Hey everyone,
Wow, we got far! Okay, so when it comes to this story, we only reached the halfway point of OotP, but if you take into account the amount of characters that are reading and the progress they are making as well as the fact that OotP has a total of 38 chapters and that we started the year on the Hogs Head chapter, do I still feel that we made adequate progress.
And let's face it, I shot myself a bit in the foot last chapter when I had Luna warn the others not to stop reading until the end of the book. And the fact that we started the new day, in the story, only three chapters ago also doesn't help. However, we still have a year and three months to go and like I said, this story only has the last three books, so the end is still very, VERY far away.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Venquine1990


Chapter 47
Mind Over Body

15th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Aeleaus' POV

"Young lady, you say we can't stop reading, but what happens if night falls?" I can't help but ask, but the girl shakes her head, a look of horrified terror on her face and Lea says: "We only started three chapters ago. I think we can finish the book before then, as long as we read on." I nod and then turn to Ienzo, who hands me the book.
Personally, I am glad that it was the younger man that read first as his voice was very soothing and made it easier for the others not to lose themselves to their emotions. It also served as a nice distraction as almost none of them noticed how, the entire reading of the last chapter, I was gazing at them, analyzing their traits, both physical and personal, which I based on their reactions.
There were only a few who did notice. One of who was a man who looks more roughed up than Dilan does and who noticed the second I turned to him, yet who seemed to respect me for what I was doing. The other was the ancient looking one, who just smiled at me with a strong sense of wisdom and acceptance in his smile. The last was Sora's father.
The man had noticed this just as Lea made his dumb little mistake and while he was constantly busy with his son and family as well as playing host to the others, did I still spot him watching me from time to time. And the fact that it constantly happened after I turned from him to someone else made me know he was well-aware of what I was doing.

Lea was also someone who intrigued me, even though I have known him since he was a child and my Nobody knew his. Lea was, as a kid, always someone who didn't care if he broke the rules, as long as he got to do what he wanted and he never let authority dictate him. Axel was always ruthless and fierce and he definitely had an agenda that was all his own.
Yet just the presence of Sora's brother seems to bring out a side in the now teenage man that I have never seen before, not even in the time we have been free from Xehanort and the universe was celebrating the Light's victory. And the fact that one of the toughest members of Organization XIII can turn into a pile of emotional goo by someone much younger than him is quite amusing.
Yet I also know Lea well enough that I know I need to keep these thoughts to myself as, even though the man is much younger than me, his Nobody did manage to stay alive for much longer and he did get all of the fighting and energy experience from Axel when he got his body back. And the thought that a teenager can beat me these days cools down my amusement as I read on.

Occlumency

This instantly makes the most of us turn to Luna, who is looking down and I notice that she has a picture in her hands. Instantly Harry rushes for her and his eyes widen as he says: "It – it's dad. His – his form is fading and reappearing. This Occlumency, it's going to be vital in deciding whether – whether – whether –." But the boy can't go on and just goes to sit with his dad as I read on.

Kreacher, it … had noticed.

"He went to them. Damnit! Why did he take my orders so bloody seriously? Why didn't I make sure to be more specific when I told him to get out? Why was I so bloody lenient with him? I know exactly what he's capable of and yet – I hate that no-name!" Sirius shouts in the end, yet then, before I can do more than frown, does Sora shout: "DAD, STOP IT!"
And his voice is filled with pain, fear and horror. Sirius looks at him shocked and then James is suddenly on him, cuddling with the man and physically begging the man to return his affections. Sirius starts to, hesitantly, run a hand through the man's messy hair as Sora whimpers: "You – you were doing it. There was – there was Darkness – coming off of you."
Sirius looks shocked at this, but then sighs and says: "That's really not surprising. My family has been known to have an affinity with Dark and Black magic, our family was bloody named after it. It only makes sense that I get susceptible to it." Yet to this Harry snaps: "Bull crap!"
Shocking everyone and Harry says: "Azkaban is basically the epitome of Darkness in our world and you fought that. The only reason you're not fighting this Darkness is because you weren't aware of it – or at least not aware of how it could affect you. Now that you do, you will be able to fight it. I know you well enough to know that." His father smiles at him and I nod in agreement before I read on.

Harry did … by it.

Sirius sighs and says: "My past in Azkaban, the fact that I have almost nothing but negative memories of this place, my fear for Kreacher, not to mention Sora, seeing as how he was almost 16 and thus making me worry whether he'd be able to find his mate or not and the Heartstamp Spell. Yeah, no wonder I will make a blunder that will cost me sometime down the line."
And while this really brings down the mood for everyone, do I then feel a slight sense of shock when Riku is the one speaking up: "But that is then and this is now. That is in the book and not in here. And with you here and not there, you will have more of a chance to prevent that from happening. You will be able to learn what not to do." Sirius smiles and nods at him and I read on.

Harry didn't … Grimmauld Place.

This makes Sirius pull his son even closer, his face showing a look of sadness that is shared with his mate as well as Dumbledore, Mrs. Finnegan and Lady Longbottom. "I truly don't know what I think is worse; that young Harry doesn't want to go back or that I am one of the reasons of him not wanting to go back." Dumbledore mumbles and my heart goes out to the ancient man as I read on.

Then, on … of Sirius.

Sirius sighs here and says: "Albus, apologize to Snape for me on this one. I already know what state my book-self is going to be in, probably worsened by both Azkaban and the spell, so I just know this isn't going to end well. And no, Albus, I still don't approve of this idea, but that doesn't mean I approve of what will soon be read either." Dumbledore nods and I read on.

"Er," said … feel… involved."

"And I know that Snape would want the same thing if the roles were reversed." Sirius groans but then Ron says: "Snape doesn't have any kids. He doesn't even have anyone who would want –.""Draco's his godson. Narcissa named him such. As Lord Black, I get informed of such things." Sirius interrupts him and the young redhead gapes at the man as I continue the story.

"What's that … the Order."

"Are we sure this man isn't working for No-Name as well?" Even suddenly asks and instantly Dumbledore says: "Yes, Severus has my fullest confidence and was informed of the situation. The genuine shock and disgust that he showed cannot be replicated or faked. Though I would like to know why you suddenly ask this." Even shrugs and says:
"Just because of his latest statement. I may not have read the start of the book, but that sounds like something only that woman would constantly remind him of. Him doing the same just made me curious." Dumbledore nods at this, but Sirius says: "Snape and I share a mutual dislike for each other, though that's quite amplified in the book." Even nods and I read on.

It was … Sirius proudly.

At this James suddenly snorts and the others turn to him. Yet before he can explain himself, does it seem that his kids get the untold joke as well as they also start to snicker. "What are we missing?" "Yeah, where's the punchline?" The twins ask and yet Lea smirks asks: "Boys, who is our mate's actual father?" The two share a shocked look, yet I smirk myself as I read on.

"Well then … free hand.

"I'm – a little in two-battle here. On one hand do I agree with Sirius that Harry should have gotten out of it and let him, as Lord of his House and Family, take care of it. On the other, Sirius, in the book, wasn't behaving like a Lord and was too caught up in the feud of our youth to really think straight." James mutters, making his son and mate share a guilty look as I continue reading.

The kitchen … the chance.

"I'm pushing even my own son away from me. That woman really is out to destroy everything I love. Oh Merlin!" Sirius suddenly gasps and the way that he whitens and his eyes almost widen out of their sockets have me instantly worried. "Love?" James asks and Sirius turns to him and whispers only two words that instantly say everything: "Your book-self."
Instantly my own eyes widen as he turns from his mate to Sora and this alone explains everything. Sora, like myself, is from the future and in that future, Sirius is dead. And with James and Sirius bonded to each other like they are, Sirius dying would have meant that, at some point in the book's future, James would have died as well.
Meaning that by the time that the pictures were taken, Harry truly would be an orphan in every sense of the word. And Sora seems to realize the same as he instantly heads for his younger brother, taking the silently weeping boy in a warm, comforting embrace, even though I can clearly see how he is also trying to hold back a strong sense of rage, obviously aimed at No-Name.

I turn from the brothers comforting each other to Riku, who has actually left his own seat and is at the center of the arena, his Keyblade in hand and striking at Lea, who is using his Chakrams to defend himself, yet it's obvious that he doesn't see Riku as a threat or a problem. His eyes even prove his understanding for the other kid's need to vent and rage.
And when the twins join in, actually casting spells, does Lea just ignite one of his Chakrams, creating a wall of fire to block the attacks, yet not losing the look of understanding that is on his face. And while Hermione wants to get up and stop it all, does Tonks keep her from it. The attacks take just a little longer, but when the three have calmed down, do I continue to read.

Instead, he … fell silent.

"That doesn't even make any sense. How did Lupin not hear us coming? Could No-Name's spell be affecting his inner wolf?" Ron asks and this actually shocks the others. Instantly Mrs. Tonks is heading for the werewolf, who actually looks just as frightened and shocked as Sirius did minutes ago. "You're not entirely wrong, Ron, but you're only slightly off."
The woman says and she turns from the boy back to her patient and says: "Moony is actually fighting the Heartstamp Spell and he must have been doing that when book-Harry and the others came downstairs. It's not so much that he didn't hear them, it's more that his inner wolf was too distracted fighting the spell to notice them." Yet this does nothing to alleviate our concerns.

"I've recovered from healing Albus, I think I can heal Remus now too. Though I will do you after this, Sirius, regardless of what else we might discover." Her cousin nods and the woman gets to work. Yet while I only saw this happen once before, does it almost seem as if it's harder for the woman to heal the man than it was for her to heal the Headmaster.
She still succeeds, yet seems practically faint with exhaustion and instantly gets grabbed by her daughter to make sure she stays on her feet. "Moony – was fighting me. I – I think he – he wanted to – to take out the spell him – himself. Had to – to let him understand what I – I was doing before he – he would let me tackle that damned spell."
This shocks those around her, but she just tiredly smiles at the man and says: "You might not take pride in what you are, Remus Lupin, but he sure takes pride in how his skills and strength have kept you alive all this time. If I didn't know better, I'd say Moony considers you either his pet or son – or at least someone to take care of." Remus looks at her flabbergasted and I read on.

After a … Occlumency classes.

"If that's what I think it is, it would have done the exact opposite." Sirius mutters despondently and the others look at him as James says: "Our Two-way mirrors. Clever move, love." He then turns to his son and says: "They're like Floo-calling. They allow you to talk with each other across large distances. And keeping in contact will keep Sirius from losing himself to his concerns for you."
At this Harry looks down and mumbles: "So – I'm going to –." But before anyone else can do so, does Luna strongly state: "No!" We all turn to her and she says: "Your decision not to do this has nothing to do with Sirius' death. The book may make it seem that way in the end, but it wouldn't have mattered. Other factions, that have been in play much longer, are more directly responsible. With or without that mirror, those factions would have still made the same thing happen."
And while her voice is strong with conviction and the girl is sitting on top of the arena, is it also quite clear that she is currently able to see the event that will take the man's life as well as everything that will lead up to it. My heart goes out to the girl, even as my respect for her grows as she manages to remain strong enough to support and comfort Harry even as she sees this as I read on.

"Let's go … hard, all right?"

"May I give my honest, professional opinion here?" Mrs. Tonks asks. Dumbledore nods and she says "You should have let Remus teach Harry. He knows the school better than anyone, he understands what it means to have your emotions get the better of you thanks to Moony and he has a bond of trust with Harry that can only help the lessons forward.
And before you say anything, Albus, I already know. You're going to use Remus' work with the werewolves and Umbridge as reasons not to have Remus do so. And while I can partially agree with the first reason as that might keep Remus away for different amounts of time, do I want to use my first reason as to why he should teach to counter the second argument."
The elder man smiles at her and then Harry sighs and says: "And if Lupin had the other Two-Way mirror, that would probably have either solved the first problem or caused Lupin to have something that could, unintentionally, give away his position. Yeah, never mind." The boy mumbles, looking down, yet I think: "It was a good idea, just not in the current situation." As I read on.

"Yeah, all right," … standing there.

And instantly something changes about the boy. A look of dark annoyance and even anger is suddenly on his face and his eyes are aglow with contempt and even a need to attack. "If she can't accept our bond, here in this world and not the book, she's mine." He growls and for some reason I feel complied to accept this without argument or debate. This intrigues me as I read on.

"Oh," said … Valentine's Day…"

Lea turns to his mate at this and Harry rolls his eyes, his mood actually changing back to humorous and loving just from the look his mate gives him and he says: "It's a date." Making his three mates smile at him, yet for some reason do I just know that Harry's mood is going to change back to the dark and angry once I start reading again. Yet I still do.

"Right," said … Snape's office.

"Except that I didn't ask her out, she tricked me into wanting to go with her. Heh, seems like she's starting to think that she might have competition. If that poor, poor girl only knew. Like No-Name, she lost even before she started the fight." Harry smirks and for some reason I feel as if he actually is more singing than talking. This intrigues me and I decide to ask about this later as I read on.

He paused … to Occlumency."

"This is just sad." Lea seems to growl and mumble at the same time, yet he turns to Sirius and says: "Please note that I am not including you in this." The man looks confused but nods and Lea turns to most of the other adults that are from this world and says: "Funny, isn't it? That the one man in your team who actually doesn't like Harry gives him more info than you all combined."
The group looks shocked and Lea says: "It's true. We learned more about the entire plot in just the last four pages than we have from most of the last several dozen chapters – and it actually comes from the one person who thinks lower of my mate than most of the Wizarding world combined. So why is he being more honest and open than those that actually say they care?"
"And why is the father of the same boy the only other one that wants to do the same? And more importantly, why is the father being kept from doing so, but is Snape allowed to share this much, just for some secret lessons? And don't say it wasn't for that, even Snape seems aware that he needs to answer Harry's questions before he can start teaching."

"Unfortunately, that doesn't even seem to be the biggest problem here." Even mutters, a look of contemplation on his face and he says: "Yes, Snape has definitely given us more information than the better part of this book – at least when it comes to the war and this Voldemort person – but even he seems to have his limits. The way he spoke of Occlumency at the end proves this."
The man looks up at us and he says: "What this means is that we are at an impasse. Snape is not going to give any more information and the rest of the Order doesn't even want Harry to know anything, so the chances of them answering questions he gets from the information we just got is slim to nihil. And any child his age who doesn't get such vital answers from those he trusts – finds them himself.
Either that – or those that do have the information he wants will use it against him; trap him and ensnare him with the chance of gaining that information. In fact, so far, it looks as if that is the whole reason behind this entire problem. Those high in power having the information and those most needing it not able to get it from those they trust."

The man turns to Dumbledore and already I know that he takes this very seriously. And as he continues, does his voice turn as icy as the element once controlled by his Nobody. "Knowledge is power. You cannot allow for that power to be used by the wrong sort. For power can create either a sense of power or – if shared properly – a sense of deep trust."
"I wish I saw things your way." The ancient man says, yet Ienzo speaks up: "You do, your body language proves that. The problem, though it is growing less and less so, is book-you. He does not. Though we need to remember something. The more we read this, the more our desire to prevent this grows. And with that growth, so does the inevitability of that event actually being prevented.
I'm not saying that we should stop worrying about what we read or whether or not we can prevent it from happening as just the bonds we grow here does so. I'm saying we need to, from time to time, remind ourselves that we are indeed preventing it from happening. That we are truly changing the future – Sora and Riku's past – for the better."
"Since when did being a motivational speaker become a common trait. I thought that was a Potter thing." James smirks at the younger man, who smirks back and says: "It wasn't so much a motivational speech as more a reminder that we shouldn't let our more negative and dark emotions, brought up by this very book, get the better of us." At which I nod and read on.

Snape pulled … now. Legilimens!"

"Source number two." Luna mumbles, looking horribly depressed, which I know is the exact thing Ienzo just tried to prevent. "That's a good thing, Luna. The more we learn what sources are responsible, the easier we'll be able to stop them from becoming such, thus preventing my father's death." Harry gently tells her, even as he chokes up at the end and the girl nods as I read on.

Snape had … his powers!

"Though that weakness is my fault and mine alone. I don't know why, if it's old age, my own sense of experience or the Heartstamp spell, but I have grown the belief that, over time, everyone can overcome even their worst fears and most horrific traumas. I truly do not understand anymore why I ever believed that, but it is exactly why book-Harry suffers as much as he does."
Dumbledore says before he turns to Luna and asks: "Are you certain that I am not also a source?" But the girl only answers: "Not directly. You are working too hard to keep your distance from everyone, though that does make you an indirect source as it causes their ire, thus provoking them to make their mistakes. Though at most you're only 15% part of a source." The man nods and I read on.

He will … myself plain?"

Sirius shakes his head and says: "If Snape had just told Harry that it didn't concern him, because if he did get concerned with it, it could endanger him, this whole book would be pointless. Damnit, this whole thing with us only giving these kids half the information they want, but skipping out on the information they need; it's exactly the problem here." The others nod and I read on.

"Yes," Harry … throbbing painfully.

"Just a question." Sora wants to ask, but Dumbledore shakes his head and says: "Headmaster Dippet made it forbidden for books on such magic to be kept in the library during his reign and I agree with him. Not because Occlumency isn't vital, but because the only books that cover it also cover all of the ways that someone can use the other magic to mess with other's minds."
At this Sora winces, but then Riku says: "I'll teach Harry." The others all turn to the boy and he says: "In my years of training to free and work with someone's heart, I also learned a lot about reading others. To the point that I can sometimes, simply by how they behave, talk, act, treat others and move, read their minds, if only up to a certain point.
If anyone can teach Harry, both the mental and the emotional lessons he clearly and obviously needs for this, it's me. Once he has learned to control those aspects, learning this Occlumency skill, or better said, using it to further his own skill, should come a lot easier."

Harry found … bit odd…"

"Tell me honestly." Lea seems to address Dumbledore, yet the smirk on his face makes me feel as if things will finally be different – probably because Lea is always a sucker for speeches like the one Ienzo just gave – and the man goes on: "Did you even expect the kids to figure this much out from how little they are being told? Or did you believe distance would equal the unknown?"
The man smiles back and actually has a tone of personal satire in his voice as he says: "Not so much the latter, I assure you. The truth is that I overvalued myself and underestimated their skills. I believed that, without me directing what they should and should not know, they wouldn't know anything and thus remain safe. Truly, a fault of old age." I shake my head at this and read on.

"So what's … from it.

Reading this impresses me more than most of what I have seen so far since coming here and while I have been keeping my tone stoic and monotone for most of the chapter, just to negate some of the negativity brought up by the chapter's actual subject, do I change my tone for this part, trying to make it sound like the students that are watching this unfold would feel as I read.

"How do … at it.

"And suddenly it all makes sense." Hermione mutters, not at all looking like her book-self is probably feeling. We all turn to her and she says: "The role No-Name has for me, I mean. It suddenly all makes sense. I mean, let's take a look at everything we've found out, both from the book and from what we found out while here." The others nod, but keep quiet, allowing her to continue.
"She's obviously scared for the Weasleys, if for no other reason than because of her own plans for certain members, as proven by the final chapter describing our summer holidays. Though we also know that she doesn't care that much for all members, due to the plans found in the wills of the Prewett brothers. Yet because she has been so busy on all of that, must it have taken time away that she might have wanted to use to learn battle and survival skills.
So she fears that she might be taken out of the picture before her plans, especially her plans for Harry, can come to fruition. And she probably doesn't think Ginny can do it herself, because she's just not getting close enough to him. But I am and she has been trying to merge me to her own image. Don't you guys see? She's trying to make me Harry's next mother, a guide to his role in her future."

Everyone looks at each other and Dumbledore says: "I'm afraid she's right. And the fact that I am actually keeping away from Harry, even though everyone believes that there is at least some kind of a bond between us, probably worsened her need for this, thus inspiring her to make Mss. Granger pick a Christmas gift that would sooner be given by a parent than a close friend."
"That might not be entirely true, or at least not in the way that you think." Even mutters and he goes on: "I may not know this No-Name on the same level you all do, but she sounds like someone who is both quite ingenious and devious, but also a daredevil who is not afraid to take risks or chances. Your distance may, in her eyes, be seen as the chance she has been waiting for.
In other words, it didn't make her want to replace you with the young lady over here, rather it makes her think she can finally make her into what she wants her to be. In other words, whether you had done this now or been forced to do it at a later time, she would have tried to turn young Mss. Granger here into this role either way." Yet this seems to do little to alleviate the man's guilt.

"Headmaster, Even's right. Even if you had stuck close to Harry all the way until his graduation, she would have just tried doing so after graduation. And considering the picture of Ron and me, she probably would have first forced us together and then used our bond to push me into that role, probably using the fact that, even as an adult, Harry is the youngest of us three."
"There is no stopping people like her, Albus. They are opportunists and no matter what, they will not stop until they've achieved their goals. Combine that with how well she and Ginny proved that they can act and, if not for these books, we would have never been any wiser, not until it was all too late." Mr. Weasley reassures the ancient man, who finally nods in acceptance and I read on.

"I think … had happened…

Riku turns to Harry at this and says: "I'm starting your training tonight. Whether we –." But to this Luna says: "No, not tonight. If you do, it will have the same effects as this one lesson." Riku nods at this and says: "As soon as we know how to keep Sirius from dying and have prevented it. Then we'll start." Harry nods, a look of intense relief and gratitude on his face as I read on.

"Harry? HARRY!" … this time.

Yet this actually makes me turn to the two boys in question, who have been quiet ever since I came here and have just been sharing looks with each other, along with a few whispered comments. Wondering how this will affect any potential bond of friendship or camaraderie that might be there between them and Harry, do I give Even a quick look before I read on.

"Hermione told … fourteen years.

"We're going to find out, aren't we?" Mrs. Finnegan asks, her voice sounding both desperate to know and yet frightened at what she might find out and Harry nods as he says: "Seeing the vital role I play in Voldemort's life and vice-versa, not to mention that Voldemort, in the end, is a man of great scale and grandeur, I doubt this will be kept quiet. Altered and twisted, perhaps, but not quiet."
"What do you mean?" Seamus asks and Harry says: "The Prophet. Whatever Voldemort did will surely be in the Prophet. Though I doubt – or maybe just wonder – whether or not this will convince Fudge. If it won't – he'll probably try to put the blame on Sirius instead." Yet this makes a lot of the others look at him weirdly and he asks: "What?" To which Sirius retorts:
"You – you just called me – Sirius." Harry smiles at him and says: "I meant the one in the book. It's just something I came up with. As a way to, for me, make it easier to distinguish between you and the one in the book." Yet while he smiles brightly, is there no denying or mistaking the look in his eyes as he says this; a look of desperate need. And that makes my heart go out to him once again.


Poor Harry,
He keeps being reminded of the fact that, in the book, he will soon be an orphan again and with every chapter he feels like he's getting one step – probably a very slow step – closer to that event. I'm willing to bet that all of the commentating, which is just making it take even longer to get to the end of the book, is not helping him either.
Also, someone commented on the fact that I should stop writing my AN's as if I am responding to the situation that I just wrote about and ask questions about it. Sorry, but that's just how I write my stuff. I am willing to change one or two things – like the amount of lines put in each paragraph – but not everything. If you don't like it, then my stories are not for you.
HAPPY NEW YEAR,

Venquine1990