Chapter 21.
12 Grimmauld Place
It had been only a few days since Harry had moved into 12 Grimmauld Place with Sirius, but already, the derelict townhouse was beginning to feel like home, or at least, something close to it. The peeling wallpaper and dust-covered furniture had given way to fresh paint, polished floors, and a cleaner, brighter atmosphere. Sirius had thrown himself into the task of redecorating with a surprising amount of enthusiasm.
"This place was practically a tomb." he had remarked one evening as they cleared out a particularly grim room filled with Black family heirlooms. "We'll make it ours."
Harry appreciated the sentiment, even if the work was exhausting. They spent hours transforming the neglected spaces, working side by side. During one of their breaks, Sirius mentioned that a house-elf had once looked after the place but hadn't answered his call in years.
"Probably for the best." Harry had replied, thinking of Hermione and her fierce crusade for house-elf rights. "She'd have a fit if she came here and saw an enslaved elf."
Sirius had chuckled, ruffling Harry's hair. "You're not wrong."
To Harry's surprise, Sirius had also volunteered the townhouse for the Order of the Phoenix's use. "This way, I won't have to leave you to attend meetings." Sirius explained.
In the evenings, Sirius would share stories about the Order, its history, its members, and its purpose. Harry listened intently, soaking up every detail. When Lupin visited, Harry sensed the tension between him and Sirius, though both tried to hide it. He wished they could fully mend their fractured friendship, but he understood that some wounds took time to heal.
Sirius had even let Harry convert one of the upstairs rooms into a makeshift gym. Ever since becoming a Power Ranger, Harry had taken to martial arts to keep his skills sharp, and the training had become a daily ritual. Wanting to bond, Sirius asked Harry to teach him, and the two spent hours sparring and laughing, making up for lost time.
Over the next few days, Grimmauld Place grew busier. The Weasleys arrived, seeking the safety of the townhouse, and Hermione joined them not long after.
The quiet hum of conversation in 12 Grimmauld Place was broken by a sharp beep from Harry's communicator. He stiffened, his hand immediately going to his wrist. Sirius raised an eyebrow from across the room.
"Duty calls?" Sirius asked lightly, though his tone carried a hint of concern.
Harry nodded, his expression serious. "I've got to go."
Before Sirius could say more, Harry pressed a button on his communicator and disappeared in a flash of red light, leaving the faintest shimmer in the air behind him.
Angel Grove
Harry landed amidst chaos. The other Power Rangers were locked in combat with King Mondo's newest creation, Silo, a hulking robot with tank-like shoulders and a powerful energy cannon for an arm. Explosions rocked the battlefield as the Power Rangers darted around, attacking in unison.
"Harry, you made it!" Zeo Ranger V Red called out, his red armor glinting in the sunlight.
"I wouldn't miss it." Harry replied.
The fight was fierce. Silo's defenses were formidable, and even with their combined efforts, the Power Rangers struggled to gain the upper hand. The Red Ranger lunged forward, his Power Sword slicing through the air as he aimed for the robot's cannon.
"Let's see how you like this!" Silo roared, firing an energy blast. The Red Ranger deflected it with his Power Sword, the explosion forcing him back a few steps.
But then, without warning, a surge of red energy crackled around him. His armor flickered like a dying light bulb.
"Harry, what's happening?" Zeo Ranger I Pink's voice came through his communicator, alarmed.
"I don't —" the Red Ranger began, but before he could finish, his morph failed completely. His Power Sword shattered into sparks, and he was left standing in his civilian clothes, vulnerable.
"Harry!" Zeo Ranger V Red shouted as Silo took advantage of the momentary lapse, swinging a massive fist.
The blow connected before Harry could react, sending him flying across the battlefield. He hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop.
"Harry, are you okay?" Zeo Ranger I Pink called, her voice tight with worry.
Zeo Ranger V Red pressed his communicator. "Billy, teleport Harry back to the Power Chamber now!"
The Power Chamber
Harry appeared in the Power Chamber, slumped over and clutching his side. Billy and Alpha 5 rushed to his side.
"Ay-yi-yi, Harry! Are you all right?" Alpha exclaimed, his lights blinking frantically.
"I'm fine." Harry muttered, though his wince said otherwise.
"Let's get you scanned." Billy said, helping Harry to his feet and guiding him to a medical scanner. As the machine whirred to life, Harry noticed Zordon's expression in the tube — somber, almost resigned.
"It is as I feared." Zordon said, his voice heavy. "The majority of the power within your Power Coin was drained by Master Vile to fuel Serpentera. The remaining energy in the coin is unstable. When it is used up, its powers will be gone... forever."
Billy turned to Zordon, his brow furrowed in concern. "Is there anything we can do to stabilize it?"
Zordon shook his head slowly. "I am afraid not, Billy.."
Harry clenched his fists, frustration and determination warring on his face. "I'm not just going to sit here and wait for my powers to disappear. The others need my help out there."
Zordon's voice took on a firm, commanding tone. "The other Power Rangers have this battle handled, Harry. You are more than your powers. They need your leadership to ensure victory against the Machine Empire. To lose you would cost them far more than the loss of your Power Coin."
Harry's shoulders slumped, the weight of Zordon's words pressing down on him. He hated feeling powerless, but he knew Zordon was right.
Billy placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure something out, Harry. For now, let's focus on what we can do."
As the tension in the room settled into an uneasy quiet, the viewing globe flickered to life. The Power Rangers had summoned the Zeo Megazord, its powerful form shining against the backdrop of the battlefield.
"Go, guys." Harry muttered under his breath, his fists tightening.
On the screen, the Power Rangers coordinated their attack perfectly. The Zeo Megazord's saber glowed with energy as they delivered the finishing blow to Silo, reducing the Machine Empire's creation to a smoldering pile of metal.
The Power Chamber erupted in cheers from Alpha and Billy. Even Harry couldn't help but smile slightly, pride swelling in his chest.
"They've done it." Zordon said, his tone lighter now. "A testament to their unity and strength."
Harry nodded. "Yeah. They're amazing."
But as he watched his teammates celebrate their victory, a shadow of doubt crept into his mind. His powers were fading, and soon, he wouldn't be able to fight beside them.
For now, though, he set those thoughts aside. His team had won the day, and that was enough.
12 Grimmauld Place
The kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place was alive with conversation, the warmth of the fire casting flickering shadows on the old stone walls. Sirius, Lupin, and the Weasleys were deep in discussion about Voldemort's recent movements when the door creaked open. Harry stepped inside, his presence immediately drawing all eyes.
"Why is he so angry, anyway?" someone had just asked.
"It's probably because I amputated his wand arm when we fought." Harry said casually, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade.
The room froze. Every head turned to Harry, their expressions ranging from shock to disbelief. He looked tired — his hair was messier than usual, his clothes slightly singed, and there was a faint smudge of dirt across his cheek. He dropped into a chair at the table, clearly too drained to notice the stunned silence.
"You what?" Lupin finally managed, his tone a mix of alarm and awe.
Harry shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "I cut off his wand arm."
The room erupted into chaos.
"Harry, you can't just drop something like that —" Bill started, his voice filled with disbelief.
"That's incredible!" Fred exclaimed.
"Insane, more like!" George added.
"How?" Moody's magical eye whirred, fixing on Harry with intense curiosity.
Harry gave a noncommittal shrug. "It doesn't matter. He's still alive, isn't he?"
The older wizards and witches exchanged uneasy glances. His tone was calm, but his words carried an unsettling weight.
Before anyone could respond, Molly's gaze softened as she took a proper look at him. "Oh, Harry." she said, her voice now laced with concern. "You look absolutely exhausted. Where have you been?"
"Just out with some friends." Harry replied simply, his expression unreadable. "It's been a long day."
Molly frowned, clearly unsatisfied with the vagueness, but she seemed to think better of pressing him. "Let me get you some food, dear."
Harry started to protest, but Sirius clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Let her fuss, Harry. She's better at it than I am."
Lupin finally broke the silence, his voice filled with quiet respect. "You've done more than any of us could have expected, Harry. But don't carry it all on your own."
Harry met his gaze, his exhaustion momentarily giving way to resolve. "I'm not. I've got all of you."
Molly returned with a plate of sandwiches and a steaming cup of tea, setting them in front of Harry with a maternal glare that dared him to refuse.
"Eat." she ordered, her tone brooking no argument.
Harry didn't argue. He picked up a sandwich and took a bite, as Harry ate his sandwich, the conversation in the room returned to Voldemort.
"It's not just an army Voldemort wants. We believe he may be after something more... something he didn't have last time."
Fred, sitting near the far end of the table, leaned forward eagerly. "You mean, like a weapon?"
"Not exactly," Lupin said, his tone deliberately vague.
"Then what?" George asked, his eyebrows raised.
Lupin exchanged a glance with Moody, who gave a barely perceptible nod. "We don't know for sure." he admitted. "But whatever it is, it's significant enough to keep him focused, even in his fury."
"We've also learned." Lupin continued after a pause, clearly trying to steer the conversation, "That Voldemort is looking for someone."
"Who?" Ron asked.
"The person who helped him regain his body." Lupin said grimly.
Harry, who had been tuning out the conversation again, looked up at this. "That's going to be difficult." he said dryly. "I destroyed Master Vile."
"What do you mean by that?" Tonks asked, her brow furrowed.
"Exactly what I said." Harry replied evenly.
The room fell into another uneasy silence. Some of the older members seemed frustrated by his vagueness, but it was clear from his expression that Harry wasn't going to elaborate.
Bill cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "On a lighter note," he said, leaning back in his chair, "I've got a new colleague at Gringotts. Fleur Delacour. She was in the tournament last year. You know her, don't you, Ron, Harry, Hermione?"
Hermione rolled her eyes but said nothing as Ron snorted. "Oh, Harry knows her, all right. Stood her up at the Yule Ball, didn't you?"
Harry groaned, his ears reddening slightly. "I didn't stand her up." he muttered. "I had... other responsibilities."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Other responsibilities, huh? More important than a date?"
Harry glared at him. "Yes."
Sirius's grin faltered slightly as he seemed to realize Harry wasn't joking. "Fair enough." he said, leaning back.
Bill chuckled. "Well, Fleur remembers you, Harry. She said you were a very brave young man."
Ron snickered. "Brave enough to stand her up, anyway."
"Enough of that." Molly said firmly, though there was a small smile on her lips.
The conversation soon turned to lighter topics, laughter and banter filling the room once more. Harry sat quietly, a faint smile on his lips as he listened to the warmth and camaraderie around him. For now, he allowed himself a moment of peace.
Angel Grove
The next day, Grimmauld Place buzzed with activity as Molly Weasley tasked everyone with cleaning every nook and cranny. Harry, however, managed to slip away unnoticed after quietly informing Sirius he'd be in Angel Grove with his friends.
"Heading out, are you?" Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.
Harry nodded, keeping his tone casual. "I'll be in Angel Grove with my friends. I won't be gone long."
Sirius smirked, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Enjoy yourself."
"I will." Harry assured him.
With that, he activated his communicator and teleported away, leaving Sirius to chuckle softly into his tea.
Harry walked into the Angel Grove Youth Center, greeted by the familiar sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. His friends were gathered around a table, congratulating Billy, who had just graduated from Angel Grove High a year early.
"Harry!" Tommy waved him over.
"You made it!" Tanya exclaimed, hugging him briefly.
Harry smiled, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Congratulations, Billy. You've earned this."
Billy, ever humble, adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Thanks, Harry. I've had a lot of help along the way."
The group laughed, sharing stories and jokes about their time in school and their shared battles. The atmosphere was light, filled with joy and relief — a rare moment of peace. But as the celebration continued, Skull suddenly burst in, his expression unusually serious.
"Billy! You gotta come with me — now!"
"What's going on?" Billy asked, already moving.
"No time to explain!" Skull grabbed Billy's arm and dragged him out the door.
The Power Rangers exchanged worried glances but stayed put, respecting Billy's privacy.
A short while later, their communicators beeped simultaneously, breaking the momentary silence.
"Power Rangers, report to the Power Chamber immediately." Zordon's voice commanded.
Without hesitation, they teleported in bursts of light, landing in the Power Chamber to find Alpha pacing nervously.
"What's going on?" Tommy questioned.
Moments later, Billy and Cestro, one of the Alien Rangers, entered the chamber. Cestro, wide-eyed, looked around nervously before Billy gently ushered him out.
"Cestro came here seeking my help." Billy explained, walking quickly to the console. "There's been an outbreak of Hydro-Contaminators on Aquitar, and their filtration systems are failing. If we don't fix it, their entire water supply could be destroyed."
"But if he's here, doesn't that mean…?" Rocky trailed off.
"Yes." Billy confirmed grimly. "The contamination has already started affecting him. He doesn't have long on Earth."
As they spoke, the Viewing Globe shifted to show a Hydro-Contaminator appearing near Cestro's ship.
"Unfortunately," Zordon interrupted, "One of the Hydro-Contaminators followed Cestro to Earth. It has already located his ship and is preparing to destroy it."
Tommy turned to the others. "We'll handle it. Billy, you stay here and help Cestro."
Harry spoke up, his voice firm despite the quiet doubt gnawing at him. "I'm coming with you."
"Harry, are you sure?" Kat asked, concern etched on her face.
Harry nodded. "My powers may be failing, but I'm still a Power Ranger. Let's go."
Angel Grove
The Power Rangers materialized near Cestro's ship, where the Hydro-Contaminator loomed menacingly, its metallic body shimmering with toxic energy. The Cogs surrounded the area, creating a defensive barrier.
"Let's clear the field!" Zeo Ranger V Red yelled, leading the charge.
The Power Rangers engaged the Cogs in pairs, their movements precise and synchronized. The Red Ranger, fighting alongside Zeo Ranger I Pink, summoned the Dragon Dagger and Power Sword, cutting through the mechanical soldiers with practiced efficiency.
But as the battle intensified, the Red Ranger felt his powers flicker again. His vision blurred momentarily, and his legs faltered.
"Harry!" Zeo Ranger I Pink cried, deflecting an attack meant for him.
"I'm fine." the Red Ranger gritted out, forcing himself back into the fight.
Zeo Ranger V Red confronted the Hydro-Contaminator, delivering a series of powerful kicks. "You're not poisoning this planet!"
The monster roared, releasing a wave of sludge that sent Zeo Ranger V Red sprawling. The Red Ranger leaped into action, slashing at the monster with both weapons. His strikes were fierce, but his strength waned with each blow.
The Hydro-Contaminator, sensing weakness, lashed out, knocking the Red Ranger to the ground.
"Harry, fall back!" Zeo Ranger V Red ordered through gritted teeth.
But the Red Ranger refused, pushing himself up again. "Not until this thing is gone."
The battle raged on, the monster growing more aggressive as the Rangers began to gain the upper hand against the remaining Cogs. The Hydro-Contaminator roared, sending another wave of sludge toward the team.
The Power Rangers regrouped, dodging the attack with practiced precision. The Red Ranger, however, stepped forward again, summoning every ounce of strength he had left. The Dragon Dagger and Power Sword began to glow faintly, green and red energy crackling along their edges.
"Let's end this!" the Red Ranger shouted, leaping high into the air.
In an arc of pure determination, he brought the two weapons together, channeling their combined energy into a devastating slash. The green and red energy surged forward in a brilliant streak, cutting through the Hydro-Contaminator's body. The monster let out a guttural scream, its form crackling with unstable energy before it erupted in a massive explosion.
The shockwave rippled through the area, sending dust and debris into the air. The Power Rangers shielded themselves as the remnants of the monster disintegrated, leaving only silence in its wake.
As the dust settled, the Power Rangers regrouped, their helmets turning toward the damaged ship in the distance.
"It's ready." Billy said, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of the moment.
Cestro placed a hand on Billy's shoulder. "Your contributions will not be forgotten."
Billy gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on his friends. "I'll be back." he said, though the words felt hollow even to him.
The team watched as Billy and Cestro boarded the ship. The hum of its engines grew louder, the vessel shaking as it prepared for liftoff.
Just as the ship rose from the ground, the Power Rangers arrived at the scene. They stood in silence, their gazes fixed on the ascending vessel as it disappeared into the sky. The faint trail of its exhaust lingered for a moment before fading into the horizon.
A gust of wind swept through the area, scattering the debris left behind by the battle. Harry's sharp eyes caught a glint of something buried in the rubble. He stepped forward and bent down, pulling out a slightly charred chemistry book. The name Billy Cranston was scrawled neatly on the inside cover.
Harry stared at the book, his grip tightening as he felt a pang of loss. Despite the battles they'd won and the dangers they'd faced, the departure of their friend left a void that couldn't be filled.
Tommy stepped beside him, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "He's where he needs to be." he said softly.
Harry nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're gonna miss you, Billy."
The others joined them, their silence a shared testament to their respect and love for their friend. They knew Billy's absence would be felt deeply, but they also knew he was fulfilling a greater purpose.
As the sun set over Angel Grove, casting the park in hues of gold and orange, the Rangers stood united. In that moment, they weren't just a team — they were a family, bound by their shared struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices.
And even as they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, they knew they carried Billy's legacy with them, a reminder of the courage and brilliance that defined him.
Angel Grove
Harry was hunched over at a corner table, away from the lively sounds of other patrons, a glass of water untouched at his side. In his hands, Billy's chemistry book lay open, the neat handwriting in the margins a stark contrast to Harry's own hurried scrawl in his Hogwarts textbooks.
The faint scent of gym mats and the rhythmic thudding of fists against punching bags filled the air, a backdrop to Harry's quiet reverie. His fingers traced the edges of the pages as his mind wandered back to the early days — when he had first joined the team as the Green Ranger.
Billy had welcomed him with open arms, the first other than Kimberly to see beyond the awkwardness of the situation. Harry had been an outsider then, thrown into a new world of morphers and zords, struggling to find his place among a team that had already forged unbreakable bonds.
Billy hadn't hesitated. "You can crash at my place if you want." he had said with a smile, that genuine, reassuring tone that always made Harry feel less alone. Billy had gone out of his way to make sure Harry felt included, whether it was in battle strategies, team hangouts, or just everyday life in Angel Grove.
Harry smiled faintly, remembering how Billy had explained the mechanics of the Power Coins to him in painstaking detail, only for Harry to zone out halfway through. "It's okay." Billy had laughed when Harry sheepishly admitted he didn't understand a word. "You'll get it. You're smarter than you think."
Now, sitting here, holding Billy's book, Harry felt the weight of his absence more keenly than he had expected. Billy wasn't just another teammate. He was the last of the original Power Rangers — the anchor that connected the current team to its roots. That didn't mean Harry loved his current teammates any less. Tommy, Rocky, Adam, Kat, and Tanya had become some of his best friends. But there was something about Billy's presence, his steady brilliance and quiet strength, that would always feel irreplaceable.
Sliding the book into his bag, Harry stood and looked around the Youth Center. It was alive with energy, with hope. He knew who he needed to see.
Florida
Harry stood just outside the gymnastics center in Florida, shielding his eyes from the afternoon sun. The building buzzed with activity, the faint echoes of cheers and the rhythmic thuds of landing routines drifting through the open windows. Kimberly had mentioned the name of this place in one of their rare conversations, and after the emotionally charged battle and the lingering weight of Billy's departure, Harry decided he needed to see her.
Inside, his gaze locked onto Kimberly immediately. She was on the balance beam, her movements precise and graceful, her focus unshakable. A few other girls, likely her teammates, stood nearby, watching her or practicing their own routines. Harry stayed near the entrance, not wanting to interrupt.
For ten minutes, he watched silently, marveling at how much she had grown into her role here. She looked confident, happy even, yet there was an intensity in her movements that reminded him of their battles as Power Rangers. Kimberly was still a fighter at heart, no matter the arena.
One of the girls near Kimberly noticed him first. She leaned over, whispered something to her, and then gestured toward the door. Kimberly turned, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Harry. For a moment, her expression was unreadable. Then her face lit up, breaking into a radiant smile.
"Harry!" she called, running toward him with a bounce in her step. Her excitement was infectious.
Harry chuckled, stepping forward. "Hey, Kimberly."
She stopped just short of throwing her arms around him. "Why didn't you say you were coming? I would've cleared some time for you!"
He shrugged, an easy grin on his face. "I was in the area."
Kimberly raised an eyebrow, her smile quirking into a knowing smirk. "Liar. But I'll let it slide. You're here now. Want to grab a bite to eat? There's this burger place across the street — it's amazing."
"Sure. Sounds great."
Kimberly clapped her hands together. "Give me ten minutes to freshen up."
Harry nodded, watching her as she darted off. He could hear her teammates giggling in the background, likely teasing her, but Kimberly didn't seem to care.
The burger place across the street was small but bustling, with a mix of families, students, and gym-goers occupying the tables. Kimberly and Harry managed to snag a booth near the window, and she wasted no time digging into her fries while Harry sipped his soda.
"So." Kimberly began, leaning forward. "What brings you all the way to Florida? Really."
Harry hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "It's been... a lot. Billy left."
Kimberly's smile faded, replaced by a look of sadness and understanding. "Left? What do you mean?"
Harry explained the events of the past few days, from Cestro's arrival to the fight with the Hydro-Contaminator and Billy's decision to go to Aquitar. Kimberly listened intently, her brow furrowing deeper with every word.
When he finished, she shook her head, her voice soft. "Billy... I can't say I'm surprised. But still... it feels like the end of something, doesn't it?"
"Yeah." Harry said quietly, fiddling with the straw in his drink. "He was the last of the original team. It's hard to imagine the team without him."
Kimberly reached across the table, placing a hand over his. "I know it's hard, but Billy's doing what he was meant to do. And you've still got the others. Rocky, Adam, Aisha... they're amazing. And you're amazing, Harry. Don't forget that."
He nodded, offering her a small smile. "Thanks, Kimberly."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Harry broke it. "Speaking of powers... mine are fading."
Kimberly's eyes widened, genuine concern flashing across her face. "What do you mean?"
He explained the Power Coin's dwindling energy and how Zordon had warned him that it was only a matter of time before it was gone for good. Kimberly's expression grew more serious with each word.
"Harry, that's... I mean, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know." Harry admitted. "But I'll figure it out. Tommy's doing great with the Zeo powers, so I don't have to worry about him. And as long as the others are safe, that's what matters."
At the mention of Tommy, Kimberly's expression shifted — something subtle but noticeable. Harry caught it but decided not to press. If she wanted to talk about it, she would.
"How's training?" he asked, changing the subject.
Kimberly's face lit up again. "It's intense. Way more than I expected. But it's worth it. The Pan Global Games are in a month, and I can't wait. It's going to be the biggest moment of my life."
Harry grinned. "I'll be there to cheer you on."
She laughed, leaning back in her seat. "You better be. I'll need the moral support."
As they continued talking, Harry asked, "Have you heard from Jason, Trini, or Zack recently?"
At the mention of Jason, that same strange look crossed Kimberly's face, just like before. She hesitated, glancing down at her drink.
"Trini and I talk almost every night." she said, her tone lighter now. "She's always asking about you guys. She worries a lot, especially about Aisha and you."
Harry chuckled. "That sounds like Trini."
Kimberly nodded, a fond smile on her lips. "Yeah. She's always been the heart of the team."
"And Jason?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kimberly hesitated again, then shrugged. "He's... around. I haven't talked to him much."
Harry decided not to push further. Whatever was going on with Jason, it wasn't his place to pry.
After finishing their meal, Kimberly walked Harry back to the edge of the park near the gymnastics center. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the area.
"Thanks for coming, Harry." Kimberly said, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Anytime." he replied, hugging her back. "Good luck with training. And don't forget — Pan Globals, one month. I'll be there."
"You better be." she said with a laugh, pulling back to look at him. "And take care of yourself, okay?"
"I'll try." Harry said with a small smile.
As he teleported away, Kimberly watched the spot where he had stood, her smile fading into something more thoughtful.
