Hey everyone,
Aw, dangit! I thought this chapter was the one where Lea would join the group and I was all ready to create an even deeper bond between him and Harry; create a real "Love at First Sight" scene. Still, now that Kingdom Hearts III has been out for a few months, I can use that to further develop a different character instead. Never let it be said that I don't try to create something good out of a bad situation, even if I'm the only one who thinks it's bad.
Hehe, have fun,
Venquine1990
Chapter 09
Both Mortal And Not
6th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Kairi's POV
"Picking Harry up is like protecting him. It's something a hero would do and I know the one person out of all those people we have as back-up that's a real hero. He'll see the use of this chapter better than anyone. I also think that he will really be able to see himself in Harry, or at least what he was like before he became a hero." I softly explain to Master Yen Sid with my hand on my temple and I can sense the man nod as he says:
"I know who you mean, Kairi. Rest assured he will be send. I have spoken with him and he has expressed great pride in young Harry's annoyance over being a reluctant hero." I smile at the man and break the connection, sending a confident smile at the others before the same bright light as with Erik and Ariel appears and from this one and old friend of Sora's appears – someone who I know has a really deadly enemy after his hide.
Extremely muscular with broad shoulders and a thin waist, proving the man works out almost all of the time, which I know is true as he is usually training with Phil when Sora goes to visit him. He wears clothes similar to fighters of Ancient Greece and even has a belt with the symbol of the Gods around his waist. The man has knee high, brown sandals and brown wristbands, while a red headband keeps his hair away.
Only a single lock of his rust-colored hair falls over the band and lies softly curled on his forehead, exactly between his sky blue eyes, that are very gentle for such a strong hero and while his arm muscles definitely show while he has his hands in his sides, does his entire stance prove the man's kind, helpful personality.
Sora is, of course, the first to recognize the man, Hermione being a close second, and he says: "Hey Herc, good to see you." And the hero gives Sora a high five as he says: "Good to see you too, Sora. Have you lost weight or something?" And Sora, snickers, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand as he explains everything about his newly discovered heritage and how it was dangerous for him to be 18 in this world.
Hercules seems shocked at hearing what he does, yet I also mutter to myself: "I better inform the Master before we get our next guest in." And Hercules sits down as he says: "Talk me by, Sora. On everything." And Harry seems relieved as his older brother explains about the Corridor of Darkness, the time travel, the books, the discoveries and the actions that have been taken, all the way up to the creep that was here minutes ago.
Hercules seems shocked and says: "Wow Sora." And he seems speechless for a couple of minutes, which I can only consider to be completely understandable. He then laughs and says: "You just never stand still, do you?" And while Sirius and James don't seem to find this funny, does Sora laugh and say: "You know me, always on the run, always busy." And Hercules slaps him on the shoulder as he says: "That's the spirit."
Then Sirius seems to have had enough and asks: "Sorry to be rude, but only Sora and his friends know you. Would you mind introducing yourself?" And Hercules sobers up as he says: "Right, sorry about that. I am Hercules, son of Zeus and Hera and Mightiest hero of the Olympus Coliseum." He then whispers to Sora: "And hopefully Meg's future husband."
And he winks at my best friend, who gives Hercules a big smile and says: "Go for it, lover boy." Making Hercules send him a playful glare. But the introduction, while having shocked the group around me, seems to have calmed Sirius' nerves and he says: "Okay then, now that we know, let's start reading."
Hercules' POV
The man may think he has me fooled, but I know it's just shock that makes him accept me after I introduced myself. Yet just one look at the man and I can definitely see how he and Sora are related as they share a lot of physical traits. I know the man is very protective of his kids, apparently even more after I joked with his son Sora about the adventures of the last two days, but while I don't blame the worried father, do I hope to win his trust.
I then take the book from the brown-blond haired man and ask: "Anyone against the new guy reading?" But everyone shakes their heads and Sora says: "A quick recap for those of us who forgot. Harry was at the Dursleys, Dudley was a right prick, Harry protected himself and Dudley against the Dementors, Harry explained the Dementors to the Dursleys and was told to go to his room." Everyone nods and then Kairi says: "Oh, and just for your sake, Hercules." And she actually introduces everyone, making me smile at her before I start reading.
The Advance … throbbing painfully.
This makes the worried father and mother look down and the father says: "We really should have let Dung take you back with him. Or better said, Figgy should have taken over Dudley and told you to go with Dung that night. You should have received those letters from the Ministry with us around, not those monsters." But Harry shakes his head, while I'm shocked that he's against the idea of being with his family and he says:
"If that had happened, Fudge might have learned of this address. It'd have been wrong of us to let any letters that come from the Ministry arrive here until this afternoon. After all, except for Mr. Weasley, Tonks and Kingsley, would everyone else there find it highly suspicious that I suddenly lived in one of your family mansions. Besides, do we even know if the Fidelius is strong enough to go against that whole magical form of writing addresses?"
His dad moans, while I'm amazed at the little man's logic, which to me proves how much he is Sora's brother and then Sirius says: "Unfortunately, you're right, especially about that whole letter thing. That's something that, thanks to Hogwarts, is just part of English Core magic. At least the Queen solved that whole dumb problem with my freedom." And the mother answers: "And once this book is read, will you, I myself, Harry and Sora be living in our own old mansion again."
This makes the small family smile, but I suddenly catch Sora glancing at Riku so quickly I'm not even sure I really saw it happen. Wondering about whether or not it really happened, do I keep looking at Sora for little longer, before I realize that everyone is looking at me as well. Feeling stupid for losing my focus and feeling glad that Phil's not here – and didn't take Master Yen Sid's invitation – as he would scold me over it, do I continue.
Up and … going on.
Well –." The red-haired twins try to say in chorus, but then Harry says: "I meant in the letters they had sent me. Those were what angered me so." To this Mr. Weasley and Sirius, who I can only assume are the letter writers, look down in guilt and the twins say: "Okay, that's understandable." And while amazed at their talent to speak in such sync and making me wonder how long it will take me to get used to it, do I read on.
And what … the kitchen?
"That little bint. She only made everything worse, changing my howler like that." The ancient man named Dumbledore grumbles and a woman sitting next to him with short, spiky brown hair, pats his arm and says: "At least she got her due, Albus, at least she got her due. And you gave Riku a chance to prove his incredible skill and help Sirius past a horrible trauma." The man nods, smiling at her in relieved gratitude and I read on.
Why was … his body.
"Aaah, you get that from me, kiddo." James then says and he goes on: "After sixth year, when Sirius had tried to find a house for himself, had I been really desperate he would fall back in hands of his family, so I wrote him and got worried and angry when I didn't get a respond right the next day. Did the exact same thing, I did."
Harry smiles at this, while I feel relieved that the tension over the tense start of this chapter is now out of the air and I whisper at Sora: "Your family's really good at defusing tension." And Sora nods as Riku, who sits two seats away says: "That definitely runs in the family. After all, we both know how well Sora is able to see the light in any situation" Making Sora smile at him and those who hear him nod as I read on.
Just as … said Harry.
"Harry, really. I thought –." The girl with bushy brown hair tries to reprimand the boy, but I had read ahead and say: "He feels guilty, just let me read." The girl looks shocked and blushes as Sirius says: "Hermione, I'm sure that, like Harry, it's going to take you time to get used to it, but – just leave the reprimanding to us from now on, okay? It is our job as his parents after all." The girl nods, a guilty smile on her face and I read on.
She took … Dementor attack.
"We weren't, but you didn't know the full story behind us not writing back properly either. Not that those letters we did send were any good." Sirius says with a playful glare at the youngest male redhead and the bushy haired girl. Both look down in shame yet then Sora says: "We already covered this." And Harry says: "Sora's right. Besides, I'm just glad I'm finally here." And everyone nods in agreement as I read on.
He'd probably … further thought.
"Well, at least you got some sleep. That's more than I got after my first attack." James mutters at the end and Harry turns white as a ghost as he asks: "You were attacked? By – by Dementors?" James nods, while I hope to get a further explanation on certain terms known to this world soon and says: "Remember me not instantly getting a response? Well, I was young, in love – and not exactly bright in thinking things through.
So when it became the next night, I was able to reassure myself by thinking that the bird had a long flight. But when another night passed and I still hadn't gotten a response, had my worries overwhelmed me and had I decided to go look for Sirius myself. Turns out – and this was something I didn't know as they were on the outskirts of town – that Dementors were roaming around and that Sirius had gone for shelter to hide until they passed."
The man then shudders and says: "If we hadn't practiced all kinds of magic ourselves while – well, that's a secret between the Marauders, really – anyway, if we hadn't done that, I wouldn't have been able to do that feeble Patronus that saved my soul that night." He then shudders again, yet for some reason do I get the feeling it's not because of whatever these Dementors are. And I get proven right as he says: "Boy, was dad furious at me about that."
To this Sirius nods and says: "He shouted your hide full for at least a good hour, if I recall correctly. Of course he did understand how you felt, seeing him and Aunt Dorea, but he was really angry that you hadn't asked them if they had received any letters from me before you went out and endangered yourself like that. You were his life, it was war and – well, he did feel really worried about you due to that illness we later found out was Dragon Pox."
Now James sighs, proving that he still misses his late father, yet then throws his arms up and asks: "How was I supposed to know that you had written them with the request not to let me out of the house and that you were on your way, but that you had to seek shelter for a few more times due to the other side looking for, as they called it, easy victims. I was in my room the whole day waiting for an owl that arrived at another window."
This makes some of those around us snicker and then Harry hugs his mother and whispers: "Thank goodness you were okay, mum. Really." And Sora nods, while James smiles and hugs his son close to his person. Feeling relieved myself that this man lived to birth two amazing kids and knowing that this sentiment is shared by everyone else in the room, do I smile at the both of the sons and their mother before reading on.
But Hedwig … summers ago.
"Wait, what?" Sirius asks shocked and I silently read the sentence again, the end of it confusing and worrying me as Harry sighs and says: "Remember what I said about that other time I got in trouble for casting magic even though I wasn't the one casting it. Yeah, three summers ago a House elf named Dobby got me in trouble with the Dursleys and Dursley took the word grounding to the max in his attempt to punish me for it."
This makes everyone, except most of the Weasleys and the bushy-haired girl named Hermione look at him, proving they already know this and he says: "He put several locks on my door and installed the cat flap along with bars that he attached to my window to make sure I couldn't escape, unless I used magic. And because the House elf had already done so, had I gotten a warning and was I too afraid to do it myself."
"Why the hell would a House elf cause you trouble?" The eldest male redhead asks, proving he unlike the rest of his family doesn't know the entire story and while I wonder why or how this is, does Harry answer: "Because of what happened to your sister." Making the redhead tilt his head, to which Harry turns to Ron and Ron answers: "Mum said it would be best if we let Ginny tell them when she was ready to do so."
Harry nods and he seems to need a minute to choose his words before he says: "Let's just say she made a foolish mistake, was too young to feel secure enough to trust the adults when her mistake ran out of hand and almost got killed by it in the end. Your dad can tell you the rest of the details." The eldest nods, his eyes wide with shock and he turns to his dad, who whispers: "Later. Tonight." As I continue reading.
Every time … Ministry hearing.
"That is exactly how I spend those two days that I was waiting for a letter that had, apparently, already arrived elsewhere. Almost to a T, it is." James then says and Sirius laughs as he says: "Sorry James love, but I just don't see you lying on your bed for a whole hour unless you're asleep or if I'm on top of you, keeping you there." He ends, moving his eyebrows and making Sora and Harry gag, which causes their friends to laugh as I read on.
What if … in Azkaban?
"Jeesh, I'm glad Snape isn't here right now." The young redhead says and he goes on: "He would have surely sneered and insulted your hide full for that one, Harry." And Sirius growls: "Something that he would have no rights to whatsoever as every teen goes through such emotional drama thoughts at some point in life."
And the twins chorus: "We try doing it all the time. Makes life more fun that way" Making those around them laugh, before Erik whispers: "I really hope we'll be ready when our little one becomes like that." And while the man rubs a hand over her stomach, does Ariel kiss him softly on the cheek as she says: "Let's first wait until he or she's born before we begin worrying about that, okay?" And Erik nods as I read on.
Whenever this … away.""Okay."
"Oops, guess I broke that rule." Harry says, not a hint of remorse on his smirking face and Sirius says: "As if any kid of ours could stay in his room the entire night when he has the house to himself." He and James then share a look and they chorus: "Not until they have their own." Making the two kids blush as I laugh and read on.
"You are … do that."
"Wait, he locked you in?" Sirius asks shocked and Harry mutters: "Wasn't the first time he did that." Making Sirius grumble before Kingsley says: "Good thing I made sure the Auror guarding the Holding cells is aware of that man's severity in crimes. Not that I would call him a man, really. And I doubt he would either. The current guard hates Muggles abusing Minors most of all Aurors." And many nod in appreciation as I read on.
Uncle Vernon … do so.
"Damn Harry, you think things through fast." I say with my eyes wide as I truly feel impressed and Harry says: "I don't like it, but I don't have much of a choice, really. With the madman that is after me and has been out for my life since I was little older than Ariel's unborn kid, you tend to train yourself that way." This makes me worried as I know only too well what such a life is like and have never wished on anyone else.
Having to learn that myself under Phil's training, if only to properly learn how to fight the many monsters that Hades sent after me after I saved Meg from that evil Centaur, I cannot believe that this young man, who is obviously younger than sixteen, is already so good at what cost me several years – and even a point in time where I almost lost my chance to be trained as a hero to others, because I took my trainer for granted – to learn.
I then look at Sora, remembering how he was only 14 when I first met him and how he was already skilled enough to fight in the Tournament Phil had organized that year, regardless of how much Phil had doubted him at first. I then feel the same rush of amazement go through me as I remember how Sora had taken over from me to beat Cerberus so I could get Cloud to safety.
Feeling amazed and proud that I know two of such amazing kids – both of them more than worthy to be called Heroes – do I know that my thoughts aren't shared by their parents as this world obviously has less chances of being attacked and more chances of living a safe, healthy life. yet at the same time do I have no doubt that my sense of amazement and pride is shared with the parents. Hoping the best for them, do I read on.
He snatched … swung open.
"We did not do that, let me tell you." The scarred man tells me and Riku says: "We've already established that Harry has some blocked abilities inside him, abilities that Sora was able to unlock earlier last night and that he has a possible affinity to the Keyblade. Maybe his affinity made wandless magic a more possible option for him. Or perhaps he has an innate ability to use the Keyblade's unlocking ability." All the adults nod at this and I read on.
Harry stood … he move.
"Seriously, the kid's a Trainee Auror material even before he got into the practice itself. Heck, I would even call him better than most of our current Trainee Aurors" Moody growls, his grim face smirking while Tonks nods her head with a frown on her face, but then Sirius says: "Let's leave possible job offers open until we've read about Career day, alright Alastor?" And while I wonder about what Career day is, does Moody ask the man:
"Why so harsh, Black? You were an Auror yourself, remember?" And Sirius spats: "I only joined the Aurors because I felt I could contribute to the war through them, same reason I joined the Order. If it hadn't been war, I would have chosen a different profession, let me tell you." The grim man nods in acceptance and I read on.
He had … being unmasked.
"WHO TRIED TO WHAT?" Sirius and James ask in pure shock, while Hermione grabs Ron's hand in shock and Ariel and Tonks shriek in horror and then Sirius turns to the elder man and asks: "WHY WASN'T I INFORMED OF THIS? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" And the elder man says: "Just before Harry arrived at my office.""THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" Sirius shouts, now absolutely incensed.
"Because I already asked Snape to send Cornelius there and I hadn't wanted for Cornelius to kill you before he would try and question Crouch. Also at the time I had no clue about the fact that he would bring a Dementor as his guard." The man stays glaring at the elder man and then Harry, his eyes scared, says: "Siri –Dad, remember what Fudge did to Crouch. Do you really wish you were there when that happened?"
The man sighs with his head down and wraps an arm around Harry as he says: "No Harry, I do not." And yet again I get more evidence that these Dementor beings really are on the same level as Hades and his goons. Sirius glares at Albus again and says: "But I do want to know at all times when you are in danger as I have the main role of protection in your life, whether you're here with me or at Hogwarts with the teachers, understand?"
And both Harry, who has a large smile on his face, as well as Albus, who looks clearly reprimanded, nod in acceptance before Sirius hugs his son close and whispers: "I just want to keep you safe as much as I can, Harry. You've been through too much already, I don't want anything to worsen that. I just – I can't even stand the – the idea of –." And while the man doesn't finish, does Harry still smile widely in lovable understanding as I read on.
But before … a year.
"And that is just something that I will never understand." Sora says with his hands in his neck as he goes on and says: "Even with us all living in different worlds, I still want to try my best to see all of the friends I made in other worlds, so why you didn't try to contact the son of your best friends, I just cannot understand. Heck, I made so many friends over the last several years, I don't even have enough time a year to visit all of them."
This makes the man turn red, while Harry looks at his brother, amazed at the idea of the boy having so many friends and James says: "I can only imagine it's because he was stubbornly trying to stay in the mindscape of 1975 and when he had to be teacher, he was forced back into the present, something he tried to undo after he was fired." This, while it makes me shake my head, makes the man in question moan loudly and he asks:
"How do you always read me so well? You haven't seen me in over a decade and still you read me so well after only a day." This makes many of the adults laugh and Sirius hugs James close as he says: "That's just one of the many wonderful qualities that make my Jamie." And he kisses James on the cheek as Harry says: "And besides, there is still a ten-year friendship that precedes that decade split, after all." At which his former teacher nods as I read on.
"P-Professor Lupin?" … than ever.
"You and your observant eye." The man now grumbles and Harry shrugs, his smile proving he doesn't feel guilty over it one bit and Remus rolls his eyes, while one of the twins asks: "What's so bad about being observant?" And the other ends: "Makes him one hell of a Seeker, if you ask us." This makes James excited and he asks:
"You're a Seeker?" And Harry smirks, apparently amazingly proud to have this strange title to his name and says: "Let's just wait for my first match before you judge my talent, okay?" Making Sirius roll his eyes as he says: "As if there's anyone here who doubts your talent. Even I think you can outfly your mum and that's saying something."
"You think he can outfly me?" James asks in shock and Harry seems hurt as he asks: "You don't think I can do it?" And the man turns down with a guilty smile, hugging his son close as he says: "Of course I think you can, kiddo. It's just – and this really does sound arrogant – I didn't think anyone would ever beat my legacy. Heck, Sirius was always the one, outside of my own old man, who spoke high of my own flying skill."
This makes Harry laugh and he says: "Okay, there you actually proved Professor Snape to be right about you. That really did sound arrogant." And while he and the other kids that obviously go to Hogwarts laugh, do I hear James whisper to Sirius: "Still can't believe the git's an actual teacher." And I read on, snickering myself, yet also curious about this Professor Snape person and his relation with the two parents.
Nevertheless, he … "Wotcher, Harry!"
"Jay, that's me!" The woman in question cries out happily, her hair actually changing to match the description. I see the scarred man roll his eyes at her, even if I can easily see how fascinated Ariel is by the amazing ability and how everyone else seems used to her doing so. Deciding to just leave it be for the time being and also mentally adding it to my list of things I want to learn about this new world, do I just calmly read on.
"Yeah, I … "Lily's eyes."
Now James looks at his long black-haired, green-blue eyed son and asks exactly the question that is on my mind as I had been looking up at Harry while reading this bit a few times: "Did you look different before? Or are you a Metamorphmagus like your cousin over there?" And Harry answers: "I had the glamour, remember? The one you and Aunt Lily put on me when I was an infant." The man looks shocked and then asks:
"But why keep it this long?" And Sirius answers: "I only told Harry of his true heritage last night, James. Before that, I kept to the rumor because everyone else was telling Harry that one and I didn't think Harry would believe me if I suddenly sprouted a whole different story from what he has heard for the last four years. And the fact that I was on the run and couldn't provide our son with a steady home to grow up in didn't help my case."
This makes James hit himself on the head and he says: "But why? Why would people want to believe that rumor?" And the scarred man, who may have one fake eye, but who also has a strong and obvious sense of guilt in his other, good one, says: "Because we didn't want to admit we had been wrong when we threw your husband – and his father – into prison. The godfather title made us able to forget about your relationship."
This makes James put his arms on the table before he lies his head in it and Harry and Sirius both hug him tightly as he whispers: "If only the Goblins had believed me dead. Then they would have allowed for my will to be read and the Wizarding world –." But then, while I spot Harry whitening something horrible and Sora hugging him in return to reassure him, the elder man shocks James as he says: "James, your will was stolen."
The younger adult looks at the headmaster in shock and Albus says: "Your will was stolen two days after the morning you made your switch. I've already searched Figgy's house and I am letting the Goblins check her vaults as I believe it was another step of the plan she started when she put Sirius under those oaths that day."
Everyone is shocked at hearing this and James is as white as the clouds on Mount Olympus as he whispers: "She just doesn't stop. That woman just never stops. She – she always tries to destroy us. Always." And while Sora now actually fully takes Harry on his lap and whispers: "It was just an example, little brother, don't worry." Does Sirius hugs James firmly as Kingsley growls: "I am so going to vouch for Dementor's kiss for that woman."
And everyone else nods, Harry calming down and moving over to their parents' other side before he and Sora start hugging their parents close and everyone else looking at them with pity, obviously feeling terrible that one woman can work so hard to ruin so many aspects of their lives. I sigh myself and think: "Could this woman be a minion of Hades or something?" But decide not to worry over it as I read on.
Mad-Eye Moody … any Veritaserum?"
"No one puts any Veritaserum in my son, you hear me?" James now almost shouts as he holds his youngest to himself tightly and I see Harry want to open his mouth, before the lad seems to think twice about it. I share a raised eyebrow glance with Sirius and Sora, both of us thinking the same: "He's had it before. Someone used this obviously dangerous substance on a young boy." And this actually reminds me of when I was poisoned to lose my God-form.
"Harry, when did you come in contact with Veritaserum?" Sirius then asks and James turns as white as before as he almost pulls Harry onto his lap, while the boy says: "Just when Junior was being questioned. Oh, and Snape threatened me with it once during a Potions class." This angers Sirius and shocks Dumbledore.
"Are you sure, Harry?" The elder man asks and Harry nods, his head moving in the fabric of his mum's shirt as he says: "He even showed me the bottle and everything, sir. It was during a Potions class and he believed me to be behind the thievery of all of those Polyjuice Potion ingredients." This makes Dumbledore sigh and he says: "I believe it will be better if we keep Order meetings away from here from now on. All agree?"
And all of the adults raise their hands as James mutters: "No way will that monster get near my son with that kind of stuff. No chance in hell." And Harry turns red, while still smiling at his mum and then he asks: "Mum, can I have my seat back?" And James quickly lets him go, while the twins laugh at the scene. Yet Harry still shortly wraps his arms around his mum to prove he didn't really mind and he sits down as I read on.
"Harry, what … you know!"
"You know someone who is a better wizard than my son?" James asks, now angry and I wonder how any men can change emotions so quickly. Yet while I remember the fact that he has been apart from his family and stuck in a single form for years, does Moody not seem to be impressed as he says: "Potter, I know plenty of wizards who can, by dueling, magic or experience, give your son a run for his money, trust me on that one."
To this even Harry seems to agree, which I consider quite admirable as I remember my own arrogance when I became a hero. Yet then some of his mum's arrogance seems to run over him as he says: "I'm sure there are dozens if not hundreds of wizards with more experience and magical abilities than I have. I'd just love to see someone – other than Krum – who can beat me on a Firebolt. Or in a Snitch race or an Obstacle Course."
To which the eldest redhead laughs and says: "If Charlie had heard you say that, he would have surely taken on that challenge." And James says: "And so do I. I want to see if you've really beaten my legacy, kiddo." This makes Harry smile at his mum, while the twins seem to start whispering about betting odds and I read on.
"Who d'you … Harry. "F-fine…"
"Wait, you only shook his hand? You didn't even offer him a hug?" Sirius asks shocked and Harry says: "Sorry, but I don't think I would have accepted it either. Pro – I mean – Lupin played his role to stay out of my life and into his image of the seventies really good. I still called him a teacher in my mind, after all."
This makes the man lower his head and Sirius says: "Harry, I think you just hurt him more than I planned to do with my rant." He then smiles at his son widely and he says: "You are such a Black. Only Blacks can talk in on someone's emotions like that." He then hugs his son and whispers: "I am so proud of you."
Making the young teen shine as if my dad brought his image into the stars or something – something that made Phil actually cry when Sora, Donald and Goofy had this done for them – and I can only imagine how important it is for the young man to hear of his father's approval after such a long separation time and read on.
Harry could … long-standing arrangement.
"Okay, now I understand why you seemed so out of it last night." Tonks says, grinning widely and Kingsley says: "We really should have sent you something small to warn you, but we were afraid it would fall in your relatives' hands and seeing our plan –." Harry nods and I feel curious about their secret plan as I read on.
He glanced … four days.
"Back when you still had your old hair, I don't think it would have mattered much, Harry. But – well, this hair is obviously more tameable, so –." The bushy haired girl says and Harry laughs as he says: "Yeah, I'll be sure to keep it smooth and covering my scar." Making the girl roll her eyes while Ron laughs, yet then Riku says: "I could always see if one of us can't heal you of that scar." Amazing all three of the kids as I read on.
"I'm – you're … Harry curiously.
"Was that really necessary?" Harry now asks and Remus says: "We agreed to stick together except for you when you packed. That and we thought it best if you knew some Order members by name and had yet to introduce you to them." To which Harry rolls his eyes and says: "Not really your responsibility though, was it?"
And the man calmly retorts: "No, but it would have been rude if I hadn't." And Harry mumbles even softer: "Only because they were too amazed by my scar to do so themselves." And while the older man wants to open his mouth again, obviously to continue this strange argument, does Sirius say: "Remus, just give up. Harry hates his fame and we should have sent people who knew and accepted that. Case closed."
The brown-haired man grumbles and Sirius says: "Harry would have plenty of chance to meet other order members while staying here, Remus, and you know it. I know we were short on men, but we should have at least sent Bill and Arthur along to even out the numbers of people Harry did and that Harry didn't know. Not to mention that a lot of those there were in the wrong for making this the first time they actually introduced themselves to him.
This, while I wonder how many of these are actually old friends of either Sirius or James, makes the brown-haired man blush as he realizes the man's point and he mumbles: "I really wish I remembered your wit, Sirius." To which the black-haired father shrugs before James laughs and says: "Harry and Sirius working together with their wit? You'll never win again, Remus." And Remus sighs in defeat as I read on.
"Too risky. … top hat.
"What is it with Diggle and losing his hat?" Harry suddenly asks and he leans back in his seat with his hands behind his head and his eyes aimed skyward as he says: "He bowed to me when I first met him, he bowed and lost his hat when I met him again in the Leaky Cauldron and he did again yesterday. What exactly is up with that?" To this Sirius wants to start explaining, when Dumbledore interrupts him and asks:
"Harry, what do you mean, when you first met him?" And Harry answers: "I first met Diggle a few years before I came to Hogwarts, sir. And he bowed to me all three times, I just don't get that." But Dumbledore seems worried about something else and says: "You – you met people before –." He sighs and then, with his face down, mutters to himself: "I should have realized. I should have pulled you away earlier."
Harry seems confused and Dumbledore says: "Harry, the only ones who, until you entered Hogwarts, I told the address to were Hagrid and Minerva. I also had a special ward connected to the blood wards I believed were protecting you that made sure only those that truly knew your parents, like truly close friends, could be able to find you. If the wards were down, so was that spell. I should have realized that and pulled you away."
Now Harry looks shocked and then he says: "Headmaster, that spell must have been what inspired Figgy to steal all of those things people wanted to sent me over the years. She must have added her own little dark spell to it without you knowing. She must have also told those people I met not to speak of our meeting."
"Wait, those people?" Sirius is now the one asking, his tone clearly worried and Harry nods as Sirius asks: "How many people did you meet, Harry? Before you went to Hogwarts, I mean." Harry seems to really need to think about this and says: "I think – three people, dad. And – and now that I think back on it, I – I – I'm pretty sure one of them was Professor Flitwick."
This shocks everyone and then Albus says: "Definitely Arabella's work. Filius would have loved to have told me about his meeting with who he thought was Lily's son. He would have been over the moon with it. She definitely somehow convinced him not to; I just need to find out how." And everyone nods as Tonks says: "I'll see if I can find out who the others are and why they kept quiet." Do I read on.
"Emmeline Vance." … ushered onstage.
"I see I have my work cut out for me." James says, his fake excitement obviously trying to hide his irritation at what his son went through this night and he goes on: "Every Potter has his rights for privacy, just like every other person, so why these people are making you feel like this and not realize it is beyond me. Though I guess I should add all the times they did the complete opposite and called it guarding you."
But then Harry rolls his eyes and says: "Get used to it, mum, because that's tame compared to what I get at school." This makes James glare at Albus and he says: "Something I hope will change for my son's Fifth, Albus? Considering how important that year will be for him and probably for many of those guilty of this." And the elder headmaster nods, but Harry only rolls his eyes again, obviously not believing it and I read on.
He also … with wizards?"
"I really wish more people would realize that." Harry grumbles and he goes on: "If Purebloods would just realize that witches and wizards are as different from each other as Muggles are, they might not treat all the Muggleborns like crap, but only those actually hurting them. It would certainly help magical relationships."
This makes Dumbledore say: "Which is exactly why your mother will take back the leadership over the Board of Governors and why we will implant your ideas for Muggleborn-Magical relationships at earliest convenience, dear boy, don't forget about that." This makes the young man's grimace turn into a smile for only a second before he says: "I really hope it will help, sir." And while this makes me really care for the boy and his plight, do I read on.
"Er – yeah," … annoy him.
"Imagine how I feel." I then decide to kid around and when the boy looks at me, I say: "I'm the biggest hero my world has seen since my father. People from all over my world come to Olympus Coliseum, either to try and beat me or to watch me take on these kind of challengers. And when it's not other Challengers, it's Hades sending all kinds of monsters to take me down to his realm. And that day in, day out."
Harry cringes and says: "Wow, the people of the magical world at least let me enjoy a – sort-of – regular school life. I guess I don't really have reason to –." But while I feel my pride for the boy grow as he is just so humble, does Ronald then say: "Bull plop, Harry." And when everyone looks at him, does he say: "You have your own reasons to complain and you know it. I may have been stupid enough to ignore them last year, but they are there."
To which the other kids all nod and Harry shrugs and says: "Not as much as Hercules though." But then Ron says: "Maybe not, but I don't think those fans of his would turn their back on him and do all that those others did back in our first, now would they? Especially not without actually giving him the chance to explain himself beforehand, am I right?" To this Harry shrugs, admitting his friend's point and Sirius asks:
"What did they do?" And Hermione answers: "They made him break the record of most visits to the Hospital Wing in a month, let's put it that way." This shocks the man, but also makes Albus whiten, which to me proves that the man wasn't even aware of this. And Sirius turns to his friends as he says: "But Remus and Lily held that record; Lily in her fifth and Remus in our seventh and he went at least thrice a week back then."
This makes all of the adults look at Harry and he says: "I had to go a lot of times between classes. Though they – well, they were always kind enough not to let it happen before Potions class." This angers the parents, the last bit not even abating them and Albus asks: "Harry, why didn't you report this? Surely Madam Pomfrey found it strange you came so often." But Harry shakes his head and says: "Told her I was failing my practical exercises."
Making Hermione hit herself on the head as she says: "That'd be an excuse any teacher would accept blindly, especially seeing we were less than a few months away from exams at the time of it happening." Which makes Harry smile at her as Sirius asks: "Do you know why the students made him go so many times?" And Hermione answers: "We'll tell you during the next break." Sirius nods at her and I read on.
"Cheers," said … Tonks brightly.
"She beat Hestia, Dedalus and Sturgis to the punch there. They complained for about five minutes before Moody finally shouted at them to get a grip on themselves and to finally start using their eyes. They sure as hell kept away from you and him after that." Remus says with a laugh and the scarred man grunts:
"Heck, I had only seen Potter two times and even I could see he was uncomfortable. Really thought we had made huge mistakes when I saw how our crew was behaving. Thought their time with you Weasleys and Black had been enough for them to realize there was just a lad behind the scar." He then shrugs and says:
"Guess I thought wrong. Though I did remind those that had known Senior over here that they had wasted their chance before taking on Guard Duty." Making Harry smile at him gratefully before he turns to the table and says: "Maybe whoever my mate is – or are – can help me make an end to that ridiculous title. Mum's alive and I was an infant when it happened. I just don't get why they expect out of me what they would never do themselves."
And Moody grunts: "People are just stupid that way, Potter." He then takes a sip from his flask and says: "But perhaps, with that crew you've got, your incredible courage and intelligence and the people we still have to welcome from other worlds, we can finally make those lamebrains see sense." And everyone laughs at this as I read on. Yet as I do, do I hear James mutter: "We'll probably gain new friends – and perhaps lose a few old ones."
She followed … around it.
"Sounds like your typical teenage boy's room to me. Although I think Lily would have had a heart-attack had she seen even half that mess." James laughs and Sirius goes on: "Nah, she lived with you as a brother, she would be used to things that bad." And James' glare is smothered by Sirius kissing him before the man mutters: "You know I'm right." And the man actually does nod in accepted agreement as I read on.
Harry started … after Hogwarts.
"Did you even hear of any other professions before that?" James asks and Harry answers: "Minister, driver and conductor of the Knight Bus, Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts employee, bartender, shop owner." To which James says: "Okay, okay, you made your point. Yeesh." Everyone laughs and he says:
"I'm just curious as to why you don't know any of the Potter professions." And Harry asks: "Potter professions?" To which James happily answers: "Law Enforcement, accountant, lawyer, Dragon Handler, Curse Breaker, Spell creator, artist, singer. Stuff like that. Stuff where you're not stuck behind a desk all day long."
He then shrugs and says: "Well, except for the first three, those are often filled to the brim with paper work, but those are often only done as freelance or part-time jobs. Potters are pretty restless individuals, so having at least two or three part-time jobs is the best way for us to live." Harry smiles at hearing this and says: "I do know about some of those. Bill works as Curse Breaker and Charlie si a Dragon Handler." As I read on, impressed with both.
"Yeah," said … his scar.
"That might just be a conversation we'll have to repeat sometime, Harry. Would sure as hell help your cause if we accidentally met somewhere public and I showed you my skill to which you respond just like last night." The woman in question says and while Harry looks at her with happy excitement, does she shrug and say:
"Won't exactly convince everyone, but it would sure be a nice start." And Harry asks: "When can we plan this?" To which Hermione asks: "Why not during your so-called hearing? Then you can take your parents along, they can claim their seats and Sirius can pretend wanting to see Tonks. There may be some who are already suspecting them to know each other, but everyone else will accept the excuse." Everyone smiles at her plan and I read on.
"Well, you'll … international-standard broomstick.
"Can I see it?" Ariel and James ask, their faces showing equal eager excitement and Harry happily smiles as he runs up the staircase, hurrying down a few minutes later with an amazingly beautiful, sleek brown broom with golden handles and the name imprinted at the handle with an amazingly delicate handwriting.
I look at the broom, wondering if it could perhaps top Pegasus, who is able to fly in and out of the Underworld with only a few minutes time and James seems all over the place as he gently takes the broom from his son and asks: "And Siri got you this?" And Harry sits down as he says: "For Christmas." Before, as his mother seems to lose himself in admiring and studying the incredible looking broom, I read on.
"And I'm … the Dursleys.
"One I wouldn't have bothered writing had I known what monsters I was dealing with." Remus grumbles and Sirius laughs as he asks: "Let me guess, you wrote it like you used to write to uncle Charlus?"And the man growls: "That monster didn't deserve such mannered handwriting." Making Sirius laugh as he says: "You have nothing to blame for your obliviousness but your own reluctance." And I read on.
"Excellent," said … have to?"
"ABSOLUTELY NEVER AGAIN!" Everyone in the room choruses, the sound of so many voices actually echoing through the large open space for a while, shocking me and Harry laughs as he says: "Thanks guys, but I kind of got that when Tonks and the others told me they were in holding cells." And the twins say: "It's the point that matters." Making Harry roll his eyes with a good-heartened smile as I read on.
Lupin smiled … had struck.
"A very nice description, Harry." Dumbledore says, though I can't help but notice that the man is actually looking into the space between mother and son, not the boy himself, but then suddenly Sirius shudders. Everyone looks at him and he says: "So far, we've seen several parts of the story that prove Harry has an amazing ability in describing things. Now we even hear about him describing this kind of spellwork so amazingly well."
"What's wrong with that?" Ron asks confused and Sirius says: "It's not a wrong thing now. I just don't want to think about how Harry will describe other spells; like spells he could encounter when fighting or something, especially a Death Eater as ruthless as Macnair or insane as my – unfortunate – cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange." Now everyone shudders, all of them realizing how the man makes a good point and I read on.
"Nice one … human chameleon.
"Which is kind of what wizards envision when they try this spell on other people." Remus says with an impressed tone in his voice and James says: "You know, that whole ability to describe stuff does have a positive side to it as well. Maybe spell-creation would fit him better, after all." To which Hermione asks: "But Harry doesn't take Arithmancy or Ancient Runes. Aren't those necessary for Spell-creation?"
James nods and says: "They are, but because so many Potters before us took to that profession, are there a lot of books about learning the art and its required subjects in our Vaults and in some of our more secluded houses. Dad only showed me a few, but I never saw those libraries. Wasn't interested at the time. And besides, there's plenty of time to learn over summer and, if you want it, you can always just do some Independent Studies."
This shocks the now very excited girl and Harry, with his eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face, says: "I would definitely love to take a look in what our ancestors liked to do. Also I think I know where our next trip will be to." Looking at his best friend, who glares playfully, while Ron and the twins laugh behind her back at Harry's comment. Sirius then ruffles his hair, snickering to himself as he does and I read on.
"Come on," … ignored him.
"Tell me here and now, Lord Moody." James now growls, obviously terrified over the idea and the scarred man seems shocked at how he is addressed before James goes on and asks: "How likely was that chance?" And the man answered: "Barely, Lord Potter. A paranoid man like me, however, never takes his chances."
To this James nods, his expression now calm and Harry asks: "Why did you call him that?" And James answers: "It's a thing between Purebloods, kiddo. Because I recognized Alastor as a fellow Lord, it would have been a matter of his honor to his family and his family's honor to mine about whether or not he would have been truthful with me. It's Pureblood crap, but it works, especially when you want to reassure yourself."
Harry nods and asks: "Is there a lot of Pureblood crap that works that I'll need to learn." And Sirius answers: "Not as much as Sora. He's firstborn, so he will – by other Purebloods – be seen as the Primal Heir to both our fortunes, which will mean more eyes on him and how he behaves in upper class society."
This makes Sora groan and Sirius laughs as he says: "Don't worry, sport. Most of these events will be with kids from Houses that are friends with our own. And if not, just do what I did until I ran away. Pretend they're your teachers and stay respectful. You can insult whoever you please, as long as you make sure they don't instantly realize that they were insulted. Makes for a lot of fun at boring society parties, let me tell you that."
To this everyone laughs and James says: "Yeah, you had the nickname The Ninja Bully by the time we were halfway through Second. You were even banned from most Social Events hosted by your mother and her social circles two years later." Making the twins laugh even harder, while Arthur rolls his eyes with a reminiscent smile on his face, as if remembering how Sirius got to that nickname and while I feel curious myself, do I read on.
"– the others … calming voice.
"I did so, because even Hestia and Emmeline were getting scared at that point. And Emmeline had already expressed her dislike for brooms, if you recall." The man explains and Harry mutters: "And he probably saw the sweat drops of trepidation fall off my neck. I mean, I trusted in my own skill, but I couldn't help but worry about the rest of you guys risking yourselves." And while Kingsley laughs and says: "And that." Do I read on.
"Mount your … starry sky.
"Now I finally understand why you love flying so much, Harry. None of those thoughts go through my head when I'm on a broom. I just feel scared over the fact that I'm so high up." Hermione says softly, her voice showing her fear and yet Ron looks at her in utter confusion as he says: "But Gryffindor tower is up really high too and you're never scared when there."
Hermione moans and says: "That's hardly the same, Ron." Which makes Ron want to argue as Harry says: "Hermione's probably afraid of heights where the strong and the sturdy – like the ground or a floor of a tower – are too far out of her reach, mate. She doesn't like the broom, because it's such a small thing compared to herself and the height with which she can fly." Yet Ron still doesn't seem to get it and he mutters: "But brooms are awesome." As I read on.
"Hard left … this happy.
"Which is completely wrong as I had always hoped that Christmas and the summer would be your happiest times of the year, dear boy, with how we all believed your family to be dead and all." Albus says, something I can definitely understand as Christmas, even if I can't understand why he still won't look at the boy and Harry says: "You succeeded for fifty percent, Headmaster, you just had to wait until I reached Hogwarts."
The man sighs and says: "It truly is a mark of abuse when a teenager believes Hogwarts his first home." To which Harry frowns and shares a look with all of his friends before he says: "Then maybe you need to question the students and find out how many others think the same. I doubt with all my heart I'm the only one thinking that." The man nods, his face grave as he mutters: "I fear you might be right, my boy." As I read on.
"Bearing south!" … a storm.
To this Harry shudders and for some reason do I see tears gathering in his eyes after the shudder. Instantly James encases him in a hug and he whispers: "Baby, what's wrong?" And Harry doesn't even seem to mind his mother referring to him as if he's younger than he really is as he whispers: "I played against Cedric in that match." This makes James look at Sirius and Sirius answers: "Cedric was killed last June."
James whitens and Erik grabs Ariel as she gasps and I get hit with a flashback of Hades trying to throw Meg into the River of Death a few years ago, before James turns to his son and whispers: "Please tell me, you didn't –." But Sirius answers: "He witnessed it, James. He witnessed it." Making James hug Harry even closer as he whispers: "My baby. Fourteen years old. Witnessing someone be murdered. Who did that?"
And Sirius growls: "Who do you think?" And instantly it seems as if care for his son and anger at the culprit brew a fight against each other in James' heart as he pulls Harry onto his lap and whispers: "W –." But then Remus says: "We call him Pettigrew nowadays, James. He doesn't deserve that nickname in our eyes."
James nods and the twins ask: "What nickname?" Making a small smile appear on Harry's face as he says: "We'll tell you later. If you don't figure it out yourselves, that is." The twins seem challenged by this and James, Remus and Sirius smile at Harry, glad to see that he's feeling better. I wonder about the culprit and find myself silently deciding to hunt him down and make him pay if I can get the chance, as I read on.
The guard … the flames…
"If Harry starts to prefer Floo-powder over brooms." One of the twins says and the other goes on: "Then you know he's been flying for too long." And everyone nods as Moody grunts: "Lad wasn't even that far off with his guess of time. Took us about fifty minutes to get there.""Not thanks to you." Tonks grumbles, but Moody just glares at her and say: "Say that again and I'll take a bigger detour next time." Making her grimace as I read on.
Kingsley Shacklebolt … a pop.
"Now that is some very impressive magic." I mutter amazed and James, his hand over his chin, says: "Sounds like a Potter Stealth charm enchanted into a certain object. It's never been used that way, but it definitely sounds the same, especially the popping sound, which my family based off of the Apparation sound."
This makes Dumbledore smile at him and he says: "I did base a lot of my inventions off of the studies of many Ancient Families, James, and yours came back in quite a few of those." This makes James smile and he says: "Glad my family could help, Albus. My father was always of the belief that one's invention was only meant as an inspiration for that of a future generation." And while Harry seems excited over what he just heard, do I read on.
He clicked … the Put-Outer.
"Interesting name. I actually called it my Deluminator, but I do believe that name is a little more practical." Albus says with a soft laugh and Harry shrugs as he says: "It might be me, but –." He then touches his forehead with his fingers and says: "I – I can't help but – but feel as if you used that around me before, Professor."
The man seems absolutely shocked and while Harry looks from the man to many of the others that are looking at Albus curiously, does he then notice that Albus is still shocked and asks: "What? What did I say?" And Albus answers: "Harry, I only used my Deluminator – on the night you arrived at the Dursley residence."
Harry's eyes are now as wide as those of his headmaster, while many of the other kids are even more amazed – if that is even possible. While my own amazement grows as even I can barely remember the night I was kidnapped and while other adults are looking at each other shocked, does Sirius pull his son out of his mate's lap and says: "You are turning more and more into your Black Heritage, I am so proud of that."
"Are Blacks good with their memory?" Harry asks, his smile showing his excitement for learning more about his family and James nods as he says: "Blacks were all about memory, Harry, it's what helped them learn etiquette so quickly. Potters on the other hand were amazing with words, whether written or spoken."
Harry seems truly amazed by this and Kairi says: "That must be why the books Master Yen Sid found in his library had the whole thing in Harry's POV. He has his dad's memory and his mum's ability with words. It makes for a writer that other famous writers can take classes from." And everyone nods, while Harry turns red in the face and rubs the back of his head, which makes me smile at his older brother before I read on.
"That'll take … broken gate.
"I didn't even notice any of that!" Tonks says shocked and Kingsley goes on: "I'm sure Remus did, but I only noticed the smell and I thought it was part of the neighborhood. I didn't exactly try to pinpoint it." And while both adults look at a blushing Harry with respect that is obviously growing inside them and while Remus mutters: "I definitely noticed that smell. Its stench has yet to leave my nose." Do I read on.
"Here," Moody … Place, London.
"And that's the end of it. Sure sounded like quite the adventure." I say happily, not at all feeling bad that so little happened this chapter as the things that happened thanks to the reading made the reading itself all the more incredible. And all throughout the reading I both learned more about this world and gained myself a list of things that I might still get to learn about. I then see Ron and Hermione share a glance and while Harry turns red, does Ron say:
"Next one to come over better be someone with a really loud voice or we'll have to get mum back." To which Sora and Riku shout: "KAIRI, THE NEXT ONE, QUICK!" And the girl nods, while I am still amazed that the lad calls that demon mum after everything Master Yen Sid has told me and the rest of the back-up. Though then I remember that, out of this Sora, Riku and Kairi, only Kairi really knows the full extend like I do.
Having the strong feeling that young Ronald has yet to see the full-extend of the woman's evil side and that he has known her as his mother his whole life, which in turn must make it a whole lot harder for him to believe the evil truth about her, do I sincerely bless every God in Olympus for the parents I was blessed with, both mortal and not. And at the same thing do I try not to laugh as I remember the one time they actually met.
That sounds fun,
Though to be honest, I have no idea what a meeting like that would be like. Though I will say one thing; ever since watching Endgame not once, not twice, but three times, I have been feeling an incredible urge to write about how Steve's life must have been like after he made the timejump to be with Peggy at the end of the movie. I also have one other idea in mind and I might write a preview about it sometime this month.
Look out for that,
Venquine1990
PS. The other idea is HP-KH based.
