Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters whose names can be found in the Harry Potter books.
Harry closed the lock on his trunk, looking around his room one more time before heaving his trunk off his bed, surprised at how little it weighed. He had decided to leave most of his clothes at school because it was too cold back in England to wear them and it would only make his trunk heavy. It was surprising how quickly he had adjusted to his new school, the year was only halfway through but it felt like no time had passed at all. It was the Summer holidays in Australia but over in England it was the Winter holidays and his parents had written, asking him to come home for Christmas. That was why he had packed his bags and was headed to one of the transportation portals.
Picking his trunk up, the black haired boy looked at Aidan, who fluttered to his shoulder.
"Time to go." Aidan remarked, pruning his feathers. "I'll take tattoo form once we reach the portal.
Harry nodded his acceptance and heaved his trunk out the door and down into the common room.
"Harry!" Heather and Fia called to him as soon as he entered the spacious common room.
Grinning, Harry turned to his two friends as they hurried over.
"You'd better write." Fia said, embracing him as he lowered his trunk so he could hug her back.
"Jeez," Harry said as Heather embraced him as well. "You'd think I was leaving for years. I'm coming back in one month."
Fia grinned cheekily. "We couldn't pass up an opportunity to hug our favourite boy."
Used to her teasing, Harry just gave her a gentle shove. "I've got to get going." He said, looking at his watch.
"We'll walk ya down." Heather said, flapping her wings so she was airborne, Fia grinned.
"We'll do it for you Harry, go out of our way, just for you." Harry gave her another playful shove and Fia laughed, using the slight momentum to lift herself into the air.
"It's so unfair," Harry huffed playfully; as the three walked down to the portals. "You guys can both fly."
Heather laughed, "Comes with being a nymph, the whole wings idea."
Harry snorted.
The group entered the transport room. About twenty students were already there, all in various states of organisation. Fires roared around the room, the portals. The two nymphs landed as a teacher beckoned Harry over to him.
"Name and location?"
"Harry Potter, Diagon alley."
"Portal twelve," the teacher responded, already beckoning another student over.
Harry stepped out of the way, dragging his trunk over to the fireplace with the number twelve, written in large print above it.
"See you in a month." Harry said, turning back the Fia and Heather.
"See ya." Heather called as Harry stepped forward into the fire.
James Potter was standing in the leaky cauldron, waiting for his youngest son. Harry had promised to come home for the holidays but he hadn't seen any sign of him yet. Just when he was about to order a drink a boy stepped into the pub. In one hand he held a trunk, with apparent ease. He was a good five foot seven, with unruly jet black hair. His skin was tanned from long periods of time in the sun. James felt he knew the boy, but couldn't put a name to the face, until their eyes met. Emerald green eyes met hazel brown ones.
James almost fell off his seat as he looked into the eyes of his youngest son; it appeared Australia had been good to him as he had surpassed James' own height in a few scant months.
"Dad!" Harry called, his eyes lighting up as he saw his father do a double take at his appearance.
"Harry?" James asked, his tone sounding amazed.
"Hey Dad," Harry said again, moving across the room in five large strides and standing tall in front of his father.
"My Gosh!" James cried out, jumping up from the stool he had been occupying and bringing his son into his embrace. "What did they do to you, growth potions?"
Harry laughed, "I guess I finally came into my own," he said.
"I've heard of coming into your own," James replied, releasing him and looking his son up and down. "But this is just ridiculous. You must have gained two inches at least."
Harry grinned down at his Dad. Now that was strange, grinned down, he thought. He had always looked up at his Dad, even though he was a small man. Though now he found himself having to look down, just the slightest, to meet his father's eyes.
"Well what are we standing here for?" James said, grabbing Harry's trunk and finding it to be just slightly heavier than he thought it would be. "Let's get home. You're Mum is eager to see you and Matt wants to tell you what's been happening at Hogwarts."
"How are we getting home?" Harry asked, keeping stride easily with his father as he walked towards the fireplace.
"Floo" James replied, pulling a bag out of his pocket and offering it to Harry.
Taking a pinch Harry picked up his trunk that James had put down and stepped forward into the fire. Saying "Potter manor" as he went.
Harry emerged in the sitting room to be greeted enthusiastically by his mother and brother.
"Harry!" Lilly cried as she embraced her younger son, surprised to find he had grown quite a bit.
"Man Harry," Matt whined from behind Lilly. "What did they give you? You've gained like two inches."
Harry laughed as his mum let him go and stepped over to clap his brother's hand, glad to find he was now taller then his twin. "I'm bigger than you now." He teased.
"Hey!" Matt cried indignantly, throwing a fire ball at Harry's head.
Without even thinking Harry caught it like it was normal to have fire chucked at his head. Then he seemed to realise what had happened.
"YOU CONGURED FIRE!" He shouted, clapping his twin on the back, while Matt's grin threatened to break his face.
"I've been waiting to do that for ages." Matt grinned.
"When did you get it?" Harry asked, extinguishing the fire ball in his hand.
"October," Matt replied. "I tried to owl you but Merlin couldn't find you. He kept coming back."
Harry nodded in understanding. "I assumed that would be the case. So what's been happening here?"
Matt's face turned grim. "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened."
As Matt said this James stepped through the fire place; his own face turning grim. "We'd better sit down to talk about this," he said. "There is a lot you've missed."
Harry looked around at his family and nodded, taking a seat in one of the armchairs as Matt, James and Lilly sat also.
"It started about a month ago." Matt began. "Someone wrote on the wall, in blood. The chamber of secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir, beware. Then people started getting petrified."
"The chamber of secrets," Harry interrupted, "I've heard of that."
"You have?" Matt's voice escalated in pitch. "What do you know? Hermione couldn't find anything; all the copies of Hogwarts a History were taken out. What do you know?"
Harry snorted at Matt's rushed sentences. "You've asked me what I know twice."
Matt glared at his twin but Harry's only acknowledgement of the gesture was another snort of amusement.
"I don't know much but I know the legend. The chamber was created by Salazar Slytherin just before he left the school. Its purpose was to rid the school of all muggle borns but only Slytherin's heir could open the chamber and unleash the beast within."
"IT'S MALFOY!" Matt shouted, sprining to his feet as he began to pace the room.
"It's possible." Harry remarked while Matt raved about all the suspicious things Malfoy had said. "Malfoy always claims he's very pure of blood, he could be descended of Slytherin but with all the things you're saying I really doubt it's him."
This stopped Matt short. "What do you mean?"
"If Malfoy was behind this, don't you think he'd want to keep it a secret? He wouldn't want the whole school to suspect him."
"But it's Malfoy!" Matt protested. "He's a slimy Slytherin. Who else could it be?"
Harry just shrugged his shoulders.
"There has to be a way we can find out." Matt said, turning to pace the room. "I just know it's him."
"What are those thugs he hangs around with?" James asked.
Matt looked up from his pacing. "Crabbe and Goyle" he replied.
James got a mischievous look in his eyes, the same glazed look his eyes took when he had a particularly good idea for a prank. "Do you think he would tell them anything?" He asked.
"I guess," Matt said, shrugging his shoulders, not knowing where this was going.
"Why don't you use the polyjuice potion?" James said.
At this statement Harry's eyes widened in realisation while Matt's face was scrunched in confusion.
"Polywhat?" Matt asked.
"Polyjuice," Harry replied, almost on automatic as his mind figured out what James had planned. "A potion used to change your appearance to that of another person, using the essence of the other person."
"You sound like Hermione." Matt said, raising his eyebrows. "Though," he remarked, his face changing to the same mischievous expression James wore. "It's a very good idea. I'm going to write to Ron and Hermione. See you later." He called already hurrying out of the room.
"It's good to have you home again honey." Lily said, embracing her youngest son again.
"It's good to be home Mum." Harry replied, embracing her back.
"So what's this new school like?" James asked, now curious as to how Harry liked his new school. "Does it compare to Hogwarts."
"It's brilliant!" Harry said, his face lighting up. "The place is huge, bigger than Hogwarts and it's near this mountain range, I haven't been up there yet but students can go up there in free time."
"How are classes?" Lily asked, becoming interested in the conversation.
"It's nothing like Hogwarts." Harry remarked. "All the classes you take are based on your abilities. I have some classes that are the same as Hogwarts like; magical creatures, history, potions, herbology and runes. Then I have other classes like healing, strategy, transformation, spell casting and creation and fire elemental."
"Fire elemental?" James asked. "You mean they have a class for just fire elementals?"
"Yeah," Harry replied. "It's really interesting."
"Harry!" Matt appeared in the doorway, saving Harry from answering anymore of his parents questions. "Where are the potions books?"
Harry laughed at his brother's face, before he picked up his trunk. "Just let me put this away and I'll meet you in the library."
The first week of holidays past fairly quietly in the Potter household; at least it was quiet for a family that was used to watching amazing things happen on a daily bases. Though, for the youngest Potter, the next two weeks of holidays were going to be very interesting.
"Aidan!" Harry cried as soon as he made it back to his room from the bathroom.
"Hm," the phoenix remarked as he looked up at his bonded from the desk chair he was perched on. "Oh, you finally changed" he remarked as soon as he caught sight of Harry.
Out of the black haired boy's back grew two long wings. Stretched out they reached 3 feet in length and the underside of the wings changed to inmate the background behind him. The upper side of the wings had scales that looked like living fires; they glittered golds, reds and oranges. On his head, poking through the black mop of hair, sat two medium length horns. The horns were a metallic blue colour and curved slightly towards the tip. They looked to be about ninety centimetres in length. His eyes were still the same astonishing green they had always been but now they were accompanied by slit pupils, much like a cats. Harry then opened his mouth to reveal two short fangs.
"Yes I changed," Harry said, flexing his wings experimentally. "I didn't know it was going to happen over night though. Normal people do not go to bed one night and wake up with wings, horns and fangs the next morning."
"You're not normal." Aidan remarked in a smug tone. Flying over to perch on Harry's shoulder, "I'd say you've added another inch as well." He remarked.
Harry just rolled his eyes at his familiar. Then looking at his wings he gave them another experimental flap, pleased to find they created a powerful gust of wind in the room, through less pleased with the fact that he would now have to clean up the mess of papers which had once resided on his desk.
"It'd be easier to use them if you weren't surrounded by walls and a roof," Aidan remarked, smirking as only a bird can.
"Shut up," Harry said, glancing at the clock on his wall. "Three hours before anyone even looks like getting up," he murmured to himself as he darted from his room, in the direction of the grounds.
A green eyed boy groaned from his position on the ground.
"You have to develop your wing muscles," Aidan remarked to his bonded, currently lying on the ground.
"Easy for you to say," Harry muttered, getting to his feet and stretching his wings.
Aidan had been trying to teach Harry to fly for a week now and only small amounts of progress had been made. It had even been suggested that Harry take the birds approach and just jump off the roof and hope he got it before he hit the ground. The youngest Potter boy hadn't been too thrilled with the idea.
"We've been at it for at least four hours now," Aidan said, looking at the newly risen sun. "You're parents will be getting up soon."
"One more try," Harry insisted, flapping his wings and kicking up a dust cloud "just once more."
"Fine" Aidan conceded.
Harry flapped his wings hard, pushing the air down and allowing his wings to lift him slightly off the ground. Pounding his wings, hard, to keep himself hovering inches off the ground the young boy gave a powerful thrust and shot into the air, the wind whipping his hair back.
"Level your wings," Aidan commanded as Harry dipped.
The boy quickly stretched his wings out, catching an up-draft and gaining altitude. Beating his wings at a slower pace Harry allowed himself to bask in the morning sun. He could feel his wing muscles aching under the strain of keeping himself in the air but he didn't want to give up yet. He'd gotten to this point about twenty times before, hovering in the air but quickly feeling his wings giving out, without the strength in his wing muscles he simply couldn't keep it up. Finally reaching his limit Harry closed his wings around his body, turning his eyes for the ground. Like a rock he fell, spiralling quickly down to the ground. Three metres before he hit he opened his wings out and pulled himself up right, landing in a crouch, his wings folded.
"If nothing else," Aidan said from his position in the air, "you can land."
"Thanks, I think." The black haired boy muttered turning to his wings and placing an illusion charm over them, the same treatment was applied to his horns and fangs.
"Looks like I'm ready for breakfast," Harry remarked as Aidan swooped down to perch on his shoulder. "I have the strangest method of getting ready; most people just tumble out of bed."
Aidan squawked to show his amusement before once again resuming his tattoo form. And Harry marched towards the manor for breakfast.
Harry watched in amusement as his twin stuffed half a boiled egg in his mouth.
"Wonder if he can fit any more in there?" Aidan remarked.
The egg was soon followed by a piece of toast and a rash of bacon.
"Guess so."
"Matt, really" Lilly admonish. "Did I not teach you table manners?"
"Sorry Mum." Matt said after swallowing, then picking up a piece of bacon with his fingers.
"Knife and fork," Lilly reprimanded. "I bet you didn't even wash your hands." Her lecture however was cut off by the entrance of an owl.
The nocturnal bird swooped down on the breakfast dishes and clattered to a halt in front of the youngest Potter, offering its post to him.
As soon as Harry relieved the owl of its burden it flew off, hooting merrily.
"Who's it from?" Matt asked, his mouth full, resulting in Lily taking up her lecture again.
Harry looked thoughtfully down at the envelope; his name was printed on the front in blue ink. Flipping it over and breaking the seal Harry pulled the letter out, written in the same blue ink.
Hey Harry,
Recognizing the writing Harry's gaze flicked down to the signature at the bottom.
Neville
Flipping his eyes back to the top he began to read.
I've missed you, there's no one here to help me with spells and homework and there's no one in Gryffindor I want to hang around with. Mostly I hang out with this group of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. There are five of us altogether. Though that's enough complaining, how's your new school? Oh I almost forgot to tell you, but I'm guessing Matt's already told you, though I'll tell you anyway. The chamber of secrets has been opened. Doesn't that sound foreboding? Two people have been attacked, four if you count Mrs Norris and Nearly-headless Nick. People are getting really scared. Finding out stuff is more your area of expertise then mine, what do you know about the chamber of secrets. Maybe we could meet up, I'm home for the holidays and Gran says I can invite you over sometime this week. Write back if you can come and what day would be good.
Harry had to consciously force his mouth shut, he had thought Neville would at least resent him slightly but it seemed he had underestimated the forgiving nature of his friend.
"I'm finished," the green eyed boy said as he scrambled out of his chair and raced up the stairs towards his room, eager to reply to the letter.
Harry paced the living room in Potter manor as eleven 'o'clock drew nearer; his glance occasionally flicking the lit fire place. Any minute now Neville would step through the flames, as if on cue the flames turned green and Harry spun to face the fire-place as a young boy stepped through. His chestnut hair was slightly shaggy and his head was bowed to avoid hitting it on the mantel. Neville looked not have grown much since the last time they had seen each other and when he raised his head and their eyes met Harry saw the familiar joy and acceptance that constantly graced his friends eyes.
"Harry!"
"Neville!"
A smile lit up both boys faces as they clapped each other on the back.
"Wow," Neville said, looking hard at Harry. "You've grown a bit."
Harry laughed, "I missed you." He said honestly.
"Me too," Neville agreed. "But this had better not turn into a sob session. I want to know you've been doing."
Harry snorted. "Well my new school's great."
"Better than Hogwarts?" Neville asked teasingly but also with a touch of seriousness to his question.
"Honestly," Harry said. "I probably fit in better at Flaeria, my school" he added at Neville's confused look.
"I sort of hoped you wouldn't like it," Neville admitted, "but really, I guess I knew you didn't really fit in at Hogwarts. I don't know why, but you were always sort of different. My Gran laughed when I told her and said I might have gotten some seer blood from my too many greats aunt."
"Now that's interesting," Aidan remarked, Harry simply murmured his agreement.
"So what classes have you got?" Neville asked, breaking the seriousness of the mood. "I mean you must have learned something cool."
Harry's face broke into a wide smile. "I have the best classes, better than Hogwarts. I have a class totally devoted to fire elemental abilities."
"But you're not a fire elemental, are you?" Neville asked, having never been informed of Harry's abilities.
The black haired boy looked confused for a second before coming to realisation. "No one told you?"
"Nope," Neville said. "But come on lets see something cool. Throw fire or something from your hands."
"I'll do better than that," the youngest Potter said, allowing twin bursts of fire to ignite in his hands.
The day had passed quickly for both the boys, Harry was acutely aware that this would be the last time he saw his friend until summer holidays. The two friends stood in front of the fireplace as Neville was going to floo home.
"I'll see you again in six months." Harry promised.
"You better," Neville said, "or I'll hunt you down."
Harry laughed as his friend stepped into the fire, a promise passed silently between them; they would always be friends.
The night before Harry returned to Flaeria was a joyful occasion. The house elves had gone all out in preparing dinner, so much so that another table had to be conjured to hold it all. Both Remus and Sirius had come over and the atmosphere was that of enjoyment.
"Pass the potatoes please Matt." Remus requested, sitting three seats down from the eldest twin.
"Sure," Matt said, passing the requested dish.
"I can't believe you're not at Hogwarts anymore!" Sirius exclaimed for, at least, the tenth time that evening.
Harry just laughed nervously.
"I'm sure the school is just as good as Hogwarts." Remus stepped into the argument, backing his godson up.
"Nowhere is as good as Hogwarts!" Sirius' argued his mouth full of carrots. "And I can prove it!"
"How do you propose to do that?" Lily asked. "And swallow before you answer."
"Yes mother," Sirius said, though he did swallow, promoted by Lily's glare. "I propose, look big word."
James smacked his head in exasperation.
"As I was saying," Sirius cleared his throat. "I propose a duel, Harry versus Matt. If Harry's school is better then Hogwarts then he'll win if not, well, even I could figure that part out."
"That's a great idea!" James heartily agreed.
"Fine" Remus said resignedly.
"To the duelling area place!" Sirius yelled in excitement, grabbing a chicken leg and charging out of the room.
"Why are friends with him?" James asked.
"Don't know." Remus replied in amusement as the group followed Sirius out of the room.
"Do you think I should use my fire?" Harry asked his familiar as James and Sirius elevated a platform in the middle of the room.
"Well they know about that so I don't see why not, though I doubt that's what you really wanted to ask me."
"You know me too well," Harry joked in a huff.
"It's in the job description, living in your head and all. Now would you ask me your real question or do I have to do all the work and ask your questions as well as answer them."
"Well that would be helpful." Harry joked.
"Shut up," was Aidan's brilliant retort.
"Should I use my full power?"
"That's your decision; do you want to explain it?"
"Not at the moment," Harry said.
"Wow look at that," Aidan said, "you asked your own questioned then answered it too. I am making progress."
"Is everyone ready to begin?" James yelled.
Harry looked over and met his twin's eyes; Matt's look betrayed his confidence. Harry smiled despite himself as the two climbed up onto the platform.
"Bow!" Sirius yelled.
Both boys dripped their heads then adopted a fighting stance.
"Ready! Duel!"
Matt sprung into action immediately, a body binding curse on his lips. Harry barely moved to dodge.
"I guess those killer runs are finally paying off." He muttered under his breath as Matt threw yet another curse his way.
Matt then shot off two bursts of fire, yet it seemed he'd forgotten that Harry was also a fire elemental.
Catching the flames as if it were a ball Harry added his own power to the orb, turning the orange flames blue.
Matt began to again throw curses; his spells becoming more advanced with every curse.
Harry felt a rush of pride as he dodged all the curses, the flame ball still held in his hands, waiting for an opportunity to throw it.
As the older twin threw a particularly difficult curse, hoping to catch the younger boy off guard, Harry's ideal opportunity came. Matt had sacrificed speed in exchange for power and the latest curse had drained him considerably.
With unnatural grace Harry darted past the barrage of lighter hexes, closing distance between the two in seconds. With a well aimed throw the fire ball collided with Matt's wand hand, causing him to drop his wand in shock.
The younger twin was now on the offensive and his punches came hard and fast. Without warning Matt found himself being pushed towards the end of the platform, unable to distance himself from his twin and barely able to block the quick attacks coming his way.
On the side lines the adults stood in shock. The last time the twins had fought they had been almost evenly matched; Harry's athletic ability making up for his lack of magic ability but now Harry held a distinct advantage. He was much faster than Matt and as the adults noted as Matt fell off the platform, Harry had not once used his wand.
"You right?" Harry asked his twin, jumping off the platform and holding his hand out.
Matt looked like his was about to protest for a minute before grudgingly taking the offered hand and allowing himself to be pulled up.
"Yeah, fine" Matt's voice sounded slightly strained, like he was barely keeping his temper and Harry felt his heart sink slightly.
" 'kay then" Harry replied, "I'm gonna go outside," turning to leave.
"Harry," Lilly stopped his retreat and he turned around to face his mother. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" She asked this while scanning Matt over for injuries, reassuring herself he was fine.
"School," Harry replied, his tone slightly darker than it had been at the table, though it was barely noticeable. "I'm gonna go outside for a while."
The Potter household was silent as the younger member walked briskly from the room. Remus went to walk after him but James put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't," James' word stilled his friend.
"Why?" Remus asked, turning sharply.
James turned to shoot a reproachful look at his older son who had the manners to look slightly ashamed. "That's just his way of saying he doesn't want to fight. He'll come back in when he feels everything has calmed down. Matt," James looked at his son. "We need to talk."
Father and son left the room, the atmosphere thicker than tar.
Harry wondered aimlessly through the forest, glamour removed, his dragon features visible for all to see. The black haired boy snarled in annoyance, he'd found this was generally the easiest way to express his feelings.
"You're not even angry are you?" Aidan remarked from a tree near by.
Harry's emerald eyes looked up at his familiar. "No," he said, flopping down beside a tree. "More disappointed, I mean here I am, for years no one thought I even have any magic and Matt was better at everything, and then bang! I'm beat him once and Matt gets all. I'm fine." He tried to imitate his twin's voice on the last two words.
"I'm sure he'll get over it." Aidan assured the black haired boy. "It might take time though for him to accept the fact that you're not the weakest link."
Harry smiled weakly, pushing himself up and spreading his wings.
"What's the bet I can get to the top of manor," he jokingly asked Aidan.
The phoenix snorted in reply, "highly unlikely."
Harry grinned.