Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion
~~ODD~~
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Thanks to Alix33 for her kind and helpful remarks.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. It is our understanding that it is illegal to sell Harry Potter fanfiction. We own nothing but our castles in the sand.
~~ODD~~
Welcome to the Fireside. Jam will bring snacks and warm beverages for you soon.
~~ODD~~
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: Harry is trying to focus on the things he can control. And look for ways to destroy Dumbledore with the help of his mentors in the Art of War.
Harry is still in training, but he's no longer devoted hours a day to such. Right now, he is still researching ideas. His bonded friend Skippy is also in training. Unlike other targs, his lessons are focused on taking down one particular person.
In the background, Emma is trying and failing to find basilisk venom. A young dark lord of the 1800s who was not a parseltongue tried to raise a basilisk only to have it rise up to kill its would-be controller. Goblins were hired to take it down and the beast was slaughtered. For a very brief time, the goblins had basilisk venom. That tiny reserve is long gone, and despite trying to find more, none is currently available.
Sabrina has found the locations necessary to 'undo' the blood protections on Dumbles and ODD has assembled the necessary coven. Only one site remains hidden but muggle methods might work to find it. Since it's so protected, that effort will wait until closer to next winter's solstice.
The villagers are growing to respect and appreciate their young lord more each day. The young man is hard-working and caring of his people. At school, he shares his personal allowance with the village children and has provided for their education far better than any previous lords. He listens to his elders and doesn't always strive for only his own ideas.
In the background, Thistle was proud of Skippy for trying to take out the vampire with a wand casting at his bonded wizard. But the gobliness is trying to get the cub to focus on the task at hand.
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) will be stepping up their efforts to take down this dark lord.
Arglwydd means Lord in Welsh, it's in the notes below. Ar glue eeth. Thanks to Fenchurch1 who wrote: Arglwydd is pronounced Ar glue eeth with a hard th like in' then'.
Don't be surprised by yet more time skips.
Back to the story.
~~ODD~~
Chapter 26 - Arrivals and Departures
~~ODD~~
March, 1993
Elaina planned to start competing in March and had been in training since shortly after her rescue. Some felt it was too soon after her nearly three years of imprisonment. But to her, what she was doing was therapeutic. She would be wearing special military-grade trackers. And hidden daggers. She recognized the danger involved but refused to isolate herself due to those risks.
After the last ODD meeting, Moody was told to 'share' this bit of news: That Elaina Cordero was living with and under the protection of Lords Potter and Black. Albus likely already knew, but they wanted to see how desperate he was.
Dumbledore waved Moody off, "I have only you to send to America right now. I won't try anything against those Black wards. Or do anything that further raises suspicion of me at the LoMN. Did you know the Serene Speaker asked me for my oath to leave Harry alone? As though I wanted to end him.
"Harry's blood protections will end at his majority and he has no one left to renew them. No. We wait. Then he can face Voldemort and defeat him. It is his destiny!"
Moody knew a bit of the mental arts and understood what Albus was really saying: Harry could either be killed by Moldy, which was one path to victory, or Harry could defeat him, and then Albus would do what? Turn vampire and feed on his blood?
He didn't know and really didn't want to know!
In the meantime, everyone was told to stand down. Moody was confused at the reversal, but it made it safer for Elaina to compete. Not that she had been listening to any of the wizards saying 'no'.
The family was still being very cautious about where they went and had extra security going with them. Wanted or not.
When Elaina showed off her new full-skirted, deep ruby velvet riding habit to the ladies of the House, all of the witches taking eventing lessons said in one voice: 'I've got to get one of those!'
~~ODD~~
During Spring Break
Fiona Elizabeth had been fussy all night and Livy needed a break. And so did her mother, Alice! Lady Longbottom had grown to trust Luna. Allowing both lady and house-elf some needed rest, Luna took over looking after the baby. She refreshed the chilling charms on the teething ring. And started entertaining the young child with a story:
"Once upon a time, there was a very young knight who was faced with the most vexing challenge. How to destroy a terrible dragon! This dragon protected the people from most enemies and had become beloved by many. But they sacrificed the unwanted to this monster, thereby doing two things at once: Removing those seen as lesser AND appeasing the dragon."
The fairies in Luna's hair were entranced by the story. One stepped onto the baby's nose to see better. Little Bets giggled for the first time that day and sneezed. Luna was all too aware of her other audience, trying to stay still. But she sensed Harry nearby.
"All of the greatest knights in the land tried to help the young knight-errant but the secret to the dragon's defeat was kept locked up. Until the key was found, all that the brave people fighting the dragon could do was remove the unwanted.
"Until the key is found, the Chosen one trains and grows; he grows in Faith, Hope and Love. The last is important for in Love is Charity, the love of all mankind."
The fairies all clapped but Harry, done with hanging back on the wall, pondered her words and came over to his Bets. She greedily grabbed his finger to gnaw on for a bit. He cast a cooling charm on his pointer finger and she snatched it back; gumming it happily.
Fiona Elizabeth finally fell into a peaceful slumber with Luna rocking her in her little portable carrier. Harry, still seated next to the baby, got caught in the 'nap field', and fell asleep as well.
~~ODD~~
Friday, June 11th, Salem Elementary
Teddy was excited. It was the last day of school and he was going to be in the end of school play. Harry wasn't supposed to, but timed it so that he could be there to watch Teddy and join with his friends on their last day of school.
Remus and Abigail clapped with pride as did Harry.
When they were leaving, one of the other witches was quietly chastising her child for saying that 'it looked like that lady swallowed a basketball'.
Teddy had stood proudly, ready to defend all comers. "That's my mum and she's beautiful! She's going to have a baby, not a basketball!"
The adults around tried to hide their smiles, but all thought Teddy was the sweetest.
~~ODD~~
After school, same day
Sally-Anne couldn't believe it! She had had to reluctantly decline the original invite to the Malfoy Solstice ball due to having previously committed to a coven activity on that day. So today's return note had her shocked and thrilled: Draco had gotten permission to delay it until August 15th - her new, pretend birthday. Amazing! She could go! She could really go!
She had gone from unwanted and abused to cherished in such a short time! And the date was the anniversary of her legal adoption as Dan and Emma's child. Emma granted permission for her to go. They'd time it if necessary but the girl would get two celebrations this year.
She quickly wrote out a response for the nearly vibrating elf who had been summoned to the kitchen. Dobby had gotten to meet the Great Master Harry Potter Sir while 'Arista' reassured Draco that indeed, she would be very happy to attend his ball.
Sally-Anne hugged herself. Dancing! Real dancing! She darted out of her room looking for a suitable partner (aka 'victim') practice with her.
~~ODD~~
Saturday, June 12th, Black Island
Bill Weasley was having the time of his life. Here he was, working on the ward planning, sipping chilled juice, and overlooking the beauty of the Caribbean sea.
Potter workers, who had drawn lots apparently, were putting up a few tents for the soldiers coming. The house would be hosting the elders of the coven. There was enough room for the entire coven inside the house but some might want to camp just for the fun of it.
Bill was getting paid to do something that he would have gladly volunteered to do.
This Mayan temple was a partial ruin and was only of interest to the magical population. It was already warded against muggles years before, so their government was going to get an upgrade at no cost.
Just a bit of public service, right?
But it was his job to try and ward what the ladies were doing and keep it secret from any other magicals that might want to interrupt.
He took another sip and thanked the house-elf who brought him some snacks.
This place was just lovely. No wonder the villagers competed to work here. Just spending a few off-hours walking on the beach would be a treat for those raised in Wales.
~~ODD~~
June Solstice
A heavily pregnant witch stood as the anchor for this ritual. Here she was, a werewolf, about to lead the lightest ritual she had ever heard of when ready to give birth at any moment.
Proof indeed she was a 'mother'.
They had practiced this ritual before, but this was the day they were doing it for real. Then, in two months' time, they would go to Ireland. Then winter Solstice in Vienna, and immediately, on the same day if possible, Hogwarts.
Hermione looked radiant in her simple white shift, her hair tamed by braids, woven with flowers that were symbolic of purity and youth. Her sister and Susan were similarly arrayed, not knowing their ribbons hid emergency portkeys.
Bathilda, Gran Peascomb, Gran Crouch, Morgana MacMurray, and Griselda Marchbanks wore crimson, a symbol of duty and sacrifice and were the honored elders of this coven.
"Return what has been stolen!" Abigail commanded. She, like the other mothers, wore emerald green, the color of Lily's eyes; It symbolized fertility and fecundity. Carmen and Elaina added their voices to hers. "Let not the blood of the innocent protect the defiler of Magic itself!"
Molly Weasley swept a sage broom over the area that once held that blood, "Cleanse this place of all wickedness."
As the ritual ended, the witches left in single file, crossing the circle in bare feet, and they felt Magic answer their call.
A few local indigenous wizards showed up in curiosity to see a blood ritual performed. They promised not to interfere and seemed disappointed that no one died.
"You English don't know how to do nuthin' right!" One man muttered before leaving with his fellows.
The coven moved off a ways, where the soldiers and their families held watch. They used the portal to return to Black Island.
Harry, allowed at the island for the first time, ran up to Hermione as she exited. She pulled him aside to allow others passage.
"How did it go?" He queried.
"Very well, Harry. Very well. We should call Sabrina and make sure, but I could use a bit of a nap first."
Harry handed her some water as they made their way to the area that had been set up as the last step in the ritual. Anyone could do this but Harry wanted to. One by one as the exhausted witches sat, he washed their bare feet with prepared holy water.
Ambrose had teased Marius a bit about that purchase telling him that putting such in a drink would hurt their friendship. Marius was appalled at that statement: As a healer, he would never do such a thing.
While the coven went into the house to rest, Sirius took this opportunity to take Harry for a turn around the island. It was nice having Dan's group there in case of any unwanted issues. The soldiers were all relaxing and enjoying this part of their remit as much as the Potter villagers were.
~~ODD~~
"Auntie? Are you sad that you couldn't come?" Susan asked once back home. Amelia had been very attentive the last few weeks, trying to make sure to spend time with her niece every day: Coming home in time for dinner, taking her to the village magical theater, and riding hippogriffs together as a pair or with the larger group.
"Yes, I'm very sad, but it's not for the reason you think. I didn't pass the test for being a mother for the ritual. Carmen did, and yet, she has not borne a child of her own body."
Alice had offered to go, but between the two, Carmen was a better choice due to her being blood kin to those sacrificed.
Susan blinked tears. She had felt it at times, but here they were talking about it.
"I never meant…that is… I thought being the generous auntie and you visiting occasionally were enough. I didn't think I wanted the life of a parent," Amelia admitted.
"And then mum and dad were killed, and you got stuck with me," Susan sighed. "Well, you didn't lock me up in a cupboard or beat me or turn me into a house-elf. It could have been worse."
"I never thought of it as 'getting stuck with you', darling! But I should have done better. I tried to do my duty: providing clothing, food, and education; the 'necessities'... I hired Hannah's mother to watch over you instead of choosing a different job or just quitting to do it myself.
"I'm not trying to qualify for any ritual, Susan. I'm just determined to do better, going forward. I'm sorry I was so…selfish. Can you please try to forgive me?"
Susan rushed into the woman's open arms.
In later years, Susan would pinpoint that day as the day she knew she was truly loved and wasn't alone in the world. And the bond that should have been there between them from the beginning was made and strengthened over the years.
~~ODD~~
June 26th
Teddy was with Harry in the nursery for a very special reason; Abigail had gone into labor and was in the hospital. Apparently the youngster now felt it was time to voice his fears to his favorite person outside of his parents.
"Are mum and dad still going to be MY mum and dad? I mean, they are having another boy. Will they still want me? And what about the baby? Will he like me? Do you think he'll want my toys? What if he doesn't want to share my toys and only wants his own? I hope he likes bwushel spouts as much as I do! And what about…"
Harry was not expecting the avalanche of concerns, so just held the boy in his arms for a time.
"I have only known Remus for less than a year but I do know this. He has accepted you as his cub. He would fight to the death to defend you. Your mum too. And she can be pretty scary to others. But you should know that you're loved by everyone here! You are my little brother, Teddy. I love you. Your parents love you. No, you will never be forgotten or given away.
"The nursery already has a HUGE amount of toys. And people will be giving the baby more. And just like Bets, your little brother won't even be able to play with any of your toys for months. Your parents will likely encourage you to share nicely but never, ever would they take your toys away to give them to the baby. Not going to happen.
"Don't worry Teddy, I think you're going to be a terrific big brother!" Harry finished, giving the younger boy another hug.
Remus, having been kicked out of the hospital, stood at the open door of the 'upper' nursery room where the boys were playing.
"I was sent home to calm down and decided to get a snack. Would you two wonderful lads like to join me? Teddy, your mum is going to be fine, but sometimes babies don't come quickly. Are you excited to be a big brother? Don't worry. We don't expect you to change diapers or any of that. Just love him."
"I'm still going to be your son?"
"Forever and always, Teddy. You are mine!" Moony affirmed.
Teddy ran to his father for a warm hug. After a moment, Harry went to join too.
"You are still part of my family too, Harry." Remus shared. "Look at the Weasleys! They have enough love for all of their children. Just as we will continue to love you two and the baby."
Harry's heart warmed. Little did he know that Teddy had voiced some of his own concerns and Moony's words and acceptance had those concerns melting away like ice on a summer's day.
~~ODD~~
June 26th-27th, Mount Sinai Hospital, Birthing Center
Apparently, a few other female werewolves had given birth in the past, so this wasn't historic, but was rare enough that healer-trainees were being brought in now and then to check on her.
She tried, she really did, but she kept growling at the unknown people. This was her cub! Hers! And she'd glady defend it.
Remus had been sent home early in the process and would be allowed back in only if he promised not to pull his wand on the staff. They even provided a lock-box for the other people coming in.
A repentant Remus was allowed back in to hold his wife's hand. Magic was wonderful in dealing with the pain of childbirth but it was still a process.
Then, in the dawn's light of the 27th, Daniel Addams Lupin was born. The newcomer had a full head of reddish brown hair and his eyes were silvery blue. Who knew what they would be in a month or two. There was a bevy of pictures taken and gifts being delivered, when Abi smelled a familiar smell. Someone wasn't who they appeared to be, but she knew she was in no danger.
"May I have a moment alone with this man please? Remus can stay; Everyone else…"
The baby's namesake got people out, but stood quietly at the door. "Who was that, Sirius?" Dan asked.
But no one knew.
Abigail hit a privacy rune.
"Remus, this is my father, Albert. Dad? Please meet my husband and your grandson, Daniel. We're going to call him Dan'l."
"He's beautiful, Abigail. Just beautiful. And you named him after your mother's father." The man bent down to kiss his daughter's cheek and put a finger in the little one's fist.
"Yes, sir. And a mentor we have of the same name. You look well whoever you're being." She stated wryly. Abigail didn't realize just how much she'd missed her dad. She did. And his warmth of spirit more than his physical appearance was very familiar.
"I have missed you, princess. Thank you for letting me come today. I hope this means you have forgiven me." He was allowed to hold the baby for a moment. This could be his chance for redemption if he wanted to be a part of his grandson's life.
Abigail was unwilling to be manipulated into anything she wasn't comfortable saying, "We'll talk about that later. Thank you for the vault for the children. That was very kind."
"Me? I didn't…no, I won't lie. How did you figure it out?" The man asked.
"I'll keep your secrets and my own, Father. You'd best sneak out of here. Your polyjuice is slipping."
Handing the baby back, the man kissed both daughter and baby's forehead, before shaking Remus' hand.
"Thank you. I hope to see you soon." He turned to his daughter, "I do love you, Abigail. I'm so proud, so glad you have this miracle."
"I love you too, Father." Abigail picked up Daniel's hand to wave bye-bye for the first time at the departing guest.
And the man on the top ten 'Most Wanted Wizards' list snuck out of the room; successfully evading detectives, other MFBI agents, and local aurors.
Harry arrived at the hospital with Hermione and they were allowed in next to hold the baby, "Who was that, Abigail?" Harry asked and then turned to the baby, "Welcome, Dan'l. Welcome, welcome straight from heaven."
"Someone who is uncomfortable in crowds, my cub. Nothing to worry about," Abigail answered.
Hermione was next to hold the baby and smiled warmly at their newest family member.
Harry bent over to kiss Abigail's cheek. His…aunt? Adoptive mum? Had just given him another brother, "Good thing we have a second nursery for the babies. Are you going to move into the manor…ugh. Sorry. I did that talking without thinking thing again. Dotty is going to be so happy. She loves babies."
Livy was going to be taking care of Bets. More babies!
There was a knock at the door: There were other people waiting, so Harry and Hermione left, and the next pair was let in.
Today had been a very good day. Time to get back to Teddy. They planned to introduce the brothers later that day after the new mom got some sleep.
~~ODD~~
Sirius took Remus aside a few days later as Remus was heading towards his cottage, "How are you holding up?"
The werewolf looked tired, not surprising with a newborn in the house.
"Dan'l is not a werewolf. I don't know how that happened."
Sirius, one of the people guarding the ritual, hit his head, "Magic, Remus. We knew there was a fifty-fifty chance of the little one being born with it, but his mother participated in a ritual that was all about rejecting dark magic! She did it!"
Moony turned to him, "Do you think? Woah! I think we should let the healers know. Maybe people like Lucius, who do ritual magic, could come up with something in future."
"Very likely. Congratulations, Remus. I mean it. I'm happy for you."
"Thank you, Sirius. I thought I was going to…but he's fine. We are blessed to have Dotty, but he's still waking up a lot."
"You're working too much! Abigail gets six weeks paid. Ach, I'm so stupid! Please, Remus. Take some time off."
"I would go stir-crazy doing nothing for six weeks, but if I could take a nap now and then, that would be great."
"Sold. Maybe doing something else would help with some of my enchanting issues. Just let me know my chores list, sir." Sirius saluted with a wink.
"Goof. I'll continue making the day's assignments. And it's not like I won't be here for an emergency. One thing I have meant to ask Pads, well, I…I never expected to be a father. You know, of my own body. None of us really talked about it in school. Everyone figured James, but none of the rest of us."
"I hear the question. Look, until Dumbledore is in the ground, Carmen wants to wait. I don't blame her. I don't want my future little princess or prince to have a target on her/him from the minute they're born. I go crazy enough about Carmen. Elaina too. My own child? It's bad enough with Harry and you've seen his skill with magic. A helpless baby? No way."
Harry and Teddy came up just then, meeting the adult males at the front door. Teddy had been the picture of cautiousness when holding his little brother for the first time.
"Teddy wanted to check on Master Daniel." Harry shared, not sure whether or not to knock on the door.
Teddy solved the problem by barging in.
With perfect timing, the baby had clearly recently woken, and was being tended to by Dotty. Teddy wanted to help and ran over to get one of the soft baby toys for the little one.
The wizards standing there, nearby, thought it was the sweetest sight ever.
Sirius came over and gave Abigail a peck on the cheek. "If you ever need anything. Anything at all. You just have to ask."
She beamed at him, while the elf handed her the baby. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'm still new at this." She headed into the bedroom.
"She's going to feed Dan'l now and then he'll sleep again." Teddy whispered. "We better leave."
Chuckling softly, the wizards headed out. Harry pointed to a nearby elf cot through the room's open door. "Dotty? Please get some rest. I'll bring over some snacks later. Come on, Teddy. Let's go make something to eat for Abigail and Dotty. What do you think they'd like?"
"Well, mum will want meat I think and Dotty likes ginger biscuits."
"Isn't that an odd coincidence? Ginger biscuits are your favorites too." Harry pointed out.
"Yeah, it's wonderful. So, can we make some? Huh? Huh?" Teddy begged.
"Sure buddy. Let's see if we can use the community kitchen. I love that place."
"Me too!"
~~ODD~~
Saturday, July 24th, Grand Prix
The racing season ended with a stunning first place finish for Alejandro on Fleetwing. Claire didn't qualify for the Grand Prix as she couldn't miss so much school, but Colin had. He got cut off in the last leg and didn't finish. He was more concerned about his mount at the time.
The surprise was Elaina, who in her first round of competition placed third in her class. That was very respectable for someone who had only competed ten times over the season.
Overall they had done very well.
There was a party, and again, shares were passed out after putting aside a good chunk for next year's expenses, which included new habits for the eventers, safety equipment, and more broodmares so the ones in competition didn't have to carry their own babies.
Potter Farms was now on the map, even though the owner seemed rather reclusive.
Most of the family decided to skip going in person this year as last year's afterparty had put a damper on the celebrations. It really was safe-er, but that was the blessing of vigilance.
Harry really would rather stay home and make pottery. The four local races they had that year were plenty for him in terms of crowds, noise, being on guard, and getting bored waiting for the next event.
He'd much rather stay home and throw pots, or fly, or play with Teddy, or…
Harry hit himself on the forehead. Why hadn't he thought of this before! Yes, it was summer break but there were people to save.
~~ODD~~
Harry was very nervous and was twirling his wand like a baton. Spurnik came into the conference room and looked around. "You are alone, Lord Harry?"
The boy sighed, "I didn't mention this idea at home for a couple of reasons, so I kinda snuck out. Sculls is in the lobby. But I promise, we can make money from this and it will help people. And you'll profit!"
"You have not earned wand-rights in Gringotts, Potter! Put it away."
"Yes, sir."
"Now spit it out!"
"Well, I have a way of removing the Dark Mark. You can talk to Healer Brightblade. I'll give her my permission to talk to you, if it's needed." Harry promised.
Spurnik just glared. "You are not a healer."
Brightblade bustled in. Both Spurnik and Harry stood. Harry bowed.
"Thank you for coming. I suspect that you've had the opportunity to go over your research by this time. If you need my permission, please feel free to share it." Harry respectfully requested, his hand gesturing towards his account manager.
Spurnik was getting frustrated, "This boy says that he wants to sell a cure for the Dark Mark. But there isn't one."
"Oh yes there is! And there are many people willing to pay." Turning to the young mage, the healer continued, "You say that your godfather came up with a way of detecting it? Well, well. I think we should start making a list of those who might want a discrete consultation. A bit of aging, a humon-style robe, perhaps a humon healer to consult…"
"You are both insane!" Spurnik shouted, then realized what he'd said. He immediately bowed and begged forgiveness.
Harry folded his arms, "You insulted his mate. Perhaps I should be speaking with Goldrub. Yes. I am Heir Black, I will go to him…"
"Lord Potter." Spurnik bowed, "I also apologize to you. How much do you plan to charge for this?"
"Well, Lord Someone gave me ₲1,000. I would be happy with a ₲100. It is draining, but I came to you to ask about such pricing. I have to rest for a day, so could do such work during the school year on a Saturday or Sunday, as long as it's after my flying lessons. During our summer holidays, I have a more flexible schedule."
Spurnik paced. "I can get here easily, but cannot transport Death Eaters through the…You'll have to come to London! Your guardians will not approve."
"Are you saying that Dumbles will kidnap me from deep in Gringotts? What about Skippy?" His targ was very protective.
Brightblade patted Spurnik's arm in false sympathy, "He has you there. I already know of two people who have discreetly asked for help. The boy will be in the Nation's underground. Dumbledore would start a war if he tried something."
"Well, as long as Lord Harry has his targ, I approve. Now, let's discuss honest profit." The reluctant goblin stated.
Soon, they had a few repentant DEs ready to be cleansed and a plan was put into place.
~~ODD~~
After a magical oath to not hurt the people treating him/her and a vow that the client would no longer murder or attack innocents, the first 'patient' of this new program was led into a monk-like cell, and strapped into place.
He, for it was a wizard, was warned this might hurt, but unlike others, he got the right potion before an aged Harry Potter came in.
"You look like a young Fleamont! Are you one of his? I thought the Potters were nearly all gone."
"You've found me out sir. Now, let's take care of you."
Harry received permission and waved his wand while holding the off arm with his off hand. Needless to say, the show started, and the man was soon beaming.
Harry was three hundred galleons wealthier, with the rest of the fee being split between the goblins and fifty going to Healer Marius.
From that small start, more than one magical reclaimed their soul, and with a sliding scale of payment, Harry made a very nice bit of coin.
But it was one particular day that hurt the Boy-Who-Lived more than any other that year.
~~ODD~~
Thistle had taken the targ's training very seriously. Harry had had odd dreams about Yule, and didn't see Skippy there. Would he be ready in time to storm the castle? Harry hoped so.
In preparation of healing the next 'patient', Harry had taken the strengthening potion beforehand this time and it really seemed to help. He loved the new disguise bracelet Sirius had made for him: He looked like a cross between Thistle and his great-grandfather. Hehehe.
He was petting Skippy, relaxing in his hired monk's cell, reading quietly, and waiting for Brightblade to release him, when his targ suddenly darted out of the room.
"Skippy! Skippy no!" The targ had a collar and lead, but somehow he had gotten away. Again.
Sigh.
~~ODD~~
Albus Dumbledore was miffed. Peeved. Irked. Irritated. Vexed. Yes, that was the word: Vexed.
Rumors were rife of a new healer at Gringotts; no one could say what he did, but he was good, and was the Grandson of Fleamont Potter. Clearly from the wrong side of the blankets, but a Potter in appearance.
He had to go and meet this person, of course under a pseudonym. Since he was the client, Harry had permission to use his wand. A temporary condition, for certain, but Albus was on time for his appointment. He checked in and took a seat in the little waiting area.
As Harry chased his pet up from the infirmary area, Dumbledore saw motion and pulled his wand and stood, ready to defend himself. The targ lunged at the wizard that was HIS boy's enemy: Everyone said this strange humon was trying to kill his boy.
The old wizard's wand was in motion. Harry cast expelliarmus and Dumbles' wand went tumbling into the lad's off hand. But Harry had been a breath too late.
He never heard the spell that felled the animal. "NOOO!"
Harry ran over to the targ and held him closely; getting the crimson liquid all over his work robes. Customers were moving away from him and Dumbledore.
Harry aimed the old man's wand back at him, but BloodRage was behind him, "You can't, sir. Give the man back his wand. He'll be fined and sent on his way."
A different guard, unknown to Harry, took a rag out of his pocket, picked up the strange wand from Harry's numb hand and delivered it into the old wizard's hand, all the while without touching it with his own bare hands.
Dumbbells turned and left, not wanting to further provoke the goblins.
He now knew that this wasn't Fleamont's son, but a half-goblin that Charlus must have fathered in the field. Pity. He had hoped to use him for leverage against Harry in some way.
The goblins were acting like this was an attack of the Chief Wizard against a citizen and closed the bank for the day. Without a written apology, they would not open the next day. An apology and a fine for using a wand was the minimum required.
In turn, they apologized that a child's pet got loose and mistook the headmaster as an enemy. He was not being fined for the action of killing the targ, but it was pointed out that as an honorable client it was the guards duties to defend him. They would have defended him.
'I was supposed to wait for that animal to finish killing me or trying to?' He rubbed his throat.
The teeth marks didn't show due to wandless magic, but he had been hurt, and would clean up the blood after he was back at Hogwarts.
In Sto-vo-kor, a new guard targ was being received with the pets and treats he deserved for dying in the attempt to protect HIS bonded friend. He knew he'd been a very good boy!
~~ODD~~
For his part, Lord Harry, still in disguise, was dragged away while his elves gently put his beloved targ in a sturdy canvas bag for burial. BloodRage wanted to howl. His eyes said it all. He was very sorry about what happened too. Of course, his grief included the animal's failure to complete his mission.
Harry came home, forgetting that he had been sneaking away during the busyness of the day. Abigail found him at an improvised funeral in the plot they had set aside for pets.
She waited until he had finished his prayers before giving him his due.
"Harry James? Why is there a picture of you in the paper in London when London is a place you may not, never ever go?"
Werewolves. Only a werewolf would see Harry in that picture of crying over a slaughtered targ. He seemed to forget that he had modeled the disguise for everyone at dinner one night.
Harry gulped, but refused to lie. She saw he was done-in but he stood at attention.
"I was trying to help others, you know: Removing the Dark Mark, and then Skippy got loose. He tried to tear out Dumbledore's throat - which is my fault! I taught him that, paid Thistle to train him to do that so he was at my side for the attack on Hogwarts. He's much smarter than your average pooch. He's really a miniature dragon in terms of genetics. That dark wizard KILLED him. Skippy really was trying to do him in, so he only got a fine for using his wand. But he killed my Skippy, and he wasn't even sorry!" Harry sobbed.
"I'm sorry Harry, I really am." Abigail laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. The targ had tried to attack her, no doubt feeling she was dangerous, but unlike the others, she accepted the creature for what he was.
Abigail waved him inside. "You need to get cleaned up. You'll get talked to about what you should have done instead. Let's meet in the Blue Room in a half-hour." She then knelt down, feeling that her cub was hurting. "I love you, you know. And I am sorry about your friend."
Harry nodded. He shouldn't have tried to sneak out, but he knew that no one would give him permission to go to London. As long as he stayed within the bank, he couldn't be found!
Spurnik was called first and Abigail had some very sharp things to say to him about putting profit over the lad's safety.
The goblin nodded but then let them know a couple of things.
"When the targ attacked, he drew blood! Our house-elves captured it all and will give it to your friends." Spurnik looked at Harry, sitting quietly at the foot of the table; he'd made sure to remove all traces of tears before meeting with his account manager. Sirius was next to the boy. Alice was at the head and Abigail was next to her.
"Harry told me he was trying to train the targ to target Dumbledore. This was something the targ was working hard on. And like other young people his age, Harry didn't think this through." Alice turned to Harry, "And while I'm sorry you lost your friend, he died a warrior canine who gave his all trying to end great evil. Nothing better can be said of him."
Harry nodded, refusing to cry in front of the goblin. Spurnik turned to Sirius.
"Flitwick contacted me. Your Heir here disarmed Dumbledore. Disarmed him! That wand will never work as well for anyone. It's really Lord Harry's now. Gringotts couldn't let him keep it, but it is his wand. The one some say Dumbledore won from Grindelwald himself." Spurnik shared.
Abigail just glared at the goblin, waiting for him to speak his piece first, "We have treated you with respect as you deserve and then you stab ME in the back! I am not just an agent you know. I saw Harry as my cub since meeting him! One word, and I would have been there, kept my own council, and allowed Harry to help these poor souls. I have friends in England. We could have posted wards not in but near the bank.
"But someone didn't think to keep me in the loop." Her pointed look was aimed first at the goblin and then at Harry.
Harry folded his arms and Spurnik stood, clearly angry and having trouble controlling it, "I have explained my actions. I will bid you farewell, Lord Potter. You have a huge burden and I will always be your ally."
He bowed, closed his side of the connection; leaving the family there.
Frank knocked on the door, "Alice? I think this is between Harry and Sirius now. You'll have a chance to say your bit later if necessary."
She nodded, got up and gave Harry a kiss on his cheek, "I love you. You're growing up. We'll chat later, but I will support whatever you and Sirius come up with."
Abigail took her leave as well, leaving Sirius and Harry alone. Padfoot stood and beckoned Harry for a walk.
"When I was your age, I had very difficult things to deal with and no support except from my friends at school. I know you've talked to Neville a bit about this, but he doesn't have a real clue. None of us do, Harry.
"Then you came up with a way to remove the dark mark. The impact has been impressive. Truly.
"Harry? Why? Why sneak away, when if you disappeared, we'd have no clue where you were. Have I ever asked you to do anything that made you uncomfortable? Given you unfair rules?"
Harry wiped his nose with a conjured hanky. "Don't you see? You hate Professor Snape, and while you're polite to Lord Lucius, you don't like him. Why would you support me freeing these people? I had to do it there as America has wards against the dark mark now. It had to be done there.
"You are all busy. I was trying to help people. I thought when Dan leads the final charge to the castle, we could bring Skippy. That won't happen now." Harry took a few steps away from his godfather to blow his nose and wipe tears that were threatening.
Sirius really saw the issue, "I have been unsympathetic about Sniv…Snape. And Lucius. I've harbored hard feelings. I'm sorry, Harry. Can we come to an agreement? If you want to go anywhere in the world, we talk about it first? Okay?"
"You mean without being kidnapped," Harry pointed out.
"Yeah, that wasn't your fault. But, you can't say that about today, though." Sirius skipped a stone, scaring some of the fish there at the back pond.
Harry nodded, "I was trying to do right, but I shouldn't have to sneak if it is really right. I think the Dursleys messed with that, you know. I had to sneak to get food or even go to the loo. I would get in trouble for normal things."
Sirius nodded, realizing that was likely a good part of this situation.
"Can you please try to trust me with these things? Please?" Sirius asked.
Harry skipped a stone. Part of him wanted to tell him to 'go fish'. The teen's reasonable side realized his godfather was right.
"You're right. I'm sorry to upset everyone, especially Abigail. I think she could smell…Nevermind. I'm sorry." Then he changed the subject completely. "Do you want to see something? I found another form."
And Harry turned into a raven, and flew up to a nearby tree before transforming there, a boy sitting on a branch. "Do we have to register this one too?"
Flabbergasted, Sirius just stared for a moment before shaking his head, and answering distractedly, "No…Nope, just the first one. Most wizards only get one, pup."
Harry transformed again, and flew over his godfather, circling his head before taking off. Sirius turned into Padfoot and went running around after him.
~~ODD~~
Sabrina struggled up from a terrible dream, and awakened her husband with her sobs. It was near dawn. He saw her face and after a warm hug, and put her in her robe. He dragged her into the kitchen and immediately started some tea for his lovely lass.
"So. Tell me."
"Harry. He's lost something important. Something Dumbledore took. Blood. Harry doesn't wait. He tries to use the Sword of Gryffindor, somehow delivered to him via phoenix. He is disarmed and the headmaster captures him, and uses him for a ritual…oh no! We have to call them."
"It's the middle of the night there, love, so I'll mirror Juniper. She won't mind."
Sabrina sipped mint herbal tea with a touch of lemon and honey. Ian was so kind to her! A truly good man.
"Can we send Harry some biscuits from Bonny Lad? He loves them. Then ask him not to do anything rash?"
"Ye need to get my gran to teach ye proper Scots shortbread. I'm deprived at home." Ian faux-complained.
Sabrina kissed her love, "Oh aye. Deprived. Ye should get some more sleep before work."
"Nay, 'twas near enough to be gettin' oop as I was on early today anyway. This was glad I was home here with ye."
Sabrina got up, and made him a quick breakfast of oatmeal with an egg on top and some baker's blend tea. She put a serving of the oatmeal in her own bowl along with some dried fruit.
Ian made his call between bites and the hard-working house-elf promised to talk to Master Harry. There was only one more place to pinpoint and they had the rough area.
~~ODD~~
Neville blinked. He'd just splatted Harry with some dung, on purpose, and the guy didn't respond in the least. Was he sick? "Your herd of worms had grown to more than four times the initial amount. Mum thinks in another year, we'll have enough to start putting some in the food crops outside."
Harry was in the anger stage of grief. Without Sabrina's warning, he really had been thinking about trying to lay lethal traps around the castle for his nemesis. A phoenix and a sword? No, he would have hoped to be more subtle. And would likely have been caught. He tried to focus. What had Neville said? That wasn't right!
Harry looked up, confused. "None have gone outside yet? But Teddy found some the other day. Rescued the larger worms from Professor Plank's fishing hook."
The animal-lover also loved fresh fish. The back pond was slowly getting more and more different varieties and the older wizard had paid Teddy a few knuts for 'good bait'. The smart boy could tell the difference in the much larger worms and promised Harry to return them to him when he found more of them just like he had done with his original findings.
"Where? Where did Teddy find them?" Neville demanded. As a result, they went looking for the boy to ask him.
He was in the creche doing pottery but readily agreed to go on an earthworm hunt. He was ready to dart out the door, but the carer made him hang up his apron and clean up. Harry smiled at her in thanks. It was good practice for the real workshop and some of these children had more than a bit of talent already.
Mrs Helena knew who she would be recommending for apprenticeships when they were old enough.
Before allowing Teddy to go, the manager asked respectfully."You're authorized, my lord, but please bring him back or make sure someone responsible is watching him when you're done."
"Yes ma'am!" Harry promised and the three were off on another adventure. Teddy was so happy and ran ahead of them to the tool shed to get a child-sized hand-rake. His face beamed with success when he found the spot.
Neville wasn't sure how some of the worms escaped but he was able to identify them as the specialized breed given to Harry for conde lumbra.
"Make sure that Lord Black documents this: It's going to add a lot of value to the land with all the special plants and such if you ever sell it." Neville advised.
Harry nodded, thankful for both Teddy and Neville. So far, with the magic of Neville's fertilizer and the magic of both Lady Alice and Neville's greenhouse skills, the family had had fresh fruits and vegetables year-round without resorting to buying outside. Something that all of the adults of the house helped with in one way or another.
These worms were a part of that. What was meant to be a bit of a joke gift from BloodRage had turned out to make a large difference.
Harry was truly grateful, but thinking of the goblin led him back to feeling guilty over Skippy. Sigh. At least he'd stayed home and not gone harring off in a vain attempt to kill Dumbledore.
~~ODD~~
Hermione could tell that Harry was sad but the adults weren't talking. Emma found out though. She had seen Harry with the manor's dogs that belonged to various individual families. He was so good with animals. But was a new canine the right choice right now?
He couldn't keep a targ here anyway, so buying one like Skippy would just be cruel in the extreme. And he did have creature companionship: Hedwig had a perch in the lad's room. And it was obvious that they loved each other very much. But still, the loss of his bonded creature was gnawing at the boy.
Emma pulled Hermione aside and shared the basics. His targ had been killed in the bank, in a failed attempt to take down Dumbledore.
Hermione decided on an action to take. She borrowed several memories and with Luna's help in the Quibbler shop, made Harry a memory book. It had Harry and the cub form of his targ, some just sitting and feeding it treats, and of course, some training pictures. The last one was of Harry catching Skippy mid-air (as provided by Marius).
When it was done, Hermione tracked him down to his room and knocked on the door. "For you my friend. I'm so sorry for your loss."
He flipped through the first couple of pages, then, tears falling, Harry hugged her for a long time. "Thank you so much."
"Luna helped too." Hermione shared.
Instead of searching the blonde witch out, Harry just gave Hermione another hug, a little shorter, but very sweet.
Wiping his eyes with his sleeve, the embarrassed young boy croaked, "Can you please give her that? I didn't have even one picture of Skippy before. Thank you, Hermione. You're the best." Harry turned back to his bed, the book in hand.
"We're doing ritual practice today for Ireland. I'm glad they found your house and everything inside intact."
The Irish House had indeed been found and was going to be used as a base the following week for the next cleanse. Several pottery books had also been discovered, but no one was allowing Harry to touch anything until it was vetted.
Harry looked up, "Yeah. I'm looking forward to getting some of the books back once they've been cleansed if needed. Thank you, again."
Hermione shut the door to leave him alone. He looked very tired. Perhaps he'd get some good rest. She wished there was something more she could do to help.
~~ODD~~
Harry knew this had to be a dream but instead of color it was in shades of tan, khaki and sand. He knew this place! It was a dig in Egypt where his grandparents had met. Both fled unwanted betrothals. They married soon after meeting.
Dorea walked up to him and kissed his forehead, "You're definitely a Potter, lad. Cursed hair, just like your grandfather and my Jamie. I've seen your pottery. It's amazing! Don't forget about the books, now."
Charlus came over and also gave Harry a warm hug, "We snuck into the goblin heaven. Heh! They like to think it's a separate place and have a nice big wall. We met Skippy. He's a busy boy, well trained. He's happy and well loved. If he could talk he would apologize for his failure. But you have nothin' to be sorry about. You should know that…"
"Hush now, darling. We're not allowed to say too much, you know!" Dorea interrupted with a sharp look. Turning a loving gaze towards Harry, she continued in a softer tone, "We love you, Grandson. You have a difficult burden but harken to my words: Do not become obsessed with causing death! You should focus on your craft; your pottery! You, a humble boy, have been chosen for a great task. You just have to ask for guidance and it will be given you. You are loved!"
Charlus stepped up, "Don't let them turn you into a soldier, my boy. You are the heir of my heart! And you are loved. Tell Llwellyn thank you. You don't know what he did yet as he did it quietly.
"And don't let that old fool send you to us early!" Charlus warned, "Don't seek revenge."
"Be Avalon's knight, darling boy. You protect and defend." Dorea advised.
Harry woke in his bed in the middle of the night. He had been wanting revenge against Dumbledore but that was the way towards evil. He was glad to hear that Skippy got to heaven. Harry felt that all good dogs and animals went there.
Feeling peace surrounding him, the lad drifted back off to sleep and dreamt of fierce guard targs that kept watch in the night.
~~ODD~~
Malfoy Manor - the delayed and now renamed Midsummer Ball
Pansy sighed in jealousy watching Draco offer to dance with that terrible Arista Black again. She really was a real person. She now owed Millie ten galleons. She should have known the troll-girl would have resources she didn't for this sort of knowledge.
Millie had warned her: "My dad sometimes does extra work for Potter Farms. Lord Potter has been courting Arista's sister and if that isn't enough of an incentive to mind your manners around her, know this: Her father is whispered about by the Potter workers. Mr Black, for he is a member of House Black, is an Adept wizard. I don't have that on my scale but everyone knows that Potter is going to be a mage. It must be a secretly high power level.
"You don't want to make her father AND the Boy-Who-Lived mad at you. You might not live long enough to give your pitiable excuse for whatever it was you did." Millicent concluded.
Pansy had done her research on the Black family, well, what she could in England, but there were second and third son Blacks, from many years ago, who'd gone to Australia and America to make their fortune.
She went up to the portrait of Draco's great-great Aunt Calladora born in 1818 and who died in Paris during the resistance to Grindelwald.
"Heiress Parkinson? Another question about the family?" Calladora Black greeted as the girl curtsied.
"Yes, please ma'am. What do you know of Arista's father?"
"Very little, I'm afraid except that he's powerful and has his own title and lands. The girls were well prepared to pay for Hogwarts and are both wealthy in their own right. They chose Salem for its dance program for the younger sister and the potions program for the older one.
"I don't wish to be unkind to you child but you had best set your sights on a different wizard. There's gossip young Draco's betrothed now."
Pansy blinked tears. She'd been told that before but this was the first time she'd seen Miss Black in person. Pansy hadn't been invited at the New Year's, over a disagreement she'd had with Lady Malfoy. Now, she was only here due to her mother's cajoling.
Oh, there was Theodore Nott visiting. He was attending Beauxbatons now and looking very fit. Aunt…no Madame Black was right. Draco was lost to her.
'What did Daphne think she was up to!' the Parkinson girl thought as Theo quickly asked Heiress Greengrass for a dance when he saw Pansy walking up to him.
Urgg!
~~ODD~~
~~ODD~~
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Our friend BMS recommends: A response to Reptilia28's "Don't Fear The Reaper" challenge. Fear the Reapers (story# 14139525) by Alsas1975
s/14139525/1/Fear-the-Reapers
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
BMS: A response to Reptilia28's "Don't Fear The Reaper" challenge.
Harry Potter and the Shadow Legion by Medieval Maniak
s/14040074/1/A-Terrible-Thing-To-Waste
~~ODD~~
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)
Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used or sold elsewhere under any other name.