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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:09:35 GMT -5
Blood Brothers written by Christina E Lupin Summary: This is my most popular story on fanfiction.net. The Marauders decide to become Blood Brothers and they have no idea what they have set into motion, and how it would affect their only heir, Harry Potter. Prologue: The Bonding Ceremony “Is it almost done yet?” “Shh! He needs to concentrate, you bloody idiot!” “I can’t concentrate if you keep quarreling like an old married couple.” The two arguing boys glared at their friend, who was sitting beside a black cauldron. A wooden spoon stirred the contents within. “That’s just mean, Remmie.” “Yeah, very cruel.” The fourth boy, a lot smaller and rounder than the three, gave a loud groan. “I swear by Merlin, you two must have been twins in another life!” Everyone turned their attention to him, looking very shocked at the boy’s outburst. He then turned beet red and didn’t meet their gazes, choosing to stare at the stone floor. The boy that was brewing, named Remmie, pulled the wooden spoon from the mixture. “It’s done.” One of the two boys from earlier, with messy black hair and sparkling hazel eyes, rubbed his hands together nervously. He glanced down at the textbook at his knees. “Okay. It says that each of us need to give one drop of our blood and one hair. We add it to the mixture, pour equal amounts into cups, drink, and invoke the words written down. Which look like long freaking Latin sentences!” Remus Lupin rolled his eyes and pulled out his wand. “I’ll go first.” He muttered a spell under his breath and a cut appeared on his pale flesh. The boy raised his arm over the cauldron and squeezed one drop of his blood into the bubbling liquid. Then he pulled one tawny-colored hair from his head and added that in too. The other three boys followed suit. The mixture by now had turned a deep red with a deep gold swirling around. It bubbled no longer. Remus dipped four gold goblets into the cauldron and filled them up halfway before passing them around. “Are you sure we should be doing this?” the small boy asked, glancing around nervously at his friends. “I mean… it could be dangerous…” “We all decided it would be a good idea, Wormtail. Besides, it will cement our bond even more than it was to begin with. We are a family, regardless of blood or name. But now…now, we can certify that we are family in everything.” With that being said, James Potter downed his drink. He winced at the taste but managed to swallow it whole. Remus, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew joined him. James looked to the pages to find the incantation. Instead of looking like a long string of Latin, the words were written in English. He blinked. “How weird…” “What was that, Jamesie?” Sirius asked. “Nothing.” He reached out his hands, offering one to Remus and the other to Sirius. The four boys joined hands and closed their eyes. The words came out of their mouths as if they had already memorized them by heart. “Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh, I hereby bind myself to my fellow friends. We swear to bring forth undying loyalty to my brothers. We shall never separate. Any child we father will be bound to my brothers as well.” The four continued their words, not noticing the soft white light that encased them all. The light then joined together over the cauldron, forcing the leftover mixture to boil and hiss. By now, the boys had stopped talking. They were frozen to their spots, eyes still closed, hands still clasped together. Finally, the light vanished back into the boys. Each of them took in a sharp breath and opened their eyes. The liquid inside the cauldron had calmed down, now a dark green. “Wow,” replied Peter as he let go of Remus and Sirius’ hands. “That was intense.” “How do we know if it worked?” Sirius asked. James conjured a piece of parchment with his wand and smeared his blood on the paper. He then muttered something under his breath and words scrawled over the paper. Remus, Sirius, and Peter looked down and gasped. Written in scarlet red ink were the words James Cameron Potter-Pettigrew-Lupin-Black. “That’s gonna be a mouthful,” whispered Sirius, his eyes wide. He then smirked. “I wonder how dear Mother and Father will react if they see this on the tapestries.” Remus hit his forehead with his palm. “I forgot about that!” He looked to his friends. “We need to find a way to disguise this from everyone. No one is to find out we did this.” “Because Blood Magic is considered illegal and we could go to Azkaban for it,” continued James. He sighed. “Okay. I think we can do this.” He smiled. “Right, brothers?” The three nodded. End of Prologue
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:12:20 GMT -5
Prologue Part Two: The Boy-Who-Lived
An exhausted James Potter exited the labor room to find his Blood Brothers and close family and friends waiting patiently (or for some, impatiently). Sirius’ head snapped up and soon everyone else glanced at the tired but happy man.
“It’s a boy,” he exclaimed tiredly, plopping down in a chair beside his dark-haired Brother.
The room erupted into excited squeals from the women and congratulations from the men. All of them except for the Marauders, who knew what James had gone through was emotionally exhausting. They could feel it with their link to the man.
How are Lily and the baby doing? Remus asked telepathically to James, who had leaned forward and placed his head in his hands.
The Marauders had successfully performed a flawless ritual that bound them to each other with blood they willingly had given. In every essence the Marauders were brothers, family. It made them feel more connected to each other. Along with the feeling of being a part of a family came the abilities they gained. The first one was telepathy that was only limited to each other. The second ability was the enhanced senses that they got from Remus’ side of the bond. Although their senses were sharpened, it was nowhere close to what Remus experienced. The other abilities were increased knowledge, ability to perform wandless magic, and their magic increased.
Last I saw before I was ushered from the room Lily was exhausted and tired but happy and the baby was declared healthy, James responded softly. The tension that was trapped in his body was easily detected through the bond, alerting the Marauders that James was more than exhausted. He was worried that something could happen behind those doors and he would not be there to help his wife and child.
“Have you thought of a name yet?” Sirius asked out loud.
“Yes. Lily and I named him Harry James Potter.”
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Remus, Sirius, and Peter were allowed in to see Lily and baby Harry after James and Lily’s parents had left the room. James was perched on the hospital bed, smiling down at the bundle of blue blankets that were arranged in Lily’s arms.
“Hey Lily,” Sirius said, coming around to the other side of the bed.
She smiled up at him. “Hey.” Lily tilted the blankets so the baby would be exposed to the Marauders.
A tuft of black hair was the first thing the Marauders glimpsed at once they saw the baby. The other thing was Harry’s eyes. They were a bright green, much like his mothers, but had hints of amber and gray. The three men glanced up at James, who gave a nod. He apparently had noticed Harry’s eyes too.
It could be a side effect of our bond, replied Remus logically. I believe that somehow parts of our DNA mixed in with James’, since we shared blood, and passed on to Harry.
Wait, said Sirius. Are you saying that Harry is the son of all of us?
When you put it that way, yes.
Wow, said Peter. We have a son.
“What?” Lily said, snapping the four men from their mental conversation. They had been staring at Harry with amazement in their eyes. “James? What’s going on?”
James took in a deep breath and told his wife everything, especially about the blood bond he had with the other men. His wife was quiet for awhile and then she looked down at her son. Harry was sleeping but it was evident that he had more features from the other men on him.
“So,” Lily replied. She hesitated, as if trying to find the right words to say. “So, Harry has four fathers then?”
“It appears that way, yes,” said Remus.
“And it’s all because of the bond you share? You shared blood, in which you shared DNA, and that DNA passed onto Harry who now has features of all five us.” They nodded. Lily looked amazed. The five of them glanced at the sleeping baby, who had no idea of what was going on.
---------A little time jump--------------------------------------
Little Harry James Potter was definitely the ray of hope and joy for the Marauders and Lily. It seemed he had taken to the fact he had four fathers quite well. He greeted each man with the same enthusiasm and with their own name he had given them. James was Daddy Prongs (pronounced ‘Rongs), Remus was Daddy Moony (pronounced Mooy), Sirius was Daddy Padfoot (Pafoo), and Peter was Daddy Wormtail (‘Urmail). All in all, life was good.
Though, the good times faded once they stepped out from the family environment of Godric’s Hollow. The war continued to rage on. Muggles and wizards alike suffered losses and more dead bodies appeared every day. James and Sirius had a huge part in the war because they were Aurors. Remus held a job as a researcher, Lily was a healer for St Mungos, and Peter didn’t have a job. He just helped Remus out with the research whenever he could. When all five of them were busy, Harry was watched by Alice Longbottom, who was a good friend of Lily’s. Her husband, Frank Longbottom, was also a good friend of the Marauders and fellow Auror. The Longbottom’s son, Neville, took to Harry very well and the same for Harry. Alice would smile when Harry and Neville would play together, both of them unaware of the war.
Today, Alice had Harry over to her place while the Marauders and Lily went to work. Neville gave a happy cry when he saw his playmate and immediately crawled over to Harry. The older woman settled herself into a chair and watched the two one-year-olds play. With a happy sigh, she reached over and grabbed a thick Muggle fiction book and started reading.
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James and Lily picked up Harry after they got off work and returned to Godric’s Hollow. Once there, the family of three relaxed. James knew that they would be protected by the several charms and wards that were placed around the house.
A few months ago, Dumbledore had pulled the Potters into his office to tell them that their son, Harry, was in danger. Lord Voldemort overheard a prophecy that could involve Harry and immediately became obsessed with the boy. James and Lily didn’t hear the entire prophecy but they knew enough to become upset. Dumbledore then sent them into hiding and asked them to find a suitable Secret Keeper.
James and Lily told the other Marauders about this plot and asked if one of them would consent to being the Secret Keeper. Remus backed out, to Lily’s dismay. Sirius said he would do it and Peter just kept quiet. But on the evening of when Sirius would become the Secret Keeper, he went to James and begged him to switch. Sirius knew he would be the first person Voldemort would look for to be the Secret Keeper. He appointed that Peter be the Secret Keeper. James and Lily were shocked but Sirius brought up a good argument. Peter would be the last person anyone would think to be Secret Keeper. Reluctantly, the Potters agreed and made Peter their Secret Keeper. Peter was then sent to a hideout to make sure he was protected.
“I still can’t believe Harry has four fathers,” Lily said, breaking the silence. She had Harry lying on her lap, where he was taking a nap after an afternoon at the Longbottom’s. “Thank Merlin for the potion that Severus made for us to conceal his true appearance.”
James pulled his wife closer to him and together they watched their son sleep, unaware that this day, Halloween, would be the last day they will be together as a family.
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November 1, 1981 was a solemn day for the Marauder family. Last night, James and Lily Potter were killed by Lord Voldemort. Luckily, little Harry managed to survive and defeated Voldemort. Peter was also killed and Sirius was sent to Azkaban for several murders and for revealing the Potters hideout. Remus was the only one left. Before he completely succumbed to his grief, he attempted to gain custody of his son. Even though the records stated that all four Marauder men were indeed Harry’s fathers, the Ministry did not let Remus take the child in. Harry was sent to live with his mother’s family, as the Black family was ruled out, the Pettigrews were nowhere to be found, and Remus was the only Lupin left.
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End of prologue
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:16:56 GMT -5
WARNING! This will have some stuff that is mentioned in Book 5 but not a lot. There also is a time gap between the prologues and this chapter. Another warning…I have a character who may be way OOC. Just to warn you.
Chapter One: Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix
The residents of Privet Drive all opted to stick inside their air-conditioned homes instead of going out in the heat. Everyone left their lawns and gardens to go to waste in favor of sitting in front of the television or having afternoon tea. Unfortunately for one resident of the neighborhood, he did not have such privileges.
Harry James Potter, although he was a wizard and different from everyone around him, was locked outside the house until the lawn and the garden was perfect. As he pulled out the weeds from the flower beds, his overly large cousin made faces at him through the living room window before turning back to his show. Harry made no motion that he even noticed what Dudley had done. His mind was filled with too many images that still continued to haunt him every day and night.
He kept remembering the night when Lord Voldemort rose again, the same night that a fellow student of Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory, was murdered in front of him. He remembered the duel he had with the Dark wizard and he remembered when ghostly figures of those who were killed by Voldemort shot from his wand, especially his parents. Even if Dumbledore did say that they truly did not come back, Harry believed otherwise.
Harry’s attention flew up to where he heard his owl, Hedwig, screech from her cage in his small bedroom. He panicked when he heard his uncle stomp up the stairs to his room. Millions of scenes flew across his vision, most of them ending in Hedwig dying. He only prayed that she was spared.
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Meanwhile, in London, a secret organization of witches and wizards, known as the Order of the Phoenix, gathered around a small cluster of homes that were sandwiched together like apartments. Sirius Black headed the group, scowling in disgust as he lowered the wards of his old home, which had belonged to his mother’s father beforehand. Dumbledore had passed a single piece of parchment around the group as the house materialized between numbers 11 and 13. The Muggles inside had no idea what was transpiring outside their windows.
“I don’t know what state the house is in after all these years, Dumbledore,” began Sirius distastefully, “but I am sure it is livable for now.”
“We will begin to decontaminate the building once we settle down and make sure we are able to stay inside,” replied Dumbledore with a nod.
Calm down, Padfoot, said Remus Lupin inside Sirius’ head. The remaining Marauders had forgotten about their secret connection until they met again during the summer when Sirius delivered news that the Order was coming together again. It wouldn’t be good to be angry right now.
But I have every right to be angry, Moony. I am going to be locked up in the very place I swore I would never step foot into again. Remus saw Sirius scrub his face warily before he straightened and unlocked the front door.
This time, however, I will be here with you along with some of the Order. Your parents are dead and no one else in the Black family can reach this place. Besides, Harry will be joining us soon too.
Along with remembering the bond that was created several years ago came the realization that Harry was still their son, the son of all the Marauders. Thinking of Harry was what grounded the Marauders and kept them going. The unfortunate bit was that even if they could prove Harry has four fathers, three of them living, no one could get custody. Sirius was still a wanted criminal, Remus was a werewolf, and Peter was proclaimed dead. Both Sirius and Remus promised, however, that Peter would never lay his hands on Harry again, much less let him adopt the boy.
“Come on,” replied Remus out loud, putting a hand on his Brother’s shoulder. “Let’s get to work.”
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Harry was relieved that Hedwig was not killed. However, he was not happy to know that his uncle locked her cage and forbade his nephew from using the owl to contact anyone. He was only allowed to give her scraps of whatever he was given to eat, which wasn’t much either.
He was now lying on his bed, staring at the boringly white ceiling. Thoughts of running away from Privet Drive were prominent in his mind but he knew he mustn’t leave the house. Dumbledore had explained last year that the Dursley’s home was his only protection against Voldemort and his Death Eaters and since his mother’s protection no longer helps, the wards around the Dursley’s house was better than nothing.
“I wish I could let you out, Hedwig,” he said to his owl, reaching through the bars to pet his owl’s soft feathers. Hedwig looked at him with trust and love in her amber eyes, which closed in contentment as he petted her.
Harry didn’t know how much longer he stood there but when he turned around he found himself staring at the end of Pettigrew’s wand. He glanced at the man who was pointing the wand at him. Pettigrew didn’t look much different than the last time he saw him. He was still looking thinner and it seemed that more of his hair was gone, leaving bald spots. His watery eyes looked the same.
“C-come with me, boy,” Pettigrew said, sounding much like Quirrell in Harry’s first year. “I am t-taking you away f-from here.”
“Taking me where? To your master?” Harry sneered. Pettigrew flinched.
“N-no I’m not. You are c-coming w-with me.” The man then got a strange look on his face. “You don’t remember your younger years, don’t you?” Harry shook his head, still eying Pettigrew distrustfully. “N-not that it d-doesn’t m-matter now. G-get your s-stuff and meet me in t-the living r-room.” He lowered his wand and left Harry in his room.
What is he thinking? Is he really telling the truth and he won’t give me to Voldemort? Should I trust him? Harry glanced at his Sneakoscope that he always has by his bedside table. It hadn’t moved an inch. He sighed and lifted Hedwig’s cage down from the top of his dresser.
“I might as well trust him now, Hedwig. I just hope that he isn’t going to hurt me.” Hedwig hooted in response.
True to his word, Pettigrew was waiting in the living room. He watched the boy carefully as Harry unlocked the cupboard to retrieve his trunk. Also, his watery eyes looked at the owl’s cage, where a padlock held the cage shut.
“And here I thought Sirius was t-treated worse than you by his p-parents,” Pettigrew muttered. He waved his wand and the padlock disappeared. “I’m going to l-let your owl go and m-meet you at the place we are going.” He unlocked the cage and let the snowy owl perch on his arm. She looked at him with her head cocked, as if trying to understand him. “Listen,” he whispered to the owl, “I am not trying to hurt him, or send him to my master. He’s…” he got a strange look on his face, “he’s my son, as well as Remus and Sirius’. And I would never hurt my own flesh and blood.” Hedwig hooted softly at him. Pettigrew whispered the location of where to meet them and the owl flew off into the setting sun.
Harry finally dragged his trunk into the living room, watching his owl fly. He watched as Pettigrew shrank both the trunk and the cage so that it would fit in their pockets.
“Come on, we don’t have much time,” said Pettigrew. Harry noticed that his stutter was slowly fading away.
He followed the older man out onto the street and watched as Pettigrew glanced around and turned to him.
“I’m going to do a Side-Along Apparation, as you are too young to know how to Apparate. Then, when we arrive at our destination, I will leave you there with a trusted friend of ours.”
“Why won’t you come with me?” Harry asked. He wanted to know.
Pettigrew shuddered. “If I did, I would be six feet underground, Harry.” He held out a hand to his son. Harry took a deep breath, prayed that he would be able to trust the man, and grabbed the hand. “Close your eyes for this time. It can be quite a rush.”
The teen did so and was glad he did. He felt like he was being squeezed into an extremely tight tube, being compressed at all parts of his body. Finally, the sensations stopped and Harry opened his eyes. There was a huge building with several houses squeezed together. No house had lawns or backyards of their own.
Pettigrew spoke in a firm voice, “House of Black, Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, I demand you grant entry to Harry James Potter-Pettigrew-Lupin-Black, son of the Marauders and the next heir in line of the Black family.”
Harry looked at Pettigrew odd but his expression changed as soon as he saw what was happening next. In between the houses numbered 11 and 13, another house appeared. It looked like the other houses but Harry had a feeling that it belonged to someone else, someone he knew.
“All right, that’s taken care of.” Pettigrew turned to Harry. “I am hoping that Sirius and Remus will get to tell you all about a certain ceremony we performed back in school, as I don’t have the time to tell you.” He started to walk away but he called, “I don’t ever want you dead, Harry. Remember that.” With that said, he Apparated with a loud crack.
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During the first session of the Order meeting at the new headquarters, Dumbledore frowned. His light blue eyes had a faraway look to them, confusing most of the Order. However, he wasn’t the only one. Remus and Sirius had felt a presence not too long ago, one they felt clearly. They had sensed that Pettigrew and Harry had arrived and now Harry was alone outside of the Black house.
“Could you excuse us, Dumbledore, for a second?” Sirius said, starting to get up from his chair. Remus was already by the door, anxious to see his son again.
“Very well,” Dumbledore replied, “but come back when you are done.” He shook his head in amusement as the two men had not heard the last thing he said. They were out the door.
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End of chapter one
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:20:25 GMT -5
Chapter Two: Talk with Moony and Padfoot
Harry considered knocking on the door before the thing in question swung open to reveal Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. The teen was about to open his mouth to say something when the two men grabbed him and pulled him inside, shutting the door firmly behind him.
“What was that for?” Harry said, glancing at the two men he considered his family.
“It’s not safe out there right now,” replied Sirius, leading Harry up the stairs to where he would be staying. Remus followed. “Besides, this place is better protected than anywhere else in the world, though Dumbledore disagrees.”
“How has your summer been, Harry?” Remus asked curiously.
He shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing exciting.” He didn’t want to reveal everything about his summer. Somehow Harry knew that if he told his former professor and his godfather about his true home life that they would get angry and extract revenge. Even if he did want them to get revenge, he knew that Aurors would get all over the scene and lock the men up.
They came to a stop on the second landing, where a series of doors greeted them. Each had names on dark plaques so that everyone knew where they were sleeping. Sirius steered him away from these doors into a small corridor where three doors were. One plaque read “Moony” and another read “Padfoot”.
“The Weasley twins are ever curious as to who resides in those rooms,” said Sirius with amusement. “We don’t feel like indulging them any time soon.” He gestured to the last door, which had no name on the plaque. “This will be your room. You can decorate it any way you like. Also, you get to choose what name you put on the plaque.”
“We did consider putting Pronglet on the plaque, as that was your nickname when you were a baby,” added Remus.
“But for now, I believe we are due for a talk,” interrupted Sirius. “I am curious as to how Wormtail found out about this place and why he took you from the Dursleys. Not that we minded.”
Harry found himself seated in a small study, facing Remus and Sirius. Both of them had chosen the high-backed chairs near the fireplace, which had a warm fire going.
“Okay, tell us what happened.”
He repeated the events of the day, leaving out that he was locked outside the house until he got his work done and that Hedwig was locked in her cage. Harry was curious when he noticed the look the two men exchanged when he mentioned something about a ceremony.
I’m surprised he remembered, a voice that reminded Harry of Remus said inside his mind. It took us awhile to remember.
Who knows, Moony.
“I think I am going insane,” Harry muttered, forgetting that his former professor had excellent senses, including hearing. He didn’t know that Sirius had those same senses too.
“Why do you think you are going insane?” Sirius asked.
“I hear voices inside my head. They sound just like you, both of you.”
Remus and Sirius looked shocked before the look went away when they understood what was going on. Since Harry was their son, he also inherited some of their abilities too.
“You see, Harry,” began Remus, pulling a hand through his graying hair, “when the four of us were younger, we thought it would be a brilliant idea to become brothers, since we were so close. I had researched a ceremony that would bind us together as family. It required a few personal things from us, like blood and hair, and we had to do a chant while holding hands, pressing our cuts together.”
“So, you’re like blood brothers?” Harry asked.
“Exactly,” replied his godfather with a beaming smile. “We gained some cool abilities, like telepathy, and all of us had heightened senses from Moony.”
“Our ceremony that bound us also had an effect on you as well,” said Remus, wanting to get to the point. “I think that’s why Wormtail mentioned it to you. He wanted us to tell you that it not only affected us but you as well.”
“How? I mean, I could hear you talk in my head…”
“Somehow, when you were born, you looked like a blend of not just Lily and James, but of the rest of us too,” responded Sirius. “Remy here figured out that when we exchanged blood that somehow our DNA also was transferred and all of our DNA was transferred to you.”
Harry glanced at the two men. “So, you are saying that I am not just the son of Lily and James, but also the son of both of you and Wormtail?”
“That is correct,” said Remus, watching Harry’s facial expressions.
“But if you knew back then, why didn’t you try to adopt me?”
The Marauders cringed. They were expecting that question to come up but the way Harry worded it made it hurt even more.
“That’s because your birth certificate doesn’t mention that we also were your fathers,” said Sirius, rubbing his hands together nervously. “It would’ve caused too much attention and we didn’t need that. I did try to take you when I found you that night but Hagrid had orders from Dumbledore and I was too mad at Peter to think of a better defense.”
“I certainly couldn’t’ve taken you because I am a werewolf and there are laws saying that werewolves cannot have children or even adopt,” added Remus sadly. “I did keep on trying for a few years before they threatened me with silver poisoning.”
“We had rediscovered our connection just this summer, when I was sent to gather the old crowd. James and Lily had put you under a charm that concealed your true appearance, though it only stays on until the person’s fifteenth birthday.”
“So,” replied Harry, “when I turn fifteen, the charm will wear off?”
“Gradually,” said Remus. He then leaned forward and placed a hand on Harry’s knee. “Never doubt, Harry, that we don’t love you or want you. As of now, none of us can claim you as our child. Sirius is still on the run, I am a werewolf, and Peter is supposedly dead.”
“But we are not going to let him adopt you, even if he is nice to you,” growled Sirius.
“Does anyone else know about this?” Harry asked.
“Not that we know of, but we suspect that Dumbledore knows,” said Sirius.
“Sirius, we need to get back to the meeting.” The werewolf was glancing at his watch.
The man groaned and he stood up, grumbling under his breath. Harry managed to pick up words like “old coot” and “take us away from our son”. A warmth spread through his heart as he remembered that he now had three fathers who were living. Sure, he was still mad that he didn’t know before but he knew he couldn’t stay mad at them forever. He now had a family, a true family.
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Remus and Sirius had dropped Harry off at his room before they returned downstairs. Before they left, however, they pulled him into an embrace and told him how much they loved him and that they were proud of him. Harry had a permanent smile on his face as he closed the door to his room.
“Who was it?” Molly Weasley asked the men as they came back downstairs.
“It was Harry, Molly,” replied Remus. “An old friend had taken him from Privet Drive and dropped him off here.”
As the Order contemplated as to who would do such a thing, Dumbledore cast a knowing look at the Marauders.
I hate that look, replied Sirius, feeling annoyed.
You and me both, Padfoot. I especially hated that look when I was younger.
Yeah. It was far creepier when we were younger. It sends chills down your spine.
What does? said Harry inside their minds.
Merlin Harry! Don’t scare us like that!
Sorry Padfoot.
It seems like young Harry here is aspiring to be a Marauder, said Remus, his voice alight with amusement. You are definitely sneaky enough.
Now all we need to do is teach him how to pull pranks…
No, Padfoot. He doesn’t need to learn to prank. He’s got more on his mind than pranking Slytherins.
It doesn’t sound like a bad idea, responded Harry. It would help keep my mind off of Voldemort. He imagined the looks on both of his fathers’ faces. He knew that Sirius would be sporting a smug look while Remus would look reluctant.
Come on, Moony. It would only be fitting for the only heir of the Marauders to play some pranks. Not a lot, mind you, but a few to lift the school’s spirits.
Remus heaved a sigh. He wanted more than anything to give his son the chance to be happy and Voldemort-free. If pranking would do it, then who was he to complain? Fine. But you will not be alone in teaching him. Merlin knows what you would teach our son in the area of pranking.
Sirius let out a huff that the other two knew about. They mentally laughed at him.
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End of chapter two
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:24:08 GMT -5
Chapter Three: Old Friends, New Friends
For the next few days, Remus and Sirius spent a lot of time with their newfound son. They badgered him to tell them about his past Hogwarts years and even before he went to Hogwarts. They were certainly surprised to hear what kind of childhood Harry had lead when he was young. Sometimes, Harry could hear them muttering in his head about how they were going to get revenge on the Dursleys. Secretly, Harry loved that thought. It meant that he was truly loved, truly cared for.
“The Weasleys and Hermione will be coming over tomorrow,” said Remus as he entered Harry’s room.
“Really? I thought they would be over here already?” Harry asked.
“No, but Dumbledore thought it would be safer if everyone would be here as often as they could. That way, he can keep track of everyone.”
As much as Harry loved his new fathers, he was very happy to see his best friends, Ron and Hermione, again. He had so much to tell them, especially since he couldn’t tell them about his parentage in a letter, just in case a Death Eater catches Hedwig and finds out. Harry didn’t want his remaining family to be in danger just because of him.
Also, Harry was keeping something secret from Remus and Sirius, knowing that if they found out he was corresponding with Wormtail that they would be furious. In their book, Wormtail was not one of Harry’s fathers ever since he betrayed the Marauders. It was a good thing that Wormtail had enough sense to disguise the letter so that if anyone but him read it that it would be from one of his Gryffindor friends.
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Harry was up in his room reading a book when he heard the sound of people chatting downstairs. He was surprised to not hear Mrs. Black shrieking, only to smile bitterly when he heard his grandmother yelling and screaming. Remus and Sirius have tried many ways to get the portrait off the wall she inhabited but it seemed that she had the portrait permanently stuck there. Keeping your voice down in the hall was the first rule Remus and Sirius taught Harry while he remained there.
Sighing, Harry glanced at a mirror in his room to see if he looked decent. His eyes had begun to darken a little and he could almost see the hints of amber and gray within his emerald eyes. Also, his hair was just a smudge lighter and a lot tamer but nothing too noticeable. The glamour charm had slowly begun to vanish, leaving Harry looking a little different everyday. He already had noticed that his nose looked like Remus’, something Sirius laughed about a lot.
He climbed downstairs, smiling. He was very happy to finally see his friends again, as it was getting very lonely at Grimmauld Place when meetings were held basically everyday, pulling his fathers away (something Harry heard Remus and Sirius grumble about mentally).
I just wish there was a way to take her off the wall, Sirius said mentally. She is driving me absolutely mad.
I thought you were already crazy, Padfoot, Remus replied, his voice sounding amused. Harry let out a small laugh.
I heard that, Pronglet.
Sorry, Padfoot, but I have to agree with Moony. If you are already crazy, then I can’t imagine how insane you are now.
Harry had to bite back a laugh when he heard Remus laugh and Sirius pout. It was always fun to pick on Sirius, especially if he had picked on either Remus or Harry beforehand.
“HARRY!”
Harry had turned around to face his friends when he was tackled by a brown-haired tornado. He nearly toppled to the ground if it weren’t for someone supporting his back.
“Hey Hermione,” he choked.
“Lay off, Hermione, before you end up killing him from lack of oxygen,” replied the person behind Harry. Harry identified the person as Ron.
Hermione blushed and released her hold on him. “Sorry Harry, but I missed you.”
Harry rubbed his ribs. “It’s alright.” He glanced around before he leaned forward. “I need to talk to you and Ron after dinner is done. I got something important to tell you.”
“We can do that, Harry,” Ron said, “but first… let’s eat!” Hermione and Harry laughed.
Don’t come down yet, cub. Remus warned. We’re still in a meeting. Take them up to your room to tell them before coming down here.
Okay, Moony.
“Actually,” Harry said to his friends, “we’re gonna have to wait. I just remembered that there was a meeting going on already when you guys arrived. Let’s go up to my room and I can tell you up there.”
------
“So, let me get this straight,” Ron replied. “The Marauders performed a blood ritual that made them blood brothers and because of that, they and your mother are your parents?”
“Yes,” Harry said, smiling.
“Harry, this is great!” Hermione squealed. “This means that you have a family, even if one of your fathers is Wormtail.”
“Actually, he’s not that bad.” With that, he showed his friends the letters he and Wormtail have been exchanging.
Wait a second, Harry, said Sirius in his head. You have been in contact with that rat the entire time and you haven’t told us?
I have a reason why I didn’t tell you, Padfoot. I knew that if you and Moony found out that you would forbid me to correspond with him.
I doubt we would go that far, cub. Remus responded. I admit, we would’ve been very angry, but we can’t stop you from wanting to talk to your other father.
“Harry!”
“What?” he asked, mentally telling his fathers that he would talk later.
“Where were you, mate? We’ve been trying to get your attention for the past few minutes.” Ron said.
“Sorry, but Remus and Sirius aren’t too happy that I am talking to Wormtail.”
“I don’t blame them,” growled Ron.
“Now Ron,” said Hermione, frowning, “just because he had done something wrong years ago doesn’t mean that Harry can’t talk to him. After all, Pettigrew is one of his fathers and a bond between family members can’t be ignored.” She had glared specifically at Ron when she said this.
Harry found this rather confusing. What was going on with Ron? Was there something going on between him and his family?
Harry, you can come down now.
“Guys, Moony says we can head down for dinner,” Harry replied, interrupting the glaring match.
“Okay,” Hermione said.
Ron stared at Harry. “I doubt I am going to get used to that, the telepathy thing.”
“You will have to when they are around,” Harry said, smiling.
-----
Harry entered the kitchen and found that there were people there that he had no clue who they were. Sirius was laughing with a woman who had spiky purple hair and a pale heart-shaped face. Remus was deep in conversation with a tall, bald black man and Mad-Eye Moody.
“Oh, Harry!” Mrs. Weasley cried, rushing over to pull him into a hug. “Good to see you.” She leaned down. “Remus and Sirius have told the Order about your parentage. I am so very happy that you have finally found a family of your own, dear.”
Harry blushed. “Thanks Mrs. Weasley.”
She beamed at him and walked away toward the large boiling pot on the other side. Mr. Weasley walked up to him and shook his hand firmly.
“How are you, Harry?” he asked with a large smile.
“Great.”
Just then, everyone heard Molly shriek. They turned to see Fred and George grinning at their mother, standing on either side of her.
“Hello Mum,” they said together.
“Don’t do that! Just because you are of age doesn’t mean you have to use magic for every little thing!” she shouted, placing her hands on her hips. “Besides, if it weren’t for you we would have a nice dinner. I almost ruined it.”
Harry shook his head and turned back to Mr. Weasley. “So, how is the family?”
“Very well,” he responded.
Harry was about to say something else when Sirius pulled him aside, grinning.
“Harry, I want you to meet Tonks, my cousin,” he said, gesturing to the woman he was speaking to earlier. She waved to him. “Please only call her that, since she detests her first name.”
“And what is that?” Harry asked, curious.
“Don’t say it, Sirius,” Tonks warned.
Nymphadora, pup, Sirius responded, giving his son a mental wink.
Harry gave a shudder. I can see why she hates it.
-------
During dinner, Harry was introduced to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the black wizard. He tipped Harry with a wink and returned to talking to Moody and Tonks about a serious matter that Harry paid no attention to. He knew better than to spy into the conversations the Order was talking about.
When the dessert had begun to make its way to the table, Harry could swear he felt a slight twinge in his scar. He rubbed it quickly, hoping no one would notice anything. He tucked into a fabulous piece of fudge and was about finished when the twinge came back but this time it was very painful. Just as he lost consciousness, Harry could hear people shouting his name in alarm.
-----
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:26:27 GMT -5
Chapter Four: Death of a Family
Harry was confused then horrified to find himself standing outside of Number Four Privet Drive, with several Death Eaters surrounding the house. Voldemort was standing further back with an evil grin on his face. Wormtail stood alongside his master along with Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry could tell that he was uncomfortable being in his master’s presence but there was a fire in his eyes and Harry could tell he was angry at something by the tightening of the man’s jaw.
“Are you sure he is in there, Wormtail?” Voldemort asked the shorter man, eyeing the house with distaste.
Wormtail nodded. “Yes, Master.” It suddenly occurred to Harry that Wormtail was lying to his master about his, Harry’s, location. It almost made him smile. Maybe Wormtail wasn’t so bad after all.
“Death Eaters,” the dark lord called. “Go have free rein, except for Potter’s room. Leave it for me to deal with. Kill anyone in your path.”
Harry watched helplessly as the Death Eaters invaded the Dursleys’ home. Voldemort remained outside alone, having sent Wormtail and Bellatrix inside. Harry’s gaze went to the house when he heard the screams and yells coming from his relative’s house.
dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdb
“Harry!”
Remus was quick to catch his son’s body before it hit the floor. Sirius met him down on the floor and was shaking Harry, pleading him to wake up. Everyone else surrounded the men, a mixture of emotions on their faces.
“Wake up! Harry, wake up!” Sirius yelled.
Remus and the others began to notice that Harry’s body was moving, jerking in Sirius’ grasp, but it wasn’t because of Sirius; it was because of the vision. Then the boy opened his mouth and screamed, silencing Sirius’ pleas. Remus now joined Sirius in holding the boy down to the concrete floor.
dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdb
Harry found himself following Voldemort into the house that he used to call home, before he had gone to Hogwarts. He wanted to tear his eyes away from the sight that greeted him. Dudley, it seemed, had tried to put up a fight with the Death Eaters, as some of the Death Eaters now sported bruises, but the men had the obese boy on the floor, twitching and screaming. Harry just knew that they were holding him under the Cruciatus Curse.
“Good job,” Voldemort replied, a smile forming on his thin lips. “Keep him under that. If he begs for death, don’t give it to him. I feel we should keep this one alive… for now.”
“Yes, my Lord,” said one of the remaining masked men and Dudley’s screams were louder as Voldemort left, dragging Harry with him.
The two entered the kitchen and Harry tried to look away, without much luck. Aunt Petunia was on the linoleum floor, blood forming a dark red-filled circle around her body. Her eyes were open, glassy and still filled with fear.
“She was becoming irritating,” one of the Death Eaters explained.
Voldemort didn’t say a word and he continued walking around the house. Harry was thankful that he hadn’t seen Uncle Vernon, though he knew that the large man was probably dead, just like his wife. They passed his screaming cousin again before ascending upstairs. Harry was relieved that Wormtail had enough sense to replace all the locks on his bedroom door, looking as if Harry had never left the house. He watched as Voldemort’s red eyes flicked a glance at the door before continuing.
The dark lord entered the master bedroom and Harry fought not to gag at the sight of his uncle. Vernon was laid out on the bed, the material soaking most of the blood that flowed out of his body. His head was separated from the rest of his mutilated body, his facial expression forever frozen in horror and pain.
“The Aurors will have fun cleaning up this mess,” a Death Eater taunted, grinning like a fool.
“Good work, Macnair, as usual,” Voldemort praised and Macnair puffed his chest out in pride. “Now gather everyone and leave. I will follow, with Potter in my hands.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Macnair and the other Death Eaters left the bedroom, laughing.
Voldemort turned around and ventured into the hallway of the second floor of the house, heading toward the locked door. Harry was thankful that the air smelled a little better than it did in the bedroom. He swallowed back the bile and waited to see what Voldemort was going to do next. He knew for certain that he would not be happy that Harry was not in the room.
The snake-like man waved his wand and the locks fell to the carpet. He opened the door and Harry’s vision faded as he heard the dark lord’s scream of fury.
“Harry!”
Harry groaned loudly and he tried to move but found he couldn’t.
Sirius’ panicked face swam into view and the look faded away as the man saw Harry was awake. “Oh, Harry! Thank Merlin you’re awake.”
Harry nearly choked when Sirius grabbed him and pulled him tight against his chest, his arms wrapped around him. He felt another pair of arms hug him from behind and it was then he realized how he had terrified his fathers. They had never seen his nightmares, like Ron and Hermione had. His eyes flew over to his friends, who looked at him with relief.
“You scared us to death, mate,” Ron said weakly. “You were still for a second before you began to have a fit and scream. What happened?”
The bile that Harry had forced down started to rise in his throat. He had managed to lean his face away from Sirius before he emptied his stomach out. Sirius and Remus held him as he threw up, rubbing his back and stroking his hair.
When he was finished, Harry relaxed and let his fathers try to soothe him, not asking him what had happened, which Harry was grateful for. Eventually, the two men stood up and helped Harry up to his room he shared with Ron. They laid him down on his bed and tucked him in. Harry took the time to let them do what they wanted to do, reveling in the love he could feel pouring from them. He felt himself drift off to sleep, feeling safe and loved.
dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdb
The next day, while Harry was sitting in the living room by the fire, he heard the sound of wings and saw a brown owl fly into the room. The bird dropped a letter on his lap and left the room. Glancing down at his name written down on the envelope, he knew that Wormtail had sent the letter. Sighing, he slit the envelope open and began to read the letter.
Harry,
Are you alright? I know you saw what happened last night and I am sorry that you did. The bad thing is that this is mild compared to what they can do. However, I am not sorry that your relatives are dead and your cousin is driven insane. They deserved what was coming.
As you can probably tell, the Dark Lord was not pleased that you were not at Privet Drive. He tortured most of us until he was in a slightly better mood, which wasn’t much better either.
Please reply back as soon as you can. I want to know how you are and I don’t want to go to Grimmauld Place to see you. I know the Order hates me and they won’t care if I was one of your fathers.
Sincerely,
Wormtail
Harry fought back a smile as he finished the letter. Sure, it was weird to hear Wormtail being worried about anything but it was a nice change.
“Harry?”
He turned around and smiled as Sirius and Remus entered the living room. He put the letter back into the envelope.
“Who was that from?” Remus wondered, taking a seat next to the teen. Sirius sat down on the other side of Harry.
“It’s from Wormtail. He wondered how I was, knowing that I had a vision about what happened last night.”
Harry knew that his fathers knew of the attack, as Snape had been there that night and had reported it to the Order. He was the victim of many sympathetic glances and even received hugs from Mrs. Weasley and Hermione.
“It’s weird to even imagine Wormtail worrying about anything that doesn’t deal with the Dark Lord,” Sirius muttered.
Remus sighed. “As much as I hate to admit it, Padfoot, but Harry is also his son. Wormtail has a right to worry about Harry, no matter how weird it sounds.” He turned his gaze to his son. “How are you dealing?”
Harry twisted his hands together, not looking at either of his fathers. “I’m dealing.”
Sirius wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “You don’t need to hide anything from us, pup. You don’t have to deal with this alone. There isn’t anything that will make Moony nor I love you any less.”
Harry seriously doubted it.
The canine Animagus sighed, hearing that thought. “Please, son, tell us what happened. We can help you get past it…”
“I doubt I will get past it, Sirius. How do you deal with seeing your cousin go insane from exposure to the Cruciatus curse and seeing your aunt and uncle butchered beyond recognition? You weren’t there… you don’t understand what I am going through.”
Remus placed a finger under Harry’s chin and made him look up. The werewolf’s golden eyes looked sad but also had a look of understanding in them. “You forget, Harry, that we survived the first war. Padfoot and I have seen what the Death Eaters are capable of and much more. They don’t give mercy to any of their victims. Families have been butchered and murdered in ways that disgusted most of us and what you saw was a sampling of what they are capable of. You can get past this but only if you let Padfoot and I help you. You are not alone anymore.”
“And if you can’t talk to any of us,” Sirius interrupted, “then you can talk to…” He breathed a sigh. “…Wormtail. I might not like him but I know that he too can help you.”
Harry stared at the fire, thinking of his options. He knew that his fathers were reading his thoughts but he didn’t care. He wanted to talk about what happened but he knew that if he talked about it that the pain would become real, and he didn’t want that.
But it will give you closure as well, Remus replied. You can then move on and not be weighed down by the pressure. Believe me, it helps.
dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdb
end of chapter
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:30:49 GMT -5
Chapter Five: Happy Birthday!
With the help of Remus and Sirius, Harry slowly began to get over the deaths of his aunt and uncle. He refused to go to the funeral, as he knew that he would not be welcome there if he did. He knew that Aunt Marge would tell him it was his fault that they died and that it was a shame that he survived. Harry also knew that if she had said that, Remus and Sirius would be furious and would proceed to tell her what she needed to hear. So instead of going to the funeral, Harry locked himself in his room and layed on his bed. Ron and Hermione were also in there for silent support.
Meanwhile, Remus and Sirius sat in the kitchen and began to plan Harry’s birthday party. July 31st was approaching fast and they wanted to give their son the best birthday party possible. They already had sent the invitations, though they were mostly verbal as it was just for family and friends.
“How about sending Wormtail one, Padfoot?” Remus asked tentatively.
Sirius stiffened. “Why should we, Moony?” he asked through gritted teeth. “He’s not welcome here.”
“You cannot deny that he is one of Harry’s fathers, Sirius. Sure, everyone hates him for what he’s done, but can’t we just forget that for one day and let him be here? Like us, he has only been to Harry’s first birthday party. He deserves to see his son.”
Sirius remained silent, thinking about Remus’ reasoning. Remus was right in the fact that Wormtail had a right to see Harry, but he didn’t want to see the little cowardly rat. He didn’t think he could ever forgive Wormtail for what he had done to the Potters, to the entire Marauders.
“Why don’t we just tell him that he could see Harry for a bit after the party? That way no one else needs to know and the atmosphere around here won’t be so tense.”
Remus nodded, feeling satisfied. “That would work. I’ll write the letter while you concentrate on the decorations.” Then, before he left, he sent a glare to his Brother. “And don’t you even think about what I know you are thinking about.”
“Moony!” Sirius whined pathetically. I was only kidding, anyway, he replied mentally to his Brother.
Merlin, I hope so or I will hang you in the basement for a week, Remus said.
-------------------
Harry woke the next day feeling slightly better than yesterday. He noticed that Ron and Hermione had left him to sleep. He smiled and he stretched a little. Getting up, he got a shower and got dressed before heading downstairs.
When he entered the kitchen, however, his mouth dropped. Red and gold ribbons crisscrossed along the ceiling, taking away some of the gloominess that was naturally present. A banner was stretched above the kitchen table reading: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY! The table had also been redecorated with a red and gold tablecloth with animated Snitches zipping around.
You ruined the surprise, Pronglet,said Sirius, sounding amused.
Sorry but I just got up.
We know, Harry, Remus said soothingly. Padfoot just wanted to pounce on you, waking you up with his obnoxious, off-key singing voice.
Sirius let out a mental yell while Remus and Harry chuckled. Hey! Don’t diss my lovely singing voice!
Trust me, cub, you don’t want to hear him sing. We learned that real fast at Hogwarts. He butchered every song he sang.
Don’t believe the old wolf, Harry. He’s just jealous I have a better singing voice than he does. Anyway….. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Harry winced and rubbed his temples. He didn’t think his dark-haired father could yell so loud, even mentally.
You sure know how to break eardrums, Sirius, Harry replied.
Sorry.
Happy Birthday, cub, Remus said much more softly. Harry could hear the smile in his voice. Feel any different yet?
No, but I look different. The charm is almost gone now.
Good, both Marauders chorused.
We’ll be down in a bit, Harry. We still have something else to do.
Alright. I’ll be waiting.
Harry walked out of the kitchen and went to the living room, feeling slightly overwhelmed. He brushed a hand through his hair, knowing that it had changed slightly. When he had looked in the mirror, he saw some faint highlights of red and some brown, lightening his hair but still keeping it black. Also, his hair wasn’t as messy as it used to be.
“Happy birthday, dear,” Mrs. Weasley said, having come down the stairs. She pulled him into a hug. “You look great, dear, a nice blend of your fathers and mother.”
“Thanks,” Harry replied, smiling.
She beamed at him and left the room, asking him what he wanted for breakfast. Harry relaxed against the couch, feeling happy. He had a feeling that today would be a great day, an improvement from yesterday.
He looked up when he heard someone enter the room and smiled at Hermione. She blushed and smiled back.
“Y-you look handsome, Harry,” Hermione replied.
“Thanks.”
She went over and hugged him. “Happy birthday, by the way,” she whispered into his ear. “Today is supposed to be a happy day.”
“I hope it will be,” he said softly, hugging her back.
The two broke away from someone cleared their throat. Hermione and Harry blushed slightly from the smiles Remus and Sirius gave them. Hermione left the room, leaving the three alone.
Sirius started to shake his head. “And here I wanted to wait a little to have the talk with you.”
Remus chuckled as he pulled his son into a hug. “Ignore him, cub,” he whispered. “He’s starting to feel the effects of aging.”
“Hey!” Sirius shouted. “I heard that! Take that back, Moony!”
“You won’t be alone when we have the talk anyway, Sirius,” the werewolf said, pulling away so Sirius could hug Harry as well. “Get that through your thick head.”
Harry felt a little nervous at the thought of having them talk about whatever they needed to talk to him about. He wasn’t sure he would like it.
“Let’s head downstairs and have some breakfast before we start the party,” Sirius said, slipping an arm around his son.
-------
Harry felt a little overwhelmed when he saw how many people had come. Even Dudley never had parties with this many people (no matter if they wanted to come or not). It made him smile.
You deserve so much more than he did, pup, Sirius’ voice replied.
Though you wouldn’t be as spoiled as him, Remus added.
But Moony! He deserves to be spoiled! Besides, I wasn’t the only one who gave him a lot of toys back when he was younger. If I recall correctly, it was you.
Yes, well…
Harry smiled as Remus stumbled over his words. He had never thought that the werewolf would have ever spoiled him when he was a baby, but then again he could, in a way.
I wouldn’t mind, as long as it wasn’t too much. I would fall over from the sheer shock of it.
Sirius just grunted, making the other two laugh at him. Harry turned back to his friends, who had been arguing the entire time. He shared a grin with the twins and Ginny before leaning back, waiting for the two to be done.
--------------
After a delicious dinner that Mrs. Weasley made, Harry opened the several presents that were given to him. Some of them had been delivered from people who couldn’t make it to the party. He mostly got some helpful books, a new scarf from Mrs. Weasley, a Quidditch ball set from the Order, and a couple Quidditch magazines from Ron.
“Our turn, Harry,” Remus said, nudging one of the presents toward him.
Harry took the large present and tore into it. His mouth dropped open as he looked at it. It was a large portrait of the Marauders, including Wormtail, with a baby version of himself. Everyone was either kneeling or lying on the ground with baby Harry in front of them all. All eyes were on him, everyone smiling happily. Then baby Harry burped, making the five adults laugh.
“We found that in the rubble of the old house in Godric’s Hollow,” Remus explained. “We had that done some months beforehand. Lily had that hung in the living room and sometimes we would find her looking at.”
“It’s beautiful,” Mrs. Weasley said, tears filling her eyes.
“Now you have a portrait of your family,” Sirius said, smiling. “If you ever feel lonely, you can look at and be reminded of those who love you and always will.”
Harry smiled back at them both, tears in his eyes. He absolutely loved the portrait. “I’ll have to put that in my room later on,” he said before he grabbed the next present.
His eyebrows shot up when he saw two books tumble out. He glanced at the titles and grinned at Sirius who looked embarrassed.
“What? You wanted to learn how to be a Marauder and those books are helpful.”
Remus snorted. “Helpful?”
“Hey, you were the one to write them as you had the nicer writing.”
“I love them anyway,” Harry said, smiling. He hugged Sirius, who hugged him back.
“I am glad you do, pup. Now unwrap Moony’s present before he goes mad.”
The werewolf glared at his friend while Harry reached for the last present. He opened it to reveal a thin gold necklace with five round pendants. Each one had an embossed picture on it (stag, wolf, dog, rat, and a couple lilies).
“James had me keep this until you were older,” Remus explained. “Only the older wizarding families do this with their heirs and the Potters are one of those families. They’re supposed to signify the parents of the child. Most of the time you would see the family crests on the pendants, and ours are on the flip side of the pendants.”
“But these were especially made for you,” Sirius added. “James had it made shortly after he was told that Voldemort was after his family. He had charms placed on each of the pendants so they would protect you.” He picked up the stag pendant. “He made this pendant with a charm to protect you from the more harmful curses, like the Cutting Curse.” He picked up the next pendant, the lilies. “He placed a charm on this one that would reveal cursed items and things that are put under an Invisibility charm.” He took the dog pendant, smiling. “This one I made myself and I also altered it when Remus brought it over. It now serves as a Portkey that is activated with the password. It will take you just outside the wards. Use it for emergencies only.” He took the wolf pendant. “Moony also altered his a little. It is also a Portkey that will take you to Hogwarts with a password.” Finally, he grabbed the rat pendant. “This pendant will analyze you and let the others with the same pendants know if you are in critical condition or if you need to have us find you if you are missing.”
“I also have the other pendants,” Remus said, pulling out his own necklace. It had an identical wolf pendant on it. “Ours have variations of the same things you have on yours. You must wear that at all times for it to work.”
Sirius picked up the necklace and slipped it over Harry’s head. “It also lets others know who your family is.”
Harry smiled and he hugged his light-haired father. “I love it, Moony.”
Remus smiled, hugging him back. “You’re welcome Harry.” He pressed a kiss to Harry’s hair and pulled back. We wanted to tell you this privately, Harry, but Wormtail is waiting outside for you, Remus said mentally.
We decided that he should have some time to see you on your birthday as well, Sirius said reluctantly.
Harry smiled at them and he excused himself, walking toward the front entrance. He shut the door behind him and walked down the stairs when he saw a familiar gray rat on the street. He knelt down near the rat to let him know that he saw him.
Harry followed the rat into an alley where Wormtail transformed back into his human self.
“Happy birthday, Harry,” the man said quietly, his eyes darting around the alley.
“Thanks,” Harry said sincerely, leaning against the wall. “I appreciate that Remus and Sirius had done this. I was expecting you to…”
Wormtail shook his head to stop Harry from talking. “Of course I wanted to see you. I probably would have done so without their help. I was quite surprised when they sent me a letter, setting up a time to come see you.” He cleared his throat and pulled out a box from his pocket. “Here, you should have this.”
Harry opened it and revealed a frame with three pictures. Each of the photographs was of Sirius, Remus, and Wormtail sleeping on the couch with baby Harry.
“I found that in the house at Godric’s Hollow. I went back for a brief glance and saw that.” Wormtail looked away but Harry could have sworn he saw him blush. “I figured you wanted to have that.”
“Thank you,” Harry said. He put the frame back into the box and did something unexpected. He wrapped his arms around Wormtail, hugging him.
Wormtail struggled at first but he eventually gave in. He put his smaller arms around Harry, holding him tight. Deep inside he could feel several emotions rise in him that he thought he had lost, buried deep. He let out a sigh, feeling happy for once.
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End of chapter
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:33:49 GMT -5
Chapter Six: Back to Hogwarts
The month of August flew past the Potter-Lupin-Black family and before they knew it, August 30th arrived too fast for their liking. Harry was upstairs in his room, finishing filling his trunk up with his school things, along with a few personal items.
He looked up when he heard a knock on his bedroom door and smiled at his dark-haired father, who was leaning against the doorframe.
“Got everything packed?” Sirius asked with a smile on his face. Inside, though, he was upset that Harry would be leaving so soon. He wanted to keep Harry back and tell Dumbledore that he and Remus could teach Harry whatever he needed to learn. However, he knew that Harry loved going to Hogwarts, as it was his first home away from the Dursleys.
“Yeah,” Harry answered as he got up to lock his trunk. He glanced at the older man. “Did you come up here to ask me that?”
“No.” Sirius entered the room, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “Um, there’s something I wanted to give to you before you left.” He took out a small handheld mirror from his back pocket and handed it to his son. “This is a two-way mirror, Harry. It was very useful back at Hogwarts, especially when James and I were in separate detentions. We could communicate to one another through the mirrors. Just say the name of the other mirror’s owner and the person’s face will appear. I have the other mirror with me in case you ever want to talk.”
The Boy-Who-Lived smiled up at Sirius. “Thanks. This will be much better than using owls.”
“Much faster too.” Sirius ruffled Harry’s hair and sat down on the bed. “Listen, Moony wanted me to tell you that this year will be different than others. You remember that the Ministry is giving Dumbledore a hard time because he ‘claims’ Voldemort is back, right?” The teen nodded. “Well… considering that Dumbledore didn’t find a suitable replacement for Moody’s departure last year, the Ministry has sent one of their own, a horrible woman named Dolores Umbridge, to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. She is a fan of Fudge’s work and firmly believes anything he says. She’ll be watching everything that goes on inside Hogwarts, including the mail and the Floo network.”
“That’s why you are giving me the mirror, right?” Harry asked.
“Yes and no. I wanted to give you the mirror so Moony and I can contact you faster than any owl could but, yes, we did give you the mirror could Umbridge couldn’t read what you were telling us.” He took a breath. “This also means, Harry, that you can’t send any letters to Wormtail. It’s too dangerous with Umbridge around and even though he is one of your fathers, he’s still a loose cannon.”
The black-haired teen nodded. “I understand.”
“But Moony suggested that he would let Wormtail know what’s going on so he doesn’t go ballistic and meet you at Hogwarts. That’s the last thing we need.” Sirius wrapped an arm around Harry, his paternal urges getting the better of him. It’s going to be even worse when Harry’s at Hogwarts, he thought with a soft sigh.
“Sirius? What’s wrong?” Harry asked, looking worried.
The canine Animagus knew he wouldn’t be able to lie to his son now. He took a deep breath and let it out shakily. “It’s just… it’s going to be lonely around here without you, Harry. Moony and I feel like we barely know you.” Harry opened his mouth to protest but Sirius shook his head, wanting to continue before he broke. “I know that we have been around you since third year but this is the year we really started to know you, to sit down and talk and have fun. There will be more of that, I can promise you that, but…”
Harry patted his arm awkwardly. Sure, it felt nice that he finally had a family and people who cared about him, but he wasn’t used to this, the heart-to-heart talk. It made him feel nervous and made his stomach feel like he had swallowed several butterflies.
The older wizard attempted to pull himself together before smiling at Harry. “Moony and I will miss you, pup. The Order may be around once and awhile but it will be just him and me.”
“I’ll have to talk to you once a week,” Harry joked.
“More like every morning,” Sirius mumbled, smirking. “Come here.” He pulled the Gryffindor into a hug. “Please don’t get on Umbridge’s bad side. She’s a piece of work and especially is on the lookout for you to go spouting off the same things Dumbledore says. But if she gives you trouble, let us know. I’m sure Moony could straighten her out.”
Harry pulled back to see the smirk on Sirius’ face grow. “Why?”
“She hates half-breeds, like Remus and Hagrid, and he’s wanted a reason to fight with her.”
“Seriously? Remus?”
“Don’t look so shocked, Harry. Underneath the intelligence and calm exterior Remus is a force to be reckoned with. As they say, werewolves are a species that are scary when they are angry.”
“And they are angry especially when their packs are threatened,” Remus’ voice replied from the doorway. Sirius and Harry looked over at him. “So I see you are telling our dear son about Umbridge, then?”
Sirius nodded as the werewolf entered the room. “I also gave him the mirror.”
“Good.” Remus then wrapped his arms around Harry as well, his face buried into the boy’s hair. He took in a deep breath and inhaled his son’s scent, committing it to memory. “Merlin, we’ll miss you, cub,” he whispered, his voice breaking slightly.
Harry just let his fathers hug him, feeling as if his heart would burst at any moment. It was nice to know that they loved him and would miss him while he was at Hogwarts. He had been praying, since he was little, that some unknown relative would whisk him away from the Dursleys and give him the love he had been starved of when his parents were murdered and he was left with the Dursleys. Now, his dream had come true and, for the first time, he didn’t want to go back to Hogwarts.
Sirius was the first one to pull away, hurriedly wiping his eyes. “We should let you finish packing then.” He kissed the top of Harry’s head before leaving the room, with Remus still attached to the teen. Finally, Remus reluctantly released Harry and he smiled tearfully at him.
“No matter what anyone says, cub, we will always love you and will always want you.” He got up and left the room, his tears falling unashamed. His wolf wanted to howl in grief, not liking that his cub had to leave when he had just gotten him back.
Harry continued to sit on his bed before putting the square mirror in his trunk before shutting it, locking the trunk shut.
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September 1st found the three men on Kings Cross station along with a few members of the Order. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks flanked the three, trying to blend in with the Muggles in their suits. Once they came to the barrier to Platform 9 and 3/4, they split off into groups. Sirius would enter with Harry, Remus going next with Harry’s trolley, and the two Aurors would follow. With a wink from Tonks, Harry leaned against the barrier with Sirius, both of them falling into conversation before they fell sideways into the barrier.
The platform was as busy as ever, with parents and guardians of the Hogwarts students waving and hugging the children, wishing them a good term. Harry’s heart felt light as he realized that he would be doing that shortly with his own fathers. After receiving a nudge from Sirius, Harry hurried to find an empty compartment or to find one with his friends. Once he jumped off the train to tell Remus where to put his stuff, he saw the Weasleys standing by the two Aurors and his fathers.
“Harry, dear!” Mrs. Weasley cried, rushing forward and pulling him into a hug. “You look wonderful. Sirius and Remus have done wonders on you.” She beamed at him. “And, between the two of us, you have done then good too, Harry,” she whispered. “Have a good term.”
“Thanks,” Harry replied, smiling. He shook Mr. Weasley and Kingsley’s hands and received a hug from Tonks.
“I’ll be around for Christmas, Harry, so we can get to know each other,” Tonks said, grinning from ear to ear. “After all, we are related.”
“I would love that.” Ever since Harry had met Tonks, he liked her. She was like an older sister to him or a favorite cousin.
Pulling away, Harry stood awkwardly in front of Remus and Sirius. Before he could open his mouth, the two men hugged him. No words needed to be said, as they were already said yesterday.
“We’ll see you for Christmas holiday,” Sirius whispered huskily, trying to blink back his tears. “Remember to use the mirror once a week, or more if you like.”
“I promise,” Harry said, his voice shaking. “You know, I have always wanted to do this, to be seen off to school by relatives. I would watch everyone else and…”
“You don’t need to say anything more, Harry,” Remus responded. “We know how much it means to you.” He tightened his arms around his son before kissing him on top of his head. “We love you, Harry. Try to stay out of trouble this year.”
“I will.” Harry boarded the train and entered the compartment where Ron, Ginny, the twins, and Hermione waited. He pulled the window down and waved at his family until the train started to move.
Once he could no longer see the platform, Harry put the window up and sat down, feeling heartsick. He was already missing his fathers.
“You alright Harry?” Ron asked, looking concerned.
“Honestly Ron,” Hermione began, glaring at him. “Harry’s not alright. He just gained a family and had to leave them.”
“Oh. Sorry, mate.”
“It’s alright,” Harry replied. He dug into his trunk and pulled out a book. From her cage, Hedwig gave a soft hoot of reassurance to her master. He smiled at her and opened the book.
Fred and George managed to pull Ron and Ginny into a game of Exploding Snap and Hermione sat with Harry, also reading a book but kept giving Harry looks. She knew she couldn’t even begin to think what he must be going through. Harry had been starved of parents for too long and now he finally had two, no, three fathers, two who loved him unconditionally and the other was still up in the air. He had to leave them behind, just as he was getting to know Remus and Sirius.
Harry and Hermione were jerked from their reading when they heard a loud snap and everyone except George had smoking hands from where the cards had exploded. The red-haired seventeen-year-old danced around the compartment while his twin and brother and sister glared up at him.
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After the snack cart had passed, Harry bought some Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin Pasties to share with his friends. Fred and George had gotten a couple of Licorice Wands and was having a mock swordfight with them. Ron and Ginny watched while the other two continued to read.
Harry, however, wasn’t really paying any attention to what he was looking at. He was too busy thinking of the summer break, of all the fun he had with his fathers. He even tried to contact them through their bond but it didn’t work, as they weren’t within a good distance from him.
He was shaken from his thoughts when the train gave a mighty jerk, sending everyone in the compartments flying. Harry landed on top of Ron, groaning as his head throbbed where he had smacked the wall.
“Everyone alright?” he called and heard grunts as everyone answered.
“What the bloody hell happened?” Fred said, standing up away from where he had squished Ginny and helped her up.
“Something might’ve attacked the train,” Hermione said, glancing out the window. It was dark out so no one could see anything.
“Like what? A giant boulder?” George grunted, putting a hand to his bleeding cut on his temple.
“Doubtful,” Hermione mumbled, stepping away from the window. She straightened the trunks and the cages of the three animals. Both Pig and Hedwig ruffled their feathers while Crookshanks let out a hiss from inside his carrier.
Ginny gave a shudder and pulled her jacket closer around her. “It’s so cold,” she said.
“Dementors,” both Harry and Hermione chorused.
Harry got in front of everyone else, his wand at the ready. He was the only one who could produce a Patronus in the compartment. He just hoped it would be enough.
“Ron,” he said in a low voice. “Look inside my trunk for a small square mirror. Call Sirius’ name to it and tell him that the train is being attacked by dementors. Hermione, use Hedwig to send a message to Dumbledore. The rest of you, behind me.”
“What makes you think you can protect us?” one of the twins asked.
“I’m the only one who can defend you. The only charm that works against a dementor is a Patronus charm. That was what Remus was teaching me back in third year, remember?”
“Teach us how to use it,” Ginny replied, her voice shaking from the cold.
“It takes forever to learn it, Gin,” he replied. “It took me several months to even get something.” He trailed off from his tirade at the looks from everyone else. “Fine. The incantation is Expecto Patronum and while you say the incantation you must think of your most happiest moment, something that made you very happy.”
Suddenly the door slid open and a cloaked dementor floated out in the hallway. Harry thought of what happened to him this summer, of Remus and Sirius’ love, and yelled, “Expecto Patronum!” What he saw come out of his wand surprised him and everyone else.
A stag came out of his wand, as usual, but it wasn’t alone. A large shaggy dog and a large wolf followed and together the animals attacked the dementor easily. The three animals turned to Harry as the dementor floated away, screeching.
“Go tend to the other dementors,” Harry demanded, not sure what else to say. The animals split up and sprinted away.
“W-what was that?” Ron asked. “Is that your Patronus?”
“It used to be the stag only,” Hermione said weakly. She turned to Harry. “Do you think maybe it’s because of what happened this summer? Didn’t Professor Lupin say that the Patronus is a positive force that is unique to each witch and wizard?”
He nodded, still looking dazed. He slumped down into the chair as Ron contacted Sirius and Hermione wrote a letter while Hedwig waited patiently. Everyone could hear Sirius swearing colorfully from the mirror and saying that he and Remus would be there as soon as possible. When the mirror went silent, Fred and George turned to Harry, having heard Sirius say one of the Marauder names.
“Does Sirius know who the Marauders are?” George asked suspiciously. “He said that he and Moony would be here.”
“Is it Professor Lupin?” Fred continued.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged amused looks before Harry told them who the Marauders were and of the unique bond they made. The twins’ eyes went wide and they stared at him.
“So your fathers are the Marauders?” Fred whispered, looking shocked.
“But that would make you…” George added.
“The heir of the Marauders!” the twins finished at the same time.
Harry nodded, smiling. “I am, yes. Remus told me that he was very happy that you two had given me the map back in third year.”
He was about to continue when the door slid open again, but instead of a dementor, there were several Death Eaters, pointing their wands to the six Gryffindors.
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End of chapter
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 10, 2009 10:36:21 GMT -5
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Chapter Seven: Order to the Rescue
“Oh shit,” Ron muttered, his face going pale.
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If the situation wasn’t so dire, Remus would have laughed at the look of frustration and panic on his Brother’s face. It wasn’t every day that Sirius Black, aka Padfoot, would be panicked.
“Where are they?” Sirius hissed, glancing toward the fireplace. When he was silent for another minute, he slammed his hand onto the nearby wall, growling. “Damn it, Moony, we should be there and not waiting for the Order to arrive.”
Remus opened his mouth to reply when the fire turned green and Dumbledore swept out from the fireplace, brushing the soot from his robes. Behind him the rest of the Order spewed out, wearing their red and gold Order robes.
“Finally,” Sirius growled. “Now can we go?”
“Patience, Black,” Moody grunted.
“Patience isn’t what will keep my son alive, Moody. We should’ve been there by now.”
Dumbledore ignored the men and pulled out a couple newspapers. “Make two groups and touch the Portkey. Also, just so you know, I doubt the train is being attacked by just dementors.” The Order looked horrified as they figured what Dumbledore meant. Both the Weasley parents and Harry’s fathers looked ready to pass out, their faces white.
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“Hello Potter,” one of the Death Eaters growled.
“Malfoy,” Harry said evenly. He wasted no time in sending out a Stunning curse towards the group. The spell hit one of them but the rest began to retaliate, firing spells as fast as they could.
The rest of the compartment’s occupants began to fight back as well, with Fred and George throwing whatever prank items they had. If the Gryffindors weren’t so busy dueling, they would have fallen to the ground laughing at the results. Several of the Death Eaters were hit by Dungbombs and were attempting to cover their mouths and noses from the smell while they had spouted multi-colored hair and skin. One unfortunate Death Eater was a victim of several curses that resulted in his face covered in long tentacles that had large boils and his feet had been spelled to the ground.
Lucius Malfoy, the only Death Eater Harry could recognize at the moment, was attempting to knock Harry out. By the way the Death Eaters were attacking, Voldemort must’ve ordered them to knock out whoever was in their way of kidnapping Harry. Harry snorted at the thought. As if he would let that happen.
“HARRY! WATCH OUT!”
He dropped to the floor, avoiding a Stunning spell. Harry gave a silent thanks to Hermione and he began to fire spells as he pushed himself up. He only hoped that his fathers would get here soon before something happened.
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Wormtail was at a crossroads. His master had ordered the Death Eaters to attack the Hogwarts Express and take Potter and to remove whoever was in their way. On the other hand, his son was in danger, the only son he would ever have in his life. He knew that Sirius and Remus would never forgive him if something happened to Harry, especially what the Dark Lord had in store for him.
Oh why did his life have to be so unfair?
Letting out a sigh, he sent a Stunning spell at one of the students and transformed into a rat.
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The Order froze at the sight of the unmoving train, multi-colored lights flying around the hallways and compartments. After a few seconds, the group rushed toward the train, intent on saving the children aboard.
Remus was the first one to reach the train and he ripped the door off its hinges. It was times like this that reminded the Order that the man was a werewolf other than the gentle man they knew. Immediately the Order boarded and began to fire their own spells with some of them tended to the injured and spelled students.
Once their way was clear, Remus and Sirius began to search the compartments for their son and his friends while the rest of the Order stunned or bound the remaining Death Eaters. The men’s anxiousness grew as they barged into the compartments, not finding Harry.
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“Give up, Potter,” Malfoy sneered. “You are only prolonging the inevitable.”
Harry didn’t answer verbally but with his actions. From his position on the floor, Wormtail mentally encouraged his son to continue fighting while he scampered around to the elder Malfoy. With a burst of courage, the rat launched himself on Malfoy’s leg, clamping his teeth down hard.
Malfoy yelped and this gave Harry the advantage to stun the older man. His eyes followed the gray rat that scurried away and he smiled.
Thanks, Wormtail, he said. The teen knew better than to think he would get a reply back, but he was shocked when he heard, you’re welcome, Harry.
Hermione stood up, wincing a little as her cut leg protested against the movement. “Did we get them?” she asked, looking around at the Death Eaters lying around.
“I think we did,” Ron said just before Sirius and Remus’ heads peeked in.
“Harry!” Sirius cried, jumping over the bodies to crush his son to his chest. “You’re alright!”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Harry replied, hugging Sirius back. He smiled at Remus, who smiled back and began to round up the Death Eaters.
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The Order began to filter out of the train with the stunned bodies of Death Eaters, some of them setting up Portkeys so the bodies could be sent to the Ministry for identification. The students watched from the windows, awed and thankful that no one was killed.
“We’ll see you soon, kiddo,” Sirius said to Harry as the Order beckoned for him and Remus to follow. “Don’t get into too much trouble and remember what we said earlier.”
Remus gave one final hug to his son before jumping off the train as the whistle blew and the train moved once more. He and Sirius waved to Harry once again before helping the Order.
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“Crucio!”
Wormtail squealed as he was, once again, the victim of the Dark Lord’s temper. Not many of the Death Eaters had returned to their master and each of them was being punished for failing to bring Potter back. But Wormtail was the only one who wasn’t feeling guilty about failing the mission. He was just glad that his son wasn’t hurt.
“What are we to do now, Master?” one of the Death Eaters spoke fearfully after Wormtail was released.
“Organize an attack on Azkaban prison and then the Ministry. We need our comrades back if we are to bring the Light down,” Voldemort replied angrily. “Now leave me!”
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End of chapter
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:03:44 GMT -5
Chapter Eight: Beginning of a New Term
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The students hurriedly entered the castle, most still frightened over what had happened on the trail. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, though still terrified, were mostly tired from the whole ordeal. They just wanted the Welcoming Feast to be over with quickly so they could rest, Harry especially. Before the trio even hit the Great Hall earlier, Professor McGonagall swooped down upon them and ushered them toward Madam Pomfrey, with Ginny and the twins following. When they were healed up, Pomfrey shooed them to the Great Hall for the feast, mumbling that they needed to eat something.
“Hurry up,” Ron whined, his stomach growling. The others around him hid their snickers.
Dumbledore made a few small announcements before he waved his hands and the tables groaned under the weight of the food. Ron let out a sigh and began stuffing his face, much to everyone’s disgust. Hermione made a noise and returned to her own food. Harry ate slowly, not feeling hungry. His eyes were looking up along the Head table before he spotted an unfamiliar woman sitting where the other Defense teachers have sat before. She had curly, mouse-brown hair that was hiding under a pink knitted hat and she also had a fluffy pink cardigan over her robes. Harry also noted that she vaguely looked like a frog, with her wide mouth and her prominent eyes. That must be Umbridge, Harry thought.
It wasn’t until someone shook his shoulder that he realized that the food had disappeared and Dumbledore began to stand up.
“Welcome to another term!” he said cheerfully, his blue eyes gazing around the Hall. “I have a few announcements to make before you head off to your common rooms. First years ought to make note that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits, as well as some of our older hands as well.” He winked at the trio, who only rolled their eyes in response. “Mr. Filch has posted a new list of prohibited items on his office door and would like to remind you to not use magic in the corridors outside of your classes.
“Also, we have two changes in staffing this year. I would like to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking over for the Care of Magical Creatures in Hagrid’s absence. Also, I would like to welcome Professor Umbridge, who has consented to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.” He waited until the applause had diminished before continuing. “Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place…”
“Hem, hem.”
Dumbledore stopped speaking and turned toward Professor Umbridge, who was now standing and making her way around the table. He backed down, taking his seat and staring avidly at the new professor. The other teachers, however, didn’t look like they wanted to listen to her. Professor McGonagall’s lips thinned, Professor Flitwick looked ready to fall off his chair, and Professor Snape merely sneered at her while others looked to her with raised eyebrows and open jaws.
“Thank you, Headmaster,” she began, her voice high-pitched and sounded rather girly, making everyone wince as she spoke, “for those kind words of welcome.” She cleared her throat again and continued. “Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking back at me!” She gazed around with a smile.
“She’s nutters,” Ron muttered.
“I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I’m sure we’ll be very good friends.”
“Yeah right,” the twins, Fred and George, muttered this time, making some of the other Gryffindors snicker.
“I wouldn’t want to be friends with her,” Parvati Patil was saying to Lavender Brown. “She has bad fashion sense.” Lavender giggled.
“The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction.” She went on and on about how important it was to learn how to hone their magic. Afterwards, Umbridge bowed to the staff members, though none bowed back. They merely stared at her like she was nothing they had seen before.
“Every headmaster and headmistress of this school has brought something new to the task of running this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be decay and stagnation. There again, progress for progress’s sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation…”
“She is rather longwinded, isn’t she?” Seamus Finnigan whispered loudly.
Umbridge never noticed that hardly anyone was paying attention before she finally began to close her speech. “Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited.”
Finally, she went to take her seat, smiling widely. Dumbledore stood up and clapped, urging others to do so. There was a scattered applause.
“What does she mean?” Ron asked Hermione.
“Didn’t you listen at all?” she asked.
“What? It was the dullest speech I have ever heard and I grew up with Percy,” he grumbled.
She glanced around her before sighing as Dumbledore completed the rest of his announcements. “It means that the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts.” Then she stood up. “Come on, Ron, let’s round up the first years.”
Harry had forgotten that Ron was named prefect and he tried to squash his jealousy as he bade them goodbye and left the Great Hall with everyone else. He got lost in his thoughts as he made his way up to the Gryffindor tower, trying to avoid listening in on the whispers and stares around him. Some students even backed away from him, fear written clearly on their faces.
By the time he made it to the portrait, Harry realized that he didn’t know the password into the common room.
“Password?” the Fat Lady replied, staring intently at him.
“Dunno,” he said glumly, forcing his hands in his pockets.
“I’ve got it, Harry!” Neville Longbottom said. He grinned and said, “Mimbulus mimbletonia!”
The portrait smiled and opened, revealing the red and gold interior within. Harry followed Neville in, smiling inwardly at the thought that Neville finally remembered something.
“How was your summer?” Harry asked as they took a couple chairs by the fire.
“It was nice. Gran bought me this,” he said, showing off what looked like a cactus with several boils on it. “That’s why I remembered the password this time. It has a defense mechanism that is buried within these boils. I heard it stinks something awful.”
“Good on you, Neville,” the black-haired teen replied. He yawned. “Listen, I’m going to head to bed. I got tired while I was fighting those Death Eaters.”
“Night,” Neville said as Harry headed up.
As soon as Harry got to his bed, he pulled open his trunk and took out the mirror. “Sirius Black,” he spoke clearly. Harry placed up silencing spells so that no one could hear what was going on.
Sirius’ face appeared in the mirror, smiling. “Hey, pup. Got to Hogwarts safely?”
“Yeah. McGonagall made sure we were healed before ushering us to the feast. And you were right about Umbridge. She’s a piece of work.” Harry went on to tell his dark-haired father about her speech.
“Make sure you don’t give her a reason to discipline you, Harry,” the older wizard responded. “Umbridge is waiting for you to slip something about Voldemort’s return so she can tell everyone else ‘the truth’.”
“But…”
“I know, pup. So does the Order. But the world isn’t ready to believe that Voldemort is back, especially when you supposedly defeated him nearly fourteen years ago. Just please be careful.”
The Gryffindor agreed when Sirius started to make the ‘kicked puppy’ look on his face. He bade Sirius good night before he changed his clothes and fell asleep, not waiting for his roommates to come in.
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:05:12 GMT -5
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Chapter Nine: Defense
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Harry could feel a headache coming on and the day hadn’t begun yet. Students kept staring at him as if he would suddenly burst out screaming things about how the Dark Lord was back. Even one of his roommates, Seamus Finnigan, was against him. It was maddening but he ignored the stares as much as he could. Also, Hermione was fuming that Ron wouldn’t do anything to stop his twin brothers, Fred and George, from using students to test their new products.
Angelina Johnson, the new Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, had also stopped by to tell him about her new position and that they were going to hold tryouts for Keeper, as Oliver Wood had graduated back in Harry’s third year and Quidditch had been canceled last year due to the Triwizard Tournament.
Taking one last sip of his juice, the teen gathered his school bag and hurried out of the Great Hall toward his lessons, Ron and Hermione behind him talking about the upcoming O.W.L.s. Harry had already learned about the exams from his werewolf father, who felt that Harry should have a jumpstart on revising for the exams. Sirius laughed as Remus had handed Harry a list of what he should study. Harry knew that if Hermione had gotten hold of the list, he would never get it back.
History of Magic was as boring as ever, Professor Binns’ voice droned on and on about something or other. Harry and Ron were thankful when they began to descend down toward the dungeons for Potions, Hermione shaking her head as they yawned.
“Honestly you two, you should pay attention for once,” she said.
“Maybe when Binns decides to step down as Professor,” Ron replied, snickering. Harry held in his laughter so that Hermione wouldn’t have to yell at him too.
Just as they turned around the corner, Harry nearly ran into someone. When he managed to pull away, blushing and ready to apologize, he recognized it was Cho Chang, a sixth year Ravenclaw who had dated Cedric Diggory last year before he died.
“Hey Harry,” Cho said softly. “Have a good summer?”
“Yeah, I did,” Harry said honestly. “How was yours?” He nearly slapped himself as he asked the question. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have said that.”
She smiled sadly. “No, it’s okay. Mine was alright…”
“Is that a Tornados badge?” Ron interrupted, pointing at the badge pinned on her robes.
“Yes, it is.”
“Have you always supported them or did you just decide to do so because they are at the top of the League?” Ron demanded.
Cho looked at him coolly. “For your information, I have supported them since I was young. See you around, Harry.” She walked off, slinging her school bag around her shoulder.
“You have no tact!” Hermione hissed, hitting Ron over the head. Harry tried to hide his laughter once more “She wanted to talk to Harry and you just had to go on about Quidditch instead!”
Harry joined the crowd that was waiting outside of the dungeons where Professor Snape had his Potions class. He had never thought of Cho for the whole summer and that made him feel bad. Sure, he no longer had a crush on her but he should have at least sent a letter to her. He knew that she must still be hurting from Cedric’s death. Harry instantly shook the memories out of his head, not wanting to relive them again.
The door opened and the students filtered in, taking their seats. Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their usual seats in the back. Professor Severus Snape was known to hate all the Hogwarts Houses except for the one he looked after, Slytherin. He also held a deep hatred for Harry because of his father (or fathers now).
Snape swept into the room, his black gaze roaming around the room. “Settle down,” he said softly. His voice seemed to vibrate through the room and all the noise disappeared. “As you all are aware, this year is one of the hardest you will ever have within this school,” he continued coldly, taking his usual place in front of the room. “This next June you will be sitting through one of the more important examinations you will experience. For most of you, this will be the last time you will ever set foot into this classroom.” He especially glared at most of the Gryffindors, eyeing Neville and Harry. “I only take in the students who score the highest on their O.W.L.s in my N.E.W.T. class, so if you wish to continue learning about Potions I suspect you better smarten yourselves up.”
The Potions professor pointed his wand at the blackboard and instantly words appeared on the surface. “But for now, you will be brewing a potion that will appear on your examinations: the Draught of Peace, which brings the drinker a sense of peace, calming anxiety and soothing irritation. If you mess this potion up, you will more than likely make the drinker succumb into a deep and, most often, irreversible sleep, so pay close attention.” Harry saw Hermione sit up straighter, hoping to prove herself to the professor. “Instructions are on the blackboard and your ingredients are in the store cupboards. You have an hour and a half… get to work.”
Professor Snape floated around the room as the fifth years set to work, giving out comments (more like barking them out and scaring the poor student) at every opportune moment. Harry noticed that the potion was a difficult one and the ingredients had to be added at the precise time the instructions told you.
“A light silver vapor should be appearing over your cauldrons,” Snape called as the clock indicated that they had ten minutes left of class. Harry breathed a sigh when he saw that his cauldron was admitting a silver mist and hoped that Snape wouldn’t think he copied off of Hermione, who had the same result. Ron’s, however, was spitting out green sparks and the tips of his ears went pink when the older wizard came around and sneered at it. “Pathetic, Weasley. Can’t you read the board properly?” Several Slytherins snickered at his comment. “Evanesco!” The entire contents of his cauldron were emptied. He lingered to eye Harry and Hermione’s cauldrons before telling the others to bottle their potions and giving them their homework.
“He’s a down right git, he is,” Ron hissed as he followed his friends out. “I’m not the only one who messed the potion up.”
Harry and Hermione remained silent, not wanting to comment and make their red-haired friend angrier. The three made their way toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, dreading the class for the first time since their second year. Remus and the fake Moody had at least done a decent job of teaching, but they knew Umbridge would be worse than the other two teachers.
“I don’t care that he is spying for Dumbledore,” Ron continued, “he’s still a foul git.”
“Sirius would be happy to hear that you agree,” Harry mumbled.
“And you don’t? Come on, Harry, the man has been after you since he first saw you enter Hogwarts. How can you not hate the man?” Ron hissed, whirling around to face Harry.
Harry looked over at Hermione, who was staring ahead but he knew she was listening as well. “I know Snape hates me, but I have come to respect him. He’s risking his life so our side will always know what is going on from Voldemort’s front.” He ignored Ron’s flinch at the mention of Voldemort’s name. “I don’t care if he hates me because of my fathers and nor do I care that one of them hates his guts.”
“I wish you had turned out more like James and Sirius did,” Ron grumbled as they reached the Defense classroom. “You sound more like Professor Lupin.” He brushed past Harry and took a seat in the back of the room.
“I’m glad you turned out more like Professor Lupin than Sirius,” Hermione whispered as they joined him. “Especially now since we have the O.W.L.s coming up.”
“Yeah,” Harry said, feeling slightly down that Ron wasn’t talking to him. He may like Ron and all, but he needed to learn to grow up and forgive what might seem to be an impossible situation. “Though you should have heard Sirius when he learned that I wouldn’t play pranks like he and James did.”
Hermione hid a smile. “I bet he threw a fit.”
“He did. Remus just sat there with a grin on his face.”
“What are you going to do about Wormtail? I mean, since Umbridge is here, you obviously can’t send letters out to him. He’s going to be worried if you don’t talk to him.”
Harry was about to answer when he noticed the rest of the students filtering in. He told her that he would tell her later as he got out his book, some sheets of parchment, his quill and ink, and waited for Umbridge to appear. He kept going over mentally what Remus and Sirius had told him about Umbridge, how not to give her a reason to give him a detention just so she could squash the rumors. He only hoped that he could keep his word that he wouldn’t.
He snapped out of his thoughts when he saw Umbridge enter the room in her fluffy pink cardigan over her robes. Her hat was gone, making her hair seem even bigger than it was. She had a sickly sweet smile on her toad-like face.
“Good afternoon!” she cried. Umbridge frowned when no one rushed to answer her. “Come now, that won’t do. When I greet you, I expect a reply. Let’s try it again. Good afternoon class!” The classroom repeated the greeting and the smile reappeared on her face. “Good! That was much better.”
Umbridge pointed her wand at the blackboard and curly writing appeared, saying, “Defense Against the Dark Arts: a Return to Basic Principles.”
“The past four years you have had this class has been remarkably unstable and uninformative. Each professor has not stayed on for more than year and none of their teachings have been fulfilling the requirements needed for your O.W.L. examinations. You will therefore be relieved that I will be attempting to help you with that little problem. The entire Ministry has approved of what I will be teaching you.”
She tapped her wand on the blackboard again and more words accompanied what was previously written on the board. It read: “Course Aims: 1) Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic, 2) Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can be legally used, and 3) Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.”
Umbridge waited until the class had finished writing down what was on the board before continuing, the smile still on her face. “Do you all have the selected text Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard?” Her smile widened when they gave their consent that they had the book. “Very good, but you should say, ‘Yes, Professor Umbridge’ or ‘No, Professor Umbridge’. Let’s try that again. Do you have the selected text?”
“Yes, Professor Umbridge,” the class said together.
“Much better! Now I would like for you to turn to chapter one and read it. There ought to be no talking as you read.”
The classroom became silent as everyone had taken the book out and was now reading, or most of them were. Some students seemed to doze off as they stared at the pages but there was one student who didn’t look down at her book. Hermione was staring ahead, her book untouched. Once Professor Umbridge seemed to realize that she was not reading, she walked over to her.
“Do you have a question about the chapter, dear?” she asked in her high-pitched voice.
“Not about the chapter, Professor,” Hermione replied. “I have already read it. I got a question about the course aims.”
“And your name is…?”
“Hermione Granger.”
“Well, Miss Granger, I think that the course aims are perfectly explained if you have read them.”
“I don’t see anything about using defensive magic, Professor. In the O.W.L.s we have a theory portion and a portion based on practical use. I am just wondering when we will be using defensive magic in this class.”
Professor Umbridge stared at her and let out a giggle. “Using defensive spells? Why, I can’t imagine a situation where you would use defensive spells within my classroom, Miss Granger. Surely you are not expecting to be attacked while I am here, are you?”
“So we aren’t going to use spells in here?” Ron asked.
“Students will raise their hands if they have a question, Mr.…?”
“Weasley,” Ron said.
Umbridge was walking back to her desk when she noticed Hermione’s hand was in the air. She smiled. “You have another question, Miss Granger?” Her big eyes flickered toward Harry before turning back to the girl.
“Surely the reason why there is a Defense Against the Dark Arts class is to practice defensive spells, Professor?”
“Are you a Ministry-trained expert, Miss Granger?”
“No but…”
“Well, then, I’m afraid that you are not qualified to decide what will be learned within the classroom. Wizards older and cleverer than you have devised how this class will run.” Her eyes slid back over to Harry, expecting him to have a say. Harry did, but he held his tongue, just as his fathers had told him to do. She had her own opinion, just as he did. Their gaze broke when Umbridge noticed Dean Thomas’ hand in the air. “Yes Mr.….?”
“Dean Thomas. What if we do get attacked? What good will it be, not knowing how to use a spell if the situation called for action?”
“Tell me, Mr. Thomas, do you expect to be attacked in this classroom?”
“No…”
“Then there should be no more talk about using defensive magic in the classroom. Your past teachers of this subject were very irresponsible in making you believe that you are about to be attacked, especially from dangerous half-breeds.”
Harry nearly broke his word when he heard Umbridge talk about Remus like that. Thankfully, he was not the only one who bristled at that. “If you mean Professor Lupin,” Dean said vehemently, “he was the best we ever had…”
“Hand, Mr. Thomas. I’m afraid I have to take five points from Gryffindor for your little outburst. As I said,” she said, taking her position in front of the class and staring sternly out at them, “you have had teachers who have frightened you into believing that you will be attacked either by Dark wizards or Dark creatures.”
“No we weren’t!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Your hand wasn’t up, Miss Granger!” Umbridge hissed. “It is my understanding that not only were you taught by a half-breed but you were also subjected to illegal curses last year…”
“But he turned out to be a maniac,” Seamus cried, “even if we did learn loads from him…”
“I did not see your hand, Mr.…?”
“Finnigan, ma’am.”
“I do not care about the way your past teachers have run this classroom, but I will tell you now that the material you learn this year will help you pass your examinations, which is what school is all about, isn’t it?” She stared out amongst the teens, expecting someone to contradict her. She smiled when no one did. “Good. Now return to your reading and no more talking from any of you.”
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“What a horrible woman!” Hermione exclaimed once they were out of hearing distance of Umbridge. “She won’t let us learn about how to use spells! How can we pass our practical Defense O.W.L. if we can’t practice?”
Harry shrugged. Ron looked over at him oddly. “You know, I expected that you would say something, especially when she badmouthed Professor Lupin in front of you.”
“She has her own opinion, Ron,” Harry began, rubbing his temples. His headache was getting worse. “I can’t help it that she doesn’t agree with what the other teachers thought. Besides, I already promised Dad and Papa that I wouldn’t say anything that would make her beat it out of my head.”
Hermione couldn’t hide her smile when she noticed what Harry had called Sirius and Professor Lupin. “That was very smart of them, Harry,” she said. “I’m proud that you kept your word.”
Ron, however, was not pleased at all. He picked up some speed and walked ahead of them as they walked to the Great Hall for dinner.
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:06:28 GMT -5
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Chapter Ten: The Dreams
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Harry wanted to scream. Ron was ignoring both him and Hermione, choosing to sit with Seamus, Dean, and Neville. Hermione had told Harry that he would eventually go back to being friends with them, but Harry wondered when that would be. His nerves were already frazzled from Umbridge and Snape and the weird feelings he received out of nowhere, especially anger. He also began dreaming of a dark, narrow corridor with a single door at the end. Every time he dreamed this, he could feel himself become excited as he neared it. His hand barely touched the knob when he woke, drenched in a cold sweat.
“Go to Dumbledore,” Hermione hissed at him when he told her of the dreams. “Or at least write them down or tell your fathers.”
“I can’t go to Dumbledore or Sirius and Remus, Hermione. They’re busy with other things,” Harry replied gloomily, rolling a sausage around his plate. He didn’t feel hungry this morning, not after waking up after the dream.
“Then write them down in your Dream Oracle book. Keep records of it until you can go to someone.”
Harry eventually agreed to pacify his friend. Then he gave a hiss and clutched at his stomach as a brief burst of happiness swept inside him. Somehow, the happiness made him feel sick.
“Harry!” Hermione exclaimed, grabbing his shoulder and notifying the entire hall that something was wrong. The Slytherins immediately began to gloat while the other tables had a mixture of feelings. Professor McGonagall was making her way down to the duo.
“Come with me, Potter, Granger,” she barked and the two Gryffindor students followed her, their bags slung over their shoulders. She led them up to her office and gestured for them to take seats on the other side of her desk. “Are you alright, Potter?” she asked immediately after closing the door.
“I’m fine now,” Harry said honestly.
“What happened in the Great Hall?” the older woman asked, taking a seat. Harry and Hermione noted that she looked concerned.
“I was talking with Hermione when I felt this surge of happiness. It just came out of nowhere and I wasn’t feeling happy at the time. For some reason, that feeling of happiness made me feel sick.”
McGonagall’s thin eyebrows rose sharply. “So you are saying this feeling of… happiness… is not your own?”
Harry bit his tongue when he felt his anger rise. Why was he so angry all of a sudden? “No, Professor. And this wasn’t the first time I felt an emotion that wasn’t my own.”
“I see. Tell me, Potter, do you believe that you are an empath?”
“Not that I know.” He looked up at the Transfiguration professor. “What is going on?”
McGonagall let out a sigh. “I wish I knew what to tell you, Potter. But for now, keep track of when you feel these feelings and what you are feeling. If they do continue, tell me and I will alert the Headmaster.”
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The rest of the day didn’t go well either. It seemed all of the professors wanted to keep the fifth year students constantly informed of the upcoming O.W.L. examinations coming up. Harry and Hermione found themselves holing up in the library, studying the past four years of information as well as what they were learning now. They were the only two in Transfiguration that completely vanished their mice and therefore didn’t have homework for that class, something that seemed to infuriate Ron even further.
“It’s like he’s acting like he did last year,” Harry remarked to Hermione as they went over their notes for Potions. “When he was jealous when I became a Hogwarts champion.”
“He’ll get over it, Harry, just like last year.” Hermione went silent as she continued to work on her Potions essay, her quill scratching at the roll of parchment in front of her. Harry let out a sigh and went back to work.
Later that night, he pulled out a sheet of parchment and began to write about what happened that day. Harry wrote all of his feelings; especially about the constant anger he was in, how he didn’t understand why he was so angry. Once he finished, he rolled it up and went to bed, feeling a little better.
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He was getting closer. The dark wood of the door blended in with the dark but he could see it clearly, as if someone had shined light upon it. A feeling of excitement rushed through his veins and he found that a grin spread across his face in anticipation. He would go inside that door and find what he wanted, always wanted. He could taste the sweet victory in his mouth.
A thin hand reached out to touch the cool knob and he felt his excitement grow. His hand fastened around the knob and he turned it, grinning wider when he heard the door click open and he pushed it forward…
Harry jack-knifed forward, panting heavily as if he had just finished running. His eyes glanced madly around the dorm room as if expecting something to come jumping out at him. When he finally calmed down, the fifteen-year-old unconsciously shivered and pulled his blanket closer around him. Why was he dreaming this? Why couldn’t he just dream of having his own family or of having Christmas with his fathers in Grimmauld Place?
He reached out for his roll of parchment and began to write about the dream, including every vivid detail he could remember. Once he was satisfied, Harry rolled up the parchment and set it back down on his bedside table. He glanced out the window and groaned when he noticed the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, turning the sky pink and gold. Muttering to himself, the Boy-Who-Lived tumbled out of bed and began to get dressed. There was no sense in trying to catch a few more hours of sleep. He could still feel the excitement running through his blood and he shivered once again.
Harry took a seat on a sofa in the common room and stared off into the fireplace, getting lost in his thoughts. He wished Remus and Sirius weren’t currently on a mission or he would call them on the mirror to tell them what was going on. He desperately needed someone, a trusted adult, to confide in, someone who could listen to his problems and help him overcome them. As much as he loved Hermione, he knew he couldn’t tell her about what he dreamt. It was bad enough she knew about the odd feelings he received. Besides, Hermione would nag at him until he finally went to Dumbledore and he knew that the man wasn’t available. In fact, it seemed that the older man was avoiding him. He wanted to go up to his office and demand the older man to answer his questions, to help him understand why he was having such a vivid dream and why he was feeling happiness and anger at odd moments.
Harry was torn from his thoughts when the common room seemed to fill with grumbling students. He let out a sigh and exited the common room, needing a place to clear his head properly. As he did so, he never saw two sets of eyes watching him with concern.
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“Argh!”
Sirius snickered as a drenching Remus glared at him, his body soaked completely. He had been bored of watching the werewolf sleep while the sun rose up in the sky. Besides, Remus would always wake at the crack of dawn normally.
“What, may I ask, was that for?” Remus asked, his voice dangerously low.
“You needed to wake up, Brother,” Sirius replied, pretending to study his fingernails. “I swear you sleep too much the day before and after the full moon, even when you are on the Wolfsbane potion.”
“Can’t help it, Padfoot,” the werewolf commented, stretching. He grabbed his wand and cast a Drying charm on his body. “At least we only have to stay here another few days before we can leave.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard yet,” the older man growled. “I can’t stand one more minute out here. Besides, it means that we can’t contact Harry at all.”
Remus withheld a smile that was threatening to burst. Harry was definitely a much cheerful topic to talk about than their mission. It had been killing the men when they couldn’t contact their son while they went traipsing around Europe, contacting various werewolf packs and giant camps. They had also been to a couple dragon preserves, including the one Charlie Weasley was working in. So far, they had been successful in convincing the groups to not surrender to Voldemort but some of them claimed neutral in the upcoming war.
“So, when’s breakfast?” Sirius whined, forcing Remus from his thoughts. Frowning, the younger man whacked him over the head and walked away from their hotel room.
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Umbridge seemed to be in it for Harry. She kept insulting Remus and Hagrid and even denied that Voldemort was alive, that Cedric Diggory wasn’t murdered at all. Harry really wanted to yell at her, to shake her and make her understand that Voldemort was alive and that half-breeds weren’t necessarily as evil as everyone seemed. Hermione kept shooting him sympathetic glances and squeezed his hand under their table. Ron shot him dirty glances and had decided that enough was enough.
“You-Know-Who is back! Cedric Diggory didn’t die because of an unfortunate accident. He was murdered!” Ron yelled, standing up as Umbridge continued to talk about Diggory’s death.
“Excuse me?” Umbridge began slowly, her eyes narrowing at him.
“Harry was there the entire time. He saw Diggory get murdered and witnessed You-Know-Who’s rebirth. I for one agree with him.”
Hermione and Harry stared at Ron with wide eyes. Sure, they knew that he believed them, but he was standing up for Harry, even when they weren’t talking?
“How dare you?” the older witch whispered dangerously. “There has been no sighting whatsoever of the Dark Lord. Therefore, he has not come back. You are foolish to believe…”
“I am not foolish! It’s the truth and you’re too blinded to see it!”
The room fell silent and everyone except Umbridge stared at Ron with horror. Umbridge, however, stood calmly at the front of the room. Her large eyes swung over to meet Harry’s eyes.
“Detention, Mr. Potter,” she whispered in her high-pitched girlish voice.
“He didn’t do anything, Professor!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Be quiet, Miss Granger, or I will be forced to deduct points from Gryffindor,” the Defense professor said, her voice still quiet. She continued to stare at Harry. “Meet me after dinner tonight.”
Harry felt his heart sink. Tonight was the tryouts for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Angelina wasn’t going to be happy when she heard that he had gotten himself a detention. She wouldn’t believe that he didn’t mean to get it.
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:08:08 GMT -5
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Chapter Eleven: Detention
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As Harry sat in his dorm working on his homework, he heard a voice saying his name and felt the mirror in his pocket vibrate. Smiling, he dropped his quill and pulled out the square mirror, which revealed Sirius’ beaming face.
“Sirius!” Harry cried happily. Though he could call his fathers Dad and Papa around his friends and himself, he couldn’t bring himself to call them that when they were around. “You’re back!”
“Yup. How are you? Has Umbridge done anything yet?”
“I’m fine. She keeps degrading Remus and Professor Dumbledore and she just gave me a detention, for no reason.”
Sirius looked angry. “She gave you a detention? For no reason whatsoever? That… that bitch has gone too far.”
“Snape does the same thing, Sirius,” Harry said, wondering why he was defending the professor. “And you don’t see him being disciplined.”
His dark-haired father let out a sigh and scrubbed a face across his face. He just opened his mouth before he looked to his left. “Sorry but Moony is demanding to use the mirror.” Sirius looked amused. “And people think the wolf is a force to be reckoned with.”
“SIRIUS!” Harry giggled when he heard his other father shout from the mirror.
“Fine, fine. Keep your knickers on, Moony love.”
Harry continued to laugh as he watched the mirror change faces so that Remus’ face showed on the surface.
“He’s your Brother, Remus,” Harry replied through his laughter.
“And he’s your father, Harry.” Remus shook his head.
“So are you, if you didn’t notice.”
The werewolf smiled. “Yes. Anyway, I heard about your detention. You’re sure you didn’t do or say anything that made her give you one?”
“I swear, Remus. I bit my tongue as she continued to undermine you and Professor Dumbledore. I wanted to yell at her when she called you a half-breed.”
“And I am very thankful that you didn’t. A lot of witches and wizards view people like me as not human and therefore not worthy of respect or attention.” He gave Harry a look when his son opened his mouth. “No, Harry. I have learned to accept that and you should too.” Remus sighed. “So, how did you get this detention?”
Harry began to explain what was going on and how Ron decided that Umbridge needed to be yelled at and mentioned that Harry saw Voldemort rise and saw Cedric die. He found that he had to often remind himself not to cry or become upset, though it seemed that his light-haired werewolf father noticed it.
“You shouldn’t be ashamed to cry, cub,” Remus responded. “I seriously doubt you have given yourself time to properly grieve over what happened last year. You shouldn’t bottle your feelings up, as they just continue to grow until you can no longer handle it and it makes you burst.”
“But I need to be strong, Papa,” Harry said, not knowing what he was saying, as he found himself upset. “The wizarding world needs me to be…”
“You can stop right there, Harry,” Remus commanded, though he felt his heart soar when Harry called him Papa. “What you need to realize is that you are also a child and that you are not invincible. You do have feelings and you are human. Crying is not a sign of weakness.”
“Uncle Vernon didn’t believe that,” Harry whispered but his father heard all the same. Remus’ face hardened and Harry felt his heart race. “Don’t go after him, Remus, please. He was just…”
“He had no right to tell you that, cub, nor did he have a right to lock you up.” He gave his son a smile after he said that. “And don’t worry about me going after Dursley, or your other father, for that matter. We’ll just settle for cursing his existence.”
“Moony, your time is up,” Harry heard Sirius whine from the mirror. He burst out laughing when he heard what his other father said after that. Remus’ face hardened again.
“Excuse me for a second, cub.” His face disappeared and there was silence for a second before Harry heard a loud yelp. The young Gryffindor tried to stifle his laughter, especially when Remus’ smug face appeared in the mirror. “Sorry about that. I just had to teach my Brother some manners.”
Harry looked at his clock and he groaned when he saw it was almost dinner time. “I have to get going anyway, Remus. Dinner is soon and I have my detention afterwards.”
“Make sure you don’t do anything foolish, Harry,” Remus warned. “Don’t give her any more ammunition if you can help it.” Before he vanished from the mirror, he locked eyes with his son and Harry felt his heart stop for a second when he saw the emotions floating in the amber eyes. “I love you, cub.”
“Love you too, Papa,” Harry replied. “Tell Siri I love him too.”
“Will do.” Remus then vanished from the mirror, leaving it blank so only Harry could see his reflection. He sighed and slipped the mirror into his trunk.
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“Moony,” Sirius whined from his spot in the living room. “Please lift the spell.”
“No,” Remus said from the desk, his quill scratching at the parchment on the hard surface. “You should have known better than to interrupt me.”
“But that’s only when it’s the full moon and that passed yesterday.” The older man tried to wiggle his way off of the couch but his legs were attached onto the soft material.
“You know more than anybody that my wolf is still sensitive the week of the full moon. You shouldn’t have called me those names.” He placed a thoughtful look on his face and he stroked his chin to add an effect. “Maybe…hmm…”
“What are you thinking, Moony?” Sirius questioned.
“I am thinking of using those names the next time you go into overprotective mode, taking out the werewolf comment anyway.” The werewolf smirked when he saw his friend protest quite loudly. “Payback is a bitch, Paddy.”
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Harry knocked on Umbridge’s door, his schoolbag slung over one shoulder. He really dreaded this detention, much more than he dreaded his detentions with Snape. He could only hope he would continue to keep his mouth shut as he had the past few weeks.
“Come in,” came Umbridge’s high-pitched voice. She glanced up from her desk when he came in and a sickly sweet smile stretched her wide mouth. “Ah, Mr. Potter. Please, take a seat.”
Harry dropped his bag and sat down at the extra desk in her office. He noticed that there were some sheets of parchment in front of him but no quill or ink.
“You’re going to be doing some lines for me, Mr. Potter,” Umbridge continued, handing over a dark red quill. “I want you to write ‘I must not tell lies’.”
“How many times, Professor?” he asked politely.
A smile flitted across her lips. “As long as it takes for it to sink in.” She turned back to her papers.
Harry frowned. “There’s no ink.”
“Oh, you don’t need any.”
Thinking it was a self-inking quill, Harry thought nothing of it. He pressed the tip onto the parchment and began to write. As he finished the first line, he could feel an itching sensation on the back of his left hand. Harry ignored it and continued to write, letting out a wince when the sensation came back stronger. When he finally got annoyed at the sensation, he took a quick glance down and stared in shock.
On the back of his hand, he could clearly see his own handwriting spelling out I must not tell lies. Gulping, the teen raised horrified eyes to the witch. She seemed to know he was looking at her and she glanced up.
“Something wrong, dear?” she asked in a sugary sweet tone.
“Nothing,” he said.
Umbridge smiled and returned to her correcting. Breathing out a sigh, Harry turned back to his lines, seeing that the words had blurred out slightly. Every time he wrote the line, it appeared on his hand before healing over, leaving faint marks.
It seemed like days until Umbridge asked him to stop. She examined his hand and clucked her tongue disapprovingly. “Seems you need a few more days, Mr. Potter. Please report back here at the same time tomorrow and the day after.”
He grabbed his bag and left the office quickly. When he found the closest bathroom, Harry barged in and ran cold water over the irritated skin. He was vaguely relieved to see that his hand was just red, that you couldn’t see that he was mutilating his hand.
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“She kept you pretty late,” Hermione said after he returned to the common room. “How did it go?”
“I just wrote lines,” Harry replied, collapsing onto the armchair next to his friend.
“Oh.” She seemed a little disappointed. The room became quiet as Harry got lost in his thoughts and Hermione worked on her essays.
“I’m going to bed.” Harry said abruptly, snatching his bag and headed upstairs.
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Harry gritted his teeth as he got familiar with the itching sensation on the back of his left hand. Umbridge remained quiet but her eyes flicked to him every so often. Finally, she put her quill down and faced him, lacing her fingers together.
“You know, I don’t understand why you want to make everyone believe that He is back,” she said calmly. “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is gone, defeated by you when you were only an infant. He is not coming back any time soon.”
Harry bit his tongue, remembering his fathers’ words to not give her the satisfaction she wanted.
“Or maybe it’s Dumbledore and his stupid followers,” she continued. “Starting with that half-breed he hired in your third year: Lupin.” She saw him tense and smiled. “I know that he was close with your father when he was young, Mr. Potter. You grew close to him, didn’t you? He’s the one who is poisoning your mind, making you believe in foolish ideals. Werewolves are a foul race: vicious, bloodthirsty, and uncaring. They prey upon the weak, leading people with false pretenses until it’s too late.”
Umbridge continued to say horrible things about Remus and Harry could feel his temper rising. How dare she say those things about his father! She didn’t even know him!
When it got late, she examined his hand and let out a disapproving noise. “One more day should do it. Same time, Mr. Potter.”
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:09:33 GMT -5
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Chapter Twelve: The Defense Association (aka Dumbledore’s Army)
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“Are you alright, Harry? You’ve been rubbing your left hand a lot lately.”
Harry jerked his hand away from the scars on the back of his left hand, which he cleverly hid with a glamour charm. “I’m fine, Hermione, just a little nervous.”
Hermione stared at him skeptically before returning to her assignment. Harry let out a sigh and turned back to his Transfiguration essay. They had moved further into the Vanishing spell and still Harry and Hermione managed to vanish their animal once. It took a lot of concentration and effort. McGonagall gave the two an essay about a spell they would learn about next week while the others had to perfect their Vanishing spells. Ron was very temperamental and had very little success in his spell, something their Head of House wasn’t happy about. After the lesson, which was the last one of the day, she pulled him aside and the two haven’t seen him since.
Umbridge had become her normal charming self, making them read chapters and write down notes – repeatedly. She said it was to maximize their retention, but Harry and Hermione were sure that she wanted the information ‘beaten’ into them. It was obvious that she wanted to squish any kind of rumor that the Dark Lord was back or that Cedric was murdered. If anything, Harry knew that both her and Fudge would pin him with the older boy’s murder if it came to that.
One morning, the Daily Prophet revealed that Dolores Umbridge had become the first ever High Inquisitor. With this position, she could go around and make sure the teachers were teaching what they should be teaching. Divination was the first class Harry had seen an observation. He relayed it back to Hermione when he finished the class as they headed toward Defense Against the Dark Arts.
“I almost feel sorry for Trelawney,” Harry said as they took their seats. “She was nervous the entire time.”
“I hope Umbridge sacks her,” Hermione replied fiercely. “What?” she asked as she saw his expression. “She’s not fit enough for the position. She’s a fraud.”
Harry bit his tongue about the once prediction she made that came out right and was thankful he shut up, as Umbridge entered the classroom and ordered the students to read chapter two of the book.
Also, Quidditch was back in full swing. Harry heard from Angelina that Ron had made Keeper. He was happy for his friend but felt his heart sink when he didn’t have a chance to celebrate with him. It was then that he decided to try to be friends again with the younger Weasley boy. No matter how he liked getting his homework done, he missed Ron’s company.
After the practice that night, Harry caught up to Ron and shoved him into a broom closet. While Ron sputtered, he took the opportunity to lock the door behind him and put up a Silencing spell so that no one could hear them.
“Listen,” Harry began, “I wanted to talk to you.”
“Now you do?” Ron snarled. “And why did you shove me in here? We could have gone…”
“No. Too much attention and I get enough of that already.” He took a seat on a bucket that he flipped over. “I want you to know that I hate this separation and that I miss your company. I know that I began to take interest in my studies but I do want to get good grades so I can have the kind of career I want. This is one of our hardest years and I want to do well. I know you made a comment about how I am not a Marauder and that is not completely true. Just because I don’t play pranks doesn’t mean I am not one. I will be a full Marauder once I finish the Animagus training.”
Ron looked interested for a second before he put his scowl back on. “I just want the old Harry back,” he said honestly, running a hand through his hair. “You’re no fun when you go off to study and you missed the Tryouts.”
“That’s because I had a detention or don’t you remember?”
He looked sheepish. After all, it had been his fault that Harry had gotten that detention. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a prat.”
Harry smiled. “And I’m sorry for being a bookworm.” They smiled at each other. “But I will still be studying, but not as hard as I have been. You can join us, you know.”
Ron let out a sigh. “I know but… studying is boring.”
The Boy-Who-Lived laughed and pulled his friend up.
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“She didn’t hurt you, did she?”
Harry inwardly smiled as Sirius answered on the mirror. The older man looked a combination between concern and anger.
“No, Sirius. I just did lines.”
“Just lines?” his dark-haired father asked, looking incredulous.
“Just lines. She keeps the parchment in a personal file.” Harry felt bad lying to his father but knew it was for the best. Umbridge did say that if he told anyone that he would be in serious trouble.
“Oh. Well then…” he cleared his throat. “How were the tryouts? Did you hear anything?”
“Ron got the position, though it makes me wonder if he really was the best out of them all.”
Sirius looked curious. “Oh? Why do you think that?”
“I mean, he’s good, but he needs some work. During one practice, Malfoy and his gang were taunting us while we passed the Quaffle around and Ron looked like he wanted to throw it down on the Slytherins. He missed several times and it only got worse when they laughed at him.”
“Did you tell him to ignore them?”
“All of us had to warn him to ignore them. Then when we finally began to practice, he seemed… distant. He tried to save as many Quaffles as he could but…” Harry let out a sigh.
“Give him some time, son,” Sirius said comfortingly. “He’s not as used to being taunted as the rest of you are. Besides, be glad that he is talking to you again.” His reflection vanished for a second before he returned. “Did you hear what happened to Sturgis Podmore in the paper?”
Harry nodded. Someone found him just outside the Department of Mysteries and he was sentenced to six months in Azkaban for attempting to rob the department.
“He wasn’t attempting to rob the Department of Mysteries, was he?” he asked.
Sirius got a look on his face that Harry couldn’t place. “No,” he said finally, “but that’s all I can say. You know he’s part of the Order.” He then forced a smile on his face. “How have your lessons been?”
“Moony was right, the classes are a lot harder, especially when you have revisit everything you learned the previous years. We’ve been studying a lot to make sure we remember everything. I hate Defense, though.”
“What does she have you do? Train you to kill half-breeds?” Sirius asked harshly.
“Not even that, Dad. She has us read from a book and copy down notes.”
Harry didn’t notice his little slip-up but Sirius did. His face seemed to soften and he smiled for a second.
“Why does she hate werewolves and the like, Sirius? I just don’t understand it.”
“Well, I think she’s afraid of them, especially werewolves. She drafted a bit of the anti-werewolf legislation and attempted to have merpeople rounded up and tagged last year. Umbridge is not a nice woman, Harry. If she ever caught wind that you are Remus’ son…”
“She’ll never look at me the same,” Harry finished with a sigh.
“But there is a reason why Umbridge is making you learn magical theory instead of showing you how to defend yourself.” Sirius took in a breath. “She, and Fudge, doesn’t want you trained in combat.”
Harry looked shocked. “Combat? What does she think we’ll do, form a wizard army or something?”
“That’s exactly what they think you are doing – or, at least, that’s what Fudge thinks Dumbledore is doing. He thinks he’s forming some sort of army that will go against the Ministry.”
“That’s stupid.”
“I know, pup, but we can’t stop that. Just focus on what you can do.”
“Um, Sirius, do you know Hagrid is? I haven’t seen him yet.”
Sirius looked a little uncomfortable. “I can’t say, Harry. It’s Hagrid’s business whether he tells you or not when he comes back, but I know he will be back before the school year is over.” He paused, vanished from the mirror for a second, and appeared. “Moony says to tell you hi. He can’t come talk to you, full moon tonight and all, but he wants me to tell you to be safe and study hard.” He playfully rolled his eyes. “He is an overprotective werewolf, isn’t he?”
Harry snickered as his dark-haired father said some of the words he muttered to Remus last time they talked. “I don’t blame him though, Sirius. I read up more on werewolves and the book says that they are very protective of their pack, especially over the cubs.”
Sirius stared at him for a second before he groaned. “I am so going to yell at Moony tomorrow. He’s poisoned you against me. Now who’s going to play pranks on the school in the Marauders’ honor?”
“Should I send a flyer out amongst the school to see who would?” Harry asked innocently.
His dad burst out laughing, making him smile. It was a nice change to see his father laugh instead of the concerned or sad looks he always had. Sirius’ laugh reminded him of a dog, oddly enough. It made him wonder just how long Sirius spent in his canine form.
“Good one, son,” Sirius answered candidly. He paused again, looked to his right, and sighed. “I have to cut our conversation short, pup. Dumbledore arrived and wants to talk to me. I wonder what he wants to talk about.” He looked Harry in the eyes and smiled softly. “Moony and I love you very much, Harry. More than you know.” He vanished before Harry could answer.
Harry dropped the mirror down on his bed, his heart feeling warmer than he could ever remember. He had never been told he was loved before and Remus and Sirius said those words he had thought he would never hear. It amazed him how three words could make such a big impact on a person’s life. It left him feeling extremely happy and he skipped down to the Great Hall for dinner. He felt like nothing could bring him down.
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Harry was too far into his studying to notice that he had forgotten to renew his glamour charm and was therefore surprised when he heard a shriek come from Hermione’s mouth.
“Harry, what is that?” she said shrilly, pointing to his left hand.
Harry looked down and cursed himself mentally as he saw his scars.
“I thought you said you were doing lines,” Ron hissed, as he saw his friend’s hand.
“I am!” Harry insisted.
“You should tell Professor McGonagall,” Hermione replied, looking angry. “Umbridge has gone too far. Blood quills are illegal and she knows it. Oh, wait until the wizarding world hears about this…”
“No one will be telling anyone anything,” Harry said slowly.
Ron and Hermione stared at him as if he had sprouted another head. “You’re kidding,” Ron said. “Harry, she’s torturing you. You need to tell someone about this. You need to tell your fathers about this.”
“No way. If they got wind of this…”
“They’ll be within their rights as parents to take action,” Hermione finished.
“You don’t get it! Dad is still on the run, Papa is a werewolf, and Father is supposed to be dead. What would happen if they came here, intent on revenge, when everyone sees them? Fudge will chuck all three of them in Azkaban. I can’t let that happen.” Harry plopped down into his chair again, having risen while he said this. “I can’t… not when I finally have a family again.”
Hermione had to hide her smile when she heard her friend call his fathers by their familial names, including Wormtail. She wondered when he would call them that consciously instead of subconsciously.
“Have you heard from Wormtail yet?” Ron asked, wanting to curb the subject a little.
“Not really. He sends a letter to Dad and Papa and they read it to me, then they send a reply back for me.” He rubbed his hands over his face.
“Listen, Harry,” Hermione said. “Ron and I have an idea about something.”
“What’s that?” Harry’s voice sounded muffled through his hands.
“We’ve been talking about how to practice defensive magic outside of the classroom and we decided to form a group.”
“Good idea.”
“But we need someone who can help us, who has experience in the area of dealing with Dark magic,” Hermione continued.
“Do you want me to ask…?”
“No, Harry. As you said, we can’t chance them being seen. Besides, they are busy with the Order. The only time we could see them is on Hogsmeade weekends and that isn’t enough.”
“So we go to a teacher.”
“Wrong again, Harry,” Ron said this time. “We don’t want any teachers to be blamed of favoritism and get sacked just to help a bunch of students learn how to defend themselves.”
Harry had a confused look on his face before it dawned on him what they were saying. “No,” he said instantly.
“Harry…”
“No, Hermione. You’re crazy.” He began to pack up his books, wincing when they rubbed against his raw skin.
“You should get some essence of murtlap on that,” she said, looking worriedly at him.
“You can’t honestly believe that I would go with this idea you have,” Harry said, ignoring her comment. “Most of my brushes with Dark magic ended with luck. It had nothing to do with me.”
“But you have experience,” Ron said. “You even beat Hermione on Lupin’s exam in third year. You are the best at Defense Against the Dark Arts, Harry. You’ve gone up against You-Know-Who two times since you came to school, you killed a basilisk in our second year, and you faced a hundred dementors and managed to save yourself and Sirius.”
“That was just luck. You have no idea what’s its like until you have experienced it. It’s like you almost freeze up and you just go along with instinct.”
“Teach us how, Harry,” Hermione said quietly. “You are the only one.” Harry’s face didn’t betray his feelings and she sighed. “Just think about it, then.”
“I’ll do that.” He managed to get everything put away and he left the library, his mind still reeling about what his friends had just said.
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Post by Christina E Lupin on Jul 14, 2009 13:11:58 GMT -5
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Chapter Thirteen: Education Degree Number Twenty Four
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“I feel like I am going to regret this,” Harry mumbled as he, Ron, and Hermione made their way to the Hog’s Head, another pub in Hogsmeade. They were going to meet the ones who were interested in the study group Harry decided to head.
“But wouldn’t you feel good knowing that these people pass their practical O.W.L. in Defense?” Hermione asked.
Harry shrugged and continued to follow his friends. From what he had heard from Hermione, the Hogs’ Head was a dodgy sort of place but was a whole lot better than going to the Three Broomsticks. Hermione had decided that that pub would be a better place to hold the meeting; otherwise they would for sure be caught trying to start up an illegal student group.
“Er, Hermione, how many people are coming?” Harry asked as they got closer, just passing Zonko’s Joke Shop. He could see the sign for the small inn.
“A fair few,” she replied. “I just passed word around to those who really wanted to learn.” She saw the boys’ looks and let out a sigh. “I only told those who would be trusted. Honestly, you two.”
“You can’t blame us for being cautious,” Ron said, mumbling under his breath.
They finally entered the inn and Harry noticed that it seemed less… cheery and bright than the Three Broomsticks. Hermione went up to order a couple butterbeers from the barman (a man Harry thought looked vaguely familiar) and they waited for the others to show. The door opened and Harry saw a few fifth year Gryffindors (Neville, Dean, Parvati and Lavender) enter along with Parvati’s twin sister, Padma. Then Cho and her friends came in, her friends giggling. Ginny Weasley entered with a blonde fourth year Ravenclaw girl and a blonde boy who Harry recognized as a member of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. The rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team (Angelina, Katie, Alicia, Fred, and George) followed shortly after with Lee Jordan, and trailing after them were Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbott, three Ravenclaw boys that Harry recognized, and the Creevey brothers.
Harry was in awe of how many people that came but he was happy knowing that he trusted most of them. He wasn’t sure about a couple of them but he would give them the benefit of the doubt. Once everyone settled down with a drink, Hermione stood up, clearing her throat. Harry swore she was blushing.
“Er, hello,” she began. “Thanks for taking time out of your weekend to come meet with us. You all know why we are here, so I won’t go into detail about it. Um, I had an idea, and Harry agreed to it,” she avoided the sharp look she received from Harry at that remark, “that we needed to learn practical defensive magic, instead of the rot that Umbridge is making us read. We’re not going to be able to pass any wizarding exams, especially the fifth and seventh years, if she continues. Well, we both thought that we would take manners into our own hands.”
“Is that all you want?” one of the Ravenclaw boys, Michael Corner, asked. “To pass the O.W.L.s?”
“Erm, no, not really,” Hermione said, blushing deeper. “I mean, yes, I want to pass the O.W.L. but that’s not the point. You have heard what Dumbledore said: You-Know-Who is back and we need to learn how to defend ourselves.”
“But where’s the proof?” the blonde Hufflepuff demanded. “If Dumbledore is right, then why hasn’t the Dark Lord started attacking? It’s only because of what he,” the boy nodded to Harry, “said.”
“What’s your name?” Ron asked.
The boy sniffed. “Zacharias Smith.” He turned to look at Harry. “I think, before any of us get ourselves into trouble, that we deserve the truth.”
Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Harry raised his hand to silence her. He was staring at Smith, locking his gaze. “You want the truth?” Harry asked quietly. “You want to know how Cedric came back dead and I alive? You want to know why Dumbledore believes that Voldemort,” he ignored the flinches and gasps as he said Voldemort’s name, “is back? It’s because I saw him. I saw him be brought back to life in front of my eyes, watched as Cedric was murdered. If none of you believe this, I don’t blame you if you decide to walk out that door. You are not obligated to stay.” No one got up to leave. “But I am not here to tell you what happened in detail. I am here because Hermione said that there was a group of people who wanted to learn to defend themselves and to also pass the wizarding exams.”
Hermione smiled slightly. “Yes, that is why we are here, though if we are to continue this, we need to find a better place to meet. We need to have some time to practice inside of Hogwarts without Umbridge finding out.”
“Um, excuse me,” said a girl with a long plait down her back, “but can you produce a Patronus?” She was staring at Harry intently.
Everyone looked up at him as well. “Yes, I can,” Harry answered.
“A corporeal Patronus?”
He nodded. The girl smiled. “I heard that you could do the charm, but I didn't know that you could make a full-fledged Patronus.”
“Blimey, Harry, I never knew you could do that!” Lee exclaimed, looking impressed. “Even full-grown wizards and witches have problems producing one.”
“He mastered in his third year,” Ron said proudly, slapping Harry on the back. There was an interested murmur going around the group.
“And did you kill a basilisk in your second year?” Terry Boot, another one of the Ravenclaw boys, asked. “I heard it from one of the portraits that you killed it with the sword in Dumbledore’s office.”
“I did, yeah,” Harry replied. He felt a little embarrassed to speaking of his achievements when they should be deciding on a location for their meetings. Several of the students’ eyes went wide, including Justin Finch-Fletchley’s, as he had been petrified by the basilisk that year.
“Not to mention he saved the Sorcerer’s Stone from You-Know-Who in our first year,” Neville said.
“And he survived all three tasks in the Tri-Wizard Tournament,” Cho added, smiling at Harry.
“Look, it sounds exciting when you say it,” Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck, “but I nearly had help with everything. I mean, I didn’t get the Sorcerer’s Stone alone, someone gave me the sword to help me defeat the basilisk, and I had help with the tasks last year.”
“Not with the dragon, you didn’t,” Michael Corner replied.
“Neither with the dementors this summer,” Susan piped up.
“Are you trying to weasel out of helping us?” Zacharias Smith demanded, sending Harry a suspicious glance. When Ron opened his mouth, Smith waved his hand at him. “Look, he’s trying to say that he didn’t do all of that by himself and when we come to him for help, he’s denying everything.
“How about we clean your ears out for you?” George Weasley snarled. “He’s not denying anything.”
Fred began pulling out a lethal-looking instrument from one of the Zonko’s bags. “Or any body part, really.”
Hermione cleared her throat, getting everyone’s attention once more. “Do we agree with learning from Harry or are we going to sit here and argue about how credible his adventures are?” Everyone but Zacharias, who huffed and crossed his arms, nodded. “Good, now we just need to organize a place to meet and when to meet…”
“Make sure it doesn’t clash with our Quidditch schedules,” Angelina said, speaking for the Quidditch team members. Smith and Cho nodded in agreement.
“Okay, but this is important too. These lessons will help us in the long run, especially with V-Voldemort on the loose.” Harry gave Hermione a proud look as she finally spoke Voldemort’s name.
“Yeah!” Ernie exclaimed. “This is very important. For one, I don’t like the idea of the Ministry sending such an incompetent teacher like Umbridge when You-Know-Who is out there. It should be someone like Lupin or Moody.” There were murmurs of agreement amongst the group. Harry smiled, knowing that his light-haired father would be happy to know that he was liked.
“So, once a week seem good?” Hermione asked once the chatter died down. “It should be enough to learn what we need to know.” She smiled at the nods. “Now, where should we meet?”
“The library?” Katie Bell suggested.
Harry snorted. “I can see how Madam Pince would love to see spells flying around the library.”
“Good point.”
“What about an unused classroom?” Dean asked.
“I don’t know,” Hermione said uneasily. “But Harry and I will let you know of appropriate place to meet.” She bent down and produced a quill and a sheet of parchment. “If you agree to join the group, please sign your name on the parchment, but don’t sign if you plan on telling Umbridge or anybody else.”
Fred Weasley stepped up and signed his name immediately, followed by his twin. Some of the group that was prefects were understandably uncomfortable about signing. One of them, Ernie, voiced that he didn’t want Umbridge to find out that prefects were on the club and Hermione argued that he had said earlier that the group was important to him.
“Besides,” she said, “it’s not like I am going to leave this list out for anyone to see.”
That seemed to pacify Ernie and he signed, along with the rest of the prefects. Once the last person signed, the group began to filter out. Harry watched them leave, feeling like he had accomplished something. He could only hope that this didn’t backfire on him in the end.
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Mundungus Fletcher scrambled into Grimmauld Place, cancelling his disguise as he flew down the stairs into the kitchen where some of the Order members sat, eating lunch.
“Potter’s starting an illegal Defense group!” he sputtered. (A/N: My Mundungus is not the man in the book. I thought him to be a more intelligent man than the thief in the book.)
Molly Weasley was standing up. “What?” she screeched. “While under Umbridge’s nose?” However, she didn’t see Sirius and Remus hide their snickers.
Fletcher nodded. “Him and Granger started it. They just dismissed the group and are deciding on a place to meet.”
“Don’t tell me that my children have decided to join as well,” Molly said, trying to calm down. She certainly hoped not.
“Sorry, Molly. All four of them were there.”
Sirius and Remus wisely escaped the room before the woman exploded. They hid up in Sirius’ room, which happened to be his parent’s master bedroom. The two were silent, wondering if they should be extremely proud of their son or extremely angry/worried. If Umbridge heard about this, all of them, including Harry, would be in big trouble.
“That boy is going to be the death of us,” Remus murmured, running a hand through his graying brown hair. Sirius had to agree. “But it would have something we would’ve done, if we were in his shoes.”
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Harry lay in bed that night, wondering about the meeting. It sounded that they were genuinely interested and he could only hope that they stuck around to actually learn how to defend themselves.
“Harry?”
He jerked, his eyes going to his bedside table where the mirror sat. The Gryffindor grabbed it, casted a Silencing charm, and looked down at the mirror where he saw Sirius’ face.
“Hey Sirius,” Harry replied.
“Hey, son,” Sirius said, grinning. “We heard the most intriguing news today that you are starting an illegal Defense group.” He guffawed at the look on his son’s face. “I can honestly tell you that Moony and I are proud that you are doing that. It’s Marauder worthy.”
“But?”
The dark-haired man sighed. “But it’s a little daring, for both you and Hermione. If you both were found out, there would be serious consequences. Molly Weasley was ranting and raving when Dung told us.”
“Dung?”
“He was in the Hog’s Head at the time and overheard you.” Sirius shook his head. “The Hog’s Head, I’ll tell you. Not the ideal place to hold that meeting.”
“No other choice, Dad.” Harry then slapped a hand to his mouth.
“Harry, you shouldn’t be ashamed to call me Dad,” Sirius said calmly. “Actually, Moony and I prefer it, only if you say it in private. Wouldn’t want the world to find out that you still have parents, especially Voldemort.” He vanished from the mirror for a second. “Harry, Wormtail would like to talk to you. He’s over here at the moment.”
“Does anybody else…?”
His dark-haired father shook his head. “No. No one knows yet.” He vanished from the mirror again and was replaced by Wormtail’s face. Wormtail was still pale and looked thinner than normal but still managed to look healthy.
“Harry,” Wormtail rasped, smiling. “I can say that it’s good to be talking face to face again. How have you been?”
Harry told him about what has been going on, including the illegal group he was going to be starting. Wormtail looked worried.
“That’s dangerous but daring of you,” he commented. “Like Sirius said, however, we would have done it, had we had a teacher like Umbridge.”
“Is she a Death Eater?”
The Death Eater stared at his son before laughing. “Dolores Umbridge, a Death Eater? Where on Earth did you hear that?”
“I was just wondering,” Harry replied, blushing slightly. “In one of the detentions I got with her, my scar started to hurt and…”
“Wait, your scar hurt?” Wormtail asked. Harry could hear his other two fathers ask the same thing from the man’s end.
It was then that the dam opened and the Gryffindor fifth year revealed the visions and the weird feelings he had been feeling.
“I keep feeling angry all the time, which isn’t like me,” he said honestly. “It’s like I am ready to strike someone.”
Wormtail bit his lip, eyeing his son warily. “I don’t know how much the Order has told you, Harry, but… well… Sirius and Remus agree with me on this when I say that your connection to the Dark Lord is manifesting. What you are feeling, the anger and the happiness, are his emotions.”
“What about the vision? About the corridor?”
The older man looked to his right and seemed to be listening to something. Harry figured it was his other fathers. Wormtail finally glanced back at him. “I can’t tell you. Sirius and Remus informed me that Dumbledore…”
“That’s right,” Harry said bitterly. “He wants to keep me in the dark, like always. Surely it wouldn’t kill him to keep me informed.”
Suddenly Wormtail wasn’t alone in the mirror. Harry could see Sirius and Remus too and wondered how that worked.
“We do want to tell you, Harry,” Remus said soothingly. “We really do but Dumbledore swore us not to say a word.”
“That’s what Ron and Hermione said too,” Harry muttered. He let out a breath, trying not to get angry at Dumbledore. He didn’t see his father watch him worriedly.
“Please, son,” Sirius said. “If Dumbledore hadn’t made us, we would have told you everything, but I think he wants to tell you in person himself.”
“But he’s been avoiding me so far.”
“He is Headmaster after all, cub,” Remus supplied. “He has more to worry about, especially with the public discrediting him and heading a school, not to mention the Order.”
“I know, Remus,” Harry said evenly. He rubbed a hand over his face. “I just wish that I could be informed for once. I want to know what’s going on and why I’m feeling Voldemort’s emotions, particularly the anger.”
“Have you been keeping track of your visions and emotions? Like in a diary or journal?” Sirius asked, looking at Harry with sympathy.
“I have, as I never expected to tell anyone, since everyone’s been busy…” He eyed the three of them. “It’s not like I could tell you three or Dumbledore while the war rages on.” Harry was shocked to see that the three men looked pained, as if they felt they were failures. That’s probably what they are feeling, Harry thought.
“Just keep track of everything, cub,” Remus began. “We’ll call you and you can report what happened. We can then bring it up to the Order and hopefully Dumbledore will either tell you what’s going on or permit us to do so. I can only hope that you can forgive us for not saying anything…”
“I’m not angry at any of you, it’s just Dumbledore.”
“It’s getting late and we’re keeping you up,” Sirius said, looking like he didn’t want to leave. “Get some sleep, pup, and remember that we love you.”
Harry stared each man in the eyes and said, “I love you too. Be careful.” He knew they could see what he wasn’t saying by the way he was looking at them. Harry didn’t want to lose any more family than he already did.
“Back at you, cub,” Remus said. Then the mirror blanked out, leaving Harry alone to his thoughts.
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(A/N: Wow… long chapter this will be and it’s already 8 pages! Woot!)
Harry had just gotten into the common room when Hermione nearly assaulted him, looking wild. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the message board in the common room. He could see the advertisement to be testers for Fred and George’s new products and Quidditch practices, but there was one advertisement that had recently been placed.
“Education Degree Number Twenty Four,” Harry read, “Henceforth, all student organizations, societies, and teams, including Quidditch, are disbanded. If you want to continue said organizations, please visit the High Inquisitor Dolores Umbridge in her office.”
Harry felt his jaw drop. Did someone already say something? Had someone tattled?
“This isn’t coincidence, Harry,” Hermione said, pacing frantically. “Somehow she knows, but it’s none of the people on our list.” She pulled it out. “I placed a jinx on the paper so that I would know if someone on the list tattled. They would really regret it.”
Harry almost felt relieved but it certainly didn’t make him feel better. What if someone followed them in and listened in, just like Dung had. He stood there as Hermione saw Ron come down and brought him over. Once the red-head read it, he opened his mouth to swear.
“How did she find out? And Quidditch is cancelled?!” he said, looking closer at the parchment.
“Boys,” Hermione muttered.
Neville a few other Gryffindors that had signed up for the DA nearly attacked the trio as they entered the Great Hall. Hermione reassured them that they would still meet but had yet to find a meeting place. They seemed pleased and left them alone, except Angelina pulled Ron and Harry behind and said to not upset with Umbridge or she would revoke their Quidditch team, as Angelina had gone to her already and she said that the teacher was considering it.
“Slytherin is already signed on, though,” Angelina grumbled as she walked away.
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Potions went on as normal, except for the appearance of Professor Umbridge. She was dressed in her normal pink cardigan over her teaching robes and was asking him questions. It seemed that Snape was very annoyed at her and was almost nastier toward the students. After she was thoroughly satisfied, she went around the room, interrogating the students but stayed away from the Gryffindors.
“I bet she thinks you poisoned us against her,” Dean whispered, grinning as they left for Divination, Hermione going to Arithmancy.
“And she thinks she’s not biased,” Ron grumbled as they ascended the silver ladder to the classroom. Once they got there, the three Gryffindors noticed that Trelawney seemed… off. She was sitting in her armchair, looking dazed. They decided to avoid her and took a seat towards the back.
“Professor?” Lavender asked once she got in the classroom. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” Trelawney snapped. “Nothing’s wrong!” Then she buried her head in her hands and her shoulders shook. Looking alarmed, both Lavender and Parvati went to her. “I-I’ve been put on probation,” she sobbed.
“About time too,” Ron said and Dean seemed to agree. However, Harry felt almost sorry for her. Sure, he agreed with Dean and Ron, but he couldn’t help feeling sorry for her.
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