Warrior Mage - Chapter 3
Not Normal. As Per Usual.
After their day out, both Harry and Leona were tired out. It seemed like the day had lasted forever, Harry thought, then again, it had lasted almost a week, he supposed. What with everything that had happened. They made their way back to Leona's parents' house, despite Harry's protests.
"Here's the plan. We're going to stay here, then tomorrow morning, we can make a start on proving everyone wrong, ok?"
"Sounds great." Harry grinned. He looked at his new watch and smiled. He could definitely grow fond of this rather odd land.
"Can we go for a fly at some point though? I haven't flown since that evil hag banned me and confiscated my Firebolt. Ah. I still haven't got it back."
"Oh! Perfect. I can teach you to make your own. It's part of the course anyway."
"Make my own broomstick?"
"Yeah - woodwork and enchantment. It's quite difficult though - but I'm sure that you can handle it."
"Brilliant. This is going to be so great. I think I'm beginning to like this whole Warrior business."
"That's good - I hated it to begin with. Mind you, I was a rather...spoilt child."
"No kidding." Harry grinned. "You didn't have some insane Dark Lord after you either, which I suppose is a blessing."
"You are way too used to this if you can joke about it."
"Why not? I can't change a prophecy, so why bother trying to fight it."
"Prophecy? Now you left that little bit of info out of your explanation."
"Did I? Oh well. It's just the usual, you know."
"No, I don't."
"Come on Lee, it's not that difficult to figure out."
"It wouldn't happen to be one of those - 'you or him' prophecies, would it?"
"Got it in one. Only I prefer the term 'kill or be killed' myself. It all boils down to the same. I'm the one who has to save the world from evil Voldemort."
"Uh...when did you find this out?"
"The same day my godfather died. The same day I flunked History of Magic because I fell asleep and dreamed of Voldemort. What was it they said about things happening in threes?"
"They told you this prophecy the day your godfather died? That was rather...mean." "I guess it was sort of made to stop me destroying the headmaster's office. Anyway, it's probably a good thing I know. At least I know that I'm under no circumstances allowed to commit suicide."
"That's cheerful."
"Isn't it?" Harry grinned again, pushing those thoughts from his mind. "So, what do I do to make a broomstick?"
"Well, first we need a design."
"I'll do that." Harry said immediately, the perfect broom blooming in his mind.
"I thought you might want to create your own, rather than using someone else's design."
"Yeah. Ok, what happens after that?"
"Well, you have to go out and search for wood that feels good for you. You'll know what I mean when you feel it. Then we get to the good bit."
"What's that?"
"Carving the wood and enchanting it. Then we polish and shape it before adding the last spells and things. When I say we, I mean you, of course."
"Naturally." Harry grinned. "Can we go and choose the wood now?"
"I think we should get some sleep first. We'll choose it first thing in the morning, ok?"
"Fine. Ok. First thing."
"Ah. You aren't one of these incredibly annoying people who get up at the crack of dawn, are you?"
"Sometimes." Harry grinned. Leona groaned loudly.
***
True to her word, Leona took Harry out at six o'clock the next morning to find the wood for his broom. Harry had no idea where they would 'happen' to find a piece of wood long enough for a broom, but as Leona seemed to know where she was going, he didn't bother questioning her, though he did take note of the route they took.
"Here we are!" She said fifteen minutes later, standing beside a gate. Behind her stood a huge wood of many different types of tree. Harry felt his jaw drop as she led him in.
"What you do is look around until you feel drawn to one type of tree. Then we'll ask the tree to give up some of its wood. They're amazing things, these trees. Very generous. Of course, they do expect a little something in return."
"And what would that be?"
"Oh, just a hug."
"A hug? I have to hug a tree?"
"Yes." Leona said, smiling at his rather dubious expression. "Ok, so maybe you don't. Giving them a few Sickles works too."
"I knew it. I'm really not that gullible, you know."
"Ah well, it was worth a try. Go on then, this has been known to take all day."
"Ok." Harry said, setting off. He wandered about aimlessly, whistling quietly to himself.
***
Three hours later, Harry still hadn't found a tree he was 'drawn' to, and Leona was getting a little exasperated. "I was kidding about it taking all day, you know."
"Well it took ages to find my wand, why should wood for a broom be any different?"
"What's your wand made from?"
"Holly." Harry said, pulling it from his pocket.
"Why not try that holly over there then?" Leona suggested, pointing to her right. Harry headed in that direction, but stopped suddenly, looking off in another direction.
"What? You feel the pull?"
"No." Harry frowned. "I feel two pulls. Holly and - what's that - oh, ebony."
"Two?" Leona replied rather blankly. Harry nodded.
"The pull is strongest here - if I move in either direction, it gets weaker."
"Very well. You'll have to ask both trees then - we'll make two broomsticks."
"Right." Harry walked up to the holly, and before Leona could say anything, he bowed on impulse.
"Ah, a courteous young one. Put your money away, Young One, we do not wish for it. Here is your wood. Take good care of it and it will serve you well." Said the deep, grumbling voice. Harry nodded solemnly, bowing once again.
"You will do admirably, Warrior Mage, do not fret." It said in such a quiet tone that Harry knew no one else would have heard it. The same thing was repeated with the ebony, and Harry was feeling slightly unnerved by the fact that even in Warrior terms, he was different. A Mage, he thought, remembering the book that Remus had leant him. He couldn't quite recall what that meant exactly.
"Hey Lee, what's a Warrior Mage?" He asked suddenly. Leona looked slightly taken aback by this question, which seemed to come out of the blue.
"Well, I guess the easiest way to describe them is an extra-powerful Warrior. They can learn things much quicker than ordinary Warriors and are reputed to be the guardians of the race - and probably the world. A bit like Royalty, I suppose. Why? Where did you hear about them?"
"In a book." Harry replied smoothly - it wasn't a total lie, after all - "So, when was the last Warrior Mage alive?"
"Umm...she died about two millennia ago, I think. Mum would know better than me. Anyway, a lot of people say that there will never be another one - old ways die out pretty quickly, and they say that there's just no place for a Mage anymore. I'm inclined to disagree with them though - there will always be a place for a Warrior Mage. There has to be. Otherwise, what's the point of Warriors? No, I reckon that there'll be another one yet. It's just a matter of when and who." "You think?" Harry said thoughtfully. It sounded like these Warriors didn't care for the Warrior Mages anymore, and if he was what the tree had said... "Maybe you're right. I think though, that maybe people have forgotten what a Warrior Mage is like. Since it's been so long. They aren't really able to see the benefits of them." "Yeah. Probably."
***
Harry and Leona spent the next hour going over what Harry knew instinctively. Leona didn't say anything, but he knew pretty much the entire course. He was lying on his stomach on the grass, drawing his plans for the two broomsticks. He had decided that two was probably a good idea - just in case one was lost, stolen or broken. The possibility of any of these things happening was extremely small, due to the charms and enchantments that would be placed on them, but the theory was a good one. Leona watched him carefully as he whistled cheerfully. She also noticed that one of the horses of her father's had come to the edge of the field, and was watching him too. It was an Arab - one of the more highly-strung horses in their stables, and used primarily for breeding. He was a young stallion, and incredibly impressive looking, totally blue-black except for the small blotch of white on his flank, in the shape of a crescent moon and the narrow white blaze going down his nose. This small, seemingly insignificant detail was the reason that the midnight blue-black stallion had not found another home. Everyone seemed to want the perfect horse - entirely one colour. Of course, his temperament was a little less than perfect as well, but Leona was sure he would make an excellent horse once trained. Harry looked up after a few minutes, watching the horse every bit as closely as the horse was watching him. With little warning, he stood up and approached the fence. Leona watched, intrigued, as he walked over, as if mesmerized. His lips began to move as he spoke softly, the words carrying to where Leona was.
"Elementa. I'm home." He said. Leona's eyes widened to the point that it was comical - the one thing she always remembered about the Warrior Mage was that he - or she - had a horse named Elementa. The stallion answered Harry with a soft whinny of welcome, and lowered his head to meet Harry's hand.
"Always the impatient one, my Elementa." He murmured, vaulting over the fence, and onto the horses back. Compared to when he had rode the first time, he looked a thousand times more at ease at that point. Even without a saddle and reins, he seemed perfectly capable of controlling Elementa.
***
Harry felt as if he were in heaven. The doubt he had felt over being a Warrior Mage had fled when he had met Elementa, one of the horses on the grounds of Leona's home. He was back where he belonged. He knew it all instinctively, knowing each animal in the vicinity and feeling the presence of all the Warriors and their families. Leona's mother was watching from the window, thoroughly shocked at what she saw. She had been watching since they returned from the forest. Gemini was on her way home from the hospital. A patient of hers had died earlier. Arian was out on patrol - his job was a soldier in the Warrior Army. Leona's father, Arian Senior, was sitting in his office, reading a book about wizards. Then there was Elementa, the stallion that had been waiting for his arrival for just short of six years - he was ecstatic now, every bit as comfortable as Harry was. Leona - Harry smiled to himself as she swelled with pride for her young trainee. She knew it too - he was a Warrior Mage. Harry pushed these thoughts from his mind, concentrating on the horse that moved gracefully, his movements smooth and perfect. Nothing else mattered at that point - it was just him and Elementa.
***
By the time Elementa and Harry had slowed, Leona had managed to regain her bearings enough to go and see what he had been drawing before hand. She picked up the sketch, marvelling at the design that Harry had created. It would be perfect for him.
"A Warrior Mage. Incredible." She muttered, excitement pumping through her veins. This would be as much of a learning curve for her as it would be for Harry - if not more so.
***
Harry slowed Elementa and dismounted. He would have loved to continue riding for as long as Elementa would carry him, but unfortunately, he knew he had other things that he needed to do - like make his broomstick, and finish the course that would have taken him almost three years to complete had he been a normal Warrior. Elementa followed him as he walked over to the fence.
"It's about time too - what did you do, slip into Automatic?" Leona teased.
"Something like that." Harry grinned. "So, what's next on the agenda now, boss?"
"Boss? Huh, that'll be right. What don't you already know about what I'm supposed to be teaching you?"
"Uh...very little, I suppose. Oh well. Can we make my broom now?"
"You can. I've never seen a Warrior Mage at work before."
"Sure you have. You've been hanging around with me for - well - a while."
"Ah, so smart. Hey, before you leave, you can have a duel with Arian!"
"Which Arian?"
"Oh - how do you know dad's name?"
"I know quite a lot of things - like, go easy on Gem. One of her patients just died."
"How...on second thoughts, I don't want to know."
"I can sense everything around me - Elementa, you, your family, pretty much every person in the city - not all at once, of course, but...well, you get the idea."
"Wow. I am so glad that it's you and not me. That would just be freaky - hey, I can't wait to see mum's face. You already stunned her with your earlier outburst. This is going to blow her mind!"
"Leona Serena Helena Miranda Tide, I absolutely forbid you to tell anyone about this - I will tell people in my own time." Harry said, his voice slightly deeper than he remembered it. Leona stared at him, looking dumbfounded.
"Where in Socrates' name did that come from?"
"Er...no idea. Nice name by the way - someone have an obsession with names ending in 'a'?"
"Don't start, Mr Mage." Leona growled. Harry smiled winningly at her, leaping over the fence and running at full pelt towards the house.
"We have work to do - starting with my broomstick!" He yelled over his shoulder, waving a hand absently and making the parchment that had been in Leona's hands fly after him.
***
It seemed, to Serena, Leona's mother, that the boy had been training for a few weeks at least. But Leona had only had her trainee for a matter of days. She watched him ride around, before jumping back over the fence, saying something to Leona and running towards the house. His startling green eyes met hers for a moment, piercing her. She gulped, knowing that she had badly misjudged this boy, and wondered if he might join her for a class if she apologised. After all, her nine year olds had just started to learn about him. She had been completely shocked when he told her his name - Harry Potter. And he mentioned Voldemort too. She wondered about that - wasn't he supposed to have died when trying to kill Harry? Yet Harry had said something about his forces - as if they were still in existence. She made up her mind to ask him about it at some point after she had apologised.
***
Leona and Harry spent the afternoon in Harry's room as he made his broomstick, carefully shaping and smoothing it to perfection. Leona was pretty much redundant at that moment, relegated to only watching in awe. It wasn't too long before the handle of the broomstick was finished. Then Harry attached the brush at the end and began to spell it.
***
Four hours later, one beautiful, gleaming broomstick was finally ready to fly. Harry was incredibly eager to try it out, but Leona told him sternly that he could wait, and that it was dinnertime. Much as he protested, Harry couldn't get out of the meal, and was not looking forward to it. He and Leona walked down in to the large dining room, where Leona motioned for him to sit between her and Arian Jnr. Arian gave Harry a small smile, and Harry could tell that he had heard about what he had said to their mother.
"So, how's training going?" He asked brightly. Harry grinned back.
"Fantastically." He said.
"He just made his first broomstick and he's in love with it." Leona smirked. Harry shot her a 'just wait' look.
"Ah, I remember making my first broomstick." Arian said wistfully.
"Yeah, that went wrong." Leona giggled, making Arian blush.
"So I messed a few things up. I guess I was a bit eager."
"I just want to go and fly it." Harry said, glancing at the door.
"Oh no you don't, Mr Ma-"
"Leona." Harry hissed warningly.
"Oops. Sorry Harry."
"I'm sure you are." Harry replied dryly, as Arian looked between them, confused at the sudden change in tone.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing, Harry was just reminding me that he didn't like his nickname."
"Lee, you're digging yourself into a hole." Harry told her, knowing that Arian didn't but it for a second.
"Then help me get back out again." She replied.
"Nah - it's too much fun."
"Evil little monster."
"Why thank you." Harry smirked, just as Serena, Arian Snr and Gemini came in. Harry watched them all sit down - Gemini was smiling in a forced sort of way, while Serena refused to meet his gaze, and Arian Snr seemed to be staring into space.
"Harry, how are you?" Gemini asked kindly.
"Fine thank you. No problems. How are you?"
"I'm...all right." She said with a small sigh.
"You two have met already then?" Serena asked.
"Yes we have." Harry said softly, pinning Serena with a gaze. She squirmed uncomfortably for a moment before Harry turned to Gemini.
"By the way, I appreciate what you did for me."
"There wasn't much to do." Gemini shrugged.
"The reason I brought Harry here was that he had just been injured. Pretty badly, at that. Anyway, he healed himself, but I wanted to get him checked over, just to make sure."
"How badly injured?" Arian Jnr asked.
"Internal bleeding into the stomach, extensive bruising, muscle damage, as far as I can tell. Is that right?" Gemini asked, glancing at him.
"Yeah."
"How did that happen?" Serena asked. Harry sighed quietly. He didn't particularly want to be seen as some poor little abused child.
"His Uncle punched him." Leona put in angrily. Everyone stared at Harry as if he had sprouted little green tentacles all over his face.
"Yes, that's right. My uncle punched me, now, can we move on please? It's not as if my Uncle's the worst person I've come into conflict with."
"Harry, about what I said yesterday..."
"Apology accepted." Harry said swiftly. "But next time you meet a 'human' as you quaintly put it, don't put him down too quickly - after all, Voldemort began as a human. Merlin was - to my knowledge, at least - a human."
"Of course. Why do you speak as if he's still alive?"
"Who, Voldemort? He is."
"But...you killed him. When you were a year old."
"Nope. I didn't. His curse was reflected back onto himself. He was driven from his body. He was a shadow. Now he's regained his body."
"He's back?" Serena murmured in horror.
"Yeah. He's been back for a year now."
"Oh dear."
"That's one way to put it." Harry smirked. "Not the way I'd choose, but there you have it."
***
In the morning, Harry and Leona went for a fly. Harry's new broom outstripped even his Firebolt, and he loved it. All too soon, they landed, and it would be time to go back to the hidden room in no time at all. First though, he visited Elementa, riding bareback again for a little while. He didn't want to leave the horse, but as it wasn't his, there wasn't much he could do about it. He groomed him until his coat shone like spun silk. Leona stood behind him, not aware that he knew that she was there.
"Harry?" She said eventually.
"Oh, yeah. I'm just coming." Harry said somewhat gloomily.
"What? Oh, no. It wasn't that, it's just...well...me and Arian...we wanted you to have Elementa."
"I can't accept such a huge gift and you know it." Harry deadpanned.
"Don't be ridiculous. A Warrior Mage needs a horse, and Elementa needs a rider. And before you argue about having nowhere for him to stay, that 'hidden room' as you call it is more like a 'hidden estate' - it has stables and a schooling area too. He can stay there."
"You've got this all thought out, haven't you?"
"Of course. I had a feeling that you'd object. But I should tell you that neither Arian nor me is going to take no for an answer. So swallow your damn pride and accept the horse!"
"Fine! Ok, I accept the gift. Thank you."
"No problem. He He didn't That wasn't quite as hard as I had expected."
"I know when I'm going to get nowhere, and when and how to swallow my pride." Harry replied with a smile.
"Good - I wish I could say the same." She sighed wistfully and Harry laughed. "Thanks Lee." He said, giving her a quick hug. Leona smiled, returning the hug.
"Any time, kid." As he pulled away, Harry had his wand in his hand.
"Oh, and Lee? If you call me 'kid' once more, I'll hex you into the next dimension."
"Right. Ok." Leona said, watching apprehensively as he put his wand away.
"Oh don't look so scared. I was kidding - but please don't call me 'kid'."
"Fine - it's a bit out of date anyway, seeing as you know practically everything that I do."
"Not quite." Harry shrugged. "Anyway, about my horse - how is he going to travel?"
"The same way as us, of course."
"Er...if you say so. When are we leaving anyway?"
"In about an hour, I think."
"Ok." Harry nodded.
"There is one thing though..." Leona began somewhat nervously.
"Serena wants to talk to me, yes, I know already."
"How? Please tell me that Warrior Mages cannot read minds?"
"Don't be ridiculous. No, but I can sense feelings and stuff - well, if people project them enough. I guess when I'm fully trained I'll be able to sense more feelings, but until then, you're safe."
"What a relief."
"Anyway, I'll talk to her. And if she doesn't start spouting nonsense about my race, I promise I'll stay all nice and calm."
"Don't worry about it - being able to stand up to one of the most intimidating people in the city is a good thing - after all, you are going to be under a lot of scrutiny when it comes out that you're a Mage."
"I know. What's new?" Harry said with a shrug. The difference this time was that he was confident in himself, rather than looking to everyone else for reassurance that he was good enough.
***
Twenty minutes later saw Harry sitting in the lounge with Serena. She looked as awkward as he felt, although he was doing an amazing job of appearing confident. "I...well...Leona may have told you that I'm a history teacher."
"Yes." Harry said, wondering just where this was going, and whether it would get there soon.
"Yes, well, I've been teaching about you for almost fourteen years now, but I still don't know very much about you."
"Right."
"So...well...I was wondering...would you mind terribly telling me about yourself?"
"So that you can teach kids about me?" Harry asked, highly amused by this turn of events.
"Well yes."
"How about we go one better? I would like to see how schools here work. Why don't I come and meet this class of yours?"
"Would you?"
"Of course - but when I come back again - you'll have to arrange it with Leona - it's not as if I have a busy schedule, apart from my training."
"Brilliant. May I say that your training seems to be going very well."
"Perhaps you should tell Lee. I'm sure she'd appreciate knowing that you think she's doing a good job."
"Yes, of course."
***
Harry was grinning and shaking his head as he went back out to the hall, where Leona had been listening. She was smiling too, looking at him oddly.
"Thanks for standing up for me." She said quietly, hugging him.
"No problem. You deserve a lot of credit - after all, you've put up with me, haven't you?"
"Aww. You're so sweet. How about we get going? I want to go and meet these Dursley people."
"Lee, you know you can't kill them, right?"
"Don't be ludicrous, Harry. Who said anything about killing them? Now seriously maiming them, maybe, killing them, no."
"That's comforting." Harry replied dryly. "I still don't know whether it's such a great idea."
"You are way too cautious, you know."
"No, I'm just sensible - some of the time."
"You're the son of a Marauder! Come on, you have to admit that they deserve it."
"Now that I can do. Oh, all right. Best get it over and done with."
***
It was Remus who found the note that Harry had left on his desk, assuring them that he was fine. It took Remus almost five minutes simply to gain the attention of the two women, and even longer to persuade them that the note was genuine and that no, no one had tampered with it. He convinced them to go and let the headmaster know what was going on, while he checked behind the cupboard. Sure enough, there was a note tucked into the alcove, addressed to Remus. He also noticed that when he had been with Harry, the alcove had no back, but when at that point, there was a very solid back, blocking the entrance to the hidden room, ensuring that no one could gain entry. He quickly pushed the wardrobe back into place and opened the letter. Basically it said that Harry had gone to meet Leona's family, and see a bit of the Warrior City. He wondered slightly at the short notice, but decided that as long as Harry was ok, it didn't really matter.
***
Harry smiled as they reappeared in the hidden room, complete with Elementa. He pushed his senses out, trying to find Privet Drive, but was unsuccessful. He guessed that it was because of the sheer number of wards that he had to break through.
"Shall we take Elementa to his new home, then?"
"Sure." Harry nodded, taking hold of the horses halter. "Lead the way."
"No, you find your own way - lets call it a little test of your abilities. I'll cast charms and glamours and all sorts of spells, not to mention a few traps, and you have to find your way to the stable - I'll be waiting there."
"You're on." Harry grinned, leaping lightly onto Elementa's back.
***
Remus glanced at Molly and Tonks as he saw the cupboard move ever so slightly. He could hear faint voices, and moments later, Harry and Leona came out, chatting happily. They were immediately faced with three wands pointed at their chests.
"Uh...Harry, aren't these your friends?" Leona asked, her voice slightly shaking.
"We'll see soon." Harry replied, raising his own wand.
"What did you use to save Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets?" Molly asked.
"Godric Gryffindor's sword, pulled from the sorting hat. Next."
"Where are the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix and what do I always trip over when I go in?"
"I can't tell you about the headquarters because I don't know." Harry lied, making Tonks' wand come even closer.
"But you always trip over the Umbrella stand - the first time I saw you do it, you woke up that god-awful portrait of Sirius' mum."
"Uhh...right."
"Harry, why did you use the fireplace to contact Sirius in the Easter Holidays?"
"Because I wanted to ask him what dad was like when he was at school." Harry said, remembering it perfectly. Remus nodded.
"Now, Mrs Weasley, what size of shoe do I wear?"
"Size eight." Molly answered without delay. Harry grinned. No deatheater would have thought to learn that.
"Tonks - what's your full name?"
"Nymphadora Rachel Tonks." Tonks replied huffily.
"Hmm. A deatheater might have known that though. Ok, what happened the other morning in the garden?"
"You knew I was there while I was invisible, and you knew exactly where I was." Tonks replied.
"Now, Remus, what did I cook for dinner in the hidden room?"
"Steak - well done, with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy." Remus replied, licking his lips. "And I'll have it again, if there's any going."
"Maybe in a little while, Moony." Harry laughed, putting his wand back into a holder that was strapped to his forearm.
"Anyone want to see my new broom?" He asked gleefully. Leona smirked and muttered something under her breath.
"I heard that, Lee. Say it again, and we might have a different sort of flying display."
"Hey, who is the trainer here?"
"Oh! So you're Leona! Remus was telling us about you." Tonks said.
"What is going on here?" Molly frowned.
"Mrs Weasley, this is my Warrior Trainer, Leona Tide, Lee, this is Mrs Weasley, I told you about the Weasleys, didn't I?"
"Yeah."
"A Warrior Trainer? What's that?"
"I take it the Order hasn't met yet, then?" Harry questioned
"No." Remus replied.
"I'm a Warrior. Leona's my trainer. She's a Warrior too."
"A Warrior? Is that dangerous?"
"No more so than being 'The Boy Who Lived', oh, and Moony, would you believe that I'm famous in the Warrior world as well?"
"Yes, I would believe it. But I thought Leona didn't know anything about you..."
"No, I was just a little slow in putting the clues together." Leona blushed.
"Ah. Ok then. So, what about this broom? What happened to your Firebolt?"
"That evil hag Umbridge confiscated it. I'll have to see about getting it back from Dumbledore." Harry said, scowling in memory of the previous year's Defence Teacher.
"Right. That explains it then. Let's see the new one then." Harry pulled out a sleek black and brown broomstick, holding it proudly.
"That is one mean broomstick." Tonks said appreciatively.
"Thanks." Harry grinned.
"The design is very unusual. Where did you get it?"
"Well...I...umm...I made it."
"Made it? As in, from scratch?"
"Yeah. Designing, shaping, enchanting, smoothing, polishing, spelling and polishing again. I have two similar ones - slightly different though."
"Two? What's wrong with just having one?"
"Well...the wood...usually a broomstick's made with just one type of wood, but because I'm odd, I was suited to a mixture of two types of wood. So rather than wasting the wood, I made two."
"You know, this broom could give the Firebolts and the Nimbuses a run for their money - that is, assuming that it flies well."
"Try it." Harry grinned, handing Remus the broomstick. The werewolf, having never been overly fond of flying, took it reluctantly, and mounted it. Even he had to admit that it felt wonderful.
"This is a good broom - I think maybe Charlie would be better to test it, though."
"Actually, I was wondering...could we keep this between us?"
"Why?" Mrs Weasley asked in surprise.
"Because I want to tell Ron and Hermione myself - and now is not the time. Besides, I need to figure out how to break it to them gently."
"Without Ron getting jealous." Molly nodded sympathetically.
"Yeah." Harry nodded.
"Ok, we won't tell anyone - but are you sure that I can't ask Charlie to try this out - without mentioning any names, of course."
"Why not? Is he around just now?"
"Yeah."
"Right - just remember to take photo's, ok?"
"Why don't you come too? We'll do it later - that way, we can reassure Dumbledore that you are fine, and you can see Ron and Hermione."
"Great - can they come back here for a few minutes too?"
"You want to show them the room?"
"Of course."
"I'll see what I can do." Remus said.
"Thanks. Now, who wants food - I'll cook." Harry said.
"I don't trust those awful Muggles." Tonks replied, shaking her head.
"Me neither. I was thinking more about my room."
"We're in your room." Tonks said, clearly wondering whether he was slightly mad.
"My other room - oh, just follow me." Harry said.
***
Molly wasn't sure what to make of Harry's hidden room. It was very comfortable, but on the other hand, the walls were decorated with swords, and there seemed to be an awfully large number of weapons around. Harry walked through to the large kitchen, taking a look in the fridge.
"Once again, we have just about everything, so it's up to you what you want to eat." He said with a smile.
"What do you cook best?" Remus asked immediately, while both Tonks and Molly looked apprehensive.
"Umm...I'm not sure. How about...spaghetti carbonara?"
"Sounds good." Remus decided. "I'll have that."
"Mrs Weasley? Tonks? Lee?"
"Erm...well...I'm not sure." Tonks said quickly.
"Harry, dear, I can cook for us. It's not a problem." Molly said, watching him nervously.
"Harry, I know you're going to be an amazing Warrior and everything, but are you sure you can cook? The last time Arian or my father cooked, we spent three days with food poisoning." Harry rolled his eyes and looked over at Remus.
"Huh. Moony, are you still up for eating with me?"
"Mm hmm." Remus said with a grin. "And if your spaghetti whatsit is anywhere near as good as your steak, you lot don't know what you're missing."
"Nice to know that someone has faith in my cooking abilities. Molly, feel free to cook something for you, Tonks and Lee. I'll cook for Remus and me."
"It's not that we don't trust you, dear. It's just that...well..."
"You aren't used to males in the kitchen?"
"Something like that. I mean, the boys have never once shown any interest in cooking."
"Well, no offence meant, Mrs Weasley, but they've all been spoilt - you've been cooking for them all of their lives. I've been doing most of the cooking here since I was four or five. It's one of the few chores I don't mind."
"Four or five?" Tonks asked, "Could you even see over the hob?"
"Nope. Now, do you want to cook first or shall I?"
"Er...is there any of that spaghetti still going?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah, if you want it. Anyone else want to change their minds?"
"Ok, I'll give it a go - but mark my words, if I get even a slight case of food poisoning, I will make your life hell for the next three weeks at least."
"Fair enough. Mrs Weasley?"
"Oh go on then. There's no point in cooking two separate meals."
***
All three women were pleasantly surprised by how well Harry could cook - Leona was grinning as she thought of his status as a Warrior Mage - a domesticated Warrior Mage, apparently. She thought it was rather novel.
"This is very good, Harry. What was it called again?"
"Spaghetti carbonara." Harry repeated. "It's a Muggle dish."
"It's lovely." Tonks agreed. "You can cook more often, methinks. Molly, you might have some competition, here."
"I agree. Very nice, Harry. What's for pudding?" Remus asked cheekily.
"Remus!" Molly said, scandalised at his audacity.
"It's ok, Mrs Weasley, Remus is a growing boy - as am I, in fact." Harry grinned, producing a large torte that looked delicious.
"Harry, I'm going to steal you and make you my house-elf." Tonks murmured.
"No way - back off, girlie, he's mine." Lee argued.
"Actually, I think that as a friend of his parents, I get priority." Remus grinned.
"I think I'll stay here, if it's all the same to you three. You can always drop in for dinner sometimes."
"Now there's an idea. Oh yes, and snacks on shift!"
"What have I got myself in to?" Harry groaned. Molly smiled at him as the others talked about how often they would be able to come in.
"I'm sure they won't be as bad as they are making out." Molly said kindly. "But would you mind if I took some of this back for the others?"
"Take the lot - I daresay that Tonks and Remus will help polish it off."
***
True to their word, Remus and Tonks took every opportunity to 'drop in' over the next few days. Harry had gotten into the habit of always having something ready to eat, as they tended to come at the most inopportune moments. It was three days before Remus was able to tell him that Ron and Hermione would be allowed to visit for a little while the next day, and then they would all go to Grimmauld Place for the afternoon, and Harry would return the next morning. Harry grinned and nodded, knowing that he and the other two would be able to spend the equivalent of six weeks in the room if they wanted to. He spent the rest of that day restless, throwing himself into whatever work Leona found for him to do so that he could leave exhausted and sleep through to the next day. Unfortunately, as soon as he exited the room, the Dursleys produced a huge list of chores for him to do.
***
"What are you up to now then?" Came a friendly voice. Harry turned around to see Daniella behind him, watching him closely.
"Washing my Uncle's car." Harry said.
"Are you always doing chores for them?"
"Most of the time. I can't wait to get out of this hell-hole tomorrow."
"You're leaving?" Daniella looked dismayed, and Harry wondered why.
"Yeah - just overnight though."
"Oh good - I thought my one hope for a decent conversation was disappearing." Harry laughed, trying to imagine having a decent conversation with Dudley - it was impossible.
"There you go Tonks, someone appreciates me for something other than my cooking." He said.
"Huh? Tonks is here?"
"Right behind me. And no, Tonks. I don't have anything out here for you to eat - you'll have to wait until I can get back into the house."
"Harry, honey, you know we appreciate you for more than just your cooking - it's just a very big added bonus."
"Thanks." Harry replied dryly.
"You cook?" Daniella asked curiously.
"Does he cook? No, he doesn't cook - he creates masterpieces with food!" Tonks said enthusiastically. Harry groaned, going back to washing the car.
"Are you getting taller, Harry?" Tonks asked suddenly. Harry smirked, he had been wondering when someone would notice that he was changing quite drastically rather quickly.
"You know, you do look taller - growth spurt in under a week?"
"All part of the job." Harry shrugged.
"Oh!" Tonks said, understanding. "Any other changes on the way?" She asked cheekily.
"What d'you mean on the way? Just because you can't see them." Harry said coyly. He could imagine Tonks going several shades of red before turning a spectacular shade of magenta. Then he realised that he really was seeing Tonks go several shades of red and magenta.
"Tonks, are you still wearing the invisibility cloak?"
"Of course - ohh."
"Hmm. Nice blush by the way - very spectacular." Harry then took in what she was wearing, and barely stifled a snort.
"Sleep in?" He asked, taking in her shorts and cropped top pyjamas. "Very fetching. Never really saw you as the 'cute puppy' pyjama type."
"I never knew you cared." Tonks retorted, hoping to get a reaction. She was sadly disappointed.
"Is that the best you can do, honey?" He asked, his voice dropping down a notch. Tonks' eyes were large with surprise. She was turning every colour under the sun under Harry's gaze.
"Uhh...I'll just be...going, now..."
"If you go to my room I'll be up in a while." Harry said. Tonks nearly fell over in shock, as Harry smirked at her.
"What? You expect me to pull food from nowhere?"
"Oh! Of course! I knew that's what you meant. I...yeah." Tonks vanished from sight with a small pop, leaving Harry chuckling, and Danielle staring at him in amusement.
"I think I totally missed the point of that entire conversation." She said.
"There was no point - well, apart from teasing Tonks."
"Right. I'll bet that last bit knocked her for six."
"Just mildly." Harry laughed. "Well, I'd better go and sort her out with some food before she decides to eat me."
"Ok - save me some!"
"Yeah right - like Tonks is likely to leave any." Harry grinned.
***
Harry could feel Tonks' eyes fixed on him unwaveringly as he cooked. It was a little unnerving, even if he had grown used to it.
"What are you staring at me for?"
"I'm not staring at you." Tonks said weakly.
"Yeah, right. And Voldemort's not evil in the slightest." Harry retorted.
"How did you know, anyway?"
"Your eyes were practically boring holes through me. What's up?"
"I miss Sirius." Tonks murmured in a small voice. Harry looked up at her, slightly shocked to see her crying.
"Me too." He murmured, sitting next to her.
"You reminded me so much of him earlier - all flirty and...well...Sirius."
"I reminded you of Sirius?"
"Yeah. He would be so proud of you, you know. He was always going on about you when you weren't around. I know it may have seemed like he thought of you as another James at times, but he never saw you like that. You were Harry to him. Not Harry Potter, and certainly not James Potter. You surprised him so many times Harry - like when you set up the DA. I guess he saw you in a different light after that - he never really understood why you weren't always ready to take unnecessary risks to have a little fun - he began to understand your motivations after that. He really respected you, you know. He saw himself in you just a little bit - bound by perceptions that weren't always right. Only you had the weight of the world on your shoulders. He felt really guilty that he couldn't give you a family. He so wanted to." Tonks was crying freely now, but there was a smile on her face. Harry could feel tears on his own face, and felt the prickling of his palms.
"Thanks Tonks." He murmured, taking her hand. She pulled him into a hug, slowly realising that something wasn't right. Her hands...she looked down to see a small trickle of blood running from their joined hands. Harry pulled his hand away, watching the cuts with morbid fascination. It felt oddly calming to watch his own blood flow. Tonks was horrified.
"Harry! Stop it! It wasn't your fault!" She screeched. Harry didn't hear her. He just stared at his hands as the blood spread. He was slowly growing pale, but a small smile crept across his face. Maybe if he passed out, when he woke up, everything would be different. He could hear muffled screams in the background, as if they were trying to penetrate a brick wall. Faintly, he recognised that it was Tonks - calling his name frantically.
***
Tonks was terrified. She had no idea how to snap Harry out of the trance- like state he had entered. He didn't respond to anything. She was getting hysterical and she knew it, but she couldn't do anything else - he was scaring her beyond all belief. Did he really want to die? Suddenly Harry's eyes glowed and he growled. "NO!" Tonks yelped and hurried to him as he fell slowly. The blood on his hands mercifully disappeared, but the small cuts remained. As she watched, they began to close and heal one by one. Harry was unconscious. Tonks had no such release from her torment - she waited by Harry's side until he woke, stroking the hair from his face as he had a nightmare. She pondered her earlier thought - wondering what was really going on in his head. What did he have to live for? Expectations. Everyone expected him to play the part of the hero, to be strong and hold up the world single-handedly. The only people he had left were the Weasleys, his almost surrogate family, and Remus. She thought of the things he had been through, and suddenly got a clear view of just what it was like to be Harry - everyone expected things from him, including, if she was honest, herself. Still, she couldn't let him blame himself for something he hadn't done - not when the results were potentially lethal.
***
Harry woke several hours later, with his head in Tonks' lap. He immediately saw that she was asleep, and that she had been crying. He reached out to brush the tears from her cheeks, waking her in the process. "I'm sorry." He said quietly. His fingers were still on her face, his voice full of honesty. Tonks took his other hand and was relieved to see that there was only one scar left, right down the centre.
"You scared me."
"I'm sorry." He repeated.
"I know." She didn't press the topic, not wanting to push him away. "Well, I'm here if you want to talk."
"Thanks Tonks. Everything's kind of piling on top of me at the moment, but I'll keep that in mind."
"Good."
***
The next morning, at ten am, Remus, Tonks, Ron and Hermione appeared in the smallest room of Number 4, Privet Drive. Harry grinned at them, his eyes lingering for a moment on Tonks, who smiled back.
"Harry!" As was her usual custom, Hermione enveloped Harry in a massive hug in way of greeting.
"Hermione, if you strangle our chef, we may have to find a house-elf to replace him." Tonks warned. Hermione rolled her eyes and let go of Harry.
"All right, mate?" Ron asked tentatively.
"I'm not going to break, Ron." Harry said levelly.
"Of course not. See Ron, I told you he would be fine!" Hermione said happily. Harry felt anger flare within him. It hurt him to think that someone as intelligent as Hermione was, and as close to him as she was, would be so willing to believe that he would be as right as rain so soon after his Godfather's death. He clenched his fists for a moment, feeling that scars that ran down the centre of each palm. Was he fine? Not by a long shot, but he wasn't going to break. At least, no more than he had done already. Ron was watching him curiously, obviously wondering what was going on. Harry's gaze found Tonks and Remus, both of whom looked stunned.
"Shall we just go to Grimmauld place?" He suggested, not feeling quite so eager to share his secret anymore.
"That's probably a good idea." Tonks replied softly. "Is Leona coming?"
"She said she probably would, but as the plans have changed..."
"Why don't we go ahead and Leona can bring you - she knows where to go."
"Thanks Remus."
"I'll stay." Tonks said. Both Ron and Hermione looked thoroughly confused by now, having no idea who Leona was.
"Right, don't be too long though, will you?"
"No." Tonks and Harry chorused.
***
Once his friends had left, Harry let his anger flare fully. Tonks watched apprehensively as he stormed over to the cupboard and slipped behind it. She followed quickly. Once in the hidden room, he conjured a dummy opponent and pulled a sword from the wall. Once the dummy was cut to ribbons, Harry replaced the sword and jogged out to the stables. Harry rode for a while before grooming Elementa and leaving again. He went into a room that only he could gain access to - his personal library and office. Why he needed an office, he wasn't sure, but it was his space, and his alone. He spent hours lost in books, searching for something to take his mind off the situation with his friends. It didn't seem very long until there was a sharp knock at the door - it was Tonks and Leona. He went to the door, telling them that he would be out in a few minutes.
***
"Hey kid." Leona said affectionately. "Are you ok?"
"Lee, do you remember what I said about you calling me that?"
"Sorry. So what went wrong?"
"Apparently one of my best friends doesn't know me as well as I thought she did."
"Hermione?"
"Yeah. She's convinced I'm just fine and dandy."
"Oh."
"Yes, oh. So needless to say, I decided to wait a while before telling them."
"That's probably a good thing. So who am I, then?"
"Er...good question."
***
Moments after Remus arrived with Ron and Hermione, there was a small blast of light as Tonks, Harry and Leona appeared.
"Who're you?" Ron asked Leona immediately.
"Ron, right?" Leona asked Harry, who nodded.
"Who else?" He replied.
"Well, Ron, I'm Leona Tide. I'm a Warrior, and one of Harry's guard dogs."
"A Warrior?"
"Are you really? Wow, Warriors are really rare."
"Hermione." Leona said, a tad coolly. "Actually, we're not at all rare - not if you know where to look."
"Oh. So why are you guarding Harry? Doesn't the Order have enough people doing that?"
"I guess there's no such thing as too much protection."
"Oh yes there is." Harry disagreed. "At least you don't disappear under an invisibility cloak."
"I don't need a cloak to become invisible. I choose not to be invisible because I like being able to talk to you."
"What is a Warrior? I'm sure I've heard of them before..." Ron asked.
"Oh honestly, Ron!" Hermione huffed.
"It's ok. We're basically magical people that are very attuned to nature and show an incredible aptitude towards offence and defence. We don't necessarily need a wand to do magic and we're more powerful than your average witch or wizard - we also have more of a responsibility towards the protection of people - although many of my kind have forgotten that last part. We have become separated from the Wizarding world - the only reason that we know of Voldemort's return is through Harry. Also, there are different types of Warriors - my brother and father are battle Warriors. A bit like the Muggle army, I suppose. That's the stereotypical view of Warriors, but not everyone goes into battle. There are also Warrior healers, like my sister, which is pretty self-explanatory, and then there are the teachers and the trainers - my mum is a history teacher for the younger kids, and I'm a trainer. I train a young Warrior to be a Warrior."
"Huh? Does that mean that anyone can be a Warrior?"
"No. Most Warriors come from Warrior families. A few just sort of 'appear'. Either way, they have the potential to be a Warrior. It is impossible to take an ordinary witch or wizard and train them to be a Warrior."
"Pity." Ron mumbled.
"Are you a Warrior, Harry?" Hermione asked shrewdly.
"Yeah." Harry replied shortly. "So, is Charlie around?"
"Somewhere about, why?"
"I wanted him to test Harry's new broom." Remus said.
"You've got a new broom? What about your Firebolt?"
"It was confiscated, remember?"
"But there's no better broom on the market!"
"I made my own." Harry shrugged, watching Ron's jaw drop.
"Where is it?"
"Here." Harry said, holding out the broom to Ron, who took it.
"Whose design?"
"Mine. I thought that was implied when I said that I made it."
"Who enchanted it? We can't use magic outside of school."
"The ministry has no jurisdiction over Lesea. They wouldn't even know I used magic."
"Lesea? What's that?"
"The Warrior city. And the Ministry wouldn't be able to punish you anyway, even if you used magic here."
"Yeah, but I don't particularly want Voldemort to know about this."
"I suppose."
***
Charlie did test Harry's broom and decided that it was a little more temperamental than the Firebolt, but it was faster and smoother. Overall, Harry thought, not a bad first attempt. He spent most of the day avoiding Ron and Hermione's questions, preferring to spend more time either alone or with the adults. He tried vainly to block out the memories of the house that belonged to Sirius, but even he couldn't block out the screeching of Mrs Black's portrait.
"Still haven't managed to get rid of her, then?" He grimaced.
"Unfortunately not. And believe me, we've tried absolutely everything."
"Absolutely everything?"
"Well, everything we could think of." Remus said.
"Lee, can you conjure a Muggle lighter for me, please?"
"Here you go." Leona said, passing him the Muggle contraption. He took it and muttered something under his breath that only Leona and Remus heard, before moving closer to the old canvas.
"Good riddance, you old hag." He said venomously, lighting the corner of the portrait. Mrs Black's screamed insults turned to shrieks of terror as flames began to consume the painting.
"Someone help me! Put it out!" She bawled, trying vainly to escape. Remus' hand found Harry's shoulder as everyone watched the flames devour the last scraps of paint and canvas.
"I would like to leave now." Harry said softly. Ron and Hermione looked confused as to why he would want to go back to the Muggles' before he had to. "I'll take you." Leona said, looking worried. "Remus, tell the headmaster that I'm taking Harry to Lesea again. Too much too soon, I think. We'll be gone for about two weeks, I should imagine - that gives us a year." "Sure. Just be careful, ok. I'll see you when you get back, Harry." Harry was unresponsive as first Remus and then Tonks hugged him. He looked totally blank, his eyes devoid of emotion as they stared into the dying embers.
***
As soon as Harry and Leona disappeared, chaos reigned in number 12, Grimmauld Place. Some of the Order cheered, realising that never would they have to out up with the infernal noise of the portrait that no one else had been able to shift. Others, like Lupin and Tonks, slipped from the hallway in silence, worried about Harry. Ron and Hermione followed.
"Pro - Remus, what's wrong with Harry?" Hermione asked. Remus studied her for a moment, his face unreadable.
"I'm disappointed in you, Hermione. You of all people shouldn't have expected him to be perfect so soon after Sirius' death."
"But he seemed fine!" Hermione protested, looking from Remus to Tonks, who was now looking at her with something approaching dislike.
"He seemed fine before. Did you see his hands at any point today?"
"No, he was wearing gloves."
"No wonder. He has scars right down the centre of his palms. That is just how fine he is." Tonks said, remembering the blood pouring from his hands and shuddering.
"Scars? But how..."
"When a Warrior believes himself responsible for someone's death, the blood that they believe is on their hands becomes real."
"What...?"
"Harry blames himself for Sirius' death. Because he is a Warrior, he was unconsciously punishing himself by slicing his palms open." Hermione had gone pale, while Ron looked scared.
"He's intentionally hurting himself?"
"Not intentionally. It's more sub-conscious than intended. His hands split when he's feeling guilty."
"How many times has that happened?"
"Once." Remus said.
"Twice." Tonks disagreed. "That we know of, anyway."
"When?" Remus asked, looking more worried than he had before.
"Yesterday. We were talking about Sirius - he seemed fine, and then he just...he went all distant. His hands got hot, and then started to bleed. He went into like a trance." Tonks shuddered again and repressed a sob. She hated to see Harry in pain.
"He never said anything..."
"Would you expect him to?"
"But...he agreed that he was fine!"
"He said he wouldn't break - there's a difference."
"I...I thought...well..."
"Remus, what's going on?" Albus Dumbledore asked, frowning as he walked in.
"Harry got rid of Sirius' mother. He's had rather a day of it, and Leona took him back to Lesea. Says that they'll be gone around two weeks - a year in their time."
"He'll be gone for a year?" Hermione and Ron asked in unison.
"To us, it'll be like he's just been gone for a fortnight. To him, a year will have passed. He'll probably be quite different by the time he gets back." Remus said.
"Two weeks? Very well, when he returns, he will move here. Leona too, if she wishes to."
"I don't think he'll like that." Tonks said softly. "He hates it here - if we want him to live through this summer, I would say that moving him here would be a very bad idea. Let him stay at the Muggles - he needs his space, and he definitely doesn't need to be around here." Ron and Hermione looked slightly suspicious, as Remus nodded his agreement.
"Very well. He may stay with the Muggles." The headmaster sighed.
Not Normal. As Per Usual.
After their day out, both Harry and Leona were tired out. It seemed like the day had lasted forever, Harry thought, then again, it had lasted almost a week, he supposed. What with everything that had happened. They made their way back to Leona's parents' house, despite Harry's protests.
"Here's the plan. We're going to stay here, then tomorrow morning, we can make a start on proving everyone wrong, ok?"
"Sounds great." Harry grinned. He looked at his new watch and smiled. He could definitely grow fond of this rather odd land.
"Can we go for a fly at some point though? I haven't flown since that evil hag banned me and confiscated my Firebolt. Ah. I still haven't got it back."
"Oh! Perfect. I can teach you to make your own. It's part of the course anyway."
"Make my own broomstick?"
"Yeah - woodwork and enchantment. It's quite difficult though - but I'm sure that you can handle it."
"Brilliant. This is going to be so great. I think I'm beginning to like this whole Warrior business."
"That's good - I hated it to begin with. Mind you, I was a rather...spoilt child."
"No kidding." Harry grinned. "You didn't have some insane Dark Lord after you either, which I suppose is a blessing."
"You are way too used to this if you can joke about it."
"Why not? I can't change a prophecy, so why bother trying to fight it."
"Prophecy? Now you left that little bit of info out of your explanation."
"Did I? Oh well. It's just the usual, you know."
"No, I don't."
"Come on Lee, it's not that difficult to figure out."
"It wouldn't happen to be one of those - 'you or him' prophecies, would it?"
"Got it in one. Only I prefer the term 'kill or be killed' myself. It all boils down to the same. I'm the one who has to save the world from evil Voldemort."
"Uh...when did you find this out?"
"The same day my godfather died. The same day I flunked History of Magic because I fell asleep and dreamed of Voldemort. What was it they said about things happening in threes?"
"They told you this prophecy the day your godfather died? That was rather...mean." "I guess it was sort of made to stop me destroying the headmaster's office. Anyway, it's probably a good thing I know. At least I know that I'm under no circumstances allowed to commit suicide."
"That's cheerful."
"Isn't it?" Harry grinned again, pushing those thoughts from his mind. "So, what do I do to make a broomstick?"
"Well, first we need a design."
"I'll do that." Harry said immediately, the perfect broom blooming in his mind.
"I thought you might want to create your own, rather than using someone else's design."
"Yeah. Ok, what happens after that?"
"Well, you have to go out and search for wood that feels good for you. You'll know what I mean when you feel it. Then we get to the good bit."
"What's that?"
"Carving the wood and enchanting it. Then we polish and shape it before adding the last spells and things. When I say we, I mean you, of course."
"Naturally." Harry grinned. "Can we go and choose the wood now?"
"I think we should get some sleep first. We'll choose it first thing in the morning, ok?"
"Fine. Ok. First thing."
"Ah. You aren't one of these incredibly annoying people who get up at the crack of dawn, are you?"
"Sometimes." Harry grinned. Leona groaned loudly.
***
True to her word, Leona took Harry out at six o'clock the next morning to find the wood for his broom. Harry had no idea where they would 'happen' to find a piece of wood long enough for a broom, but as Leona seemed to know where she was going, he didn't bother questioning her, though he did take note of the route they took.
"Here we are!" She said fifteen minutes later, standing beside a gate. Behind her stood a huge wood of many different types of tree. Harry felt his jaw drop as she led him in.
"What you do is look around until you feel drawn to one type of tree. Then we'll ask the tree to give up some of its wood. They're amazing things, these trees. Very generous. Of course, they do expect a little something in return."
"And what would that be?"
"Oh, just a hug."
"A hug? I have to hug a tree?"
"Yes." Leona said, smiling at his rather dubious expression. "Ok, so maybe you don't. Giving them a few Sickles works too."
"I knew it. I'm really not that gullible, you know."
"Ah well, it was worth a try. Go on then, this has been known to take all day."
"Ok." Harry said, setting off. He wandered about aimlessly, whistling quietly to himself.
***
Three hours later, Harry still hadn't found a tree he was 'drawn' to, and Leona was getting a little exasperated. "I was kidding about it taking all day, you know."
"Well it took ages to find my wand, why should wood for a broom be any different?"
"What's your wand made from?"
"Holly." Harry said, pulling it from his pocket.
"Why not try that holly over there then?" Leona suggested, pointing to her right. Harry headed in that direction, but stopped suddenly, looking off in another direction.
"What? You feel the pull?"
"No." Harry frowned. "I feel two pulls. Holly and - what's that - oh, ebony."
"Two?" Leona replied rather blankly. Harry nodded.
"The pull is strongest here - if I move in either direction, it gets weaker."
"Very well. You'll have to ask both trees then - we'll make two broomsticks."
"Right." Harry walked up to the holly, and before Leona could say anything, he bowed on impulse.
"Ah, a courteous young one. Put your money away, Young One, we do not wish for it. Here is your wood. Take good care of it and it will serve you well." Said the deep, grumbling voice. Harry nodded solemnly, bowing once again.
"You will do admirably, Warrior Mage, do not fret." It said in such a quiet tone that Harry knew no one else would have heard it. The same thing was repeated with the ebony, and Harry was feeling slightly unnerved by the fact that even in Warrior terms, he was different. A Mage, he thought, remembering the book that Remus had leant him. He couldn't quite recall what that meant exactly.
"Hey Lee, what's a Warrior Mage?" He asked suddenly. Leona looked slightly taken aback by this question, which seemed to come out of the blue.
"Well, I guess the easiest way to describe them is an extra-powerful Warrior. They can learn things much quicker than ordinary Warriors and are reputed to be the guardians of the race - and probably the world. A bit like Royalty, I suppose. Why? Where did you hear about them?"
"In a book." Harry replied smoothly - it wasn't a total lie, after all - "So, when was the last Warrior Mage alive?"
"Umm...she died about two millennia ago, I think. Mum would know better than me. Anyway, a lot of people say that there will never be another one - old ways die out pretty quickly, and they say that there's just no place for a Mage anymore. I'm inclined to disagree with them though - there will always be a place for a Warrior Mage. There has to be. Otherwise, what's the point of Warriors? No, I reckon that there'll be another one yet. It's just a matter of when and who." "You think?" Harry said thoughtfully. It sounded like these Warriors didn't care for the Warrior Mages anymore, and if he was what the tree had said... "Maybe you're right. I think though, that maybe people have forgotten what a Warrior Mage is like. Since it's been so long. They aren't really able to see the benefits of them." "Yeah. Probably."
***
Harry and Leona spent the next hour going over what Harry knew instinctively. Leona didn't say anything, but he knew pretty much the entire course. He was lying on his stomach on the grass, drawing his plans for the two broomsticks. He had decided that two was probably a good idea - just in case one was lost, stolen or broken. The possibility of any of these things happening was extremely small, due to the charms and enchantments that would be placed on them, but the theory was a good one. Leona watched him carefully as he whistled cheerfully. She also noticed that one of the horses of her father's had come to the edge of the field, and was watching him too. It was an Arab - one of the more highly-strung horses in their stables, and used primarily for breeding. He was a young stallion, and incredibly impressive looking, totally blue-black except for the small blotch of white on his flank, in the shape of a crescent moon and the narrow white blaze going down his nose. This small, seemingly insignificant detail was the reason that the midnight blue-black stallion had not found another home. Everyone seemed to want the perfect horse - entirely one colour. Of course, his temperament was a little less than perfect as well, but Leona was sure he would make an excellent horse once trained. Harry looked up after a few minutes, watching the horse every bit as closely as the horse was watching him. With little warning, he stood up and approached the fence. Leona watched, intrigued, as he walked over, as if mesmerized. His lips began to move as he spoke softly, the words carrying to where Leona was.
"Elementa. I'm home." He said. Leona's eyes widened to the point that it was comical - the one thing she always remembered about the Warrior Mage was that he - or she - had a horse named Elementa. The stallion answered Harry with a soft whinny of welcome, and lowered his head to meet Harry's hand.
"Always the impatient one, my Elementa." He murmured, vaulting over the fence, and onto the horses back. Compared to when he had rode the first time, he looked a thousand times more at ease at that point. Even without a saddle and reins, he seemed perfectly capable of controlling Elementa.
***
Harry felt as if he were in heaven. The doubt he had felt over being a Warrior Mage had fled when he had met Elementa, one of the horses on the grounds of Leona's home. He was back where he belonged. He knew it all instinctively, knowing each animal in the vicinity and feeling the presence of all the Warriors and their families. Leona's mother was watching from the window, thoroughly shocked at what she saw. She had been watching since they returned from the forest. Gemini was on her way home from the hospital. A patient of hers had died earlier. Arian was out on patrol - his job was a soldier in the Warrior Army. Leona's father, Arian Senior, was sitting in his office, reading a book about wizards. Then there was Elementa, the stallion that had been waiting for his arrival for just short of six years - he was ecstatic now, every bit as comfortable as Harry was. Leona - Harry smiled to himself as she swelled with pride for her young trainee. She knew it too - he was a Warrior Mage. Harry pushed these thoughts from his mind, concentrating on the horse that moved gracefully, his movements smooth and perfect. Nothing else mattered at that point - it was just him and Elementa.
***
By the time Elementa and Harry had slowed, Leona had managed to regain her bearings enough to go and see what he had been drawing before hand. She picked up the sketch, marvelling at the design that Harry had created. It would be perfect for him.
"A Warrior Mage. Incredible." She muttered, excitement pumping through her veins. This would be as much of a learning curve for her as it would be for Harry - if not more so.
***
Harry slowed Elementa and dismounted. He would have loved to continue riding for as long as Elementa would carry him, but unfortunately, he knew he had other things that he needed to do - like make his broomstick, and finish the course that would have taken him almost three years to complete had he been a normal Warrior. Elementa followed him as he walked over to the fence.
"It's about time too - what did you do, slip into Automatic?" Leona teased.
"Something like that." Harry grinned. "So, what's next on the agenda now, boss?"
"Boss? Huh, that'll be right. What don't you already know about what I'm supposed to be teaching you?"
"Uh...very little, I suppose. Oh well. Can we make my broom now?"
"You can. I've never seen a Warrior Mage at work before."
"Sure you have. You've been hanging around with me for - well - a while."
"Ah, so smart. Hey, before you leave, you can have a duel with Arian!"
"Which Arian?"
"Oh - how do you know dad's name?"
"I know quite a lot of things - like, go easy on Gem. One of her patients just died."
"How...on second thoughts, I don't want to know."
"I can sense everything around me - Elementa, you, your family, pretty much every person in the city - not all at once, of course, but...well, you get the idea."
"Wow. I am so glad that it's you and not me. That would just be freaky - hey, I can't wait to see mum's face. You already stunned her with your earlier outburst. This is going to blow her mind!"
"Leona Serena Helena Miranda Tide, I absolutely forbid you to tell anyone about this - I will tell people in my own time." Harry said, his voice slightly deeper than he remembered it. Leona stared at him, looking dumbfounded.
"Where in Socrates' name did that come from?"
"Er...no idea. Nice name by the way - someone have an obsession with names ending in 'a'?"
"Don't start, Mr Mage." Leona growled. Harry smiled winningly at her, leaping over the fence and running at full pelt towards the house.
"We have work to do - starting with my broomstick!" He yelled over his shoulder, waving a hand absently and making the parchment that had been in Leona's hands fly after him.
***
It seemed, to Serena, Leona's mother, that the boy had been training for a few weeks at least. But Leona had only had her trainee for a matter of days. She watched him ride around, before jumping back over the fence, saying something to Leona and running towards the house. His startling green eyes met hers for a moment, piercing her. She gulped, knowing that she had badly misjudged this boy, and wondered if he might join her for a class if she apologised. After all, her nine year olds had just started to learn about him. She had been completely shocked when he told her his name - Harry Potter. And he mentioned Voldemort too. She wondered about that - wasn't he supposed to have died when trying to kill Harry? Yet Harry had said something about his forces - as if they were still in existence. She made up her mind to ask him about it at some point after she had apologised.
***
Leona and Harry spent the afternoon in Harry's room as he made his broomstick, carefully shaping and smoothing it to perfection. Leona was pretty much redundant at that moment, relegated to only watching in awe. It wasn't too long before the handle of the broomstick was finished. Then Harry attached the brush at the end and began to spell it.
***
Four hours later, one beautiful, gleaming broomstick was finally ready to fly. Harry was incredibly eager to try it out, but Leona told him sternly that he could wait, and that it was dinnertime. Much as he protested, Harry couldn't get out of the meal, and was not looking forward to it. He and Leona walked down in to the large dining room, where Leona motioned for him to sit between her and Arian Jnr. Arian gave Harry a small smile, and Harry could tell that he had heard about what he had said to their mother.
"So, how's training going?" He asked brightly. Harry grinned back.
"Fantastically." He said.
"He just made his first broomstick and he's in love with it." Leona smirked. Harry shot her a 'just wait' look.
"Ah, I remember making my first broomstick." Arian said wistfully.
"Yeah, that went wrong." Leona giggled, making Arian blush.
"So I messed a few things up. I guess I was a bit eager."
"I just want to go and fly it." Harry said, glancing at the door.
"Oh no you don't, Mr Ma-"
"Leona." Harry hissed warningly.
"Oops. Sorry Harry."
"I'm sure you are." Harry replied dryly, as Arian looked between them, confused at the sudden change in tone.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing, Harry was just reminding me that he didn't like his nickname."
"Lee, you're digging yourself into a hole." Harry told her, knowing that Arian didn't but it for a second.
"Then help me get back out again." She replied.
"Nah - it's too much fun."
"Evil little monster."
"Why thank you." Harry smirked, just as Serena, Arian Snr and Gemini came in. Harry watched them all sit down - Gemini was smiling in a forced sort of way, while Serena refused to meet his gaze, and Arian Snr seemed to be staring into space.
"Harry, how are you?" Gemini asked kindly.
"Fine thank you. No problems. How are you?"
"I'm...all right." She said with a small sigh.
"You two have met already then?" Serena asked.
"Yes we have." Harry said softly, pinning Serena with a gaze. She squirmed uncomfortably for a moment before Harry turned to Gemini.
"By the way, I appreciate what you did for me."
"There wasn't much to do." Gemini shrugged.
"The reason I brought Harry here was that he had just been injured. Pretty badly, at that. Anyway, he healed himself, but I wanted to get him checked over, just to make sure."
"How badly injured?" Arian Jnr asked.
"Internal bleeding into the stomach, extensive bruising, muscle damage, as far as I can tell. Is that right?" Gemini asked, glancing at him.
"Yeah."
"How did that happen?" Serena asked. Harry sighed quietly. He didn't particularly want to be seen as some poor little abused child.
"His Uncle punched him." Leona put in angrily. Everyone stared at Harry as if he had sprouted little green tentacles all over his face.
"Yes, that's right. My uncle punched me, now, can we move on please? It's not as if my Uncle's the worst person I've come into conflict with."
"Harry, about what I said yesterday..."
"Apology accepted." Harry said swiftly. "But next time you meet a 'human' as you quaintly put it, don't put him down too quickly - after all, Voldemort began as a human. Merlin was - to my knowledge, at least - a human."
"Of course. Why do you speak as if he's still alive?"
"Who, Voldemort? He is."
"But...you killed him. When you were a year old."
"Nope. I didn't. His curse was reflected back onto himself. He was driven from his body. He was a shadow. Now he's regained his body."
"He's back?" Serena murmured in horror.
"Yeah. He's been back for a year now."
"Oh dear."
"That's one way to put it." Harry smirked. "Not the way I'd choose, but there you have it."
***
In the morning, Harry and Leona went for a fly. Harry's new broom outstripped even his Firebolt, and he loved it. All too soon, they landed, and it would be time to go back to the hidden room in no time at all. First though, he visited Elementa, riding bareback again for a little while. He didn't want to leave the horse, but as it wasn't his, there wasn't much he could do about it. He groomed him until his coat shone like spun silk. Leona stood behind him, not aware that he knew that she was there.
"Harry?" She said eventually.
"Oh, yeah. I'm just coming." Harry said somewhat gloomily.
"What? Oh, no. It wasn't that, it's just...well...me and Arian...we wanted you to have Elementa."
"I can't accept such a huge gift and you know it." Harry deadpanned.
"Don't be ridiculous. A Warrior Mage needs a horse, and Elementa needs a rider. And before you argue about having nowhere for him to stay, that 'hidden room' as you call it is more like a 'hidden estate' - it has stables and a schooling area too. He can stay there."
"You've got this all thought out, haven't you?"
"Of course. I had a feeling that you'd object. But I should tell you that neither Arian nor me is going to take no for an answer. So swallow your damn pride and accept the horse!"
"Fine! Ok, I accept the gift. Thank you."
"No problem. He He didn't That wasn't quite as hard as I had expected."
"I know when I'm going to get nowhere, and when and how to swallow my pride." Harry replied with a smile.
"Good - I wish I could say the same." She sighed wistfully and Harry laughed. "Thanks Lee." He said, giving her a quick hug. Leona smiled, returning the hug.
"Any time, kid." As he pulled away, Harry had his wand in his hand.
"Oh, and Lee? If you call me 'kid' once more, I'll hex you into the next dimension."
"Right. Ok." Leona said, watching apprehensively as he put his wand away.
"Oh don't look so scared. I was kidding - but please don't call me 'kid'."
"Fine - it's a bit out of date anyway, seeing as you know practically everything that I do."
"Not quite." Harry shrugged. "Anyway, about my horse - how is he going to travel?"
"The same way as us, of course."
"Er...if you say so. When are we leaving anyway?"
"In about an hour, I think."
"Ok." Harry nodded.
"There is one thing though..." Leona began somewhat nervously.
"Serena wants to talk to me, yes, I know already."
"How? Please tell me that Warrior Mages cannot read minds?"
"Don't be ridiculous. No, but I can sense feelings and stuff - well, if people project them enough. I guess when I'm fully trained I'll be able to sense more feelings, but until then, you're safe."
"What a relief."
"Anyway, I'll talk to her. And if she doesn't start spouting nonsense about my race, I promise I'll stay all nice and calm."
"Don't worry about it - being able to stand up to one of the most intimidating people in the city is a good thing - after all, you are going to be under a lot of scrutiny when it comes out that you're a Mage."
"I know. What's new?" Harry said with a shrug. The difference this time was that he was confident in himself, rather than looking to everyone else for reassurance that he was good enough.
***
Twenty minutes later saw Harry sitting in the lounge with Serena. She looked as awkward as he felt, although he was doing an amazing job of appearing confident. "I...well...Leona may have told you that I'm a history teacher."
"Yes." Harry said, wondering just where this was going, and whether it would get there soon.
"Yes, well, I've been teaching about you for almost fourteen years now, but I still don't know very much about you."
"Right."
"So...well...I was wondering...would you mind terribly telling me about yourself?"
"So that you can teach kids about me?" Harry asked, highly amused by this turn of events.
"Well yes."
"How about we go one better? I would like to see how schools here work. Why don't I come and meet this class of yours?"
"Would you?"
"Of course - but when I come back again - you'll have to arrange it with Leona - it's not as if I have a busy schedule, apart from my training."
"Brilliant. May I say that your training seems to be going very well."
"Perhaps you should tell Lee. I'm sure she'd appreciate knowing that you think she's doing a good job."
"Yes, of course."
***
Harry was grinning and shaking his head as he went back out to the hall, where Leona had been listening. She was smiling too, looking at him oddly.
"Thanks for standing up for me." She said quietly, hugging him.
"No problem. You deserve a lot of credit - after all, you've put up with me, haven't you?"
"Aww. You're so sweet. How about we get going? I want to go and meet these Dursley people."
"Lee, you know you can't kill them, right?"
"Don't be ludicrous, Harry. Who said anything about killing them? Now seriously maiming them, maybe, killing them, no."
"That's comforting." Harry replied dryly. "I still don't know whether it's such a great idea."
"You are way too cautious, you know."
"No, I'm just sensible - some of the time."
"You're the son of a Marauder! Come on, you have to admit that they deserve it."
"Now that I can do. Oh, all right. Best get it over and done with."
***
It was Remus who found the note that Harry had left on his desk, assuring them that he was fine. It took Remus almost five minutes simply to gain the attention of the two women, and even longer to persuade them that the note was genuine and that no, no one had tampered with it. He convinced them to go and let the headmaster know what was going on, while he checked behind the cupboard. Sure enough, there was a note tucked into the alcove, addressed to Remus. He also noticed that when he had been with Harry, the alcove had no back, but when at that point, there was a very solid back, blocking the entrance to the hidden room, ensuring that no one could gain entry. He quickly pushed the wardrobe back into place and opened the letter. Basically it said that Harry had gone to meet Leona's family, and see a bit of the Warrior City. He wondered slightly at the short notice, but decided that as long as Harry was ok, it didn't really matter.
***
Harry smiled as they reappeared in the hidden room, complete with Elementa. He pushed his senses out, trying to find Privet Drive, but was unsuccessful. He guessed that it was because of the sheer number of wards that he had to break through.
"Shall we take Elementa to his new home, then?"
"Sure." Harry nodded, taking hold of the horses halter. "Lead the way."
"No, you find your own way - lets call it a little test of your abilities. I'll cast charms and glamours and all sorts of spells, not to mention a few traps, and you have to find your way to the stable - I'll be waiting there."
"You're on." Harry grinned, leaping lightly onto Elementa's back.
***
Remus glanced at Molly and Tonks as he saw the cupboard move ever so slightly. He could hear faint voices, and moments later, Harry and Leona came out, chatting happily. They were immediately faced with three wands pointed at their chests.
"Uh...Harry, aren't these your friends?" Leona asked, her voice slightly shaking.
"We'll see soon." Harry replied, raising his own wand.
"What did you use to save Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets?" Molly asked.
"Godric Gryffindor's sword, pulled from the sorting hat. Next."
"Where are the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix and what do I always trip over when I go in?"
"I can't tell you about the headquarters because I don't know." Harry lied, making Tonks' wand come even closer.
"But you always trip over the Umbrella stand - the first time I saw you do it, you woke up that god-awful portrait of Sirius' mum."
"Uhh...right."
"Harry, why did you use the fireplace to contact Sirius in the Easter Holidays?"
"Because I wanted to ask him what dad was like when he was at school." Harry said, remembering it perfectly. Remus nodded.
"Now, Mrs Weasley, what size of shoe do I wear?"
"Size eight." Molly answered without delay. Harry grinned. No deatheater would have thought to learn that.
"Tonks - what's your full name?"
"Nymphadora Rachel Tonks." Tonks replied huffily.
"Hmm. A deatheater might have known that though. Ok, what happened the other morning in the garden?"
"You knew I was there while I was invisible, and you knew exactly where I was." Tonks replied.
"Now, Remus, what did I cook for dinner in the hidden room?"
"Steak - well done, with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy." Remus replied, licking his lips. "And I'll have it again, if there's any going."
"Maybe in a little while, Moony." Harry laughed, putting his wand back into a holder that was strapped to his forearm.
"Anyone want to see my new broom?" He asked gleefully. Leona smirked and muttered something under her breath.
"I heard that, Lee. Say it again, and we might have a different sort of flying display."
"Hey, who is the trainer here?"
"Oh! So you're Leona! Remus was telling us about you." Tonks said.
"What is going on here?" Molly frowned.
"Mrs Weasley, this is my Warrior Trainer, Leona Tide, Lee, this is Mrs Weasley, I told you about the Weasleys, didn't I?"
"Yeah."
"A Warrior Trainer? What's that?"
"I take it the Order hasn't met yet, then?" Harry questioned
"No." Remus replied.
"I'm a Warrior. Leona's my trainer. She's a Warrior too."
"A Warrior? Is that dangerous?"
"No more so than being 'The Boy Who Lived', oh, and Moony, would you believe that I'm famous in the Warrior world as well?"
"Yes, I would believe it. But I thought Leona didn't know anything about you..."
"No, I was just a little slow in putting the clues together." Leona blushed.
"Ah. Ok then. So, what about this broom? What happened to your Firebolt?"
"That evil hag Umbridge confiscated it. I'll have to see about getting it back from Dumbledore." Harry said, scowling in memory of the previous year's Defence Teacher.
"Right. That explains it then. Let's see the new one then." Harry pulled out a sleek black and brown broomstick, holding it proudly.
"That is one mean broomstick." Tonks said appreciatively.
"Thanks." Harry grinned.
"The design is very unusual. Where did you get it?"
"Well...I...umm...I made it."
"Made it? As in, from scratch?"
"Yeah. Designing, shaping, enchanting, smoothing, polishing, spelling and polishing again. I have two similar ones - slightly different though."
"Two? What's wrong with just having one?"
"Well...the wood...usually a broomstick's made with just one type of wood, but because I'm odd, I was suited to a mixture of two types of wood. So rather than wasting the wood, I made two."
"You know, this broom could give the Firebolts and the Nimbuses a run for their money - that is, assuming that it flies well."
"Try it." Harry grinned, handing Remus the broomstick. The werewolf, having never been overly fond of flying, took it reluctantly, and mounted it. Even he had to admit that it felt wonderful.
"This is a good broom - I think maybe Charlie would be better to test it, though."
"Actually, I was wondering...could we keep this between us?"
"Why?" Mrs Weasley asked in surprise.
"Because I want to tell Ron and Hermione myself - and now is not the time. Besides, I need to figure out how to break it to them gently."
"Without Ron getting jealous." Molly nodded sympathetically.
"Yeah." Harry nodded.
"Ok, we won't tell anyone - but are you sure that I can't ask Charlie to try this out - without mentioning any names, of course."
"Why not? Is he around just now?"
"Yeah."
"Right - just remember to take photo's, ok?"
"Why don't you come too? We'll do it later - that way, we can reassure Dumbledore that you are fine, and you can see Ron and Hermione."
"Great - can they come back here for a few minutes too?"
"You want to show them the room?"
"Of course."
"I'll see what I can do." Remus said.
"Thanks. Now, who wants food - I'll cook." Harry said.
"I don't trust those awful Muggles." Tonks replied, shaking her head.
"Me neither. I was thinking more about my room."
"We're in your room." Tonks said, clearly wondering whether he was slightly mad.
"My other room - oh, just follow me." Harry said.
***
Molly wasn't sure what to make of Harry's hidden room. It was very comfortable, but on the other hand, the walls were decorated with swords, and there seemed to be an awfully large number of weapons around. Harry walked through to the large kitchen, taking a look in the fridge.
"Once again, we have just about everything, so it's up to you what you want to eat." He said with a smile.
"What do you cook best?" Remus asked immediately, while both Tonks and Molly looked apprehensive.
"Umm...I'm not sure. How about...spaghetti carbonara?"
"Sounds good." Remus decided. "I'll have that."
"Mrs Weasley? Tonks? Lee?"
"Erm...well...I'm not sure." Tonks said quickly.
"Harry, dear, I can cook for us. It's not a problem." Molly said, watching him nervously.
"Harry, I know you're going to be an amazing Warrior and everything, but are you sure you can cook? The last time Arian or my father cooked, we spent three days with food poisoning." Harry rolled his eyes and looked over at Remus.
"Huh. Moony, are you still up for eating with me?"
"Mm hmm." Remus said with a grin. "And if your spaghetti whatsit is anywhere near as good as your steak, you lot don't know what you're missing."
"Nice to know that someone has faith in my cooking abilities. Molly, feel free to cook something for you, Tonks and Lee. I'll cook for Remus and me."
"It's not that we don't trust you, dear. It's just that...well..."
"You aren't used to males in the kitchen?"
"Something like that. I mean, the boys have never once shown any interest in cooking."
"Well, no offence meant, Mrs Weasley, but they've all been spoilt - you've been cooking for them all of their lives. I've been doing most of the cooking here since I was four or five. It's one of the few chores I don't mind."
"Four or five?" Tonks asked, "Could you even see over the hob?"
"Nope. Now, do you want to cook first or shall I?"
"Er...is there any of that spaghetti still going?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah, if you want it. Anyone else want to change their minds?"
"Ok, I'll give it a go - but mark my words, if I get even a slight case of food poisoning, I will make your life hell for the next three weeks at least."
"Fair enough. Mrs Weasley?"
"Oh go on then. There's no point in cooking two separate meals."
***
All three women were pleasantly surprised by how well Harry could cook - Leona was grinning as she thought of his status as a Warrior Mage - a domesticated Warrior Mage, apparently. She thought it was rather novel.
"This is very good, Harry. What was it called again?"
"Spaghetti carbonara." Harry repeated. "It's a Muggle dish."
"It's lovely." Tonks agreed. "You can cook more often, methinks. Molly, you might have some competition, here."
"I agree. Very nice, Harry. What's for pudding?" Remus asked cheekily.
"Remus!" Molly said, scandalised at his audacity.
"It's ok, Mrs Weasley, Remus is a growing boy - as am I, in fact." Harry grinned, producing a large torte that looked delicious.
"Harry, I'm going to steal you and make you my house-elf." Tonks murmured.
"No way - back off, girlie, he's mine." Lee argued.
"Actually, I think that as a friend of his parents, I get priority." Remus grinned.
"I think I'll stay here, if it's all the same to you three. You can always drop in for dinner sometimes."
"Now there's an idea. Oh yes, and snacks on shift!"
"What have I got myself in to?" Harry groaned. Molly smiled at him as the others talked about how often they would be able to come in.
"I'm sure they won't be as bad as they are making out." Molly said kindly. "But would you mind if I took some of this back for the others?"
"Take the lot - I daresay that Tonks and Remus will help polish it off."
***
True to their word, Remus and Tonks took every opportunity to 'drop in' over the next few days. Harry had gotten into the habit of always having something ready to eat, as they tended to come at the most inopportune moments. It was three days before Remus was able to tell him that Ron and Hermione would be allowed to visit for a little while the next day, and then they would all go to Grimmauld Place for the afternoon, and Harry would return the next morning. Harry grinned and nodded, knowing that he and the other two would be able to spend the equivalent of six weeks in the room if they wanted to. He spent the rest of that day restless, throwing himself into whatever work Leona found for him to do so that he could leave exhausted and sleep through to the next day. Unfortunately, as soon as he exited the room, the Dursleys produced a huge list of chores for him to do.
***
"What are you up to now then?" Came a friendly voice. Harry turned around to see Daniella behind him, watching him closely.
"Washing my Uncle's car." Harry said.
"Are you always doing chores for them?"
"Most of the time. I can't wait to get out of this hell-hole tomorrow."
"You're leaving?" Daniella looked dismayed, and Harry wondered why.
"Yeah - just overnight though."
"Oh good - I thought my one hope for a decent conversation was disappearing." Harry laughed, trying to imagine having a decent conversation with Dudley - it was impossible.
"There you go Tonks, someone appreciates me for something other than my cooking." He said.
"Huh? Tonks is here?"
"Right behind me. And no, Tonks. I don't have anything out here for you to eat - you'll have to wait until I can get back into the house."
"Harry, honey, you know we appreciate you for more than just your cooking - it's just a very big added bonus."
"Thanks." Harry replied dryly.
"You cook?" Daniella asked curiously.
"Does he cook? No, he doesn't cook - he creates masterpieces with food!" Tonks said enthusiastically. Harry groaned, going back to washing the car.
"Are you getting taller, Harry?" Tonks asked suddenly. Harry smirked, he had been wondering when someone would notice that he was changing quite drastically rather quickly.
"You know, you do look taller - growth spurt in under a week?"
"All part of the job." Harry shrugged.
"Oh!" Tonks said, understanding. "Any other changes on the way?" She asked cheekily.
"What d'you mean on the way? Just because you can't see them." Harry said coyly. He could imagine Tonks going several shades of red before turning a spectacular shade of magenta. Then he realised that he really was seeing Tonks go several shades of red and magenta.
"Tonks, are you still wearing the invisibility cloak?"
"Of course - ohh."
"Hmm. Nice blush by the way - very spectacular." Harry then took in what she was wearing, and barely stifled a snort.
"Sleep in?" He asked, taking in her shorts and cropped top pyjamas. "Very fetching. Never really saw you as the 'cute puppy' pyjama type."
"I never knew you cared." Tonks retorted, hoping to get a reaction. She was sadly disappointed.
"Is that the best you can do, honey?" He asked, his voice dropping down a notch. Tonks' eyes were large with surprise. She was turning every colour under the sun under Harry's gaze.
"Uhh...I'll just be...going, now..."
"If you go to my room I'll be up in a while." Harry said. Tonks nearly fell over in shock, as Harry smirked at her.
"What? You expect me to pull food from nowhere?"
"Oh! Of course! I knew that's what you meant. I...yeah." Tonks vanished from sight with a small pop, leaving Harry chuckling, and Danielle staring at him in amusement.
"I think I totally missed the point of that entire conversation." She said.
"There was no point - well, apart from teasing Tonks."
"Right. I'll bet that last bit knocked her for six."
"Just mildly." Harry laughed. "Well, I'd better go and sort her out with some food before she decides to eat me."
"Ok - save me some!"
"Yeah right - like Tonks is likely to leave any." Harry grinned.
***
Harry could feel Tonks' eyes fixed on him unwaveringly as he cooked. It was a little unnerving, even if he had grown used to it.
"What are you staring at me for?"
"I'm not staring at you." Tonks said weakly.
"Yeah, right. And Voldemort's not evil in the slightest." Harry retorted.
"How did you know, anyway?"
"Your eyes were practically boring holes through me. What's up?"
"I miss Sirius." Tonks murmured in a small voice. Harry looked up at her, slightly shocked to see her crying.
"Me too." He murmured, sitting next to her.
"You reminded me so much of him earlier - all flirty and...well...Sirius."
"I reminded you of Sirius?"
"Yeah. He would be so proud of you, you know. He was always going on about you when you weren't around. I know it may have seemed like he thought of you as another James at times, but he never saw you like that. You were Harry to him. Not Harry Potter, and certainly not James Potter. You surprised him so many times Harry - like when you set up the DA. I guess he saw you in a different light after that - he never really understood why you weren't always ready to take unnecessary risks to have a little fun - he began to understand your motivations after that. He really respected you, you know. He saw himself in you just a little bit - bound by perceptions that weren't always right. Only you had the weight of the world on your shoulders. He felt really guilty that he couldn't give you a family. He so wanted to." Tonks was crying freely now, but there was a smile on her face. Harry could feel tears on his own face, and felt the prickling of his palms.
"Thanks Tonks." He murmured, taking her hand. She pulled him into a hug, slowly realising that something wasn't right. Her hands...she looked down to see a small trickle of blood running from their joined hands. Harry pulled his hand away, watching the cuts with morbid fascination. It felt oddly calming to watch his own blood flow. Tonks was horrified.
"Harry! Stop it! It wasn't your fault!" She screeched. Harry didn't hear her. He just stared at his hands as the blood spread. He was slowly growing pale, but a small smile crept across his face. Maybe if he passed out, when he woke up, everything would be different. He could hear muffled screams in the background, as if they were trying to penetrate a brick wall. Faintly, he recognised that it was Tonks - calling his name frantically.
***
Tonks was terrified. She had no idea how to snap Harry out of the trance- like state he had entered. He didn't respond to anything. She was getting hysterical and she knew it, but she couldn't do anything else - he was scaring her beyond all belief. Did he really want to die? Suddenly Harry's eyes glowed and he growled. "NO!" Tonks yelped and hurried to him as he fell slowly. The blood on his hands mercifully disappeared, but the small cuts remained. As she watched, they began to close and heal one by one. Harry was unconscious. Tonks had no such release from her torment - she waited by Harry's side until he woke, stroking the hair from his face as he had a nightmare. She pondered her earlier thought - wondering what was really going on in his head. What did he have to live for? Expectations. Everyone expected him to play the part of the hero, to be strong and hold up the world single-handedly. The only people he had left were the Weasleys, his almost surrogate family, and Remus. She thought of the things he had been through, and suddenly got a clear view of just what it was like to be Harry - everyone expected things from him, including, if she was honest, herself. Still, she couldn't let him blame himself for something he hadn't done - not when the results were potentially lethal.
***
Harry woke several hours later, with his head in Tonks' lap. He immediately saw that she was asleep, and that she had been crying. He reached out to brush the tears from her cheeks, waking her in the process. "I'm sorry." He said quietly. His fingers were still on her face, his voice full of honesty. Tonks took his other hand and was relieved to see that there was only one scar left, right down the centre.
"You scared me."
"I'm sorry." He repeated.
"I know." She didn't press the topic, not wanting to push him away. "Well, I'm here if you want to talk."
"Thanks Tonks. Everything's kind of piling on top of me at the moment, but I'll keep that in mind."
"Good."
***
The next morning, at ten am, Remus, Tonks, Ron and Hermione appeared in the smallest room of Number 4, Privet Drive. Harry grinned at them, his eyes lingering for a moment on Tonks, who smiled back.
"Harry!" As was her usual custom, Hermione enveloped Harry in a massive hug in way of greeting.
"Hermione, if you strangle our chef, we may have to find a house-elf to replace him." Tonks warned. Hermione rolled her eyes and let go of Harry.
"All right, mate?" Ron asked tentatively.
"I'm not going to break, Ron." Harry said levelly.
"Of course not. See Ron, I told you he would be fine!" Hermione said happily. Harry felt anger flare within him. It hurt him to think that someone as intelligent as Hermione was, and as close to him as she was, would be so willing to believe that he would be as right as rain so soon after his Godfather's death. He clenched his fists for a moment, feeling that scars that ran down the centre of each palm. Was he fine? Not by a long shot, but he wasn't going to break. At least, no more than he had done already. Ron was watching him curiously, obviously wondering what was going on. Harry's gaze found Tonks and Remus, both of whom looked stunned.
"Shall we just go to Grimmauld place?" He suggested, not feeling quite so eager to share his secret anymore.
"That's probably a good idea." Tonks replied softly. "Is Leona coming?"
"She said she probably would, but as the plans have changed..."
"Why don't we go ahead and Leona can bring you - she knows where to go."
"Thanks Remus."
"I'll stay." Tonks said. Both Ron and Hermione looked thoroughly confused by now, having no idea who Leona was.
"Right, don't be too long though, will you?"
"No." Tonks and Harry chorused.
***
Once his friends had left, Harry let his anger flare fully. Tonks watched apprehensively as he stormed over to the cupboard and slipped behind it. She followed quickly. Once in the hidden room, he conjured a dummy opponent and pulled a sword from the wall. Once the dummy was cut to ribbons, Harry replaced the sword and jogged out to the stables. Harry rode for a while before grooming Elementa and leaving again. He went into a room that only he could gain access to - his personal library and office. Why he needed an office, he wasn't sure, but it was his space, and his alone. He spent hours lost in books, searching for something to take his mind off the situation with his friends. It didn't seem very long until there was a sharp knock at the door - it was Tonks and Leona. He went to the door, telling them that he would be out in a few minutes.
***
"Hey kid." Leona said affectionately. "Are you ok?"
"Lee, do you remember what I said about you calling me that?"
"Sorry. So what went wrong?"
"Apparently one of my best friends doesn't know me as well as I thought she did."
"Hermione?"
"Yeah. She's convinced I'm just fine and dandy."
"Oh."
"Yes, oh. So needless to say, I decided to wait a while before telling them."
"That's probably a good thing. So who am I, then?"
"Er...good question."
***
Moments after Remus arrived with Ron and Hermione, there was a small blast of light as Tonks, Harry and Leona appeared.
"Who're you?" Ron asked Leona immediately.
"Ron, right?" Leona asked Harry, who nodded.
"Who else?" He replied.
"Well, Ron, I'm Leona Tide. I'm a Warrior, and one of Harry's guard dogs."
"A Warrior?"
"Are you really? Wow, Warriors are really rare."
"Hermione." Leona said, a tad coolly. "Actually, we're not at all rare - not if you know where to look."
"Oh. So why are you guarding Harry? Doesn't the Order have enough people doing that?"
"I guess there's no such thing as too much protection."
"Oh yes there is." Harry disagreed. "At least you don't disappear under an invisibility cloak."
"I don't need a cloak to become invisible. I choose not to be invisible because I like being able to talk to you."
"What is a Warrior? I'm sure I've heard of them before..." Ron asked.
"Oh honestly, Ron!" Hermione huffed.
"It's ok. We're basically magical people that are very attuned to nature and show an incredible aptitude towards offence and defence. We don't necessarily need a wand to do magic and we're more powerful than your average witch or wizard - we also have more of a responsibility towards the protection of people - although many of my kind have forgotten that last part. We have become separated from the Wizarding world - the only reason that we know of Voldemort's return is through Harry. Also, there are different types of Warriors - my brother and father are battle Warriors. A bit like the Muggle army, I suppose. That's the stereotypical view of Warriors, but not everyone goes into battle. There are also Warrior healers, like my sister, which is pretty self-explanatory, and then there are the teachers and the trainers - my mum is a history teacher for the younger kids, and I'm a trainer. I train a young Warrior to be a Warrior."
"Huh? Does that mean that anyone can be a Warrior?"
"No. Most Warriors come from Warrior families. A few just sort of 'appear'. Either way, they have the potential to be a Warrior. It is impossible to take an ordinary witch or wizard and train them to be a Warrior."
"Pity." Ron mumbled.
"Are you a Warrior, Harry?" Hermione asked shrewdly.
"Yeah." Harry replied shortly. "So, is Charlie around?"
"Somewhere about, why?"
"I wanted him to test Harry's new broom." Remus said.
"You've got a new broom? What about your Firebolt?"
"It was confiscated, remember?"
"But there's no better broom on the market!"
"I made my own." Harry shrugged, watching Ron's jaw drop.
"Where is it?"
"Here." Harry said, holding out the broom to Ron, who took it.
"Whose design?"
"Mine. I thought that was implied when I said that I made it."
"Who enchanted it? We can't use magic outside of school."
"The ministry has no jurisdiction over Lesea. They wouldn't even know I used magic."
"Lesea? What's that?"
"The Warrior city. And the Ministry wouldn't be able to punish you anyway, even if you used magic here."
"Yeah, but I don't particularly want Voldemort to know about this."
"I suppose."
***
Charlie did test Harry's broom and decided that it was a little more temperamental than the Firebolt, but it was faster and smoother. Overall, Harry thought, not a bad first attempt. He spent most of the day avoiding Ron and Hermione's questions, preferring to spend more time either alone or with the adults. He tried vainly to block out the memories of the house that belonged to Sirius, but even he couldn't block out the screeching of Mrs Black's portrait.
"Still haven't managed to get rid of her, then?" He grimaced.
"Unfortunately not. And believe me, we've tried absolutely everything."
"Absolutely everything?"
"Well, everything we could think of." Remus said.
"Lee, can you conjure a Muggle lighter for me, please?"
"Here you go." Leona said, passing him the Muggle contraption. He took it and muttered something under his breath that only Leona and Remus heard, before moving closer to the old canvas.
"Good riddance, you old hag." He said venomously, lighting the corner of the portrait. Mrs Black's screamed insults turned to shrieks of terror as flames began to consume the painting.
"Someone help me! Put it out!" She bawled, trying vainly to escape. Remus' hand found Harry's shoulder as everyone watched the flames devour the last scraps of paint and canvas.
"I would like to leave now." Harry said softly. Ron and Hermione looked confused as to why he would want to go back to the Muggles' before he had to. "I'll take you." Leona said, looking worried. "Remus, tell the headmaster that I'm taking Harry to Lesea again. Too much too soon, I think. We'll be gone for about two weeks, I should imagine - that gives us a year." "Sure. Just be careful, ok. I'll see you when you get back, Harry." Harry was unresponsive as first Remus and then Tonks hugged him. He looked totally blank, his eyes devoid of emotion as they stared into the dying embers.
***
As soon as Harry and Leona disappeared, chaos reigned in number 12, Grimmauld Place. Some of the Order cheered, realising that never would they have to out up with the infernal noise of the portrait that no one else had been able to shift. Others, like Lupin and Tonks, slipped from the hallway in silence, worried about Harry. Ron and Hermione followed.
"Pro - Remus, what's wrong with Harry?" Hermione asked. Remus studied her for a moment, his face unreadable.
"I'm disappointed in you, Hermione. You of all people shouldn't have expected him to be perfect so soon after Sirius' death."
"But he seemed fine!" Hermione protested, looking from Remus to Tonks, who was now looking at her with something approaching dislike.
"He seemed fine before. Did you see his hands at any point today?"
"No, he was wearing gloves."
"No wonder. He has scars right down the centre of his palms. That is just how fine he is." Tonks said, remembering the blood pouring from his hands and shuddering.
"Scars? But how..."
"When a Warrior believes himself responsible for someone's death, the blood that they believe is on their hands becomes real."
"What...?"
"Harry blames himself for Sirius' death. Because he is a Warrior, he was unconsciously punishing himself by slicing his palms open." Hermione had gone pale, while Ron looked scared.
"He's intentionally hurting himself?"
"Not intentionally. It's more sub-conscious than intended. His hands split when he's feeling guilty."
"How many times has that happened?"
"Once." Remus said.
"Twice." Tonks disagreed. "That we know of, anyway."
"When?" Remus asked, looking more worried than he had before.
"Yesterday. We were talking about Sirius - he seemed fine, and then he just...he went all distant. His hands got hot, and then started to bleed. He went into like a trance." Tonks shuddered again and repressed a sob. She hated to see Harry in pain.
"He never said anything..."
"Would you expect him to?"
"But...he agreed that he was fine!"
"He said he wouldn't break - there's a difference."
"I...I thought...well..."
"Remus, what's going on?" Albus Dumbledore asked, frowning as he walked in.
"Harry got rid of Sirius' mother. He's had rather a day of it, and Leona took him back to Lesea. Says that they'll be gone around two weeks - a year in their time."
"He'll be gone for a year?" Hermione and Ron asked in unison.
"To us, it'll be like he's just been gone for a fortnight. To him, a year will have passed. He'll probably be quite different by the time he gets back." Remus said.
"Two weeks? Very well, when he returns, he will move here. Leona too, if she wishes to."
"I don't think he'll like that." Tonks said softly. "He hates it here - if we want him to live through this summer, I would say that moving him here would be a very bad idea. Let him stay at the Muggles - he needs his space, and he definitely doesn't need to be around here." Ron and Hermione looked slightly suspicious, as Remus nodded his agreement.
"Very well. He may stay with the Muggles." The headmaster sighed.