Staffs were used until the invention of the wand and our still used this day for younger children due to it being less taxing on the magical core but their use is still monitored, each magical staff could only specialize in two types of magic so people used to have to carry around several staffs to at any given time while the wand could be used in all kinds of magic but would generalize specialize in one or two areas however due to how they interact with a child's magical core they shouldn't be used by a child younger then eleven
Year at the Lovegood's ST 3: Hedwig, Mothers, and Snow Foxes
It was the middle of December which meant that Harry had been at Lovegoods for five months. Life had fallen into a steady routine Saturday through Monday he had school where they continued to improve their reading and writing, learned the early history of the magical world, and learned about different magical creatures. Tuesday through Thursday they typically just had fun together while on Friday the rest of the kids who's Harry's family was allied with showed up to have a day of fun. This particular day was Tuesday and Tuesday's were a whole more than just a day that Luna and Harry had fun going on adventures. On Tuesday's they packed the adventure pack full of medical supplies and preceded to find animals that were injured in the forest who needed treatment. Since it was winter and the snow was deep enough they put the bags of supplies on a sleigh which Lucy pulled. With a yawn Harry headed down to breakfast as always Luna was already up,
"Harry daddy and Remus are working on last minute things for this month's Quibbler so it's just us."
Sitting down and eating his eggs Harry stated, "One of these day's I'm going to wake up early enough to make breakfast for everyone."
Rolling her eyes Luna said in an exasperated tone, "Were seven Harry it Daddy's job accept it"
Deciding that further arguing was pointless Harry finished his breakfast going to front hallway putting on his jacket, boots, and hat. Then took a deep breath bracing himself for the cold that came rushing in when he opened the door. There had been a couple inches of fresh snow the night before so the ground was covered in pristine white sparkling snow; the trees were slumping slightly at the extra weight, and each breath Harry took made white wisps in front of him. Smiling Harry closed his eyes as he did every morning letting the protective magic of the forest surround him. Suddenly he felt a very feint pull on his magic,
"Did you feel that Luna?"
Sagely Luna nodded, "Yes it's hurt, and we have to save her though it's originally not from the forest"
Riding on the sled beside Luna Harry asked,
"Why do you think I'm having such a strong magically reaction to the creature usually you're the only one that can feel it from this distance and know where it is"
Looking thoughtful Luna replied, "I believe it will likely be your familiar like Lucy is mine"
Harry frowned, "I thought you had to be close to the animal to form the bond?"
Luna nodded, "You are correct however the forest recognized your capability to bond with the creature, and because it's hurt the forest is leading you to her until then you're not officially bonded to the creature"
Nodding getting a curious glint in his green eyes Harry asked, "You usually know what the creature that's calling is could you tell me?"
Smirking Luna said, "It's a surprise Harry"
Even though Harry had a feeling Luna wouldn't budge on the issue he decided to try anyway using his best puppy dog eyes, "Please"
Smiling Luna replied with a simple, "No"
Responding quickly Harry asked, "What about now?"
Clutching Harry's hand and looking into them she said in her sweetest voice, "Mummy always told me that patience is a virtue"
Harry merely raised his eyebrows at her confession seeing this Luna sighed, "I'll admit that I'm not the most patient person Harry however it is something I'm working towards"
The rest of the trip passed in companionable silence. Luna stepped of the sled suddenly, both Harry and Luna could feel the creature but couldn't see it,
"It's white Harry so keep your eyes open"
Harry decided upon a different course closing his eyes and letting the feint bond guide him where he needed he then heard a feint hoot kneeling down he opened his green eyes to find a pair of amber yellow staring back at him seconds later Harry could feel the bond it wasn't powerful but it was there. Kneeling down Harry picked up the owl like Luna showed him laying it on the small bed that Luna set up. Luna already had her healing diagnostic staff the was glowing bright blue she waved it over the owl,
"She has broken wing Harry we can't let her move the wing until Daddy can look at it"
The staff turned from blue to red and when she waved it over the owl everything but the head of the owl couldn't move. While Harry put some pain reliving salve on the owl's wing he gently picked up the owl and put her into the animal carrier,
"I know this isn't the most comfortable of arrangements but until we finish the rounds this will have to do"
The owl hooted what sounded like an affirmative to Harry getting back into his seat on the sled Harry asked,
"So what's next on our list for today?"
Luna walked onto the sled and gave Lucy the command to go forward and began listing of what was on the agenda,
"First we have to go to the baby white foxes and putting healing salve on the injuries they received while playing two weeks ago, then there is there is the baby shadow cat who is really sick to see if there's anything we can do, and finally were going to meet the mate that Lucy's fallen for"
Harry nodded, "Then we go back to the house and get hot chocolate with marshmallows Luna ever since winter has hit there has been less injuries overall why is that?"
Giving Harry an exasperated look, "I think you can figure that out on your own Harry"
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment before an embarrassed expression crossed his face, "The animals don't move around as much during winter I suppose that was kind of obvious and I probably should think a little more before asking questions."
Luna shook her head, "That's okay Harry questions are good sometimes we need a nudge to figure out the right answer on our own"
The owl behind them agreed with a hoot. Twelve minutes later they arrived at the snow foxes den two of the kits cuts were completely healed while the other three kits looked far better and just needed a little salve on the tips of their toes. They jumped aboard the sled and headed towards the shadow cats during this interlude small white snowflakes started falling merrily. For the second time today Harry thought that there wasn't much that was better than this all too soon they arrived at their destination there were three shadow cats that were playing rambunctiously while the fourth sat in the corner his form a little smaller than the rest, his breathing ragged, and he was shivering from the cold cool breeze. Luna took out the diagnostic staff waving it over the baby shadow cat a sad expression crossed her face and she spoke,
"He only has an hour left and nothing we could do including magic will be enough to save him"
For Harry this wasn't the first animal he had seen die while trying to save in the forest but it was the first that nothing could be done for Luna than walked up to the mother shadow cat,
"I'm sorry there's nothing that can be done for him" the mother purred rubbing her face against Luna tears flowing from her eyes she simply said,
"Okay"
Harry walked behind Luna holding her steady as her hands turned white and she knelt next to the baby as her hands touched the dying shadow cat its breathing stopped and its eye's closed for the final time. Harry wrapped Luna in a big hug as she cried,
"I've never done that before mummy always did it she's gone"
Staring at Luna's grey eyes he knew what he had to say,
"When Remus first told me story's about my parents I cried he hugged me and said the ones we love never truly leave us there always in our hearts and up there watching us"
Harry then wiped some of her tears Luna asked, "Do you think there smiling?"
As another gust of wind shot up around them Harry answered, "I know they are"
Luna than smiled and walked toward Lucy, "I like Harry hugs," kneeling down she scratched behind Lucy ears and asked, "Do you mind if we meet your mate tomorrow I need some hot chocolate and marshmallows right know"
Lucy gave a woof in response smiling Luna gave a big smile, "Thank you Lucy"
Harry then took out the heat and fire staff using it to take out the frost on the ground and then they dug a small hole so they could bury the baby shadow cat then with the snow still falling merrily they left upon the sled heading home.
ST 3 Lovegoods: The Past five months in the wizarding world, Perlington, Christmas Shopping, and Goblins
The past five months had been a turbulent storm in the wizarding world for Albus Dumbledore. First finding out Harry had disappeared from number four privet drive and then finding out the muggle authorities had been anonymously tipped and the Dursley's were facing criminal charges for abusing Harry. This had all been manageable by keeping it a secret until the Pandora's Box opened when Rita Seeker stumbled upon the juiciest of story's boy savior abused and missing Dumbledore seemingly in charge of the boy caught unaware. It had taken a combination of favors, black mail, and bribery to keep Albus Dumbledore the leader of the light in absolute power. Despite the continuing search for Harry Potter a small time scandal in the ministry's office shifted public attention not enough to get Fudge ousted in any stretch of the imagination but enough time for the Potter Family Alliance to announce just in time for Christmas that they had found the boy who lived and were taking custody of him. He only knew this because of his less than legal interrogation and oblivation of Remus. He also had to conclude there was nothing he could do to get the boy back into his custody between Augusta Longbottom, Valorea Moon, and Daniel Greengrass legally it was air tight and there was no loop holes he could exploit even if he had the political muscle to do it which he didn't have at this time. Taking another swig of cherry brandy he plotted his next move not all was lost in couple years Harry would be in Hogwarts and firmly under his control.
It was Thursday the sixteenth of December and Harry awoke nervously today was the day he was going to Perlington the Potter's ancestral home. Remus had offered to take him there along with doing some Christmas shopping Harry eagerly accepted at the time. But know with everything being so close old fears came back to him what happened if he really wasn't the Harry Potter they had been looking for and he had to return back to the Dursleys. A voice that sounded like Luna chimed in his mind seize the day. Steeling himself Harry got up putting on his clothes and headed down the stairs ready to face the day no matter how it turned out. As he was heading down the stairs Hedwig landed on his shoulders hooting to him in a manner that calmed his fears. Luna as always was already up her mere presence as always made Harry ten times happier,
"If you worry any more Harry the warkspots will get you"
Grinning slightly Harry answered, "Thanks Luna"
Xeno then looked up he had been staring into space until that moment said, "Have fun Harry"
Remus was doing a rune puzzle from the most recent Quibbler said, "Be sure to eat a good breakfast it's a big day today"
After breakfast Harry put on his winter clothes and grabbed Remus hand and apparted for the first time,
"I don't ever want to do that again"
Grinning slightly Remus said, "At least you didn't throw up"
Shaking his head Harry said, "You mean it could be worse?"
Than Harry felt a magic stirring around him he looked up and saw Perlington,
"Alright Harry remember you have to go in first and ask the portraits how to let me into the wards the house is on lockdown which means only Potters can get in"
Taking a deep breath Harry walked into the wards after a momentary hesitation they accepted him. Harry had never felt like this before it was far more accepting and protective the forest ever could be. He could also feel the hum of magic as it awakened from its dormant slumber of nearly ten years he could almost hear it singing and Harry had to wonder if the forest felt like this for Luna no wonder she was happy all of the time it all then died down to a small hum as he touched the door which than unlocked and swung itself open for him. Harry's first view of Perlington was a short wooden entryway that led to the main room which had a magical star scape on the ceiling, three spiral stairways leading into the sky and below the floor, and a smooth emerald floor in wonder Harry stammered,
"I love magic"
A strong male voice than came from the entryway, "Indeed" a little startled Harry saw a portrait of a large bury man with a bushy black beard, long black hair, Viking armor, and a smile that seemed out of place on his face,
"Welcome to Perlington young lord"
Harry nodded, "Thanks my names Harry could you perhaps tell me how to let people into the wards"
"Names Phillip," the portrait swung open, "Your talking to the right portrait follow this corridor at the end you will find Marian who will lead you through the process"
Harry walked through the corridor at a brisk pace when he reached the end he saw a portrait of the most beautiful women he ever laid eyes upon she had wild black hair, cool brown eyes, a sword on her back, and a proud air to her,
"You must be Lily and James son Harry I believe"
Nodding Harry replied, "I am"
Sighing Marian replied, "Stand taller you're a Potter be proud now what part of Perlington's defense do you want to discuss"
Standing a little taller Harry said, "I'd like to let someone into the house to pass the wards"
Marian nodded, "That can be easily done but first let me formally introduce myself I am Marian Potter first witch or wizard of the Potter line"
Momentary distracted Harry asked, "So you must know a lot of good stories then"
Marian smiled smugly, "That I do I know stories from all the Potter's throughout time however first we must let your friend inside so turn around and put your hand on that orb and repeat after me I Harry James Potter lord of Perlington command it to open its doors to said person then the gatekeeper will guide him in"
Nodding Harry did as he was bidden, "Thank you Marian there is a lot of things I want to ask you however those things can wait for another time however I get the feeling you wish to ask me something"
Marian smiled, "If you know that Perlington has completed the bond to you and has acknowledged you as its master. To answer your question there is something I wish to ask you though you don't have to answer I've known since you walked in that you're the last Potter do you know how your parents left this earth"
Frowning wondering why Marian wanted to know answered, "From what I've been told they were murdered in godrics hollow Dumbledore claimed I survived a killing curse and Voldemort hasn't been heard from since"
Looking at Harry with a serene expression, "I may have some answers for you after you claim your heir ring otherwise people may pry it from your mind but it seems what your mother worked on was a success know your guest is here so you have to greet him"
Harry nodded deciding he really like Marian she seemed to more alive than any other portrait he ever talked to before,
"Thanks Marian I'll be sure to talk to you soon"
Marian nodded, "Any time Harry that's what I'm here for"
Harry went back to the hallway to greet Remus who was holding a bag of brownies and standing in the middle of the main room staring at the stars as if lost in memory ,
"Hi Remus it feels so amazing here"
Remus nodded, "Good as you can see I brought brownies go explore and then afterwards before we go shopping I wish to have a short conversation with you but before you go can you ask for a table and to turn the ceiling into sunny day"
Frowning Harry asked, "So how do I ask for sunshine and a table"
Suddenly the night sky cleared and a sun appeared along with a small table and two chairs Harry shook his head,
"I suppose that's how it is done"
While Remus read the Daily Prophet which he wasn't allowed to read at the Lovegood residence Harry explored Perlington. Perlington had seven distinct floors two for each of the spiral staircases and the main floor they were on. The first floor Harry went to see had thirteen bedrooms and except for the master bedroom they were all the same size the twelve bedrooms reminded Harry of hotel rooms because they all included beds and a shower. The master bedroom had twice as much room a bed twice as big and the bathroom included a hot tub. The second top floor was a giant library complete with lots of extremely comfortable chairs that you could easily curl up in after a long day of researching, the third top floor was an armory full of old wands, swords, armor, axes, battle spears, and according to Athena behind her picture frame there was a vault full of various materials and tomes needed for rituals in general which were what the Potters had been famous for before the ministry deemed them illegal because they were mostly blood based magic. The three bottom floors were similarly interesting one was a battle training room that could be any terrain or size, it could also turn into fake castle and manors which you could then attack. The second downstairs room was a small room only bare furnishings and a fireplace used for floo travel, the third down stair floor was the one floor Harry had no intention of exploring according to the portrait it was a giant maze where you would see some of your most important memories to find answers about yourself since Harry hoped to never think about a fair majority of memories ever again he had no desire to see any more of that floor. Done exploring for the day he sat down next to Remus seeing how long it would take him to notice three minutes he looked up at Harry folding up his paper,
"Alright I'll tell you a little about the recent events in the wizarding world and about the fate of your godfather Sirius Black"
He quickly told Harry about the Dursley's, Dumbledore, and how the alliance were going to announce their custody of Harry during Christmas then he took a deep breath,
"The last part of the conversation is about what happened to your godfather Sirius your parents lived in two places Perlington and Godrics Hollow. Godrics Hollow was under the fidelius charm which the location of a place is hidden in someone's soul. They made their good friend Peter the secret keeper while they pretended Sirius was the secret keeper as a distraction. When your parents died Sirius went after Peter whether to enact vengeance or to capture him is unknown Peter blew up the street killing thirteen muggles and slicing up his finger escaping in his animagus form leaving Sirius to take the blame. Due to what many believe were purely political reasons he wasn't allowed a trail and he was immediately kissed by Dementors. Peter who was supposed to be dead was caught a month later the truth was found out shortly afterwards Peter died two months later in prison as your godfather he would have been your primary guardian and in the tradition of wizarding law a member of your family while your alliance members would have secondary status as guardians. I just wanted you to be aware of what happened to him I owe Sirius at least that much know this is a glamour since we don't want your identity known yet"
Remus waved his wand and Harry thought when he was done that he looked like a miniature Remus
Harry nodded, "Marian mentioned something about an heir ring"
Looking thoughtful Remus said, "I suppose we could stop at the bank for that Harry you should probably also make sure the house is locked up except for opening up a floo connection between here and Lovegood manor"
Harry nodded, "I'll talk to Marian about that"
Harry walked to Philip asking, "I need Marian again Phillip"
Nodding slightly Phillip said, "You're the boss kid"
Upon seeing Harry Marians face lit up, "Nice glamor Harry but I like your rugged Potter look better so what can I do for you"
"After Remus and I leave I want this house to be locked so no one can get in except for me and I want a floo connection opened up between here and Lovegood manor"
Marian nodded, "I will deal with locking up the house as for the floo repeat after me I Harry James Potter Lord of Perlington hereby open up a floo connection from Perlington to Lovegood manor"
Harry did as he was bid and Marian said,
"Please sure to come visit regularly Harry it isn't the same without Potter's being here"
Nodding Harry answered, "I promise if nothing else to get those stories I was promised"
Marian beamed, "I'm an excellent story teller Harry"
As soon as Harry and Remus exited out the door they apparted and once again Harry cursed whoever came up with the foul form of travel,
"I can still feel Perlington Remus like a humming in the back of my mind"
Remus nodded, "Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron"
The leaky cauldron was overall a clean place with a pretty nice atmosphere exspecially since a majority knew each other interrupting his musing Remus signaled him to follow Remus led him to the back establishment and a plain brick wall,
"A wall most impressive"
Rolling his eyes at Harry's cheek Remus tapped the wall with his wand revealing Diagon Alley seeing Harry agape mouth spoke,
"Indeed Harry Diagon Alley is most impressive know our first stop is the bank"
Diagon Alley was indeed quite a bustling place filled with shops ranging from magical pets, locket makers, booksellers, trunk makers, and many more things than Harry could have ever imagined before looking over at Harry Remus smiled,
"I know it's a lot to take in but stay close"
Harry nodded as his eyes continued to wander every which way shortly afterwards they arrived at a large white marble building which was Gringrotts. As Harry entered the bank he concluded that at best Goblins were surly creatures most had permanent looking scowls and solemn serious expression etched upon their faces. After standing in lines for a couple minutes they finally reached the front,
"So what can we do for you?"
Putting a hand on Harry's shoulder Remus said, "My ward here would like to take the heir ring for House Potter"
If the goblin was surprised he didn't show it he merely rang his bell and a younger goblin appeared who Harry assumed was an apprentice of some type turning to the goblin he said,
"Please take Mr. Potter to Master Griphook his account manager to receive his heir ring"
The younger goblin tilted his head in respect to the elder goblin, "Follow me Mr. Potter"
A couple minutes later Harry was led into an office that sparse furnishing these included a portrait of a goblin clad in armor carrying a rather large broadsword, three extremely comfortable looking chairs, and a desk. When Harry walked into the room his glamour disappeared and Master Griphook spoke,
"You certainly look like a Potter please have a seat and we will find out the validity of your claim"
Taking out a small box he opened it sliding over to Harry, "Place this upon your hand any finger will do"
Putting it on his third finger he felt a brief hum of power course flow through seeming to check on something then as quickly as it began it stopped Griphook nodded,
"It seems you truly are lord Potter than," taking out a small box he slid it over to Harry, "Inside you will find a paper with the abilities of your heir ring on it, an invisibility cloak that has been in your family for many years, a very special map, and journals from both your parents know since you have now made official contact with Gringrotts your account statements will come monthly no matter where you are the main Potter you can access when you turn fifteen or are married in it are the deeds to your two homes, the official contracts of house potter whether its business or alliances, and a large amount of gold. The last order of business is do you wish visit your trust fund today Lord Potter? "
"Not today Master Griphook I may visit after Christmas when my allies announce their custody of me but till then I bid you a good day"
Griphook nodded, "Very good Lord Potter the glamour will be reapplied when you exit the room may gold flow your way and your enemies blood be spelt"
Not knowing what else to say simply responded, "Thank you"
When Harry left Griphook smiled there were very few who thanked him but he supposed with as many enemies that House Potter had after the Dark Lord's fall it was only fitting. Harry met Remus in the entryway,
"Now Harry let's spend some of that money Mr. Lovegood gave you for gifts"
Harry had never gone Christmas shopping before but all things considered afterwards he was positive he did a good job. For Luna he got a locket with the ability to hold two pictures one was going to be of him, Luna, Lucy, and Hedwig while the other Harry was going to ask for a picture of Luna and her mother, he got a black top hat for Lupin, a wolf pipe for Xeno, and various chocolates for everyone else. Two hours later Harry and Remus ate a quick dinner at the Leaky Cauldron and headed to Lovegood manor after promising Luna to tell her all about his day tomorrow went to his bed immediately falling asleep.
Authors Note: To the black fans out there Sirius grandfather plays a pivotal role to the plot of Harry's third year so don't jump ship yet next chapter will be the final one at the Lovegood's than it will go to the Greengrass family I hope your enjoying so far as for clarifying what dark magic is I will try to explain later in the story with more detail when Harry goes to the Moon family
