Hey everyone,
First off, I am so glad no one took offense to that whole Gun versus House Elf thing. Second off, I think I can handle this chapter a lot better than I did last chapter – which took me two full days to write. Don't get me wrong, this chapter is almost worse than last, but I really got a good rant out of last, so that makes me feel lighter.
Let's see if that stays,

Venquine1990
PS. I doubt it.


Chapter 29
Book Issues, Personal Issues

13th of August 1995
Hogwarts School
James Potter's POV

I always knew that, if I ever got freed from the prison Molly kept me in, I would have a hundred thousand or so things to fix, but I never thought that the treatment my son received from the one person who was almost called my godmother and who actually always knew about Prongs would be one of said problems.
Minerva, I am sure, has already been informed of my return by Albus if not by information that must have reached her by now about my son's hearing/trial. Yet I don't at all bad about the fact that this reunion will probably not going the way she has probably been anticipating since she heard the news in the first place.
Instead, the only thing I want to do is make sure the Minerva in this world and in my children's fifth year won't be the Minerva we just read about and while I have no doubt that we will get more evidence of this weak-willed person, do I feel obliged to make sure that the Minerva I know doesn't become that person.

"And Peeves is no better. I can get that he is waiting for Harry to acknowledge the common bond Peeves shares with his ancestor, but surely he knows the difference between not knowing and not getting told. Why hasn't he tried contacting Harry about this information himself? Why abbreviate from the bond of respect?"
I think as I march through the castle, only to run across Albus as the man asks: "James, what are you doing here?" And I calmly answer: "Just here to prevent a future mistake, Albus. Nothing Order related, I assure you." And the man nods, yet I can tell by the look in his eyes that Alastor hasn't fully convinced him he was wrong.
This concerns me as I am quite sure that people like Kingsley and Tonks really want to report to Albus of their findings, yet they don't want to miss out on readings and my word is still law at Potter Place, so I know that Albus not willing to admit he could be wrong about this will just inconvenience the Order in the long run.

I then reach Minerva's door and knock in a familiar pattern, remembering something my mother told me long ago – anger is no excuse for bad manners – yet before I can finish the pattern, does the door open and does Minerva stand on the other side, her face proving she is debating between friendliness and professionalism.
This makes me want to roll my eyes and Minerva says: "Albus said you would come." Yet this confuses me and I say: "I don't recall telling him I would visit anytime soon." At which the woman looks shocked and I ask: "Minerva, why would I visit old friends when I only have so much time to reunite with my mate and sons?"
And while I can clearly see that the woman seems disgruntled with this, does she not voice what is shown on her face as she asks: "So, why did you come?" At which I ask: "Albus told you about Sora and the books, no?" And when she nods, do I say: "We just reached the chapter on how Harry experiences his first day back."
This intrigues the woman and I ask: "Can I come in?" At which the old minx, as I used to love calling her, steps aside to let me in and I move over to her desk, taking the seat I have no doubt Harry sat in at the end of the last chapter and when Minerva sits down as well, do I decide to give her an indicator of what the chapter is like.

"Have a biscuit." I say and the woman looks shocked before I say: "So you still remember the implications behind you saying that." The woman seems startled, but she nods and I say: "You told Harry this when he came to inform you of a detention he was tricked into. After what was only the fourth class of the year."
This shocks the woman and I sigh: "Now I will admit, you – or better said book-you - did have some incentive; it was after all Dolores Umbridge who was DADA teacher and she was obviously send by Fudge, but the fact that you gave up so soon and told Harry the only thing he should do is keep his head down?"
Here I shake my head and say: "Minerva, you were always the one who I believed was the firmest fighter for truth and justice Hogwarts had ever seen. Yes, our punishments for the pranks we pulled that went too far always happened behind closed doors, but in the book, you actually admonished Harry, because of the truth.
He got detention for trying to speak the truth on Voldemort's return, you discover about this and then tell him and I quote; Do you really think this is about truth or lies? It's about keeping your head down and your temper under control! And that was before and after you offered him a biscuit the same way I just did."

By now the woman looks disgruntled and admonished and I sigh as I say: "Minerva, I – I'm sorry, but – for some reason that he just won't mention because his emotions get in the way when he tries – Harry doesn't trust you. Though he did mention one reason and I do have to give it validation." The woman looks at me and I ask:
"Have you really not been back in the common room since somewhere in the end of my baby's third year?" And the woman sighs as she says: "No James, I do visit. I just –." And I answer: "You do it when they're asleep. Why?" And the woman answers: "That is the only time where I have the chance to; what with my other duties."
Yet this makes me grimace at her and I say: "Minerva, the way you say that makes it sound as if being Deputy Headmistress is more important than your own House knowing they can rely on you. Why are you just accepting that and why is Albus allowing such a thing? Does he even know that you are having these issues?"
But the woman shakes her head and I sigh as I say: "I do get it, or at least some of it. I know you, Minerva, you've always been a stubborn overachiever; you're just trying to overachieve on the wrong function. And considering what we are going to have in our distant – or not so distant – future, that needs to change."

Here I sigh and I say: "I don't need to tell you that we are facing an imminent war. I don't need to tell you that this war will surely cost many people their lives. So I don't think I need to tell you that, in the coming years, you will have an increasing amount of students who will need personal support when they lose their family and loved ones.
You always tell the First years that your House is like your Family and in the years to come, Minerva, the Gryffindor family is going to need its mother as badly as it did in the 1970's. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to have a word with Peeves. Seems he's been lacking in certain responsibilities of his own." And with that I walk out.

The Arena
Harry's POV

"I better just read this chapter as well." Kingsley says once mum has returned from his visit to Hogwarts and while mum looks a little downhearted, does dad quickly fix this by moving closer against him and pulling him against his side, mum happily cuddling into dad's side and humming in relief as he does.
This sight of my parents so happily together makes me smile widely and then suddenly Simba sneezes as he say: "Wow, did the wind just pick up or something?" Yet I don't feel any wind blowing nor do I smell any scents that can make me sneeze and then I notice that others – bar my family and mates – also start to cough and sneeze.
"Oh-oh, looks like a certain Veela just went into another stage of growing up." Dad suddenly says and we see him smirking as he says: "Congratulations, pup, you just unleashed the one power that can make a Dragon turn the other way and turn your mates into putty in your hands. Just look at them now, you little teaser."

And when I do look, do my eyes widen as all three of them are lying in their seats, have sweat covering their faces and hands and the twins even have their tongues lolling out of their mouths whereas Lea is trying to crush the stone seat under his hands as if he is trying to restrain himself from doing something.
The sight of these three like this is greatly shocking, yet I can't help but admire how hot they all look and I can't help but think of how much better they would look if they were to be without their cloths, but then I shake my head, wondering why in the world I would have such a thought when I am part of such a huge group of people.
"Yep, the allure has unleashed itself. And because you are already partially claimed – or at least have already recognized your mates – the scent isn't able to attract anyone other than your mates; though it seems that they have been holding back on some of their needs for you as well. Boys, do I want to know?" Dad asks with a smirk.
"Nope." The three chorus and the strong, breathy tones of their voices makes me turn beet red, only for the twins to moan and for dad to laugh as he says: "Kid, your emotions are empowering your Allure. You might want to try and focus on something more annoying." To which I snap: "Kingsley, read!" And the man does so laughing.

Detention with … for Harry.

And just that first sentence is enough to make me grimace at which the twins sigh in relief and then Fred wants say something, but Tonks stops him and asks: "Do you really want to give him a reason to lose control again?" And while this makes me turn slightly red, do I ignore it for the sake of focusing on Kingsley as he reads on.

The news … story first-hand.

"Now that is rude, even for teenage levels." Kingsley mutters to himself and I see Ariel turn to her king as she says: "We will never let our child turn out like that." And the King nods in solemn agreement, making everyone else smile at them, yet I try not to in order not to lose control again and Kingsley happily reads on.

"He says … kidding?""Pur-Lease…"

"No, of course I didn't fight the monster that killed my aunt or watched a murder take place right in front me. I mean, that's something every teen lies about on a daily basis. Honestly." I growl, my good mood completely gone and my fury rising up within me as Tarzan and Simba growl to prove they are just as angered as I am.
Yet then dad wraps a warm arm around my shoulders and says: "They're just a bunch of strangers and nobodies. Their opinion should never matter to you this much. I doubt any of the Alliance Heirs would even –." But then Lady Longbottom says: "You'd lose." And both my parents look at her with eyes wide with shock.
"When I met with them they had no respect for where they were whatsoever and even the trial didn't make them realize that it was stupid of them to be on Fudge's side. I actually had to set them straight before I discussed the DADA teacher plan with them." And while this makes my parents look at her astounded, does Kingsley read on.

"What I … Hermione quietly.

"Ehm Hermione, I don't think this situation allows you to use words like that; or at least not the situation you are trying to describe. Yes, worrying for your friends is a horrible thing, but – fighting something similar to a war-like environment? Sorry, girl, that beats the worrying any day of the week by a landslide."
Tonks tells the girl and Hermione asks: "So I shouldn't have tried explaining Harry why the students don't believe him?" To which Neville snaps: "No, you could have said something like you were pretty out of it, so you probably don't remember your return. That would have sounded a lot better, a lot more caring and understanding."
At this the girl grimaces, her face proving she doesn't want to give Neville right and I sigh as I think: "I can't take this anymore. I need a break." And with that, do I get up and pet Simba in gratitude before I mutter: "Be right back." And while I can see Hermione planning to open her mouth and stop me, do I ignore this.

I move out of the arena, blocking off the sound of Hermione trying to garner my attention until I hear the twins: "JUST STOP IT ALREADY!" And instantly the sound of the girl calling out to me dies out and I move away, not really caring where I'm heading as I just want to leave the area of reading behind me for the time being.
Then suddenly do I hear a new noise and I look up, only slightly startled to discover that my feet have led me to the fishing pond that is several acres from the arena and I sigh before letting my body fall down on the grass and searching the ground for pebbles, which I then throw into the pond, not caring if they skip or sink.

Then, a few minutes later, do I notice that I'm no longer alone and while I don't care who has come to follow me and whether or not my words will hurt whoever is standing behind me, do I say: "I can't take this. This whole book is hard enough and the fact that my best friend is too stubborn to support me the way I need her to.
I – I always knew that Hermione played a vital role in most of what happened over the course of my life here – heck, if it weren't for her and her Time-turner, dad would be a soulless husk right now – but I never realized that such a fact could go to her head like this; that she becomes derisive of practically everyone's opinion but her own.
I mean, do you see how she treat Neville and even the twins? Sure, she never saw eye to eye with them, but I really thought them being my mates would at the least increase her opinion of them somewhat. But to see her behaving so – so – so uptight and with such a high and mighty attitude – it hurts, it really hurts."

This small speech I end with a sigh, hoping to have conveyed my feelings to whoever is behind me and to, if that person is Hermione, have her realize what she is doing and yet I get proven that this isn't the case as the warm as fire voice of Lea speaks and says: "And that's why you're their mate and my Little Flame."
And the elder teen takes a seat on the grass next to me, me instantly crawling close against his form and cuddling against his side as I stop throwing the rocks and just look at how the last ripples of my last few throws slowly grow in size before they vanish all together and, without really knowing why, do I find myself mesmerized by them.
"Things always have to get worse before they get better." Lea then softly says and I sigh as I feel that his words fit everything perfectly; the direction of the books, my friendship with Hermione and even the ripples in the water and I say: "Things are going to come to several heads before they can calm down, I guess."

At which Lea nods and I ask: "Do you think I will lose a friend?" To which Lea sighs and says: "I can't answer that, Little Flame. Simply because it is your friendship and not mine. If you want to end it, you should. If you don't want to end it, you shouldn't. But if Hermione wants to end it, you should still let her."
And while I give the elder teen right, do I still turn my face into his robe with my eyes closed tight and like this we stay seated for a few more minutes before I sigh and say: "Let's head back." At which Lea asks: "Are you sure you're ready?" And while I actually am not sure, do I say: "Just – just stay close to me." And instantly he says:
"Always." At which I let out my first real smile since I left the arena and I turn to Lea, noticing how his forehead becomes covered in sweat and his green eyes turned glazed, but then he squeezes them closed and when he opens them, do I feel shocked to see that they have cleared up and he shakes his head before he says:
"That scent is alluring and very nice, but it's not stronger than my need to see you through this." And though he doesn't say it, do I still hear the silent yet at the end. Nonetheless do I feel my eyes tearing up in amazed gratitude at the fact that his need to be there for me overcame the strength of my allure and I hug the man close.

And apparently my allure combined with the hug make Lea respond out of instinct as he wraps one arm around my legs and lifts me up until I am leaning in his arms in bridal style, yet I don't feel anything about this as I am just too grateful for the strength of heart and mind of my mate and I happily let him carry me back.
At the arena, I do notice that some of those still there are looking at me oddly, but I don't care for that as I instead focus on Hermione. Yet when I turn my face her way, do I feel my heart crack as she stubbornly turns her head away, ignoring the glares send her way at this as well as the hurt look I send at her for this.
"Well, she's made her decision it seems. Who knows, maybe one of Sora's friends can replace her." Lea growls and I look at him shocked but then notice the nigh invisible wink he sends my way and I hide my face in his neck, having no interest in witnessing this game of perseverance between my mate and one of my first friends.
Lea then seats us both down near where dad, Simba and the twins are sitting and all four them quickly come to sit around us, dad on our left, the twins on our right and Simba at our feet with his head in range for my hand to pet through his mane and while I cuddle a little closer against my fiery mate, does Kingsley read on.

"You arrived … right eye.

Here Kingsley glares in confused worry and to my shock, does he lie the book down and focus back on the book we found out had been reserved for me earlier this morning and he runs his wand over it a second time, this time apparently casting new diagnostic and magic detection spells as his wand moves across the book.
And as he finishes, does he grimace and say: "Looks like I missed a few. The focus-irritation spell is linked with a spell that causes headaches to those with lots of thoughts and the inhibition lowering charm is linked with a spell that actually links the headache spell to the notion of quite a few things related to schoolwork.
That lowlife runt reserved this book solely for the purpose of having Harry fail his fifth; she was wasting no chances to see him humiliated and in any form of discomfort she could cause without getting caught. Just a shame she's still underestimating us." And the smirk he has in the end makes me feel better as he reads on.

He glanced … year, too!"

"Hermione, you can't blame Albus on this one. Yes, he could have avoided it if he changed tactics at the start to halfway through the year, but his hands are tied in this one. The hands of Minerva and the other Heads are a different story, but his still are." Tonks tells my – former – brunette friend and the girl grumbles as Kingsley reads on.

"Well, we've … playing at?"

"It's not Dumbledore playing the games here, Hermione, surely you realize that." Tonks goes on and then suddenly Hermione snarls: "Why am I the one everyone is judging on?" Yet while Tonks looks at her shocked for her outburst, does Neville calmly state: "Because you're currently – currently – the only one doing anything wrong."
The girl glares at him for this, but Neville sternly looks back and says: "I know where my loyalties lie, Hermione. And I am keeping one thing in mind. How horrible Harry felt hearing how even his own dorm was no longer safe. That makes me know one thing; he needs me." At this Hermione cringes and then Kingsley reads on.

"And she's … in potion-making?"

And mostly because everything else for the last chapter and a half has been so horrid and depressing, can I just not help myself and do I burst out laughing, finding it delightfully hilarious that my best friend has become that much of a lazy bastard. Yet while Ron turns red, does he not glare at me for my laughter and when I finish, I say:
"Oh great Keyblade, I needed that." And I turn to Ron yet notice that he is smiling at me as well and he says: "Glad I could help, mate." And while I turn slightly red, does he then say: "Besides, had that been you, I would have laughed as well." At which I sigh relieved and we share a warm smile of camaraderie as Kingsley reads on.

But Hermione … on, Ron."

"I really hope that sometime in the rest of the book you will stop trying to force Ron to join you in this." Mr. Weasley finally groans and Hermione snaps: "He's Prefect." Yet Mr. Weasley says: "And there are plenty of other Prefect jobs that will fit him much better. You are trying too hard and just causing opposite effects."
The girl grumbles at this and I say: "Besides, trying to force them to show you respect with someone they don't respect enough to listen to in the first place won't work anyway. No offense, Ron." But Ron asks: "Why do you think book-me is so against it all in the first place?" And Hermione huffs as we all laugh again and Kingsley reads on.

"I – what?" … frame permitted.

"Thanks for the support, Ron." Hermione growls, yet by now even Moody seems to have had enough of her as he asks: "Alright enough already. Who here thinks Granger is fighting a losing battle trying to force Prefect Weasley onto twin Weasleys?" And instantly we all raise our hands, Simba even lifting his paw along with us.
Hermione looks shocked and Moody says: "It's unanimous. Now Granger, stop pretending to be a five-year old brat that got told it couldn't have desert after dinner and just do what you're supposed to be good at. Use these books to learn how to actually be a good Prefect." At this the girl pouts in shame and Kingsley reads on.

"That's enough!" … doesn't it?"

At this Mr. Weasley looks up and he asks: "Wait, dosage?" And the twins share a proud smile as Fred says: "This will probably be." And George goes on: "Where we proof." And they chorus: "That we got it covered." At which Ron and Bill lean forward in excited intrigue and Mr. Weasley smiles at the two as Kingsley reads on.

"I told … the same –"

And this is exactly what makes Mr. Weasley smile widely as he turns to the twins and happily says: "Yes, you boys do have it covered. The fact that you are testing this and paying those you are testing it on proves that you understand the aspects of product selling much better than I anticipated. I'm proud of you, boys."
And the two boys practically light up the arena with their glee over hearing this praise, only for a yelp to emit from where Hermione's sitting and we turn to her. The girl is rubbing one of her legs, which is slightly covered in frost, which makes Lea turn to Even with a raised eyebrow and a playful smirk on his face as the blonde says:
"She was going to utter the same rubbish she sprouted off in the book. I didn't feel the need to hear it repeated, so I made sure she kept quiet. Besides, the twins are much more mature than she gives them credit for. If she would just study instead of judge, she'd see that herself." At which I silently agree before Kingsley reads on.

"If you … your mother."

And just like that the wondrous atmosphere caused by Mr. Weasley's praise and Even's words of advice is gone in a flash and the entire Weasley clan as well as others are glaring at the girl and Neville hisses: "You really are just like Percy. You'll do anything to get your way, no matter how low under the belt the hit may be."
And while Hermione looks shocked, does Luna then go on and say: "And besides, for someone who wants to instill the respect of teachers and staff in those two, it really is quite strange that you don't threaten with someone like McGonagall or the other Heads first. No, you go straight for the one who just continuously ruins their dreams.
Have you no conscience?" The girl asks, her whole demeanor belying her underlying fury and disgust for my former friend and instead making it seem as if she is just simply curious, as if she considers Hermione some kind of specimen for her to research and the girl in question squirms under this look until dad says:
"You can easily use parents to keep a friend of yours from doing something that can endanger them or bring them face to face with a threat, but not to fight something that isn't against the rules and that is nothing more or less than something you – by yourself – are opposed to, understand?" And the girl nods as Kingsley reads on.

"You wouldn't … the belt.

At this Hermione looks away, a mixed look of stubbornness and guilt showing on her face and I decide to try and break that stubbornness one last time as I say: "I know one thing; you've got no chance of earning their respect now." The girl looks at me, shocked and confused, yet the twins nod in agreement and I say:
"You dealt a blow that was below belt only 12 hours into you being officially a Prefect. That doesn't create respect, Hermione, it creates ire and resentment. I think, in the book at least, you just lost yourself two very loyal friends, all because of a disagreement. Congratulations." I snarl at the end before Kingsley sighs and reads on.

With a … be free."

"Wow, you really are a hypocrite." Luna suddenly says and when Hermione looks at her slack-jawed with shock, does she say: "You're angry at the twins for doing something the first years willingly signed up to join in on and now you're tricking innocent creatures into doing something they might not even want. Seriously."
And the girl wants to object, but then Sirius says: "Not to mention the time you're wasting. You're a student, Hermione. In three years' time, some other Gryffindor girl is going to take your place and seven years later someone will take her place. You're not a permanent resident, so you have no power over the House Elves.
The only thing those hats will do is anger the poor blighters – and the way that you're hiding them? That will only make them so angry they will completely abandon their duties at the common room. And yes, I saw it happen before in my fourth year, so I know what I'm talking about." And with Hermione shocked, does Kingsley read on.

"Of course … bed too."

"Do the spells Umbridge put on the book fade if I lose consciousness in anyway?" I ask Kingsley and the man sighs as he says: "They would, if they weren't set into something you use on a very frequent basis." At which I cringe and feel Lea pull me closer in a protective hold, making me hum in gratitude to him as Kingsley reads on.

He passed … more provocation.

"Which chance do you think is higher? The chance that Seamus got a wake-up call and wanted to apologize or the chance that he would try and cause said provocation?" Tonks asks and the twins chorus: "We think it's worse." And we all turn to them as Fred says: "It's because of what he said at two chapters ago."
And George goes on: "Of how he doesn't want to share a dorm with a madman." Before the two sigh and chorus: "We think he was going to threaten Harry not to dare and go up there in the first place." At which everyone looks at them shocked and they shrug: "It's just a thought." Yet this thought makes me hide in Lea all the same.
"We should get that kid here. Have him and his mum meet with us and have them realize the damage they're causing with their beliefs." Lea mutters and mum says: "I'll arrange a meeting right after either this or the next chapter, depending on the severity of each." At which my mate nods at him and Kingsley sighs as he reads on.

The following … after all."

"Dobby did it." I instantly mutter and everyone looks at me as I say: "Dobby isn't a serving Elf, he's one that gets paid. The hats can't free him and he loves anything that looks like cloths thanks to his stay with the Malfoys, so he'll happily scoop up as many of them as he can." At which Hermione scowls and Kingsley reads on.

"I wouldn't … their OWL,

And this is exactly the news that makes me slightly able to forget about the theory my mates have on Seamus and his behavior in the book as I think: "I love that charm." Before the twins seem to share a mind link with me as they turn to each other and chorus: "We love that charm." Making me laugh before Kingsley reads on.

And he … aching again.

By now mum and dad have deeply worried looks on their faces and mum mutters: "And this is only the second day of the year." At which dad mutters: "We need to find a way for Harry to have an easier time studying." Yet then Hermione snarls: "What do you think I've been trying to do for the past five years? Eat from my bum?"
But she gets instantly quelled by dad furiously glaring at her as he says: "I think it's more likely that you've been of the belief that your way of studying is the only way of studying and that you've been forcing Harry to study like you do, therefore hindering his studying abilities." And while the girl splutters, does Kingsley read on.

The day … much difficulty.

"Those that need their enemies to have fun have just nothing fun about themselves." Luna mutters softly and I can't believe it, but the girl makes an incredible point and I share a huge smile with Ron as I hear dad: "Looks like you just took their need to aggravate Malfoy back away." At which my best friend and I nod as Kingsley reads on.

"Everyone here?" … much so.

"Good grief, you faced all that in just two years of Care of Magical Creature classes?" Mum asks shocked, but I shake my head and say: "Everything but the Skrewts were in my third. Hagrid actually bred the former and made them a year-round project – and part of the Third Task too." At which my friends shudder before Ron asks:
"What happened to Buckbeak anyway?" And dad motions for the small but dense looking forest that is just off from the pond and says: "We moved the big guy there when we all went here. He's been living inside the forest ever since. Plan to let Hagrid know once he gets back." And Ron looks at the forest appreciatively as Kingsley reads on.

"Kindly keep … my drift."

At this Kingsley instantly stops and all present Order members share a worried look as dad says: "Either Malfoy deduced that from Albus' mistake from the Starting Feast, Hagrid is being spied upon without us knowing or we are really just too obvious in our actions. I really don't like any of those options, to be honest."
And the others nod, but then I sigh and say: "It's none of the above. Anyone who knows Hagrid, knows he's loyal to Dumbledore. Anyone who knows Dumbledore knows of the Order of the Phoenix. It really is just simple deduction, nothing more." And the Order members seem to calm down quite a bit before Kingsley continues.

Malfoy walked … packing straightaway."

I know this is supposed to anger and worry me, but instead of that, do I sigh and lean back against Lea's chest as I say: "You know, there is one thing I don't get. Snape constantly says that mum used to and that I still walk around as if I own the school, but I just don't get how he can't see that he is accusing me of being like Malfoy."
And everyone looks shocked before the twins burst out laughing and Ron, Sora and Kairi quickly join them, while the rest of the adults all smile at me in pride and Kingsley says: "If acceptable, I will happily show this part to Snape once we finish reading." And my parents nod to show their acceptance before Kingsley returns to the book.

"OUCH!" Harry … Hermione frowned.

"Hermione, to be honest, I'm surprised with you." Kairi says and the girl asks: "Why?" At which Kairi answers: "You have been with Harry since the very beginning. I'm just surprised that you're still, after all the real-life difficulties, trying to put more importance behind a two-year title than it deserves, especially seeing the bigger picture."
"What bigger picture?" Hermione asks her, her voice proving that she can't believe Kairi is saying this and that she believes Kairi is insulting her or something. Yet Kairi remains calm and says: "The picture that says that Malfoy made life difficult even before he became Prefect." This turns Hermione thoughtful and Kingsley reads on.

Together, they … about it.

"How can you be such a hypocrite?" Hermione snarls at me and yet it's the twins that answer as George says: "First of, these are Harry's thoughts and even they disagree with him." And Fred goes on: "And second, even you have a favorite teacher you don't want others to insult, so let Harry have his own." At which Kingsley reads on.

The door … from him."

This actually makes me look at the girl shocked and I say: "You said that before. You said exactly the same thing earlier on when we read of the Fourth Year Ravens moving into the Great Hall." Yet while the rest of us looks just as shocked, does Luna ask: "Shouldn't I say what I believe in." Which makes me smile as Kingsley read on.

"Er – right … into class.

"Says the boy who's embarrassed at what his believer wears." Hermione snaps, but I say: "I don't judge whether or not I care for someone based on their looks, Hermione." Before I think: "If I did, I wouldn't be friends with you." Yet I don't say this as Hermione just huffs and turns away from me yet again as Kingsley goes back to reading.

"Oh, for … The Quibbler."

By now all of us are looking at the real Luna quite worriedly, feeling horrible that she has to be here as this is read about her, but the girl tilts her head and asks: "Is something wrong?" And the others look startled at this, but I myself realize why she asks this. "She's used to worse. What Hermione said about her – is actually weak."
And the penetrating look Luna sends my way makes me know that she heard me and I gently motion her over, hating that I was never there for this girl who so obviously got the same horrible treatment from the students as I did from my Muggle relatives. The girl blinks and then slowly gets out of her seat and moves over to sit with us.
This actually seems to shock Hermione and I make sure to seat her between the twins, the two of them hugging her close between them as Ron asks: "Hermione, care to explain why you actually support this statement of your book-self when this opinion is based on what Ginerva told you?" And my former friend looks at him.
"Ginerva, the girl that paid Muggles to abuse your best friend. Ginerva, the girl that drugged your best friend's father. Ginerva, the girl who believes herself above her own father. Why are you accepting a personal opinion based on what you were told by that Ginerva?" And while Hermione seems to realize her mistake, does Lea say:

"Besides, Luna is better than you in magic anyway." And this causes a silence unlike any other to ring through the arena and while I wonder if this is the elder teen trying to teach my best friend a valuable lesson or if this is him being done with her stubbornness and wanting to get back at her for her behavior before Hermione asks:
"How can that even be possible?" And Lea answers: "She has a stronger imagination. Magic is a tool that can be used to turn the imagination into reality. So the stronger your imagination, the better you perform magic. I'm willing to bet her best subjects are Transfigurations and Divinations." And Luna happily nods in affirmation.
Hermione looks shocked at this and I say: "Divination, the one art that needs an open mind to accomplish and Transfigurations, an art where you need to change something you see into something you can only see in your mind's eye. That does make sense." But to my regret, does Hermione huff before Kingsley continues reading.

Harry thought … do I."

"Couldn't he just say I'm part of the Alliance and the Alliance won't let you down or something like that?" Sora asks and Hermione asks: "What's wrong with what he said?" And Sora shrugs and says: "Luna's speech made it sound as if she supported Harry, Ernie's sounded as if he only believed Harry because of Dumbledore."
The girl looks shocked and I smile at Sora as he says: "Not that there's anything wrong with that." But then Riku says: "It just runs the risk that Ernie might grow uncomfortable with whether or not to continue believing them if he sees Dumbledore ignoring Harry." And this makes my brother and I grimace as Kingsley reads on.

"Er – thanks … their ears.

At this Hermione glares at me, but by now I feel I just have to make my decision and so I use the same voice I often use against Malfoy as I snap: "I may not get her fashionwear, but I still think of her as more than a Loony Lovegood." And Hermione reels back when she hears my tone of voice before Kingsley hurries on his reading.

Ernie's words … and defiant.

"Sometimes, we just hate being right." The twins groan in disgust and Ariel asks: "So he really was planning to keep Harry out of the dorm the other night?" And while this makes me cuddle closely against Lea's form, do the twins chorus: "Sure looks that way." And while Ariel looks horrified at this idea, does Kingsley read on.

To nobody's … be there!"

"Excuse us a minute." The twins suddenly say, fury and looks of insult shown on their faces and mum says: "There's a small cabin a few that way that has a few of the only usable Floo systems in it." And the twins thank him, yet before they can leave, Hermione asks: "Why would you even need such a thing?" And the twins turn to her.
"Because Angelina is in our year." Fred says and George goes on: "And so she learned the difference between someone purposely getting themselves in detention and someone who doesn't." And the twins chorus: "And she should know Harry falls under the latter." Yet while Hermione seems uncertain, do the two leave.

Fred's POV

"This is exactly why we knew it was a bad idea for Angelina to be Captain. Not even two days in and already she's worse than Oliver." Goes through my mind and, while we can close off the link whenever we want, do I just know my brother is thinking: "We are not letting her do that. Harry needs her to help not hinder him."
And while I am quite sure that Harry never knew of it, did George and I never forgive Oliver for a few of the ridiculously crazy things he said to Harry to tried to have Harry do, especially before the first match in our Fourth and throughout most of the second half of our Fifth year and we swore each other one thing when he graduated:
"Never more will our little one have to deal with someone like that." And when we heard of Voldemort's return and noticed the crazy crap that Fudge and Dumbledore put Harry through, we grew doubly ambitious to see our promise through. And now that we are Harry's mates, our need to keep that promise has again doubled.
We reach the simple, eight-sided, wooden shack that Lord Potter – or as we really want to call him mum – and open the door, smiling slightly when we see that the fireplaces are made of metal with strong fluffy fabrics covering their entire exteriors and with high-grade carpet covering the entire floor of the cabin.

We move over to one of them and throw in some Floo as we say: "Angelina Johnson, we need a word – word of Quidditch." And instantly we know that we got the girl's attention as only a minute later her head appears in the fire, yet she looks around shocked and we say: "Our boyfriend's family's pretty loaded – and very caring."
"You finally got Harry to go out with you? What about Ginny? What about your mum?" The girl asks and while we hide the winces that we still want to show when we think of those who didn't just hurt us, but our precious mate, does George say: "They're no longer in the equation; long story." The girl nods and then we chorus:

"Don't become Captain." And the girl looks startled before she asks: "And why not?" Yet we look at her with a simple gaze and I say: "Because we all know." And George says: "That together with your NEWTs." And I go on: "You will be a wreck." And then we chorus: "And we have evidence to prove it as well, Angelina."
The girl looks shocked, but while we're quite sure that either Kingsley or Moody spotted us, did we cast copying spells on the page that he had been reading. I then say: "I think you can come over. Just for this, though. We're not sure you're currently welcome to join the group. Again, long story, another time and place."

The girl nods and a few minutes later we're all seated in front of the fireplace she came from and I say: "Harry has a brother." George picks up: "So does Neville." I go on: "They came from the future." George says: "And brought books about our future." I then say: "We've been reading the first of those books the last few days."
And then we chorus: "You turn worse as Captain than Wood did when he told Harry to Catch the Snitch or die trying – on our second day of classes." At this the girl looks startled and we give her the page, allowing her to read it and the girl asks: "Umbridge? Isn't that that blasted Undersecretary to Fudge? What is she doing there?"
And George says: "Ruining Hogwarts because Dumbledore's being an ignorant prick in the books." Before I go on: "And he's not much better here either, with his stubborn belief that things should go the way he told us they should." And the both of us roll our eyes before we notice Angelina looking curiously confused.
At this we sigh and then start explaining everything. From the brothers returning, to the revelation that Sirius is Harry's father, to the discovery that his mum, James, is still alive, to the bonding of Sora and Riku through Sora's Veela side, to the hearing-turned trial-turned Wizengamot meeting, to Dumbledore's idiotic statements.

The girl looks shocked and asks: "Dumbledore actually thinks that, even though his family lives here and even though this place feels better protected than even half of Hogwarts, Sirius should go back to another house that hunts him in his worst nightmares? No wonder you two called him an ignorant prick." And we nod at her.
"How is Harry experiencing all this?" She then asks and we sigh as I say: "Not too good." And George says: "Especially thanks to Hermione." And I go on: "She seems to have taken over Dumbledore in being a prideful, stubborn little wench." And George sighs: "And she seems against everything that makes Harry happy."
And we again explain stuff to her, about Harry having given us his Tri-Wizard winnings, what we are doing to prepare for our store and what we did in the book, about Luna and what she is actually like and how Hermione has been about it all as well as her new Prefect status before we say: "She's turning into Percy."
And the girl groans as she says: "No joke. Have you told her this yet?" But I shake my head and George says: "We will, but only when she does something – whether in the book or in the group – to really hurt Harry; like force him into doing something he really doesn't want." At this the girl nods and asks:
"Can I tell the other girls? Alicia and Katy?" To which I ask: "Are you going to decline Captaincy?" And the girl nods as she says: "I should. You two are right. This together with NEWTs will make me lash out at all the wrong people – Harry especially. He doesn't need that." At which we smile at her before she vanishes through the Floo.

Harry's POV

"Crisis averted." The twins announce as they rejoin us in the arena and instantly Hermione makes me want to groan as she says: "It's not a crisis as it's not going to happen anyway." But then Fred says: "She would have done the same had Snape been the teacher giving the detention." And the girl closes her mouth as Kingsley reads on.

"I didn't … you're there!"

"She's fighting a lost cause." Dad says and mum snaps: "There is no way my baby is going to call his aunt's killer a figment of his imagination." They then turn to each other and then turn to the twins and shock them as they chorus: "Get those girls here when we get to the first match." And my befuddled twin mates nod as Kingsley reads on.

She turned … this evening.

"She's either going to keep you long and do something that will cause harm over an extended period of time." Moody growls and Tonks goes on: "Or she'll keep it quick, but make you barely need to visit the Hospital Wing." To which I sigh as I mutter: "Either way, it will be painful." And the two Aurors nod as their colleague goes on.

You realize … spoke again.

And all throughout his reading does Kingsley cringe and shiver more and more and we all let out sounds of horrifying disbelief and disgust as I mutter: "I would prefer the Chamber of Secrets over that décor." And the twins chorus: "We prefer Ginny's first bedroom over that décor." Yet at this Ron practically shudders out of his seat.
"It was that bad?" I ask, shocked and Ron moans: "It was, because I didn't get my bedroom until Ginny was four – and mum was determined to turn her into a fairytale princess since she was four months pregnant." At this I cringe in pity and look at my best friend with sorrowful eyes before Kingsley continues reading.

"Good evening … a favor."

"Yep, not going to happen." I groan, really not getting why I worded it like that and Hermione says: "Harry, there's nothing wrong with asking a teacher for a favor." But at this we all look at her as if she's lost her mind and Moody says: "Girl, don't try to fool us, you know it's a lost cause." And my friend grimaces as the reading proceeds.

Her bulging … you are."

And instantly I feel the hairs at the back of my neck stand on end and Tarzan growls: "This no good." And we all nod before Hermione says: "It's just lines." To which Ron growls: "Granger, for goodness sake, stop the feigned ignorance, will you?" And while him calling her by her last name shocks my friend does Kingsley read.

She handed … sharp point.

"She handed him a – WHAT!" All of the adults from this world actually shout and Lea pulls me close against him in shock as Hermione asks: "What's wrong?" Yet it doesn't seem as if any of the adults can answer as severe looks of furious rage are visible on all their faces and then mum says: "Follow me."
But I instantly grab him and say: "Stop! Remember what I said when you got angry at Molly! This is the same!" But his mum smiles at him and says: "We're not going after her." At which the other adults shout: "WE'RE NOT!" And mum shakes his head as he says: "We're just going to blow off steam before we hurt one of you."
And I let go off him in relief and Hermione asks: "But what –?" Only for Ron to slap his hand on her mouth and ask: "Do you want them to blow off steam against you? If not, wait until they're back, will you?" And the girl turns red as Ron drops his hand and his dad sends him a grateful nod before he leaves with the rest.

"Is there actually such a thing as a torture quill?" Sora asks and Ariel, who has yet again wrapped her arms around her waist in a natural act of protection, mutters: "It certainly seems that way. Makes me wonder if any of the treasure I ever collected could have had any curses on them." And instantly Eric hugs her in his need for protection.
I myself press closer against Lea while the twins move and take a seat on either side of us as they also move closer and Fred says: "We made sure Angelina will decline the Captaincy." And George goes on: "Hopefully Dumbledore will pick you instead." And I nod, before smiling at them both, grateful for the change of topic.
I then feel Simba rubbing his fur against my cheek and the Lion King says: "Once we're back on line with our old timeline, you have to come and visit my world. I'm sure you'll be a lion cub just like your brother and I'm sure my Lionesses will love you." And while this makes me turn a little red, does Sora then say:
"Oh, that's right. How's your cub? Did Nala give birth well?" And Simba shows off a huge smile as he says: "She did. Kiara is a real handful, but she is the most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on." And Hermione says: "I'm wonder if they'll ever make a movie out of her." And Simba looks at her as she goes on and says:

"In June of last year, they released a movie – which is like a book shown on screen – that depicted your life. From your birth to when you visited the Hyenas and your dad getting – well – to you running away, growing up with Timon and Pumbaa and finally you taking back the Pridelands and taking down Scar.
And now that I think back on it, the final scene was Rafiki showing off your new cub to the Pridelands. I wouldn't be surprised if an incredible story of what she is to do with her life will come out sometime before the Millennium change." And instantly Sora says: "Then we will go watch that when it comes out."
Yet when Simba nods, does Hermione cringe and say: "Sorry Simba, but – movies, they're a Muggle thing. And Muggles may have a strong imagination, but – the Statute of Secrecy is there for a reason." At which the lion sighs, but then I say: "But we can go watch it and then show you the memory through a Pensive.
Willing to bet my family has one somewhere in that Manor." And Simba smiles at me widely in gratitude before his ears stick up and he turns around, raising onto his hunches as he looks around and then starts to growl, as if hearing or seeing something threatening and as he does, do the hairs at the back of my neck rise again.

"Wands out." I whisper and instantly all of my friends follow my quiet order while Sora, Riku, Lea and Kairi summon their Keyblades and Even summons a huge blue shield. Erik and Hercules pull a sword from their hips and Tarzan takes a protective stance. And then, from the corner of my eye, I spot it and shout:
"EVERYONE DOWN!" Yet to my utter horror is this the wrong thing to say as the spell does miss us all, but to my shock does it seem as if this was the intention as the spell hits the very center of the arena and instantly I know. "We're dead." Goes through my mind before a huge explosion blows right through us.
I feel my body pushing back so hard against Lea's that I both feel my own bones crunching and breaking and hear his own as well and the pain caused by the power of the spell reminds me of one thing; how it felt to be under the Cruciatus cast by Voldemort. This pain causes me to scream in utter pain, both sensed and remembered.
Yet just before I feel the power overwhelming me, before I feel the burn of my cloths going past the upper layer of my skin, before I feel as if I am going to die here in my own home, do I see a pulsing warm light coming from where the spell hits and suddenly – it feels as if all of the effects of the curse are being reversed.
A hurricane of magical wind blows from the top of the stadium and sucks into the center and while feeling it pull on me, do I feel as if it is pulling away all of the pain and other effects the explosion curse caused and to my shock, do I feel my cloths sowing themselves back onto my form and do I feel my bones resetting themselves.
Yet none of this hurts and instead, it feels as I am dunking myself into a warm bath with the scent of honeysuckle and with the calming sensation of hot chocolate and this sensation wraps itself around all of the bones that get healed from having been either broken or completely shattered and even the returning of these shards doesn't hurt.

Then I finally feel like I can open my eyes again as the explosion of the curse and the light coming from the center of the arena made me keep my eyes closed and I look around, feeling both awed and relieved that everyone looks like they did when we first came here and I sigh in relief before realizing what needs to happen.
And with that do I slowly move out of Lea's lap and down to where the fist-shaped rock with the gemstone at the top and I lie both my hands on the surface of the gem as I say: "We are under attack. Seal of the Manor. No entrance allowed, no exceptions. Full defense mode activate. Potters protect, Potters live."
And with that does the gem glow as brightly as the warm glow it emitted earlier before a shower of forest green and hazel brown lights shoot out of it and shoot a whole floor higher than the Manor and there they hit the wards that cover the whole property and instantly I feel the wards adapting and strengthened under my command.

And while the wards shine all kinds of colors as they adapt themselves to my commands and while I distantly hear all kinds of locking sounds as well as someone cursing even further in the distance, do the wards vanish when the order has been executed and I sigh in relief before I turn to Sora and say: "You better do the same to London later."
And Sora nods before hurrying footsteps make us all turn our wands and weapons on the sound, only for me to sigh relieved when we see the adults rushing for us and mum asks: "Are you all alright? We heard something exploding and sensed the wards activating themselves twice. What happened?" And I hug him as Lea recites the tale:
"We were being watched. Someone was waiting for you – the adults – to leave and when you did, they cast an explosion spell in such a way it was made to look like it would hit one of us. This made us all dive and instead it hit the center of the arena. Yet the spell didn't get the chance to fully do its job before the wards activated.
They reversed the effects and healed us of the damage the curse caused before Harry went for the ward stone and caused for them to seal the Manor off from the outside. Though that might mean that Kairi can't call on new readers either." But the girl shrugs and says: "Master Yen Sid will understand and so will they, I'm sure."

We all nod and Hermione asks: "Are you sure we were being watched?" And Lea nods as he says: "The timing was too immaculate. Hermione. There have been several instances where others left and this didn't happen. They were waiting for the adults to leave." And the girl turns white before Kingsley asks:
"Should we continue?" And I say: "We should. The Manor is closed off. I heard someone cursing in the distance as I sensed and heard the wards commence on my orders. They know we won this fight and I'd rather think of anything other than the pain we just went through." And my friends all nod before Kingsley continues.

"I want … you go."

"Are we really sure we want to read this?" Kingsley asks, but I sigh and move over to him as I whisper: "I'd rather be angry at her than remember how the curse made me think back on Voldemort putting me under the Cruciatus." And instantly he says: "Never mind." Making me smile at him gratefully as he reads on.

She moved … this quill…

"And that is one of her spells in effect. This means that, even when you leave her office, you won't go to either Minerva or Albus about this." Dad sighs and then mum casts the copying spell and puts his own version of the pages together as he says: "I'm going to save these along with any others that prove hardships for this year.
Once the wards have been dropped and we can use the Floo and other stuff again, I will send all this to Minerva. It may not happen this way, but she will appreciate knowing what to look out for." And while Hermione had wanted to object, does she nod in understanding when mum finishes and I smile at mum as Kingsley reads on.

"Come here … past midnight.

"Which is against the Hogwarts charter rules. Proper rest is, by the charter, demanded of the teachers to provide the students and her breaking this charter rule –." Mrs. Longbottom wants to say, but before I can do it, does Neville shock both his grandmother and me as he snarls: "Will mean absolutely nothing, I can assure you."
And I remember that it was a detention that happened just before midnight and ended well after that where he had been put together with Malfoy while scouring the Forbidden Forest and where Malfoy had been stupid enough to try and scare him and I nod at the boy, knowing exactly what he means before Tonks sighs and says:
"Hate saying it, but your grandson is right. Both her Start of the Year speech and the spells that have already been put on Harry's DADA book prove that Umbridge thinks herself above the Hogwarts rules and her position as Fudge's second isn't going to help matters." And the elder female sighs in defeat as Kingsley continues reading.

He walked … groaned sympathetically.

"Blasted spell. Harry proved just a couple of chapters ago he tells Ron and Hermione everything, even when others don't want him to. That spell is making him keep secrets from them." Sora growls, yet then Riku says: "To be honest, that's both a bad and a good thing." And we all turn to him with shocked and befuddled looks.
"In this situation it's definitely bad, because Harry is suffering alone, which he really shouldn't. But, on the other hand, it's a good thing as he deserves to have his secrets. He's human, he has his rights. And, if you look at it the right way, we're actually violating those rights the longer we keep reading these books, really."
This shocks everyone and makes some of those around us look down in guilt, but then I turn to Kairi and ask: "By how much percent has the chance of those pictures – with or without those females – coming true descended?" And the girl looks frazzled for a moment before she says: "By – 35% or so, I think." At which I nod and say:
"Then no one is violating my rights. These thoughts aren't mine anymore, these events are becoming fiction the longer we read and we are slowly becoming people these characters could never be. And let's face facts, without these books; I'd never have my mates or my parents." At this everyone smiles and Kingsley happily reads on.

It was … punishment, really…"

Yet at this everyone either groans or slams a hand on their heads as Lupin says: "Hermione, I know Harry's not telling you the truth, but you were cursing that woman only two book-nights ago. Surely you can't be that blind." And the girl turns red, yet to my relief does she not seem inclined to object as Kingsley reads on.

Harry opened … the moment.

"You're trying for Keeper." Luna says before she goes on: "Wouldn't it be hard, trying to practice for such a thing all by yourself?" Yet before Ron can answer through his spluttering, do I sigh and say: "I don't think I need to guess why he's keeping it secret." And my twin mates slightly lower their heads in guilt as Kingsley reads on.

The second … asleep immediately.

"It could be me, but I thought there was a rule that would give students with multiple detentions the chance to postpone the date of when they need to hand in their homework. Why are none of the teachers enforcing that rule? Surely they get that Harry is suffering under Umbridge?" Lady Longbottom asks.
Yet while my friends and I – even the twins – share shocked looks that prove even they never heard of this rule, does mum then wave his wand and copy yet more text as he says: "Might as well have some evidence when I remind Minerva of that rule." And Lady Longbottom, dad and Mr. Weasley nod as Kingsley goes back to the book.

Thursday passed … old – "Ron?"

"Ah thank Merlin. Please let this be a revealing of both secrets. Please let the need to get help from his friends be enough for Harry, for my baby, to break through that blasted spell." But by now I am curious about something and I whisper: "Something's not right." And everyone looks at me as I look down in my lap and say:
"Just last year I managed to resist both Junior and Voldemort's Imperius Curse and both of them are magically much stronger than Umbridge. So why is it that these spells can do what their curse couldn't? Should that even be possible?" And all adults also turn thoughtful before Riku asks: "Harry, can I try something?"

Riku's POV

I may not know what the Imperius Curse is, but the fact that my brother by bond can resist that, but not this, makes me as worried as the next person and I just know that the best answer lies in Harry's heart, just like the answer to the presence of the Voldemort follower laid in his father's heart and I ask: "Harry, can I try something?"
And Harry looks at me curious for a minute before his eyes widen and he asks: "You mean, what you did when you healed dad?" And I nod, turning Harry thoughtful before Lea wraps his arms around the boy's waist and says: "Little Flame, this really is the best solution, keep that memorized." And Harry nods in consent.
I nod and summon my Keyblade, aiming the tip at Harry's heart, which is just above Lea's arms wrapped around his waist and just like with his dad do I feel my power connecting with the boy's heart and do I feel myself vanishing and reappearing in the tunnel created by the magic of my Keyblade and my ability.

And like with Sora and Sirius, do I see the tunnel leading to the boy's heart filled with memories, both good and bad and while I really want to focus on the bad ones, fight their influence on the little boy's heart and mind and cleanse his heart off of the darkness, do I focus on why I am here and do I start to scourge through them all.
After a while do I find the ones that focus on this summer as well as part of the end of last year and I just know that this is where I will find the answer, especially when I pass a horrid memory of the little boy escaping a horrible looking graveyard with a dead body in his hand while evading dozens of deadly looking spells.

And while I burn the image of a snakelike man with a look of all-consuming hatred and with an aura of Darkness in the front of my mind, do I then start to scourge through the memories that follow this one and try to find anything that can help me find out if the answer lies somewhere in the last month and a week.
Yet while I search more and more memories and come up empty, do I then notice something. A ghost of a voice passing me as I pass a few of the memories and I turn back around, trying to find it and going back past the memories I just passed. And again I hear the voice, yet it sounds as if it's whispering in the back of my mind.
"It happened when Harry was asleep, when he was barely conscious. Someone invaded his privacy and used his vulnerable state to cause this. Damned, it must be that dead bitch and her corpse of a daughter." Goes through my mind before I focus back on my Keyblade and use its power to again escape the boy's heart.

I jump out and look at Harry, who has fallen asleep in his mate's arms and I say: "It happened overnight. Someone – and I don't need to name who – invaded his privacy and used his vulnerable, sleeping form to put him under even more spells, spells that were meant to help Umbridge achieve her goals, it would seem."
"You mean, Umbridge was part of that blasted woman's plans?" Sora asks shocked, but I shake my head and say: "I think they both just wanted the same and had the dumb good – or in Harry's case, bad – luck that they both trying to achieve it at the same time." At this everyone grimaces and Sirius says: "Read on." And Kingsley complies.

He had … on. Laugh."

And as Kingsley reads this part, do the twins turn worse and worse red and they mutter: "Wow, we're horrible." To which Hermione seems to see her chance, but I glare at her to keep her quiet and then Luna says: "No, the book-twins are horrible. You can become great." And the twins smile at the sweet girl as Kingsley reads on.

"I'm not … a prefect."

"We're pulling a Percy on you." Fred groans and Hermione asks: "Don't you mean, taking the Mickey?" But George shakes his head and says: "We mean Percy. He didn't know when to stop prancing around with his badge and now we don't know when to quit nagging about it." And both of them sigh as Kingsley reads on.

"I wish … your hand?"

"Ugh, thank the Founders!" Sirius groans and then suddenly James growls: "I just thought of something." And we all turn to him as he says: "Harry was at the Muggles when that wench cast her spells. We should see about questioning them about this." And instantly the Aurors nod in excited interest as Kingsley reads on.

Harry, who … Umbridge's office.

"He's actually fighting the curse! YES! There's still a chance – DAMN, that Umbridge and her blasted reputation!" Sirius shouts in the end, but then Lea growls: "Can you please keep your shouts lowered in volume. Your son is trying to sleep here." And the father of my brother by bond turns red as Kingsley reads on snickering.

"The old … since June.

"Albus, be damned to the Darkness. Your ignorance gave Umbridge the chance to hurt my son. How can you possibly think that ignoring my son in a time like this is a good idea?" James moans and Moody says: "I will make sure to get him to explain that once the wards are back to normal." And James nods as Kingsley reads on.

"Well, I … at Hogwarts.

"And the first week often represents what the rest of the year can be like, which is shown by how the teachers keep mentioning the upcoming OWLs and whatnot." Luna says and we all grimace at her words, none of us happy with them, yet none of us stupid enough to disagree either and Kingsley sighs in resignation before he reads on.

At five … his midriff.

"That's a curse. That's – that's how she's managing to keep him under the influence of those spells. She – she – she – THAT BLASTED, NO-GOOD, HEARTLESS OF A WITCH!" Moody screams in utter rage and it makes us all scream – or so I think before I see that Lea has instead used Wind to keep Harry from hearing the scream.
"Alastor?" James asks and the Auror growls: "The Heartstamp spell. A horribly dark curse that is known to only a few families; the Prewetts, the Blacks, the Notts, the Malfoys and the Umbridges. And to make matters worse, are all five families able to see if one of them casts this spell on a victim, like an aura of sorts."
This shocks everyone and the man glares at the schoolbook that lies next to Even as he says: "That's how she did it. She spotted Potter having been cursed like that at his Hearing and then reserved the book. She and Prewett never worked together, they just both had the same goals and inadvertently helped each other."

"But that doesn't make any sense. When Umbridge saw Harry at the meeting, he had already been cleansed. She shouldn't have been able to see the spell." But I frown and say: "That might not be entirely true, Hermione. Sora unlocked abilities in Harry's heart as well as his true looks. He didn't take out any darkness."
This makes Hermione gasp and I frown at the boy that is the younger brother to my beloved mate and I mutter: "I'll take another dive when we're done with this chapter. See if I can't take out a few cases of Darkness here and there. Help Harry heal." And the others all nod, Sora's parents smiling at me gratefully as Kingsley reads on.

He wrenched … said softly.

"That lowlife cunt is so dead." James growls, but then Luna says: "Wait till we're finished. She already did something for which you can arrest her and help you find that quill." Yet when everyone looks at her, do my eyes widen as she actually sits between George and Lea and is softly caressing Harry's hair, obvious to the world.
"She's a Wind Speaker." Sirius mumbles and Hermione asks: "What's that?" And Sirius answers: "An Elemental – or at least someone who descends from an Elemental. They usually inherit some kind of special or ethereal gift from their ancestors, but it, their gift, also makes it hard for them to – function in proper society."
This shocks Hermione and Luna says: "My grandfather from my mum's side. She was a Wind Elemental and gave the Speaker gift to my mum, who passed it onto me just before her death. It's usually the Nargles, Thestrals and Heliopaths that help me with this, though I kind of stopped relying their messages."
"Why?" Hermione asks appalled and then Luna gives her exactly what she's been deserving this entire time as she coldly asks: "What's the point in wanting to help those that don't want to be helped? That don't want to listen, because they don't want to believe in the unbelievable?" And while Hermione turns red with shame, does Kingsley read on.

He did … I'm Keeper!"

"Finally! Some good news!" Sora practically screams, but I remember what Luna said before and say: "This is a sign. Harry will have a hard year with only small specks of light and joy here and there. This year will be more darkness than light." And the airy blonde nods with a grimace, making everyone else frown as Kingsley reads on.

"What? Oh … on instead…"

And this instantly seems to sullen the mood for Ron, yet the twins look first at each other, then at their younger brother and finally at Harry before they ask: "Would you mind if we use a little more winnings? In case you make the team?" And Ron's ears turn red before he mumbles: "I'd like that." And Kingsley happily reads on.

As Ron … can, okay?"

And again Ron turns sullen, a look of shame showing on his face as he looks at those around him. "Don't worry, Ron, I think I know what the problem is." Neville suddenly says and Ron needs only look at my younger brother before he smiles and says: "Yeah, I think you're right." Confusing most of us before Kingsley reads on.

He nodded … possessed Quirrell,

"He doesn't have that need anymore, but I do worry about one other thing that he did back then." Hermione mutters and we all turn to her as she says: "He used to drink Unicorn blood. Back then it was to remain alive but – I'm worried he could be doing it now to gain more strength. Unicorns are incredibly powerful beings, after all."
But Sirius shakes his head and says: "Voldemort doesn't need to, so he wouldn't dare to either. You're right that Unicorns are powerful beings, but you either forget or never knew that drinking Unicorn blood puts a horrible curse on you. If Voldemort were to do this; he'd grow magically stronger – but physically weaker.
And he's not the type to take such a risk where he gains one advantage, but loses another." At which Hermione sighs in relief and then Ron says: "Plus, I doubt that there are any Unicorns around where he's staying." And this seems to be what Hermione needs to hear to dispel the last of her concerns before Kingsley reads on.

I mean … I suppose…"

"Not possible either. Like Harry probably told you, when Crouch broke the Imperius Curse, he managed to get far enough away that Voldemort wasn't able to recast it. And Voldemort isn't stupid enough to approach Umbridge inside Hogwarts or the Ministry, so that's a lost cause as well." Sirius tells the girl before Kingsley reads on.

Harry watched … with her?"

"This isn't an attack on you, Hermione, just me spiting the situation, but – why did you have to start getting your priorities straight at exactly the wrong time?" Tonks moans and while she told Hermione that it wasn't an attack on her, does the girl still turn red in embarrassment, at which Mr. Weasley pulls her close as Kingsley reads on.

"She's evil … my scar?"

And yet again do I see James swishing his wand, copying another bit of text that he hands to Moody and says: "Here, you can use this to either help Albus keep Umbridge out of Hogwarts or help him realize his strategy is worthless." And the Auror smirks: "Or both." Making James smirk as well before Kingsley reads on.

"Don't say … intercepted anymore!"

"Hermione, I hate asking this, especially seeing what we discovered about Molly, but – say we hadn't discovered that and Harry had told you he would write her instead of me. Would you still have said that? Objected to it like that? I'm just asking this based on what I have seen you be like these last few chapters, is all."
At this the girl grimaces and frowns and says: "If – if we were to – to take away all that we've learned – if we were to base my decision on what – what book-me knows instead of what I know – I – I'm not sure if I would have or not." And Sirius muttering: "I see." Makes the girl cringe in guilt before Kingsley reads on gravely.

"All right … things now."

And this instantly makes everyone turn to the girl incredulously before Ariel says: "Even I don't feel like knitting and I'm bleeding pregnant." At which Fred says: "Hermione, the day Harry starts knitting with you." And George finishes: "Is the day Luxemburg makes it past the preliminaries." Which makes Kingsley laugh as he reads on.

Harry looked … slightly disappointed.

"You know, I think if you had offered to join a book club with him or something, you would have had a ton more chance at getting him to agree. It is a good compromise to you going with him to all those Quidditch matches." Luna says and this actually makes Hermione look at her with eyes wide with shock before Ron asks:
"You don't like coming to see Harry fly?" And the girl answers: "I do love seeing him so – so relieved, free of stress and in his element, but – I don't like flying and – sometimes – Harry's more dangerous on a broom than some of the dangers Voldemort throws at him." Making Ron wince before he mutters: "Good point."
I then turn to Kingsley and silently tell him to lie the book down before I say: "I think it's best if I dive into Harry's heart, clear a few bits of Darkness and then have Harry wake up again so he can turn off the heavier wards and have Moody take those pages to Dumbledore." At which almost everyone nods in silent agreement.

Yet Lea doesn't and instead he gently makes sure that Harry lies on Fred's lap instead of his before he says: "You go do that, while Even and I scour the borders of the property. Once we're sure that that spell caster is gone, we can wake Harry and have him take down the wards." At which Moody grunts in approval.
The fiery redhead then summons his Keyblade once again and turns to Even, who nods and summons his own Ice Shield before Lea turns to the twins, who instantly say: "You got it." Making the former Flurry of Dancing Flames smirk before he and Even vanish into gusts and tendrils of black smoke, leaving the arena behind.


And there you go.
GOOD GRIEF! I thought the chapter was going to be hard because of the Detention with Umbridge, but everything that preceded that was actually A DOZEN TIMES HARDER! I can barely believe it, but this one chapter almost took an entire week just to write it all. I am SO GLAD it's finally done.
See ya'll,

Venquine1990
PS. This chapter – without the edited CR content – covered 32 PAGES! 21 with the edited CR content.