scar, do I vow to help Albus take this notion out of the world. And while I can only hope that this will help bring out more of the caring wise side of the boy, do I read on.
His head … they would?
"Speaking of that, Headmaster." Harry suddenly says, his voice almost too low for me to hear and I can tell that he is seriously fighting with himself to continue, as if the boy believes he doesn't have the right to voice his opinion about something and then he says: "I do agree on the plans to stop Voldemort that you voiced, sir, I – I really do. I – I just –." He then stops, his mouth obviously trying not to work anymore.
We all look at him and Albus gently encourages him as he asks: "Yes, dear boy?" And Harry takes a deep breath, obviously gathering his inner Gryffindor courage as he says: "I just think they were steps you should have offered to Fudge a little later into the war. Not right at the brink of the start of it and definitely not so soon after someone had died, after the end of such a grand event. It was bound to have him refuse your every offer."
We all look shocked and he says: "I've had a lot of time to myself this summer, sir, and it got me time to think. The best way to fight Voldemort is to take him everything he takes his power from and he takes most of his power out of the growing differences between Muggleborns and Purebloods. So if we help integration improve on both sides, will Voldemort lose followers, because people will be happier that way."
This makes us all look at each other shocked and then Hermione asks: "Now why didn't I think of that?" And while I can tell from his face that Albus is wondering the same thing himself, does Harry just shrug with a smile as he says: "Voldemort and his war are mostly known out of two things; how most of his followers are Purebloods and how Muggles and Muggleborns were victims of his terror and killing the most.
If we can prevent that by integrating Purebloods into Muggle society – like I just did with Ron and the bike – and integrating Muggleborns into the Pureblood society – by, well, explaining the most basic things right in, say, the first few weeks of their First year or by making sure they make friends with a Pureblood upon their first visit to the Alley – we can win the war against Voldemort without having to raise a single wand or risking a single soul."
This makes everyone smile at the boy in pride and Albus says: "Why don't we discuss your integration plans at the end of this chapter, dear boy? I do believe that would be better as I am quite sure that this chapter won't take half as long and I would love to pick your brain on all of this." Harry nods, his face red at the chance of sharing his intelligence with his headmaster and I smile at the brilliant little guy before reading on.
"These Demembers … slightest tremor.
"Speaking of which, why are wizards scared of his name anyway? I've been wondering that for the last four years now. Why is that? Why are they still so afraid after all these years of peace?" Harry asks, obviously trying to get over his shyness and Arthur sighs, obviously remembering his own losses as he says: "We're afraid to do so, Harry, because – back in the last war – Voldemort had put a Taboo on his name."
This makes Harry tilt his head and Moody says: "He means a special enchantment, Potter, one that breaks down wards and allows for Death Eaters to track down and find whoever says the name in a second. It's what caused most of the deaths in the Order, back in the last few years. Only the wards of Hogwarts were strong enough to fight this, but even there people didn't want to take the risk, fearing that doing so too often would strain the wards."
This shocks Harry and he asks: "Voldemort had a spell on his name that allowed for his men to find yours no matter what spells or wards they put up? No wonder everyone's still afraid." And Arthur nods, before Harry turns to Ron and asks: "Why didn't you ever tell me?" Making the redhead look shocked while everyone laughs hard. And while Ron mutters: "How was I supposed to know. No one ever told me." Do I read on.
"Lord – hang … painful topic.
This instantly makes the whole kitchen be enveloped in a strong aura of anger and hatred, this time even without Harry's Empathic Veela ability in play. "That uncaring bastard. He might not care for me or my death, but that is no reason for him to hurt your feelings or talk so lightly about it. Oh, just wait until I get my hands on him – heck, I won't even need my hands when I get to him – I'll just talk him right out of whatever high cloud of selfish bastardness he's living on."
James growls, voicing the thoughts of many of those around me and making basically everyone nod in agreement. Then Sirius kisses his cheek as he says: "And that is the James I know and love. The one I fell in love with in fourth year and didn't dare get a chance with until I was halfway through my sixth." James laughs and says: "Yeah, because I forced you to take me on that Valentines Hogsmeade Weekend, remember?"
Sirius blushes at this as everyone else laughs and says: "Hey, after that things really went upwards fast and we still turned out very happy. You can't deny that." But then James kisses him straight on the lips and whispers: "Did you hear me deny it then, my lovely mutt?" And while Remus laughs hard at Sirius' shock and think: "Pranksters pranking other pranksters. I've officially seen everything." Making me snicker as I read on.
"That giant … turned upside-down;
This makes everyone around me shake their heads in sorrow and Hermione says: "I might not tell my parents everything that happens at Hogwarts, mostly because I often hear them talk with each other about whether or not they should pull me out, but I certainly don't feel like there's a wall separating them from the Magical World." This makes Harry lower his head and mumble softly: "It was there for my peace of mind."
This makes the girl look at her best friend with pain and Albus asks: "Was it really necessary, Harry?" Harry nods and says: "By having that wall in my mind, it was easier for me to pretend they didn't exist when I was away from them – just like they always pretended that I didn't exist when they talked about me with me in the room. And trust me, they did that a lot. Dudley even sometimes pretended I wasn't there, just so he could insult me behind my back."
This makes my old friend and leader lower his head, while I silently debate with myself whether or not to report this latest bit of info under the Muggle boy's name and he says: "I really should have seen that there was something wrong when your behavior to those Muggles didn't match up with the reports Arabella kept sending in. I just believed it was because you were growing to be a regular teen and they don't like associating with family."
This makes everyone shrug and James says: "I might not like that Fanatical Figgy was that close to my little boy, but even I can see how she has been keeping everyone from realizing what she has been doing. Even if it wasn't really her doing it or that her doing it like that still creeps me out even more than before."
To this Sirius and Harry quickly hug their mate and mother and we all look at the man, knowing that he must be reliving that terrible event on his eleventh birthday as he hears about this and that, every time he hears the name, he must be fearing for his youngest son's life. Then, in an obvious attempt to reassure the man, does Albus strongly say: "James, I assure you I will get to the bottom of this when I go talk to her."
James smiles at the man and I can tell that this is both very important for the older man – a clear sign he sees James as more than an Order member and former student – and that James is really taking comfort in everything we all do to help him forget about what happened so long ago. Deciding to attribute to that, do I read on.
the Dursleys … might mean.
This makes James shake his head and he says: "I know Lily always wanted for her sister to understand what she was going through, but I know for a fact that she would not have wanted it this way." This makes Harry lower his head, as if the boy is actually blaming himself for this. James sees this and pulls his son close against his side, making Harry smile as he says:
"That, however, does not mean that she would be blaming you for causing this as whoever it was that sent those retched Dementors to you is the cause of all this happening. Of all the events you had to go through that night." Harry smiles, while Sirius, Sora and Riku nod at their son, brother and friend's brother and I read on.
Aunt Petunia … saw him."
"THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN JUNE?" James asks in pure shock and he turns to Sirius as he asks: "Why didn't you contact Andromeda? Isn't she?" And Sirius answers: "One, I wasn't sure she still was. I was kind of bluffing when I mentioned that just now. Two, Harry doesn't know her and I didn't want to force him into confiding in someone he's never met. I know, almost better than anyone, that you just can't do that."
James nods, while Tonks and I share a snort at the man admitting that he had been bluffing earlier and then Sirius sighs and goes on: "And finally, is Fudge Minister and is he convinced that I betrayed you guys, killed Pettigrew and with that another twelve Muggles and has been wanting my head – or better said, my soul – for it for the past two years. I'm lucky that Albus believes in my innocence or I wouldn't have been able to be near our son at all."
James looks at this shocked and then turns to Albus and asks: "Why hasn't anything been done about that?" But then Harry asks: "Mum, you do know Fudge right?" The man hits himself on the head and says: "Unfortunately, yes. Yes, I do." But then his hand leaves his face and I am very surprised to see the victorious smirk on his face.
"And I also know that his father promised my father – and vice versa – that neither he or I would ever climb the Political Ladder higher than our Family Rank and perhaps Hit Wizard – if we ever got to that rank. I was offered such a rank during the war, even though I wasn't even working for the Ministry at the time, so I refused. He, however, broke that promise and it was exactly that promise that ended a feud that was financially ruining his family."
"So if we remind him of the promise, he'll have to quit his job and we can get a Minister that will set Sirius free?" Ron asks shocked and then Ariel interrupts: "That's not necessary, remember. We're planning to bring the topic of Sirius being innocent up with the queen when we bring the Dursleys in for their charges. She'll be able to handle both and then even Fudge will have to declare Sirius innocent. He can't deny direct orders from royalty, right?"
Everyone looks at the redhead shocked and then Harry hugs the woman around the neck, bending his upper body around her own in a clear attempt to keep himself from hurting her pregnant stomach. And while the woman laughs and hugs Harry back, before he again takes his seat, do I smile at the brilliant idea before reading on. Yet at the same time do I try to fight the small part of my mind that is doubting whether or not Fudge will actually refuse said orders.
Her hands … house, boy!"
"EXCUSE ME!" Everyone shouts and then Hermione raves: "I better be hearing that wrong or that Muggle be the first who will understand the power of a true Mudblood, the Restriction on Underage Magic be damned." And everyone is instantly silenced as they all stare at her in shock, some of them for her boldness, others for her language. All except Harry it seems as the boy seems to smile at Hermione in a pride I just don't understand.
Then Hermione, who still seems to thrive on her rage against the horrible man and his uncaring ways, looks around and asks: "What? The best way to defeat an enemy is to take away any ammunition he can use against you. If I start using the term myself and start carrying it with the same pride he carries that stupid Malfoy name, then that will be a win for me and a very sore loss for him. I'm a Mudblood and I'm proud of it."
Everyone looks at the girl in shock, yet I hear James mumble: "She sounds just like Lily." Making me smile at the man and his son crosses his arms as he says: "And that is exactly what I think we should do to defeat Voldemort. Take him the one thing he uses the most to get his war going and keep it going. The general hatred between Muggleborns and Purebloods, that is mostly caused by wrong-placed pride and bad integration."
Everyone looks at the boy in shock and yet Harry is looking down, obviously needing to pretend that he is just thinking out loud to himself as he says: "All I'm saying is that there are loads and loads of common, everyday Muggle and Magical things that either the Purebloods or the Muggleborns feel very stupid about when they ask the other kind about it, because the other kind will instinctively look at them as if they're stupid.
And yes, even you guys sometimes did that and Hermione, you do that as well every now and then." He then tells the Weasley kids and Hermione and they all look down ashamed. Yet Harry does send them both a small smile to take away some of the tension before he looks down and says: "All we got to do is show Purebloods that it's their role to explain things to Muggleborns – at least if they want to keep things the way they are."
This makes my friends and I look at each other and Harry, this time looking up at the cement-based ceiling, which makes Riku stare at Sora for a short while, says: "Muggleborns – to Purebloods – stand for change, because Muggleborns see things they don't see in the Muggle world – where they grew up – and when they aren't explained why these things are the way they are, they want to change that to make themselves feel comfortable.
That is something that has been happening for so long – and yes, I did some studies into it, but I also saw it happen a few times and even experienced it firsthand from time to time – that the Purebloods now resent any kind of change, especially when it comes as suddenly as a new bout of Muggleborns entering Hogwarts. And because the Muggleborn population keeps growing, do the Purebloods feel threatened in their numbers and their ways of life."
He then looks at Ron and says: "I know you and your family don't fall under this category, but you can't deny that you're the misfits under the Pureblood society and that most of the other Purebloods don't see things your way. And besides, even you forgot to explain me how the floo-system worked ro what Aurors were." Ron nods, a little red around the ears, while James smiles at his son in pride and while Harry ignores this, does he say:
"Purebloods, especially Purebloods like Malfoy and those like him, hate Muggleborns, because they fear the changes Muggleborns tend to bring when their modern society upraising comes to clash with the Pureblood society that, to Muggleborns, looks to be stuck in the Victorian era. But the solution to this entire problem is making Purebloods believe that it's their role and goal to educate Muggleborns in the Pureblood ways.
If Muggleborns understand why Purebloods have things they way they do and why things came to be the way they are, their discomfort will go away, because they'll feel more at home with the world their magic belongs to and that will reduce their need to change things into what they like and what they have grown up with. It just needs to be done more thoroughly and preferably in the first year of a Muggleborn entering the Wizarding world.
"It's just that simple. Communication and Consideration. If those two factors become a common thing in every day Pureblood and Muggleborn society, Voldemort will lose before this war has even begun, because then Purebloods won't have to fear sudden changes or hate Muggleborns anymore. And even if we can't get it done before Voldemort takes his – well – second life, it's still something worth fighting for, right?"
Dumbledore nods, while I personally feel as if the boy just reminded me of the first and sole reason I joined the Auror force years ago and Ron asks: "But if that's what's needed, then why did Malfoy take away all those classes that could help Muggleborns understand society?" To this Harry shrugs with his eyes closed as he says: "I can only guess that he just doesn't know the Muggle saying; Those who play at balls, must look out for rubs."
This makes me nod as it does make sense and Ron says: "But that sounds just like Those who play Beater, must look out for Bludgers." And Harry says: "Probably the wizarding equivalent." Ron nods and says: "So Malfoy tries to keep Muggleborns away from making changes, but his actions only make them change more?" While I hear Hermione mutter: "I wonder how many other Muggle sayings have a Magical equivalent."
Harry nods, apparently having heard both his friend's question and his other friend's words of curiosity and agreeing with her and Albus says: "I will make sure to install all old classes once I get back to the Board tomorrow and I will happily use your theory to convince people, Harry. I just need something that will convince them just as hard that Voldemort is indeed back." Harry sighs at this and I feel for the boy as he says:
"Just ask them why they believe me a liar on my parents' murderer and then reveal the whole thing with dad being Veela and all that. The first will make them realize what those articles really say about me and the second will get dad his freedom back." Albus nods, smiling widely at the boy, who turns his eyes skyward, obviously why this logic hasn't been applied to fight those rumors yet as I read on, feeling stupid for not having done so yet.
"What?" said … Ford Anglia
"Care to give some explanation?" James asks his son with a raised eyebrow and a sneaky smirk and Harry says: "Owls explains itself, really and that was in the summer before my First. The pudding was Dobby in my second, that's that other case of magic I was accused of, the Ford Anglia the same, Dudley's tale I promised a friend I wouldn't speak of, Marge was third year and the lounge was Mr. Weasley's birthday gift to me."
Now everyone laughs, some of us looking at Arthur in shock as he says: "Harry, that was an accident, it was no birthday present." But Harry shrugs and says: "It sure felt like one, a brilliant one at that." And James and Sora laugh even harder, while Sirius sighs in defeat and Riku and Arthur shake their heads as I read on.
OUT! OUT! … it! OUT!"
Instantly all laughter is drained from the room and replaced with the same sense of anger and hatred as before. Though this time it feels even stronger and Sora growls: "He did not just say that." While I furiously write: "Personal abuse, willing to leave subject to his own fate, hours after Dementor attack." Trying to use the writing as a way to keep my anger at bay – even while I have to work really hard not to break my quill.
Then suddenly Tonks says: "Two chapters and already that list has expanded more than the one Fudge is trying to create on Harry's supposed crimes." And everyone's anger turns to shock as they all look at her and she says: "Just kidding, I just hate anger-filled rooms and this one was getting cramped with negativity. I got it from dad, he would always do the same if mum was in one of her Black moods, as she used to call them."
To this, while Sirius snickers at the term used by his cousin, Riku nods and says: "I can smell it. There's definitely a faint smell of darkness in this room and our anger is letting it grow stronger. We need to control it or we'll just call the Heartless to us and that will give those two women the chance to create the future we just left." To this everyone nods, the Weasleys looking the most determined not to see this happen and I quickly read on.
Harry stood … of you,
"Mental abuse, calling subject abnormal and voicing physical desire to turn subject to tormentor's beliefs of normalcy." I write down, trying to read on as I do as this is exactly what I will need to get that man convicted. Trying not to let anyone realize what I'm doing as it will cause new anger to flow and because I don't want to give Albus anymore reason to feel bad about leaving Harry there, do I speed up my reading.
thought we … the chimney.
"Okay, what is that about?" Ron asks in shock and Albus answers: "Fanatical Figgy – ahem, sorry, James. I mean, Arabella wrote me a lie, saying that Petunia will allow Harry inside as long as no magical creature ever comes near her home and that even she will now have to keep her Kneazles away, just in case. And with the Dementors having just left, did I feel the need to remind her why she had taken Harry into her home in the first place."
"So you sent her that Howler? I've been wondering about that for the last four days. Why didn't you make your voice more recognizable? Why alter it like that?" And Albus asks: "What do you mean? I was speaking like I always do at the opening speech." This makes us all look at each other, Harry and Albus sharing a look of clear confusion with each other and Albus actually looking Harry in the eye this time and James shudders as he says:
"Figgy. She must have intercepted the letter and changed the voice to further – mentally – agonize my little boy. She just also decided to scare Petunia into following orders as it would benefit her position there. That – that woman is pure evil." And he keeps on shuddering, causing for Sirius to hug him closely while I hate how the memory of that woman can change my friend so drastically and I decide to help him as I read on.
Harry darted … last, Petunia.
"That was most definitely not my Howler. I had written a completely different one, reminding her of Lily's wishes for Harry and her to be safe, no matter what happened to her. I had written Lily wants you and Harry safe, remember that, not these ominous words." Albus says shocked and James mutters: "They sound just like she did when she first escaped from Azkaban." He shudders again and I look at my partner, Tonks.
The girl smiles at me with a raised eyebrow as she says: "Way ahead of you." And on her lap I suddenly see a book with a roll of parchment, a quill and a bottle of ink set on top of it, the statement of Albus written down at the bottom of the list and the woman's name at the top of it. Smiling at my partner, at the young woman I took under my wing after Alastor retired and who became top in her year at the Academy, do I read on.
Aunt Petunia … keep him."
"Can't she at least show a little bit of care? Why say things like that?" Hermione asks furiously, yet Harry only shrugs and looks away, proving he doesn't really care either way and Kairi answers: "I think it's a mix. Part of her is trying to keep things as normal as she likes them and part of it must be because of what the Howler had said. Had it been the right Howler, she would have reacted differently, I think."
The girl nods and Harry, who had looked at the girl with a raised eyebrow and a mild sense of interest, leans back in his chair as he mutters: "I sure wonder how she would have responded had it been the original Howler." This makes many nod, but then he shrugs and says: "At least I have one mystery less to worry my ass off about." And while Sirius hits him over the head for his language, do the rest of us laugh as I read on.
Uncle Vernon … TO BED!"
"Was that last shout really necessary?" Bill asks and I close the book, glad that the chapter is finally over as I say: "Maybe not, but at least we have plenty enough to get those monsters arrested." This makes a lot of those around me smile and Ariel says: "Then I guess – oh wait." We all look at her, Erik in deep worry, as she says: "We can't invite her. We don't have a private place to meet her. we definitely can't invite her here, not with this being the way it is."
This makes us all cringe and James says: "Then we use Potter Place, the Royal family has been coming there every few generations. I'm sure her Majesty won't mind." This makes Ariel smile and Sirius asks: "You were planning to suggest that the whole time, weren't you?" And James smiles widely as he says:
"I was wondering when they would realize that they had an idea in mind, but were still missing out on some vital details." And Sirius laughs, while Harry and Sora share a smirk. I then stand up and take on my role as Head Auror, looking at my old friend and my partner as I speak and say: "Okay, let's get things done. Tonks and Albus go visit Figgy to ask her some questions and get those gifts and letters she obviously blocked from Harry all these years."
The two nod, Albus' face proving he is determined to fix the unfortunate mistake he made all those years ago and I turn to Alastor as I say: "Alastor and I go check the wards around Privet Drive and arrest the Muggles living there." The Ex-Auror smirks and Erik says: "And Ariel, James and I will go and prepare Potter Place for the royal visit of the Queen, so she can have her trials of those Muggles and Sirius there."
Everyone nods and Harry asks: "Can Sora and I come too?" And James looks at his youngest as if he's never seen him before as he asks: "Come? Of course you can! It's your home too, you know?" And Harry smiles as Sirius sighs and says: "I can't wait to get back there. I – wait!" We all look at the man, who actually looks both concerned and heartbroken and he says: "Potter place was changed into Godric's Hollow and that's been destroyed."
This shocks James and he asks: "And it hasn't been restored since? I mean, the attack was years ago!" But Sirius shakes his head and says: "They kept it the way it was to keep it as a monument. I even saw some strange statue of you, Lily and Harry at the square." To this, while Harry seems in two-battle with acceptance and annoyance, all of the other adults and I look at the man in shock and Remus asks: "When did you see that?"
And another chapter done.
And this one actually took the better part of two days. To be honest, I am starting to worry on how much I am going to be able to get done. I am definitely happy that I got five chapters done, but that whole OotP – Chapter …, Page … – OotP is making it a lot harder to get work done and is really making me feel like I'm behind on schedule. At least I checked and the next three chapters should go a lot smoother and easier.
Bless small mercies,
Venquine1990
