Chapter 13
Goals and Dreams
The fallout of the Dementor attack was not as bad as Jasmine would have had at first guessed. Though Amelia Bones did have Jasmine stop and they talked about what had happen, it turned out nothing would likely come of it. Jasmine and Amelia both learned a fair bit, some of which worried both of them should they become an issue. As they long and short was simply, how much was Jasmine willing to get involved in the mess that the Dementors had become.
The simple fact of the matter was that the Dementors had hidden themselves very effectively. No one from the Ministry of Magic, nor Voldemort's inner circle knew where they had gone into hiding either. It was as if they had just vanished. Only reappeared long enough for a group of them to feed before they once more disappeared. This made tracking them down extremely hard. The Ministry had even started working with the other governmental powers, both magical and non-magical to try and locate the creatures. But so far, they had not had any luck. Indeed, since they had vanished no wizard had been unlucky or lucky enough to encounter one till Jasmine had. So, while Jasmine's ability to destroy them was useful information. It really still did not deal with the main problem at hand. Finding them.
There was a chance that Jasmine could locate them. Hellhounds were rare to the magical world, but their powers were not entirely unknown. Though, it was mostly rumors, as like the Grim horror stories were passed along more than reality. The stories and rumors hinted that Jasmine could find anyone or anything she put her mind to. Nothing could stay hidden from her. It would not have mattered where they gone, sooner or later the hound would find them.
Jasmine however, was not sure if she could do that. As though she could scent others well enough to probably track them. The fact was she had never tried to track someone by scent alone. Even then it was one thing to track someone when you already knew or had a scent for refence, it was entirely different to track down something without any starting scent. And while her hellhound's form might be able to track the dementors down magically, the form was still a risk for Jasmine to use.
The Hellhound was a creature of vengeance and pain. It was not a form Jasmine found she could change into and not have to worry about. It had an instinctual drive to punish all those around it. Nor did it care how small or insignificant those wrongs might be. In her research and study of her new form, Jasmine found that not even her own family and children were safe from the creature's instincts to right supposed wrongs. Yes, she could easily control the desires. But, should she slip then, anyone around her was at risk from her flames and shadows.
It is why she had only really studied the powers and their effects as a human, and not as the beast itself once she had learned of the dangers. As a human, those instincts were barely even a whisper in her mind. Thoughts she could dismiss without a second thought. As a hellhound, those thoughts became a very real part of her, with her having to make an almost constant effort to not give in.
And while the dementors might be a target to focus her body, Jasmine was not sure if remaining as a Hellhound long term was a safe thing either. These evolved changes were not something she nor others really understood. Even Sirius whose form was much safer than her own, choose to remain disconnected from his powers. As the constant stream information when it came to another's possible death could wear him down quickly. And she was not about to risk her own sanity on what could easily end up being a really long hunt for the creatures.
Jasmine did offer her help in destroying them once the Ministry had located what remained of them. However, till that time, unless things changed drastically, she would not be offering her serves to the Ministry to act as a bloodhound. As without a very good reason, she would rather not risk her sanity. After all, though the trail of destruction had been a few years ago that she had indirectly caused. It had not been a small thing. Taking most of the Ministry's efforts to fix or hide what had happened. Even then there were still things they had not be able deal cover up.
Jasmine was soon back at her home after this. And turned her mind to a problem that had been growing on her for a while now. Her family. The simple fact remained that though the kids could share a room, this would not be possible as they grew. And with eight children, Jasmine and Hermione had to figure out something and quickly. A place they could call home that would have enough rooms for all of her children. Which would be very important once it was no longer wise or possible for her children to share a room.
Samual and Anna had begun to search, but soon Gridhook, Sirius, and Remus were all helping as well. As while Samual and Anna could find several places that would no doubt fit what Jasmine needed. The locations might end up being very limited due to being non-magical homes to begin with. Something that would have to be carefully planned around if they wished to move in, as being around muggle neighbors could limit the family in what they could do. For example seeing a mountain lion prowling the grounds would end with a quick call to the police or a rifle being grabbed.
So, several places were rejected for different if similar reasons. To close to neighbors was the most common. Though others included it being a heritage site that could not simply vanish using magic. Upkeep of the home and the grounds around it due to the laws in effect, meaning it was more for display than living in. Simply not enough rooms or an easy way to add onto it. Or in a few cases not enough land that they could legally use should the family wish to spend a day in their animal forms.
They did finally hit across a property that did meet their needs, but it did not come from any of their own searches. Rather it was Minerva who offered it to them. It turned out the McGonagall's still had land in the upper parts of Scottish Highlands. Land they had not put to use for generations as the family had slowly moved around. Minerva McGonagall after hearing they could not find a property or home that suited their needs offered them a property that she felt would suit them well.
The property was actually only a dozen or so miles from Hogwarts, on the other side of the forbidden forest. It was quite large. So much so, the entire family to spend weeks in animal shape without worry of coming across another human. Or at least a non-magical human. There was also an old castle on the land that had long since fallen into disrepair, yet its foundations were still good. Even excluding the castle, there was still plenty of land they could build on should they wish to keep the castle.
Jasmine and Hermione agreed to buy the plot before setting about at once to build their new home. They did not build in the old castle, deciding to leave it standing for their children and grandchildren to explore as they got older. They did however add several spells over the old building to make it safer for them to explore without risk of stones or walls falling down. The house they built looked more like a hotel in some ways than it did a house. For it was a complex of houses built into one large building.
Jasmine and Hermione had chosen this for a simple reason. Their family, and those of their children would no doubt be very large. Even if they only ever had three kids in a litter, two such litters from each of their children would mean they would have to house forty-eight children and sixteen adults. And that was not including great grandchildren. As such the house was built with enough rooms for nearly a hundred large family, all built around a massive central hall. The central hall had a roof that raised up over a hundred feet, and with glass ceiling allowing sunlight to stream into the main area. Several dozen smaller rooms lead off this main area from one side that could be used for any number of things should the family desire.
It was over built and a lonely place, once it was finished. But that was just for the moment, as it was still very empty compared to what it might one day hold. Not that Jasmine nor Hermione felt it would be their or the children's main home as they got older. It was simply a place any potential Potter family could use. Or when the time came, large family meetings and get together without worry of space.
They also made additions to it that would allow for other unique forms. Ones that might appear after some time. As while it was unlikely they would see extremely odd humanoid hybrid forms. The fact was that Jasmine and Hermione already had hybrid children. That alone was proof enough that other forms were possible. As such the pool they had added was not so much a pool as it was a large lake that was fair deep. There were also several balconies that would allow for someone with bird like traits to use them if such a thing came to pass.
Once finished, the building was massive. Filled with many different things the family could use, both magical and mundane. There were two Floo accesses installed as well. One to the private network that would be the Potter family's own to use, as well as those like Samual and Anna. The second was just a normal Floo that could reach anywhere, but could only be accessed with a keyed phrase. "The Potter Zoo." Something Sirius had come up with and Jasmine and Hermione had agreed to in the end. As the place could really seem like a zoo once their family had grown big enough. Though they referred to it more commonly as the Potter Hotel.
It was a year after the so-called Potter Hotel, had been built when Hermione was finally asked to take over for Professor McGonagall as Dumbledore had finally retired. This worked out nicely as none of her former classmates would be in school. Only those in their first or second years would have ever had a chance to meet her. And that was unlikely. She was young, but no more so than Severus Snape had been when he came to work at the school. They also decided that Hermione would slowly take over different classes, till she finally was covering all seven years. Allowing her time to adjust and make sure the choice had not been a bad one.
This would also give her time to adjust before her own children had a chance to attend Hogwarts. Though as Hermione lived so close, she was actually able to return home at nights. She was not, however, handed the title of Head of Gryffindor house. That spot was still covered by Professor McGonagall. As Hermione had been hired alongside Neville Longbottom. And Professor McGonagall wanted to see who was more worthy of the position.
Jasmine on the other hand, was still doing odd jobs. As she tended to focus on researching more than working. She had visited the Room of Requirements several times now and was slowly emptying it of all the junk that had been in there. Much of it was just things that needed to be gotten rid of. But there were many hidden gems still to be found within the room. Yet she did not stop working on her other projects. Curing Remus, or saving Luna's father. The latter of which was showing signs he would soon have to be under constant supervision.
Saving Luna's father was looking to be an increasing longshot. Though they had recently stumbled across an idea that might work. It was not a prefect idea, but by this point they did not have much choice in the matter as if they did not try something soon it would be too late. The idea was based around an old curse. The curse was used to seal person's gifts, locking them away in an object. And only once the object was destroyed would the gifts be return. They hoped that by sealing Luna's ability to see the future and past into a jar, then breaking said jar it would return naturally to her father. It was a long shot, but the only one they had at this point.
"You know there is a risk that you lose your magic," Jasmine said, as she stood before a massive porcelain vase that would soon house Luna's power.
Luna nodded, yet there was a determined look in her eyes. Lina was standing off to the side, as she would be overseeing the entire process. Even though everything should work how they planned, there was still a risk that things could go wrong. Jasmine was not about to let Luna die because they made a mistake. Which was also why they were in one of the empty Potter Hotel Rooms, and the door was locked with several spells, and bolts. Plus, a chair for good measure.
"I know, but I cannot back out now. This is my only chance. And I rather take it," Luna said, a determined look in her eyes.
Jasmine nodded, "Very well. Just tell me to stop and I shall end the spell."
Luna nodded, though did not speak. Jasmine holding up her wand began to slowly pool her magic over the vase. As Jasmine did so she began to chant.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
Even after the first time speaking the phrase they could already feel the magic beginning to spread out almost hungry towards Luna. Jasmine almost stopped there, but knew that Luna trusted no one else to do this. Jasmine had to continue to complete this spell. This one last chance for Luna and for her father's sake.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
The second time Jasmine spoke the words, the magic no longer crawled but lunged towards Luna. It grabbed her, wrapped her within tentacles of magic. Jasmine could sense it, it clawing at Luna now. This curse was really no joke, yet she did what she was supposed to. Jasmine had to keep the curse from taking everything from Luna, and only grab Luna's ability to see the future and past.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
The third time, and Jasmine could feel the power beginning to draw something from Luna now. Jasmine could only hope she was doing this correctly. Each of her own instincts told her not to pull this out. That she would hurt Luna. Yet Jasmine continued. Luna likewise had frozen, seeming unable to move or otherwise speak. It was now up to Lina or Jasmine to halt the curse. Though Jasmine was not entirely sure if she could truly halt it at this point.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
The fourth time, and Jasmine could now feel a section of Luna's magic pulling free. Jasmine felt herself relax a little bit, and carefully tried to draw out this small part of Luna's magic away from her. Jasmine own senses could feel the small mass of magic. But it was through the curse she could feel how it linked back not just to Luna, but to someone else as well. Hermione's guess seemed to be right. The bond, and the magic that had killed Luna's mother was the cause for her unique abilities.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
Jasmine spoke the words for what would be the fifth, and began to drawing the chunk of magic towards the jar. Away from Luna. Soon Luna would be free of the magic, that had taken her gift. And the rest would be on Jasmine to make sure the spell ended correctly. Yet even as everything was going according to plan, Jasmine could not help but worry she would make a mistake.
"Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis."
As Jasmine spoke for the sixth and final time, the mistake happened. But not from Jasmine, but by Luna. Luna was supposed to fight the spell, as to make sure her as much of her own magic and powers as possible stayed with her. However, due to a twitch of fear or some other thought. Luna rather than clinging to her powers, pushed them outwards back into Jasmine's retreating spell.
Jasmine's spell latched onto them. Given the raw magic, the spell Jasmine had woven was slowly slipping beyond her grasp as Luna's own power fueled the spell. Jasmine fought for control and even Lina could soon see something was not right. Jasmine fought with the spell trying to keep it from grabbing up Luna's power. Yet, she could not halt it anymore, as Luna seemed almost willingly surrender to the spells power.
More and more of Luna's magical power was taken from the young woman. And before Jasmine could stop it, seemingly flung away from her and towards the jar. There was a resounding bang, and a flash of light as the spell suddenly let go of Luna, and latched onto the jar. Jasmine could not see, nor hear. She was blinded and deafened by the noise. Yet she could still feel the spell, wild and wanting to grab up more.
"Ita fiat Mote!"
Jasmine nearly shouted the words as she forced the spell to end. And just as suddenly as the problem began, the spell ended. Jasmine felt it suddenly become nearly steady, almost dormant, within the jar. It was like a slowly pulsing heart of power, much bigger than it should have been. Yet they had done it. Hopefully, correctly.
"Luna!" Lina yelled loudly as Jasmine hearing and sight slowly returned, catching Jasmine attention.
"What happened?" Jasmine asked blinking and squinting as she tried to see.
"Luna's out cold, and not responding!" Lina said, sounding worried.
Knowing that Luna might not be happy with her later, Jasmine acted knowing she had to save her friend. Even if Jasmine's vision was not back to normal, she knew very well where the jar still stood. She pointed her wand at the base. The vase shot straight up into the air, before it turned over. It came down with a thunderous crash that seemed to shake the floor. The jar shattered into pieces, the curse within it breaking at the same time. Jasmine could feel the core of magic contained within suddenly freed.
But the magic did not head right for Luna, but instead flew off out over the country. Jasmine could guess where it was headed, yet that did not thrill her at all. She slowly walked over to where Luna lay, and Lina worked. Try as Lina might, even with Jasmine's help they could not wake Luna. She simply lay comatose on the floor. Jasmine sighed, as Lina finally stopped when they realized nothing they were trying was working. Jasmine was sure Luna had gotten her wish, but Jasmine was also sure it might have cost Luna her life.
It was a rough week at the Potter Manor. Luna would not wake, and it was taking much of Lina's skill and that of a few other healers she had called in to keep the girl alive. The simple fact was, not a drop of magic seemed to remain in Luna's body. Even Muggles had magic, just not enough to do anything with. Yet Luna had less than them, and without magic her body was slowly dying. Only the healer's combined efforts were enough to keep her alive. For now.
"At best, we might be able to keep her alive and stable for a week more," Lina said reading from a report from her and the other healers notes. Overall, the report was bleak.
"There has got to be something we can do," Hermione said her face lined with worry, before turning to Jasmine and asked, "What about the shadows, they can take in magic. Maybe you could…"
Jasmine shook her head sadly saying, "They take in magic, and either keep themselves alive, or give it to me. I have never figured out how to transfer that power to someone else. Or I would have used them for this instead of that blasted curse!"
Hermione sighed as she sat down besides Jasmine, who nodded for Lina to continue.
"As I was saying, we can keep her alive and stable a week more as long as we keep giving her regular transfusions of magic. But one mistake, and her body will begin shutting down again. Even then, this is not a precise art. And her body will slowly fail even with our care. At most we might be able to keep her alive a month. Though it would soon require around the clock care," Lina said looking as if she wished she could say anything else, "No matter what happens, she is going to die. And no one I have talked to has any idea how to help her long term. There is no known way to make a magical core from nothing."
Jasmine closed her eyes, knowing what she had to do. Yet wishing she could now speak say anything else, "We must keep her alive long enough for her father to say good bye. After that… we shall… we shall likely have to… let her go…"
Lina's expression was solemn, while Hermione looked horrified. Jasmine felt terrible, but she knew that Luna already lucky to have made it this long. Another week would be a miracle. If even a little bit of what Lina said was true, Luna luck to survive that long would have to have been better than Jasmine's own. Jasmine wanted to hold on that long, but it was not likely going to help them or Luna when they had little to no chance to save her. They might be lucky to find a cure. But when even the experts in their field were at a loss how to cure Luna. Jasmine knew they would have better luck bringing the dead to life.
The only possible cure they had thought of was to tie Luna's life to another person, similar to how Luna's father and mother had tied their own magic. Something that could be done to stabilize, strengthen, or even revive nearly dead magical cores in the most extreme cases. But that still required Luna to have magic in her body to create the bond. Luna did not have magic. Her body was empty. And Jasmine had no way of returning the magic that her friend had given up.
"I have asked several Healers to remain here till... it happens. They will try and keep her alive till it is time to say our goodbyes," Lina said her voice strained, as she like the others had come enjoy being with Luna, "I need to get back to Saint Mungo. I am going to contact everyone I can to find a cure…"
Jasmine was silent for a few moments before she sighed, and a hardness came to her and words that caused both Hermione and Lina to stiffen, "Understand. We still have time, and I am not going to waste it. Contact anyone and everyone you can think of. Draw from the Potter accounts if you need to raise funds. Hermione and I will search the Potter and Black Libraries for any clues we can find. We do not give up. Till there is no hope left!"
Both Lina and Hermione nodded their understand, as Jasmine's voice softened, "First… I must contact Luna's father about what happened. Then I will help."
"Of course," Lina said, and turned and nearly fled the room in her haste to begin looking for a cure.
Hermione leaned down and gave Jasmine a hug, kissing her wife's cheek. Jasmine leaned into Hermione hug for a moment, a whimper of fear escaping her lips. Yet Jasmine buried it as Hermione stood back up.
"We have one chance," Hermione said and Jasmine knew she was not talking about just finding a cure.
"I know," Jasmine said wondering what she would tell the children when the time came.
It was going to be hard on Jasmine's original three, as they knew Luna very well by this point. Yet they would not be hit as hard as the unofficial triplets. The triplets had taken to Luna much like each of the other children before them had taken to someone. Juliette, Elanor, and Mary would often listen and spend time with Luna just exploring around the house. Either because they wanted to see all the room the place had to offer, or to try and find a new interesting thing. It was clear when the time came, they would follow in Luna's footsteps to find undiscovered magical creatures that might yet remain in the world. Though now, this might not be likely after Luna passed away. Charlus and Henry would likewise be hurting, but as they mostly hung out with James their older brother, they would get over it faster than their sisters.
Hermione turned to leave the room, only for the door to open. Jasmine half expected the triplets to enter, but to both Hermione's and Jasmine's own shock it was not their family. Not the Grangers. Nor even Sirius or Remus. It was Luna's father, Xenophilius Lovegood. What seemed even more shocking was the sense of presence he had about him that he had never had before. His eyes were completely focused, and he seemed clearly intent on something.
"Hermione, Jasmine I am sorry to have to come to you at this time," Xenophilius said his voice sounding stronger than it had ever before.
"It is okay," Jasmine said though even the way she spoke made it clear it was far from okay.
"We cannot talk long," Xenophilius said and a flash of concern passed over his face, "I have only just finished a few things. I must now put one last thing in order before I leave for good."
Jasmine and Hermione blinked, unsure what to make of this statement, and Xenophilius was allowed to continue, "Since your ritual with my dear child… I have been saved to my great wonder, but also worry. I know what is to come, and I am here to prevent it. I am simply stopping by here to inform you of a few things before I save my daughter from her own folly."
"What… What, do you mean?" Jasmine asked.
Xenophilius sighed, and a sadness could almost be felt about the man as he spoke, "When you broke the vase that held Luna's magic. It and many of her memories returned to me. I am for the moment restored to who I once was. Free of the cloud of the broken bond."
"So, it did work," Jasmine said with a sad smile.
"No. At least not like you think," Xenophilius said with a similar smile, "My sanity has been returned, but my decline will begin as the bond was never restored."
"So, Luna's sacrifice was for nothing?" Jasmine said more than asked, a bitterness in her voice.
"Not for nothing," Xenophilius said with a small smile, "In this last week, I have set about getting some gifts ready for Luna. My parting gifts if you would. My return to sanity has given me a bit of time to work and think. I left three gifts to Luna and set my affairs in order at Gringotts before I leave this world to explore the next, and finally met my wife again."
"What are you saying?" Hermione asked confused.
"I can save my daughter. I can cure that which you cannot," Xenophilius said a lot of determination in his eyes, "But it will cost me my life so that she may live the rest of hers."
Before Jasmine or Hermione could say anything in response to this, Xenophilius continued, "Do not stop me. It is not the place of the child to save the parent if it costs them their life. As a parent, it is our job to save our children even if it does mean our own lives in the end. I shall save Luna!"
"How?" Jasmine asked.
"Old wizarding families have many secrets," Xenophilius said with a small twinkle in his eyes, "Secrets that Luna can now learn, my last gifts to my daughter. Our family legacy, a grimoire. My own journal, with detailed notes on all the creatures I came across. And a letter… things I will now never be able to say to my sweet moonbeam."
Jasmine and Hermione looked at Xenophilius, staring in their shock as he pulled out of his necklace with a golden chain and hourglass hanging from it. Jasmine and Hermione knew precisely what that object was. Jasmine had seen and used it once back in her third year, while Hermione had used it constantly throughout the year same year
"I have restored this time turner," Xenophilius said, setting it carefully down on the desk between them, "When my wife died, this was destroyed in the spell. Its temporal powers, and the bond were responsible for Luna's gift of past and future sight. By fixing it, I have removed those gifts so my child might be freed for those chains forever. You might not have seen it as clearly, but they were just as much a crutch as they were an aid to my daughter."
Jasmine sighed then nodded in understand, "We knew they were a plague to Luna. A curse and blessing, one she clearly hid well. There were slips, when I saw how much they bugged her. Though I always felt they bothered her more than she ever let on."
"From her memories, I know she saw many things. Often time things she was not ready for," Xenophilius said his voice soft now, "I failed my daughter as a father. Yet, it was not through any fault of my own. Still, I must do this one last thing. To save her from herself. Then, it will be up to you to keep her safe. She might not ever have said it, but you are her mother now. You have kept her safe, helped her when she did not deserve it, and shown her kindness she has so rarely felt. Luna, cannot say it, that you are her mother now. As she fears it would damage her memories of her own mother. A betray. Yet Luna loves you all the same."
Jasmine nodded a somber look on her face, "I will keep Luna safe when she returns. At times she feels like my daughter, others like a sister. She is family."
"Good," Xenophilius smiled and turned to go, "Give me twenty minutes then come to Luna's room. She should be waking up then, and she will need you to comfort her once again."
With that Xenophilius left the room as quickly as he had come in. The sense of purpose had returned. And Jasmine wondered just what it was he was about to do. She had guesses, but they were just that. Guesses. Before either of them could think to leave, the triplets came in. They had become noticeably subdued since the ritual. They did not know how bad Luna was, but they also knew it was not good either.
"Mom?" Juliette said as she walked up to the table, "Luna's father gave us something. Said we would need them when we went to see Luna. Can we go and see her… please?"
Jasmine noticed then Mary and Elanor each held a book, while Juliette had a small letter held in her hands. They looked to be very confused, and worry could be seen in how they stood and held their tails. They had not been allowed to see Luna since the ritual, as the healers had been working none stop to try and keep Luna stable. Jasmine came around her desk to give them each a hug along with Hermione.
"Yes, in just a little bit longer," Jasmine said, carefully lifting up Juliette in her arms, along with Elanor. Hermione having picked up Mary, "A lot has been going on. But it should all be okay soon."
Jasmine added, 'I hope.' Silently. As she did not wish to worry her children. Yet she also knew that Xenophilius would save his daughter. From all they had learned of the man, had his wife not died and the bond been severed, he would have been a match for Dumbledore in magical knowledge. He knew and understood things about magic very few did. And had a keen enough mind to use that knowledge to learn yet more stuff about the world and magic about him.
Twenty-one minutes later, one of the healers came into the room, "Mrs. Potter, Miss Lovegood just woke up."
Xenophilius funeral was held a week later. It had taken that long before Luna had recovered from her week-long sharp decline. Even then, Luna could still not walk very far or even run like she had once been able to. She was frail, and somber compared to her older self. Yet her father had saved her, and given her a second chance. She had several memories that were not her own, those being the last words and thoughts of her father. Her gift and curse was also finally gone as Xenophilius had promised.
The triplet's stood beside Luna, none of them willing to leave her side unless they had to. And it seemed Luna had taken to making sure they were taking care of themselves. That seemed to draw Luna out of her sadness just a little bit. Much like Jasmine's original puppies had helped her moved pass her own changes. Of course, Luna had others such as the Grangers and Potters to look after her. But it was the triplets that did most of the work to keep Luna moving forward.
Albus Dumbledore once more was speaking, this time for the funeral, "I will add one last thing. When people reach my age, we often begin to think we have learned and seen everything there is. That life has little more to offer those like me. We begin to stop looking at the living world, but rather towards the future, and the next big adventure with those who have already gone on. Something I feel more each year as I mourn the loss of yet another friend. Yet though I have lost so many both friends and family alike, I am still reminded that life is an adventure worth seeing."
Dumbledore paused and the slightly somber expression was replaced with one more hopeful as he continued.
"Whenever I am sure I have figured things out. Life likes to surprise me with something new that I never saw before. Even Hogwarts, a school I have spent nearly a century in, still shows me something new that I have never seen before. Each new surprise, a new light in the world that makes me long to remain, to see the world anew one more time. For this reason alone, I think Xenophilius saved his daughter's life. For he gave her a chance to fulfil his dreams, and that of her own. To live and be a mother. To live and feel the love that will come from her own sons and daughters. To live and explore the world anew. To show wizard kind we are far from the most informed people on the planet, and there are still mysteries only such a person as Luna Lovegood can answer."
Dumbledore smiled down at Luna, and Jasmine who had been watching Luna saw a small shift in her eyes. Dumbledore finished his speech not long later, yet Jasmine could clearly see now a small change in Luna's demeanor. It was not much of a change, but Jasmine could see a spark in her eyes that had been missing since Luna had recovered. There was a drive in them that had not been there before. A reason to continue on, a reason to live that was not just keeping the triplets happy. She would live, and finish her father's work.
Jasmine looked about the group after the service had finished. It was a small funeral in name alone. As though only the Potters, Grangers, Weasleys, and a few close friends had been invited to attend. Both the Potters and Weasleys more than made up for the lack of a large guest list. They were currently having a meal at the Potter's house, which left more than a few people stunned at what Jasmine was planning for. Dumbledore was among those who came to the meal afterwards. Though his reasons where not entirely because of his feelings of lose for Xenophilius.
"Jasmine, I would like to give you this," Dumbledore said, and held out a small box, "The last item has been found and cleansed."
Jasmine carefully took the box and opened it to see a silver cup that had been cleaved apart. A sniff of at it was all Jasmine needed to confirm this was indeed the last item now destroyed. She shut the box and carefully set it aside out of the way so no one would ask about it.
"So that is it. Voldemort cannot return," Jasmine said softly. They were the only two currently at the table Jasmine was sitting at as Hermione was keeping a close eye on Rose.
"Yes, it is finally over," Dumbledore said and he looked happy as he said it, "If Voldemort has somehow survived his trip through the Death Arch, he is now as mortal. Though I have heard no whisper that he survived that trip."
Jasmine nodded silently, her eyes slowly traveling over the large group. Since Voldemort had been sent through the veil, Professor Snape had confirmed the dark mark on his arm had faded completely. Not even a hint of it, or Jasmine's own magic remained when she had checked him just in case. Something that turned out to be almost true for all marked Death Eaters, or at least the ones they could check. The dark mark had faded from their arms, though in many cases Jasmine's own magic lingered.
"So, what now?" Jasmine asked glancing at Dumbledore.
"For me?" Dumbledore asked with a small chuckle, "I think it is time I make final amends with my brother. Then whether he accepts my own apology or not, I think will be high time I take the world trip I been planning since I was fifteen."
"Quite a lot of time to plan a trip," Jasmine said, before adding more softly, "I wish you luck with you family. I know how bitterly a grudge can be held against your own blood."
"Some people don't want to let go," Dumbledore said his voice just as soft, "And others cannot let go till they are forced to."
Jasmine noticed how Dumbledore's eyes flicked to Luna and back as he said this last part. Though Jasmine was sure Dumbledore was not referring to Luna holding onto hate, she knew he was not just referring to Luna either. Professor Snape, once free of Voldemort had changed so drastically that several of the students had been given whiplash.
"By the way," Dumbledore said, when Jasmine did not speak up right away, "I might suggest you get those items remade. Then donate them to Hogwarts to be displayed."
"Some of them yes," Jasmine said as she glanced down at her finger where a ring sat adorn with a large stone, lines could be seen carved in the stones surface, "Not all."
"Still wearing that?" Dumbledore asked catching the movement of her eyes.
"Yes, since you gave it to me, I have worn it. Though as for using it…" Jasmine sighed and shook he head, "I fear what would happen if someone else stumbled across it. Or I would have locked it away long ago rather than carry it around. Only the wand you carry remains, though I do not want it now any more than when I first realized what it was," Jasmine said.
Dumbledore chuckled once more, "IT will find its way to you yet. Then it will be up to you to figure out how to use the three gifts wisely."
Jasmine rolled her eyes, "Using them wisely is not something I think is possible. But we shall see."
Dumbledore laughed and got up, "Wisely is a matter of opinion. But, yes, we shall. As ever it has been a delight to talk to you, but I must be off to see my brother. Hopefully he does not break my nose a second time."
"Good luck." Jasmine said, as Dumbledore turned to walk away.
Jasmine's gaze returned to the table, and see saw the wand now sitting before her. She quickly glanced back up for Dumbledore and saw he had already vanished. Shaking her head she picked up the wand, feeling a familiar warmth pass up her fingers as it accepted her as its new master.
"Typical," Jasmine said and pocketed the wand before smiling, "Well he always said you don't get to choose what happens. Just how you act once it has happened."
She smiled and got up to go help Luna who looked like she was becoming too tired to remain sitting at the table. It had been a long day, and Luna was still recovering from what had happened and the funeral. Alongside Lina, Jasmine helped Luna to a couch where she could better relax or even sleep. Jasmine did not leave her side, as she had a promise to keep. The triplets were nearby, going over Xenophilius journal, often talking with Luna about the creatures within it. And Luna, Jasmine could see was already planning a trip to find the first.
Jasmine looked up and smiled as she saw on the few people that were an old friends to the Lovegood family. Newt Scamander, and his children and grandson. They had traveled more than a few times with Xenophilius and his wife in search of their creatures. As Luna's eyes met Rolf, Jasmine noticed her eyes group a little bit brighter as the lad with only a little younger than she was. And it was quite clear he was as interested in finding magical creatures as the triplets were.
Rolf promised to stop by in a few days after the group had chatted, and the smile Luna gave him made Jasmine's heart beat a little easier. It seemed Luna's had not just laid to rest part of her life today, but begun her first steps down a new path.
It was nearly a month later before Jasmine set about trying her cure for Remus. They had put it off for several reasons, mostly making sure Luna was firmly on the road to recovery. As Jasmine was still a little worried that Luna would slide back into her old ways. Even without her gift of future and past sight. Yet with the triplets keeping Luna company, and Rolf visited every few days. Luna was indeed making progress towards being her own person again.
Now, Jasmine could focus all her attention onto testing Remus's cure. Jasmine felt a lot more assured this was going to work than the ritual with Luna had. Mostly because, unlike a curse they were trying to twist to their own means. This was entirely Jasmine's own power. Power which she could halt the moment things began getting out of hand. As such, there was a lot less risk of things going wrong, unless Jasmine herself got careless.
Jasmine would be using not only her own magic, but a mixture of the flames and shadow to create what Hermione and Luna had dubbed. Black rings. The bands of the ring were harden shadows, while a small gem made of her own fire was set into it. The shadow directed along by Jasmine's magic would draw out the cursed magic of the werewolf, and then the flames would burn it away. Till the curse itself vanished from Remus's body.
Jasmine had of course run a long range of tests using cursed objects they had found, and some they had made. And each time the object was left as it had once been. All the normal magic remained, yet the cursed spells on the object had been destroyed. Thought she still hesitated to try it on a human. What was forcing her were two things. Lupins own child with Tonks, and the fact that the curse was finally getting to him.
Being a werewolf was a burden, and even for those that willingly accepted the change. Their lives were much shorter than even that of a mundane human. To reach fifty was considered a rarity among werewolves, and sixty was almost unheard of. The wolfsbane potion had made it much easier, and the age had stretched out recent due to this. But it was clear that Lupin would not make it more than a few more years if something did not change. And there was no way he would see his son off to their first time to Hogwarts.
"Are you sure you are ready for this," Jasmine asked as focused her powers to create the spell that would hopefully save Remus's life.
"Yes, I cannot leave my son, nor Tonks alone," Remus said, glancing up towards the dark sky above them.
"Then let's get this started," Jasmines said and held out the freshly formed ring.
"Are you sure you want to remain near me?" Remus asked as he put on the ring.
"We are far from anyone else, and I can change into a hellhound. If anyone is in danger, it is you," Jasmine commented with a slight roll of her eyes.
Remus decided it was not a good idea to argue that point. As he had only seen her hellhound form once. It had been from a distance, and it had been the night she had attacked Hogwarts. That one time had been enough for him to know that it was well beyond anything he could fight. So, to worry about him hurting her was a bit of a moot point. Yet old habits were hard to let go.
"Almost time," Jasmine noted a few moments later as she saw a silvery glow on the horizon.
Jasmine turned and watched Remus rather than the moon as it began to rise over the horizon. The flame within the ring seemed to glow brighter with each passing moment. Till finally as the moon rose fully above the horizon, the flame suddenly turned from a bright red to an iced blue color. Jasmine did not move however, and instead simply watched her magic as it set to work.
The moment the moon had cleared the horizon, Remus's curse flared throughout his body. Yet now with the ring on, she could feel how the curse began to spread out from the scars on his face. The magic within them had laid dormant, to the point that it could not even be easily detected by her own powers. Expect, often as wolf scent that lingered about him. Now however, it flowed out like a volcano suddenly come to life. It flashed over his body in an instant expect for one spot, the finger on which Jasmine's ring now sat.
The flames glowed brighter as suddenly the shadows flowed over Remus's body covering it almost like a second skin. Till for a moment he was like a void in the space before Jasmine's eyes. They remained this way for several moments before slowly withdrawing back to the ring, the magic of the curse no longer within Remus's body. Yet the shadows did not pull into the ring entirely. They rather lingered within Remus's scares covering them as a war was waged.
The werewolf's curse was given power by the full moon and it was trying to overwhelm the shadows and escape their hunger. It was almost terrifying how much power the curse seemed to gain from the moonlight. Yet, though the curse had become a powerful force. It was but an insect to the dragon like enemy it now faced. For the more power the curse gained and lost, the more Jasmine's own shadows grew in power. And slowly, what had been a stalemate between them became a one-sided slaughter as Jasmine's magic had gained enough strength to go right to the source of the curse.
Jasmine felt it then. For a moment before the flames swallowed it. A kernel of twisted malformed magic. It had no form, no true purpose or intent behind what it was. Only twisted desires laid down age ago. Long forgotten commands the magic seemed barely able to follow, twisted by the years since the werewolf curse had first been laid on someone. Yet it was pulled apart and consumed by Jasmine's own shadows and burnt away within the fires.
It was only maybe a minute or two since the moon had risen, before the shadows withdrew form Remus's body. And another two before they faded from his face. The scares they had covered seeming somehow lighter and smoother than they had once had been. Soon, no shadows covered the man and the fire within the ring slowly became a soft red once more. Jasmine slowly moved forward, and she sent out her own shadows and began to examine the panting Remus who looked stunned and confused. Yet though she searched she could find no hints of the curse within him. Jasmine sniffed the air, and even the scent of wolf seemed to be weaker than it had only moments before.
"Are you okay?" Jasmine asked, as she got slowly closer.
"Yeah, once you give me the number of the bus that hit me," Remus said, yet he was smiling.
There was a look of relief and joy in his eyes that she had only seen once before. The day he had stopped by to tell them his son had been born, and to ask Jasmine to be the boy's godmother. He could tell, her solution had worked. He did not even need her confirmation to know he was once more a free man, free of the taint of the werewolf curse.
They took this news right to Amelia Bones the current Minister of Magic. It took Jasmine quite a while to explain what she had done which left Amelia looked stunned, yet overjoyed. As if to drive the point home that they might have found the cure they so longed for. When they had Remus's checked over for any remains of the curse, they not only found none. But that also his scares could finally be removed. Something that had been impossible up till then. As they no longer holding hints of the dark magic that made their remove so hard in the first place. Remus was able to leave Saint Mungo free of the tokens that he had carried for years, free of the burden that had condemned him before he had even had a chance to try. He was once more a free man.
Amelia turned to look at Jasmine after Remus had left to tell his wife the good news, "You have done something once thought impossible."
Jasmine laughed lightly, "I do seem to make the impossible possible. But I think luck, good or bad played a part in this as well. Only the curse and gift of the hound has let me fix this."
"Yes. You have done your best to turn the evil of Umbridge to good," Amelia said as she gazed at Jasmine with a small smile on her face.
"Did she ever say how she found out," Jasmine asked still curious how the witch had found out.
"She still refuses to say. Nor has she regained her powers. She has become extremely bitter towards you, and I doubt she will change her views for years yet. You may never find out unless you feed her a truth potion. As you said, this was your punishment, and I shall not interfere with it," Amelia answered.
Jasmine nodded; she had not often thought about what had happened to Umbridge. She felt only a slight bit of regret for sealing the witch's magic. But at this point, she was not going to help Umbridge. She might still not feel the anger she once did towards her, yet she was still far from ready to forgive Umbridge for her actions. It might be a flaw in her character, but it was hard for anyone who had found out what had happened to fault her for her choice of punishment.
"I need to make sure the change is permanent," Jasmine said, changing the subject back to the werewolf curse, "Another two months should be long enough. One to see if we get any reaction form the ring. And a second to see if he changes once the ring is removed. Once that is done. I think we need to let the world know, and rid us of this mess once and for all."
"There will be quite the reward and fame for cleaning up the werewolf problem," Amelia commented.
Jasmine chuckled then laughed at this, her voice filling the entry hall of Saint Mungo. It was an almost musical laugh, and there was an odd sort of joy in it.
"I am Jasmine Potter. And fame is all I have ever known since coming to this world. Fame that comes from being lucky," Jasmine said giving Amelia a rather cheeky grin, "Yet this time, I think it will be well deserved fame for something I did on purpose rather than as a side effect of my actions. So… I can live with it."
Amelia smiled back saying, "You have changed a lot since we first met. The girl who I met then did not care for the fame she had, and only cared for her family."
"She has not changed to much," Jasmine said with a small smile, "But as I said, this time. I will make the name for myself because of something I choose to do. Not because someone's else actions, but my own. And I think I can deal with that."
Amelia nodded and the pair soon left. Jasmine for her own home, and Amelia back to the Ministry. They had a lot of people to talk to, as this was going to indeed be a worldwide thing.
The cleansing of the werewolves took several years to complete, by which time the Ministry had decided that for every person that was cured they or that person's ministry would provide them with five hundred galleons to start their life over with. While another thousand would be gifted to Jasmine. The five hundred galleons alone equaled the wages form someone working within the Ministry itself, and it was a sign of good faith by the Ministry that they wanted this to be over.
Only a few werewolves did not come forward to be cured. Most out of mistrust for the Ministry, which once they had to met with others of their own kind, and learned how they had been cured, decided to take the chance. Soon nearly everyone was cured. Yet there were a few others that required the Ministry of Magic to step in and take action against them. Fenrir Grayback was one such person. As he had been attacking and changing people into werewolves for years to punish those who stood against him and other werewolves. And while he might have said, he did this to further the rights of werewolf kind and people's awareness of it. In reality, he only liked how much power it brought him as he grew his own pack of faithful followers.
Jasmine, along with nearly the entire force of a hundred and sixty Aurors were sent to capture his pack. It was a battle, yet one that neither Fenrir or his pack was equipped for. As it had only taken one of them turning traitor to allowed Jasmine and the Aurors to get the jump on the pack. Much of the pack soon abandon Fenrir when they realized that gift of freedom and a new start was indeed real. Only a few remained truly loyal to them, yet their curse was still removed and they were all restored to a human form. A few trials had to be conducted with the former werewolves, yet many were let go with the only exception being Fenrir Grayback himself.
Yet, as this went on, another thing also came up that Jasmine did not expect. That being people who were victims to other curses, including blood curses. They began coming forward in hopes that Jasmine's Shadow Rings might save them. Draco's Malfoy's own wife, Astoria Malfoy, came forward and begged she be saved before it was too late. Draco, who had shown up along with Astoria, had a look of fear about him. He knew all too well what Jasmine had done, and what she was capable of. After all, Draco's own father was still without the ability to use even the simplest bit of magic.
"Yes, I can and will help you. Let your entire family know I will make enough rings so that you are all cured," Jasmine said finally.
"But… why?" Draco asked to stunned to get say anymore.
Jasmine gave him a mischief smile, "Dear Draco. Why would I not help someone. I am the golden girl, the one always looking for more fame. Helping people is what I do after all. And I think I will enjoy holding this over your head. Just in case it becomes to swollen again for its own good."
Draco blinked as Jasmine turned her attention back to the nearly bouncing girl Astoria had become. Clearly, having forgotten all her manners at the thought that she would finally be free. Jasmine smiled and said, "When I say everyone, I do mean everyone. Mother, father, grandparents, siblings, children. I will have the rings ready when you arrive with them. And will personally make sure you are free of your curse forever."
"Thank you," Astoria said, her eyes shining with tears of joy as she grabbed Draco and hurried from the room they had been meeting it.
Jasmine laughed, as she could not help but imagine just what Lucius face would be like when he heard Jasmine was helping his son's wife be cured. Jasmine might not hold grudges for long, but even she had to admit she wanted to see just how he would react to learning about the whole matter. A week later, after the rings had been placed and given a chance to run their course, she was caught off guard as Lucius Malfoy came forward to visit Jasmine at the Ministry of Magic. In the same office where she now worked on and off to help set up appointments.
"Mrs. Potter," Lucius said his voice oddly soft and strained.
"Mr. Malfoy, it is been a while," Jasmine said, wondering what he was here for.
"When I found out what was to happen, I was shocked and angered. Fearing a trap," Lucius said his eyes fixed on Jasmine's own.
"I don't lay traps within my work. At least not for those who have asked for it directly," Jasmine countered.
"Yes, a trap I fell for," Lucius said before shaking his head before he sighed, "I have been a fool to say the least. You saved my daughter in-law and her family. And to top it off you did not even charge them for this help. Though she married my son, who tormented you for years."
"The Ministry of Magic are those who pay for my help. It would be wrong for me to charge when I am already being paid. Even if the Ministry of Magic did not pay for the cure, I would still be willing to help those affected by curses free of charge. Plus, people change. I have changed, and I would expect Draco to change as well," Jasmine said though she was now even more curious where this was going.
"Yes, we all change. For helping my family, I thank you. You might not charge any money. But I think a thousand galleons is a small price to see them smiling and happy like I have never seen them before. I used to give money out like this as sign to gain favors and power. Now, I give it in thanks and a maybe as a sign that one day we both can put the past behind us," Lucius said as he set a bag of coins on the desk between them, "Consider this my personal thanks, and request you continue to set the world right."
Jasmine looked at the bag stunned and when she looked inside, she saw that it was indeed full of galleons. She chuckled then grinned at the man before her.
"Well, Mr. Malfoy. I accept this thanks, and I wish you luck and many years of happiness yet," Jasmine said.
Lucius nodded and with a small bow left. As he left, Jasmine reached out and sensed him with her magic, and noticed that the shadows that bound Lucius were finally beginning to fade. Her smile growing bigger she wondered if by simply helping Draco's family she might have caused his father to turn over a new leaf. She looked at the bag of galleons and decided it would be put towards Saint Mungo matched with a thousand of her own.
Jasmine wondered how many other of her form enemies or rivals were slowly changing over the years. She could not deny that at one time she would not have trusted this gold from either Malfoy. Yet even she could not deny the honest look of joy that had been in the man's eyes when he mentioned his happily family. She was glad she could help them, even if she and they knew that they did not deserve her help.
Glancing at the clock, Jasmine decided to call it early for the day and head home. The kids would soon be off to school, and she was trying to spend as much time with them as possible. Yet, she also knew that this was the next stage on in their lives and that she would have to let them go sooner or later. Something she was finding was hard to do, as her children really did mean the world to her.
Both Jasmine's and Hermione's kids had been homeschooled up till they looked to be twelve, even if they were nine by this point. And it had not been till recently had they gotten their Hogwarts letters. Jasmine was both thrilled they would soon be at the school, but also a little scared to see them off to this next stage in their lives. Not that she would really be seeing them any less than she was. While she might be employed by the Ministry, she still did work clearing out the Room of Hidden Objects. A task that required quite at a lot of effort even years later.
There were obvious problems with sending them to Hogwarts. The slight age gap. How their bodies looked, even covered by robes. But there were also less obvious ones, how their bodies would change as they age. Even how their bodies would function. The possibility of going into heat for the girls. And of course, the possibility of children of their own. Something even Jasmine would admit, she had not been quite ready for when she had her own.
Still, the time was coming when she would have to make the choice. Either send them to Hogwarts, and let them grow up with other children they at least looked close to. Or, hold them back till they could learn with their year mates while appearing far older. Or just continue homeschooling them. It was not an easy choice to make, but she did know her decision even now. She would not rob them of the chance to see Hogwarts as she once had.
Still, the day they left; Jasmine found it hard to let them go. She held them in one tight hug each, and a kiss on each of their heads before she saw them onto the train. Rose looked like she was about as excited as one could be. James appeared a little nervous yet ready for what was to come. Only Lily seemed reluctant to go, yet even then she looked ready to see the castle. As though Jasmine and Hermione had worked at the school, the three had never actually seen the castle themselves only hints of it through the tree.
As the train pulled away, Jasmine felt her heart flutter as she saw her kids wave back at her. She leaned against Hermione who was besides her and would soon travel by floo back to their house. Hermione would leave later that evening to make her way to Hogwarts where she was still teaching.
"Going to be weird," Jasmine said as the tail end of the train vanished from view, "Not having them about each night."
"We shall make due," Hermione said, as she held Jasmine to her side, "This is not forever, and it will not even be Christmas time before you see them again."
"I know… Just… they have been my world for so long, that…" Jasmine stopped and chuckled some before shaking her head, "I never thought there would be a day when I wished that Hogwarts was not real. That I could keep them forever with me."
Hermione nodded and said softly, "To be a parent is to know when to hold on, and when to let go."
"Yes, I know." Jasmine said, glancing back at the other five which had joined them to see their older brother and sisters off, and said much louder than before, "Well come on your lot. Back to the Zoo!"
( Hi all Espo here.
So notes of the day.
First the obvious. The 2 Latin Phrases, which admittedly might be wrong
'Ingenium acquire. Furari donum. In hoc vase ligatus erit. Vinculum nunc et in aeternum magis.
Translation: Acquire the talent. Steal the gift. Bound within this vessel it shall be. Bond now and forever more.
'Ita Fiat Mote!'
Translation:So Mote may it be.
The spell was entirely custom made, with the one idea. Of it being a talent stealing curse. Which would have stolen most of Luna's magic had she not given her magic away.
Other things of note. The entire thing with Luna's father was not originally planned. I at first wanted to cure him, and give Luna her father back, however, as i could not found a good way to make this happen. The second option you see here came about. Which i feel is a little better of a story.
Jasmine does have all three Hallows by the end yes.
Dumbledore's story i felt should have ended this way had he lived to see retirement.
Lupin is indeed cured a planned event from the moment i realized Jasmine was a hellhound, as way the creation of The Potter Hotel, though i had debated between the Village of Potter as well.
Lastly Malfoy being redeemed, both Malfoy's. This was not planned, yet it fit rather well considering what Jasmine could do with her cure. And as we do rarely see Lucius Malfoy turn over a new life. It was a nice change i felt.
One last chapter next week. Then the journey is over. See you then, for the last dive into 'Gone To the Dogs'. Bye)