Chapter Eleven
The light of the moon barely penetrated the canopy of branches. Silence blanketed the forest save for the chirping of crickets and hooting of owls. The relative silence was broken by a deafening snarl.
He lunged at the woman before freezing. He could not attack a female. Her voice, soft but firm filled his mind.
"Control Harry, don't let the wolf control your actions. Control the wolf. Let your mind guide the wolf's instincts. Don't let the instincts of the wolf cloud your judgment."
Harry? Who was Harry? Why did that name seem so familiar?
He snarled, foam dripping from his fangs.
"Control yourself," Lily snapped. "You're not a dog. Don't act like one."
At her words, a spark of awareness flared in his mind. He was Harry. That was his name. He opened his muzzle. His throat worked.
"Muuum," he growled.
Lily smiled wide. "Very good love, now come on."
He followed her through the forest his clawed feet digging deep furrows in the soft ground. For the first time, he became aware of the sounds around him.
He could smell the rain approaching. A smell of wet humid air not unlike the smell of sweat soaked clothing. He could feel the tension of the approaching storm in every muscle. He could hear the small creatures scampering through the brush behind him. Glancing back, he could see a rabbit crouched in a thicket. It's beady eyes were fixed on him, whiskers twitching minutely.
He the small muscles in its back legs tensed. He bent his legs, preparing to spring on the tiny form.
"No," Lily hissed. "Leave it alone. You probably wouldn't catch it anyway. You're not used to being in control of your other form yet."
Harry growled unhappily, but followed his Mother out of the woods.
"Change back," she commanded.
Harry looked at his Mother, his golden eyes glowing in the darkness. He didn't want to change back. He was so much stronger in this form.
"Harry," Lily said warningly. "You need to change back. You can't stay in that form forever."
Harry wined, but obeyed. His body wavered. The cracking and popping of bones filled the air. Harry swayed on his feet, only his Mother's soft grip on his arm keeping him from falling.
"You're doing better," Lily said. "You can now hold off the change on the full moon and it didn't take you near as long to regain control this time."
"Thanks," Harry said stifling a yawn. "I'm just glad I didn't pass out like last time."
As they started walking back to the cottage, Harry looked up at his Mother.
"Do you think I'll be able to control myself at Hogwarts this year?"
"Oh yes," Lily said. "You'll do fine. If you need to, just hold off the change and run into the forbidden forest. Nothing in there can hurt you." She paused for a moment, thinking. "Well, almost nothing. Stay away from the giant spiders."
"Giant spiders?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding."
"I wish. There've been rumors about Acramantula in the forest for ages. I think that's why the forbidden forest is forbidden. I hope they don't exist, but I don't want you to get eaten."
"How big are these spiders?" Harry asked trying to sound casual.
"The largest is supposed to be about the size of a small elephant."
"Yeah, I think I'll just avoid the forest. Why don't you and I just run together?"
"That might be for the best. So long as you don't mind being seen with your old Mum that is."
"Of course not," Harry said.
Lily smiled at him. "Once you master your wolf hybrid form, we need to work on changing into your full canine form. The hybrid form is great for fighting, but not the most subtle creature around."
"I guess we'll work on that later?"
Lily nodded. "Yeah, after this year at Hogwarts. I want you to master the Hybrid form first."
As they walked into the cottage, Lily kissed Harry on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Mum," Harry said trudging towards his bedroom.
Lily watched him go with a soft smile on her face. It was days like this she was grateful for her time with Oberon. His death may have left a whole in her heart that had yet to heal, but it gave her Harry and she wouldn't trade him for the world.
As Harry entered his room, Lily turned and went into her own room closing the door behind her.
XXX
Percival poured the crushed herbs into the bowl. He watched as the mixture turned a pale blue. "Good," he muttered. "We are almost there."
He wanted to rush, but knew he couldn't afford to. He had to stay calm. One misstep and it would be the end of him and Ariana. The door swung open behind him. He turned to see his daughter coming into the underground room that served as their laboratory. He marveled at her beauty.
Her Auburn hair fell halfway down her back. There was not one blemish on her pale skin. Every feature looked as if it had been painstakingly created by one of the master sculptors of old. He saw that she had aged. Where ten years ago she'd appeared to be in her mid-teens, she now appeared to be in her mid-twenties. She smiled at her Father.
"You know, every time you stare at me like that it makes me really uncomfortable."
Percival laughed and put an arm around her. "I am just so grateful to Oberon for bringing us here. If it hadn't been for him, you would've never healed and I would've spent the rest of my life in Azkaban."
"What about Mum though? Did you tell her what was happening?"
Percival nodded. "We told her. Oberon even offered to bring her along, but she wanted to stay in the Wizarding world. Albus had just started Hogwarts when Oberon spoke to her and she didn't want to upset his life any further."
"I still wish I could've seen her before she died."
Percival nodded sadly. "Me to. I miss her so much. If I hadn't lost my temper none of this would've happened."
Ariana hugged her Father. "This was not your Fault. You were protecting me like any Father would do. Besides, if you hadn't done something, there's no telling what those boys might have done in the future."
"Still doesn't make it right," Percival said his voice trembling. "I deprived parents of their children. They were just kids and I killed them."
"No it doesn't make it right, but you have done a lot of good in the century and a half we've been here. You have become a master alchemist. You can do things with transmutation that only the great Hephaestus has managed." She gestured at the bowl. "Look at the spell you've created. That is a one way gate to the mortal world. Do you know what Aeval would give for knowledge like that."
"True, but there is a massive catch to the spell," Percival said gravely.
Ariana looked up at him, her expression apprehensive. "What sort of catch?"
"This spell is a mixture of Alchemy and magic. You have to understand that the gates to Faerie are ancient magic. They were forged in a time of tyranny and persecution by man to be used in the most dire of emergencies. When Oberon closed them, it took his lifeforce to keep them closed.
I have created a temporary gate. Nevertheless, a price must be paid. It takes life's blood to open the portal." He gestured at the blue flames in the bowl. "Only one of us will be able to pass through the gate."
"Well," a voice said from behind them. "If that is true, allow us to help you choose who will die."
Percival turned to see Aeval's new partner standing there.
"What are you doing here, Abaddon?"
Abaddon smiled, his emerald green eyes sparkling with mirth. "Aeval knew there was a traitor somewhere in her kingdom and look at who it is. You know, she suspected it would be you. She never trusted you since you used to be human and all."
Percival glared at Abaddon. "You are not getting my gate spell. Besides, this spell is one way for one person. There is no way this could benefit Aeval."
A woman stepped out from behind Abaddon, brushing her brown hair out of her face. "That is not entirely true. I am sure with enough study I could figure out how to replicate your little spell."
Ariana stared at the woman. "Your soul does not belong to your body."
The woman smirked. Her blue eyes twinkled. "That's not entirely true."
"Who are you?"
A smaller red headed woman appeared. Her red hair flew out behind her as if whipped in an unfelt breeze. Her brown eyes were cold. She stepped closer to Percival. "You will tell us what we want to know. If you don't, well, you aren't the only one that can be hurt."
Percival's blue eyes flashed. "Leave my daughter out of this?" he growled.
"Oh, we'd love to, but unfortunately, you have information we need," the redhead said. "We've been to many worlds and we won't be content to stay in this little realm. We have business in the Wizarding world. TO that end, we need that little spell of yours."
"You must be slow," Ariana snapped. "What part of no do you not understand?"
Abaddon sighed. "What is it with you people. It's not like we are asking for your first born. Just give us the spell and no one needs to get hurt."
Percival gestured at the floor. The ground rose under the redhead forming into a steep set of steps. He lashed out with a foot.
The kick struck the redhead in the face, bloodying her nose and sending her flying down the steps.
Stone spikes shot up from the floor. Abaddon lifted a hand levitating the redhead to safety.
He glared up at Percival. "I will make you suffer for that."
Percival turned back from where he was mixing more powders and liquids into the flames. Once he was done, the stairs melted back into the floor.
"Come and get me then," he challenged Abaddon.
Abaddon flung out a hand, sending five bolts of green light from his fingertips.
A crystal wall descended from above, reflecting the bolts back at their caster.
Abaddon snapped his fingers. A stone wall appeared, shattering to dust under the impact of the spells.
Percival flinched as a shard of stone opened a large gash in the right side of his face.
"First blood to you," he complimented Abaddon. "You are good."
Abaddon smiled. "So are you. It will be an honor to kill you."
Percival pointed at the crystal wall in front of him. The wall dissolved into crystal spears that flew at Abaddon's head.
Abaddon tried to dodge, but was not totally successful. One of the spears went through his right shoulder. He cried out in rage as much as pain. Blood spurted from the wound drenching his shirt.
"You may kill me, but you won't be unscathed," Percival said.
"Abaddon," the redhead said sounding worried.
"Stay back," Abaddon said. "I will finish him myself."
Grunting, he ripped the crystal spear out of his shoulder. He hurled it back at Percival, but the crystal simply vanished.
"You have obviously never fought an alchemist before. In future, try not to underestimate them. Alchemy is more than potions work you know."
"Thanks for the advice," Abaddon said, "but I'm still going to kill you."
"I know," Percival said, "but I'd rather die than betray my king."
Abaddon threw a ball of flame at Percival's head, but he dodged the flames easily.
Percival pointed to the right of Abaddon. Wooden arms appeared from nowhere. They seized Abaddon and pinned his arms to his sides.
"This is it," Percival said quietly. A slender dagger appeared in his hand. The steel glowed faintly in the darkness of the room. Drawing back his arm, he hurled the dagger at Abaddon's chest.
A slender hand snatched the dagger from the air and sent it flying back. Percival grunted as the blade entered his chest. He coughed, blood pouring from his chest. Where the blood struck the steel, it sizzled and smoked as if it were on a hot grill.
"Father," Ariana screamed.
Percival smiled at her, blood spilling from his slackening mouth. The wooden arms that held Abaddon wavered before becoming the branches of a potted plant. Percival stumbled to the bowl of blue flames. Leaning over the bowl, he jerked the blade from his chest. Dark red blood spilled into the flames.
The flames shimmered. A pulse of energy filled the room. The stone of the bowl melted and stretched. The table cracked and fell to pieces under its increased weight. The impossibly thin arch settled to the floor.
"Go," Percival grunted, gesturing at the mist filling the arch. "There is not much time. Go now."
"I can help you," Ariana sobbed.
"No you can't," Percival said his voice sounding strained. "This wound was made with iron. Had it not been a heart shot, you may be able to heal it with time. As it is, this wound is mortal and you know it. Don't let my sacrifice be in vain. Go now, find the rightful queen and the prince. Protect them. Do what you can to help them."
Hesitantly, Ariana stepped towards the arch. Behind her, she heard movement.
"No," a voice hissed.
Turning her head, she saw Abaddon back on his feet. He lunged at her, but Percival leapt in the way tackling him to the ground. He pinned Abaddon down.
"Do you know what happens to a fae when we die," he whispered in Abaddon's ear.
"No," Abaddon grunted trying to throw Percival off.
"Well you're about to find out," Percival said.
Percival's skin began to glow. Abaddon drew in a sharp breath as he felt the heat radiating from the fae pinning him to the ground.
Looking down, he saw Percival's skin had become translucent. He could see the bones that made up his skeleton, the blood flowing through his veins, and even the pierced heart beating in his chest.
"Father," Ariana watched in horror as the light emanating from her Father intensified.
"Go," Percival whispered. "Never forget that I love you."
With a last look at her Father, Ariana turned and leapt through the arch. The last thing she saw was her Father exploding in a wash of blinding blue light.
Abaddon screamed as his skin blistered. He felt his eyes exploding in his skull, running down his face like viscous tears. He still heard the crack and the rush of air as the spell collapsed. He didn't have to see to know the girl was gone.
Lifting his blackened face to the sky, he let out a primal scream of fury.
XXX
"No Albus," Madam Pomfrey said firmly. "This is for the best. I am not as qualified as I'd like. I have had no training in healing the fae. You need someone that knows more about them than I do."
"Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore said desperately. "You can learn what you need to know. You don't have to know everything now. Mr. Evans is the only fae in the school. Lily will be here next year. She can help you."
"You don't understand. If Lily wasn't here I'd be guessing how to heal Mr. Evans injuries. Let's face it Albus, the only reason I was able to stay this long was because we've had no fae students at Hogwarts in the past hundred years or so. If we had, I wouldn't know what to do with them. I heal wizards not fae. You need someone that can heal both."
Albus open his mouth to refute Madam Pomfrey, but was cut off by a flash of lightning in the corner of the room. Both professors turned to see a young woman materialize. She straightened up and stared around the room wildly. Seeing Dumbledore and Pomfrey, she relaxed.
"I made it," she said.
Albus stared at her. That auburn hair and those eyes. He would know those eyes anywhere. He saw them in the mirror every morning.
"Ariana?" he whispered.
"Hello Albus," the girl smiled widely. "It's been a while."
XXX
Half an hour later, they were all sitting around Dumbledore's enlarged desk with cups of tea. Dumbledore couldn't take his eyes off Ariana.
"I can't believe it. We never knew what happened to you. One day you were there and the next you were gone." He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, Mother never seemed that worried, just sad."
Ariana nodded. "Father told her what was going on. She understood that it was the only way I would be able to live a normal life. It didn't help that Father was wanted by the Ministry of magic for escaping Azkaban and what he did to those muggles."
"How did he escape?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Lord Oberon removed him from the prison. He never agreed with the life sentence the Ministry imposed. He told my Dad he would've left him in there for a decade or two to teach him a lesson about controlling his temper, but he needed him if they were going to heal me."
"So what changed?" Dumbledore asked. "Why are you here now?"
Ariana's teacup shook in her hands. Her eyes filled with tears. Madam Pomfrey laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Take your time dear. If you don't feel like you can talk about it…"
"No," Ariana said wiping her nose. "It's not that. She took a deep breath and met Dumbledore's eyes.
"Father's dead. He died sending me here."
Dumbledore didn't move. He had expected something like this. He really didn't know how to feel. After all, he had known his Father was probably dead for a long time. Although, before his imprisonment, he had been a good man and a good Father.
Ariana looked at him sadly. "You would've approved of him. He really changed after he went to Elphame. He became a master Alchemist. He taught me to be a healer. Over the past century I'd say I've gotten pretty good at it. The fae used to come from miles around to be healed before the gates were closed. Since then, things have been quiet."
"Quiet?" Madam Pomfrey asked. "What do you mean quiet?"
"The fae may accept Aeval as queen, but they don't like it. Had she born Oberon a son, she would have a greater claim to the throne. Since she has not, they view her as a place holder, someone to warm the throne until Harry and his Mother return."
"I see," Dumbledore said. "Is that why you are here, to protect Harry?"
"To help him more than protect him. I can fight, but my main skill is healing."
Dumbledore smiled before Glancing at Madam Pomfrey. "I think we have found your successor."
He had no sooner finished speaking before Ariana was shaking her head. "I am here to aid the prince, not heal all the students. Tell you what, what if I stay and teach Pomfrey what she needs to know to treat the fae. It will give me a home and a chance to reintroduce myself to the queen and Harry." She smiled at Dumbledore. "It will also give you, Aberforth, and I a chance to catch up."
Dumbledore looked at Pomfrey. "What do you think?"
"I never wanted to leave," Madam Pomfrey said. "Hogwarts has been my home for half a century. I was only going to because I believed it was what was best for the students." She looked at Ariana. "How long will it take to train me?"
"Fae genetics are not too complicated. It's more about learning what not to do. It shouldn't take more than a year or so."
"Then I agree," Pomfrey said.
"As do I," Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling.
"Good," Ariana said. "I need to see the Minister. We need to make sure that I am legal and everything."
XXX
Cornelius Fudge was practically bouncing in his seat. "So you are here to heal the fae? Does that mean the gates are going to reopen?"
"I am here to aid the elven prince in any way I can," Ariana corrected gently. "As far as the gates reopening, I don't know. I wasn't privy to that information." Her delicate features twisted in a frown. "I am afraid I am not on good terms with the one who currently sits on the throne."
"I see," Fudge said distractedly. "Well I think everything is in order. You will be stationed at Hogwarts this year?"
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey has kindly agreed to show me the ropes when it comes to Wizarding healing."
"That seems in order," Fudge said handing her a stack of parchment. "Take these to the birth and records office. Once these are registered there, you will be set."
Ariana took the parchment. Nodding to the minister, she rose and left the office.
XXX
Lucius Malfoy stared at Ariana's backside as she left. Oh if she wasn't one of the fae he could have fun with her. He viewed it a stroke of good luck that he happened to be in the office when Dumbledore brought the girl in for registration. Would this interfere with his plans? Could she diagnose dark magic? As a healer he would say yes, but how well trained was she? She looked young, but with the fae that could be misleading.
He had to move on with his plan. Arthur Weasley couldn't be allowed to continue with his foolish Muggle protection act.
"What do you think, Lucius?" Fudge asked looking up from a stack of parchment.
"I think things are going to be very interesting," Lucius said.
XXX
Aeval glared at Abaddon. "What do you mean she escaped? How is that even possible?"
Abaddon rubbed his healing face. The new skin was tender. The slightest touch made him wince. "Percival had created a gate," he growled. He stared at Aeval accusingly. "I didn't even know he had that kind of skill."
"You didn't know because I didn't know," Aeval said. "I should've paid more attention to the people Oberon brought in here over the past few centuries. Had I only known, we may have been able to modify his spell to create a stable gate."
"I don't think he would've helped you willingly," the redhead said striding into the room. She dropped the remains of the arch onto the floor before Aeval.
Aeval glared down at the broken stone. "There are ways to make someone help you."
She picked up a piece of stone and rubbed it between her fingers. She looked up at Abaddon. "There is still residual magic in this. Tell me, how good are you at soul magic?"
Abaddon grinned. "I won't create Horcruxes, but I am adept at using other people's souls to accomplish my goals."
The redhead slipped an arm around his waist. "They also make such an excellent source of power."
Abaddon kissed the top of her head. "That they do, my love, that they do."
"Good," Aeval said. "Here's what we're going to do."
XXX
Harry collapsed into a chair wiping sweat from his forehead.
"How did it go," Lily asked looking up from the book she was reading.
"Terrible," Harry muttered. "I think Bloodwind is trying to kill me."
Lily chuckled. "You heal almost instantaneously. So long as he doesn't use silver against you, I seriously doubt he can harm you."
"Easy for you to say," Harry grumbled. "You aren't having sessions with the trainer from hell."
"I don't remember you complaining this much last summer," Lily teased.
"Last summer I wasn't on a time limit. I only have a month before we start Hogwarts. I know I need to train, but I kind of want to have time to spend with Hermione and Ginny before we leave."
Lily's smile faded. "I am sorry for this. I just want to make sure you're prepared."
"I know. I don't mean to complain it just gets boring sometimes. It's the same stuff over and over again. I guess I just want a change of pace."
"Well, we are going to Diagon Alley tomorrow," Lily said. "You can catch up with Hermione and Ginny then."
Harry smiled. "That's great, but isn't it a little early? Hogwarts doesn't start for a month."
"I'd rather get what you need early and not have to rush around at the last minute. Now go wash up, dinner will be ready in a few moments."
Harry rose from the table and headed towards the door.
"Harry?" Lily called when he reached the door.
Harry stopped. "Yeah?"
"Have you had any luck forging Elven blades?"
"No, Bloodwind is trying to find one to study, but surprisingly, there aren't a lot of those in the Wizarding world. The few families that have them aren't willing to let us study them."
"I'll see if I can make contact with your Father. Maybe he knows where to find one."
"That would be great. If you make contact, say hi for me. I haven't seen him since I fought Voldemort."
"I will," Lily said.
XXX
Harry stared down the endless street of Diagon Alley. He wondered and not for the first time, if Diagon Alley was in some sort of pocket dimension. It seemed impossible that the Wizards could use this much space on earth without anyone noticing.
"What you thinking about?" Lily asked.
"Just wondering how they hide this much space from nonmagicals."
Lily shrugged. "No clue. We'll have to ask your Dad, maybe he'll know."
"Where are we going first?" Ginny asked.
"Let's refill your potions ingredients first."
"Why not go by the bookstore first?" Hermione asked.
Lily winced. "Let's just say I'm trying to avoid someone."
Entering the Apothecary, Harry coughed and tried to surreptitiously cover his nose.
Lily patted his shoulder. "Relax," she said quietly. "You'll get used to it."
"I never noticed it was this bad before," Harry wheezed.
"You've spent a lot of time in your shifted form," Lily said. "Your senses are going to be sharper than they were before."
"Can we hurry up and get out of here," harry grumbled.
Hermione and Ginny giggled. Lily's lips twitched.
"Sure, come on." They hurried through the store, grabbing what they needed. As they exited the store, Harry took a deep breath of the air outside.
"I don't get it," he said turning to his Mother. "Why isn't it so overwhelming out here."
"You're in an open space," Lily explained. "The apothecary is enclosed. It is a shock to the system when entering an enclosed place like that."
They picked up parchment and quills. Lily stopped outside a pet store, looking at the three.
"It says you can have an owl, cat, or toad as a pet. Do you want to pick one up now?"
Harry and the girls shook their heads. "Maybe next year," Hermione said speaking for all of them. "We don't know if we'll stay at Hogwarts or not."
Lily nodded and turned away from the pet store. With a sigh, she looked down at the list. "Come on, let's go to Flourish and Blots."
"Why do you seem so reluctant," Hermione asked.
"You'll see," Lily said grimacing.
XXX
Harry leapt backwards with a snarl as a group of witches nearly knocked him over.
"What's going on?" he grumbled.
"It's Gilderoy Lockhart," Hermione squealed pointing at a poster hanging above the door. The poster showed a man with blond hair smiling down at them. "He's had so many adventures."
"Yeah," Lily muttered. "Woohoo, great."
Harry strained to see over the heads of the crowd. He just caught a glimpse of a handsome man with blond hair, blue eyes, and perfect white teeth.
He leaned closer to his Mother. "Does he use hair care products? If looks are anything to go by, he spends more time on his hair than you do."
Lily grinned. "If he does, it wouldn't surprise me. Unfortunately, you have to buy his books for this year, so this probably won't be the last time you see him."
"Lockhart's voice suddenly carried over the crowd. "It can't be Neville Longbottom."
The shop got very quiet before the crowd surged forward. Harry caught a glimpse of Lockhart standing with his arm around Neville, smiling widely.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said raising his voice to be heard over the babble of the crowd. "I want to take this time to give Neville Longbottom here a full set of my books free of charge. Furthermore, he along with his fellow students, will receive the honor of me teaching their Defense against the Dark Arts class this year."
"Told you," Lily said. "Come on, we need to get your books."
They hurried through the store, Hermione babbling all the way.
"I can't believe it. The Gilderoy Lockhart. Imagine what we can learn from him."
"I hope I'm wrong, but I don't know that you'll be learning anything from him."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked looking up at Lily.
"It's just we have no proof of anything he's done. We have no pictures and no witnesses. All we have is his word that anything has happened. Everything he's done has happened outside the country, so there is no way to corroborate anything. I'd think if he's done half of what he says, the Daily Prophet would've reported on it, but they haven't."
Hermione was silent as they approached the counter. "SO you think he's fake."
"Not for sure," Lily said, "but I am suspicious. Just keep an open mind, alright?"
They paid for their books and turned to leave. Ginny stumbled and dropped her books.
"Watch where you are going," Lucius Malfoy said bending down and picking up one of Ginny's books.
Ginny quickly gathered up the rest of her books and took the book from Lucius. "I'm sorry," she said.
Lucius sneered and walked away.
"Come on, let's get out of here," Lily said.
XXX
Lucius watched the youngest Weasley leave the bookstore. This would kill two birds with one stone. Once his precious daughter purged the school of Muggle-borns Arthur Weasley's Muggle protection act would be no more.
Smiling to himself, he left Flourish and Blots to meet up with his wife and son. Today had been very productive. All he had to do now was be patient.