CHAPTER FITEEN: MOURNING THE DEAD
QUIBBLER
COMING OF SECOND DARKNESSBritain was today grieving for the devastating attacks late Tuesday night. The Second War of Darkness has begun in earnest with the terror attacks launched by Lord Voldemort the one known as the Dark Lord or He Who Must Be Named. Not much is known of Lord Voldemort but some thirty years ago he began the dark terror on the Wizarding world. For fifteen years he terrorised the magical community, the youth of today do not know of fear we once felt at Voldemort's hands. For me I was child during most of HIS first reign until that October night when a baby Harry Potter defeated the darkness of Lord Voldemort. Up until July of last year the Ministry were denying the rumours, from Albus Dumbledore Headmaster of Hogwart's Witchcraft and Wizardry that Voldemort had indeed rose again.
Though this time much of the evidence was irrefutable so Higher Echelons of the Ministry got together and asked for a vote of No confidence after evidence that Fudge was indeed taking bribes from Voldemort. Amos Diggory became Minister For Magic in January of this year. As with the first war of Darkness Voldemort has began his reign with stealth and subtly manoeuvring of People into the Ministry. Suspicion has been drawn but no confirmation of persons has been revealed.
Confidential reports observed by this reporter reveals that Dementors had been removed from Azkeban prison shortly after the events of the summer. My source, which wishes to remain nameless, explains that the Dementors are perfect supporters of the Dark Lord as he could offer them far more than the Ministry could give them then two nights ago many families suffered heavy casualties when several Death Eaters raids were conducted. Nearly a hundred Aurors were dispatched to locations around the United Kingdom. Tessa and Nicholas Granger parents of Hermione Granger (who attends Hogwart's 6th Year) and Josh Dumbledore-Granger (Hogwart's 1st year) were among those killed but the Aurors protected them to the last. Nymphadora Tonks was devastated as she lost her partner Lieutenant Andrew Williams during the Granger raid.
Today will be the funeral of Tessa and Nicholas Granger; their eldest Hermione is best friends to Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. It is said that afterwards Amos Diggory will be at Hogwart's for the Wake. The Quibbler has been invited to the Wake where the Minister For Magic Amos Diggory and Professor Harry Potter will be speaking publicly. Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to the families of those killed.
" Arran Patterson is a good man," Ron said. It was Thursday morning and Harry's friends were all in the Hospital Wing. Hermione just sat next to Ron's bed looking as though her soul had been removed. Harry entered the Hospital Wing a grim look upon his face and his arm around Josh.
" Look what I found wondering the corridors," Harry said, " Are you ready?"
" We are," the Red head replied. Ron pulled on his jacket the injuries on his face now vivid red scars across his nose and left eyelid. They followed Harry who still had his arm around Josh's shoulders to the Carriages; they wore smart clothing for the funeral of Hermione and Josh's parents. Only a few people would be going to the Muggle ceremony.
" Afterward we will be returning here for the Remembrance and Wake," Harry announced.
" What does it matter?" Hermione asked tonelessly.
" Your parents would be proud of you, you are a smart Witch, smartest Witch of the last decade and remember they are always watching you," Neville said surprising everyone. Harry led his son onto the train and took a seat opposite Hermione; Ron sat next to her with Neville on his other side. Ginny sat down next to Harry and Adam sat on his fathers' lap just as Luna Lovegood sat down next to Ginny. As the train started silence lay heavy in the compartment, Hermione seemed unstaring and withdrawn.
" What is going to happen to us?" Josh asked breaking the silence, Hermione looked up broken out of her reverie.
" I was called to a meeting last night with Professor Dumbledore and Magical Child Welfare have been in touch. Both you and Hermione have to make some decisions especially Hermione," Harry explained, " Legally by wizard and Muggle law Josh is bound to Albus Dumbledore as his last living relative but Hermione is only sixteen therefore her guardianship belongs to her Aunt and uncle,"
" My Aunt and Uncle are complete Muggles, they will not allow me to attend a magical school," Hermione almost shrieked.
" Both Professor Dumbledore and I have been in touch with a Muggle Lawyer, it not typical but recently children have become emancipated from Parents or Guardians due to Physical or emotional abuse," Harry explained, " We have pleaded our case with the MCW and they say that is extreme but have concluded if you have a permanent residence of which you are paying rent or own, and have a job you may take care of Josh with visits from MCW,"
" What about Hogwart's?" she asked.
" Professor Snape has agreed to hire you as an assistant next year so you will be paid and be able to finish your NEWTs," Harry went on, " As for residence you will be staying with Adam and I when you are not in Hogwart's,"
" With the Dursley's?"
" First of all Vernon and Dudley Dursley are in prison and secondly I can not go to the Dursley's looking like this," Harry scorned as Adam squirmed in his lap, " I now own 12 Grimmauld Place and I have a house near a village called Downham Market, I'd be honoured if you would stay with me,"
" Thank you Harry, we don't deserve you," she said brightening and hugging her close friend around the neck.
" It's good for Adam to have company,"
As the morning wore on Adam fell asleep in his fathers' lap. An hour or so later the train stopped on platform 9 ¾. Remus Lupin dressed in a deep black suit was there to meet them with the Weasley Parents, Tonks and a few others. Hermione rushed into the arms of Tonks.
" I'm so sorry, Hermione,"
" It's not your fault, Tonks, you tried to protect them," Hermione whispered into the embrace. Letting go she put her arm around her brothers shoulder and the young woman led him to one of the black Rolls Royce's. Amongst her friends going were Seamus Finnegan, Neville Longbottom, and Dean Thomas, the Creevey brothers, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patel. Harry with Adam holding his hand walked up to Remus.
" Remus, can you take Adam?"
" Sure, where are you going?" He nodded in the direction of a blue car with very sporty curves. The Audi TT was dark blue and perhaps suited Harry.
" Can you go with Uncle Moody?" Harry said to his son.
" Sure Dad," the boy returned and walked off with Remus to one of the cars. Harry moved away quickly and caught up with Hermione before she got into a car he caught her arm and walked her away. He blipped a button and the car unlocked, she looked over the sleek design in wonderment.
" Can you drive?"
" I learnt during the summer," he replied, " and I got my license,"
Both got in and Harry began to follow the procession towards the cemetery, the two were sat in silence as Harry operated the gearshift. Then he heard her sniffle and looking over at her saw her shoulders heave. Indicating he left the group and pulled into a lay-by.
" Come on, Hermione," Harry said gently. He pulled her into a hug as it hit her all at once.
" Why, Harry, why?" She sobbed.
" Voldemort," Harry answered.
" I hate him, I really do hate him," She muttered and she pummelled her fists on Harry's chest.
" We are two of a kind," Harry said soothingly, " But I know it must be worse for you, he took them away after you knew them for sixteen years,"
" Ten years ago I was so jealous of the bundle that had arrived," She laughed wiping a tear away from her eyes.
" Now look at you, smartest witch this decade, all grown up," Harry said, " and greatest sister alive, Josh would say,"
X
The Funeral had been a sullen affair; rain had drizzled over the funeral-goers on the dreary March afternoon. They had returned to Hogwart's and Hermione had disappeared. Dinner had been served and now the Hall was set up for the Wake. The Hall had been magically extended and the house tables removed. Rows of chairs had been placed out. At 7 sharp the housemasters led the students into the first ten rows on the right side in front of a raised platform.
Journalist and Important Ministry Members sat the front on the left while parents and other magical members sat in the other rows. On the raised platform sat Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter and Amos Diggory, Minister For Magic. Albus Dumbledore got up and stood in front of a podium.
" Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Albus Dumbledore spoke from the podium, " I wish I could say this occasion could be a happy one but I can't. We all strive for the best, even now we have delegates from schools of five countries and the students are stretching their hands for friendships between our countries.
" Now as to tonight we are in mourning for the loss of our loved ones in a raid by the self-proclaimed dark Lord. His attributes could be considered similar to that of the Muggle Adolph Hitler but Lord Voldemort has weapons of greater horror at his hands; fear, panic and paranoia!" Albus Dumbledore stepped down from the podium and sat beside the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. He patted his knee and the boy got up stepping to the podium.
" It is without a doubt truly a crime to murder one own neighbour, is that what god teaches us. We are however a separate people from Muggles but does that makes us superior and right to murder? I mourn for those lives lost now before their time, James and Lily Potter, Cedric Diggory, Tessa and Nicolas Granger, Thomas, Lynn and Zacharias Smith, Freda McMillan, Xang, Hoshi and Cho Chang, William and Maria Abbot, and Lieutenant Andrew Williams are just to name few. I will tell you now I will not rest until the Dark Lord has been defeated, by the blood of my parent's I swear an oath that the next generation can live without fear from Lord Voldemort," Harry sat down to wild applause. The Minister stood next and looked out to the 180 people gathered before him.
"No coward soul is mine, No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere: I see Heaven's glories shine, and faith shines equal, arming me from fear. Emily Brontë spoke these words, if we have faith we shall defeat Lord Voldemort for only when we look our fears in the face we shall truly have the courage to make the safety of the Magical world our priority," Amos said, " I will pledge the Ministry of Magic to finding and destroying the evil that is routing itself in our lives," The crowds roared and gave the Minister a standing ovation. Speeches and a One minute silence was given and now some time later the chairs had been removed to the side of the hall so that people could dance or chat. The band were on a break with soft music playing over some speakers many people were choosing to talk with loved ones and friends. At the food and drink table drinking from a flute of champagne stood Harry.
" Where's Adam?" Kristen asked coming up to the young DADA teacher.
" Dobby's watching him, it was getting late," Harry answered.
" I'm glad you chose me as the God-mother," She commented looking over the people milling around.
" It was originally Gwen's idea," Harry shrugged.
" When are you going to tell her she has a ten-year-old son?" Kris asked.
" I wasn't planning to," he replied, " The Vale is completely cut off from media,"
" That's a bit selfish,"
" No it's not," Draco Malfoy came up to the friends and looked at Hermione who had been talking with Harry before Kristen came up.
" May I have the honour of a dance?" He asked and Harry could see the Talented Tentacles moving back onto stage.
" You may," Hermione answered surprised and took Draco's outstretched hand. They began a slow tune and Draco pulled an obliging 'Mione closer to him talking quietly.
" Nice Speech," a voice spoke from behind, " What's this? I don't see you for awhile and suddenly you're the same age,"
" Bill!" Harry said smiling at the now slightly older Weasley just as the rest of the Weasley's came up and Fleur Delacour put her arm around Bill.
" I'm engaged," Bill said proudly to the raven-haired man.
" I see Bill helped you with your…. erm…. English," Harry said mischievously.
" Yes he did," She said smirking at his statement.
" Congratulations, Bill," he said genuinely, " You deserve to be happy,"
" Thanks, so who's this?" He asked smiling at the elf. Fleur slapped him slightly and Ginny giggled.
" Whipped!" she muttered.
" Kristen Silverwolf is an old friend," Harry said, " That's Bill and his fiancé Fleur Delacour,"
" Harry's told me much about you," She said gripping his hand but he hugged her.
" Don't hog him, I'm getting jealous," Fleur said with just a trace of an accent. She grinned and the two girls began to talk.
" She's beautiful," Bill said nudging his adoptive brother.
" Not interested, I have a feeling she likes another red-head," Harry winked and inclined his head towards Ron who was with Ginny and the other two girls talking. The song ended and the dancers returned, 'Mione with a glazed look and grin upon her face.
" How's the job?" Arthur asked.
" It's good, the children are mostly good but its strange teaching those that were my peers until a month or so ago," Harry said then added, " How's your job?"
" It pays well and its tiring, Diggory works me hard,"
" Like a dog," Bill chipped in arm around Fleur's shoulder. Harry noticed Josh with Cary dancing and talking quietly. He watched them closely and smiled when Hermione observed him keeping a close eye on the pair. She hid a smile behind her hand, her first smile since her parents' death.
" He works hard and Amos treats Arthur well," Molly added.
" Hello," A quiet voice spoke up and those present turned to look at Percy Weasley in black Dress robes.
" What do you want?" Harry said coldly, his eyes hard and glittering with Malice.
" Harry!" Molly spoke sharply. The others all looked at him in shock, he never treated anyone like this.
" I only wanted to apologise to my family," Percy said returning Harry's stare. The air was filled with static.
" I have some advice for you Percy, Be very careful where you tread and who you associate with," Percy's eyes widened and they flicked towards Draco meeting his eyes, " I'm watching you very carefully Percy, Evil hath no bounds,"
Harry abruptly stalked off leaving a very bewildered and surprised Weasley Family and friends. The Area seemed to warm up again and the static charge fizzled and died. Harry was muttering to himself by the platform where the Teachers table sat when Remus came up with a young woman on his arm. Remus had a brunette on his arm but he looked younger and seemed happier. Glossy dark brown hair was tied into a ponytail at the nape of his neck and his eyes twinkled with pleasure.
" Moony how are you?" Harry said.
" I'm well but I would like you meet someone, this is my girlfriend Jedzera Griffin," Remus smiled. She blushed, her long hair cascading down her back. Her obsidian eyes were depthless and many emotions showed Harry her true soul, as they say the eyes are truly the windows to the soul. She was clearly in love with Remus.
" I'm Harry," he introduced himself lightly kissing the back of her hand.
" Please call me Zera, you are so charming," her laugh was like a beautiful song on the wind.
" What's a matter?" Remus asked then seeing Harry's dark look.
" Percy!" He replied.
" He is in the Order of Phoenix," Remus said surprised, Harry looked at him and then to the Headmaster.
" Dumbledore has accepted Death Eaters before but maybe this is going a step too far," Harry said almost to himself.
" Death Eater? Percy?" Remus was confused.
" He likes power, loved it with Minister Fudge, I've had intelligence suggesting he has taken the Dark Mark,"
" Intelligence,"
" Are you going to repeat everything I say?" Harry asked, " Yes, a well known source who tells me Percy is in with Voldemort, he spies on his Father for the Dark Lord,"
" But surely Arthur and Amos know,"
" Amos has been informed in a closed meeting with myself and Professor Dumbledore, Precautions are being made and he is being used in an adequate way," now Harry smirked.
" I see," Harry turned to look at Zera.
" All this shop talk must be boring," Harry seemed more cultivated Remus thought, " Have you introduced this lovely young woman to the Weasley's?"
" He hasn't," Zera mock-glared at the hapless Werewolf.
"Well then that will have to be remedied. Would you care to meet my family?" Harry asked offering his arm out to the young woman. She took his arm laughing gaily with Remus pouting on the other side.
" Pouting is very unbecoming of you, moony," Harry pointed out and the old Werewolf smiled. The three of moved back to the large group now without Percy, the Weasley's almost seemed relieved that Harry was acting normally again.
" Jedzera Griffin, meet my mother and Father Molly and Arthur Weasley," He pointed at them, " my brothers Charlie, Ron and Bill with his Fiancée Fleur Delacour," he pointed to the three red-heads, " and of course my little sister Ginny, Foster sister Hermione Granger and my friend Kristen Silverwolf,"
" Please call me Zera," the brunette said, " Forgive me Harry but it was said your parents were killed at birth, you have an awful big family,"
" That's ok Zera, the Weasley's adopted recently but a piece of parchment won't change that I am part of the family. Hermione I met many years before and she has become part of my Family, as for Remus, well he's almost been the mad uncle,"
" Hey!" Remus said and everyone laughed, " May I take my girlfriend back now?"
" Surely," Harry said laughing and passed over the young woman, " I have to be excused foe a moment anyway,"
Harry moved away from them taking a glass of Champagne from a moving house elf and looking smart in the velvet black tux he wore walked to a dark corner of the hall where a cloaked person was. Hermione watched him with interest when her mind was pulled back to the conversation at hand.
" Ron I am truly sorry to hear," Remus had been at the ministry so was contained.
" Professor, I would be lying if I said I was good but Colin is more distraught than I," Ron replied.
" You've certainly grown up," Minerva McGonagall said moving into the circle.
" We all have," Harry commented darkly returning, " some more than others,"
" Well you've certainly grown up," the deputy headmistress said cracking a joke, they all laughed.
" I can now do what I've been wanting to do for ages now," he said.
" What's that?" Hermione asked.
" A male model," This bought another round of laughter.
" Seriously," Remus said regaining his breath, " What's to happen?"
" The Ministry have declared that Ronald, Colin and young Cary are to be kept in Ministry quarters at the full moon," the deputy headmistress replied, Molly and Arthur looked downtrodden.
" What about the Werewolf Protection Act?" Remus asked. He had been instrumental in setting up the Werewolf Protection Act.
" I've petitioned with the Ministry even using my Magehood and my strings with the Minister For Magic, Arthur cannot do anything because it's his son. I've been shut off,"
Abruptly Harry was cut off as a scuffle took place making them turn their heads. Colin Creevey held Seamus Finnegan against the wall almost choking the boy. Dennis and his parents were near by pleading with the 15-year-old to release his 'hostage'. Harry moved quickly through the crowd followed by the others as Seamus got up, blood running from his nose as he faced off against Colin. A circle edged around them now.
" Please Colin, don't do this here," Lynda Creevey said trying to calm her eldest.
" What's going on?" Harry asked calmly. As a Professor he was popular and fair, because of his 'youth' he was often approached by the elder students on questions.
" Did you know my brother was queer, Professor?" Colin spoke scathingly.
" Dennis did approach me Colin, however you of all people should know I don't reveal what my students tell me,"
" But he's thirteen?" Colin replied looking at Harry, " He hasn't been through puberty long enough to know what he likes,"
" Homosexuality is a sensitive subject Colin," Harry replied softly, " even here it seems. But Dennis feels that he is attracted to his own sex and we should respect his wishes, he may decide later he likes only woman. All young teenagers go through a stage I know I certainly did, I'll admit now I fantasised about…. um…Ron a few times," He blushed.
" You never told me," Ron spoke up.
" Now what would I say gee let me think, ' Hey Ron, did you know I've got a hard on for your tight ass'," Everyone laughed at his statement.
" His is kinda cute," Kris said only loud enough for Harry and Remus to pick up with sensitive ears.
" Look at me now, Ron is my brother and I have a wonderful son," Harry added.
" But it's just wrong…" His protests died as Harry looked at him.
" Surely your not narrow-minded, certainly not after what you've been through," Harry said then turned to the crowd, " Come on now you Animals, leave the lad alone,"
Soon the crowd has dispersed and Colin disappeared. So too did Harry with a parting view of Seamus kissing Dennis softly on the lips. A smile tugged at Harry's lips as he vanished into the night.
X
Darkness penetrated the castle, clinging to the ancient rock and permeating the very fibre of the building. To Muggles it was a wreck, a ruin not worth exploring but Tintagel Castle was used the Wizengamot every hundred years or so but a sinister creature had made the castle his headquarters. The Castle was anything but a ruin behind the façade but a beautiful historic building. The main throne hall majestic and a fire roared even though the shadows made for sinister imaginations and the man on the throne did little to soften the mood. Lord Voldemort was brooding the latest developments when the main doors were flung open.
" Potter!" He hissed as he looked upon the man. Harry Potter wore the clothes of a War Mage, he wore a set of armour made of interlinked Basilisk scales, they were deep blue almost black in colour yet were easy manoeuvrable as the man had shown. On his waist was a sheathed sword and his gauntleted hands were relaxed one resting on the rich red pommel of his sword. The throne room was large and the banners hung were of Slytherin's crest. He looked at the man before him, his arch-nemesis.
" Lord Voldemort," Harry replied bowing with a flourish smiling.
" You have changed since we have last met," Voldemort stated.
" I am older and wiser," Harry admitted.
" Shall we kill him?" Lucius Malfoy said, the pair noticed that several Death Eaters had their wands trained on the mighty Potter. Voldemort held up one velvet-gloved hand.
" Have you come to kill me?" Voldemort asked.
" I come with a proposition, I swear on the life of my son that I have not come to kill you," the oath invoked, a wind blew through the Throne room.
" Get out!" The dark Lord hissed. Once the servants were gone he sealed the room so no interference could happen.
" You are not usually as trusting, my Lord," Harry mocked the man.
" Perhaps fatherhood has softened me, we now share that joy," he replied.
" I saw the register at Hogwarts," Harry commented.
" I can already tell his Magic is strong, perhaps he will outstrip his old man as Dark Lord," Voldemort, " So what is the pleasure of your visit?"
" I guessed that you would kill his mother if you haven't already so I came to make a proposal," Harry answered.
" Yes?"
" Do you mean to have the boy grow up an orphan like you and I?"
" No, I do not," Voldemort softened, " What do you suggest?"
" I have been to the Ministry and created a Birth certificate under the name Joel Riddle, grant me as his legal godfather,"
" What? You my enemy?" Voldemort laughed, a harsh scraping sound.
" Yes, My Lord," Harry replied, "You know of the Prophecy! If I die he shall have his biological father but if you die then he will have a guardian, and I will treat him like my own," Harry replied.
" Your idea rewards merit to be sure. Yes you are a worthy advisory and cruelly honest, to seal it we should perform Sangai Ananai,"
" Elvish Blood oath?" Harry said then looked at the Dark Lord his eyes glowing, " By the magic that binds us and the blood that connects us I summon the Elementals to strengthen this bond that a child should live with the guardian who survives. So it is done,"
As the Last of the old Magic died Harry swirled from the room and disappeared into the night. A figure stepped from the shadows into the light looking at the Dark Lord.
" He is clever," the man said smoothly.
" Why?"
" He knew I was here, I could feel his probing yet he didn't bat an eyelash," he answered the Dark Lord.
" Does he know your elfish Background?"
" No My Lord," He replied, " I am the last Dark Elf,"
" Good,"
" I have his confidence. I believe he attempted to have Albus get me as another School doctor," He sneered the word.
" Did dear old Albus recognise you?"
" He thought I was familiar," the man answered.
" Very well, Kal'ven, what is it you call yourself?"
" Kaiser," He replied, " Dr Ritchie Kaiser,"