Hey everyone,
Well, I made it. Ten chapters in. Of course, that doesn't say much seeing as how this story already have five times the amount of chapters. But because the first few CR chapters took so long, did I feel kind of worried on whether or not I would reach up to this point. Now it's just a matter of seeing how much further I can get. And the fact that we are going back to that older version of CR writing really doesn't help matters.
What was I thinking,
Venquine1990
Chapter 10
Using his full voice
6th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Kairi's POV
Sora and Riku might only know a bit about Molly Weasley as I didn't even tell them everything I had witnessed, but they sure know enough to already hate her. And while I feel that that is still rubbing the other Weasleys wrong just a slight, do I know that with what happened to James, they will soon come at peace with her true nature. I also don't think they really have a right to be angry with Sora over this, considering his parents and brother.
Yet the nature of the woman herself makes me shiver, but then my mind catches up with me and I think: "True nature. Of course, Sora told me of how this was the first time my heart responded while inside him. I know someone from the wild who really has an amazingly loud voice. Just wonder why those two thought it necessary for such a chapter." But then decide on the chance of that woman making an appearance and get to work.
Using the same telepathic bond as before, I whisper softly: "Send the King of the Jungle, please. We need the voice of the wild." And instantly a bright light shines in the room and a man with really wild brown hair that is almost shaped like dreadlocks, who has an amazing tan on his body, has bright blue-green eyes and is nearly nude.
Everyone looks at the man in shock and Hermione asks: "Okay, am I currently the only one wanting to summon a robe?" And no one nods their heads as the man makes monkey sounds and asks: "Robe?" Making Sora hit himself on the head and say: "Not our best choice. Tarzan barely knows a word of English as it is."
Making me scratch the back of my neck as I didn't think of that aspect, but then stars and small lights shine around Tarzan and I hear Master Yen Sid talk in my mind as he says: "This best be the last of the day, Kairi. We are overworking the Transport magic as it is. Try and make this the last chapter of the day. I will infuse the special ability of one of our other friends with the magic of time, but after that, I must rest."
I nod, while thinking that three chapters a day is definitely enough if we want Harry and his family to grow closer and then suddenly Tarzan asks: "Why did she nod to nothing?" And his eyes widen as much as everyone else's as I say: "Master Yen Sid must have used his magic. Anything Tarzan says will be translated for our ears. Also, he told me he would empower someone else to transport here in a different way, so we'll probably see them soon as well."
To this everyone nods, the teens around me looking excited over the idea of watching someone appear through a different method and then Sora says: "Hey Tarzan, would you mind putting on a little more clothing? Just a robe will do." But again Tarzan asks: "What's a robe? Like a vine?" And Sirius says: "No, like this." And he stands up, opening his robe to show Tarzan what he is wearing, making the Jungle king tilt his head.
He then nods and James is the first to summon one, a bright brown one with green trim and even some leaves stitched into the fabric where the buttons are. He hands the Jungle king the robe and while it takes a few tries, making some of our hosts raise their eyebrows, does Tarzan manage to put the robes on smoothly. And even though he has crazy muscles and hair that obviously hasn't seen a comb in years, does the robe still look quite good on him.
He then sits down on the right of Riku and Hermione says: "Well, if I remember the stories I read, Kairi definitely made a good choice on who should be our next reader.""But do you think Master Yen Sid's magic extends to that level?" Sora asks and Kairi nods as she says: "He told me so. Oh, and we can't call more people after this. Giving that other friend of ours the other way of traveling is going to really tire him."
Everyone looks shocked and she says: "I meant today. Master Yen Sid says we were already over-working the magic used for this as it is. He said it would be best if we stop reading for today after this and ask for more people to come if we start reading again tomorrow. Besides, he does use some of his own magic every time someone comes over and he does transport them across time." Everyone nods and Tarzan grabs the book.
Tarzan's POV
I've seen Jane use these things many times when I came to camp, but never understood why she was so interested in them, even though the ones with the many pictures of things outside the jungle did always intrigue me. Yet to now be able to actually read is something that makes me feel even closer to the woman I have fallen head over heels for and I really hope this new magic will stay with me even if I come back home.
I then grab the book, not feeling worried over how this one only has a picture on the front and nowhere else and try to find the right page, the magic making sure I keep the book in the right position and then the silver-haired boy next to me says: "It's chapter four." I nod at him and find the page, pointing out the last words of the other chapter to him and when he nods at me, Sora giving me a thumbs up, do I start reading.
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
"What's the … its way.
"Now that is some really impressive magic." Riku comments softly and I nod, while not exactly understanding how such a thing is possible and ask: "Were there trees hiding the house?" And the white haired man with the long beard says: "No, it was a magic all of itself that protects this house. Though I suppose you can compare the magic to the trees you just mentioned." I nod, still slightly confused and read on.
Harry gaped … felt anything.
"My dad made sure of that. As far as the Muggles are concerned that house had a family inside it that was killed during some war and has been abandoned since. They can see the empty house, but can't see that it's actually inhabited." The man sitting next to Sora explains and everyone seems amazed at this, the bushy-haired girl muttering: "I bet he used the war of the forties, that one would definitely be considered believable." As I read on.
"Come on … became complete.
This makes the boy next to me, who sits with Sora and makes me wonder if he might be the Riku Sora was looking for so long ago, shiver and the girl next to him lies her hand on his knee while sending a look at Sora, as if silently telling to help the boy next to him. Sora sends a look at the three people next to him, but all of them give him the same look and the girl on his right switches places with him, making the four of them smile.
Sora then puts one hand on the boy's knee and the other around the boy's shoulder and the lad, as if knowing who is now sitting next to him while he had been gazing ahead of him the whole time, leans slightly into Sora's embrace, Sora flinching at this shortly, but then wrapping both arms around the lad as he seems to calm down. This I can definitely understand as there were plenty of times, after a busy day, Jane helped me calm down and fall asleep.
He then shakes his head and whispers: "Thanks." To which Sora nods, but I can almost tell he is unwilling to let go of his embrace, something that makes just about everyone in the room smile. Sora still does so and the boy takes another deep breath as a bushy-haired girl slides a glass of water over the table to them.
The silver-haired boy takes the glass gratefully and then the black-haired man who sits on the far left of the trio that was, earlier, seated next to Sora, asks: "Are you okay, Riku?" And the boy nods as he says: "I have some bad memories of Darkness. It almost devoured me one time and I believed I would never be myself again."
This makes the man tilt his head and Riku sighs, proving he'd rather not think back on this event more than he needs to, yet he still says: "Darkness took the shape of someone else and that person was stronger than me. He – he took over my body and left me to rot in the Realm of Darkness after he was defeated by Sora." He then shudders and says: "I – I may have gone back to that Realm, but – I never want to experience Darkness like that again."
To which Sora again hugs Riku tightly, again getting a small smile out of the lad as Sora says: "Riku, you beat Ansem I don't even know how many times. When Ansem wanted to get rid of Kairi because her heart had opened the Keyhole you gave her the chance to run, when you were in Castle Oblivion you broke his hold over you, during our Mark of Mastery exam three years ago, it was even you who delivered the final blow during the Keyblade War.
You've beaten Ansem plenty of times and proven to everyone here he could never take you over again. You even got him to admit that your power was vaster than Darkness and that he always knew you were stronger than him. You might still have some fear for the Darkness – who here doesn't – but you have that amazing ability where you turn fear into motivation and Darkness into Light. There's no one like you, Riku, really."
Riku smiles at this, Sora's words obviously taking away the fear he had been feeling when I read about the Darkness and while he had wanted to protest when Sora said he held fear for the Darkness, had he relented when Sora had asked the question about everyone else, to which most of those around us nod to prove that the boy is right, including Sora's own parents and in the end he smiles and whispers: "Thanks, Sora."
But while the two seem to be in a world of their own, do I see their friends, Sora's family and those around them look at them expectantly, but they all sigh – some even rolling their eyes – when Sora lets go of Riku and says: "Anytime, Riku." Before he turns back to me and while I can't help but feel as if they fit together like Jane and me, do I read on.
"Here –" He … seen her.
"And I'm willing to bet I know why that was." Riku growls, obviously angry with the woman and then Kairi mutters: "And I haven't even told them all I saw that woman do over the weeks I was studying her from within the Corridor." Making Riku and Sora, who she had been looking at while saying this, look at her shocked, while all the redheads around me turn white and the adult one, who seems to be the father, asks:
"She did more than force me to watch as she had those monsters take down my shed and destroy everything I loved to tinker with? All of my Muggle possessions?" Kairi nods and the black-haired lad in between the two adults next to Kairi asks: "More than force me with Ginny and Hermione and Ron together?" Another nod and the eldest redhead, who seems the first born, asks: "More than keep us trapped in our own home?"
A third nod is his answer and he asks: "What else did she do?" And Kairi seems to hesitate, but then Sora says: "They deserve to know." At which she nods and answers: "She took whoever tried to free you guys prisoner and had them tortured by the Heartless. I saw some really brave people be hurt and tortured by those monsters, including one really brave man who seemed to be Harry's age and had – I think – blond hair."
Now the boy between the adults, the youngest redhead and the bushy-haired girl look at each other and the first of them asks: "Did you see anything else about him?" And Kairi answers: "He was an amazing warrior. No matter what they threw at him, he beat it. Both Magic and Heartless. They were only able to catch him by taking away his – I think it was a toad or something." Making all three look at her shocked.
"Neville? Neville tried to save us?" The redhead asks shocked and Kairi nods and says: "I do think I heard you guys call out his name every time he tried, yes. Though he also managed to escape every time they tried to take him prisoner." Making the three of them look at each other shocked as Hermione asks: "How could Neville fight? He's not exactly very athletically built or anything." But this confuses Kairi and she says:
"He isn't? He sure looked muscular and war-ready to me." Making the three of them look at each other again before the boy between the elders says: "The war must have made him do some training. He must have lost weight because he wanted to fight along." The others nod and yet then Harry smiles at Riku and says: "You must be proud, Riku. Neville is your younger brother, after all." Riku looks startled at this, but then smiles as I read on.
"Oh, Harry … meetings started."
"She actually said that in front of him? I thought she had already sent him up before sending you to the meeting. What the hell was she thinking, saying that in front of our curious little boy? Wasn't she the one who kept arguing that the Order should be kept a secret and away from Harry, Ron and the others?" Sirius rants, now obviously as angry over the woman as Kairi and Harry asks: "You think she did it on purpose, dad?"
The man sighs, his anger dissipating and being replaced with a sense of hopeful disbelief and says: "For the sake of the Weasleys, no son, I wish to Merlin it wasn't on purpose." This makes the Weasleys smile at him and he says: "On the other hand, seeing how she's been fighting just about everyone who's been wanting to inform you of even the smallest bits of things happening – it blows away my doubts."
To this the eldest Weasleys seem forced to nod in agreement and Harry hangs his head in what I can only recognize as deep pain and he whispers: "Do you – do you think she's been working against me all – all this time? Ever since she first met me at King's Cross Station all those years ago?" And Sirius sends a worried look at the Weasleys, the father sighing but nodding at him, before Sirius hugs his son and whispers:
"Seeing she kept your mum from you all this time – I'm forced to say yes, son. She's been working against you all this time and – well, I can only hope we will see exactly how she plans to hurt you – and why I couldn't be there to stop her from going as far as those pictures showed me." To this everyone nods, Harry whitening even more to prove that he already fears the worst at hearing this and I read on.
The wizards … you're sleeping."
"Did she even bother showing you where I slept? Or telling you at all? Because I remember asking her last night to do so." Sirius now growls and Harry says: "Read for yourself. You won't like it." And the man retorts: "I'll take that as a no. Damned that woman." He then turns to the eldest male Weasley and says: "My apologies, Arthur."
But the balding red-haired man shakes his head considerately and gently says: "If anyone should be apologizing, it's me and my family. We were blind by our love for my wife and the mother of my children and – I can only assume – therefore blind to obvious signs that she wasn't working in either you or your family's best interest. To be honest, what really hurts me is the fact that she got my youngest, my little girl, in on it all."
To this the four of them smile and then James says: "Please, allow us to make it up to you for losing family like that. You can use one of my family residences as your new home and to impress the future mother of your sons." The Weasleys try to object, saying things like We couldn't and It wouldn't be right to, but James stubbornly shakes his head at them and says: "Consider it her punishment for locking me up."
Making them stop arguing at once and Harry says: "Why didn't I think of that? I could have used that years ago.""For what?" All the Weasleys ask and Harry answers: "To give you the money that goes with raising someone with my level of danger in his life. To give you guys a chance to prove to the world financially just how big your hearts are." Making the whole set of ginger males groan before I read on.
Pressing her … it's over."
"That disgusting woman, I heard her promise me – oh Merlin, why did I fall for such a fake promise in the first place?" Sirius shouts, apparently more furious with himself than with what I just read and he says: "She promised to show him the upstairs bedrooms! She never said which bedrooms or which floor. She TOTALLY tricked me! She even used some kind of magic to move the bed I had in my room ready for you over to that one."
He then pouts and Harry is quick to hug his dad close as Arthur says: "Sirius, we all fell for that trick. Heck, even I believed she would finally listen to you and that was probably exactly what she wanted." This makes Sirius sigh and he asks: "Harry, I hate the very thought of asking, but seeing that she was just the one to take you up there, the pictures and the fact that she used this unknown switching magic – have you ever been alone with her?"
Now Harry cries out: "Eeew, gross." And Sirius is instantly thrown out of his flunk of concern and pain as he shouts: "NOT THAT WAY!" Making the other kids laugh before Harry, who rubs the back of his head after this, says: "Oh, eeh – no. No, not that I can remember. Ron, was I ever alone with just your mum?" And the redhead looks down as he mutters: "Summer before second? No, not then. Before third?"
Now he looks at Harry and the boy says: "I had that moment before the train left, but that was with your dad, not your mum." This makes everyone, who had looked worried when Harry started, sigh relieved and Harry asks: "Summer before last?" But Ron shakes his head and says: "Only when she and I had that fight. Oh, and when we came down for dinner the night you came over, but even then I came down before you did."
Sirius sighs in relief and says: "And we know that Harry constantly had friends around him while at Hogwarts, so other than yesterday, has she had no chance whatsoever to do anything to him." He then sags down in his chair and says: "What a relief." To which James and Sora nod in agreement before Sora says: "And even if she did, I probably undid most of it last night when I unlocked Harry's heart." Making his family smile as I quickly read on.
And she … Harry's here!
"And then to think that it was my gasp of Harry that made her scream and hug him in the first place. Would make you think she realized that I already knew that." Ron snickers, rolling his eyes as he does, but then Hermione snaps: "You know darn well, I didn't stop there. I explained why I told you he was there. Sir, read on." And I do as told quickly, even though it definitely feels weird to be addressed like that.
We didn't … were useless
"Now there's an understatement if I ever heard one." Sirius groans and he asks: "Ron, remember that hint I gave you?" The redhead nods and Sirius shows him something that makes him gasp and Hermione ask: "You actually intercepted our letters? How could you do that?" And the man rolls his eyes at her affronted tone as he holds a rolled bit of paper in one hand and is softly tapping it into his other hand as he says:
"I did it, because you were getting more letters than me, but had less information. And no, I don't mean that out of a sense of jealousy. I knew the both of you were getting more because your letters angered and aggravated my son more and so decided I needed a heads up on how aggravating your letters really were before I could take action that would help my son, alright. I did it, so I could do some damage control."
He then waves the letter again and says: "And thank goodness I did, this one alone was horrible and while I don't approve of my son yelling at you – yes, as a Veela I was able to sense that, but we already discussed this – do I neither approve of how you were constantly aggravating my son. You can't fool me and say those letters wouldn't enrage either of you. Never heard of simple subject letters where you simply get to know each other?"
To this Harry looks down as Sirius had looked down on him when he mentioned that strange Veela thing of his. But Ron and Hermione also turn red with embarrassment and Harry says: "It's my fault too, dad. I just kept nagging them for information, no matter how many times they told me they couldn't tell me anything. I could have easily tried writing the same coded letters that I was writing you before all of this."
To this Sirius says: "I would have blamed you for that, kiddo, and I do think that you should do that last thing from now on, but I also know two things. One, I would have done the same and you are proving to be mine more and more. Two, any kid your age would do that, simply because they're just starting to experience the outrageous thing called hormones. Ron would have done it, the twins at your age, even Bill would have done it."
To this the eldest red haired brother with long hair and friendly eyes nods wisely and Sirius says: "Anyone experiencing hormones does things they regret later, just like that kiddo. Just make sure that you always are willing to admit it when you do something wrong, even when others have as well and don't shout at your friends when it's really the adults who are forbidding your friends and not agreeing with sensible compromises."
"Sensible compromises? What are you talking about?" The sandy-brown haired man asks and Sirius states to the room at large: "This is just an example. Do not disrespect me, do not try to stop me." Before he turns to Harry as he asks: "Harry, I'm going to tell you one thing and one thing only. After that, I want you to keep your knowledge on that thing secret and not break it. Break it and it'll prove you don't trust us, do you understand?"
Harry nods, his eyes wide, but the other adults seem worried over the man's actions, even though they also seem unwilling to prove that Sirius had a reason to tell them not to interfere and Sirius says: "The one place that you could really inconvenience the Order with if you go there – is the Department of Mysteries. I can't tell you why, Order business, but if you go there, Voldemort will go there too – and that is a dangerous risk."
Harry nods and the adults all look at each other shocked as Ron asks: "What exactly is there, anyway?" And Sirius answers: "Order business." Making the redhead grumble, but Sirius had kept his glance on Harry and his son says: "I won't go there, dad. I promise." Making his dad smile in pride, along with Sora and James. Yet I also notice that the other adults are actually startled at this, especially the sandy-blond-haired one.
Sirius then turns to the elder man named Dumbledore and says: "And that is what I call a sensible compromise. Harry feels that we trust him because we give him exactly the amount of info he needs and we won't have to compromise our Order secrets with possible dangers, as Voldemort himself already knew this. And because Harry won't seek Voldemort out for any reason, telling him that going there will do exactly that – will make him not go."
The elder man seems shocked at the sensible logic, while the balding red-haired is now looking at his fellow father with a smile of pride on his face, but I think: "And a man like that is never listened to? He's the best father I've ever seen." I then look down, remembering the one father that was always wise, even if he never acknowledged me and I think: "He'd be a wonderful Kerchak to this family if they would just listen."
I then somehow – as if by the magic of this world – feel the strong hand of my Gorilla father on my shoulder and hear his last words: "Take care of them – my son. Take care of them." Trying not to cry – just like I did that night – I think: "I'll make sure Sirius takes good care of his family." And with that resolve, do I read on.
but we … life-threatening situations –"
"Something Fudge would have completely overlooked and probably ordered Amelia to ignore just like he ordered her not to investigate Harry's spellwork, had he gotten it done to have the hearing without us by your side, kiddo." Sirius now smiles and he ruffles Harry's hair as he says: "Jamie and I were sure our kids would be troublemakers like us, so we made sure to study every single law in the code while Sora was coming."
He then hugs Harry close and whispers: "Something we did again for good measure when you were coming and something that stuck with us to this day. I actually recited various laws to myself the few times last year while I was in that cave. Fudge better have a really good crowd behind him, because if he tries the Wizengamot, he'll be screwed. We know all the laws those people have to follow and we'll let him know."
Now Harry smiles and he asks: "So you think you can make it to my trial without people going crazily scared of you?" And the man smirks as he answers: "A bit of family magic or maybe a glamor or two should do the trick. Also I think it will further prove the Queen's statement of my innocence if they see me defending my own son, not to mention that that relation should bring a lot of doubts concerning my crimes."
Now Harry hugs his dad just as close and James says: "You always had a sneaky way of making things go your way – except for when it came to getting me to like you. That had to happen by itself." To this Sirius moves Harry to his other side and hugs James close, the wild love in his eyes shocking a lot of us as he says:
"Thank the lord that it happened." And he kisses James with such passion, I get the feeling I just swung into a mating session. Turning redder than the wild roses growing in the highest tree tops, I turn my head away and try not to listen in until James asks: "You ready to continue, Tarzan?" And by his breathy voice, do I continue.
"Let him … already said."
"Well, if my Headmaster ordered my best friends to avoid all personal contact, I would have been pretty pissed myself and told him to mind his own business. And not just at him for meddling in things that weren't his business as he is my headmaster and my Headmaster only, but also because of the apparent bigger loyalty of my friends to him than to me. I personally would have expected it the other way around and begun to doubt the friendship in general."
Sirius ends angrily and James asks: "First of all, you know just fine that I would never have listened in the first place." And while the sandy-haired man turns red, does James go on: "And why did Albus think he could order Hermione and Ron not to write Harry? He isn't related to us and Harry's a Pureblood, so even as a so-called orphan, he's not eligible to be the Headmaster's protégé. What's the deal with that?" He then turns to the man himself and asks:
"Were you trying to separate them? Is there anything wrong with that friendship that I should know about?" The elder man is quick to shake his head, while Ron turns red with shame and Hermione glares at the man, as if she feels offended that he'd suspect her and Sirius says: "It's just a situation handled all wrong – something that's been happening a lot this summer." He grumbles at the end while staring at the wall.
Now everyone around him looks down and Sirius seems to have reached his limit and starts to rant about everything he obviously thinks wrong with all this as he says: "Seriously, I finished gathering the old crowd the day after school ended, the Weasleys came here a week later and nothing good has happened since. I know we agreed to watch Harry, but our decisions on what to do if that went wrong were never even discussed.
The letters were even worse and why Dumbledore – even as Leader of the Order – has any say over the letters between three friends is just beyond me. And of course the only reason he's listened to is because people kept reminding each other of my former state. We should have simply done the upcoming. One of us should have written Harry a small, simple note, stating just the few things he had to know to know he could trust us and done.
We wouldn't need to worry about him doing hormonal teenage things, we wouldn't have needed to write vague, teenage-aggravating letters, we wouldn't be in half the crap this story so far wrote about." He ends his rant and while I definitely find myself agreeing with the wise man along with a few of those seated around me, does Dumbledore ask: "Then what do you suggest we should have put in that small letter, Sirius?"
And while I can tell that the man is doubtful of Sirius yet again, which I just can't wrap my head around, does Sirius surprise him as he says: "I already wrote it in case our – ahem – other members ever got their heads on straight." I can tell the man is trying not to curse or insult his co-workers, even though it's obvious it's been happening the other way around several times and everyone is now highly interested as Sirius reads:
Harry
Old crowd gathered
Dumbledore has us housed
Location too far for safety measures
Keep your letters simple.
Remember my state.
Love, Sirius
"Done." The man says and then he turns from the shocked crowd to his son and asks: "If you had read that, what would you have done?" And Harry says: "Probably write letters about things going on at the Dursleys and whatnot. Maybe write Hermione about the homework set for us and Ron about potential Quidditch strategies for next year." Making all the adults hit themselves on the head as Sirius says: "And make vague hints unnecessary."
He then suddenly glares at certain people in the group – bypassing Sora, Riku, myself, Ariel, Erik, James, Tonks, Moody, Bill and Kingsley and asks: "How is it I know my son better after three meetings of less than half a day time than all of you do after almost four years of living alongside him? Why have you been wasting the last fourteen years not getting to know the son I was kept from for all these years? Can anyone tell me that?"
And the people he glared at – especially Dumbledore and Arthur for the first question and the sandy-haired man and the intriguing young woman for the second – turn their heads down as Sirius says: "Harry saw terrible things happen, exactly when his hormones started working up. We need to help him get over what happened in June, but more importantly, we need to be there for him if his hormones get him in trouble.
Harry needs someone who accepts and recognizes that he's seen more than his short life is worth, but also that his childhood is a sacred thing and seeing how little of that he's been able to enjoy, we need to work our hardest to gain and keep his trust and do things with him that all teens his age do with those here in this room. If there is one thing Harry – correct me if I'm wrong, son – needs right now, it's someone who can balance the war with regular life."
He then turns to his son, but Harry just happily nods in agreement and says: "I would love that, dad." At which the man slaps Harry on the shoulder and says: "And that is exactly what I plan on doing, kiddo. Lessons to prepare you for war and not-war related dangers once a week, some sessions with me and Andy to help you get over June also once a week and all other times you can do whatever you want, as long as you stick to the 3 rules."
He then looks up and asks: "And what about you lot? Are you really that focused on a war we're not even in yet that you're going to forget to live? Does that sound like something impossible or so?" And no one disagrees with the man as they all seem to realize that the man has done exactly what they should have done from the start. Again I wonder how this man is not the leader of his family and look at him with respect as I read on.
The warm … all sorry.
Now Sirius flips Harry over the back of his head and says: "Just because you were angry, does not excuse you from being uncaring. You apologize for that, young man. And no, I won't punish you for all your bad thoughts; that one just crossed the line." Harry nods at his dad, apologizes to the girl and I read on.
"I think … except him.
"Something I now see was a very big mistake." The man admits and Sirius says: "Let's discuss that when we have that discussion I mentioned, shall we?" The elder man nods and asks: "Is after this chapter okay for you, Sirius?" The man nods and says: "Considering that this will be the final chapter of the day, I think that will work, yes. Also I do want Harry there. He deserves to be witness of our talk, Albus."
The man seems hesitant and I realize that, while Sirius is looking at his son, the man is apparently looking at the small bit of air between the two as Sirius says: "I won't discuss anything concerning the Order. This concerns Harry, his trust in you and your decisions regarding him. I simply want you to make an important decision about that and I want him present when it happens." Dumbledore seems to accept this and nods at Sirius before I read on.
"Didn't work … was scary."
"Not as scary as my Siri, I'm sure. After all, even a werewolf wouldn't dare attack a Veela father when he gets angry or protective of his young." James whispers lovingly and Hermione shivers as she says: "I think that was the only time even Mrs. Weasley was too scared to be angry with him.""Not to mention the first time she almost fully agreed with him." Ron adds to that, having shivered himself and James asks confused:
"What didn't she agree with him on then? He had full rights to be angry. Surely she knew that, having had me locked where I was and all. I know she thought that Harry was Lily's, but she did believe him to be his guardian, right?" And Ron growls at this, obviously angry over the memory of that revelation and he says: "She didn't agree with his methods. She even would have ranted at him had it not been for his furious eyes."
Now even James shudders and says: "I actually once caught a glimpse of that when a Death Eater found out that it wasn't Lily who was pregnant, but me and tried to invade my home to make me have Sora early, when I was only five months along. The things he did to that guy – he switched sides right the next day, just to never have to face that kind of fury again. Not the healthiest reasons, but we were glad to have him on our team."
To this Moody, Sirius, Remus and Albus nod, Sirius himself smirking to prove that he does not regret his actions that day and the last of them says: "I am still grateful for him. He went to work on some of the countries that the Ministry believes could go to war with us because they don't believe in our Ministerial system. Haven't seen one threat since he started there – but he sure keeps up his correspondence with me."
The man ends with a happy smile and Remus asks: "Johnny keeps in contact with you, sir? How is he? I haven't heard from him since he moved?" And the man answers: "He's quite happy, Remus. He found a wife two years after he moved and he now has a son that would be in his first year had he lived in England."
Everyone seems excited and happy about this and Sirius whispers: "Good for Johnny. I don't regret what I caused him that day, as I was protecting my beloved, but I definitely remember how devastated he was when he had to chose between his family and his side. I also do still hate that it was my anger at him made him chose his side over his family, even if it was the right choice. I really hope he'll forgive me." But then Dumbledore tells him:
"Actually, Sirius, your so-called arrest made him feel relieved." Everyone looks at the man shocked and Dumbledore says: "Apparently Johnny's family had already been in danger before his switch. You showing your so-called true colors, made him feel better as he had been sure he would have one day do that himself.
You doing that gave him the opportunity to learn about true loyalty and he told me how sure he was that he would have done the same thing, had your positions been switched – so to say." Everyone looks shocked and while I feel totally confused and befuzzled at this point, does James seem to understand as he asks:
"So if my Siri had been where he has always been and Johnny had been on Sirius' so-called side, Johnny wouldn't have needed the whole bluff thing to pull a Pettigrew?" And while I'm even more confused now, does Dumbledore nod and Sirius says: "I guess he did forgive me, in his own way." And while I decide that, in this case, I probably will never understand this strange code language, do I accept this and read on.
"Well, I'm … his temper.
Now both of them and Sirius hit themselves on the head, while the twins look at their younger brother as if he's grown an extra head and their elder brother sighs and Sirius asks his son: "Do I need to start monitoring the first meetings between you guys if you haven't seen each other in a while? Or is this just because of all those dumb decisions made over the last month?" And Ron is the one to answer: "Mostly the last one."
Yet Hermione turns to Harry as she says: "But we really shouldn't have done that, either way. We should have just tried to help you, instead of fear your reactions. We should have listened to Sirius a long time ago. Sorry about that, Harry, Sirius." And the man answers: "Not your fault you listen to the one man you think has more experience with my little boy than I do, especially if he has a good reason to have your respect. I'd have done it."
He then turns to his son and says: "I don't approve of the way you behaved to Ron and Hermione last night, Harry, but that is mostly because the things you wanted were out of their reach and you should have realized that when you first heard of the Order. On the other hand, do I think that we should just leave it at that this one last time as I already said before that I accept your reasoning. Also I stay with the statement I told Remus last night."
"And what is that, Black?" The scarred man sneers, obviously not feeling comfortable with being questioned about his actions and Sirius says: "That trying to keep a top-secret organization and a bunch of Gryffindor teenagers in the same house without letting them get to know each other is nothing more than madness.
Those kids of ours see us walk in and out of meetings almost every day, anyone would get curious after a first meeting and Gryffindors and Ravenclaws are the first of all four Houses who would try and find out what goes on behind closed doors, whether it's out of brave curiosity or the instinctual need of knowledge. And if you take the fact that they have been at the front of all the other events, that just makes things worse.
We need to either find another safe house to house the Weasleys and other kids of the Order, not to mention those on my family that we can trust – or find a better spot for us all to meet where the kids won't have to notice that the Order is at work. Where they can just be teens and focus on having fun during their summer break and we can focus on keeping our world safe. Else we might as well give them classes to prepare them to join."
Everyone looks shocked and Albus says: "Sirius, what you're suggesting is impossible. We don't have time to find such places and we can't expect the kids to join us." But the black-haired man rolls his eyes and says: "I said classes to prepare them, Albus. I didn't say let them join. I don't even believe the twins are ready and they're – in the eyes of the magical world – legally adults. No, I think they need Uncle Charlus' rules."
This makes the two of them look at each other, even though they had grimaced in annoyance when Sirius said he considered them not ready and Sirius says: "If you follow the same course Jamie and I followed up to your 18th birthday, we'll let you join a month after, so we can test you to see if you passed. If you don't want to take the course, I don't ever want to hear you complain about not joining again, understand?"
The two nod and the left one asks: "What's the course?" Now Sirius looks at Arthur and when the balding man nods, his eyes slightly uncertain, does Sirius smile and turn back to the twins as he says: "Learn about all magical and Muggle ways of self-defense; from Muggle weapons, to magical fighting skills to special spells. And with special I mean a lot of different kinds, including a couple of basic wards and a strong knowledge on Rune Magic."
The two seem excited about this and James says: "That Muggle half will be hard, believe me. Dad didn't even let Siri or me join until we were 18 and that was because he wanted to be sure we had all means – both Muggle and Magical – to defend ourselves, mostly because Voldemort was all about attacking Muggle places. And the Order was often in the need to hide down under somewhere, thus the need to know Runes and Wards."
Then suddenly Harry says: "THAT'S BRILLIANT!" And everyone looks at him as he asks: "Don't you see? If we offer that course in the Seventh Years Defense against the Dark Arts classes, we'll be one simple step closer to Muggle-Magical integration and we won't have to do a thing ourselves. We can leave it to our new teacher. And offering that Rune course will make sure Voldemort will have less of a chance of breaking in on Muggleborn homes."
This makes everyone smile widely and James says: "Now that's my little boy. Thinking about the good of others and finding ways to make the most out of everything. That's just how a Potter works." And Sirius nods, while Harry beams at his mum and hugs the man tightly. Everyone smiles at the picture and Dumbledore mutters: "I'll definitely discuss the Rune plan with Bathsheda when I get the chance." As I read on.
"We told … without owls."
"Pfft, of course he does. How do you think we keep in touch between us Order members? How Arthur and Kingsley keep each other informed about what happens at their respective Departments without being seen together?" Sirius scoffs and Harry asks: "Mind links?" And the man shouts: "Thank goodness, no. Then Snivelus'd be able to read my mind and none of our battles would be fun anymore." Now everyone looks shocked and Remus asks:
"What do you mean, fun?" And Sirius asks: "You think I'm still trying? Please, I gave up on that silly little rivalry when Sora was born. When you first see your own son, things like that just seem insignificant, you know? Trust me, if Snape were to ever get a kid, he'd understand. I'm just living up to his expectations to keep up my ruse and give myself the reassurance that I still got my old skills." Everyone looks shocked and Sirius says:
"And no, Harry, we don't use mind-links. But I'm not telling you how we're doing it either. This is knowledge that Snape Obliviates himself on every time after using it. Therefore that is information you won't get until you join the Order. And for you count the same rules as for Fred and George and as for Jamie and me when we were your age. No joining until you're 18 and able to defend yourself at all places in the world."
Harry nods, while Ron whispers to Hermione: "He willingly obliviates himself? That's – wow." And Hermione nods as Harry asks: "Should I start practicing, dad?" And Sirius seems doubtful as he says: "We'll discuss that when you've mastered that Keyblade thing." Harry nods and then asks: "Will you help me?" Looking at his older brother and his brother's friends. Sora and the others all nod and Harry smiles widely as I read on.
Hermione glanced … was shouting.
Now Harry really looks down and says: "I'm really sorry for what I said, guys. I don't believe half of what I said that night, really. I know you guys must have been feeling just as annoyed and lost with the whole thing." But the two seem not to blame Harry anymore and Ron shrugs as he says: "Most of it was true." And Hermione ends: "And we're not real happy with that either." Making Harry smile at them as I read on.
But then Hermione coughs and says: "Ehm, Mr. Tarzan, sir? This is – kind of – where we need your loud voice to step in." And I ask: "You mean my Jungle voice when I call for my friends or warn my family of incoming danger?" The girl nods, while others look at each other, wondering about my last comment and she says: "Just – just imagine that someone you care about is keeping you from protecting your family." At which I start to shout.
"SO YOU … THE DEMENTORS?"
"That thing with the Dementors I knew about? But when exactly between now and your first did you meet Voldemort? And what's this about a Philosopher's stone? I thought that thing was with the Flamels? What's with that?" Sirius asks, interrupting me and allowing me to have some water as he seems to grow angry.
Then Harry says: "It was, dad, but Voldemort wasn't really dead and he had possessed a teacher to steal it. Dumbledore knew of this, so he had the vault where it was kept –." But then Sirius asks: "What do you mean, vault? The Flamels each have a stone of their own. They only keep the fake in a Vault to stay out of the public eye."
Now everyone look shocked and Albus asks: "Are you sure?" And Sirius rolls his eyes and asks: "Remember the seventh of October 1978? When most of the Order was sent out to protect that one town in the far south-west of the country?" Albus nods and Sirius says: "Those two old Muggles I saved that day were the Flamels in disguise, they told me this in exchange for me saving them. It was their way of thanking me."
He then turns to the man in question and says: "Surely, as their student, you knew of this as well?" But Albus shakes his head and says: "My final test as their pupil was to make a Stone of my own and I hid that in a Vault. I hardly ever met them after that as they kept a low profile outside of attending Alchemy Seminars. Then I heard Voldemort had plans for my creation, so I made sure to have someone empty the Vault before it could be stolen."
"So – so there were two vaults with a Stone in it?" Sirius asks shocked and Albus says: "Yes, I can only imagine that Nicholas asked me to do this to create a back-up for his own back-up, the fake one you know about. I just don't know how Voldemort discovered which of the two held the real stone, but I can only imagine it's because he studied me as well as I studied him during the war. Know thy enemy, as the Muggles always say."
Sirius seems to agree with this and says: "So the whole thing with the Stone is now cleared up, but what – wait, did you meet with Riddle when you tried saving that thing?" Harry nods and says: "And when I tried saving Ginny a year later. Not my story, I won't say another word about it." Sirius nods, while clearly worried, yet I also notice a doubtful look on his son's face, as if he wonders if he did right saving the girl as I read on.
Every bitter … their heads.
"Combine that with the fact that he's had some terrible nights filled with nightmares about last June, that he is living with Muggles who would actually celebrate if something horrible happens to him and that he's a teenager growing into his hormones and I'm surprised he lasted this long. Guess he inherited some of the famous Black patience. We usually stow our emotions away until the right time. You just did at the wrong time."
He then ends, looking at his son and says: "On the other hand, seeing I'm the only one here as an adult constantly fighting everyone else about your whereabouts this summer as well as the kind of help I believe you need with all of this and I'm not surprised you burst at the first person you see that you know you can trust. Unlike that woman – sorry Arthur." But the father of four shakes his head and I read on.
"WHO HAD … HERE TOGETHER –"
"Okay, that I think goes a little far." Bill now growls, but then Sirius says: "No, I would have thought the same thing. Constantly being sent back to somewhere those sending me know I absolutely hate going to and no one showing any sign of wanting to get me away from there. I would have felt just as abandoned, wouldn't you?"
Now the redhead turns red and says: "Yeah, I guess." Harry then sighs and says: "Seriously, communication is a real concept missed out on a lot of people here. So far it seems as if dad is the only one to have really grasped that concept, especially when it comes to those you supposedly care about." He snaps at the end.
The others look down, but then Sirius flips him over the back of his head and says: "You've been allowed your moment to relieve. Now's time to try and forgive them already. No need to get snappy, you understand?" Harry nods and apologizes with his head low, making Sirius smile at him before I want to read on, feeling quite proud myself. Yet then I notice that Sora has his head down and ask: "What's wrong?" Making others look as well.
"I – I've been thinking and – I don't think I'm like Harry or dad in this situation." Everyone looks at him and he says: "I'm trying to – to imagine what I – what I'd be like if I were in this situation and – and didn't have the Keyblade. If Riku and Kairi were in Radiant Garden and only Even would be able to reunite us. If only letters coming from the ocean sent in a bottle were the way for us to communicate and they'd be filled with text like this."
The boy looks up and says: "I – I do think I'd be angry at first, but – only for the first week or so. I think, once we do get reunited – it'd probably be like we were at the Stronghold. That I'd break down and ask if we were still friends? Why they hadn't convinced Even to do it sooner? I'd fear that I was worthless and that they had just decided to end our friendship and abandon me, that the letters were just to fool me or something."
Instantly both his friends are at his sides as the boy sounded so horrified and desperate, it almost sounded like he had really gone through something like that. And while Riku and Kairi wrap their arms around their closest friend and whisper words of reassurance, do his words also seem to have affected everyone else. And every adult around me – bar James, Ariel, Erik and Sirius – are now sharing looks of guilt as I read on.
"No, honest … stop him?"
"Okay, those questions shouldn't even be on your mind, young man, at least not until you turn seventeen and start practicing that course we told you about. Then, if we haven't managed to defeat and put an end to him permanently with help of the books by that time, you can start learning small things that we do concerning him and work up from that. Until then, stick with what we tell you and keep earning our trust, understand?"
Sirius asks his son, while also glancing at Ron, Hermione and the twins and Harry nods as he asks: "Will you keep telling me where I shouldn't go to inconvenience the Order?" Sirius nods and adds: "And how some of us are doing after missions, so you can know who to worry or grief about and who you can feel relieved about. And of course, I'm going to make sure that you have close bonds with members that don't concern the Order itself."
Now Dumbledore wants to object again, yet Sirius doesn't give him the chance as he just goes on and says: "I won't tell you what the mission was about, regardless of whether or not the mission succeeds, but I will tell you the status of those working it afterwards, in case it's someone you know. Because I know you and I know you'll instantly worry if it's someone you care about like your mum, Lupin or Bill, am I right?"
Now the elder man seems unable to object and Harry nods, hugging his dad as he says: "You are, thanks dad." And Sirius whispers: "No problem, kiddo. Plus, I will – as is my right as your father – tell you if the mission concerns you – but only if it concerns you." And Harry nods before Sirius says: "And that is how you keep kids out of dangerous situations and help them keep to the three rules Jamie and I lived under when Uncle Charlus was alive."
All other adults look down ashamed, obviously having never thought of this idea and then Ariel whispers: "We really should remember Sirius' methods. They'd be perfect if our baby goes back to the sea with us." Erik nods and asks: "Dangerous places there?" And Ariel hums uncertainly before she mutters: "Daddy does have his Trident for a reason." And this obviously makes the upcoming father worry greatly as I quickly read on.
"We've told … Harry sarcastically.
"Not just you, kiddo, but that's why I told you not to go to the Department of Mysteries. That department is very important to both Voldemort and us and he already knows this, so don't go there no matter what he tries, alright?" Sirius asks his son and Harry says: "I'll keep my promise, dad, you'll see." Making Sirius smile, while some of the adults around him grimace at this new bit of info being shared as I read on.
"Oh, yeah," … in here.
"You know, I think a good Curaga spell at the center of this place's magical energy should cure it of all and any diseases and bacteria growing here. Do you know where that is?" Riku asks, looking around at the dark corners of the room, which are actually filled with fungi even I have never seen, not even in the darkest parts of the Jungle and Sirius says: "I only went there once myself – the day before I ran away from this place."
He then shudders and says: "I won't go back there if you paid me all the valuables from the Malfoy, Lestrange, Riddle, Slytherin, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle and Macnair lines together. Too dark there, let me tell you. It almost made me decide to start listening to my mum – and she was against everything I liked about my life, including my friends. And I was still almost convinced, regardless of my knowledge that she would be against my relationship."
Now James looks shocked and he asks: "That place almost made you to listen to your mother regardless of you knowing she'd dislike our relationship?" And Sirius shudders again as he says: "Almost did, yes." He then looks at Riku and I would almost compare him to someone dead as he states: "Trust me, kid, if you haven't had a taste of pure darkness like a Killing Curse, then I won't ever recommend you go in there – and I mean ever."
But then Sora, Riku and Kairi share a look and Riku asks: "I was controlled by Ansem and his darkness is foul and powerful. He was after all the Heartless of Xehanort himself. You think the darkness in that room is stronger?" Sora shrugs and asks: "Dad, you think you can take us to the door to that place?"
"Will you go in?" Sirius asks, now angry and Sora quickly says: "Only Riku and only if that darkness is weaker than Ansem's, I promise." The man nods and says: "I'll take you there once things settle." The two nod, but then James says: "But only with the rest of us casting a Patronus charm each." All three of them nod to this and I see Sora look at Riku with a worry that I've never seen in his eyes before, worrying me in return as I read on.
We've managed … said Fred.
"And a bedroom guards someone's rights to privacy, boys." Sirius tells the twins, who look down with guilty smiles as he goes on: "I will not forbid you – or ask Arthur to do so – to Apparate around the house, but at the least, from now on, Apparate in front of someone's bedroom door instead of into the bedroom, agreed?"
The two nod and Arthur smiles as he asks: "How is it they listen to you and not to Molly?" And Sirius rolls his eyes before he answers: "Two reasons. One, I don't raise my voice every time I talk to them. Two, Molly screwed up with these two years ago, Arthur. She yells too much, takes things way too seriously for them and goes against everything they dream of doing. She disrespects them, they disrespect her. Simple as that."
The two nod and Arthur says: "Could have guessed that one." He then turns to his sons and asks: "If I promise to raise you guys like Sirius plans to raise Harry and Sora, will you promise to listen to me as well and tell me when I cross the line as long as I do the same to you?" And instantly the twins nod vividly before one of them says: "Our spat's with Molly, dad. Not you.""Yeah, we love listening to you much more." Making their father smile as I read on, smiling myself.
"Anyway, Harry, … the matter.
This makes said Weasley look troubled and he says: "I'm not sure if I should take pride in that or not or if I even want to." And he turns to Sirius, his eyes flying to the man's chest, probably indicating the pictures Master Yen Sid sent along with Sora, Kairi and Riku, but the elder man seems to consider the words read as a good sign and says:
"It might mean that if you take her under your wing and keep her darkness under control, Harry can peacefully search for his own mates and she might even come around. As long as we make sure to get and keep her away from Molly, that is." Everyone nods, but then Harry says: "I – I'm not sure that's even possible – anymore. Though I – I really hope that – that I'm wrong." We all turn to look at the boy and he explains:
"Molly has been going with this idea since my mum went down under. She proved that by being there on the night they were attacked. And she's obviously been wanting our families united ever since, or at least since I became famous. Add to that what Ron told me that first summer at the Burrow, about how Ginny had been dying to meet me and might want my autograph and one other event – and the chances really slim down."
This worries everyone around me, except Dumbledore who, while not looking at the boy directly, says: "Harry, you should always believe in the best of others." Yet to this the boy coldly retorts: "I would, sir, if not for the fact that Ginny might still be influenced – by not one, but two sources of darkness. Her mother since she was little – and a certain little journal since her First year." Which seems to horrify Arthur and Ron.
"Sorry to say this, but one doesn't just walk away from that, from having your –." Yet here Harry falters and looks at Arthur. The man hesitates, but nods and Harry continues: "From having your body being taken over by the soul of another, especially not one as dark as Riddle. And considering she never saw a Mind Healer or got any help afterwards – other than a trip to Egypt – and that her mother is dark herself – who says Molly didn't fester that dark nature?
It would certainly explain the pictures. Explain how Ginny could have such control over the Heartless. Of course she would have, she would know all about controlling mindless beings, she underwent such an event herself multiple times." Harry sighs and shakes his head as he says: "I'm really sorry, but – I don't think Ginny is able to be brought back to the light anymore. Not when Molly's had three years to fester that darkness within her."
At this Dumbledore frowns and the others grimace and then the ancient man makes a horrible mistake. "You are quite wrong, my boy. And the reason behind that – is only three seats to your right." But while Harry stares from the man to Riku, does Riku snarl: "No, Harry is right and you're the one in the wrong. I had my Darkness cleansed, because I had plenty of sources of Light on my side. Ginny didn't. She is not me, I am not her." And with that do I read on.
Harry was … sniggered Fred.
At hearing this the aforementioned Weasley turns almost redder than his hair, but then Arthur says: "As long as your brothers keep their jokes about your love life to an acceptable minimum and as long as she makes you happy, do I happily approve of whoever you bring home with you, son. If anything, I'm just glad and happy that my eldest is indeed looking into continuing the family line." Bill smiles and Sirius mutters:
"Something I'm sure Molly would love to disagree with." He then turns to the scarred man and says: "Moody, make sure to question her this afternoon, will you? I'll make sure Kreacher prepares her, so that we can be sure she speaks the truth and then you make sure you ask her about who of us all she has plans for. Also, I will make copies of the pictures, so you can question her about them and how much she agrees with their results."
The scarred man nods and Bill asks: "You don't think she has plans for even my future, do you Sirius?" And the black-haired man sighs as he says: "There was a picture of you and Fleur among the others, Bill, so that already proves it to me." The elder redhead winces and then Kairi seems to whisper something in his ear. Instantly his eyes widen and he growls: "I will not allow that to happen." And Kairi smiles at him as I read on.
"Charlie's in … of Magic.
Instantly – to my total shock – does the mood turn as dark as the Jungle on a storm day. I look around, seeing that all the Weasleys have their heads down and that some of them even have angry tears shining in their eyes. Wondering what could have happened to the brother and why this one incredibly kind family has to suffer through so many of its members, do I spare one last glance around the room and read on.
At Harry's … Harry said.
"Is – is this Percy – is he – dead?" Ariel asks tentatively, while Erik holds her close and Ron shakes his head, while the others cringe at hearing the word, as if fearing that it will happen without them knowing or something. Wondering if it could be something in the bond between them, do I decide to find out and read on.
"Percy and … who shouts."
"Something that apparently lost its effects on my kids." Arthur says with a grimace, which I know should have been a smile, but apparently this row is still very clear on his mind and I can only imagine how painful it must have been for the – to my eyes – gentle man to have to fight his own son. Feeling for the father, do I hear Sirius say: "Use the same method of parenting or punishment over and over and it becomes pointless." As I read on.
"It was … been promoted."
"You had a row about his promotion?" Ariel asks shocked, which confuses me as Arthur just doesn't seem like the kind of man who'd be like that and Arthur himself says: "It had more to do with who promoted him than the promotion itself. We don't trust who promoted him, but Percy seems more loyal to him than to us. And – well – that really showed that night." The man ends depressed and his sons hug him as I read on.
"You're kidding?" … gone mad).
"Wait, how long has that kid been working there anyway?" Ariel now curiously asks, while I feel really out of my element as things like jobs and employments just aren't needed in the jungle and Arthur says: "Only a year, which is another reason I didn't want him to accept the promotion. He doesn't have the experience that makes him capable of handling the job without the responsibilities going to his head and breaking him up."
"Did you tell him that?" Erik asks, looking concerned and Arthur shakes his head and says: "Didn't get the chance. I only got to say I didn't think it wise for him to take the promotion now and then he started shouting. The things he shouted angered me and I shouted back, thus the row started and –." The man sighs and whispers: "I wanted to go talk to him after, but Molly kept telling me that the Order was more important – and I listened." Making me grimace and read on.
"Yeah, we … I think."
"I would have been, had Percy really shown he deserved the job, due to the experience he had gained after years of work. Only, he had jumped from one job to the next so quickly in a year, I knew he just couldn't be ready. Guess I didn't exactly let him realize that with how I was looking when he said that he got the promotion. Not to mention I had already started hearing rumors about people being annoyed with him and knew this would only make those worse."
Arthur says, seemingly getting more and more depressed the longer this part of the chapter lasts and I think: "There is so much this man wants to explain to his son, so much that makes sense to anyone with common sense. I have to bring this family back together." And I share a glance with Sora, the boy nodding at me, before I read on.
"Only Dad … Muggle obsession."
"That obsession is – in my eyes – exactly what can save our bloody hides, would the Muggles actually find out about us. To be honest, sometimes I consider it a bloody miracle that they haven't done so already." Harry grumbles, making a small smile appear on Arthur's face, while James flips him over the back of his head and says: "Good point made, wrong words used." Making a small smile appear on Harry's face as I read on.
"But what's … and Dumbledore."
"I only said those things in my anger. I was so angry at what Percy was saying. He was actually mocking all our family had worked for as if we were worthless without his job and his new promotion. It was as if he was completely oblivious to all of the problems he was causing himself with his growing ego. It made me so angry, so afraid I had lost my son to his own greed and ambition – I just lost control of what I said."
The man sighs and Sirius rolls his eyes as he says: "Trust me, Arthur, I've been there and I did the same dumb thing with both Remus and Lily. And you remember Lily's temper, don't you?" The redhead smirks, while I'm glad that Sirius is able to distract the kind-hearted man from his troubles, and nods as Sirius says: "If you want my advice, try and meet with Percy somewhere neither of you have any ground to win.
Make sure it's somewhere neither of you are able to get the upper hand, somewhere completely neutral to both of you and then try and explain all you told us. If you just keep control of your tone and offer Percy chance to speak his mind, he will listen. Lily listened to me when I did that and Percy will listen to you, trust me. Though also make sure to use your rights as Lord Weasley if necessary. But only when necessary."
The redhead smiles at this and Harry says: "I would suggest Florian's, Mr. Weasley. It's somewhere you both know, where neither of you go too often and where you can get something good to celebrate things once you've settled all of your matters." To this the man nods, smiling widely at the idea, yet then he says: "Or where I can drown my pain in ice-cream if it fails." Making us all cringe and yet I feel hopeful as I read on.
Harry let … I mean –"
Now Harry is the one turning angry, his hands wrapped around the golden goblet in front of him to prove he is trying to hold back as he says: "To be honest, Mr. Weasley, would I like it if you could fix problems with Percy before my hearing, because if I come across Percy – well, I might just do what I did last night. And I was not proud of last night's events, but I can honestly say I will not regret it if that happens again."
To this Arthur nods and then Sirius says: "Harry." But the boy shocks us all as he interrupts him and says: "No dad. I'm sorry, I know I'm being disrespectful, but Percy did something there that I find unforgivable. He threw his family, a family that has been working their butts off for years to raise him, aside for some galleons. Anyone who knows me, knows I would give all of my vaults for one day with you guys. And you guys being back doesn't change that.
Percy did the one thing I will never forgive anyone doing, whether it's you, him or even Dumbledore or Voldemort. Heck, I'd even go against Lucius Malfoy if he turned his back on his son and my rivalry with Draco is pretty darn well known." To this all the kids nod, except Sora, Riku and Kairi and Dumbledore is even smiling, as if he is proud of the boy for this. Yet Sirius seems not to share in this pride as he sighs and says:
"I don't approve you want to go after someone and shout at them for something that doesn't concern or involve you, but I am proud that you have such good views on what is and what isn't important in life. Money is definitely an essential to everyone's life, but it should never go above family and I'm proud that you believe in that. And I do agree that Percy shouldn't believe money to be this important when his family has been proving for years that it isn't."
He then hugs his son close and Arthur says: "Harry, once I've settled things with Percy, will I be sure to mention this to him, if only to make sure the consequences of his actions really get through to him. Is that enough for you?" Harry nods, his face still showing his fury at Percy's actions and Sora says: "And we'll keep them apart if you can't find the time to speak with Percy before the Hearing, Mr. Weasley." At which the man nods as I read on.
"What?" said … London now."
"It was that I already started feeling guilty about shouting at Ron and Hermione and that I didn't know where the nearest fireplace was, but seriously – at that time the anger had rekindled inside me and I was almost planning to ask the twins to apparate me straight to him. Just didn't because I wasn't sure if they knew his location or not."
Harry growls, his anger obviously being rekindled by what I'm reading and I can only too well understand how the lad feels as Kerchak – as amazing a leader as he was – was never the father for me that Arthur is obviously for his sons and I think: "How can any cub turn his back on such a father?" But get no answer and thus, while once again glad that I was raised in a world where this money thing didn't exist, do I read on.
Harry swore … I s'pose."
"I actually tried talking with him a few times the first two days after, but he inherited Molly's evil eye and I – well, I just lost hope, I guess." Arthur sighs and while I remember how I have been caring for some newborn gorilla young over the last few years, do I say: "Never lose hope. You are father of sons. They your sons, you their father forever." The man smiles at me, grateful for my words and I smile back before reading on.
"But Percy … with satisfaction.
"And what's that supposed to mean, young lady?" Sirius asks with a raised eyebrow and a devious smirk and Hermione answers: "Woof." Shocking the whole group and confusing me apparently as even Sora and Riku seem to be in on the secret behind this clue. But then Lupin gasps, proving he figured out the mystery and asks: "She didn't?"
But Ron answers: "How else do you think she got past all those people trying to keep her off the grounds at all times?" And Hermione goes on: "Same way Sirius got into the castle multiple times. She just knew exactly when to use it and got all the dirt she needed out of it." And I finally ask: "Out of what?"
And the father of young Sora answers: "I'm personally capable of changing into a dog, which is why Hermione woofed as only those in the Order, Harry and his friends know about that. But apparently is Skeeter also able to change into some kind of animal and is that what she's been using to write all kinds of rumors about my little boy. She then puts those rumors in papers that are spread across England, making them all know about those."
He then looks out into the distance and says: "Something I will be sure to let the world know will never happen again as that was some serious violation of the No Slander Against Minors code." Now Albus hits himself on the head and whispers: "How did I forget about that?" But then Harry asks: "Why didn't I think of that?"
Now everyone looks at him shocked and he asks: "What? It was me she was attacking, so why shouldn't I try and fight back?" And Sirius answers: "Because those are exactly the kind of battles you should only have to face if you're past your seventeenth birthday or if you were really an orphan. Else it's our job to fight those battles. Not to mention that there are certain more effective ways to fight those that you don't know about yet."
To this Harry shrugs and says: "I guess I'm still kind of stuck on the concept that I always had to fend for myself and be a loner and make sure I could survive to live another day. I mean, I had plenty of adults standing by me at Hogwarts, but – and I really hate saying this – they all let me down at one point, one way or another."
This makes Sirius and James share a worried look over the young man's head and he says: "If I really have to be honest – and I hate doing that in front of so many adults – are the only adults who never let me down Sirius and Mr. Weasley. Everyone else either just let me down or broke my trust somewhere during the past four years. Either that or they just never played enough of a role in my life for me to really care about them."
Now all adults, except for Sirius and Arthur, cringe at hearing this, Lupin grimacing the worst after this as if he takes offence to the last statement, while both mentioned men smile with deep love and care at the young man and Albus asks: "Even Minerva, Harry?" But the lad actually turns angry and says: "I haven't trusted McGonagall since the 150 point loss incident and you can ask her yourself about the details, sir."
The man nods and I can tell by his eyes that he is determined to get to the bottom of why that incident broke Harry's trust in this woman, but then Hermione says: "You also might want to question all of the students who were at Hogwarts during that year and that were openly disappointed in that point loss. You won't like it, trust me. Especially when you ask them what they decided to do about their disappointment over this."
Now the ancient and caring man looks worried and asks: "Did they perhaps aid in Harry's loss of trust?" Yet Hermione shakes her head and says: "They just took the right to punish him for that point loss into their own hands, sir. The hard way." The man cringes and then as he spots that the twins also cringe and look down in unified guilt over this seems to get a boost in his determination, before I quickly read on.
"But she … facts quickly.
"They say what now about my little brother?" Sora asks angrily, summoning his Keyblade even if it looks like that is just out of instinct. Hermione cringes as she says: "It actually gets worse. I'll let you read today's Prophet after this, okay?" The boy nods, his lips thin and I remember how angry Sora had been after Clayton had tried to shoot Terk back in my home world. The boy takes a deep breath and dismissing his blade before I read on.
"They keep … him next –"
By now Sora is seething with anger along with the rest of us, me growling every few words that I read. And James, who is naturally just as angry, whispers furiously: "Let's see how many of those bastards think they have the guts to write crap like that when the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter gets in their way." And Harry gives the man a small, grateful smile while James has his arm around his son to keep himself calm as Sora whispers:
"And if that doesn't stop them, I might just ask some of my friends to." And instantly I smirk as I am more than willing to yell their hides full the same way I just yelled that bit of text as Ariel says: "If they are still printing this crap by the time I have my baby, you can be assured of my help, Sora. I'd help you sooner, but I don't want to give my husband a heart-attack of worry." This makes the man pout, while all of us laugh.
I then look at Sora and say: "You helped me save Gorillas, I help you protect family." Sora smiles at me widely and when James has calmed down, does Harry even get up to shake my hand in gratitude before he takes his seat with his parents again. He then also hugs his mum and whispers: "I know you won't let me down, mum. And I can't wait to see dad do the same thing if necessary." Making both his parents smile as I read on.
"I don't … it'd never –"
"Remind me to get in contact with the official Potter reporter for the Daily Prophet as well as the DMLE. When I do, I will give an official report on my return to the so-called living along with my report on Molly's kidnap and will give a public statement where I can throw the world of this piece of common logic in their disgusting, delusional faces." James whispers at Sirius and the man asks: "Destruction of fame and name?"
And James hisses: "Complete annihilation. Potters are a caring and righteous House, but they always – always – get even, no matter what." Making a venomous smirk appear on Sirius' face that almost makes me fear for whoever his victims will be. Almost because I can only give Harry right in his statements and feel as if even the baby baboons are smarter than the people living here. Shaking my head at this, do I read on.
"We know … against you."
Now all the adults seem to try and hold back their laughter and Kingsley tells Tonks: "You know, it's times like these, when teens are smarter than the people trying to work, that I feel embarrassed to work for the Ministry." And Tonks nods, her hair as red as the faces of a few of those around me, before James says: "Don't worry, I'll remind Fudge of his family's promise to mine soon enough and then we can start setting things right."
The two smile, but then Harry says: "You shouldn't. Get Fudge fired, I mean" Everyone looks at him shocked and he says: "Fudge is an idiot and a money-obsessed moron and I hate that he's dared to insult me so publicly every day, but he's also something we really need. A sturdy rock in this uncertain, incoming war time. If we fire Fudge, Voldemort will get the chance to put one of his own men in the spot."
This makes the adults that are from this world share a concerned look and then Harry goes on: "We need to keep Fudge as Minister, but he needs to realize that his mistakes are greater than he's making them seem and that there are things that really need to change if we wants to remain in position – even if it's an illegal position for him to be in." He then turns to his mum, who's as shocked as the rest of us and curiously suggests:
"Maybe if Fudge can prove he can fulfill the whole term a regular Minister fills, namely ten years, we Potters can just drop the Battle Axe and we won't have to reinstate the Feud at all, because that will assuredly make other Ancient Families chose sides between our two families and an all-out Family Feud is just not what we can use right now, especially not with the lines already being as drawn as they are since the last war."
Everyone looks at the boy in shock and he says: "Look, I'm not saying I agree with what Fudge has been doing. Merlin knows I hate him for sending Hagrid to Azkaban just to be seen doing something, for daring to think I would lie about someone who should be my guardian, not to mention the last month. But Fudge is something we can rely on during this war and if we fire him, he'll surely reinstate the Feud to get back at us."
The adults sigh and Albus says: "I think I speak for all of us if I say that I hate how responsible and war-conscious you've become, Harry. I don't believe it a bad thing, I just wish it wasn't in you at this age." And James and Sirius chorus: "Hear, hear." Hugging their son close, their eyes sad, but their smiles filled with pride as I read on.
They were … anger again.
The man in question lowers his head and Harry says: "It's just because you intervened in the friendship between me, Ron and Hermione and because you took Sirius out on that mission before he could try and help me get over what happened in June. And I suppose some of it is fueled by jealousy that my friends more loyal to you than me." The man nods, even when the two friends cringe at hearing their friend thinks like this, before he says:
"I see now that I truly do not take other people's feelings into account when I make my plans to protect you all as a group. I have always been a firm believer of The Greater Good, but it seems I have been letting that belief run away with me. I apologize for that and will try my best to get past that hurdle in my personality." Everyone nods, the adults smiling at the elder man in pride while Sirius pulls Harry close in pride as I read on.
"Who's Kreacher?" … Kreacher too."
"Hermione, no offence, but I think your reasons to be kind to Kreacher and Albus' are a little – well – different." Mr. Weasley tells the girl and she says: "But Kreacher –." But then James growls: "Deserves to have his life ambition given to him today." The girl looks at him shocked and with fury in his eyes, does he say:
"You can't base Kreacher's treatment on his behavior, Hermione, or on him being a House-Elf. You need to base it on what he has done and if you knew even half of it, you would agree with me. Trust me, I am all in for better care for the House-Elves, especially with bastards like Lucius, because I know exactly how he treats them. But I am also sensible enough to realize some of them just don't deserve that."
"Oh, and the terrible treatment, constant orders, no pay or holiday or anything is something they do deserve?" Hermione now spats back angrily and James raises his eyebrow, as if unimpressed, as he asks: "Have you ever asked a House-Elf why they like working for others? What they actually get in return for their work? And did you ever consider to take the way they treat their owners or family in return in account to all that?"
The girl looks shocked and says: "They – they get nothing. They don't get pay-check, or holidays, or sick-leave or anything. Some don't even get a simple thank you for doing a good job. And any of them treating families badly probably do that as a way to get back for how horrible their owners treat them." To which James looks both enraged and confused and asks: "Where on earth did you meet House-Elves like that?" And the girl answers:
"Hogwarts, of course." Now James seems shocked and says: "Hermione, they go to the Headmaster in groups to report their duties and what they were and were not able to do during their duties. They get plenty of thank you's." The girl seems shocked and turns to the Headmaster, who nods at her with a gentle smile. Then James seems to give into his anger and snarls: "And Kreacher treated Sirius badly since before he could walk."
At which the girl cringes and mumbles an apology to the man in question. Then Harry, who seems strangely calm, says: "Hermione, I know you believe in rightful treatment of all people and creatures and I know you really believe in your cause, but you made one big mistake in your reasoning." The girl looks at the boy confused and he says: "You thought of them like Malfoy thinks of Muggleborns, as if they're all the same.
You saw two House-Elves being treated terribly – and yes, I admit Dobby and Winky deserved better. But you were so blinded by those two, you didn't want to see how happy, well-cared for or healthy the other House-Elves were. You even became the one to insult them and their intelligence, while calling them intelligent beings that deserved better. They like working for Hogwarts and they got good deals out of it that give them a good life.
You really need to start realizing that every creature deserves to be judged for their individuality and their respective pasts. And I think you should use next year to go to the kitchens and ask them why they work there. It might just help you find a good compromise that you and the House-Elves can live with." The girl seems contemplative of the idea and mutters: "Maybe – I, I guess – you're right, Harry. I think I will." Harry smiles and I read on.
"Yeah, yeah," … up again.
"You really should have disillusioned that thing, lads. Noticed it coming halfway down the second floor." Moody grumbles with a creepy smile on his face. And the twins share a look before groaning, obviously realizing that the creepy, scarred man is right. And while I can tell that there are a few around me who are not entirely happy with the twins now knowing all this, do other adults snicker at the two of them, do I read on.
They heard … tripped over –"
"When was the first time?" Harry asks and Tonks answers: "When Sirius showed me my room. I can't believe it took me that long to not trip over it a million times." This makes everyone laugh and Sirius says: "That's because either Remus or I usually move it when we know that you're staying over or even staying for dinner. Though maybe someone should buy you some balance boots or something." And the girl moans as she says:
"I hate those things. I usually just use weight charms on whatever I'm wearing that day. Have been doing so since I had to wear them for one of my Auror jobs. They were charmed the wrong way and I almost let my suspect slip, because he heard them clomp on the wooden floor of the hide-out he had been hiding in. I still swear that if those things weren't made for running, that monster would have escaped me or worse."
"What do you mean worse?" Hermione asks worriedly and while Erik is again holding onto his wife, one of his hands rubbing circles on Ariel's stomach, does Tonks say: "It was a small house just on the west outskirt of Hogsmeade where we caught up with that bastard and he was running for one of the neighboring houses. Had I not been able to run and catch him, he would have been able to take the family of that house hostage."
The bushy haired girl looks shocked and scared alongside Kairi, Erik and Ariel, while Hercules, Moody and Kingsley looks furious at the very thought and Harry, apparently trying to defuse the tension, asks: "Families actually live in Hogsmeade? I thought it was just a small shopping village." Sirius shakes his head and says: "Some students move there after graduation and other houses are inhabited by parents of the students."
Now Harry looks excited and asks: "Is there a house empty? Do you think you could get one before school starts?" Sirius smiles and says: "You read my mind, kiddo. Jamie and I planned to do that once we had all settled back in Potter Manor after the reading would be over. Or at least the reading of the first of these books." Harry hugs his dad close, the man whispering: "Anything to make up for lost time." As I read on, smiling widely.
But the … his life.
Now Sirius turns to me and asks: "Hey big guy, think you're strong enough to withstand her horrendous Permanent Sticking charm and pull her off that wall? I won't burn her, I'm not that cruel and I definitely don't want to risk burning down the entire place or something of the sort. But I would love for her to be placed somewhere we won't have to hear her screaming, day in, day out, you know what I'm saying?"
I nod at the man, but then Sora says: "Wait just a little longer, dad, I know someone else who can be good back-up for if Tarzan isn't strong enough to beat that Sticking charm. Or maybe even pull on one side while he pulls on the other. You did say it was permanent, after all and four arms are better than just two." This makes me feel grateful as I had feared that Sora didn't believe in my actual strength and Hermione asks:
"Who could be stronger than Tarzan? He beat Sabor the Cheetah, after all. And was able to keep a gorilla twice his size from attacking others." This makes me wonder how she knows of this and makes me wonder if the gorilla was either Kerchak or one from another family. But I decide to let it drop and Sora asks: "Ever read about a vicious beast with a heart of gold?" And Hermione asks: "You know him?" And Sora nods, a big smile on his face as she mumbles:
"I saw his movie just recently. It's definitely an amazing piece and – yeah, he might actually work. And if Tarzan can't pull her off, his claws should be strong, if not sharp enough to rip her to pieces.""My thoughts exactly. Or at least through her painted throat, so she can't scream at us anymore." Hermione seems to smile at this idea and says: "Well thought, Sora." Making Riku and Kairi smile at him as I read on.
The old … my fathers –"
"Jeesh, is she always that pleasant?" Kairi asks, her left eye scrunched as she hears my words, words I don't fully understand myself, but enough to know that those around me were badly insulted during this fight and Sirius says: "Actually, she was being pleasant. She's even worse to me." Making the girl cringe and the man says: "I still think it's because Molly was there. She actually scared the damned woman that one time." As I read on.
Tonks apologized … closed again.
"How exactly could you stand all that screaming of hers, Pro – I mean, Lupin? My ears were practically bleeding from it and I don't even have your sensitive hearing now was I standing right next to her portrait like you." Harry asks the man and he smiles as he says: "Your dad taught me a neat little trick that I changed into a spell after the third time this happened." Everyone looks at him curiously and he says:
"A spell to make cotton wool grow out of my ears. I used it once and have been putting it in my robe pockets after every fight with that hag." And to prove it, does the man pull a small bit of white fluff out of his robe pocket, making many of those around me look shocked before they all burst out laughing hard.
"That is so you, love. That is so something only you can come up with." James tells Sirius as he slaps him on the shoulder, while tears are streaming down his eyes and Sirius makes it even worse as he asks: "How else do you think I survived her rants after our first year?" And a new wave of laughter rings through the room.
Finally everyone has calmed down, even Dumbledore using a piece of soft paper to dab the tears away that are glistering in his bright blue eyes and Moody says: "Now there's the innovative way of thinking that made me proud to teach Black and Potter as my trainees, back in the days. Potter may not have been an Auror, but I always loved it when he came to help his partner in training." And the two smile at him as I read on.
The old … my mother."
"And there the story ends." I mutter, feeling astounded that the kind, intelligent man I got to know today is related to someone as crazy as the portrait mentioned and Sirius sighs as he says: "I wasn't expecting much different. Guess my fight with Molly and the start of all this being a change to the future will start next chapter." Everyone nods and Albus says: "Something for which we can better use the rest of our day to prepare ourselves for."
To which Moody is the first to stand up, while Erik, Ariel, Bill, the twins and Riku sigh in relief, and he says: "I'll go check on and question our little prisoners. Prepare them for their upcoming trials." And he leaves, the wooden leg that he apparently has not at all bothering him as he calmly walks past us, his speed and agility not at all hampered by his amazing handicap. Harry seems to notice the same and hits himself on the head.
Everyone looks at the boy and he says: "I should have noticed that months ago." Everyone looks at him and he says: "The real Moody is as agile with his handicap as he would have been without. He's had the damned thing since the war ended. I should have noticed how the fake Moody was limping as if that handicap was recent, instead of over a decade old."
But then Dumbledore, his voice serene, says: "Harry, that is something we all – as a team – missed to notice and it doesn't befall you the responsibility anymore than it does us. We were all blind to this and forgot one of the most important rules of life, when believing yourself or others to be in danger. Suspect the unsuspected."
Harry smiles at the man and the ancient leader adds a small hint of a commanding tone to his voice as he says: "No more believing yourself the first one responsible for figuring out dangerous clues and trying to solve life-threatening mysteries, alright dear boy?" And Harry raises his eyebrow, obviously spotting the tone as he says: "I'll try, sir, but after the last four years, will it be hard not to use those inbred instincts. Sorry."
He shrugs with a guilty smile on his face, but Dumbledore shakes his head and says: "The guilt for that was on me, Harry. I worked for ten years, before your reintroduction to the Wizarding world, to try and track Tom down in order to stop him. And I truly tried to make sure you wouldn't be involved in any of those dangerous adventures, but when you're against someone of equal power and cunning, then even someone like myself cannot do much to stop him."
Harry nods and asks: "So you and the other teachers didn't put up those defenses, solely to test me and my friends, sir?" Albus shakes his head and says: "I even punished Minerva, Filius, Pomona and Severus for putting up such easy defenses. Apparently they relied on my defenses enough not to risk their own too much. They thought they could use theirs to make sure the defenses would keep intruders out, without seriously risking students' lives."
Now Harry hits himself on the head and says: "They sure learned their lesson the year after." Albus nods and says: "Perhaps, though looking back, their actions of that year – or better said lack thereof – were not much better. And the fact that you and Mr. Weasley were again the ones to save the day did not make me a – as the Muggles say it – happy camper, dear boy, which is the sole reason I gave you and Mr. Weasley so many points.
When I heard that Minerva ranted at the students for not studying for their exams during that year, I was furious with her. I did not wish for you two to be punished because they did not have enough of your or Mr. Weasley's trust for you to come to them instead of Gilderoy. I truly found it a crime upon Minerva's words of Hogwarts being like your home that you two trusted a new teacher that all boys seem to have despised more than your own Head of House."
"I have my reasons." Harry growls and the man nods as he says: "I have no doubt in that, Harry, but I still wonder why you went to that man. If I recall correctly, you were often seen fighting with Mss. Granger about skipping that class. And I know for a fact that you are basically the living embodiment of everything Gilderoy was not or ever will be." Harry shrugs and says: "Lockheart just gave off a bad vibe to me, sir, is all."
To this Tonks and Kingsley look up and ask: "What kind of bad vibe, Harry? Something like him being a danger to the students?" And Harry actually lets out a short laugh as he answers: "With his incompetence and how he fumbled with even the simplest of spells, definitely, but I don't think that would be enough for you to arrest him. I can't exactly put my finger on that vibe either, I just didn't feel comfortable around him."
The two nod and Tonks says: "Too bad he's suffering from that memory loss incident or we could have questioned him. Your instincts are after all, usually spot on, aren't they Harry?" Harry nods, but doesn't seem to have really heard the woman and I wonder what kind of conclusion the young, bright lad could come up with. And while he may be several years – if not decades – younger than me, do I still consider him somewhat of a leader.
Only too true, Tarzan,
And you who have read this story know that I definitely do have plans for that incredible leadership skill of our favorite hero and – OOOOOOOOOOOH COME ON! LEA WASN'T IN THIS CHAPTER EITHER! Wow, I guess I wrote these chapters so long ago, I forgot when my favorite redhead enters the picture. Still, I had fun, the chapter was enjoyable and I only struggled once or twice with the whole CR thing.
Still a win,
Venquine1990
