CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: FURTHER DECEPTIONS AND TRUTHS
Previously…
" I want nothing more to do with the Ministry or Dumbledore. Headmaster, I swear by my blood and my Ancestors," He withdrew his blade from it's sheathe where it gleamed silver with a hint of blue lightning playing around the edges and held his palm open where he slashed the dagger down. Hermione gasped, " that neither myself or my descendants shall fight for your light side as long as you hold the Oath you made me take. I'm sure Lord Voldemort is looking for a new ally,"
With these last words a pillar of flame and ice encompassed him and he disappeared leaving behind a stunned crowd.
" What did he mean?" Amos Diggory asked.
" Is he going to the Dark side?" Amelia Bones asked.
" I don't know," Dumbledore responded simply.
" We have to prepare, if our greatest Ally is going to the dark side," Amos chose his words carefully then quickly followed by Amelia Bones and Cornelius Fudge strode from the Great Hall. Dumbledore watched Gwen disappear from the Hall with a sigh.
" Gather the Order," the elderly headmaster said leaning back on his chair speaking to Shacklebolt and Tonks.
" Yes Albus," the two quickly followed the Ministry members, the meal was over so the children were dismissed except for Hermione and Ron who joined some of the teachers for the Order of Phoenix meeting.
" Mum," Ron Weasley said seeing his mother. Arthur Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Fleur Delacour and Remus Lupin were standing together. Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna had just entered the Room of Requirements. For the Order of the Phoenix meeting the room of requirements had become a stately throne room. A huge black banner hung with a golden and crimson phoenix. Around it were seven Family crests, Potter, Gryffindor, Black, Ravenclaw, Weasley, McGonagall and Dumbledore. A thin long circular table was in the middle.
Moody, Professor McGonagall and all the other members of the Order were already in the room. Also Neville's Gran and Mr Lovegood stood chatting to Kingsley. Besides Fred and Weasley the five were the youngest in the room.
" How are you honey?" Molly asked her youngest son.
" I'm good,"
" Is it true what Kingsley told us? Did Harry renounce his ties? His Potter name?" Arthur asked.
" 'Fraid so, I've been teaching as DADA teacher, Albus decided Harry should become a student once again," they all turned to look at Remus.
" What?" Ron said, none of the young people knew about this.
" It is as Harry said, the Headmaster threatened Harry that He agreed to his demand and return as a student bearing no knowledge of the past few months or he was to be immediately arrested and placed in Azkeban," Professor McGonagall said through pursed lips.
" Both Minerva and I argued with him but he was insistent," Remus confirmed.
" Where's Adam?" Hermione asked concerned.
" Oh we can answer that," Molly Weasley said, " He has stayed with us for the last four days, his mother picked him up moments before Shacklebolt arrived,"
" Ah hem," Dumbledore's voice drew them from conversation and everyone seated, " We are here tonight because of Harry Potter, he may have turned to the dark side,"
" I wonder why," Ron said loudly,
" Ronald Shush,"
" I will not shush, Mum. Why, Professor Dumbledore, did you threaten Harry?" Ron asked the question everyone's mind.
" I-I don't know," he slumped forward suddenly looking 150-years-old, " Thursday night I suddenly had this idea to return Mr. Potter to a student,"
" You've never entertained these thoughts before?" Kingsley asked suspiciously.
" Never considered it, in some ways Harry is part of my family," Dumbledore said his mind a little foggy.
" I think the Professor has had Occlumency used against him," Kingsley said finally.
" But he is too strong willed," McGonagall said at once.
" I am getting older Minerva," Dumbledore sighed and Molly almost felt pity for the man.
" Snape would know," Tonks admitted looking around the room, as did the others.
" Severus was called to the Dark Lord," Dumbledore said.
On the South Western-coast of Britain Snape and Draco appeared with a faint POP. They stood outside what appeared to be a ruined castle, signs posted here and there warned of dangers in the ruins. The pair strode forward confidently and as they passed the last sign it was as though they stepped through a barrier for suddenly before them was a magnificent castle with five large turrets and an imposing Gate.
" Chamber's couldn't make it," Draco said quietly.
" Then we shall be the first to give the Dark Lord news of Potter," Severus returned.
" Will he be pleased?" Draco asked.
" Very, Potter could be a useful Allie," the Potions Master returned and the two fell into companionable silence.
" Severus, Draco I'm pleased you could make it," Lucius Malfoy spoke from beyond the gate. The pair caught up with him.
" How many others are here?" Snape asked.
" The Inner circle have all arrived," the platinum-haired man returned, " Come quickly Master is waiting,"
They followed Draco's father quickly through the castle until they reached the grand Hall of Tintagel. The main throne hall was 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 sat on the high seat looking at the inner circle of Death Eater's all gathered.
" Now the purpose of this meeting is to find out some information, rumours have been filtering over the last few days of strange occurrences at Hogwart's," Voldemort began, " it seems Dumbledore is dissatisfied with Potter?"
" Yes My Lord, Dumbledore and Potter have been spotted arguing on several occasions over the last few weeks," Severus informed the Dark Lord.
" And Potter went missing Friday?" Voldemort asked, " My spies have told me Dumbledore came into the Three Broomsticks fuming at finding Potter there,"
" It is true My Lord, Potter was pulled away by Dumbledore and then went missing until this morning," Severus began, " he returned much like his former self, sixteen and arrogant, with a loss of memory,"
" Indeed, sixteen you say?"
" However this evening he barged into the evening meal and renounced his mortal ties, Albus had blackmailed him if he did not return as a student then he would be thrown into Azkeban, he then suggested you may be looking for an Ally," Severus said.
" Interesting," he tapped his long pale fingers against the throne, " If I could get Potter on my side then perhaps I could defeat Dumbledore, the old man has pushed away his greatest asset,"
" Perhaps I might help you," Malfoy grinned from beneath his cowl.
" How is that?" his red eyes turned on the boy.
" My Lord Voldemort, may I present to you Ileck Gryffindor formerly known as Harry Potter," Draco Malfoy moved forward revealing the young raven-haired man. The Death Eater's reacted instantly all pointing their wands at the Boy-Who-Lived.
" Lord Voldemort, it is nice to meet under these circumstances," Harry said indifferent to the dozen or so wands pointed at him.
" Can we kill him?" Bellatrix Lestrange whined.
" My dear Potter, I believe you are here for something or should I just kill you?" the Dark Lord said ignoring the woman. Isterria Black shifted beneath her cloak glaring at the man.
" I offer my services, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, those who do not realise what power we have and together we can destroy Muggles and magical folk alike."
" Your offer is very tempting, I shall consider it," said the Dark Lord nonchalantly.
" Then perhaps I should rescind my offer," Potter glared at the Dark lord, " I only offer once,"
XXX
Tendrils of mist hung above the waters surface like ghostly wraiths, not a sound could be heard. Nearby the music of thrushes and robins were captured by the mist and swallowed. Moving through the ghostly tendrils a shadow widened become larger and more defined. A maroon cloaked stranger stood on the flat-bottomed boat as a poles man pushed the small vessel through the placid black water. The vessel neared the land and with a gentle thump hit land's edge. The stranger with one nod of thanks stepped off into the wooded area where the sun filtered through the trees. A Green-cloaked young boy stood before him with a leather chest plate and blue-black hair to his shoulders. They clasped each other's wrists revealing leather armguards.
" Orin Silverguard, long time no see,"
" Ah Lord Gryffindor, returned at last," Orin returned and the two embraced like brothers.
" Ori, how are they?"
" Well, Uncle was glad you could protect his daughter though the rumours we have been hearing aren't well received," As they had been talking they had approached two horses, a shaven-haired human held them. Ilea selected his own horse; a black-coloured tempest called Steel and swung his left foot over mounting the horse. Orin was up beside him on a roan mare Flyte. The two began to trot through the forest.
" So did you really renounce your mortal ties?" the younger boy laughed.
" Yes, did Adam arrive safely?"
" Indeed, M'lord,"
" When we are alone you may call me Ilea," Harry answered, " Did your Father receive my letter?"
" Yes all the arrangements have been made,"
" Good,"
It was twenty minutes later that they rode up to the castle/palace of Argnasia, which looked down upon the Elf's largest city. Quickly dismounting at the gates after a bow and 'Your Highness' from the guards Ostlers took their horse. Harry and Orin walked swiftly through the Palace reaching the Royal Wing; Harry was overcome with familiarity and felt like he was home. Hogwart's had felt like Home for the first time since birth but the Palace and its occupants had opened its arms to Harry and accepted him whole-heartedly.
Once entering the Royal Wing passing a guard Harry paused three doors down hearing noise emanating from within the room. Opening the door he found himself looking at eleven-year-old Adam wearing Muggle three-quarter shorts and naked from the waist up. He was wrestling a completely naked boy approximately ten-years-old with spiky red hair. The young boy was the Heir to the Throne of the Elves, Prince Rynette (or Ryan as Harry called him) Iban Rivern Alyrdrial. Harry looked from one to the other, they were both soaking wet.
" Adam!" Harry's voice cracked and the two boys stopped startled looking up. Suddenly his face broke into a grin, Adam flung himself at his father.
" Dad,"
" Ryan, where's your sister?" Harry asked, Adam still in his arms. Harry knew where one was the other would be near.
" Here," Rayne, Ryan's fraternal twin, replied shyly. She was stood to the side of the room watching her brother and friend play.
" I've made some new friends," Adam said proudly grinning at his friends.
" I can see that,"
" Get changed," Orin said harshly. Ilea held up his hand to silence the younger boy.
" Let them have their fun, when they go to Hogwart's they won't be able to go nude or swim naked," Harry admonished the twins' cousin.
" Ileck, how will Ryan, Kaider and Michael take the Rites if they are at Hogwart's?" Orin now asked. Ryan was listening closely.
" You've been listening to your father and Uncle's conversation?" Orin ducked his head shamefully, " I have taken the rites and I'm a capable teacher, I will be teaching them but if it gets too much then I shall have help,"
" Harry James Potter, what were you thinking?" a loud voice came from behind them and they turned to see Gwen stood in the door hands on her hips.
" Time to go Ryan, Rayne," Orin said, " Bring Adam with you,"
With a last look at Harry Adam followed his new friends' from the room and Gwen stepped in closing the door behind her. Green eyes looked murderous as she turned them on Harry.
" Why Harry?" she asked suddenly losing her thunder.
" Dumbledore is a fool; you know the oath he made me take. I could never give up my son and act normal nor could I not be an adult when your around," He stepped closer to her and pushed a stray auburn hair from her face.
" He did not seem like a fool when I first came," Gwen said looking confused, Harry sighed and turned away from Gwen facing out the window.
" It is time I told you what is going on, when I was a child a prophecy was foreseen:
The one with the power to vanquish approaches…born to those thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…and the dark lord will mark him as an equal, but he will have power the dark lord knows not…and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord will be born as the seventh month dies.
" Basically it means Voldemort chose me so either Voldemort dies or I die. Only one shall live," he said and turned back to Gwen, " During the summer I took my own training into my hands and that is what brought me here but I spoke to Draco, Der'nei and your Father so that we came up with a plan,"
" You must kill Voldemort?" She looked at him surprised.
" We decided that I must make myself available to Voldemort so I could get close to him and kill him," Harry said, " Kristen performed a strong charm on Dumbledore giving him the idea to change me into a student, much of what you've seen the last few weeks has been acting, I'm actually very fond of Dumbledore,"
" But you renounced your mortal ties?" Gwen asked sceptically.
" I was acting, it had to be real enough that Voldemort's spies believed it, because I have access to only two of those spies who are double Agents I have to make sure everything is seen by other Agents," Harry explained.
" Very clever, what next?"
" Well I visited Voldemort yesterday," Harry admitted.
" You what?" she screeched.
" I visited Voldemort and offered to be an Ally," Harry repeated, " I want to be close to him and work out his weaknesses,"
" I-," she was interrupted from the rest of her sentence by a knock upon the door.
" Come in," Harry yelled.
Draco Malfoy entered still wearing dark robes but with a smile on his face.
" Voldemort has accepted your offer, the ruse has worked," he said.
" Thank you for informing me," Harry said.
" Voldemort has taken out a contract on Neville," Draco said flatly.
" What?" Harry and Gwen spoke in unison.
" Voldemort knows Neville has similar Talents as you so decided to take him out of the equation, he's placed a price on his head,"
" Oh my," Harry said sitting down.
" Is Neville special?" Gwen asked looking from one man to the other.
" Yes, Neville was the other born the same day as me. He is a mage-to-be," Harry returned.
" Do you know all the mages?" Draco asked.
" Not all but I suspect a few. Michael, Ginny, Gwen, Neville and Josh are all Mages," Harry admitted.
" But there are seven, correct?" Draco asked.
" Yes," Harry replied not looking at Draco, " Neville is a Kavron (Spell weaver),"
" Harry, what about an Apprenticeship?" Gwen muttered.
" An Apprenticeship that has not been used in five hundred years. At least not magically contracted one," Harry said, " Do you think he'll go for it?"
" Yes, he needs to train here. Ginny has and is almost ready to take her place. Michael will train next year, it is only Neville and Josh you must be concerned about," Gwen said.
" What about the seventh?" Harry asked.
" Has your suspicion been confirmed?"
" Not yet," Harry admitted. A flash of flame erupted from beside him and then Crimson Fawkes was twittering about the room. Harry held out his arm and Fawkes landed allowing the young man to take off the parchment.
To Lord Gryffindor,
The Order of Phoenix met yesterday and would like to invite you back to Hogwart's for a second meeting. We would like to discuss your intentions if possible and perhaps mend some fences. The meeting starts in one in the Room of Requirement.
Yours,
Minerva McGonagall.
" Do you think I should go?" Harry asked, " Should I return?"
"Yes, Remus regrets taking the Defence position you can see that in his eyes. Adam misses his brother I bet and Josh certainly misses him. You're his only family," Gwen said.
" You can keep a closer eye on Neville if he chooses not to accept and you have to inform the order," Draco added.
" It's settled, I'm returning to Hogwart's. Adam can remain here tonight though," Harry said with a note of finality.
XXX
The Order of the Phoenix had gathered for it's second meeting in as many days. Ron was starting to get a sense of Dèja Vu as he entered the Room of Requirement followed by Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Luna and an uncertain Kristen. Again it was like the stately room they had been in the day before.
" You've made it," Molly pursed her lips as if recalling how she had been forced to allow them to become members.
" Yes, is Harry here yet?" Ron asked looking around.
" Not yet," Molly said sadly then brightened up, " But your brother's are graduating,"
" They finished last year," Ron said.
" Albus allowed them to be graduated with this year's seventh Years, the Headmaster has decided to bring back some old Hogwart's traditions,"
" Such as?" Ginny asked.
" Graduation Day, parents would come on the day before last and see their children receive their certificates. My Parents watched me," Molly recalled fondly. The door opened and Harry entered wearing full mage uniform, Draco and Gwen followed him in. Ron looked surprised at seeing Draco here despite knowing the young man was helping Harry.
" Ah, Dumbledore has a flare for dramatics," Harry sneered worthy of Draco Malfoy.
" Ilea, shush, you shall have your friendship back," The others could not believe this was once their friend and how he was so out of character.
" Welcome and thank you for coming to the meeting on such short notice," Dumbledore said as he entered taking a seat, as did the others. Harry was sitting opposite Dumbledore glaring at the man.
" I'm glad to be here," Harry returned pleasantly enough.
" What are your intentions with us?" Dumbledore came and said. Harry took a deep breath and looked around at the trusted Order his eyes meeting Tonk's and Remus's.
" You have been deceived," Harry finally said.
" What do you mean?" Minerva asked confused.
" I am not angry with Professor Dumbledore nor am I intent on joining Lord Voldemort's side," Harry admitted, " Kristen planted the seed of an idea for the Professor to return me back to a student, she also planted the threat,"
" Why?" Molly Weasley asked and Harry took another deep breath. Gwen took his hand beneath the table.
" Because I cannot live while Voldemort survives," Harry explained, " By that I mean that a Prophecy was foretold about a child:' The one with the power to vanquish approaches…born to those thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…and the dark lord will mark him as an equal, but he will have power the dark lord knows not…and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord will be born as the seventh month dies',"
" But my grandson was born on July 31st and his parents defied the Dark Lord three times," Ethel Longbottom spoke up.
" Yes Ma'am but Voldemort chose me and marked me as his equal," Harry continued, " So I must defeat Voldemort but Draco, an advisor and myself imagined a plan to get close to Voldemort and therefore exploit his weakness,"
" So you set up that argument for Voldemort's sake, allowing him to believe you and Dumbledore were going separate ways," Arthur finished, " that is a very smart plan,"
" Yes and he took the bait Hook, line and sinker," Harry said, " but we have another problem,"
" Oh?" Dumbledore asked.
" He has called for the assassination of Neville Longbottom. He has taken out a blood contract, he has used his blood to take out the contract and should Longbottom die he gains his power," Harry explained. Neville looked aghast and his Grandmother looked just as shocked.
" What spell has he used?" Hermione, ever the bookworm, asked.
" Probably a very dark spell called Crimson Magus," answered Severus.
" Pansy, Dean Thomas, Parvati Patel, and his young Death Eaters will all be after Neville," Malfoy reported. Neville looked up shocked.
" He'll have to be removed from Gryffindor," Kingsley said.
" I will not have my grandson's life endangered," Grandma Longbottom shouted.
" Nor shall you," A deep voice said and all turned to look at Harry who shared a look with Gwen.
" Neville is a Kavron, he is a Mage close to Harry. We believe he has Talents similar to that of a Spell weaver," Gwen explained.
" We have an idea to protect Neville and nurture his talents," Harry said
" What, what is it?" Ethel said as Gwen and Harry exchanged looks.
" It is only for Neville to decide but it would mean he'd have to sever his ties with mortality and the Longbottom name. He may choose a new name and he would be bonded to his Master. It is Apprenticeship. He would not attend Hogwart's; frankly he would drop off this earth unless his Master so wished," Harry answered. Neville seemed deep in thought.
" It was how the old Mage's used to do it," Gwen added. The debate raged and raged and for a few hours other ideas were thrown around the room as Neville remained silent. Just before dinner Dumbledore called an end to the meeting and everyone left, the Professor's to dinner with the wayward students. The parents of the student's present joined them for dinner.
" You coming, Harry?" Gwen asked
" Sure," Harry said following Ethel Longbottom down thorough the castle. As he walked into the Great Hall he felt tendrils touching his mind looking for access. Lord Ilea, proud warrior walked through the hall head held high. Gwen sat at the Head table with Remus, she smiled as Harry entered and returned to talking with the wily werewolf. Mr and Mrs Weasley sat at the Gryffindor table with their daughter and youngest son. Mrs Longbottom sat with her grandson chatting animatedly. But what the two pairs of family didn't notice were Dean Thomas and Parvati Patel sitting next to each other watching Neville closely, Harry knew by now the contract to kill or capture Neville must have filtered down to the junior Death Eaters. Catching Draco's eye he changed his mind and stepped up to the pair.
" Try anything and you'll be on your backs faster than you can say Avada," Harry said, " the Dark Lord would not be happy if anything happened before he had his hands on him,"
Their backs stiffened visibly and Parvati was shaking. Dean whispered furiously in Parvati's ear. Kevin Blythe's eyes were wide but he looked at his dinner quick enough as Harry made his way around the other side of the table on Hufflepuff's side.
" Budge up Josh," Harry spoke with dead calm. He sat at the table looking down at his plate, his meal suddenly appeared minutes before the rest. Everyone tucked in.
" How are your lessons?" Ilea directed his question at Dennis.
" Well Professor, Professor Lupin doesn't match your standards," he replied and Harry could almost feel Dennis's shoeless foot glide along Seamus's thigh.
" Stop!" He cracked like a whip and everyone jumped, Dennis looked incredibly guilty but Seamus just grinned, " Finnegan, how would you like a Four foot essay on proper etiquette at the Dinner table with guests?"
" Sorry Professor," The grinned dropped.
" So Mrs-,"
" Ah call me Ethel, Harry," The elderly woman smiled at the Twenty-nine year old, " Is it true you are a father?"
" Yes Ma'am, Adam is eleven," Harry replied.
" How's that possible?"
" I am Twenty-nine, Ma'am," He answered simply as though that explained everything.
" When are you getting married?" Molly looked at her adoptive son loving a good wedding.
" I don't know," Harry lied crossing his fingers, " How long will it be before Ron and Kristen provide you with grandchildren?"
" I hope it's a long time," the ginger woman returned as Ron sputtered on his drink and Kristen glared at Harry.
" I'll have you know Potter, I have not engaged in sexual practices," Ron said with dignity.
" That's good Mr Weasley but rumours are that you are often heard shouting out the name Kristen and moaning several times," Ron freckles multiplied and his face become a bright red colour and he almost choked on something. The table erupted with laughter at Ron's embarrassment. As the meal came to an end Harry got up meeting Gwen and they exited the Great Hall following some student's.
" Harry," he heard his name called and turned to find Neville with his Grandma.
" Yes Nev?"
" I'll do it," He declared.
" Ok, I will come and talk to you later about it,"
" Thank you Harry," Neville said eagerly and went off with his grandmother to say goodbye.
" Come on you, I think someone is waiting to speak to you," Gwen smiled.
" Who?" Harry asked surprised.
" Josh, silly he hasn't spoken to his Dad in three days,"
XXX
Daily Prophet
The War took a new turn last night as a Wizarding Terrorist cell entered the fray. For the past year Wizarding kind have been fighting He-who-must-not-named including the famous Harry Potter. Amos Diggory, Minister for Magic, has been working hard to fight the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord has remained quiet no longer fighting maybe strategising?
However last night Neville Longbottom, Hogwart's student, attending his mother and father at the hospital was attacked with others on his return. The move seems to be a free terrorist cell named Black Gryffin Eleven. In the Muggle world they have terrorist groups such as the famous and deadly Al Queda and the Basque. This is relatively new, as we've never seen such tactics before. A magical device placed on the Knight bus exploded with a dozen Avada Kedavra curses, seven killed and ten injured were on the list including the death of the driver Ernie Prang. It is believed Mr Longbottom was clipped with one of the Unforgivable's such tactics are ruthless. It seems the Cell have targeted Death Eaters as well, Graham Moireo suspected Death Eater was found assassinated in his home two nights ago. Our prayers go to the recovery of Neville Longbottom and the others injured.