Hey everyone,
And me loving the chapters continues. I'm sure some of you are wondering about these AN's, but they actually never existed in the original file. Seriously, when I first wrote this story, I never added an Author's Note at either the start or the end of a chapter. It just looks so weird to the chapter number and title at the top of each chapter and to see the blank space at the end. So I just fill them up with personal thoughts and whatnot.
At least for now,
Venquine1990
Chapter 13
Lea's Little Angel
7th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Lea's POV
Master Yen Sid powering up my Corridor power to make me travel through time took longer than expected, yet I still managed. Yet I cannot believe it to be possible, but the first thing I saw upon my arrival in a very dark kitchen – was a true sight of perfection. Flawless skin except for a single scar on the forehead, long, flowing black hair that is as messy as mine at the top, yet touches perfectly delicate shoulders almost too softly.
Blue-green eyes that shine mostly green with a sense of happiness I haven't seen since we defeated Master Xehanort in the Keyblade War and managed to bring Kairi back from him striking her down, perfect, flawless lips that my heart tells me are being begged to be kissed, yet deserve to be respected for their youthful, sweet look. A sweet, little button nose, posed exactly between the beautiful eyes and that was just the face.
The body of the boy in front of me is one that both angers me as his clothes might not be oversized, but they still prove he has been starved in ways you can't even call illegal they're that bad and yet the muscle that I can almost sense being under the clothes, especially in the arms prove the boy's strength and his need to overcome everything ever done to him and his person. And just looking at him in general do I know he is someone who is easy to love.
Wanting to know everything about this gorgeous angel, who has obviously been through hell and back if the slight shadow of forest green at the edge of his beautiful eyes is any indication, I feel like singing and praising myself every time the lad fleetingly glances at me, while I try to hide in the shadows of the wall and he tries to keep himself focused on the conversation he has with the man seated on his side.
Trying not to give into how I suddenly feel, as I have never felt like this before, I try to use my usual attitude and stance to make sure I don't betray myself to anyone. Especially as it seems as if the red-haired twins that are seated on the other side of the table to the angel aren't pleased that I keep staring at the beautiful lad who currently seems to have reached a topic that is interesting enough he focuses on the man next to him.
Then, deciding to wonder about all of this, do I ask: "So, should I start?" And one of the twins says: "Sure." While the other one throws me the book and says: "Live yourself wild." Their angry tones apparently shocking those around them, before making many of the others around them share happy glances with each other.
Wondering what the untold conversations could be about, do I page through the book, reaching the chapter with the bookmark and, to make sure those two don't glare at me even worse as I want to make a good impression like those coming here before me, do I sit at the other side of the table from the lovely boy, a few seats away from the angry duo – who I then realize actually look cute when they're angry – and start to read.
The Order … up again.'
"Tried last night, Sirius. Heard creaking, but didn't get her down. Even scarred man's motivation wasn't enough." Tarzan interrupts me and the man named Sirius, who is lucky enough to sit right next to the pretty angel, says: "Don't worry, Sora has that back-up plan, remember? Didn't think brute strength would get her down anyway, we already tried that." The powerful jungle man seems to accept this and asks:
"Why stop?" And a brown-haired man with more grey streaks in his hair than he should have if his youthful face is anything to go by and who is seated a bit away from Sora and his family cringes as he says: "I was the only one strong enough in my physics, but my sensitive hearing kept me from succeeding. She even shouted right in my ears. And even Sirius' little trick didn't help against that." The jungle man cringes himself and I read on.
'But what's … to do.'
"Seeing that no one listened to you. Why the hell not anyway?" Ariel, who has been here the longest of us from the back-up group and she goes on: "You were brilliant at your trial and so far you've really proven yourself to be amazingly intelligent and a perfectly grown-up father. How come no one saw that? It can't just be that they're all stuck in the past and not willing to see you for who you are, right?" Which makes Remus cringe again.
Sirius sighs as he says: "No, it's not that. Well, for some members, a couple in the Old Crowd it is as that makes it easier for them to deal with the fact that they suspected me wrongly for years. The rest of it was Molly's work. She kept interrupting me, speaking over me, speaking before I could and arguing with me so much – it was all the others saw." The woman nods, clearly unhappy while some of those around us lower their heads and Erik says:
"What I don't understand is why no one takes your rights as a Host seriously. I mean, I get why that woman wouldn't, seeing she seems to respect only her own authority. But you said for yourself that this house belongs to you, so why is everyone walking all over you?" And Sirius cringes as he says: "That is my own work. I don't want to remember that this is mine, so I fake to be staying here temporarily – in my mind, that is."
The young king winces and says: "Sorry I asked. I could have guessed that one." Then the man next to him hugs him tightly and whispers: "It's okay. We discussed this after pillow talk last night. We're leaving for Potter Manor right next break. We'll only come here for readings and for when the Order needs to meet." But then Sora asks: "Why for the readings? Why not take the readings to the Manor as well?"
And the man he asked the questions to, who I now notice actually shares some physical similarities with, making me wonder if they're related, answers: "Because the Manor is to be our home and only our home. At least for the summer. It is to be our sanctuary, where we can have fun, relax, feel safe and get over everything that split us apart for all these years. The readings will just remind us of that fact over and over again."
Sora nods and I think: "He sure didn't get his amazing speeches from a stranger, that's for sure." And again my eyes stray to the beautiful young angel next to them, his smile having widened when the man explained what the Manor was to stand for and I try not to sigh in need of making him smile like that before Riku says: "But if that's the case, wouldn't it be better to have the readings there? So we can retreat easier if the books get too hard?"
At this the two men who sit with him share a look and the one with the glasses says: "Actually didn't think of that." And the other says: "We'll discuss it once we have a few more chapters under our belt." And while I try not to think: "Once I've had a better chance at winning the angel's heart." Do I spare him one last glance as well as those he sits with. And while this confirms to me that the four of them must be mother, father and two sons, do I read on.
Harry, who … voice sounded.
Now the man cringes, but I can't believe my happiness and luck as the book actually seems to be about the angel that – if I have to go by how my heart skips a beat every time I look at him – actually stole my heart upon first sight and Sirius says: "I really shouldn't lash my anger at this place out on my son. Sorry baby. I was just annoyed over how it was obviously impossible to keep inquisitive kids and a Secret Order in the same house."
But, while I can't help but think: "That just sounds like a problem waiting to happen." Does Harry shrug and say: "It didn't bother me for all that long, dad, don't worry. In fact, after a while I was glad to have someone share my anger at all that's been happening over the last few weeks." Now Sirius laughs and says: "Yeah, you're my boy, alright." Hugging Harry close and nudging his head with his knuckles as I read on.
He followed … his feet.
"I just felt ever so glad that you seemed alright. Lupin had told me about how you seemed to feel after your Dementor lessons and I worried you would have no one to cheer you up like he always did. You didn't exactly ever speak positive of those Muggles to my memory and I remembered how rocky things went when I picked you up from their home the previous summer." The man named Arthur shakes his head at the end and says:
"I should have seen it. I should have realized something was wrong. I just – Molly, she – she convinced me that a family of 4 behaved differently to each other than a family of 9 and I took that dumb answer for granted. I owe you an incredibly large apology, Harry. And to be honest, I – I don't even know if I even want you to forgive me." The man now looks at the angel guiltily, but Harry shakes his head and says:
"You can't ask me not to forgive you, Mr. Weasley. Molly has been lying to the world at large for the past fourteen years. It's her I'll never forgive. I just wonder how much she actually knew of my homelife." Now the scarred man that makes me want to sit closer to Harry, just out of the urge to protect him, growls and says: "More than you want to know lad." And his actual real eye, which is dark of color, gleams with anger.
"Was that why you were so angry last night, Moody?" The youngest male redhead asks and the man named Moody spats: "If you don't want me that angry again, lad, you will refrain from talking about my meeting with that wench." The redhead turns white at the searing anger that sounds in the man's voice and trembles lightly. And just the fact that my angel's parents share a dark and concerned look over this has me truly worried.
"How much did she know?" Harry then hollowly asks and he looks at Moody straight, his blue-green eyes now completely covered by the forest green hint I had seen before. And Moody actually turns both eyes on the lad, observing and apparently judging him for a few minutes before he says: "Enough to make me worry about your sexual preferences, lad, let's keep it at that."
This confuses me, but makes the two males next to Harry gasp and pull him close, tears coming to the eyes of the messy-haired male as he whispers: "They – they know about – about the –." But Moody nods, stopping him and with a note of compassion to his voice that I actually hadn't expected out of the war-hardened man, he says: "About that fat Muggle being guilty of four out of five, exactly Potter, good deduction."
But while I am still no step further to figuring out this strange code language, does it seem as if the man named Potter is too worried about Harry to take in the compliment. He pulls Harry out of Sirius' grasp and he pulls Harry onto his lap, burying his head in Harry's hair and crying as he softly whispers: "My baby, my poor baby." And then I realize that others are also looking horrified, even those who have only been here shortly.
This really worries me, especially the sight of Kairi and Ariel crying and Riku hugging Sora in reassurance. Harry seems just as hurt about whatever this coded message means and whispers: "They only played with me, mum. They never wanted to go all the way." And finally do all the hints come together and I drop the book loudly, knowing I would have burned it had I held it a second longer. Everyone looks at me and I hiss:
"Excuse me a minute." Quickly creating a Corridor the Darkness, leading to the floor above us and shooting into it, but stopping halfway through – at the part where my Nobody gave his life to protect Sora – and there I summon a hundred Dusks using the power I have within me thanks to Axel leaving me with some of his powers after we used Ansem the Wise's Datascape to separate ourselves a few months after the war ended.
The Dusks, long white colored creatures with zips all over their bodies, the zips going down their sides lighting up and having small beads of light going up and down their bodies, which look like they have jumpsuits worn from head to toe and having no toes or fingers, only long thin tentacles, one on each end of the arm and leg, attack me as soon as I summon my Chakrams and while pretending them to be the villain, do I let loose.
One by one the Dusks fall, all of them trying to come and some even trying to multiply, but I don't allow any of it as I weave and move through their ranks, from south to west, from north to east and so on and with every Dusk I pass another one is slain by my whirling Keyblade, the Flame Liberator alight with my raging anger. And the sight of all these tentacles, after a while, start to look like ropes, reminding me of what Harry said.
"They never went all the way. But there is no chance that he would let them even so much as touch him without fighting back. They tied that poor, helpless, precious little angel down. They tied him down and had their ways with him. Defiled him. They could have even –." Yet I don't finish this thought and just shout out in renewed rage, causing for an inferno to erupt around me, burning all of the Dusks within my close presence.
Finally I have worn myself out, my anger now at as low a fuse as my energy and I simply wait for one of the last of the Dusks to attack me, cleaving through it before leaning the blade back over my shoulder like I always do. Yet then suddenly I feel a presence behind me and turn around, shocked to notice a Dusk jumping at me. Before it can reach me, however, does a gorgeous voice shout: "THUNDER!" And a bolt of lightning destroys it.
Looking to the side, where the portal is from which I came, do I see Harry with a Keyblade in his hand, one that looks just like Sora's, but then golden, the tip of it still sparking lightly and aimed at where the recovering Dusk was when it tried to jump me. I quickly shoot a ball of fire at it and it vanishes upon first touch, set ablaze by the fact that my power exceeds that of the angel. All the while are my eyes on Harry.
The boy seems uncomfortable by this and says: "You were gone for over twenty minutes. We were getting worried and then Sora said that someone called Axel died in here because of him. I – I just – I know dad will be angry with me, but I – I had to make sure you didn't die as well. I – I don't want that happening anymore. And I – I couldn't risk using magic and then – then suddenly the Keyblade was in my hand and – and Riku believes I have a Lightning affinity and –."
This both worries me as it's plain obvious that Harry has seen someone die himself and touches my heart as Harry is apparently willing to break the rules his dad set up to make sure I'm alright. Yet when I realize that he is rambling in his need to explain himself, do I walk over, my anger now completely gone and tilt his head up with my forefinger as I say: "Thanks, I got it memorized." And I leave the room.
Harry's POV (Real short)
Ever since he arrived has Lea been someone I just can't keep my eyes off and while I had valiantly tried during the short time he was there before the reading started – hoping my dad would help me by keeping a meaningless conversation going and actually managing it when the man started discussing plans he and mum had for the rest of summer – am I still quite aware of how much my behavior to Lea is upsetting the twins.
Thanks to that is there no doubt in my mind left that the twins and Lea are the ones I dreamed about on the night of my arrival, but now I feel like an idiot for not telling either my dad or my mum as I just can't get up the courage inside me to use the dream as a valid excuse for me seeking out danger while worrying over my mates. And when Riku mentioned that someone had sacrificed himself within the darkness in front of me, I had just responded.
I sincerely hope Dad will give me a chance to explain, that the man will be patient enough to wait until we're in private and that he will understand that it was an instinctual reaction driven by the horrible memory of Cedric dying weeks ago. And while I am also amazed that Lea already seems to be attracted to me, do I wonder if it is because of the change of my appearance, which is thanks to Sora unlocking so much inside me a few days ago.
I then shake my head, which makes me new longer hair swish across my shoulders and I tuck a few strands behind my ears as I think: "There is just too much happening here. Sora and Riku arriving, Sirius explaining me my true parentage, the discoveries the others make about my life due to the reading, Figgy and those Muggles getting arrested and now Sora and Riku confessing their emotions and me finding my three mates."
I shake my head at this, knowing it's due to everything I've already been through in my previous school years that I am still able to keep a steady head, even with everything that has been going on around me. And while wondering how I – by myself – can prove to be enough to satisfy the needs of 3 mates, do I walk back out. Yet at the same time do I feel both grateful for Lea's incredible sense of care – and the twins still being oblivious to the truth.
Lea's POV
I sincerely hope I didn't shock Harry – or perhaps scare him off by going too fast for his liking – as he seems to take quite a bit of time after I left the Corridor. And while I use this time to make sure my mate doesn't get in trouble with his dad, explaining Sirius that he didn't seek out danger as I had all the Dusks under my control and that there was no chance I would ever repeat my Nobody's actions, especially not so close to others being present.
Riku and Sora help me here, explaining how I have the distinct ability to control certain creatures and how there are others who can do the same – Riku even going so far as telling them about how Malificent gave him control over the Heartless – and saying: "We usually go to them for this if we want to spar, really." And then finally Harry steps out of the Corridor of Darkness, Keyblade no longer in hand and me closing it behind him.
My worries, however, grow as he seems lost in thought as he sits back down and then Sirius hugs him and says: "Make sure you take one of us with you next time, okay pup?" And Harry nods blindly, but then seems to realize that Sirius isn't angry with him and the man says: "Lea covered for you, together with Riku and your brother."
Harry sends me a small smile at this, his smile wider when he turns to his brother and I feel like punishing myself as I definitely went too fast with the little angel. Deciding to try and get him alone so we can talk about all this at a later time, I wait until his family and closest friends have had their chance to reassure themselves that Harry is alright. I then take a deep breath and thumb through the book, drawing everyone's attention as I read.
'Harry!' Mr. Weasley … a building.
"The Department?" Harry asks and Sirius answers: "The Order." Making Harry nod, while the twins grumble, but the elder man, who sits at the other end of the table and who reminds me of Master Yen Sid with his appearance and caring smile, seems to marvel at how well Harry responds to the strict tone in Sirius' voice and one of the twins asks: "Aren't you curious at all, Harry?" And the other one ends: "You usually are."
But then Harry says: "Which usually happens after I meet an adult, try to see if I can trust them and then find out I can't. Sirius has never, since he offered me a home, let me down once, so – I guess I just don't want to let him down either and that makes it easier to suppress my curiosity concerning those plans. Plus, I kind of always knew that I'd be more compelled to follow orders if they came from my parents. I mean, what kid isn't?"
The twins look at each other, which makes me wonder about the relationship between them and their parents and then Harry says: "It's like when your dad tells you not to go somewhere and when Molly does. Your dad has always been there when you needed him, has always given you helpful advice when necessary and often kept you away from Molly's full wrath. Therefore, you'd rather disappoint her than your dad, am I right?"
And all five of the redheads, from the one I can now discern as Bill to the youngest male, nod in agreement, making Arthur smile at them all, his eyes showing how grateful he is to have such loyalty coming from his sons. And while I remember how wonderful it felt to have such a bond of loyalty and kindness with my friends as well as Sora and the others, do I also hope to one day share in that loyalty with the rest of this large group, do I read on.
Mrs. Weasley … haven't you?'
"Something that will never happen again unless that lousy bag of bones is under strict guard and oaths, I assure you." Sirius growls and I wonder what could have happened as so far the man hasn't struck me as someone who gets angered easily. Yet the way he holds Harry close as he speaks tells me enough to know that I shouldn't find out before I meet this Mundungus Fletcher, or the man won't like the consequences.
Then I quickly look at the twins, as my eyes had strayed back to Harry before turning to the book. And they seem to have noticed the small look as their eyes are now promising pain beyond words if I dare do so again. Knowing I need to talk to them, as instincts are something no man can control, I hope it will be over soon, knowing that, if they do try to attack me, they won't be able to land even a single hit thanks to my own years of experience and read on.
The thing … Ginny giggled.
This name seems to be some kind of taboo as every red head in the room turns either angry or saddened at hearing it. "She must have taken pleasure out of the fact that the bastard was still scared of me. Has been agreeing with everything I said since I showed him what I thought of his handling of the situation a week ago." Sirius growls, his anger obviously aimed for both the Fletcher man and the Ginny girl and I ask:
"How bad is that Dung anyway? That girl I now know of, but the guy? What did he do?" And when Sirius hisses: "He forced my baby to abandon the rule where he would never knowingly endanger his own life. He was meant to protect my little boy and he made it look as if some business transaction was more important." Do I know that Mundungus Fletcher will soon meet my Keyblade and with that, do I calm my anger as I read on.
'The meeting's … smelly cloud.
"He shouldn't even be feeling confident enough to dare look at my son. How did I not notice that?" Sirius growls and Harry asks: "You were keeping an eye on him and not on where he was looking?" The man sighs, his anger obviously gone and he says: "Probably spot on, kiddo." Making Harry smile widely as I read on.
'For the … long journey.'
Now a confident smirk appears on Harry's face, which makes my heart skip a beat as it makes the blue in his eyes stand out quite nicely and he says: "She knows I helped make the dinner we all ate back at the Leaky Cauldron before Third. She dared me to a baking contest before my fourth and her kids – except Ginny – ate more of my stuff than hers. She knows I can outdo her, so she tries to keep me from the stove."
Now the kids all laugh and James asks: "So you got your grandma's baking skills, huh?" And Harry, who shows a pride that I have barely seen on his face since my arrival – and that apparently intrigues the others in the room as well – slaps his chest with his fist as says: "You haven't tasted a cake until you tasted a cake of Harry James Potter Black." At which I think: "Well now, that's a good reason to be happy that my birthday is in a few weeks."
And while the two parents smile widely at their last names being acknowledged, do I want to mention this , yet then Hermione giggles and interrupts me as she say: "I know yours was a few days ago, Harry, but seeing that you were at the Muggles at the time and that you have your parents back, why don't we have a do-over? A new birthday party with Harry making the cake while we prepare the rest. That way, it can be like a surprise party."
This, while her red-haired friend had wanted to object at first and while Harry had wanted to object at the part of us preparing the rest, do both of them now smile at the girl and I too feel greatly excited over the chance of celebrating the angel's birthday. Then the elder man named Dumbledore says: "As Harry's hearing is in three days time, I believe it's best that we read up to that chapter and then prepare ourselves for it.
Once we have settled that matter we can work on the birthday party. Does everyone agree." The whole group nods, but I purse my lips as Harry had turned white at hearing how close he was to his hearing. Wanting to know who could be foolish enough to accuse such an angel of anything do I read on. And as I do, do I think: "The only thing anyone could accuse him of is being a kind-hearted, smart, gorgeous little angel." And I'm sure others agree.
'What can … him mournfully.
"Mostly because he saw me glare at him, telling him to feel bad about everything he caused my little baby." Sirius glares at the table in front of him as he goes on: "I mean it, I was so angry that day, when he arrived after abandoning you, I almost spilled the beans. I almost called Harry my son instead of my godson." This gets my attention and I ask: "Why didn't you?" But this seems to be the wrong move as the answer seems to depress him.
Sirius lowers his head, which is saying something as he had already been glaring at the table and now, while looking into his lap, he says: "I lost Sora before I could even properly look at him and I feared the same would happen to Harry, so I had to fake that he wasn't mine. Everyone believed that and there were members of the Order at that meeting that still believed I had lost my sanity while in prison. I didn't want to confirm that for them."
I nod at the man, feeling terrible for him that he had to give up so much just to protect his family. And simply because I want to leave a good impression with him, do I decide to cheer him up as I say: "I don't think I've ever seen a man more selfless and caring for others than you, Sirius. If you had lived in Radiant Garden, where I come from, you would have been chosen as our Leader from day one, no doubt about that."
Sora and Riku nod at this and Sora says: "Ansem the Wise, the Leader of Radiant Garden, might still be working on making up for lost time, but Lea is right. I have no doubt that if he was here, he would say the exact same thing. He'd take you on as his apprentice and he would name you Leader within a month." And while Riku nods, confirming my and Sora's words, does Sirius rise his head back up smiling at the two of us.
Then suddenly Dumbledore says: "I think I know a good way to further prove this fact, Sirius." Everyone looks at him and he says: "I think, once we have a few more people on our side within the Ministry, perhaps even the Wizengamot, it would be a good idea if you start your own Department inside the Ministry for Magic, a department where we can work towards better Muggle-Magical relationships in our world."
This makes Sirius look shocked and he says: "With all due respect, Albus, as I do think this another good idea for the future. But I highly doubt Fudge, even with him now aware of my innocence and all, will agree with that, not to mention the amazing danger you'll be putting me in if you even try setting that up during this period of time." The elder man seems confused, while others are still shocked at the decision and Sirius says:
"Fudge is being fed lies and deceit by Malfoy and his money. Even if we can get such a Department off the ground, Malfoy will instantly be told of this, which means Voldemort will know of it, which will make for Voldemort targeting my family even more than he already does. I can't take that risk, Albus, you can't ask that of me. I am willing to take some risks, like in battle, but not in an environment we know is filled with spies."
The elder man seems shocked and then lowers his head as he says: "Sirius, I apologize. You are indeed right. Voldemort is after your family for too many reasons already. Setting you up with a Department like that would be like sending you to Voldemort himself in a Christmas wrapper. This is an idea that we might want to work forward to, but only after we have won the war, not before. I'm sorry I didn't realize this error."
The father of my little angel nods, his face worried and stern, but not angry and he says: "As long as you discuss your plans with us and listen to us and our opinions of this world and this war, you'll be just fine as our Leader, Albus. You were always a star at this when you were our Headmaster and during the last war and I doubt you've lost your touch. You just need to work on your communication and your consideration, okay my friend?"
Albus nods and Harry mutters: "And he ain't the only one." Making me laugh, while Sirius ruffles his hair and says: "I know, kiddo, but let's work at our issues one at a time. We worked out the Dursley problem and now we're dealing with these books and the Molly-Ginny problem. Let's keep it at that, for now." Harry nods and while I silently think: "I will work my hardest to make your life as unproblematic as possible." I read on.
'Seen old … to Harry.
Now James turns to Sirius in confusion and asks: "Since when are you a cat-lover? I thought you said that the only reason you didn't chase after McGonagall was because you respected her too much as a person. And even that was hard for you to do the first few times you transformed, right? I mean, you even fought with Lily over that cat she brought with her when she moved in with me to raise Harry at Godric's Hollow."
Sirius rolls his eyes and says: "Crookshanks earned my trust and respect, Jamie. He made sure that Pettigrew lost his hiding place as that was just too close to Harry for my liking, helped me when I needed it most and if it weren't for him, Harry would still be in the belief that I had betrayed you and that Pettigrew was someone I murdered 14 years ago." Now James, Sora, Riku, Ariel, Erik, Tarzan and I are wide eyed and I ask:
"Why would he think that? I know you kept with that ridiculous lie of you being his godfather and all, but why on earth would he think you a murderer?" And Sirius sighs as he says: "Because after he made me believe he had taken James from me all those years ago, Pettigrew went one step further and tricked me, Lea. He used the fact that we told no one of Harry's real parentage or the switch of Secret Keepers and framed me.
The day after he betrayed my mate, the Aurors were already looking for me and he made use of that. He made sure I caught up with him a few blocks away from the Ministry, where the Aurors could come quicker than a Firebolt can fly, made it look as if I had him cornered, sent worried, scarred glances at the surrounding Muggles and then shouted about my betrayal and killed them, escaping as a rat after cutting off his finger."
By now all of us are shocked silent, me feeling horrified that someone that sinister and sneaky was anywhere near my precious angel and James asks: "That – that still doesn't explain a thing. Why would Harry believe those idiotic lies to this day? That happened years ago. You had plenty of time to– ." But then Sirius interrupts him and says: "Crouch, Jamie, Barty Crouch senior." And this name seems to say it all.
Instantly fury is written all over the face of the gentle mother and he whispers: "He didn't." But then Kingsley shocks us all and says: "He did, James, and he went even further than Sirius even knows." Everyone looks at him, the man's eyes as dark as his skin tan and he says: "As you know was I also appointed Harry's godfather – or should I say, appointed as his actual godfather – and I wanted to make use of that.
I tried to reason with Crouch that he should let me care for Harry, that he should reconsider how he sent Sirius to Azkaban, that he was breaking the laws created by two very powerful people, but nothing I said worked. In the end, the man turned the tables and started bothering me the way I tried bothering him and – well, he got the truth out of me. That I wasn't trying to get him convinced out of Auror duty, but because I was Harry's godfather."
The man shakes his head and says: "Up until that day, James, up until that day did I hold as much respect for him as for your father, but when Crouch discovered that I had the same role in Harry's life as someone everyone considered a Death Eater and a Traitor, even though I knew Sirius never got a trial, did he threaten me to silence in the most horrendous way; a way that made me urge to kill him, had I not been an Auror."
Everyone looks at the man and he turns his head to Sirius, his brown eyes almost black with pent-up anger and he says: "He threatened to pull Bella, Rodolphus and Rabastan out of prison, showed me a forged testimony that would make it look as if Sirius had set them up to the attack that got them in prison, let them unite with Lucius and Narcissa and let them fight for Harry's custody together – with Bella getting first custody rights."
All of those from this world gasp and I instantly realize that this Bellatrix woman is really bad news. And while I can barely believe that anyone would use Harry's custody to blackmail someone, does Sirius whimper: "That – that – that was – was the whole second – second reason why –." Kingsley nods, while James clings to Sirius to comfort him and Harry and Sora look at their father with sheer worry as the bald man says:
"The whole second reason why you hid Harry's true heritage. You were – back then by rights – afraid of the power your family had over the Ministry, afraid that those five and your parents would gang up and make you lose Harry before he was even born. You were afraid of a repeat of what happened with Sora, but then through your own family. I just never imagined it would go through someone else." And instantly my heart goes out to the man.
Harry and Sora quickly hug their father, Harry having tears in eyes of obvious gratitude and he whispers: "Wise, caring and selfless. You always proved yourself a source of info that I could count on, but now I know it for a fact. You really are everything I always wanted my dad to be." And this makes a small smile appear on Sirius' face as Sora says: "You definitely give my adoptive dad a run for his money."
Making the black-haired man laugh as Kingsley turns to Harry and says: "I know we already have a lot from what we read and that they are already facing trial just based on the evidence I gathered yesterday, Harry. But I would like you to know that I too have a Muggle friend in that neighborhood and she invited me in for a cup of tea a lot of times, knowing I wanted to gather evidence to get you out of there."
Now Harry looks shocked and he asks: "Why didn't you ever do it? You must have years worth of evidence by now." Kingsley nods and says: "I do, but Crouch found out that I knew and suspected me, so he got a new law in place just when I got my first bit of condemning evidence. When it comes to cases like this, I need the permission from the Minor in danger to arrest someone. That's why I waited until this reading. It gave me the permission I needed."
Harry nods, while I mentally put this Crouch person on the list of people I will have to visit sometime – with Keyblade in hand – and then Sirius whispers: "Thanks for looking after my boy, Kingsley, how much evidence do you have?" And the man withdraws a small square out of his robe that is no bigger than my iris, before tapping it with his wand and actually enlarging it to a large case file, from which quite a few file papers fall and hang out.
Everyone looks at the file in pure shock and while my heart freezes over with the thought that my angel has suffered this much abuse, does the tanned man says: "And that is only for that whale of a Dursley. When it comes to his sister and that son of his, I can make a file just as big as this one by combining those two. Only that Dursley woman has a file that I can safely hide in a simple file case somewhere, that small."
Everyone looks at this shocked and Kingsley puts the fallen file papers back in the case, before shrinking it with another tap of his wand before he puts it back in his robe and says: "When that law was put in place, I instantly put a counter plan in action. This file is only a copy, the original is with my friend. Like I said, when it comes to Crouch and Harry's caretakers, they can be glad my Auror job prevents me from going against the law.
And I only keep myself from that because of my loyalty to Charlus and how amazingly he worked for that Department. If it weren't for that, Crouch and Sirius would have switched places, with Crouch begging for the Dementors to enter his cell and Dursley would be begging for a House-elf to sexually pleasure him, just to be rid of all the abuse I would put on his fat ass. And that's if I decide to go gentle on them."
Now everyone looks beyond shocked and Kingsley takes a deep breath, obviously trying to calm himself and he says: "Let's just continue reading. The Muggle chapters are over, those Muggles are dealt with and we got a really hard chapter ahead of us. Not to mention that Crouch got his comeuppance last year." Everyone nods and while I feel new respect for the man and grumble over the fact that I can't punish Crouch, do I read on.
'Had a … Sirius's face.
Then suddenly Sirius shakes his head and asks: "It did?" Everyone looks at him and with a hand to his temple, does he say: "I – I don't remember. I mean, I remember going up, shutting that portrait, greeting Harry and being angry at Dung, but the first thing I remember after that was that incident with the twins and the knifes. I – I don't remember this conversation – at all. But – but how is that even – even possible?"
Now the hugs that he is still getting from James, Harry and Sora turn worrying and Arthur says: "I know it can't have been Molly, Sirius. She was at the stove and I kept a constant eye on her because I was wondering if she would finally start listening to you." And Sirius nods as he says: "I know, I did too. I caught her trying to drug me a few times before this." But then Harry frowns and asks: "Lea, can you read a certain part again?"
I nod at him and he looks at his dad real fleetingly before walking over to me. And while I love to have his presence so close to mine as he is leaning over my shoulder as he points out the part that seems to have him worried. Wondering why this part could affect him like that, do I read to myself, mumbling the text softly, but come up blank and look at him again as he says: "Read out loud, please." I nod and read
Soon, a … the fire
Instantly the scarred man seems to catch on what I can't and he says: "She was stirring a cauldron. She might be using two hands, but who says she had her wand? I bet that, like Lockhart, she used an Obliviation or Confundus charm or something." Everyone looks shocked and Arthur says: "That's just it, Alastor, she wasn't. She wasn't using two hands or using her wand." But Alastor shakes his head and says:
"I didn't mean her, Arthur. I meant her accomplice." And instantly I realize what the two saw that I missed as the twins gasp: "Ginny." Harry and Alastor nod, while Hermione gasps and says: "That – that's actually possible. Ginny told me that, in her youth, she used to train with her mother's wand." And to this Sirius asks: "Arthur, what was Ginny's task?" And Arthur turns white as he seems to realize something horrible before he whispers: "Serving the drinks."
Instantly we all gasp and Sirius says: "So that's what happened. She served me a spiked drink, to make me more malleable to her influences and then used Molly's wand to enchant me, so I would behave in a way I normally wouldn't, at least not around my son." He then frowns and asks: "But why do that?" No one seems to have the answer and Albus says: "Let's see how the drink and spell affected you." Sirius nods and I read on.
'Don't know … a month.'
Now Sirius moans and while I wonder if telling him that my heart has been stuck inside my Nobody for years would help, does he say: "I swore myself I wouldn't say such things in front of my little boy. I'm trying to get him to stop risking his life and then I say things like that? I swore only Remus would be my vent for all my complains about being stuck here. That damned bint." He then turns to Arthur and says: "No offence, Arthur."
But the balding man shakes his head and says: "We all agreed that Harry wouldn't be urged on to risk his life anymore, Sirius, so why Ginny would make you of all people be the scapegoat to give him the motivation to do so, I just don't get it. Especially when you take that picture of her and Harry from the future into account. I just – I don't understand either my daughter or my wife anymore. This is their fault, Sirius, not yours."
Now the two men share a kindred smile with each other and I just know they will grow close as brothers over their mutual growing anger at these two women. In the mean time, do I feel my own anger abating at the sight of this growing friendship and I think: "I'll get some answers out of those two later." And while I wonder if anyone here would mind if I decide to use them as my vent in order to get some answers, I read on.
'How come?' … is useless.
"Wow! Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!" One of the twins says shocked and the other goes on: "Time out!" Everyone looks at them and they chorus: "Wormtail?" To this, while I wonder why such a lame nickname is so important to them, does Harry turn to his dad and asks: "You kept that a secret from them, while living in the same house, for a month?" But Sirius seems not amused and even seems angry, which confuses me.
He then spats: "This is more of that spell and drink at work. I stopped using that nickname a month after the end of your Third. Remus and I swore not to use that name for him anymore after he escaped us. This is all that spiked drink talking. The only question is how that little bint knew that retched nickname." Now the twins look at each other shocked and then one of them asks: "So it's true?" And the other goes on:
"He really was one of the Marauders?" And the chorus: "Peter Pettigrew is really Wormtail?" But Remus says: "He was Wormtail – until he betrayed us, killed Lily and took Harry all the family he ever had. After that he became Peter for me because I believed him dead, but when I found out the truth that changed. And after he escaped, did Sirius meet with me and we discussed long and hard about a new nickname for him."
Everyone, especially the twins, look at Sirius and Remus intrigued and Sirius spats: "Tailrunner. Because that little slime bal thinks only of himself and runs to the one with the most power with his tail between his legs whenever possible. To us in school and to Voldemort when he needed him, both 14 years ago and last year. He proved last June that he doesn't care what he has to do, as long as it protects his own ass."
Everyone nods at this, while I worry over what this horrible man did, other than betray his closest friends, and then one of the twins asks: "Does – does that mean that –." And the other goes on: "That you three are the other three Marauders?" And together they chorus: "The biggest pranksters Hogwarts school has ever seen?" And this makes a small smile appear on Sirius' face, which is enough for both the twins.
They squeal loudly, their hands in front of their mouths and noses and then the left one asks: "Who's who?" But Harry, with his eyebrow raised and his smirk looking just too cute on his sweet angelic face, asks: "Can't you guess?" Making the two of them put their heads together and whisper almost soundlessly. "I wonder if, once I've proven myself worthy of their friend, they'll use that intelligence to help me win my angel's heart." I think to myself.
They then, after about ten minutes, turn back and turn to Remus as they ask: "Moony?" And the man actually lets out a real wolf howl, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end in shock and enlarging the smiles on the twins' faces as they turn to Sirius and ask: "Padfoot?" Enlarging Sirius' smile before he stands up, making Harry move to his own seat and then he goes to stand in an open spot as he starts to change.
Wondering how that can be possible, my eyes widen as a large, bear-sized, black-furred dog suddenly stands on his place, the back legs on the floor and the front legs following after a few seconds. As he has his tongue out at the two of them, showing two rows of really sharp teeth yet barks loudly, the sound coming from his throat sounding very loving, shocking Sora out of his stupor and making the boy tentatively reach a hand out.
Sirius sees this and instantly moves his head under the hand of his son, Sora smiling and happily petting his father's dog-head while I feel as if my mind is about to explode because of what I just saw happening. In the mean time are the twins almost giddy with excitement, the two of them bouncing on their seats as they turn to James, who is on Harry's other side and looking at his mate with a loving smile on his face and they ask:
"Prongs?" And while I feel as if nothing can amaze me anymore, does James stand up and does he stand to the left wall of the small, but wide kitchen and my mouth almost drops onto the book as his body changes into that of a brown-colored stag, with a small tuft of black hair between his ears, an amazing set of antlers and brown eyes.
The whole animal is almost thin enough to let another stag stand next to him in the small pathway on this side of the kitchen/dining room and his eyes actually show his care and his love and he carefully moves his head to softly rub over the hair of first Sora and then Harry, Harry not shocked enough not to hug his mum around the neck and Sora getting licked out of his shocked stupor by a friendly lick from his doggy father.
James then changes back and hugs his son back, a large smile on his face and Sirius does the same, bobbing the hand that Sora resumed petting him with, off his head and pulling Sora in a close, tight hug with a large smile on his face. And while the twins seem ready to faint from excitement at seeing all they've just witnessed, do I feel ready to follow them, even though I'm sure that we have different reasons for feeling like this.
Then Ariel asks the question that is on my mind and asks: "How did you do that?" And James answers: "It's a special and highly advanced form of magic known to this world, similar to the Patronus charm. As long as you're not a werewolf or under the age of fifteen, anyone with a truly powerful magical core can reach deep inside themselves and find an animal that represents them. That's called an Animagus."
The woman seems amazed and I wonder if – with the magic we have learned from Master Yen Sid – Sora, Riku and I can learn to be Animagus as well. And while I realize to myself that Sora and Riku probably have a higher chance due to being born here and Sora apparently reads my mind as he asks: "You think that, with us being Keyblade Wielders instead of wizards, we can learn to be Animagus' too, mum?"
And the man smiles as he says: "Well, we actually call one person who is able to do this an Animagus and more people Animagi. Also best first get you your own wand and get to Potter Manor to rate the strength of your core. If it's not strong enough, we'd be taking too big a risk." The brown-haired boy nods and Sirius says: "It might be that you kids are old enough, Sora, but that your form of magic makes your core not strong enough."
Now Sora looks slightly down and he asks: "So it's possible that because the Keyblade choses its wielder for the strength of his or her heart, our Keyblade Magic came from hearts and not our wizarding core and that that hampered the growth of our cores?" Sirius nods, though while he smiles in pride, does he say: "Which is why it's so important for you three to go to Hogwarts this year." Shocking Kairi, Riku and Sora.
Then Harry, all excited over hearing this asks: "Can they be in my year? I know Riku is older and all, but can they, dad?" To this Sirius looks to Albus and the man smiles at Harry's excitement as he says: "As long as they realize what a tough year they'll have ahead and study hard, do I not see why they shouldn't qualify for fifth years. Though I do believe that you and your friends will have to help them catch up with the last four years."
To this Harry lets out a super excited: "ALRIGHT!" Actually jumping into the air with his right arm up and his left knee bent upwards before landing smoothly and turning red as Hermione, Ron and the twins laugh at his excitement. Harry then quickly thanks Albus and hugs Sora excitedly, while I spot Hermione pulling out a scroll of paper, a quill and a bottle of ink. And while she starts to write something down, do I continue reading.
There's not … his godfather.
"Which was probably exactly the opposite of what they had wanted when they spiked my drink, the dumb bints." Sirius growls, while he still smiles at the excited smile on Harry's face, who seems immune to the dark content of the chapter that I'm reading. Feeling happy for the sweet angel, do I read on with a smile.
'At least … cleanings going –'
Now Sora, Riku and Kairi share a look and Riku asks: "Sirius, when do you think I can check to see if this place's center – hold on a second!" And the way that his eyes widen makes me know, even more than the way he loses his voice as he interrupts himself, that the boy just made a huge realization. He turns to his best female friend and mate and asks: "Do you guys remember what Master Yen Sid ordered us to do? Other than read the books?"
Sora tilts his head in confusion, but Kairi gasps and says: "Find and close the Keyhole! What if – what if it's – what if this place's center is that? What if that is this world's Keyhole? I mean, wouldn't that explain why people are willing to kill, why the Dementors are so horrible and why this family, other than Sirius, was able to grow such a powerful reputation while being so horrible. They must be drawing power from the Keyhole and affecting it in return."
Everyone looks at this shocked, yet then Sirius sighs and mutters: "That would certainly explain the better part of my life and what my family has been like." He then turns to his son and son's mate as he asks: "And you guys still want to go there?" To which Riku nods solemnly and says: "Definitely. Now more than ever. If we can find it, we can close it. Then you will have a much easier time getting closure and living your life the way you deserve."
At this everyone smiles at the boy and my eyes are yet again drawn to my little angel, who is basically radiating happiness at this. But then Sora pulls my attention away from where it was currently getting to – namely the object of my and the twins' mutual affection – as he pulls Riku into a searing kiss and whispers against his lips: "Best mate ever. I love being a Veela – even if I fell for you long before I turned sixteen." He ends with a laugh.
Now Riku laughs along and while he starts to softly rub one hand across Sora's back, actually making Sora lean into him, does he ask: "Really, and when exactly did you fall for me, Mr. Lovely?" And Sora turns red at the nickname before he says: "I started realizing it after I heard of Kairi being kidnapped, as I still – for reasons I didn't understand back then – worried for you more than her, but really realized it – at the Stronghold."
This confuses both Riku and myself as I really can't see how such a dangerous situation and location could make anyone have such a realization. and Sora says: "Kairi allowed me to see you under that guise of Ansem. And when I did, I didn't see the Riku I remembered from before we closed the Doors to the Realm of Darkness. I saw the Riku you had become over the year I was asleep and – well, my heart stopped at that very sight.
Your long hair, your grown form, the look in your eyes as you looked back at me. There and then I realized I was in love with you and that realization together with the relief of finally knowing you were out of the Realm of Darkness, that you and I were back as a team, was enough for me to cry like I did. I wanted to tell you there and then – but – I – I didn't know how to and then – you – well, you know what you said."
Riku nods and smiles at his brunette mate as he says: "I always wondered why you suddenly lost control like that, especially because until then I thought you had the hots for Kairi." He then turns grim and says: "Especially seeing that cave painting you made, which I found after we finally got our chance to return home after all those years." Sora looks at this – and his mate's grimness – confused and Riku says:
"The crayon painting you made in the Secret Place – of you and Kairi sharing a Paopu fruit." Now Sora looks shocked and says: "Riku, every guy on the Island did that. I just – I just did that because Kairi and I had carved our faces there when we were kids and – and the Paopu fruit to her stood for the promise I made her when we were little." And Kairi goes on: "And besides, I was the one to draw the other fruit after our first adventure was over."
Now Riku looks shocked and intrigued and Sora says: "When we were little, there was that meteor shower, remember? The one you had to miss, because you caught that really bad fever that also struck Selphie and Wakka. And Kairi got scared of it, so I acted all brave and stuff and promised her I would always protect her. I just revisited the painting we made shortly after that meteor shower and carved the fruit as symbol of my promise."
Now Riku smiles, his eyes showing the same love he has been showing Sora since this morning and Sora says: "I made that cave painting like that, because I promised Kairi I would always protect her. You're the only one that I would – in real life – share a single Paopu fruit with, Riku, and that's a promise. I only shared two with Kairi before the war to make sure we'd both survive it." Riku kisses him and I read on.
'What cleaning?' … Mrs. Weasley shrieked.
"And here my memory came back. I remember that scream, but I don't recall a single bit of that conversation." Sirius says, his face more confused than angry and then he sighs: "Not that I proved to be a good father there, so I guess they succeeded, after all, even if they were interrupted before they had planned. Though I do wonder why they stopped there. Perhaps they just wanted to cause small bits of damage over a longer period of time."
Now, while the idea of anyone wanting to cause damage to a bond between my angel and his family infuriates me, does James hug him close and Alastor whispers to Albus: "Send those two to a Holding cell with all the security on it and put a Glamour on the cell door to make them look like regular criminals?" Albus nods and says: "Just make sure we have our people guarding them at all times." And instantly Bill says: "I'll do it."
Everyone looks at the man and he says: "I – out of all those in my family – have the most experience with all kinds of curses and hexes that witches and wizards can throw at you to have their ways. I can also use the excuse that, as Eldest in Line, I want to spend more time with the Lord of my House and I even battled some enchanted corpses just last year and those were persuasive. And to top it all, Ginny still respects me, the book proved that."
Everyone nods, though Arthur says: "You will enchant yourself protectively before you do this." And while his son nods, does Albus say: "You, Kingsley and Alastor can transport them to holding cells after we've reached the chapter of Harry's hearing. Until then, Alastor, please keep your eye on them." The two men nod, Arthur looking at Bill with a mixture of pride and worry and Alastor moves his fake eye up to the ceiling as I read on.
Harry, Sirius … LITTLE THING!'
"That woman is fighting a losing battle. Every witch or wizard who turns seventeen uses the following summer – or that same summer if they have their birthday over summer – to cast every possible spell they have in their arsenal." Tonks says, shaking her head and then Ron says: "And she's a hypocrite, too. Last summer Percy did the exact same thing and she never said a word." Making me shake my head and mutter:
"Playing favorites. How ridiculous." Then Bill growls: "And it even gets worse." To which James asks: "She makes it sound as if you were all angels who always listened to her every word and the fault lies entirely with them?" To which Bill honingly asks: "How did you know?" And James answers: "I once saw her do that when the twins were two. Your uncles, Gideon and Fabian put a stop to her back then, but – with them gone."
Now the eldest Weasley nods, his face as depressed as that of James and Harry is the first to react, hugging his mum tightly as he turns to Bill and Arthur. And while I really hate all of this, as the concept of murder is completely foreign in our world, does Harry say: "Professor Dumbledore once told me that the dead that we love never truly leave us, that they live inside us and that we recall them more clearly in times of trouble."
Now the two eldest men of the red-haired family smile at Harry gratefully and while Albus smiles in pride for Harry having remembered these words, does James hold back a small sob as he hugs his son tightly, whispering: "My sweet, empathic little baby." Making Harry smile widely at his mother before I read on.
'We were … of age –'
Now James looks at Arthur in shock and the man sighs as he says: "I wanted to avoid a bad fight between them. I was afraid Molly's anger for their dreams could push them away like my anger at Cornelius pushed Percy away. I didn't – I didn't agree with her methods – I never would, but I – I was – I was just trying to defuse the tension." James nods and smiles along with the twins who go to sit with the man as I read on.
'None of … met! Percy –'
"Didn't feel the need to Apparate? If Hogwarts hadn't been warded as strongly as it is, I would have Apparated from my dorm to the Great Hall and to all of my classes every day and she bloody well knows it too. I even Apparated from the gates straight to the train when Hogwarts let out for my final year. She actually got a letter from McGonagall with a picture of me doing so included after I came back home that year." Bill says in shock.
He then turns to the twins and asks: "Don't tell me she uses me and the others like that every time she thinks you did something wrong?" But the twins shrug and one of them says: "We're used to it." Before the other ends: "Tune it out most of the time, really." And their brother looks at them shocked, while I mutter: "You two deserve better." And the two send me a short look before one of them gives me a short, grateful nod as I read on.
She stopped … suddenly wooden.
"Which was more because I was angry that she was disrespecting my need not to cause a scene and to prevent a fight than because of what she said. She knew I was afraid of fights driving us apart, I kept telling her this when we went to bed every night after she tried bringing out a fight with you, Sirius and she was still screaming at you like that." Arthur shakes his head and says: "I really need to find a better wife and mother."
To this Sirius and James share a glance and then Harry offers: "Mr. Weasley, if I can get my Empathic Veela powers under control – outside of the whole thing with my emotions becoming tangible in the environment around me, I mean – I wouldn't mind using them to see who could really respect and love you the way you deserve, you know." Now Arthur smiles at the beautiful, kind angel and I feel new love grow in my heart for him as I read on.
'Let's eat,' … else did.
"Trust me, I saw Molly's face and she heard it." Arthur says, now laughing at the misfortune of what was once his wife and I feel pure relief that this man is letting go of a woman that is so obviously bad for him and for the family of my little angel. Knowing I really shouldn't be calling him that as there is a high chance that the boy's destiny is more made for the twins than me or maybe even someone else, I shake my head and read on.
Opposite Harry … the table.
Now the woman in question wrinkles her nose in disgust and says: "Thanks a lot, Harry." But Harry retorts: "It was fleeting. It looked funny as crap when I took a closer look at it. Dudley should be wishing for a nose like that – with how he's growing out to be." To this Sirius hits him over the back of his head and says:
"I sincerely hope you mean that as a retort for all he has said and done to you." Harry nods and Sirius nods as he goes on: "Then I won't reprimand you. I don't like it that you insult people behind their backs, but some deserve retribution and Dudley is definitely one of them." Harry smiles at his dad and I hear Kingsley mutter: "You have no idea." As he lies a hand on his robe, probably having another file somewhere in there as I read on.
Mr. Weasley … you know –'
"Oh Merlin, don't tell me that guy still has a gambling problem." James moans and Harry says: "He does. He even betted on me during the Tournament." To which all adults shout: "HE DID WHAT?" And Sirius grabs Harry's shoulders, turning the boy to him as he almost spats: "How?" To which Harry trembles and says:
"Ask the twins. They know all about it. Ask them, not me." And apparently does Sirius recognize the fear in his son's tone and he calms down and hugs his son tightly, whispering words of comfort and apologies in his hair as Harry slowly calms down, his arms wrapping themselves around his dad before I read on.
A gale … with laughter.
"That was actually the only time I agreed with her." Sirius says, his tone softer, but still angry as he has Harry sitting crisscross on his lap with his chin buried deep in the hair of his son. And while I really envy the man for his current position and he seems to take great comfort out of his son, does he go on: "And that wasn't just because of how he let his little business deals get in before my baby boy's health and safety, I assure you."
He then turns to Ron and the twins and says: "I don't approve of how your mother turns in the future, boys, but I do hope you will listen to her on this ground as Dung is just not someone you can trust when it comes to business deals. He may not try to scam Dark Wizards, because he knows they'll kill him for it, but he knows you won't – and he counts on that." The three boys nod and Arthur sends Sirius a grateful smile before I continue reading.
'Beg pardon … tailing you.'
"And that's nothing compared to what I want to do when I think about it – and that's when I'm in a good mood, so to say." Sirius growls angrily and while images of this disgusting man being affected by various forms of my Keyblade magic run through my mind, does Harry ask: "You aren't going to forgive him anytime soon, are you?" And Sirius growls as an answer before he calms down again and softly goes on and says:
"Harry, Veela are the most loyal of all Magical Creatures. There is no creature more loyal to his family than a Veela. Only Werewolves are slightly less loyal to their packs, but even then they are more loyal to the pack at large, whereas a Veela is mostly loyal to those closest to them, especially their mates and close family. So Dung allowing for my youngest son to be attacked – no, forgiving is not an option."
Now Harry smiles widely as he hugs his dad tightly, lying his head on his dad's chest and somehow making himself small enough to fit into Sirius' hug well enough I almost lose sight of the beautiful angel. Wishing I could one day do the same, I vow to myself silently to wait until the Hearing is over and while I hear Riku whisper in Sora's hair: "Now aren't you the living embodiment of this fact, my Wielder." Do I read on.
Three helpings … at Harry.
"And here things turn to hell in a handbasket." Sirius growls, his anger obviously back and Harry, who has gone to sit on the man's left, turns to his mum, who is on the man's right as he asks: "Are his emotions always all over the place like this? Or is this another Veela thing or something?" Shocking Sirius stupid and making the other adults burst out laughing, me having the close the book as I lie a hand over my tearing eyes.
Wiping away a few of the tears, I look around and see Sirius sending a fake glare at his son, who looks up at him with the innocence of a newborn kitten, while James is leaning onto Sirius' back, his arm slung over the man's shoulders as he laughs himself silly and when everyone is done laughing, Lupin muttering: "You better watch out, Sirius. Harry seems ready to start proving himself worthy to his Marauder heritage." Do I read on.
'You know … of age!'
Now Sirius sighs and says: "I was just trying to take a small bit of my role as Harry's dad on me and get that whole compromise plan of mine going. I did it in front of the other kids to prove that I could be a responsible parent and to make sure they wouldn't get inquisitive afterwards. I knew you guys would feel offended, but I would like you to remember that I am not Molly." This makes those who had been there that night turn red.
Then Dumbledore says: "Sirius, it's quite obvious that you have the best knowledge when it comes to being both a parent and a member of the Order at the same time out of all of us. Can I be assured that if we tell you everything, even things we might not discuss in meetings, you will only tell the kids what they do and what they don't need to know and help them prepare for when they can join themselves?" Sirius nods and says:
"I'll just keep to the plan I had in mind this whole time. Tell them how they can help the Order, where they should not go unless they want to inconvenience the Order, things like that. And I'm sure James can look up the books the twins will need if they want to take the course. And they can earn our trust and respect in return by not letting our shared info fall into the wrong hands, like that of young Draco." Everyone nods at this, the kids smiling gratefully and I read on.
'It's not … a fight.
Now James turns to Sirius and asks: "Why didn't you just tell them there and then that you were Harry's dad?" And Sirius sighs as he says: "Two reasons. One, I was sure that woman would use it to claim me to be insane or something. Two, I didn't want that falling in the wrong hands either and Dung was there. I didn't want him telling any of his little criminal friends." To this the twins share a look and then one of them says:
"But Dung was there." And the other goes on: "When Sora arrived." And Sirius rolls his eyes and says: "Yes, though it was Sora who revealed this. I only went along with it, because I didn't want to continue lying to both my boys. Also I made sure to put a huge threat on Dung, not to mention a small Potter warning spell Charlus taught me, to make sure he wouldn't blab his big mouth away before letting him leave that night, I assure you."
Now the twins snicker, obviously envisioning how terrified Dung must have been when Sirius cursed him like that and I smile in pride of the wise move of the angel's father and happily envision the bastard's terrified face myself, while Harry sighs in relief and says: "Let's just make sure we keep putting spells on Dung until we have properly established our family relation to the world." Sirius nods at this and I read on.
"The bit … on Sirius.
"For support or because you weren't sure if he could hold in his temper after being unable to raise his own son for all these years?" James asks and Remus sighs: "The second, but not for the reason you just said." Making James moan and roll his eyes, while I feel curious as to what the man's reasons could be before I read on.
'I don't … Sirius impatiently.
"Although I cannot deny that, from time to time, the wish that he still was did overcome me, if only to catch up on the years that I lost, if not the fact that it would be easier for him to get closure with his past." Sirius sighs in despair and Harry seems contemplative as he asks: "I could try and make some more De-Aging Potion for when I graduate, but then – I might have to leave behind my mates as they would be many years older than me if I do."
Sirius sighs and says: "It's okay, Harry, with our current environment, I wouldn't want you de-aged anyway. The way you are now you can at least defend yourself would you need to and that's what's currently most important. Besides, helping you become an official adult also is a good way for me to make up for lost time." Harry nods at this, but I can tell he feels bad for his father and I smile at the angel before reading on.
'He's not … James, Sirius!'
Now Sora, Riku and I myself gasp, while the eyes of everyone else who is new to this world widens and James breathlessly whispers: "That disgusting bint of a witch did not just say that." But everyone here nods and Harry says: "Sora, Riku and Kairi appeared only a few arguments after this." Now Sora hits himself on the head and says: "Let's hope we came before she really crossed the line." I nod at this and read on.
'I'm perfectly … friend back!'
"More like I have a new chance with the family I once had in my Jamie and his parents, you dimwit." Sirius growls, while I can tell by the fury in his voice at the last word that he really wanted to use a more vile curse word. My eyes then widen as I notice that the man's nails are starting to shimmer with dark energy and James and Sora, who also notice this, quickly hug him as James says: "And that chance is now, love, that chance is now."
This makes Sirius calm down and the man even takes an extra deep breath to make sure he stays calm, causing for the tanned skin of his fingers to become visible again, making me sigh in utter relief, before he says: "You're right, Jamie, and I won't let that woman get in my way ever again – or anyone else for that matter." Now James smiles widely and then Riku makes me proud to be part of his team as he says:
"No one will ever break this family apart again – not before I become part of it." And Sora turns red at the implications, while James smiles and Sirius smirks as he says: "First you better prove your worth to us, young man." And Sora shouts: "DAD, COME ON!" Making everyone laugh hard before I continue reading. Yet at the same time I can't help but wonder what I myself might need to do to prove myself worthy of his younger son.
'What's wrong … said Harry.
Now the laughter leaves me in a single blow and my eyes widen as I reread this sentence, thinking: "What sweet angel wants to be his mother? Kids their age should want nothing to do with their parents, especially not that close. What on earth did my angel go through that he started believing he should be someone else? Is this more of those spells and potions talking or has my precious angel really been degraded this badly?"
Then Sirius sighs and says: "And that's what happens when you compare someone to other people too many times." To which Lupin, Moody, Arthur and Albus all lower their heads, making me shocked that they actually compared Harry to James without Harry knowing a single thing about his mother. Feeling repulsed, I hate the fact that I can't just take my angel and phase back to Radiant Garden or Twilight Town and instead I quickly read on.
'What's wrong … voice rising.
"Why on earth did you even use that title?" James asks, obviously as disgusted with the current situation as I am and the man growls: "It was either that or change into my Veela form and rip her to shreds. I didn't want to commit such a crime, Jamie, not even if it would make people remember who Harry's parents really are. I just – I couldn't risk doing anything that might see me thrown back in Azkaban and lost to our baby boy."
James nods, but then the twins shout: "Woohoo, we read of the future." Everyone turns to them and one of them says: "Sirius never got to say that." And the other goes on: "Sora, Riku and Kairi appeared right when he wanted to." And they chorus: "So we just read the first sentence leading into an alternate future."
Everyone seems amazed by this and then Sirius sighs and says: "I can only imagine how bad that fight must have turned out without you three arriving there. She already behaved completely bonkers when you did and even dared to attack you with that crazy dark magic of hers, I fear how bonkers she will be without you three having done so." Everyone nods in agreement and with a tense atmosphere around me, do I read on.
'Meaning you … at Headquarters.'
"Which is exactly what I was planning to do from the start and what I have been harping about since all of you – especially the kids – got here, for crying out loud." Sirius growls in anger and James is quick to start caressing his hair and kissing his cheek, calming the man easily. This makes him smile at James and while I silently imagine to myself what it would be like to do the same to Harry or have him do it for me, do I read on.
'Yes, but … he likes!'
"Who said anything about that?" Sora asks and Sirius rubs the back of his head as he says: "I guess I did make it look like that was what I wanted to do when I approached Harry about the whole topic at the start of this." To this Sora shrugs and says: "You sure didn't give me that kind of impression." And Riku nods in agreement as Kairi says: "That woman was just making things look worse than they were." As I read on.
'Personally,' said … from… others.'
"Thank you, captain obvious, for realizing what I've been saying since the start of the bloody summer." Sirius growls and Lupin looks shocked as the man says: "Sorry, I just hate the fact that it took book-you this long to figure out what I've been talking about since we all got here." Lupin nods at his friend, yet then Sora says: "But at least now you'll have someone supporting you and Harry." Making the two men smile as I read on.
His expression … at heart – '
"His best interest? I highly doubt that, seeing what I was told yesterday." Moody says and while I try not to let my anger cause for cinders to burn the book through my hold on it, does Sirius growl: "That woman's just completely delusional. She's so deep into her own plans she really believes it for Harry's best. Her selfishness just got to her head." And Moody ends: "And her daughter's inherited it all, that's for sure."
But then I see Harry shivering and Sora, who obviously remembers exactly why this is, says: "Let's just not mention those women, alright, not now that we know what they've been doing to my little brother for all those summers." Everyone nods and Sirius pulls his son close, whispering an apology in Harry's hair and rubbing his side to calm him down as I read on, lying the book down on the table in front of me just to play it safe.
'He's not … hasn't it?'
Instantly silence rings through the room as everyone except Sora, Riku, Kairi, Ariel, Erik, Tarzan and I myself gasp in utter supreme shock, Sirius even turning whiter than the color of his own eyeballs and looking as if a skeleton has more of a tan than he does, while Harry whispers: "That – that – that – that – that –."
But he seems unable to find a proper name to insult the woman and then suddenly Arthur shouts out in pure fury. The man actually looks angrier than I expected a gentle, kind-hearted man like him able to and has his wand drawn as he storms for the staircase, but then a voice as cold as Even's when he's pissed whispers: "Wait in line, Arthur." And we all turn to look at where the voice comes from, all our eyes falling on James.
The man has his hands on his arm rests, curled into fists and holding onto the ends strong enough the wood is already splintering, while his entire body is stiff as a rock, his neck slightly crocked as he looks down at the other end of the table, his hazel brown eyes almost blackish brown as they swirl with magical fury. And there is actually some kind of hazel brown aura around the man, making his hair swirl and twist in its flow.
The man is obviously over the top with fury and he hisses: "That woman just officially paid her own death sentence. You can have what's left of her – when I'm done." And he stands up, his own wand drawn and moves ever so slowly, obviously in an attempt to keep his rage under control, to the staircase. But before he can reach it, is Harry suddenly in front of him.
The boy has his arms spread wide and while his shaky form shows that he too is holding back on his anger, are his eyes desperately searching for contact with those of his mother as he says: "Mum, don't. Don't do it. She's not worth you going to Azkaban for. Dad held himself back from doing so with both Pettigrew and Molly and so can you. You need to. Dad wouldn't want you to be a murderer. I don't want you to be a murderer."
But then James smiles at his son, his eyes slightly turning back to their original color and the aura receding into his form as he says: "Harry, Veela and their mates are exempt from the law if they are in the rightful belief that either the mate or the Veela –." But while his friends seem to take comfort out of these facts, does my precious angel then say: "But she never said this. It's only in the book. She never said it here."
And James stops in shock, the anger disappearing out of everyone as they all realize that the desperate angel is indeed right. This, in itself, seems to calm everyone down and Dumbledore says: "Harry is right. This fact would never hold in any trial, especially not with Cornelius in power." James sighs, but then smiles at his son as he hugs the desperate little boy close and whispers: "Thank you, son. I'm glad you stopped me from losing my chance with you all."
And Harry hugs the man back just as hard as he whispers: "I'm just as angry, mum, but we can't get her for this. For – for what she allowed those Muggles to do to me, yes, but not for whatever we read in the books. Not anymore. We – we might be able to get her for some really big things – like things she already has planned – but not this." James nods and Sirius, now apparently calm, leads them both back to their seats as I read on.
Sirius started … sit down.'
Now James turns to the man, but then Remus says: "I can't give any explanation, James. This no longer concerns anything I already experienced. But I can only say that I often try to calm others as I know myself and I would have probably fought alongside Sirius had I allowed him to vent his anger like you just tried to."
James nods, apparently calmed from what was clearly an attempt to get some explanation out of his friend and Sirius growls: "Doesn't mean I wouldn't have changed into my Veela there and then had this happened. You probably stopped me from ruining all of my carefully laid out plans. Thanks pall." Remus nods and says: "I may not be the friend I'm supposed to be, but I do have your back, pall." And the two share a friendly smile as I read on.
Mrs. Weasley's … wailed Ginny.
"Ugh, that last one really disgusts me. She sounds like some spoiled five-year old that just got told she can't have a cookie just before dinner." I mutter silently and Sora apparently hears me as he says: "That comparison sure is spot-on. She was, after all, trying to get together with Harry in the future we all came from, remember?" And while Harry pulls a disgusted face, do the others around the room nod, all of them equally disgusted.
Yet, at the same time they are disgusted, does anger rage inside me and I hear a voice that sounds like Axel when infuriated shout: "No, he's ours. She won't get him! Nobody touches our angel. Especially not anyone who dares to abuse our angel's precious purity like this she-demon did." And I have no doubt in my mind that the twins are probably thinking the same thing as I try not to let the anger ring in my voice as I read on.
'NO!' shouted … Harry's eyes.
Now Harry and his friends wince in unity and Sirius says: "We've already been over this. You lot realize that what you did was wrong, we have a clear plan in mind in case this becomes necessary again, we can just consider this problem over and done with." Everyone around me nods at this, Hermione and Ron smiling at the man in gratitude and Harry mutters: "I couldn't agree more." As I continue to read on.
For a … each other.
This makes me raise an eyebrow and I think: "Teenage hormones – or something darker of nature?" And I decide to confer with Riku about this as the young man is the best in the whole group around me when it comes to the Darkness – even if that scarred man looks like he has plenty experience himself – and quickly read on.
'Course I … the din.
Suddenly I see James and Sirius share a concerned look at the same time that Ron, Hermione and Harry do so. And while I feel impressed that these three are able to read a situation as well as my angel's parents, does Ron say: "Mum knows us. She knows of all the adventures we've been through together and she certainly knows our loyalty to each other like the back of her hand." The other two nod and Hermione says:
"And she's been working together with Ginny in all this for who knows how long. She even worked against Harry before he could be old enough to have any conscious memories. She proved this when she kept the fact that Harry wasn't an orphan secret for over a decade, so who says." And all three of them, together with James and Sirius says: "She didn't plan that whole argument from the start." And they all nod.
Now Arthur lowers his head and says: "I do not want to know what she and that ex-daughter of mine could have tried to discuss while Walburga distracted us all. I just do not want to know." To which the scarred man seems to take pity on Arthur and says: "I'll keep further investigations on her out of your notice, Arthur. I'll just wait with questioning her on anything else she might have planned until your son and I have moved her."
The man nods and Kingsley asks: "You think further investigations and questionings will be necessary, Alastor?" And the man nods as he says: "I do not want to have her judged until I know every last detail of her plans. I want to know why she didn't free James when Black escaped. Why she didn't come clean that one of his so-called victims was still alive. She obviously only cares for herself, so I want to know her reasoning."
Kingsley nods, but then Harry growls: "I can tell you that one easily, Moody." The two men look at him and he says: "If she had freed my mum, she would lose her full control over me as she would lose her self-claimed role as my new mother. And she needs that for all the little plans she still has in store, so she kept mum prisoner. Not to mention that her saving mum's life would not have saved her from the fact that she kept him prisoner."
The scarred man and the tanned bald man share a worried glance and Moody says: "I got to admit, the lad's got a damned good couple of observation points there. Molly's arrest would have happened, regardless of her having saved James' life or not." To which James sighs with his head down and says: "The Potter Observation. Something that is a Potter trait that shouldn't develop until the 16th birthday, when Magical Inheritances kick in."
Now Harry looks confused and asks: "I thought those inheritances didn't kick in until the seventeenth birthday. I thought it was just the Magical Creature inheritances, like Veela or something, that kick in before then." And James says: "That only counts for those of Half-blood magical blood or Muggleborns. Even Squibs can sometimes get an Inheritance at Seventeen, but truly Most Noble and Most Ancient of lines get them at sixteen."
Harry tilts his head, making him look like a cute little kitten observing a ball of yarn and James says: "It all has to do with the power of the blood. The more Ancient the Blood, the stronger the DNA inside the magic, the easier it is for a wizard's core's magic to merge with their blood as they grow up. That's why Most Noble and Most Ancient lines get their inheritances earlier, their Heirs and Heiresses need more time to adjust."
Harry nods and Hermione, who sounds greatly depressed asks: "So blood really does matter in this world?" But James shakes his head at her disheartened tone and says: "Only when it comes to the power inside your magical inheritance, not the way that idiots like Malfoy would want Muggleborns like you believe. In the end – as most Light and Grey families know – the intent of the magic is what really matters in life and the future."
Hermione nods and James says: "Short said, Harry might get stronger and more abilities than you will ever have because his blood – and with that the DNA of his magic – is a mix of two Most Noble and Most Ancient Lines. Families who have been able to acquire, learn and master new abilities over the years of their existence, but if he were to do bad things with it, you would come out on top if you make something good of your future."
This makes Hermione smile and then Riku turns to Sora and says: "No wonder you can beat me no matter how many times we use our Keyblades for battle. Your magic is way more powerful than mine will ever be." But again James shakes his head and says: "First of all, Sora wouldn't stand a chance if you chose to exert your dominance over him as his mate. Second, your magic is also quite powerful, Riku, you're after all a Longbottom."
This makes Riku tilt his head, while Sora turns a humorous shade of red at the idea of Riku exerting his dominance over him and Sirius whispers: "We didn't tell him who his parents here are yet." Making James cringe before he says: "Longbottoms might not be as Ancient as the Potters or the Blacks – they lack about a century or two for that – but they've done something with their magic no one else ever has.
They solidified it." This makes Riku tilt his head just like Harry, only this in turn makes Sora snicker and push his back into Riku's front as he is now sitting in Riku's lap as James says: "Longbottoms are considered the most dangerous duelists in our world and that's not by using Dark magic or something. They have the ability to store their magic. They can either put way more power into a spell than others could or draw out battles by using their magic in a more focused manner.
This way, they are born with a much sturdier core than other infants and while they are known to have trouble with Accidental Magic at young age, are they much better able to learn powerful spells, because their cores are so well-adapted to storing magic inside it and to using it in much more efficient ways than other magical families. Frank and Augusta both survived the better part of the war by tiring out their opponents; they were masters at it."
Now Riku smiles and then Ron turns to his dad and asks: "Is there anything that makes our magic special, dad?" And Arthur smiles, before Moody asks: "Is this a reading of the future or a History of Pureblood Magic lesson?" Making many of the others turn to look at him in shock, before James blushes and mutters: "We'll discuss it tonight during pillow-talk." And Sora nods as I read on, snickering softly.
Lupin hurried … satisfied smile.
"How is that a good thing?" James asks shocked and angered and Sirius whispers: "It's a good thing because else we would only have one son now." This makes the Axel inside me roar in anger yet again, making me want to question the man and then hunt down anyone who has tried to cause this to happen, while James whimpers and pulls his son close, pulling him onto his lap and whispering words of comfort to himself as I read on.
'How?' Harry … be accurate.'
"Not when it concerns my baby, apparently." James whimpers, obviously still scared out of his mind by the fact he might have lost Harry before his reunion with his son. Harry quickly hugs his mum back, now over the shock of the sudden change of seating and while Dumbledore lowers his head in shame, do I read on. And while I do so, do I think to myself: "And that woman, while knowing this, still kept these two separate." Angering me further.
'So what … tricky, though.'
"Why would that prove tricky? Surely those that are alerting them should be considered trustworthy as none of you would want to go back to the chaos you lived in for those years? Why doesn't that matter?" Sora asks shocked and Harry growls: "Because wizards lack common sense." Shocking everyone before I read on.
'Why?''Because … it's happened.'
Now James seems to tense for an entirely different reason and he asks: "Wait a second, my baby, who is basically one of the last victims of that monster's atrocities, tells the Minister for Magic that Voldemort is back and he isn't believed? What in the name of Magic does Fudge think he's doing? Does he have any idea what he is calling my little boy by not believing him?" He rages at the end and Harry mutters:
"As I said, they lack common sense, him most of all. Though I know a few others who are – well, quite like him in that regard." Now James looks down at the boy, as my precious angel has shrunk down a little to make himself comfortable and he asks: "So you know?" And Harry shrugs as he says: "Yeah, I realized days ago he was calling me a liar on my aunt's murderer. Not hard to figure that one out, really."
But apparently it is for others as everyone from this world is now wide-eyed and then the twins shout: "WHY DIDN'T WE USE THAT TO FIGHT OF THOSE LIES?" And while I wonder if, perhaps, my angel was indirectly insulting everyone who didn't realize this, does Bill groan: "Because Harry is right, we really do lack common sense." And all those of this world lower their heads in shamed defeat before I read on.
'But why?' … for Magic.'
Now Harry snorts and says: "If Dumbledore wanted to be Minister, he would have accepted the whole job the first time it was offered to him and, knowing the rumors I've heard, that was quite a while ago. Why Fudge thinks that's still a going threat after so long is just beyond me." And everyone looks at each other shocked at the end of this.
Then Remus says: "Harry, the reason Fudge sees this as a threat is because people are still offering Albus the job after all these years. This makes it look as if they think the current Minister a failure compared to Dumbledore and Fudge believes Dumbledore is spreading those lies because he has finally caved for the many countless requests." Now Harry shrugs and says: "Good reasoning, wrong person." Before I read on.
'But Dumbledore … of it.'
Now James groans and says: "And that is exactly what started the whole Fudge-Potter feud. A Fudge, only a few generations before Cornelius and me – I believe it was his father's grandfather – became Minister and started hunting down powerful families for their gold, believing it the rightful property of the Ministry for Magic. Only the Potters defied them, using their cool reasonable logic and the Fudge was denounced as Minister.
That angered the Fudge line, but because they couldn't fight that generation of Potters, did they call for a Family feud and since then have they been trying to get the Potters to surrender, if only to still lie claim on some of the Potter gold that that first Fudge was after so many generations ago. Never worked and then, when the Grindelwald left a lot of Magical families almost financially broke, the agreement came to be."
Harry sighs and says: "I'd love to find the person responsible for making Fudge forget about that agreement." But then James says: "Then you'd probably end up with Fudge's parents, Harry, as the Fudge's aren't exactly keen on reminding their offspring about agreements they made with other families. At least not agreements that could, potentially, hinder any dreams for the future their Heirs might have." Harry sighs at this and I read on.
'How can … destabilize him.'
"Something I plan to justify real soon, if only to get that idiot to realize what he is calling my baby boy." James growls and then suddenly Harry looks up and says: "Mum, I do agree that Fudge needs to get a reality check, but we need to remember what I said. About his position, Voldemort and the feud. Please keep that in mind." This makes his mother sigh and he mutters: "I'll try, kiddo. I'll try." And I read on, feeling for them both.
'You see … smiled humorlessly.
"Yeah, but we're obviously going about it the wrong way." Sirius says and while I think: "Yeah, that is definitely obvious." Does he then go on and tell James: "Remind me to head for Gringotts, so I can get our shares of the Prophet back under our control, both the Potter and the Black shares, if I can. That way we can post a little article of our own and make the public realize just what the Prophet is making them think of our Heir."
James nods and Remus whispers to Tonks and Kingsley: "With James and Sirius working together on things like the Prophet and Harry using his incredible logic to aid them in their plans, I fear for what the Wizarding World will go through if they try and go against either of their kids now." To which Ron and Hermione, who sit close by, whisper back: "And we can't wait to see exactly that. Would be about time too."
Everyone looks at them and Hermione says: "Let's just say that the teachers have been pretty blind when it comes to the student body scapegoating Harry over his scar and all of his actions, whether good or bad and that Ron and I are growing pretty damned sick of it. And the worst of it all is that they hardly ever apologize for it afterwards – or just make lame apologies they don't mean." Everyone nods, some of us even more curious now, and I read on.
'Well, as … in Tibet.'
"For which I will need to find a proper excuse as to why I thought that now that the Minister has seen you with the queen and all." Kingsley moans, but while Sirius turns red in embarrassment and while I wonder how much distance there might be between our current location and this fake one, does James snort and say: "As if you don't already have three excuses ready, Kingsley. Give me a break, I know you better than that."
To this Kingsley laughs and says: "You're right, James, I just wanted your mate to sweat a little over the issues I was dealt with after the whole debacle. It's that I was handling the Dursleys or I wouldn't have come up with such a quick excuse in the first place. Though don't worry, no one other than us know who those three actually are, just that they're Muggles." And while the man seems to remember the event quite happily, do I read on.
'But if … Class, too.'
"EXCUSE ME!" James suddenly shouts in pure rage and he goes on: "That last one better be only small talk and hearsay or whoever decided on that will get my entire Ancestral family and every Ancient Spell my father ever taught me over the years on his neck – and trust me, we Potters don't fight fair when it comes to defending our inventions." To this, while I feel quite impressed with the man, does Harry turn to his mum and asks:
"The Order of Merlin was our invention?" James nods and seems to calm down as he turns to his son and says: "Our family is over 540 generations old and existed at least 10 generations before Arthur came to rule as King. One of our Main Crests even used to be a decorative piece of a sword of one of the Knights of the Round Table. There are even rumors that this same knight was actually a Potter, but even our ancestral Portraits can't confirm or deny this.
Still, according to the Potter Grimoire the piece was given to the Knight by Arthur himself after about three years of the Table being in existence and it has been one of our most valuable pieces since." Harry seems fascinated and amazed at the same time and I wonder if Merlin knew of this and if he might be able to finally give the family their well-deserved answer to this mystery as James goes on and explains:
"The Order of Merlin however, was something invented by our Ancestor about two weeks after Merlin made his last and most famous Journey to Expend His Magical Boundaries – the one from which he never returned – and was instated on Arthur's acceptance as a last sign to honor the man for all his tutoring of our king. For a few generations after that, the Potters became the ones allowed to hand out these Orders, at least until the Ministry came into being."
Now Sora, Riku and I are all amazed that Merlin is this famous in this world and while I wonder how the ancient man will feel about returning to his homeworld after all these years, as James says: "It's been changed a couple of times over the centuries – as it was an actual Order of warriors during some point in time – but the Order of Merlin has always been something the Potter line holds great pride in – and no one messes with Potter pride."
Everyone – even Moody – by now is fascinated and Harry whispers: "I love these small lessons." Sora and Hermione nodding – while I wonder why the second of them does – and then Albus says: "Don't worry, James, that thing about my Order of Merlin removal is indeed just hearsay, nothing more. I know for a fact that even Lucius Malfoy respects your line and myself too much to try that." James nods, now at ease, and I read on.
'But Dumbledore … Mr. Weasley sharply.
"I didn't mean it as such, Arthur." Albus says and he goes on: "I just stated this to prove that I wouldn't bend from the truth, no matter what people thought. There have been many times where the public tried to pressure me into sharing their beliefs and I never did. I know what is the truth and I stand with it, even if I have been proven to be mistaken at other points that I believed the truth." And with this he turns, strangely enough, to Sirius.
The black-haired man sighs with his eyes turned skyward and says: "Albus, we go over this conversation every week. You were trying to keep my son safe and were hardly at the Ministry at all during that time, you told me so yourself. As long as you keep making sure that Harry keeps to the 3 rules – whether he knows of them or not – and that he's safe while inside Hogwarts, then I have no reason to remain angry, alright."
The elder man nods and Harry says: "And besides, it wasn't you who sent him to Azkaban without even a decent trial, that was Crouch – may he burn in hell." He ends with a hiss, to which Sirius hits him over the back of his head and says: "Whether he wronged me or not, you do not speak ill of dead Ancient Lines, understand?"
Harry nods and asks: "Is that why it's always okay for the Malfoy's to make fun of the Weasleys? Because their line still exists?" And Arthur answers: "Under which. We also have other reasons, which lie a little deeper than that, but that remains between our two lines." Harry nods at the man and Sirius says: "And besides, there's a difference between them doing so and it being right." Which I definitely agree with as I read on.
'If he … clear field.'
"Not with the plans I have in store." Harry grins, but is then hit upside the head again and Sirius asks: "Do you seriously plan to break the rules we set up two days ago?" And Harry actually glares at him as if the boy feels insulted as he answers: "Of course not, dad. In fact, if my plans work, I won't have to face him at all as he'll be losing followers instead of gaining them. I'll be weakening him so much, anyone'll be able to strike him."
Now everyone looks at him in interest while I feel a small hint of concern at how deeply intrigued Dumbledore looks, does he say: "We just have to integrate small things from the Muggle world into Hogwarts, like a few meals into the Feast, some storybooks into the library and then expand into Hogsmeade – especially in the bookstore, the Three Broomsticks and Honeydukes. That will just be the first step, too."
Now everyone is amazed and while I feel quite intrigued about these two concepts – Muggleborn and Pureblood – and wonder about their differences, does Hermione ask: "What exactly is your plan, Harry?" And Harry answers: "Use the smallest and most common things in a Muggle's life to get the wizards at Hogwarts, especially the Purebloods, to realize that Muggleborns aren't all that different – and help Muggleborns feel less homesick."
Everyone looks at each other shocked and Harry says: "It's simple logic. If you were stuck in a Muggle school as a Pureblood for ten months, you would be around things you have never seen before. Fridges, computers, different kinds of sports fields, things like that. You'd feel the need to change things just not to feel homesick, so why wouldn't Muggleborns try and do the same to Hogwarts?" Now everyone nods in understanding and Harry says:
"Just add – not replace or change, but add – a few, small amount of Muggle things that affect the everyday life to the Pureblood way of life at Hogwarts and it will make Muggleborns feel less as if they just stepped into a whole new world that will – eventually – make them feel scared and homesick and start to change things. Also make sure that they get explanations on why things are the way they are somewhere around their First year.
It's just that simple." Harry ends with his arms crossed and Hermione mutters: "I got to admit that I miss not being able to tell my parents everything, because so many things are magical and hard for them to understand – so – I guess Harry really does have a point. Hogwarts, even with all its glory, its amazing structure and how welcoming most staff and students are, is too magical for us Muggleborns to really feel at home."
Harry nods and says: "And if just a few small things from the Muggle world would be added to that to make the balance between Magical and Muggle a little more even, less Muggleborns will feel that way and that will lessen their needs to change things to something they grew up with. Especially if you add things that Muggleborns like to do for fun, such as reading a storybook or playing a sport from home. It's all a matter of compromise."
And while Sora is smiling at his little brother with Riku's head lying slightly on top of his, while James and Sirius have their faces almost breaking due to their proud smiles and while the other kids look at Harry amazed, especially the youngest redhead, and the adults look ashamed to not have realized the same, do I read on. Yet while I do, do I wonder how any of these brilliant changes will help in something like a war.
'But if … last time.'
"Something I wish never existed in the first place." Sirius growls and while Harry now looks at the book in intrigue, does he turn to his dad and say: "Guess that's another reason then for me not to go after it, right dad?" And while many of the other adults were looking wary at first, the look in their eyes proving they are actually relieved this conversation didn't take place in this timeline, are they now looking at the boy in shock.
Sirius in the mean time smiles at his son widely and whispers: "You'd do that for me, kiddo?" And Harry answers: "If you don't want that thing to exist, then I have no reason to be near it. It would just remind you of its existence. You've had that happen with Molly and her reminding you of you being a wanted murderer enough already." Sirius hugs his son tightly and the other adults share looks of shame with each other as I read on.
'When he … Order straightaway.'
"Not going to happen." Sirius snaps and Harry looks down as if he already guessed what his book-self was about to say. I then sigh as I know that the next comment will not be good for the budding relationship between father and son and take a deep breath, ready to defend my little angel would the need arise as I read on.
'Why not?' … fight.''No.'
And this word is not just read by me, it's also voiced by Albus, Sirius, James and Remus as they all look at Harry, who still has his face down and says: "I don't want to fight him, dad, but I do want to be ready to fight whoever tries to take me from the family you and mum and Sora have given me. I don't have to be in the Order to ask for that, do I?" And Sirius smiles at him widely, while the other kids nod in agreement with him as Sirius says: "No son, you don't."
"And neither do any of you." Arthur then says as he looks at Ron, Hermione and the twins and when the kids smile at him widely, does he say: "I will be gone for work a lot, but if we can find a chef as great as your mum, do I think I can find the time to train you all one hour before bed." The kids smile at this and then Harry tilts his head and asks: "Don't I qualify, Mr. Weasley?" Making the man turn a little red and his kids laugh as I read on.
It was … followed suit.
Then Sirius sighs and says: "We went about that the entirely wrong way. Now Harry and the others are still curious and from that curiosity will grow a need to know and that need – when unanswered by us – will lead them into exactly the location we don't want them at – and I'm not going to kid myself and say that will end well. And considering that Draco probably gets kept in the loop by his father, can I only imagine that he will play a role as well."
Everyone nods, even though Dumbledore seems to disagree with the man on the last bit and Harry says: "Seems we found the bad thing about this story. Wonder how much worse it can get." To this Hermione says: "We'll find out soon enough, Harry. Let's just read up until your Hearing and then call it a day." Harry nods, but I can tell that – like in the book – my angel rather doesn't think about the hearing at all.
Keep faith, Harry,
Okay, so this chapter was a lot of fun to edit. I changed a few things, like things that had already been discussed in previous chapters, and even brought a new side-plot into the story with the whole Keyhole thing. I just don't quite know when I am going to put this into the story as the gang moves from Grimmauld to Potter Place quite abruptly.
Personally, I just think that it will be another thing that Sora, Riku and the others will do once the book is over. Heck, I might even make it one of their goals to make sure that Sirius doesn't end up dying in the Department or perhaps Sora's way to deal with a sense of grief that doesn't need to exist. I actually quite like this idea as it will give Sirius, Sora and Riku a great chance to bond, both as mates and as a family.
Yeah, it's a plan,
Venquine1990
