Chapter 08: Memories and Wish-lists

Harry woke up the next morning with a severe headache. He could feel two warm bodies on either side of him which brought a smile to his face. He recalled the various memories he had shared with his witches. 'His witches?' When did that happen? It was almost as if he had downloaded all their memories into his brain. He decided that now was a good time to view some of the memories and hopefully his headache would go down.

Harry instinctively started with the earliest memories of his best friend Hermione. He watched memories of Hermione as a toddler in a loving home. She sure got her love for books from her mom. The memories of spending long hours in the daycare waiting for her dentist parents to pick her up and take her home so that she could read her favorite book. These were followed by memories of her summers with her older cousins who would shun her for being a bookworm and a girl. Harry laughed at the cute pout she had when he caught her reflection in the mirror. Harry was as elated as she was when she received her first encyclopedia as her sixth-year birthday present.

These good memories were followed by memories of school where she was picked on by all her classmates. The number of times a potential friend had come back the next day to either move away from her or join the teasing gang made Harry empathize with her. Harry was surprised at Hermione's resolution that friends were not that important and that she could manage on her own. He saw scenes of her parents reinforce this resolution by lauding her academic achievements. To an impressionable Hermione, her books, her parents and her teachers always told her the truth and would never tease her for trying her best. Harry now understood the basis for Hermione's personality.

Harry watched as Hermione received her Hogwarts letter and how her parents wondered if it was some sort of a joke. He watched as Professor McGonagall visit the Granger's residence and demonstrate the existance of magic. Harry witnessed the excitement and curiosity she felt about this whole new world that she did not know about. Harry was surprised when the Grangers gave her the choice to decide whether she wished to go to Hogwarts or not. He watched with fascination as he viewed her make a resolution to make friends and not be a social outcast in this second chance she was given.

Harry felt conflicted watching Hermione's memories about him from her viewpoint. He was surprised by her resolve to put aside her work in order to ensure that both he and Ron passed their exams. Harry laughed when he watched memories of her berating Ron on being a lazy bum and how she hoped that both her boys would learn to take academics a bit more seriously. But to her Harry was someone she felt a close relationship with, someone who she wanted to protect and help with everything she had. She could never understand why Harry seemed to hate authority figures and why he would never trust the adults in his life. Harry watched with fascination the memories of her debating with herself if she should risk her friendship with Harry over a broomstick. He felt saddened by the amount of hurt he had caused her by not standing up for her in the argument that followed.

Harry was surprised to see the number of snide remarks and teasing she has had to bear at Hogwarts. He wondered as to how he had not noticed this before. It was obvious that she considered herself as an ugly duckling and she became determined to change herself into a social butterfly. He watched her swallow her pride and approach Lavender and Parvati for help her with getting ready for the Yule Ball during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, her elation on the response of the whole school to her appearance pleasing her immensly, and the horror she felt when Ron in his infinite jealousy decided to wreck the night for her. All she wanted was one night when she felt on top of the world.

Harry was surprised to see a facet of Hermione's personality that he never knew existed. She would deliberately rile up Ron with conversations about her letters to Krum and the amusement she felt. To her, Harry was someone she was deeply loyal to where as Ron was more of a comic relief. He watched with amazement as she explained her relationship with Harry to the other witches and was surprised to know about the oath they had shared.

After reviewing all of Hermione's memories, Harry felt truly blessed to have such a great friend in her. He realized that he too loved Hermione and felt a deep loyalty towards her. He felt his magic react to his positive feelings towards her and felt his bond with her settle. He felt genuinely happy to have Hermione as his bond-mate, and was mildly surprised to receive a mental smile from her. Harry now knew what he had to do with the others memories in order to settle the bonds.

Harry next watched Luna's memories. Luna had a very happy childhood and Harry loved watching Luna's mother, Leona Lovegood, dote on her only daughter. Leona would tell Luna bedtime stories of fictitious animals and kingdoms that Luna absolutely loved. The most shocking memory Harry witnessed was that Leona was Lucius Malfoy's younger sister and the circumstances in which she died. During a conversation Luna overheard when she was 9 years old, Leona berated Lucius Malfoy for squandering the family fortune. Lucius got agitated as she continued her rant and fired a silencio at her. Leona threw up an experimental shield she had been working on at the Department of Mysteries. When the silencio hex met her shield, it backfired and lead a magical backlash mortally wounding her. Harry watched in silent horror as Luna rushed into the room to see Lucius cradling her mother and crying. If was obvious that Lucius loved his sister very much. Luna watched as her mother passed away staring into her eyes with a smile on her face. Following this incident, Luna withdrew within herself and shunned any outside contact. The only persons she had talked for the next two years before she came to Hogwarts were her father and Ginny Weasley.

Harry watched as Luna built the Loony personality as a facade to keep away emotional attachment with anyone. She faced the hazing and teasing at Hogwarts with a detachment Harry felt was not normal. She was confused as to why Harry would help her stop the bullying when it really did not affect her. When she realized that Harry did not expect anything in return, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could find at least one friend who would get to know the real her.

Harry watched with morbid embarrassment when he watched Luna's memories about the time when she hit puberty. When she attained menarche, she was so innocent that she thought that someone in her dorm had hexed her. She kept applying healing charms for a whole day before she went to Madam Pompfrey for help. Harry was amazed that the school nurse explained about the female reproductive system with a straight face and also gave her the female version of 'the talk'. Harry vowed to himself that he would never make fun of Luna by bringing up this memory. It was bad enough that he got to witness it. Harry felt his magic react to his protective attitude towards Luna and Harry felt acceptance in the bond.

Harry felt his headache slipping away and resolved to finish the process by reviewing Susan and Daphne's memories. Harry watched Susan's happy childhood and wondered if his childhood might have been the same had his parents been alive. There was so much laughter and joy throughout her life. Her parents had been Aurors and would regale her stories of their adventures. Her aunt, who was actually her godmother, was very close to her and spoilt her. Susan felt as much at home in her parents' home as she felt at her aunts. When her parents were killed by Voldemort's henchmen, her aunt consoled her that her parents died doing what they loved doing, fighting evil. Harry felt a feeling of pride and felt her resolve that she too would live a life doing what she loved doing.

Harry watched memories of her having innumerable conversations with her Aunt about governance in both the wizarding and muggle world. Thanks to her mother, a French muggleborn witch, she learnt the importance of not cutting themselves off from the muggle world. Her favorite hobby was to discuss the pros and cons of the various laws with her aunt. On the other end of the spectrum, Harry realized that Susan was a girly-girl whose bedroom was filled with pink fluffy things. Harry wondered if the gene for giggling was inherited through the X chromosome. Harry was surprised to know the number of shades of lipsticks and nail polishes she owned. Hannah was her best friend and they spent a number of nights having a pajama party discussing clothes, make-up and boys. One such memory stood out among all others.

It was during the Tri-wizard tournament when Susan and Hannah sat in their dorm discussing their favorite topic. Susan teased Hannah about Ernie and Hannah teased Susan about the crush she had on Harry Potter. Susan sighed and replied, "Hannah, there are 5 types of witches in this world. 1. Those who are too old to have a crush on the great Harry Potter e.g. my aunt, 2. Those who are in love with somebody else e.g. you, 3. Those who are fan-girls e.g. Ginny Weasley, 4. Those who have a crush on him yet feel that he would never reciprocate it e.g. Hermione 5. And those who manage to catch Harry's eye e.g. Cho. I find myself in the same category as Hermione and sometimes when I see him all dejected and depressed I just feel like walking up to him, hugging him and hit him with a tickling hex." Susan and Hannah both laughed and then sighed and added, "He looks as if he believes that the whole world is out to get him. If only he knew the number of people who believe in him."

Harry laughed mentally at the tickling hex comment and vowed to himself that he would take life-lessons from Susan. In spite of all the tragedy in her life, she is one of the happiest person he knew, the true definition of an optimist. He felt as though he had swallowed a pepper-up potion and could only attribute it to his magic accepting the bond he had with Susan

Harry wondered what he would find in Daphne's memories. Harry had hardly spoken two words to her before the rescue. The earliest memory he found was Daphne crying and running to her mother complaining that her father had slapped her. Her mother sang her a song that soothed her to sleep. These memories were followed by others which were as different as day and night. When she was with her mother, Daphne was bright and chirpy; but when her father was around, she had an expressionless mask on her face. As she grew up, she witnessed multiple episodes of abuse that her father dished out to her mother.

When Daphne was 8 years old, she brought home with her one of her male classmates who she claimed to be her best friend at school. Her mother, happy that her daughter still had a semblance of a normal childhood, was entertaining the children when her father walked into their house drunk and kicked the boy out. This lead to a major fight between her parents and Daphne stood horrified and frozen as her father cast the Imperio on her mother and raped her in the living room to teach his wife a lesson. Her father then stunned her and the next thing she knew when she woke up was that her father had been killed in an honor duel. Daphne was so traumatized that she unconsciously suppressed these memories and went on with her life as if her father had never existed.

The incident with her parents affected her so much that she believed that all men were the scum of this earth born to cause suffering to women. She only had one true best friend, Tracey Davis, who shared her views on men. She started a lesbian relationship with Tracey and really believed that she was happy in life. During the summer after her third year, Daphne's mother caught Daphne and Tracey fooling around and during the conversation that followed, her mother told her that while she was not angry about her relationship, she questioned if Daphne was under any Chastity Enchantments. A trip to St. Mungos, where her mother worked as a Healer and Experimental Potions Mistress, proved her doubt to be true. Any wizard that would try take her honor without the permission of her guardian would find himself losing his magic. Her father had cast the enchantments in such a way that her mother did not have the right to remove them. When Daphne confessed to Tracey about what she had found out, they chose to continue their relationship till such a time the enchantments were removed. Harry realized that Daphne's 'emotionless mask' she wore during her childhood around her father along with the chastity enchantments was the reason for the title 'Ice Queen of Slytherin'.

As Harry watched the memories of the last two weeks where Daphne came to terms with her mother's death and a near death experience before she was rescued, Harry heart went out to the girl and vowed to keep her safe. Harry had a grin on his face as he felt his magic accepting the soul bond with Daphne.

Harry woke up and was surprised to find that it was way past mid-day. He reached for his glasses and realized that there were four angry witches glaring at him. He gulped and wondered what made them so angry. To diffuse the situation, he stood up and said to Hermione with a grin, "Riling up Ron amuses you, eh?"

Hermione walked up to him and hit him on his chest with both her balled up hands, "Stupid, stupid, stupid boy! Why did you not tell me that the Drusleys treated you that bad?"

Harry did the only thing he could. He hugged her and kissed her on her forehead. "Its alright Hermione. It is in the past! Now I have the four of you, my bond mates and my family. Thank you." He lifted her chin and kissed her on her cheek.

Hermione blushed and said with a cheeky grin, "So I was really your first kiss! You kissed me when I petrified huh?"

Harry blushed red with embarrassment and said, "Hermione, you know that I would do anything for you. I thought that maybe the sleeping beauty fairy tale had some truth behind it." Hermione laughed when she heard the explanation. "My sweet, innocent Harry! If only you knew the non-Disney version of Sleeping Beauty!" She hugged him before she released him.

Harry turned towards Luna and said, "Ferret's first cousin eh? come here you..." Harry held out both his hands with a cheeky grin. Luna laughed and reciprocated the hug, "You better be nice to my cousin now and change him into a ferret often!" Harry laughed. "Luna, we four will always be there for you! Can we please always see Luna and not Loony in the present company?" Luna nodded with a smile.

"Susan, how does it feel being in the last category now? You are bonded to the person you have a crush on..." Harry said with a grin. Susan laughed and hit him with a tickling hex. "I so wanted to do that all this while!" Harry burst out laughing uncontrollably and gave Susan a hug. Hermione took pity on him and ended the curse, but it didn't seem to have any effect on Harry's laughter.

After a couple of minutes of laughing, Harry relaxed and said, "I have never laughed so much in my life. Thank you Susan!"

Harry turned towards Daphne and spoke to her, "Daphne, I wonder what Tracey would say now!" and burst out laughing. Daphne put out at being made fun of, shot a stinging hex at Harry which he wandlessly batted away much to the surprise of everyone, himself included. "Gryffindor Golden Boy almost became a Slimy Slytherin huh?" Daphne drawled in her best Malfoy accent.

Harry walked up to her, hugged her and whispered in her ear, "If you and Tracey wish to continue your relationship, I have no objections. And if you want to talk about your father, I will always be here for you." Harry squeezed her harder, not seeing the shocked expression. She muttered, "Thank you Harry!" Slowly the expression on her face changed as she smirked and said, "Harry get your paws off me! If you want to grope someone, Susan is right here."

Harry burst out in laughter and released Daphne from his hug. "I am so happy today that I could die right now."

"Don't you dare talk like that Harry!" Hermione chided. "But Hermione, I really am." Harry whined and then with a twinkle in his eyes said, "Maybe I should try the Patronus charm, you know, Expecto Patronum"

Daphne looked at his stag Patronus in awe, "I have never known anyone to have conjured a golden Patronus let alone conjure a regular one wandlessly!"

Harry simply shrugged and said, "Expect the unexpected from me. I think my magic is all wonky today." Harry stumbled a little and struggled to maintain his balance.

"Harry, stop doing magic!" Hermione scolded him. "Ragnok told you that you need to bleed off your magic for sometime before you regularly use it, remember?"

"But Hermione, isn't doing a Patronus charm a way to bleed of your magic? Or maybe I will get the Elves to do something productive with my excess magic!"

"What do you mean Harry?" Hermione enquired.

"I guess I will have to explain a little about house-Elves. House-Elves need to bind to a source of magic in order to survive. They do have some reserves that they can draw on, before they go insane and die. I have given Dobby and Winky permission to draw as much of my magic as needed provided, it doesn't put me in magical exhaustion. For normal day-to-day house-Elf activities, I can hardly feel the drain of my magic. But with any large scale magic usage such as, casting wards or building homes, I should feel a little tired."

"So why not have Winky put wards around our friends' houses? Also, if I could bind the 49 Elves who helped in the construction of the Den, they could build a few houses. We could rebuild the Lovegood Shack, the Bones residence, the Greengrass Manor and maybe even the Burrow. How about that??" Harry was excited now.

"How about this Hermione? Since you are really good at it, why not you be incharge of the organization of all tasks needed to achieve the Potter family's vision? I have many items on my wish list. Why don't you note mine down and then we will go around the room and get everyone elses."

Hermione blushed and said, "I like how that sounds, 'The Potter Family'". She whipped up her planner and a muggle pen and started noting down Harry's wish list.

1. Revise Sirius' will

2. Get out of Dumbledore's control

3. Trick Voldemort into giving me a breather

4. Manipulate the ministry so that it becomes accountable for its actions

5. Change the Wizarding world, bring it into the 21st century, rid it of bigotry

6. Improve the conditions and relationships with all sentient species, Goblins, Elves, Werewolves, Vampires, Centaurs, Veela, Giants, Unicorns etc.

7. Start new or invest in existing businesses to improve wizarding economy, build new homes, etc.

8. Attract wizarding immigration or increase the wizarding population

9. Make it impossible for Voldemort to recruit; ruin Death eater finances; kill/capture death eaters; then kill/capture Voldemort

10. Do all this without drawing attention towards myself (Hermione snorted when she heard this)

11. Start a family, have many children and live happily ever after out of the limelight!

"Simple huh?" Harry said with a wink. The four witches were gob smacked at the list. Harry waited a few moments and silence was getting uncomfortable.

"I think I broke all of you." Harry joked.

"WOW! How and why do you plan to do all this?" Hermione, the first person to recover, asked.

"I can answer the 'Why'. In spite of your claims that I am a great wizard, I hardly compare to either Dumbledore or Voldemort in terms of raw magical power. Dumbledore has more than a century and half of knowledge and Voldemort about half a century; not to mention all the dark rituals that Voldemort has undergone. So challenging Voldemort to a duel and expecting to come out of it alive is utter foolishness. This cannot be a Gryffindor's fight, but a Slytherin's fight."

"Heck, even if I somehow kill Voldemort in an epic battle, who says that the Ministry will not frame me for murder? Dumbledore wont really do much as he expects me to die and will cart me off to Azkaban like how he did it to Sirius. So the solution that I believe would work would be to change the wizarding world first before vanquishing Voldemort. Stop his recruitment, kill his finances, capture his followers and he will be powerless."

"Now as to the 'How', I have absolutely no idea! That's what I have you four for! You four are extremely smart and with unlimited resources, I am sure you can come up with a workable plan."

The other three witches were still speechless. Harry looked at them and decided to change the topic. "So Daphne, what do you want to do in your life? What's your greatest wish?"

"What do you mean Harry?" Daphne enquired politely.

"Well, when a man dies, he expects to leave behind a legacy. Legacy could be something like Dumbledore defeating Grindelwald, My mom sacrificing herself to save me, my dad and his friends becoming notorious pranksters, me ridding the world of Riddle. Ha Ha! Or it could be like Goblins expect, increasing your family's net worth by say 50%, or like what Elves expect, you serve and help a million population through your actions. So what do you want to do?"

"Very philosophical Harry!" Hermione quipped.

"I really did not have anything better to do during all those boring summers here Hermione. I just kept all my musings to myself as I am usually busy trying to not get killed as soon as I leave the muggle world." Harry commented sadly.

"Harry, I want to rid the world of domestic abuse and also continue my mothers legacy in experimental potions." Daphne replied.

"Potions huh? Awesome. Maybe you could teach me what the greasy git couldn't. I never really understood why there have to be x number of clockwise movements and y number of anti-clockwise. Also, why add the ingredients in that order." Harry commented. "Hey Mia, could you add to my list to Get rid of the greasy git's influence on me"

"What about you Susan?" Susan started fidgeting and looked nervous. "Its alright Susan, none of us are going to laugh at you." Harry encouraged.

"Umm... two things actually. I wish to work for the government. And the second... umm... I wish to have a few children and raise them in a loving environment." Susan whispered.

"Nothing wrong with wanting children Susan. That is also Molly Weasley's legacy. Of course, she kind of overdoes the protecting the children part though! By the way, you know I can't help with that goal till we make a decision about our relationship right?" Harry wiggled his eyebrows.

"Oh joy! He finds his flirting gene", Daphne deadpanned to everyone's laughter.

"Luna?" Harry prompted. Luna had a dreamy expression on her face and said, "I really want to find a crumpled horned Snorkack. My mom though she told me a lot of stories about fictitious animals, believed in the existence of the Snorkack. I think she will be happy if I can prove to the world its existence. I also wish to carry on my mothers legacy in experimental charms."

"That's cool, Luna. And we will help you find a Snorkack and your charms projects." Harry nodded. "And you Hermione?"

"I wanted to say Elf freedom, I mean, Elf welfare, but you are way ahead of me in that." Hermione joked. "But seriously, I want to keep you alive in this conflict with Voldemort! And second, I want to remove the importance of blood in the wizarding society."

"Whoa! now that is ambitious, are you sure the sorting hat did not want you in Slytherin?" Harry joked.

"So how do we achieve all our goals?" Harry asked and opened it for discussion.