The Second Chance
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of J. K. Rowling and Kurinoone's universe. This story is written with permission from Kurinoone, and is based on Kurinoone's fabulous, beyond awesome story- "The Darkness Within" (which was inspired by Project Dark Overlord's wonderful story- "The Shattered Prophesy").
Chapter 4: Recovery
To the fatherly side of Voldemort's character, Harry's road towards emotional recovery was a relief.
For the next three days since he wiped Harry's memories and spun another lie about Harry's past, his son had pulled on an expressionless mask and refused to take more than a bite at every meal. It was slightly worrying that Harry seemed to spend too much time in the training grounds and eating less than he ought to. However, on the fifth day, when Voldemort was seriously considering the option of force- feeding the Dark Prince, Harry started to show signs of re- adapting his previous mischievious character.
Meanwhile, Voldemort's plans to crush Dumbledore and take over the Wizarding World received full attention from Harry. The Dark Prince's daily activities now revolved mainly around training and plotting.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in the Dark Lord's mind. Since Harry had come of age, Voldemort had not yet witnessed the full power of his son in combat. How strong had his son become, since Harry came of age?
"Harry," Voldemort said, putting away his quill.
His son was sprawled across his sofa in his study, just like in the old days. On hearing his father's voice, Harry looked up.
"What do you say to a duel between you and me tonight, at eight."
Harry's emerald eyes lit up. Voldemort knew his son enjoyed a challenge as much as himself. "Sure," was the reply. Harry cocked his head to one side and gave Voldemort a familiar yet forgotten cheeky grin. "I might warn you, father, my powers have strengthened over night."
Voldemort snorted. "Less of the talk, more of the skill. We'll see how much you have improved."
Harry grinned and put away a sheaf of parchments, containing discarded plans and maps.
"Our work is not yet finished, Harry," said Voldemort, though he did not look up from his parchment. "There are still flaws in your last plan."
"I'm off to do some training," his son replied. "What, are you afraid I might beat you tonight?"
Voldemort smirked. "You wish. You've never managed it before."
"Then why stop me?"
The Dark Lord sighed and waved his son off. Harry grinned and exited his study, closing the door with slightly more noise than what Voldemort thought necessary.
After four days of confinement in St. Mungo's, James was already bursting with energy. He itched for the discipline and thrilling life as a Ministry Auror as well as Order member, craved for another fight with the Death- Eaters. Meanwhile, Damien sneaked treats to him every night, when Sirius, Remus and Lily dropped by for a visit. James felt extremely grateful towards his youngest son. The tasteless soggy colloid St. Mungo's served couldn't possibly pass for decent food.
It was on the morning of his fifth day of 'imprisonment', as he called it, when he was grudgingly and finally allowed to be discharged from the ward.
"But you must not return to the field immediately," warned Healer Davis as James practically skipped towards the door. "I advise you another week's worth of rest and recuperation at home."
James refrained from rolling his eyes. "Yes, sir Davis," he said, giving the Healer a salute to show he was serious.
Healer Davis eyed him with distrust. "You'd better keep your word. I have no intention to prod my wand into your innards again."
James winced, then was quickly ushered outside into the arms of his friends and family.
"Prongs!"
"Dad!"
"James!"
And a louder, more high- pitched "Ooh, my Prongsie!"
James' wince became even more pronounced.
Hands and faces surrounded him, and something gripped his neck tightly. Feeling slightly nauseous, James pushed his way through the crowd of people he knew and loved, just to get a breath of fresh air.
"I would advise all of you to give him space to breathe," said Healer Davis' voice from behind. "It is the basic need of a human being."
Somehow, Sirius found the need of thumping James' back so hard he nearly fell to his knees. "Stop being dramatic, Padfoot," reprimanded James. "Didn't you hear the Healer?"
"Dad!" said a younger voice, and James smiled to see his son walk around Sirius and fling himself at his father.
"Ouch, how dare you steal my place!" Sirius started to feign a hurt look.
James rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut it."
Although he felt suddenly very tired and fatigued, he managed to spare grins for Remus and Lily, a smile for Dumbledore and a nod in Tonks and McGonagall's direction. After that, he rubbed his forehead ruefully, where a headache had blossomed.
Damien slipped his hand into James' and tugged at his father's hand, something he hadn't done for a very long time.
"Come on Dad. Let's go home."
After the welcome party, which consisted of various cakes, sweet things and unhealthy yet delicious 'junk', James, Sirius, Remus and Lily left for the Order meeting, which would be held in Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Damien journeyed to the Burrow's alone through the Floo Network in hope that the rest of the Weasleys and Hermione would be around. He hadn't seen much of them in those five days. Molly had assumed temporary solitude was the best course of medicine for Damien, in which case she was right, but the youngest Potter had felt the absence of his friends keenly.
Damien needn't have worried on that scale. As soon as he arrived spinning in the fireplace of the Burrow's kitchen, an arm immediately grabbed his shoulder and dragged him bodily towards the living room.
"Hermione! Damy's here!" yelled a familiar voice.
A bushy haired girl appeared, a small smile plastered on her tear- stained features. "Damien!" she exclaimed. Then, "Ron, let go of him. You're strangling poor Damien."
Hugs and greetings were exchanged before the entire pack of underaged Weasleys trooped noisily upstairs to Ron's room. Damien noticed that all of them looked tired and tear- stained. But it couldn't be compared to James. His father now looked years older, so did Lily, Remus and Sirius.
"It's been such a long time since I seen you," said Ron, as Damien collasped on the Weasley's bed with a sigh of contentment.
"I know," replied Damien, sneaking a look at Ginny. The red- headed girl did not look as teary as Hermione, but she was completely worn- out. Even Fred and George, whose joyful personality could never be tainted, looked weary.
"Where's Percy?" asked the youngest Potter, looking around. "Sirius said he didn't attend the Order meetings, nor report for work at the Ministry. Is he sick?"
"Nah, he's just... brooding in his room," finished Ron, his expression unreadable.
"Percy felt very guilty after Harry's capture," explained Hermione, a tad tentatively. "He thinks that he contributed indirectly to Harry's d-death." At this, her voice cracked a little. "Percy blames himself for letting slip the protective charms and enchantments of the Burrow to the Ministry."
"He should," muttered Ron darkly. "It was all his fault."
Hermione shot Ron a withering look. "It wasn't," she said defiantly. "Percy is your brother, Ronald."
Ron sighed. "Alright, he is my brother, but it doesn't change the fact that he was a prat."
Hermione looked around for support, but she noticed the twins were clearly taking Ron's side.
"I heard that Hogwarts is reopening," said Damien abruptly, just to change the subject he had insensitively brought up. "Sirius said Dumbledore wanted to 'train the future generation and equip them with skills needed to defeat the Dark Lord'."
"That might be pretty risky..." started Hermione.
"Oh come on, what's life without a bit of risk in it?" piped up Fred, leaning against the couch.
"Dumbledore's going to be extremely paranoid about security," supplied George, lying back lazily against his twin. "So we needn't worry."
"But You- Know- Who will definitely try to break Hogwart's defences," said Hermione, biting her lip in worry, but her tone suggested hope. Hogwarts felt more like home to her than anywhere else.
Ginny, who had remained quiet as the conversation continued, suddenly smiled. "All of you are so outdated," she said, pretending to scoff. "I managed to sneak a peek at the Daily Prophet before Mum threw it away this morning. Dumbledore announced Hogwart's reopen to the Wizarding World yesterday." Molly had long since banned the underaged Weasleys including Hermione from reading the Daily Prophet.
"What? The decision was confirmed already?" said Damien in obvious excitement. He had neglected reading the newspaper since the Daily Prophet started publishing news about the Black Tomb months ago.
"Yep," she replied. For a moment the old Ginny resurfaced, and the quiet sadness ebbed away as their conversation took a more amiable turn. "Majority of the Wizarding World supports Dumbledore's decision. Fudge was extremely against it, but just to please the commuinity he agreed at last. He even offered to send Ministry Officials to be stationed around Hogwarts to double the security."
"That's good news," grinned Ron. "I love the Great Feast."
Damien smiled dreamily. "Me too."
Four pillows were immediately chucked at the pair.
"Feast? You should've mentioned Quidditch, Damy!" cried Fred in mock indignation.
"Same for you, bro!" declared George, throwing a cushion at Ron.
"You should have mentioned the library!" said Hermione, laughing.
"Quidditch!" cried Ginny with infectious spirit.
Ron moaned and rubbed his forehead. "Not fair! Three of you hit me instead of Damien!"
The youngest Potter grinned and smashed a pillow in Ron's face. "Five blows, now."
At Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, the conversation wasn't as light- hearted as the one in the Burrow. The raging war and intimidating threat the Death- Eaters were posing added to the heavy responsibility of the Order members.
Dumbledore's face looked drawn and exhausted, but so did everyone else. James however, looked determined as he seated himself at the meeting table, across Alastor Moody. Sirius was on his right; Lily on his left; Remus beside Sirius. Dumbledore, as usual, was at the head of the table, with a bowl of Lemon Drops on his right. Frank and Alice were also present, but they hadn't spoke much except 'Thank you' and 'Sorry' since Harry died rescuing Nigel.
The Headmaster of Hogwarts steepled his fingers and spoke. "Severus is unable to attend our meeting today," he began. "The Dark Lord has questioned his trust since Severus fought the Dark Lord to buy Draco Malfoy time at Hogsmeade at the Black Tomb."
"Really? I'm surprised the Dark Lord hasn't killed Snivellus yet," said Sirius without thinking.
This drew plenty of disapproving looks.
"I mean, Snivell- Snape's allegiance was clearly displayed that night," Sirius continued. "He practically stood up against the Dark Lord. Surely there is no question against his trust?"
"Severus is very talented in the art of Occlumency," said Dumbledore. "The Dark Lord is doubtless, suspicious, but as of yet he has not excluded Severus from the Inner Circle."
"What about Draco Malfoy?" asked Arthur Weasley. "According to Snape, Lucius still remains in the Inner Circle as well."
"Draco is currently under the care of his mother, Nacrissa Malfoy," answered Dumbledore, the twinkle in his eyes disappearing. "Their exact whereabouts are as of yet unknown, but I venture Nacrissa will seek shelter at her brother, Marcus' house. Meanwhile, the Hogwarts letters are still being prepared by Minerva. They should be sent to the students by next week."
"We have less than a month to the date Hogwarts will be reopened," Tonks spoke up for the first time. Her hair was now a dull black. "Are all the security measures taken? What wards will we use this time?"
For a brief moment, the twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "Ah yes, the question of the barriers. I almost forgot." He looked directly at James. "This year, we will be using the combination of blood and magic to strengthen Hogwarts' wards against Voldemort's attack."
James did not have a good feeling about it. It didn't help that Dumbledore's piercing blue gaze was trained on him.
"This ward has been specially designed and crafted, and I assure you of its strength," continued the Headmaster. "Even if a powerful enough force is able to break through the wards, the wizard or witch who does so will be greatly weakened, if not killed, in the process."
"To accomplish this feat, however, I shall require four Secret Keepers. The Secret Keeper himself must remain in the confines of Hogwarts' grounds in order for the magic to work. Minerva and I have volunteered, but I need two more students from Hogwarts. Two more inconspicious and trustworthy students. I would prefer the two Secret Keepers to be drawn from the family members of the Order."
Lily's grip on James arm suddenly tightened. James felt the same happening to his heart. "If you're thinking of Damien, I'm sorry- but you can't have him," said James at once. "I'm not losing my last son."
Dumbledore bowed his head in a grave nod. "I'm afraid so, James."
"Who is the second Secret Keeper you have in mind?" asked Molly, her face pale. "Fred and George won't work. They don't care about responsibility."
"Ron Weasley," replied the Headmaster. "In case of any danger, I believe your youngest son would be able to defend himself better than Ginny, as he has come of age, and he has his full magic at his disposal." Dumbledore turned his eyes to James. "The same is said for Damien. He has proved himself more than capable of defending himself; your youngest son is almost as powerful as Harry. Furthermore, Damien has the protection of the Layhoo Jisteen."
"That stone will be helpless when dark curses are fired at Damien," said James stubbornly. "H-Harry warned him before."
The name of his eldest son still incurred a searing pain, but it was slowly numbed as the days faded away.
"No one will be able to enter or leave the Hogwarts grounds except the four Secret Keepers," explained Dumbledore. "In any event, both Damien and Ron will be perfectly safe as long as they remain in within the barrier."
"Forgive me if I am not comforted by that," glowered James.
Dumbledore nodded. "Your distrust is expected, but Damien and Ron were my best choices. Could you at least bring them to this table and see what they have to say for themselves?"
More argument followed after that, but in the end, the youngest sons of James and Arthur were brought to the Order meeting.
To James' horror, however, both Damien and Ron agreed at once to take the risk. In fact, both exchanged grins at the word 'danger'. James felt the urge to shake some sense into his son boil over. He caught Damien's eye and signalled for them to go to the kitchen for a talk. James' expression clearly allowed no room for argument, and with second doubts, the youngest Potter followed his father out of the meeting room.
"This is not a game, Damien," James said as soon as they closed the door behind them, trying hard to hide his frustration. "How could you just agree like that! You have not my approval."
"Why not?" argued his youngest son. "Dumbledore said it himself. I'm the best choice."
After Dumbledore's explaination, Harry's letter made sense to Damien. His elder brother had hoped Damien wouldn't take the position, but Harry hadn't forbidden his younger brother to do so.
"It is not your responsibility," said James firmly. "How do you think me and your mother will feel, if you were to-" Here the words were caught in his throat.
"Nothing will happen to me, Dad," said Damien reassuringly. "Nobody will find out I'm Secret Keeper. There are hundreds of students in Hogwarts! I can easily blend in. Moreover, so what if the Death- Eaters find out I'm Secret Keeper? They can't reach me. They can't enter Hogwarts grounds."
"I do not want you to place yourself in more danger than is necessary," said James, his face more tired and weary than before.
"If it's not my responsiblity, whose is it?" Damien started to lose patience with his father. "It isn't your responsibility to fight the Dark Lord and place yourself in danger, either! How do you think me and mum will feel, if you didn't make it last time? If you were in my shoes, you'd take the responsibility too. Because it's the right thing to do. Harry gave his life fighting the battle against Voldemort. I'm going to do everything I can to ensure he didn't die in vain."
James opened his mouth, then closed it again.
"I know, that was a very Gryffindor speech," continued Damien. Frankly, he was surprised at how well his argument sounded. He never had much luck at debating before. "But you know what I say is true, and I know you feel the same as I do."
His father was silent for a moment as he studied his son before him. At last, he sighed in defeat.
"Sometimes, I wish you were a Ravenclaw," he half- moaned.
"Nah, I'm not smart enough," smiled Damien. "If not Gryffindor, I'd probably end up in Hufflepuff."
James pretended to wince. "The House for the leftovers. I'd rather you be in Gryffindor."
"Dad! You're horribly prejudiced!" reprimanded Damien indignantly. "Neville's parents are Hufflepuffs too, and they were talented enough to become Aurors as well."
"Alright, I was just joking," James smiled at his son's expression. "But promise me you'll stay safe."
"I will if you stay safe too," Damien replied, following his father out of the kitchen.
Harry stood facing his father, his wand held poised, ready for attack. Lucius was silently observing from a safe distant, his interest evident.
Harry decided to go for a bit of drama.
"En garde," he said, tilting his wand slightly.
Voldemort smirked. His figure went taut, and suddenly three jets of light thundered out from his wand in rapid succession. Harry barely managed to duck the first two before he brought up his full body shield. Voldemort's spell sizzled and disappeared.
For the next five minutes, Voldemort fired hex after jinx at Harry, leaving his son no chance to return the attack. Harry ducked and swerved around the chamber, trying to edge to the Dark Lord's back, but Voldemort gave Harry no chance.
Suddenly, an Unforgivable Curse left Voldemort's wand- the Imperius, followed by three more Crusciatus Curses. Voldemort felt his magic weaken slightly after firing four powerful curses in one go, but he managed to pull himself to fire another Imperius Curse. The first four curses four punching through Harry's shield, the last Imperius Curse intended to hit Harry.
However, the first four Unforgivable curses failed to penetrate Harry's blue shield. The azure bubble protecting the Dark Prince flickered and disappeared briefly twice, but none of the curses managed to hit its target. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of Voldemort's face. Harry was right; his son had indeed grown a lot stronger since the Dark Prince turned seventeen.
The younger wizard quickly took the chance which lasted for a millisecond to attack Voldemort. As the Dark Lord side-stepped the seventh curse headed for him, he cursed himself for letting himself be distracted by his son's power. Harry's smile was growing more pronounced.
"At last," grunted the younger of the two. "I have you now, father."
It was now Voldemort's turn to swerve, duck and bring up his shield. They duelled along the entire length of the chamber, before Voldemort allowed a Stinging Hex to hit him. It gave him the chance to fire back three hexes at Harry.
The Dark Prince, who had been overly engrossed in attacking his father, overlooked defense temporarily. Voldemort's Imperius Curse hit him in the shoulder, causing him the stumble backwards, his mind suddenly a blank.
"I have you now," smirked Voldemort, advancing on Harry.
However, in the space of three seconds' struggle, Harry managed to throw off the Imperius Curse and fire the Disarming Charm at Voldemort.
"Expelliarmus!" yelled Harry aloud in aid for him to defy the Imperius Curse completely.
Voldemort's wand slid from his grasps, but immediately the Dark Lord tried to summon it back. Suddenly, it became a battle of magic; Harry and Voldemort were both focusing their powers to summon Voldemort's wand.
It looked as though Harry was winning. Slowly but deliberately, the Dark Lord's wand kept on sliding from his grasps, heading towards the Dark Prince. On Harry's face, there was a look of triumphant arrogance. The boy celebrated victory that was not his too early.
On the spur of the moment, Voldemort let go of his wand. As it sailed over to the younger Wizard, Voldemort used his wandless magic to blast Harry off his feet. In seconds it was over.
The Dark Lord stood over Harry, breathing heavily, but smiling.
"I won," he smirked, helping his son up.
"Not fair!" pouted Harry. He was barely panting. "I have your wand. According to the rules of duelling matches, whoever who wins the opponent's wand is the winner. And you weren't supposed to use Unforgivable Curses."
"In a battle you lose."
"You could have stated the rules and regulations a bit clearer before we started," Harry shot back.
"Excuses are all I hear."
"Then you're getting old. I'm supplying you with plentiful facts and reasons."
"It looks like the loser isn't gallant enough to admit defeat."
"Why should I, when the winner embraced victory purely due to trickery and cunning ways?"
"You fight like a Gryffindor, I like a true Slytherin."
"We'll duel again."
"I'm afraid I must refuse. Work awaits me. I have no time for your childish antics."
Voldemort walked across the chamber towards his private quarters in the West Wing.
"Childish antics?" Harry spluttered indignantly behind him. "Save me your excuses. I hear your old bones creaking and aching for rest."
Voldemort didn't like the age- related jibe. He smirked and delivered his one last sentence, his hand resting prepared and ready on the doorknob.
"You can never defeat me, Harry."
With that, he threw open the door, entered quickly and slammed it shut with his wandless magic. Voldemort smiled to himself. He had got the last word in.
Then he thought of something. The smile slid off his face, to be replaced by a curse.
Harry was still holding his wand.
A/N: Please drop me a thought! What do you think of this chapter? Reviews are warmly welcomed!
Take care,
Epsilon Scorpii