Hey everyone,
Well, this is it. The last chapter before I have to start writing about one of my Top 5 Most Hated HP characters – as well as the character I am most vocal about hating. No seriously, I can easily write a Good/Misguided!Dumbles/Molly/Snape story, but a Good!Bellatrix or – Lea save my soul – Good!Umbridge story?
NEVER!
Venquine1990
PS. I just want to thank Wishfull-Star, Sakura-doom-vampire and guest for pointing out my mistake of adding Ginny to the mix, when I got her the death sentence in chapter 23. Sorry for the mistake, it has been fixed.
Chapter 26
Right, Wrong And Secret Skeletons
13th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Ariel's POV
"This environment is so much better for my baby to be born in. I really think Erik would have had a heart-attack if I had to give him his firstborn in that other dreadful place. And then this incredible arena! And the scents that are coming from that stone! How did James even cause that? With those words he just said?"
All these thoughts give me the feeling as I am back to my first days as a human, as if everything is new and fresh and this is exactly why I instantly agreed when Master Yen Sid asked me if I wanted to help Sora and Riku with a trip, even though Erik had tried to stop me when he heard that it would include extensive traveling.
This had actually angered me as Erik had been just too overprotective of me, especially if you take into account that Ursula had been defeated several years ago and that our kingdom had since then been protected from floods and tidal waves by my father keeping the crazier kinds of weather far away from my new royal kingdom.
And when I had put my hands on my hips, glared at him and told him he would either come with me or I would go alone, the love of my life had instantly grasped onto me and told Master Yen Sid to just take us to the Tower before he changed his mind, yet this I had punished him for by pulling out of his grasp upon our arrival.
"Really Erik, I'm three months pregnant, I'm not giving birth. And in case you forgot, the most dangerous thing you ever faced was the sinking ship I saved you from; I, in the meantime, dealt with sharks, whirlpools and endless underwater chasms since before I fully grew out of my teens. I have more life-experience than you, got it?"
And while my prince had tried arguing that that was the whole reason he was so concerned, had I then shouted: "What is that supposed to mean? Do you honestly believe I would seek out dangers like sharks and killer whales? While pregnant? Do you really distrust me, your wife, queen and the mother of your child, that much?"
And Erik had lowered his head in guilt, making it so I had spent most of the time we had waited for our turn with my frowning face turned away from him, yet when we had been taken, I had calmed down and whispered: "Sora will never know of this." At which Erik had nodded before we had arrived in the new world.
And everything since has been so amazing and yet covered in so much protective procedures, plans and magic that Erik's overprotective nature had been able to finally be put to rest and since then we've had tons of fun, me mostly when I got the chance to take those Ministerial high-strung idiots down as badly as they deserved.
And while I have no doubt, especially thanks to how the meeting with the Weasleys went with their brother, that things will only get worse before they get better with that trio of troublemakers, do I then notice that the scent has left the area and looking around, I can see that the concerns of last chapter have left the reading group.
I then look at the boy who has proven himself very brave reading last chapter, even if none of us could have predicted that his mentally-ill parents would be mentioned or that the secret he has been keeping for years would be revealed and then I ask: "Can I read next?" And the boy gently levitates the book my way, allowing me to start.
Luna Lovegood
Harry had … the train."
"Then maybe she should have tried waking them up on time. Hasn't she been checking up on them every single night since Harry's arrival?" Riku asks and while this actually shocks our two new arrivals, does Sirius snort and say: "She probably has – and I doubt she would have kept it to just the kids either."
"But isn't that your house?" Augusta asks and Sirius rolls his eyes as Remus cringes and says: "We – ehm – that is to say the Order hasn't –." And before he can even finish his explanation, does Lady Augusta get it as she huffs and says: "How rude. Not even showing respect to your own host." And the Order looks chastised as I read on.
There was … their voices.
This makes Erik, the other parents, Augusta and myself all cringe and Sirius mutters: "I hate admitting it, but there Molly would have been in the right to berate you two. You really should have handled your magic more responsibly." And the two nod, while I had read ahead, yet what I read instantly makes me read on angrily.
"- COULD HAVE … YOU IDIOTS -"
"And I take it back. She was right to berate you for potentially hurting your sister, but she had no right to call you idiots. And yes, I do know this is only 12 hours since that Boggart, but that doesn't change the fact in my eyes." Sirius says with a grumbling undertone and James, Arthur and Augusta nod in agreement as I read on.
"- FILTHY HALF-BREEDS … corrected him.
"That is just so not right." Hercules then suddenly says and he goes on: "I've only known Harry these last few days and already I know he cares for his friends more than he does himself. And I doubt this Voldemort guy doesn't know this. So if you really want Harry safe, why aren't you including all those he cares for in that protection?"
This shocks the Order members and he says: "When I was on my way to becoming a God, Hades tricked me into losing all of my godlike strength by endangering Meg. What if you guys are so busy protecting Harry, it gives Voldemort the chance to attack Ron, Hermione or the twins? Won't that hurt Harry worse than any possible curse?
And what about their families or their homes? Have you hidden the Weasley home under protective charms or send a guard to the Grangers like you did Harry over summer? Don't you think Harry will feel guilty if Voldemort attacks someone close to his friends?" And while the Order now looks to be feeling really bad, do I read on.
"Why?" said … Mrs. Weasley.
"You're actually going to the station?" Hermione asks, a clear tone of concern sounding through her voice and Sirius retorts: "Twelve years Azkaban, a summer out of the country and the only one who are there who could reveal me are the Order and Malfoy – and I have no interest in approaching the latter." At which I read on, smiling.
"Oh honestly…" … be it!'
"No, it's going to be on the head of whoever tries to out me – and why do I already suspect that to be you, you lowlife little bint?" Sirius growls, now looking angry while he had just looked defiant when explaining his reasons for going to the station and instantly his family comes to comfort him with hugs as I continue reading.
She wrenched … without magic."
"If she wasn't dead, I would have loved to sentence her to a life as the servant of the Dursleys; that ought – then again, they either would have killed her with their abuse or she would have caused them permanent ear damage. Heh, either way, it really wouldn't have been a loss to me." Harry shrugs at the end and then Hermione asks:
"Is there even a chance that any of us would be in danger of either Voldemort or his Death Eaters if we go into the Muggle world?" And Dumbledore seems to instantly want to object, yet Sirius shrugs and interrupts him as he says: "Depends on where you go, really." At which the girl smiles at him and then goes on as she says:
"Well then, I know a few places that I doubt the Pureblood Death Eaters even know exist and trust me, especially Sora, Riku and Harry, these are places they have to have gone to as long as they are teenagers. It's just part of a Muggle Teenage upraising to have been there at least once." And this makes said boys really excited.
"Mss. Granger, I really must insist that you think –." Dumbledore wants to say, but then the girl asks: "Headmaster, what is a cinema?" And the man looks shocked before the girl asks: "Or a snack bar? Or an amusement park? Or a roller coaster?" And the man seems at a loss for words, at which his student smirks and says: "Exactly."
And the ancient man shakes his head bewildered as Hermione says: "Trust me, Harry. Places like Camelot Theme Park, Brocklands Adventure Park and Belle Vue Zoological Gardens are places any teen – even book smart teens like me – has had to have been to at least once in their lives. And I doubt anyone here know what they are."
And to my amusement do I then notice that everyone around her is looking as bewildered as Dumbledore did earlier and Hermione asks: "So, can any of you tell me where these things are at?" Yet they all shake their heads at which Hermione proudly crosses her arms as she says: "So they're safe to go to."
And Sirius smirks as he says: "How about we go to at least one of these places once we've reached the halfway point of this book? That should give us plenty of time to find the place and plan out how to get there and what to do if things go wrong." And at this all Order members, bar Dumbledore, nod as I continue reading.
But the … long time.
"Actually that makes me wonder something." Harry mutters and he turns to the Order members as he asks: "Did you ever spot Death Eaters around London?" And when the Order members shake their heads, does he ask: "Then why not let one of you pretend to be an owner walking their dog? Like Mr. Weasley or Bill."
And the Order members all look at each other before Remus says: "Harry, there is no way we would force Sirius to degrade himself like that." To which Sirius shouts: "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU IDIOTS TALK ABOUT? I SPENT THE BETTER HALF OF LAST YEAR LIKE THAT!" Shocking them as Remus asks:
"And you – you didn't feel – embarrassed?" And Sirius snorts: "Of course not. The people of Hogsmeade loved me and I loved the fact that I could be that close to my pup. Seriously, why did any of you – who knew I had done that – not think of this?" And with the Order members looking to feel pretty stupid, do I continue reading.
Mrs. Weasley … going back…
"The reaction of the majority of Muggleborns returning to the Magical World. Though there are plenty of things that we love that is unique of our world, there is just something about the Magical world that makes us feel just as great." Hermione says, yet as I read on can I not help but spot the slight disbelief shown on Dumbledore's face.
"I hope … I expect."
"You're going to continue guarding Harry at Hogwarts, aren't you?" Hercules asks, an unimpressed look on his face and Dumbledore says: "I will explain later why this goal is as vital as it is." Yet Hercules retorts: "Vital enough apparently, you trust your Order above your own staff." And this shocks the elder man as I read on.
A warning … dog, Sirius!"
"THAT FILTHY HYPOCRITE!" The entire Weasley clan shouts and Sirius snaps: "Dogs always try to jump onto their owner and that kid had just made everyone think I was Harry's. That bitch is just out to ruin my life. She really knows nothing about anything, does she?" And while the Weasleys all shake their heads, do I read on.
"See you … poor bloke."
"And all because people are clearly losing trust in each other and losing sight of the difference between protection and imprisoning someone." Hercules growls, but then Albus growls back: "I would never –." Yet while his magic seems out of control, does Hercules seem unimpressed and the hero hisses back:
"Hasn't seen daylight – for months." Yet this doesn't seem to convince the other man that he was in the wrong and he keeps glaring at the Hero, who only keeps his arms crossed and calmly raises an eyebrow as he says: "Just stop trying, even Hades doesn't scare me." And while this impresses most people, do I continue reading.
"Well," said … left hand.
Here Sirius sighs and says: "I hate saying this, but this is exactly the reason why having at least two or three male friends and two or three female friends is so important to make before fifth year. Else you can easily feel left out when your only male and female friend get a role that can only be given to one student per year."
"Did you feel that?" Harry asks and Sirius snorts and says: "Not even. Even when Jamie became Head Boy and Remy was Prefect, I still had Pettigrew, Marlene, Alice, Frank, Emmeline and several others that I befriended between my third and sixth. I had plenty of friends to fall back on when they had to go to their meetings."
Yet this doesn't seem to make Harry feel any better as he starts to grimace angrily and mutters: "All those friends – and none of them even bothered to check on you after Molly took mum." And with that does he glare at the present Order members – bar Kingsley and Tonks – and they all cringe as they see him glare before I read on.
"Oh," said … finished defiantly.
"I never want to be like that bastard." Ron growls in utter fury and then I see Bill turn to Charlie and ask: "You think those papers helped him realize the truth?" Yet Charlie shrugs and says: "If even Ron stopping to hero-worship him can't, I wonder if anything can." And the eldest Weasley nods, scowling as I read on.
"I know … the stories.
"The majority? Probably. That's just what teenagers are like. Gossip and grapevines are like nirvana of the news to them and it's up to the person who is topic of this gossip and their personal response to said gossip that will make them either continue believing it or stop believing it." Sirius tells his son and I nod at this as I read on.
In the … in here –"
This shocks me and Hermione rolls her eyes as she says: "That's just so typical of her. I heard her say that she and Luna were friends before school, but because Harry is popular, she abandons the one friend who needs her against the peer pressure of others just to get close to Harry." And the boy in question shakes his head as I read on.
Neville mumbled … distinct dottiness.
At this I stop for a second as there is something about the girl's description that just makes me feel like I need to give it some time to settle in and then suddenly Kairi says: "I like her." At which Sora nods and says: "Yeah, she sounds like fun." At which Riku asks: "How can you tell?" Yet his boyfriend shrugs and I read on, giggling.
Perhaps it … she added.
"She's a Ravenclaw." Sirius suddenly says and Hermione asks: "How did you know that." And the guy shakes his head as he says: "I knew a girl who was just like her. Well, I say I knew this girl, but – I have to admit that that first meeting and her being that direct actually scared me off." And this makes me laugh as I read on.
"I know … Neville hurriedly.
Here Lady Augusta sighs in defeat and says: "On one hand does this make me want to invite my traitorous family in for the reading so they can fully see the results of their ridiculous upraising of my grandson, but on the other hand, do I fear they will just lay the blame on you, Neville, so I rather not." At which I read on, agreeing with her.
"No you're … abysmal memory.
"I would never send such a thing to anyone, whether I liked or hated them." Lady Augusta says shocked and Riku rolls his eyes as he says: "Then I guess we can just record this under the topic of bad upraising by our other relatives." And just the derogatory way he speaks of his family makes me really feel for him as I read on.
"No," said … said proudly.
Here Neville smiles widely and he looks up at the Manor as he says: "I actually put it in Tarzan's room. It already grew to trice the size I thought it would. It is just so awesome." And the Lord of the Jungle nods at this, a loving smile on his own face and says: "Neville … good with plants … plant king." Making me read on smiling.
Harry stared … from it."
Here Neville leans back and says: "You know, other than the Remembrall, that is definitely one thing the others always did right. They always knew exactly what to get me for my birthday and Christmas. Their gifts practically make up 70% of my room and the Greenhouse I have back there." And his gran smiles at him as I read on.
Harry knew … for me…"
Yet while the boy had gotten more and more relaxed as I read on, does he now sit forward in shock and ask: "Has my future-self lost it? That Defensive mechanism is way too extreme for something as small as a train compartment." This worries us all and Dumbledore asks: "Mr. Longbottom, what will this mechanism do?"
And the boy cringes before he starts rubbing the back of his head, which actually makes me look at Sora in shock as the action is really similar to one my friend does more often than not and then Neville says: "Well, it's not really anything dangerous just – really smelly?" And this makes Harry cringe in concern as I continue reading.
He dumped … rancid manure.
And instantly everyone either cringes or lets out sounds of disgust and yet Tarzan seems the only one who is unaffected and the King of the Jungle shrugs as he says: "Seen crazier plants." And this reminds me of his own room and makes me think: "I don't doubt that." Before I shake my head and continue the chapter.
Neville, whose … bye then."
And by now Harry is groaning loudly while trying to hide his face in his father's lap, the man obviously trying to be comforting instead of laughing at his son's discomfort as he makes sure not to snicker as he says: "I will admit this, she sure is a good way to hide the fact that you're swinging for the same team so to say."
Yet this only makes his son groan even louder and then the twins turn to each other and one of them asks: "This book is really going to focus on this, isn't it?" And his brother nods before he asks: "This is not going to be easy, is it?" And the first brother shakes his head before Lea comes to sit between them and says:
"Easy or not, this is a now non-existent future and we are not going to let it influence the fact that we are our Veela's mates, are we?" And instantly the twins chorus: "HELL NO!" Making the boy in question send them a warm, grateful smile while still having his head tucked into his father's lap and I happily continue reading.
Rather pink … in Stinksap.
This makes Lady Augusta glare at the boy, but then Sirius says: "Augusta, glare all you want, I'm just glad my boy is still thinking teenage thoughts, regardless of everything. And besides, considering his upraising, we both know book-Neville's opinion of himself is probably even worse." And the woman huffs, but then Neville says:
"Besides, if it had been Hannah that had come in, I would have thought just as bad about Harry being covered in stinksap – even if it was because of me that he was covered in it." And while his gran seems shocked to hear that he has a crush on someone, do his friends laugh at this, Harry the hardest, and I happily read on.
"Never mind … exhausting morning.
"Why do I get the feeling that that isn't from the rounds or the receiving of instructions?" Sirius asks and Harry groans as he says: "Because you need to be dumber than a Flubberworm to not know who Snape is going to pick for Prefect." And while Dumbledore saying: "Professor, Harry." Falls on deaf ears, do I continue reading.
"Well, there …concussed troll…"
"Mss. Granger." Dumbledore says, sounding absolutely flabbergasted and yet Harry and Ron roll their eyes as Harry mutters: "Wow, she was being friendlier than she normally is about Parkinson." And this seems to actually break Dumbledore with shock as if this is a trait of Hermione he never saw coming to which Sirius groans.
The elder man turns to him and Sirius says: "Great scot, Albus. Are you still of the belief that intelligent people won't badly insult people they dislike? That, because they are so smart, they will always find something about others that they will like or respect? Are you still that delusional? Surely Lily taught you better."
"What does Aunt Lily have to do with that?" Sora asks and Sirius snickers as he says: "It happened in the first meeting we had with the Order after our graduation and when Lily heard a few of the things the Death Eaters did to their victims – she got vocal." And while Albus turns red remembering this, do we all laugh as I read on.
"Who's Hufflepuff … very much."
"Would you care to tell us about that?" Arthur asks at this and Ron grumbles: "I only went because Harry was forced to be there, him being Champion and all. And of course those stupid teachers would harp on and on about the importance of coming with a date and – well, we really didn't have much of a choice."
To which Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Sirius, James and Remus all look at him weirdly and Remus asks: "Why didn't you just go with someone as friends?" And Ron and Harry both get wide eyes before they turn to each other and then they both slap their own foreheads with groans before I hear Hermione huffing as she says:
"They really could have thought of that, though I will be honest; the teachers were making it sound like such a formal event, it didn't even sound like they thought that acceptable. Plus, the way Ron tried asking me – it was less than gallant to say the least." And while this makes Ron send her a glare of angry betrayal, does Harry say:
"Not to mention that both Ron and I really just wanted to go with someone popular, yet we couldn't stand the fact that the popular ones were constantly traveling with other girls in groups and whatnot. Seriously, like they were part of a lion pride or something." And this actually makes his father snicker softly as I continue reading.
She retreated … Ron sarcastically.
"If you do what he does, you do not prove yourself the better person. But if you just keep treating all Houses fairly, you will gain popularity and that is most important to someone like Malfoy, trust me." Sirius tells the boy and this actually makes Ron hum before he starts to smirk a victorious smile and I shake my head as I read on.
"So you're … gets mine."
"That will just make him retaliate and considering who his father is, if you keep baiting him, it will just be you and your loved ones who will suffer in the end. Trust me, Jamie and I know that better than anyone." Sirius says, having a dark look on his face as he pulls his mate closer against him and Ron grimaces as I continue reading.
"For heaven's … was funny!"
This actually shocks everyone in the room and I tilt my head at this as I reread this bit and then mutter: "I – I wonder." And when others look up at me, do I frown as I say: "It's just – it sounds as if she doesn't have a lot to laugh about, so funny things are just extra special to her. As if, she's trying to cover the pain with her laughter."
This shocks the others and Hermione sighs deeply as she says: "I can explain that. Luna's nickname? I heard that it's practically the only thing students know about her. And somehow, most of her bullies always turn out to be Prefects." And this shocks the Headmaster quite fiercely, while I personally frown in concern as I read on.
Her prominent … Gain Gringotts?
"Ah the Quibbler, easily my favorite magazine ever." Sirius says with a huge smile on his face and Emmeline asks: "You're joking, right?" But Sirius glares at her and says: "No, I'm not. Xeno founded that tabloid in the war, simply because the Ministry, quite like right now, was too cowardice to print the truth about the attacks.
It told the general public of all the Death Eaters were doing, it spoke of how horrible the after effects of Voldemort's attacks were, it basically kept the wizarding world from feeling too safe, no thanks to the self-induced pride of the Ministry, who kept trying to tell the public they had things under control – until the Atrium got attacked, that is."
This shocks both the woman in question and the younger kids and Sirius mutters: "Yeah, blowing their own horn even while members of their own Ministry were vanishing and Departments had to close down because they were understaffed – and then they finally got their wake-up call when their own workers attacked them.
And then those bastards tried sinking even lower by labeling the attackers as terrorists and traitors, when even a simple glance at their attacking movement proved they had been under really bad Imperius curses. Only Xeno's articles saved 158 lives from going through the Veil for crimes they had no real responsibility over."
This makes the woman who just sounded so disbelieving look at the man wide eyed and Sirius looks back at her as he says: "Xeno lost his parents, had to rebuild his home a total of two dozen times, had three different Fidelius charms betrayed, had his wedding corrupted – and still he kept printing the truth; he's my hero and my idol.
He went through hell and back, just for people who disbelief and mock him, and I want to do the same for my family. So no, Emmeline, I am not joking when I call the Quibbler my favorite magazine ever. Its editor deserves that and so much more." And everyone around me nods in utter amazement as I read on, breathless with awe.
Beneath this … or Victim?
Yet this shocks the man in question and then he smiles and says: "Ah, I should have remembered. Xeno actually met with me at James' wedding and said I deserved a gift for being such an amazing Best Man, so he promised he would publish a yearly annual article about me." And this instantly makes me read on excited.
"Can I … singing sensation?
And this actually makes me stop for a second and shake my head before Sirius bursts out laughing and he shouts: "Oh, he didn't! He promised never to bring that up! Xeno, I love you, old friend, but you better not go where I think you went if you know what's good for you." And this makes everyone send me inquiring gazes as I read on.
Harry had … singing sensation?
And while Sirius is still snickering at hearing this question, do I suddenly get an idea and I ask: "I am going to guess that you and I don't share in a natural singing talent?" And the man laughs: "Not even. Trust me, I have a great sense of pride, but singing, that is my biggest miss." At which I shrug before I continue the chapter, singing.
(Just imagine this text singing. Put on Part of your world if you need to.)
For fourteen … day now."
And here I stop singing, many of those around me either looking shocked at how beautiful my voice is or at what I just sung about and then Sirius mutters: "Xeno, you are so dead." Causing Remus to chortle and James to actually break out in laughter, Sirius glaring at him and everyone else breaking out of their shock as I read on.
Harry finished … spoof Hems.
"Trust me, pup. You are better off believing that to the actual truth hidden in that story. And Kingsley, I am so glad you didn't give me that article yesterday. I probably would have turned you into the terrible snowman for it – and then punished you for thinking I would find that funny." And this shocks the Auror as Harry asks:
"What happened?" But before James can do more than open his mouth, does Sirius snarl and slam his hand against his mate's mouth as he hisses: "You swore on the 18th of January 1979 that you would never speak of that day, remember?" And James actually whitens before he nods frantically and Sirius lets go off him.
He then looks at me and says: "Just read on, Ariel. This is a skeleton that will never leave the closet." And while many of the teens around me – especially Sora – look at the man in utter disappointment, yet then I notice Remus sending Harry a secretive wink behind his parents' back and this makes me quickly read on before I betray them.
He flicked … on Fudge.
And this luckily enough distracts Sirius as the man had almost caught Harry sending the werewolf a grateful smile and instead the father turns to me and says: "This ought to be good. Fudge is the last person who would thank Xeno for his special kind of honesty." And I quickly decide to add to the distractions as I go back to singing.
Cornelius Fudge … in pies…"
This last part I actually do not sing, simply because it shocks and disgusts me too much to continue singing and then Sirius sighs and says: "Well done, Xeno. A really nice way to expose the Ministerial corruption in such a way only the employees will know they are not alone in their fight against it. That is just so like you."
And this shocks many of those around me, me and my husband included and then Albus says: "Sirius, that is not –." But then Sirius retorts: "If you want to say true, I am only going to say, the last month, Albus. If you want to say it's not something the kids should hear, I will remind you of the last two Ministerial chapters.
This corruption is very, very real and I can tell you here and now; a majority of your precious Order? They're not fighting for utter strangers or for people at the Ministry; they're fighting only to protect the ones they love and care about; no one else. So do us all a favor here, Albus, and stop being so naïve." And with that do I read on.
Harry did … quite sensible.
This makes Sirius sigh and he says: "And that is the only downside to Xeno and his methods of editing articles. He does it in such a way, they only make sense to a teenager – if an adult with experience in said articles is with them. Else they just sound like utter nonsense." And this makes me read on, feeling quite impressed.
"Anything good … knows that."
"Although to say it that rudely – is such a teenage thing to do." Sirius suddenly ends and when everyone looks at him shocked, as they had been expecting a lecture, does the black-haired man shrug and say: "Hey, she's in the same compartment as Luna; she'll be punished anyway." And this instantly makes me read on.
"Excuse me … the editor."
And just like that do I get what Sirius meant as Hermione turns redder than her friend's hair and lowers her head in shame as Sirius crosses his arm and shrugs as he says: "There is no harsher punishment than realizing you just insulted someone's family." And we all nod in agreement at this as I continue reading.
"I – oh … more enjoyable.
"He actually does that every train ride?" Sirius asks and Harry growls: "Yes, he even insulted Cedric's death on the last train ride back to London." And this reminder angers those who had been there to hear the boy do so, while the adults share either shocked or infuriated looks with each other and I read on, hating the little blonde.
"What?" he … out punishments."
"And the fact that you feel the need to come point that out proves right away that you are actually intimidated by the brilliance of my son and are trying to overtrump him before he can get his wits together. You are so insecure you can only hit him when you believe him at his weakest." Sirius smirks and I read on, snickering.
"Yeah," said … he asked.
"Tell me, how does it feel that you constantly feel like competing with someone you know is superior to you in every way?" Sirius retorts here and at this time the kids that I read about laughing in the books are laughing here as well, while Harry is just looking at his dad with stars of adoration shining in his eyes as I read on.
"Shut up … of line."
Yet this instantly causes Hermione and Neville to stop laughing and for everyone else to freeze up in shock as well, causing for the laughter of Ron, who is clearly obvious to it all to sound louder than usual before he notices it, stopping with awkward sounds added to his laughter before he frowns and asks: "Hey, what's going on?"
Yet when I reread the sentence, does it not seem to click with the redhead and Harry whispers: "Dogging. He – he – DAMNIT! The book didn't say where the Malfoys were on the station. They must have heard or seen us!" Yet Ron seems not to believe this as he snorts: "Oh please, this is Malfoy we're talking about."
Only for Moody to snarl: "Whether school bullies or advanced duelists, never underestimate your opponent. Remember what Potter said about hidden messages? Malfoys invented that language, lady." And this actually shocks Ron into looking serious before Sirius shocks us all as he asks: "What are you all so worried about?"
And when we all look at him as if he's dimmer than Ron just was, does he shrug and say: "This is the book, remember? It's a future that no longer exists. That can no longer happen. I no longer have to go to that station as a dog, I can go as a father. Did you all forget that?" And this does indeed calm us all down, making me read on relieved.
"Get out … have come.
This makes the man in question groan, only for the situation to worsen when Albus says: "I am glad that you do indeed see the importance –." But then Hercules says: "Oh, stuff a sock in it already." And everyone looks at the hero in utter shock, the brunette Greek glaring at the formerly self-satisfied elder man and Hercules says:
"That isn't Harry's common sense talking, it's his guilt, his fear and his concern for the only parent he believes he has left. And by the looks of things, those are the only voices you're still listening to yourself. So tell me, how are you supposed to lead them, when fear and unfounded concerns are leading your life already?"
And the elder man looks shocked as Hercules says: "And next to that, if this goes the way we can all see it going; it won't even have to be that blonde or his father who need to pose the threat. I've only seen Sirius the last few days and I can tell you this; I saw him die in that house and flourish in this one. So guess what'll happen – in there."
And while I can barely believe that the usually cheerful, always optimistic and ever supportive hero is now sounding so dark and serious, does he point an all-saying finger at the book, his finger aimed exactly at the last few pages of the book and while this makes Harry meep and his father quickly embrace him, does Albus fail.
"I am certain that, with the right company and his eye on his own safety, Sirius will be there when Cornelius, in the book, acknowledges the fact that Voldemort is back and will commit a healthy, stable contribution to the war, just like he is already doing by lending us entrance to his home and the safest place for him to stay."
These words actually leave the man's lips, my eyes widening more and more as I hear him say them with more conviction than I ever thought the man could possibly have, yet it's not Hercules, who is now glaring right spears of death at the man that is the first to respond. Instead another voice hisses murderously: "Get out."
And we all turn to where James, Harry, Sora and Sirius are seated, my eyes feeling like they could fall out of their sockets as James is standing in front of Sirius with a look of utter outrageous murder on his face as he says: "Get out! Get out – and don't come back until you have learned that you – are – not – always – right!"
The man emphasizes at the end, his voice rising in volume with each word and him shouting the last with actual hatred, yet before Albus can do more than open his mouth for a potential retort, does James hiss: "Family Safety." The words apparently aimed at the stone that is set in the center of the arena and causing for its magic to activate.
And to my personal relief and the shock of the man in question, does the magic actually cause for Dumbledore to be lifted off the ground and before he can be flown away, does James say: "Until you realize the threat your beliefs pose to my family – you are no longer welcome here." And with that the Headmaster gets shot away.
Then James sags down and while I can tell that all of the Order members are worried for him and reconsidering whether or not they should remain members, does Alastor then excuse himself and say: "I'll knock his marbles back in place." And the man limps away from the arena before James silently implores me to read on.
What if … to me!"
This makes the eyes of all students widen and Harry asks: "Wait, Hagrid is going to need all summer for his mission? Why? Do you think the Giants were giving him trouble? Or that he ran into Death Eaters anywhere along the way?" Yet because this is several weeks away, do none of us have any answers and so I read on instead.
A lantern … of him.
"That sounds like how I felt every time we came across a place where I knew Riku had been as well during our journey to take down the Organization and find him and Kairi." Sora says with a reminiscent look on his face and then he turns to the two teens in question with a huge smile on his face as he goes on:
"It felt so worthwhile when I finally got back to you guys. Though sorry Kairi, it felt greater to see Riku again than to see you again. That was when I realized I was in love with him after all." And while his friend giggles at this, does Riku happily move over to hug his boyfriend close, kissing him on the temple as I read on.
He can't … double-take.
And instantly James and Sirius whiten before the latter groans and says: "Why? Why didn't I think of that? Of course, Cedric!" And instantly Harry says: "What? What does Cedric have to do with this?" And his father sighs and practically pulls Harry onto his lap as he mutters: "You saw him die." Before I read on, feeling worried.
The coaches … by themselves.
"What are those things?" Ron asks, shocked at hearing the description and then suddenly James lets out a crazy sound that makes everyone look at him for a few seconds, yet then I see Harry's eyes widening and I turn to where he's gazing, yet I see nothing at all, even while trying to follow his gaze into the center of the arena.
James then uses his wand to summon something that looks like it came of a dead animal, which makes my hormones and stomach act up and makes me turn my head away from him, yet when he throws it into the center, do my eyes widen as I actually see a bit of air biting into the bloody bit of meat, proving something's there.
"Wow, they actually look pretty cool." Sora suddenly says and instantly his parents ask: "Who did you watch die?" And Sora cringes as he says: "Well, I have been taking out quite a few enemies that can be considered human, but – well, I did watch Axel sacrifice himself." And this instantly makes his family embrace him.
"How many of these do you have anyway, James?" Kingsley asks as he seems to be able to see the dragon-like horse and James says: "Last time I checked, before we went under the Fidelius Charm, there was only this big guy, but considering how Lily died here – that might have attracted more over the years I was gone."
"How can you know?" I ask, rather not looking at how thin air is making a bloody piece of meat disappear and the man shrugs as he says: "I would have to just keep summoning bloody meat, but I'd rather do that during a reading break or something." And I nod in great relief at this as I feel a little queasy at the idea and thus read on.
"Where's Pig … the crowd.
"And that, little one, is exactly the kind of behavior a person in power should not portray." I whisper at my still flat belly and everyone smiles as they see this before Arthur and James turn to their kids and both Harry and Ron say: "We'll never be like that, promise." Making both parents smile at them in pride before I read on.
"Malfoy was … at Harry.
"You really should have made him touch it instead of just letting him stand there. Even the air they breathe can only be felt when one's seen death, you know. To Ron, the carriages are still pulling themselves – no thanks to us forgetting about this very important fact." Sirius grumbles at the end and I continue reading.
"What am … followed her.
"That's just right sad." James mumbles to himself and Ron turns to his family as he asks: "Do any of you know who she saw kick the bucket?" Only for the twins to give him a whack over the back of his head as they chorus: "Insensitive phrasing, much?" Making their younger brother turn red in embarrassed shame as Arthur softly says:
"Her mother. It happened the summer before Charlie graduated. It really broke her and we actually didn't see her anymore until your Second. And then – well, you know what happened to that girl back in her first. They didn't really get back together until halfway through second when her health apparently took a turn for the worst.
It turns out Pomfrey believed that reuniting with a friend would alleviate her sense of guilt over the events of the year previous, though I personally slightly blame that to that woman refusing to follow Poppy's advice of sending her to a Mind Healer. Though I say slightly, considering what the ICW and Veritaserum uncovered."
This makes his youngest son nod at him and then I ask: "Well, we more or less lost two of our readers. Why not have Luna replace one of them?" And instantly everyone brightens up, Erik giving me a kiss to the temple in sheer pride before he says: "And that's why I love you, my darling queen." Making me smile at him with love.
Hey everyone,
OKAY! IMPORTANT NEWSFLASH! Dumbledore is only MISGUIDED! His ego has been dealt many serious blows over summer and he is desperately trying to hold onto what he knows is right. However, while he is right about Voldemort, he is wrong about many other things, yet isn't ready to acknowledge this.
So no, Albus isn't an antagonist – I'm going to have my hands full with Umbridge anyway – he's just a man that feels like he is losing everything and thus is losing sight of what is most important. This is just something I always felt was an error between the end of GoF and OotP and I am just fleshing it out here.
Also, who doesn't love Luna? She is SO one of my absolutely favorite characters and she is a constant in my Top 5 favorite HP franchise characters. Part of me feels that neither the books nor the movies really did her right, so I am going to put a lot of focus on her, especially because she helps me deal with Umbridge.
GO LUNA,
Venquine1990
PS. I challenge YOU, MY READERS, to write a one-shot on the Forbidden memory of Sirius and his singing talent. CARE TO TRY?
