CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GOLDEN ARROW'S
Harry woke up with a jolt as soft skin drew along his shin; he opened his eyes and looked into beautiful Hazel eyes. Gwen smiled lovingly at her husband-to-be as she drew her hand along her distended belly. She pulled him closer to her.
" Our baby girl is going to be born soon," Gwen muttered.
" I can't wait," Harry said.
" What are we going to name her?" Gwen asked.
" I thought perhaps Hermione or Tessa," Harry suggest tentatively.
" Actually how about Lilly or Lillian?" Gwen asked.
" I like them, how about Megan?" Harry returned and Gwen's smile grew wider.
" That's perfect, but she may not look like a Megan," said Gwen semi-seriously.
" Oh my sweet Pegasus what would I ever do without you?" Harry held her close and smiled at her.
" Play with yourself," she responded with a saucy wink.
" You cheeky little minx," He said. Suddenly the door creaked and Adam entered completely naked. Harry's eyes widened and Gwen let out a snort of laughter. His dark hair was in complete contrast to his creamy pale complexion, " Adam why are you naked?"
" 'Cuz I feel free," Harry felt almost chilled at the adult-like response but the boy was still innocent, " Besides Ryan and Rayne go naked,"
" Come here," said Harry patting the bed as Gwen giggled; Harry glared at her briefly before turning his attention to his young son. The naked child jumped up onto the bed and sat in Harry's covered lap. The man put his arms around his son as Adam rested his back on his father's hairy chest. Warmth emanated off the boy.
" It's my fault that they are nudist's," Gwen admitted.
" What?" Harry looked at her.
" When I was nineteen I attended a Muggle summer camp as a counsellor. I made a friend in a young fourteen year-old-girl Madeline. Towards the end however she confided that her young brother and herself were nudists," Gwen explained to Father and Son, " Her mother and father were both naturists and allowed the children to be nudists and even taking them on clothing/nudist holidays. Anyways her 13-year-old friend Jack and I were invited back to her house for the remaining part of the summer. Once at the house she told him her secret and allowed us to try it. Her parents went away for the week leaving me in charge.
" Jack went naked but seeing myself and Maddy naked got an erection. He was so embarrassed he hid in her younger brothers room. The naked young boy talked him back out and we spent the week naked. He got over his problem. When I returned here I tried going naked swimming and in my own rooms. Ryan and Rayne both young and impressionable, saw me naked and were shocked especially Ryan. Both were young so they started though Mother and Father thought they'd grow out of it. When Kristen joined us last summer she would only go naked swimming in private or with the three of us,"
" In the Muggle world Muggles who go nude in the privacy of their homes and on holiday are often frowned upon. Though people who frown upon will try it and some even found out freeing it is," Harry added, " My Aunt and Uncle were very normal so frowned upon nudist, I kinda of picked up their issues as well. Adam, you can go nude only if you have the door locked or if Gwen or I am in the room, never with anyone else. As for me I will never be a nudist,"
" Oh you will be," Gwen said stalking off into the en-suite bathroom.
" What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked perplexed but getting no reply turned to Adam, " Go get changed for school,"
" Don't you remember Dad, it's the Golden Arrow and you said I could watch it,"
" I Remember Adam but the golden Arrow isn't until this afternoon so get your clothes on, you're going to school this morning," Harry replied narrowing his eyes and as the young boy went off Harry followed Gwen into the shower.
Much later at first break Harry entered the staff room slumping down into one of the chairs.
" Hello Harry," Minerva said sitting next her former student.
" You don't mind if I call you Minnie do you?" He asked. She chuckled.
" It's been a long time since I was called Minnie, my late husband Aaron used to call me Minnie," She laughed, " Your mother on the other hand called me Aunt Kitty when I looked after you,"
" You babysat me?" Harry asked.
" Yes, your mother was busy with Auror duties so I often looked after you,"
" Would you prefer I called you Minerva?"
" No, Minnie's all right,"
" We need a holiday," Harry suggested, " I think this weekend I'm going to the beach, the weather's meant to be nice in southern England,"
" That's a great idea, you and Josh need to catch up," Minerva stated.
" Yeah and Adam needs some colour," She raised her eyebrow, " Um…sorry he sort of walked into the bedroom naked this morning,"
" What?" Harry asked as Pomona Sprout and Minerva burst out laughing.
" Poppy is a nudist,"
" What Madam 'if you even think of talking I'll make you to drink horrible potions' Pomfrey?"
" Yes," Minerva giggled, this was a side of Deputy Headmistress McGonagall that he had never seen.
" Happy bunch?" Snape sneered as he came in. Remus followed the Potion's teacher in with a grin on his face as he saw his Best Friends' son.
" Harry," Remus's eyes lit up and then he assed, " I feel so old, like a grandfather,"
" You're looking it too old man," Harry replied, a Dumbledore twinkle to his eyes, " Care to join me for dinner tonight?"
" I can't, I've got to go home for dinner,"
" Ooohhh, Zera has you on a tight leash," The old werewolf pretended to swing at his old friends son. Instead he clipped the back of Harry's head, " So when are you having pups?"
" I was going to wait for the weekend but Jedzera and I have decided to get married,"
" Congratulations, I…um… proposed to Gwen. She accepted,"
" What?" Two voices joined in unison. Minerva and had spoken at once looking at the young man.
" A few weeks ago when she arrived I proposed to Gwen,"
" So when's the wedding?" Minerva asked already planning on going to Mrs Weasley, she wasn't usually fickle but she liked arranging a good wedding.
" May sixteenth before our child is born," All the teachers looked up at him at once.
" What?" All twelve teachers said. Guinevere entered and sat lovingly on her Fiancées lap.
" Kormrie leseer desir," (Everybody looks shocked)
" Sebo for byne jor expecturen," (Because I just told them your with Child)
" Harry," She slapped him on the arm and turned to the teachers" Yes, I'm due in early June perhaps late may,"
" Forgive me for saying my dear but you don't show," Pomona Sprout said. Gwen flicked her fingers and suddenly her figure returned to its natural shape.
" She was merely carrying a illusion, a common one," Harry said proudly hands on her stomach, " She's kicking,"
" How do you know it's a she?" Minerva asked.
" We've had a Sonogram at St Mungo's," Gwen looked at her future husband with love.
X
At lunch Harry and Gwen met Adam by the front door, a teacher had brought him back to the castle. Adam wore grey trousers and white shirt, his eyes widened as he saw his Mum showing off her pregnancy.
" Thank you," Harry said.
" Our student's are getting ready for the Golden Arrow final, I believe you're hosting?" the male teacher asked.
" Yes I am,"
" Mum, you decided to show the baby." Adam said surprised as the teacher went off.
" Yes, your father and I decided it's time we announced the baby and Wedding," Gwen returned looking lovingly at Adam and ruffled his dark hair. The trio followed students into the Great Hall. Students stopped to look at the pregnant Physical education and combat teacher, " Do they have to stare?"
" They are children, my darling," Harry returned a glint in his eye.
" You'd think they had never seen a pregnant woman before," she commented as they took their seat at the table. Soon the school hall was full, foreign students included. Valmira Trinity, young Werewolf was almost on the verge of tears. Josh and few more Gryffindor's looked at Harry with grins upon their faces. Harry stood up to the silence of the hall.
" After lunch all student's will proceed with their Head of House to the Coliseum where the Final Golden Arrow will take place. The eight contestants will then compete to be declared the winner of the Golden Arrow," He said, " I would also like to add that Sixteenth day of this month of May Princess Guinevere Alyrdrial and I shall be getting married. I would love for you all to be there but unfortunately this cannot be so. The Headmaster has authorised an after-wedding reception here at Hogwart's where the Familiars have been booked,"
Harry sat down and put his arm around his son smiling at the Hall as he ate.
" I authorised a party," Albus Dumbledore's voice was laced with humour.
" Aye," Harry said
As before the coliseum was large, tickets had sold for Galleons as spectators prepared to watch the final of the Golden Arrow. In the announcers box sat the six principals and headmistresses of the school's involved, Amos Diggory was there also as was Dumbledore and Amelia Bones. Seamus Finnegan sat close to the edge ready to explain the proceedings. All the Hogwart's student's had one section and so did each of the school's.
" Good Afternoon ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the First Golden Arrow hosted by Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thought up by the legendary Albus Dumbledore the idea has been extremely successful in creating ties between our foreign neighbours. So much so that a second Golden Arrow shall take place in two-years time," Seamus Finnegan explained, " Now I hand you over to Harry Potter, Hogwart's representative for the judges,"
" Today is the Finals, from sixty likely candidates only eight remain, those eight are the best from all six school's. Today shall see a test of their Physical and combat knowledge as they use every weapon within their arsenal to win the Golden Arrow," Kristen stepped out with a 'cup'. It was a Golden Arrow facing downwards on a dark brown base, it's tip touching the base, and everyone oohed and aahed, " Now everything goes included Weapons and wandless magic, the rules are simple the first to knock his or her opponent unconscious is the winner. Without further ado I shall introduce the first contestants Hermione Granger from Hogwart's and Evan Gregorio from Merlin Academy,"
The two stepped into the arena. Hermione wore a Quidditch-like uniform in golden and scarlet; her badge was the emblem of Hogwart's School. Granger was written across the back. Evan's was black with blue strips with the Emblem of Merlin academy.
" Keep it clean," Harry said to the pair as they faced off, " On my count 1,2,3 mark!"
Immediately they began to circle each other and Hermione transfigured a stick into a blade. She lunged and he steeped back surprised but turned a stick into a claymore. The blades rang true as they clashed sparks flying from the point they met.
" Tarantallegra," Gregorio shouted first.
" Protego," Her shield encompassed herself and she shouted, " Kilferen,"
A blue light erupted from around her sword and took the boy by surprise. His feet were suddenly covered in ice freezing him to the spot.
" Stupefy," she shouted before he could raise his wand and he was immediately knocked unconscious.
" We have our first winner," Harry announced.
The Afternoon wore on as the other six players had their battle then the semi finals finished leaving two remaining participants.
" After a long and arduous journey with many challenges two representatives of the magical schools have made it to the final round of the Golden Arrow may I present the finalist's Ginevra Weasley representing Hogwart's school of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Shirima Sai Leung of the Wyvern School of Higher Magic," Harry said and the two appeared, Ginny looking calm and collected in gold and scarlet while Shirima was an ethereal beauty, dark skinned she was Chinese and her long silky black hair was down to the small of her back. Amber eyes seemed to be misplaced in the high, regal face but contributed to the extraordinary beauty. She almost seemed to look down on the proceedings.
" Now you both know the rules, keep clean and in 3, 2, 1 begin!" Harry shouted. They faced each other faces determined but Harry felt a cool fire about Ginny. So much so that she shimmered almost, Shirima glowed a bright Earth green. Harry strengthened the shields.
" Impedimenta," Shirima shouted out.
" Nai sae Hades," Ginny cried out the curse in elfish, Harry glanced at Gwen who shrugged.
" Protego maximus," Shirima's shield was powerful the blue ball just melted into the shield, "Tarantallegra,"
" Finite Incartatem," She cried stopping her legs dancing, " Serpentsorcia," An anaconda slithered from her wand looking a Shirima menacingly.
" Fyre harbyr," Shirima shouted out the curse and the snake burnt up leaving a crumbled pile of ash upon the floor. Ginny's eyes grew brighter and her image shimmered as she raised her wand.
" Frae Karaben Mitsui," The elfish sounded beautiful from her tongue as suddenly a huge fire creature hung over the pair. Crimson and gold sparked from the beast as it took form.
" What in Merlin?" Shirima mouthed but immediately she set her face and bellowed, " Crantheon Diamond,"
Silver erupted from her wand to surround the creature in silver bars until a diamond formed around the creature then suddenly with a loud POP the fire-eater disappeared. Ginny looked at Chinese girl regarding her as he whirled and suddenly she held a bow and arrow. She fired but Ginny leapt and rolled landing on her feet as another blue tipped around came fro her she ducked.
" Tenamo," Ginny spoke loudly. A wave of light blue raced from her wand and knocked Shirima from her feet. The bow disintegrated and the Chinese girl sat there perplexed for the moment before attacking again this time with a conjured sword in her hand which she flicked her blade twisting it at the wrist.
Ginny quickly conjured up a sword and met her head on instead the two blades clanged together and the two stepped away from each other circling slowly looking for a weakness when suddenly Ginny lunged forward carving a slice of air with her beautiful sword aiming at Shirima's right side. As though in slow motion she pushed her blade forward and once again the two swords kissed sparks spinning from the contact. Ginny forced Shirima to step back as she put her strength behind the attack and the young Chinese girl stumbled backwards on the wet mud. The redhead sensing the killing blow steeped forward swinging his blade as Shirima fell onto one hand before the Wyvern student suddenly ducked rolling forward ungainly blade still in hand. Surging up behind her opponent she twisted to face Ginny's back but the redhead was still moving in a forward motion as she sliced across Ginny's upper thigh with her blade. Blood welled up on the cut as she stepped back and bowed.
" First blood," she said triumphantly.
" Though Ginevra is not unconscious First Blood can be taken as a win now I would like to present to you the first winner of the Golden Arrow Shirima Sai Leung," the seventeen year old smiled tiredly and shook hands with her opponent. Both stepped off towards the changing rooms to shower and change.
X
Harry had completely forgotten an award ceremony was to take place that night with a party afterwards. The Great Hall had been extended, all the table were longer with white cloth upon them and proper seats. Family sat with the student's who had taken part in the competition At the head of the room was a podium and microphone, beyond them across the Hall was the VIP table where all six judges and their spouses, Amos Diggory, Albus Dumbledore, Gwen and Kristen sat ready for the meal. Amos Diggory stood and stepped up to the podium, the Arrow was sat on a small table next to him.
" The Golden Arrow was conceived so that we could all make friends around the international community and it has work spectacularly. Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with the United Kingdom's Ministry were grateful to host the first auspicious Golden arrow now I have the honour and privilege to awarding the Golden Arrow to a talented Youngster who has show resourcefulness and determination to win the Golden arrow," Amos said, " Congratulations Shirima Sai Leung,"
Crowds roared with cheering and clapping as the young woman went up to claim the first Golden Arrow for herself and her school. She held aloft and stood in front of the microphone, the Hall silenced.
" I am honoured to be the student receiving this fantastic award, everyone of us within the Golden Arrow worked hard and I'd like to thank all my fellow competitors who all fought really well. I'd also like to thank my High Mistress and teacher's without whom I would not have received the training to win this great award, thank you," The crowd went wild again as she stepped back towards her seat.
XXX
" Last week's Golden Arrow was good but now it's back to work, we will begin looking at Animagus before next years in depth look, now we will split you into to three groups, Kristen shall take one, I shall take another and Professor McGonagall will take the third," Harry said and they split the groups up. It was the following Friday and Harry had the Fifth and Sixth year students for Defence Against the Dark Art's class. Kristen and McGonagall had consented to help him. Harry had within his group Draco Hermione, Ginny Colin and a couple of others.
" Animagi is a very difficult bit of Magic and only a certain potion or Aura-searchers, who are very rare, have qualities to recognise if you are an Animagus. This class will be split into to two, People with Animagi powers will learn with myself, Kristen or Professor McGonagall. But if you do not have the power you will learn something completely different: the Patronus charm with Professor Lupin," Harry continued.
Hermione was first so Harry took her hand in his, he already knew she was a wolf but he still looked past that and then announced she was an eagle. Hermione grinned with pleasure and stood next to Kristen. Several more people stepped up and some were Animagi and some were not, Ron was one of the last to step up. Only very magical people could produce Animagi that were mystical creatures but Harry knew Ron was a Griffin, powerful and loyal.
" Ron, you are very powerful your aura tells me you are a Griffin," most people gasped at the suggestion that Ron, poor but kind, Weasley was a strong Animagi. Next to step forward was Draco; although Harry knew the young man was a wolf he had to make a show of actually testing him. Harry touched his shoulder and a white flash emitted before his eyes and he was knocked backwards, his minds eye somewhere else.
Harry stood on a hill in what appeared to be Stonehenge. Six people were already on the hill arranged the stones, they all wore pure white robes then Harry realised he himself wore the same. Stepping forward he faced the six and from left to right he was looking at Ginny, Josh, Michael, Gwen, Neville and finally Draco! Each had one of the symbols of a mage stitched onto their robes.
Ginny – Omega Ω
Josh – Kapa Κ
Michael – Vita Β
Gwen – Fi Φ
Neville – Psi Ψ
Draco - Thelta Δ
His were obviously Alfa and his sign stitched into his pure white robes.
" You are the new generation of Mages," a deep voice said and Harry turned around to find a man stood facing him.
" Who are you?"
" Think of me as a mentor," the man replied.
" Are you here to help us?"
" The magical world is slipping and Voldemort brings the darkness closer, the prophecy was wrong," he said bluntly.
" Excuse me," Harry looked at him astounded.
" You no longer have to remain alone," he answered, " You can only defeat him if you seven stick together,"
"But how?" Harry questioned the wizard.
" When the times comes you shall know, but heed my words should your heart be tainted when you perform the Devil's cross the darkness shall be able to return," he offered the last piece of advice and placed his hand on Harry's forehead.