Viviane looked over a Harry, "A great destiny awaits my dear nephew. A destiny James and Lily would have loved to share. Harry will become one of the greatest wizards ever to have graduated from Hogwart's. He will join the ranks of Merlin, Nimiane, Morgan, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. James, Lily and I were destined for such greatness as well, but He Who Shall Remain Nameless stole it from us. We were fools, Ash, we let him. We should have known better."
"Viv, you can't blame yourself forever. Your brother sent you away, he wanted YOU to be the hope for the family. He knew what the risks were if you remember he tried to send Lily away with Harry but..."
"She wouldn't go. I remember her words all too well. I still hear them in my mind at times, "James, I'll not leave you. Harry cannot speak yet, and I am sure even he would not want to leave you. We are a family, together we are greater than if we were parted. I know that (He Who Shall Remain Nameless) seeks our lives, we spoke up against him, together we have the power to defeat him. I love you far too much to leave you now."
Viviane closed her eyes and laid her head against her husband's chest. Tears flowed down her cheeks. "Lily was stronger than I was, I gave in. I can't help it, James always was much more clever than I with words. Also he was my elder brother, I was used to doing what he told me to. Ever the obedient little sister was I. I should have put up more of a fight like Lily."
"Then you too would be dead now. What of Laetitia, she just two years old. James and Lillian were a month younger than Harry at the time. Jonathan and Lavinia wouldn't be here now. And what of Harry? What of his life and the difference that we have already made in it. Would you rob him of this as well? Bad enough he lost parents who loved him dearly, bad enough he was separated from a loving aunt and uncle most of his life, bad enough that he could have grown up with cousins who would have been more like brothers and sisters, than mere cousins. Look at the joy that was robbed from him too. And the joy that he could have gotten from us. It isn't too late for him or for us. We are stronger now, united now, and like James and Lily we won't let anything seperate us. We will stand firm but what we can't be is foolish. Others made decisions for us, decisions that were OURS to make, we will not allow this to happen anymore." Ash laid his head against Viviane's, he gently kissed her forehead. "We are a family bound together by love and by blood, greater bonds do not exist than what we have already."
Unbeknownest, Laetitia, James, Lillian, Jonathan and Lavinia had gathered around near Harry, Ron and Hermione. Laetitia touched Harry's arm and her hand slid into his. He just looked at her and smiled slightly. James moved up and put a hand on his shoulder, Harry looked over at him. Beside Ron, Jonathan walked up, he looked over at Harry and Harry looked back at him. Beside Hermione on her left and slightly behind stood Lillian, and next to her was Lavinia.
"We are family," Laetitia said, "We are a close family. We all stand together. We are Potter and Malphrus, the storms may rise against us, but we will stand firm. Like the rocks of a cliff, the waves may crash up against us, and we may wear a little, but we will be strong. Stronger together are we than apart."
Ash and Viviane looked over at the children. "I'm sorry my dears for such a display. It is most unseemly, but even I have my breaking point. Your father is right though, perhaps I have made a slight mistake. It is done though and I will not mourn it." she wiped away the tears from her eyes. "I have something to show you Harry, something very special when we get to Ravensclaw. I suppose it is fitting that your closest friends be present. For it is time you took your father's place. I know cryptic it is my speech, but even in these halls, I cannot speak freely. Only at Ravensclaw."
Harry nodded, "I am ready, aunt Viviane for whatever must be done."
She smiled. She walked over and held out her arms to him. Harry moved and embraced his aunt. "I love you, Harry, I always have. You are as my children to me, in my thoughts and in my heart. Forgive me for waiting so long. I should not have done so, my only excuse is that I was young, and frightened, and I'd made a promise to your dear father. I should have been stronger, but I promise you now Harry, I shall be. I will allow no repeat of the past."
Harry knew in his heart that what she said was true. He'd spent a lot of time over the past few months getting to know her. She was more like a mother to him really than an aunt, and she was a good friend. She listened to him and tried to help him with his everyday problems, trying to steer him in the right direction. He recognized the regret he saw in her eyes, heard sometimes in her voice as if she'd let him down. True his life with the Dursleys hadn't been pleasant, but what he had now was more like paradise and he was genuinely happy.
They drew apart and Harry looked at her. "There is nothing to forgive, Aunt Viviane. You did what had to be done, you fulfilled your promises, and you took chances. You have me now, and I'm not going anywhere. I will be exactly as you and my parents wanted, I will make you proud."
"You already have, Harry. I couldn't be more proud of you. I know that wherever your parents are, they too are proud."
"Come on, let's get moving if we intend to make it to Ravensclaw tonight." Ash got everyone moving. Viviane shooed Harry and the others away. It had been a tender moment one of the few they would have. She had not lied, Harry was like a son to her. She felt horrible because in her heart she felt she had let James and Lily down, but Harry didn't seem to think so. It didn't matter how long it took, he appreciated being with her and the family now.
She watched as Laetitia, James, Lily and the others together with Harry and his friends began talking and laughing together. What a family they were.
Harry looked up at the tall imposing gates which were the entrance to the manor. It amazed everyone that they all fit in the van. Then Aunt Viviane had produced a "bag of holding" which oddly enough held all their things within it and weighed no more than a few pounds. Harry had heard of such things but never seen anything like it. Hermione and Ron were intrigued too. Ron was constantly impressed by everything having to do with Harry's family.
Harry sat beside James and they talked quite a bit on the ride to the manor. The more he knew of his cousin the more he liked him, and the more he began to think of him like a brother. Ron sat at the end, and the three of them had fun together. Laetitia and Hermione sat behind them with Lavinia and Jonathan who loved teasing them. It was all good natured and Hermione seemed to be warming up to them.
Harry saw his aunt, she whispered softly some words in an ancient language. The Raven's eyes glowed green and the gates opened of their own accord. This then was real magic. The van drove through the gates and they quickly closed. The road was lined with trees here and there, paved, and Harry could see the huge expanse of the property. Behind the manor was a clearing of some acres, then a great hill behind it and forests as far as the eyes could see.
His aunt had told him they had fine horses here, he didn't know how to ride a horse, and she offered to teach him. Horseback riding was simple she said and very enjoyable. So she would teach him, Ron, and Hermione. The others seemed as awed and thrilled by everything as he was.
Life had gotten so very good for Harry, he kept wondering when it was all going to end. Soon most likely, everything in Harry's life was always short lived. In his heart though, he wanted it to go on forever.
The manor loomed large, imposing, but inviting too. The van stopped in front of the large double doors. Several elves walked out, they were well dressed and wore brilliant clothing.
"Mistress Viviane, we've been waiting for you, we have readied everything as you desired."
"Thank you Lorien," she said to the lead elf.
Harry had only seen house elves not REAL elves. They were beautiful! They were not very tall, the tallest appeared to be about 5 and a half feet, they were slender, and very fair to gaze upon. They had slightly pointed ears, and you could see the intelligence in their eyes. Hermione got out of the van and stood there open mouthed in amazement. Ron just said, "I can't believe it!"
The others couldn't helping snickering a little at their reactions, as they tried so hard not to laugh. Suddenly small points of light began buzzing around their heads, one of them stopped in front of Harry.
"So you're Harry Potter," the fairy said, "A fine prince you are we've heard good things about you and welcome you to Ravensclaw." The fairy bowed before him, "My name is Alynri I am your knowledge guide and servant while you are here. Whatever you need, Harry, just tell me and I will get it, or see that it is done for you."
"You said you've heard good things?"
"You remember Dabie?"
"Ah, the house elf."
"He speaks very highly of you Harry Potter. You were very generous to him though he accidently almost got you killed a few times."
Harry laughed, "Yes, he almost got me."
"Come Harry, I will show you and your friends to your rooms."
The fairy took off. Harry gestured to Ron and Hermione to come with him, he followed the fairy who flitted through the doors. He was the youngest seeker in a century for Gryffindor and he was used to finding a golden ball much smaller than these fairies. They were about the same size as a sparrow. Harry always thought they'd be smaller.
Sitting on the window seat upstairs in his room, Harry looked out the window. It was snowing, large, heavy snowflakes fell passed the window. It was a large room, warm and comfortable, a fire burning in the fireplace. His bed was big, made of oak with a canopy and velvet bed curtains. Bed curtains? He had his own sitting room, with a bookcase filled with books, some very old. His own tv set, his own CD player, there were some electronic games, a few board games, and other things with which Harry could occupy his mind.
A soft knock sounded on the door, he turned to look at it.
"Come on in," he called out.
His aunt walked into the room. He looked at her and slowly stood.
"Do you like your room?"
"I love it Aunt Viviane! It has absolutely everything!"
"I am glad. You know, this used to be your father's room. When we were young, we used to come here to visit Nans, our maternal grandmother. She was such a lovely person and we simply adored her. I'm afraid she spoiled us rotten. Yes, we would sometimes spend our summers here with mom and dad. We'd swim in the pond out back, your father used to flirt with one of the Dryads, oh, what was her name, Keli, she was such a sweet thing and sweet on James too. She's still around, no doubt you'll run into her. I know she'll recognize you the moment she sees you. You look so very much like James. Do not be alarmed if she flirts with you a little, Dryads are like that. Don't take their harmless flirtations seriously, they mean nothing by it really, just that they like you."
"I'll remember that."
"Feel free to go wherever you want, only Harry, take care when entering the woods, especially at night. There is, are werewolves around, and they will not have the least bit compunction to eat you if they come upon you. There are some other creatures, crusty, but not necessarily cruel. There are pixies, playful, but harmless, though a bit irritating at times with their antics. A wood troll lives in the forest, protected by me. He's a crusty, old fellow, but will generally leave folk alone providing they leave HIM alone."
"Got it, don't bother the wood troll. Beware of prankster pixies, I understand."
"Good. I myself love to walk through the woods, mostly at night. It's so quiet, so peaceful there. James and I had this one spot, about halfway up the hill, there is an old tree that had been struck by lightening, the way the tree split it made a kind of throne. Beside it was a large rock. James and I used to go up there and he'd pretend to be the "Lord of the Forest" he'd sit on the "throne" and pass out orders to his minions. I was his lovely maiden sister, I got the large rock next to the throne, and we'd have such fun." Her eyes got a bit misty, "I'm sure if you walk through there you'll find it. I love this place, such fond memories. I'll be honest Harry, it was here that James first brought your mother Lily. It was the beginning of summer, I guess, I just never thought of my dear brother getting married. You see, it had always been the two of us against everything. I didn't see him during the school year much, just on the important holidays, but we would write each other often. I used to look forward everyday to getting one of his letters. He depended on me as much as I did him.
I admit I was a bit jealous when James brought Lily here to meet the family. I felt as if I'd been betrayed at first. I'm afraid I was rough on them for a while, but I came around. James pointed out that I wouldn't be losing my dear, older brother, but that I'd be gaining the sister I'd always wanted. Once I saw things differently oh, how things changed. Lily indeed became more like a sister than a soon-to-be sister-in-law. She knew how dear he was to me and how dear I was to him. We had our friends too...what a bunch we all were." she shook her head, "forgive me, here I go off again down memory lane. It wasn't what I intended. I came to show you your heritage Harry." She walked towards the door, "Come with me."
Harry followed her out the door and down the long hallway. She pushed back the tapestry at the end of the hallway and placed her hand over a carving on the wall. Suddenly the panel moved and a door was revealed. She stepped through and Harry followed close behind. The door closed slowly behind them. It was very dark and his aunt conjured a ball of light so they see going down the narrow passage.
"Be careful Harry, there are stairs coming up very soon, twisting, winding stairs, so watch your footing."
It was difficult, but not impossible and Harry soon understood what she meant. Eventually they came to a landing, it was T shaped. They went to the right and she touched a lever which opened a door. They stepped out of the passageway into a secret room. There were no windows, and there were wards all around the darkly panelled room. There was a rich red carpet on the floor, it was warm and a fire burned in the fireplace, there was warmth but no smoke. Four stands stood in the center of the room and on three of them were books.
"Come Harry, this is what I wanted to show you. It was part of the reason Voldemort killed your parents." She walked over to the books and gestured to them. She stood beside the first stand.
Harry walked over and read the covers of the books aloud, "The spells, charms and incantations of Godric Gryffindor" Harry looked up at his aunt. The book was thick and quite old, ancient actually the script looked like old English. He waited for her nodd of approval. He opened it up and read though somewhat difficult the wording.
"This spellbook is written by Godric Gryffindor for the education and enlightenment of my heirs. May they profit through the successes and failures therein."
He looked up again at his aunt. "Is this really Godric Gryffindor's spellbook?"
"Yes, your father and I found it a few months before he died. It was the first of the books, we didn't have an easy time Harry. Many would love to get their hands on it's knowledge. But we are of a rare breed Harry, you and I, Laetitia, James, Lillian, Jonathan and Lavinia we are the last of the true Gryffindor line. The blood of Gryffindor is very strong in us, not as diluted and polluted as other lines. WE are the true princes here. Tom thought he was pure, but he is not, he has mud blood in him. He was but half-blood prince, OURS is the true royal lineage Harry. We have had to hide much from the world. Only a true son of Godric Gryffindor can touch this book. Those not a true Gryffindor have been severely shocked, or burned, or driven mad."
Harry could hardly believe it. He looked at the book then back at his aunt. "Why would you keep it?"
"It is our heritage. Inside is great wisdom, great knowledge, and the skill and power to defend ourselves Harry. It is because I have carefully studied and memorized every passage within its pages that I can confidently say I do not fear any man or wizard. I only hope I can live as long as Godric Gryffindor did. You know he was 152 years old when he died.
"No, really?" Harry was amazed, right here in his hands he held his heritage, his destiny. "I can't believe it. How were you and my father able to hide it."
"Here in this room, James and I did our finest work. You may not have noticed it, but this room exists within a different dimension. See those carved gargoyles in the corner of the room, they are real gargoyles Harry. They guard this room from anyone not of our blood who enters without one of us being here. This Harry is what your parents died for. Right here in this room. Voldemort didn't want Lily, he really didn't want me, he wanted all the Gryffindor MALE heirs. James and you. That night he killed James and Lily died protecting you which cause a backfire of the Killing Curse. What he could not have known was that I had placed a charm on you. Even if Lily had NOT sacrificed herself, the Killing Curse would still have back fired on him. I used the Protectus Charm found here in Gryffindor's book. It is a very powerful spell and the only protection against the Killing Curse. The scar you now sport is a reminder of Voldemorte's failure to take your life. I can see much Harry, I am very gifted at divination. I