Hey everyone,
GOOD GRIEF! I am going to hate this chapter. I am going to need all of the positive vibes that last chapter left me to get through this one. This chapter is definitely in my Top 10 Worst OotP chapter list – and I didn't even know I had that. Though, I don't think I need to tell any of you which chapter is #1, do I?
Didn't think so,
Venquine1990
Chapter 45
Family and Frights
15th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Hermione's POV
Last chapter was just a myriad of emotions. Everyone hated Umbridge for what she was doing to Hagrid, even if all of them did partially believe he deserved it over how he betrayed Harry in our First year, were happy to see Harry doing so well, both in the book and after he awoke and got together with his mates.
And the change in Fred and George, and the following discovery that the two of them are Water Elementals, was definitely a pleasant surprise. Less pleasant was reading of Harry's nightmare. And while I always wished Harry would share more with us, with me, do I now hate the books for how much it's actually sharing.
I was already aware of Moody's words about Harry's dream even before he himself said them and was on the edge of my seat, wondering and worrying why we were getting a reminder of Harry's dreams when the last time was in the chapter before our return to Hogwarts. The answer is one I really didn't want to receive.
Yet thanks to Madam Tonks and her freeing me of the Heartstamp spell, do I now feel just like Harry described when he was freed. I feel stronger, better and more confident in my emotions and personal strength. And I know that's something the Weasleys, Ron especially, needs right now, which makes me read with urgency.
St. Mungo's Hospital … Dumbledore's office.
This is supposed to make us feel relieved, the speed with which all of this is happening, but all I can think: "What if those few minutes make the difference? What if –?" But then Kairi asks: "He's going to make it, you know?" We all look at her and she holds up a picture. "See, he's going to be fine." And the realization that Mr. Weasley will be there three years after all this makes me read on relieved.
"Fizzing Whizzbee," … about it."
"Sheesh, there is no need for that kind of behavior from her. She doesn't even have all of the facts, so why is she acting as if she is the one in control here?" Lea asks and Mr. Weasley says: "That's probably meant to reassure Ron and Harry, give them the belief that things will be fine. Though I guess her tone made Harry speak up." Lea rolls his eyes and pulls Harry a little closer as I read on.
"I… well, … at him?
At this Riku turns to the man in question and says: "Not even that gives you the right, sir. Not with the situation being what it is." But to this Dumbledore says: "The situation, Mr. Longbottom, is exactly why I am doing this." Riku frowns at this, but then nods before he says: "I understand. But I don't approve. Monsters like that should not matter more than those you care for."
Dumbledore winces at this and Harry asks: "What are you talking about?" Riku answers: "The connection, Harry. Dumbledore is keeping his distance, in the book, because he doesn't want to give Voldemort a reason to further strengthen it. And he fears that your vision did exactly that." Harry starts to tremble at hearing this and looks between the two as Lea pulls him even closer as I read on.
But Dumbledore … wizarding institutions.
"And you picked those two, because you know exactly where I am." Mr. Weasley says and the Headmaster nods. And this is exactly what the Weasleys need to hear, even though some of the tension and fear had been taken away by Kairi showing us all the picture. Still, the kids stay where they are, seated closely around their father, and while I kind of miss Ron next to me, do I read on.
As they … in blood,
And instantly everyone has tensed up again, those seated closely together pulling each other even closer and Ariel and Erik actually doing this for me as they took Ron's spot after he left to sit with his father. And while I try ever so hard to repress memories of seeing Harry like that back at the end of my First and back in June, only a few weeks ago now, do I weakly read on.
I ran … of hers…"
"I'm not sure I would want to be anywhere near her if my state is as bad as those two said it is." Mr. Weasley grimaces, but then Even says: "She wouldn't try anything. Even if she did, the Healers there would pick up on it and undo it. She will not have a single chance to put you further under her control." The man sighs relieved as Even sounds quite sure of himself and I read on, smiling at him.
Harry knew … he couldn't…
"And I didn't. I survived and lived to tell the tale for another three years. Longer maybe even, seeing as we don't know what happened after these three left back for our time." Mr. Weasley says, looking at Sora, Riku and Kairi respectively and a new sense of gratitude and relief fills me as I am, yet again, reminded of how much better our lives are since they arrived. I smile at them myself and read on.
Dumbledore was … you understand?"
"Guess I was right." Harry suddenly grumbles and we all look at him. "I was just thinking. My book-self thought that that witch would be at the Burrow and that would be where we'd be spending Christmas. But seeing how well she is influencing, I thought that was off. I can only imagine that she stayed until after that last floo-call and then left." I nod at him and his logic and then read on.
"Arthur Weasley … in house-guests."
"And you just don't know when to appreciate the fact that the House of Black is being considered livable again. Then again, if mother's stories were anything to go by, you were never much of a host to begin with." Sirius growls and when he sees us looking, does he say: "You know me, I don't like it when others insult those I love, whether directly or not." We all smile at him and I read on.
"Come here, … him – "… three."
I am breathless with shock and fear at the end of all this and look up, spotting Harry hiding away deep within the mutual embrace given to him by Lea and the twins. Harry himself is seated on Lea's lap, but the twins are seated so closely against the red-haired man, they might as well be too, or at least it almost looks that way.
They are all holding Harry comfortingly and making soft noises to reassure him and then Harry whispers: "That – that – that's why. Why – why Book-Dumbledore –." But the boy is too shocked and frightened to finish and yet Dumbledore nods and says: "Yes. Yes, it is.""But that connection is no longer there. It's severed and it's gone." Riku then reassures my best friend and I read on, feeling better myself.
Harry felt … about him.
"I can't believe I'm saying this." Sirius growls and he turns to Riku as he says: "I'm taking you to London once we break. The only reason I can think of that I would resort to drinking is if that witch were to have cursed –." But then Harry says: "She doesn't need to." And the tone in his voice is so dark and hurt that it makes us all turn to him.
"We've been so focused on her and Ginerva, we all forgot one vital fact. Something we realized just before they were thrown through the Veil. But it's also the reason she would feel confident in going back to Burrow and leaving you alone there. She had help." And while he sneers two of the last three words, does he spat out the last, venom and furious hatred sounding through his voice.
"That no-good elf is dead." Sirius spats, sounding just like his son and I want to object to this, but then I hear someone call my name. I turn to the voice and Luna, who is seated up top, says: "Don't. Let them or the dog will not wave his tail." And the fact that she is now the one holding a picture in her hands says it all. My eyes widen, I gulp in horror and nod at her and then read on.
"What's going … the time.
"I think it's more likely, love, that we knew you weren't telling us the whole story. That we knew you had kept some kind of fact from us throughout your tale." One of the twins says, but before Harry can object, does the other say: "But that doesn't matter. You told us what we deserved to know and it's just because we're not as close in the book that you had that right." Harry keeps quiet and I read on.
"Is Mum … determined calm.
"To be honest, you probably reminded me of myself. There was this – this one time when – when I just – just knew that – that something was wrong with Remus and – and no matter who I went to, no one would believe me – until he was reported to have splinched himself while Apparating into St. Mungo's. And even then they wouldn't give me the time of day." Sirius growls, a dark look on his face as he tells us this.
I look between him and Lupin in horror and the latter of the two says: "Dumbledore had sent me out to track down werewolves that might potentially want to join the Order. I got told a false lead by one of Greyback's spies and – well, ran straight into an ambush. That Apparation was done with the last of my strength. I would have died if I hadn't."
The man then looks up at his old friend and says: "I still don't know how you knew, but I think we can both understand why no one would care for it." But Sirius shakes his head and says: "Not even Aunt Dorea or Dumbledore would listen. And afterwards I was so worried about you, I never even thought of giving them a hard time for doubting me." The friends smile at each other and I read on.
"I know … Dumbledore, too…
"Harry?" The twins chorus and I look up, confused and worried to notice that Harry is trembling something fierce in the embrace of his mates. "The connection. It's gone. Mr. Weasley. I – I won't –." The boy whimpers and instantly we all whiten as the implications of his unspoken words hit us all lile a ton of bricks being shot at us with a Depulso spell.
Lea looks up from where he is holding onto his mate and says: "The group is next. Each of them are to be here before we get to the end of the book. The chapter titles no longer matter. They are needed." And I realize that he is looking directly at Kairi as he says this. The girl nods and moves away, obviously to deliver this message with Master Yen Sid. Lea then turns to Dumbledore and says:
"If another Order member, after this, has any kind of solo mission, they will be accompanied by one of my friends. Even, Ienzo, Dilan, Aeleus or myself. We will remain in the shadows and use our portal to keep an eye out. That way, incidents like this will no longer happen." Dumbledore nods and Harry kisses his mate in crying relief for his brilliant idea as I continue to read, feeling much better myself.
He put … mother – here –"
"I should have checked that letter." Sirius growls with self-disgust, but Dumbledore smiles at him and says: "No need for that, Sirius. Fawkes would not have taken that letter if she had put any kind of spell on it. Even Alastor here sometimes has trouble using that method, due to his paranoia." The scarred Auror nods to prove this and Sirius sighs relieved, making others smile at him before I read on.
He thrust … it sound…"
"As if she would get just as much out of him being alive as she would get out of him dead. That must have been something she wrote in the heat of the moment before realizing she needs to keep her act up or something." Moody growls, but then Tonks says: "Did you have to make this dark moment even darker? Really?" Yet the man doesn't show any remorse and Tonks sighs as I read on.
He did … waiting… waiting…
"You're family too, love. Even more than that wicked little witch or her blasted mother." Fred tells Harry softly and the boy smiles at him. I then notice James turning to Arthur and he asks: "Arthur, if I may, with your permission, I would like to be Fred and George's surrogate mother – at least until you have found yourself someone to share your future with."
Everyone looks at this shocked, but then Mr. Weasley smiles and says: "I would very much like that, James, but that's not up to me. Fred and George are 17, they're adults. The decision is up to them, not me." At this James turns to the twins, but they only turn to Harry who smiles and says: "My family is your family – and vice versa, I hope.""Naturally." The twins chorus and I happily read on.
At ten … off work."
"That just proves it. There is no way Molly would try and curse Arthur and then leave a Curse Breaker with him. She would know he would pick up on it right away and undo it, probably even before she would be able to leave the room herself." Moody states and Tonks smirks at him and says: "Better." At which the Auror shrugs and the twins and a few others let off snickers before I read on.
Fred fell … the dark.
"Okay, what just happened?" Sora asks, flabbergasted and shocked and he turns to his father as he asks: "Did Harry miss something? Did that woman switch you for someone else when he wasn't looking or something?" But Sirius shakes his head and says: "I – heh, I lose a lot of my sense of empathy – when I drink." Sora winces at this and James pulls his mate close as I read on.
Everyone but … Useful, though…"
"You only told those two of the vision, but not the meeting between you and Harry that allowed you to know about the vision, didn't you?" Mrs. Tonks asks Dumbledore and the man wants to say: "I don't believe –.""The more they know, the better they could have empathized with Harry, something you decided not to do, due to that connection." The man grimaces, but concedes to this and I read on.
Harry didn't … that place…"
At this Sirius grimaces and he turns to Professor Dumbledore. The man sighs and nods. This confuses us all, but then suddenly Kairi returns and says: "The Master will send all of them over at the end of this chapter. Though he did warn me that it might drain a bit of my energy and that we probably won't be getting anymore guests after that. Because of this, he's also sending Mickey, Donald and Goofy." This seems to really excite Sora and Riku and I read on, a little giddy myself.
"Right," said … they're Healers."
This angers me and I say: "You know, Ron, several thousands of lives are saved every year by these nutters, as you call them. And those aren't even doctors, they're called surgeons. And if I have to go by some of the stories I hear from Half-bloods and Purebloods, they die of diseases that Muggles know how to handle. So Healers aren't that much better, you know." My friend cringes and I read on.
"Over here!" … guide. Next!"
Here I roll my eyes and say: "Though that certainly sounds exactly like the receptionists in Muggle hospitals." Yet then I think back and say: "Well, then again, not all the time. When dad was in an accident when I was six, we actually had this really nice receptionist who walked us to his room and comforted me all the way." At this the twins joke: "One point to the Muggles." As I read on.
As the … you lot."
Instantly Moody's on guard and he says: "She actually took an interest at just hearing Arthur's name? There are witches and wizards brought in under suspicious circumstances all the time in that hospital. We need to get her checked. She's either a Death Eater, lackey of Fudge or one of ours." But Dumbledore shakes his head at the latter and I read on, concerned for the witch.
They followed … thank you."
"And people really need to stop making excuses for not letting my mate do what he wants. Don't be silly, don't be stupid, don't be this, don't be daft. Just accept it if he does or doesn't want to do something, will you?" Lea growls annoyed and several of those around me rub the back of their necks with a sense of guilt. I too grimace as I know I pulled that stunt myself a few times and read on.
The ward … to say.
"You're wasting your time." Even suddenly says and Riku and Lea both nod at this as Even says: "These kids are directly involved. Harry was the one who saw it all happen and this event concerns a father who is extremely close to his kids. Trying to keep secrets now is just an insult to the bond this lot shares with you all." At this Dumbledore sighs and says:
"That may be true, but –." But then I spot it and Dumbledore is only a second later. Lea is glowering at the man with a glare that proves the man has painful experience with what he is about to say. "Trust me when I say this, Headmaster. Keeping things about those you care for in the belief it is for the best – that is never true and will only hurt everyone in the long run."
At this Sora nods and when the others look at him, does he say: "Both Lea and I were turned into Nobodies and our Nobodies were really, really close friends. But where Axel knew exactly who he was, both his original self and his Nobody self, did Roxas have no memories whatsoever. He grew to resent Axel for keeping that knowledge and left him."
The boy then turns to the Headmaster and says: "Trust me when I say this, sir. Wanting to keep knowledge from those who deserve to know it, even if you think them knowing will not make them feel any better, is not right. It will only push them away, no matter how close you are to them." Lea nods as well, his eyes proving he too remembers how this bond came to an end and I read on.
"So where … Mrs. Weasley.
"You really should have waited with getting those answers. You were just antagonizing someone who already had little care for you and you didn't know enough about the other two patients to know if they were trustworthy. Not to mention that you hadn't even checked to see if the curtains around their cubicles were soundproof or not." Even admonishes the two and they cringe in guilt as I read on.
"Anyway," said … flesh-colored string.
"You really should have waited." Luna mumbles, her voice a soft whisper and her head down as she is again sitting at the top of the seats. She then turns to Moody and says: "Though I can blame you as well. You made the same mistake Even just mentioned and didn't even think to cast any privacy charms yourself." The man grimaces, but accepts the reprimand with a nod and I read on.
"You read … it's you."
"There is absolutely no logic in that statement." A new voice suddenly says just as Kairi gasps in pain and I realize what happened even before I look up. And when I do, do I get proven right as several new people and beings are now standing on the top of the arena, smiling down at us all, some of the men looking at Lea, Harry and the twins and the beings looking at Sora and Riku.
There are three men in total, all looking between the ages of early and late twenties, two of them are wearing lab coats and the other seems to be wearing some sort of uniform. The youngest has hair that is a strange shade of blue and that covers one of his eyes, the middle one has long blonde hair and the eldest of them all has spiky brown hair that is combed to the back.
The beings that are with them are very well known to me, yet shock all of the Weasleys and the other Pureblood wizards. A mouse wearing a red uniform with yellow stripes here and there and who wears a black denim jacket over this. A duck wearing a blue uniform and a dog-like creature wearing the uniform of a captain or a general.
It's the youngest of the man, who has his hair covering his eye, that spoke and he even has one of his elbows held by his other hand and has his chin held by his free hand. But then Lea smiles and says: "Of course there is, Ienzo. The logic of a hormonal teenager being denied his proper rights." The young man hums at this and takes a seat alongside the others.
"So Lea, who's the eye-candy?" He then asks, but Lea growls and glares at him as he states: "This is Harry, the boy that inspired Kairi and the others to bring us all here. He is also my mate, mine and that of the twins here. And I will thank you to treat one of your hosts with a little more respect, Ienzo." The other young man cringes and apologizes before I decide to read on.
Grinning in … suddenly fearful.
"For you, love. Fearful for you. We would never be able to fear you." One of the twins says, but then Lea says: "That's not entirely true." And this statement makes me drop the book as I cannot believe he would say this, especially while holding onto Harry the way that he is. Harry himself also looks at his mate heartbroken and Lea solemnly goes on:
"Even Axel learned to fear Roxas in the end. Feared what Roxas could accomplish if pushed too far. If nothing else, you should always fear what your actions can do to those you love. That kind of fear can make sure you don't make the same mistakes Axel made. I don't fear you, my love, unless I act like a fool and push you away from me. then I will have a reason to fear you."
Harry calms down at this and I sigh relieved as I pick the book up, glad beyond words that Lea had a reason behind his words. Lea then gently takes Harry's chin between his fingers and gives him a kiss, one that is clearly full of a silent promise before he says: "But I will never do that. I will never make my Nobody's mistake. I learned from that. I've got it memorized forever." And Harry smiles at him.
THANK THE WORLD FOR KH!
Seriously, it was the KH characters that made it easier for me to get through this chapter. Though I also wanted to add a bit about Roxas and Axel, but I don't remember whether I wrote about them or what I wrote about them. And because I made that mistake in "To Read and To View" do I not want to make the same one here, so I kept that out.
There were also a few points where I wanted to add more comments, but I felt as if I would just be beating a dead horse or something if I did that. One such part was where Molly said she spoke with Dumbledore in the morning, but I just didn't feel like harping on how evil and wrong she is more than I already do almost every chapter.
Speaking of chapters, the next one will have more reading. However, it will also have some character development for the new arrivals. And to be honest, I felt I HAD to bring Ienzo and the others in, simply because it had been quite some time since I brought in a new face. Though as I said, there won't be anymore now that these six are here.
See you all later,
Venquine1990
PS. Once I know what I did with Roxas and Axel, I will decide whether or not to bring them in too.
