Well, I'm back, everyone. Please don't kill me. Life kind of bushwhacked me, and my muse decided she wanted to explore new lands for a while. BUT! I managed to coax her back. Thalia is currently locked in a cage and will not be released until I have my chapters. I hope. If she figures out how to pick locks…then we'll have a problem. On a side note, I'm glad so many people like my portrayal of Dumbledore. I know his actions are kind of questionable, but at the same time, I'm reminded of a quote from NCIS: LA (which I also don't own); "You look at him, and you see a ruthless manipulator. I look at him and see a man who has been alone for so long he's forgotten how to ask for help." Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard of his generation, and is essentially the icon of Wizarding Britain (and apparently Wizarding Europe). It's very lonely at the top.
Well, I've talked your ear off enough, I think. On with the show.
Disclaimer: Hah! No.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
Sonnet 18, William Shakespeare
Book One, Chapter Five: Aestas et Ensis
15 June, 1993 Hogwarts Castle
"Ugh…" Harry groaned as the roof of the Hospital Wing swam into focus.
Hey, Gryffindor?
Yes cub?
If I ever try something like that again…please knock me out before I finish thinking about it.
Gryffindor's deep laugh resonated in Harry's mind, and the Boy-Who-Lived smiled in return.
"Ah good, you're awake Harry."
Harry turned to see Dumbledore standing near the foot of his bed, a grandfatherly smile on his face.
"You really must try avoiding waking up like this Harry. One would think you prefer the hospital beds to your own."
Harry's eyes lowered. "Sorry, sir."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "It's nothing you have to apologize for. You're not the first Hogwarts student to end up in the Hospital Wing this many times. Your father, as I recall, was in here quite often in his time as a student."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. Quidditch aside, your father and his friends got into quite a few…altercations. Speaking of friends…"
Dumbledore waved a hand towards the Wing's doors. They unlocked, and were promptly thrown open by two fast moving blurs.
"HARRY!"
There was a second's delay, and then Harry was slammed from either side by a pair of blonde and brunette missiles.
Harry could have sworn he heard one of his ribs crack. For a pair of slight girls, Hermione and Luna hugged like grizzly bears.
"Oof…I'm alright you two…"
"You stupid idiot…" Hermione muttered, her voice trembling slightly. "You just had to go and hurt yourself again…"
Luna said nothing, but her hug tightened again.
In Harry's head, Gryffindor was chuckling merrily. Two at once Cub!
Someone cleared their throat, and Harry finally noticed Ron and Neville standing next to Dumbledore, amusement and relief warring for dominance on their faces.
"Alright there, Harry?"
"Fine, Ron, Neville. Thanks."
Dumbledore was positively beaming. "You have a wonderful group of friends, Harry. When they heard you were in the Hospital Wing, they rushed in here and refused to leave until Madam Pomfrey kicked them out."
Hermione released her hug very quickly when she realized that there were spectators. Luna, on the other hand, stayed right where she was. Harry glanced down at her. "Er, Luna?"
"Mmm?"
"You can…let go now."
"I don't want to. You feel nice."
Harry wasn't sure how red he had blushed, but if Hermione was that red, he must have looked like a tomato that had been dropped in red paint. Gryffindor was positively roaring with laughter.
"Luna…please?"
"Oh…fine." She withdrew, slowly and reluctantly, a childish pout on her face.
Harry turned to the Headmaster, who was watching the proceedings with an amused smile. "How long was I out, sir?"
"A day and a half, Harry."
"And…did it work?"
"You don't need to hide it from us, Harry," Hermione frowned at him. "Dumbledore told us what you were doing."
"Indeed." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling again. "We shared several interesting stories…including the one about your new sword."
In less than an eyeblink, Gryffindor's subsiding laughter had turning to a snarl, and the Sword was in Harry's hand, pointed directly at the Headmaster. Harry's eyes narrowed, flashing golden.
"And what are your intentions, sir?" He bit out, feeling a strange resonance in his throat, even as he prepared to defend himself.
Before Dumbledore could respond, Hermione had spoken up.
"It's alright, Harry! Dumbledore has no problem with Gryffindor."
"Miss Granger speaks the truth, Harry. I have no desire to deprive you of your…companion. When I cast a spell after we removed the Horcrux from your forehead, there were no other foreign presences within your soul. Whatever you say Gryffindor is, he is no threat to you nor to any other student, yes?"
Harry nodded, the sword still up and ready.
"Then there isn't any problem with him staying with you."
As one, Harry and Gryffindor relaxed, and the Sword vanished into the void again. Ron swallowed.
"Blimey, Harry, you get scarier every day."
Neville nodded in agreement.
Dumbledore chuckled, and the entire room let out a collective breath of relief. Then, Harry felt the pressure around his middle again. He looked down.
"Luna, why are you hugging me again?"
The blonde girl nuzzled him. "Was trying to get you to calm down. Decided to stay."
"As nice as that was of you Luna, could you let go? Harry probably wants his ribs back." The bushy-haired Gryffindor smiled awkwardly, unsure of what else to say.
Luna paused for a moment, as if thinking.
"No."
Hermione spluttered, Harry made an uncomprehending squawk, and Gryffindor's laughter shook the plains of Harry's mind.
20 June, 1993 Hogwarts Express
"Euuuugh! Haggis flavored!" Ron looked decidedly green as he swallowed the red-brown Every Flavor Bean Harry had given him, to the laughter of everyone else in the compartment.
Ron bristled, and shoved a crimson red bean at Harry. "Go on, then. You try one."
Harry took the bean, and, steeling his nerves, popped it into his mouth. Luna watched as his face rapidly changed from one of trepidation to one of surprised delight.
"What flavor is it?"
Harry's eyes opened, and Luna blinked in surprise. Harry's eyes were, once again, flickering between his usual green and a tawny gold.
"Fresh-kill gazelle meat…"
Luna tried. She really did. But Harry's tone of voice was so blissful that she couldn't help herself. She burst into laughter, followed shortly by Ron and Hermione
"How do you even know how that tastes?" Neville asked, his mouth quirking in suppressed humour.
Harry flushed red at the question. "Gryffindor seems to be more like an actual lion than I thought. It bleeds over a bit."
Hermione recovered from her laughter enough to give Harry an interested look. "Really? That sounds fascinating."
Harry's eyes defocused for a moment, before he looked at his year mate again. "Gryffindor says it's part of learning how to use him. The more I practice with him, the more I understand him. Apparently, Soul Cutter Swords grow more powerful the closer they are to their wielders."
Hermione's head cocked slightly. "Is that what you'll be doing this summer?"
Harry nodded. "I ran into Voldemort two times in two years, and I survived by the skin of my teeth both times. I need to get stronger. If I keep relying on my luck, it's going to run out one day."
The mood soured a bit, and the other four occupants of the compartment shared a look, and a thought.
If Harry intended to stand against Voldemort, they would make sure that he wasn't alone.
The Boy-Who-Lived shook his head, and changed the subject. "So what are the rest of you doing over the hols?"
Hermione nodded. "My parents and I will be in the South of France for most of the break."
"I'll probably just be hanging around the Burrow, play Quidditch with Fred and George. Ginny's also going to need help getting over what that stupid diary did to her. That's going to be my job." Ron's face was determined.
Neville spoke up. "I'll be doing some research at home. There's something that I want to look into."
Everyone turned to look at Luna, who simply gave them a mischievous smile. "Oh, I'll be doing… this and that."
"Aww, come on Luna, not even a hint?"
The blonde Ravenclaw shook her head with the resolution of a child that was holding its favorite toy. "Nope!"
Hermione pouted, crossing her arms petulantly over her chest. She hated not knowing something, and Luna knew it.
"Hmph!"
Luna giggled at her expression, and was joined by Harry, Ron and Neville. Hermione managed to hold out for a few more seconds, before breaking into a smile and laughing with the rest of them.
Once again, an incredible feeling of lightness and warmth bloomed in Luna's chest, and she felt as if she could fly. If this was what having friends was like…she never wanted it to end.
As the Express rumbled on, and they resumed their game with Every Flavor Beans, no one noticed that Luna was no longer sitting on her seat, and was instead hovering just slightly above it.
Several Days Later, Little Whinging, Surrey
"So this is called Blade Meditation?"
Harry was seated cross-legged on the floor of the smallest bedroom at Number Four, Privet Drive, with Gryffindor laid across his lap.
Yes. It's meant to improve understanding between a Soul Cutter and its wielder. It's also how you can enter your Inner World without me dragging you in, or you being forced in.
"Right."
Now, relax, and try to fix your mind on our connection.
Harry began to take deep breaths, closing his eyes and focusing on the sensation of Gryffindor's bond with him.
In.
The feeling of warm steel and hot sun grew stronger, and Harry swore he could feel wind against his face.
Out.
Harry noticed his hearing sharpening; he could hear Dudley stuffing himself with crisps, and every word from the telly that Dudley was undoubtedly watching.
In.
Then it stretched even further, and he could hear the occasional birdcall, the rumbling of cars in the distance, and the rustle of one of Mrs. Figg's cats in the bushes.
Out.
Then, he felt himself falling.
Harry opened his eyes to the sight of the rolling grasslands of his Inner World and the feel of sun-soaked rock beneath him.
"Well done, Harry. You really are a natural at this." Gryffindor's deep voice sounded very pleased, as the sword spirit padded down the spur of rock towards his wielder.
Harry stood and followed the massive lion down onto the plains.
"You said this is going to help me reach a new level of power?"
"Yes. There are two stages of release for each Soul Cutter. The first, called Shikai, Initial Release, you already know."
Unbidden, the words flew from Harry's lips "Roar, Gryffindor."
The Sword was suddenly in Harry's hands, and flared with golden flames. For the first time, Harry was able to get a clear view of it. The blade had grown longer and wider, and its steel was tinged red. The grip was also longer, and a crimson and gold tassel dangled from the pommel.
"This is my first release. When you use it, your magic grows in strength. Right now your magic only doubles in strength. With practice, it may go as high as five."
Harry's eyebrows rose. "That strong?"
The lion nodded. "In addition, every Initial Release has an ability that they can use. Each Soul Cutter's ability is unique. The second stage of release is known as Bankai, Final Release. In the Final Release, your power may increase anywhere from five to ten times your Initial Release. Bankai also grants more abilities related to those of your Shikai."
The (usually) green-eyed boy didn't even hear the second part. "T-ten times?" He did the math in his head. "That's anywhere from twenty to fifty times normal!"
Gryffindor chuckled. "There's a reason Gryffindor died from old age, and not combat, Cub."
Harry shook his head in amazement. "Incredible. The Founders really were incredible people."
He looked down at the blade in his hand with new eyes. "Will I be that strong?"
"It's possible, Cub. You have the potential."
"So how do l learn to use the Final Release?"
At this, Gryffindor smirked slightly. "I will not teach you. Not yet."
"Wha–"
The lion interrupted him. "I cannot teach you how to use my powers if you do not yet understand them. Before I teach you Bankai, you must first prove that you can use Shikai."
Gryffindor stamped a paw on the ground, and Harry felt a hot wind rush past. The grass all around him rustled, and the great lion took a few steps back, his face hard.
"Now…defend yourself!"
Then they burst out of the grass, claws extended for Harry's throat.
-The Rookery, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon-
Luna danced in the door to the tune of a particularly bouncy five-and-a-half-step waltz that her father was playing; he had forgotten that today was the day she came back from Hogwarts, so she had taken the Knight Bus back on her own. She always enjoyed the feeling in the pit of her stomach when the purple triple-decker went flying over a large bump.
Oddly enough, she had gotten something like that feeling with her friends on the Hogwarts Express. A weightlessness that wasn't unpleasant at all, but felt like a mix between a Cheering Charm and Wingardium Leviosa.
Luna had decided that she liked that feeling.
Harry is training to be stronger so that he can fight Voldemort. I need to get stronger too. Come hell or high water, I'm going to be behind him.
"Daddy dearest?"
A mop of wild blonde hair preceded her father's face into the room. Literally, the head of hair floated into the room, followed by a completely bald Xenophilius Lovegood, wand in hand.
"Hello, daughter dearest. I didn't know you were home."
Luna sighed indulgently. Sometimes she felt like she was the parent, and her father the child.
"Yes, Daddy, I'm home."
She gave her father a hug, then breezed into the kitchen and began making tea and a bowl of strawberries.
"I'm going to go down to the tulgey wood for a while. Don't worry, I'll be home in time for breakfast."
Her father absently waved her on, his focus on plucking a single strand of his own hair. "Take care, sweet potato. The Jub-Jub birds are nesting again."
Luna nodded, and made her way out the door, carrying the tray with her. Her path took her around Wuffles' pond, past the grove of Tum-Tum trees Great-Uncle Lewis planted years ago, and into the dark, shadowy trees of the tulgey wood.
Ignoring the rustling in the bushes around her, Luna walked until she reached a dim clearing. High above, the trees thinned just enough to allow a faint light to brighten the forest floor, illuminating the stone circle in the center of the clearing.
The blonde Ravenclaw gently placed the tray on the ground, and sat back against a tree, her eyes on the other side of the circle.
"Maia…I need to talk to you."
The air shimmered above the stone circle, and through the haze, Luna saw a graceful white figure leave the forest on the other side.
"Hello Luna. It's been a while."
-Nice, France-
Hermione smiled brightly, practically skipping out the door of the bookstore. Earlier this morning, her mother had dragged her father off on yet another shopping excursion, and had handed Hermione spending money for the day, and instructions to be back in the hotel room by five in the afternoon.
Naturally, Hermione had immediately begun hunting through the local bookstores, and had made a startling (and pleasant) discovery about small bookshops in France, or at least in Nice.
They were all run by wizards.
For the most part, the books in the shop were mundane. But, in every shop, there was always a corner of magic-related books hidden by a Muggle Repellant Charm and a Muggle-Notice-Me-Not Charm.
The best part? She could pay for the books in Muggle money!
Her eyes roved over the store signs, and found her next destination. It was smaller than any of the other bookstores she had visited, but the windows were clean, the sign freshly painted, and the books in the window were all in excellent condition.
The bell on the door jingled, and the man behind the counter smiled welcomingly.
"Bienvenue, Mademoiselle."
Hermione smiled back, then made a beeline towards the back of the shop, where every previous shop had its magic corner.
Nearly an hour later, the Gryffindor made her way back up to the counter, and set her purchases on the polished wood next to the old-fashioned register.
The man glanced down at the stack of tomes, and nodded in approval.
"Alchemy and Alkahestry: a Comparison. You are interested in Alchemy, Mademoiselle Granger?"
Hermione tensed, and took a step back. "How do you know my name?"
The man grinned in a manner very reminiscent of Dumbledore in a joking mood, and continued speaking in perfect English. "My dear girl, how could I not know your name? Your admirable actions your first year, figuring out the identity of Slytherin's monster this year on your own… "
Her eyes narrowed further, and her hand slipped down to where her wand was concealed in her jacket. The man seemed to notice, though, and he laughed.
"Please be at ease. I mean you no harm."
At Hermione's disbelieving look, he sighed. "I know, I know, it is hard to believe, but I speak the truth. I have an offer for you, actually."
"An offer…?"
"Yes. In only two years, you have gained a grasp of the principles of magic that even those born to it take years to reach. You've also demonstrated remarkable talent in potions-making, and you dedicate yourself to your studies in a manner worthy of most Ravenclaws. You have outstanding moral character, and you're not afraid to take risks in order to do what must be done. Most importantly, you have more logic in your little finger than most wizards have in their whole body."
Hermione blushed. Even if this man was a stranger who knew far more than he should, he was being particularly glowing in his compliments. A moment later, though, the amused glint in the man's eyes faded, and he regarded her with a serious gaze.
"Hermione Jean Granger, in your exploits you have demonstrated all the qualities I look for in an apprentice."
Hermione blinked, still confused. "Who are you?"
The man straightened, a glint of pride entering his eyes.
"My name is Nicholas Flamel. And I wish to teach you alchemy."
-Longbottom Manor, England-
The Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom had an incredibly long history in the magical world; and was, in fact, one of the few remaining Houses which still bore the title. Like the Houses of Black, Potter, and Bones, the Longbottoms could trace the roots of their House all the way back to the era of Camelot and High King Arthur. Each house had inherited powerful relics from that legendary time, and held as tightly to them as possible. None except the families themselves knew what they held; the relics had not seen daylight in centuries
When Neville had been eight, the Dowager Augusta Longbottom had taken him down into the vaults of the Manor, and shown him the entrance to the Relic Vault. It was that vault that Neville was heading towards now.
It was, of course, easier said than done. Longbottom Manor had been the seat of the family for hundreds of years, and the catacombs beneath, while nowhere near as labyrinthine as Gringotts, were easy to get lost in. It was, after all, the last line of defense for their family relics.
Unless, of course, you were a Longbottom. As Neville made his way down another vaulted passageway, braziers lit themselves ahead of him, guiding the Gryffindor down hall after hall, until, finally, he stopped in front of what looked like an unremarkable wall.
For a moment, Neville felt the familiar sensation of self-doubt rise up again. Three times before, he had stood before the vault, and it hadn't opened for him. Why should it be different now?
It's different now, because I have a reason to be here.
Neville straightened himself, and face the door with all the dignity of a true pureblood heir.
"Open the gates for Neville Longbottom, Scion of the House of Longbottom. In Aeternum Fidus."
There was a rumble, and then a line of red-brown light split the wall in two, and the doors swung outward of their own accord, revealing a great black space beyond.
Neville squared his shoulders, and marched into the darkness.
It was several minutes before Neville realized that the darkness wasn't ending, and stopped.
"What's going on?"
Unexpectedly, he was answered by a rumbling bass voice that brought to mind images of clashing boulders.
AFTER THESE MANY YEARS OF ETERNAL SILENCE, A LONGBOTTOM COMES TO CLAIM THEIR BIRTHRIGHT. WHO ART THOU, SMALL ONE?"
Neville swallowed his nervousness, and replied to the disembodied voice with as much courage as he could muster.
"My name is Neville Longbottom."
The voice was quiet for a moment.
INTERESTING. THAT ONE SUCH AS THOU WISHES USE OF THE LONGBOTTOM RELIC. WHEREFORE DOST THOU SEEK SUCH POWER?
"Because my friend needs me."
The voice replied quickly this time, sounding derisive.
OH? AND THOU DOST SEEK TO IMPRESS THINE ALLY WITH GRAND POWER? HOW PATHETIC. I SHALL NOT GRANT THOU THIS POWER FOR SUCH A CHILDISH DESIRE.
Neville shook his head. "That's not it at all! Harry…Harry is going to have to fight V-Voldemort. And I can't let him do it alone!"
THOU WISHES TO PROTECT THINE COMRADE WHEN HE GOES INTO BATTLE?
"Yes."
The black space was quiet for a long moment, until, of all things, the voice began to laugh.
heh…heheheh…Hahahah…BWAHAHAHAHA! YES! THAT IS WELL, NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM! A DESIRE WORTHY OF THE LONGBOTTOM NAME! PROCEED ONWARD!
Then Neville blinked, and he found himself standing in front of the door to the vault once again, staring into the space beyond it.
"What…?"
The voice from before echoed from the gaping emptiness beyond the doorway, making Neville jump.
CONTINUE ONWARD INTO THE VAULT, NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM. I SHALT NOT BAR THINE PATH THIS TIME. CLAIM THINE BIRTHRIGHT.
Confused, but still determined, Neville strode into the vault, and this time, the darkness dispelled after a single step, revealing the small chamber beyond.
It was well-lit, and unremarkable, apart from a few pedestals spaced around the room. Each one held a treasure that would be called priceless by any wizard, but Neville only had eyes for the pillar at the center of the room. Of all the treasures in the vault, what rested on the pedestal would be regarded as a treasure beyond any other.
A smile on his face, Neville reached out, and, after a moment's hesitation, plucked the treasure from its place.
A moment later, he turned, leaving the vault doors to close behind him.
-The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole-
Shunk.
The Burrow was quiet.
Shunk.
A rarity in and of itself, one that Molly Weasley was thankful for.
Shunk.
She loved her children dearly, but sometimes she missed the quiet of life before seven children.
Shunk.
Well, really, life before Fred and George, but the point still stood. A moment of quiet where she could work with her hands in the kitchen without using magic was a godsend; her mother had taught her how to cook the Muggle way, and it was only once the Burrow began to fill with children that she was forced to use magic to get all the food on the table. Being able to forgo magic in the kitchen was her way of putting her feet up – it was quiet, relaxing…
SLAM! WHOOSH! BANG!
And all too prone to shattering. In the span of two seconds, the door burst open, the fireplace burned green, and the house shook.
Mr. Weasley, Bill Weasley, and the twins, respectively.
"MUM! FRED AND GEORGE ARE –"
"-VER GUESS WHAT JUST HAPPENED MUM!"
"-SOME GREAT NEWS –"
"-TOLD THEM NOT TO DO IT, BUT THEY –"
"-REST OF THE HOLS OFF!"
"I WON THE DAILY PROPHET'S PRIZE DRAWING!"
There was a beat of silence, before every available voice in the house focused its force on Arthur Weasley.
"WHAT!?"
Ah, finis, finally!
I know that really nothing happened this chapter, but that was the unfortunate side effect of having a prep/intro to training chapter. (Un?)fortunately, next chapter will be the other end of summer, and possibly also include a prison break.
For those of you who spotted it, the credit goes to Gregg Landsman. Everyone go read NGE: Nobody Dies. You'll alternate between side-splitting laughter and jaw-dropping disbelief. Five Star Recommendation.
So, one of the Golden…eh, let's go with Pentagram for now… has their future skill revealed. Hermione gets Alchemy. Or, as the particular style I favor calls it: Renkinjutsu. For all you who get it: have a cookie.
Ron's and Neville's are still heavily under wraps, and are still having the details hashed out. Luna's set of powers is…interesting, I think. And Harry will finally get some real training in with Gryffindor. Jinzen ftw! For those who are curious, the Longbottom motto roughly translates to "Eternally Loyal." I think it sounds nice…
Reviews? Reviews for the poor? Reviews for the poor? Reviews?
CracktheSkye, out!