I'm so glad I managed another chapter, and such a long one too. I forgot to mention this, but a guest reviewer gave me some tips on speech in paragraphs and I like to thank that person for helping me to improve and make better stories.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 6: An unlikely champion
"Ah Harry, how lovely to see you! Don't worry, it's just the wand weighing ceremony and pictures afterwards. We need to be sure that all wands are in perfect condition in time for the first task after all. The other champions have already arrived. And professor Snape, how nice of you to join us as well. Keeping an eye on young Harry, I suppose."
Ludo Bagman was as obnoxious as he had ever been. Seemingly without a care in the world he ushered them into the small classroom, most of the desks having been pushed aside. In the middle of the room however three had been joined together and covered with velvet. Five chairs stood behind and a magenta clad witch sat in one of them. The other champions had gathered into a corner and were having a lively conversation, though they beckoned Harry over as soon as they heard Bagman announce his arrival.
Professor Snape coldly ignored Bagman, having an acute allergy and dislike for fools, and went over the unidentified witch. He spoke softly with her for a couple of minutes, the witch looking more gleeful by the second and then withdrew into a corner so he would be able to observe without intruding on the ceremony.
They didn't have to wait long before the judges entered along with Mr Ollivander. They took a seat at the velvet-covered table, while the four champions sat down near the door. The witch and her balding companion, who was a photographer judging by his camera, retreated in a corner opposite professor Snape. Mr Ollivander had taken a stand beneath one of the windows, staring into space with his large, oddly pale eyes.
"Champions, I introduce to you Mr Ollivander, Britain's most famous wand maker. He will be examining your wands to ensure their good condition before the start of the Tournament."
"Mademoiselle Delacour, if you would be so kind as to come first." Mr Ollivander went to stand in the middle of the room, his back towards the judges. Fleur gracefully approached him and delicately handed him her wand. He examined the wand closely, twirling it in his long, nimble fingers. The wand emitted a small number of pink and gold sparks, but he paid them no mind. "Nine inches and a half of rosewood, inflexible… And for the core, oh dear…"
"An 'air from ze 'ead of my grandmère. She waz a veela." The news that Fleur was part Veela was no surprise to at least half of the room. The champions had been told at an early meeting so they could weapon themselves against the allure, Madame Maxime knew as Headmistress of Beauxbatons and Dumbledore and professor Snape had a lot of experience with magical beings.
"I myself never use Veela hair as I find it makes rather temperamental wands, but if it suits you …" Long fingers ran down the wand, checking for any bumps, ridges or scratches. Obviously pleased with what was found, Mr Ollivander muttered, "Orchideus" and a bouquet burst from the tip. "Excellent, it works perfectly fine. Mr Diggory, it's your turn."
Fleur sashayed back to her seat, exchanging a smile with Cedric. "Ah! One of mine, isn't it?" Mr Ollivander made it perfectly clear he cared more about the wands he had made himself with the sudden enthusiasm he exuded. "Yes, I remember it very well. The unicorn I got this hair from nearly gutted me when I plucked it from its tail. A very fine specimen indeed." The blushes across the room indicated that not only the unicorn was considered as such. "Twelve and a quarter inches…ash… rather springy. Judging by its fine condition you treat it well."
"Yes sir. I polish it every evening." Cedric grinned, completely oblivious to the coughs around the room.
With a stream of silver smoke, Mr Ollivander declared himself pleased and called Viktor forward. The Bulgarian nearly waddled towards the centre of the room, so strange was his gate when on the ground. His public scowl was firmly in place, as he trust he wand in to the hands of the wand maker.
"Ah, a creation of Gregorovitch, unless I'm utterly mistaken. He was quite a wand maker, though I've always found his styling less sophisticated than what I prefer." A meticulous inspection followed. "Hornbeam and dragon heartstring…rather thick and rigid… ten and a quarter inches. Avis!" With the discharge of a gun a flock of birds was produced and waved through the opened window.
"Now Mr Potter." Taking a calming breath, he really didn't like the many stares; Harry got up and cautiously handed over his beloved wand, not liking the gleam that lit up Mr Ollivander's eyes. "Yes, yes, yes. I remember it like it happened yesterday that you came in to buy this wand. You were a rather tricky customer, but we found your match eventually. Holly, eleven inches, nice and supple and a phoenix feather." A much longer time was spent on his wand, which Mr Ollivander handled like a beloved child. At last he made a fountain of wine and announced its perfect condition.
"Thank you for your attendance. You may return to your lessons now; though perhaps it would be more efficient to go to the Great Hall straight away, as dinner will be soon."
The balding man jumped up and Ludo Bagman raised his voice enthusiastically. "You forget the photos Dumbledore. What do you think Rita, judges and champions together?"
"Yes let's do those first and then perhaps individual shots." Her eyes lingered on Harry, but she soon looked away with a nervous glance to Severus' corner.
In Harry's opinion the photographer took way too long with positioning everyone to his liking. Madame Maxine had to sit down if she wanted her head on the photo because the room was too small to get a good picture if she used her full length. Privately Harry thought that they would get better pictures outside with Hogwarts as background, but wizards weren't exactly known for their common sense. Karkaroff tried to push Viktor up front constantly all the while adjusting his ridiculous goatee. It had been only last week that Viktor had dared to admit that he disliked attention when of a Quidditch field and so it was understandable that he preferred to skulk in the background.
The photographer had been caught in Fleur's allure and insisted on putting her up front. This clashed with Rita's intensions as she kept dragging Harry next to Fleur. "Bozo this two offset each others looks perfectly. You can't deny that our youngest champion is a beauty so stop sulking and start shooting!" Afterwards she insisted on pictures of the champions together (Fleur in a chair with Harry on her lap and flanked by the two boys), each champion with their Headmaster/-mistress and individual pictures of the champions.
When they were finally let go, Rita approached professor Snape and after a short conversation walked out with a pleased look on her face. Knowing Rita's reputation and the likelihood of her appearance at Hogwarts Harry and Severus had discussed the option of a private interview. This way Rita would be satisfied with bragging rights and thus more likely to write a flattering article. She would come tomorrow afternoon for lunch and the interview in Severus' quarters and probably more pictures later.
Outside they were met with Remus, who looked a bit restless but far healthier than Harry had expected seeing as the full moon had been last night. "Hello Remus! Why are you here? Did you get the news to Snuffles? You look really well." Harry stopped his rambling with a blush. He was just so happy and very curious to see his old professor and honorary godfather her a Hogwarts. Remus smiled at him and ruffled his long hair. Indeed Harry looked a great deal more like his mother now, though he frowned at his shortness. Lily had been 5'5" at Harry's age and James 5'7", while Harry only reached 4'10". He began to get an inkling of what exactly Petunia had been found guilty of.
"Hello Harry. It's lovely to see you too. Yes, Snuffles was informed of the recent events, but he needed a bit of time to come to terms with it. I've no doubt he'll come around soon enough, though I've advised him to stay at home a little while longer." He made a cordial bow towards Severus. "Professor Snape. I've already offered my apologies and compensations for my sickening behaviour in school, but I would like to do so again. There are no excuses for what I caused by my silence, even if I didn't join in. My inactions just were as harmful as the actions of others. Please allow my to convey my most genuine apologies and my deep regret for what has happened."
Harry looked at Severus and saw how much this meant to the man he was beginning to see as father. No one had ever offered so much as an apology. Dumbledore had waived off the bullying as pranks of children and the marauders just continued. To have one of them admitting their faults was a balm for his soul.
"Perhaps we might continue this conversation in private. I'm sure you don't want to air all our dirty laundry in front of strangers and there is a lot that needs to be discussed." The reply was rather stiff, discomfiture preventing his usual eloquence. Nevertheless Severus relaxed his posture slightly and warmed his eyes. Upon Lupin's affirmation he led the way to the dungeon, leaving behind curious visitors and a beaming Dumbledore.
Dinner was a quiet affair, all enjoying the excellent meal in silence. When he could get away with it, Severus preferred to have a special dinner course in his rooms. He disliked the opulence of what was served in the Great Hall, having a more simple though refined taste. When dessert (a fluffy apple cake) was demolished, they moved to the sitting room. The adults settled with a glass Firewhiskey, while Harry got hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Remus began with telling Harry about his talk with Sirius. "He didn't take it well, Harry, just like you feared. Azkaban did him no favours, nor did his shrew of a mother. Still I felt like his dislike of you, Severus, was too strong for a mere childhood rival. He might have been projecting all his frustration and anger for everything slytherin on you, but even reason that doesn't feel right. I do believe his mind healer will get him through this, but it will take time."
"It's all right Remus. I expected this outcome and while it does hurt, at least I have still hope for a better relationship in the future."
"Now Mr Lupin, about your reparations." Remus nodded. He didn't fear that Severus would ask anything outrageous. The man only held a grudge when he had cause for it. Change the circumstances and he softened nearly instantly.
"In order to adopt Harry I had to take on the lordship of the Prince family, inherited through my mother, and I find the accounts of both the House of Prince and Potter in terrible disarray. I remember that you had quite a head for numbers and would therefore like to employ you as steward to both Houses. You'll get a decent pay, lodgings in a house on the Prince estate and a monthly supply of Wolfsbane. If you accept, we will have the goblins draw up a contract tomorrow."
Remus gaped. This was a reward, not punishment! He would have a steady income, a home and ample opportunity to see Harry. Even if the affairs of both Houses were in utter shambles he would have no trouble putting them right again. He had always had a knack for organization. "It's too much…you can't be serious…"
"I assure you I am. I have no need for extreme vengeance, your apology sufficed. Besides I need someone trustworthy in charge of the estates. You are, in spite of your affliction, and I despise that people are discriminated against for reasons beyond their influence." He held up a hand to stop the stream of thanking that came out of Remus' mouth. "I'm only doing what is right, no more."
"There is one thing you should know about my condition. It has changed since we last met. After I got Harry's letter, the wolf was furious about the threat to its cub's life and wanted to break free of my hold. We battled for dominance that night and in the end somehow accepted each other. We… merged, for lack of a better word. My last transformation was painless and quick, as what I imaging an animagus would go through. My thoughts were decidedly more animalistic, but no longer hostile and violent. I didn't crave human flesh anymore."
Harry hugged him happily and Severus looked impressed and curious. "I'm so happy for you Moony! I know how you hated your furry little problem. Can I tell Ron and Hermione? They'll be over the moon as well, though Hermione will want to examine every last bit about it. Better stay out of her way for while, I guess. I don't think she'll write you, unless she makes me write that is."
Voldemort raged inside at the humiliation of been fed by Wormtail of all people. He knew this homunculus was a necessity, for he couldn't continue to possess animals, but he found it utterly degrading. How he loathed the fact that he needed Barty at Hogwarts. Soon he found the craze consuming him and he revelled in the strong feelings.
Unexpectedly a wave of calming and soothing emotions washed over him, quelling a bit of his destructive mood. He frowned; feeling emotions not his own wasn't normal by any standards, so he sought the origin of the calm. Already he was thinking sharper and he curled his conscious inwards, to his soul. He was flabbergasted to find a piece of it stretching outwards, forming a link to somewhere and allowing the foreign emotions to enter. He followed the long, dark tether, not liking the nearly broken part in the middle, but not acknowledging its implications.
He did not expect to find his soul having anchored itself into another's. The pure golden was stunning in its innocence and goodness. Even Lord Voldemort, twisted and broken as he was, could not allow anything to mar this beauty. So he pulled on his soul, calling it to him and nearly doubled over when another piece reacted and fit itself into its old place. The memories it carried were like a sledgehammer, leaving only deep regret at his foolishness in their wake.
Using that regret as a focus he felt four other pieces answering his call and coming to him after a few moments. The piece attached to the golden soul refused his call and tried to escape his grip. Nearly whole again Lord Voldemort used all his strength to pull and the other soul reacted by wriggling and pushing, actively trying to free itself.
At the same time, miles away from the manor in Little Hangleton, Harry thrashed around in his bed. Had it not been for the black sludge oozing from his scar, it would look like he had an ordinary nightmare. Though certainly nightmarish, the situation was far from ordinary. In his dream he had felt Voldemort's rage and wishing for a good night had sent calming thoughts through the link. When Voldemort had started to pull, Harry noticed for the first time the parasite hitching a ride on his soul. Not wanting anything to do with it, he had begun trying to peel it off.
Severus stormed into the room, woken by Harry's whimpers, and Remus followed not long after from the sitting room. The sight of Harry's scar shocked both and Severus summoned a bowl with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Sitting on Harry's bedside he began to wash away the vile secretion. Remus took Harry hand, emitting alpha magic to support his cub. Neither man knew what else they could do and felt utterly helpless.
It could have been seconds or hours, before Harry let out a pained scream, curving his back upwards, and a black smoke came out of his scar. It left only a small white scar behind in the form of a lightning bolt. Had certain people paid more attention, they would have recognized Sowilo, the rune of the sun and vanquisher of evil.
Harry was completely exhausted, but forced his eyes open anyways. He had felt Severus and Remus at his side and knew he owed them an explanation. Sitting up he swallowed the potion Severus offered, feeling better immediately.
"Will you let me explain first, without any interruptions?" The two men nodded and Harry began his tale with a deep breath. "Voldemort was very angry tonight. We have some strange connection through my scar. It hurts when he is nearby or feels very strongly and this summer it allowed me a vision of him." Severus looked even more severe than usual and stopped Remus with a glare when he opened his mouth.
"I really wanted a quiet night so I tried to sent calming waves to him. It worked; only he became curious and discovered that a piece of his … soul, I think, had attached itself to me. He didn't like that and began to pull, but something happened and suddenly he felt more … whole and that happened four more times. In the mean time I tried to get the parasite of me and then he was back again, stronger somehow, and it popped off."
Severus was massaging his temples, obviously understanding more about what had happened. "Did you tell anyone about the vision, Harry?"
"I wrote to Sirius, but only that my scar had hurt. I didn't know if it had been a dream or real, so I omitted that bit. He told me to keep my eyes open and go to Dumbledore if it happened again." Harry stared down at his hands, not wanting to see disappointment in Severus' eyes.
With a sigh Severus drew Harry into a hug. "I'm not angry or disappointed. Your actions are understandable in light of your childhood and it would have worried the mutt unduly. Your scar probably won't hurt again and I dare say that the Dark Lord will change his course. From what you told me I gather that he had lost so much of his soul that he wasn't remotely sane anymore."
"It's possible to lose parts of your soul?" Remus was horrified and incredulous. It would explain so much and at the same time nothing at all. He shuddered at the thought of losing his soul, even a small part of it.
"Yes, though it is the darkest of magics and extremely dangerous. To split your soul you need to kill and then ritually put the broken part in a container. I believe that the Dark Lord's soul was already very unstable when he killed your parents, Harry. A part must have attached itself to the only living thing in the room. But that is in the past. Even insane, the Dark Lord was a very intelligent man; he won't make the same mistake again. Now to bed. You need your sleep, you too Remus. Don't worry about the consequences yet."
Hope you like my take on a sane Voldemort and Remus' furry little problem.
(Please review, it gives me inspiration and quicker updates.)