Chapter Nine

He felt pain as the swirling wind cut a furrow in the side of his muzzle. Snarling, he charged at the tall figure standing in front of him. He would make him pay for causing him pain.

With a growl, he swiped one clawed hand at the man's head. The man grunted as he flew through the air.

Flipping, the man landed in a crouch. His right leg snapped out catching him in the face. His head snapped back as he flew backwards, crashing through a tree.

Looking down, he saw a tree branch jutting from his stomach. He relaxed in the ground. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stay conscious. Darkness filled his vision and he allowed the peaceful oblivion of unconsciousness to take him.

XXX

Harry groaned as he opened his eyes. He looked down at the wound in his stomach only to see bare skin. Slowly, he pushed himself into a sitting position and looked around.

Bloodwind stood a few feet away. He wiped blood off his face before looking at Harry.

"Your control is still shoddy at best. You need to focus more. You have to learn to control your wolf."

"But I controlled it before," Harry said. "I was at least aware of what was going on. Why is this so different? The first time I changed, I was aware of my surroundings. These past few times have been different. When I change back it's like remembering a dream."

Bloodwind finished wiping the blood from his face before walking over to Harry. "You hadn't gone through the first full moon before you changed. The strongest wolfshifters can control whether to shift or not on the full moon. However, their bestial side is far closer to the surface at the full moon than at other times."

"So what can I do?" Harry asked.

Bloodwind shrugged. "I don't know. I need to talk to your Mother. I need to know how she learned to control her wolf. For now, why don't you go back to the cottage and join your friends."

XXX

"I never asked you to help Harry control his wolf," Lily snapped.

"You wanted me to try and teach him how to forge an elven blade. Since I am unaware how to do that I decided to do this. I only wished to help."

Lily visibly made an effort to reign in her temper. "Look, I know you were only trying to help, but it took me years to fully control my wolf. Because I was changed instead of born, I had to work with another wolfshifter to learn control. I intend to work with Harry now that he has gone through his first moon cycle."

"I am sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I was just trying to make things easier on you."

Lily hugged him gently before stepping back and looking him in the eye. "Look, I appreciate what you've done for us, and I know you may have wanted more than friendship, but Oberon was more than my husband. He was my mate as well. If Harry hadn't been born, I may have died when he died. I can't have another husband or mate at this time."

"Lily," Bloodwind said softly. "It's been over ten years. Oberon would've wanted you to be happy."

"I know, but the pain is still too fresh. I guess it's a side effect of being immortal. It feels as if I just lost my husband. Do you understand?"

Bloodwind smiled sadly. "Unfortunately I do. When I lost my Mother, it took me decades to fully recover. I guess immortals feel emotions much more vividly than mortals do."

Lily nodded. "I guess we do. I am sorry."

Bloodwind squeezed her shoulder gently. "Shh, there is no reason to apologize. While I do like you and find you attractive, I am not in love with you yet. For your sake, I hope Oberon finds a way back to you."

Lily looked at him confusion clear on her face. "What do you mean?"

Bloodwind turned to the door without answering. "It's getting late. You should get some sleep. Harry and the others have exams coming up in a few days."

Lily watched Bloodwind slip into the night. What had he meant about Oberon finding a way back? Was it possible Oberon was still alive? No, that was impossible. She had felt him die. He was gone and no wishful thinking would bring him back.

XXX

Lily blinked at the barren land around her. Looking up, she saw a figure standing with its back to her. She slowly approached the figure. It spoke without turning around. At the sound if the voice, her heart leapt.

"It's been a long time, my love. You know I never expected you to pine for me the rest of your life."

A lump formed in her throat. Tears ran down her cheeks as she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him.

"Oberon," she sobbed. "I thought I'd never see you again."

She felt his arms wrap tightly around her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see his blue hair fluttering in the wind.

"I didn't expect to see you until you crossed over. The spell I used to close the gates of Elphame had some side effects I had not foreseen."

Lily drew back and stared at his smooth unlined face. "What do you mean?"

Oberon gestured around them. "This is limbo. Think of it as a realm between realms. Most souls pass through this place to get to wherever they are going. I've been the only one to spend an excessive amount of time here."

"Are you holding on to life? Can you be restored? How long have you been here?"

"I've been here for ten years. When I first got here, I was too week to do anything. I could make short trips out of this realm for a few moments, but I could not affect the mortal world. In Elphame, I had a bit more power."

"Wait," Lily snapped. "If you've been able to make short trips out of this realm, why haven't you come to see me?"

Oberon didn't flinch. He remained as calm as ever. "I had to prioritize. As much as I wanted to see you, I had to try and protect Harry."

"Protect him?" Lily said. "How could you protect him if you don't have a body? You said you had no power in the mortal world."

"I don't," Oberon said. "I do have enough power to pull disembodied souls from Elphame to this place. Once I've done that, I've found a way to mark that soul so I can find them again no matter what wards they hide behind. This is what I did to Aeval's agent."

"Aeval's agent?"

"Voldemort."

Lily's eyes widened. "He's still alive?"

Oberon nodded. "I have much to tell you."

XXX

At the start of June, Harry and the others prepared to take their exams. Lily had not mentioned anything about Voldemort over the past few months, preferring to wait and see if he showed himself. On the morning of the exams, they were all preparing to leave.

"I don't know if I can do this," Hermione fretted. "What if I fail? What if I am unable to continue my magical education? What if…"

"What if you do very well and are the top student in the school," Lily interrupted gently. "You will do fine."

"Yeah," Harry chimed in. "If anyone is going to fail, it's going to be me. I don't even use the same type of magic as wizards."

Lily glared at him. "None of you are going to fail," she said throwing up her hands in exasperation. It was clear this wasn't the first time she'd said that.

"Come on," Ginny said. "Weren't you nervous when you were at Hogwarts?"

Lily smiled. "Oh yes, I was as nervous as you three when it came time for every test, but you three are well trained. Bloodwind has got you caught up on Herbology, and I've managed to get you caught up on astronomy."

Lily gestured for the three kids to sit. When Hermione protested, Lily placed a finger to her lips. "Shh, we have time." When the three had taken their seats, Lily continued. "Remember kids, it's not like you have to make an outstanding on all of your exams. Would I be proud if you did that? Absolutely, but all I want is for you to try your best. That's all any teacher can ask of their students. Honestly, I don't think you are going to have a bit of trouble with these exams. The tasks I've set you this past year are far more demanding than anything Hogwarts would ask of you during your first year."

Harry stood. "Come on," he said offering his hand to the two girls. "Let's get going."

"Yeah," Hermione said. "I'm sure we'll do fine."

Ginny grimaced. "Let's get this over with."

XXX

Voldemort paced his quarters like a caged animal. Things had not gone to plan at all. He'd just found out the boy was going to be here today to take his final exams. This was going to be his last chance. He couldn't afford to fail.

Something had changed in the past six months. Aeval was pulling away from him. They'd had a deal and the fae were bound by their word. What could this mean? Was she about to give up on him? If she did, what would happen to his spirit? Would it be forced to journey to the other side?

"No," he growled. He couldn't allow himself to fade yet. He would kill the boy and regain Aeval's confidence in him.

"She has a new ally," Oberon's voice said from his left.

Turning, Voldemort glared at the ghost of the fae king. "Why have you been haunting me this year?"

"I'm trying to save you."

"I don't need saving," Voldemort said calmly. You're not a god. You can't absolve me of my sins."

Oberon was silent. Voldemort continued to taunt him. It was so good to finally be able to let out some of his frustration.

"The fact is you want to be the hero don't you? If you can convince me not to kill your son, you can not only save his life, but you can go to the next world telling yourself that you redeemed my soul. News Flash Oberon, I can't be saved. I am already damned."

"Yet you are still here," Oberon said ignoring most of what Voldemort has said. "When it comes to the afterlife, you have no more idea about what goes on than I do. As long as that is the case, you can still be redeemed. It's not too late tom. You already know that Aeval is pulling away."

"I will keep up my end of our agreement."

"When?" Oberon asked patiently. "Neither you nor Aeval set a time limit. Aeval could've called in your agreement at any time. Face it Tom, you've been living on borrowed time since the beginning of the year. Your only hope for escape is to abandon this quest."

Oberon stared at Voldemort. His golden eyes were hard. "Even if you kill my son and steal the stone, you don't have half of your original power. You would never get out of the school alive. Once you were gone, then what? The fae can obey the letter of the law when they want to. Technically, you already have a body. Luckily for you Aeval promised to restore you to your original body or she could've said that she would just get a body." Oberon gestured at Voldemort. "You have that now in case you haven't noticed. If you fail, you may lose the only chance you have at life left."

Voldemort snapped. "That's enough. I gave my word. This is the last time we will speak of this. I will kill your brat and regain my former glory and nothing you can say will stop me. Go away; I am tired of talking to you. I'm tired of you trying to talk me out of what needs to be done. We're done. Do you hear me? I don't want to talk about this anymore."

Without a word, Oberon vanished. It was as if Voldemort's words had blown him away. Voldemort stood there panting heavily.

"There you bastard," he muttered. "I showed you."

As he turned back to his desk, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had made a big mistake.

XXX

Entering the entrance hall, the first thing the three saw was Professor McGonagall.

"There you are," the old Scotswoman said. "Come on, the first test is mine."

She led the three down the hallway and to the transfiguration classroom. As they walked, Harry extended his senses, probing the wards around the castle.

"The wards feel stronger," he commented to McGonagall.

"I sure hope so," McGonagall said with a snort. "It took the Headmaster forever to find the texts that described the wards."

Harry nodded approvingly. "He did well. There are hardly any cracks in them and the few that exist are too small for anything to get through. I'm no ward expert, but I think those cracks I can sense will close eventually."

"You're right," Lily said placing a hand on his shoulder. "The wards are reconnected to the ley lines in this area, so they will heal."

McGonagall's thin lips might've twitched. "I am glad you approve."

As they entered the transfiguration classroom, Neville leapt to his feet.

"What is he doing here?"

"Longbottom," McGonagall growled. "Sit down," her voice snapped like a whip. "He is here for the same reason as you. He is here to take his final exams."

"But he's not even human," Neville spluttered.

"The fae have been granted a place at Hogwarts as you very well know. It was their magic that aided in the construction of this school. Now, unless you want to be removed from my classroom, I suggest you keep quiet and sit back down."

Neville sat down, glaring at the Transfiguration professor.

McGonagall gestured for Harry and the others to take a seat. She brought out a cage of mice and began passing them out. "You know what these are for I assume?"

Harry nodded. "Yes ma'am."

"Good," McGonagall said with a slight smile. "Let's get started."

Harry gestured at the mouse before she'd even finished speaking. The mouse shrank and became a beautiful leather box. Intricate beadwork covered the lid forming the shapes of moons and stars. The beads trailed down the sides, showing fish swimming in a lake and wolves prowling through a forest scene.

McGonagall's mouth hung open. "Mr. Evans," she whispered. "This is beautiful." She lifted the box and ran her fingers over the leather. "It looks like something the Native Americans might make."

Harry stared at the small leather box. "My Mum told me that a lot of the Native American spirits were really fae. Coyote, Spider Grandmother, and Glooscap to name a few."

"Fascinating," McGonagall said turning to Ginny and Hermione.

She gaped again as she saw Ginny's box. It was a thin wooden box with birds decorating the top. At first glance McGonagall could make out a hawk, eagle, and falcon. Most incredibly, each bird was moving. As she watched the young girl move her wand, she saw a forest scene appearing on the sides of the box.

"Ms. Weasley," McGonagall said softly. "This is amazing." She jumped as the carved hawk dove out of the sky and seized a squirrel from one of the trees.

Lastly, she turned to Hermione. She looked at the simple wood box in front of her. There was no decoration or adornment on the wood. Instead several runes had been etched into the lid. She watched as Hermione pushed the box towards her.

"Go ahead, put something in the box."

McGonagall took a small diamond broach from her cloak and put it in the box. As she closed the lid, she felt a small prick on her index finger. Looking down, she saw a drop of blood smeared across the box. The blood sank into the wood.

Hermione tried to open the box. No sooner had her fingers touched the lid, she hissed and jerked her hand back. McGonagall could see blisters forming on her fingers. Before she could do anything, Harry took Hermione's hand.

"I can fix that," he said stroking his fingers over her burned hand. A pale blue light followed the path of his fingers. The blisters grew smaller and smaller until they had completely faded away.

"Wow," Hermione said. "I didn't know you could do that."

"I can heal minor injuries like this," Harry explained. "Mum wanted me to be able to heal just in case."

The rest of the class stared at the three with open hostility. "Why did you make us watch that?" Seamus bellowed. "How are we supposed to compete with that?"

"You don't have to compete with them," McGonagall said. "I didn't make you watch, but they must take the practical exams in one day. I thought it best if they went before the rest of you." She turned to the three potential students.

"You may go," she said. "I don't think I need to tell you that you passed the test?"

Harry and the others exited the transfiguration classroom to find professor Flitwick waiting for them.

"There you three are," he said. "Come along, I have a free period, so I will be testing you next."

He led them to the charms classroom and made them take seats. He handed them each a pineapple.

"Make this tap dance."

Ginny flicked her wand, murmuring something under her breath. The pineapple grew two thick furry legs and began tap dancing across the desk.

"That's different," Flitwick said scratching his head, "but I'd still say it counts as a…"

The walking pineapple split down the middle revealing long razor sharp teeth. It snarled and launched itself at Flitwick's face.

They didn't see Flitwick move. His wand came out and he blasted the pineapple with a spell. Blood and chunks of fur and fruit splattered the room.

Harry turned to Ginny. "What was that?"

Ginny shrugged. "He said make it tap dance. I made it tap dance."

"He didn't say make it bite his face," Harry groused.

"That is quite alright," Flitwick said putting his wand away. He turned to Ginny. "You did make the pineapple tap dance, but I don't think you used a charm. That looked more like transfiguration to me." He placed a new pineapple in front of her.

"Fine," Ginny flicked her wand and the pineapple tap danced across the desk.

"Very good," Flitwick said.

Harry and Hermione performed the same spell and made the pineapple dance.

"Excellent," Flitwick said enthusiastically. "Well done. In future," he continued with a pointed look at Ginny. "Try to keep your spells at least in the same general area that your professor asks."

Ginny pouted. "Spoil sport."

Harry snorted while Flitwick chuckled.

"That may be, but you have at least three more exams today.

XXX

The rest of the morning passed without incident. The three were set the task of replanting mandrakes in Herbology.

"I thought we didn't do this until second year," Harry grunted. He took off his earmuffs and wiped sweat from his forehead.

Professor Sprout shrugged. "I wanted to see how well you did with this. Besides, they're only babies. If you messed up it wouldn't have killed you, just knocked you out for a few hours."

Harry glared at Sprout. "We have other exams today."

Sprout stared at him so long it made him uncomfortable. "If you'd passed out, I suppose you wouldn't be ready for second year would you?"

As they left the greenhouse, Harry turned to the other two. "I get the feeling she doesn't like me."

Ginny nodded. "Professor Sprout is supposed to be a fair teacher. From what Fred and George told me, she doesn't play favorites and she seemed to be very understanding."

"Could it be your fae heritage?" Hermione asked.

"I don't see why, but I suppose it's possible."

"Let's not worry about it right now," Ginny said. "We have lunch and then Defense against the dark arts and potions. Once we have that taken care of we can think about the teachers."

XXX

As they sat down in the great Hall Fred and George walked up.

"Well," said Fred. "If it isn't little Gin Gin and her boyfriend. Here to take your exams are you?"

"Shut up!" Ginny snapped.

"Touchy," George said. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"We're here to take our final exams as Fred guessed. What are you deaf?" Hermione said.

"Good one," Fred said smirking, "For a first year anyway."

"Well," George said turning serious. "I hope you pass. You'll only be two years behind us instead of three."

"Why would that matter?" Harry asked.

"Because we don't want to prank first years."

Harry stared at the twins as they walked away. "You know, if it wasn't for the fact I actually want to be in second year, I'd fail the rest of my exams just on general principle."

Ginny giggled. "Come on, besides the snake prank the rest of their pranks weren't that bad."

"Snake prank?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow.

"They er…" Harry blushed while Ginny giggled harder.

"They turned his privates into a snake," she choked out between guffaws.

Hermione began giggling to. "That had to be unpleasant."

"It bit me," Harry said scowling down at the table.

The two girls burst into peals of laughter.

XXX

Voldemort watched Harry laugh with his friends. The more he saw the more he hated what had to be done. He fingered the small charm in his pocket. He'd only get one shot at this. He had to make it good. Taking a deep breath, he stood and headed for his classroom. It was time for him to hold up his part of the deal.

XXX

As Harry entered the Defense against the Dark arts classroom, Quirrell smiled from his place near the blackboard.

"Welcome you three," he said smiling jovially. "I hope you have been practicing hard over the past few months."

The three preteens made noises of ascent. "We have sir," Harry said.

"Good," Quirrell said stepping towards them. He held up three charms. "Each of you take a charm. Your test is to knock your opponent down with the knockback jinx."

"Opponent?" Ginny asked. "They look tiny."

Quirrell smiled. "Here," he said handing Ginny the small statue he held in his hand.

Ginny took the statue. Looking closer, she marveled at the intricate detail that had been put into the statues creation.

It appeared to be made of obsidian, but it wasn't all black. Its cloak was black along with its robes. The pointed hat on its head was a sapphire blue. In its right hand, it held a short shaft of wood.

"What do I do now?" Ginny asked.

"Place it on the floor," Quirrell said.

Ginny did so and took a hasty step back when the statue grew to over six feet tall. Its right arm shot up and a red bolt of light flew from its wand.

Ginny ducked and the spell smashed into the wall behind her. Looking up, she was just in time to avoid another jet of red light.

"Relax," Quirrell called. "They're only stunning spells."

"Flipendo," Ginny yelled. A red light streaked from her wand and struck the statue in the chest. The instant the jinx hit it the statue froze and shrank back down to its miniature form.

Quirrell clapped. "Well done," he said. "Ms. Granger you next."

Hermione took a statue from the professor's hand. This statue was small and its robes were stretched over a broad belly. A thin beard grew from its chin.

She gently placed the statue on the floor. When it grew to life size, Hermione immediately threw herself flat. "Flipendo," she shrieked.

The bolt of scarlet light struck the statues foot causing it to freeze. Within seconds, it had resumed its normal size.

"Well done," Quirrell complimented. "You watched Ms. Weasley and learned from her fight with the first statue." He turned to Harry. "Mr. Evans, you next."

Harry walked up and reached out to take the statue. He froze as he recognized the image in Quirrell's hand. He would know that black hair and those tiny horns anywhere. His Mother had told him all about the queen that had forced them out of Elphame. Before he could draw his hand back, Quirrell had reached out and gripped his hand. The statue was flush between their palms.

"What…" Harry began.

He was cut off as light blazed up around him. There was a clap of thunder. When the light faded, both Harry and Quirrell were gone.

XXX

Harry landed on his feet and glared at Quirrell. "What's going on here?"

Quirrell just looked at him his expression totally blank.

"You may not believe me boy, but I am sorry. I don't want to do this, but I gave my word."

"What are you talking about?" His eyes widened as he remembered the shape of the charm. "You made a deal with Aeval."

Quirrell smiled sadly. "Yes, I did. I had to in order to regain a body."

"You aren't Quirrell. You're someone else."

Quirrell nodded. "Very observant. It has been a long time since I saw you. Last time, you were just a baby."

"Voldemort," Harry growled his golden eyes turning amber."

Voldemort nodded looking pleased. "Very good, you are much quicker on the uptake than I would've guest."

"Your body was destroyed. How did you survive?"

"I made a deal with a devil," Voldemort said solemnly. "Aeval really wants you dead you know."

"And what do you get out of this deal?"

"My old body and power returned to me. You see, this body does not have near my old power. I'd hoped that would change over time, but alas that has not happened. Enough talk," he said suddenly. "It is time to end this. If you hold still, I will make this as quick and painless as possible."

Harry dove to the side as a bolt of green light flew towards him. Raising one hand, he started to visualize a rune, but was forced to duck again when Voldemort sent a blasting curse at his head.

Swearing, Harry threw out his hands, blue gouts of flame flying from his fingertips.

Voldemort easily blocked it with a shield. "You'll have to do better than that," he said smiling.

Harry gestured at the statue of Aeval lying on the floor. He concentrated on an image of the statue growing to life size and goring Voldemort with its horns.

Aeval's statue shot up to six feet tall and charged at Voldemort. The spells Voldemort fired bounced harmlessly off its obsidian body. He cried out as the horns plunged into his stomach.

As the statue stepped back, there was a wet ripping sound when the horns came free.

Voldemort fell to one knee. Looking down, he saw two smoking holes in his stomach. He looked up at Harry. "How did you know that would work," he choked.

"I didn't," Harry said. "I just needed a moment to center myself."

Voldemort flew backwards as lightning coursed over his body. He smashed into the wall behind him. He struggled to free himself from the stream of electricity, but with no luck.

Walking forward, Harry's arm began to change. The muscles bunched and his arm sprouted a thick layer of black fir. His hand shifted becoming a clawed horror. As he shifted his arm, he struggled not to let the wolf take over.

"I am going to end you right here and now," he growled, his deep voice vibrating the stone. Fire engulfed his claws. He swung his hand down at Voldemort's head.

Voldemort rolled out of the way and lunged forward. Harry spun out of the way and watched as Voldemort flew passed him.

Whirling around, he watched as Voldemort muttered something and smashed a glowing fist into a mirror. He drew his hand back clutching a blood red stone. He turned to face Harry.

"I have part of what I came for. With Nicholas's philosophers stone Aeval will be able to break the spell your Father cast. Elphame's gates will be open once again."

Harry stared at the innocuous red stone. It looked normal enough, but he could sense the power radiating off of it. It was as if a thousand beetles had been put under his skin. He wanted to scratch and claw rip and tear his own flesh to get them out. Instead, he smiled at Voldemort.

"Bad move."

Voldemort stared at him. "What?"

Harry thrust his hand forward. A ball of flame shot out of his closed fist and swallowed Voldemort's hand.

Voldemort screamed as his flesh and bone was fused fast to the stone. Harry watched as the stone began to glow.

"What have you done," Voldemort howled.

"You really should've killed me before grabbing the stone. You aren't thinking clearly perhaps because you are conflicted over your actions?" He waited for a response. When he received none, he continued. "The Philosophers stone is a powerful magical artifact. I didn't think it would react well to a direct hit from magic.

Voldemort reached over and yanked the stone free, tearing off his right hand in the process. "This isn't over," he panted as blood spurted from the wound.

Harry's eyes widened as the blood became crimson flames. "You can't," he whispered. "That spell will consume all the blood in your body."

"Thanks to you, I'm dying anyway," Voldemort snarled. "You think I can go to the hospital wing for this now?"

Harry dodged the wall of flames, but was not quick enough to avoid the slender blade of flame that struck him in the chest. He grunted as the fiery sword exited his back in a spray of steaming blood. He felt his legs give out and he fell flat on his face.

"It's over," Voldemort panted from above him.

Rolling over, Harry turned his head and spat out a mouthful of blood. "Not quite," he choked. He pointed one finger at Voldemort's smoking hand. A slender beam of light struck the hand.

The light surrounded the hand. Harry laughed again, coughing up more blood.

"What…" Voldemort began only to be cut off by a massive explosion.

Harry watched as Voldemort's top half vanished in a spray of gore. "I win," he croaked as the room began to collapse around him. He felt a hand grip his wrist. Turning his head, he saw a pair of golden eyes staring at him. Blue hair fell to the man's shoulders surrounding a pale unlined face.

"You aren't dying yet, son," Oberon said as he gathered Harry into his arms.

"Dad?" Harry croaked.

"Hold on," Oberon said. "I've got you."

The last thing Harry saw before the darkness took him was the room behind them melting into a pull of magma. Faintly, he could hear Voldemort's screams as the remains of his body was reduced to ash.