Hey everyone,
Just want to let everyone know I HATE THIS CHAPTER! Why do I hate this chapter? It has UMBRIDGE in it. And yes, you will probably be getting this Author's Note reminder for many more chapters to come; the next chapter, the Quidditch chapter, the chapter after that, the DA exposed chapter and quite a few chapters after that.
Merlin, I hate this book,
Venquine1990
PS. HATE IT!
Chapter 27
Lions And Ravens
13th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Kairi's POV
It takes the Order a little under an hour to get the interesting girl from the previous chapter over along with some of her stuff and when she arrives, do I have to say that the books have really hit her looks spot on with their description as she is actually trying to look at everything around her at the same time as Kingsley guides her over.
She then looks at us and instantly says: "Wow, what a sight." Making some of us tilt our heads as she says: "You all have the smallest amounts of Violions, Risers and Rising Transmorphers I have ever seen. And wow, not a single Nargle anywhere. I've never seen so many people with such a small herd of magical beasts around them."
And while part of me wonders if she is being honest or just telling us about her favorite animals, flowers and subjects, do I still smile at her and say: "You remind me of Naminé." And Sora and Riku both tilt their heads a little before Sora says: "Yeah, she really does." At which the girl giggles as Riku also nods in agreement.
I then focus back on the task given to me by Master Yen Sid and focus deep inside on the power the Master gave me to connect to him and call on a new friend when Luna distracts me and says: "Patience in virtue." And I see her looking just slightly past me, making me nod at her aloof advice before I return within.
And as I focus on the connection, do I send a mental message with the same advice to the master before I turn to the group at large and say: "Better prepare, someone who has a ton of patience is about to come over." And everyone nods before the center of the arena gets lit up in the same way that the others all arrived.
And from the light a tall man steps, long blonde hair hanging down his back while his fringe is brushed in such a way it frames his face on both sides and the man looks around with inquisitive green eyes as Lea hums and says: "Even – heh, good choice there." And the man named Even smiles at his fellow Radiant Garden resident.
He then moves over to where Ariel is seated and asks: "Excuse me, but would you mind if I read the next chapter?" Yet instead Luna answers: "No one else should." Making the man look at her as she sits down near Neville and his grandmother and when Even has the book, he moves back to the center of the arena as he starts to read.
The Sorting Hat's New Song
Harry did … the window.
"Oh, so you can see the Thestralls too?" The girl in question asks and Harry answers: "Yes, but only since this summer. Mr. Weasley told me you have been able to see them since you came to Hogwarts." Yet while he indirectly refers to her mother's death, does the girl seem unfazed, which impresses me about her as Even reads on.
"Did everyone … is he?"
"Luna, just because you don't like a teacher doesn't mean you can wish them gone from Hogwarts." I try telling her, yet she asks: "Why not? It's not as if he has a purpose there, does he?" And instantly Harry snaps: "If he didn't have a purpose, why does he live in a hut on the grounds then?" Yet the girl calmly answers:
"Oh, he lives there? I thought he uses it to keep his sick pets. Didn't he have a dragon and Hippogriff in there?" And instantly the adults whiten as Ron asks: "How do you know about that? Norbert was before you came to Hogwarts!" And while Hermione hits herself on the head, does Luna turn to him as she says:
"The centaurs told me." Shocking most of those around her as Harry asks: "They – they talk to you?" And the girl answers: "Sometimes, though not all of them like me. Bane thinks I'm a spy for the Ministry to infiltrate and annoy them off their lands." And while I shake my head at the crazy belief, does Even read on.
"Yes, he … above them.
"The castle really is pretty. It's just a shame that so many dark creatures are festering inside it, but that's mostly because of the students and some of the teachers, really. Personally, I would love to see what it looks like when empty." Luna says and this makes the adults share a concerned look before Even continues his reading.
The carriages … nor cared.
"It's because you don't say anything that they do that, you know. If you just explain them why you don't like them – well, maybe some of them will stop, I think, maybe." The girl ends, sounding less aloof and more doubtful and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "Thanks, but I doubt it." Making Luna pout as Even reads on.
Luna drifted … second before.
At this Hermione groans and she says: "I can already imagine what my first night there is going to be like. Good Merlin, why couldn't Susan or Hannah have been in Gryffindor too? Why did it have to be just the three of us?" And while Harry and Ron move over to sit on both her sides and wrap an arm around her, does Even read on.
He had … pouchy eyes.
"Has Fudge lost it or something?" James suddenly asks and he goes on: "That woman was banned from Hogwarts upon her graduation. In fact, she never even graduated, she got some acceptable scores for her N.E.W.T.s – which she didn't take – if in return she promised to stay away from the premises for the rest of her life.
I remember that, because mum was the one who wrote that – oh, Fudge is so dead if he tries this. Breaking the Feud to take on that Minister role is one thing, using his power to undermine my son's rights to a fair Hearing another – but openly ignoring my mother's contract to publicly humiliate my son? Not happening."
The man glares at the end and instantly Lady Longbottom asks: "Do you still have a copy of that contract, James?" And the man summons the copy before he gives it to her and she nods before telling Neville to behave and with that does the woman leave, James smiling gratefully at her retreating back before Even continues reading.
"It's that … he belonged.
At this Harry sighs in longing before he says: "Those were such simpler days. Merlin, I miss those. Believing Snape to be a thief, finding an enchanted mirror, helping Hagrid sneak Norbert to Charlie's friends. Heh, good days, good days." Yet then Ron laughs and says: "Mate, you skipped a few important events, remember?"
But Harry glares at him and says: "I didn't forget them, I'm ignoring them." And his best friend looks shocked before Harry crosses his arms and says: "Stupid Stone; it ruined everything. If Dumbledore had hidden it better, none of this would have happened." And while this makes some of us look at each other, does Even read on.
The whole … into song:
"Wait!" Harry suddenly says and when we look at him, we see him looking at Ariel questioningly, the woman smiling as she asks: "Even, can I have the book? I'd like to read this new song." And the scientist of Radiant Garden shrugs before moving over to hand her back the book and she reads ahead a little before she starts to sing.
Imagine the tune of Under The Sea
In times … now begin.
By now Ariel's voice has become breathy with her own shock over what the Sorting Hat is meant to tell its students in the coming year and the adults around me all share dark looks as Lupin mutters: "How Dark must times be for the Sorting Hat to feel like warning us?" Which makes Ariel shudder as she gives the book back to Even.
The scientist himself seems to be looking between the book and the adults that are sharing worried looks between each other in great intrigue and I remember how it was his interest in the studies of the Heart that made him fall for Xehanort's trap. Yet thanks to the Final Battle do I know I can trust the man as he continues reading.
The Hat … advice before.
"It actually did that for several of our own years, remember?" James then asks his partner and his friend and the two nod as Lupin says: "He definitely warned us of Darkness approaching back in our first, but his warnings became serious in our third." And while this intrigues the current student body, does Even continue the reading.
"I wonder … shouted: "Gryffindor!"
"That's a good sign." Luna suddenly says and we all look at her as she says: "The first student of a war-torn first year is brave enough to be a Lion. That's a good sign for those who are going to be fighting in the upcoming war, isn't it?" And we all look at each other, relieved smiles growing on our faces as Even continues reading.
Harry clapped … start-of-term feast.
"Things we love always find their way back to us, even if it's not always in ways we expect them to." Luna then says and we all look at her before Sirius says: "You can say that again." And we see him looking at James with deep love in his eyes before Luna makes us all laugh as she actually repeats herself before Even reads on.
"To our … "Fat chance."
Yet here I see Harry looking contemplative and Ron asks: "Surely you're not thinking of making friends with the Snakes, are you?" But Harry mutters: "Well, our House has people like the twins and – and people like Murphey, right? So, shouldn't the same count for Slytherin?" And before Ron can argue, does Sirius say:
"Yes, yes it does." And when we look at him, do we see that he has a dark look of pain on his face as he says: "My brother was in Slytherin. He may have been a wimp that tried chickening out of the Death Eaters at the end, but – he was a good kid, before he grew up, that is." And even Ron grimaces at this as he says:
"Still, I doubt Malfoy will ever allow any of his Snakes to be friends with us." But this makes Harry glare and he says: "If he wants to try and stop us, that's only more reason to befriend those people. If there are Snakes who want to be friends with us, but are being threatened not to – then we should try and befriend and protect them."
He then smiles at his friends and says: "And with you and Hermione being Prefects next year, you will have an extra bit of help to back you up. I doubt even Snape will be able to try and stop you from protecting his Snakes from those who try and hurt them for following the Sorting Hat's words and showing the right example."
At this the two other teens look at each other and then Ron starts to smirk and says: "It sure would be funny to see Malfoy's face, struggling to try and stop his own House from turning on their own House and becoming friends with his rivals. That will teach the nasty little brat." And while this makes his brothers laugh, does Even read on.
"Well, now … treacle tart.
"We do not fight that often." The two suddenly chorus, yet they recoil when they see all those they go to school with – Neville, the twins and even Luna – send them disbelieving looks and Harry says: "Halloween, Lockhart, Crookshanks, need I continue?" And the two of them turn quite red and turn away as Even reads on.
When all … exchanged smirks.)
"How often have you been in there?" Sirius instantly asks and Harry answers: "Detention in First Year, helping Hagrid in Second, the Dementors in Third and the Horntail in fourth. Yeah, at least one time each year." And both his parents turn white at this, especially at how lofty the boy sounds as he says this before Even reads on.
"Mr. Filch … be teaching.
"With reason, though for most part that reason is quite useless." Lupin says and when we look at him, he says: "Hagrid is quite large and I'm sure both you and Draco have already realized why he's not there, so trying not to bring attention to him and why he's not there is quite pointless." And we all nod before Even turns back to the book.
Dumbledore continued … a speech.
"That's going to get annoying." Luna suddenly says and we all look at her as she says: "The book described exactly how Umbridge cleared her throat, which proves that the cough is fake and one she uses quite often to always. I think it's going to get annoying fast." And Sora's brother and friends grimace at this as Even reads on.
Dumbledore only … at Hogwarts.
"Actually, that is one of the reasons she got her contract. She constantly tried defending her actions as if they were abiding the rules or as if her new ways were better than what had been custom at Hogwarts for years. This just can't be good." James mutters, now looking at Even in great concern as the former Ice Nobody reads on.
"Thank you … and continued.
"Should I try and imitate her?" Even asks and instantly Luna starts to hop in her seat as she enthusiastically asks: "Oh, ohohohoh, can I do it?" And while most of the adults are all looking a mix of concerned and contemplative, do we all smile at the young girl as Even hands her the book and then she shocks us as she reads.
"Well, it … pointed teeth.
And just that first sentence the girl reads, her voice suddenly no longer lofty, airy and with a hint of a musical note added to it, but instead sounding exactly as Harry in the book described it makes me cringe and makes Ariel reach for her stomach, instinctively trying to protect her unborn child from the horrible reading voice.
"And to … years old.
"I get the feeling –." One of the twins says and then the other goes on: "That we better just –." And they chorus: "Get used to that." But then Ron cringes and says: "Guys please, just let Luna read. That voice is horrible. No offense, Luna" And while the twins nod in apology, does Luna seem unfazed with the insult as she reads on.
"I am … to them.
"Should I do that too?" Luna asks, yet while the other students that will be going to Hogwarts shout: "YES PLEASE!" Does Lea then joke: "Might as well give the book back to Even. He has been using that kind of voice for years." And the icy scientist glares at the grinning redhead as he takes back the book and restarts his reading.
"The Ministry … of teaching."
"So far she sounds reasonable. Honoring ancient traditions, but making sure they match with the current century and environment of the public. Sure would be nice if that were actually a thing." Hermione moans at the end, yet I can already see that the adults are just waiting for the worst as Even nods at the girl and reads on.
Professor Umbridge … and innovation…"
"And yet wizards still use things like parchment and quills instead of paper and a pen. Seriously, she says she wants innovation, yet one of our most common used item hasn't evolved since 1810." Hermione grumbles and the wizards all look shocked as I personally share a worried look with Riku as Even continues reading.
Harry found … her speech.
"That is most worrisome." Even then suddenly mutters, interrupting his own reading before he goes on and says: "Either she is obvious to such facts or she is of the belief that, in time, she will get people to stop doing so and that, if needed, she will force them to respect her." And already I know it's probably the latter as the man reads on.
The teachers … be prohibited."
Yet when Even reads of the word accountability, do I see James' eyes widen before they turn into a furious glare and he snarls: "This is bad. Umbridge has never considered herself in need to be held accountable for anything. Her using that word in her speech – I don't like it one bit." And as he frowns in concern, does Even read on.
She sat … to her.
"He's joking right?" Ron suddenly asks as he had actually been dozing off even through our interruptions, yet Sirius frowns alongside his mate and says: "No, he was just trying to acknowledge the hidden threat Umbridge send at him without alerting those that missed it." And while Ron looks shocked, does Even read on.
"Now, as … at Hogwarts."
"Or better said, Fudge is planning to involve innocent lives in his need to take Dumbledore down. Seriously, why can't world leaders realize who they affect when they go after each other? Why can't they ever try and keep their attacks to just their enemies?" Emmeline Vance mutters, grimacing at the thought as Even reads on.
There was … arrived here.
"Mate, no offense, but –." Ron wants to say, but Harry sighs and says: "I know, I looked like a five year old." But Ron says: "Eh, I was going to say nine, but okay." And Harry turns red as the others laugh, Sirius who is sitting on his other side pulling him back against his side while trying not to laugh too hard before Even reads on.
He grinned … that graveyard.
At this James turns to his son and says: "Harry, baby, if you're willing to drop that memory off in our Family Pensive, I will be happy to view it myself and then hold a press conference to not just announce my return, but prove Voldemort's as well." And his son sends the man a grateful smile and nod as Even reads on.
Harry had … now climbed.
"Now that is going to be just awesome." Neville happily says and then his gran returns and says: "It's been taken care off, James. I gathered those who were once part of the Alliance and showed them the contract. They will make sure Fudge won't be able to pull this stunt." And James smiles at her gratefully as Even reads on.
The Gryffindor … notice board.
"That doesn't sound cozy at all; it sounds clustered and disordered." Luna suddenly says and Ron glares at her, but then Even says: "I'm sure it would have sounded quite nice to you if you were to describe it in your own words." And the girl seems to dream off as she contemplates the man's words making him read on with a smirk.
Harry waved … being paranoid.
This shocks Harry and he instantly looks hurt and worried as he asks: "Surely they're going to believe me. They've – they've known me for years. Surely, surely they're going – ugh, who am I kidding? Not even Lavender and Parvati seemed ready to believe me." And while the boy again buries himself in his father's side, does Even read on.
"Hi," he … come back."
This makes Lady Longbottom and James share a look and James asks: "Aren't the Finnegans part of the Alliance?" But Lady Longbottom shakes her head and says: "Your grandfather banished them for fraudulence against his wife upon their 20-year anniversary." And this makes James grimace in concern as Even reads on.
"What?" said … thought savagely.
"That really isn't fair now, is it?" Luna asks, but then James retorts: "But neither is condemning someone for a traumatic experience and calling him a liar on his aunt's murderer." And the girl hums before she says: "Too true." Before she turns away and, like she did most of the chapter, she starts to hum as Even reads on.
He got … this, Potter!"
"You really shouldn't go off on him like that." Luna says and when we all look shocked she says: "Well, couldn't it be that he does want to believe Harry, but feels pressured by his loyalty to his mother to do the opposite? Surely that's possible." And while Harry and Ron still look at her shocked, does Neville sigh and say:
"It could be, Luna, but at the same time, that is a clear sign that Seamus doesn't belong in Gryffindor. And right now, it does indeed sound as if he just went and behaved like a sheep instead of a lion and the fact that he chose his mother's beliefs over his four year experience of sharing a dorm with Harry? That's is just wrong."
At this the girl looks at him as if he's some kind of magical beast she newly discovered and asks: "So if your gran believes something about someone you know, you don't just go along with it?" And to my amazement does the shy boy glare at her and say: "If it's something hurtful then no. Then I will try and find out if it's true first."
And then the boy proves me that he really is as loyal to Harry as Riku is to Sora as he turns defensive and asks: "And besides, isn't it a common thing for Ravenclaws to experiment and investigate and find out whatever they can before they draw their conclusions?" And yet the girl seems unfazed as she tilts her head and says:
"You're interesting. You're definitely right, but – what you say and why; that's interesting." And while Neville seems shocked for a moment, does he then say: "quia in corde latet. Know where your heart lies. The motto of House Longbottom and this Heir knows exactly where his lies." At which the girl hums as Even reads on.
"What's going … Seamus yelled.
And this instantly causes Harry and Ron to glare at the book and for Neville and Hermione to hit themselves on the head before Luna says: "See, I was right. He knows following his mother is wrong, so he became defensive." Yet this doesn't seem to help matters any, even though the girl doesn't seem to care for this as Even reads on.
"What?" said … in disgust.
"And the world is about to find out how mad they have been for the last few weeks quite soon." James mutters and he turns to Augusta as he says: "Have the alliance keep an eye on Fudge. When he tries his Umbridge plan, I will hold a press conference to prove the truth and stop him." The elder woman nods and Even reads on.
"Yeah? Well … your mouth!"
Here Lupin turns to Ron and says: "Ron, I am a huge hypocrite for saying this, but it would have been better if you had just told Seamus to not voice his mother's opinion around Harry. I'm not saying you shouldn't support Harry, I'm saying you shouldn't use your Prefect badge to do so; that will not win either of you any favors."
At this both boys glare at him, but then Lady Longbottom says: "He's right. Using a position of power will just make you look like Dumbledore and that will get you nowhere." Yet at this Harry turns away and says: "Yeah, and the only other thing I have is a night I wish never happened." Which makes Even read on with a grimace.
Seamus looked … at him.
"And apparently, the only things you told her were things that further proved the Prophet right instead of prove that Harry is someone you consider a friend and a dorm mate you can trust. Jeez, thanks Seamus." Ron snaps, but then Luna says: "Not all lions are forever brave." Which makes the boy's scowl worsen as Even reads on.
"Anyway your … he's back."
And this is exactly what the two boys who, together with Hermione, are sitting near Harry's parents need to hear as they lose their angry, hurt frowns and turn to Neville and Lady Longbottom with grateful smiles on their faces, both of the Longbottoms nodding in agreement with book-Neville's statements as Even reads on.
Harry felt … or unhinged?
"How many more friends do I have to lose to rumors and hearsay?" Harry mutters, his gratitude having been replaced with heartfelt pain and Hermione grasps his hand in support as Sirius pulls the boy close against his side and while I feel my pure heart aching for my best friend's younger brother does Even read on.
Had Dumbledore … for months?
"Dumbledore isn't like that." Luna says, her voice melodious with a sincere need for support and I smile at how quickly she has grown to care for Harry so much she feels the need to cheer him up and Harry mutters: "I know, it still hurts." His own eyes gazing without seeing and the girl hums in soft understanding as Even reads on.
The two … time came.
"I really don't want to know." Harry mutters, yet the sound of his voice makes it sound as if he is talking more to himself than to us as a group and we all look at him in silent support before I see Sora sharing a look with Riku and he says: "You know what, Harry, I think you can use some more pride-like support here."
And we all look at him as he moves over to where Even still is, the former Nobody having used his Elemental abilities to create a chair of ice near the statue with the gem inside the top and my best friend summons his Keyblade before he seems to focus on something, yet as he does this, do I realize what he's planning.
"Sora, you can't!" I shout and the boy looks up shocked as I say: "It's the wrong time. You can't summon him here. Just leave that to me." And while the boy looks disappointed at the realization that I'm right, does he nod before I again focus on the bond between the Master and me and when I sense his mind, do I say:
"Master, we need our king. Harry needs to feel like a true lion." And the man snickers as he says: "This sure is quite soon after the last one, don't you think?" And I look at Harry as I think: "Trust me, Master, it's necessary." And the man turns solemn at hearing how serious I sound before he says: "It will be done."
And with that does a second light start to shine next to Sora and Even, yet this light is much smaller in height and only reaches Sora's hip in height. And why this is gets explained as the bright light dies out and a huge beast with large mane and a strong looking body appears from the light, stepping forward and roaring with strength.
Hey everyone,
So Simba is now part of the reading group and things have really just taken a turn for the worst, with small plans set in mind to, hopefully, make sure these bad times happen only in the books. But is Harry really strong enough to endure hearing what is going to happen in the months to come? Is he really as strong as book-Harry?
Anyway, next chapter will start with Augusta and her meeting with the Alliance and yes, I will be making sure that all those in the alliance believe the words of Dumbledore and Harry and that they will also know the difference between what Harry wants and what Dumbledore wants. So expect a few harsh words to be exchanged.
Also, part of me wanted to use Bambi, but for some reason I felt that Simba would be the better choice, especially because he can offer both comfort and words of advice and the way that I ended this chapter, I felt such a thing would be better than just a deer Harry could cuddle with. Also, next chapter will be HELL!
Kill me now,
Venquine1990
PS. As I said, I HATE Umbridge.
