Lightning Lord
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A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: This story is AU: the diary was the only horcrux in play. It brought back a young, confused Tom Riddle. For a minute.
The young Moldy might have been powerful, but the young mage had struck true.
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Harry finally gets his apprenticeship, only to find out that the instruction he was looking for has been done by Professor Alan Turing and the other staff at Wimborne.
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Chapter 11 The Importance of Family
Pierre escorted Harry to a room in Yoshi's house where the ministry people were supposed to be gathering. He was sitting at a table when a group of older Japanese wizards rushed in. Harry stood and bowed. A packet was tossed at him, rather precipitously.
Harry couldn't believe the drafts he received. "This is more than contracted, honorable delegates. I do not wish to appear greedy."
Now, Harry pulled Pierre in to be a part of this. He didn't want to cause international embarrassment for his teacher, his family or himself.
He had not been introduced to the Minister for Magic of Japan yet, but the pudgy older wizard clearly wanted Harry gone from their lovely shores.
At least the exchequer spoke kindly, "Normally, the carcasses of such beasts are lost. A shame as they make wonderful coats, boots, and belts. You understand. We have saved out some of the leathers of each for you to take home, but the rest of the drafts are for the value of the meats and the remaining skins."
Pierre whispered in his ear, so Harry just bowed, "Thank you, good sirs. I will send suitable gifts for your orphans, and for your Emperor. Perhaps, someone could advise me? Send me a letter?"
"Most wise, young mage. Your help has been noted and appreciated." The Minister affirmed quickly. "Good travels."
To Harry's eye, the man seemed tense and anxious to get away from the foreigners.
Harry bowed and turned to go. They made it to the gardens on the way to the portkey point but he was stopped by one of the Japanese guards that Yoshi had arranged for him. He was cautiously pointing.
In broken English, the man commanded, "Emperor here! Please, make bow. Nice bow."
Harry turned, and with everyone else, he made his nice bow. He straightened to see the Minister of Magic whapped across the face.
"Ooo, someone's angry." Harry whispered as the Emperor yelled in his native tongue. Sounded like BloodRage's mate when he did something stupid. Again.
It was too rapid for Harry's limited skills to follow.
"Yep. Apparently, someone told him to wait for him. Let's say your Queen told your minister to wait for her, and he didn't." Pierre shared.
Harry nodded, "Nothing would happen. She's a muggle, he'd laugh at her. But I see your point."
Pierre put a finger to his lips, "I'll explain more later."
The surprisingly young man beckoned Harry forward. His guards went with them, and they all bowed together.
The emperor's English was good, "Ten days ago, two utterly stupid and vile wizards tried to summon a kappa, a water demon. Such dark magic. Utterly vile. I don't know what they wanted it for, and I don't care. They've been executed for such treason against our people.
"Instead, they brought forth a mated pair of dragons! Demon dragons! I worried the death toll would be in the hundreds of thousands before we figured out how to destroy them.
"One hundred and twenty five people were lost in the first attack, the mundane ferry. The difference: Hundreds of thousands of souls or more are here because of you, Magus Potter. I thank you."
The Emperor then bowed to Harry; everyone else there went to their knees with Pierre mimicking a shallow bow back, before taking a knee, which Harry copied.
Then everyone was upright, but the moment for the young man had been intense.
"There may be times in the future that your help is again required. Please know that you do not need worry about lodgings whenever you are in Japan. A house will be provided for you in my compound. My guards will attend you. Why? Because you attended to Japan! Not for promises of gold, but because you could.
"This piece of filth will have to report to his people that he dishonored me. ME! I am Emperor here, not him. I will honor who I will." He turned to the man now prostrate. "Have you ever killed a demon? No! Have you ever saved even one person? How many, tell me!"
"None sire. I admit my guilt. I was jealous of his power. I am nothing, a weak wizard unable to conjure tea. He can float dragons." The minister shared in terror.
"You will apologize to him later." The Emperor dismissed him, and drew Harry closer. "Please don't let his attitude harden your heart to our future pleas for help. I care about my people, whether magical or not."
Harry averred. "I hear the cries of the mothers who lost children on the ferry that day. Their cries will bring swiftness to my response to any plea for help from you. This I do swear, sire."
"I name you friend, honorable friend. Now, you look tired, young man. I have a scroll for you to take to that miserable man's magical ministry. If you are ever in need of help, you can call upon me personally, and upon the Ministry for Magics in this country. This I swear."
Harry bowed again, very unsure of what was going on. But also very sure that maybe this time, it might reach the papers. He hoped not, but what could he say?
Pierre motioned for him to halt when he made a false step towards the portkey point. The Emperor took his leave with everyone bowing again. Then, they could leave.
The guard that had helped him before bowed deeply, "Oh, great magus. I thought you assistant to professor. Forgive please!"
Harry laughed and looked at a blitzed-looking Yoshi. "That's okay sir. I kinda thought the same until about five minutes ago."
Pierre translated, and the guard slapped Harry on the back.
When Pierre and his friends returned to Fleur's house, they were very surprised to find impressive tips, and in addition to the gold Pierre was given a it of the Mazuchi skin to use as he would.
**OO**
Harry had the approval of Tonks for the upcoming action, even if she had never interfered with his investments. He refused to use the gold he'd earned in Japan as he had a special use for those drafts.
Instead, he brought the specialized trap with him and the draft. Professor Turing was just finishing class, and Harry waited for the questions to wrap up.
"How was your trip to Japan?" The kind man asked, concern showing on his face, "Is Professor Dairoku going to take you as a student?"
"No." Harry was looking down, trying to act sad, but hiding his laughter.
"Now, now. No pranks at this school, remember?" Alan prompted, feeling his smile.
Harry plopped down the draft, "He granted me my mastery. I'm all registered at the ICW. Everything you've been teaching me over the last few years? He had nothing more to share. Oh, and I brought you a little gift."
Turing would argue with the lad's guardians about the gold, but was curious about the gift. It looked like the trap Harry had developed for the dementors. Something new?
"This is for your computer. It traps software bugs." Harry turned it over.
"Ha! If only such were possible." The professor laughed. It was a used trap that had been turned into a pencil and pen holder. Very clever.
"One day, one day." Harry shook his hand, then offered a hug. "Thank you. I know you would have taken me in if I had no one else, and you have been a wonderful mentor. Thank you."
The man nodded, unable to speak. The little trap on his desk was a symbol for him for the rest of his life of his part in Harry's life.
**OO**
Luna twirled around, enjoying the sparkle of her new boots. Tonks loved her new dragon attire. Harry had given all his ladies boots, vests and matching handbags.
Luna also liked the seashell and had said so many times. Harry came in from the garden. There were some things he just had to talk to Padfoot about, and this was one of them.
"So, Advanced studies and monster hunting?" Hermione asked. "While Luna and I complete our masteries?"
"Yes. I have consulted with Sirius, Remus and Tonks." Harry gave Remus the hairy eyeball. Padfoot and Tonks were both married. He thought the old wolf might be playing little red riding hood with someone, but no one had caught her yet.
"Harry, concentrate." Luna stamped her foot, again admiring the sparkle. The fairies were going to be so jealous!
"I love you both. I want to marry you both. Mr and Mrs Granger are not happy with the thought of a trio, but have given me permission to ask. They feel that a loving home is most important. And they know you have been loved here.
"Luna, I asked your father. I interpreted his answer as yes. We all have our issues. I do hope that you will accept me as your husband. Hermione, please accept me as your husband?"
Harry was engulfed in a three way hug, and kisses were shared by all. He then turned to his non-standard family. His godfather, whom Dumbledore had kept from him, and vice versa. His real uncle who he'd never even had a harsh word much less a blow from. And the mother of his heart, a woman who meant so much to him.
"But however will you provide for my little girl?" Emma teased, appearing from beneath Harry's cloak with her husband.
The magus walked over to the desk, and handed them the uncashed drafts from Japan. "This was just my first job. Pierre assures me they took advantage of my youth and inexperience. Yoshi works twice a month unless something really awful happens, and makes about three times that. You should see his house. It's a miniature palace, all white and curved roofs. The blooming cherry trees were lovely."
Dan looked at the figures, and did the conversion to pounds. "So, what castle are you going to buy?"
"I'm not moving. This estate is huge. We've got wings we haven't used yet since Tonks married and moved out. I guess the girls could claim one each if we ever fight, huh? But let me explain why I want to stay: I love this family, and want to stay here."
Harry brought out a huge tray of rings. The girls started looking through them, Harry was impressed: Neither one wanted anything flashy at all. Some of the rings were truly awful. "We could always repurpose a ring." Harry offered.
Sirius then suggested using some of the Black family rings. "Hermione? Will you take the surname of Black when you marry? Please?"
Luna looked at him, "Both Hermione and I want children. I think we should give two boys each to each house. Of course, we can have a few girls to marry young men like the Weasleys who have more than enough of them. Then we'll have lots of family! Lots of love."
Hermione added,"Especially with Percy's and Tonks' share. She wants children one day."
Luna continued, "Why, there might be more than one Black and Potter in Hogwarts at the same time."
"Hogwarts? Hogwash! My children aren't going there." Harry stated emphatically.
Luna waggled her finger, "Not all of our children will want to go so non-magical my love. Think about it. How have you been treated lately?"
"Other than the Minister of Magic for Japan? The only person who truly disrespected me hasn't been seen for years. I don't know if Albus is dead or not. If he does show up again, watch out! I've got my aim down now.
"As long as he stays away from Hogwarts, I guess I'm okay with our family going there one day. Either of you, or both of you might want to teach there. I don't know. As for me?
"As far as I'm concerned, I can be Clark Kent, computer wizard during the day. And Lightning Lord, hero for hire from time to time. When people mess up dark rituals. Or do them right, even."
"Clark Kent? You want to change your name?" Moody asked, "Sorry I'm late. I was held up 'cause there was some dark magic coming from old Nott Manor. Theodore asked for help. Really dark magic. He wants to just level the place."
"Oh, please? Can I Sirius? Please? Please?" Harry lost ten years right there in front of everyone.
Moony said nothing, and neither did Tonks.
"Well, have the elves move everything remotely valuable like they did when cleaning out the Malfoy house. If it's just too dark to rescue, Harry gets to play." Padfoot shared.
Everything valuable had been stripped from Grimmauld. They were waiting to decide whether to sell it or not. With a new crop of children for them all, someone might want it. The elves had renovated it a bit, but it still had too many demons for both Harry and Sirius. They didn't want it.
Remus laughed when it was offered to him.
**OO**
"Master Harry going to make old nasty Nott Manor go BOOM?" Dobby asked.
Harry and Tonks were back from their weekend trip with Percy to the ICW. They had great fun, and Percy and Tonks had been introduced on the international stage.
"Yes. If you're sure nothing is left there. Then we summon a bunch of new dirt. Oh, We'll need Neville and Sally-Anne for that. And do a ritual of Peace, blessing. And what's that witches' one?"
"Harry Potter! Do we go around slaying dragons? No, we don't. So, let us do the witches' magic. You go destroy a manor house, despite it being on the historical registry." Luna commanded.
Harry looked sheepish and nodded, "When's the next thunderstorm in the area, Luna? I don't want anyone looking too hard."
**OO**
The new Minister for Magic for Japan sent Harry a lovely gift. It was a decorative cherry tree. Harry called upon Neville to get it planted in the right spot, and hired him to care for it.
He was also sent a letter from the former Minister. Apparently, a distant relative of his wanted the same kind of political power, and sought it in strange ways and wanted a kappa for it. Some kind of odd ritual. Well, he'd heard of plenty of dark rituals before now.
That was why the former minister wanted to sweep everything out of sight as quickly as possible. Well, six months later, and not a peep in the Daily Prophet.
Yoshi was sure that he had nothing more to teach him, but Harry was sure that each new monster would bring its own challenges. And they willingly taught each other.
His professor was back in Japan; Harry's little island now had drinking water, which it lacked before. Better, the water magus had taught Harry how to do that on his own.
Remus wound up making it another werewolf refuge complete with the beginnings of an acromantula farm. The spiders had been multiplying and nearly overrunning the previous island. Harry donated a portion of his profits from his adventures to it to get it started. Other worthy causes were supported with his bounties all of the rest of his life.
From time to time, he would question Moody. He had placed some of the initial Death Eater cubes into Azkaban. Harry suspected that Dumbledore was in one. He had vague dreams about a screaming man, picking up the best parts of stew off the walls and floors, shouting at something for his bad actions.
Was Dumbledore dead yet? Headmistress McGonagall would say no every anxious letter. His portrait, however dishonored, had not appeared.
(Unbeknownst to Minerva, Albie was really wishing he hadn't tried to shut Peeves into the pranking chest. He really, really wished he hadn't done that as now there were two poltergeists who channeled their inner Fred and George.)
Aberforth had cleaned out the cottage he'd rented to his brother, and found a small fortune in coins and a trunk of personal possessions. Yuck! At that point, it had been over a year since he'd been seen. He bundled up everything and took it to Commander Montgomery.
"I don't care if ye buy a cannon or biscuits. I don't want the gold or his things. He's evil I tell ye, evil!"
The commander was smart. On the fifty-fifth anniversary of the defeat of Grindelwald, the Black Watch had an auction of 'Antiquities related to the war.'
The Watch was able to buy new rifles (with Dan Granger's advice and help), and not one, but three additional cannons. Only one of which shot water, but it was still a serious weapon.
**OO**
Years later…
"Harry?"
"Up here, Hermione." He responded. He'd just put the cradle away in the attic. Their youngest was starting school at Hogwarts of all places, and Harry was feeling a bit lost.
"Did you see how excited Jamie was to get his letter? He wanted to go. Wanted to add his name to his grandfather's trophies. Do you know that there is a part of me that is jealous that I could have had that?" Harry shared.
Hermione kissed his forehead, "Oh love! Jamie has grown up with five grandparents, eight siblings, and cousins from Neville and Sally-Anne, and Baljeet and Padma."
"Not to mention Justin and Lisa. At least her mother took their marriage well." Harry shared.
"Of course she did! There were royals invited to their wedding. Can I tell you how happy I am that we eloped." Hermione kissed him lightly, moving a rocking horse out of the way to sit on a trunk.
"You have expressed that opinion a time or two. Are you still happy, my beloved wife?" Harry asked sincerely.
"I am. I can do pretty much anything I want. I'm going to work on transfiguration next, I think. When McGonagall stepped down to just teach the older students, part of me wanted to apply that day. But she's going to really retire this year."
"I can't imagine why. Padfoot's youngest, Romulus, and Fred and Angelina's eldest twins are triplets from different mothers. That makes eight Weasleys, four Potters and six Blacks in the school all at the same time. And all with first generation Marauder influence."
Hermione chuckled. No wonder the woman was ready to call it quits!
"May I come in?" Luna called up.
"Of course, darling. Please. We're looking at the end of an era. Come and grieve with me for a moment. I promise, it won't be too long." Harry invited.
Luna saw Snorky and pulled it in for a hug. This had been Jamie's favorite, until he outgrew it.
"Percy and Tonks' eldest will be in their third year. Very close in age to Romulus. Oh!" Luna saw where Harry was looking.
All of their children were in Hogwarts or Wimborne now.
Molly had plenty of her own grandchildren, but did seem intent on including Harry as a 'favored son' category. Years before, when they first married, Percy had asked permission of his wife, who agreed quickly, to have her sent to a specialized mental treatment in Egypt for a month. Tonks had happily shared her vault with him, and this was for a good cause. Ginny went too. It was expensive, but did seem to help. But they would still get the oddest notes. Molly wanted Harry in her life.
"And if I didn't have Tonks, Sirius and Remus, it would have been different. You don't think Mrs Weasley plotted with Dumbledore, do you? Her affection seems real if misplaced." Harry pondered, "She does seem to harp at times about forgetting Mother's day and such. Like she was the only mother figure in my life. I get it that she didn't publicly see all that Tonks had done for me. But growing up? I don't remember seeing her at all."
Druella, his secretary since he was eleven, claimed to never have seen jumpers or sweets from the lady. It was…odd.
Luna, who knew the Weasleys growing up and had more than once been rescued by a Molly meal, shook her head.
Hermione agreed, "Deluded a bit perhaps, but she is loving and kind to her grandchildren and our own. I really don't think so. Let's talk of happier things."
Luna hugged the stuffie snorkack again then cuddled it. "I think I want another baby."
Hermione was the one to stamp her foot. "This is not a competition! I didn't mean to have the last one. I thought I'd taken my potion. I swear on my magic!"
"I know, I know. But I want another baby!" Luna shared.
Harry got out the cot and the rocking horse. "I'll put these in the nursery. Grab the snorkack, oh, Luna has it. Thank you."
"Wait, don't I get a vote?" Hermione asked.
"Of course you do, Hermione. And I love that you voted yes with me. If the baby disturbs you, we could move to the West Wing."
The less bushy-haired witch was confused, "Harry?"
"Hermione, I have denied neither of you anything. I have so little to truly give that is my own. To share the gift of life, when that is what I am doing with my work? This is sacred! We have help with the children, resources. No one is asking you to sacrifice anything. Why are you against it?"
Hermione looked down. "Because if she has one, I'm going to want one too."
Luna laughed, "Was that so hard to admit? Of course we shall have children together."
"And they will all be loved." Harry promised.
Hermione burst into laughter, "Of that, I have no doubt."
**OO**
And they all lived happily ever after. Well, except for Dumbledore who died with Achy Breaky Heart and other songs like it playing on repeat, pink slime in his hair, ducking away from Thing 1 and Thing 2 having prank wars, befouled stew uneaten in his bowl, and hearing about the Goblin Rebellion of 1752 and the impact it had on the wizarding milling industry.
Fin
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*Quote from JKR
A/N: Story recommendation by us: "How?" by Lab12 /s/14258954/1/How
Harry asks one simple question at his disciplinary hearing in front of the whole Wizengamot. Things take a turn because of that. Manipulative Dumbledore.
Please, review kindly: English is not their 1st language.
Thanks to SonataWriter for introducing us to this author; we're really enjoying his/her works.
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Cast of Characters
Spurnik - Potter Account Manager
BloodRage - guard, son-in-law to Spurnik
Goldrub - Black Account Manager
Healer Brightblade - goblin healer, mate to Goldrub
Baljeet Pancholy - new friend at Winborne
Professor Yoshi Dairoku - Water mage
Adam Samuels - Prefect
Roger Turpin - Lisa's dad
Maleficent Selwyn - Lisa's mum
Druella Carmichael - Harry's secretary - daughter of Arabella Figg
Sally Fortescue - Prefect, adopted by Florean
Duchess Lovelace, Headmistress Wimborne
Mercedes Carlton - secretary and personal assistant
Kird, half-goblin, being sponsored by BloodRage and his mate
Edmond Braithewaite, hospital administrator Saint Mungos
Roberta Smith - transfiguration teacher Hogwarts (future)
Angus Moody nephew of Alastor, Head of Gryffindor (future)
Ralph Zane, future apprentice
Saburo Shacklebolt - security, Wimborne
Seanaid MacMurray great gran of Neville
Jeffrey Robbins, werewolf,
Sean O'Neal, auror
**OO**
Baggit - flying lacrosse
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
