A shout drew Harry back to reality with a thudding headache, he groaned as he opened his eyes and found himself in the hospital wing.
" I always end up in here," he muttered.
" How dare you corrupt her!" Ron shouted. Harry found Ron beyond his bed facing off against Draco who was stood in front of Ginny, the redheaded female looked decidedly angry. Behind Ron stood Hermione with Gwen and Kristen off to the side.
" If you cannot be quiet Mr. Weasley then you can leave the Hospital Wing," Madam Pomfrey said but Ron ignored her and continued.
" She is innocent, unlike you. You dirty bastard," Ron screamed in hatred.
" I love her," Draco responded simply silencing Ron who snapped his mouth shut but his eyes widened with surprise.
" What's going on?" Harry asked tiredly.
" Oh griffin, my baby," Gwen said rushing to his side she embraced almost crushing him.
" Now Mr. Potter, I didn't expect you to be in here so close to end of school," Madam Pomfrey said briskly and shoved a flagon underneath his nose, " Now I know your temperament so drink this and you can leave,"
" Thank you," Harry said quietly and took the offered potion as the Medi-witch went about her business. Harry was still clothed, " How long have I been out?"
" It's Saturday, graduation day," Kristen filled in.
" So about eighteen hours," Harry muttered almost to himself.
" What happened?" Ron asked as Harry slid his legs over the side of the bed.
" When I touched Draco I was shown a vision, a vision of the past with a twist, I know for certain each Mage, their signs and particular talent," Harry answered, " Then a…a friend offered some words of advice. Now is anyone going to tell me what the shouting was about?"
" I found Ginny kissing Malfoy last night," Ron replied exuberantly as Harry leant on him, " I have banned them from seeing each other, wait until Mother finds out,"
" Why?" Harry asked simply as Draco watched them with apprehension.
" Why?" Ron repeated, " Because Draco is a filthy Death Eater,"
" Draco is a reformed character," Harry stood straight on his own two feet and looked at his sometimes simple friend, " He is shackled to me in a manner of words, we have grown to respect each other in the last twelve months and he means well, I really believe he cares for Ginny,"
" I…oh…what?" Ron spluttered and looked deflated. Hermione looked at him in wonderment and Ginny looked somewhat confused.
" Do you like Draco?" Harry asked Ginny. She nodded.
" I…I think I love him too," She responded.
" Tell Ron the truth," Harry said looking steadily at Draco.
" Ginny and I have been dating for over a month," Draco said as Ron blanched.
" You've been dating behind my back and you knew Harry?" His eyes blazed and he stalked from the Hospital Wing.
" Go find him Kris and calm him down, Hermione you better get ready for the Graduation," Harry said and the pair went off to do what he asked as Harry turned on Draco and Ginny, " It won't stay secret for long, now go and sort out for Graduation,"
" Thank you Harry," Ginny said softly and the pair went off hand-in-hand. Harry turned on Gwen looking at her expectantly.
" Don't ever scare me like that," Gwen said angrily.
" You might have to get used it, that happens a lot,"
" Well, I'll still be scared all the time then," Gwen replied, " Now the graduation is in an hour so don't be late,"
" I have things to do but I'll meet you afterwards, we are meeting up with your parents,"
" Yes we are," she kissed his lips and bid him goodbye before disappearing down the corridor.
Around ten O'clock parents began filtering in from the Hogwart's express. On the bright day a blue podium had been set up on the Quidditch pitch with chairs stretching back before it so students, parents and guests could watch. Molly and Arthur found Ron with Hermione and Kristen sitting close to the centre of the seats. They had returned to their home only two weeks before after it was safe to return.
" Hello Ron, where's Ginny?" Molly asked.
" With Draco," Ron muttered angrily.
" Excuse me?"
" He means I'm dating Draco," they heard a voice and turned to Ginny holding Draco's hand behind her, he stood just at her back. His hair was perfect and his eye blue eyes returned the looks of the Weasley Parents.
" But…" Arthur began.
" I love Draco Mother, Father, please don't separate us," she pleaded.
" We would never do that honey, hello Draco," Arthur swallowed his pride and shook the young mans hand. Ron looked at him aghast until Kristen nudged him trying to talk him out of the mood he was in. Gwen stepped up with Adam and Josh in tow, Remus and Jedzera appeared.
" Hi Arthur," Remus said, he looked radiant.
" Hello Remus, I didn't know you were coming," Arthur said as they sat.
" Albus invited me, I hear Fred and George are graduating," Remus said, " Congratulations are in order,"
" I'm surprised they actually graduated," Molly snorted thinking of her wayward sons.
" Where is Harry?" Hermione now asked looking at Gwen.
" He said he was busy, he would meet us later," Gwen replied shrugging. As she finished the teacher's appeared with the Graduating students. The Graduates sat in the first two lines of seats, Fred and George flashed them thumbs up. Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Amos Diggory walked up to the podium. Minerva and Amos took seats on the raised dais and Albus stepped up to the microphone, one chair remained free.
" Parents, governors, Minister and students I welcome you to the graduation of the seventh year students," He began, " In recent years due to circumstances beyond our control the graduation has not taken place therefore we have decided to bring back a once great tradition. So without further ado I'll introduce our guest speaker who will lead us in the graduation, Harry Potter,"
The Crowd cheered the announcement then glanced around in silence looking for the young mage. Abruptly someone shouted and pointed to the sky. Emerging from the crowds and growing larger something was moving down swiftly on the Graduation. A red dragon slowly began larger as it grew nearer the podium and seats, Gusts began to look suddenly frightened when it stopped before the podium using its wings to hover a man jumped off and smiled. He stood there looking magnificent, black calf-length boots with black trousers. Beneath scarlet robes was a silk white shirt. Around his waist were a belt and a Gryffindor lion showed as an embossed picture on the front of the scarlet robes. This was Harry Potter, standing tall and proud in front of the crowd.
"Good Morning Guests, Governors and Minister," his voice was magically magnified, " As you all know I am Harry Potter but we're not here to talk about me but the graduates. This year Hogwart's has seen many changes, friendships from International countries and tragedy. Our current Seventh Years have seen through some exciting changes and events before they leave to work in the wider world and we shall all be sorry to see them go but welcome new students to the school with the new years so as one chapter ends so shall another begins, now I shall hand you to Professor Dumbledore to present the scrolls,"
Albus Dumbledore stepped up to the podium as Harry sat down. Minerva stood to hand out the Scrolls as Dumbledore read the names.
" William Fletcher," Albus read out the first name from his parchment beginning with Ravenclaw's. The boy stepped up and took his scroll from the Deputy Headmistress shaking her hand. The Crowd cheered and he stepped down so Dumbledore continued reading names. Eventually Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff had been awarded.
" Now it is time for Gryffindor's but I would like Harry to present them," Albus smiled and the young man stood up thanking the elderly headmaster.
" Ha ha, the first two names are a pair of jokesters that should have graduated last year but didn't due to extraneous circumstances, this school has been better off without them," Harry laughed, " But it will never be the same without Fred and George Weasley,"
The two tricksters looked at each other and moved onto the podium, they shook first Harry's hand then the deputy Headmistress before collecting their scrolls they pumped them into the air and suddenly sparks flew from their sleeves. The crowd ooed and ahhhed as the fireworks exploded in the twilight sky making the twins' face underneath blazing letters proclaiming: Weasley's are the best. Everyone laughed and Minerva pretended to swat their heads.
" Those Weasley's," Harry laughed as he continued with the Gryffindor's. Harry read the rest of the names until the very last.
" I'd like to thank you all for coming to such a momentous occasion and a after-party will be on in the great hall but before you go I'd like to ask you to witness something," Harry said, " Gwen can you please step up here,"
Gwen frowned and looked around before making her way up to the platform. Harry smiled at his beloved's confused look.
" Now I have asked in private but I would to ask in public in front of these fine witnesses would you marry me?" He had knelt and held up the ring for her, she stood stock still in the fire lit platform.
" Of course, silly. I've said yes once," She pulled him up and the pair embraced to the wild cheers of the crowd.
X
Harry and Gwen stood nervously in the greeting hall of the Palace. She wore a simple green dress that highlighted her pregnant figure while he wore the formal dress of a Mage eager to make a good impression.
" Their Majesties are in the King's study," Devlin, the Head Steward, said to them and led them to the Study. It was a beautiful room surrounded on three sides by high cupboards filled with ancient books. King Rivern's desk had clawed feet and was made of the stunning-looking wood Mahogany with a glossed finish. Upon the desk were an ornate ink-pen and several sheaves of paper. Behind the desk sat the King himself dressed in a dark green tunic and the gold crown glittering in the firelight from the Fireplace. His wife, ever beautiful, Lanai sat beside him and Der'nei stood closely by each with different looks of approval.
"So," Rivern began, his deep voice filled with emotion.
" Sir, love cannot be directed it hits you like an arrow," Harry said.
" You've certainly grown up, I'll give you that," Der'nei commented.
" You are both still young yet you are with child," Rivern said and put his hand up, " No Harry don't speak. I am more displeased that you never told me you already had a child,"
" I apologise sir for my evasiveness but our son, though our blood, is not of this world. He came to be from an alternate reality ten years from now. But he is our son and we will love his as much as the child we are soon to have," Harry explained.
" You are to be married?" Lanai asked, her voice like chimes in a breeze, soft and musical.
" Yes, Your Majesty. Next week May eighteenth before our child is due to be born,"
" Where is the event to take place?" Lanai now asked.
" At Hogwart's we wanted you to attend and felt that was the safest location," Gwen jumped in for her husband to be.
" Then you have our blessing," Rivern smiled brightly at the pair, " You have quite the family, correct?"
" Two boys and the daughter on the way," Harry grinned in returned.
" You know it will be a girl?" Lanai asked.
" Of course, we went to St Mungo's Hospital and had a scan there," Gwen replied sharing a glance with Harry. Abruptly Fawkes the golden Phoenix burst into existence twittering and calling out. Harry immediately looked up and held his arm out for the legendary bird. He already wore archer's guards so the Talons did not sink into his flesh. He untied the parchment and began to read, his eyes widening.
" Oh Merlin," he exclaimed.
" What's happened?" Gwen asked anxious.
" It seems Teseron's Will has ended," Harry gritted his teeth, " Voldemort has attacked and destroyed the Weasley Home. Charlie Weasley has been killed and Bill is seriously hurt,"
" Oh no, didn't the Weasley's just return to their home after the last attack?" Gwen asked.
" Yes they did," Harry answered and looked to the King and Queen of the Elvin nation.
" Go my boy, help your friends and we shall see you next week at the wedding," Rivern said and Harry quickly left followed by Gwen after a swift embrace.
Minutes later Harry and Gwen stood in Hogsmead, which seemed eerily deserted.
" Harry Potter," He heard a voice and spun to look at Lord Voldemort standing in the middle of Hogsmead, robes billowing around his rail thin frame. His red eyes blazed as he looked at his nemesis while at his side were Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy and more of his Death Eater's.
" You attacked The Burrow," Harry said more a statement than a question.
" Yes Mr Potter, now the Weasley's won't oppose me any more,"
" The Will has obviously finished," He sneered, " Have you drawn me here for a reason?"
" I just wanted you to watch your friends die before I killed you,"
" Well you haven't taken Hogwart's so I guess you're going to have to go through me,"
" You light wizards are like knats, pesky and irritating,"
" Terra Movimento," Harry shouted. The ground split and rumbled beneath the two greatest wizards. Lord Voldemort changed and many gasped, as he becomes a black Dragon. His mind formed a picture of a golden Dragon, large and foreboding. Slowly his human form changed, Golden scales lighted over his body. He was almost 30ft from sharpened tale tip to horned snout with great golden eyes were hooded and bat-like wings sprouted from his back. Voldemort/Black Dragon roared in fury as his opponent changed; beating his wings he leapt into the air above Hogsmead. Harry launched after his enemy his form powerful and at home in the air. A sense of calm took over him as he lunged at the black Dragon. The black one raked its claws along Golden's back, making it cry out retching out of the dark Dragon's grip. Howling in fury Harry locked his claws with Voldemort as they beat their wings keeping in the air. Furious Voldemort tried to free himself sweeping his muscled tail up and Harry hit back with his own spiked tale, a gash appeared on Voldemort's upper body. For thirty minutes the great beast's fought an aerial battle until Voldemort walloped Harry and he impacted with the ground. As Voldemort spiralled to the ground both of their powers gave out. The two wizards collapsed to the ground breathing hard both covered in soot. Voldemort's robes were torn and his hate filled red eyes lighted on the fallen Harry. Golden eyes returned the stare.
" You may have won this battle but you won't win the war," Harry said and the Dark side vanished Apparating away.
" Are you alright?" Dumbledore asked worried running up to them, Gwen hovering close to his side.
" Take me home," Harry said before his power left him completely sending him spiralling into darkness.
X
Many hours later in Saratt a solely magical community near Watford a meeting was taking place. Moira Bradford walked along the small road towards the church where everyone was meeting, she entered and realised the inside had been magically expanded. Then she remembered the Ministry of Magic were coming, the meeting had been called swiftly after the double attacks by Voldemort earlier that day. Many believed he still was gone but others were beginning to catch on to the Dark Lord returning. She sat down and looked up, many of the Ministry members were already there. Over a thousand people of the British Magical community were inside the seemingly small church. Arthur Weasley stepped up to the platform and sat down calling order to the meeting.
" Good evening everyone thank you for coming at such short notice, you may know I am senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Our topic today is Voldemort and the safety of the British Wizarding community," Arthur looked visible shaken, his eyes were shrunk and his face looked drawn, " As some of you may know Voldemort attacked Hogsmead and my home today, my second Eldest Charlie was killed and my eldest is seriously injured,"
" You-know-Who died by the hand of Harry Potter," someone said and some of the crowd agreed with him.
" You fools," snarled Arthur looking angry, " My child did not die at the hands of some pretender to the Dark Lord, Voldemort has been attacking for many months and only Harry Potter, a War Mage, has stepped into to stop many of these attacks,"
" Tsk, tsk, why wasn't I invited to the meeting?" a cold voice sent a chill up everyone's spine, " and as you can see I'm alive and well,"
Everyone's attention was centred on the entrance and a horrifying figure came into the view. Lord Voldemort moved through the hall, Death Eaters behind him snarling at anyone who cared to look at him or her the wrong way. Arthur went extremely pale. Harry was unconscious in the Hospital Wing of Hogwart's he had been informed after his bout with Voldemort earlier.
" Leave Voldemort, you have no business here," A tired voice spoke and the public looked at Albus Dumbledore who looked weary and old.
" I am still part of the Wizarding community," Voldemort commented, " Besides you don't have your golden boy here to save you now,"
" We can protect ourselves, Tom," Dumbledore returned, " But Harry will destroy you,"
" Oooo so melodramatic," Voldemort laughed, cold and high.
" My Lord Voldemort, enemy of the free people your appearance is very unwelcome," a rich voice spoke from the stage. Voldemort looked around as the owner of the voice stepped down in front of the Dark Lord. Voldemort was curious and a little put off, who was this stranger? He wore maroon trousers with shin high boots while a golden tunic sat beneath a fiery red and gold cloak. Over his face he wore a half cut gold mask covering his eyes and upper head. His eyes were gold, bright beneath the mask. Belted around his waist in a scabbard was a long Scottish claymore, which he rested one gauntleted hand on. Beside him stood a black wolf, which growled revealing huge canines.
" Dragon, down boy," the man said quietly.
" Who are you?" Voldemort asked almost politely.
" Someone you'll never know, names are of no need in this conversation," the stranger replied.
" But you know my name."
" All you need to know is I shall no longer let you attack innocent people," the mysterious stranger said, " I see you have the Slytherin sword. Care to fight now?"
Voldemort was wearing a scabbard; being the heir of Slytherin he had inherited the sword that once belonged to his dark ancestor.
" I am highly skilled," Voldemort replied in answer pulling the sword from its sheathe. The sword rasped as it came free of the scabbard. Voldemort lunged forward hoping to take the strange man off guard, the blades met and a ringing cried out through the room. The stranger lunged forward, a half crescent wide as Voldemort parried meeting his enemy's blade. Suddenly the Dark Lord swiped down with a wide arc but the other man leaped jumped backwards and caught the other blade in time. Then their blades connected and the two combatants were almost at each other's chests. Voldemort growled at the formidable new enemy before him. Perhaps Voldemort realised he was facing a strong enemy because he abruptly pushed the crimson man away and moved off.
" This isn't over, you will all pay," swirling around, he was gone so the new arrival put his sword back in the scabbard. The wolf had watched the whole thing as the wizards and witches had looked on in horrified amazement. They barely knew how close they had come to being killed.
" He is so over dramatic," the crimson man sighed and scratched the wolf's head. Arthur approached followed closely by Amos Diggory.
" Who are you?" he asked noticing phoenixes etched into the archer's guards he wore.
" That, Mr Weasley, is none of your concern. All I'll say is our common enemy is Voldemort,"
" But!" Arthur protested, " Surely you could work with the Ministry, you would be rewarded handsomely,"
" I work alone," the stranger replied and whistled for the wolf, he pulled out a wand and whispered an incantation. A crimson Phoenix took to the sky, it replaced the Dark Mark where it was, crimson and Silver flying large and high in the sky. As the crowd looked up, the strange man left disappearing into the light.
CRIMSON PHOENIX STRIKES AGAINIt is without a doubt a mystery, reports Ian Goldfilm, of the puzzling man dubbed the 'Crimson phoenix'. Appearing for the first time last week at the Wizards meeting the crimson-dressed man saved three-fourths of the British magical community from You-know-Who. Who is this strange man? Why has he appeared now? We do not have all the answers; within a week he has appeared at many skirmishes with the Dark side, his calling card seems to be a red Phoenix. No one knows who he is or anything about him. This unexplained appearance has baffled leading experts at the Ministry of Magic. He knows many different curses unknown to Aurors or Ministry members. Arthur Weasley, senior undersecretary to the Minister of the Magic is as puzzled as us all not commenting on the stranger who saved his life so close after his Son's death. He wears red and gold except for the mask, which hides much of his upper face. He also has a large black wolf with him, which seems to be named Dragon. It is one mystery we would like to learn, as this man is an inspiration and a hero to us all. We hope he continues to fight for the light. Many suspect this may be Harry Potter but reports and witnesses tell us that he is the Hospital Wing of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was in a huge magical battle with You-Know-Who in Hogsmead, witnesses report that they changed into Dragons and when it ended both were exhausted. Harry Potter collapsed and He Who Must Not Be Named left with his allies. We all pray for Harry's safe recovery.