Disclaimer: The World of Harry Potter and it's characters are property of J.K. Rowling.
Summary: We find out just what Harry Potter did during those extra months in staying with his ancestors.
Rated: M due to potential graphic depictions.
- I'm Back -
November marked the changing of the seasons once again over Scotland. Leaves dried up as it fell from the tree. The sun rose beginning a new day as the dew from the grass drip down to the earth.
Owls glided in a pack, heading towards a similar destination together making a captivating sight for those who would simply stopped and took a look. There were Barn owl's to the regal looking Great Horned Owl's. However, it was one owl that stood out over the rest. A snowy owl, the same one that is often associated with Harry; Hedwig.
As they passed a hilly mountaintop, there in the distance lied their destination. Hogsmeade Village and just slightly further, Hogwarts castle. Some of them broke off from the group as they flew by Hogsmeade. Rosemerta the innkeeper of the three broomsticks extended her hand as a rolled up piece of parchment landed on her hand. Smiling she offered the Owl five sickles for the delivery and the owl went on it's way.
Looking down at the latest edition of the Daily Prophet she gasped as she quickly looked for something to seat on.
- I'm Back -
"Well, at least we survived Halloween without an incident." Hannah said, Rolf having only heard of the incidents of Halloween in previous years did not know the full details so naturally asked the blonde girl to elaborate.
"Well, there was the troll incident the first year. Not really scary at all unless you were Harry Potter, Hermione Granger or Ron Weasley."
"Why them specifically?" Rolf asked after taking a bite of his toast.
"Not sure really, but it seems Halloween is some annual crazy event for Harry Potter each year. As for Ron and Hermione well it was only natural as they were his closest friends since that point on. Now, getting a bit sidetracked I mentioned them mainly because they were the ones who actually saw and fought the troll."
"Really?" Rolf asked quirking his left brow at the girl.
"Yup, they didn't bother going to the details of the whole thing. However, if anything from last year showed me anything. It's that Harry would have potentially be capable of such a -."
"What is it?" Rolf asked confused he turned trying to look over at Hannah's line of sight. He seemed to notice other conversations seemed to have hushed and the individuals looked over the ceiling of the Great Hall. For in came the owl posts of the day. With one owl in particular captivating everyone's attention. Rolf noticed an owl nipped at a Ravenclaw boy as he couldn't stop looking over at the snowy owl.
"Hey Hannah," he whispered as the girl snapped out of her trance from watching the beautiful owl heading towards the Head table. "Mind telling me what is up with that bird and why everyone all of a sudden got quiet as it arrived?"
"That is no ordinary owl delivering a post, Rolf." Hannah said softly, "That is Hedwig, as in Harry Potter's Hedwig."
Looking around Rolf saw the looks on the others faces with the exception of Susan as she had yet to arrive for Breakfast. He glanced over the Slytherin table and noticed they seemed to be the one having a different range of emotions showing. As he scanned the heads he began to keep some in his thoughts as it seems some may have just showed their hand as to which side of the war they and their family would take. As his eyes landed on Draco he noticed the boy seem to be disinterested at the appearance of the owl.
Every student seems to watch with a lot of interest as Professor McGonagall greeted the bird with a piece of bacon before releasing her of her package. As she began to read the letter one could notice a slight bit of expression coming off her visage that usually came off as being serious. The other Professor's including the Headmaster also stopped everything and looked over at her as she read.
She glanced around as she reached the end of the letter. The Headmaster made to reached for it, however it immediately combusted on the spot just as his hand touched the parchment. She gave him a stern glare as if he were a child that just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Quickly she jotted down something on a piece of parchment before handing it over to Hedwig. Taking it the owl lifted from the Head table and flew away.
"Hey guys," Susan voice said as she entered the great hall with a rolled up paper in hand, "take a look a this!" she spread the paper in front of Rolf and Hannah as Neville, Daphne and a few other students came over. It was the latest edition of the Daily Prophet.
DEATH EATERS RAIDS BOSCASTLE VILLAGE
by ANDY SMUDGELEY
In the fifteenth anniversary of the downfall of you-know-who's first reign of terror. A raid by his vile followers the Death Eaters struck after not being heard from since the past summer season came to an end. The target was the village of Boscastle, a small town of little over one thousand with both muggles and magicals living in harmony for many centuries dating back to its establishment back in the dark ages.
The Aurors got wind of the attack a little too late or did they? For as yours truly and a contingent of ten Aurors arrived at the scene we were greeted by silence. At first, I shall say I was petrified at the possibility that some of those evil men were still in the village waiting for our arrival and ambushing us. As we waited and waited nothing came. An auror who I can not name due to the ongoing investigation to what transpired noticed the Dark Mark that usually accompanied these Raids was mysteriously missing floating above anywhere in the night sky over the village.
Just then we were greeted by the village folk, they were quick to brandish their wands at us as the Aurors quickly shouted who we were to not have the situation escalate. Confusion dawned on us at the possibility that a village were able to fight back against the Death Eaters but as soon as they were questioned we found a truth that seemed too hard to believe, that even as I write this I am unsure if our editor will let it see print.
Unlike previous Raids where families were broken and no longer a part of this world. This village only had one… I repeat there was only one casualty, a muggle child whose name is not published due to the village's request. But, if you thought that was a shock my dear readers then get this. None of the wizards or witches in this village fired a single spell. After careful inspection from the Aurors we found they were not lying.
Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation I am being blocked to releasing the rest of the information that I have found regarding our visit to Boscastle. I just hope whatever it was that truly stopped this Death Eater raid could be of huge help to our Ministry as they try to prepare our people for what potentially come our way. Remember, to read up on ways to defend yourselves at page 6 on today's edition of the Daily Prophet.
The teens stared down at the paper as the others around the Great Hall were also taking the news in.
"Well, I guess that explains -." Neville said before he was cut off by Daphne.
"the shock that everyone had earlier." Daphne said as she looked at Neville as he looked apologetic realizing the potential blunder. Susan who had just arrived looked at all them.
"What in Merlin's name is going on?" She asked them as Hannah shook her head.
"Why, the fact Harry Potter's owl swooped in here and approached McGonagall of course." Hannah said as Susan had a surprised look on her face.
"What!" she said a bit louder than normal causing others around them to look at her.
"Hedwig appeared, swooped in, went to McGonagall, dropped a letter, letter combusted on the spot as the Headmaster reached for it, McGonagall wrote on a piece of parchment, gave it to her and she flew off." Hannah said as she counted off each action with her fingers.
"Pst, Professor McGonagall is heading over." Rolf said in a low tone as the teens looked over to see the Deputy Headmistress stroll her way over to them.
"As you all must know by now that was none other than Hedwig." McGonagall said in her thick scotish accent, "While Harry would have liked to correspond to you individually he gave me the role of messenger stating simply, 'tell my friends… I'm Back.'" She said with a hint of a smile before she walked towards the doors of the Great Hall.
"Oh this is so going to be exciting!" Hannah exclaimed as the teens looked at her wondering what she is excited about. "Come on, we have this handsome stud here as our new seeker. I've always been upset at the idea those hardcore Quidditch nuts stating that match in third year should have been called."
Hearing the rant from the Gryffindor table Seamus shouted back "Seriously, Abbott the game had Dementors!"
Hannah quickly got up from her seat and walked over to where he sat and they began to have a heated argument about the third year Quidditch match between Harry and Cedric.
"Dementors?" Rolf asked the teens.
"Ah, I forgot to mention them during our recap of that year but yeah, the ministry had it in good conscience since Sirius was a highly dangerous criminal that Dementors had to be stationed around the school. They got through during the Gryffindor and Huffelpuff Quidditch match. And well, Harry being highly affected by them fell off his broom from at least over 1000 meters." Neville said, "At least he got his Firebolt due to his nimbus crashing to the whomping willow." Neville said after realizing something good did come as a result.
"Well at least the sight of Hedwig brings us welcome news I mean look at Daphne here." Susan chimed as Daphne scowled at her for being caught blushing at thought of Harry's return. "Don't be so serious Daphne, Harry might not fancy you anymore with that attitude." She continued causing them all to break out in laughter.
Daphne smiled as she looked around. There was Hannah and Seamus along with Dean Thomas arguing about something so silly as a Quidditch result from three years ago. Wishing it was like this forever she was brought out of her thoughts as her eyes scanned to Draco Malfoy. It didn't look like he enjoyed whatever it was the Owl decided to deliver to him that day. As he scowled and scared the bird away swapping at it before it took off. However, that didn't dampen her mood as her heart fluttered at the idea that Harry is coming home. She felt a bit of dread at the idea he may have changed but one look from Susan who knew that look she had on her face more than anybody now, caused her to vanish those thoughts away from her mind.
- I'm Back -
"So that is how the Wizarding World decided to separate itself from the muggle world. Though it may seem things are different over the pond, like those bloody yanks know what the bloody merlin they are doing." Harry smiled as the joyful Cadmus Potter bantered on and on about history. He smiled as he thought 'definitely a whole lot more exciting than Professor Binns.'
"I sure am going to miss you, gramps." Harry chuckled.
"Hoy, none of that gramps stuff here you… snappy little whippersnapper." He snorted as he couldn't hold in his laughter at calling Harry that term. "Fine" he wheezed after catching his breath "I'm going to miss you to Harry, it's going to be different with just us old folks here at least until your heir comes by. Now, I hear you and your pa need a bit of alone time before you go, so off you trot." He said as he waved him from the painting 'Volde-ah forgot that idiots name. Whatever, he won't know what will hit him as soon as Harry returns.' He thought as he drifted back to sleep.
Smiling as he walked through the corridors at the painting of his ancestors. They waved and started to close their eyes as they await the next Potter to be called to the castle. Finally reaching the same door he walked through the first time he walked through these halls. He smiled as William the first Potter to hold the title and lead the Order reminded him the knowledge passed on to him was not just a simple history lesson but to ensure that there would be relative peace afterwards. For you are doomed to repeat history if you ignore the simple things in life. Finally, ready to face everything he turned the knob and walked in.
He saw the pride in his father's eyes as he walked up to the throne like chair in the middle. He knew this wasn't his real father just a figment of his soul to help guide not just himself but future generations when dark times envelope the world and the Order is called upon once again. He still remembered a couple of months ago where he gave a part of his blood to enact a painting of his portrait to come to life. It felt surreal at the time for he never knew how those paintings came to life and such.
Turning his head, he saw an image of himself smile before closing his eyes and falling in a deep slumber.
"A bit nerving isn't it" James said snapping Harry out of his stupor. "I still remember the time I sat where you were sitting right now when I commissioned what is now well, me. As you figured Harry we are just a figment of the individual. I truly am sorry I am unable to be there for you."
"It's okay dad, I have people in my life that I consider close friends and family." Harry said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. For he knew deep down he did desire to have his father and especially his mother by his side. It was something that brought his thoughts back to first year when he encountered the Mirror of Erisad.
"That is good to hear son," James said, "While I am not entirely pleased Sirius decided to go after Peter instead of taking you somewhere safe first. I am glad he has been able to be there for you now."
"Yeah, so with nearly all the Potter ancestors asleep -."
"I know, it's time for you to hear not only the truth but everything. I have a feeling our illustrious Headmaster has some plans for your return."
"Sure he'll be surprised what will happen as soon as he tries to get his hand on the letter I sent to Professor McGonagall." Harry said with a smirk as James sarcastically nodded his head at him.
"So where do we start?" Harry asked his father as he got himself comfortable in the chair.
"Let's start with how you ended up becoming the boy-who-lived." His father suggested as Harry made a sound knowing his son detested that moniker. "I know… of all the moniker's the world could have come with they couldn't come with a more creative one."
"Well, just saw a piece in Boscastle… seems they have come from calling me the boy-who-lies to the chosen one." Harry said shaking his head.
"They making you come out as some sort of martyr." James brought up as Harry looked up at him "Just saying, I mean just look at history, fiction as well as non fiction. All who have been dubbed with that title has met a rather short lifespan."
"Way to ease the stress, dad." Harry said sarcastically.
"Fine, fine… fine okay time to act like a father for once now." James muttered to himself. "As I was saying let us start there since it could bring some context to understanding the rest. So for that we shall first discuss your mother… I know a bit of shocked eh?"
"From the discussions you told us about Dumbledore, he is of the mind that it was your mother's love for you that enacted some sort of spell to help with the killing curse. Well I'll be, if that was the case then there would have been more than just one boy-who-lived. Though I'm sure you wouldn't mind sharing that title."
"Well, I thought it was rather rubbish that was how. I'm sure he has something else in mind but feels not obligated to let me in on it."
"That is because if what William believes he thinks Dumbledore believes in. I may be of the mind of possibly agreeing with the Headmaster." James said before chuckling his son's reaction "Don't worry of course I'll tell you because we know different. But, that is later. Anyways back to your mother. First, so I could explain properly what do you know of her?"
"You mean aside from everyone stating I have her eyes?" Harry asked rhetorically as he began to wonder "Um… that she was a muggle born and she was a pretty bright witch for her age."
"hm, if only I am alive and I'd have a talk with your godfather." James said as he sighed "Very well. One thing not many people learn in the British Wizarding World is that muggle born are usually not the first of their kind in the family. I'm sure you heard of squibs?" At the nod of his son James continued "They could potentially skip a generation, just look at Riddle as his mother was nearly a squib herself. And if you are beginning to wonder… yes, that could potentially mean your cousin can birth a wizard or witch in the future if he somehow manages to get a family of his own."
"That will be earth shattering if Dud's can manage to find someone who fancies him." Harry chuckled, "so that means that mum came from a magical family?" he asked excitement in his eyes.
"Yes, though sorry to disappoint but we never did manage to perform a genealogy on Lily when she was alive."
"Why not me… or Susan?"
"Due to my blood and the families that run through my vein and now yours, the results could come to be inconclusive. Though if you or the both of you, if you do decide to tell your sister… do it. I know I would if I were in your shoes."
"Anyways, as you stated your mother was an incredibly gifted witch. So much so that she actually got access to a certain section of the Hogwarts Library."
"Seriously? I thought you needed a professor's permission to go there."
"You do and she did have one certain professor give her that special permission. Professor Slughorn if my memory serves me well, he taught potions and ran an exclusive club called the Slug Club which had alumni of the greatest of the greats… sadly that includes our current baddie."
"Wonder what happened to him?" Harry questioned.
"He disappeared when Riddle began to expand. Now back to the restricted section. In there lies books one should not lay their eyes on. One of them is the theory of blood magic." James paused making sure Harry was now paying full attention. "The theory behind it is you could engulf another person with your own life force. I'm sure you are familiar with the Dementor's kiss?"
"Yeah, sure brings back some bad memories."
"I wouldn't expect any less even from someone as courageous as you have become. From what William and I saw when we looked through that particular memory of that night. Lily enacted a spell that weakened her just as Riddle casted the killing curse on me. Brave, stubborn woman she knew there was no escape so she made sure she didn't kill herself doing the spell for Riddle would become suspicious. What surprised us was her control to do it."
"You mean…"
"Yes, while you carry the Potter gene in your blood whatever bloodline Lily descended from was just as strong if not, though scary at just the thought… stronger."
"Did she ever…"
"Once, it was when me and all our friends discovered that she was pregnant. Remus, Sirius and I were playing around while the others just stood by the side. Angered by our antics Lily sort of got into this trance like state, nearly put a hole through Remus before Isaac disarmed her."
"Mum's could sure be scary."
"That they can." James smirked at remembering the times Lily blew up on him before they got together and after.
"So that is how I survived that night?" Harry asked as James nodded his head, "What about the whole thing about Riddle touching me and such."
"Side effect of the killing curse rebounding. Not sure the exact details of it. But, the blood magic in combination of the killing curse acted as some sort of shield against him, well that is until he took some of your blood to negate the affect."
"How did he survive the rebound of the killing curse? I've seen a curse being rebounded at someone and it seems the effect is actually doubled."
"Ah this is where things get rather confusing." James said as Harry quirked his left brow at him.
"As I stated in the beginning Dumbledore has been keeping things from you. One is the prophecy the other is something very dreadful but your great ancestor William and I don't think so." James said as Harry waved urging him to continue.
"Though he doesn't have enough proof to go with, there is something in the magical world called a Horcrux." He continued as Harry sat back, "a vile piece of dark magic in which one splits their soul so that if one were to die their life force will still be anchored in this realm and will not move on."
"Like the ghosts?" Harry asked thinking about the ghost houses of Hogwarts.
"Not exactly, centuries ago a dark wizard named Herpo the Foul brought this theory in motion." James said, "However due to lack of text and such one does not know if he were to actually be successful in this endeavor. That is if you aren't William Potter."
"Wait, he knew him?"
"Yes, for it was him who was the dark wizard he faced during his time. He considered him a genius and such but he never truly was able to succeed for in his final attempt to create a successful horcrux he began to lose his mind."
"What if?"
"According to William he knows of another way since Riddle does not resemble what he looked like when I faced the bastard that night. Remembering your second year the boy is a descendent of Slytherin. Speaking of that year… that was rather scary, for if one were to go over the theory of a Horcrux that was rather close example. While Salazar himself didn't create this method, the son he disowned due to his lust for the dark arts, Septmius did. For it took three generations of the Order of Merlin to finally rid of him from the world."
"Three?"
"Think Harry you already beaten Riddle how many times?" James asked as he saw his son face light up in realization.
"When I was baby with the help of mum and the chamber!"
"Yes, one more and he is done for good." James said, "Not much is known about how it was done or how one goes about it but given his lineage and ancestry it shouldn't entirely come as a shock he followed one of them."
"What about first year? I mean I basically…"
"You mean the whole thing with the stone? Think Harry… if he had a vessel he could get to, why not go there right away? There would have been no need for him to possess a professor." He answered, "That is what truly made William state Voldemort definitely didn't create those things."
"So Dumbledore truly believes the Horcrux theory?"
"Yes, since I am sure he has little clue about Lily he truly believes in the idea that it was her love for you that protected you that night. Also, that it explains your scar." James said as Harry subconsciously reached his hand to it. "Scars aren't the result of Dark Magic, however -."
"Blood magic." Harry muttered.
"Correct Harry, Dumbledore knows of it so he believes the absolute horrid thing you could think of." James said as he waited for Harry to ready himself "He believes through a serious of unfortunate events you are now a living breathing Horcrux of Voldemort himself."
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yes, as it was one of the reasons why he put you with Petunia every summer despite having friends and family through your years in Hogwarts. If you don't really hold such relationships in high regard you would easily get over certain people's deaths."
"You mean Ron."
"Yes, and I know despite you barely knowing the boy you hold the Diggory boy's death on your shoulders. I'm sure Dumbledore believed if he isolated you and made you not feel for any of them that you -."
"Would be willing to die." Harry said in a serious low tone. "He is definitely off his rocker!"
"Yes he is, I believe your mom said something along those lines when he brought the idea of the Prophecy to us. Know that he is not the enemy Harry but that does not mean you can be cordial with him."
"So what is it about these prophecies. I feel like I'm being built up to be some sort of folk hero or something."
"ha, first regarding the prophecy that came from Dumbledore which I am sure he will tell you as soon as you get back. He received it from a Sybil Trelawn -." James stopped as he saw his son start laughing. "What is the matter son?"
"Dad, Professor Trelawney is the biggest fraud in all of divination history. While Hermione was never one to get highly excited about the subject. She believes along with a number of people that Trelawney was and currently is a fraud of a seer."
"heh, of course she is a fraud when you consider her family. They are a bunch of frauds who believe to be true seers. The last living seer died centuries ago. I'm sure she may seem to have foretold a prophecy in your third year when you recollected the story with us but something was rather off with her speech. Almost as if she had an outer body experience."
"It shouldn't be like that?"
"Not at all, seer's do go in a trance like state yes. But they do not speak, once they are done they get a rather terrible headache to the point they faint. Once they come through they try to make sense of it all. To them the picture is not rather clear so it is spoken in some sort of riddle. You would think with Dumbledore's age he would know this but as I said the last seer died out centuries ago. So only those with knowledge of it would know the truth."
"Did mum –."
"Of course, she had access to the restricted section after all."
"So what did the true prophecy say and how did it come about?"
"It was a prophecy that was foretold in the beginning of the millennia. He wasn't the last seer but he foretold many including how it would take three generations to take out one Dark Lord." James said hinting it was this seer who foretold the downfall of Septimus. "It began with one shall rise from a dying house that came from one of the four. The Gaunts are descendants of Salazar Slytherin. In the time of when it is the darkest two shall be born. This of course is you and Susan. They will be separated from birth but shall be reunited through fate. Together they along with others shall destroy the Dark Lord once and for all as the millennia comes to an end." James finished as Harry began to appear in deep thought.
"Susan -."
"It was something your mother wrestled with until she passed. As you know Harry, what Voldemort is doing now is nothing compared to his first reign of terror. Throughout our schooling, aside from Snape your mother befriended a Ravenclaw named Bridget Morrow. She was always by her side as much as Snape was until he eventually was drawn in by Malfoy and his ilk. She dated Nick Bones who was a year older than us. During our seventh year something happened in which she was cursed by some would-be Death Eaters that resulted in her being infertile. For a woman she was left devastated. After all, she just accepted Nick's proposal during Valentines Day of that year. Your mum hated being helpless seeing her in that state. It also was what caused her to truly take me seriously."
"Really? I thought she got through to you by seventh year?"
"Well yeah she did but she was still pretty cautious. Couldn't blame her after all with my history it was pretty reasonable."
"So what did you do?"
"I talked to Bridget during her stay at the Hospital Wing. She was a total mess at the time going on and on about how she is unable to provide Nick a family. I didn't know your mum was there at the time. But, I got through to Bridget and she began to brighten up after that." James said as his son smiled at him finally hearing a somewhat mature version of him.
"Three years after graduating, your mum and I got married and we had the most incredible news that we would be having a family of our own." James smiled as if reliving the memory, "Due to the whole situation the Wizarding World was in the first thought wasn't what to name you two but who would be your godparents. As you know Sirius was named your godfather along with Alice Longbottom."
"Neville's mum?" Harry asked surprised to find out that his godmother was none other than his good friends mother. It saddened him to realize that he may never be able to get to know her due to the Death Eater attack that rendered her and her husband stuck in a vegetative state.
"Yes Harry, Neville's mum." James said with a sad look, "Now, when it came to naming Susan's godparents while I was quick to name Frank your mother became silent and seemed to be in deep thought. I was frightened for your mum was silent for a significant amount of time. Then finally she looked at me with teary eyes."
"I want her to go to Bridget, she said. When I began to state she would make a wonderful godmother your mum shushed me on the spot and reiterated she wants Bridget to have our second child." James said, "I knew your mum was rather emotional so I convinced her to really think this through before we talked to Bridget and Nick. It took one month before your mum brought up the subject once again."
"Wonder what that would have been like with everyone alive." Harry said.
"Yes, it was a very tough decision. It was much tougher once we broached the subject to them. Took them about three months total to finally accept it. In the end only a few people knew of this; Sirius, Nick, Bridget, Frank and Alice Longbottom."
"Why not Remus?" Harry wondered why Remus wouldn't be named as one of the few.
"At the time our relationship began to strain due to the knowledge there was a traitor within the Order of Phoenix, of course we were wrong about that. Remember, I wasn't even going to consider him for godfather for either of you." James said. "It was agreed by everyone you two would be told about your relationship by your third year, unless you were sorted in the same house."
"Why third year?" Harry quirked his brow not sure what was so special about third year, after all as he quickly recollected he didn't remember much.
"Well, Sirius brought up some odd idea that you would somehow fancy her and fall for your own sister by the end of your third year. How he got that sick thought in his head. You'll have to ask him yourself." James said as Harry shook his head thinking how could his godfather think of such a thing. Then again Harry had to admit that is when he began to crush on one Cho Chang.
"Wait, how about Amelia Bones? She is Susan's guardian now."
"Don't know, we didn't have contact with the outside world once we went into hiding. We know of Nick and Bridget dying but not sure about the details. It was only through Sirius that assured the both of us Susan was alive as she was in a play date with the Abbott's at the time of their deaths. Your mum wanted to fetch after her but decided against it because of Dumbledore. She hated the idea he would have a keen eye on you but was rather grateful he might just overlook your sister the whole time." James said as he noticed Harry seemed to be in his own world.
"What is it Harry?" James asked as he saw Harry smiling.
"Remember that time I told you about the Mirror of Erisad back in my first year?" Harry said as his father nodded, "I remembered another scene that played out in the mirror. You two were standing beside me and smiling. I would even say mum was laughing as I was engulfed in a hug by a girl with reddish hair. I didn't understand it at the time but that was Susan. I just couldn't tell because I only saw the back of her." Harry said as James smiled down on him.
"So… anything I am missing?" James asked after a moment had passed signaling the end of this exchange.
"No" Harry answered as he got up from his seat. "I know I am not entirely ready to face Voldemort despite what I learned here. Susan is my sister and while I would love to shout it on top of the world I should be weary because of Dumbledore and Voldemort. Finally, the two prophecies… one clearly is a fake and a rouse while the other is real."
"Ah, I do have a request of you Harry. Sent a correspondence to Sirius with what I will dictate to you to write. He'll know what to do and know it's from me." James said as Harry picked up a piece of parchment and quill and began to write. "Now that is done… it is time son. Know that while you can not see me or your mum, we will always be here." He finished as he pointed on his chest.
"Thank you, dad." Harry said, James smiled as he began to drift off to sleep waiting for the next Potter descendant to enter these walls.
Walking out of the castle Harry looked up at the full moon with it's light illuminating the surrounding area. He turned to see the castle fade away and a key floating over to him. He smirked as he extended his hand and yanked at it. Finally, he took in the scene one last time. He felt so much peace before turning and disappearing with a slight pop.
- I'm Back -
"You sure about this Sirius?" Tonks asked
Sirius paced around the room with his finger tapping his chin. "At the end of the day they are family just like yours. Don't worry, I have put all the necessary precautions in the agreement if they are to accept."
"It is not that I am worried about." Tonks said softly taking a seat on the sofa. Sirius sat down next to her and smiled trying to reassure her.
"Your mum?" Sirius asked as she nodded her head.
"She turned real nasty when she read the letter. Practically threw it right back at me saying never to get in contact with them ever."
"So why come to me?" He asked as he put a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"I nearly hadn't… I reckon that it felt like the right thing to do at the time."
"Well, it's a good thing I am your favorite -." Sirius was interrupted by a sudden appearance of a letter floating down to the table next to them. Instinctively he snatched it before it landed and opened it.
Tonks not wanting to pry just studied Sirius as his expressions began to change. As he finished the letter she asked the first thing that popped into her head. "What is it Sirius?"
"He's back." Sirius muttered almost incoherently for Tonks to completely understand what he said.
"Who? Who's back?" Tonks repeated.
"Harry is back!" Sirius shouted with glee and joy as he pumped his fist in the air. "Oh sweet Merlin thank you for bringing the boy back."
Tonks happy as well as her hair changed different colors as Sirius was celebrating before she stopped and looked at Sirius. Seeing her expression Sirius came over quick.
"Come on, -." Sirius gestured.
"Sirius, where is Harry going to stay?" Tonks asked as he looked at her with an amused expressions plastered on his face.
"While here of course, where else would he stay." Sirius said as if there was simply no other choice.
"Did it just occur to you what you just agreed to just yesterday?" Tonks asked wondering if Sirius got the message.
"What do you -. …oh" Sirius said in realization at what is to come. "This can't be good."
"Good to see there is some semblance of a brain in that thick skull of yours." Tonks said as Sirius took a seat no longer looking or feeling excited. "I suggest owling him. He is most likely in Hogwarts now."
"You're right." Sirius said
- I'm Back -
"No good, again." Professor Cadare instructed as the students in line mimicked the specific movements before casting the spell. Once again he felt the students failed to reached his expectations.
Not much is known about the new Defense Professor aside from dropping out of the Auror Academy despite being the top of his group. He was a Ravenclaw during his time at Hogwarts roughly seventeen years prior, around the same time as Voldemort's downfall. He basically dropped off the face of the earth until Griselda Marchbanks vouched a recommendation for him through Professor McGonagall. Despite not being too keen on teaching students he accepted the post due to needing the money.
"You there!" his voice caused all the spells to stop as he began to walk toward a boy and a girl. "Seems like instead of trying to cast the spell to my satisfaction you two decide to talk." The other students began to shuffle away from the two as he glowered over them.
"So why not share your discussion with the rest of the class, shall we?" he mocked as the two stood stiffly. "Now, as I have yet to really compartmentalize everyone's name could you kindly introduce yourselves?"
"Colin." Colin replied softly that despite the silent room not many would have been able to hear him.
"Excuse me?" he asked, "Speak up boy."
"Colin Creevey, sir." Colin replied with a little more volume as Professor Cadare leaned back sighing before leaning forward towards the girl.
"And you? Aren't you a little too young to be attending your O.W.L.s little girl?"
"I'm Natalie McDonald sir, and I am not taking my O.W.L.s. I have been awarded the chance to attend certain subjects with upper years." She answered him with a steely resolve as he looked at her in the eyes.
"I would be careful with that mouth of yours, you wouldn't be able to live a long life if you continue with that attitude. I also don't cater to stuck up snobbish little school children so while your other professors might find it cute you are taking classes not of your year. I expect you to perform just as if this is your fifth year, is that understood?" Natalie nearly looked scared, possibly more so than when she used to attend class with Professor Snape.
"It's only school sir." A voice piped up from the crowd of students causing Professor Cadare to snap his head around and search for the origin of the voice.
"I didn't give you permission to speak Ms…" his voice drawled as he spotted the girl.
"Vane" The girl said just giving her last name as if it meant something.
"Vain? Is that suppose to mean something?" He mocked as he stood up from the desk that he sat on and began to walk over to her.
"I'm Romilda Vane, I am Madam Marchbanks niece." She said as if it is the most scandalous thing that one would not know about the relationship between her and a ministry employee. Professor Cadare studied her face for a brief moment before he began to laugh making those in the room feel unsettled as they were hoping they would just be dismissed already.
"Tell me something, Ms. Vane." He took a step closer as she took a step back. "Look into my eyes and tell me, does it look like I care about your relation to your aunt. You could be the Minister of Magic and I wouldn't bat an eyelash. You don't impress me, that little girl over there doesn't impress me. So I will say this one more time. Pick up your wands and cast that spell to my satisfaction or receive a T for today's work!"
Review and Question away!
Quick notes: I had flip flopped the idea about keeping the whole Horcrux thing in place but decided I wanted to do something original and different. Basically I traded one MacGuffin for another MacGuffin.
Next up: Harry is caught up on certain things. More of the new Defense Professor. Death Eater Interlude.
Well, I thank everyone for waiting patiently for Harry's return to everyone. Also Happy Birthday Harry Potter!