Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter… I PWN him, Old School.
Eh yea…
Pre-AN: This is a long chapter so instead of cutting scenes I just split it. The scene I had been talking about forever will come in the next chapter but you get a hint of what's to come from the end of this chapter.
Chapter 22 – I'm so going to Hell (Part I)
All through out England odd occurrences had been taking place.
Mysterious murders, Suicides with people hanging themselves from vaulted ceilings within grand ballroom sized area's, without ladders or other implements to account for the occurrence.
People thrown from their apartment windows with such force that they landed 2 or three blocks away, instantly dead upon impact.
Murdered victims with the most horrendous smiles upon their faces as they stared blankly at their fireplaces which continued to burn days after the victim had died within their locked rooms.
Of smaller note, were the mysterious gatherings of wildlife within the urban jungle.
Cats, Rats, Dogs, Gazelle, and snakes converged together without attacking one another.
One particular Government research facility which dealt with innovative new techniques for water purification had to forcibly remove a snake after it mysteriously entered the surprisingly high security facility through means unknown.
These events had been happening for two or three months now, with a frequentness that was suspicious to say the least. Then, it stopped.
The murders died down, the culprit believed to be in hiding.
The animals vanished supposedly killed in traffic accidents or wandered back into the wildlife and away from the city.
Research facilities around the country, that all seemed to be doing the same experiment involving radio waves and mysterious barrels of classified liquids went on unimpeded by having to extricate Reptiles from their ground breaking labs.
All this went unnoticed by the population in general, as they were unrelated occurrences and only some would be reported by the papers. The public at large was reeling more from the love affair a certain actress was having between another actor, condemning the mans marriage to shambles.
In one particular home, a boy who knew none of this, as he had not even glanced at a news paper in months, had other problems to deal with.
"Shh, its okay, you'll be fine…" Harry coaxed soothingly.
Wails of misery emanated out of the mouth of a little girl who had just banged her knee while running around the coffee table.
"Remus?!" Harry cried desperately as he lifted the girl up and carried her over to the kitchen.
"In a minute Harry…" Remus said distractedly. Harry smelled a slight burning smell emanate from the kitchen the man was in.
"Remus, I can cook if you want, it's not a problem…" Harry offered, wanting someone else to take the child from his arms as he was not very used to upset children.
Laura, Remus's neighbour, the one who had worked as a waitress at the charming bistro a few blocks away, had stopped by to welcome Harry to the neighbourhood. She and Remus had planned to cook dinner together for Harry; that is until they had realized they were out of tomatoes.
Remus in a moment of idiocy, decided to lie and say that he could boil the spaghetti if she wanted to go and pick some tomatoes up. Harry who had been watching cartoons with the woman's daughter had unwittingly doomed himself when he agreed to play tag with the girl.
The moment Laura had left, all hell broke loose.
"It's okay Harry; I'm fine don't you worry." Remus yelled back as the smell of smoke got stronger. Suddenly the fire alarm started to beep incessantly. The toddler in Harry's arm seemed to take that as a challenge as she yelled louder.
Harry rubbing the girls back soothingly walked into the kitchen and stared in horror.
Smoke was rising from a pot that should have been filled with water and pasta. The oven as well for some reason.
Remus who was clad in a soot covered apron was going back and forth between the sink trying to fill the pot with more water from a moderately sized drinking cup. In a moment of inspiration the man grabbed the handle of the hose attachment to the sink and aimed it at the pot.
Pulling the trigger dramatically in a pose like a fireman preparing himself as he aimed his own hose at a burning building… Remus let forth the jet of water.
The water shot forth, and arched downwards in an unimpressive display of pressure as it spilled onto the floor half the distance away. The floor was now covered in water and the girl had stopped crying in his arms, distracted by the strange display of her neighbour.
Remus's head quickly swilled and spotted Harry with the girl staring at him in horror. An embarrassed blush seemed to rise in his cheeks.
"It's not as bad as it looks…" He defended.
Deciding to save his new home from being burned to the ground by the man, Harry walked forward, side stepping the growing puddle, and took hold of the hose extension from the mans grasp. Putting it aside, Harry walked back and held out the little girl.
"You take her, and keep her from running into more tables…"Harry instructed.
"But…" Remus defended as he took the child automatically.
"I'll see about fixing this… now out." Harry said sternly.
He thought he might have reminded the man of Mrs. Weasley as he immediately followed orders.
As the door closed Harry took in the sight of the kitchen.
Quickly turning the sink off and wandlessly banishing the water and burnt contents Harry peeked into the oven.
A crisp black loaf which smelled a little of garlic remained on the rack. Taking that and seeing it was unsalvageable Harry discarded it while refilling the pot with water, and grabbing another packet of spaghetti while wondering to himself how the man had survived all these years.
Using his magic once more, Harry boiled the water quickly and set the pasta in.
Still smelling the smell of smoke in the air, Harry opened the window and set the fan above the stove to clear the air of all evidence.
Checking the kitchen for anything else to do, he took out a mop and wiped up the excess moisture from the floor.
Hearing a doorbell Harry Quickly rushed out and handed the man the mop back.
"In the kitchen…" he ordered the man who took the mop dumbly while Emmy stared at him oddly.
Remus followed orders and pushed the door open only to stare in surprise… "How did you…?"
He was cut off as Harry walked toward the front door and opened it to reveal Laura holding a bag of tomatoes proudly.
"I'm glad to see the house is still here…" She remarked cheerily.
"Last time Remus burnt the soup…" She joked.
Harry wished he had known that earlier. He watched as the women walked into the kitchen and congratulated him for boiling noodles.
Emmy just continued to stare confusedly at Harry and Remus, the pain in her knee no longer bothering her as she took in the strange two men.
… .. … .. …
Dinner was an amusing affair as the four sat to eat. Remus kept sending Harry confused looks while Laura questioned him on his schooling.
Emmy would giggle every now and then as if she had a secret she was barely able to keep hidden. Harry had taken the girl aside and asked her to keep Remus's little kitchen mishap a secret, the girl had loved that idea but Harry's faith in her secrecy keeping skills were a tad misplaced considering her age.
Laura was perplexed as the girl winked repeatedly back and forth between Harry and Remus, as if she was trying to be sly. The boys themselves fidgeted in their seat each time.
When it was time to say goodbye Remus and Harry saw the two out the door and watched them walk two doors away into their own complex.
Once they were out of sight, Remus closed the door and turned curious eyes toward Harry.
"How did you clean up the kitchen so fast?" he asked perplexed.
"Honestly Remus, were wizards…" Harry teased.
"You used magic?" he asked confused.
"Well of course…" Harry said while walking toward the couch and plopping down tiredly.
Remus stared at Harry confusedly. Reaching into his pockets he pulled out his wand and gave it an experimental shake.
"Harry, You can't do magic here?" Remus said in confusion.
"No don't worry about it. Dumbledore gave me a waiver last summer. The ministry won't care." Harry said, misinterpreting the mans statement.
"No Harry, I mean you can't do Magic here…" Remus said significantly.
He waved his wand about and said Lumos confidently. Nothing happened.
Harry stared confusedly at the man for a moment before he realized what he had done.
He had performed magic…
He had performed Wandless Magic…
He had performed wandless Magic in an area where the muggles were supposedly blocking all magic…
'Whoops.'
"Harry, what's going on?" Remus said in confusion as he took a seat opposite the teen. He didn't ask in accusation but general bafflement.
Deciding that he might as well tell the man, considering they would be living together… Harry thought on what to say.
"Sit down Remus… there's things I have to tell you." Harry coaxed.
Remus looked on worriedly as he took a seat on the coffee table directly in front of Harry.
"Is everything alright Harry…?" He asked in concern.
"Everything's fine Remus… it's just, I've been going through some changes over the last few months." Harry said awkwardly.
"Changes?" Remus asked curiously.
"Yea… um you remember a few months ago when Voldemort did that ritual. Way back when I was living with the Dursley's?" Harry asked uncomfortably. His hands fidgeted unsurely.
"I do…" Remus stated.
"Well, when that happened, the connection I have with Voldemort… the ritual… I…" Harry stumbled, unsure how to go about explaining things.
Harry felt a warm hand being placed upon his shoulder and looked into the eyes of his guardian.
"It's alright Harry…" the man said calmly. His mellow tones soothing Harry's unease.
Nodding at the man, Harry decided that a practical demonstration would be best.
Harry raised his hands in a sweeping motion around his head. Immediately the drapes behind him closed, startling the wizard in front of him.
"Voldemort's Ritual affected me too…" Harry said blankly.
He stood up and walked around the man who stared at him in wonder.
Within his palms he called forth a Lumos that grew and shrunk as Harry opened and closed his hands.
"One of the side effects was that I can do magic…" Harry said, while closing his right fist, extinguishing the light, and put his left arm out summoning a throw pillow.
"… Without a wand." He finished as the pillow flew into his hand, making a fluffy puff noise.
Remus stared at the teen in surprise. With a tinge of awe…
"One of the side effects…?" Remus finally said catching on to Harry's slip.
Cursing himself for revealing too much, Harry considered lying and saying that it was just a slip of the tongue, or maybe going into detail about some of the more minor effects like his off and on mind reading skill… But he just couldn't do it.
A reckless voice inside told him to just let it all out, to tell the man everything he had been hiding. Inside somewhere he dreaded loosing the man to secrets like he had Hermione.
"Umm… there are some other not so important things, but there is this one thing that's kind of recent…" Harry said unsurely.
Remus stared at the teen curiously.
"Ah, help me move the table…" Harry asked. Remus immediately complied, standing up and pulling the table into the entranceway.
Having no other reason to stall, Harry went for it.
Using the worry and agitation, revealing all his secrets to the man had been creating; Harry shot them at his core.
Each sensation from the strengthening of his body, to the sensations as his wings growing out from his back was like a Gavel being banged on a desk. Further condemning him…
Harry stared down at the floor for a moment refusing to meet the stare of the man in front of him.
Silence rained for what felt like an eternity before Harry felt a hands being placed upon his shoulders.
"Harry…" Remus voice asked emotionlessly.
Harry continued to stare down at the floor unwilling to look into the eyes of the only family he could claim to have. He feared seeing the revulsion that he had so often seen in the Dursley's eyes.
"Harry, look at me…" Remus's voice commanded more gently.
Taking a moment Harry prepared himself, before tilting his head up to stare into the eyes of the last marauder.
"Thank you for telling me…" he said in appreciation, somehow Harry knew the man was touched by the trust Harry had placed in him by such an act.
Harry couldn't help but smile in relief.
"Did it hurt, growing the wings?" he asked in concern.
"No, they itch a lot but other than that…" Harry said in relief as he reached behind his back and tried to scratch a spot that had been bugging him forever.
Harry wasn't sure why the man laughed but he was glad all the same. It meant that everything was going to be alright… that was a welcome change for the teen.
… .. … .. …
Harry and Remus had an in-depth conversation the rest of the night, with a floo call to Dumbledore to inform him of the only other person to know Harry's secret.
Dumbledore seemed surprised but thrilled at the revelation; a genuine twinkle beamed through the man's aged expressive eyes.
Dumbledore proceeded to visit and update Remus on Harry's sessions and training. Of particular interest was Harry's wand control during transformation.
Harry had during the last practice session gained some slight control over his wand. The effects were astounding to say the least. Spells were enhanced to limits that the elderly wizard had not been aware were possible.
Slips in control revealed how much power Harry could channel into a spell. What was truly intriguing to Harry though was the instinctive nature of the wand. It reacted based on his own thoughts and he barely had to realize consciously what he wanted before the magic had done it for him. He had a long way to go, and his control was nowhere near perfect or adequate, but it was a step in the right direction in Harry's opinion.
Remus had a deer in headlights look most of the night.
It was late into the night until Remus suggested they hit the hay, Dumbledore had long ago bid them farewell.
That nights sleep in his own bed, after gaining another confidant was one of the best Harry had ever had. The winter holidays were starting to look up in Harry's opinion.
… .. … .. …
Remus had sorrowfully confided in the teen that he had to go to the citadel to finish off some paperwork; he asked that should Harry need to leave, to leave a note and preferably with some way to contact him should the man need to.
It was a bit awkward on Harry's part, as he usually did not have someone to care enough to ask such a thing, but didn't think it unreasonable.
Remus also informed Harry that his body guard would arrive within the hour.
Harry felt it more of a babysitter but didn't voice the concern.
He didn't mind so much though when the man that had come to protect him turned out to be his mute acquaintance from the citadel.
It proved to be an interesting day in the end.
… .. … .. …
Emmy was staring with strained eyes at man in front of him. The man's expression did not flinch in the face of the little girl.
Harry watched the two in amusement.
Emmy had taken to visiting Remus and Harry often, Harry didn't mind so much when she wasn't wailing in pain. Once she had gotten used to Harry she was actually quite nice to have around; terribly adorable as she spoke knowledgably about her activities in school and other such things.
Laura had taken advantage of Harry's natural baby sitting skills to spend more time with Remus. Harry almost wanted to charge the women a fee for his services if he didn't enjoy watching Remus fumble over the women as much as he did.
It was comedic at best as the women and man would try to flirt with one another.
Emmy had taken a surprising interest in Bob, and made it her mission in life to derive a reaction out of the man. Today it was a staring contest, which Emmy was loosing.
Harry could have sworn the man felt slightly smug as the child blinked in defeat.
… .. … .. …
BUZZZ
"I'll get it…" Harry answered immediately.
Walking down the stairs quickly Harry made his way to the door. Checking the peep whole he was surprised to see the flaming red hair of a Weasley, even if only by marriage.
Opening the door, Harry smiled in surprise.
"Mrs. Weasley, Hi…" Harry said in greeting as he came face to face with the women who meant more to him than she realized.
"Harry Dear…" she cheered with a bright smile. A dish with aluminium foil was in her hands, a burgundy winter coat covered her form, as she stood on the terrace.
"Here let me take that, come in…" Harry welcomed as he took the surprisingly heavy dish from the women.
Shutting the door, Harry heard the familiar soft footsteps of Remus making their way down.
"Was that the door?" the man asked as his feet made an appearance at the top of the stairs.
Immediately spotting Mrs. Weasley, Remus stared in pleasant surprise.
"Molly, hello. This is a pleasant surprise." Remus said with a smile as he strolled down the stairs to greet the women.
"Hello Remus, how have you been…" the women asked while eyeing the clean entryway and freshly dusted living room in approval. If anything the man was neat, and Harry after years of living with his Aunt Petunia had no qualms with that… though Harry's room may have been a little more lax in that regard.
Remus went forward with an arm extended but the women pulled him into a warm hug which he returned and then took her coat.
Turning back and spotting the dish still in Harry's hands, Mrs. Weasley started in askance.
"Oh I'm sorry dear, here let me take that… I made Sheppard's pie, I thought I'd bring some by." She said in explanation as she automatically found her way to the kitchen.
Remus had shared tales of the women's exploits as he tried moved into the building, She spent much time instructing the man on what a proper icebox contained for growing boys and other such things. Remus shared an amused look with Harry before following in the women's footsteps.
The two entered the kitchen and found the women piercing holes in the foil and letting it sit on a wooden stand.
She then proceeded to stare at a luke warm pot of tea on the stove.
Harry was actually surprised she had not visited sooner, but thought that she was probably giving him and Remus their time to get adjusted to one another. Mrs. Weasley had always taken a surrogate mother role in his life; being there for him in times when he least suspected he needed her.
As Harry watched the women wash out the pot and pour in some more water, Remus took on a chastising tone.
"Molly, no, you are our guest, let me. Just relax." He coaxed taking the pot away from her and leading her to a seat. She protested but was over ruled as Harry went to get cups.
"Oh, alright… "She said in defeat. Turning around she stared at Harry.
"Come here Harry; let me get a good look at you." She ordered affectionately.
Stepping forward with three cups in hand Harry let the women eye him critically.
"You've grown so much, sit with me, and tell me how the year has been." She instructed.
Harry smiled as Remus's tea pot started to whistle.
"Oh it was fine Mrs. Weasley, and yours?" Harry asked.
"He's a secretive type this one, I've asked him half a dozen times and all he ever says is fine…" Remus chipped in sarcastically as he brought the tea pot over.
Mrs. Weasley nodded to herself with an amused smile as Harry stared at Remus in reprimand.
"That he is… I've been well dear, with Arthur's new job and going back to work, I've been keeping myself busy." Mrs. Weasley answered.
"New job…?" Harry asked curiously.
"Oh, didn't Ron tell you. Seeing as all the hubbub with the muggles that has been going on lately, Arthur's was a natural candidate for a liaison, with Madame Bones in charge, and Professor Dumbledore taking up the slack, Arthur's finally getting recognition for his talents and skills." Mrs Weasley boasted proudly.
"That's great Molly, Pass along my congratulations to Arthur, would you." Remus asked brightly.
Harry nodded seconding that notion but was caught up in another part of the women's answer.
"Sorry, what was that about Madame Bones…" A faint memory of a monocled women at his hearing the year previous flashed across his mind.
"Amelia Bones… "Mrs. Weasley asked in confusion.
"Didn't you hear Harry, She's the new temporary minister for the rest of Fudges term…" Remus explained.
"Really? When did this happen?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Quite a while ago dear, it's important to stay current on such things." Mrs. Weasley advised.
"Yeah, I just haven't been reading the paper for a while." Harry explained. He hadn't remembered the last time he had read the prophet.
"Speaking of Newspapers, I have heard that the Lovegoods were coming visiting as well for Christmas eve." She said off handily while keeping an eye on Harry.
"Harry, would you like to field this one…" Remus asked innocently.
Harry scowled at the man, but turned to Mrs. Weasley and confirmed their invitation.
"That's wonderful dear; Luna is such a sweet dear." Mrs Weasley praised.
Harry didn't know why he blushed at that.
"Ronald's also been telling me that the two of you have been quite close this year…" She asked dancing around the topic.
Deciding to just get it over with… "The prophet was telling the truth this time, even if it was a little premature when they printed it."
"That's wonderful dear, I didn't want to pry, but I wanted to confirm it with you this time, you understand…" she answered. Memories of tiny Easter eggs and talk of scarlet women came to mind.
Suddenly the room went dark. The microwave and stove clock turned off and the room was bathed in the semi darkness.
"What just happened?" Molly asked in worry.
Remus who had gotten up, flipped the light switch and picked up the phone; frowned.
"It must be a power out… it happens from time to time. I suspect it's because of the weather. It'll be fixed soon." Remus explained to the women.
"Harry, will you get the candles and turn on the radio." Remus instructed while he went to the fireplace.
"Sure…" noticing Mrs. Weasley's uncertain appearance, Harry asked.
"Mrs. Weasley, can you check in the cabinet above the stove. I think there are some matches there."
Harry thought the women needed something to do, since she was still in an unknown situation to her, having never lived through a power out before. Harry walked carefully up the stairs. It was late into the afternoon and as it was still snowing heavily, it was practically night time in terms of light.
Harry made his way up the stairs to a small cupboard by the bathroom where Remus kept the towels and linens. Ruffling through it Harry found a bundle of candles and batteries. The man liked to be prepared; Harry had to give him that.
A first aid kit with what look like bottles of bruise balm and other useful tidbits laying about.
Taking the candles and the portable radio, Harry filled it with batteries.
Looking around, and seeing no one, Harry took a candle out and stared at the wick.
Harry was immensely pleased when he set the wick on fire.
Taking the candle, and conjuring a simple candle holder Harry set it down on the bathroom counter by the sink. Clearing away anything flammable should the candle somehow fall. Luckily the floor was tile so he wasn't worried about it catching fire. Lighting another candle with the first and conjuring another base, Harry walked down with the candles and radio in hand.
"You find them Harry?" Remus asked from in front of the fireplace. It was a wood burning one, like the Weasley's, but without magic it was slightly difficult for the man to set the log on fire.
Mrs. Weasley was giving him advice as he tried to set the logs ablaze.
"I got them…" when, Mrs. Weasley turned at his voice, Harry decided to help out and used his magic to ignite the wood slightly.
Remus turned as he felt the heat radiate off the log and stared at Harry in question.
"Oh, good work Remus." Mrs. Weasley said much more relaxed now that things were starting to get more organized.
Harry handed out the candles and set the radio on the table and turned it on.
Remus set the station and listened as he waited to hear about any power outs.
A knocking at the door interrupted Mrs. Weasley as she was staring at the radio in surprise as the announcer gave current news.
Going to the front door, Harry peaked through the eyehole and opened the door allowing the familiar pair to enter.
"Hello Harry, Sorry to bother you but, I was going to check and see if it was just us that didn't have power." Laura replied in explanation as she held her daughter close to her.
The little girl clinging to her mother tightly.
Noticing Harry's stare, Laura replied in a whisper… "She's not too fond of the dark yet."
"Laura, you loose power too?" Remus asked as he exited the living room, dusting soot off his hands.
"We did, could I trouble you for some candles while I'm here. I'm afraid all I have are birthday cake candles…" the women said in embarrassment.
"Of course, but while you're here, your welcome to stay. We just got the fire going…" Remus invited
"That would be lovely… What do you think Emmy?" the women asked her daughter.
Emmy nodded silently into the women's shoulder.
Walking forward at Remus invite, Laura stopped as she spotted Mrs., Weasley who stood by the fire observing the radio with an interest Harry had only ever seen in her husband.
"Oh, hello dear…" Mrs. Weasley said upon spotting the women.
"Hello, I'm sorry I don't think we've met, my name's Laura." She said extending her right hand out to great the women while her other supported her daughter in her arm.
"Molly, it's a pleasure." She greeted.
"I'm sorry Remus. I didn't know you were entertaining guests, we could come back another time." Laura backtracked, not wanting to intrude.
"Oh nonsense, stay. Molly, is an old friend of Harry and mine. Molly, Laura is our neighbour; she lives a few doors down…" Remus introduced.
"And this little one here," Remus said while relieving Laura of the burden. The little girl eagerly went into Remus hands and clung to him just a fiercely as her mother.
"… Is Emmy." He introduced.
The girl shyly peeked at Mrs. Weasley in a manner similar to how she had when first meeting Harry.
Mrs. Weasley automatically fell in love with the child and spent the next few minutes lavishing attention on her.
The group chatted amicably in the living room for a while, Emmy having warmed up to the kind women. Harry had retrieved a set of crayons books and paper for the girl that Remus had in reserve for when she visited.
Remus served out the Sheppard's pie to everyone and thanked Mrs. Weasley for the consideration and excellent dish.
When Emmy had let out a yawn reluctantly, Harry had offered his room once more to house the tyke. Remus had not bought a new bed yet for the guest room.
Harry led the mother and daughter pair up the stairs while out the corner of his eye he spotted Mrs. Weasley heading toward the pot where they kept the floo powder.
Going in first, Harry put away his runes book and upon noticing a globe he had made earlier in the year, tested it out.
The globe had long died out, the globe only lit for as long as the magic lasted in the ball. Normally a wizard would have to charge it with their wand once more for it to light.
Wandlessly infusing the ball with his magic, the globe started to light up and soon the room was bathed in soft rippling light.
Remembering Laura's comment about Emmy's fear of the dark, and not wanting to leave an open flame by a child, Harry thought this would make a much better nightlight. It wasn't too outlandish and Harry could see it being explained away through chemistry or something like that. Strengthening the ball with a charm should it fall Harry let the pair in.
"Oh my…" Laura said in surprise upon seeing the lit room from the globe.
"That's quite lovely, where did you get it…?" she asked curiously.
"It's a science experiment from school…" Harry lied.
Placing the globe in a holder he had made for it earlier, he placed the ball on the shelf in his wall.
"I'll let you get settled in." He offered while leaving the pair in his room, turning down thanks from the mother for his thoughtfulness.
Re-entering the living room he watched as Mrs. Weasley quickly get up from the fireplace, presumably having a conversation through the floo.
"Oh Harry, it's just you." She said, presumably worried that it was Laura coming down the stairs.
"I should probably leave while I can, I can't use the floo in front of her." She explained.
"Of course, thank you for stopping by and dinner. We really appreciate it." Remus said while giving the women a hug.
"Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to see you again Harry, I suspect I'll see you Christmas Eve." She remarked while giving Harry a warm hug as well.
Remus who had went to fetch her coat and empty dish checked the stairs before giving the all clear.
Nodding to herself, Mrs. Weasley grabbed herself a pinch of floo powder and with a final goodbye, vanished through the moderately large fireplace in a flash of green flame.
The rest of the evening went by nicely, with Harry excusing himself to leave Laura and Remus some time to themselves. It was close to 10 pm before the lights went back on; Harry who had been reading a book in Remus's room went back downstairs as he rightly assumed that Laura would bid her farewell.
The evening was quite pleasant in Harry's opinion. It was a simple and unremarkable day, and Harry basked in the normalcy of it.
… .. … .. …
The day had come; he had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever.
It was Christmas Eve, and he was going to see his friends again.
He was also going to see a specific Ravenclaw… that may have been the reason he was taking so long to get dressed today, going back and forth as he tried to find an appropriate ensemble.
It was about one in the afternoon and Harry had been cooking up a storm with Remus, mainly to keep the man from burning everything.
It was snowing lightly but the weatherman had warned that it would probably get much worse later in the day.
The roads were barely visible and cars lurched by carefully.
Walking downstairs, Harry was just in time to watch as the flames to the fireplace shot out in a green burst before a head became visible.
"Hello Mr. Weasley… "Harry greeted upon spotting the man.
"Harry, so good to see you. Just calling to see whether we can come on through." The man explained.
"Sure thing, come on over." Harry invited. He pulled the coffee table aside and called to Remus to let him know that the guests were arriving.
Just as the man walked downstairs, straightening his cuff to his shirt, the first Weasley entered.
Ron shot out of the fireplace and slid to a stop where the coffee table had just been.
Coughing out powder, Ron looked up into the eyes of his friend who smiled at him in welcome.
"Harry, long time no see… hello Professor Lupin." Ron said upon spotting the man.
"Hello Ron, welcome." The man greeted while extending a hand to welcome the boy.
Soon the floo activated again spewing forth the twins, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, and finally Arthur Weasley.
They went through the motions of welcoming everyone to the home. Harry and Ginny were a little more awkward. Mrs. Weasley immediately set about taking the trays that she held within her grasp towards the kitchen.
Mr. Weasley carried a sack full of presents like a red headed farther Christmas and asked where to put them. Harry said to just set them down by the tree and thanked the man.
It had not been five minutes before the floo activated once more, and Mr. Lovegoods head shot out.
"Oh, Arthur, you're already here. Hello Mr. Potter, shall we come through then…?" He asked politely.
"Please do sir…" Harry invited. Squashing the excitement and nervousness that had spiked at the mans appearance.
As Mr. Lovegood's head vanished from the flame, Harry took a step back to give room. Within seconds the fire ignited once more and a familiar feminine form shot out of the green flames.
Harry was amused to note that Luna had about the same trouble with magical travel that he had had.
She skid across the floor on her bottom, coughing up ash and soot. Harry noted to himself that she had a very nice cough.
Blinking her eyes wintrily she looked up from the floor into the beaming face of one Harry potter.
Harry stuck his hands out to her in assistance. She grabbed a hold and Harry lifted her up close to him.
"Marry Christmas Harry." Luna said in greeting.
"Marry Christmas Luna, you look lovely." He greeted back, giving the girl a hug in the process.
She was dressed in a long dark brown frilled skirt that went down past her knees, and a light white vest overlaying what looked like a school shirt. Her normally straight hair had been curled slightly to give it a few ringlets that bounced around her head. She had obviously went to some effort to look nice today, and Harry wanted to make sure she knew that he noticed.
Luna smiled humbly to herself. "Thanks." She said with a slight blush.
In the mirror over the fireplace, Harry could just make out Ron and the twins sorrowful head nods.
"We've lost him…" George said sadly.
"He was so young…" Fred added while placing a comforting hand on his twins shoulder.
Luna giggled slightly at that and Harry couldn't help but cling to her just a tad more. He spared the twins a mocking sardonic smile before the floo activated and Luna's Farther stepped out.
Automatically, Harry's grip on the girl loosened a tad, purely on instinct and he fidgeted a little to place Luna in front of him like a shield. Although Barry Lovegood had warmed up to him a little near the end of their last meeting, Harry was still utterly terrified of the man.
Luna, noticing Harry's loosened grip smiled at him mockingly before gripping him a little harder in compensation, as her farther slid out of the fireplace in a more graceful manner.
Immediately his eyes locked onto the pair and Harry gulped just a little.
In Harry's opinion, the man's eyes sparked malevolently upon first contact before beaming at the pair brightly.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter." He greeted with a hand extended. Harry took it and gave the man a firm shake.
"Hello sir…" Harry said politely.
Harry could sense the amusement around the room from all the watching parties.
"Barry, How are you…" Remus's Voice thankfully interrupted. Harry turned to see the man walk into the room with a welcoming smile.
"Remus, I am quite fine, thank you for having us." Mr. Lovegood replied back.
"No problem whatsoever, it's our pleasure."
Remus looked around the room spotting each of the teens. "I believe this is all your first times here, Harry do you want to show your friends around.
"Sure…" Harry replied back. Proud that he for once had a room to show off to Ron.
Harry motioned for Ron and the twins to head up stairs, Ginny awkwardly followed still not looking in Harry's direction. Harry wondered how he would handle the girl, as he didn't feel like dampening the holiday by holding the grudge he so rightfully held towards her. And reminding himself that the girl was Luna's friend, he didn't want to ostracise her. He decided he might want to pull her aside for a little chat afterwards, if only to clear the air.
As Harry made a motion to follow, Remus laid a hand down on his shoulder and leaned into whisper.
"If you don't mind Harry, I'd appreciate it if you left the door open…" the man asked.
Harry somehow knew the man was referring to Luna. Harry hadn't really thought too much on that aspect of it, having his girlfriend in his room, the implications….
They were in a group so certainly there wasn't going to be any… stuff going on, especially considering how early in the relationship they were in, and his own innate shyness. Still Harry's cheeks flamed at the request.
Harry nodded a quickly and tried not to look the man in the face. Remus thankfully understood that it was an awkward subject and didn't say anything further, having asked what he felt was necessary.
Within the man's mind, Harry understood that he was feeling just as awkward with the new status quo of their relationship as he was. They got along fine, and Harry couldn't ask for a better home, but it was the new awkwardness of living with someone as a family. He felt responsible for Harry, but didn't want to overstep his bounds seeing as Harry was on the brink of adulthood, and to treat him differently would have been taken badly. Though there were just something's Remus felt had to be said and done, if only because Harry somewhere in side his mind knew that he needed it, if only to confirm that there was someone there to look out for him.
Harry wandered away from the living room and up the stairs where his friends were waiting.
"It's right over there…" Harry pointed at the slightly ajar door on the left.
"Um… Ginny, can I talk to you for a second." Harry asked quietly.
Her brothers shot him curious stares, Ron who had learned the most of the two's spat seemed to understand what Harry was attempting and ushered his brothers into Harry's Room.
Luna shot him a curious stare but nodded and followed along.
Ginny fidgeted with a thread from her jumper. This being the first time Harry had addressed her in a few months.
"What did you need Harry." She asked while not looking him in the eyes, remembering the anger and spite that had been there the last time.
Unsure, what to say, Harry fidgeted himself, wondering whether he should have planned something ahead of time.
"Look Ginny… I, ah, I thought that maybe we could just clear the air and everything, there's no need to keep this thing going like it has." Harry answered awkwardly.
"Oh…" she asked curiously as if she wasn't entirely sure what Harry meant. She knew, but somehow it was easier for her to face facts when she pretended she didn't.
"Um yeah… last time, things were said, I just thought we could move past that and all. I mean, it's Christmas…" Harry said with a slight smile.
Ginny's face split into a smile of her own as well, even if it was a small one.
"I'd like that Harry…" looking up she stared into the jade eyes, with a mischievous smile. "Someone needs to be around to set you straight." She remarked in humour.
Harry laughed in response, not really understanding what she meant by that, but just wanting the moment to be over with.
"Come on, I don't want to leave the twins in my room too long, who knows what they lay in wait for me."
Ginny smiled more freely, while following the teen into the room.
Ron was lounging on Harry's bed as if he owned it; the twins were observing Harry's runes projects intently, while conferring with each other secretly. Luna leaned against the window, just staring outside at the park. It was a small room, but everyone could walk about freely.
Ron spotting the two enter, and smiled at the more casual pair.
"Nice room Harry, kind of sparse though. We'll have to get you some quiditch posters, a few pictures… Maybe repaint it…" Ron ticked off on his fingers.
The boy was already planning on ways to make Harry's room a shrine to the cannons, Harry knew it.
Luna turned away from the window and smiled, her eyes wandered between Harry and Ginny for a bit but she didn't ask about their conversation.
"The park looks nice Harry, do you think we can go out into the snow?" she asked.
"I don't see why not, did you guy's bring jackets?" Harry asked.
"Mum, spells the sweaters warm, we should be fine." Fred explained. Harry knew the twins were already plotting way's to repay Harry for his mini avalanche.
Luna frowned for a second. "I didn't bring one…" she said sadly.
Harry smiled. "Don't worry, I still have the jumpers I got from Mrs. Weasley, you can wear one of them…" Harry suggested, Making his way to his closet and rifling through his clothes, in the back he found his old sweaters, picking up a pair from his forth year that he thought would fit the girl, Harry handed it to her.
Luna smiled happily as she looked over the knitted jumper, the large H prominently displayed.
Luna pulled it over top her head and wore it over her other clothes and smiled to herself at the coziness and scents it gave off.
Harry smiled himself, just loving the act of letting the girl borrow his clothes. It felt so… right.
Harry paused to think on that thought…'I am getting mushy.'
"Come on downstairs, Remus has an entire drawer full on mittens and gloves, I don't entirely know why, but it's convenient." Harry remarked, dragging everyone away.
What followed was a very wet and chilling snow ball fight. It started as a factionalized group, with everyone out for themselves, and delved into alliances, where the twins joined together, then Ron with Ginny, then the pair of pairs together against Harry, and Luna.
Harry who didn't want to reveal his wandless powers played fair and tossed snow at them the normal way… most of the time at least. When he thought he could get away with it, he would wordlessly shake a branch the twins were under, burying them under snow once more, or banish a snowball at Ron from behind when no one was watching.
The ultimate betrayal happened though when Harry was about to strike once more against the twins… and then Luna of all people turned on him, launching snowballs at the back of his head.
Harry smiled deviously at the girl and sought his revenge. Luna screamed happily as she tossed snow balls over her shoulders as Harry ran after her holding a handful of snow he intended to hold to her neck.
Harry was blinded for a moment when a snowball glided soundlessly and smacked him in the face, knocking his glasses away.
Soon he was pummelled from all sides.
A Bright purple blur lead the charge.
Tonks had arrived.
… .. … .. …
The teens wandered in, dripping snow with bright pink faces and smiles across their faces. The adults greeted them, and Mr. Lovegood insisted they stand still for pictures.
Harry had a feeling the man had been taking pictures earlier as he had noticed bright flashes emanating from the house every now and then.
This had brought Remus's attention and soon the man had pulled out his own camera and demanded the same.
That started a whole knew slew of activity as every now and then, when people least suspected it, a person would snap pictures at the unsuspecting victim.
Tonks herself was chatting up a storm with Remus; the man was interested on her take as a defence professor. They joked about how they and moody should start a club as everyone still called them professor even if they no longer teached.
Bob had also shown up with Tonks, leaned stiffly by the entryway, although Tonks led him about the room often, and when not with Remus, with the silent fellow whispering conspiratorially toward the man.
Harry also noticed the offness about the man, if Harry wasn't mistaken, the man seemed to be blushing?
Harry wandered over to the tree and spotted the pair of presents by the floor. One of them was labelled to himself and Remus, but another was labelled "for: B, from: T."
Assuming B wasn't for Barry Lovegood, Harry put the pieces together and immediately went to Luna to share the news, if only to be able to claim credit for his theory later should it hold true.
… .. … .. …
It was close to four and Harry knew that dinner was going to be served in a few hours, he was rifling through his drawers in his room, looking for his album Hagrid had gotten him first year.
Finding the album placed under his socks Harry pulled the book away, only to stare at the pair of odd socks that lay beneath it.
There laying beneath the book was a sock with a broomstick on it, and beneath it, another sock with snitches… Harry had forgotten to get Dobby a gift. The little elf would not really care one way or another, but Harry had gotten quite fond of the little guy, and felt like he deserved something other than a knobbly old pair of socks. He wasn't even sure if he would see the little guy over the holidays, but he wouldn't put it past the elf to be able to pop in despite the muggle wards.
If making a decision, Harry pulled the book out and wandered over to his drawer by his bed and pulled out a wallet. Check inside and noting that he still had plenty of money left over, he went down stairs.
"Harry, there you are, did you find it…" Remus asked.
"Yup…" Harry stated while revealing the album.
"Ah, Remus is it okay if I step out for a bit; I forgot to get a present for someone…." Harry asked.
"Oh, who?" Remus asked.
"You know him… one of the house elves…." Harry said.
"Dob…?" Remus never got to ask as Harry had quickly motioned with his hands to stop.
"Don't say his name, he might pop in…" Harry warned. He had no way to know how the little guy knew when he needed him but whenever he had said the elf's name, he was there.
Remus stared amusedly at the boy who could easily say the name of the most feared Dark lord within the century, but fretted at uttering the name of an enthusiastic house elf.
"I don't suppose that would be a problem, but were going to start dinner soon, how long do you think you'll be?" Remus asked.
"Not long, I just need to get to a department store, I think I saw a taxi waiting by the park, I'll be there and back before you guy's start. I don't want to go after; the stores might be closed." Harry said, hoping that the stores weren't already.
"Alright…" He looked over his shoulder at Bob and Tonks. Tonks was chatting amicably with Mrs. Weasley not noticing the man's stare. Bob on the other hand had heard and immediately stepped forward/
"You wouldn't mind going with him, I'll gladly go if you want to stay…" Remus asked. The man may have been a defence instructor but Bob was a bodyguard. Remus felt more comfortable with the man keeping Harry safe than he did with his own skills.
Bob gave a slight nod in confirmation that it was fine and stood beside Harry while shooting the man an uncharacteristic smile. It was uncharacteristic in the sense that Harry had never seen the man move his facial muscles for anything other than a twitch of the lips or squinting of the eyes.
Smiling in thanks he instructed Harry to dress warmly while he talked with Bob.
As he was stepping away to pull on his shoes, Harry noticed the white socked feminine feet stepping in front of him as he sat on the stairs.
"Are you going?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, I just got to go pick up an extra present, I should be back in an hour tops… I want to get there before the stores close" Harry explained.
"Oh, Who you buying for…?" She asked curiously.
"Um, you know that house elf I introduced you to?" Harry said.
"Dob…?"
"Don't say his name…." Harry warned franticly.
Luna stared at him strangely. "Okay…" she said in confusion.
Looking over her shoulder, Harry spotted Tonks making her way over to Bob and Remus as well. Deciding that he had time, he motioned for Luna too follow him after making his way over to the tree and picking up a gift.
Walking upstairs Harry lead the girl into his room while leaving the door half open, mindful of Remus's request.
"I thought that maybe we could exchange gifts privately, I didn't want to do it in front of everyone else…" Harry said nervously.
For some reason Luna blushed, but nodded. "I'd like that. Do you still have the gift I gave you…?" she asked.
Harry nodded while going to his desk drawer and pulling out a gift he had been resisting the urge to open for days on end.
"Open mine first…" Luna requested, while motioning to the package.
Harry complied with a smile and started to tear the wrapping gently away. Inside was a small wooden Box, it was a dark red wood with bronze hinges and a latch on the side. Harry stared at it curiously, looking up into the eyes of the girl in appreciation and puzzlement.
"Open it…" She encouraged.
Doing so, Harry pulled the latch and lifted the lid. Inside it was completely empty, not a thing could be heard, it was engraved with little decorations and other things but Harry couldn't really see what he was supposed to be looking for.
And then he heard it.
Ever so gently, a soft pitter patter started to emanate from the box, Bluish mist started to form at the bottom and images of raindrops falling appeared.
"You can change the sounds and images it makes; I just thought that this would be appropriate, considering…" Luna said nervously.
"I love it, Thank you." Harry said happily while hugging the girl in appreciation. It was very thoughtful in his opinion, and while he wasn't one to normally keep music boxes, he knew he would listen to the melody the pitter patters made, quite often.
Luna blushed but smiled pleased that the gift had been well received.
After Harry let go of the girl, he reached out and grabbed the gift he had pulled from the tree.
"Now you…" Harry coaxed. Nervous about the gift he was about to give.
Luna smiled happily and took the package from him. She started to tear at the sides, of the paper, and revealed… a book.
"Myths and Mysteries: Proven true." She read aloud. Looking up she stared at Harry confusedly but with a smile. "Thank you Harry…"
"Flip to the pages with the red tags…" Harry answered.
Looking at the boy curiously, Luna picked one from the middle and flipped it open.
Head Wumps: A mysterious creature that is said to have been where wizarding kind learned of the Imperious curse. They may cause individuals infested to say or do things that are not what they meant. Should you suspect an individual is infected, check the….
Immediately she flipped to another page, and another and another. Each tag indicated a creature or other odd phenomena the girl had uttered.
Harry had found the book while doing his shopping, flipping through it and finding no mention of the creatures Luna spoke of; Harry had asked the front desk whether it was possible to add in pages to books. The man at the counter had said it was a little unorthodox, but it was certainly possible.
For a fee of course.
Harry had instructed the man that he would send over a list of passages he wanted added and asked to have the gift shipped over to him as soon as it was finished.
Harry had spent the rest of the day recalling everything he could about the creatures and myths Luna had mentioned, writing them down as formally as possible; trying to make as few spelling errors as he could.
"I thought that, since the book didn't list them, I would, there's a space below each one if you wanted to add in other information…" Harry answered nervously, starting to think the gift was utterly stupid. He just wanted to show the girl that he was listening when she spoke, he wanted to show that it was okay that she believed in such things… he just wanted to show that he had made an effort for her.
Harry was blushing deeply, and couldn't meet the girl's eyes. He was about to try and dig himself out of the hole when he felt Luna's hands on his cheeks. Surprised at the gentle contact Harry looked up in time to see the girl lean in.
Harry felt her soft lips press genteelly against his own, lingering for a moment on his lips purposefully.
Harry was stunned... he was being kissed. There were no fireworks or sparks, he didn't see stars, his heart didn't swell three sizes, but he felt… he felt…
Truly, all he felt physically was the sensation of her lips pressing against his, but to him he could have sworn he felt the emotion behind the kiss. The affection, the warmth, the essence that was… Luna Lovegood.
Harry thought it was perfect.
Ever so gently Luna leaned back, her forehead touching Harry's, her lips just slightly away ready to go in for more. From what little Harry could see of her face from such close distances, she was blushing red, the curves of her lips as they parted to suck in breath.
He could smell her smell; a fruity smell, like banana's with a hint of vanilla.
"Thank you Harry…" she whispered. Her fingers still lingering on his cheek. Harry was surprised to note his own hand was gently cupping her face as well. He carelessly let his thumb graze over her skin, feeling the girl shudder from his touch.
Harry knew that she understood his reasoning for the gift, and she appreciated it, greatly.
"Thank you Luna… Merry Christmas." Harry whispered back.
He could feel his breath leaving him and bouncing off the girl, circulating the small gap in between them. The girl smiled happily…
She pulled the book closer to her chest; hugging it to the jumper she still wore.
"Harry…?" Remus's voice emanated from below.
Startled, Harry jumped back, and Luna shot up from the bed as if she had been scalded, realizing the intimate position they had just been in.
Harry knew his blush was damning but he just couldn't help it.
"Coming…" Harry called. Thankful the man didn't walk upstairs instead.
Turning back to face the girl, Harry smiled. "I'll be back in a bit, see you soon?" he asked.
Luna smiled, while grabbing a hold of his hand and giving it a squeeze.
Walking downstairs, Harry made his way to the door, with the goofiest of grins upon his face and dared not look up should he spot the face of the girls farther.
Pulling the black overcoat on, Harry walked towards the pair of legs by the door that he recognized to be Bobs.
Another set of legs walked into view and Harry recognized them to be Remus's.
"Everything okay Harry?" Remus asked.
"Everything's great Moony." Harry said brightly while avoiding looking at the man in the face should he spot the blush and silly grin.
"I'll be back soon, see ya." Harry said pulling the door open and walking outside, never noticing the twinkling eyes of the marauder.
… .. … .. …
Luckily for Harry the roads were practically bare and the store clerk to a little knickknacks shop he remembered passing by on a few occasions let him in. Harry already knowing what he wanted, looked for the most outrageous socks he could find. They had individual little toe spots, like mittens, only for feet. Getting a couple Harry quickly paid and found himself back in the cab within ten minutes.
"Sorry their kid, I'm going to have to take the long way, snow plow just went by, blocked off the intersection." The driver warned.
"No problem," Harry said brightly. Normally he would just walk the difference, but that storm the weatherman had been hinting at had finally hit. Harry was lucky to find a taxi driver at all considering the whether. The city had valiantly tried to best mother nature this year by issuing saltings, and numerous snow plows to keep the roads clear for traffic. Sadly, Mother Nature was not to be deterred, the snow just kept falling. It was more than a white Christmas, it was an ice age.
Harry sat comfortably in the back seat of the cab, with the bag full of socks in hand. Beside him, Bob sat as silent as normal, keenly observing the streets, and the driver.
"So how's it going Bob?" Harry asked.
Bob turned to stare at Harry, he raised his eyebrow curiously.
"You enjoying the holiday's… We haven't talked much, how's life been treating ya." Harry questioned. The man answered him… with a barely noticeable shrug.
That was progress as far as Harry was concerned, the man was really loosening up, Harry thought the twins might have spiked the man's drink.
"So…" Harry said after a few moments, trying to find something to fill the silence. The driver took a slow turn into a main street that Harry knew to be filled with signs that warned against taking certain turns. The Driver seemed to consider taking a turn anyway, before he noticed an officer eyeing him warningly, seemingly knowing what he had been planning to do.
Deciding to amuse himself, Harry decided to experiment and test out his theory.
"Tonks, has been teaching us defence this year, she's not to bad either." Harry commented airily while keeping and eye on the man.
'Bingo!' Harry mentally cried in triumph. There was a slight twitch to the man that Harry had recognized from Luna's many attempts at engineering a reaction out of the silenced bodyguard. He was definitely uncomfortable.
"I noticed she brought two presents with her today, one for us, and another for someone with the initial B." Harry remarked.
"I don't think she meant it for Mr. Lovegood, your name wouldn't happen to start with a B, would it…" Harry coaxed.
The man was definitely uncomfortable with the line of questioning. There was something about interrogating a man twice his size and succeeding that tickled Harry's funny bone.
"Wait, your names not actually Bob, is it?" Harry asked for clarification. He had just made up the name on the spot when he had been treated to the silent treatment of the man. He kind of looked like a Bob, but that didn't say much.
Bob stared at the teen unblinkingly. Harry stared back, trying to divine the information out of the man like he had done other times with his mental powers.
No dice. All it resulted in was a short lived staring contest which Bob won in the end.
"Oh, fine, keep your secrets…" Harry huffed petulantly. He turned at stared out the window and watched the buildings going by.
"But God help you if you get her Jewellery, Trust me…" Harry warned.
The Cab came to a gentle stop that was soon followed by the colourful curses of their cabby.
"Damn, Gits!" He cursed, as another snow plow mockingly drove by and shovelled snow in their path making it highly unlikely that they could exit.
The snow plow itself stopped along the sidewalk and Harry could see the man inside pulling out a sheet of paper to consult.
"Tell you what folks, I'm going to go have a chat with the fellow and see if he can clear us a path. I'll pause your metre considering it's the holidays and all, no need to charge you for time you're just sitting about." The man offered generously. Harry understood that that barely happened and thanked the man for his consideration.
As the man got out he motioned towards the church to their right.
"May I suggest you guys head inside, I don't know how long this would take, and I don't want to keep the car running. The father there is a great old chap. Just keep warm and I'll come get ya when it's all clear." The man offered.
Harry thanked the man once more and motioned for Bob to follow.
Harry Honestly didn't remember the last time he had been to a church. The last time might have been when he was very young.
A time when he had still been hoping to gain some kind of affection from the Dursley's.
Harry remembered how naïve he was at that time, hoping that if he stayed quite and did his best, the Dursley's would love him and, he would have a loving family just like his cousin.
Harry sardonically realized that the Dursley's had probably only taken him to the church hoping that God might smite him down for them.
They weren't an overly religious bunch either; it was just another avenue to them to show the world how respectable they were, they literally had a set of clothes which were their, Sunday best. Vernon's, most expensive suit, Petunia's most pious dresses, with shiny gold Crucifixes around her unnaturally long neck. Dudley in the best children's vest that Harry often thought made him look like a particularly fat penguin. Harry of course did not deserve such fine clothes, but at least got clothes of his own for once. A tattered second hand suit the Dursley's had bought from a thrift store for him.
Shaking his head, Harry brushed the unwelcome memories aside as he stared up at the tall building. It had been a very long time since he had stepped foot inside one of these places. An uncomfortable reminder of the life he had been trying to leave behind.
Walking forward purposefully Harry walked up the iced, yet shovelled steps purposefully, as if mocking the church's attempts to humble him. He doubted he was going to be a very religious man, he believed in Heaven and the afterlife, if only because it was ingrained in him from childhood, but that didn't mean he had to like the church itself.
Walking to the top of the steps, Harry turned around and spotted their cabby; gesturing agitatedly with the man in the snow plow… it didn't look like the snow plow would be out of their way anytime soon.
Resigning himself Harry pulled open the door and walked inside. Bob Following in his wake.
Immediately the sounds of singing assaulted his ears. Looking up, Harry saw that he had just walked into the middle of a choir performance. Luckily no one paid him any mind, as their were multiple camera's pointed at the front. The smiling faces of parents littered the floor as they starred at the children upfront.
The church itself looked quite old, turn of the century old…
It was small as well, about as big as his and Remus's flat if it had been hollowed out.
Behind the children a large hanging cross hung from the high ceilings.
Walking forward unnoticed Harry listened to the song.
The children were singing the lyrics to a song he recognized, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman… he had heard it often enough thought he holiday's being played in his old school to recognize the lyrics.
They weren't heavenly or anything. They were a children's choir, often singing off key or a little too enthusiastically in some areas, One boy was belting out words out of sync with the rest while staring proudly at a couple up front who joyously took pictures and recorded video.
Looking over his shoulder, he noticed the proud smile of a particular man who was holding up a camera while smiling proudly at a little girl.
Harry for a moment wondered whether this is the type of life he would have had with his parents. He didn't like to think about this too often, as he felt like he was needlessly making himself depressed, living in maybes and this and that's that couldn't be, but every now and then he just had to wonder.
Would he have been like the boy upfront, belting forth lyrics off-key, while his parents took pictures proudly, would he have visited church, would he have been a religious child, going to Sunday school and mass… It was an interesting thought, but utterly futile , he was who he was and he didn't really want to change now. His life was finally starting to pull itself together, he was facing his destiny, he was doing well in school, he had escaped the Dursley's, and he had a home with a man who genuinely cared for him. Hell, he even had Luna; things were finally going great for him.
The man Harry had noticed earlier, with the sandy grey hair and a bright smile turned and spotted Harry, staring at the little girl blankly.
"That's my little girl…" He boasted proudly.
The little brown haired girl in the flowing white dress and garland wrapped around her head sung loudly and brightly.
"She has a lovely voice, you should be quite proud…" Harry complimented.
The man beamed, "Oh I am." He assured.
Suddenly, the music reached a crescendo and all the children bowed happily to the applause of all the parents.
The children all quickly stepped off the stage and wandered over to each parent who enthusiastically greeted them with praise. The little girl, walked forward and leapt into the arms of her farther while a brown haired women with a heart shaped face smiled joyously at the girl and kissed her on the forehead happily.
Up on stage, a man walked forward from the side while smiling genially to the room.
"That was lovely, so concludes the mass, a big Hand to Sister Tailor and her Sunday class." The man encouraged while clapping proudly.
An elderly woman with short hair and wrinkled skin, smiled from the piano, standing up she humbly bowed to the applause.
Harry clapped politely while wondering whether she had a twin sister who teached French in Surrey.
"There will be an evening Mass tomorrow for those who wish to come, Have a Merry Christmas, May the Lord Be with you."
"And with you…" The crowed replied back in sync.
Harry almost snorted to himself when the man said Lord, if only because he immediately thought of Voldemort. He had been in the wizarding world too long if this is where his thoughts went.
Harry watched everyone as they left the building. The little girl he had been watching earlier had her mom helping her put on a fluffy blue jacket over her white choir robes. While her dad shook hands with one of the other church members.
"Merry Christmas…" A women wished as she walked by Harry.
"Merry Christmas, mam." Harry wished back.
Many wished him the same as he was standing by the doors. The family he had been watching made their way over.
"Merry Christmas, son." The man wished while extending a hand. His other latched onto the little girl who was in-between him and his wife.
"Merry Christmas, sir … happy holidays." Harry wished back, looking to the rest of the family at the last.
The women smiled at him and the girl seemed to hide behind her father's leg, while peeking out to spy on Harry. It reminded him of Emmy and Harry couldn't help but smile warmly at the girl. He had grown quite fond of his Neighbour.
"You sung wonderfully…" Harry addressed to the girl, who immediately twittered closer to her father's leg.
"What do we say dear…?" Her mother asked in reminder.
"Thank you…" a little voice whispered barely audible.
"You're welcome…" Harry responded kindly with a smile.
With that and another round of Merry Christmases, Harry and Bob were left alone in the stone and wood building.
Unsure what to do, Harry wandered forward, and looked around the room. Bob stayed by the door casually allowing Harry his space.
The floor and walls were actually quite similar to the great hall with the stone architecture; it put Harry's mind at ease slightly, not realizing how much comfort he drew from the ancient building until he was away from it. He could hear some creaking from the old beams above his head,
The beam above the pews in particular looked quite dilapidated. Harry could see the amateur patch work someone had applied to the support structure.
The hanging cross itself was quite fascinating to Harry for a number of reasons.
It appeared to be hand carved, though its bottom hung well off the floor, Harry could see that at one point the structure had been planted into the floor. It appeared as though the bottom had been snapped at some point, and instead or repairing it and risk lowering the holy symbol they had hung it from the ceiling.
The arms of the cross were binded together by ropes giving it that authentic look, but Harry could see brackets hidden under the rope.
The most interesting thing about the structure in Harry's opinion was the large railroad spike like nails that protruded from the wood at significant locations.
It was fascinating to observe in a morbid way. There was a certain symbolism with having the cross hang the day before the supposed birth of the person it was so famous for. It was almost like a grim Reaper, foreshadowing the death of a man, being present before and after, always their like a wraith waiting to come and get him.
Needless to say, Harry was never that enamoured with the symbol.
"Hello my son, are you waiting for your family…" A kind voice asked.
Startled Harry spun around and came face to face with the man who he had seen bid farewell to the mass of people.
"Oh, um no sir, farther…" Harry said unsurely. 'Was he catholic or Christian, which one did you call a Father?' Harry wondered to himself.
"Our Taxi driver; he's trying to clear the road to take us home. He told us to wait inside, I hope that's okay, we can leave…" Harry said unsurely.
"Nonsense my boy…"
'Why did so many people call me that…?'
"You are of course welcome to stay." The man welcomed.
Harry noticed Bob was looking at him curiously, his hand on his waist. He was walking forward, closing the distance between them.
The priest/pastor/revron/father, noticing Harry's stare turned to look over his shoulder and spotted Bob walking closer.
"Hello, Are you with my young friend here…?" He asked genially.
Bob nodded with a pleasant smile on his face, while his hand still lay on his wand.
"He doesn't talk much…"Harry explained.
The priest nodded accepting the unique pair.
"I am curious though, why aren't you with your family on this day?" The man asked politely.
"I just stepped out to pick up a late present for a friend…" Harry said in excuse. He didn't feel like going into the whole, 'my parents are dead', 'oh I'm so sorry' hoopla.
The man didn't call Harry on it, but Harry had the feeling the man knew Harry was avoiding the question.
He looked between the two for a moment and seemed to come to a decision.
"Follow me, I'd like to share something with you two." The man asked while motioning to a large pine tree by a gated door which Harry recognized as a baptismal basin.
Harry gave Bob a curious look, before following the man. Bob followed step for step keeping Pace with the two.
The man stepped around the tree and disappeared behind a fluttering of curtains that hung behind the tree.
Curious, Harry stepped behind and pulled the red curtain aside to reveal an ancient wooden staircase with the man waiting at the top.
Enticed by mysterious spaces, Harry followed up the creaking stairs and stepped up into a small storage space.
Boxes and knickknacks littered the walls, some bibles and a set of costumes that looked like they were meant for plays and other things lay to one side.
The space was about as large as Remus's Living room; they were apparently just above the entrance. The floors here, unlike bellow, were made from planks of wood and were worn and dusty.
Up by the front wall stood the man by an ornate rose glass window which depicted a classic scene of Mother Mary and her infant son in her arms.
"On special occasions, my boy…I sometimes like to come up and look through the eye's of the lord." The man said while indicating the eyes of the glass saviour.
Harry stared at the man for a moment. An eye raised.
"What, I thought it was witty…" the man defended.
Harry couldn't help but snort at the kind man. The man smiled seemingly victorious in his efforts by Harry's amused noise.
"Take a look my boy." The man invited.
Humouring the man, Harry walked forward and leaned in. Green Jade stared through the Glazed blue and looked out onto the world below him.
Children played on the streets. All the children from the choir had taken to an impromptu snow ball fight. The camera's that had been recording their singing were now trained on the children as they tossed snow balls between one another.
The little girl he had watched up front was running between her friends laughing joyously and shrieking in glee as she tossed snow balls. Her parents had their camera out recording the Christmas moment.
Harry couldn't help but smile at the scene before him; it reminded him of his snowball fight earlier in the day with Luna and his friends. These were the moments he loved. The moments where he could be a normal teenager with friends. The moments where he didn't have dark lords after him or learning to fight to stay alive… moments where everything was as simple as amusing themselves with balls of frozen water.
"Everything seems so much easier when you look through the eyes of a child. Don't you think?"
Harry turned away from the scene and gave the man an amused quirked eye.
"Oh come now, that was profound!" The man defended under Harry's stare.
Harry couldn't help but like the man, he was very easy going.
"I'll be downstairs if you need me, Stay as long as you want…" the man invited before taking his leave.
Harry nodded his thanks and just looked out onto the scene below. Curiously he turned to look at the cab and saw that it was still there. The plow as well. But as hard as Harry stared he couldn't see the drivers.
Checking his watch he noted that his hour was almost up.
He was a tad too far to walk home in time considering they had taken the long way, and considering the amount of snow, Harry wasn't willing to risk it.
It would have been so much easier if the muggles had not been using their suppressors. They could just portkey or apperate home. Harry wondered if a floo pad was located anywhere near by. He was about to ask Bob just that when his Seeker eyes spotted a flash of movement.
Curiously. Harry focused on the dark blur.
It was right beside an alley by the corner. Close to the snow plow and taxi. It was hard to see with so much snow in between the two.
Suddenly Harry paled.
There by an alley, stood a black robed form, with a bone white mask. A wand extended in ready.
Death Eaters…
Quickly jerking away from the mural Harry grabbed Bob by the arm in a firm grip and pointed at the window.
Startled by the unusual action bob turned to stair at Harry confusedly.
"Death eaters…" Harry whispered hurriedly while point at the alley through the window.
Immediately the man's eyes widened in alarm and he looked through the window to stair for himself.
"Where?" the man asked in hurry as he searched the street.
Harry paused for a moment. The man had just spoken…'Get your head together Potter!" his voice yelled at him reminding him that he had a situation here that was more important.
"By the alley where the cab is, I saw one, there are probably more…" Harry answered.
Looking down through the red glass of the Mother Mary, Harry stared at the children Below.
Things would not go well if they were stuck in the middle of a fight. Things would not go well if he was stuck in a fight…
'It was flippin Christmas for God's sake' Harry mentally cried.
"We have to get the families out of here; they can't be in the crossfire." Harry reminded the man.
"No…"
Harry stared at the now talkative Bob in askance…" What do you mean No… they'll be killed!" Harry whispered harshly.
"I need to get the families out of here, you need to escape, there is no we." The man informed him as he stood up purposefully pulling his wand out readying for a fight.
"I can help; I've been trained for months. You can't get them all out of here on your own." Harry condemned.
"That's not my concern, you can not defeat them without magic." The man informed him.
"No, you can't defeat them without magic, I can" Harry informed him harshly. Creating a blue shield ball in his hand to the mans shocked surprise, Harry squashed it and stared at the man pointedly.
"Now either help me get them out of here, or get help, because you're not getting rid of me!" Harry whispered harshly.
Harry knew the man was just trying to protect him, trying to do his job, but Harry wasn't about to let families and children die because of him. Somehow the Death eaters had found him, there was no way it was a coincidence that one was just lurking his neighbourhood. And if they found him, they weren't about to just wish him a happy holiday and pass him fruitcake. They would want him dead, and they would have a way to do it.
"Mr. Potter…" the man called as Harry side stepped his grasp and headed down the stairs to first get the Preacher/Revron Man.
"Father, you have to leave, there are dangerous…" Harry stopped as he made his way to the bottom steps with his wand extended pointing at the most unwelcome sight he had seen since the ministry.
There in front of him was the Father; he was standing nervously by the entrance to the church. At his throat a jagged knife.
The person holding the knife was clad in black flowing cloth; a snow white mask on the person's face.
There were about four other black robed Death Eaters beside the one with the knife. One of the four stepped away from the group with a casual grace that did nothing to hide the mal-intent they had for the man. Leaning against the man like an old buddy, with their hand around the man shoulder, the Death eater begged.
"Dear farther, please, oh please forgive me… for I have sinned." A familiar voice whispered mock repentantly.
"The thing is, Oh this is so embarrassing, it felt soo good." The women admitted in an ecstatic sneer.
Pulling the mask off her face with a grace that only strained at Harry's nerves; the death Eater revealed her once beautiful face…
The face of a woman who had caused Harry so much pain…
…The face of Bellatrix Lestrange.
AN: Howdy yall, I've been working quite hard trying to get this chapter done quickly. When I had finished I found that the chapter was just under 20 000 words… which was a lot.
Instead I split the chapter into two, giving myself time to edit the last and most important bit.
I was going to cut this chapter short before it was Christmas eve, but I decided to include the rest if only to end on a cliff hanger, otherwise that would make two filler chapters in a row. I didn't want that.
Plus I finally get to include Harry's kiss with Luna.
It might seem slightly hokey, but I didn't really want to make the kiss seem ho hum to Harry. It had to be better than she pressed her lips against mine but not with orgasmic fireworks and tongue action…
I'm going to post the next chapter probably Friday, it'll be short, around 6000 words but it will be the most action filled chapter I have written yet.
Warning, very violent. Atleast in my opinion.
Anyway till next time
Quazi