If you recognise it… I don't own it.
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"Power Rangers" & "Harry Potter"
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Later, Charlie was presented with the phone, and he quickly dialled the number from memory.
"Hello Mr Granger," Charlie spoke politely, "Its Charlie Weasley. Could I ask you to pass a message onto Hermione, to send to my brother for me?...... Thank you. Do you have a pen and paper?...... 'Dear Bill. Charlie here. I'm okay. Sorry I haven't been in touch, but I met up with a few old friends. We went out for a few drinks. Got locked up. Don't worry. My mate's family bailed us out. All charges were dropped once we sobered up. Anyway, call me. I'm at my mate's house until the lighting stops flashing around my head. The number is 001 237 458 4728. Waiting to hear from you, bro.' …… Yes, it is important…… Probably better if you don't know……… Thank you."
He handed the phone back to Trini, who was half-way though cooking supper.
"A bit cryptic," Trini commented, "I assume that your brother can translate it?"
"We worked the code out about three years ago." Charlie confessed, "Although the reference to Harry, we've been using since we were kids."
"I spotted that one," Jason came in, "Lighting. Not too subtle. Chill mate." Jason noticed Charlie's flinch, "I've been told I'm overprotective. I'm not lashing out anymore. You're safe. If I try to hurt you without cause, Trini'll have my head."
"Sorry." Charlie muttered.
"It should be me apologizing," Jason replied, "Now, when Bill gets here, he'll be rooming with you."
"We don't have the space," Trini admitted, "Normally we would, but in about five weeks, we're being descended on. And we're going to need accommodation for a lot more. The house will be stuffed. It's easier to start sharing rooms now."
"We'll cope." Charlie shrugged, "And what do you mean?"
"Harry's birthday," Jason laughed, "Anyone who can't get a hotel room, gets put up by whoever's got a room free."
"Everyone comes?" Charlie stared.
"We've turned it into the family reunion," Trini smiled, "It's practically compulsory."
"We'll go missing for about three days," Jason declared, "We'll tell you when. For those few days, you'll have to look after yourselves."
"We'll cope." Charlie smiled wanly.
"Get a grip, man!" Jason sighed, "You're safe. The girls have declared you harmless. Therefore woe betide anyone who harms you. And earlier… I just wanted information, Tommy and I have found that the intimidation method works wonders. Even if it does get us hit by our respective partners later."
"We've pulled their teeth," Trini smirked, "They'll only get them back to use on you, if you hurt Harry."
"Thank you." Charlie felt a bit more confident.
"Don't mention it." Trini shrugged, "Now how do you like your steak?"
***
Bill stared at the parchment; he recognised Hermione's neat handwriting. It seemed that Charlie had found it necessary to use the emergency system. They'd set it up as soon as they'd first met Hermione, just in case. Turned out it'd come in handy after all.
"Let's see," Bill muttered, "Old friends… Death Eaters. Drink… a fight. Locked up… captured. Bailed… escaped. Sober… got away clean. Mate… ally. Lighting… Lighting? No. He couldn't. But he wouldn't have said… I'll call him."
It was only a short walk into the village near the Burrow. Going into the payphone, Bill quickly dialled the number, Charlie had included. Both of them had worked out long ago that phoning was probably the safest way to contact each other; after all no self-respecting Pureblood would use a muggle invention.
"Scott house of the insane here," a male voice that was definitely not Charlie answered the phone.
"I'm calling for Charlie?" Bill spoke cautiously.
"You must be Bill," the voice answered, "I'm Jason. I'll just get him."
"Bill?" Charlie spoke after a pause, "You there?"
"Yeah," Bill sighed in relief, "You alright?"
"I'm fine," Charlie laughed, "Barely a scratch on me. I'm alright. Don't worry."
"How'd you escape?" Bill asked, "They didn't just let you go."
"They didn't have much choice," Charlie audibly smiled, "I got busted out. By a group of guys that Harry calls family."
"You found him?" Bill could barely breathe, "You really found him?"
"Yeah," Charlie replied, "I found him. Or rather he found me. Have you told anyone?"
"No," Bill answered, "I haven't. But you're sure it's him?"
"Bill," Charlie sighed, "He doesn't know magic. He didn't go to any magical school."
"What?" Bill gulped, "A squib?"
"No," Charlie was defensive, "He just… never got taught. He's got magic alright. I know he's got it. He got sparks out of my wand. And he's just a kid."
"I know." Bill retorted, "He's the same age as Ron. We knew that."
"No," Charlie breathed, "You don't get. You won't till you see him. He's more of a kid than Ron. And yet he's older than us. It doesn't make sense. But he's a conundrum."
"When I see him?" Bill frowned.
"I need your help." Charlie responded, "I'm going to be teaching him. Can you help me out?"
"Sure thing," Bill nodded, "We playing it close to the chest?"
"Yes," Charlie agreed, "Very close."
"I'll get the twins to provide us with an excuse," Bill declared, "It'll take about three days to organise."
"Round up all textbooks we've got spare," Charlie instructed, "And a few changes of clothes for me."
"Sure thing." Bill chuckled, "How do I find you?"
"London," Charlie read off a piece of paper, "Battersea. Find a place called 'Angels and Apes'. Ask for Rocky or Kat. They'll get you to me."
"Where are you?" Bill pressed, "You sure you're okay?"
"I've had worse from the dragons," Charlie replied, "I've had worse from when the twins discovered they were human bludgers. As for where I am? What you don't know, you can't be made to tell. And don't tell. Please Bill. I owe him a life-debt. And he wants to stay hidden right now."
"Alright." Bill agreed, "I'll be with you in about three days. Any clues about what to expect?"
"Black messy hair," Charlie smiled, "Bright green eyes. And uncannily perceptive."
"I'll see you soon," Bill promised, "Stay safe."
"You too." Charlie responded.
***
"Here?" Bill looked up at the building, "Charlie must have got it wrong." A gym was not what Bill had been expecting. A bar or a hotel had seemed more likely.
Wandering in, Bill found himself surrounded by a variety of differently aged people.
"Excuse me," he grabbed someone who looked like they might be in charge, "I'm here to speak with Rocky and Kat."
"I'll get one of them." The man declared, "Wait here."
"Rocky," Another man walked up to Bill, a smile on his face, dressed in blue and red, "You're Bill?"
"Yes," Bill nodded, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too." Rocky agreed, "You got everything you'll need?"
"Yeah," Bill replied, "I'm a little confused though. 'Angels and Apes'? I was expecting a bar, a club, maybe even a hotel."
"It's an in-joke," Rocky shrugged, "I set this up as a Martial Arts School ages ago. When Kat joined me, she added the Ballet school. The café just appeared. And everything else developed from there. We became the local youth hangout. It's fun."
"Okay," Bill dismissed most of it, "I was told you could get me to Charlie?"
"It's a bit of a trip." Rocky declared, "Grab a drink. I'll get everything sorted. I do need to tell Kat as well."
"So she knows that she's running this place alone?" Bill smiled.
"No," Rocky shook his head, "So that she knows she's only cooking for one tonight. We're married."
"Right!" Bill went slightly into shock, as Rocky walked away. It took Bill a moment to regain control of his mental functions. It was very rare for any married woman in the Wizarding world to continue to work. In fact it was seen as a scandal, as it implied that the family could not survive on the husband alone. Bill always forgot that muggles didn't see it the same way. It always threw him for a loop.
When Rocky returned, Bill was nursing a cup of tea.
"You okay, mate?" Rocky asked.
"I'm not used to this," Bill shrugged, "I'm not…"
"Your world's a little different, huh?" Rocky smiled, "Don't look at me like that. You didn't think Harry would talk to his family? I've known that kid since he was three. He's my brother. And Kat's."
"Merlin!" Bill swore, "This going to be different."
"Tell me about it on the way there." Rocky suggested, "My car's out front. Or rather Kat's is. I usually use the Tube or hitch a lift with her."
"Sounds good." Bill agreed, "I've never been into your world for long. That's more Charlie's gig."
"You've picked up some of the slang though," Rocky smirked, "You'll be a native in no time."
"I don't know," Bill got in the pink car, "I never studied Muggle Studies at school. Though I'm told it's a pack of lies, and hasn't been updated for about two hundred years."
"I've been back further than that," Rocky muttered, nearly inaudibly, "Don't worry. We're used to acclimatizing people. Harry'll have you up to speed in no time."
"He knows nothing of magic?" Bill sighed, "Harry Potter doesn't know magic."
"That's not his name." Rocky stated conversationally.
"But Charlie said…" Bill started.
"He's Harry Oliver Green," Rocky interrupted, "Tommy Oliver's brother. Son of Lily and James Potter. He chose his name. Respect it."
"Why would he choose to give up his name?" Bill frowned, "It's famous."
"He chose his name," Rocky pointed out, "And he has turned it into a name many people recognise and respect. Him and no one else."
"Okay, okay." Bill held his hands up in surrender, "I get the hint."
"Good." Rocky declared, "He doesn't respond to Potter. Now, you got your passport?"
"Just where are we going?" Bill stared.
"America." Rocky smirked.
When they landed Bill was still confused. Rocky was enjoying watching the confusion, and hadn't helped relieve it at all. Looking around Rocky tried to work out how he was going to get into town.
"Rocky!" a voice called out.
"Adam!" Rocky ran over to Adam, "Good to see you. How's everything been?"
"Not much of a change." Adam shrugged, "I'm still housing Bridge. Nice to meet you, I'm Adam. You must be Bill."
"Yeah," Bill nodded, "Nice to meet you. How's Charlie?"
"What's he like?" Rocky came in.
"Didn't you met him?" Adam stared, "You were over here."
"I didn't get a chance," Rocky shrugged, "He was unconscious remember? And the one time I got to see him, I was talking to the kid."
"Why?" Bill paled.
"He upset Tommy," Adam replied, "Don't worry, we had him checked out. And he's fine. A little bruised, but that's what he gets from thinking that Harry would make a good sparing partner for a novice."
"And you let him?" Rocky laughed.
"Nah!" Adam shook his head, "Jason did. Thought it would teach him not to underestimate Green. It worked. He now lets us choose his partners."
"What are you talking about?" Bill asked as he got in the car.
"We're teaching your brother martial arts." Tanya replied from the driver's seat. "I'm Tanya, by the way. Adam's better half."
"Bill." Bill nodded, "You drive?"
"Harry wasn't kidding," Tanya stared, "He said you were Medieval."
"Huh?" Rocky frowned, "Mind running that one past me again, Tanya?"
"Charlie's been giving Harry a few lessons," Tanya shrugged, "Harry managed to get a quick low-down on the attitude in the Wizarding World. He said it was effectively Medieval. Women don't work when married. Women are frailer and should be protected by the men."
"What was Harry's reaction?" Adam hadn't heard this titbit of information.
"I believe it was along the lines of laughing his head off," Tanya grinned broadly, "And then he told Charlie not to go round repeating that idealism. On the basis that he wouldn't last an hour afterwards. He claims that us girls… are more vicious than you boys."
"He's right." Rocky retorted, "I remember when Aisha got mad at me and Adam."
"Yeah," Adam nodded, "Same here. I was sore for a week. Didn't help that she wasn't using us for sparing partners."
"No…" Rocky agreed, "More like punching bags."
"Everyone strapped in?" Tanya queried, "Good. Let's go."
Bill found himself unable to speak for a while, as Tanya deftly controlled the car though traffic at high speeds. Luckily Rocky, Adam and Tanya provided enough conversation that his muteness was ignored.
"Where we heading to?" Rocky finally asked.
"The Dojo." Adam declared, "I thought that Bill might want to check Charlie over ASAP."
"Good call." Rocky noted, "That alright, Bill?"
"That'd be great." Bill smiled weakly, "Thanks."
"The driving unnerving you?" Rocky chuckled, "Took me a while to get used to it."
"You get used to it?" Bill raised one shaking hand, "This is worse than flying a broomstick with two bludgers plus the twins after you. And the broomstick goes faster!"
"I have no idea what that means," Adam laughed, "But don't worry. You do get used to it. With time."
"You actually fly broomsticks?" Tanya asked, "I thought that was a myth."
"It very real," Bill replied, "Charlie's very good. Could have gone professional. I'm high end of average. The twins are devastating. Ron's pretty good, probably better than me. Ginny's alright. She'd be better in a different position, but she's stuck playing Seeker at the moment."
"Okay," Adam sighed, "That went right over my head. Want to explain?"
"It's a sport," Bill snorted realizing his mistake, "Called Quidditch. It's very popular in the Wizarding World. Consists of seven players to a team. Three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper and one Seeker. The basic principle is that there are three hoops at each end of the pitch. Ten points for getting the Quaffle through a hoop, without the Keeper blocking it. That's the job of the Chasers. There are two Bludgers on the pitch, large metal balls that try to hit any player near it. The Beaters use wooden clubs to protect their team-mates, and try to aim the Bludgers at the opposition. The Seeker looks for the Snitch. A small golden ball, that moves erratically around the pitch. Only the Seekers may touch it. Capturing it means one hundred and fifty points, and the end of the game. The game doesn't end until it is caught."
"That's your national sport?" Rocky raised his eyebrows.
"Yeah." Bill nodded, "Americans play Quodpot. I don't know the rules."
"Sounds fun!" Rocky smiled.
"He lost a few brain cells a while back," Adam teased, "Don't worry about it."
"Hey!" Rocky retorted, "Exactly when do you think I lost the brain cells?"
"When you went flying out of the ring during practise," Tanya retorted, "And ended up in hospital."
"I'll concede I might have lost a few there." Rocky sighed, "But not that many!"
"We know." Adam snorted, "But you do set yourself up sometimes."
"We're here!" Tanya stopped the car. "You boys show Bill where to go."
Bill followed Adam and Rocky into the Dojo. He noted the name, the Red Frog, with idle curiosity. Once inside, Rocky and Adam just told Bill which way to go, as they needed to talk with Jason.
Bill wandered around a bit, before he spotted someone who looked like they could help. It was Bridge wandering around in a green short sleeved top, on his way to the changing rooms.
"Hey," Bill called out, "Have you seen my brother, Charlie?"
"I've seen him," Bridge answered, "But where he is right now I couldn't say. He could have gone anywhere since I saw him, which was only a few minutes ago. But a few minutes is plenty of time. He could have been abducted by aliens, pulled into the time stream and lost in time…"
Bill went to grab Bridge's arm, to stop the flow of consciousness. Suddenly Charlie appeared out of no where and tackled him.
"Don't touch him!" Charlie hissed, as Bridge carried on talking, "I'll explain… Just don't touch him."
"What?" Bill stared at his younger brother. Charlie dragged him out the dojo.
"We'll be back!" Charlie yelled at the closing door.
"What's that about?" Bill demanded, pulling himself free. "Why'd you overreact?"
"I don't fully understand," Charlie sighed, "But Bridge is special. I think he's a seer."
"So?" Bill shrugged, "So's Trelawney."
"Not like this," Charlie shook his head, "I think he reads auras and is an empath as well. But it hurts him to touch people with bare flesh. At least I think so. I got pounded by Harry after I brushed against him once. It hurts him. Really bad."
"How?" Bill frowned.
"I don't know," Charlie shrugged, "I think he's a squib… but with benefits. He can't control his powers. Hence why he wears the gloves. Just get used to it. And don't touch him. He can tolerate Harry, and Harry lets him see it coming. And then he doesn't if he can help it."
"So…" Bill muttered, "No touching Bridge."
"Yeah." Charlie nodded, "Come on… Let's get something to eat. I'll fill you in on all the rules. We're sharing a room by the way."
"Fine!" Bill declared, "Not too bad. How's the food?"
"Good!" Charlie nodded, "Really good. Lots of it too. Teaching Harry's alright. He's smart. Did you bring the books?"
"Of course I brought the books." Bill sighed, "Like I'd forget those."
"Great!" Charlie sighed, "We'll sling them at Harry, and see how long it'll take him to devour them."
"Don't tell me he's like Hermione," Bill pleaded, "I like the girl, but she's scary good."
"He's worse," Charlie laughed, "Hermione has to read it. She's book taught. She excels in class, because she's read ahead. Harry's different. He just needs to see it. Cast a spell, and he'll mimic you. It's scary. I've gone through all the first and second year spells already."
"Throwing him the books to slow him down, huh?" Bill snorted, "You must be desperate."
"He learnt Mum's charms." Charlie spoke slowly.
"You taught him them?" Bill stared, "Why?"
"He wanted to see how we cope," Charlie shrugged, "I showed him. And he copied. You'll understand better when you see him in action."
"Where we going?" Bill looked around.
"Ernie's," Charlie declared, "Or rather the Juice Bar. But everyone calls it Ernie's. It's a nice place. Doesn't serve alcohol though."
"We'll cope!" Bill smiled. Although the two of them liked to pretend they worshiped alcohol around their friends they actually rarely ever drank the stuff. They had found, however, that it was a useful way to get information out of people, by being the only sober person at a party. It was also fun watching what everyone else did while drunk, and provided wonderful blackmail material.
***
Harry's first magic lesson with the pair started the next day. During which time he had managed to trawl through the first few books that they had given him.
"Okay," Charlie smiled, "Let's try the Patronus spell."
"That's a bit advanced." Bill pointed out.
"He may need it." Charlie shrugged, "I'm fairly certain there were Dementors at the Death Eater lair."
"Alright then," Bill nodded, "The incantation is 'Expecto Patronus'. You need to think of a happy memory."
"It's a protection against Dementors." Charlie informed Harry, "We covered them yesterday."
"I remember." Harrry was relaxed.
"Don't be surprised if nothing occurs." Bill declared, "Most fully trained wizards and witches can't do this spell. Or they only get a silvery mist. It either means you need more magical power, or that you aren't using a happy enough memory."
"Give it a go." Charlie instructed.
"Expecto Patronus!" Harry declared. From his hand a silvery falcon formed. Larger than a normal falcon, it swooped and dived around the room, leaving silver sparkles in its wake. Its cry brought a laugh to Harry's lips. As it landed on Harry's shoulder, it butted its head against his.
"Excuse us Harry," Bill dragged Charlie out into the hallway, "You didn't tell me!"
"I wanted to see your face," Charlie laughed, "Isn't it great?"
"He's doing it wandless," Bill pointed, "He's doing it wandless. That's not great… that's incredible. Dumbledore can only do the simplest of spells wandless."
"That was my first thought." Charlie smirked, "But he doesn't even think about it."
"Charlie," Bill sighed, "People think of him as the next Merlin… I'm very close to thinking they're right."
"I know they are." Charlie grinned, "Look at him… he's been doing magic for what? Four days?"
"Merlin." Bill breathed, finally realizing the enormity of what was happening, "How?"
"He says its all psychology," Charlie shrugged, "Says we're indoctrinated to be dependent on our wands."
"Huh?" Bill frowned.
"I don't get it either," Charlie retorted, "But it works. Just show him what we can do. He'll pick it up. We can work out what the hell later."
"You guys coming back in?" Harry called out, "I didn't do it wrong did I?"
"Not at all," Charlie laughed, "I just didn't tell Bill that you do stuff wandless."
The lesson continued, Bill would occasionally go into shock, but Charlie would then slap him to get him out of it. It slowly became a joke between Harry and Charlie; they took it in turns to force Bill back into the real world.
"Hey kid," Jason called from the door, when the lesson was nearing its end, "How'd it go?"
"Alright." Harry nodded.
"What's your assessment?" Jason asked from where he was leaning on the doorframe.
"Bill's a Blue, Red mix," Harry fired back, much to Bill's confusion, "Equally balanced too, which is quite rare. I've never seen it before. Even Rocky's more Red than Blue. However he's got a nice veneer of Black… very thin though. An undercoat of Pink… but that's tinged with Red as well."
"Translate for him," Charlie smiled, "He's not getting it… I'm not getting it. You've have got to explain this system to me at some point."
"No. I don't." Harry retorted, "Those who need to know understand. Basically, Bill… You're Protective and Perceptive in equal measure. You have an ability to blend into the background, in that people dismiss you as 'Just Bill'. They think they know you… and so don't look to see if you've got any secrets… because if you did, they think they'd know them. You also care a great deal about some people. And those you care about, you protect with ferocity. You're the strength behind your family. Even if no-one notices. He's also a little too used to things being normal. Not used to big shocks. Needs to get acclimatized to Angel Grove."
"That's… scary." Bill stared.
"I told you he was perceptive." Charlie smirked, "Got me down pat as well."
"How does he…?" Bill gaped.
"We don't quite know." Jason shrugged, "If we wanted more detail, he'd start comparing you to family members. I just know that he's never been wrong. We don't always trust people he trusts. He doesn't always trust those we trust. But he's never labelled someone wrong."
"It's weird that way." Tommy chimed in. "Also means he doesn't trust that many people."
"Mainly just family." Jason smiled, "And a few odd people here and there."
"Hey!" Harry protested, "I like people."
"You may like 'em, kid." Tommy sighed, "But you don't always trust them."
"Trust is meant to be earned." Harry argued.
"But you give it freely," Tommy pointed out, "Only to certain people. Only when you meet them. But you give it. To family you always give your trust."
"Without trust, there cannot be love." Harry fired back.
"Trust has to be earned," Jason retorted, "And should come only after the passage of time."
"Trust is the lubrication that makes it possible for organisations to work." Harry challenged.
"Trust is like a vase," Jason responded, "Once broken, it can be fixed. But it'll never be the same again."
"Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe." Harry smirked.
"Trust no-one, unless you have eaten much salt with them." Jason declared
"One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life." Harry stated.
"Love all," Jason reminded, "Trust a few."
"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." Harry challenged.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much." Jason reminded.
"But you will live in torment if you don't trust enough." Harry pointed out.
"It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it." Jason said.
"Without trust, words become the hollow sound of a wooden gong. With trust, words become life itself." Harry pointed out.
"Those you trust the most can steal the most." Jason reminded.
"Trust everybody." Harry stated.
"But cut the cards." Jason finished the quote.
"I've learned to trust myself, to listen to truth, to not be afraid of it and to not try and hide it." Harry held his head tall and proud.
"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone." Jason smiled.
"But paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy." Harry laughed.
"Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason." Jason reminded.
"Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason." Harry countered.
"Trust that little voice in your head that says 'Wouldn't it be interesting if…'; And then do it." Tommy added.
"I would rather trust a woman's instinct than a man's reason." Harry ended the discussion.
"Nice one." Trini smiled from the doorway.
"What was that about?" Charlie frowned.
"It's a game." Trini shrugged, "They pick a topic. They pick sides. And then they argue their corner, using quotes."
"It's fun to watch." Tommy shrugged, "Better when Harry tries it with some of the family geniuses."
"That lasts for hours." Jason put in, "And gets really obscure."
"Hey!" Harry was indignant, "Just because I've read some of the same books as Billy…"
"Exactly." Tommy shook his head. "Anyway, we're here to inform the kid… you want to go visit the Wizarding World?"
"Yeah." Harry nodded.
"You're going to have to put it to the Tribunal." Jason stated.
"What?" Harry was startled, "Why?"
"Because they want you to die for them." Tommy was blunt.
"We're only trying to protect you." Trini reminded.
"I take offence." Bill frowned, "We don't want him to die."
"No." Jason shrugged, "You don't. Your world… Well, you don't have our sources. Trust me… Someone wants Harry dead for the Light to win."
"Dumbledore." Bill and Charlie chorused.
"We don't trust him," Charlie pointed out, "He doesn't know."
"We'd never let a child fight our battles for us." Bill declared, "He's younger than Ron. And only just older than Ginny."
"Who's Presiding?" Harry cut the argument off.
"I am." Jason stated.
"When?" Harry needed the facts, "And where?"
"Day your party starts," Trini answered, "Ten in the morning. The dojo."
"Well," Harry rubbed his forehead, "I hope you can cope with Zhane… He's not a morning guy."
"Nor is Ethan." Tommy reminded, "I coped. I can cope. Just bring the magic duo, kid. Okay?"
"I'll be there." Harry declared, "Be weird. I've presided over the last two."
"You want to explain?" Bill asked.
"We're petitioning the family," Harry shrugged, "We're asking permission."
When the day came, Harry led Bill and Charlie to the Tribunal. The three walked into the centre of the training hall. Bill and Charlie looked around the room in slight fear. The dojo was packed with people. They mainly sat in small groups of about five or six. However, all the attention was on the three standing in the middle, as if assessing Bill, Charlie and Harry. Harry was relaxed, his head held high as he kept his eyes on the largest group, which Jason and Tommy were part of. They were the only group sitting at a table.
A few of those looking at Harry could see the resemblance between him and Tommy at the same age. Apart from the hair colour and clothing choice, there was very little difference. Harry was about a head shorter, and skinner, but the basic attributes were still there. Combined with Harry's attitude, he was a dead ringer for Tommy, given that the memories were ten years old.
"We convene this Tribunal," Jason spoke solemnly as if he was some kind of judge. "The cause is that these two wizards wish to take Harry Oliver Green into their world. As he is supposed to be their saviour.
"The question is… Should we let them? Why should we? It is their world, not ours. Their problem. Not ours. And even if we were inclined to help, why should we send Harry?
"They say that he is of their world. He is a wizard, as well. His parents were of their world. That Green is part of their culture. However, their world abandoned him. Left him defenceless. It was us, who took him in.
"Everything he is, we made him. That solid steel backbone? We forged it. We attached it. Though our blood and tears we strengthened him. Our life, our love, sustained him. We took a terminally shy, scarily obedient, cowering child, who had learnt that being quiet meant that the hits hurt less. That doing as he was told, meant that he would eat. That asking for help would lead to insults. That believed that the abuse he received was normal. And we created this amazing boy. This amazing person. He would give you the clothes off his back… the food from his mouth. Because he has been there, he knows what it is like to want for everything.
"So tell me… little wizards…" Jason's voice was almost mocking now, and directed at Bill and Charlie, "Why should we let him go to your world; when you never came to help him in his time of need? It was us who took him from abuse. Us who taught him to survive. Us who taught him to live. Us who raised him. Why should we give him to you?"
Bill and Charlie looked at each other in shock and slight fear. They had not realized that Jason was such a powerful speaker.
"We do not ask that you give him to us," Bill stepped forward after taking a deep breath, "We could never ask that. We are Weasleys. To us, family is everything. Deny your family and you are nothing. We would not ask that of anyone. However you must understand our position. We come from a world, where our lives could end at any point. Two words… and we are dead. Every member of our population over the age of eleven walks around with a loaded weapon at all times. What makes it worse, is that a… monster, that is the only way I can describe him, wishes to kill all those who do not follow his beliefs. Once upon a time, Harry defeated him. How, I do not know. But many of our people believe that our only hope is Harry.
"That is not our belief. We have always opposed the fact that a child is expected to protect adults. It is not his duty. It is not his responsibility. However we accept that we are too hide-bound… too old fashioned to protect ourselves. We do not have the innovation, the creative streak that he does. We wish to show him our world. So that he can tell us how to protect ourselves better. We would show him the world anyway. It is his right. On the other hand, we need his help. We need your help. You think more imaginatively than we do. We're stuck. We need to think differently. Only we can't. We're trained to think how our predecessors thought. Even those from a muggle background are trained too firmly to think differently. Our generation of Weasleys are considered radical thinkers. We're considered rebellious. All because we know how to use a phone… how to dress like you… how to fit in at a glance. What the Wizarding world doesn't realize is that we need radical thinkers. We can't and won't make any progress if we don't think radically.
"I know two boys, they're nineteen. They're considered lazy, stupid and frivolous. They get low marks in every exam. And yet… they are the two most innovative thinkers alive in our world. They invent tricks and pranks, which they can use not only for fun, but in fights. And they are put down for it. They are condemned for breaking tradition. We need an outside voice. Someone who won't pull any punches. We only ask for guidance. We would take it from Harry, even if he wasn't the son of Lily and James Potter."
"He gave me hope," Charlie came in, "He showed me that while I may look down on muggles, it is them who have the right to look down on us. You can achieve what we cannot. We wish to learn. With hope and determination, we can succeed. We can change our world. I no longer merely wish to defeat the Dark Lord. I wish to make sure that the next one doesn't last long either. And that means innovation is required. For that, we need to modernise. A swear word in our community. I want to make it a byword."
"We will now hear from the Postulant." Jason declared.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Harry sighed, his eyes closed. Opening them, he turned to look around at them, catching everyone's eyes. "My name is Harry Oliver Green. Tommy Oliver's brother. But you know that. You know who and what I am. I am… your brother. Or in the case of the three adults, I am your nephew. You took me in. You showed me kindness, where before I had not known it. You showed me the strength that comes from inside. You showed me the world, and told me that it was mine to hold and protect. It was I, who first presided over this tribunal, when we first called it. As it was deemed that only I was not significantly biased.
"For nearly fourteen years, I have not tried to learn of my family. For I knew it was impossible. I do not even know the names of those who abandoned me to Tommy's care. I only remember blond hair, and vague shapes. However I do remember the pain. I do remember the insults. I know that they were not my family. Relatives? Possibly. But I will not claim them as such. I know where my heart lies.
"However, only five of you here can fully understand me. Tommy, Cole, Karone, Nick and Trent. Each of you lost your parents, and grew up without them. Of you, Karone and Trent can speak to others about them. I could not. Cole ventured miles to find out about his. Tommy found completion in David. Karone sought revenge for years. Nick travelled in the hope that he would meet them. Me? I never tried.
"And now I have a chance. Do you really think I'm going to turn that down? My one chance to visit my parent's world. To walk where they walked. To see what they saw. I have learnt about how they died. I wish to see how they lived.
"Can you deny me that? Dare you? You all know what I'm capable of. Through the years you have all taught me. I am no expert. But I cope very well. Every one of you knows that I can take you down. One on one." Harry smiled, before continuing.
"They say the lighting marks me. I know that it has done far more than that. I also know that some marks are not physical. And you all have left a mark on me. I have in some small way your collective… stubbornness. I will not back down. I will not move one step back on the path I choose. You know that. All of you do. I take the hits. I ride the hits. I move on. I persevere. I do not complain about what could have been. I do not play the 'what if' game… At least… not normally. Right now, I want to see what my world could have been like. For better or for worse.
"I do not ask to fight for them. I do not ask for a war. I merely wish to spend one month in their world. To see it and learn about it. Would you deny me that? Four weeks. Whether I choose to fight for them can be discussed at a later Tribunal. I may have been Chosen, but I have yet to Choose." Every member of the Tribunal nodded at this, "For I have no opinions yet. I know what it means to fight, as a child, things that adults run away in fear from.
"But I know I have the greatest power of all. I have a family. A family not of superheroes, but of ordinary everyday people. You come from all walks of life. Teacher, sensei, fireman, doctor, lifeguard, musician, student, pilot, and many others. What I am… is a mixture. I wish to learn of what my parents were. To see how much of me came from them, and how much from you.
"They say it takes a village to raise a child. My village ignores boarders, and reaches further than anyone could imagine. I have a village. And you have raised me well. However I desire to learn of the village I was born in.
"Will you deny me?" Harry looked around them all again, "Can you? I only ask for twenty eight days."
Stepping back Harry hung his head slightly. Jason stood up.
"We will discuss this in private." Jason declared. Harry dragged the two Weasleys out of the dojo.
"We might as well go for a walk," Harry shrugged, "They might be some time."
"You're very relaxed about this." Bill looked at him, "Do you know something we don't?"
"I know a lot of things you don't." Harry retorted, "But mainly I know I'm not asking for much. And they understand why I'm asking. The fact that I'm asking, says a lot. There will be conditions. There will be rules. But I can cope with that."
"Nice to know." Charlie smirked, "Good call on the twins by the way, Bill."
"Hey," Bill snorted, "Mum may not admit it. Or even know it. But they're the smartest out of all of us."
"Fred and George, right?" Harry cut in.
"Yeah," Bill nodded, "They have rubbish results for all exams, but then produce a spell that does something not even considered before."
"And then they're called fools," Charlie added, "Or idiots. Or told off for not applying themselves. They're happy, though."
"Young warrior." A voice cut into the conversation. Spinning around the three boys saw an old man standing near them.
"Mr Trueheart," Harry looked at him with delight radiating from him, "It's great to see you."
"It is time, young one," Mr Trueheart spoke carefully, "You are ready."
"Right now?" Harry took a deep breath, "Now now? Or now in the next few days?"
"I would not take you away from your family, Harry." Mr Trueheart smiled, "I will expect you before the sun sets on the day you celebrate your birth."
"Three days from now," Harry nodded, "I'll be there. Should be fun."
"I will see you then." Mr Trueheart walked away.
Charlie and Bill turned to face Harry.
"What was that about?" Bill asked, "Who is he?"
"Where is he?" Charlie had turned to look at Mr Trueheart again, but he had vanished.
"He's called Sam Trueheart," Harry shrugged, "He's from the Reserve. He told me that one day he would send me on a Vision Quest… When I was ready. I guess I am. A little late, I must admit."
"You're still a kid!" Bill pointed out, "How can you consider that late?"
"It is traditional," Harry spoke carefully, "To go on a Vision Quest before puberty."
"Oh!" Bill was shocked.
"But where did he go?" Charlie was still trying to spot the old man.
"Where ever he needs to be." Harry replied, "He's a good friend. And I consider him to be an uncle of sorts. I always go and talk to him when I'm in Angel Grove."
"He's a bit… weird." Bill pointed out.
"Don't you say that about him!" Harry rounded on Bill, fury in his eyes, "He's a wonderful person. He just believes that you should use your brain. So he rarely gives a straight answer and asks rhetorical questions. I wouldn't know half the things I know if it wasn't for him!"
"He reminds me a bit of a guy I met in Romania." Charlie frowned, "He kept on vanishing on me, too. Said he was Rom. But his name was Nicolae. Really weird. But a good guy. Whenever I went into the muggle town, he'd turn up and we'd go for a drink."
"That explains a lot," Bill muttered, "You know more about muggle alcohol than me."
"You'd best write off an extra three days," Harry sighed, "I am so going to hear about this from Dana. I won't be allowed out of bed for a day, at least."
"What is this Vision Quest?" Charlie started to worry.
"I go out into the wilderness," Harry spoke simply, "And wait until I have a vision. I don't take anything with me. Just the clothes on my back."
"Harry!" Bill stared, "You want to do this?"
"You don't get it," Harry shook his head, "It's an honour. I'm not of Mr Trueheart's tribe, but he's adopted me in. And is letting me undergo this. When Tommy did it, he found his brother. Flesh and blood brother. I want to do this."
"And we can't stop him." Charlie realized, "Give in. We'll just stick him with book work until his magic's back up to full strength."
"Hang on." Harry frowned, "It'll affect my magic?"
"We forgot to tell him," Bill smacked his forehead, "Harry your magic is sort of like a living creature, it doesn't want to die. So it'll protect you… well, keep you alive. But it runs low."
"I get it." Harry nodded, "Symbiotic. Okay… I'm still doing it."
"Harry," Charlie looked up, "How did you end up here? I mean with these people."
"It's my earliest memory," Harry smiled, "It's a long story though."
"We've got time." Bill pointed out.
*Flashback*
Tommy looked around; he was back in Rita's Prison Dimension. He shivered slightly. Some the other people attending Power Ranger's Day were in the cell as well. The others would be in similar cells. Some were hammering on the walls. Others were shouting for help. Tommy took a deep breath; he had to put his trust in his friends. Inwardly he wished that he still had his powers, so that he could sort this out, but wishes couldn't do anything.
He spotted a young child, standing alone in the room. Not crying for help, just looking around in fear. His hand clutched tightly around something.
"Hey," Tommy knelt down in front of him, "I'm Tommy."
"Harry." The boy responded.
"How old are you?" Tommy asked gently.
"Three." Harry whispered.
"Where are your parents?"
"Dead."
"Who looks after you then?"
"My aunt and uncle."
"And you can't find them?"
"No."
"Well, I'll look after you. How about a story, while we wait for the Rangers to rescue us?"
"Okay."
Tommy wrapped an arm around Harry gently, unaware of the flinch. Quietly he started to tell a story about the Rangers. It wasn't long before the few other children joined him and listened in.
When they were returned to Angel Grove Park, Tommy found Harry keeping close to him. After the celebration, Tommy spotted Harry walking away with a man, a woman and another boy. Assuming that they were Harry's family, Tommy wasn't going to do anything. Then he found a small toy in his pocket, he hadn't put there. Tommy quickly realized that it must belong to Harry, as no-one else could have put it in there.
Running after the small family, Tommy lost them in the trees. It was only when he heard a slap that he was able to hone in on them. Tommy almost lost it when he saw the scene. The big man, whom he assumed was Harry's uncle, had just slapped him. When the man reached down and pulled Harry to his feet roughly, Tommy started to lose it. Later Tommy would claim that he heard the crack as Harry's wrist shattered and no-one could sway him from that belief. They did believe, however, that he heard Harry whimper in pain.
"Shut up, freak!" the man raised his hand to slap Harry again.
"Leave him alone!" Tommy demanded, charging across the short distance. He quickly broke the grip the man had on Harry, and caught the falling hand. "He's just a child!"
"He's a freak!" the man declared, "And doesn't deserve to live."
"He's a child!" Tommy countered, "And I won't let you hurt him."
"Keep him then!" the woman sniffed, "I never wanted him. So don't send him back to us, when you get fed up with him."
"Leave," Tommy growled, his eyes flashing green. He was willingly channelling every remaining part of Rita's Green Ranger he could though him. "Before I lose my temper."
"You're a freak," the boy blubbered, "Just like him!"
"Get away from my son!" the man demanded.
"Leave," Tommy's voice was more a snarl than anything else, "Now."
The three ran away. Tommy took a deep breath, calming himself, before turning to Harry.
"Hey, kid." Tommy's voice was soft now, "It's alright."
"Don't hurt me." Harry pleaded.
"I could never hurt you," Tommy smiled slightly, "Let's get you to hospital."
"No!" Harry panicked.
"You're hurt." Tommy explained, "They'll make you better. I won't leave you."
"You sent me away." Harry whispered.
"Only because," Tommy replied, "I didn't know what I was sending you back to. I'm not a mind reader. I need people to tell me stuff. But I sent them away. And now I'm going to look after you. I promise. No one will harm you."
Harry stopped trying to get away from Tommy. He was quickly swept up into Tommy's arms, before Tommy started to dash towards the hospital. Once there, Tommy sat through all the tests that the hospital wanted to run on Harry. The doctors and nurses had agreed quite quickly, when they realized that Harry would panic if he couldn't see Tommy. Finally Harry wore himself out and fell asleep, his new green cast around his right wrist.
"How bad is it?" Tommy asked the leading doctor.
"Horrific child abuse," the doctor looked though the door, "I'd say he's been malnourished for about two years. He's also been beaten constantly during that time."
"What'll happen to him?" Tommy pressed.
"Well," the doctor sighed, "We've catalogued everything for the police. But as we don't know who his guardians are, we can't press charges. He'll probably end up in the system."
"What are his chances of being adopted?" Tommy queried.
"Low," the doctor replied candidly having seen this before, "He's not a baby. And he's too shy. Not his fault. Just a fact. Most don't want to be bothered with bringing a child out of themselves."
"Look," Tommy stared at the little boy once again, "I'm adopted myself. If my parents agree, could we foster him? Maybe even adopt him. I said I'd look after him."
"It's worth a try," the doctor shrugged, "I don't want him going into the system either. Give me your parents' number. I'll see if I can pull a few strings."
About an hour later, the doctor nodded at Tommy, letting him know that the paperwork was signed, and everything was practically sorted. Tommy sat next to Harry's bed, waiting for him to wake up.
"Hey kid," Tommy smiled as Harry opened his eyes, "You're alright." Seeing Harry's panicked look, Tommy spoke gently, "You're not going back to them. It's all sorted. You've got a new family."
"Family?" Harry looked heartbreakingly hopeful.
"Yes," Tommy nodded, "Family. My parents are taking you in."
"Safe?" Harry pleaded.
"Don't you worry, kid. I'll look after you."
"Promise?"
"I swear. I won't let anything harm you. You're my little brother now. We're family. And that's what family does."
"Family." Harry smiled slightly. Tommy knew that that smile would keep him warm for many a night.
"Yeah," Tommy grinned, "Family." Leaning down, Tommy kissed Harry's head, "I'm never going to let anyone harm you. I swear. I'll look after you, little green."
*End Flashback*
"After that," Harry shrugged, "I just got used to hanging around with Tommy. Jason and the gang were close friends. They became my babysitters. I got a bit confused, what with Jason always calling Tommy 'bro'. I was only little. I didn't understand. They became my family. When they went on to college, I adjusted. I just couldn't stop. I didn't want to be alone."
"They made sure you never were." Charlie realized, "And you don't want to lose that."
"They promised me I never would." Harry declared, "They protect me…. And I protect them."
"From what?" Bill frowned.
"Shhh!" Harry's eyes sparkled with mischief, "It's a secret."
Harry's phone rang, preventing any further questioning.
"They want us back." Harry glanced at the text-message. "They've decided."
It only took them a few minutes to return to the dojo.
"We have decided to grant your request," Jason declared, "On one condition."
"What's that?" Harry asked calmly.
"That you take two others with you." Tommy smiled.
"Who?" Harry retorted.
"Nick and Madison." Trini announced.
"Why them?" Harry queried.
"They were a couple who corresponded with the necessary criteria." Billy responded.
"Which was?" Harry raised an eyebrow, well used to Billy's occasional lapses into technical terms.
"Used to working together," Kim started to list, "Able to take four weeks off with next to no notice. Able to Morph into their surroundings." Harry nodded, noting the stress.
"That all seems reasonable." Harry agreed, "After that, I guess you drew straws."
"Pretty much." Zack nodded, "The outcome was alright."
"It has also been decided," Adam added, "That Harry goes as Harry Oliver Green."
"Like I was going to go as anyone else!" Harry fired back, "I'm not suicidal!"
"Good to know." Rocky smiled.
"Just one thing," Harry stated, "I've heard that magic and technology apparently doesn't mix… Make it work!" Harry fell on his knees in front of Billy, "Make all of it work! So I can keep in contact."
"I have a compelling suspicion that that is not seriously your primary concern," Billy retorted, "However I will endeavour to locate a resolution for your predicament."
"We'll all help." Justin cut in, "We could do with a challenge, since we got all the old stuff working again."
"Please and thank you!" Harry chirped, rising from the floor.
"Drama queen!" Eric snorted, ruffling Harry's hair.
"King, thank you!" Harry retorted, playfully slapping Eric away from him.
"Nah!" Wes joined in, "Come on, kid. You've been raised by twenty girls."
"And forty guys!" Harry protested.
"You plan weddings." Wes countered.
"You pay me for it." Harry reminded, "It just says that I've got a brain that can organise things."
"You design wedding dresses!" Eric taunted.
"Fine!" Harry sighed, "I'm a little girly. But that's not a bad thing."
"Well said!" Jen gave Harry a hug. "You okay, kid?"
"Nice to see you, Jen." Harry smiled, "I take it your crew couldn't make it?"
"Next year, kid." Jen sighed, "Although Trip finally told me he's petitioning to move back permanently."
"He always said he felt this was his home." Wes grinned, "Be good to have my little brother back."
"Think he'll manage it?" Eric frowned.
"I hope so." Harry announced, "I really hope so."
Bill and Charlie watched the casual interaction that Harry had with his family. About five of the younger people, the ones closest to Harry in age, quickly slipped out.
"You guys entertain yourselves." Rocky suggested, "We're heading to the family reunion."
"Can we still crash at Jason's?" Charlie queried.
"Of course!" Trini laughed, "Here, take my keys. We'll see you in about two days time."
"Actually I won't." Harry put in, "Mr Trueheart says I'm ready. I get to go on the evening of my birthday."
"Oh boy!" Jason muttered, "This is not going to go down well with the Pinks."
"Tommy promised." Harry reminded, before wandering off with Wes, Jen, Eric and Taylor to chat.
Bill and Charlie could tell that Harry was particularly close with the two men, as he was waving his arms wildly in the air with youthful exuberance. There was also a touch of something in the way that he reacted. Charlie realized that although Harry would always claim Tommy as his brother, before anyone else, he had formed an unusually tight bond with the two. Bill noticed that Wes ruffled Harry's hair, and got away with it. Eric quickly copied the action, and Harry ignored it. It seemed that Harry only really protested the action from these two, where others could hear.
"Command Centre?" Wes suggested as they all piled into the Silver Guardian vehicle.
"Yeah," Harry nodded, "We need to get set up."
"We'll swing past Adam's." Eric declared, "You'll need a change of clothes, kid."
"Thanks." Harry laughed.
"Hey!" Jen smiled at him, "We need to look after you. You're a legend."
"And your legends are distorted." Taylor countered, completing the usual declarations.
"I'll say," Eric laughed, "Our little Harry… effectively the patron saint of Power Rangers."
"Held in as high regard as Zordon." Wes joined in.
"Myth and legend." Jen sighed, "Please… it was embarrassing enough when he first turned up. Could you just drop it already?"
"Never." Taylor chuckled, "I just wish I could have seen your faces."
"Trust me," Harry smirked, "They were a picture."
"Grab your stuff." Wes instructed, as he pulled up outside Adam's.
It only took Harry a moment to dash into the house and liberate his kit-bag from the hallway. Then the five drove to the Command Centre. Once there, they removed six sleeping-bags from the back of the car. It didn't take them long to stow the sleeping bags with the others in a storage room, just off the main area of the Command Centre where they met.
They started to set up the room. Harry retrieved a stool, and placed it on the staging area. Meanwhile Wes and Eric set up the lights for the stage. Jen and Taylor opened up the kitchen area, and aired the rooms out quickly, completing the job that others had started earlier in the week.
Over the rest of the day old Ranger teams and associates turned up slowly, apart from the younger members of Mystic Force. As they all met in the main room, they started talking business and pleasure, swapping new and old stories, as they sorted out the mess. Some helped out in the kitchen, others just relaxed (they were banned from cooking… ever).
As the time moved closer to sunset, they started to get tense. They all knew what was going to happen soon.
"They're coming!" Cole declared. Immediately everyone sprung into action. Every non-Ranger, apart from Harry, dived into a hidden room, where they could watch but not be seen. The Rangers hid everything, and took their places on the floor, sitting in complete silence. Harry took his place and the lights were adjusted.
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At Seithr-Kairy's request I'm putting this up. It follows on from the start posted in Chapter 3.
Once again I would like to repeat this is not a 'Super-Harry' story. He simply has learnt over many years how to learn. And unlike the Wizards and Witches of Hogwarts he is not dependent on a wand, because he has not been taught to use one. He isn't indoctrinated to the idea. Yes, it took him longer to originally access his magic without a wand, but he managed it. And only used his magic to copy what he saw other people in his family do.
Review gratefully accepted.