Darkened Light

by Venquine1990

Preventing Trouble V2 - sort of. After they beat Xehanort, the adventure isn't over. Lea actually has two Soul Mates and both live in a world that is on the road of Darkened Light. In order to save this world - and Sora from fading - 7 books about one of his mates need to be read. WARNING MalexMale, Male threesome and mentions of various forms of abuse! Set in GoF and after KH3.

9. Not These Actions

Hey everyone,

I really hope that you guys read the newest chapter for To Read And To View. I put a mayor story change into the second half of that one. Also, I am planning on a huge change in this one as well, but that won't be coming for some time. I will probably hint at it in Chapter 11, but after that, just forget about it till after CoS.

Have fun,

Venquine1990

Chapter 09

Not These Actions

24th of June 1995

Great Hall, Hogwarts

Yen Sid's POV

Today was a day of extraordinary achievements for many.

Early in the morning the students and friends I have made in the past decade went off to face the greatest enemy our universe had ever seen. I had kept a close eye on them the entire time and saw everything they went through.

I saw the first confrontation between Xehanort and my young ones.

I saw them take on the thousands of Heartless.

I saw them traverse deeper into the Graveyard.

I saw Ven and Lea fall to Terranort's attacks.

I saw Donald use his most powerful move and drain all of his own energy.

I saw all of the Shadow Heartless gather together and become a massive Demon Tide.

I saw everyone fall to this Demon Tide and believed that all was lost.

Yet before I could despair, fear for the worlds at large or wonder what I should do to preserve the Light, a miracle happened.

Everyone returned to where they had their first confrontation with Xehanort. I breathed a sigh of relief and left for the furthest edge of my realm, ready to aide them if they needed me. Again I stood watch, though this time not just with the goal of observation.

I saw the same confrontation take place between Aqua and Terranort. But before Terranort could strike young Ventus, something unexpected happened.

The Armor of young Terra, who I felt sure was stuck within Terranort, came to live and fought against Terranort in order to protect his friends.

Yet while Terranort and the Armor fought and left the others behind, more Heartless, Unversed and Nobodies distracted the Guardians away from following after them.

Then a young man – who I had decided to dub Riku-Nort – appeared alongside Xigbar. The two had vocally challenged the guardians and then unleashed even more Demon Tides as well as other Heartless.

I had seen my Guardians struggle to keep the ever growing numbers from overwhelming them. And when I saw that Aqua and Ventus were ready and willing to separate from the group in order to form a path, I decided to take action.

I used the powers of magic that I have harnessed and trained over the years of my existence to travel the Lanes and arrive in front of my pupils and friends. I had used all of my power and created a barrier that separated my Lights from the many, many Darknesses. I had also cleared the path for them to go after Master Xehanort.

My dear young Mickey had not wanted to leave me behind and his two most loyal, Donald and Goofy, had promised to stay behind. It had hurt Mickey and Sora the most, but they had complied with our wishes.

And once I was sure that my pupils were safely away from this onslaught, I focused on slaughtering their numbers.

Though Donald and Goofy took charge in this and most of my work focused itself on keeping them alive and healthy. I felt truly amazed and awed at what they could do and believed yet again that they were as much Guardians of Light as Sora and the others.

Once I was sure that they would be safe, I travelled the Graveyard with them. Yet the dry heat and scorching lands were slightly too much for my aging form to handle, even if I tried not to let my companions notice this.

My efforts were in vain.

When we reached the huge stone maze that Xehanort had created for the sake of his Keyblade War, Donald and Goofy had insisted that I head back to the Tower and assured me that they would take care of Sora and the others from here.

I only needed to look at their faces and I knew that they were aware of my physical limitations and that they cared enough for me that, like I wanted to keep them safe, they wanted to keep me safe. I had gratefully accepted their request.

I had returned to my tower and spent a few minutes recuperating. Not just from the Graveyard's environment, but also from the amount of power and magic I had used as it had been more than I had, in the heat of the moment, even realized. By the time I had successfully recovered, I had spotted it.

Xehanort's star had gone out.

The Seeker of Darkness was gone.

This time for good.

I had slumped into my seat in relief and with a grin on my face I had waited for my pupils and friends to come to my tower to celebrate.

But after waiting for almost half an hour I had worried and wondered where they were. I had searched the stars and thankfully I had found each star that represented the light in their hearts.

Yet to my shocked surprise their lights were traveling the Lanes – away from all worlds that I know they have travelled.

I had again left my tower and returned to my departure point. This time finding their lights had taken some effort and I had needed to gather much more power in order to start the jump that would take me to them. And the journey itself had also taken a lot out of me.

I had arrived at a most glorious castle, yet I had instantly sensed something horrifying. A Darkness that, while it didn't have that Xehanort touch, was just as strong and potent as the old Seeker of Darkness himself.

Thankfully the Darkness appeared at ease and I had spotted my pupils and friends to be in the same state. It intrigued and awed me that they were surrounded by many of their peers and others. The tale they told me also worried me.

"This poor world. Darkened Light is similar to the fate that Xehanort would have bestowed upon the worlds back home if he had been given the chance. Though why? Why is Destiny again asking my friends, my pupils, my children, to fight this battle?"

It really wasn't hard for me to figure out who would lead this world down said road, but I knew I was still too new to this world to really take action. Thus I had followed in the example of my pupils and joined in on the reading.

And now I have another who I have taken into my heart.

Young Harry is clever, resourceful, sharp, strong and talented. But he is also kind, gentle, shy and humble. He has a good mind on him, yet his strength clearly lies within his heart. It truly doesn't surprise me that Terra was able to bestow the Keyblade upon him.

What relieves me is that Harry is already aware of the strong Darkness.

What worries me is that he seems to be one of the few who actually are, at least right now.

I listen to the tale, I hear the reactions, I offer my services and my help where possible. And now I wish to act. "I'd wish to read next, if that's alright?" The man that read earlier uses his wand and levitates the book in question over to me. And because it's open on the page of the newest chapter, I thank him and begin.

The Parting of the Ways

The young brunette girl seated with my friends and pupils asks what this title means with a tone of fear in her voice. I grimace at the title and the dark man in the center of the Head Table sighs as he says:

"I fear, Miss Granger, that the return of Lord Voldemort will cause a split within the forces of Light. After all, many were very, very exhilarated to have the man removed from their lives and, as much as it pains me, I fear only a rare few will be willing to accept what his return might mean for them. I fear we might have to fight each other before we will fight the monster.

Truly, this is why these books were created."

The man sounds truly genuine and remorseful, yet there is an undertone to his voice in the end. Gleeful victory. And as this tone enters his voice, I can almost sense the darkness that is within his heart growing stronger.

I spare a short glance at my pupils and Riku nods at me as I gaze from him to Sora. The young man, even after he changed back from Ansem to Riku, still has the ability to smell darkness. And the nod indicates that the smell of Dumbledore's darkness grew stronger yet again.

I truly worry for this school, these students and this staff.

But then my gaze passes over Ventus and Chirithy and the little being gives me a wink. And even though he has a cat-like face, I can almost imagine the little critter smiling reassuringly. I smile back at him and read on. As I think:

"These books weren't just created to show the discord that Lord Voldemort's return will cause between the forces of Light. They were created to bring out the darkness in your heart, Albus Dumbledore. And soon all will see."

Dumbledore stood … said gently.

Harry's mind was razor sharp. He was alert and analyzing everything as he heard and experienced it. Already he saw what Dumbledore wanted. What he had planned.

The headmaster sounds offended as he assures the young man that he only wants justice, just like we all do. But Harry shakes his head and says: "No sir, in the book, you don't seem to want that. You betrayed yourself.

Why send Snape to the Hospital Wing to fetch the matron? Can't you just levitate Moody along as you take me there to be examined? Surely book-you realized by now that I need medical attention." The lad seems to want to say more, yet he doesn't.

Dumbledore grimaces and states that it was merely an old man's mistake. But I only need to look at the strict woman beside him to know that this isn't the case. It's an excuse and one the woman has heard him say many a time. One she no longer seems willing to accept.

I truly wonder who will react first when the darkness in the man's heart becomes visible for all to see. Silently I pray that it might be either one of my pupils, I myself or the staff. Yet I fear it may come down to these innocent students as I continue to read.

Harry, who noticed Dumbledore's wand from the corner of his eye, got up … his leg, now no longer covered by his self-made bandage, now returned …He also felt an extra stinging pain and a wave of dizziness overcome him. He realized that … dark corridor. Harry noticed that it was his right arm and that it was held up in such a way he couldn't reach his pocket, his wand.

"Albus, you're treating Mr. Potter, my lion, as if he were Bellatrix Lestrange or Pettigrew. Why?" The woman beside him, who might at one point have been his closest coworker, asks horrified. The excuse the man gives is horrifyingly weak at best, and insulting at worst.

"Minerva, please remember. This is all from Mr. Potter's point of view. He has been through a lot this night. His mind is addled with horror and trauma. You know me, Minerva, you know me better than that."

Suddenly I notice it.

A sense of magic is coming off of the man as he speaks. Instantly I tense my hold on the book and let my aura flare out. My magic flows with the power of my form and shoots straight for the small bit of space between the two.

It forms an invisible barrier between the two and I breath a sigh of relief. The woman's eyes had clouded slightly, but they clear up as the barrier keeps the magic from reaching her.

Instantly the man turns my way, obviously aware of what I just did. But I use this sudden turn of movement to my advantage and simply read on.

"I want … Harry nodded. He knew that Sirius really was the only reason he was allowing Dumbledore to pull him along like a ragdoll.

He knew he could try to make a run for it, despite his leg. He would claim that he noticed he wasn't being taken to the Hospital Wing, that he was too scared to relive the night's events and that he just wanted to rest. He knew that would make for a believable excuse to anyone asking why he had run from the Albus Dumbledore.

The man's expression may try to convey disagreement and a sense of disappointment, but it's the guarded, annoyed look in his eyes that I am focused on, that concerns me.

I notice the man trying to stare Harry down, yet at the same time, his eyes fleet over to me every so often.

I let my aura out once again and through it send out a sensory probe. Thankfully as the sensory magic passes over my pupils, the magic washes over them without detecting anything.

Very gently I spread the magic out a little further.

And after it passes a few more students, just when I want to call my magic back, I feel my magic encountering the magic of another, a spell that instantly has me tense up.

I can't quite discern what the magic is, due to my lack of knowledge of this world, yet there is no denying the dark sensation that it emits.

And a single, quick look at the Head Table shows me that I wasn't the only one to tense up.

I grab a goblet of water, to distract the students from wondering why I'm not reading on. At the same time I keep guiding my aura and the magic that radiates from my form to surround the magical spell. And once I feel as if my magic is embracing the spell, I slowly tighten my hold on the spell more and more.

Thankfully it takes very little pressure for the spell to weaken. Yet before it can truly dissipate, I absorb what's left of it within my magic. I withdraw the magic and sense the spell attaching itself to my aura. I know it will tire me out, yet I keep my aura outward, but only to a certain extend.

And before I truly continue to read, I quickly gaze across the top of the book. And young William, who sits across from me, catches my glance and gives me a very subtle nod.

But the truth was that Harry didn't trust Dumbledore when it was just the two of them in the same room. And the pain in his arm, his leg and the wave of dizziness that he quickly managed to overcome were only minor reasons why.

But together with everything else that happened that night, Harry didn't want to think of these reasons. Instead, he decided to distract himself and the man beside him.

Roxas, Axel and Xion share a look and once again I am beyond elated that they got the chance to be reunited. Even if, like Lea and Riku, I had unfortunately forgotten about the sweet black-haired young lady. I truly don't know when it was that my memories of the few times that I spotted her by watching the stars came back to me, yet it matters little.

Then the young black-haired lady turns to look at her black-haired male counterpart. Young Harry seems to feel deeply comfortable within his godfather's embrace, even as he sits next to a man that has left him to himself for the past year. Lupin seems aware of this, yet both the smile on his face and the way that he sits close to the young man proves that he is determined to take this chance.

Harry nods at Xion and says: "I'm sure the first three books will describe exactly what these reasons are." And while this intrigues me, I know what that look previously shared between the three friends meant. They will not be waiting for this.

The three might not be part of the Organization anymore, but they will be making full use of the skills and techniques they learned while under Xemnas' leadership.

"Professor," Harry … him best."

Harry may not trust Dumbledore, but he knew one thing of the man. He would spare the lives of the innocent where possible. He truly regretted Cedric's death.

The man in question nods in empathic agreement. And while for the majority of the reading the man had been hiding his true motives and emotions behind a mask, the grief and the relief he now feels is obviously genuine.

The grief over the student he would have lost if not for the books. And the relief over the fact that this can now be prevented.

For a moment I wish to feel relief myself. "Perhaps there really is still Light within his heart." I wish to believe.

Yet then I notice it.

Even though he attempts to hide it, there is a third emotion on his visage that is as genuine as the relief and the grief. Selfish pride fuels the relieved smile that adorns the man's face. I release a breath of disappointment and think:

"Even if this man still has light in his heart, the darkness in his heart will always take over. He truly is a lost soul, just like Master Xehanort." And with the same resignation as when I first acknowledged that my old friend has lost himself to the Darkness, I read on.

They had … standing there.

From the corner of my eye I notice Professor McGonagall looking up and she turns to her colleague as she asks: "That reminds me, Albus. If not for these books, exactly when were you planning to tell me that you knew that one of my lions was innocent? Or was your book-self's request for me to bring Mr. Black to your office an indirect attempt to give Mr. Black the chance to tell me himself?"

I consider these questions to be most valiant, my attention is elsewhere.

All throughout the reading Professor Snape has been as two-faced as his employer. And I feel very mixed about this as he hides a sense of gleeful delight each time Dumbledore got questioned.

"It is quite obvious that the man has the same opinion on Albus Dumbledore as young Harry. Though where his pupil seems to simply feel relieved that the older man's darkness is finally brought out for the world to see, the tutor seems to almost – delight himself in the struggle of his employer. Could Darkness be in both their hearts?"

And while I once again worry for the many forms of Darkness that seem present within this world, I continue the story.

His face … half listening. On one hand, he was physically quite exhausted, yet on the other his mind was very much very active and so were his instincts.

And thankfully, because he was now inside the office of the school's leader, he was closer to Lady Hogwarts than he has ever been.

He could already sense the exquisite castle's magic fill up the chair he was in and he gladly let his core absorb the great powerful bits of power. He felt his body relax, felt the nerves that had been affected by the Cruciatus recover, he even felt a muscle within the wound on his leg mend itself back together, which felt incredibly wonderful.

And thanks to the long spam of time between when he took the Port Key back to Hogwarts and his arrival at the office, his core has managed to recover. And thus, out of gratitude to the mighty castle and how it has always helped Harry and his friends whenever possible, Harry returned the favor. He gripped the arm rests of the chair and gently channeled bits of his own magic into the chair through his grip.

And with how weak Lady Hogwarts felt when he was heading down to the Quidditch Pitch – something that felt as if it happened more than a day ago, instead of only a few hours ago – Harry believed it deeply necessary for him to aid Hogwarts, just like the great castle helped him.

"Is that really possible?" The young brunette girl with the curly hair that is seated just outside of the combined group of young Harry and his friends and my own pupils asks.

Her answer comes from another table.

"It's an incredibly rare chance. These days only the oldest of families, who can trace their lines all the way back to the Founders. Though I actually didn't know that the Potters fell under that group." A young lady with the Hufflepuff colors on her robes explains. Her voice sounds deeply curious at the end of her explanation.

Then someone who sits close to her shouts that this proves that Harry really is the Heir of Slytherin. Yet at this Sirius bursts out laughing and asks if the boy is being serious. The lad looks shocked at being laughed at and Sirius says:

"Anyone who knows anything about the Potter line knows that, while they don't descend from any of the four Founders, their family came into existence in the same year as that the Founders started collecting and teaching newly found witches and wizards."

Harry looks both deeply interested in this news and also utterly delighted at hearing his godfather laugh. Lupin, seated on the boy's other side, nods and states: "Also, I'm not sure if you remember this, Sirius, but back when we were studying here, there were even rumors that this occurred, because the Potter line married into an even older line at the time."

And thankfully Sirius nods to prove that he remembers this. I truly respect the man for how he stored most of his memories within a choker to safeguard them, I also feel deeply relieved that he remembers this.

Then, as I read on, I spot that the man has a hand in his pocket.

There was … head and focused on a mole in between the man's bushy white eyebrows.

Snickers are heard through the hall as some students notice their fellow students and friends actually turning to look at the Headmaster in an attempt to spot said mole. And this time the man seems to feel just as genuinely amused by these attempts.

"If I … strengthening him.

At the same time Harry easily took notice of how the note from the powerful, ethereal bird on his lap was quavering with fear. And while he knew that Dumbledore was lying through his teeth as he could just use his Pensieve to get the information he desired, he knew he would have to just comply with the man's wishes – this time.

A couple of students snicker at this last statement, as if they consider it a joke of sorts. Yet the man in question takes the statement seriously and asks what Harry means with that.

The boy shrugs, yet there is a smug smirk on his face as he says: "What can I say? I'm a Marauder's son, sir." The man seems unable to find fault in this statement, even when it's obvious that's not the whole answer, and so I simply read on.

He took … tell them.

Though as soon as he began, he instantly decided on one thing; he would only tell Dumbledore all he had been able to see through the camera spell. And because the spell had been disturbed by the wards at the Graveyard, Harry knew he could be "creative" with his recap on the events at said location. He was determined not to show off all of his skills just yet and he would stick to that determination, no matter what.

"I truly wish you would trust us, trust me, with these hidden skills of yours, dear boy." Dumbledore bemoans the beliefs of his student.

Yet Harry leans back relaxed against the side of his godfather and states: "Nope." I fight back a grin at how strongly he pops the p at the end, as a sign that he will never comply with this request. I truly feel glad for the strength of the boy's light and his determined heart as I read on.

As he … the cup.

This was painful, yet at the same time it helped him determine what to speak of and what to leave out of his tale. Though at the same time he used the creative skills that the twins have been training him to have and that, thanks to his father, he was also born with, to ensure that there weren't confusing plotholes or gaps in his story. He was determined to keep his secrets to himself, yet at the same time he was also determined to keep the majority of the story as truthful as possible.

"You really shot yourself in the foot there, Albus. If you had just offered to take the memory – or copy it even – you would have seen it all yourself." Mrs. Diggory wittingly tells the man in the center of the table and the look on his face proves how deeply he regrets his decision. More snickers are heard at the sight of this expression as I continue the tale.

Once or … my face."

For some reason, Harry felt unsure when he spoke of his mother's protection. He remembered the strange way his father had spoken to him when they were locked within the golden cage. He instantly decided he would not speak of the many voices with which his father had spoken to him; that was private and for him only, even if he didn't quite understand it.

A student at another table moans that now everyone knows about it. Yet Harry, who truly seems at ease amongst his friends and while seated against his godfather's side, shrugs and states:

"I knew of that risk when I created the books. But for the sake of the truth, I felt it was worth it. Besides, Skeeter and the darker side of the Hogwarts grapevine already do something similar on a frequent basis, so what's the difference really?"

This actually seems to make an alarming amount of students cringe and show looks of guilt. I truly cannot understand why so many younglings would be interested in ruining a peer's life through gossip and hope to learn more soon as I read.

Sirius noticed the chunk of wood that was still within the gash and gently removed it.

For a … Dumbledore's eyes.

My voice had turned grave with concern as I read this. And instantly many respond.

Almost every female in the group I am seated with, as well as several males, jump up and turn on the Head Table and Dumbledore.

Terra, Riku, Sora, Axel, Roxas, Aqua, Donald, Mickey, the four eldest of the Weasley family as well as the elder Diggories jump out of their seats and turn on the man.

Aqua, Riku, Donald, Axel and Terra even have their Keyblades and their respective weapons in their hands. At the same time Lea sends a meaningful gaze at Lupin. The man nods and moves to make space between himself and the boy beside them.

Instantly Lea grabs hold of Cedric's arm and uses his control over the Dark Corridors. He phases the both of them over to the other side of the table and while Cedric needs a moment to gather his bearings, Lea joins Sirius in holding Harry protectively close.

"Tell me, Headmaster, what triumph do you hope to gain from this monster having the blood of his enemy, your very own student? Care to explain this? And no, I will not accept the excuse that Harry must have imagined it or something of the sort."

Aqua seems to have beaten Mrs. Weasley to the punch by only a second. And even though the chubby redhead is at least a decade older than her blue-haired peer, it is easy to see that the two women are on the same wavelength.

Aqua may have only met Harry and arrived in this realm a few hours ago, not to mention that she only returned from her decade long stay in the Realm of Darkness the other day, she has already embraced Harry within her heart.

And even though Harry has already just told us that no one will ever truly replace his mother in his heart, it is also still obvious that both Aqua and Mrs. Weasley have strong motherly protective and loving feelings for the young man.

And these feelings are now fueling the disgusted rage they feel over Dumbledore's latest book actions. Surprisingly enough the man actually has an excuse. He is not gazing at anyone, not even the people who look ready to strike him down with their weapons if his answer doesn't suit them.

Instead, he has his fingers linked in front of his bowed head as he softly, gravely states: "I'm truly sorry, Miss Aqua. But even with little Chirithy's spell, I do not consider it safe to discuss my potential reasons for this look in this here hall. I request you to respect this."

Aqua lowers her Keyblade somewhat, yet her stance proves that she can still raise it up and strike the man down at a moment's notice. Then she notices something from the corner of her eye and a moment later she states: "Very well, sir. I will respect it."

Some students seem to wonder why she's not adding the words for now to this. Yet I know that that is not the message that was hidden within the woman's reply. And I turn my focus back on the book, if only to keep it from young Axel.

But next second Harry wondered if he had … seen him. But then he remembered how talented Dumbledore was with hiding his true emotions behind a mask.

"Very well," … into Harry's, even if Harry kept it to a momentary event, blinked and looked away and it … Harry nodded, though he pretended to study the intriguing carvings and ruins shown on the older man's chair.

"Which means," … correct, Harry?"

Harry didn't know why, but even now he felt sure he could bring Cedric back. Though he wasn't going to let Dumbledore know this.

The young man in question smiles at his younger soul mate and says: "I'm sure you can and that you will soon. And when you do, I'll be right there with you to take that monster down."

Most of those around the couple smile at this statement. To my concern, Harry is not one of them. He shakes his head and says: "The second Voldemort finds out that you're still alive, he'll hunt you down, just like he has hunted me down these past 13 years.

I can't risk you, Cedric. I can't risk – us."

Silence is the only response to this almost whispered statement. Many are gawking and gaping at the young man that is seated between his destined soul mate and his godfather. And like Aqua, Mrs. Weasley and a fair few others, I feel as if my heart was broken by the depressed and desperate tone of the young man's voice.

Cedric frowns and grimaces, clearly upset that Harry has such a valid reason behind his desire to keep him out of the fight. He turns to Chirithy and asks: "Be honest with me. Is Lea going to show up in the books?"

Everyone stares at the little critter, that is still resting on Ventus' head. And just like Harry, the little being's voice is full of pain and regret as he whimpers: "Not until it really matters. At least not for another book or so."

Everyone around me grimaces at this. Yet then Sora proves why everything in the other universe was always connected to him. He puts his hands in the back of his head and says: "Well, better late than never, right? And besides, once Lea gets here, the rest of us can join him.

Voldemort won't stand a chance against us! At least not anymore of a chance than Xehanort. And we took him down only a few hours ago." Instantly grins are back on the faces of all his friends and Riku lovingly ruffles his hair.

Some of those around us had been shocked and startled to hear Sora's speech, yet with most that shock has been replaced with awe and respect. I grin as I look around me and think: "Perhaps a demonstration will be required sometime soon." Before I continue to read.

"He spoke … final request. At the same time he made sure to skip over the confusing difference to his father's voice.

At this … his hands.

There was a gap between the man's forefinger and his thumb. And from this gap he noticed that Sirius was sending him a meaningful glance.

The man had noticed that Harry was keeping secrets – and the look proved that Sirius supported him in this, just like he always did.

Sirius lovingly pulls his godson closer and says: "I don't really get what the deal is between you and Albus – and I definitely don't agree with most of his actions from the last few chapters – but I am and always will be – your godfather.

No one can take me that role, pup. You will always be my world." It really doesn't surprise me to see that various of my pupils nod in agreement to these words. And it warms my heart as Harry cuddles even closer into Sirius' embrace. This sight makes reading pleasant.

Harry suddenly … was repaired.

"Wait a second. Minerva, why didn't either you or Severus mend that when you were still in Crouch's office?" A woman who I can only imagine is the school matron asks her coworker.

Minerva McGonagall herself grimaces and states: "I have no answer, Poppy. I truly do not know what made me turn a blind eye to such an injury. Or why I didn't use it to insist that Potter be sent your way sooner.

Though while I want to regret it, I would rather live up to the Master's words. I will strive to do better. And I hope that the other books can help me learn how I can prevent myself from making this error again." Many of those around the room grin in either pride or respect at the woman, a few seem to do so begrudgingly. I nod at her and continue.

A moment later, Fawkes was back on the armrest of Harry's seat and worked his incredible magic on Harry's arm as well. Though Harry also noticed that the whole time, the bird had its back to its owner.

Quite a few students either smirk and grin at this or try to hide their smirks and grins. The previous reader easily joins the latter group, yet my own pupils and friends can almost be called the leading faction of the first group.

And thanks to the darkness I can sense in the man's heart, I feel no need to tell them off or motivate them to control themselves.

"I will … with him?"

It took everything Harry had to remain slumped within the seat and pretend he was both physically and emotionally exhausted.

He had always known that Dumbledore was incredibly arrogant, but the man's speech was like a punch to Harry's gut and heart.

What the man could have expected? And after he kept the traumatized boy in a classroom with a madman and interrogated him about what happened instead of taking the memory, now he had the audacity to order Harry to rest in the Hospital Wing?

Harry had never hated Dumbledore more than he did there and then, though he lowered his head in tired relief to hide this from the man.

I look up at the man, who seems unwilling to hide his own annoyance at Harry at the same time. But Mrs. Weasley snarls at him and says: "You have no right to glare at Harry like that, Albus. He and these books are merely pointing out our personal flaws. If you were truly the man everyone believes you are, you'd humbly accept this criticism."

And whether she realizes it or not, the woman hits the nail on the head when it comes to the man's problem. I may have only been here for the past few hours and may have never noticed this world amongst the many stars I watched over, but I can easily tell that the man is not who everyone believes him to be.

And that's one of the reasons behind these books.

Sirius nodded and stood up. Yet as he let go off Harry's form, Harry felt the man give his arm a reassuring squeeze and he wondered if the man might have realized what Harry was thinking.

The look on Sirius' face also proved that he felt insulted by Dumbledore asking if he wanted to come along, as if the elder man had insinuated that Sirius might want to do something else or perhaps stay behind.

However, the look was fleeting.

In the here and now this isn't the case.

Sirius is openly glaring at Dumbledore as he holds Harry close, while Lea sits on the boy's other side. And just by looking at one of my newest pupils, I know. Lea might look angered and relaxed, but he will summon his Keyblade and stand protectively in front of his mates at a moment's notice.

Sirius notices the same and softly whispers something in Harry's ear. The boy grimaces, yet he nods. Sirius lets him go and while Harry goes to cuddle with Lea instead, Sirius stands up. I lay the book down and listen.

"I don't know why you'd think I'd stay behind, Albus, or even what you might have wanted to discuss with me privately, but you were wasting your time.

Nothing is more important to me than my godson. Though I will admit that I should have argued more in regards to this interrogation. However, while I will admit that I played a role in this, you seem to have grown accustomed to the belief that every decision of yours is law.

Like I said, I played a role in this. Like so many before and alongside me, I took your word as gospel and believed you knew what you were doing all the time because of your reputation. Now that I see that, twice in a few hours' time, it has come at the cost of my godson, I am done.

From now on, I am not going to let your title and reputation get in the way of my common sense or individual right to decide and plan. If you device a plan and I find flaws in them, I will point those out. And if you try to convince me to go through with the plan regardless, you can bet your magic, Albus Dumbledore, I will refuse.

I may not be able to say the same for my book-counterpart, but I can say this for me as a person. You may be my headmaster and former leader, but I am an adult and a guardian. And it's time I take that fact, my age and that responsibility seriously. Of my own accord and by my own strength.

I'm not saying I won't help you in case it becomes necessary, Albus. All I'm really saying is that I will no longer blindly follow your every move and decision.

That time is over."

Quite a few students and even a few staff members are gaping at the man. And thanks to what I learned about him this past reading I can understand that.

Here stands a man who spent 12 years in prison, who was apparently surrounded by horrifying monsters if the description of the Boggart-Dementor was anything to go by. And yet he stands tall, strong and proud and just articulated his determination, his strength, his loyal heart and his intelligent mind, all the while remaining respectful of the man who once led him in war.

Then, just like I expected, Sora is the first to start clapping and Riku is only a second behind him. All of my pupils and friends follow the duo and the foreign students follow their example as well. And while he is hidden from the headmaster's sight by Terra, Riku and Lea, Harry also applauds his godfather very enthusiastically.

Yet my attention isn't just on my pupils and the man that has released a deep breath and gone back to his seat. It's also on Dumbledore. And while the man looks disgruntled that someone is getting an ovation for speaking out against him, subtle signs of how tense his form is prove that he is holding back on most of his anger.

The man suggests that perhaps he and Sirius can discuss this further later, after the book. But William speaks up and says: "I'm sorry, Professor. But once I'm done working out the plan to trick Voldemort, I feel I might need Sirius' help.

I have a theory about what's inside Harry's scar and in order to cure him of this, if my theory is correct, he'll need an adult who can keep a firm hold on their emotions and who is close to Harry. And no offense, mum, but your emotions have always been all over the place. It's one of the reasons, dad me and my siblings love you so much."

His mother giggles and thanks her son for the compliment. And while Dumbledore begrudgingly accepts the excuse, I take back the book. Yet as I continue to read, I can't help but wonder. Has William started noticing what I have? Does he really need Sirius for this or does he suspect Dumbledore for wanting to try something and did he just cover for the man?

He transformed … hospital wing.

Harry faintly wondered how this was possible. The Headmaster's office was normally situation in a small side tower just off of the Great Hall with the entrance in one of the corners of the Entrance Courtyard.

But then, as he got closer to the Hospital Wing, he felt it again. Lady Hogwarts. The castle had used her magic to change the entrance/exit of the office, so that Harry could get his rest. Harry smiled tiredly and fleetingly let his hand pass past the frame of a portrait. He let his magic out as he did this, in order to thank the majestic castle.

Yet again students gape at Harry, who shrugs and says: "You just need to know what to look out for, really. As long as you keep an open mind, know how to spot the right signs and remember that thousands if not millions of students cast magic within these halls before you and that that left its mark on this castle, you'll notice it yourself, I'm sure."

One of the youngest looking girls at the blue-trimmed table argues that they're not as strong as Harry, who shrugs and says: "I can't exactly proclaim to have been strong myself just there either, was I? I mean, my book-counterpart really was physically exhausted from everything that happened. So it's not a matter of magical strength, but of – trust in the unbelievable and the unknown, I guess."

Some students look at the boy in disbelief, others look intrigued and others look as if they're ready to try this out for themselves. I myself feel very proud of the young man. His open mind and willingness to believe in things that might not always be able to be explained is a wonderful thing and I know it will help him get far.

I notice Mickey looking at me and while I focus back on the book in my hands, I give the Mouse King a subtle wink. He knows exactly what I hope to talk with Harry about sometime soon, preferably sometime after the Third Task has commenced.

When Dumbledore … Madam Pomfrey.

The Weasley twins, the Chasers and Lee, on the other hand, were all seated, lying down or leaning against one of the beds on the left side of the wing.

They appeared … to him. By the looks on the faces of his team, it was obvious that this discussion had been taking place for some time now. All of … Bill too though he seemed to either ignore or just not have spotted the team quite yet, "you may do so. But I do not want you questioning him until he is ready to answer, and certainly not this evening."

Harry was glad that he was standing behind the Headmaster and that the man was tall enough to hide Harry from the view of the others. It allowed him to glare in disgusted rage at the man's back without almost anyone noticing. Sirius did notice, but he just licked and nuzzled Harry's hand, as if attempting to calm Harry's anger down.

Mrs. Diggory wants to stand up and comment, but I hold up a hand and say: "There is no need to repeat lessons already learned." The woman begrudgingly nods and accepts this. Yet as I read on, I spare a quick glance at the man and wonder did he really learn?

Mrs. Weasley … into bed."

At this Alicia sat up and climbed out of the bed she had been lying on. It was then that Dumbledore apparently noticed her and the others. A look of silent debate fleetingly crossed his face before he turned to Harry.

A few members of staff and students seem to wonder why this is. But then young Mister Jordan turns to Harry and grins: "Guess this marks the end of us keeping the strength of our bond a secret, huh little bro?"

But Harry shrugs and says: "In real life, I guess. I'm sure in the book I'm just going to elude to the fact that you guys are all part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and that you're with them, because of the twins. Perfectly legitimate excuse, if you ask me."

The group actually laughs at this, but then someone asks why Harry would lie about his friendships and who he's friends with. Harry shrugs and points a thumb Dumbledore's way as he says:

"Because, as proven by the book's interrogation just now, the Headmaster has a bit of an unhealthy interest in my private life. So if I have to lie to keep some of my privacy, so be it."

Almost the entire hall turns to Dumbledore at this and then I notice it. Most of them are shocked, yet the students at the green table seem more shocked that Potter was aware of this than of the fact itself. This intrigues me as I want to read.

"I am merely performing my duty as your magical guardian and looking out for you, my boy." Dumbledore interrupts me as he says.

But Harry gives him a disbelieving look and holds up his hand again. This time he counts down as he says:

"One. You're not my magical guardian. I checked that with the Goblins in the summer before my Third year, when I spent those weeks at the Leaky Cauldron.

Two. Are you trying to insinuate that you don't trust my own teammates? That you think my own House will try to attack me or something? That every friend I make might be a hidden Peter Pettigrew? If so, why isn't Madam Bones being informed of your suspicions?"

The man has no rebuttal, whereas most of my pupils and Harry's friends are grinning. Lea and the others have grins of pride on their faces and Ronald and the others grins of gratitude and respect. This time I don't let the man interrupt me.

Harry pretended to show a strong sense of … question him. Even if he had been forced to relive it, which he only complied with because of how Fawkes sounded scared while in the office, he would have much rather have done it surrounded by his friends and those who knew how to comfort him than a man who only wanted to gain strange and inexplicable gains out of him.

A lot of silent nods are seen around the hall, Mrs. Diggory and Mrs. Weasley looking deeply upset that this wasn't what had happened. William and Mr. Diggory quietly reassure their mother and wife respectively that, if things go wrong, they can make sure things will go better this time around. The two women relax and I read on.

"I will … Harry to the bed the team was now all standing around, he caught … some pajamas, shooing the Chasers from the cubicle and pulling screens around him.

Harry was both glad and grateful that she had let the twins and Lee remain. Each of them quickly gave him a reassuring hug before they let him have his privacy. The twins even both embraced him at the same time.

And just like every other time he was sandwiched between them, Harry felt safe.

All of the Weasley smile in pride at the twin boys in question. The two grin at Harry themselves and they start to speak, one first and the other follows.

"Even if Harry's not going to end up with one of us."

"Or with Ginny as we know she and mum may have wanted."

"He is a Weasley nonetheless."

"In heart, in mind."

"And in every other way that might matter."

I spare a quick glance at the ladies in question. Yet neither of them really seems very upset at this potentially missed opportunity. If anything they are grinning, smiling and nodding in agreement with the statement.

Yet I still have my aura expanded outward and encompassing all of them as well as the two students seated next to the group we have formed on all sides.

And yet again I sense it. A small probe of magic attempts to fleetingly cross through the wood of the table and head towards where my pupils and I are seated.

Instantly I tense my hold on the book and pretend to have lost the page and bit of text I had been reading. At the same time, I repeat what I did before.

I let my magic out through my magic, let it surround the probe, gently force it to shrink until it has little to no power left and then absorb the remains of the spell within my aura for later.

And as I turn my head to study the left page, I fleetingly gaze over at Dumbledore. A single drop of fearful sweat runs down the man's face before I find my spot and read.

He took … of him. The team went to stand at the edge of his bed. Ron and … bed-covers unnecessarily. Alicia noticed this and came over to give the woman the same reassuring hug her sons had previously given Harry.

This time the woman smiles at the young girl in gratitude. The lightly tanned girl smiles back and says: "I may not be the oldest in the team, but I've unofficially taken on the mother role after Harry joined the team. And I am just as much a mother lion as you, Mrs. Weasley, regardless of the person being on the team or not."

Mrs. Weasley goes over to give the girl a proud and grateful hug for this. Yet as she retakes her seat and as I resume my reading, I'm sure many have, like me, heard the unspoken warning in Alicia's words. Hurt my Pride at your own costs.

Madam Pomfrey, … to sleep.

A lot of students sigh in relief and even a few of those around me join them in this. Yet when someone mumbles his desire that other chapters will be easier, I grimace and state: "I'm afraid that I am not quite done yet, young man. There are still a few pages of the chapter left." A shocked silence is my answer, yet someone whispers the name of the title before I read on.

Harry woke … very long.

A student at my own table exclaims his confusion over this and mentions the potion young Harry took. But Madam Pomfrey shakes her head and says:

"There are two kinds of Dreamless Sleep Potion. One of them has a stronger effect on people and is often used on people who have sleeping problems or nightmares caused by trauma.

Unfortunately this version contains an ingredient that Mr. Potter is allergic to, so I have to always give him the lighter dose. And that version, if the bottle isn't fully emptied, only works for about an hour." The student winces and yet Harry shrugs as I continue reading.

He wondered why he had woken so suddenly and then he sensed it; a shudder went through Hogwarts. The mighty castle had something horrible done within its walls and had been unable to stop it. Instantly Harry worried for both the mighty castle and his godfather.

Then he … back on.

Harry, remembering what he sensed previously, wondered fearfully where Sirius had gone, but then he heard growling coming from beneath his bed. For a moment Harry wondered why Sirius hadn't just gone to rest on the bed beside Harry. Then he deduced that either Madam Pomfrey or perhaps Mrs. Weasley might have prevented him.

Still, he was relieved that the horrible action, whatever it was, hadn't hurt his godfather, his only true guardian in his eyes and heart.

Fudge came … Mrs. Weasley.

"Wait, that doesn't make sense. Just before Potter went to sleep, Dumbledore said he would meet Fudge and before then he had told Professor Snape to take the Minister to Crouch's office. So the two of them should've met there, right?

So why is the Minister asking about Dumbledore's whereabouts and why does he think Dumbledore's at the Hospital Wing?"

Both men are stared at as these questions are being asked. Yet I notice Harry leaning back in his seat and he says: "And now you see why I don't trust Dumbledore. This is but one of the many reasons. The earlier books describe the others.

And yeah, I could just voice them, but Bill and Mrs. Weasley can vouch that Chirithy put incredible amounts of power and effort into creating these books and I really don't want that effort to go to waste. And voicing my reasons now, I feel, would just spoil those books and waste all that effort. Guess we might as well just read on.

This is from my perspective, after all, so I doubt we'll ever find out an answer to those questions." I comply with the request, yet I also notice. Harry's relaxed smile has a bit of a victorious edge to it. And Axel held back a snort as Harry finished his statement.

"He's not … the ward.

Suddenly a theory springs to mind.

Could Dumbledore have taken advantage of the gift Hogwarts presented when she changed the entrance/exit to his office? Did he just wait in his office and watch the whole affair between the Minister and Professor McGonagall play out?

Why would he do that? Why would he not meet with Fudge and McGonagall on their way to the Hospital Wing? Why not intercept them? What does he hope to accomplish with this obvious confrontation that is about to unfold? Why let it take place in a place meant for rest, peace and healing?

All this contemplating takes place while I take a quick drink to wet my throat and yet it also has me reading on with growing concern.

For Harry, for the two men in charge of this confrontation and for the darkness in the heart of a man who claims to be a beacon of light.

"What has … Barty Crouch -"

"THAT IS IT!"

William shouts enraged. The man had jumped from his seat when I read, even while various students shrieked at the mention of the Dementor. He glares at the Head Table and snarls:

"Once this reading is done, I am going down the Chamber to fetch that Basilisk Poison, then I will see if my theory about Harry's scar is accurate and cure it for him and then, after enacting our plan to sabotage Voldemort's ritual, I am going to put my full focus on those damned wards.

That vampire that almost controlled and assaulted Harry is one thing, the Headmaster not wanting to disturb me when I was spending time with my family another, but I absolutely and utterly refuse to accept a Dementor allowed to come near this school. NO CHANCE!"

I notice that a lot of students are cringing and grimacing and then one student at the table behind me whispers: "Should we tell him about the Dementors that were stationed at Hogwarts last year to catch Black?"

But the student wasn't quiet enough for me and William to not hear him. The redhead turns to the child in shock and horror and the kid mutters the question you didn't know? William shakes his head and I notice that he's not the only one.

The female students in the light blue uniforms and the male students that have furs attached to their uniforms are also looking horrified, though it's more visually obvious with the young women than with the men.

Willian turns from the kid to the Head Table and furiously demands to know who was responsible for this. What worries me for two reasons is that it's Minister Fudge who raises a shaking arm with a guilty look on his face.

The first reason this worries me is the man's fear. I can understand William's rage, but a true leader would not be this scared to be scolded for his mistakes.

The other reason this worries me is that it proves that the Minister wasn't just willing to use these fiendish monsters for a task, but also let them near innocent students, even for an entire year.

Yet William, after he sees this, turns to Dumbledore and demands to know if the man let Fudge do this. Dumbledore attempts to hide his annoyance at being questioned behind a look of resignation as he says: "There was nothing I could do. Cornelius simply wouldn't listen to reason."

But to this William shouts: "BULL! You could have kept the wards strong! You could have hired Gringotts Curse Breakers to adjust the wards so they would accept Lupin, but keep the Dementors away from Ron and the others.

Instead you LOWERED them. If the wards were even at half-strength, the Dementors wouldn't have been able to get any closer to Hogwarts than the Three Broomsticks! So tell me why, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore! Why did you lower the wards? Why the Anti-Dark magic ward?"

For a moment young Harry catches my attention. The boy isn't grinning or smirking like I had expected him to be at the sight of someone else voicing their disgust with the Headmaster.

Instead the boy is calmly seated in his seat between his godfather and his soul mate with a passive look on his face and his arms crossed.

I worry for the child and reach out with my aura once again. Thankfully the boy seems to come up clean, no magic affecting him or keeping his emotions passive. Yet then, just like I expected, Harry turns his gaze from William and the Head Table to me.

A smirk and a raised eyebrow meet my gaze. I grin back warmly and pull my aura back from his form, confident that he is still untouched by Dumbledore's magic and amused as well as impressed at how sensitive the boy is to magic like this.

Dumbledore sighs and mutters: "William, while I wonder how you know what the Hogwarts wards are supposed to be able to accomplish, I'm afraid I cannot answer your demand.

The answer concerns information that I do not feel confident sharing quite yet, especially with Barty Crouch Junior here in the room with us. Perhaps the books will divulge my reasons, but if not, I give you my honest word that I will share my reasons as soon as the last word of the seventh book has been read. On my honor in your trust in me, William."

Harry is once again hidden from the Headmaster's sight by Lea and Terra and thus the man doesn't see Harry roll his eyes at that final statement. Yet William seems to, begrudgingly, accept the terms and growls:

"Gringotts has an active, self-updating lay-out of the wards and how strong they are at max capacity. All Curse Breakers are trained on this model, though apparently it doesn't update itself on the current status of the actual wards. Something I'll make sure to inform my superiors about.

Don't worry, Headmaster, you'll get the chance to explain it to them in private."

And as this last line silences the man's potential arguments, I continue the chapter.

"I told … possibly dangerous -"

"I'm sorry to ask this, Minister, but – does my aunt not exist or something? Why would you call on a Dementor instead of skilled and well-trained Aurors who go up against lunatics like that on a daily basis?" Young Miss Susan asks the man in question.

The Minister, unlike the Headmaster, doesn't seem upset or annoyed at being questioned. The man looks genuinely upset with his own fault and gently and genuinely vouches that he will never make this error in judgement again. I smile in relief at the sight of this and read on.

But Professor … than dead.

Horror, dread, shock and disgust are visible on all faces. Even my own pupils, who have only been part of this world for the past few hours, are staring in horror and gaping in disgust. Fudge himself is groaning in disgust over his own actions.

Yet while all this happened, I read ahead. And so, before the man can utter a word, I state: "Let me read on, Minister. What I just read silently is – even worse." Much of the disgust and shock gets exchanged for disbelief and so I read on.

Harry shuddered horribly as memories he had tried ever so hard in the past year resurfaced.

It was only a year ago, after all, that Harry himself almost fell victim to this same procedure. It had been only a year ago that, if not for his own timely intervention, he would have been a soulless husk himself – and his godfather and Hermione would have surely shared this same horrible fate.

It has been many years since I have had to use the grievous tone I am now, the last time being when I had to tell young Aqua that her Master Eraqus had been struck down.

I sincerely want to close my eyes and pretend that I did not just read what I did.

And I know that I am not alone in this.

For a long time it is silent within the hall.

Sirius is the first to react after a few minutes and he whimpers to Harry a plea to tell him that this isn't true. But the boy shakes his head and says:

"The Dementor came after me first. I – I know what's hidden under a Dementor's hood." Yet instantly after, simply due to him remembering this once again, his body starts to shudder and convulse horribly in an expression of fear.

Instantly everyone around him rushes for the boy and embraces him from all sides. Lea, Cedric, Lupin, Sirius, Aqua, Sora and Riku. Very little of Harry is still visible among the pile of limbs as all these people try to comfort and reassure the young man.

"If Potter is that scared by just the memory of what's hidden underneath that hood, I don't want to know." I hear someone whisper behind me. And even after all of my years of watching over the universe, watch Darkness take on many different forms and watch create new forms of dark life – I agree with this young child.

Yet I wait a few moments more before I ask: "Are you ready, Harry? Can I continue?" And while I still can't quite see the young man, I see Sirius nod at me. I nod and smile back at him and while Remus, Sora and Riku let go, while Lea, Cedric, Sirius and Lupin keep holding the boy, I return everyone's attention back to the book.

"By all … those people."

Harry suppressed a snort as he was now fully awake and conscious. He had been studying wizarding politics a little this last year and he knew that memories were viable evidence.

As much as Crouch didn't deserve a fate as horrible as the Kiss – another shudder passed through Harry at this thought – Dumbledore's memory and his Pensieve would serve the same purpose as the man himself testifying.

What did Dumbledore hope to achieve by having the man testify twice? Wasn't the one time when he made Harry watch and hear it all not enough?

The Minister and various members of staff all stare at Dumbledore over this one. The man sighs and says: "I apologize, Cornelius. But my Pensieve contains many things, such as personal memories as well as plans I was consulting in case of Voldemort's return.

I cannot risk those falling in the wrong hands, so I cannot risk taking my Pensieve to the Ministry." The Minister seems to begrudgingly accept this, yet he also argues that this doesn't change a thing about Dumbledore's own memory. And while he mutters something about the Unspeakables probably having a Pensieve of their own, I continue reading.

"Why he … just heard. Harry felt very similar. When they were heading to the Headmaster's office, the man had seemed to genuinely regret Cedric's death. And now here he was, calling his death as well as that of Bertha Jorkins a "mere by-product?"

The man looks genuinely horrified as I read this and everyone turns to him, some of them in horror, others in disgust.

But then the man stands up, puts a hand on his chest and states: "I may not really be able to speak for my book counterpart and only apologize for his lack of forethought when it comes to his choice of words, but I can say this.

I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, swear upon my magic that the death of any student will always feel as if a part of me has died. That, as long as it is within my power, I will do all I can to preserve the life of those within the Halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So I swear, so mote it be."

A gust of wind blows through the whole hall, one so powerful it actually blows out all of the bolls of fire that were burning above our heads. For a long moment the whole hall, while not eclipsed in darkness, looks slightly darker as the enchanted ceiling above us shows a sky full of clouds.

But then Axel and Lea both snap their fingers at the same time. New orbs of light burst to life, this time floating a little closer to where we are seated and at the same height as when Professor Hagrid and Madam Maxime were to stand atop of each other.

Yet while I feel deeply impressed with the man's words and speech, I still do not trust him. And thus, when the globes of fire went out, I instantly used a great deal of my magic to spread my aura out as far as possible. Thankfully my aura and magic detected nothing of concern.

And so, while I gather my magic and aura back within my form, I continue to read.

And as I read on, the Diggories send Dumbledore a nod of acceptance over his apology.

He began … now, Dumbledore…"

Harry silently wondered what was so preposterous about this? Wasn't it just a year and a half ago that Fudge had fearfully predicted this same thing happening? Hadn't it been Fudge that had told this same thing to Madam Rosemerta when he met the woman, Professor McGonagall, Hagrid and Flitwick in the Three Broomsticks?

"Mr. Potter! How could you have known that! You weren't allowed to visit Hogsmeade last year! Don't tell me that you snuck out of the castle!" Professor McGonagall shrieks while Fudge turns red with embarrassment. The man has obviously forgotten about this.

Harry sighs, but then, while the others have finally let go off him, he leans back casually and says: "Yes Professor. I admit, I did sneak out. However –."

And before the woman can reprimand him, he fells her with a stare and states: "I won't be reprimanded – by a hypocrite.

All year you were trying everything you could think of to keep quiet about what I deserved to know, the truth behind what happened to my parents. Then a complete stranger, someone who had nothing to do with that horrid night or those events, asks and suddenly you tell her everything you refused to tell me?

And in the middle of a busy pub, while surrounded by your own lions, on a Hogsmeade weekend, no less?

I mean, even if I hadn't been there that day, it wouldn't have mattered. You yourself didn't bother to look around and check for students who might tell me about what they heard. You didn't even check behind the Christmas tree that was there that day. If you had, you would have found Ron and Hermione seated there.

And even if you had or hadn't done that doesn't matter as you apparently didn't bother to cast a privacy charm on your table either.

So you can be angry and disappointed at me all you want, but you know I have the right to feel the exact same way. About all three of you. You, Hagrid and Professor Flitwick.

I am willing to admit that I shouldn't have snuck out that day, but I'd also like to think that hearing that dreaded tale in such a callous way is punishment enough.

You tell me if you disagree, Professor."

And while it's quite disrespectful, young Harry deeply sneers the last word of his statement. The staff members that he pointed out all grimace and cringe as they obviously don't believe the boy to be wrong about his words and regret what they did that night.

Harry sighs and leans against Lea, who looks down at him worriedly.

"Master, you better hurry up your reading. I think Harry's getting tired and he's going to need his energy if he wants to compete in the Tournament later." I agree with my pupil and thus I swiftly return to the book.

"As Minerva … that, Dumbledore…"

For a moment Harry wondered if all the stress of the World Cup and the Tournament had made Fudge forget his own words.

"I'm afraid so, yes. I can only hope that Minerva will remind me of this as she was also there that day." Fudge laments as he still has his head in his hands.

Yet because of the chapter's title, I fear for the worst as I read on.

"When Harry … Sirius growling. He had moved himself from out underneath the bed, his hackles were … was awake.

The team, on the other hand, while they hadn't known that Harry was awake, had resumed their positions at the rear end of the bed and now stood protectively between Harry and Fudge. And while they were shocked to hear him awake, they didn't move.

Fudge reddened … his face. Still, he had to glance between Alicia and Angelina in order to look Harry in the eye.

Twice now a few students and Mrs. Weasley wanted to comment in pride over the actions of the team. But because I can see that Harry is about to slumber and fall asleep, I hold the book with one hand and use the other to silence them. The ones that wanted to comment see where I am looking and they understand and let me read.

"And if … the place –"

I send a quick look at Lea, who sends me a silent nod. With the slightest twist of his hand, he summons his Keyblade and whispers: "Sleep."

And Harry, who was already leaning against Lea's form and who had his eyes halfway open, slumps down against his mate, his eyes falling closed.

I nod and many of those around me join me in this. Yet then Ventus looks up and asks: "Hey Chirithy, is this normal? I mean, Lea and Harry were both part of the spell that created those books, so is this a side effect of that?"

The little being shakes his head and Sirius grimaces as he says: "It must just be everything that has been going on these past few months. If I know my pup then, until Bill comes back from realizing his plan and the Third Task commences, he's going to stay emotionally and physically under deep personal stress.

And that, even with these books, just tires him out. If anything, I doubt that the events described in these books are helping that situation." Ventus nods in understanding and Chirithy adds to this that it will probably happen to other students as well with the other books.

And while Lea makes sure that Harry is lying comfortably against his form, I continue to read.

"I assume … particularly murderous."

William looks at Harry deeply worried over this and then he asks: "Lea, would you be opposed if I check to see if my theory is correct now that Harry is asleep?"

My red-haired pupil shakes his head and while William is extremely careful, he waves and swishes his wand over Harry's forehead. And the way that his focused look slowly gets replaced with a disgusted one proves that his theory is indeed correct.

After a minute or two of the young man performing his test, he releases a breath of frustration and mutters: "Okay, change of plan. I am going to make a recording of Harry speaking Parsletongue, I am getting this junk out of his scar and then I am going down into the Chamber to get that poison and realize my plans for that monster.

And Lea, once I'm done healing Harry's scar, put him back to sleep. He's going to need it if he wants to perform in the Third Task tonight. Also, if your magic comes with some kind of healing spell, cast it upon Harry once I'm done healing him. I'd rather not ask you to do it while I am getting that junk out of him as I don't know how your magic responds to this or vice versa.

I don't want to take that risk,

Not with this

And not with him. "

Lee and the others nod and I read on.

But then Dumbledore actually angers me as he asks if William truly believes he can cure young Harry. The redhead stands up straight and stares the Headmaster down as he says: "Sir, this will be my three-hundred and fifty second time doing this. Do not underestimate the skill of an Egyptian Curse Breaker."

Dumbledore whitens horribly when he hears the number, yet I only feel impressed and a deep sense of respect for the young man, who reminds me very much of Riku as he returns to his seat. I nod at him and he nods back before I resume the chapter.

Harry noticed Bill glancing at Harry and his scar curiously before he return to watch Fudge and Dumbledore's confrontation.

Fudge had … excellent causes -"

For a moment I can sense a smug look coming from behind me. I turn my head and notice the younger Malfoy frowning in annoyance as he stares at Harry. Apparently the boy had wanted to gloat, but had forgotten that Harry was asleep. I feel for the young, misguided blonde as I read on.

"Macnair!" Harry … he's trustworthy?"

"A skill that is treasured in various countries around the world and that is respected by Healers from various Asian and East-African nations. Not to mention a requirement for working in Egyptian tombs by at least one person per team, as I already explained earlier.

Yes, Lord Voldemort and Salazar Slytherin are notorious Dark Wizards, but they are but two of dozens of Parslemouths that are known throughout history. And like I said, the majority of them have been respectful Healers."

Less students seem shocked to hear William's arguments this time around. Then a Lion asks if Harry will still have this skill once William cures him, but William shakes his head and says that that is why he wants the recording first. The Lion nods and I continue my task.

"You fool!" … thirteen years!"

The Diggories and the majority of the Hufflepuff table glare at the Minister in furious, disgusted rage over his words and Fudge moans a sorrowful apology before I return their attention back to me.

Harry couldn't … have risen.

Harry truly did not understand why Professor McGonagall wasn't reminding him of his own words of a year and a half ago. Had both of them forgotten that eventful Hogsmeade visit? At the same time Harry didn't know what was keeping him from reminding Fudge himself.

"Voldemort has … the dementors -"

Instantly Harry knew the situation was a lost one.

Someone on the Ravenclaw Table asks why this is and says that the idea, while drastic, has merit. But one of her peers shakes his head and says: "That's the problem. It's too drastic, just like everything else that already happened.

Fudge is already having trouble accepting all the events that we've read about. This is just going to be like the feather that snapped the Griffin's back. This is what the chapter title meant. This is what is going to make Dumbledore and Fudge part ways. At least until You-Know-Who makes a public appearance in the books."

The young girl who had been curious now looks like she regrets voicing her curiosity and Minister Fudge has a similar look on his face as I read on.

"Preposterous!" shouted … at Azkaban!"

Sirius himself shudders in horror and revulsion. Yet then he says something that is even more horrible than what I previously read about these monsters.

"And trust me, Minister, sometimes – those fiends weren't even the worst of the monsters inside that prison. And then I'm not just talking about my deranged cousin and her husband."

A lot of members of staff gape and stare at the man in horror and he looks at Fudge as he whimpers that he will testify about his experiences – after Harry has safely gone through the actual Third Task. Fudge looks whiter than the clouds floating overhead and nods as I read on.

"The rest … the giants."

Suddenly Harry wondered, "Is Dumbledore trying to get Fudge to disagree with him? Why have the Minister do this? Why not offer Hagrid's services? Why not meet the man halfway in order to convince him? Why not offer his services at the same time as giving advice? What is the Headmaster trying to accomplish here?"

Harry truly didn't know. He knew that Dumbledore hated Voldemort, that he wanted the monster of a wizard dead and gone. So why was he sabotaging the Light's chances to bring a swift end to a man who had only just come back to a body? Why were his beliefs, his goals and his actions so very contradicting and controversial?

Yet again the majority of the Great Hall turns to the Headmaster. The man sighs and mutters: "I'm truly sorry, Cornelius. I will admit that young Harry is indeed correct about my actions, at least the actions of my book-counterpart.

However, just like my Pensieve, I do not feel comfortable sharing these reasons quite yet. They are both very personal and could cause many, young Harry especially, much grief and trouble if they were to fall in the wrong hands or heard by the wrong people."

And while Axel mutters: "This guy has more trust issues than Xemnas." I return to reading the rest of this most troubling chapter.

"Envoys to … at Fudge. Sirius had stopped growling, yet he was now giving Fudge a dirty look while seated on the floor beside Mrs. Weasley. And the team was still standing protectively in front of Harry's bed.

"If your … can't be…"

"I do believe that that was a thought that went through all our minds when the second chapter was finished, Minister. And thankfully, now that we have read this book and that we have young William's plan, we have a chance to make sure that it won't happen, that he won't come back." The Minister sends me a grateful smile of relief as I resume my chapter.

Snape strode … the fold."

William stares Dumbledore down as he hears me read this. The young Curse Breaker sneers as he asks: "I suppose this is it then? The reason the ward that would have kept the Dementors away from Hogwarts is down?

And I suppose that, instead of trusting Gringotts with this little secret and having one of them adjust the wards to accept the mark, you just went and lowered them yourself?

Gringotts, who work with a contract that is basically the equal to an Unbreakable Vow? Who hoard their secrets the same way they do their gold and their treasures? Who sentence one of their own to death if they believe said Goblin sold family secrets to another?

Tell me, Dumbledore, what reason – other than your own obsessive and almost paranoid levels of distrust in anyone who isn't you – do you have not to trust beings who treasure secrecy on such an equal level to your own?"

The Headmaster has no answer, yet it is obvious that, before William started to explain about Gringotts and their level of professional secrecy, he had been on the verge of giving some kind of placating excuse. Now, while I read, the man looks deeply disgruntled that this chance was taken away from him like this.

Fudge stepped … and stopped in front of the team who were still in front of Harry's bed … pocket and actually attempting to throw it over the heads of the team. But Angelina caught it and held it against her form instead. Fudge bristled at this, but then he continued. "One thousand … Harry's bed. For a moment he stared down the Chasers and the twins, but the five of them stared back.

"There is … go now."

William shakes his head and mutters how he should have stayed and checked Harry's scar instead. But I smile at him and say: "It's water under the bridge, young William. You and your book counterpart now have different responsibilities and I am certain both of you will perform them to the best of your respective abilities." The man smiles at me, most of those around us nod in agreement to my words and I resume the story.

"Excellent," said … the cheek, gave the twins a nod of pride, pulled on … a word. Harry, who was hidden from the headmaster's view by Lee's sturdy form, rolled his eyes.

This same move, I see, is mimicked by a lot of those around the hall in front of me. And I am quite certain, even without turning my head away from the book, that the same is true for those behind me. The book now hides my twitching lips.

"Poppy," Dumbledore … spoke again.

"I believe it's time for some of you to return to your dormitories." He turned to the team as he said this, yet Angelina, Alicia and Katie copied the twins as they chorused, "Your House is like your family. We stand united. We stand with our fellow cub."

Professor McGonagall, who had been looking distressed and dismayed since her arrival, showed one of her rare smiles. Dumbledore stared at the lot for a while before he spoke again.

"Very well," he said … "It's okay!"

Harry turned to look at the team and thankfully, their shocked looks looked genuine.

This seems to startle Dumbledore and he turns to look at the team. It's only then that I realize that, while most of the Hall had been deeply shocked to see the dog change, those around Harry hadn't. The group shrugs and one of them says:

"Harry told us a few months ago. We were having a relaxing flight in the Quidditch pitch after the First Task and George commented his relief that someone anonymous had sent Harry his Firebolt the previous Christmas.

That's when he told us, though he told us to keep quiet, because he didn't want you upset with him sharing secrets. Though to be honest, I never really understood why that should be up to you; it's his godfather, after all."

Dumbledore grimaces at this, yet at the same time the young woman, who I believe is named Katie, gives her youngest team member a grin and a wink. The look on her face also proves that she no longer believes this excuse. And that she's okay with that.

I feel proud of them both as I read on.

Snape had … to him. Harry noticed a look in his eyes that he didn't understand, but that concerned him nonetheless. "I promise … don't you?"

"ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE! What in the name of magic did you –." But this is as far as Sirius is able to come before a horrible coughing fit overcomes him.

Still, as soon as the look was described, Lupin had cast the same spell upon Lea and Harry as the one that was cast upon him and Sirius earlier.

At the same time Mrs. Weasley hurries over to Sirius, gently slaps him on the back and helps him drink a goblet of water to help him recover his sore throat. The man coughs and gasps a bit more and then regains himself.

He gives both Mrs. Weasley and Lupin a grateful nod for their actions and then turns to Dumbledore once again. And instantly, just like William earlier, the man reminds me of Riku. There is a dark look of rage on his face, but the anger is obviously protective.

"First of all, Albus, I would never comply to a request like that. No one in the Old Crowd other than you, me, Remus and now Minerva and Snape – at least in book – know about my innocence. So if I were to appear on even one of their doorsteps, I'd be entering the Next Great Adventure as soon as I would try to knock on their doors.

And then I'm not even talking about the fact that, even more importantly than that, I vowed to myself to never leave Harry in a harrowing situation again. Not after that horrible mistake I made all those years ago, hunting Pettigrew down instead of convincing Hagrid to give Harry back to me.

I made that mistake, Albus, and it cost me 12 years of my boy's life. If your actions –." But then Chirithy shocks everyone in the room as he says:

"Not these actions."

Everyone looks at the little critter, who is trying to hide himself in Ventus' hair in guilt over what he just revealed. He whimpers and says: "Not these actions. Next book. But we can't read that yet. The Powers that Be demand that we read the other ones first.

We need to prepare.

We need to prepare properly.

We must read them first."

I nod gravely and want to comply.

But then Sirius growls:

"I, Sirius Orion Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black hereby issue a Blood Feud between House Black and House Dumbledore. For all the actions that House Dumbledore has committed against House Black, both in book and in reality, past, present and future, may the magic of House Black punish House Dumbledore accordingly and through that which the Head of House Dumbledore treasures most. So I swear, so mote it be."

The whole hall is utterly silent as everyone digests just what the young man just did. Many of the faces around me have mixed reactions shown on them. There are students that look horrified, others look confused and befuddled and yet others seem to be nodding or looking as if they agree with the man's statement and actions.

At the same time I can't help but wonder why Albus Dumbledore himself didn't try to stop the man. I want to turn to him, but then I see Donald wink at me as he, subtly, dismisses his wizard's staff under the table. I smile and no longer need to look at Dumbledore. I am certain he is under Donald's Stop spell. And thus I just read on.

"Yeah," said … hand briefly, but Harry took advantage of this. He pulled Sirius and the man fell up against him. Harry desperately wrapped his arms around the man's form and whispered in his ear, "Please, don't get killed. Please."

Sirius smiled reassuringly as he got up, the look in his eyes still having a strange gleam though it seemed to have weakened, nodded to … glittered strangely.

If Dumbledore hadn't been standing between the two just minutes earlier, Harry would have suspected him to have cursed Sirius while they were holding hands.

The man in question grimaces, but then he says: "I may not care for Black or always agree with him, but I am not stupid. I have known for years that my position here in the school was – fragile at best. I would never publicly risk that."

I truly do not know what to make of the man. On the one hand I find it very obvious that he choses his words carefully so as to placate as many people as possible. Yet while he seems reluctant to sweeten up to those who might agree with the monster Voldemort, I can sense a strong darkness in his heart nonetheless.

"Who are you, Severus Snape?" I think to myself as I read on.

"Then good … the Diggorys. They wished to bring young Cedric's body up here, but I do not feel that that's wise. I must go see if I can convince them otherwise. Harry – take … at him.

The team didn't break their formation until the doors closed behind the Headmaster. They turned around at long last and they all had the same look on their faces. None of them spoke for a very long time. Yet the looks on the faces of his teammates said it all. Even with all that had happened and regardless of what might happen in the months to come, they would stand by Harry's side.

"You've got … the ceiling.

He desperately wished Sirius was still here. He needed his godfather. He needed another hug.

"It wasn't … said Harry.

"I would have been killed regardless. I don't think I would have been able to survive going back through the maze again. I doubt I would have thought to send up red sparks. And then I'm not even talking about what Crouch might try to make sure I wouldn't reach the other side.

Harry saved my life. He got me send to Limbo instead of getting killed. And I'm sure he'll realize this soon enough, at least his book counterpart. Though he'll probably use the same arguments as his real self and – dangit!"

Cedric curses at the end, obviously upset that, in the end, it wouldn't really matter if he lives or dies. He won't be playing any significant role in the future books anytime soon. And unlike Lea, he might not even come back when it truly matters.

Yet I truly do not believe that the boy will stay away, I truly believe that the soul bond will bring them back together in the end, unite them. I gently tell the kind young man this and he and his family smile at me gratefully before I return to the book.

Now the … look away. The team either noticed or realized this and the twins turned around while Lee moved over to make Ron do the same. Hermione gave Lee a dirty look, but she got a stern look in return for her efforts.

Mrs. Weasley smiles at her boys once again and a lot of other lions also smile at how close the team is. Lee and two of the girls shrug, as if they don't really consider it that big of a deal and then the twins resume their twin speak as they say:

"Ron might be the friend where Harry can just relax and enjoy himself without stress or concerns.

But we're the friends that understand him on an emotional level.

We know what it was like at his age to be confused by your own emotions.

Our own still sometimes confuse us.

But still, we know how to help Harry to cope with his."

And these words, while the way the two talk still slightly confuses me, make Mrs. Weasley, William as well as Terra, Aqua, some members of staff and I myself smile widely in pride at them. Sora compliments them and says:

"You really are true friends. Your hearts have been connected ever since you first met and nothing will ever be able to break that connection. Not even the strongest darkness." And all of my pupils and friends nod in heartfelt agreement to this. This time the twins blush a little and I grin at the identical duo before I focus back on the book.

Mrs. Weasley set … of him.

Once again he desperately wished that Cedric was up here. He wanted to throw himself over the body and try to feel that spark again. Harry didn't know why he still had this desire and it just made him hold onto Mrs. Weasley even more desperately.

"You'll understand soon enough, love. You'll understand soon enough." Cedric whispers at Harry. It's then that I notice that Lea and Cedric have moved Harry around. The boy is now leaning against Cedric instead of Lea.

Instantly I realize why this is. This is the only book in which Cedric plays a significant role and the young man also still wonders whether or not he will return in the future books anytime soon. He wants to spent as much real time with his mate as possible, to compensate for the missed time in the books.

I truly feel for all three young men and read on.

There was … she whispered.

"What the heck, Granger?" Someone at the Gryffindor table shouts. The girl in question looks confused and befuddled for a moment.

But then she gasps and slaps a hand on her mouth as she whispers: "I – I can't believe I forgot. That makes perfect sense."

Everyone looks at the girl funny, as they wonder what she could be on about. And the girl's next words explain the whole situation. "It's Skeeter. Skeeter is an Illegal Animagus just like Sirius! And I realized it in the first chapter and now – I caught her!

I caught Skeeter."

Awed silence fills the hall as a lot of students gawk and gape at her. Then young Miss Bones whispers: "I am so getting my aunt to come over once we're done here." And a few of her peers turn to grin at her before I read the final paragraph.

"Your potion … no more.

I lay the book down once again, but this time I make sure to both bookmark the page of the next and final chapter and to close the book. And many of those who see me do this sigh in utter relief and slump within their seats.

Over the course of the reading, even of this one chapter, I had noticed that there are a lot of students who seem more interested in the reactions of their peers than what I am reading. I feel a mix of wonder and concern over what they will be told later.

Then I decide to alleviate the situation a bit more and say: "There is only one more chapter to go." And the tense atmosphere that has been hanging over the hall since Sirius' oath seems to pop and dissipate entirely. Many sigh and slump down in relief.

For now,

HOLY MOTHER OF X-BLADE MAGIC! This chapter was hard. And amazingly enough the whole chapter up to the confrontation with Fudge was actually harder than the confrontation part. Once I got to that part, I knew what I wanted and worked it in with little trouble.

But before then I kept contemplating and wondering what to add and what to leave out. I wanted it obvious that Harry had been suspecting Dumbledore for some time and that Dumbledore had been manipulating Harry for some time. But I didn't want to go overboard at the same time.

How did I do,

Venquine1990

Word Count: 16.395 words

PS. I might change my mind on that CoS/Chapter 11 idea. Still contemplating a few last minute details.