CHAPTER 4:
TRANSITION
"Do you have any idea what you have done, Croaker? Letting that creature into your organisation?"
Saul Croaker rolled his eyes. He knew Augusta Longbottom would find out sooner rather than later. He had to make taking on Harry as his apprentice relatively public knowledge. No doubt one of her lackies leaked it to her. "Harry Potter is not a creature. He is a rather damaged teenaged boy, one who would have had a bright future ahead of him had he not been expelled."
"Do not treat me like an ignorant peon," Augusta sneered at him. She'd intercepted Croaker in the atrium of the Ministry, and only a hastily-erected Privacy Charm prevented their argument from being overheard. "I know you speak with Dumbledore. Or didn't the old man tell you that Harry had a Horcrux in his scar?"
"As a matter of fact, he did, as did Lily before she was taken from us, and it's being treated as we speak. I used Lily's notes to create a process that could be…"
"Do not take me for a fool, Saul," she said, glaring at him, despite wearing that ridiculous hat with the stuffed vulture on it. "I know very well Horcruxes cannot be removed, only destroyed. What you've taken in is Voldemort wearing that child's skin."
"Oh, don't be a damned fool, Augusta!"
"That's Lady Longbottom to you, and I will not be spoken to like…"
"…Like the blinkered, vindictive harridan you are being!" Croaker retorted. As she stared at him in shocked silence, her mouth gaping like a landed fish's, he said, "I do not care what damnable bloodline you belong to. That's one of the oldest lies, that blood matters! It does not! Frank and Alice fought against those who thought that, and they would be ashamed of you! Not to mention disgusted!"
Augusta whipped out her wand and pointed it between his eyes. "Don't you dare presume to tell me what my son would think of me," she hissed venomously.
Croaker simply snatched the wand from her hand. As she stared at it, dumbfounded, he said, "Your pathetic vendetta against the Potters has gone on long enough. James is dead, Lily is Merlin knows where thanks to your brother's sabotage…"
"How dare you slander his good name?!"
"What good name? And you keep persecuting a boy who doesn't deserve it, not only because you blame the Potters for Frank's death, but because you'd do anything to keep your grandson in the limelight, and you don't want anything threatening that. You don't care about whether the Horcrux is in Harry or not, just whether he is still alive. Frank and Alice would despise you and what you turned their son into. Anyway, Harry is still Harry. I have used Legilimency on him a number of times, as part of the vetting process. If Voldemort is in there, then he's damn good at hiding. I'm warning you, Augusta, I don't care that you are Lady Longbottom. I don't care that your grandson is allegedly the Boy Who Lived. Interfere with the Department of Mysteries, and you will regret it."
"I will regret nothing I do to ensure the safety of our people," Augusta sneered. "I warn you, Croaker, kick that creature out of the Unspeakables, or I will make life very difficult for you."
Croaker merely gave the woman an unpleasant smile. "I believe the Muggles have an appropriate saying: Come on, if you think you're hard enough. Now, bugger off. I have more important things to do than listen to an overgrown toddler throwing a tantrum."
"Not before you return the wand you took from me," Augusta said coldly.
"What, this?" Croaker asked, looking at the wand as if he'd never seen it before. He then hurled it into the air, using a Banisher to send it higher, before slipping away from Augusta before she could try to catch it, or else retrieve it from the floor. A smirk touched Croaker's lips. It was fun to come to a battle of wits when the opposition was woefully underarmed.
Still, it was a bad sign. Augusta had always been overbearing, to say the least, an opinionated old harridan who had all but driven her son away. She never had a good opinion of Frank's wife, Alice, and it was said her sour attitude to the Potters began when the Marauders pranked her during a visit to Longbottom Manor. A much-deserved one, Croaker felt, but the seeds of her vendetta were sown then, coming to a head on that fateful, fatal Halloween night. She disguised it under a thin veneer of moral absolutism, one maybe she even believed.
Dumbledore, at least, for all of his many failings, recognised that moral absolutism was a dangerous path to walk. But he was also the one to set Augusta down this path permanently when he declared Neville Longbottom the Boy Who Lived, using the two parallel scars on the boy's cheek as a justification, claiming they were an 'equals' sign, a confirmation of that damned prophecy. Harry was also scarred, but with a lightning bolt. In truth, Croaker felt that the reason why Neville got chosen was because he didn't seem to have a Horcrux stuck in his scar, and Harry did. Not that it stopped Dumbledore and Lily looking for any means to save him.
Still, Harry had started down his own path now. True, it was with Lily, but Harry might be able to make something of himself now. Even if the work was deadly dangerous, Croaker knew that Lily wouldn't let her son get into danger unnecessarily…
Harry followed Alpha down the corridors of the castle, Delta not far behind. His mother (he was still coming to terms with that, even after everything) had left him to the blonde Elf to show to his room, while she touched base with someone she called 'Gamma'. He hadn't gotten to talk to either Alpha or Beta much before the transition to their world. He'd spent more of the time catching up with his mother.
He thought back to the moment he made the decision to come…
Harry stared at Lily in astonishment. Of all the things to request, she asked that? He had been giving her the benefit of the doubt for now, but while he wasn't completely sold on her actually being his mother, he was letting this go on, just in case it was true, just in case a miracle had truly happened, and his mother was back.
And yet, now she just dropped this bomb on him.
He had to admit, he was torn. On the one hand, he still wasn't sure whether to truly accept she was his mother returned. He still couldn't be sure whether this was a trick or a trap, needlessly complex and elaborate though it was. Going to another world was dangerous enough as well, never mind having to fight a vicious cult that, if Lily was correct, was in many regards worse than the Death Eaters.
And yet, he had to admit the offer was enticing. One of the reasons being expelled from Hogwarts had affected him so badly was that he missed some of the adventure. True, being attacked by Dementors, Bludgers enchanted by a well-meaning but seriously touched House-Elf, and one of Voldemort's minions with him growing out of the back of his head was a bit far, but Hogwarts was filled with adventure anyway, and some of them, he enjoyed. Saving Buckbeak, despite the consequences, remained a highlight, and despite being expelled, it was a good reason to be expelled, saving an innocent life.
He needed to do something with his life. He needed to be doing something to help others. And as dark as Lily hinted that her work was…he knew his mother. If this really was her, she had lines she would never cross, and would never allow anyone under her to cross.
And if this really was her, it was a second chance, a chance he needed. For all that Neville and his hangers-on made him feel guilty for her disappearance, Harry didn't need their barbs. No, he'd done it all himself, blaming himself for his mother's disappearance. Irrationally, yes, but he couldn't help it. So maybe, this was his second chance.
And that was it, in the end. He needed this. A purpose to live. A reason to be. What was needed was a leap of faith.
He was about to make that leap, when someone did so for him. He didn't realise what had happened until he was hit by something, a something that was straddling him on the couch. He realised this was Delta, her tail wagging. "Please, please, pleeeease! Boss told us all those stories about you and stuff!" she said, giving him what were very nearly literal puppy-dog eyes. "You're like the brother we never had, well, like a nice brother Delta never had, and maybe we can go hunting and other exciting things! Hunting bandits and cultists is fun!"
"Delta!" Alpha snapped, like an owner chiding an unruly dog. "The decision is Harry's to make! Get off him!"
Delta seemed to whine, almost like a dog, only to glance at Lily, who nodded, pointing to the other couch that Delta had sprung from. Delta whined again, hopping off Harry, and shuffling over to the couch. "Sorry about that," Alpha said. "Delta is…enthusiastic. And often does not comprehend the concept of personal space, or that hugs don't need to be combined with tackles."
"Obviously," Croaker said, his tone dryly amused.
"Are you okay, Harry?" his mother asked. "Delta didn't break anything?"
"I think I have a bruise or two, but I don't think she broke anything," Harry said, wincing a little. Delta's pounce had interrupted his decision, but he found himself coming back to it. He could tell, the suddenness of her actions aside, that the wolf-girl wasn't being remotely malicious. Well, at least towards him. He'd pity the bandits and cultists, though. Well, he would unless they were anything like the Death Eaters. Despite her viciousness last night, Sarah seemed to be eager to please now, much like the dog she resembled.
"…Before I accept, how am I going to break this to my friends?" Harry asked, as something occurred to him. "If this is a Department of Mysteries mission, even if only on paper…"
"We can relay communication to them," Croaker said. "Lily and I can help you have your letters ready, to get rid of anything that is secret, and you can visit them on a regular basis. Miss Lovegood would understand what you're going through, but she also has no vocal filter. And the Weasley Twins may let something slip by accident. You won't be able to see them at Hogwarts, but maybe, during the holidays…"
"If you want to say goodbye to them, you've got a few days, Harry," Lily said, before an impish smirk touched her lips. "I was looking to replace my books and video collection. Waterstones and HMV are going to get a minor surge in daily takings once I'm done."
After a moment, Harry made the decision. It might be one he regretted, but if this really was his mother, then where else could or would he go? As someone expelled from Hogwarts, his prospects were grim. He and Sirius and the Tonks family were looking to enrol him in a normal school, but it was tricky finding one at short notice, and while Sirius and the Tonks family ensured he was up to scratch on his mundane studies, he was still not sure about making it through normal high school.
So, with more enthusiasm than he realised he was going to show, and less gravity than such a decision would normally require, he said, "I'm in."
Alpha looked back over her shoulder at him, and gave him a reassuring smile. The blond Elf, while calm and collected, wasn't quite as cold as he feared her to be. She was a bit reserved, but once they were back on familiar ground, she seemed to smile more. Of course, Delta was chatting away, the wolf-girl having taken a shine to Harry, but Alpha seemed to be more friendly now, or at least was doing more talking. Perhaps she was allowing Harry to speak with the woman claiming to be his mother.
"So, what is this place, exactly?" Harry asked.
"You're in the ruins of Alexandria Castle Town, formerly the capital of the Midgar Kingdom, ruined long ago by the Mist Dragon, who guarded over its ruins ever since," Alpha said.
"Alexandria? Mist Dragon? Aren't those from the Final Fantasy games?" Harry asked.
"…Do you mean those video games Lily mentioned? I have no idea. In any case, Lily bested the Mist Dragon in combat, and he vowed to serve her, as the guardian of our base. Alexandria is a godsend. Before we found it, we were forced to relocate from our original base on the Kagenou lands, for the Cult of Diablos had begun sniffing us out. But this place is isolated, partly by a poisonous mist the Mist Dragon exudes. Many of the buildings were in surprisingly good condition, as was gardens and farmland. In addition, virtually everyone shuns this place due to the Mist Dragon's attack and the poisonous mist, and Lily has included anti-scrying spells to fool anyone scrying into believing this place is abandoned. She would put the Fidelius on it, but our organisation is comprised of hundreds of members. Placing the Fidelius on it would be hard to manage with that many."
Harry stared at her flatly. "…Hundreds of members?"
"Yes. You are the first male member, not counting our sources and contacts in the world," Alpha said. "That is due to most of us being drawn from those affected by Demonic Possession, which exclusively affects females."
Harry decided to try and take his mind off the fact that his mother had somehow assembled an all-female fighting force of vigilantes. Instead, he noted, "You know, when I think something like an underground group of vigilantes, I'd think somewhere literally underground, not a refurbished royal palace that was abandoned."
Alpha shot him another smile. "Lily told us that, while we were fighting in the shadows, it does not mean we should live in them. She laments that she turned us into child soldiers, to use her terminology, even though it was our choice to fight. And even if we can't fight on the battlefield, there are more than one way to fight. Hannah, or rather, Gamma, is not particularly…" At this, Esther frowned, trying to find the right words.
"What Alpha means is that Gamma's a klutz like that Nymphadora chick, only worse," Delta offered. "She trips over almost anything and ends up with blood running from her nose."
"You what?" Harry asked, laughing incredulously, if nervously.
"Actually, it's true," Alpha said solemnly. "But Gamma is also an extremely intelligent girl, especially when it comes to finance and business. There are many fronts on which we fight the Cult of Diablos, and economic warfare is a valid means of doing so, as well as gaining much-needed funds."
"Yeah, but it ain't as fun as hunting bandits and taking their loot for ourselves," Delta said with a grin. "We get money, Delta gets to hunt, less bandits in the world, everyone wins! Well, everyone who matters, anyway. Anyway, I'll see you later, Harry. This is Delta's room." She opened a door and went in, giving him a cheerful wave as she disappeared.
As Harry and Alpha continued down the corridor, Harry began thinking about the last couple of days. After accepting Lily's offer, he began packing his bags, or rather, his Expanded Trunk. He'd had one of the best since his thirteenth birthday. He wished he was in a better mood at the time to receive it, though, as he woke up that morning to learn of Hermione's death.
Meanwhile, after sending word to Remus Lupin, one of the few adults outside of Hogwarts, Sirius, or the Tonks family he had any real regard left for, he had gone to visit Luna. Luna, predictably, accepted things quickly, marching to the beat of her own drum anyway. And both had had relatives in the Unspeakables anyway. He'd also said his farewells (for now) to the Tonks family and to Sirius. He would always be grateful to them for their kindness in raising him, and he was glad that they accepted his decision, even if it might end up a fool's errand.
After his farewells, and being briefed intensely by Croaker about the protocols needed, he joined Lily and her allies in an obscure room in the Department of Mysteries, and walked through a shimmering hole in space. After a few seconds of feeling like going through the Floo, only faster, he ended up tumbling out in what seemed like a dungeon. They had been approached by another Elf with blue hair, whom Lily had called Epsilon, and after a hurried whispered conversation, Scathach had asked Alpha and Delta to escort Harry to his new quarters.
"Here is your room," Alpha said, knocking on one door. "And Harry? Thank you for accepting the offer."
Harry nodded mutely, but the blonde Elf gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. I have faith you will prove yourself. You defended your friend Hermione from a Troll after Longbottom and his friend's thoughtless comments drove her into danger. You defended the Philosopher's Stone from Voldemort's thrall. You helped others catch up on their study of Defence Against the Dark Arts while Gilderoy Lockhart was demonstrating only his incompetence and egotism. And last, but far from least, you saved Buckbeak the Hippogriff from an unjust death. And that is a cornerstone of Dun Scaith. While many of us fight for revenge against the Cult of Diablos, myself included, we also must remember that we fight for justice as well, justice for ourselves, and for other victims of the Cult, past, present and future. We are not the axe of an executioner, the sword of a knight, or the dagger of an assassin, but the scalpel of a surgeon, cutting out the cancer eating into this world. We do what we can to protect the innocent, and to punish the guilty, when nobody else is able or willing to. I hope you find that a worthy enough cause."
Then, after a moment, the blonde Elf gently hugged him.
He would have savoured the sensation of a buxom, beautiful Elf hugging him while she wore a skintight catsuit, but firstly, the gesture was unexpected, and secondly, he was touched by what seemed to be the sincerity of it. It was almost like Hermione when she got a bit huggy. So he returned the hug. This proximity made it clear that, even if he was sceptical about Scathach being his mother, this was very real, that he was hugging a beautiful Elf on another world.
"Thank you for joining us," Esther said.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity," Harry said, even as they broke off the hug. Okay, it was a bit of an awkward thing to say, but Esther had been pretty complimentary to him. Not that many people had been. She still said he had to train in order to be part of their ranks, that he wasn't quite part of Dun Scaith, but she also wanted him to be part of it. And he was touched by that faith, by that desire, by an expectation made of him when so many felt he had none.
But Esther simply gave him a small smile, and left. And Harry entered his room. Soon, he would take the first steps along the path of the rest of his life. And hopefully, it would be something he would not regret, indeed, that he would enjoy…
CHAPTER 4 ANNOTATIONS:
So, Augusta has confronted Croaker, and Harry's now on the Eminence in Shadow world.
Writing Augusta was different to how I originally wrote a previous version of the story with a bashable James. Unlike James, who is a petulant, spoiled child, Augusta is a colder matriarch, too used to getting her own way, so when she is refused, she takes it as a personal slight.
Although I wrote a bashable Augusta in my Tokyo Ghoul crossover Janus, here, as mentioned in the foreword, I am taking perhaps more inspiration from another Neville-as-the-WBWL fic, WolfgangNH's Duel of Fate. A story which, I should add, I recommend for those wanting a very different take on Neville being the WBWL.
Also, what Alpha discusses shows that Dun Scaith is different in both subtle and overt ways to Shadow Garden. It helps that Lily, while she has some of Cid's love for melodrama and edgelord antics, is also a relatively well-balanced person and an intelligent one. She's tried to avoid turning the girls into child soldiers, and having failed that, she's trying to keep them from sliding too much into morally dubious actions and attitudes.
It also helps that, instead of Cid showing off so-called 'Shadow Wisdom', that is, casual and enigmatic anecdotes about his prior life on Earth, Lily discusses matters more openly about her past life, particularly with Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Eta. And unlike Cid, Lily, while she tells Beta about stories from Earth, also makes sure she writes her own original material. And because Lily was British rather than Japanese, and something of a science fiction fan, there's actually a heady mix of what would be called science fiction on Earth amongst the fantasy Beta writes.
No numbered annotations this time.