Torn Between Three Worlds by Shooting-Star

Rating: PG13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 4
Published: 01/03/2003
Last Updated: 17/09/2003
Status: Paused

It begins as a normal summer until a woman appears on the doorstep and transports Harry and
Petunia to another Realm. Harry learns the truth of his past, meets family he never knew he had and
must decide between which world...for Harry belongs in three. Voldemort is also getting stronger,
and Hermione isn't making his decision easier. Can Harry decide, before it's too late?




1. Chapter 1: A Mysterious Visitor
----------------------------------

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything related to it. I *do* own Marigold, Rose,
Dorian, the Kingdom and anything else not in the Harry Potter books.

AN: Okay�this story kind of popped in my head one day, and I decided to write it. It�s a bit
unconventional, but I don�t think anything in the books is really wrong, so I�m not going to
classify this as an AU. Of course, it�s fan fiction, so that kind of already declares it as an
AU.

To those of you who read �Swirling Colours�, I *will* update soon on that. Never worry. And
this story is very different from �Swirling Colours�, so do not feel you have to read this to
understand that, or reversed. Though if you *want* to read �Swirling Colours�, I won�t stop
you.

Umm�this will be H/H. And there will be a lot of Sirius and Snape. I can�t think of anything
else�so I think I�ll let you read the story.

****

Chapter 1: A mysterious Visitor

As far as Harry was concerned, the summer was going fairly well. He had had minimal dreams about
the Third Task, the Dursleys were pretty much ignoring him and though Dudley was still on his diet,
Uncle Vernon finally decided that the rest of the family didn�t have to eat the �infernal rabbit
food�, which meant even Harry had received normal portions this summer.

Harry spent the most time in his room, studying. Though he didn�t want to be considered a
�Hermione�, there wasn�t much else to do. He still had his normal chores, but after he finished
them, he had time by himself to read, study or do whatnot. But the interesting event that summer
happened as Harry was dusting a vase in the living room.

Harry *did* have to do chores, and therefore found himself on the weekend before his fifteenth
birthday dusting. Dusting was a chore he didn�t mid so much. Of course it was annoying, but it let
him have time alone to think. And Dudley wasn�t allowed near Harry, for Dudley had a dust-allergy.
Or that�s at least what Aunt Petunia said to get Dudley out of having to do any work at camp,
school or at a friend�s.

But let me return to the story. Harry had just finished dusting a valuable vase that supposedly
came from Egypt, though the � 2,90 price tag from the junk market on the corner dictated otherwise.
It was around two in the afternoon and Aunt Petunia was in the kitchen making tea, which Harry
certainly wouldn�t receive.

It was a perfect normal afternoon, when the doorbell rang. Now, it was two in the afternoon,
which meant that most respectable people were at work, or at home. People just didn�t go calling on
their neighbours at two in the afternoon. It was considered rude, especially if there was a child
in the house, like Dudley, who needed his afternoon nap.

�Get the door boy!� Petunia finally called through the kitchen as the person rang the doorbell
about three times loud in concession. �And tell them we�re not interested.� Harry nodded, setting
the duster down. He had to admit he was a bit curious at who would be calling on the Dursleys at
this hour. The few friends they had knew better, solicitors came usually around four for tea and
Harry doubted that anyone else would call on the Dursleys without a very good reason. The sign that
read �No Trespassing� in bright red paint, the fence, albeit small, surrounding the property and
other hints were a bit too obvious.

So, it is to say that when Harry opened the door, he was a bit perplexed at who it could be. And
he had a reason to be. Perplexed, that is. A woman, probably the same age of his aunt, but who
looked infinitely younger was at the door. She had long golden hair, a heart shaped face and bright
blue eyes. She was tall and thin, dressed muggley, though it seemed as the clothes didn�t quite fit
her. And she radiated something.

Harry stared at her, before he remembered where he was. �Er, excuse me, is there something you
wanted?�

The woman almost jumped, her eyes widening as she saw him. �Oh, yes. Is there a Mrs Petunia
Dursley at this residence?� She scanned the house. �I haven�t been here in a while and am afraid I
have the wrong house. And who might you be?� Her gaze focused on Harry, her blue eyes surprised.
�Because I could swear-�

�My name is Harry Potter and Mrs Dursley is my Aunt. If you are selling something by the way, I
am to tell you we�re not interested.� Her eyed the woman suspiciously. She wasn�t dressed like
someone selling something, more like a middle-class woman who just happened to stop by.

�Harry? Your mother wouldn�t be named Lily, would she?� The woman�s eyes opened wide. �Why I
must-� She stepped around Harry into the house. �P



2. Chapter 02
-------------

Sorry for the long wait. So here’s chapter 2.

***

Chapter 2: Explanations and confusement

***

“He’s waking up.”

“No he isn’t. Now be quiet.”

“I still can’t understand-”

“He’s just a little brat. I don’t see-”

“Be quiet!”

“I -”

“Princess Petunia Janera, stop this ridiculous childlike beha-”

“I’m no child!”

“Listen to your Mother.”

“Fine!”

“She certainly hasn’t changed.”

“You’re perfectly right. She hasn’t. I thought allowing her to leave would make things better
but-”

“You did what you believed best, Rose, darling. Our daughter is just-”

“Don’t talk about me as if I weren’t here. I am, if you’ve noticed and I don’t enjoy-”

“Be quiet!”

“Don’t order around your Princess as if she was a servant, Guardian.”

“Well, unless you want him to wake up, then we should be quiet.”

“Don’t we *want* him to wake up?”

“Well…now I think of it, I assume so. There’s so much to explain.”

Harry listened to the voices. It was quite interesting to pick out the voices, especially when
they didn’t know you could hear them. He was planning on listening more when a voice said ‘Wake up’
and he was instantly awake.

He looked around him. Apparently the entire day *hadn’t* been a dream, like he had wished.
Unfortunately. On the other hand, since it wasn’t a dream, he had just met his maternal
grandparents. Who happened to be a Queen and King.

Sure enough, Queen Rose was kneeling next to him, her skirts sprayed out around her. “Hello,
Harry dear. I’m sorry for giving you such a shock…we should have been more careful.”

Harry shook his head, swallowing. The King stood in front of him and Marigold to the side. Aunt
Petunia was further away, her back turned to him. “I’m fine…but I’ll admit it’s hard to
believe.”

“Of course it is, my dear boy. But you’ll understand later on. Would you like something to eat?”
King Dorian asked, bending down. “Or perhaps a room where you can rest? This castle is as much
yours as it is mine.”

Harry wanted to open his mouth and politely thank them, but say ‘no thanks, I think I’ll return
to Hogwarts now’, but something stopped him. Part of him actually *wanted* to stay there. It
was beautiful, he had to admit, and the Queen and King were certainly nice people. There were just
so many unanswered questions he had. So he opened his mouth and said the first thing he wanted.
“Where am I? And exactly what am I doing here?”

The queen stood. “Oh, well, that’s a long story, Harry. I- well, I have to admit I’m wondering
where Lily’s Guardian is.” She sighed.

Harry, throwing a look over to Marigold, finally stood up himself. “What *is* a Guardian?”
The fact that Marigold had announced herself as one, and that his Mother had one made him wonder
just what exactly they did.

“A Guardian is someone who is raised to look after the Royal Family. We are well trained in all
arts of fighting, weapons, magic and healing and always accompany the Family when they leave the
castle. I am your Aunt’s Guardian, though she has refused me many times. Your mother had one, the
Queen and King do and you, I assume, will receive one. There are four families of Guardians and all
four families are trained.” Marigold answered, her voice changing and becoming more melodious as
she spoke. Harry wondered why, but before he could ask, the Queen spoke.

“Crown Princess Lily’s Guardian Mighty Star appear!” She raised her hands, and Harry froze as a
very familiar figure appeared in the circle.

“What?” Harry managed to ask, before having to sit down again. The day was becoming *too*
exciting.

***

“I told you *not* to drink from the toilet, not to do so, Padfoot.” Sirius Black looked up
to see an annoyed Remus Lupin standing in the kitchen doorway. He was tapping his foot, holding a
toilet brush. “You clog up the toilet.”

Sirius shrugged, returning to his tea. “I was thirsty. I was a dog. How else was I supposed to
get a drink?” He lounged in his chair, picking up the morning’s Daily Prophet. He had been visiting
various people over the summer, and was truthfully ready for a rest and a relaxing cup of tea. And
of course a few pranks. He remembered hearing that Arthur and Molly Weasley’s twins were a couple
of jokers. Perhaps he’d send them a letter turning them bright pink.

“*Padfoot*. I *charmed* the toilet closed, which means you had to have turned human to
open it. And then I fail to see why you didn’t just go to the kitchen to get a drink.” Remus looked
even more annoyed.

“Oh, Moony, what can I say? Toilet water tastes better.” Sirius shrugged it off. He was enjoying
himself, acting like a dog to annoy his best friend. It was a lot of fun.

“Oh! Just-just don’t go anywhere. I’m going to the store to get some cleanser.” Remus stomped
off, muttering about mangy mutts.

Sirius waited until he was gone, before getting a quill and parchment from Remus’s study.

“*Dear Gred and Forge,*

*It has come to my attention that you two are continuing a tradition of being pranksters at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I wish to commend you for that and inquire if you have
topped the Detention Record at school…I believe a total of 1798 times.*

*I also wish to commend you for passing on a certain map to one Harry Potter. The kid needs
it, and I must say it served its purpose in your hands. Er…basically I just wanted to say you two
are on the way to becoming the best pranksters. I’m not one cut out for formalities.*

*So, Gred and Forge, I suggest you wait in the Gryffindor Common Room by Waxing Half Moon at
midnight by the fire place and chant these words: ’I solemnly swear I am up to no good and wish to
become the best prankster ever.’ Oh yes, a hint of advice. Have Harry there too. He knows a few of
our secrets and will be a help.*

*Sincerely, with great expectations,*

*Mister Padfoot*

*P.S. You now are all bright pink. This spell will wear off in one week. Send letter addressed
to Messrs. Padfoot and Moony when you wish to receive the incantation.* “

He grinned as he sent it of using Remus’s owl. He was sure Ron would read it as well and find it
funny. And though he had never really met George and Fred, he couldn’t wait for their reply. For no
prankster is going to pass up an opportunity to learn a spell that turns someone bright pink.

Sirius returned to the kitchen, ready to fix something to eat, when he dropped the plate. The
strangest, but a familiar feeling washed over him as he was suddenly blown away.

***

When the wind stopped, Sirius was surprised to see a scene he had almost forgotten. The
beautiful Throne Room, with its many flowers and open air was a sight he had not seen in years-and
a sight he never expected to see again. The fact that the death of Lily was on his hands made him
stay clear. It had been his fault that Peter had been made Secret Keeper, and his fault that Lily
had died, along with James. There was no reason to go back to the Kingdom, for he was sure they
knew, and it would be a fate worse than death to be held as a traitor by everyone he had once
called dear.

He stayed frozen in his spot, not daring to look. He had no idea why he had been called, by a
member of the Royal Family, no less, but he did not really care to know. It *had* to be bad
news. Until he heard a voice.

“*Sirius?*” He swirled around, not expecting and was met with a person he would have never
thought to see here.

“*Harry?* What are *you* doing *here*?” He stalked over, taking in the people.
The King was standing annoyed to the side, Mari was on the other side, expressionless, The Queen
had an annoyed, but also sad look on her face, Harry was simply confused and the other woman, who
Sirius guessed to be Petunia, was facing the other way, ignoring everything.

“I’d like to know that, myself, Sirius. Marigold just appears on the porch and then transports
us here and now it seems that my mother was a Princess and so is Petunia and I have no idea what’s
going on. And then they say that they wanted to talk top my mother’s Guardian, but that
*can’t* be you, can it, Sirius? I mean, you were my Dad’s best friend, not my Mum’s…and this
entire thing makes *no* sense.” Harry finished, crossing his arms.

Sirius looked up. *All right…this situation just got worse.* He was sure that Harry would
never come here, that nothing would *ever* have to be explained. Harry had never questioned
Sirius before, and Harry never seemed interested in hearing about his grandparents. Not to mention
that Sirius never was going to *volunteer* the information. It was pointless to. But now…
“Er…that’s a long story, Harry.”

“Why weren’t we notified of Lily’s death? And how did she die in the first place, Sirius?” Queen
Rose suddenly said, looking even more annoyed. “Honestly, Sirius, for a Guardian, I’d like to know
just *how* you guarded her, because that makes no sense. You’re here for *protection*,
Sirius. And you should have at least *told* us when she died.”

“I-I-” For once in his life, Sirius was at a lost for words. “I thought- I-”

“He was in prison, framed for their murders.” All head turned towards Harry. He continued. “My
parents were advised to perform a Fidelus Charm. My Dad wanted to use Sirius as the Secret Keeper,
but Sirius thought it’d be too obvious and convinced them to switch to Peter Pettigrew, but not to
tell anyone. Peter was the spy and betrayed my parents. Then Sirius cornered Peter and Peter yelled
out into the street how Sirius had betrayed them. Peter blows up the street, turns into a rat and
escapes, leaving Sirius to take the blame. He was in Azkaban for twelve years. He just escaped two
years ago and has been on the run ever since.”

Sirius threw Harry a gracious look. “Harry’s right, your Majesties. I’ve never forgiven myself
for causing their deaths and I had vowed to stay away from here, until you called me.”

Queen Rose sighed as she returned to her Throne and sat down. “Honestly, I really expected to
learn about my own daughter’s death when it happened, not almost fourteen years later.”

Harry sighed. “Can’t someone *please* explain to me what’s going on?”

Sirius groaned. Explaining the entire thing to Harry. Whoa, not something to take lightly.
Especially because there were parts even *he* had never really understood. “Well-”

“Well I think I’ll be going now. Mother. Father.” Petunia nodded to her parents. “Don’t call me,
I’ll call you.” She raised her arms and Harry stared at her.

“Don’t you *dare* leave, Petunia Janera.” This time Dorian cut in. “We still need to talk
to you. And you owe Harry an explanation.” Petunia’s look of disgust told them all what she felt
like, but it didn’t seem to matter. She knew she had to obey her father’s orders. Glaring mightily,
she waved a hand, whispered words Harry couldn’t hear and then sat down on the chair that had just
appeared.

The five adults shared a look as Harry looked at them expectantly. How on *earth* were they
going to explain this to Harry? Sirius sighed and shifted. “I guess I’ll explain…”

***

“Well, Harry, I have no idea where to begin. Because frankly I had no idea that anyone would
ever have to explain this to you. But I guess I should start with your mother before Hogwarts.

“Lily and I grew up together. She was the Crown Princess and I was her Guardian. A Guardian is
someone who watches over his or her charge, the member of the Royal Family. Lily and I got along
well and we were very good friends, especially with Marigold here.” He nodded at Marigold. “We’d
always play together and I was almost always with your mother. But I think the real story starts
when we started Hogwarts.”

Harry looked at the people in the room. The Queen and King in all their grandeur, Petunia in her
normal clothes, Marigold wearing her tunic and hose and Sirius in old wizarding robes. “What do you
mean? And I thought my mother was muggle born.”

“That’s what we told everyone, but it isn’t true. Your mother, Harry, was Crown Princess Lily
Marie of the Fae.” Sirius waited for the reaction he was sure to commence.

“*What*? Are you saying my mother wasn’t even *human*? That she was a *fairy*?”
Yep. Sirius definitely got the reaction he had waited for.

“Not *fairies*, Harry. Please don’t call us fairies. It’s very insulting. Fairies are
little annoying creatures that can’t do much of anything. We’re *Fae*.” Sirius started to
pace.

“All right. So what are the *Fae*?” Harry spat the words out. This was getting ridiculous!
It seemed as if Sirius wasn’t explaining *anything* to him.

“The Fae look human, Harry, but are not, simply said. They have a different form of magic than
what humans possess, don’t age like humans do and for one thing, we have wings.” Queen Rose spoke
up. Everyone turned to her.

“Wings?” You have *wings*?” Harry said, incredulously. This was getting unbelievable. “I
don’t see any.”

“We can hide them and we almost always do.” Rose answered, removing her cloak and placing it on
the Throne behind her. “Watch me.” And as Harry watched, she leaned her head back, straightened up
and suddenly two transparent, glittery *wings* were resting behind her.

Harry blinked. “That’s-that’s-I-I can’t describe it!”

“You’ll get used to it. It’s something that you were born with, and usually small children keep
their wings out until they learn to fully retract them. Lily, however, learned very quickly. Before
she was year-old she could retract them. But I think we should talk more about Lily, Harry dear.”
Rose left her wins out as she sat down again. “Sirius?”

Sirius nodded. “Right, Majesty.” He turned to Harry. “I guess I should continue where I left
off. No offence to any of your teachers at school, except perhaps Snape, but they don’t really
teach you what you need to know at Hogwarts. There are many different kinds of magical peoples
living in this world, simply in different realms, and not all are friendly.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of Dwarfs and Gnomes and Dryads. They are creatures that you can find in
the Human Realm. But in *this* realm, things are different. Humans can only enter here with
permission or else they risk either being captured here forever or death. Depends on who finds them
and the people’s own intentions.

“Well anyway, though we can fit in with humans, we usually prefer to stay apart from them.
They’re often too violent for our liking and mostly too stubborn and close-minded. That’s why very
few humans know much about us. We keep to our selves and don’t have huge wars or fights or anything
else like that. Oh, and we have to tell the truth when we’re asked out straight.”

“We have to tell the *truth*? But I’ve lied before, I’m sure of it.” Harry shook his head.
“I *know* I’ve had to have lied before.”

“Are you really sure? Half-truths don’t count as lying, Harry. And anyway, your powers, your
lying, they all won’t take effect until you know and acknowledge who you really are. Of course, it
could also be because of your mixed blood…” Rose shook her head gracefully. “I assume it lies upon
who your father was. I always *told* Lily that marrying him wouldn’t be a good idea, but
that’s how young love is, I assume.”

“Wait, what do you mean about my father? I take it he was human. So does that mean that I’m not
all Fae?”

“First of all, yes, Harry, you are only half *Fae*. *But*, your father was not human
either. You have no drop of human-blood in your body, as far as I’m aware of.” Dorian sighed. “But
I think it is better to speak of your father later. I am not the best person to explain it to you,
Harry. I highly doubt that anyone here is.”

“Dorian is quite correct. Let’s begin again with Lily. It is custom here for the Heir to the
Throne to complete a magical education at Hogwarts. Though wizards can’t use our magic, we can use
theirs. It is also a way to get to know the human world and a way to study them. Any future King or
Queen must know how to deal with humans. Though not many humans know of us, there are a few and
they must be dealt with accordingly.

“On of them is always the Headmaster, or Headmistress of Hogwarts School. Professor Albus
Dumbledore is considered a Friend of ours. He has earned our trust and admiration. When we wrote to
tell him that our second daughter, Lily Marie, was to begin Hogwarts accompanied by her Guardian
Sirius, he was very helpful. He helped making up names and a past for her. Evans is a common muggle
name, he said, and Black would do as well. Therefore we decided that Lily should be considered
muggle born, and Sirius half-blood, cousins on their mother’s side.

“After the story was conceived, they were sent to Hogwarts, where Lily met your father. They
graduated, got married and stayed in the human realm, fighting against some evil source named
Voldemort. After your Christening, we did not hear a thing from them again.” Rose clapped her hands
and the doors to the Throne room opened, letting servants carrying trays and pushing carts full of
food. They left the path before they reached the dais, and turned to the left, where tables were
set with magnificent cutlery. Returning to the path, they bowed before Their Majesties and
left.

Harry stared at all the food. It was hidden behind a wall of ivy, but he could still see enough
of it to be amazed. It made a Hogwarts Feast go to shame. But before he wanted to eat, he needed to
know something. “Aunt Petunia, why did you say you hate magic, then, and everything that has to go
with it? And why do you live in the muggle world?”

Several gasps were heard as everyone’s head turned towards Petunia. She crossed her arms and
glared. “Because I *do* hate magic. I think it’s horrible and unfair. I can’t do anything. I
have to either stay in this world and be a *Princess*, but can’t do anything, because after
all, *Lily* is the Heir, or I can go and live in the muggle world and have a normal
family.

“It’s not fair that I didn’t get to go to Hogwarts. I’m the oldest, why couldn’t I have gone?
Lily’s dead anyway, and al she left is this little brat who can do everything and has lots of
friends. All I want to be is *normal*, and I thought I succeeded until Marigold appears on my
doorstep and whisks me here against my will.

“And Marigold doesn’t even like me anyways. She was friends with Lily and only assigned to me
because Violet died and there was no one else to take her place that was my age, so they took
Marigold who was five years younger and *Lily’s* best friend.

“I can’t stand it here. And what’s Vernon going to do when he finds out? He’s going to, if I
just disappeared. Thank heavens I’ve been able to bind Dudley’s powers and let him grow up to be a
sweet lovely little boy, not like this *freak* here. I-”

“*That’s enough!*” Dorian shouted, making Petunia fall off her chair. “That is perfectly
ridiculous, Petunia. You are not the Heir because you don’t have the Heir eyes. You know that only
the Heir has such bright green eyes, the colour of emeralds. It is the way to decide who is the
best candidate. And I wish to hear no more over Lily from you.

“Secondly, it has always been that the Heir attends Hogwarts with their Guardian, and no one
else does. When you were the correct age to begin, you showed no interest. I’m sure that if you
perhaps had said *then* that you wished to attend, perhaps we could have done something. But
it was too late when you started making a scene about Lily going.

“Thirdly, I want you to apologise to Marigold. She lost her elder sister and then you make a
scene about her. Do you think she *wanted to* be your Guardian? I don’t think so. But you are
correct that that was the only way. You need a Guardian and she was the only one who could serve
you.

“Then I come to your ‘normal’ life. Misleading your husband is not a very nice thing, Petunia.
And your son should learn about his powers and how to use them. It isn’t fair. I want you to tell
them and bring them here to us some time in the next month. They need to know, and if he does
something like divorce you, then so be it. He wasn’t meant for you. You cannot just close out part
of your life.

“Jealously is for children, Petunia, and you are no child. I want you to grow up. Now go back to
your family, Petunia, and I expect to meet them soon.” He raised his arms, letting the spell
holding Petunia in place go and she vanished almost immediately. Turning to Harry, he
apologised.

“I’m sorry you got stuck with her, Harry, she’s always been a handful. But I don’t think you’ll
have to spend much time with her anymore. I fully intend to speak to The Wizard about this. Wizard
Dumbledore’s always showed good judgement, but not sending you here is ridiculous.”

“Better with Petunia than with Them.” Rose spoke up slowly. “I think that’s what Wizard
Dumbledore probably wanted, Dorian. He knew that They would protest if we received care of Harry,
and we would protest if They received care the care of Harry. Petunia was the only option. He could
live in a world where he was just seen as a normal magical human and not be placed in the middle of
politics.”

“Yes, well, I still feel a bit annoyed. Now, I suppose we should come to business. I called
Petunia and Lily here because there is news that an evil wizard has risen in the human realm and I
wanted to know about them.” Dorian began pacing.

Harry cleared his throat. “That would be Voldemort. My parents fought him before, and he was
defeated when he tried to kill me and his curse bounced back against him. I survived because my
mother gave her life to save me. Now he’s back and starting to rise again.”

Rose sighed and looked at Sirius. “I assume you are fighting him again as well?”

“Correct, Your Majesty, I am. Right now I am recruiting those who have thought. I am unable to
fight myself, seeing how I am seen as a convicted criminal. But it is true that I wish to fight
again.”

“Wonderful. I think we do need to contact King Alaric and Queen Moria, even against how much I
dislike them. They deserve to know about everything we have just found out.” Dorian seated himself
in his Throne. “And Harry deserves to know about his father.”

***

All right. James isn’t appearing in this chapter. But next chapter all will be revealed. Should
I continue, by the way? I guess that’s it. Questions? Comments? Review.

-Myra 7/7/03



