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Адреса змісту:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8378840/1/Passageways
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Гарри Поттер
проходы
Автор:
jerrway69
Замок Хогвартс решает вмешаться в жизнь двух своих учеников,
чтобы изменить прошлое и будущее от ужасной войны и дать паре
возможность найти в его стенах нечто большее, чем просто защиту.
История AU, Политическая ситуация, Сытый по горло Гарри, О.К.
Дамблдор.
Рейтинг: Художественная
литература M
– Английский – Драма/Романтика – Гарри П., Беллатриса Л. – Главы:
37 – Слов: 277 162 – Обзоров:
5 529
– Избранное: 9 550 – Подписок: 10 029 – Обновлено:
11.07.2017, 07:52:59
– Опубликовано:
31.07.2012, 22:12:59
- идентификатор: 8378840
1. Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I don't own any part of the Harry Potter Universe, just
playing in the sand box as it were.
A/N: I'm back with another Harry/Bella Fic! I love this pairing too
much to not do another. This is an AU/ OC fic so some of the cannon
characters will be out of character. I will post the first two chapters
together and then expect an update in two weeks. I have four chapters
already written and four more already outlined. I was going to wait
until I had ten chapters completely written but decided to go ahead and
start posting.
Description: Hogwarts Castle decides to interfere in the lives of two of
its students to change the past and future and giving the pair an
opportunity to find something more than just protection within it walls.
Passageways
Chapter 1: The Outcast
September 1, 1995, Hogwarts Express:
The gentle swaying of the heavily warded passenger compartment was
not at all comforting for the solitary occupant. His eyes stared unfocused
at the passing landscape just outside the window of the old steam engine;
the sun was high and presided over a beautiful clear blue sky. The perfect
weather however was a stark contrast to the dark and tempestuous
ruminations of Harry Potter.
He doubted that his life could get much worse, abandoned by those he
thought were friends, vilified in the daily news, and then the death of the
only family he had left. He wondered while he sat alone in his
compartment what he had done to piss off fate so badly. He had known
all of his life prior to Hogwarts what it was to be truly lonely and
ostracized. Growing up with the Dursleys had ingrained those feelings
deep within his psyche.
But when he came to Hogwarts, for the first time in his life he had made
friends and had found joy and happiness and learned how wonderful it
could be to have people that cared for you. Then it all went bad, so
terribly bad, and once again he was alone and ostracized. Not having
known what friendship or happiness was before Hogwarts was difficult,
but to have learned what it was to be cared for and liked and then to
have it ripped away from you was almost debilitating in its ruthlessness.
It had all started October 31 of last year, with the announcement of the
champions who would represent their respective schools in the historical
Tri Wizard Tournament. It had all gone swimmingly at first as the
Beauxbaton's Champion was named, and then Durmstrang's, and finally
Hogwarts which had been Cedric Diggory; a handsome seventh year from
Hufflepuff House, who also happen to be that house's seeker and a
competitor of Harry's who played the same position for Gryffindor House.
So it was with a sense of foreboding that Harry watched as a fourth name
was spat out of the ancient chalice that was the Goblet of Fire, this
primeval relic that would choose the champions from the three
competing schools, a relic that could only choose three champions.
Dumbledore had snatched the paper from the air and read the name
aloud in a disbelieving voice. "Harry Potter!"
The rest of the school year from that moment on was a complete
nightmare; Harry beat his previous record of hospital visits per year by a
landslide. He had been hexed and jinxed no fewer than sixty-two times.
Not only from Hufflepuffs who felt slighted at the attention seeking Boy-
Who-Lived, but from the other houses as well, even his own. Everyone
had believed he had cheated, even his best friends. Hermione tried to be
objective but he could tell that she was having difficulty believing him as
well.
There was a not so secret pool of when the student-body and some
members of the faculty thought He-Who-Sought-More-Fame would finally
snuff it. He thought that Hermione was finally coming around to
believing him at the beginning of the third task when she nervously
wished him luck.
But fate would not be so kind to Harry Potter. She and his former
redheaded friend had begun dating and Ronald Weasley being the jealous
berk that he was made Hermione choose between the two. A combination
of low-self esteem and a desire to be loved and accepted by others caused
the bushy haired bookworm to ultimately choose Ron and sided with him
and the rest of the school against him.
His reemergence from the graveyard with a dead Cedric Diggory clutched
in his arms, and the outrageous claim that somehow Voldemort had been
resurrected from the dead with Harry's blood, was too much for the
student body to take. Those who had been sitting on the fence about
Harry moved against him in mass.
It was now widely believed that somehow Harry had most likely killed
Cedric either on purpose or by accident, but either way they saw it as an
attempt to add to his fame, but to claim the rebirth of Voldemort as the
cause of the handsome boy's death was more than they were willing to
take. It would be the last time that Hermione and most of the school
would speak to him in any manner considered congenial.
Most of the school had already judged him a liar, a thief, and a
manipulator, adding the title of murderer was not a far leap for most. He
had been banned from sleeping in Gryffindor Tower by its residents; all
his belongings had been tossed out of the tower and had lain in a heap
outside the portrait of the Fat Lady, who had left her frame in disgust at
seeing him approach. His father's invisibility cloak and the Marauders
map were conspicuously missing from his torn and broken possessions.
He had spent the last week of school sleeping in a far corner of the
Hospital Wing. Dumbledore tried many times to pacify the school by
showing tepid support for him at best, but his words fell on deaf ears.
Since there was no hard proof of foul play against him, the school
governors could not expel him, but it was not for a lack of desire. At the
end of the school year there were many whispered plots to seek justice
against Harry on the Hogwarts Express back to London. Dumbledore, not
wanting his weapon too damaged, apparated him back to the Dursleys'
avoiding the train altogether.
Harry was stunned at the indifference that Dumbledore had shown him
the last two weeks of school. He of all people knew that Voldemort was
attempting to return and his reluctance to stand by Harry and declare
that he was telling the truth was utterly puzzling to the young raven
haired boy. Why hadn't he at least stood up for Harry during the school
year and punished those that had hexed or cursed him.
The lack of support from the headmaster and those he had once
considered friends was excruciatingly painful. Malfoy and his cronies
took advantage of the turn in public opinion; their assaults on the former
golden boy of Gryffindor were now seen as just desserts for the attention
seeking brat.
Most of the student body guffawed as Harry was blasted off the staircase
by a combined banishing charm by Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson which
had him falling four floors to the hard flagstone floor below. Harry spent
the next three weeks in and out of consciousness in the hospital wing
recovering from multiple fractures and deep tissue injuries.
This incident made a small group of students rethink their treatment of
Harry but they remained silent and did not speak out against the horrible
conduct of their fellow students. They feared the repercussions of
speaking up for the widely unpopular boy. What angered Harry the most
was that no one was punished for all the attacks on him. No one spoke up
on his behalf, not even his own head of house.
Harry was left at the Dursleys a broken and tortured young man. The
Dursleys like sharks smelled the blood in the water when they saw him.
Vernon Dursley wasted no time in physically demonstrating to Harry his
displeasure of having him in his home again.
Just one week after being dropped off at Durzkaban another piece of
Harry's heart would be ripped out of his still wounded chest caused by
the betrayal of his friends. Unbeknownst to Harry, Sirius Black had come
to visit his godson in Little Whinging to try and cheer him up, and was
horrifically overcome by two Dementors and was kissed, having his soul
sucked from his body. Harry who had been in another altercation with
his cousin at the local park had felt the presence of the Dementors and
had grabbed his cousin and fled the area.
He remembered hearing the agitated barking of a dog when the intense
cold came and then it was suddenly silenced. It would be much later that
day that Harry would be informed by Dumbledore that Sirius had been
killed by the soul-sucking creatures. Harry was inconsolable for several
days.
A week later, Harry found himself at Gringotts listening to the will of his
godfather much against the advice of the Head Master, who had strongly
suggested that Harry let him take care of it himself. He assured him that
if there was anything important that he needed to know he would let him
know immediately. This just did not set well with Harry who firmly told
the old man that he would be going.
Surprisingly, Sirius had left Harry everything including the title of Lord
Black which according to the Black family charter automatically
emancipated him because of his new status as Lord and Head of House.
This emancipation led to harry finally hearing his parents will and
receiving the Lord Potter title as well.
Not wanting to spend another moment with the Dursleys and having
several properties to choose from, he decided to leave the suburban
prison. A goblin provided port-key later and he stood in front of an old
building in a rundown urban part of London.
Harry immediately moved into Number Twelve Grimauld Place wanting
to be close to anything that reminded him of Sirius. And as this was the
former home of his late godfather, as dark and depressing as it was, it
was still a connection to the old marauder. The day Harry took
possession of number 12 Grimauld Place had been an eye opener. The
only other magical home he had been in had been the Burrow but this
was something completely different.
The Burrow was what Harry would call 'homey chaos', there was no
rhyme or reason to the modest home but it felt comfortable and lived in.
Grimauld Place however felt like a Gothic museum with its antique
furniture, ornately decorated rooms and portraits of various past family
members in almost every room. Harry jumped as he saw at least a dozen
severed heads of house elves leading up a staircase to the upper floors.
The most surprising had been the painting of a woman who he would
learn was Sirius' mother, Walburga Black. When he had first entered she
had noticed the mantle of House Black upon Harry and the Black signet
ring on his finger. She asked solemnly about her son Sirius and how he
had died. She crumpled at hearing that Dementors had taken her last
child. Harry and Walburga spoke for nearly six hours about Sirius and his
childhood that first night, and found to his utter surprise a source of
comfort in the former matriarch of the Black Family.
Walburga, Harry had learned, had never truly hated her son but had
merely disagreed with him philosophically, but that all seemed so
unimportant to her now. Although the Blacks had allied themselves with
Voldemort at the beginning of his rise they became silent opponents of
the Dark Lord's methods and had severed all ties with him when their son
Regulus had been killed by the Dark Lord himself.
In Harry she saw a chance to redeem herself as a mother and redemption
for the House of Black and began to instruct Harry immediately in how to
be the Lord Black that he needed to be, to bring honor back to the family.
Walburga went from portrait to portrait introducing Harry to the various
former heads of the family and informed him that they all would help
him to adjust to life as Lord Black. He became privy to all the secrets of
Number 12, concealed rooms, and hidden knowledge of spells, curses,
and hexes developed by the Black Family over the centuries, and of
course the powerful offensive and defense wards that only the head of
house could activate or deactivate.
Dumbledore had asked Harry if he could use Grimauld Place to hold
meetings for the Order of the Phoenix, a vigilante group Dumbledore had
created during the first war against Voldemort. Harry refused flatly after
learning that Snape and the Weasleys were part of that organization.
Harry had also exploded at the headmaster for his audacity in asking him
to house an organization to fight Voldemort when the old bastard did not
lend a hand to support him at the school.
The Weasleys had all but abandoned him and he didn't want to be
reminded of that bitter betrayal every time a meeting was held. The
public Howler Harry received in the Great Hall from the matriarch of the
redheaded family his last week in school had been traumatic, telling him
he was a disgrace to the Potter name and was not to darken her doorstep
again.
Kreacher the House Elf, receiving orders from his beloved mistress to be
the best house elf he could be to the new Lord Black seemed to snap out
of his own depression and began to get the ancient house back in order.
Dobby the House Elf somehow learned of Harry's emancipation and
figured he could use his services as well.
Harry learned from the crazy elf that he was already bound to Harry
without his knowledge when the boy-who-lived had freed him from the
Malfoy's. Harry was bemused to learn that instead of freeing the elf he
merely transferred ownership. Dobby had conveniently not mentioned
that part.
Harry welcomed Dobby officially as part of the House of Potter-Black
.Within days Kreacher and Dobby had the old house in immaculate
condition, the House Elf Winky was also added to the Black Family, her
addition requested by Dobby. Soon the old manor became a house that
was befitting of a Noble family once again.
It was Walburga that convinced Harry to return to Hogwarts much to his
objectionable tirade. She had told him that he needed a proper education
and the training that the school would provide, to be a proper lord. He
was all set to leave the school behind him and isolate himself from the
rest of the magical world, but Walburga nixed that idea quickly and tried
to instill a sense of pride and purpose back into Harry's life.
He spent two months under the strict tutelage of Walburga Black and the
other former heads of house, who was quite pleased that Harry was such
a quick study. She taught him many of the Black Family spells, spells that
were only taught to family members.
She taught him simple warding that every Black should know to keep
him or herself safe from others. She taught him occlumency to protect his
mind, which surprisingly came easy to Harry. Having the large house all
to himself, and with nothing to distract him he found it easy to focus. He
had formed a good solid foundation in the art prior to his return to
Hogwarts.
He was taught about the Potter and Black genealogy, he was surprised to
learn that his grandmother Dorea Black was actually Walburga's aunt. He
was taught about the place that both families held in Pureblood society.
He was shown the family tapestry and where his line fit on the family
tree. He felt a wave of sadness when he came to Sirius' face on the
tapestry. Apparently Kreacher was told to repair all the damaged faces of
members who had been blasted off for one reason or another.
He recognized the face of Narcissa Malfoy, nee Black, but didn't
recognize the other two women who were her sisters. There was an
Andromeda Tonks, nee Black, and a Bellatrix Lestrange, nee Black. Harry
was surprised to see so many beautiful looking women on the ancient
tapestry and above average looking men as well.
When Harry asked Walburga about this she revealed to him a family
secret that had been kept for more than a thousand years. Twelve
hundred years ago, the then Lord Black, had fallen in love with and
married a Bulgarian Veela, and since then all children born with Black
heritage inherited this particular gene of beauty. It was also rumored that
some even were born with the ability albeit minimal of the Veela allure.
Walburga listed all the Black members who were still alive and Harry
was surprised that there were actually quite a few still living. He was also
worried when he learned several had been followers of Voldemort. He
received a measure of comfort though when Walburga explained some of
the special nuances associated with being the head of the Black family.
One of these nuances is that no member of the Black family can
knowingly do any harm to the Head of House. It was a spell put on each
child born into the family. But she assured him that most Blacks did not
follow Voldemort anymore but with a few exceptions.
By the time September first rolled around Harry was determined to not
let others dictate his life, and although he may not have a friend in the
world that did not mean he would hide himself away. He was the Lord of
House Potter and Lord of House Black, he came from two noble houses
with a long and infamous history and he would not be ashamed.
Walburga had taught him, "Harry, never show weakness in front of
others. There are those who would pray upon your weaknesses and try
and use them against you. Make alliances with those who will make our
house strong irrespective of which Hogwarts house they are from."
The problem though for Harry, was a heart crushing loneliness. He would
mask it with an air of indifference while at school and in public, but
beneath was a hunger to be accepted for who he was, to be believed, but
most of all to be loved.
oooOOOooo
A tall lanky redheaded wizard and a bushy brown haired witch made
their way down the corridor of the Hogwarts Express. Each had on the
typical Hogwarts robes with red piping that suggested they were in
Gryffindor House. And over the left breast of each was a shiny silver 'P'
indicating that they were school prefects.
"I tell ya 'Mione, I don't think he even has the guts enough to show up for
the train let alone come back to school." Ron Weasley guffawed as he and
Hermione Granger made their rounds.
"Well a second year Puff said that she definitely saw someone who looked
like him get on the train." Hermione replied to her boyfriend.
"Potter is too much of a coward to show his face! Besides, the House
voted at the end of term last year to ban him from the tower. He has no
place to go so why would he come back?"
"He does need to finish his schooling Ron." Hermione commented with a
huff. "And maybe we should re-vote, I mean cooler heads might rethink
what we have done, now that a couple of months have passed." Hermione
stated with a little bit of hope.
"Not likely, I'll make sure the glory hog never sets foot in Gryffindor
Tower again!" Ron stated heatedly. "Besides I doubt Seamus, Dean, or
Neville would want to share a room with a murderer, not to mention the
rest of the house." Ron snorted.
"B-but what if Harry was telling the truth? What if it was You-Know-Who
that killed Cedric?" Hermione asked softly.
"Are you joking, who would believe that Harry could best You-Know-
Who in a duel?" Ron chuckled mirthlessly. "The best dueler next to
Dumbledore and on top of that somehow miraculously escapes under the
nose of You-Know-Who and a dozen Death Eaters! Come on Hermione
use your brain, you're the smartest witch of our age! Do you honestly
think that Harry would have survived if all that he said happened was
true?" Ron spat at her challengingly.
Hermione ducked her head and looked at the floor, her shoulders
slumped. "I-I guess not." She shook her head slowly and let out a sad sigh.
"I guess I just don't want to believe that he would make all that up. He's
been our best friend since first year."
"All he did was use us Hermione! He copied mine and yours homework.
If not for me and you getting past the traps in first year the stone would
have been stolen. It was me who stopped Lockhart from obliviating us."
"But Harry did kill the basilisk." Hermione put in.
"So he says! No one knows for sure do they? He could have made the
whole thing up! Ginny was too far out of it to really know for sure." Ron
retorted.
"But something was petrifying the students, and I-I remember the
glowing yellow eyes and did the research and everything pointed to a
basilisk." Hermione tried to defend Harry albeit weakly.
"Did you actually see a basilisk Hermione?" Ron asked haughtily
"Well no, it's like I said, I just saw a pair of yellow eyes." She whispered.
"Exactly!" Ron stated triumphantly. "That could have been anything, an
illusion or glamour to disguise the real culprit!"
"But, what about all the other…"
"No buts Hermione!" Ron growled. "All Potter wants is to become more
famous and get more money! And he'll do anything to get it, even if he
has to hurt or kill others like poor Cedric." Ron stated with finality. "Now
I'm tired of talking about the git. How's about we kip off to our
compartment and you can show me how much you like to kiss me?" Ron
stated creepily waggling his eyebrows.
"We have to finish our rounds Ron! We have the rest of the train to walk."
Hermione stated in a businesslike manner.
"Fine, but afterward you're gonna have to really make it up to me." Ron
smirked lasciviously. Hermione rolled her eyes surreptitiously and the
two resumed their patrol.
Ron and Hermione had come nearly to the end of the train when she
noticed a compartment that had the shades pulled down and the door
locked. She knocked on the door to find out who had locked the door
since it was a train rule that all compartment were to remain unlocked.
"Excuse me!" Hermione called through the door. "You are not allowed to
lock your door. Please unlock it now." She waited for an answer that
would not come. Knocking again she demanded entrance.
"We are school prefects! And you will open the door now or lose points
for your house!" Again there was no response.
"Fine!" Hermone replied in a huff in exasperation. "We'll just have to
inform the onboard professor to deal with you!"
"I'll take care of this Mione, no need to get the professor. Besides they
usually sleep during the trip anyway." Ron stated confidently.
Ron removed his wand from his robes and pointed the magical foci at the
lock on the door and incanted the unlocking spell in an attempt to open
the door. "Alohamora!" Ron voiced. The spell left his wand and connected
with the lock. There was a backlash as the spell was exponentially
reflected back at the caster and threw the tall redhead back and into the
compartment across the corridor. He hit the ground with a heavy thud
and had scared a group of second year Puffs who had been chatting.
"Ron!" Hermione screamed as she rushed to the side of her fallen
boyfriend. "A-are you okay?!" She asked worriedly at the dazed redhead.
"Ugh! What happened?" Ron mumbled his head spinning from the
returned spell.
"Your spell was deflected. I'm guessing that some seventh year put a
repelling ward on the compartment." Hermione replied helping Ron to
his feet.
"That's illegal!" Ron yelled.
"Well, I don't think it is illegal, but definitely against the rules." Hermione
corrected him.
Harry had heard the disturbance and had pulled up the shades covering
the door window to see who had tried to enter his compartment. He saw
his two former best friends; Hermione was helping Ron to his feet. He felt
a pang of sadness as he stared at the two but it was quickly suppressed
when he saw the rage in Ron's eyes as his own met his former friend's.
"Potter! You'll pay for that Potter! You'll be in detention for a month if I
have my way!" Ron Weasley yelled, spittle flying all over the
compartment, yells of anger from the Puff's ended his little tirade.
Before Hermione could say a word Harry had closed the shades again and
resumed his seat. Any hope of reconnecting to his friends he felt was
truly gone. Harry reflected back on the words of Walburga on showing
weakness. 'Do not let them see you any way but strong Harry. Show strength
in your words and actions. Do not make promises that you do not keep
whether those promises are made to an ally or an enemy. You control your
destiny Harry; never let anyone tell you otherwise.'
"I control my destiny." Harry whispered as his eyes returned to the
passing countryside. "But it seems that destiny has something to say
about that. I have a madman out for my blood, and I don't even know
why. I'm alone and isolated, hmpf, if I survive another year it would be a
miracle. I don't see as if I have any control over my destiny or anything
else for that matter."
Again that feeling of loneliness rose within Harry's chest. It was a burning
ache that just seemed to grow bigger and bigger as the days went by. He
was under no illusion that he would be received warmly at the ancient
Wizarding School, but he knew Walburga was right, he needed the
education and training and he could only get that from Hogwarts.
He had become such a societal pariah that finding tutors willing to train
him along with what the Ministry and Daily Prophet were saying about
him was near impossible. In the end Hogwarts was the only option left to
him and begrudgingly he was returning.
The pounding on his compartment door resumed. He heard Ron's voice
bellowing out a command to open the door. Underneath his loud tirade
he barely made out Hermione's voice trying to calm the redhead down.
Her efforts finally won out when she had whispered something to the
prat that Harry was unable to hear.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. The train pulled into Hogsmeade
Station and Harry waited patiently while the train emptied. He didn't
want any confrontations either from his so called former friends or
anyone else. He knew that they would come soon enough and he wanted
to enjoy the peace while there was any to be had.
The noise had almost died out signifying that the train was near empty.
He slowly slid open the compartment door and made his way off the
train. There was only one carriage left, as he made his way to it he
jumped at the sight of a skeletal winged horse or something horse-like
that was attached to the carriage by a harness.
He eyed the animal cautiously but it did not seem to be hostile at all, in
fact it appeared quite docile. He reached out gently and placed his hand
on the neck of the animal. It felt cool and surprisingly very soft to the
touch. The animal turned its head toward Harry and nuzzled his shoulder
with its nose. Harry smiled at the beast and rubbed the long snout which
seemed to be the perfect thing to do, the animal let out a contented
whinny.
"Well, I guess I have one friend again." Harry chuckled mirthlessly. Harry
stepped up into the carriage and sat, it immediately made its way up to
the castle.
oooOOOooo
Harry stood just outside the Great Hall; he could hear the loud chattering
of the students within. "This is it." He sighed to himself. He took a deep
breath and squared his shoulders. He adjusted his cloak which was made
up of the finest acromantula silk. Walburga had insisted that as a lord he
should dress the part.
He took one more breath to steady his nerves and then strode into the
Great Hall with his head held high, shoulders back and a gaze of
indifference on his face. He took even strides as he made his way to the
Gryffindor table.
It was eerie; the whole hall fell silent and all eyes were upon him. The
only sound came from the heels of his custom made dragonhide boots as
they impacted on the flagstone floor. Harry came to the end of the table
closest to the door and prepared to sit. Those who had been sitting there
quickly shuffled further down the table distancing themselves as far as
possible from the deranged killer.
"Oi! Potter! We don't want your kind at our table!" Ron Weasley bellowed
but was completely ignored by Harry who did not even acknowledge that
he heard the boy.
"Potter! You're not wanted here! Dirty up someone else's table! OI
POTTER!"
"Mr. Weasley that is quite enough." Dumbledore had risen from his seat
and spoke.
"But professor he's a murderer!" Ron yelled out getting nods from several
students, including the majority of Hufflepuff.
Harry sat stoically, not looking at anyone. "Mr. Potter is no murderer Mr.
Weasley, Cedric's death was tragically caused by Voldemort."
Dumbledore stated getting gasps and squeals from the majority of the
students and not a small few of the faculty.
"You weren't there headmaster; you can't know what really happened!" A
blonde Hufflepuff named Hanna Abbott yelled glaring at Harry. Several
voices added their agreement to hers.
"All we have is his word Headmaster." Marrietta Edgecombe stated from
her seat at the Ravenclaw table. "Even if it were true, I hardly think
Potter could match an adult wizard especially You-Know-Who!" She spat.
More voices of agreement began to join the rising tide.
Amidst the continuing back and forth amongst the students and the
headmaster, one member of the staff was smirking to herself. 'This will be
much easier than I thought' she mused as she plucked a piece of lint from
her pink cardigan.
A loud bang from Dumbledore's wand brought back order to the Great
Hall as students retook their seats, but the barely restrained hostility
would not be denied for very long. And the target of that hostility was
one Harry Potter. Plans were being made by every house to take out their
anger on the fame seeking brat.
The rest of the feast and sorting was a blur to Harry, his thoughts and
attention was turned inward as he tried to push down the anxiety and
sadness and yes the loneliness that he was feeling. He was grateful
however for the extra defensive enhancements he had placed on his
cloaks and robes by Madam Malkin. The extra twenty galleons would be
well worth the price. He knew that those enhancements would soon be
put to the test.
He was brought back to his senses as he heard the scraping of benches
being pushed. The four houses had gotten to their feet and were now
making their way up to their respective dorms. Harry felt a presence
behind him and immediately stiffened preparing for an attack. When
none came he turned around to see Albus Dumbledore standing behind
him.
"Harry my boy; I wonder if you wouldn't join me in my office for a
moment. There are some things I wished to discuss with you before you
head back to the dorms.
"Of course, headmaster." Harry stated as he stood and walked out of the
Great Hall with the tall man. Harry noticed that there were several
disappointed looks at him as he walked next to the headmaster.
Apparently the impromptu meeting with Dumbledore had ruined a few
plans against the dark haired boy. Harry sighed resignedly as he kept
pace with the older wizard.
Ten minutes later Harry sat in a chair facing the headmaster who was
sitting behind his desk with his fingers steepled in front of him and his
light blue eyes twinkling. Harry knew that the headmaster was waiting
for him to speak, it was a game Harry had picked up on over the years,
he who cracked first lost the battle of wills. Harry was determined not to
lose this battle; it seemed childish but whatever victory however small
was what Harry needed to keep his spirits up.
"Harry I'm pleasantly surprised how you managed to hold your temper
during the feast, I was sure that you would have been on your feet
challenging everyone." Dumbledore stated with half a smile.
"And what would I have accomplished with arguing Headmaster? Their
opinions are what they are and no amount of me saying otherwise would
do any good. And when you consider that my closest friends have that
same opinion of me, it is very unlikely that others who do not know me
would change their minds." Harry replied flatly showing no emotion,
hiding his true feelings behind the mask of indifference that Walburga
had taught him to use.
"I'm sure your friends don't subscribe to what was said in there."
Dumbledore began.
"Are you serious Headmaster? Were you not in the Great Hall earlier?"
Harry answered in disbelief. "Ron was leading the charge against me."
"Well you know very well how impulsive Mr. Weasley can be, I'm sure
that deep down he believes you. He's just going through a difficult time.
But I'm sure you'll be best mates again by tomorrow."
"He led the group that kicked me out of the tower last year!" Harry stated
a little more heatedly than he wanted to. He quickly schooled his features
again and stared coolly back at Dumbledore.
"That was last year; I'm sure he doesn't feel the same way now, and I
know that Ms. Granger is quite fond of you and has always supported
you."
Harry stared at the headmaster without blinking. "She stands with
Weasley headmaster. She abandoned me at the beginning of last year like
the rest of the school. If she was so fond of me and supported me, then
she has an odd way of showing it. No one forced her to wear those
blasted badges, I'm sure she just radiated fondness when the 'Potter
Stinks' message flashed across the badge." Harry said softly but the
underlying anger was there.
"I'm sure it was just a momentary lapse in her judgment Harry."
Dumbledore tried to justify her actions. Harry just shook his head. "All I
ask is that you give them another chance." Dumbledore smiled, but Harry
said nothing and an uncomfortable silence soon filled the room.
"Well then, on to another topic. I'm worried about your safety Harry,
being alone at Grimauld Place is not the best place for you to be. I would
like you to reconsider returning to your Aunt and Uncle's house at the
end of the school year…at least for part of the summer!" Dumbledore
added quickly.
Harry started to laugh, it started soft and low but quickly turned into a
full on belly laugh. "There is no way, no way headmaster that I will ever
EVER return to that place." Harry stated firmly ceasing all laughter.
Dumbledore continued undaunted, he figured that the Dursleys would be
a no go but using that as his opening he was hoping that Harry would be
more pliant for the next suggestion.
"I suggest a compromise then Harry." Dumbledore started. Harry raised
an eyebrow readying himself for the line of crap that was about to spew
from the headmasters mouth. "I will allow you to leave the Dursley's and
stay at Grimauld place if you allow some of the order to stay there as
well. They will just be there to protect you and keep you company."
Dumbledore smiled magnanimously.
Harry slowly stood from his chair at met the twinkling blue eyes of
Dumbledore with his own killing curse green eyes. Harry placed both
hands on the large desk and leaned forward his eyes staring through
Dumbledore's and spoke softly but sternly through his teeth.
"Let me make this perfectly clear headmaster. You no longer dictate to
me how I live my life; you do not get to decide where I go or what I do
outside these walls. In case you have forgotten I am an emancipated
minor and seen as an adult in the Wizarding World with all the rights
and privileges associated with being an adult.
"I will not return to the Dursleys and I will not allow anyone from your
bird watching club into my current home. Any attempt to usurp my
rights as not only a legal adult, but also as a Lord to two Ancient and
Noble Houses and you will find yourself answering to the Wizengamot.
Now, if that is all headmaster it is late and I wish to retire." Harry then
turned on his heel and walked out of the door and made his way to
Gryffindor Tower.
Ten minutes later Harry arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady, the
guardian of Gryffindor Tower. Harry sighed heavily as he saw his trunk
once again sitting on the floor. "I suppose I'm still not welcome into the
tower?" Harry asked the painted woman.
"As if we would allow someone like you into the house of the brave and
noble" The fat woman sniffed and then stepped out of her portrait.
"Just bloody fantastic!" Harry spat as he sat down heavily on his trunk. At
least he had put protections on his trunk to keep it from being broken
into or damaged.
"Now what am I supposed to do? Maybe McGonagall will over rule them?
On second thought 'Fuck em!' if they don't want me then I sure as hell
don't want anything to do with them." Harry spat and although his words
were strong, Harry could not help the few tears that escaped from his
eyes.
As he sat there mustering the courage to go and ask Madam Pomfrey for
a bed again in the Hospital wing he noticed a glowing light just around
the corner from where he sat. A gentle voice seemed to echo 'follow me.'
"Hello? Hello, who's there?" Harry called out but received no answer.
Harry got up quickly shrunk his trunk and placing it in his pocket he
followed the light and the voice. Gryffindor tower was located in the
west wing of the seventh floor of the castle. The light was directing him
toward the east wing of the seventh floor. It was an unused and rarely
traveled part of the castle.
"Hello? W-who are you?" Harry called out to the ethereal voice that kept
beckoning him to follow.
"Where are you leading me?" Harry asked getting a little worried. He
drew his wand from his cloak and held it tightly in front of him.
Hogwarts students were used to seeing moving and speaking portraits
and the many ghosts that inhabited the ancient school, and although the
majority were benign…well no-one knew for sure about the Bloody
Baron, but on the whole the ghost did not bother the students.
But Harry had yet to see a floating light that could speak to him and lead
him to a seldom traveled part of the castle. But Harry being a curious sort
and never afraid of an adventure followed the floating orb, keeping
himself however prepared for anything.
Harry found himself in a corridor devoid of portraits, statues or any other
form of decoration except for one solitary tapestry depicting the attempt
of Barnabas the Barmy to teach trolls ballet. The orb stopped in front of a
large section of wall.
The orb floated in front of him and spoke again in that gentle feminine
voice. "Speak thy need young wizard and three times pass this wall of
stone and I will provide thee with that which you require."
Harry raised an incredulous eyebrow at the orb and then at the wall.
"What the hell does that mean?" Harry murmured. Shrugging his shoulder
he began to pace back and forth in front of the bare wall and speaking
his need. "I need a safe place to stay and while you're at it I could use a
friend." Harry stated almost sarcastically but that was a true desire of his
heart. Yes he needed a place to stay but he desperately wanted someone
he could talk to, someone he could confide in, someone who understood
what he was feeling inside.
Harry was so lost in his own thoughts as he walked back and forth in
front of the wall, he didn't see the appearance of a large oak door until he
heard the creak of the door opening. Harry stopped and stared at the
formerly bare wall and gawked at the door that was slowly opening.
Harry cautiously poked his head through the door and saw a room very
much like the Gryffindor common room but smaller and much cozier.
There were medieval tapestries along the sides of the room a large hearth
with a fire blazing in it. Above the hearth was a large portrait but
apparently with no one in it. Two large comfortable looking chairs were
facing the fire their backs toward Harry as he still looked in from the
door and two comfy couches on either side of them.
To the left of the chairs along the wall were two other doors, he would
have to find out what lay behind them. To the right was a medium sized
table and along the wall a large bookcase with several dozen books. The
room was dimly lit and warm and inviting.
Harry stepped into the room placing his wand back into his robes. His
wonder filled eyes were roaming everywhere as he took in the decor. He
approached the two chairs deciding to take a seat in front of the glowing
fire. As he reached the chairs the door closed with a faint click which
caused Harry to turn toward the door. Harry shrugged his shoulders and
turned back around only to find a wand pointed straight at his face and a
feminine voice growling at him…"Who the hell are you!?"
oooOOOooo
2. Chapter 2
A/N: Here is Chapter 2, I hope the first chapter piqued your interest
and chapter two will keep you coming back.
Chapter 2: The Rebel
September 3, 1971 - Hogwarts Express:
"You can't hide from him forever Bella."
"The hell I can't! If he so much as looks at me sideways I'll curse him into
the next century!" The fifteen year old beauty known as Bellatrix Black
growled to her younger sister Andromeda.
"Really Bella, we're all in the same house there is no way to avoid
running into him. Besides, father hasn't agreed to it yet. You know how
he is; he will look over the contract with a fine tooth comb before ever
agreeing to anything." Andromeda told her sister placatingly.
"Andi, it's a bloody marriage contract! A contract to the dumbest, ugliest,
sorriest excuse for a human being that has graced the world of the living!
Sweet Morgana! How can father even think about forcing me to marry a
Lestrange! RUDOLPHUS LESTRANGE of all people! I won't do it, I just
won't do it!" Bella was almost hyperventilating she was so angry.
"He may not agree to it Bella. I'm sure if you just spoke to father he
would listen." Andromeda stated optimistically.
Bella sighed heavily, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "I already
spoke to him." Bella told her sister with a scowl.
"And?" Andi coaxed.
"And he said it was not my place to offer an opinion. That it was a matter
to be decided between wizards! Can you believe that?!" Bella fumed.
Andromeda sat across from her sister and tried to come up with
something to ease her sister's frustration.
"Well…you still have over a year before you have to worry about it."
Andi offered weakly. Bella looked at her in incredulity.
"What?!" Bella snapped.
"I-I just mean even if he does sign it, you don't turn sixteen for a couple
more weeks and you won't have to marry until your seventeenth
birthday. S-so you have a year to convince father to…"
"To what Andi?! Once he signs that bloody contract he's locked into it.
The Lestranges will have put all kinds of penalties in the contract to
prevent any rescinding on father's part. If he signs it Andi, it's all over.
Whether it's a year from now or a week from now, once he signs the
contract I become property of Rudolph bloody Le-gag-me!" Bella's voice
strained. Andi near tears for her sister sat back hard and slumped in her
seat.
Andi looked up to see her sister with tears in her eyes, slowly one tear
drop after another rolled down her soft cheeks. It was surprising to
Andromeda to see her sister in such a state. Bellatrix was the oldest and
the strongest of her siblings. She always had an air of togetherness about
her, an inner strength that could not be bent. She was extremely
passionate in her beliefs and was not afraid to voice her opinion.
But Andromeda on a rare few occasions saw the softer side of her sister.
Bellatrix was a romantic at heart; she loved life and was a free-spirit, but
the one thing that only she knew about her sister was that she wanted a
prince charming, someone to sweep her off her feet. She was in love with
the idea of falling in love. She dreamed of finding her prince charming,
he who would rescue her and whisk her away to a life of joy and
happiness. To have the threat of a marriage contract over her head was
the antithesis of what Bella believed in and it was something that would
kill her very spirit to have forced upon her.
A knock on the door brought Bella's and Andromeda's attention back to
the present. Bella pulled her wand and cleaned up her face then
surreptitiously held it to her side in case the new visitors were
undesirables. Andromeda rose from her seat and slowly slid the door
open.
"Hi Andi! Hi Bella!" An eleven year old Narcissa Black bounced into her
sisters' compartment dragging a pretty redheaded girl with her.
"Hi Cissy." Bella replied. "Who's your friend?"
"This is my newest best friend…Lily Evans!" Narcissa stated proudly.
"She's a first year like me." Narcissa proclaimed happily.
"That's wonderful Cissy! I'm Andromeda, Cissy's sister and a third year.
This is our older sister Bella, she's a fifth year." Andromeda introduced
themselves to the eleven year old redhead.
"Evans…Evans...I'm not familiar with your surname." Bellatrix stated
tapping her chin in thought. "Are your parent's half-blood's?" Bella asked.
"Bella! What a rude question!" Andromeda chastised her older sister.
"Whoa Andi! I meant nothing by it. I was just asking." Bella held up her
hands as if to surrender.
"Sorry." Andromeda blushed apologetically.
"W-well I guess from what I've been told by others is that I'm considered
a muggleborn." Lily explained a little unsure if she had the wording right.
Bella looked at Andromeda and then to Narcissa and sighed heavily. "You
know what father would say, not to mention Aunt Walburga if they find
out that Cissy has a muggleborn friend." Bella stated to her sisters
meaningfully.
"Oh poo!" Narcissa replied and stomped her feet. "I don't care what papa
says, Lily is really nice and I like her!" Cissy stated stubbornly.
Andromeda chuckled and patted her little sister's head warmly. "That a
girl!" Andromeda said to her little sister giving her an affectionate pat on
the shoulder.
"Is there something wrong with being a muggleborn?" Lily asked bluntly,
narrowing her eyes at the sisters and folding her arms in front of her.
Bella raised an elegant eyebrow as she heard the redhead speak with fire
and strength. 'I like this girl.' Bella mused to herself. 'She has spirit.'
"Come sit down Lily." Bella offered a seat to the little redhead, Narcissa
sitting right next to her. Andi and Bella sat across from them.
"Unfortunately in our world Lily, there are people who will judge you
based on your parentage or heritage. Blood status is very important to
the "Old" families." She explained.
"Blood status?" Lily asked in confusion looking between the sisters.
"Yes blood status; there are four classes of magicals in our world; Pure-
bloods, half-bloods, Squibs and muggleborns or mud-bloods as some
unfortunately call them. It is a very derogative term that some in our
society use, it means dirty-blood." Bella continued to explain before Lily
could ask.
"What's a squib and why does blood matter?" Lily asked.
"A Squib is a person born to magical parents but has little to no magic
themselves. Purebloods are magicals that can trace their family magic
back several generations. Some believe that the older your family the
purer your blood and the better magically you are, and your social status
as a pureblood puts you above everybody else." Andromeda offered.
"Is that true though? I mean, will I be weaker magically because I'm a
muggle-born?" Lily asked sullenly.
"No, not necessarily. I know some muggle-born and half-bloods that are
very powerful. The difference is in the family magic's." Andromeda told
the little redhead.
"I don't understand…family magic?" Lily asked a little confused.
"Well, many of the old family's have their own created spells, curses and
the like that they keep a closely guarded secret from outsiders." Bella
explained.
"Well that's selfish!" Lily huffed.
Bella chuckled at the naivety of the first year muggle-born. "Knowledge is
power Lily, and the more knowledge one has the more powerful they are.
We keep our family magic's secret to have an advantage over our
enemies. Do you understand?" Bella asked.
Lily nodded. "In other words blood doesn't make you more powerful, but
knowledge of unique spells can give you an advantage."
Bella smiled at the intelligent younger girl. "A Ravenclaw for sure." Bella
grinned.
"So are you purebloods then?" Lily asked the sisters.
"We are Lily, and unfortunately our family is one of those who believe in
the blood purity thing, that, and our family is considered a dark family
because of some of our magical practices. More so because of our family
magic's than us being evil or anything like that." Andromeda told her
sister's new friend.
"Our parents believe in blood purity and that we as purebloods are better
than everyone else. My sisters and I have a different view than our
parents, but there is constant pressure placed upon us to have the same
views. I can't count the times that Bella has been punished for not acting
like a proper pureblood princess. Don't tell anyone but she's the rebel in
the family." Andromeda winked conspiratorially at Lily who grinned
back.
"Why are you a rebel?" Lily asked the oldest Black sister.
Cissy giggled. "Well for starters; she likes muggle music and clothing.
This drives mother and father spare."
"So I like the Rolling Stones!" Bella hissed. "It's better than what we have
in the Wizarding world!"
"The who?" Lily asked.
"I like them too!" Bella smiled.
"No, I mean who are the Rolling Stones?"
"Oh!" Bella chuckled. "Being a muggle-born I thought you would have
known. They're this muggle band who came out a few years ago. They're
completely brilliant!" Bella told the young girl.
"So your parents don't approve?" Lily asked innocently. Three snorts came
from the Black sisters simultaneously.
"They don't approve of anything muggle." Andromeda replied with a slow
shake of the head. "They seem to think that muggle influences corrupt are
way of life and culture. I don't agree with that though, I think we can
learn a lot from them and there are some really wonderful and amazing
witches and wizards that are muggle-born." Andromeda said wistfully.
Narcissa giggled and Bella smirked. "That's because she has it bad for
some Hufflepuff named Tonks!" Bella laughed at her sister Andi who
maturely stuck her tongue out at her."
"Oh very lady-like Andi!" Bella said holding her stomach trying hard not
to laugh.
The laughter at Andi's expense was soon cut short when the door
slammed open and five boys dressed in Slytherin colors made their way
into the compartment.
"Well, well, well, if it's not the infamous Black sisters." A tall boy of
seventeen smirked obnoxiously at the occupants of the compartment. He
had long greasy brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail, he had a
large almost bulbous nose with overly large pores, and a bushy uni-brow
topped a pair of dull brown eyes.
"What do you want Rudy?!" Bella said with distaste in her voice.
"Don't call me RUDY!" The boy spat. "My name is Rudolphus! Not Rudy!"
Rudolphus Lestrange spat indignantly.
"Yeah, yeah whatever." Bella stated dismissively waving her hand
absently at him. "What do you want Ruuudy?" Bella smirked at the
reddening face of the unsightly boy.
"I'd watch my tongue if I were you Bellatrix. As I'm sure you already
know, you soon will be mine and if you haven't learned your place by the
time we're married, I will put you in your place!" He sneered.
Bella was on her feet in a flash and had her wand jabbed underneath the
chin of the older boy. "Is that a threat Ruudy, should we find out here and
now who the better witch is?!" Rudolphus involuntarily gulped as Bella
dug her wand in.
Rudolphus glared at the raven haired witch and lowly growled defiantly.
"I will tame you yet girly girl, if I have to break you mentally and
physically to do it. You may think you have won this round but heed my
words you will be mine eventually, and you will learn your place."
"Just try it Cyclops! I can out duel you with one hand tied behind my
back." Bella replied condescendingly.
Unbeknownst to Bella, Rudolphus' friends had pulled their wands and
were in a standoff with her sisters and Lily. The two first year girls were
obviously out matched, and did not really know any useful spells but
they nonetheless stood their ground with Andromeda.
Fifth years, Rabastan Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and
Vincent Crabbe had their wands pointed at the three girls. They were all
snickering at the useless gesture of the three younger girls. They were all
confidant that they could take them out easily.
Rudolphus slowly backed away from Bella who now had her wand
pointed at his heart. "This isn't over Bella; watch your back girly girl
because you will learn your place." With those parting words, Rudolphus
and his crew backed out of the compartment and returned to their own.
Bella slammed the door shut and sat down heavily on the compartment
seat. She lowered her head into her hands and her body began to
involuntarily shake. Andromeda was quickly beside her and wrapped an
arm around her shoulder and pulled Bella to her tightly.
Lily sat stunned at what had just occurred, Narcissa was holding her hand
telling her that everything was alright now. But Lily had never
experienced anything as potentially violent as this had been and began to
wonder about exactly what she had gotten herself into. The Wizarding
world seemed much more dangerous than she had imagined.
"If this is what I have to look forward to Andi, I don't think I can handle
it." Bella admitted with desperation in her voice. He and his peons will
just lay in wait for me, I can't deal with continually looking over my
shoulder Andi, wondering if this is the day I'll mess up and let my guard
down and be attacked and forced to…"
"Shhhhh…Bella. We'll think of something. We could tell Professor
Slughorn he could talk to them about leaving you alone." She stated
thinking of their head of house.
"Won't do any good, he can't be around all the time to watch them. I'm
not even safe in our dorm rooms. Rodolphus is a seventh year prefect and
can enter the girl's wing of the dorms anytime he likes. I'm not safe in
Slytherin anymore. I can't protect myself twenty four hours a day." She
gasped.
"Well, let's ask Slughorn if there is at least another place where you could
stay." Andromeda offered. Bella nodded weakly but she was not
optimistic.
Bella spent the rest of the train ride in deep meditative thought. She
knew that part of the reason that her father and her Uncle Orion who was
head of the Black family were considering the marriage contract were
two fold.
First, The Lestranges' were old money and purebloods, not as old as the
Blacks but they could trace their lineage back about five centuries. A
marriage between the two families would lend to a stronger Old Family
alliance within the Wizengamot and thus more political power.
Second, and this was the most difficult for Bella to admit, was because
she was seen as too rebellious and too enamored with all things muggle.
They, her family felt that she needed to be reigned in and the contract
would ensure her obedience to her husband's wishes by an old family
ritual that would bind her will to her husband's once she signed the
contract with a Lestrange family Blood Quill.
Bella feared a loss of self more than anything else she could think of. She
was an independent young woman, strong willed and passionate and
that's how she liked herself. This marriage would suppress her very
nature and she knew she would rather die than give up her freedom of
self.
Bella glanced over at her sisters and wondered what fates awaited them
in the future. Would they be forced into the same type of marriages?
Andi was always glowing after spending time with Ted Tonks, Bella knew
that if her parents found out about the relationship that she had with the
muggle-born wizard that Andi would most likely meet the same fate as
she herself was fated to have…a bloody binding marriage contract!
Little Cissy was so carefree and so full of innocent wonder, did she have
the faintest idea what their parents would say to her if they discovered
she had befriended a 'mudblood.' A snort of derision escaped from Bella
as she thought over her parent's reaction.
'There's got to be some way out of this mess. I won't lose my free will just
to satisfy my parent's ambitions and desires. I just know that there is
someone special meant just for me out there somewhere, and he damn
well better hurry the hell up and make an appearance! I swear I'll bloody
well kill Lestrange before submitting to that troll. Bella mused,
disheartened and frustrated.
The sun was nearly gone from the sky its dying rays casting the sky
above in orange and purple hues. She stood and opened up her trunk.
"We should get our robes on." She said. "We should be arriving in
Hogsmeade soon. Lily, do you need to go get your robes?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, they're in my trunk back towards the other end of the train." Lily
told the older girl.
"I'll go with you." Narcissa chirped in.
"I'll go with you to, wouldn't want the pair of you to get into trouble."
Andromeda told the two first years with a slight smile. "Be back in a mo'
sis." Andromeda told Bella as she escorted the two first years to get Lily's
trunk.
Bella had finished changing and was flipping through her DADA book
when Andromeda returned to the compartment with Narcissa and Lily.
Narcissa had a scowl on her face when she entered and Lily looked ready
to spit nails. Both girls' hair was completely frizzy and almost standing on
end.
"What happened?" Bella asked examining the two upset first years and
stifling a chuckle.
"We ran into cousin Sirius and Cousin James." Narcissa replied hotly.
Bella palmed her face in exasperation. "What did the two miscreants do
this time?"
Andromeda chuckled. "Oh they thought it would be funny to put a static
charm on Cissy's and Lily's trunks. When they reached for them they were
hit with a shock of static electricity and their hair frizzed out." The
middle Black sister laughed.
"It's not funny! Do you know how long it will take me to brush this out?!"
Narcissa griped.
"Not to worry little sister." Bella took out her wand and with a couple of
twirling passes over the head of the two first years and the hair returned
to the sleek long hair they each had. "There that's better isn't it?"
"I suppose…but those two are gonna pay!" Narcissa stamped her foot
down already planning her revenge on her cousins Sirius Black and
James Potter. Bella smirked and Andromeda chuckled at their little
sister's temper. Narcissa, although usually sweet, had a vindictiveness
about her that even frightened them.
The train began to slow as it approached the platform at Hogsmeade
station. The three sisters and Lily Evans made their way off the scarlet
steam engine. A booming voice called out "Firs' years! Firs' years to me!"
"Okay you two, we'll see you in the Great Hall." Andromeda told the two
first years.
"Oh and say hello to the giant squid when you see him!" Bella yelled out
to the two girls as she was heading for the carriages.
"There's not really a giant squid is there?" Lily asked Narcissa, her eyes
comically wide.
"Not sure, but I have heard it mentioned before." The blonde told her
friend.
"Oh dear!" Lily breathed.
oooOOOooo
The Great Hall was filled with chatter as the returning students conversed
and gossiped with their friends that they hadn't seen over the summer
holiday. A hot topic had been the whispered rumors of a political
movement of ultra conservative purebloods that popped up about four
years ago. All over Britain, both in large and small magical communities,
bully pulpits had sprung up, with a message of 'Return to Traditional
Values! – Down with Muggle Destructive Influences!"
Small riots had broken out in some of the smaller communities, it was
even rumored that there had been a few accidental deaths here and
there. A general unease had begun to spread across Magical Britain and
most of the older families were taking a wait and see attitude, while
other families including the Blacks were throwing their support to the
new movement.
The movement was being lead by a mysterious but charismatic Lord who
extolled the virtues of Pureblood society, he warned that the Pureblood
way of life was in danger of becoming polluted with muggle ideas and
corrupt values.
Bella and Andromeda had taken a seat at the end of the Slytherin table as
their fellow classmates fell in around them. Sixth year Slytherin Olivia
Rosier sat to the left of Bella her face looking like the cat who ate the
canary. "Sooo, I hear you are betrothed to Rudolphus." The short blonde
stated with a knowing smirk.
"I believe you have sadly been misinformed my dear Olivia." Bella
responded with an indifferent air about her.
"That's not what he's been telling everyone on the train. Word is he's
going to approach Slughorn about the two of you living in the married
quarters."
"What?! That repulsive bastard has a lot of nerve!" Bella spat with
aversion.
"I don't know why you've got your knickers in a twist. He's a pureblood
from a wealthy, not to mention old family. And…he is involved in
politics." The sixth year commented.
"Politics!" Bella chortled. "He wouldn't know his arse from a motion if his
life depended on it!" Bella sneered.
"I wouldn't let him hear you say that. The Lestranges have become very
active in politics of late. They are supporting the new movement that
promises those of our stature will one day be given our rightful dues!
And Rudolphus and Rabastan are officers in the youth corps of the cause.
They have actually met this mysterious Lord and they said that he will
bring back power and prosperity to us purebloods, and bring to heel all
these uppity mudbloods who think their way of life is better than ours!"
She declared with venom.
"The way you're talking it sounds like he's building an army or
something." Bella asked raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Well he's a revolutionary isn't he? The establishment wants' to keep him
quiet don't they. The ministry is suppressing our goddess given rights and
they are hiding their heads to the corruption of our society by all the
mudbloods! He needs an army if we're to make the ministry take notices
of our plight!"
"Our plight? What plight?! If I'm not mistaken the Rosier's are quite
wealthy, the Lestrange's as well, so exactly what is it that the
muggleborns are taking from us?" Bella asked in a clipped tone.
"Since when did you become a mudblood lover Bella? I know for a fact
that your father and uncle are providing funding for the movement!"
Olivia spat back. "I thought you'd be first in line to join the youth corp."
"I just don't believe all this rhetoric about muggleborns being the bane of
the Wizarding world." Bella replied tonelessly.
Olivia looked at her friend as if she had two heads. "Bella! The mud-
bloods and the half-bloods outnumber the purebloods now by almost
three to one! How long will it be before they demand seats in the
Wizengamot?! Or…or being put in positions of power within the
ministry! They would destroy our way of life! Can't you see that! They
need to be put in their place and soon!" Olivia whispered harshly.
"And how exactly does your "Great leader"…Bella spoke sarcastically with
air quotations. "…plan on accomplishing this huh?"
"With our influence, laws will be passed to restrict the half-blood's and
mudbloods from having any influence over or participation in our
government. And…eventually we may need to just thin the herd…as it
were." Olivia whispered with a smirk.
Bella stared at her friend in stunned disbelief. Did she just say what she
thought she said? 'Thin the herd!' Was she serious?! Bella immediately
envisioned what she had learned about the atrocities during the Muggle
Second World War where millions of people were put to death because of
their "blood status." Bella felt like she was going to be sick.
"Eventually Bella…" Olivia looked at her old friend, judging her reaction.
"…You will have to choose a side. The revolution is coming, will you
stand with your own kind or will you be found on the other?"
'What is it with everyone giving me these ultimatums?!' Bella thought to
herself.
"Well it's obvious you've chosen a side Olivia. The moderates in the
Wizengamot won't sit by and allow some extremist to dictate policy and
they won't stand by while two-thirds of our population is persecuted."
Bella retorted.
Olivia smirked. "Oh I'm sure that there will be some who will refuse to
see reason and try and defend the filth polluting our culture, but there
are persuasive ways to change the minds of enough that we can push
through any law we want."
Bella began to respond but was interrupted as Professor McGonagall
entered the Great Hall with the new first years for sorting. She looked at
the tiny new students and wondered if she ever looked that small. She
smiled as she saw little 'Cissy' standing next to her new friend Lily. Both
girls looked rather nervous as McGonagall placed a stool with the sorting
hat on it in front of the staff table facing the four house tables.
Bella tuned out the hat's song as she looked over all the other first years.
Her roaming eyes soon found her first cousin Sirius and her third cousin
James standing next to each other with identical mischievous looks on
their faces. Bella had to hold back a snort as she thought of the trouble
the two pranksters were bound to get in to.
She spied another dark haired boy standing close to Cissy and Lily, he
seemed to be whispering something to Lily, who, by her body language
seemed to know the hooked nose boy and was nodding to something he
had just said.
"Black, Narcissa!" Bella heard her little sister's name and hoped that the
youngest Black sister did not follow in her older sisters' footsteps of being
sorted into Slytherin. Bella and Andi hoped that their bright younger
sister would be in Ravenclaw and avoid all the political turmoil that
existed in the House of Snakes. But their hopes were dashed as the
Sorting Hat after a few minutes called out "Slytherin!"
Narcissa jumped up from the seat excitedly, but then, remembering who
she was she straightened her back and walked primly to the Slytherin
table like the pureblood princess she was taught to be. Bella and
Andromeda gave her a smile as she sat down at the end of the Slytherin
table.
"Black, Sirius!" Bella watched and shook her head in mirth as her cousin
seemed to strut up to the stool and sat down as if he was sitting on a
throne. Bella watched as McGonagall placed the hat on his head, a few
moments passed and then the hat yelled out "Gryffindor!"
Bella was gob smacked! Never in recent memory had a Black been sorted
into the house of the foolishly brave. There had been the odd Ravenclaw
but most Blacks had always been Slytherin. She knew immediately that
Uncle Orion and Aunt Walburga would be beyond furious. Sirius was the
Scion to House Black and no head of House Black had ever been anything
other than a Slytherin.
It was a heritage the Black family was quite proud of. A glance toward
Andromeda and Bella could tell that she was thinking the same
thing…'there was going to be Hell to pay!' Bella was brought out of her
musing by the next name called.
"Evans, Lily!" Bella glanced over to Narcissa who appeared to be
bouncing in her seat. Bella noticed her fingers were crossed and saw her
sister's lips repeating the word Slytherin…Slytherin…Slytherin.
"Gryffindor!" Narcissa slumped in her seat at the hats' declaration. Bella
felt a pang of sadness for her little sister who seemed to really like the
redheaded muggle-born. Bella knew as did Andromeda the enmity that
existed between Slytherin and Gryffindor House and that few friendships
ever lasted between friends who were sorted into the two opposing
houses.
The sorting continued and as expected, her cousin James was sorted into
the House of the Lions along with Sirius. She almost felt sorry for their
head of house. Eventually the sorting was finished; she noticed that the
boy that was talking to Narcissa and Lily had been sorted into Slytherin
as well. Snape she believed his name was.
After the headmaster gave his start of term spiel dinner was served. Bella
avoided any further conversation with Olivia and tried to just eat in
peace but her housemates had other ideas as she felt the eyes of
Rudolphus and his gang upon her.
She involuntarily shivered as she glanced quickly at the boy. He had a
lascivious look in his eyes and a chilling smirk to go along with it. She
surreptitiously removed her wand from the wrist holster on her left arm
and held the wand loosely in her right hand under the table. All too soon
the feast was over and the four houses began to make their way back to
their respective common rooms.
Bella held back a bit allowing the majority of her house to leave
including and especially Rudolphus and his group of rabble. She
approached Professor Slughorn who had just stepped down from the staff
table.
"Excuse me professor, but may I have a word with you?" Bella asked the
plump professor with the busy walrus mustache.
"Of course my dear, always have time for one of my potion prodigies!" He
stated with a mirthful chuckle. "You're Draught of Living Death has been
the best brewed of any student I have ever taught! And that's saying
something. You know I should really introduce you to Padraig
Kettleburn, he owns one of the largest apothecaries on the Isle. He's
always sending me a sample of his latest potion discoveries and…"
"Yes, yes professor that would be lovely, but I really need to ask you
something important." Bella cut off the rambling professor before he
really got going. It was well known that Professor Slughorn liked to brag
about all the people he had mentored or befriended over the years and it
was best to head him off before he really got going or you could be stuck
listening to him prattle on for hours.
"My apologies Ms. Black, once I get going on a topic…uh uhm, right, you
had a question my dear." Slughorn caught himself before starting to
ramble again.
"Yes professor, I was wondering if there was perhaps another place I
could stay besides in the Slytherin dorms." Bella asked seriously.
Surprised by the question Slughorn raised a curious eyebrow at the
young witch. "Are you having problems with your roommates?" He asked.
"No, my roommates are not the problem, it's just…it's just…"
"Come, come, now, whatever is bothering you I assure you I am a trained
educator and if I say so myself an excellent mediator." Slughorn offered.
"It's just, I don't feel safe sir." Bella told the older man.
"Has someone threatened you Ms. Black?" He asked worriedly.
"Well no, not threatened exactly as much as inferred in a roundabout way
that…he would put me in my place." She stated a little put out with
having to reveal this. She worked hard at portraying an air of confidence
and strength and she had no fear of taking on anyone in the school one
on one. But even she had to concede that six or more against one was too
much to ask of anybody. And she absolutely hated to reveal any kind of
weakness.
"Well I'm sure there was no malicious intent my dear, I'm sure if we sat
down with the other party we could come to an amicable resolution." He
offered.
"But sir I don't think…" Slughorn raised his hand to stop her.
"Besides, there are no other quarters available for students besides their
house dorms." Slughorn stated.
'But…what about the married quarters?" She offered hopefully.
"You are not married my dear, and thus cannot use them." He said
apologetically.
"Please…" the word came out bitterly. "Please professor I really don't feel
safe in the dorm rooms."
Slughorn sighed heavily. "I will have a word with the headmaster
tomorrow and see what can be done. But no guarantees my dear." He
stated.
Bella's shoulders slumped a bit but it was better than nothing. She
supposed that she could get through one night in her dorm room; she
would just have to ward the hell out of her bed till something else was
arranged.
"Thank you professor, I would be grateful for your help in this matter."
She told him resignedly.
"That's a good girl!" Slughorn smiled. "Now you better hurry to your
dorm room, it's close to curfew. Bella nodded and hurried out of the
Great Hall and made her way to the staircase that leads to the dungeons
where the Slytherin common room was located.
Approaching the door to the commons room she furiously realized she
had not heard what the password was.
"Merlin's bloody balls!" She hissed as she kicked the door.
"Tsk tsk, what do we have here boys?" A nasally voice whined, a voice
that suddenly sent chills down her spine. Bella slowly turned around her
wand just hidden in the sleeve of her robes to face none other than the
crux of her current problem…Rudolphus.
"Hmm…looks like we have a student out of her commons room after
curfew." Lucius Malfoy sneered silkily.
"Indeed we do Lucius." Rudolphus smirked. "What to do, what to do?" He
gestured to his friends who were all smiling predatorily at the buxom
brunette.
"I suppose we could just let her in, but where would be the fun in that?"
He mockingly asked his friends who guffawed sycophantically. "I believe
a lesson is in order for our little princess here, don't you think lads?"
"Piss off Rudy!" Bella spat maliciously.
*SMACK!*
Bella was thrown to the floor from being backhanded by the much larger
boy. Bella got to her hands and knees and then wiped the trickle of blood
seeping from a newly split lip. Her head spun a little as she tried to
quickly think of away to get herself out of this predicament.
"YOU WILL LEARN TO RESPECT YOUR BETTERS BELLATRIX BLACK!
Rudolphus roared.
Bella was roughly grabbed by her hair and forced to stand on her tiptoes.
Rudolphus' face was within an inch of Bella's. His stale and almost
putrescent breath made her want to vomit then and there. With spittle
flying in her face from the angry tirade coming from the bastard she
devised a hopefully successful escape plan.
In a swift move with all the strength she could muster she brought her
left knee up hard right into the groin of the boy that held her hostage.
The hand pulling her up by her hair immediately let go and soon joined
the other one in cupping the block and tackle of its owner who had fallen
to his knees and was currently gasping for air.
Before the other four boys could respond, Bella had grabbed Rudolphus
by the neck putting his body between her and the others. Her wand was
positioned at the neck of Rudolphus glowing with a spell ready to be
cast.
"DROP YOUR WANDS NOW! Or lover boy here will have a new
orifice below his chin!" Bella commanded the other boys.
"Do as she says." Lucius spat. Lucius, Crabbe, Goyle, and Rabastan
Lestrange all put their wands on the floor.
"Now back-up!" Again she ordered. The four Slytherins stepped away
from their wands. In the time it took to take half a breath, Bella had
banished all of their wands further down the corridor well out of reach.
"This won't go unpunished Bella." Rabastan stated angrily. "My brother
will not let this go. There is no place you can hide that we can't find you."
"We'll see!" She stated as confidently as she could, but she knew that they
were right.
'Well, so much for staying in the dorms tonight.' She thought with
resignation. Bella maneuvered herself and Rudolphus toward the
staircase leading back out of the dungeon and with a quick flick of her
wand she banished Rudolphus into the other boys. Not waiting to see her
handiwork she sped up the staircase as fast as her legs could carry her.
She made it to the first floor which was completely empty. The torch
lights were low and she found herself in semi darkness. She thought
about running out the main castle doors, but to what and where?
She slumped against the wall listening for footsteps of her attackers but
none were heard. She was fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.
This was not how she had planned her first night back at school to be.
She didn't think she could or would return back to the Slytherin dorms,
but she needed a place to at least sleep for the night.
Across the empty hall she saw something glowing, it did not look like
torch light or candle light. It appeared almost gold in color; cautiously
she stood and made her way slowly toward the light. She turned the
corner and found a floating orb of light. In all her years here she had
never seen anything like this before. The orb began to move, not knowing
why but Bella felt the need to follow it.
The orb climbed the staircases higher and higher it went till it arrived at
the seventh floor. It then moved toward the east of the staircase, she
followed it down a hallway that didn't seem to be used if the dust and
cobwebs were any indication.
The orb came to an abrupt stop in front of a bare wall. She then heard a
distinct feminine voice speak to her. "Speak thy need young witch and
three times pass this wall of stone and I will provide thee with that which
you require."
Suddenly the orb flew into the wall seemingly passing through it. Bella
was confused at what was going on but she thought to herself stranger
things have happened but couldn't think of any at the moment. So, she
began to pace back and forth in front of the bare wall and speaking her
need. "I need place of refuge to stay in, a warm bed and…and maybe an
understanding shoulder to cry on would be nice to." It couldn't hurt she
thought.
An ornately decorated set of oak doors suddenly materialized where solid
stone had been a moment ago. The door slowly opened and Bella gasped
as she saw a comfortable decorated room that resembled the Slytherin
common room a bit.
The warmth of a crackling fire lit in the hearth of the room beckoned her
in. She stepped through the doors and made her way to the fire place.
There were two large and comfortable looking chairs that sat directly in
front of and facing the roaring fire. There were also two couches on
either side of the chairs creating a nice sitting area.
She noticed several doors along the outer walls and decided to explore
them. She opened one door along the left hand side of the room from the
door and found a comfy looking bedroom decorated in a green and silver
motif with a queen size four poster-bed with forest green drapes, a small
loveseat sat at the foot of the bed. Along the left wall was a large
wardrobe; opening the wardrobe she discovered it was empty. Next to it
was a vanity table with a mirror and drawers to place her grooming
articles.
A door on the right hand wall opened to reveal a large oval shaped room
with an equally large bathtub with many knobs and levers; it looked as if
it could hold half a dozen people comfortably. A black and white Italian
marble tile floor covered the room. There were even a few Greek marble
statues on either side of the tub; one of the Venus Di Milo. On the
opposite end stood a staute of the god Apollo, in the middle of the large
bathtub stood the statue of The Three Kharites. She smiled at the stately
beauty and elegance that the ornately decorated bathroom seemed to
offer.
She quickly decided that fortune was smilingly upon her and why not
take advantage of what the castle seemed to be offering her. If she had
thought about it she probably would have been in shock that all this was
being provided to her by a building of stone and wood.
She removed her trunk from her robe pocket and enlarged it, placing it
near the wardrobe. Grateful she thought ahead and kept the trunk with
her instead of leaving it on the train. With a flick of her wand the trunk
opened and clothes, robes and other personal items found their way into
the large wardrobe.
After getting unpacked she changed into some comfortable clothes and
then decided to explore the other doors she saw when she entered the
magical room. Exiting "her" bedroom she saw another door just down
from hers. Opening the door she saw another bedroom similar to her own
however decorated in red and gold. A door to the left in the bedroom
opened up to bathroom she just saw. It appeared that both bedrooms
shared the same bathroom.
The fact that there were two bedrooms didn't seem to concern her, or she
was just too awed by the room that she didn't really give it any thought.
She returned to the commons area and curled up in one of the oversized
chairs tucking her legs beneath her. She sat there just staring at the
crackling fire and going over the events of the day and trying to
decompress.
'Some tea would be lovely about now.' Before she had even finished her
thought a pot of tea appeared on the small table between the two chairs.
"Wow! Now that's service! I could get use to this." Bella poured herself a
cup of the aromatic chamomile tea. As the warm beverage made its way
down her throat and began warming her insides she sighed heavily and
sat back heavily in the chair.
Only a few minutes had passed when she froze at the sound of a door
opening up behind her. Had they found her? Her body screamed at her to
flee but her rationale side told her to calmly wait. Producing her wand
she quietly listened and prepared her body to fight.
She risked a quick glance around the back of the chair. A dark haired boy
about her age was gawking at the room and was not looking her way at
the moment. The boy began to make his way toward her and she noticed
that he did not have his wand out. She did not recognize him but that did
not mean he was not a potential threat to her.
She heard the door click shut and saw the boy turn in the direction of the
door turning his back toward her. Now was her chance to get the upper
hand on the intruder. Quickly but silently her bare feet rushed her
toward the young man whose back was still turned toward her.
She raised her wand and pointed at the back of his head. He turned
around a look of shock on his face as a pair of emerald green eyes opened
widely and had focused on the tip of her wand.
"Who the hell are you!?" Bella roared.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Please leave a review and let me know what you think. I will try
an update every two weeks. The next two chapters are already written
with the fifth started.
3. Chapter 3
A/N:
Wow! I am humbly surprised at the response I got from these first two
chapters. Within just a few days I have received 43 reviews and
comments, 63 Favs, and 126 followers. I'm grateful for all the reviews,
some were very complimentary others not so much, but I appreciate
them all even when a review is a bit critical.
I wasn't going to post this chapter until next week but decided in posting
it sooner due to a couple of reviews, one, from my good friend N.
Flamel who has been following my stories since I began posting them
over a year ago. I have a great respect for his keen observations and
insight. I hope this chapter explains in some part Dumbledore's
character and what his goals are.
This is just a filler chapter and is short but it gives an explanation into
the mind set of some of the characters. Now just because a few critical
reviews got me to post this chapter earlier than I wanted, don't get the
idea that critical reviews will get me to post another in like manner. : )
Unbeta'd
P.S. Nick I still want you as a Beta : P
Chapter Three: The Headmaster's Folly
September 1, 1995, Headmasters office 9:00 p.m.:
Albus Dumbledore: Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the
International Confederation of Wizards, and the defeater of the Dark
Wizard Grindelwald. With various other titles and accolades the
Wizarding World saw him as a powerful leader of the Light and the very
embodiment of what was good in the magical society.
So being who he was, there were very few who would ever challenge any
decision he made. So ingrained in the psyche of every witch and wizard
who had been born since the late nineteen forties, and every witch and
wizard who had been alive during that time, it was inconceivable for the
man to do wrong.
After so many years of being heralded as Merlin incarnate, the man
began to believe in the many stories of his own legend. And as such he
began to see himself in the role of guardian even a parent to all magical
society. And as any parent he knew what was best for his children, and
they were children in his eyes. He would teach and they would learn. He
would speak and they would listen. He would direct and they would
comply. It was just the nature of things and nature must be obeyed.
Of course despite his best efforts there was the occasional child who
acted up. It was inconceivable to see a child or two rebel against the
tender nurturing that he as a doting father provided. It saddened him
that they would stray from his caring arms and choose 'darker paths' to
travel. If they had just taken his teachings to heart they would see the
error of their ways.
He loathed forcing his children to obey him, but they must be brought to
the understanding that he was their father and he did know best. It was
for the Greater Good of his society that they follow him unquestioningly,
anything less than absolute adherence to his teachings would lead to
anarchy and unnecessary suffering.
So it was, that Albus Dumbledore stood overlooking the grounds of his
venerated school through the window of his tower office, reflecting on
his greatest failure; Tom Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort.
Albus had such high hopes for the talented young wizard, he was
intelligent and powerful and had a charisma as inviting as Albus' himself.
But the child had been able to hoodwink most of the student body of
Hogwarts and the majority of his professors as well, in to believing that
he was the model child, a prodigious student who could one day walk in
the shadow of the greatest wizard of all times…Albus Dumbledore.
It wasn't until Tom's seventh year that Albus began to have doubts about
the heart of his protégé. There was a darkness and a rebelliousness that
while buried deep within the boy, Albus was able to catch a flicker of it
every now and then. Tom's true nature would finally reveal itself during
the mid sixties as he began to teach a philosophy of Pureblood
exceptionalism and an animosity toward anything and anyone that he
considered inferior. Isolationist and Pureblood extremist began to rally to
the man who had fashioned a new name for himself, a name that would
inspire loyalty to those who shared his values and fear into those who
found themselves wanting.
Lord Voldemort arose to be a fly in the soup of Albus' dream of a
Wizarding Utopia. On many occasions over the next fifteen years the two
would confront each other. Each time Albus tried to remind the boy of
his earlier teachings and that he was being unnecessarily stubborn in
accepting Albus' counsel and turning away from the path he was on.
Tom however would not listen to reason and eventually escalated his
attacks on the rest of Albus' children. Albus did not want to hurt his
wayward children but they needed to be reeducated and brought to
remembrance of the instructions that Albus had provided them.
In the early seventies Albus formed the Order of the Phoenix to combat
the radicals members of their society. Albus saw himself becoming the
stern father who needed to discipline his children who had gone astray.
The order was to capture…unharmed if at all possible, the rebellious
children so they could go through reeducation and realize their folly.
But his efforts were to be in vain, his pacifistic stance was not providing
the outcome that he had desired. He realized that despite his best efforts
he could not allow the continuation of the raping, torturing and killing of
his other children. He began to make plans to begin his own offensive
when a serendipitous event occurred in the spring of 1980.
A prophecy was made of a child, who would be born as the seventh
month dies, to those who had thrice defied the Dark Lord and this child
would end the senseless destruction of his children. And from the ashes
like a Phoenix, Albus would restore his children to the path that he had
set for them.
On the thirty-first of October nineteen eighty-one, the prophecy was
fulfilled but not exactly how Albus had thought it would. He had
believed that Tom would have been completely destroyed, but he hadn't.
Somehow he had survived the encounter with the Potter boy.
Furthermore his other rebellious children instead of running back to him
for forgiveness like he had believed they remained for the most part
defiant.
A few like Severus Snape who had become his spy had returned but the
bulk of his wayward children remained in their lost state. It was then that
Albus realized that the role the Potter boy would play was not over with.
Albus knew that with Tom somehow managing to survive it was only a
matter of time before he would make a return and the cycle would repeat
itself. Pacifism would no longer be the answer to stopping Tom.
The Potter boy was the answer. A plan formed in Albus' mind, a way to
meet Tom and equal ground the next time he appeared. A pacifist could
not beat Tom, he needed someone or something just as terrible to defeat
him and frighten his other followers down to their very marrow, so much
so, that they would come running back into the waiting arms of their
forgiving father.
He knew that to do this he would have to make the life of the Potter boy
mirror that of Tom's as much as possible. One must know his enemy
intimately, feel as he felt, think as he thought. The Potter boy must
become in every way Tom's equal.
Was there a chance that this could backfire on him? It was a possibility,
but if orchestrated just right the Potter boy and Tom would destroy each
other in the end, thus eliminating the possibility of another dark lord.
And if one did survive they would be weakened enough where Albus
could safely subdue them and then humanely put them through the Veil.
His society must be kept free from the cancer of another evil wizard. He
knew the kind of life he was condemning the boy to, but it was for the
greater good. One or two deaths to save thousands was a price he was
willing to be for the redemption of his other children.
"…Albus…Albus! We have been waiting for the last ten minutes! Are you
going to start this meeting or should we call for tea to occupy us until
you're ready!?" An irritated Scottish brogue spoke, breaking Dumbledore
from his musings.
"Hmm…oh yes!" The old headmaster chuckled. "For give an old man for
getting lost in his thoughts." The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling.
He moved from the window and took his seat in the throne like chair
behind the large mahogany desk and stared back at his four heads of
house.
"Now, I believe we just have new business to go over if I'm not mistaken.
Minerva what do you have?" Albus stared at his deputy headmistress over
his half-moon spectacles.
"You need to end this madness Albus; I can no longer support you in this
endeavor. For Maeve's sake he is Lily and James' son! I can't imagine how
this is going to end in any other way than horrific!" Minerva McGonagall
had had enough. She had grown quite fond of the raven haired boy and
Albus' plan to harden Harry into a warrior of the light no longer seemed
right.
She was drowning in the shame of going along with her mentor's plan in
manipulating the boy's life. Since his first year it had been a carefully
orchestrated test after test. He was pushed to the limits of his tolerance.
He was brought to the point of breaking, and then easing off, only to
start up again. She knew there would be a heavy penance demanded of
her when she met Lily and James in the next life, not that she believed
they would ever forgive her.
"Minerva we have had this discussion before. As hard as this is as
distasteful we may find it. It is what is necessary." Albus replied in his
grandfatherly way.
"HE NEARLY DIED LAST YEAR!" Minerva shouted. "HE WAS PUSHED
FROM THREE BLOODY STORIES ALBUS!
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger Minerva." Albus stated.
"I agree with Minerva, Albus!" Pomona Sprout head of Hufflepuff stated,
standing by her friend. "Harry may be the chosen one to defeat
Voldemort, but he is not immortal! You need to act like you're the
bloody headmaster of this school and reign in your students before some
does succeed in killing the poor boy! He is a student under our care and
deserves every protection we can give him!"
"Oh yes lest coddle the spoiled brat, shall we hold his hand as he goes to
potty, cut up his food for him and feed him, powder his arse. Yes, let's
give the little gob-shite a life free of responsibility and just feed his
oversized ego some more." Pomona and Minerva glared dangerously at
Severus Snape who snorted at their attempt to quell him.
"You petty, miserable excuse of a human being, you should be boiled in
your own entrails, you…"
"Enough!" Albus shouted, abruptly stopping Minerva's tirade. "We have
enough to be going on about without us fighting each other! Need I
remind you that we all agreed during Harry's first year to guide him
toward his destiny!"
"So we did headmaster." Filius Flitwick remarked. "But we did not agree
to put the boy's life in danger and to ignore his pleas for help!" The
diminutive professor squeaked.
"I know that I don't need to remind you of the horrors Voldemort visited
upon our people." Albus looked at Minerva. "I recall comforting you
Minerva when your husband was killed. Pomona how many pieces did
they find your sister and her family in, after their home was attack by
Fenrir Greyback."
He turned his gaze to Flitwick. "Your entire family was wiped out Filius.
This is what we have to look forward to, now that Voldemort has
returned. I am absolutely convinced that Harry is the only one that can
stop him but he must be hardened!
He must learn to fight, and dodging curses and hexes from his fellow
schoolmates will fine tune and enhance his reflexes. Knowing betrayal
will harden his heart and resolve. Being isolated will cause him to turn
inward, making him realize that he can only depend on himself.
Voldemort is a monster and unfortunately it will take another monster to
destroy him." Albus told the group. Severus showed no outward emotion
about what had been said but the other three wore faces of shock as they
now understood the depths to which Albus was ready to go to end
Voldemort.
"It's as if you want the poor boy to lose his humanity." Pomona stated
with a shaky voice.
"That is precisely what I'm trying to do Pomona. At least the weaker
emotions of humanity like love, compassion, kindness, loyalty. We need
to foster in him those emotion that illicit powerful feelings within him,
anger, hate, loathing. These are the emotions he needs in great supply if
he is to defeat Voldemort. Those emotions will fuel his magic to the
levels he needs." Albus explained.
"More likely you will send the boy running to Voldemort and then you
will have two powerful wizards to contend with." Filius commented.
"I seriously doubt it Filius, he sees Voldemort as the murderer of his
parents, the source of his misery and lot in life, and I've cultivated that
feeling for the last four years in him. He would rather cut of his own
limbs than join the man responsible for his miserable existence."
Dumbledore replied dismissively.
"I hope you know what you're doing headmaster." Pomona stated sadly.
"And I hope whatever deities exist will have mercy on all our souls. I fear
this will not end well." Pomona rose from her chair and walked out of the
office. She was quickly joined by Flitwick and Minerva who felt sick to
her stomach.
When the group exited the revolving staircase Minerva had come to a
decision and hoped that her colleagues felt as she did. She just couldn't
continue with the headmasters plans, for a little more than four years had
she followed Albus' but that would end tonight. She just hoped that
Pomona and Filius felt the same.
Minerva no longer cared about destiny or bloody prophecies, she had
failed her cub in the worst possible way and she needed to begin to atone
for her failure starting right now.
"Pomona, Filius…" Minerva began. "I can't…"
"We're with you Minnie." Pomona said fervently. A nod from Filius.
"But you don't know what I was about to…"
"If you are suggesting that we stop this foolishness and protect that boy
then Minerva we are with you!" Filius stated with fire in his tiny voice.
Minerva nodded to the pair in appreciation. "Let's meet in my quarters
after breakfast tomorrow and will figure out away to stop Albus." They
nodded in agreement and then parted ways. Minerva rushed to the
Gryffindor common room to find her abused cub and start to make
amends.
oooOOOooo
"I fear we may be losing the support of our colleagues Severus." Albus
stated as he crossed the room and was once more staring out of his
window.
"Possible headmaster, but I doubt they would do anything about it. They
may disapprove but they will stay the course I believe."
Albus was pensive for a moment before he responded. "Your right of
course, Minerva and I have a long history together. We have disagreed in
the past but she has never gone against my wishes. Pomona and Filius
will follow her lead I'm sure." Albus commented.
"On another note, have you cast the compulsion charms on all the doors
to the commons rooms?" Albus asked glancing over his shoulder at the
sallow faced man.
"I have tried but failed. The castles seems to repel any spell I try and
place o it., though in truth it is not needed on the Slytherin entrance, my
snakes already have a dislike for the boy some stronger than others."
Severus sneered.
"We only have to keep the majority of the student body mildly
antagonistic toward the boy. There may be a few that reach out to him
but they will be severely outnumbered and fortunately the teenage mind
seeks conformity and therefore will not want to stand out and be looked
at as…different." Albus remarked.
"I am surprised at the level of animosity the youngest Weasley boy has
for Potter, and that Granger has followed him." Snape added.
Severus noticed a widening smirk on Albus' face. "Yes well, I had a bit of
a hand in that. I need Harry to feel betrayal on the deepest level, but Miss
Granger is extremely loyal to Harry, perhaps even loves him in a
romantic way. So of course that would not do. So I have been having her
dosed with small amounts of Amortentia since October of last year
attuned to Mr. Weasley. And a similar suggestion was implanted in her
mind that Ronald was the only boy who could ever love her. The more
her heart reaches out for Harry the more assertive the suggestion
becomes." Albus explained with a grin.
"Clever." Severus admitted, which earned him a smile from the
headmaster.
"I leave nothing to chance Severus."
"So it would seem headmaster."
"As for Mister Weasley, he has always been jealous of Harry's wealth and
fame. It was not difficult to fan the fires of his jealousy into a burning
hate."
"Compulsion charm?" Severus asked chuckling.
"No actually, simply an amplification of emotion charm. It was only
suppose to last through the end of last year but it seems that it has taken
on a life of its own. It's all Mr. Weasley now. Also, as we discussed this
summer Severus, I will be informing Mr. Potter that due to his connection
with Voldemort he is required to learn how to protect his mind."
"And you will be sending him to me to teach occulmency." Severus
sported a twisted grin.
"Indeed." Albus chuckled. "I want his mind so weak and open that if Tom
sneezes Harry will feel it. Allowing Harry to feel Voldemort's every
psychopathic emotion will only speed up the boy's descent. We need our
weapon merciless Severus." Albus stated.
"You're playing a dangerous game Albus should he discover what it is you
are doing to him." Severus warned.
"Not to worry Severus, have I not said I leave nothing to chance? Harry
will fulfill his destiny in one manner or another." Dumbledore smiled.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Please read and review! No flames please but if you have a
genuine critique and suggestion I'm more than willing to give it a read.
Have a great weekend!
4. Chapter 4
A/N: So I'm posting this sooner than I said I would. Oh well! I'm
stunned at the interest this story has garnered; I find the polarity of the
reviews very interesting. Some love it while others are highly critical.
All I can say is that I'll continue to write it the way I have envisioned it
and hope that I can at least keep most of you interested in continuing to
follow it.
My vision of Dumbledore in this fic is a man who is detached from any
morality. He sees himself as above that human frailty and as such does
not see people as people but as tools and a means to an end, thus his
treatment of Harry and the manipulation of the faculty and student
body. I know this is a point where some of you have really felt that I
have "gone wrong". To me he is a little bit Caesaresque.
Well enough explaining. I hope you enjoy this next chapter of
Passageways and would kindly leave me a review on what you think!
Chapter Four: The Roommates
Harry's stunned eyes went from staring at the tip of a wand to the most
gorgeous girl he had ever seen, even though the girl had a look of deadly
determination it did nothing to take away from the obvious beauty before
him. She had long wavy black hair that cascade down her back in gentle
waves; her features were fine and aristocratic in nature. Her eyes were a
startling violet that just sucked you in. Her complexion was fair and her
skin looked incredibly soft. Harry had an almost uncontrollable urge to
reach out and touch her full red lips.
Bella forced herself not to roll her eyes at the dazed look and goofy grin
of the boy in front of her. She knew she was an attractive young woman
and had many boys try and woo her for her affections, but none had
measured up to her standards of an ideal suitor or her station as a
member of an Ancient house.
Bella gave a quick smack to the top of his head with her wand to get his
focus back on the here and now. "I'll repeat myself only once more before
I start hexing. Who the bloody hell are you and what are you doing
here?" She asked with a firm tone, her wand now pointing at his chest
just above his heart.
"Ouch! What the bloody hell did you do that for?" Harry yelled rubbing
the top of his head that was smarting from the wand lashing he just
received.
"To get your attention! Now are you going to answer my questions or am
I going to start cutting off things you might miss." She stated with a scowl
and a look in her eyes that Harry could tell she meant business.
"My name is Harry…as if you didn't already know." He replied tersely to
the raven haired beauty, his hand still rubbing the spot on his head that
she had whacked with her wand.
"A little full of yourself aren't you…Harry is it? I haven't a clue as to who
you are. I've never seen you before now." Bella responded.
"Yeah right. The whole bloody Wizarding world knows who I am, so don't
give me that tripe." Harry groused.
'Whatever!" Bella spat. "You just go back and tell Rudy and the others to
leave me the hell alone or the next time I see him I'll do more than crush
his twig and berries."
"Who?" Harry asked confusion clearly on his face.
"What year are you and what house are you in?" Bella barked keeping her
wand on him.
"You're kidding right?" Harry asked incredulously.
Bella closed the distance between him placing the tip of her wand against
his chest right at heart level. "Do I look like I'm kidding?! Now answer
the bloody question!"
"Fine! I'll play along. I'm in Gryffindor, as if you bloody well didn't know,
and I'm a fifth year. And while we're on the topic, what exactly is your
name and in which house and year are you in?" He replied tersely.
She looked at him skeptically. He was in her year and a Gryffindor but
she didn't remember ever seeing him in any of her classes she shared
with the lions. If he had been she would definitely remember him, after
all he was arguably one of the better looking boys she had ever met, and
there was no way she wouldn't remember those eyes they were in a
word…entrancing.
Bella shook her head to clear her errant thoughts, angry at herself for
letting herself get distracted by a handsome face and a pair of gorgeous
green eyes.
"You don't look like any of the fifth year Gryffs that I've ever seen in the
castle. So who are you really?!" She asked, her eyes narrowed
dangerously at the boy in front of her.
"What are you playing at?" Harry asked a bit bewildered, he could tell
from her eyes that there was no sign of recognition in them. "I've been
attending Hogwarts since first year." Bella just stared blankly at him. "I
answered your questions, how about you answer mine."
Bella stared back at the boy and he did seem to be somewhat familiar but
she could not place him. His features were similar to those of the Blacks
especially the aristocratic bone structure in his face and the black hair
that was prevalent among Blacks. The eyes were all wrong and he had
broader shoulders, males of the Black family tended to be tall with thin
builds.
Noticing he was waiting on her to say something she let out an
exasperated breath and spoke. "My name is Bellatrix, a fifth year…
Slytherin."
Harry stiffened somewhat, it did not go unnoticed by Bella. She saw his
hand jerk like it wanted to go for his wand but he did not make the
attempt. He was a typical Gryff she figured as the enmity between the
two houses was evident in his new posture.
Harry knew he had just let his emotions affect his body as the girl in
front of him had responded to his body's sudden betrayal of emotion and
was now slipping into a more defensive posture herself.
"Look, I mean you no harm." Harry told the girl in a voice he hoped
sounded sincere. "As you know your classmates and I have had our
differences. But I don't recall you ever being a part of their actions
against me. Come to think of it I can't recall ever seeing you with any of
the fifth year Slytherins, or seeing you ever in the castle before."
Bella observed the sincerity in his eyes and became puzzled herself at
who this young man was and what trouble he had with Rudy and the
others.
"I don't mean to be rude, but what was your name again?" Harry asked
softly. Something about her seemed familiar now, but he was having
trouble placing her.
"Bellatrix, Bellatrix Black." She told him.
Harry's eyes went wide as he was suddenly struck by the remembrance of
where he had seen her before. It had been on the Black Family tapestry
back at Grimauld Place. The woman in the tapestry was much older than
the girl in front of him, but there was no mistaking that it was her. But
that wasn't possible; Bellatrix Lestrange would be near forty years old
now.
Harry stared at the young beautiful witch in front of him and was at a
loss as to what to think or say. If this wasn't Bellatrix she was a dead
ringer for her. But why would she call herself Bellatrix Black though, it
did not make any sense to him. Just then something ridiculously
improbable popped into his head. 'Why not?' He mused. 'Stranger things
have happened, although I can't think of any at the moment.'
"Bellatrix…uhm…may I call you Bellatrix?" Harry asked respectfully. She
gave a curt nod in acquiescence.
"May I ask you a question that may seem a tad bit strange, but
nonetheless I think may be important?" Harry began.
Bella looked at him strangely, but she shrugged her shoulder and
motioned him to go ahead. "Uhm…what year is it?" Harry asked almost
apologetically.
"You're joking right?" She looked at him as if he were daft.
"Just humor me for a minute." He asked again.
"It's 1971 of course, what are you a simpleton or something?" Bella stated
sarcastically.
Harry fell with a thud as he landed on his backside on the floor and just
stared up at the witch who backed up a couple of feet but still having her
wand trained on the young man now sitting cross legged on the floor in
front of her.
"No bloody way!" Bella heard Harry exclaim. "No feckin bloody way!"
Harry repeated.
"What are you going on about?" Bella asked irritated. Harry rubbed his
face with both hands a few seconds later and he looked up at her.
"You're not a ghost or anything like that are you?" Harry asked her in
serious tone.
"No, I'm not a bloody ghost! I'm seriously beginning to think you are
mental whoever you are." Bella replied. Harry to her astonishment just
chuckled.
"Maybe I am, because what I'm thinking can't be sane." Harry stated
shaking his head back and forth.
"Are you always this irritatingly cryptic or is it just for my benefit." Bella
replied with impatience, tapping her left foot.
Harry laughed again. "I suppose even if I were, I'm not as bad as
Dumbledore." He chuckled.
Bella's eyes narrowed at him again. "Well!"
"Well what?" Harry replied.
"Well what the hell is going on in that head of yours! Sweet Maeve! I
should have just blasted you the moment you came through the door!"
Harry chuckled again. "Okay okay, you might want to sit down for this,
because as daft as you think I am now you're really gonna think I am
once I explain why I think it is we don't seem to know each other or have
seen each other in the castle." He grinned his patented lopsided grin,
which caused Bella's stomach to flutter for a moment surprising her
momentarily.
'What the hell was that' she thought to herself.
"Bellatrix what year were you born in?" Harry asked and then added. "It's
important."
"September 15, 1955…why?"
"I was born July 31…1980." He stated in serious tone.
Bella looked at him and raised an elegant eyebrow. As Harry had
expected she began to laugh.
"You are mad aren't you!" She chuckled shaking her head at him. "1980
you say…what are you going to tell me next, that-that you are a time
traveler coming back to right the wrongs of the world?" She grabbed her
stomach as the laughs came hard and fast.
Harry looked at her silently his eyes showing to the world that he was
serious. "Would it help you to believe me, if I gave you a wizard's oath?"
Bella sobered up instantly after Harry's statement. She looked at him
skeptically. Like most purebloods she was taught of the seriousness of a
wizard's oath and how you didn't give one lightly, it had serious
ramifications on not only your magic but your life as well.
"Are you serious? You do know what will happen if you give your oath
and you are lying?" She stated in a grim tone.
"I do." Harry replied in the same tone. "Bellatrix, for me, today's date is
September first…1995."
"That's…that's impossible." It came out in a whisper. "It's September third
1971." She affirmed.
The two teens sat in silence for a few minutes, each with their own
thoughts on how this was possible. It just didn't make any sense. Bella
spoke first breaking the silence.
"If what you're suggesting is true, how can we both be here in the same
room at the same time but twenty-four years apart, there has to be some
natural or magical law that would not allow such a thing to happen." She
stated shaking her head and gesticulating with her hands.
"I've learned to never underestimate magic or this castle. For example I
think the castle might be alive." Harry offered to a skeptical look from
Bella who raised both her eyebrows in doubt.
"Just let me explain my thought process, okay." Harry stated with his
hands up entreatingly.
"You know how the stairs tend to move of their own free will, classrooms
moving around and appearing on other floors without warning. And just
today I was lead to this room by this floating golden orb that I have
never seen before and it spoke to me in a woman's voice and told me how
to enter this room."
At this declaration Bella sat up straight. "That happened to me as well
today. I was looking for a place to be saf…ahh…to sleep. And this golden
orb spoke to me and lead me here as well. Speaking of which why are
you not in your common room?" Bella asked glaring at him.
"Oh…well…I've been sort of banished from my house." Harry grunted.
"Banished?"
"Yeah it's something I would rather not talk about." Harry stated flatly.
"What about you? Why are you not in your dorm room?"
"I'd rather not talk about it either." Bella stated.
"Fair enough." Harry replied.
"So back to your theory." Bella encouraged changing the awkward topic.
"Well…what if…" Harry paused here knowing what was to follow
sounded completely mad. If he heard it from someone else he would
probably tell them that they watched too many Sci-Fi movies. "…what if
somehow the founders created this room as some kind of time portal? Or
perhaps a place that is not affected by time maybe a space where time
doesn't exist?"
"I have not ever heard of anything like that being remotely possible.
There are so many flaws in that theory I don't know where to even
begin." Bella stated matter-of-factly.
"It was just a theory." Harry shrugged. "How else do you think it could
have happened?"
"I'm not entirely convinced that this is happening. This could all be some
elaborate prank…a prank." Bella whispered the last word to herself
looking closely at Harry again, and then it dawned on her. Harry looks a
lot like her prankster of a cousin little Jamie Potter.
"What is your surname Harry?" Bella asked suspiciously. He did look like
a mix between a Potter and a Black just like Jamie did. But Jamie was an
only child. Could there be another branch of the family out there that she
did not know about that also shared Potter and Black blood.
Harry didn't like the look in Bella's eyes and wondered what he should
reveal. Bellatrix according to Walburga had joined the Death Eaters. He
didn't think she was at this moment because she was wearing a short
sleeved shirt and there was no Dark Mark on her left forearm. And
according to Walburga all Death Eaters were branded with it.
Although she did not bear the mark didn't mean she wasn't sympathetic
to him now. 'What year did Voldemort become active anyway?' Harry
mused.
"Why is my last name important for you to know?" Harry asked
cautiously.
"Let's just say I have a "theory" and your surname could prove or disprove
that theory. Besides, I gave you my surname; it is only right and proper
that you give me yours." She asked suspiciously.
"Why would I make up a story like this Bellatrix, there is nothing that I
could gain from misleading you." Harry offered.
"Maybe, maybe not. But I'm not in a trusting mood at the moment. Now
are you going to give me your name or do I need to force it out of you?"
She threatened bringing her wand back to bear on him.
Harry went for his wand and had just clasped it when he heard Bella's
voice call out the stunning spell. "Stupefy!"
Harry waited for the red light of the spell to hit him but it never came.
He looked up at Bella who was looking at her wand in confusion. It was
all the time needed for Harry to raise his own wand and point it and
Bellatrix.
"Well it seems that we are at a stalemate. I was serious Bellatrix when I
said I meant you no harm. But since you have a hard time trusting me at
the moment I suggest we both put our wands away and discuss this like
two civilized people." Harry suggested.
Bella snorted and rolled her eyes. "My wand stays right where it is."
"Look." Harry said exasperatingly. "What will it take for you to believe
that I am not a threat to you or trying to prank you?"
"Nothing comes to mind as long as you're unwilling to give me your
surname and some hard evidence of you being from the future." She
stated emphatically.
"Fine. Can we at least be comfortable?" Harry stated nodding over to the
two chairs by the fire. Bella gestured to the chairs with a mocking half
bow and a wave of her hand toward them.
The two teens made their way over to the chairs and faced each other.
Harry warred with himself on what to disclose. On one hand he was
wondering why he was trying so hard to get her to believe him. Was it
because he was lonely and desperate for a friend or maybe it was just to
diffuse a tense situation before it got worse?
Maybe it had more to do with being Lord Black, and Bellatrix was
technically family, and Walburga had taught him the importance of
family loyalty and the Blacks were almost fanatically loyal to each other.
Should he tell her about him being Lord Black? Would that solve the
problem or exacerbate it?
Should he disclose his real surname? His parents would be first years now
if he had his dates right. What would Bellatrix do with that information?
And could she change the past concerning his parents? Also, and perhaps
the most intriguing question was, is she in his time or was had he gone
back to hers or perhaps neither? There were just still too many
unknowns. Finally coming to a decision his eyes focused on hers and
spoke.
Harry took a deep breath and focuses his thoughts. "My title…is Lord
Hadrian James…Black, head of the House of Black." Harry could tell that
Bella was about to unleash a verbal assault of impressive magnitude on
him by the way her face reddened and her eyes tightly squinted. Before
she could unleash however, Harry concentrated on the ring finger of his
right-hand. Suddenly a large silver ring with a black opal with the Black
coat of arms etched into its center appeared.
Harry raised his hand and quickly showed the ring to Bella. She froze
with her mouth open about to challenge Harry's assertion when she saw
the ring on Harry's finger. It was to her utter shock the head of house
ring for the House of Black.
"As you are undoubtedly aware, only the legitimate heir to House Black
can place the ring on his finger without dying on the spot." Harry stated
firmly.
Bella was completely gob smacked. She sat and alternated staring at
Harry and the ring on his hand. She was well aware as all members of
her family were that only the Head of House was able to wear the ring.
She had just seen Uncle Orion two days ago and he was as healthy as a
hippogriff. That meant that the impossible seemed to be true, Harry
could be from the future and…was indeed Lord Black.
Her years of Black Family inculcated training asserted itself and she
dropped to her knees in front of Harry. "Forgive me my Lord for not
believing you. I humbly apologize for my attempt to stun you and for my
lack of decorum when we spoke. I pray thee consider my ignorance to
your position before assigning punishment for my offenses."
Now it was Harry's turn to sit speechless. He looked down at Bella who
was on her knees with her head bowed low. Harry shook himself and
gently lifted Bella's chin. Bella looked up at him and saw confusion and
was it mirth?
"Bellatrix there is no need for that. As far as I'm concerned we are family
and I won't have my family kneeling before me." Harry stated firmly.
"But my lord I have behaved in a most…"
"Stop Bellatrix! I told you who I was not to assert authority over you but
to prove to you that what I have told you is the truth. I am from a
different time than you." He lifted Bella up from her knees and guided
her back to her chair.
"I believe you my lord. That also explains why my spell didn't work."
Bella began softly. A member of the Black family could not knowingly use
magic to harm its Head of House, it was old family magic.
"Please Bellatrix, it's just Harry no more of this "my Lord" tripe okay."
"Yes my…yes Harry." Harry smiled an appreciative smile. Bella returned
the smile and Harry's stomach seemed to flip at the dazzling smile of the
young witch.
"What do we do now?" Bella asked.
"Well I am curious about something." Harry stated with a contemplative
look.
"What about?" Bella asked looking at him, wondering offhandedly what
the relationship was between them. Was he a cousin or a maybe a
nephew, she was old enough to be his…mother! Her eyes widened at the
possibility.
Unaware of her musings Harry answered her question. "I'm curious if I
am in your time or if you are in mine or are we in both or neither." Harry
stated scratching the back of his head.
"I hadn't thought about that!" Bella replied thankful for the interruption
to her disturbing thoughts. "How do you suggest we find out?"
"Well, when we leave the room we'll obviously find out whether it's one
time or another. But seeing as its past curfew I suggest we wait till
morning and then we can go from there."
"Seems reasonable." Bella stated.
"Now how about you show me around this wonderful room?" Harry asked
wanting a break from their heavy discussion and a chance to reorganize
his thoughts.
For the next hour Bella showed Harry where her room was and where the
other bedroom was. They discussed briefly the coincidence of the room
having two bedrooms. Harry was amazed at the size of the bathroom and
tub/pool in the center of it.
Further exploration of the room revealed many other amazing things to
the teens. For example they found a large book on a pedestal in one
corner of the room where they discovered if they wrote what subject or
book they were interested in on the blank pages, that book or a book on
the topic they desired would appear.
By accident they both discovered another feature of the room. Harry was
looking at the Gryffindor color scheme in his room and it filled him with
anger bringing to mind the betrayal of his house. He had vocalized that a
nice forest green motif would suit him better. Before their eyes the colors
changed.
That began a small game between the two, where they would ask the
room to change certain things like furniture or lighting. When this was
met with success they began to try and find the limits of the room. To
their astonishment the room could appear anyway they asked for. It
became a library with thousands of books, an armory with weapons from
every age of man. It became a forest meadow then a starry night on the
savanna.
It was nearly one in the morning, when the two tired teens sat cross
legged across from each other on the rug covered floor just in front of the
fire place. Each stared at the other, simultaneously realizing that there
were still questions that needed answering.
"Sooo…" Bella began. "..The future huh?" The curiosity was evident in her
voice.
"Yeah." Harry said with a shrug. There was an awkward pause as the two
teens tried to formulate questions that would not sound idiotic to the
other.
Bella frustratingly blew a strand of her curly locks out of her face. "This is
ridiculous!" Bella whispered but was loud enough for Harry to hear. She
was dying to get some answers and finally just decided to go for it.
"So are we related then, like am I your mother or something?" Bella asked
Harry who had a dumbstruck look on his face.
"What!?" Harry gasped, taken off guard by the seemingly random
question. "No, no you're not my mother." Harry replied shaking his head
and allowing a chuckle to escape his lips.
"Well that's a relief." Bella stated with a relieved sigh, eliciting a raised
eyebrow from Harry.
"What do you mean by that?" Harry asked, feigning insult. Bella laughed
and just shrugged her shoulders and gave him an enigmatic smile.
"Seriously though…are we related? I mean I guess we have to be related
since you are Lord Black, and Uncle Orion is the current Head of House
Black in my time. So you must come through his line either from Sirius or
Reggie. Am I right?" Bella asked.
Harry was not sure how to reply to that or if he even should. How much
damage would happen to the time line by disclosing future events?
Hermione had told him in their third year that interfering too much in
past events could have disastrous results.
The events surrounding the use of the Time Turner to rescue his
Godfather from the Dementors kiss came to the front of his thoughts.
Hermione had gone on and on about not running into their past selves
that it could cause irreparable damage to the time space continuum, or
was that something he had heard from a SciFi show. Anyway it was
suppose to be very bad either way.
Deciding on just giving her the bare minimum, at least for now, that
could change…depending on what, he did not yet know, but he left it
open as a possibility.
"My Grandmother was a Black which gave me the bloodline, but there
were…a series of unfortunate circumstances that made me the head of
House Black in my time." Harry replied with a slight hitch in his throat as
the thought of his godfather's soul being sucked out by the guards of
Azkaban entered his mind.
Bellatrix Black was not just a pretty face but also extremely intelligent
and it did not take her long to formulate a scenario in her mind and she
vocalized it.
"If you're not from Orion's direct line…then something must have
happened not only to him but to Sirius and Reggie as well, as they would
be the heirs apparent. If Orion's family was wiped out somehow it would
go to his nearest sibling's family. Uncle Orion had only three other
siblings. My father, Cygnus Black, who is the youngest, Aunt Cassiopea is
the next oldest to him, that leaves Aunt Artemis just under Uncle Orion.
No, maybe another generation back." Bella was running through all the
family members in her head.
Harry's eyes widened as he watched as Bellatrix was making the
connections. He began to worry that his secret would no longer be a
secret in the matter of mere moments. How could he have been so
careless? Family was everything to the Blacks and of course every Black
is well versed in their genealogy.
Bellatrix looked deeply into Harry's eyes as she ran through her relatives'
names and who they had married. Aunt Cassie has never married but that
doesn't mean she couldn't before 1980. Harry stated that he wasn't her
child, however he could be from Andi or Cissy, but she did not think he
was. Something about him just told her that he was not from one of her
sisters or he would have been more familiar with her, at least that was
what she hoped.
Bella gasped as she looked closer at Harry's facial features, she could see
her great-aunt Dorea in his cheek bones and skin tone, but what clenched
it was that Harry had a small mole behind the earlobe of his left ear in
exactly the same place as her Aunt Dorea. The messy unruly hair looked
just like her uncle Charlus and her cousin James! James was an only
child; Aunt Dorea couldn't have any more…that meant!
"MERLIN'S BLOODY BEARD! YOU'RE A POTTER; YOU'RE LITTLE
JAMIE'S SON aren't you?!" Bella had jumped to her feet knowing she
was right and was further vindicated when Harry's face showed a mix of
fear and shock written all over it.
"Sweet Morgana!" Bella crowed. "I knew I would figure it out!" She
bounced around their commons room celebrating her superior intellect.
That was until she was forced to stop at a wand which was pointing right
between her eyes.
"Aaahhh…whats up…Harry?" Bella gulped as she saw her third-cousin's
eyes were set hard and unblinkingly glaring at her. She tried to back
away but found herself pushed up against the back of one of the chairs.
"You shouldn't have done that Bella." Harry spoke so softly that it came
out as barely above a whisper. "It was better that you did not make that
connection. That information is too dangerous to have." Harry growled,
thinking of all the horrible possibilities of Bellatrix a known supporter of
Voldemort in his time would do with that information.
"W-what are you talking about Harry?" Bella asked in confusion and
trepidation as the wand continued to be pointed at her head.
"This just complicates things.' Harry said more to himself shaking his
head.
"What is complicated? We're family Harry, why would knowing that
we're related be dangerous? Or are you concerned with what I figured
out about Uncle Orion and his family?" Once again Harry's memories
replayed some of Hermione's warnings on time travel. A little bit of
foreknowledge could completely change the past and alter the future as
well.
"Knowing the future can have unexpected…"
"Consequences." Bella finished for him. The two teens again looked at
each other, both of them wondering how to proceed. "Look…Would it
help if I said that I won't say anything about this to anyone?" She asked.
Harry raised an incredulous eyebrow at the dark haired girl. "You're a
Black Bella; of course you're going to use this to your benefit." Harry
stated, recalling one of the many lessons Aunt Walburga gave him on
using any advantage to benefit himself and his family.
Bella looked at him with interest. "I have had some tutelage in Black
Family philosophy." Harry smirked. Bella couldn't help herself and
grinned widely at Harry.
"Harry…" Bella started, not believing she was about to offer what she was
about to offer. There was just something about him that told her she
could trust him, and she trusted few people, that is to say just one
person…herself...okay maybe her sisters. So to feel this way about
someone she had just met a few hours ago was something completely out
of character for her.
Violet eyes stared into green as she considered all of the ramifications of
what she was about to do. There were so many ways that this could come
back to bite her in the arse.
"…if I give you a witch's oath to not reveal anything you tell me or any
secrets you reveal to another soul without your express permission
and…" Bella went on knowing that Harry was about to interrupt her. "Or
use said information for personal benefit unless you say so. Would that
allay your fears about me?" She asked in all seriousness.
Harry stared at her for a long moment deliberating on what to do.
Everything seemed to be moving too fast. Not eight hours ago, he had
barely gotten off the Hogwarts Express. Friendless, alone, and not
knowing what the school year would bring he made his way to the castle.
He felt all the malicious and hateful stares following him as he took his
seat in the Great Hall. Ron's outburst had not entirely been unexpected
but it hurt just the same.
Then being led to this magical room and finding it occupied with the
infamous Bellatrix Black. Although their meeting had been uneasy and a
little tense at first, it quickly moved to strange and then to almost
comfortable as they explored the room together and now back to tense.
But even so, looking into her eyes there was something that said…trust
her.
Harry wonder if there was not some higher power at work here,
something beyond reason why he was lead here and why she was lead
here. Maybe there was a purpose…'maybe he thought too much!' Harry
mused with a dry chuckle.
Coming to a decision he looked at her, shaking his head…"You don't need
to make an oath." Harry said with a half smile. "A friendship should start
with trusting each other." Bella smiled at the raven haired boy but
immediately took out her wand.
"I Bellatrix Adien Black pledge on my life and magic not to betray the
secrets of Harry James…Potter." Here Bellatrix gave him a smirking
smile. "Unless he gives me permission to do so, nor will I use information
which he may reveal for personal gain unless he gives his permission to
do so. So mote it be."
"Bella! You didn't need to do that!" Harry growled.
"I know but I didn't want you to have any doubts about me." She replied.
"I'm still waiting Harry." Bella stated waiting for him to accept her oath.
"Oh! Umm…so mote it be." A blue light flared around both teens as Harry
sealed her oath.
With the oath made and Harry's anxiety calmed the two teens seemed to
relax again. Bella began the dialogue once more and asked about Harry's
obvious anxiety about the future. It had not slipped her notice that Harry
seemed to react almost viscerally to her making the familiar connection.
She knew there must be a story there and hoped that Harry would one
day tell her about it, but until then she could only speculate why it
concerned him so.
Eventually exhaustion overcame the two teens and they retired to their
respective bedrooms. It had been a bizarre day with a lot of highs and
lows for both, and tomorrow promised to be just as interesting as well.
As the two teens drifted off to the land of Morpheus a bemused golden
orb hovered over each teen in turn. Never had it taken an interest in the
personal lives of the students before, but if it could set these two on a
path of discovery together, the evil that has and would grip the
Wizarding world for over two decades could be destroyed before it
became a real threat to wizard kind. She had set the stage but it was up
to the two protagonists now who would decide where the story would go.
oooOOOooo
Saturday morning came way too early for Harry as he stumbled out of
bed. For a moment he panicked not recognizing where he was. It
definitely did not look like his dorm room in Gryffindor Tower. It was
then that he remembered the night before, and that he was no longer
welcomed in Gryffindor House.
"Oh yeah!" Harry chuckled, as last night came back in complete clarity.
'Mysterious magical room, Bellatrix Lestrange…Bellatrix Black he
reminded himself. At the thought of the raven haired beauty his mind
began to wander where most hormone fueled teenage boys' mind would
go and had the typical early morning reaction.
"Okay stop! Stop! Stop!" Harry told himself. "You barely know the girl
and she's family…in around about way, not to mention that she is older
than your own parents. Besides that girl is way out of your league! Not to
mention she became the most dangerous witch in modern history." He
told himself.
He made his way to his water closet which was not part of the larger
bathroom that connected his room to Bella's. After his morning ablution
he exited his bedroom to find that Bellatrix was already up and dressed.
She was sprawled out on one of the large couches lying on her stomach
reading one of her text books. Her legs were bent forward hovering over
a well put together posterior; her ankles were crossed as her legs bobbed
up and down.
Harry froze at the site in front of him. The fifteen year old Bella was
wearing a pair of red short shorts that showed off a pair of extremely
long and sculpted legs that ran all the way up and disappeared into the
tight shorts that hugged an incredibly firm looking arse. To add to
Harry's loss of blood to his head was her tight black tank top. With an
arm tucked under her breasts as she propped herself up somewhat to read
her book, it left an incredible view of milky white globes of femininity
that threatened to fall out of the stretched cotton fabric.
"Flies my lord."
"W-what?" Harry stuttered.
"You'll catch flies if you leave your mouth open like that." Bella coyly
smirked. Harry closed his mouth with an audible pop.
"I-I was just…uhm…just looking for s-something." Harry stuttered,
blushing furiously and looking anywhere but at where his eyes had been
moments before.
"I'm sure you were my lord." Bella giggled her eyes full of mirth. 'Boy's
are just too easy.' She mused as she sat up placing her book down.
"I thought we had an understanding about the 'My Lord' thing." Harry
stated a bit more in control of his voice and taking a seat in front of the
lovely witch who was giving him an appraising look.
"Sorry…Harry." Bella smiled mischievously causing Harry stomach to flip
again. Harry wondered why this kept happening. He'd never experienced
this when he was around other girls. He reasoned it off; it must be just
the odd circumstances they found themselves in. She being from the past
and all and knowing of her future reputation as hardcore supporter of
Voldemort. Yeah that must be it.
"So, what is the plan then Harry?" Bella asked crossing her legs in front of
her Indian style.
"Well, I would like to know what has happened, you know how are we
here at the same time and are we in the same time together or I don't
know…it's just all a bit confusing…don't you think?" Harry rambled.
"Well I guess the only way to find out in which time we're currently in is
to leave the room and find out who's about." Bella offered.
"That's what I was thinking as well. But you should probably change into
your Hogwarts robes." Harry offered.
"Why? Don't I look good in what I'm wearing now?" She said with a pout.
"Am I that hideous?"
"What! No you're gorgeous…I-I mean you look n-nice, you're legs are…
not that I was staring! I mean…I just…Oh!" Harry blushed furiously as he
spun around feeling completely had as he heard Bella laughing musically
and singing.
"You think I'm go-o-orgeous, you want to da-a-a-te me, hug me and k-i-i-
iss me!" Bella danced around singing mirthfully, enjoying how flustered
she got the young lord.
"I did not say that! I-I was just…all I meant was…oh Bollocks!" Harry
griped, he then spun on his heel and returned to his bedroom slamming
the door behind him. Bella cackled victoriously and returned to her own
room to get dressed.
Bella didn't know why she was teasing Harry so much. She was not a
flirt…well not a huge one anyway but she just couldn't resist teasing her
new roommate. He looked so cute when he was blushing red; it really
brought out the color of his emerald green eyes.
Upon some reflection as she got dressed, she was stunned to find how
quickly she felt comfortable around Harry, comfortable enough to
playfully tease him. She was not one who made friends easily; she liked
to keep people at a manageable distance not letting them get to close to
her either physically or emotionally. But with Harry it was so effortless
that it was amazing if not odd. She would have to think more upon this.
Twenty minutes later she exited her bedroom dressed in her school robes,
although it was a Saturday…well at least in her time, many students
wore them while on school grounds. She found Harry by the large
bookcase looking over the many ancient tomes that were stacked there.
She cleared her throat to get his attention.
Spinning around with her arms out to her sides, she asked. "More to your
approval my lord?" She teased with a small curtsey. Harry rolled his eyes
and just grunted which evoked another giggle from Bella.
"Just kill me now." Harry groaned. "Well, should we head to the Great
Hall and see who's about." Harry offered.
"I suppose, since I got all dressed and everything." Bella replied with a
smirk. They then turned and approached the large door that lead out of
the room and stopped.
They both looked at the door and all the amusement and jocularity of a
moment ago was gone. Back were the harsh realities of the worlds they
came from. Harry was thinking about how he was still the outcast of the
school, exiled from Gryffindor, friendless and looked upon with suspicion
and disdain.
Bella's face fell as she remembered the attack on her person last night,
and the threat that her housemates had made. Rudolphus for all his lack
of any social graces was a powerful wizard and with his brother and the
others they were a force to be reckoned with and they did not take any
defeat lightly. They would be out to 'teach' her a lesson.
Simultaneously the two teens looked at each other, each seeing the
reluctance in each other's eyes and each wondering why that reluctance
was there in the other. Neither had given the other a complete story as to
why they were refugees in the magical room and not in their own house
dorms. It had been an unspoken agreement not to pry and so neither had.
It was obvious to them both now, that whatever the other one was
dealing with was serious enough to make them apprehensive about
leaving the safety of the room and that gave them some common ground
to perhaps come to an understanding of each other.
"Well, ready?" Harry asked turning his head to look at her.
"Yeah." Bella stated after a brief pause nodding hesitantly.
"Let's not tell anyone about the room just yet, yeah?" Harry stated.
Bella nodded in agreement, no sense in letting others no where her safe
haven was.
"To the Great Hall then?" Harry asked.
"Sure." Bella responded emotionlessly.
Harry reached for the handle of the door and pulled it open. The teens
stared out into the empty hallway and both sighed in relief at no one
being around to see them. The two of them with determined looks
stepped out into the empty corridor.
"Well here we go…Bella?"
"Harry?" Bella spun around only to find herself alone in the empty
hallway.
oooOOOooo
5. Chapter 5
A/N: I am totally blown away by the interest in this story. 54 reviews
on the last chapter alone! You guys are awesome. This chapter is over
10,000 words, typically I like my chapters between 5 and 7 thousand
words, so don't expect many chapters of this length. Not much Bella/
Harry interaction in this chapter but a lot more in the next. I hope you
enjoy the chapter and I hope you will leave me a review or comment on
your thoughts.
Chapter Five: The Mystery
Harry spun around but there was no sign of Bellatrix anywhere, the only
foot prints he could see in the corridor were his own from the previous
night. The door behind him gently closed and then vanished from sight.
Harry gave a start and turned to look at a solid wall in front of him now,
all traces of the door was gone.
"What the hell?" Harry mumbled as he pushed on the wall with his hands,
but the wall was hard, cold, and unmoving. He stood back and stared at
the wall.
"I guess the room closes up when not in use." He mused. His eyes swept
around still looking for his missing roommate but he found neither hide
nor hair of her. Suddenly a worrying thought crossed his mind. Was it all
a figment of his imagination, was it all some terrible joke? He scratched
the back of his head pondering the situation.
'The room had provided a common room, bedrooms, a large bath and many
other things. Could it have also provided the girl?' The thought depressed
him somewhat as he rather liked her, in the space of one night she had
made quite the impression on him.
He found her…fascinating, definitely dangerous and he really liked her
playful if not teasing personality. 'But why would the room go through all
the trouble of providing someone and why Bellatrix Black of all people?'
Maybe the room somehow pulled her from his mind, after all when he
had seen her image on the family tapestry he had thought she was very
attractive. Perhaps the room saw this and created her to be a friend for
him. And hadn't he requested a friend along with a place to stay when he
was first lead to the room?
'Get a grip Potter, I doubt the room could produce a living breathing person…
or could it?' He mused. 'Okay head; think logically, how would Hermione
look at this?' Immediately Harry felt as if something gripped his heart, a
heavy hand squeezing it forbidding it to beat as the thought of his former
best friend was brought to the fore.
Sadness quickly shrouded him in its oppressive cloak. He missed her, she
had always been there for him, and she was the sister he never had, a
kindred spirit. Why wasn't she there for him now, why didn't she believe
him, why was this time any different than all the other times. She
believed him in first year when they stopped Voldemort from getting the
Philosophers' Stone.
She had supported him in second year with all the trouble of being
accused of being the Heir of Slytherin and then the whole basilisk
incident, and believed him that Tom Riddle, AKA Voldemort had almost
been brought back to life through his cursed diary. She stood by him in
third year where they rescued an innocent Sirius Black, and saved them
from Dementors.
What was it that made the events of fourth year turn her against him?
Was she just fed up with all the adventures of the Golden Trio of
Gryffindor? Had she had enough of being in dangerous situations, did she
fear for her life?
Thinking about all these adventures and Harry was loath to admit to
himself that maybe she did have a good reason to pull away from him.
He was dangerous to be around. For Merlin's sake he had the most
dangerous Dark Wizard in a century out for his blood.
But Hermione took it a step further and completely turned her back on
him and joined the chorus of others calling him a cheat…a liar…and a…
m-murderer. Harry swallowed a rather large lump in his throat as the
sadness and loneliness powerfully asserted itself once again. He slumped
to the floor leaning against the wall, his knees brought up to his chest
and his head resting on them with his arms over his head.
Harry tried to stifle the tears that he felt coming. Walburga would be
disappointed in him; she had tried to instill in him an air of indifference
to be above the weakness of sentiment and emotion. To look with
contempt at those who would set themselves against him. But Harry was
a creature of powerful emotions; he wore his heart on his sleeve and all
though he had gotten better at hiding them the more powerful would still
seep through.
He needed a friend, he did not want to be alone, however he knew he did
not need a love sick fan girl like Romilda Vane, or a Ginny Weasley, or
even a promiscuous girl like Lavender Brown. He needed someone that
he could be himself around, someone with intelligence, but perhaps not
as overbearing, like Hermione tended to be at times. He needed someone
who he could have a serious conversation with that didn't just involve
Qudditch or Chess or if he had completed all his homework.
Bella was perfect, maybe too perfect. She was angsty just like him,
disillusioned with what the world had dealt her, just like him. She was
intelligent but not obnoxiously so, she was fun and flirty and just easy to
talk to once you got past the wand pointing and threatening stages. She
had secrets, and so did he.
Was she just a figment of his own imagination, a representation of what
he wanted most in a companion, a friend? Perhaps, but was it that bad…
really. So what if she isn't real, she was more company than he had right
now which was none. Harry decided that no matter the case it did not
bother him, though he hoped deep down she was real.
But where was she? Why did she disappear right when they exited the
magical room? Maybe she didn't exist, maybe she had turned around for
something and was coming right back out? But several minutes had
passed by now and she still had not appeared.
A growling stomach drew Harry's attention away from his missing
companion and on to finding some sustenance. He would worry about
the mystery of the magical room and the lovely Miss Black after he got
some breakfast in his stomach.
Harry made his way to the staircase passing by the entrance to Gryffindor
tower. He quickly hid behind a suit of armor when the portrait of the fat
lady swung open. He saw Hermione emerge from the opening quickly
followed with about a dozen first years. He assumed that she was
escorting the "firsties" to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Ron was not with her, most likely sleeping in. Ron never saw the point of
getting up any earlier than absolutely necessary on a weekend. In fact it
was an affront to his way of life. Laziness was an art form and Ron was
its Da Vinci.
Smirking to himself, Harry joined the procession falling in behind a small
little blonde haired girl with pig tails. As they traveled Hermione was
elucidating the group on the finer points of hard work and earning house
points for Gryffindor. Harry silently chuckled when he noticed that all
the first years had a homework planner similar to the one Hermione had
given him and Ron for Christmas second year. Harry shook his head with
mirth imagining a whole year of mini Hermione's. 'Merlin I miss her.'
Harry thought, glancing sadly at the mop of busy brown hair in front of
the marching group.
The group had just reached the third floor landing when Harry's musings
were interrupted by a high pitched scream. Harry immediately withdrew
his wand and searched for signs of an attack. Harry turned back to the
group he was following only to see a nervous Hermione pointing her
wand at him with the entire group of first years hiding behind her in
fear.
Looking at the small cherubic faces behind his former best friend he saw
that their fear was directed toward…him. Why would they be terrified of
him?
"W-what do you w-want Harry?!" Hermione ordered, but her bravado was
lost on the tremble in her voice and her shaking wand.
Harry sighed deeply; apparently his former best friend was still following
the rest of the bloody sheep in the Wizarding World and only saw him as
some deranged psychopath. It was obvious from the looks of terror on the
faces of the young students behind her that they were informed of his
derangement as well.
"I want nothing Hermione." Harry softly spoke looking into her cinnamon
brown eyes. "I was just heading to the Great Hall for some breakfast,
nothing nefarious, nothing untoward, just going down to breakfast. I am
still allowed to eat am I not?" He asked.
"He's not going to kill us is he Hermione?" The same blonde girl he had
been walking behind asked with trembling lips. "It's just that Mr. Weasley
told us that he was a dark wizard and would kill us if he got the chance."
Harry glared at Hermione, his eyes glowing with anger. Hermione and
the group that had been following her unconsciously took a step back. A
wave of uncontrolled magic was flowing from Harry; his eyes seemed to
glow with unrestrained power.
"Is this true Hermione?" Harry asked in a low growling voice. "Is your
Boyfriend spreading malicious lies about me? Is that what you believe
too Hermione?" Harry spat.
Hermione was opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water, her
brilliant brain not knowing how to respond. Harry gazed searchingly into
Hermione's eyes but did not find what he was hoping for in her eyes. A
sign of belief, or guilt about betraying him, but all he saw was
trepidation and fear.
"I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY FRIEND HERMIONE! I THOUGHT YOU
KNEW WHO I WAS! OUT OF EVERYONE IN THIS CURSED CASTLE IT
WAS YOU I COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON!" Harry balled his fists in
anger; he shut his eyes tightly shaking his head back and forth.
In a quieter voice Harry continued. "You were my sister Hermione; I
loved you as if you were my own blood. You were my rock, my solace in
the craziness that is my life. How could you betray me like this, did our
friendship mean nothing to you?" Harry's voice cracked with emotion, his
eyes reflecting the hurt he felt inside.
Hermione did not speak, her eyes were wide and filled with tears, but she
made no effort to speak, to deny what Harry was saying. So conflicted
were her emotions that she was frozen. Her heart screamed at her to run
into his arms and beg forgiveness, but Ron was her boyfriend and he had
forbid her to ever speak to Harry again.
Ron was the only boy to ever show romantic interest in her and she
desperately wanted to feel wanted. She believed herself to be a plain girl
and not very popular. She did not want to grow old and alone, so she
latched onto Ron's affection like a life line. In her heart she knew that
Harry was not the monster that people and the press had painted him to
be, yet she did not have the courage to defend her first true friend. Her
Gryffindor courage seemed to have fled her.
Harry slowly nodded his head. "I see…" Harry rolled up his left shirt
sleeve. On his wrist was a friendship bracelet that Hermione had made
for him for Christmas their first year. It had been one of Harry's most
prized possessions next to his father's invisibility cloak. It was a token of
a friendship that he thought would last forever. From the day Hermione
tied it to his wrist and explained its meaning he had never taken it off.
Hermione's eyes widened in recognition of the woven bracelet. Harry
grabbed the bracelet in his right hand and with a quick and hard tug he
snapped the threads that bound it together. Harry looked at the bracelet
longingly for a moment before slowly turning his hand over allowing the
token of friendship to fall to the cold stone floor.
Without another word and without looking back Harry walked away, and
in his mind ending any hope of reconciliation with the bushy haired
bookworm. Hermione fell to her knees and lovingly picked up the
bracelet as if it were the most fragile Faberge Egg in existence. The first
years all jumped as a mournful wail echoed throughout the corridor as
they watched the fifth year prefect sob uncontrollably.
'What have I done, what have I done?" Hermione repeated as she rocked
herself back and forth on the hard stone floor. Something had snapped in
Hermione when she had picked up the discarded bracelet, her mind
seemed to come to life as she held the token of friendship to her chest.
The sudden lucidity instead of comforting her wracked her soul with guilt
as the weight of what she had done to her best friend came crashing
down upon her. She could not fathom why she had treated her friend
thusly, but the memories stood clearly in her mind judging her harshly.
Hermione never made it to the Great Hall and was not seen again until
the first class Monday morning.
oooOOOooo
Having lost his appetite Harry made his way back to the seventh floor.
The scene with Hermione played over and over again in his mind. "She
said nothing, not a word, how could she do…I don't understand." Harry
agonized.
Harry had made it to the fifth floor when he noticed a girl looking in and
out of classrooms and peering into broom closets apparently searching
for something. He almost turned to continue his journey to the seventh
floor when he noticed that she was not wearing shoes…or socks for that
matter.
Although it was September and still relatively warm, the flagstone floors
were always a bit cold. Looking closely at the girl's feet he noticed that
they appeared to be red with cold and the girl would repeatedly rub one
foot and then the other against her legs trying to warm them up.
Against his better judgment he approached the small girl. She was a good
six inches shorter than he was, with dirty blonde hair that reached her
waist. She had a thin frame and almost elfish facial features except for
her large almost bulbous blue eyes that oddly enough seemed to fit her
face beautifully. He noticed that she had interestingly tucked her wand
behind her right ear.
She wore an oversized knitted sweater with some sort of weird rabbit
looking creature with a single crumpled looking horn coming out of the
middle of its head. And a poodle skirt that came straight out of the
nineteen fifties. A necklace that appeared to be made of Butter Beer corks
and what looked like radishes dangling from her ears. It was an odd
ensemble but he had noticed that most magical didn't have the best
fashion sense when it came to muggle clothing.
Harry cleared his throat wanting to announce himself so as not to startle
the young witch. Without turning around to acknowledge him she
opened up another broom closet and searched it quickly and at the same
time spoke.
"Hello Harry Potter." The small girl stated in an airy voice.
"Um…hello."
"Have your shoes disappeared as well?" She asked now turning to face
him then looked down at his feet. "Oh! You found them…good for you! It
usually takes me till the end of term to find mine. Nargles are
exceptionally good and hiding things you know."
"Um…sorry…Nargles?" Harry queried never hearing of such a thing.
"Uh huh, they like to live in cold and damp places, so a castle is a prime
breeding environment. And with so many nooks and crannies to hide
things in they can't help themselves in borrowing items and hiding them.
I think it's kind of a game they like to play really."
Harry just stared blankly at the blonde witch, unsure what to think about
her. "We believe you by the way." She replied out of nowhere not
noticing the awkward silence coming from Harry.
"Huh?"
"About Voldemort being reborn. My father and I believe you. Oh where
are my manors…I'm Luna, Luna Lovegood." The blonde stated and held
her hand out.
"Err hi and th-thanks." Harry intelligently replied taking her offered hand.
In a swift motion Luna had gripped his hand tightly and pulled him
closer to her. They were nearly chest to head. Luna kept a hold of his
hand and leaning her head back looked straight up into Harry's eyes.
Harry uncomfortably stared back at the smaller witch who seemed to be
studying him. "As I suspected." Luna nodded. "Wrackspurts, a large
infestation of Wrackspurts."
"Wrackspurts? Harry asked.
"Yes Wrackspurts. They're tiny creatures that enter a person's brain
through their ears; they kind of make your thoughts fuzzy and disjointed
and can also cause moodiness and depression."
"Uh huh…and how does a person get rid of w-rack…"
"Wrackspurts." Luna helped.
"Yeah those, how do you get rid of them?" Harry asked humoring the girl.
"Well there are two ways. The first way is to jump into a mountain lake
wrapped in seaweed and allow the plimpies to nibble it off your body
while you sing 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.'" Luna stated.
Harry's eyes widened. He didn't know whether to laugh or run away from
the odd girl in terror. "So what is the second option?" Harry queried
almost afraid to ask.
"Butterscotch pudding. I find the second option more agreeable." Luna
stated matter-of-factly tapping her lips with her left index finger.
"What do you have to do with the Butterscotch pudding?"
"Well you eat it of course!" Luna stated looking at the boy as if he were
daft or something. Chuckling Harry agreed that the second option
sounded much more…palatable.
In an effort to change the subject Harry asked Luna about her lack of
footwear. "Well like I was explaining before, Nargles have taken all my
socks and shoes again."
"Again? Does this happen often?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes, every year since coming to Hogwarts. Sometimes my shoes are
borrowed, sometimes my winter cloak and other clothing articles, on
occasion my homework disappears. Though this is the first time it has
happened on the first day back. Usually I find most of my things though
by the end of the school year. I'm sure the same thing has happened to
you."
Harry looked at the girl with a touch of concern. He had a feeling that
the Nargles were most likely her housemates stealing the young girl's
things because she was a bit odd. "No Luna that has never happened to
me. Have you spoken to your head of house about your things
disappearing?" Harry asked.
"Oh no, he is much too busy to bother with something so trivial. Besides
sometimes they're returned and if they're not I can always owl daddy for
replacements."
"Are you sure that these nettles…"
"Nargles."
"Yes, uhmm Nargles. Are you sure that Nargles are the culprits here
Luna?"
"Well…I think so, but I'm a little confused because I have anti Nargle
talismans in my trunk and I wear one around my neck." She showed the
butter beer cork necklace. "So they must have become immuned so how."
"What about your room-mates? Maybe they have had a hand in your
things vanishing?" Harry asked, a cloud of sadness seemed to pass over
Luna's eyes, but it was so quick that Harry wasn't sure that he had seen it.
"Why would they do something like that though? I mean they never talk
to me so I don't see why they would be in cahoots with the nargles." Luna
half smiled. Harry shrugged but didn't comment. Luna began to rub her
feet again on her legs in an attempt to warm them up.
"Here let me help you." Harry stated kindly. He then took out his wand
and pointed them at Luna's feet and cast a warming charm.
"Oooh that's nice." Luna commented wiggling her toes. You know, you're
not at all what they're trying to portray you as. Not that I ever believed it
anyways you have too many gilded chumlies circling you." Luna stated
with assertion.
"Is that a good thing?" Harry asked
"Oh very good! Gilded chumlies are attracted to people of noble spirit,
unfortunately they can't chase away the nargles but I can give you one of
my talismans for that." Luna offered with a large smile.
"Well I think you are probably the only one who thinks that about me?"
Harry said a bit down heartedly.
"Oh no there are many Harry Potter, some are just too afraid of the
blibbering humdingers to show their support. But the curse is what's
turning most against you. But sadly there are those who just for whatever
reason allow the wrackspurts to effect their minds."
"Curse…what curse?" Harry asked.
"The curse that the sniveling wingbat has put on the students. Well not
the students per say, but at the entrances to the house common rooms."
"Something has cursed the students to be against me?" Harry asked.
"M' huh, not a very nice thing to do, but there you are." Luna replied
picking at a loose thread on her jumper.
"If that's true how come you are not affected?" Harry asked.
"Well I'm not one hundred percent sure. It could be my necklace, but that
wouldn't explain all the others who are not affected. So I think it must be
simply a mental thing. You choose to let it affect you or you don't. I
chose not to let it influence me." She shrugged.
"So the reason everyone hates me is because of this curse?" Harry asked.
"Oh no, there are plenty of people who hate you even without it, it just
negatively affects those who have no opinion one way or another." She
stated.
"How do you know this?" Harry asked curiously.
"Well I can see it over the Ravenclaw entrance and I assume all the
common rooms have it. And because, the magic leaves a visible trace on
everybody who passes underneath it."
"You can see magic?" Harry asked in an impressed tone. Luna smiled
brightly and nodded.
"Uh huh, all magic leaves a trace whether it is a curse, hex, jinx, or spell."
Luna confirmed.
"Do you know the counter curse Luna?" Harry asked hopefully.
Luna's countenance fell." I'm sorry Harry Potter, I don't. Does this mean
we can't be friends."
"What?! No o-of course not. Do you want to be my friend? I mean with
everyone else against me wouldn't that put you at odds with the rest of
the school."
Luna looked at him sadly. "Most people already ignore me. They think
I'm kind of…odd." Luna whispered conspiratorially with a small shrug of
the shoulders. "But I would love to be your friend if you'd let me." Luna
whispered in a small voice.
Harry stared at Luna for a moment. Her voice and facial expressions were
so genuine and open that it surprised him. She was definitely unique but
that wasn't a bad think at all in his book. Dobby gave new definition to
the word odd, but Harry counted him now as a good friend. "I'd like that
Luna, I don't have many friends right now as it is, and I would be daft not
to accept such a wonderfully unique person as you as a friend." Harry
smiled at the petite blonde.
Luna's smile threatened to eclipse her face it was so large, she launched
herself into Harry and hugged him for all she was worth. Harry not
totally unaccustomed to hugs, after all he had received them from Mrs.
Weasley and from Hermione. But this hug was not the smothering kind
that he received from the Weasley matriarch or the occasional bone
breaking hug from his former bookish best friend, but it had been a hug
full of emotion and gratitude that Harry couldn't help smile in spite of
himself.
Luna stepped back from Harry her cheeks flushed pink with
embarrassment. "Sorry Harry Potter, I guess I got a little too excited."
Luna mumbled.
"No worries Luna, that's what friends do right. And please it's just Harry,
okay?" Harry offered with a smile, Luna returned his smile and nodded
with enthusiasm.
"Have you had breakfast yet Luna?" Harry asked his new friend. Luna
shook her head in the negative.
"Well, how about we kip off to the kitchens and have something to eat
and then I'll help you try and find your shoes, yeah?" Luna nodded and
soon they were off to the basement and finding the entrance to the
kitchens, Harry tickled the pear on the painting of a cornucopia of fruit.
The pear turned into a brass door knob and with a gentle turn and a push
the two new friends walked in to the Hogwarts kitchens.
The kitchens were a bit larger than the Great Hall with long tables that
sat precisely under their counterparts on the floor above. There were
dozens of house elves running to and fro setting platter after platter of
breakfast foods on the groaning tables. Once the platters were placed on
the table the immediately disappeared and reappeared on the
corresponding table above.
An excited House Elf appeared before them wearing a ruffled pink apron
with the Hogwarts Crest in the center of it. From the longish white hair
he guessed she was female. She had large blue eyes and a pointy nose
and with the typical large bat like ears that all House Elves seemed to
have.
"Howz can Ellie be'z helping young miss and young sir?" The little elf
squeaked.
"Um…we were wondering if we could have breakfast here in the
kitchens." Harry asked the diminutive elf.
Ellie bounced on the balls of her feet and clapped her hands together. "Of
course youz can!" She squealed happily dragging the pair to a medium
sized table. Harry and Luna had barely sat down when several elves
brought plates full of eggs, rashers, fried tomatoes, and pastries and
carafes of pumpkin juice and a tea setting.
Harry and Luna thanked the elves for the wonderful services they
received beaming faces in return and then returned to their other duties.
Harry and Luna began to load their plates with the delicious smelling
buffet before them. Harry had just taken a bite of his eggs as he looked
around at the busy elves. He suddenly had a thought and wondered if it
were possible.
Harry called to a passing elf and asked to speak to him. "Does young sir
need something from Tudgy?" The small elf asked.
"Um yes. I was wondering, my friend here as seemed to have lost her
shoes and socks and I was wondering, is it possible, I mean are you able
to find lost items within the castle. And if you are could you help us in
locating them?" Harry asked unsure if it were even possible.
"That is an easy thing to do sirs." The elf replied happily.
"Oh?" Harry asked.
The little elf nodded his head vigorously. "Oh yes, every witch or wizard
leaks their magic which gets into their clothing. All we needz to be
doings is looking at young miss's magic and weez can be finding her
thingses."
"Wow, I didn't realize that was possible." Harry stated impressed.
"Is young miss wanting Tudgy to findz her thingses?"
"That would be ever so lovely if you could." Luna stated with a happy
smile.
Without another word the elf popped away, within moments the elf
returned with a rather large pile of clothing, shoes, jackets, and other
clothing. Harry looked at the rather large pile and then back to Luna.
"Where did you find all thisTudgy?" Harry asked.
"Somez were in the abandon greenhouse, others were being in the trunks
of other Ravyclaws." It squeaked.
"Luna…how…why…?" Harry was at a loss for words as he looked at the
large pile that had obviously been things taken from the young blonde
since her first year. Luna looked a little embarrassed and could only
shrug. She picked out a pair of mismatched socks and a pair of shoes and
quickly put them on.
"Tudgy, could you return Luna's things to her trunk please." Harry asked.
With an animated nod the small elf popped away with the items.
"Well at least I know where to come when the nargles take my things. "
She said softly. Harry glared at her and shook his head.
"Luna, I seriously doubt that nargles are responsible for all this. You
should really speak with Professor Flitwick about this." Harry told his
new friend. Harry was nearly seething with anger at the treatment that
Luna had apparently been receiving from her House-mates.
"I know you mean well Harry, but I'm sure that he is too busy and besides
my house-mates are only having a bit of fun, I'm sure their intentions are
not meant to be mean in nature." Luna sated in a sad voice dropping the
airiness from earlier.
Harry was about to argue the point but the pleading look in his new
friends eyes begged him to drop the subject. Reluctantly he dropped the
subject and the two sat in silence while they returned their attention to
the food in front of him.
An hour had passed and the two chit-chatted about this and that until
Luna told him that she wanted to return to her dorm room and sort
through her things. There were obvious articles of clothing and what-not
that no longer fit her and she wanted to owl them home. With a promise
to meet each other tomorrow for breakfast again Luna left the kitchen.
Harry sat there in the kitchens a bit longer and tried to organize his
thoughts with his novice occlumency skills. His morning so far had been
to say the least emotionally draining. He once again thought of Luna's
possessions being stolen from her and then he immediately thought of his
own, specifically his father's invisibility cloak and the Marauders' Map.
He was about to call Trudgy again when he thought of someone else.
"Dobby, I need you!" Not knowing if this would work or if it were
possible for the odd little elf to enter Hogwarts he called for his friend.
There was a slight pop as air was displaced and suddenly an overzealous
Dobby was hugging Harry's legs tightly.
"Master Harry iz needing his Dobby! " Dobby said excitedly nearly
toppling Harry. Harry chuckled at Dobby's antics and placed his hands on
Dobby's shoulder and pried the eager elf off of his legs so he could stand
properly.
"Dobby, I was hoping that you could help me with something." Harry told
the still bouncing elf.
"Of course! Dobby be doings whatever the Great Harry Potter asks!"
"Uh huh, well I was wondering if you had the same ability to sense magic
as the House Elves here to locate some personal items of mine?" Harry
asked.
"Yes Harry Potter, all house elves can sense magic, especially of their
master's magic!" Dobby said his head nodding fervently.
"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed. "I need you to find my invisibility cloak and
a map that belonged to my dad, it's called the Marauders' Map, and it's a
magical map that shows the castle and everyone in it. My former friend
Ron Weasley took them and I believe he may still have possession of
them." Harry said bitterly.
"I's can try and find the cloak but it could be difficult…and the map
maybe more difficult, the magic of the map may not have allowed your
magic to seep into it. And the cloak Dobby remembers as being very
powerful and also may not have let your magic in it. But Dobby will do
his best for his master." Dobby stated.
"Just do your best Dobby, that's all I ask, but I would find Ron Weasley,
he most likely will have it near him." Harry told his little friend.
"I will keep looking until I have found it Harry Potter sirs." Dobby said
and snapped his legs together and bowed then with a small pop was
gone.
Harry did not know how long it would take Dobby to find and collect his
family heirlooms from the traitorous redhead so he decided that maybe
he would take a walk outside and get some fresh air. He climbed the
stairs from the basement to the main floor. He could hear that breakfast
in the Great Hall was in full swing. The chorus of voices echoed from the
hall and out into the foyer.
Not sparing a sideways glance Harry walked past the large double doors
that lead to the eating students and walked out the main doors of the
castle and out onto the grounds. He made his way toward the black lake
to the large Oak tree that had become a favorite spot of many students to
look out over the large body of water. He sat down and waited to see if
Dobby would be successful anytime soon.
oooOOOooo
"Harry? Harry? Lord Black?!" Bellatrix was confused and she hated,
simply loathed being confused. Harry had been right next to her when
they stepped through the door and then…poof! He was gone.
"If this is some kind of prank I swear I'll hex your bits, head of house or
not…Harry!" Bella spun around as the door behind her closed and then
disappeared. "Well shite!" She growled out, as she now stared at a solid
stone wall again.
"Suppose I should just head to breakfast and see if he turns up. If he's not
there I can just return here, besides I want to know if I'm still in my time
or not." Bella spun back around and began the long walk from the
seventh floor to the main floor where the Great Hall was located.
Fortunately it was still on the early side so there were not many students
around. She entered the Great Hall and walked to the Slytherin table and
immediately recognized her two sisters, well that answered her question
of what time she was in, but her sisters were looking worried about
something.
As Bella approached her sisters, Narcissa spotted her and jumped up from
her seat and ran toward her and then threw her arms around her eldest
sister's waist and buried her head into her chest. "W-where were you?" A
muffled sobbed was heard coming from the little blonde girl at Bella's
chest.
Before Bella could answer, her other sister had arrived with a murderous
look on her face. "Do you know what we've been through?!" Andromeda
hissed in low tones to her sister so others would not over hear.
"When you didn't arrive in the common room we thought something had
happened to you! Then the bloody Lestranges and their lemmings came
in and were cursing your name and swearing they would get even!" Andi
growled. "Now will you tell us what the bloody hell is going on and
where you've been?"
Bella looked around and noticed a few eyes that found some interest in
the three Black sisters huddled up together. "Not here." Bella whispered.
"We'll talk in a bit; I need to eat a bite first." The eldest Black sister
informed the other two.
Bella led her sisters over to the far end of the Slytherin table furthest
from the door. Bella sat down pulling a plate toward her and began to fill
it. Andromeda and Narcissa sat together opposite from Bellatrix. The two
younger sisters looked at their older sibling with a 'well we're waiting'
look. Bella had just taken a bite of sausage when she noticed them
glaring. She huffed and quickly chewed the bit in her mouth.
Lazily she flicked her wand around the trio putting up some privacy
wards to keep other nosey busybodies from over hearing them. She
folded her arms in front of her, resting them on the table and then leaned
forward, her sisters doing the same in expectation.
Bella's eyes hardened a bit when she told her sisters about her
conversation with Professor Slughorn and that he had informed her that
there was no other place for her to stay unless she was a married or
betrothed student, and how he didn't seem overly concerned about her
safety.
Andromeda uncharacteristically swore and looked ready to kill when
Bella rehearsed what Rudolphus and the Git Patrol had attempted to do to
her. That explained the losers' tirade when they came through the
Slytherin entrance into the commons room. Cissy had a look of terror on
her face thinking about what could have happen to her idol of a big
sister.
The next part of the story Bella was not sure how to explain, how do you
tell someone that you were guided by some unknown entity to a room
that magically appears when asked, and then meet a boy who is
somehow from the future and on top of that the future Head of the Black
Family.
Bella opened her mouth to explain and…nothing. She could not think of a
way to start this conversation. She sat back in her seat and had a
complete stupor of thought. Andromeda and Narcissa looked at their
sister and then toward each other. Cissy shrugged in confusion. The two
younger sisters then turned back toward Bellatrix and patiently waited
for an explanation.
Before Bellatrix could start her explanation, she felt a large presence
approach her from behind. Turning slightly she saw the Slytherin Head of
House coming near. With a slight wave of her wand she dispelled the
wards that she had erected and turned fully to see him.
"Ah Miss Black, and Miss Black, and Miss Black." Horace Slughorn
chuckled at his own wit. "May I have a word with the oldest Miss Black?"
The walrus looking professor asked in his best sycophantic voice.
"Of course professor." Bella replied. "What is it that you want?" She asked
as she stood from the table and walked a small distance away from
prying ears.
"I discussed your situation with the headmaster and I have some good
news!" He smiled largely.
Bella did not respond but looked at him with an expectant look on her
face to continue. "Uh uhm, well as I was saying good news about your
request. The headmaster will allow you the use of the head girl room
within Slytherin that is currently unoccupied. That should afford you
some privacy and you would be the only one to be able to enter once you
set a password." He said magnanimously as if he had moved heaven and
earth to accommodate her.
Bella stared at the man or appeared to. Her mind was racing thinking of
all the pros and cons this would present. On one hand it would get her a
private room that only she could access and she would be near her
sisters. However she would still be living within Slytherin walls with the
Lestranges and the other dim wits that hung around him.
Then there was Harry, the raven haired boy from the future. In her
logical mind she believed that his appearance was not some random
happenstance. No there was a connection between them and therefore a
purpose for his presence. Furthermore, the castle itself had lead her to
the room. It was a mystery that she begrudgingly found to enticing to
give up. But perhaps she could have both, to accept the room but allow
Andi and Cissy to use it. That would give her sisters some added
protection and a place for her to stay if for some reason she needed to be
there.
"That's wonderful professor. I'm grateful for your attentiveness to my
situation and think that the Head-Girl dorm would be more than
acceptable. Would it be possible for my sisters to join me if they needed
to?" She asked.
"I don't see why not. I believe the House Elves can modify the suite to
your needs." He replied.
"Thank you sir! I cannot thank you enough!" Bella stated stroking the
man's ego a bit.
"Excellent! You can move in as soon as you like Miss Black. Oh and
expect my annual invitation to my Pre-All Hallows Eve party. I will have
the most interesting people there this year; I have an actual descendant
of Vlad the Impaler as a special guest!" The fame mongering professor
stated with a wide smile.
"Looking forward to it professor." Bella stated with a forced grin, she then
spun around and returned to the table muttering about sycophantic
imbeciles.
"What was that about?" Andromeda asked curiously.
"Slughorn just gave me the Head-Girl suite in the Slytherin dorms to use
for the year." She smugly told her siblings.
"That's great Bella!" Andromeda congratulated her older sister. "At least
Rudolphus can't use his prefect status to access you dorm room now.
"That's true but I'm not the one who will be using it." She whispered
conspiratorially. Once more Bella threw up a silencing ward created by
one of her ancestors. It was a combination of a notice me not charm and
a sound dampening charm that kept anyone from overhearing them even
with listening charms.
"What do you mean you won't be using it?" Narcissa asked in confusion.
Bella sighed. "Look, I'm going to spend as little time as possible around
the Slytherin Commons Room. And before you ask I do have some where
else I am staying and it is a safe place. And I know you want to know
where it is I'm staying, but for the moment I'd like to keep that secret, but
I promise I will let you know soon just trust me for now, okay?" Bella
asked her sisters and gave that I'm serious look that they knew all too
well.
The sisters reluctantly agreed but were not happy about it in the least.
"So why did you except the Head-girl suite if you're not going to use it?
Andromeda asked.
"Because, you and Cissy will be using it." Bella stated
"Us?" Cissy asked.
"Look, I've pissed off ole Rudy and his goons, and if he can't take out his
frustrations on me he may turn them toward you. By staying in the suite
you'll be protected at least while you are inside of it."
"Do you think he would hurt us Bella?" Narcissa asked beginning to chew
on her bottom lip with apprehension.
"I wouldn't put it past him Cissy. I know mother made sure we knew how
to protect ourselves from unwanted advances but as much as I loathe
admitting it, he is very powerful and can be rather ruthless when he feels
slighted." Bella remarked.
Cissy shrunk in her seat trying to make herself small and inconspicuous.
Andi reached over and put her arm around her sister. Bella leaned
forward and looked her youngest sister in the eyes and with a wicked
smile asked her. "Do you remember the castration spell I taught you this
summer?" Bella asked conspiratorially.
Narcissa shyly grinned and nodded her head. "If anyone tries to hurt you,
remember you are the daughter of an Ancient and Noble House. So if
anyone tries to harm you, use that spell. The Lestranges' are not an
Ancient or a Noble house so they will have no legal recourse if they
decided to press the issue of line theft. Sometimes it's good to be at the
top of our society." Bella chuckled evilly. Narcissa's smile widened while
Andromeda just rolled her eyes but her small smirk let her sister know
that she found it amusing as well.
oooOOOooo
The three sisters after enjoying their breakfast returned to the Slytherin
Commons Room to move Andromeda's and Cissy's things. Fortunately,
neither Rudolphus nor his brother happened to be there. However, Bella
would not escape complete anonymity as fifth years' Lucius Malfoy,
Gregory Goyle, and Matthias Crabbe had just entered the common room
from the fifth year dorms.
"Well, well look who it is lads." Lucius sneered. "Rudolpus was most
displeased with your lack of…servility last night." Lucius stated, slowly
walking around the three sisters like a shark would circle its prey. "What
a fortuitous moment that we should find you here, we were so worried
when you didn't return last night."
"I'm sure you were all just devastated." Bella sneered.
Lucius softly chuckled as he continued circling. "Indeed, Rudolphus was
so wanting to continue his conversation with you. He feels he may have
come off a little to…abrupt." Lucius turned a questioning look at his two
companions who began to chuckle.
"Such a pretty young Black, with golden hair even, you must be quite the
rarity in your family." Lucius stated as he slid a finger across Narcissa's
cheek which caused the young girl to shiver in disgust.
"Touch my sister again Lucy, and I'll permanently remove your hand."
Bella spat.
"Tsk tsk Bellatrix, I was merely admiring the splendid genes you Blacks
have. Besides you mar that pretty face of yours when you scowl like
that." Lucius shuttered mockingly. "Quite unattractive."
"Why don't you just crawl back into the hole you came out of smeg-
heads." Andromeda sneered. And take your bitches with you!"
Andromeda continued, glancing back at Crabbe and Goyle over Malfoy's
shoulder.
"Who you calling a bitch, you…you bitch!" Goyle stuttered out and tried
to look triumphant.
Andromeda laughed mirthfully. "I see originality is not your strong suit.
Neither is bathing apparently." Andromeda's nose crinkled in disgust as
she caught a whiff of the two oversized fifth years.
Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other inquisitively and then each took a
whiff of their under arms. Each shrugged as if to say 'I don't smell
anything'. Andromeda rolled her eyes at the two boys. Many in Slytherin
were amazed that the two were still allowed in school. Their marks were
abysmal and neither had the power enough to stun a Bowtruckle.
Everyone just assumed their fathers had paid off the school board to
allow them to stay.
The confrontation began to attract the attention from the other Slytherins
in the common room. It was common knowledge that Bellatrix Black was
the current Hogwarts Dueling Champion and had been since her third
year, and her sister Andromeda was no slouch with a wand either. The
Blacks seem to always come to Hogwarts with quite the repertoire of
spells, jinx's, and curses already at their command.
"Ladies, ladies, there is no need for any unpleasantness." Malfoy raised
both of his hands showing he had no wand in them. "We are all
Slytherins here; and we are both from prominent pureblood families. We
should not squabble amongst ourselves like commoners. Our world is in
danger enough from the dirtying of our society by those who are less
than disserving of our gifts. We must stand united against the collapse of
our world." Lucius declared to the many nods of approval of those
present.
"Rudolphus himself told me that you, Bellatrix Black, could become such
a powerful force for good and a leader of our cause if you would only
open your eyes and join him as co-leaders of the youth movement. Your
parents see the wisdom in it; they know that an alliance between your
two powerful pureblood families would go far in rallying others to the
cause." Lucius stated in his practiced smooth and silky voice.
"Spoken like a true politician Lucy." Bella replied. "I have no interest in
joining your little movement, and I have absolutely no interest in joining
the House of Lestrange. I will choose who I…unite myself with, so you
can just go find Rudy and tell him to stay clear of me if he wants to
remain a whole person before he graduates." Bella smiled mockingly.
""You forget yourself…Witch!" Lucius spat, letting his cool demeanor
slip. "You will have no say in your union with Rudolphus. This matter
will be settled between wizards, you have only to obey like a witch
should do!" The longhaired blonde sneered. Lucius comment, although
receiving approval from the wizards in the room it had the opposite
effect on the majority of witches that had heard the comment.
Regaining his former air of indifference and schooling his features, he
began to speak in the tone of voice his father had taught him in dealing
with all matters of a political or public nature.
"Miss Black, our 'little movement' as you call it, is the herald of a people
who wish to only reclaim what is by right of magic ours. Your Noble
family has generously provided funding to our Lord and as a boon to
your family you have been given an opportunity to be a witch of position
and prestige within our ranks. Our Lord has been informed of your skills
with a wand and your prodigious talent at brewing. He is most anxious to
meet you; he wishes to personally explain his platform to you.
Bellatrix this is a rare opportunity afforded to few. You could very well
be placed amongst the elites in the new government that he will
establish. Just think of the honor you will bring to your family, not to
mention that your family will be heroes to our people by funding this
great cause and fighting for our traditions and culture." Malfoy declared.
Bella admitted to herself that when Lucius wanted he could be very suave
and convincing, but Bella knew Lucius too well not to know him as a
manipulator. Bella did not give any outward expression of her thoughts
one way or another. Lucius took Bella's silence as a sign she was seriously
considering what he had said and began to prematurely congratulate
himself.
"Listen Bellatrix, our youth organization will be meeting on All-Hallows-
Eve, and you can learn firsthand what we are about and have the
information you need to make an informed decision on what we are
about and the goals of our Lord." Lucius offered trying to get at least a
small commitment from her. He was convinced that once they enticed
her with some power and authority two things that the Black family had
been well known to cherish, they would have her, and then once
indoctrinated by their masters philosophy she would become a powerful
tool that his Lord could forge into an even more powerful weapon.
Bella looked at Lucius, and like a good Black decided to look at all sides
of her current problem in order to see where she could benefit. If this
movement was as powerful as they claim and their intentions true, soon
the Wizarding world would be thrown into a civil war. And right now she
knew there were many of the Old Families who were throwing their
financial support to this new Lord Voldemort.
Bella did not share all of the same ideals of the more bigoted purebloods
but she was proud of the traditions and culture of her magical ancestry.
The fragmentation of her society was evident even to the most novice of
political watchers. If this Lord Voldemort was as organized and as well
funded as she was being lead to believe, it might be prudent to at least
show some interest in the movement but not commit to anything just yet.
"Very well Lucius. I'll come to this meeting of yours. But don't for one
moment think that I will put up with the shite you lot attempted last
night. Next time it won't be a banishing charm I throw at you. The
contract between Lestrange and I has not been signed yet and as such I
do not belong to him and I will not be treated as his property! Do I make
myself clear?!" Bella hissed at the feminine looking Malfoy.
"I will relay your sentiments to Rudolphus. Speaking for myself, may I
say that you have made a wise decision to join us at our meeting. I
guarantee it will be very insightful and enlightening." Malfoy then bowed
and quickly gave a less than pure wink at Narcissa causing the young girl
to shiver. With a quick turn he walked away from Bella and her sisters,
with Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind him.
"You can't be serious Bella?!" Andromeda hissed.
"Quiet!" Bella hissed back. "Not here. The two of you go collect your
things and get back down here as soon as you can. The head-girl suite is
the door left of the fireplace. Once you get back we'll get you two set up
and then set a password that only the three of us will know, understood?"
"Yes Bella." They two younger Black sister chorused and then were off to
gather their things.
oooOOOooo
It had taken Dobby no time at all to locate the invisibility cloak and the
Marauders Map. Both were located in the trunk of the redheaded traitor
that had turned his back on his master. Dobby was sorely tempted to
curse the snoring freckled face twit but he was not sure that the Great
Harry Potter would approve. So after retrieving the stolen items Dobby
quickly popped back to his master.
Harry was ecstatic about the return of his family heirlooms and told
Dobby he was incredibly grateful. Dobby had absorbed all the praise and
was bursting with happiness.
"Dobby if I need you again I'll call. I won't be in the Gryffindor dorms
though. They sort of kicked me out of the house." Harry told the little elf
who was now planning revenge on those who would treat such a great
wizard as Harry Potter.
'I'll be staying in a place on the seventh floor. It kind of appears and
disappears." Harry stated.
"Oh! Youz is in the comes and goes room!" Dobby stated knowingly.
"You know about the room?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes Harry Potter, it is also known as the Room of Requirement. I's
was bringing Winky here when she was having too much butter beers."
Dobby stated shaking his head sadly thinking about the female elf that
had been wasting away.
"So you know how to get into it then?" Harry asked.
Dobby nodded. "Youz is just telling room whats you want and it be giving
it to you."
"So can any elf pop in to the castle?" Harry asked thinking that Hogwarts
was not as safe as everyone believed.
"No master Harry Potter sirs." Dobby replied.
"Then how did you enter?" Harry asked puzzled.
Dobby looked a little embarrassed. 'Well Although Dobby is Harry
Potter's elf now, Dobby was never formerly released as a Hogwarts Elf."
"So are you still bound to the headmaster then?" Harry asked a little
worriedly.
"No Harry Potters sirs, Dobby was a free elf while at Hoggywarts, elves
here are not bound to headmaster whiskers, elf's only bound to school."
"Really, so the elves are loyal to the school not necessarily to
Dumbledore." Harry asked and Dobby nodded. "But I imagine the elves
report everything to Dumbledore though yeah."
"Hoggywarts keeps the secrets of her students from whiskers unless they
be in danger." Dobby stated.
"What! So all the crap that I went through over the years, all the
ambushes I walked into from the students, all the curses I took, the
headmaster knew about!" Harry yelled.
Dobby nodded sadly. "I's had warned headmaster whiskers myself on two
occasions. And he was telling Dobby that he would take care of it. But
whiskers never intervened sirs."
"Hoggywarts is not happy with headmaster, she is telling all house elves
to protect students now, she is breaking vow of non-interference set by
the founders, says that whiskers has broken his oath to protect students
by allowing you to face danger within the castle and allowing you to be
injured."
"Hogwarts is alive then?" Harry asked excited about confirming his
theory.
"As long as magics is being used within her, she has life master Harry
Potter sirs, but her magics is limited." Dobby confirmed.
"Brilliant!" Harry stated. "She has already helped once, by guiding me to
the Room of requirement. I can't wait to tell Bella." Harry stated thinking
again of the young girl.
"Thanks again Dobby, you've been a great help." Harry patted his small
friend on the shoulders affectionately.
Dobby smiled proudly. "I's be comings whenever you needz me Master
Harry Potter sirs." And with a small pop Dobby was gone.
Harry donned his cloak his body vanishing from sight. He made his way
back to the room that now had a name. The Room of Requirement, fitting
he thought. He did not stop at the Great Hall or visit any other area. He
realized that Monday would be here soon enough and he would have to
deal with the student body then. No need to hurry it along he thought.
Hoping to find Bella in the room he paced back and forth in front of the
wall, calling for the room he had last night. After the third pas the
familiar wood doors appeared and he stepped through.
oooOOOooo
"This is lovely!" Narcissa beamed as she and her sisters entered the suite
set aside for a Slytherin Head-Girl. It had a small commons area with a
couple of cozy looking sofas, a fireplace, a pair of desk. The hardwood
floors were covered by various ornate Persian rugs, the walls with
medieval tapestries. It had a very warm and comfortable feel to it.
To Bella's surprise there were two bedrooms with a shared bathroom
between them, similar to the setup in the magical room that she and
Harry shared. Andromeda was drooling over the large tub and Bella
could tell from the look in her eyes that she was ready to jump in and
give it a try.
Bella speculated that the house elves somehow knew of her desire for her
sisters to stay here and had made the room accordingly. Andromeda and
Cissy each chose a room and were soon unpacking their things.
Once her sisters were settled, the three took seat on the sofas. Bella then
explained to her sisters why she had agreed to attend the meeting with
Lucius. Both Andromeda and Narcissa voiced their anxiety about her
getting involved with people who were obviously bigoted and had voiced
their animosity toward anyone who wasn't of pureblood.
"Look girls, I'm not signing up with them, just going to listen to what they
have to say. Besides, our parents and Uncle Orion have already begun to
support this movement. And I don't think that they wouldn't ally
themselves with an organization that was truly evil." Bella stated.
"I think you're just trying to justify your decision Bella. We both heard
what Olivia Rosier said to you. They are planning a hostile takeover, they
want to bring down the Wizengamot and…and kill muggleborns!"
Andromeda challenged her older sister.
"Andi, I can't see them hunting down muggleborns. There are too many
of them. Besides if they started doing that popular opinion of them would
dramatically fall and would lose support of the moderates." Bella stated,
though there was no conviction in her voice.
"So they would kill people like Lily?" Narcissa asked with trembling lips.
"She is so sweet and funny and smart. Bella you can't let them hurt Lily!"
The blonde sister shrieked.
Bella pulled Narcissa into her lap, the younger girl burying her head in
her sister's neck. "Look, I promise if there is any serious hint that they
plan on harming others I will immediately turn away from them. And
perhaps if I do find out that they are truly going to bring a war to our
people I can convince the family to stop financing them." Bella said softly
hugging her littlest sister.
"I still don't like it Bella." Andromeda told her sister. "But, if you promise
not to join if they are as bad as I fear they are then I'll support you."
"Agreed." Bella responded. The three sisters stood and put their arms
around each other. "Sisters forever?" Bella asked the familiar call to her
sisters.
"Sisters forever!" The other two replied.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just being sisters and enjoying one
another's company. Bella and Andi informed Narcissa about the various
professors, and what she could expect from each of them. After eating a
light lunch that a house elf Bella had called provided. Bella excused
herself to return to her 'safe place' and do some pre-class studying.
With kisses and hugs Bella left the suite, without looking around Bella
exited the Slytherin Commons room and made her way back to the
seventh floor. It had been an interesting day and she had much to think
about. As she walked thought of the raven haired, green-eyed boy
entered her mind. He had obviously not come out of the room with her,
so assumed he couldn't come through to her time. It was a mystery that
kept bugging her, a puzzle that she wanted to solve. Not to mention she
was looking forward to getting to know the boy better. Purely on a
platonically academic level of course, she told herself though somehow
her stomach had other ideas and was fluttering at the thought of seeing
him again.
Coming to the blank wall she walked back and forth thinking of her
request. A set of familiar wooden doors appeared and slowly opened. She
stepped into the room and suddenly found a pair of emerald green eyes
sparkling back at her.
oooOOOooo
6. Chapter 6
Disclaimer: See Chapter one.
A/N: Wow again 56 reviews for the last chapter! Up to 215 reviews, not
bad for five chapters! I want to thank all those who reviewed, I know
many authors say this and it is absolutely true that it is your reviews
and responses that really motivates us to get chapters out. I hope you
enjoy this next chapter of Passageways.
Chapter 6: The Room of Requirement
Saturday afternoon, Minerva McGonagall sat at her desk chronicling the
home life as well as the academic and personal life of Harry Potter since
the night he had been removed from the Wizarding World and then his
subsequent return to the same world. It was a painful study in
manipulation, engineered friendships, controlled but dangerous
conditions and methodic exploitation of the savior of the Wizarding
world.
Albus Dumbledore for some reason from the moment the elder Potters
were murdered had taken a radical stand in the development of the
Potter heir. He had shared with certain people about the destiny of the
young boy and that he would one day be needed to stop the returning
darkness to their world.
Albus knew that Voldemort had not truly been destroyed that fateful
night so many years ago, and that he would one day return. How he
knew the Potter boy would be involved in the ultimate defeat of the
worst Dark Lord in a century no one else knew, for he kept this a closely
guarded secret. But his word was taken as fact, after all Albus was one of
the greatest wizards to have lived since Merlin. He was widely respected
and held in high esteem by witches and wizards not only of Great Britain
but the entire Wizarding world.
So without reason to doubt him, many including Minerva herself had
blindly followed Albus' directions in allowing the boy to be a pawn in the
headmaster's endgame. His motivation in the tests was to place Harry in
life and death situations and determine what specific stimuli would be
the best to motivate Harry to be the weapon he needed.
In Harry's first year, the Troll incident although not planned initially, was
a welcomed event in Albus' mind. It cemented within the young boy that
self sacrifice was a noble act as he threw himself onto the back of the
Mountain Troll to save the Granger girl. It meant that the boy was
unknowingly willing to put himself in harm's way to protect another. But
Albus would need to refine it even more, he would need to narrow the
boy's view of self-sacrifice as not something that he could do but
something that he must do to gain peace and acceptance by not only his
peers but his parents as well.
The Granger girl although instrumental at the time, had unwittingly
guided Harry's character; she was a potential complication though. Harry
could not be allowed to form an attachment that could distract him from
his destiny. Emotions especially those of caring and love were
unpredictable emotions at best, but perhaps under the right
circumstances they could be used to turn the love starved youth into a
more determined martyr.
The Mirror of Erised had been the first real test. Albus needed to know
what Harry desired most. This would be the key into developing the
groundwork for how to guide him and manipulate his surroundings to
push him into the desired direction.
Albus discovered that the boy's greatest desire was to be reunited with
his parents. Of course no one could come back from the dead once they
were truly gone, but a plan formed in the old man's mind to use that
desire to slowly encourage Harry to join them…but at the appropriate
time and in the expected manner.
Minerva was instructed to only speak highly of his parents, giving hints
to the scamp that is father was and the kind person that his mother was
known to be. This would reinforce a sense of pride in his parents. She
would remark often to Harry that he was so like his parents and would
talk of their sacrifice in saving not only him but through him the rest of
the Wizarding world, implanting the concept of self-sacrifice stronger
into the young boys head.
Albus encouraged Severus Snape the SLYTHERIN Head of House to
denigrate the name of James Potter as often as possible in front of Harry,
making Harry overly protective of his father and lash out at the potions
professors. This would allow Severus to punish Harry at whim. Harry
would begin to associate the punishment and sacrifice of protecting and
defending his family name and the follow up consequences of that
defense as the norm. But it would also jade Harry further against
anything perceived to be of the dark, reaffirming Ron Weasley's words
about all evil witches and wizards came from Slytherin.
Through word and deed, would Albus guide and manipulate the thoughts
and emotions of the Potter heir. The line between light and dark would
be shown as severe. Voldemort would encapsulate all that was wrong and
evil in the world and as a Potter it was his duty and family obligation to
combat and lay down his life so that others may have the happiness that
can only come from the self-sacrifice of the few.
And so with a game plan achieved, the next three years were carefully
constructed to push the young Potter's abilities, power, and temperament.
He was built up just to be taken back down. An emotional rollercoaster of
highs and lows kept him unbalanced. Friendships and betrayals, successes
and failures, praises' and ridicule, he was being hardened, molded, and
refined.
This would be the year where Albus would really begin to press his
agenda. Voldemort had returned and Harry had been used to resurrect
him. It would not be hard for Albus to play upon young Harry's guilt and
sense of honor. As being the one to allow the Dark Lord's return it was
now incumbent upon the boy to destroy him. Harry's sense of
responsibility would call for nothing less.
But for all his intelligence, Albus had miscalculated. He had pushed too
hard, thinking that Harry would harness all this antipathy that was being
thrown at him and use it to fuel his desire to destroy what was the
intended focal point of his misery, Voldemort. Instead He had created a
Harry who was losing all affection for the world that had "rescued" him
from the horrible existence he was forced to live with the Dursley's.
Albus had hoped that with the turning of the school against him that
Harry would place the anger squarely on Voldemort as the cause of his
strife. He hoped it would motivate Harry to willingly throw himself into
preparing himself to face Voldemort to prove to others that he was not
lying. So desperate was Harry's need for love and affection he thought he
could manipulate that desire in wanting to prove himself.
Eventually Harry would come to understand that what Albus had put him
through was necessary and for the greater good of the Wizarding world.
Albus was supremely confident that his plan would indeed bare good
fruit.
A knock on her office door broke her self-reproving musings. She had
called her fellow confederates to a meeting to discuss how they would
protect Harry Potter. Minerva feared that it may be too little too late but
she had to try and redeem herself in not only her eyes but in the eyes of
James and Lily and save their son.
"Filius, Pomona, come in, come in." The stern transfiguration professor
called back to the door. The diminutive Charms professor and the plump
Herbology professor entered. Much to her surprise three other professors
came in as well. Professors Aurora Sinistra, Septima Vector, Charity
Burbidge, entered as well. Seeing the inquisitive look on the Deputy
Headmistress face, Filius spoke up.
"I've spoken at some length with them Minerva and they are as appalled
as we are at what has been happening to young Mr. Potter and are most
willing to help us in protecting the lad."
"As you know Minerva." Aurora Sinistra began. "Lily Evans and I were
study partners for our seventh year Transfiguration project. We became
quite close; I have never known such a warm and compassionate person
as Lily Evans. I feel an almost sense of obligation to try and help her son,
and payback some of her kindness." Sinistra stated passionately. Minerva
nodded at the young professor and received similar stories from
Professors Vector and Burbidge.
"Then let's get this meeting started." Minerva nodded and with a sweep of
her wand three more chairs appeared.
oooOOOooo
"Hey…"
"Hey…"
The two teens stared at each other awkwardly for a few moments before
the ever bold Bellatrix ended the staring contest with her typical frank
way of speaking.
"So are you going to tell me where the hell you went or are we going to
stare at each other and count the freckles on each other's face?" Bella
asked folding her arms across her chest.
"But you don't have any freckles on your face." Harry replied in
confusion.
With a large smirking grin on her face she slowly with a little sway in her
hips walked toward Harry. "Been memorizing my face Harry? My, my,
my, aren't we just the observant young lord." Bella purred as she traced
her right index finger across Harry's chest as she walked by. She had to
stifle a giggle as she saw the reddening gob-smacked face on her
roommate.
Harry stood there for a moment completely at a loss for words, but wisely
chose not to pursue this line of conversation. He turned and followed her
to the sitting room taking a seat across from her. Clearing his throat
which had gone dry for some odd reason, he restarted the conversation.
"Well, um…I'm still in my time apparently. When I exited the room I was
alone. I looked around for you but you were no longer there." Harry
stated as he relaxed back into the comfortable wingback chair. "I ran into
Herm…an acquaintance while I was out and knew I was in my own
time."
"It was the same for me. I stepped out with you at my side but then all of
a sudden you were no longer there. I went to the Great Hall to discover if
I was still in my time or yours. When I arrived, I found my sisters and
realized that I was also still in my own time." Bella replied. "So I guess we
are resigned to our own timeline then?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, maybe. Perhaps if we time it
perfectly and step out at the exact same time…"
"Maybe…" Bella cut him off. "But perhaps we are simply tied by whatever
force to our own time line and this room is somehow outside of normal
reality and the only place we can be together."
This thought had strangely saddened Harry. "Maybe we should try it
again but maybe holding hands this time."
Harry reddened again as he saw that saucy smirk coming from Bella,
realizing what he had just said and how Bella would likely respond to
such an opening. "You are bold my Lord, we've known each other less
than twenty-four hours and you are already trying to hold my hand!"
"That's not what I meant!" Harry protested fiercely but his reddening face
only caused Bella to give in to her giggles.
"S-sorry Harry!" Bella gasped merrily. "But it was too good a moment not
to tease you!" Bella was leaning heavily back in her chair with her arms
wrapped around her belly as she tried to calm herself down.
Harry crossed his arms petulantly and rolled his eyes. "It was just a
thought." Harry said flatly.
"It's actually a good thought." Bella stated after she regained control of
herself. It still amazed her how comfortable she felt around Harry, she
would have to give that some serious evaluation later, because she never
felt comfortable letting her guard down around anyone.
"Yeah?" Harry asked
"Yeah. I mean it couldn't hurt to try. Maybe we should try it later in the
evening though, less likelihood of running into…problems." She stated
pensively. "I…I was thinking earlier, about why this is happening to us. I
mean there has to be a reason why the castle has brought us here. I'm not
a big believer in coincidence so I have to believe that there is something
else at play here. Some reason why you and I were brought together."
Bella stated thoughtfully.
"What do you think the purpose could be?" Harry asked
"Not entirely sure to tell you the truth. It can't be coincidence that we are
related and you are the Head of House Black in your time."
"Maybe we are meant to help each other somehow." Harry replied with a
shrug. "Aunt Walburga wants me to bring honor and pride back to the
family, maybe that's it." Harry finished
Bella looked thoughtfully at Harry as she considered his words. "I don't
think the castle would interfere in our lives just to bring back a family's
honor." Bella stated flatly. "No I think it has to deal with us personally."
This got Bella thinking of her own mess of a life right now. 'Could he be…
it was unlikely that he could stop the marriage contract with Lestrange.
Although Harry is the head of my house in his time, Uncle Orion is the acting
head in mine, and it is unlikely that he would order my father not to accept
the contract.'
Another thought entered her mind…a disturbing thought. What if there
were no Lestranges' to be married to. Could she make the two brothers
simply disappear, could Harry be enlisted to help her? What would Harry
think of her for contemplating murder? She wasn't even sure where these
dark thoughts were coming from. She had never taken a life, oh sure she
had thought about it, but never seriously considered doing it.
But desperate times call for desperate measures, and she was desperate
not to be forced into this union. She had heard about the dark magic that
could be put into these magically binding contracts, and she knew that
she would most likely lose her free will once she signed on the dotted
line, such was the magic imbued in these archaic rituals.
There were too many what ifs and how's that it was not worth dwelling
on it at the moment. Even if Harry was not repulsed by the idea, there
was the matter that he was stuck in his time and she was stuck in hers, so
how could he help even if he wanted to. So why were they brought
together if not to help each other? Maybe she was just over analyzing all
this. Maybe it is just some miracle of happenstance that brought them
together.
'Nah!' She didn't believe in coincidences. They were brought together for
a reason; she just needed to somehow find out what it was. It was a
mystery and nothing attracted Bellatrix Blacks interest more than a
mystery.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly as he looked into the blank face
of the girl in front of him.
"W-what? Oh! Sorry just kinda of zoned out there for a minute. I was just
trying to answer a question in my head."
"Did you find your answer?" Harry asked interestedly.
"No, not yet, but I'm nothing if not tenacious. I'll figure it out eventually."
"So what did you do while you were out?" Bella asked as she took a seat
in the comfy arm chair that she now claimed as her own. Harry took the
other across from it. Bella kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet
underneath her as she got comfortable.
"Some tea would hit the spot about now." Bella casually said rubbing her
tired eyes with her right hand. "I wonder if the room offers room service."
"Don't know, give it a try." Harry told her.
In a firm voice Bella called out for tea, a few moments later a tea service
and a plate of biscuits appeared on the end table next to her chair.
"Brilliant!" Bella stated. "Faster than a House Elf.
"Hmm…house elves, I wonder if Dobby could come here, after all he was
never officially released from the castle."
"Who's Dobby?" Bella asked.
"One of my house elves." Harry stated.
"One? How many do you have?" Bella asked curiously.
"Um…three."
"My, my, aren't we the spoiled lord." Bella smirked jokingly.
Blushing Harry responded. "Well one I inherited, another I freed from a
bad former owner and now he serves me and another who had been
released from her family and was in bad shape so I offered her a home
with me." Harry told Bella defensively.
"Easy I'm not judging or anything, just that it's rare for most families to
have more than one elf unless they own multiple properties." Bella stated
apologetically.
"Sorry, I can be a little defensive at times. Aunt Walburga keeps telling
me to reign in my emotions but as you can see I do let them slip out at
times."
"Aunt Walburga? Orion's wife?" Bella asked in astonishment.
"Yeah, why?" Harry asked curiously.
"Is she still alive?"
"Um, no, she died several years ago. When I moved into Grimauld Place
her portrait was there and we struck up a kind of mentor/apprentice
thing. She has been very helpful and very patient in training me to be a
proper lord." Harry said with admiration in his voice.
"So do you prescribe to her ideology then?" Bella asked warily.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked perplexed.
"I mean are you a pureblooded bigot Harry?!" Bella asked accusingly.
"What!? Of Course not! I'm a half-blood for Merlin's sake! I have…well at
least had friends who are muggleborn!"
"Then why are you learning from her?! For that matter why is she
training you? She detests everything that is not pureblood." Bella stated
matter-of-factly taking note of Harry's admission of being a halfblood.
"She may have been at one time…but her opinions have changed with
the death of…"
"Yes?" Bella asked leaning forward on her chair.
Harry again was kicking himself. He again had nearly let slip information
about the future that could have serious ramifications on his present
should the information get out to the past. Bella saw Harry immediately
close down. She had struck a nerve and wondered if she had pushed too
hard and quickly decided to ease his fears or at least attempt to.
"Look…" Bella stated slowly, getting up from her chair she walked toward
the fire looking into its snapping flames. "…I'm just curious Harry; I'm
not trying to trick you into revealing something you don't want to. I just
find this whole situation extraordinarily strange."
Bella turned back around staring deeply into the young man's eyes. "I find
you extraordinarily strange. Not in a bad way…just…I'm not sure."
At his bewildered stare she continued. "How is it that you a half-blood
are the head of the House of Black, what has happened to my family
Harry? It's obvious you're guarding secrets from me. As a Slytherin I can
appreciate you being reticent about giving me any personal information
about yourself and the future. But we are family Harry, however distant
we may be. If you are a Black and have been taught even just a little
about us, you know how important family is to us." Bella paused for a
moment collecting her thoughts again before she continued. Harry just
continued looking at her, somewhere lost in his own thoughts, but
carefully paying attention to the raven haired girl.
"Why have we been brought together Harry? Haven't you been
wondering about that? I mean there has to be some reason other than the
two of us trying to escape our own individual problems." She questioned
him coming closer to him snd sitting on the arm rest of the chair Harry
was sitting in.
"I have been thinking about it." Harry finally spoke looking up at her
from his seat. "I don't know why either Bella, maybe it has something to
do with…" Harry cut himself off again, staring almost judgingly at Bella,
at the woman who became the right-hand of Voldemort, the most feared
witch to have lived since Morgana.
"Tell her Harry…you can trust her. You will need to trust each other." A
soft musical voice stated from behind the two. Harry jumped from his
seat and in a smooth fluid motion had pulled out his wand and spun
around. Bella was a split second ahead of him drawing her own wand.
Both teens spun to see a beautiful translucent looking woman with
shockingly blue eyes and long plaited blonde hair that fell over her left
shoulder and hung past her hips. She appeared to be wearing a full
length gown that trailed behind her, wide sleeves hung from her wrists,
an oddly, a Celtic torc around her neck, the braided gold weaving in and
out ending with the head of a dragon on both ends. She appeared as if
she just stepped out of the dark ages.
"Who are you?!" Bella demanded of the apparition, pointing her wand at
her. The apparition chuckled musically.
"Why so jumpy Bellatrix Black of the House of Black. I would expect a
reaction like that from young Harry, but I thought you'd be a little more
composed." The woman smiled in mirth. Bella just glared. Chuckling
again the woman continued.
"But to answer your question Miss Black…well that is a little difficult to
explain. The short of it though is that…I am Hogwarts." The enigmatic
woman stated.
"Hogwarts?" Harry asked in surprise. "How can you be Hogwarts? I
mean…I recently began to believe that the castle was alive somehow, but
you are definitely not a stone castle." Harry replied looking the personage
up and down.
"Why thank you very much Harry Potter of House Potter and House
Black." Smiling at Harry warmly.
"Let me try and explain it then. When the founders built this wonderful
enchanted castle they each left a piece of themselves within the
heartstone. The heartstone is what powers the wards of the school. Along
with the inherent magic that exists here due to the magical ley lines the
castle sits on, the wild magic released from every student that has ever
attended here also gets absorbed into the heartstone.
One hundred and fifty years later something truly remarkable happened,
with so much excess magic flowing within my walls I somehow became
sentient. The last remaining founder was intrigued by my…birth…for
lack of a better word. But because a piece of each founder that was
placed within me I knew of their hearts desires; to teach and educate
young witches and wizards and provide them a safe environment to do
so. I was then commissioned by the last living founder, Helga Hufflepuff
to be guardian over the school.
I was to keep destructive outside forces from getting in and harming the
students. They did not foresee however, that one day the danger might
come from within my very walls, but not to interfere with the lives of the
students or professors was one of my tenants, tenants I am bound by
magic to keep. But because of…extenuating circumstances I am able to
interfere on behalf of each of you."
"What circumstances?" Bellatrix asked.
"In Harry's case I'm able to interfere because vows of protection were
broken. Every headmaster of Hogwarts takes a vow not to intentionally
harm or knowingly allow harm to come to any student under his care.
The current headmaster has broken his vows on both parts. Repeatedly.
In your case Miss Black I've taken some liberal license with getting
involved but nonetheless necessary action to prevent terrible things from
happening at the school and our world in the future."
"I don't understand." Bella informed the translucent woman.
"Terrible things will and have happened within my walls children; death,
murder, conspiracy, and betrayals. Young Harry here has been witness
and victim to many of them in his time."
"Then why haven't you stopped them before now?!" Harry asked hotly.
The specter lowered her head in sorrow and then spoke with a pain filled
voice.
"Because I was restrained by magic, I could only defend the castle from
outside influences. I could not interfere in the day to day happenings
within the castle. The founders wanted the students to be able to be free
to make their own decisions without influence. I have watched for
centuries the good and the bad, the heroic and the evil that children have
chosen to act upon.
But now…now that Dumbledore has acted against a student, has
willingly put you in danger and is currently planning on putting you in
great danger this year Harry, I am unrestrained. However I am not all
powerful. I can't physically interfere but I can provide you with sanctuary
and knowledge and other resources you might need if it is within my
power."
"But why is the headmaster doing this?" Harry asked angrily.
"He has fallen prey to his own hubris. He believes you are the one that
will stop the one who has brought suffering and misery to the Wizarding
world; that you will be the catalyst who will bring people back to his
vision of the greater good. He is immovable in his belief Harry. His
objective is to turn you into his weapon, an emotionless martyr who will
sacrifice himself for the greater good."
Harry fell back into his chair gob-smacked. A million thoughts and a
myriad of emotions whirled through his tempest beset mind. Harry had
thought of the man as a mentor but now he was revealed to be nothing
more than the architect of his misery. Bella sat once again on the armrest
of Harry's chair and squeezed his shoulder showing her support.
"The depth of his manipulations extends well beyond your own sufferings
Harry. He has been subtly influencing our world for decades. He is a man
obsessed with making the Wizarding world his own private utopia.
Forcing all to follow his vision of what the world should be and in the
process taking away not only magicals' but humanities free agency as
well." Hogwarts informed him.
The physical manifestation of Hogwarts continued to explain to Harry
and Bella just what the headmaster had done and how he was
intentionally turning the students against him as well as Snape's
involvement. Harry felt utterly betrayed, anger rose within him to a level
he had never felt before. Bella stepped away from him as raw magic
appeared to arc around his very skin.
Harry stood from his seat quickly and tried to force himself to calm down
as he paced around the room. He tried to use what occlumency skills he
had to reign in his emotions but found it near impossible to do so. A
calming draft suddenly appeared on one of the small end tables near
Harry's chair, while simultaneously a calming draft disappeared from the
medical stores in the Hospital Wing.
"Harry, drink this." Hogwarts told him. "It will help you calm down."
Without thinking twice Harry downed the bitter tasting potion. Within a
few seconds Harry had visibly relaxed, he returned to his chair a slumped
into its comforting softness.
"Are you okay Harry?" Bellatrix asked in concern for the boy.
"I don't know. It's a lot to take in right now." Harry said honestly. Harry
closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, one of the exercises
Walburga had taught him to calm his mind. While Harry was focused on
himself for the moment Bella faced the beautiful woman.
"I can understand why you can help Harry, but I'm confused as to why I
am here, why are you helping me?" Bellatrix asked in an uneasy voice.
Hogwarts looked fondly at the raven haired girl.
"You have so much potential Bellatrix Black, and you were meant to
accomplish such great things, but sadly if events in your life continue
unchanged by the end of Christmas break this year your choices will be
made by someone else and it will force you to walk a path that will have
devastating effects on our world and on Hogwarts for years perhaps
generations to come." Hogwarts wore an expression of deepest sadness.
"What's going to happen to me?" She asked concernedly.
"Your mind and free agency will no longer be your own, but a slave to
someone else." The visage stated.
"The marriage contract." Bella whispered and saw the slow nod from
Hogwarts. "What will I do in the future if things aren't changed?"
For a moment Hogwarts said nothing, but watched the young girl in front
of her. Hogwart's memories only included those things that happened
within her walls and surrounding grounds. But she was made aware of
things that happened without her through the students and faculty's
conversations and the odd news article read.
So Hogwarts was aware of the horrors the Death Eaters had visited upon
the Wizarding world and the failed attack of 1978 against the school
itself. Bella had lead that engagement against the school, nearly two
dozen students were killed before Voldemort and his force of Death
Eaters were driven back.
"Terrible things Bellatrix Black, terrible." Hogwarts told her without
elaborating. Harry looked up at her words and saw the pain in Bella's
eyes. It was that moment that Harry realized that this was not Bellatrix
Lestrange the mass murderer and Voldemort's lieutenant, but this was
Bellatrix Black a fifteen year old girl who had not chosen that path.
"You are not that person Bella." Harry spoke softly. Bella turned her face
to his, her violet eyes storming with emotion. "You haven't done any of
those things yet.' Harry told her.
"I may not have a choice Harry." She stated her voice devoid of emotion.
"You always have a choice." Harry replied.
"Not if I'm forced to sign the bloody marriage contract my father has
from the Lestranges!" She almost sobbed.
"Marriage contract?" Harry asked.
"It's a pureblood custom Harry. Marriage contracts are used to form
political alliances between like minded families but also to keep the
bloodlines pure. They're magically binding and in some case can be used
to force the witch to be completely subservient to their husband. It strips
them of their free will." Bella stated morosely.
"Then don't sign it." Harry stated firmly.
"It's not that easy Harry, a refusal to sign and I could be banished from
the family or worse. To refuse would dishonor my family and have
serious ramifications to our standing amongst the old houses."
"Isn't there anything you can do?" Harry asked.
Bella was silently looking at her feet for a moment before she answered.
"There are a couple of options, neither is very pleasant. The first is
hoping the Lestrange brothers die. The second option…I do."
"There has to be another option Bella. We'll just have to look for it."
Harry stated not happy with her options.
"He is right Bellatrix Black; you have an opportunity here to change your
future and I think Harry will be the key to help you." Hogwarts stated
with an enigmatic smile on her lips.
"So we were brought here to help each other then." Bella stated.
Hogwarts smiled.
"By helping each other you help yourselves and hopefully our world as
well." She told the two teens.
"May I ask you a question?" Harry asked the woman.
"Of course."
"If you are the castle how come you look like…well a beautiful woman."
Harry blushed.
"Oh, Helga would give you a big kiss for that compliment Harry Potter."
"Helga?" Bella asked.
"I took the image of the last Founder, Helga Hufflepuff. She was flattered
by my choice."
"Huh, I always imagined Helga Hufflepuff to be a large burley Viking
woman." Harry stated a bit embarrassed.
"Helga was actually born in Ireland. Her father was a Norseman, but he
took a young Irish girl as his wife. As many Norse in the ninth century
who came to Ireland they adopted the Celtic way of life and customs.
Helga's father was no different." Hogwarts stated, amused at Harry's
vision of Helga.
"So what do we call you?" Bella asked.
"Helga called me the Lady Hogwarts." Hogwarts replied.
"Lady Hogwarts it is then." Harry smiled, receiving one in return from the
woman.
"Lady Hogwarts, could you explain to us about this wonderful room and
its capabilities?" Bella asked, wanting to know the limits and abilities of
the room.
Lady Hogwarts grinned. "Of course. This room is known as the Room of
Requirement. It gives within certain limitations anything the seeker
needs. It is infused with thousands of charms, runes, and spells, too many
to go into, and many of them only known to Rowena Ravenclaw and
Helga Hufflepuff who were a Charms Mistress and Runes Mistress
respectively."
"So what are its limitations?" Harry asked.
"Well anything asked has to be already found within the castle or with
the castle wards. The room cannot create something from nothing."
"So the tea I asked for earlier…"
"Came from the kitchens." Hogwarts answered Bella's question. "And
Harry's calming draught from Madam Pompfrey's medicinal stores."
"So the burning question for me and Bella…is how we are here? Together
I mean, seeing that we're from different times." Harry asked.
"Excellent question Harry Potter. But not easily answered. As I said
before, this room can call anything that is within its walls, that includes
its students. Having the knowledge of the four most powerful and
creative wizards and witches in history running through me and some
creative magic of my own, I layered my own work with theirs.
When I finished my spell work I told the room I had need of both of you.
When I had need for the two of you the room for lack of a better word
created a hole between your time and Bella's time thus allowing you to
occupy the same space." She stated with obvious pride in her voice.
"So because you summoned us we can exist together here in this room?"
Bella asked for clarification.
"In essence yes, it's a bit more complicated than that but the whys and
wherefores are not important right now."
"So we can only be together in this room. We can't go to each other's time
in other words." Harry asked this time.
"Well that's not entirely true. The room will allow you to exit to one
another's time. However you must be touching and you will go to the
time of whoever is in the lead when you exit. I anticipated that you may
need to go back and forth, but I must warn you of the dangers of doing
so.
Already the time line has been corrupted with you two meeting, but the
real danger lies with Dumbledore. He is the headmaster in both times
and is a master occlumens, should he see you in the past Harry he will
remember you and that would create serious problems for you in your
own time.
For you Miss Black as well, you are quite the infamous witch in Harry's
time, should you be recognized it could create pandemonium in Harry's
time."
"I'm really that terrible in Harry's time?" Bella asked sadly.
"You are the nightmare of both the old and young. Your name strikes
terror across our world." Lady Hogwarts informed the young witch. Bella
couldn't imagine being so awful that she was feared by so many. "Take
extra care, young Bellatrix Black." Hogwarts counseled.
"Now, I believe I shall take my leave. I am sure you two have much to
discuss. But should you need me just call for me and I will come." With
those words spoken the Lady Hogwarts seem to dissolve into the
nothingness and was gone.
oooOOOooo
"Tell me about my future self Harry?" Bella quietly asked the boy sitting
across from her. She did not meet his eyes but kept them focused on the
low burning fire in the fireplace. She looked worried and Harry
wondered if it was a good idea to tell her the little that he did know.
"I want to know Harry, please." Bella's voice was soft and pleading.
"I don't really know much except for what Aunt Walburga told me and
the whisperings of some of the students." Harry told her honestly.
"Whatever you know Harry I would like to hear."
Harry sighed deeply looking at the witches profile in the firelight. Even
with a subdued looking face and her hair pulled back into a loose
ponytail she was stunning. Harry lost himself momentarily as his eyes
traced the outline of her forehead, it continued down the bridge of her
nose curving under to explore the supple looking sight of her full lips. His
eyes followed the path to her chin and then caressed the line up her high
cheekbones and then plunging down her long elegant neck. His eyes
traveled back up and found a pair of violet eyes staring back at him with
a speculative look in them.
There were no accusations or teasing, she just gave him a warm half
smile that reached up to her dark colored eyes. "You were going to tell
me what you have heard about me Harry." She said just barely above a
whisper.
"Oh, oh…sorry." Harry blushed in embarrassment.
"No apology necessary Harry, but please I'd like to know." Bella kindly
replied.
"Well…according to Aunt Walburga you joined a group known as the
Death Eaters who were the soldiers I guess you could call them, of a dark
wizard who called himself Lord Voldemort." Harry began.
Bella knew the name. He was the leader of the new pureblood movement
who was advocating pureblood superiority and calling for stricter
regulations against muggleborns and half-bloods.
"This Lord Voldemort is actually a half-blood by the name of Tom Riddle
who went to school here some fifty years ago."
"A half-blood? Are you sure about that?" Bella asked.
"Oh yeah, told me himself he did. His father was a muggle and his mum a
witch." Harry told her.
"Well that won't go over well if his followers found out about that." Bella
lightly chuckled.
"Suppose not." Harry agreed.
"Anyway, he began a war, loads were killed. According to Aunt Walburga
those pureblood families who refused to join him were completely wiped
out. My family included." Harry said darkly.
"The Potters were wiped out?" Bella asked in shock.
"Yeah, I'm the last. It was because of me…well because of my mum
really, that he was eventually stopped. The ministry was losing the war
badly and was near to falling.
You were one of his top Death Eaters, and from what I understand one of
his deadliest. It's been whispered that you personally killed over a
hundred witches and wizards, including…children."
Bella gasped and her eyes began to fill with tears as she collapsed in on
herself hugging her knees tightly to her chest. Harry could see her body
shuddering in disgust. Harry stood grabbing a blanket that was draped
over one of the couches. He threw the warm blanket around Bellatrix's
shoulders and pulled it around her. Bella grabbed it pulling it tightly
under her chin and dropped her head into its softness.
"You mention that your mum stopped him." Bella asked quietly not
raising her head.
Harry decided to trust his new roommate with everything he knew and
so threw caution to the wind. "For some reason he decided to attack my
family. He killed my father and then killed my mother in front of me. I
was only a baby but I still hear my mother's screams, pleading with him
to kill her and not me. He then attempted to kill me with the killing
curse, but something happened and his spell rebounded on him
destroying his body."
"Sweet Maeve, poor Jaime." Bella gasped at hearing of her cousin's
premature death. "Who was your mother?" Bella asked softly.
Bella noticed the look of extreme pain in Harry's eyes; she immediately
began to regret the question and was about to withdraw the question
when Harry responded in such a small voice she barely heard him.
"A beautiful witch named Lily Evans." Bella gasped again recognizing the
name immediately as the spirited redheaded girl that Narcissa had
befriended.
"I'm so sorry Harry." Bella's voice was sincere and sympathetic.
"I was just a baby when they died, but on occasion I can still here my
mum pleading with Voldemort to spare me and to kill her. I still can see
the green flash of the killing curse when I close my eyes and try to
remember." Harry's voice sounded so distant that Bella was sure he was
reliving that horrible night.
"Harry, I don't want to become some mindless killing monster. I'm very
happy with the person I am now." Bella told her roommate tucking
tighter into the blanket that Harry had placed around her.
"Then I guess we'll have to work on that won't we." Harry gave her a half
smile. Deciding she was done talking about morose things for the time
being and wanting to really get to know the boy in front of her and
*gulp* 'let him get to know me I need to change the mood.'
"Are you hungry Harry?" Bella asked in a cheery voice.
Harry momentarily surprised by the sudden change of topic nodded.
"Teenage male here, I can always eat." Harry joked.
"Good! Have you ever had the fantastical tasting muggle food called…
pizza!"
oooOOOooo
A/N: Had a difficult time with this chapter. It just didn't want to be
written and I'm still not completely happy with it, hence it being posted
a little later than I had planned. But this chapter was needed to lay a bit
more foundation and develop Harry and Bella budding friendship.
Harry has decided to be completely honest with Bella, but Bella will be
a little more cautious with what information she gives Harry. She is a
Black after all. Please leave a comment, suggestion or a review.
7. Chapter 7
Disclaimer: See chapter one for story disclaimers.
A/N: Wow! Seventy reviews for the last chapter! You guys are fantastic.
I hope to respond to some of them and let you all know how much I
appreciate your comments and suggestions. But if I don't get to yours
just know that I read them all and am truly inspired by your taking an
interest in my story.
A little warning; this chapter is a little angsty but not overly so. Next
chapter classes begin! How will Harry deal with his classmates and
professor?!
Chapter Seven: Revelations
"Kill the spare!"
"Avada Kedavra!"
"Nooooo! Cedric I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"
Bellatrix Black did not know what to do. She had heard the screams from
her roommate's room and ran in as fast as she could to see what was
happening. She found him thrashing about like he was having some sort
of fit. He was soaked in sweat and tangled in the sheets of his bed.
As she took in the scene she realized that Harry was having some sort of
nightmare a really terrifying nightmare, and from the bits she could
understand it seemed he was reliving something, some event where
someone had been killed.
She stood at the end of his bed at a loss for what to do. He wasn't in any
danger so perhaps she should just return to her room and cast a few
silencing spells. That was probably the proper thing to do. She turned
and walked toward the door with every intention of returning to her
room, but then.
"Mum…dad…?" Bella stopped her hand just about to push open the door.
She looked over her shoulder and looked at Harry's face, her heart
dropped in her chest as she saw the look of such sadness and longing in
the raven haired boy's countenance. She didn't know why she did it; it
was just an overwhelming moment of compassion she would tell herself
later.
She returned to the side of Harry's bed, he was crying in his sleep, the
discussion last night of his parents death coming to her mind. She gently
sat next to Harry's trembling form and cupped his cheek softly caressing
it. She had done this with Narcissa many times when she had bad dreams
and figured it couldn't hurt to try it with Harry. She shushed him with
soft cooing sounds, continuing to stoke his cheeks.
"It's alright Harry." She whispered. "You are safe, you are safe." After
about ten minutes Harry noticeably calmed downed. She continued to
look at the youthful face that was already showing the striking and
rugged looks of a soon to be handsome man and then she stared at his
eyes. Piercingly green, yet behind the emerald hue she had seen that his
true age belied his outward youthful appearance. 'What had he seen in
his short life to have such heaviness reflected?' Bella wondered.
There was much more to Harry Potter than he had revealed to her yet,
and she was actually looking forward to getting to know him better and
maybe learning more about what the future held in store. She gently
stood up from sitting next to the now deeply sleeping young man ready
to go back to her own room, but then from seemingly out of nowhere she
felt an intense urge to kiss him. This feeling shocked and confused her;
she had never felt the desire to kiss anyone like the desire she was feeling
now.
Almost on auto pilot she leaned forward, her hair fell down and draped
around Harry's head. Closer she moved as she took in his strong facial
features, his scent was almost intoxicating and caused her to tingle all
over. This was wrong, she thought. She barely knew him, he barely knew
her. Yet she knew she was inexplicably drawn to him. Her lips were right
above his they looked so soft and she could already feel the warmth
radiating from them. Her heart began to beat wildly.
She couldn't do this, she was Bellatrix Black; men stumbled over
themselves to be near her, boys were putty in her hands. She was not a
slave to her emotions, she was in complete control always…and yet…she
found her heart racing when she was near him. Was it the circumstances
that surrounded their meeting each other that was so exotic, was it this
that was driving her desire? Something taboo, something so fantastical
that it was overriding her senses…possibly.
She moistened her lips as she was just a hair's breadth away from
learning just how soft his lips really were, with one final move she leaned
in and kissed…his cheek. At the last possible moment she lost her nerve
or maybe found it and turned her head slightly to the left where she gave
him a gentle kiss on his cheek. Harry suddenly stirred and she quickly
dashed from the room amazed at her obvious impropriety and a little bit
embarrassed. However, Harry would not wake and would remain
oblivious to Bella's nocturnal presence.
oooOOOooo
The Lady Hogwarts in her capacity as a school was supposed to be
neutral and dispassionate to the day to day goings on of the students and
professors that lived and studied within her walls. Every individual had
their free agency to choose their own path, to choose how to live their
lives, whether they choose to walk the path of light, darkness, or
something in between.
In her millennial existence she had watched silently as her children, for
that is how she saw every student who entered her doors, she watched as
they studied, interacted one with another, plotted and planned, hoped
and dreamed. Never interfering but keeping danger from outside
influences away from her children.
However things had changed and the danger was not only from outside
forces but from inside ones as well. Lady Hogwarts consciousness could
be everywhere with few exceptions, but she was not omnipotent nor was
she omniscient, so, plots and schemes could and many times were missed.
At best she could give reactionary assistance, such as moving a staircase,
creating walls and barriers, but never physically interfering in an
individual student's behalf in preventing incidents.
But now with the headmaster of the school purposefully endangering one
of her children and tempting the darkness that could destroy her into her
very walls, the oaths and mandates she once observed were now
discarded. Her abilities to interfere were still limited but she would do all
that was in her power to change not only the fate of Hogwarts itself but
also the lives of two of its students who she felt destiny had guided her to
protect.
Her consciousness was alerting her to someone casting spells on her
walls, spells that would affect all who passed under it, and yet it was
focused on a singular target. The spell was a powerful compulsion charm
placed on each archway of the four Hogwarts houses. This would not
stand; Lady Hogwarts would no longer allow herself to be used to harm
another. No longer would she allow her children to be harmed or
manipulated.
Unaware by the headmaster a gentle pulse ran through the ancient
edifice as the compulsion charm was removed from every stone in the
castle, and then a new ward was set in place one that would prevent such
manipulations on the school from ever being used again. Many Hogwarts
students would awake tomorrow not understanding why they had been
so antagonistic and in some cases violent towards one Harry Potter.
oooOOOooo
Harry walked into the commons area with a skip in his step; he had an
incredible night's sleep he hadn't slept better since…well ever. The night
had begun like many others had lately with terrible visions and memories
of the last year's events, but then it all stopped and he found himself
feeling so safe and secure and the dreams that followed were in no wise
scary or torturous but rather…pleasant.
Harry felt his cheeks heat up at the recollection of the steamy dream he
had last night starring his gorgeous roommate, he just hoped he would be
able to keep his emotions in check when he saw her this morning. It
wouldn't due to give his very perceptive roommate any reason to tease
him.
Harry stopped in his tracks at the sight before him, Bella had apparently
had not slept in her room last night. The dark haired girl was sitting at a
desk with her head lying on a large tome with drool sliding from the
corner of her mouth. There were books and old scrolls covering every
inch of the desk she was sleeping on.
Harry silently approached her and took in the adorable sight, smiling at
her disheveled state. His grin quickly turned into concerned tightness as
he picked up one of the books and looked at its title. Harry read: 'Binding
Magical Contracts and How to Break Them.' Picking up another entitled
'Breaking Magical Oaths: A Path to Squibness and Death' and another
'Untraceable Poisons and How to Brew Them.'
The parchment under her right hand caught his attention. He carefully
moved in closer to see what she had been writing. A loosely held quill
blocked some of what she wrote but enough of the parchment was visible
to read what she had written. 'Virginity Clauses – must be a virgin on
wedding night-violation of such clause will null and void current contract.'
Harry speculated that Bella's marriage contract must have this clause in
it. He continued to read although her arm was covering part of the
parchment. 'How to overcome the chastity spell – impossible to do, requires
head of house to cast counter spell! Wait HARRY IS HEAD OF HOUSE!'
Harry read this last part with his name underlined several times and
nearly choked on his own saliva. 'She expects me to remove some chastity
spell from her!' Harry thought to himself in surprise. Still looking at the
parchment it seemed Bella had written down the counter spell and its
accompanying wand movements. 'Huh, seems that she intends to cancel the
marriage contract by losing her virginity.' For some reason Harry had to
swallow a large lump in his throat and his mouth went a little dry.
'Obviously Bella really does not want to marry Lestrange. Not that I blame
her.' Harry mused. 'Contracts, contracts that bind free will, how barbaric!'
Harry sat down at a small breakfast table and a side bar that had tea,
coffee, juices, and an assortment of fruit and warm scones and honey. For
several minutes Harry stared at his roommate and contemplated her
situation, wondering if he really would be able to do anything about the
contract. Sure he was Lord Black and Head of House in his time, but she
was not from his time, would it even work if he tried to cast the counter
spell. A slight groan caught his attention as he watched a disoriented
Bella open her eyes and look around.
"Good morning Bella." Harry greeted his roommate and then took a long
sip of his morning tea. He had to stifle a chuckle at the disheveled
appearance of the dark haired beauty. Her hair was sticking out in all
directions, her eyes were halved closed she staggered as she stood up
from the desk and quickly gathered her books and notes together and
tried to be inconspicuous as she crumpled up the piece of parchment that
had been under her hand and tossing it into the fireplace. The bleary
eyed girl then walked to the breakfast table. She had on a long silky
black night shirt that fell mid-thigh and a pair of fluffy pink bunny
slippers.
She approached the small breakfast table and plopped herself heavily
into the chair across from Harry. Harry began to say something but Bella
forestalled him with a raised finger. She grabbed a mug and the pot of
black coffee that had appeared on the table. She took a long sip of the
steamy bitter beverage and then with a satisfied half grin sat back in her
chair.
"Morning Harry." Bella finally greeted the young man.
"Sleep well?" He asked.
Bella froze and nervously met Harry's eyes looking to see anything that
might give a clue to the meaning of the supposedly innocuous question.
Did he know she was in his room last night, was he aware of her trying to
comfort him. Sweet Morgana! Did he know that she kissed him! Looking
closely at his expression trying to discern anything from him, she relaxed
somewhat when he did not appear to be insinuating anything from the
question. "Oh…I was up and down all night." Bella replied. "How about
you? Sleep okay?" She asked quickly.
"Well, honestly it started out a little rough, but then…I don't know I
thought that someone…anyway afterward I slept pretty soundly." He
replied taking a bite of his buttered scone. He was about to say that he
thought he heard a calming voice whispering to him and that it broke up
his nightmare, but decided against it.
"Humph." Was all she said as she took another long sip of her morning
java.
"So what are the plans for today? Tomorrow classes begin and I thought
we might spend today…you know…getting to know each other better
since we might not have much time after today." Harry suggested
finishing of the remaining bite of his scone.
"Uh yeah, I should make an appearance at dinner or my sisters will
become worried about me, but other than that, yeah. In fact there is
something I want to discuss with you later if that's okay."
"Sure." Harry replied wondering if this had anything to do with what she
had been researching on the chastity spell.
A flip of a galleon to see who would get the bathroom first and an hour
later saw the two freshly dressed teens in their mutual commons room
ready to start their day. They decided to test what they had been told
about being able to visit each other's time. Deciding that they would go
to Harry's first the two teens stood at the threshold of the open door and
the hallway.
Bella slipped her hand into Harry's and gave it a small squeeze. Harry
suddenly blushed at the act much to Bella's amusement. Bella had
glamored her features to show straight dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes.
Being a Sunday they could roam the castle without their house robes.
Bella wore a pair of straight leg blue jeans after being informed by Harry
that her corduroy bell-bottoms were a bit out of style. A light charcoal
grey jumper over her 'The Who' t-shirt finished the ensemble.
"Ready?" Harry asked receiving a tentative nod from Bella. Harry stepped
out first, gently pulling Bella's hand as she followed just half a step
behind. Unbeknownst to each other they had both closed their eyes when
they stepped through. When Harry came to a stop he still felt the warmth
of his roommates hand in his own. Opening his eyes he turned his head
to the right and saw the girl still standing next to him, she just barely
opening her own eyes. She turned to look at him and a large grin broke
out on her face.
'It worked!" She almost giggled.
"It did." Harry replied chuckling at her excitement. "Where to first?" He
asked.
"Hmm, too bad we can't go into Hogsmeade. I'd love to see if it's changed
much." Bella said.
"I don't see why we can't go." Harry replied.
"Have the rules changed? In my time there were certain authorized days
that we could go otherwise it was out of bounds." She informed Harry.
"Same now." Harry told her. "But that never stopped me before."
"My my Lord Potter, you are a bad boy!" She smirked playfully. "And just
how do you intend to get passed the gates? Only a professor can open
them."
"I have my ways milady." Harry responded with a devilish smile and half
bow.
"Well lead on them my mysterious Lord!" Bella continuing their flirty
banter. Harry extended his elbow which Bella took threading her arm
through his.
The pair made their way to the third floor coming to a stop in front of a
statue of a one-eyed witch named Gunhilda of Gorsemoore. Looking
around making sure that no one was about. Harry then looked at the
witch and said "Dissendium" Once the password was given, the hump on
the witch's statue opened to reveal a short slide into a tunnel. An hour
later the pair emerged through a trapdoor in the cellar of Honeydukes
Sweet Shop.
Bella cast a notice-me-not spell on the two of them and then quietly
made their way from the cellar to the main floor of the shop. The sweets
shop had a few customers looking around including two children of
about six and seven who were salivating over the various confections as
their parents chatted with other shoppers.
Harry and Bella stepped out into the warm autumn air and Bella took her
first glimpse of the future. The time traveler looked around with great
interest at first but them pursed her lips in disappointment.
"Nothings changed! Nothing has bloody changed. These are all the same
shops that existed in my time." She huffed, the disappointment clearly
heard in her tone.
"Perhaps, but I'm guessing that there will be the new product here and
there that didn't exist in nineteen seventy-one." Harry stated trying to
perk her up.
"Yeah, maybe." Bella agreed tepidly. 'Let's go explore." Bella dragged
Harry to the top of street, intending to go shop by shop and see the
changes (if any) to the various establishments. Bella removed the notice-
me-not spell from the two of them and with a few swishes of her wand
Harry was now sporting mousey brown hair and blue eyes his hair
forward and covering the scar. No matter what glamour she cast, the scar
always seemed to remain visible.
The first shop the pair stopped at was a clothier. Harry stood in an
absolute stupor as Bella had to look at every article of clothing in the
shop; the girl was like a whirlwind of shopping madness that all Harry
could do was stay out of the way. Despite being a completely magical
village the Hogsmeade shop had a larger than expected muggle section
with brand named clothing. Bella seemed to gravitate to the more
revealing clothing which actually Harry didn't mind so much as he was
made to sit and give his opinion as she model the various outfits she had
selected.
After a two hour eternity in Harry's opinion, they finally left the shop
with several outfits purchased by the eldest Black daughter and shrunk
down and placed in Harry's school bag that he had brought with him, her
jeans being too tight to fit the shrunken packages. Not that harry minded.
The next stop was the local franchise of Flourish and Blotts. Bella was
particularly interested in modern Wizarding history, finding a few books
on the subject she retired to a little reading corner with a couple of chairs
and sat down. Opening the book she skimmed the chapters until she
found what she was looking for, a chapter called 'The Blood War.'
Harry sat across from her and remained quite while she read. He knew
that she would most likely read about the gruesome details of the second
Wizards War. How the blood purist began a reign of extermination
against anyone who disagreed with their views and beliefs. These
murders were not restrained to just muggles or muggleborns, but half
bloods as well.
*Gasp* "Sweet Maeve, dear sweet Maeve!" Bella gasped in horror her eyes
beginning to well up with tears. "So many…so many died." An appendix
dedicated to the names of all those who were known to have perished in
the war revealed the true horror of what Voldemort visited upon the
Wizarding world. Hundreds of names, many of which she knew or had
known in this time. On the pages of the dead were several pureblood
families that were nearly or entirely wiped out. The McKinnons, the
Kilborns, the McGonagals, the Bones, the Elsegoods…the Potters, the list
went on and on.
So many friends that she knew from her earliest memories were wiped
out in Harry's time. It was hard to accept that one man was responsible
for a movement that would deprive the Wizarding world of some of its
oldest and respected families.
She looked up at Harry in morbid disbelief; all Harry could think to do
was give her a sympathetic nod of understanding. "My gods Harry! How
could the Ministry have allowed this to happen?"
"I don't know Bella." Harry commiserated with his new friend. "Blindness,
apathy, corruption, there are a lot of things that could be blamed, but I
think that initially the Ministry turned a blind eye because in the
beginning only muggles and muggleborns were being targeted. They
elites and upper crust felt no real need to involve themselves after all
they had not been affected. When Voldemort did turn his attention to the
purebloods and the Ministry he had gained so much strength that they
were all taken by surprise.
Bella set the book she had been reading aside and picked up a smaller
one. Harry happened to glance at the title just as she gingerly opened it.
"Bellatrix Lestrange: Into the Mind of Britain's Most Prolific Killer and the
Right Hand of the Dark Lord."
Harry jumped to his feet and slapped his hand down over the book. "Bella
don't, you don't need to read this!" Harry pleaded with the as of yet
innocent young girl.
"I need to know Harry. I need to know what I became." She told him
sadly.
"No you don't. This is a different person altogether, you are not her."
Harry replied a little more hotly than he wanted to.
"Yet Harry…not yet."
"You never need be Bella. Like Lady Hogwarts said, we have already
changed the timeline." Harry told her.
"The books still here Harry, that means we have not changed time
enough to change what will happen to me." She reasoned.
"But we still can Bella, we can still change this. We can save you from
this-this…fate." He stated with sincerity.
Bella smiled gently at him, staring deeply into his eyes. Although a
different color at the moment the intensity and age in his eyes was still
quite obvious. "Maybe we can." She finally relented and handed the book
over to Harry, who took it and placed it on a nearby shelf.
"I could use a drink how about you?" Harry offered holding his hand out
to her.
"I could go for a drink and maybe a light lunch." She smiled grabbing
Harry's hand in her own. He gently pulled her up from the chair and
turned to head for the door. While his back was turned Bella shrunk the
book she was about to read and stuffed it in her pocket after disabling
the antitheft charm on it.
"Excellent." Harry said. "We could go to the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta
makes a brilliant Sheppard's Pie."
"Rosmerta? Rosmerta Peasgood?" Bella asked.
"Um, don't know her surname. We just call her Madam Rosmerta." Harry
replied.
"Is she a tall bottle-blonde with an impressive set of…" Bella held her
cupped hands in front of her chest.
"Well this Rosemerta is quite endowed, every boy at Hogwarts drools
over her." Harry chuckled. He too found the pub owner somewhat
attractive for an older woman.
"Including you?" Bella challenged not meaning to sound so accusatory.
She was surprised at the sudden spike of jealousy within herself.
Harry shrugged. "She's okay, I mean I think she knows the effect she has
on the male population at the school. But I've never ogled her or
anything. I'm not really attracted to blondes." Harry replied quickly.
"Not that I care." Bella replied casually or at least tried to, but was
nonetheless internally pleased at his answer.
Harry opened the door and the two teens were immediately assaulted by
the sounds and smells of the old Pub and boarding house. After their eyes
adjusted to the lower light of the establishment they found an empty
table near the back of the pub.
Harry took the seat across from Bella and began to take in his
surroundings; his sudden stiff posture alerted Bella that something had
put Harry on alert. She casually got up and took the seat next to Harry
and cuddled up to him as if they were snuggling. She then surreptitiously
cast her eyes in the direction that Harry was staring.
To her shock she saw an older version of Lucius Malfoy sitting at a table
in a darkened corner of the pub. He was dressed in expensive looking
black robes no doubt made of acromantula silk with silver piping and
hems and with a Slytherin green lining. The long flowing platinum
blonde hair was a dead giveaway.
She also recognized the squat looking woman that was sitting across from
him. She was currently a seventh year Slytherin in her own time, one
Delores Umbridge. She was a conniving backstabbing bitch with little
real magical talent but was a huge simpering sycophant who would do
just about anything to be amongst the popular pureblood crowd.
Sitting next to her was another man she recognized, he worked at the
ministry as an undersecretary of some department or another. She had
seen him often when she accompanied her father to the many ministry
functions. He was another one who seemed to rise through the ministry
on his knees and puckering up to anyone he thought would give him an
advantage. She had witnessed him in all his suck-up glory at the Ministry
Yule celebration last year schmoozing with Minister Millicent Bagnold.
"What's got your knickers in a twist Harry?" Bella whispered softly in
Harry's left ear. The warm breath tickling his ears sent shivers down his
body and for a moment his train of thought was completely derailed by
the sensation.
"Still with me Harry?" Bella gently nudged him.
"Huh! Oh yeah…sorry." Harry stuttered. "You see those three over there?"
Harry motioned almost imperceptibly with his eyes at the table where
Malfoy and the others were sitting.
"Yeah, what about them?" She queried.
"Well the blonde peacock there is Lucius Malfoy; he's one of Voldie's
inner circle and a right evil git. Because of him terrible things happened
in my second year, the school was nearly closed because he had a hand
in unwittingly unleashing a basilisk." Harry whispered back to her.
"A basilisk!" Bella whispered harshly.
"Yeah, nearly killed several students. But fortunately it was killed before
it killed." Harry's eyes took on a haunted look that Bella instantly picked
up on.
"There's more to this story than your telling me isn't there?" Bella asked.
Harry shrugged noncommittally and refused to say more.
"The other man is the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge." Harry
continued.
"Minister of Magic eh, wow I guess he did manage to kiss his way up to
the top job." Bella remarked.
"Do you know him in your time?" Harry asked.
"Not personally but I know of him and have seen him at several
ministries functions when accompanying my father. He's a real or was I
guess huge suck-up, always trying to rub shoulders with the powerful and
the elite." Bella remarked.
"Huh, I guess that makes since why he would be here meeting with Lucy."
Harry replied with disgust. Bella chuckled.
"What?" Harry asked confused at Bella's smirking chuckle.
"That's what I call him in my time as well." Bella informed.
"You know Lucius?" Harry asked.
"Of course, we are in the same year at Hogwarts, he's one of Rudy's
crowd though much smoother and a lot more subtle than the Lestranges."
She confirmed.
"He has a son Draco that is in my year, we are like sworn enemies. He's
always trying to pull something. Damn near killed me last year." Harry
stated bitterly.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he and his lackeys banished me off the fourth floor landing and I
landed on the floor of the main hall. Still don't know how I didn't die."
"Were they punished?" She asked angrily.
"Nope, no witnesses. I accused them of it, but a professor gave them an
alibi, stating they were taking tuition from him at the time." Harry spat,
the venom in his voice clear.
"I see there is a lot to learn about you Mr. Potter; I hope you give me the
chance." Bella told him sincerely. Again Harry just shrugged
noncommittally.
"They witch at the table is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts
Professor. Can't remember her name though, something like ugly,
umpire…"
"Umbridge." Bella spat.
"You know her to?" Harry asked.
"Unfortunately and there is no way in Hades that she is qualified to teach
DADA. She received a Troll on her OWLS in that subject the way I heard
it. Be careful around her Harry, she's an evil bint. She will walk on
anybody to get what she wants and is not above harming others to get it."
Bella cautioned her roommate. Harry nodded.
"Hello darlings, shouldn't you be up at the castle?" The bottle-blonde
proprieter of the Three Broomsticks asked.
"We're home schooled Miss." Bella lied easily. "But wanted to come and
get a glimpse of the castle."
"Oh, well welcome to the Three Broomsticks. I'm your hostess Madam
Rosmerta, so what can I get you dears to eat or drink." The busty woman
asked with a coquettish smile at Harry. Bella tightened her grip
possessively on Harry's arm as she tried to stifle a glare toward the
blonde.
"A couple of Butter Beers please and an order of Sheppard's Pie for me
and for my…"
"Girlfriend!" Bella responded quickly glaring at the woman. "I'll have a
Prawn Cocktail." She said tersely.
"Excellent choices, I'll be back shortly with your order." Rosmerta told the
pair, winking at Harry as she left.
"Girlfriend?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow looking at the girl next
to him.
"Don't get your hopes up milord, I just didn't like the way she was sizing
you up like some sort midmorning snack." Bella replied releasing Harry's
arm and hoping that he wouldn't question her obvious momentary loss of
cool. Harry gave her an appraising look but did not pursue clarification
on her response. He shook his arm a bit to get the blood flowing again
from where Bella had a death grip on it.
"So is that the same Romerta you know in your time?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, the little tramp." Bella whispered under her breath.
"What was that?" Harry asked not catching what Bella had said.
"Yeah it was. Rosmerta is in my year but a Hufflepuff. The boys in my
time are just as interested in her…assets as the boys in your time
apparently seem to be." Bella replied with disdain.
Harry was about to tell her that he thought she was much prettier than
Rosmerta, but his attention was diverted when he heard his name being
mentioned at the Malfoy table. Bella had heard it to and looked up. Bella
pushed her hair behind her ear and tapped a diamond stud earring in her
left ear.
Harry looked at her curiously, and before he could ask her what she had
just done she whispered. "It's a hearing enhancement charm, the earring
acts as an amplifier, it's dead useful when you want to get dirt on
someone. It's Black family magic. Hush and let me hear what they are
saying." Bella told him rapidly.
Bella concentrated on the conversation while Harry was trying to strain
his own ears to hear what was being said but could only make out a word
here and there. Rosmerta returned with their orders and placed them on
the table. Bella unconsciously slipped her arm through Harry's again as
the beautiful barmaid approached. Harry grinned at Bella, but wondered
was it for show or was she truly being possessive of him and did he mind.
He let the thought slip from his mind though and turned his attention to
the Sheppard's Pie that was calling to him.
Forty-five minutes later and Harry watched Lucius stand and walk out of
the pub. Fudge and Umbridge continued to speak in hushed tones for
another fifteen minutes before they to stood and left the pub.
"Well that was a disturbing but an enlightening conversation." Bella said
as she too stood. Harry took to his feet throwing five galleons on the
table as they made their way to the exit. As soon as they exited Bella took
Harry's arm again and started them back to Honeydukes.
"So what were they discussing?" Harry asked as he walked alongside his
roommate.
"You." Was her short answer.
"What about me?" Harry asked concernedly.
"Not here let's get back to the ROR and I'll tell you the whole sordid
thing." Bella told him, he notice that she had a worried expression on her
face which got is curiosity not to mention his anxiousness up.
An hour later the pair found themselves in the alcove behind the statue
of the one eyed witch. It was nearly three in the afternoon and there
were many more students passing through the hall.
"I guess we're going to have to try and blend in with the crowds." Bella
stated to Harry not seeing a clear way of getting back to the seventh floor
undetected.
"Not necessarily." Harry smiled mischievously.
"Oh?" Bella questioned.
Harry pulled a silky looking cloak from his school bag and through it
around him and instantly disappeared. Bella gasped in surprise. Then
suddenly Harry's head appeared seemingly floating in mid air.
"You have an invisibility cloak! My, my Harry, aren't you full of
surprises." Bella laughed.
"I have a few." Harry smiled. "We can both slip under and make our way
undetected to the seventh floor."
"Are you trying to get closer to me, milord?" Bella teased seductively
pressing up against him.
"Uh…"
"Very eloquently stated milord." Bella giggled as Harry blushed scarlet.
"As tempting as your suggestion is, there are too many people roaming
the halls, the chance of being bumped into is high. We'll just have to risk
it with the glamour's." Bella suggested.
"Yeah, suppose your right at that." Harry conceded, his color still a very
impressive red. Fifteen minutes later the pair found themselves on the
seventh floor near the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy. Seeing that the
coast was clear they requested their room and seconds later a door
materialized on the opposite wall and the two quickly entered.
The two teens flopped down in their now self-appointed chairs, Bella's
was the one left of center of the fireplace and Harry's the one right of
center. Bella was the first to speak as they each got comfortable.
"Harry, Harry…what have you gotten yourself into?" Bella asked,
flopping her right arm onto her forehead as she leaned her head back
against the arm of the cushy chair lying across its length with her legs
dangling over the other arm.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the Ministry is out to make you out to be some kind of lying
nutter with delusions of grandeur." She said glancing at Harry from
underneath her arm.
Harry sighed heavily. "Doesn't surprise me. After the Triwizard
tournament fiasco Fudge all but called me a liar when I informed him
that Voldemort had returned." Harry told the witch who abrubtly sat up.
"The Triwizard tournament! They brought it back?" She asked stunned.
"Yeah. Last year, that's when the whole school turned against me." Harry
said morosely as he picked at a loose thread on his jumper.
"Back up a moment Harry, I think it's time you told me about your life.
You've let slip a few things and I can tell there is much more you are
keeping to yourself or hiding." Bella stated.
"I don't like talking about my life Bella; it's not something that I find easy
to do." Harry softly spoke, looking down at his hands.
"If we here to help each other…" Bella began. "…I think we need to be
open and honest with each other. Don't you think?" Bella asked sincerely.
Harry leaned heavily back into his chair and closed his eyes. For several
minutes he said nothing, but Bella could tell that he was fighting within
himself, trying to decide how to proceed. He didn't walk off so Bella saw
this as a positive that maybe he would open up.
Several more minutes passed when Harry suddenly sighed heavily again.
He opened his eyes and stared right at her. But she could tell that he
wasn't looking at her but at something far in the past, something painful
for his eyes held unshed tears just on the verge of cascading down his
face. She stood and slowly walked toward him and then knelt down in
front of him. He seemed to not have noticed she had moved. Bella
reached up and gently took both of his hands in hers. The physical
contact seemed to break Harry out of whatever place he had been. He
looked down at her face, searching green eyes meeting violet.
"On Halloween 1981 my life was turned upside down…" For the next
several hours Harry told his story to a captive audience of one. Bella by
the end of it was emotionally exhausted. She had felt sadness, anger,
rage, horror and a myriad of other emotions that wreaked havoc with her
ordered mind. On some kind of impulse she gathered herself off the floor
and crawled into Harry's lap and pulled his head to her shoulder as he
wept. It was a soul cleansing cry that Harry had desperately needed.
Neither seemed to be in any hurry to let the other go, they were just
content in holding on trying to take what comfort the other had to offer.
Finally Harry's gripped around her waist loosened and she reluctantly slid
off his lap and sat on the floor cross legged in front of him.
"Feel better?" She asked gently. He mutely nodded. "You are a remarkable
person Harry. To have gone through so much and still remain as
grounded as you are. It takes someone with a strong character to go
through all that and not go insane. You are sane aren't you Harry?" Bella
half smiled, giving him an over the top inquisitive look that made the
fifteen year old boy give a chuckle.
"Yeah, for the moment anyway." Harry teased back. Bella gave him a
spectacular smile.
"Good, can't have my head of house being a nutter can we now?" She
teased.
"S'ppose not." The tension in the room all but vanished as Harry looked at
Bella fondly. "Thanks." Harry told her. She just smiled and gave him a
quick nod.
"Morgana! It's six o'clock! I've got to meet my sisters for dinner Harry.
Sorry but I have to run." Bella told him hurriedly. Without thinking she
kissed his cheek and then ran from the room. Harry stood there in a daze
as he touched the cheek she had just kissed.
"Merlin's beard! I forgot about Luna, I was supposed to meet her for
breakfast." Harry chastised himself for forgetting about the quirky blonde
he had met just yesterday. Harry sprinted to the bathroom where he
washed his face quickly trying to rub away the splotchiness from his face
from his emotion cleansing. Dashing for the door he grabbed his bag with
the Marauders map and his cloak.
oooOOOooo
Bella entered the Great Hall and immediately spotted her sisters sitting
together just filling their plates with the evening meal. As she
approached Andromeda looked up and gave her a 'Where the hell have
you been!' look. Sheepishly Bella took her seat across from the other two.
"Sorry, I kind of lost track of the time." Bella apologized.
Andromeda looked skeptical at hearing her sister's excuse but decided to
let it go. "So what have you been doing all day?" Andromeda asked.
"Just doing some research and stuff." Bella replied as she plated some
roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding on her plate.
"What kind of research could you be doing? Classes don't start until
tomorrow." Narcissa asked in confusion.
Bella looked around the table before leaning forward her sisters
mimicking her. "Research on avoiding contracts." Bella whispered.
"Bella are you wearing men's cologne?" Andromeda asked after getting a
whiff of a musky scent from Bella.
"Then who is the boy you been snogging?" Andi smirked. Narcissa eyes
widened in excitement.
"You have a boyfriend?" Narcissa squealed.
"Cissy shush! Keep your voice down and no I do not have a boyfriend."
Bella denied.
"I can smell a man's cologne on you dear sister, so fess up who's the boy?"
Andi pushed.
Bella sighed. "He's not my boyfriend and before you ask I have not been
snogging with him. I gave him a hug and I guess his cologne spread to
me." Bella whispered resignedly.
"Is he cute? Narcissa bounced in her seat eyes sparkling with interest.
"Well, he's not ugly…yeah I guess he's kind of cute." Bella relented.
Narcissa squealed again clapping her hands in excitement.
"Who is he?" The middle sister asked.
"No one you know miss busy body." Bella
"Well what's his name then?" Andi continued.
"Look, not to be difficult but I'd rather not give you any details about my
love life." Bella replied tersely.
"Oooh you love him?!" Narcissa asked with wide eyes.
"I didn't say that Cissy! Can we just drop it please?" Bella glared at her
sisters.
"Okay, Okay." Andi lifted her hands in surrender.
"So you mentioned contracts." Andi asked. "Am I correct in assuming you
meant Marriage Contracts?"
Raising an annoyed eyebrow at her sister Bella replied. "Possibly."
Andromeda softened her features as she looked at her sister. "So you
think you may have found a way out of yours?" Andi asked sincerely.
Bella relaxed realizing that her sister was trying to be supportive. "Yeah, I
think so."
"That's wonderful Bella!" Andi stated with a warm smile.
"Yeah that great sis!" Narcissa added.
"It is but…it's a little complicated and I'm going to need the help of
certain…person." Bella quietly revealed.
"Who?" Narcissa asked curiously. Andi's eyebrows shot into her hairline
as she saw a blush forming on her big sister's cheeks.
"You mean this mystery boy of yours don't you?" Andi leaned in and
whispered accusingly. The increased level of red in Bella's blush was all
the confirmation she needed.
"What exactly does he have to do?" Andi asked suspiciously.
"None of you business." Bella retorted hotly. "Besides, I'm not completely
sure if he will even be able to do it or that he would want to." Bella
sighed heavily resting her head on her arm that was on the table.
Andromeda rested her hand on Bella's arm, her sister's outburst not
fazing the more levelheaded Black sister. "So how does this affect the
contract before it's even signed?"
"If he is able to help me, it would violate one of the pre-stipulations
required in the contract." She replied. "An important pre-stipulation that
if violated would prevent the magic in the contract from binding my will
to the Lestrange's." She added enigmatically.
Andromeda had a pretty good idea what her sister meant, but would not
voice it out loud in front of Cissy. "Whatever it is you're trying to do
Bella…just be careful…okay." Andromeda told her sister with concern.
"I will, and like I said, he may not be able or willing to do it." Bella
grimaced sadly.
"Lily!" Narcissa suddenly squealed jumping up from the table to hug her
new friend who had approached the Slytherin table.
Bella turned to see the hesitant first year Gryf approaching the table,
many of the older year Slytherins were giving the redhead menacing
stares. Bella gave the redhead a welcoming smile. "Hello Lily won't you
join us for dinner?" Bella asked the first year warmly.
"Thank you." Lily said nervously glancing down the table at the affronted
looks of the others at the table. Bella took out her wand and placed her
hand on the table pointing her wand toward the other students and gave
them a 'don't provoke me' stare. The others quickly returned their attention
back to their meals.
"Excited for classes to start Lily?" Andromeda asked kindly.
"Oh yes! I still can't believe that all this is real and that I'll actually be
learning how to perform magic." Lily enthused.
"Mudbloods!" Someone further down the table sneered. "Not worthy of
having magic."
Lily shrank into herself and cast her eyes down. "Don't do that Lily!" Bella
stated firmly to the redhead, who snapped her head up at the forceful
tone from her friend's sister.
"You have every right to be here, you are a witch and I have a feeling
you'll be a powerful one! Always keep you head up and eyes firm. Don't
let these wankers intimidate you, always show strength and
determination understand?" Bella told her firmly. Lily nodded her head.
"And if anyone messes with you!" Bella spoke just loud enough for the
others at her table to hear. "You come to me and I'll make them wish they
were never born." Bella turned a hard glare toward her housemates and
in not so many words had declared the first year Gryffindor as
untouchable. Her housemates knowing of her prowess with a wand were
not in any hurry to test her declaration.
"Thank you…um…"
"Bella, you can call me Bella."
"Thank you Bella." Lily Evans smiled warmly her green eyes filled with
gratitude. Harry's eyes Bella noticed. That thought brought back the
conversation that she and Harry had just prior to her coming to dinner. A
wave of sadness flowed through her as she had been made aware of the
terrible fate that awaited this vivacious redhead.
Lily and Narcissa put their heads together as they were both comparing
their class schedules; they shared four classes together and had planned
to sit together if allowed. Bella hoped that Cissy and Lily would remain
friends; she decided that they were good together. She had never seen
Narcissa take to anyone outside of her own family as she had with Lily
Evans and it brought a warm feeling to her heart. She would have to ask
Harry if the two remained friends through their Hogwarts years. As close
as the two girls appeared now it was hard for her to see them drift apart,
but the house system was hard on friendships between those of different
houses.
"So are you sleeping in the dorms tonight or are you going back to your
secret hiding place? I wonder if this secret boy knows where it is." Andi
asked with a smirk.
"Back to my hiding place, and maybe he does." Bella replied cheekily
sticking her tongue out at her sister.
oooOOOooo
Harry pulled out the Marauder's map and tried to locate his friend Luna
on the map but was not having any luck. She wasn't in the Great Hall;
she wasn't in the library or in Ravenclaw Tower. Frustrated Harry shook
the map and said; "Where is Luna Lovegood!"
To Harry's surprise the map change and an image of the black lake
appeared with the trees boarding the north side. There at the edge of the
forest was the name Luna Lovegood. "What is she doing way over there?"
He mused. Reentering the room he spoke clearly. "I need a broom."
To his surprise his Firebolt appeared. He figured Ron had kept that as
well, but then he remembered that the room could call anything from
within the castle. He smirked when he thought of Ron's reaction when he
discovers that the cloak, the map and now the broom were gone. A quick
shrinking charm shrunk the broom. Harry stuck it in his pocket and then
made his main to the main entrance.
Harry ignored the stares and the hurried whispers as he made his way
through the castle. If he would have just paid a little attention to the
conversations, he would have heard many trying to apologize to him for
their behavior as he walked by. But Harry was focused only on finding
Luna and apologizing himself to the blonde Ravenclaw.
Once outside the castle Harry removed his broom from his pocket and
enlarged it and within half a heartbeat had jumped on it and he was
streaking through the sky heading to the north end of the Black Lake. As
he approached the tree line he saw a glimpse of light blonde hair. As he
got closer he noticed her situation. His blood boiled hot as he sped up to
reach his friend quickly.
He landed to find his friend stuck to the tree most likely with a sticking
charm about six feet above the ground. She had no shoes or socks on her
feet and was just dressed in a thin t-shirt and a short skirt. Her feet were
blue as were her lips that were chattering.
Harry countered the spell and caught her in his arms; the lithe blonde
was shivering from the cold. He cast a warming charm on her and then
began to massage her feet and legs to get the blood flowing again and
then moved to her hands and arms.
"Luna, Luna are you alright?" Harry asked with concern. Luna's shivers
began to subsided after Harry had cast a second warming charm and her
teeth stopped chattering.
"Oh, I'm okay I think. I'll just return to the castle." Luna said quietly not
looking at Harry and attempting to stand up.
"Luna stop." Harry told her as he grabbed her by the shoulders and forced
her to sit again. "What happened Luna?" She didn't answer and refused to
look at him.
"Luna, please talk to me. Who did this to you?" Harry asked again
pleading with her to talk to him.
"I-I thought we were friends Harry?" Luna whispered, it was so quiet that
Harry nearly missed it.
"Of Course we're friends Luna. Why would you say that."
"Y-you never came to breakfast this m-morning and I looked for you and I
couldn't find you anywhere. I th-thought you were avoiding me and that
you d-didn't want to be friends anymore." This all came out in a rush as
Luna pulled her knees to her chest.
Harry removed his cloak and put it around the small girl cinching it up
around her neck and sat next to her against the tree. "I am so sorry Luna,
I-I just forgot about our breakfast date, I know it's not a good excuse, but
it was unintentional." For a moment Luna said nothing but then laid her
head on Harry's shoulder.
"Am I forgiven?" Harry asked soflty. He felt her nod on his shoulder. She
scooted closer to him for warmth and Harry put his arm around the girl
and pulled her closer.
"So…who did this to you Luna?" Harry asked again.
"It doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done." Luna replied meekly.
"It does matter Luna, no one should do this to another person. You could
have died of cold out here." Harry stated a little heatedly.
"I'm sure they would have come back or the spell would have ended
soon." She responded snuggling deeper into Harry's side.
"Where's your wand Luna?" Harry asked wondering why she hadn't
reversed the spell herself.
"They took it from me and threw it over there through the trees." Luna
pointed her hand barely coming out of the cloak to point out the
direction.
Harry took out his wand and concentrated. "Accio Luna's wand!" A few
seconds passed and then a wand came racing toward them from the
foliage. Harry deftly caught it in his hand and gave it back to Luna.
"Thanks Harry."
"No problem Luna. Now will you please tell me what happened?" Harry
turned his head to look at her.
"My roommates were furious with me. They said I had gotten into their
trunks to retrieve my things. No word about why my things were in their
trunks. I tried to tell them that I didn't get into their trunks, but they
refused to believe me." Luna explained.
"Did you tell them that it was a house elf that retrieved them?" Luna
nodded.
"They still refused to believe me. The next thing I remember is opening
my eyes and an older Ravenclaw is levitating me up to the tree and
another girl casting a sticking charm." She said.
"They stunned you?!" Harry asked in shock. Luna shrugged.
"Don't know for sure, but I don't remember leaving the tower or how I got
here. Anyway Marietta had my wand and walked over to the trees and
then threw my wand into the forest."
"So how long have you been out here?" Harry asked.
"Well, it was about an hour or so before lunch when my roommates
confronted me, so whatever time it is now is how long I've been here."
She stated.
"Luna! It's nearly seven o'clock! That means you've been out here alone
for nearly eight hours! We need to get you to the hospital wing to make
sure everything is okay." Harry stood quickly lifting Luna easily off the
ground.
"No Harry, I'll be fine. I'm just a bit cold. I am hungry though, I haven't
eaten anything today." She said sheepishly.
"Let's go get something to eat then. We'll head to the kitchens again,
okay?" Harry asked receiving a nod from Luna. After casting one more
warming charm on Luna, Harry mounted his broom with Luna straddling
the broom behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
Twenty minutes later the pair were in the kitchens warming up with
some hot chocolate as the ever helpful and eager elves had loaded up the
small dinner table with enough food for a dozen. After they had eaten
their fill Harry decided to try and convince Luna to speak with her head
of house she was reticent to do so but eventually agreed that she would
mention it to Professor Flitwick.
Harry walked Luna back to Ravenclaw Tower where she gave him
another warm hug before entering her common room. Their conversation
at dinner had been interesting and enlightening, as Harry learned a bit
more about his quirky friend and her father who was the editor of a
magazine called the Quibbler. She had promised to get him a free
subscription to the magazine; she called it the friend rate.
But, as quirky and odd as she appeared at times, she was incredibly
insightful and saw the world through very different lenses than most
people. Which in Harry's opinion; gave her a unique perspective on
things in general. She reassured him that he had more support than he
thought in the castle and that things were not always what they seem to
be.
She had also told him that the castle had healed itself and that the curse
of the Sniveling Wingbat had been removed. She could no longer see the
magic on the entrances anymore but also notice that the castle seemed to
have changed somewhat, the vibrations as she put it had changed giving
the castle a friendlier feel.
oooOOOooo
Harry entered the ROR just a bit after curfew and heard someone crying
hysterically in the direction of Bella's bedroom. He quickly made his way
there but nearly fell to the floor when he had tripped over something
carelessly tossed on the floor.
Harry bent over and picked up the discarded book. Harry sighed deeply
and rubbed his face with his hands in comprehending frustration. It was
the book from the bookstore detailing the life and murders of Bellatrix
Lestrange. He had thought that she had left it at the shop but apparently
had clandestinely taken the book with her.
How was he going to deal with this he thought? How terrible would it be
to discover that you would become an insane mass murderer responsible
for the death of men, women and…children? He could think of no
soothing words of comfort to give her.
With resignation in his heart he entered her room quietly, hoping that
something would come to him to comfort the distraught witch. It donned
on him that this would be the second witch that he would try and
comfort today and this one had comforted him earlier, the day just
seemed to come full circle.
He saw Bella curled up in the fetal position on her bed, like Luna he saw
that she was trembling but not from cold but most likely guilt and or
fear. Two emotions he knew quite well. He sat down gently on her bed,
Bella giving no indication that she was aware of his presence. She was
facing away from him and perhaps not felt the bed move.
"Bella?" He called to her softly. She froze but didn't turn around. He laid
his hand gently on her shoulder and gave a soft squeeze.
"The person in that book is not you Bella; you never have to become her.
That is Bellatrix Lestrange, you are Bella Black a strong, intelligent and
independent young woman in control of her own destiny." Harry warmly
rubbed her back in small slow circles.
"I'm not her yet, Harry. But I could be by Christmas." Bella choked out
between sobs.
"Does this have to do with the contract?" He asked. She looked back at
him and nodded with watery eyes.
"If what I read in that…that book." She growled. "I'll be married by this
summer and not return to Hogwarts again until 1978 when I'm storming
the school and killing anything in my way!" She sobbed.
"I won't let that happen, Bella, we won't let that happen. Remember what
the Lady said, she brought us together to change things. Not just for the
school but for us as well. The future for you can be unwritten and…
maybe…my past as well." Harry told her, the truth of his belief evident in
his eyes. Bella turned over and threw her arms around Harry's waist and
hugged him to her.
She pulled Harry down until he was lying flat on his back on her bed. She
cuddled up next to him, laying her head on his shoulder her right arm
over his stomach and holding on to his waist pulling him tightly against
her. Her body had finally stopped trembling and she had gotten her
crying under control as well. They lay that way for what seemed like
hours until Bella broke the silence.
"Harry…" She whispered. "If…there was away, to assure that I didn't have
to marry Lestrange, away to get out of the contract…would you help
me?" Bella asked quietly but not looking up at him.
Harry took a moment to consider how to answer, although he already
knew, that yes he was willing to help her, he was just slightly afraid of
where this all would lead and how this would affect him not only on a
personal level but how this would affect the timeline. Hermione's
warning of the dangers of messing with the past came to his mind. But
wasn't that already happening with just Bella and Harry meeting. And
that is why the lady brought them together…to change things.
"Yes, Bella I'll help in any way I can. What is it that you need from me?"
He asked softly.
Bella slowly lifted her head from his chest. She sought out his eyes,
looking deeply into them. It was not for the first time that she was
amazed at how fast she had come to trust this boy from the future. How
fast she was actually…falling for him, and what she saw reflected in his
eyes she hoped was him falling just as hard and fast for her.
Three impossibly short days did not seem near long enough to develop
feelings like this for someone, but there was no denying that she had
indeed fallen for the raven haired boy. But then again was it her heart
telling her that she wanted him or was it her Slytherin brain telling her
that he was a means to an end to get her out of an unwanted marriage
contract, and if it was did it matter?
On this one thing Bella was willing to give her heart the benefit of the
doubt and allow her emotions to make the decision for her.
"Harry…" She called to him, her heart beating wildly. She looked lovingly
into his eyes allowing her emotions to flood her body. Her voice was soft
and low as she spoke her next words;
"Harry…make love to me."
A/N: I know, I know! Its an evil place to leave this, but I've already
written over ten thousand words and if I kept going to where I want to
take it, it would have probably reached over fourteen. And I personally
don't like really long chapters; around seven thousand is usually where I
like to keep them. I hope that you enjoyed the chapter though and would
be so kind as to leave a review or a comment, reviews are catnip to
authors so please feel free to send some catnip my way. : )
8. Chapter 8
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: 92 Reviews for Chapter 7! Freaking amazing! Thanks to everyone
who made that the most reviewed chapter I have had in any of my
stories! I'm sorry for the wait but this chapter kept getting longer and
longer and I was still adding more to it. I decided however to split it so
here is the first half, the second should follow next week. Thanks again
for all the amazing reviews!
Chapter Eight: Decisions
Last time:
"Harry…" She whispered. "If…there was away, to assure that I didn't have to
marry Lestrange, a way to get out of the contract…would you help me?" Bella
asked quietly but not looking up at him.
…"Yes, Bella I'll help in any way I can. What is it that you need from me?" He
asked softly.
…"Harry…" She called to him, her heart beating wildly. She looked lovingly
into his eyes allowing her emotions to flood her body. Her voice was soft and
low as she spoke her next words;
"Harry…make love to me."
Harry sat speechless at the side of the bed of the intoxicatingly beautiful
dark haired witch. His heart was beating so hard and fast he swore it
could be heard echoing throughout the room. Her violet eyes were moist
with recently shed tears and looked so vulnerable and yet so hopeful. Her
hair was wild and framed the delicate but refined features of her face.
She was the very image of a damsel in distress and was looking to him to
be her rescuer, her knight in shining armor.
When he had read over what she had been researching through the night
as she slept at the desk this morning, he knew that she was trying to find
a way out of being forced to marry Rudolfus Lestrange and that she
wanted or needed him to be a part of it. However reading her written
thoughts and then having her ask him to make love to her was complete
synapses overload for the teen.
He had avoided thinking about what he had learned all day, not giving it
any real weight. Beside it was just Bella brainstorming ideas…right? But
now faced with her petition he was in a word…stupefied. He did not
know how to respond to this. He was a virgin and completely clueless
when it came to the fairer sex. Did she really want him to have sex with
her! Why? What was so important about her losing her virginity anyway?
This was just all wrong, it didn't make any sense. They barely knew each
other! Three days ago all he knew of Bellatrix Lestrange was that she was
one of Voldemort's most feared followers, and now sitting in front of him
was a fifteen year old Bellatrix Black, still innocent, hands not bloodied
by the heinous deeds of her future self or her potential future self.
She was beautiful yes but also intelligent, passionate, and he felt all
funny inside when he was around her. But she was also a Slytherin,
cunning and ambitious. The Slytherins he knew were not above using
others to get what they wanted and then disposing of them. Was she just
using him, was he her means to an end? He did not know. Looking into
her eyes he saw vulnerability though…was it real?
"Bella…I-I don't know how to…to respond to this." Harry quietly spoke
while trying to hide the blush on his face. "We barely know each other
and I…"
"Harry, please listen to me and let me explain." Bella interrupted, she sat
up on her bed and folded her legs Indian style. Her hands were in her lap
and she was looking down, trying to decide how to explain all this to
Harry. She idled with the thought of just seducing him and manipulating
him in to doing what she wanted. But, she did not want to do that to
him, not to Harry, who she was genuinely becoming fond of. She did not
want to risk losing the budding feelings that the two were developing for
each other. She had to be honest and upfront. Not a very Slytherin way of
doing things but sometimes you just needed to be a Gryffindor and
charge right in.
"Harry, you know about the marriage contract I have with the
Lestranges?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, I know." He replied.
"And you know that if I were to sign the contract, I would become bound
to Rudolfus. Not just by legal means but by magical as well." Again Harry
nodded.
"My will, my freedom to think and act for myself will be stripped from
me." Bella stated swallowing hard not to let her emotions get away from
her.
"You mentioned that, but, I don't understand how that is possible. How
can a simple contract take away who you are and your ability to think for
yourself?" Harry asked genuinely interested.
Bella took a deep breath and let it out raggedly. "When a girl is born into
a pureblood family, especially a family who follows the old ways, blood
is taken from them, several vials in fact." Bella began.
"Blood?!" Harry gasped in surprise. Bella nodded.
"You may or may not know this, but blood is infused with a person's
magic it is a part of them, inseparable. You've heard of blood magics?"
She asked and received a nod from Harry.
"Blood magic is an arcane but powerful branch of magic; most rituals of
this sort have been banned by the ministry classified as dark. However,
some blood rituals, minor ones anyway, are still used today by not only
old families, but by the Ministry and also by the Goblins." She told him.
"Okay, so I'm assuming that the blood of infants is used in some kind of
ritual?" Harry asked.
"It is." Bella nodded. "In my case and in the case of many girls born into
my type of family, the blood of the girls is used to perform a chastity
binding." Bella blushed but continued. "It is also used in the creation of
betrothal or marriage contracts."
"I still don't understand." Harry replied cocking his head and trying to
meet Bella's eyes that were looking down.
"A chastity binding is performed by the head of house; in this case my
Uncle Orion. Before a girl reaches puberty a vial of her blood is used to
draw runes across her body. These runes are activated by the magic in
the blood and by the House magic of the head of house."
"But why is it the head of house, why can't it be anyone else?" Harry
asked confused.
"There is an anchor rune drawn on the body of the girl, it corresponds to
a rune that is etched into the head of house signet ring. Thus only a head
of house can activate or remove the binding, because only the accepted
head of house can even put the ring on without dying most horribly." She
elaborated.
"Oh…okay I get that. So you think that because I am the head of the
Black family in my time I can remove the binding?" Harry asked, as the
gears in his head began turning. "But, how can you be sure that I can
override your uncle's binding. He is after all, still alive in your time and
your head of house."
"True, but I think that there is a good possibility that here…in this place,
you would be able to do it." She replied a hint of hope in her voice.
"What happens if I try and it doesn't work?" Harry asked.
Bella looked reluctant to answer; again she would not meet Harry's eyes.
The consequence she knew would be terrible, not for Harry but for her.
She could wind up barren or something much worse.
"Bella, what are you not telling me?" Harry asked his concern ratcheting
up and her sudden silence.
"It…it could cause me some…damage." She quietly stated.
"Damage?! What kind of damage?!" Harry asked in a tone that came out
harsher than he intended.
"It could make me infertile or it could…kill me." Bella whispered the last
part so softly that Harry almost didn't hear it, but he had.
"No! No way am I going to attempt some spell that could kill you!
Absolutely not!" Harry was on his feet and yelling at the cringing witch.
"Harry…Harry! Please listen to me. I'm almost certain that it will work.
You are the head of the Black Family." She argued.
"IN MY TIME!" He rebuked.
"Then we'll go somewhere in your time to perform the ritual!" Bella
argued back.
"But there is still no guarantee that it will work Bella! You could be
throwing your life away!" Harry shot back.
"ITS MY LIFE HARRY! AND I'D RATHER DIE AT AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP
MY FREEDOM, THAN BECOME THE MINDLESS SLAVE OF A BASTARD
WHO WILL WHORE ME OUT TO HIS FRIENDS AND BECOME A BLOODY
KILLING MACHINE FOR SOME PSYCHOPATH!" Bella roared jumping to
her feet and standing toe to toe with Harry, her chest heaving up and
down. The fury and desperation was clearly evident in her tense face.
Harry staggered back a few feet and turned away from her. He closed his
eyes tightly wondering how this conversation had devolved into them
shouting at each other. He understood where she was coming from. She
was facing losing her very self. He knew that if he was in her place that
he would choose freedom over servitude as well.
"Bella, I just…I just don't want anything to happen to you. I don't want to
be the cause of…harming you." Harry's voice was soft and yet heavy with
emotion. He lowered his head, his hands coming up to rub away the
frustration.
"Harry…" Bella whispered and gently touched his shoulder. He slowly
turned to face her, and suddenly found himself in a gentle embrace.
Harry was surprised at the sudden demonstration of affection. Bella
rested her head on his shoulder.
"I don't want to die either." She softly whispered. "But I…I want to be free
to choose my own path. Do you understand that?" She asked in a low
voice. She felt him nod his head as he tightened his hold on her slightly.
She liked the feel of his arms around her; she loved his scent and the
warmth his body provided.
"Please do this for me Harry; you're the only one that can help me." It
was a heartfelt plea that melted Harry's heart instantly.
Harry felt her heartbeat against his chest and was drawn in by the
warmth of her body pressed against his own. He became slightly dizzy as
her scent flowed through his senses. His decision made, he let out a long
cleansing breath.
"Okay Bella…I'll do it." Bella's arms tightened around his waist as she
buried her face into his neck.
"Thank you." Her breath was warm against his flesh.
He reluctantly released her from his embrace and took a step back. He
met a smiling face and couldn't help but return it. Bella grabbed his hand
and pulled him back to her bed where they sat facing each other again.
"I was able to find the ritual that was used on me and what runes were
used as well so you can draw them. The problem is getting another vile
of my blood." She stated.
"W-What, what do you mean draw the runes and a vial of your blood? I
thought all I had to do was release the binding?" Harry stuttered.
"Well yeah, you have to reverse the process and that requires that my
blood and the runes need to be re-drawn with the addition of the
cancelling rune." She stated staring at a worried looking Harry.
"I-I don't know how to d-draw runes or activate them." Harry explained.
"I can help you practice them before we perform the ritual and your own
magic through the signet ring will activate them."
"And where exactly do I have to draw these runes?" Harry asked fearing
the answer.
Bella blushed but kept her eyes locked with Harry's. "You'll have to draw
them on my body, Harry. I'll have to be…disrobed for the ritual." Her
blush deepened at the thought of Harry seeing her in such a vulnerable
state.
Harry's brain froze again as he processed what he thought she was
saying. Seeing his frozen terrified features Bella nearly chuckled.
"You mean you have to be…you know…"
"Nude Harry?" She asked with a humorous smirk. "Yes Harry I'll have to
be nude." She was rewarded by a nearly catatonic Harry who's eye went
completely unfocused.
Bella took his hands in hers. "I trust you Harry. And believe me I'll
probably feel more embarrassed than you will." She chuckled. Harry just
numbly nodded.
"Now, Uncle Orion would have stored my blood somewhere at Grimauld
Place. I'm sure there will still be some there. They took about six vials of
blood from me after all, you know just in case they needed it. The Blacks
never dispose of anything that can be of value.
"Can't you use some of your own blood…you know from you now?"
Harry asked.
"No, it has to be from the blood that was first taken from me. Don't know
why, but that's what the text said."
"That could be a problem them, seeing as how I'll have to wait till the
Yule break before I can return to Grimauld Place." Harry sighed.
"What about calling your house elves? As head of house you should be
able to call them to you?" Bella offered.
"Do you think it would work through Hogwarts Wards?" Harry replied.
"Well the lady has been pretty accommodating so far, perhaps she'll let
them through." She offered.
"Well, no harm in trying I guess. Kreacher! I need you." Harry yelled out.
A few seconds later there was a small pop that had both teens turning to
see an ancient looking elf bowing so low that his pointy nose was
touching the floor.
"Young master is calling for Kreacher." The high gravelly voice intoned.
"I was, good to see you Kreacher. How is the mistress?" Harry asked the
diminutive elf.
"Mistress is missing you already and is hoping you are representing the
family well here at Hogywarts." Kreacher informed Harry.
Kreacher then realized that there was another human in the room. His
eyes widen as he recognized the young witch.
"Mistress Bellatrixi! What is you doing here and why is you appearing so
young? Did you escape from the wizard prison?" The startled elf stated
wringing his tea towel toga he was wearing, and looking worriedly at
Harry and back to the dark witch.
"Hello Kreacher." Bella said kindly.
Kreacher looked up at her and had a confused look on his face. "Miss
Bellatrixi is having Black Family magic again. How is it possible, she
marrying nasty Lestrangy, and Black magic gone?"
"What do you mean Kreacher, about her having Black Family magic."
Harry asked.
"When Miss Bellatrixi is bound to Lestrangy, she loses Black Family magic
and inherits Lestrangy magic. But she has the noble Black Family magic
back. How is this possible?" The elf looked accusingly at Bella.
"It's a little hard to explain Kreacher, but this is not the Bellatrix of our
time, but from twenty-five years ago." Harry explained.
"Kreacher is confused but her magic tells me she is Bellatrix Black."
Kreacher approached Bella looking closely at her.
"Harry is telling the truth, I am Bellatrix Black." She confirmed to the old
elf.
"It is good seeing you again Miss Bellatrixi. So what can old Kreacher do
for you young master?" He said turning back toward Harry.
"Kreacher, do you know where Orion Black has placed the blood vials of
the Blacks?" Harry asked hoping Kreacher knew of what he was speaking.
"Kreacher is knowing where all the vials of blood for the noble House of
Black is kept." He replied looking at Harry oddly. "Why does young
master want to know this?"
"I'm trying to help Miss Bellatrix and I need you to bring me the vials
containing her blood." Harry informed him. "Can you do this for me?"
"Aye, Kreacher can do this but Kreacher is curious as to why?" The old elf
asked.
"All you need to know is that it is to save her from a terrible fate." Harry
told him sternly. "Now go and bring back her vials please. And thank you
Kreacher."
"Kreacher lives to serve the most Noble and Ancient House of Black."
Kreacher bowed low and with a soft pop was gone.
"Well that went well." Bella stated as she sat back down on her bed.
"Yeah." Harry replied sitting in front of Bella again.
"Thank you again for doing this for me, Harry." She told him warmly.
"I just hope I don't…well you know hurt you in anyway." Harry grimaced.
"I know it will work Harry, I have a good feeling about it." She told him
grabbing his hand and giving it a squeeze.
They jumped when Kreacher suddenly appeared carrying three vials with
a red liquid substance in them and an empty picture frame.
"Here is Miss Bellatrixi's vials master." Kreacher handed the vials to
Harry.
"What's up with the picture frame?" Harry asked curiously.
"Mistress was wanting Kreacher to bring her spare frame to you. She is
curious about what you and Miss Bellatrixi is doing."
"Um…okay. Is she in it right now?" Harry asked with some trepidation.
"You's be needing to tap the frame with your wand to activate it and then
call her to you, master." Kreacher informed him.
"Okay then." Harry said distractedly. "Um…I'll be sure to call her up
presently." Harry told the elf.
"Is young master needing anything else." Kreacher asked tiredly. "All this
popping about is tiring poor old Kreacher."
"No Kreacher, nothing else. Go back home and rest. If I need anything
else I will call Dobby." Harry told the old elf and jumped when the old elf
spoke to him.
"Is young master not happy with Kreacher's service! I am old but I still
takes care of the House of Black! I is not helpless master!" Kreacher
argued.
"Kreacher I did not mean to offend you. You have been an excellent
servant and caretaker to our Noble House, and one day I will proudly add
you head to those of your predecessors who have honored our house and
whose heads are displayed for all to see." Harry replied getting an
amused smirk from Bella.
"Forgive poor old Kreacher, Kreacher not yet use to other elves in my
mistress's home. But I is always willing to serve." Kreacher bowed and
with a pop was gone.
"Wow, he hasn't aged well." Bella commented on the state of the old elf.
"Well he was alone in the house for quite some time. I'm sure that had to
have had an effect on the poor thing." Harry defended.
"So what are you going to do with Aunt Walburga's portrait?" Bella asked
looking at the large ornate frame.
"Don't know. Guess I'll hang it in the sitting room, but I don't see a reason
to do it right now, maybe tomorrow or…next week." Harry chuckled.
"So um…I have the runes diagramed for you on some parchment and the
incantation you will need to memorize." Bella told him nervously turning
around and pulling some parchment from a desk. She handed him the
instructions and nervously pushed some loose hair behind her ear as she
looked up at him.
Harry took the parchments and looked at the runes." They seem
complicated." Harry worriedly commented.
"Not too difficult Harry, I'll help you practice them until your confident
enough to draw them on your own." She offered reassuringly.
"How long do you think it will take?" He asked sorting through the
parchments.
"I hope to have you ready by next weekend." She bit her lip nervously.
"By next weekend?!" Harry gasped. "T-that s-soon?" Bella nodded
vigorously.
"You can do it Harry, I know you can." She reaffirmed her belief in him.
"So after we um…after we do this, you will be free of the contract?" He
asked taking a seat on her bed and facing her. She took a seat in front of
him and took his hands in hers; she looked down at their clasped hands
and answered his question.
"Not quite, Harry." She began and took a steadying breath. "That's just the
first part of what needs to happen. With the binding broken then I can…
do the most important part that will invalidate the contract." She softly
spoke.
Harry apprehensively asked. "What does the second part entail?"
Bella fidgeted a bit as she plucked up her courage to continue. She knew
that this would not be easy to ask. And logically she knew that anyone
could fulfill the second part but she wanted it to be Harry. She did not
know why, but she knew, she knew that somehow Harry's and her life
were somehow intertwined. Her quick feelings for him were evidence
enough for her that he was someone special and she wanted to pursue
those feelings further.
"Harry…it has to do with what I asked you to do for me when you first
came in. Harry…I need you to…no, no, I mean I would like for you to
make love to me." Her voice was again soft and pleading. She saw the
look of shock and confusion on his face and needed to explain to him
why.
"Harry, please listen to me. The-the contract is a binding magical item.
The parchment it is written on is called Blood-Parchment; it is infused
with my blood. The blood acts as a catalyst to activate the runes
imbedded within the parchment. The runes are for a compulsion charm
so strong that it is similar to the Imperious curse. It blocks the free will of
the person whose blood is added to the parchment. My blood Harry."
"But how does the act of us making love change that?" Harry asked a bit
embarrassedly.
"First let me tell you how it binds me to Lestrange. When Rudlophus and
his father sign the contract Rudolfus will use a blood quill. It is a quill
that magically uses your own blood as ink." Harry gasped in horror.
"Now, when he signs, his blood mixes with the Blood-Parchment but the
runes under where he signs creates an ownership bond with my blood. It
allows him to literally control me and my magic. This can only happen
after I sign my part and my blood soaks into the parchment and then
activates all of the runes within the document."
"I still don't understand Bella, how does it changes things if we…you
know." Harry asked again.
Bella scooted closer to Harry until they were sitting knee to knee. She
held his hands in her lap and continued looking deeply into his eyes.
"Because Harry, the blood in the parchment, has to be identical to the
blood of the signer. It's part of the binding magic. If we were to make
love…and you would need to…um finish in me." Bella blushed profusely
but continued.
"When we make love our…fluids will mingle and cause a slight chemical
change to my blood chemistry. This change, though small, will be enough
to not match the blood in the parchment. Thus the binding will not
activate, and it will invalidate the contract further by me not being a
virgin as stipulated in the writing." Bella finished looking hopeful for
acceptance in Harry's eyes.
"So…um…so if we make love, you'll be completely free of the contract
and Lestrange?" Harry stuttered.
"Yes Harry, yes! I will then be free." Bella told him expressively.
Harry looked down at their clasped hands deep in thought. Her hands
were soft and warm. He squeezed them gently and half smiled as he felt
her squeeze back. Harry felt like his head was spinning, so much
information seemed to be warring inside his mind. She had literally
dropped a bomb on him and he did not know if he was up to the task.
Rituals and spells, contracts and blood, it was just so overwhelming.
He really wanted to help her, not just because he was beginning to fancy
her, he realized it while they were walking in Hogsmeade with her arm
in his, but because it was the right thing to do. No one should be forced
against their will to do anything, especially having your free will taken
from you.
Taking a steadying breath he made up his mind, he knew that this would
definitely change the nature of their relationship once they had freed her.
He was also aware that this would be the first big change to the timeline
and briefly wondered what the repercussions would be. He gently
squeezed her hands again and then looked up into her deep violet pools.
"I know this can't be easy for you, and I know that to lose who you are
Bella would be a great loss to not only you but to…me as well." Harry's
gentle words and blushing face made Bella smile.
"When I first found out who you were, I admit I was a little worried and
was waiting for something awful to happen." Harry chuckled softly. "But I
have come to see you for the remarkable person that you are and never
in a million years would I have imagined wanting to get to know
someone more than you Bella. And I would hate to lose the opportunity
to get to know Bellatrix Black much better." Harry grinned.
"What I'm trying to say, however awkwardly, is that…I willing to do
whatever it takes for you to keep your freedom." Bella with happy tears
in her eyes launched herself into his arms hugging him tightly and
without thinking crushed her lips to his. Bella's forward momentum
pushed Harry over landing on his back on her bed with Bella lying right
on top of him.
The hard kiss soon softened and then became searching as Bella explored
his lips with her own. Slowly, gently she moved her lips over his and
soon Harry was responding in kind. There was no thinking no wondering
there was only raw emotion that was driving the two teens to explore
what had up to now been undiscovered territory as the both enjoyed
their first real kisses from a member of the opposite sex. It was only the
need for air that broke the two apart finally. Bella's forehead was resting
on Harry's their eyes locked on each other.
"Wow!" They chorused simultaneously. They lay there just staring at each
other for several minutes, neither in any particular hurry to move until
Harry became aware of a growing problem. Harry was saved however as
both of them jumped at hearing a loud buzzing sound. The two red-faced
teenagers look to the source of the noise and found the picture frame that
Kreacher had brought vibrating madly.
"I guess aunt Walburga wants to talk." Harry shook his head. "I better
hang her up before she gets too upset." Harry stated swinging his feet off
the bed and picking up the empty portrait.
"Why don't we hang it in the sitting room above the mantle of the
fireplace?" Bella offered standing up and straightening out her clothes.
"Good idea." Harry told her as they left Bella's room, Bella slipping her
hand into Harry's as they walked. Harry grinned blushingly at the gesture
which pleased Bella immensely.
With a sticking charm in place, the gilded portrait frame had been hung
just above the mantle. Harry took out his wand and then looked to Bella.
"Ready for this?" He asked.
"Let's say hello to the old woman." Bella smiled. Harry tapped the frame
and then stood back. Bella took his hand again and stood closely by his
side. He raised his eyebrow at her.
"I'm staking my claim to you milord." She smiled warmly. "And I'm sure
once she discovers what we plan to do she might be more accepting of it.
In my time line she thought very highly of the Lestranges, her own sister
had married into the family. So she was accepting of the contract
between our two houses."
"So you think she will be happy about us…being together? Are we
together?" Harry asked timidly.
Bella smiled beautifully and brought her lips to his again in a soft but
loving manor. "I'm in if your in." She stated the smile reaching her
sparkling eyes.
"I think I'd like that." Harry replied with a goofy smile.
"Then its official." Bella stated. "You're all mine milord." She giggled
demurely.
"Aunt Walburga!" Harry called out. A second later a tall salt and
peppered haired woman with gray eyes and sharp aristocratic features
appeared and sat in a large wingback chair.
"Well it's about time young man. Kreacher has been back for more than
an hour! What took you so long to…Oh!" The former mistress of House
Black said now taking stock of the two teens in front of her.
"Bless my soul, is that really you Bellatrix?" The portrait asked.
With a small courtesy, Bella responded. "Yes Lady Black, it really is me."
Bella informed her respectfully.
"Amazing!" She said. "I did not believe Kreacher when he informed me,
but here you are. And from the past no less." The Black Matriarch said in
an astonished voice. She then saw the teen's intertwined hands.
"And what is the meaning of this?" She asked petulantly pointing at their
joined hands."
"It's a long story Aunt Walburga." Harry began.
"I have all the time in the world Harry, so explain yourselves."
For the next two hours the teens explained everything that had happened
to them from the moment they had entered Hogwarts three days ago. To
say Walburga Black was stunned was a serious understatement of the
obvious. She had listened to the couple only interrupting when she
wanted clarification, time travel or whatever this was, was beyond her
comprehension but she couldn't argue the fact that a teenage Bellatrix
was standing in front of her.
In the end and after much persuasive arguing the teens convinced her to
support them in their cause. She also told Harry that she would be
continuing his education as Lord Black and his instruction in Black
Family magic and of course strengthening his mind with training in
occulumency. Bella unsurprisingly we quite adept at the skill and
volunteered to help as well.
It was nearly one in the morning when the two teen returned to their
bedrooms after a quick ten minute goodnight kiss. Tomorrow was the
first day back to classes for both of them and neither was looking forward
to it.
Harry surprisingly slept well. His dreams for once didn't involve the re-
birth of the Dark Lord or the death of Cedric Diggory, but surrounded the
raven haired witch that slept next door. He could still taste her lips on his
and smell the lingering scent of the flowery perfume she wore.
He rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He opened up the
door and froze as he watched a wet and very naked Bella stepping out of
the large pool sized bath tub and reaching for a towel. Her back was to
him and he did not see anything inappropriate as he watched her wrap
the large fluffy towel around her torso.
Bella happened to glance back over her shoulder and noticed Harry
staring in a daze at her. Her blush went from her face and down her neck
and chest. Fortunately for her she was facing away from him and he
could not see.
She smiled shyly at him and walked to her door; she opened it and
walked in only pausing for a moment to send him a quick wink. The door
closed behind her and she fell against it hard her face burning from
embarrassment at being seen in the all together.
Harry finally came to his senses when the echo from the door alerted him
that she had left the room. For a moment he replayed over and over
again in his mind what he had just seen. The most perfect derriere that
he had ever seen. Well to be honest it was the first and only naked
derriere that he had ever seen…and it was spectacular.
A half hour later, Harry was finally bathed and dressed in his school
robes and was headed to the sitting room where he was greeted by a still
blushing Bella. Though blushing, Bella couldn't resist a chance to tease
Harry.
"Did you see anything you liked this morning milord?" She asked
mischeviously.
Harry's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as he tried to
formulate words, but the reintroduction of the image he had seen earlier
was now foremost in his mind. It took a minute or two but Harry found
his voice.
"I saw the most spectacular thing I have ever seen." Harry replied with a
glazed over look. Bella giggled at his reaction.
"What is this? What are you referring to dears?" Aunt Walburga asked,
suddenly announcing her presence and looking suspiciously at the two
teens.
"Oh nothing Aunt Walburga, just teasing Harry." Bella replied to the
portrait.
"Impertinent youth." The Black matriarch grumbled. By the matching
blushes she could see on the two youths she could just imagine what they
were talking about.
The two enjoyed a light breakfast, neither really looking forward to the
day but determined to get through it. Harry received some last minute
advice from Walburga who told him to walk tall and proud and put to
heal all those who would challenge House Black. This advice got a
chuckle from Bella who remembered receive the same advice from her
parents.
Hand in hand they walked to the door that opened up on the seventh
floor. Harry pushed it open but neither teen moved. They stared
nervously at the empty hallway, schoolbags on their shoulders. The
silence seemed to stretch.
"Wish we could just go together." Bella spoke breaking the uncomfortable
silence.
"Me too." Harry replied with a sad smile.
"Maybe it is something we should look into." Bella told him turning her
gaze upon him.
"I think if the 'Saviour of the Wizarding World were to just up and vanish
it would cause quite the uproar." Harry smirked.
"To hell with them Harry! It's not like they have treated you well, you
don't owe them anything." She replied squeezing his hand.
Harry was pensive for a moment. 'What if I did just leave?' He mused. 'No
one in Bella's time knows me; I'm not even a twinkle in my parent's eyes
yet. I could probably find away to get a fake identity. I could load up
enough Galleons from the Black vault in my time and just disappear into
Bella's.' It was an interesting idea.
But then Harry thought about what he would leave behind. His friends.
'What friends? They abandoned me.' He amused. 'There is Luna, she is a
sweet girl but I really don't know her that well, but I'd feel bad if
something happened to her.' He tried hard to think of some other reason
to stay but for the life of him he could not find one. The only scrap he
could find was what Luna had said the day before that he had more
support than he realized and that there was some curse that had been
turning the student-body against him.
Maybe he could give it a couple of weeks, and if things hadn't improved
maybe he could just go to the past. Although, Voldemort is on the rise in
Bella's time and would soon throw the Wizarding World in to a brutal
civil war. Either way he knew deep down that he and Voldemort were
destined to confront each other. In the graveyard Voldemort had
mentioned a prophecy about the two of them and that Harry would not
be allowed to live. So he knew that the evil wanker would not leave him
be.
But what if he could stop him before he got powerful enough to start the
first war? With his access to the past and everything about the first war
documented including where attacks occurred and battles fought. It could
save a lot of lives, maybe even his parents. Going to the past was looking
better and better the more he thought about it.
Harry turned to look at Bella with a mischievous grin. "What if I did do
just that Bella, just go to your time?"
"Are you serious Harry?" Bella asked in surprise. "I was thinking of
coming with you to your time. I would be free from the Lestranges and
all the drama with my family that will be created once we break my
binding and foil the contract."
"I guess we both have reason to escape our own times. Either way, we
will still have Voldemort and Deatheaters to deal with. I was just
thinking that if we concentrated our efforts in the past we could stop
Voldemort before he ever causes a problem." Harry said.
"Are you daft Harry? Why would you want to even get involved with that
monster? I say we just head off to America or the continent, and leave all
this behind."
"Bella, we could save a lot of innocent people from getting killed
including…my parents and Sirius. And besides Voldemort has a personal
interest in me and I don't think we can run far enough away that he
would not find us. And in the past he doesn't know I exist yet." Harry
argued.
"I don't know Harry." Bella sighed.
"Also, remember, Hogwarts brought us together to try and changes things
from happening the way they did. Voldemort is the cause of trouble in
both our times, and I'm sure us packing up and leaving isn't going to
change the past from repeating itself."
"Oh sure, guilt me into agreeing with you." Bella glared at the boy.
"So I guess for now, I need to continue to go to my time and get as much
information on the first war that I can." Harry sighed.
"Well I know several in Slytherin House right now who are either
members of Voldemort's movement or sympathizers to his cause. I can
keep my eyes and ears open for anything else of interest. In fact, I've been
invited to a meeting of his youth supporters on the eve of Samhain." Bella
told him.
"What?! You're not going are you? It could be dangerous." Harry asked
with worry.
"It's just kind of a recruitment meeting I think. They want me to join it
fairly badly, so I don't think they'll do anything to me or try and do
anything that will turn me off from their little group." She told him, but
Harry didn't look happy.
"Will the Lestranges be there?" Harry asked her.
"I suppose he will. He is actually the leader of the youth movement at
Hogwarts." She replied.
"It sounds like it would be a perfect opportunity for him to try and get
some payback for what you did to him the other day." Harry observed.
"I know how to take care of myself Harry. I've been doing pretty well
defending myself for some time now." She snapped back a little harsher
than she intended.
"Look, I know you can take care of yourself…just be careful is all I'm
saying." Harry apologized.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be so curt." Bella replied wrapping her arms
around Harry. "We better get going or will be late for our first class. We'll
talk about this later okay."
"Sure." Harry replied. They hugged each other tightly again and with a
quick peck on the lips from Bella they stepped through the door.
The first class of the day for Harry was Transfiguration with the
Gryffindors and the Hufflepuffs. Trudging to the class room he noticed
the looks he was receiving as he passed. Some were still hostile while
others were…remorseful?
He entered the classroom and decided to take a desk at the back of the
room closest to the door. He looked around the room at the many
students who were already there. Not surprisingly he noticed Hermione
at a desk in front of the room. Her hair seemed to be a lot bushier than
normal, like she hadn't brushed through it in days.
She must have felt his gaze on her because she turned around to look at
him. He nearly gasped at her appearance. She was pale, very pale except
for the raw looking skin around her eyes which was red and blistered like
she had been crying non-stop. She had a pained look in her face that
screamed regret and sadness.
She looked like she was about to say something to him but her mouth
just opened and closed several times before she seemed to give up on
what she wanted to say in frustration. Oddly enough Lavender Brown
and Parvati Patil took seats on either side of Hermione. Lavender put her
arm around the distraught bookworm and leaned in to whisper
something into her ear. Hermione nodded jerkily.
Hermione then proceeded to gather her things up and stood from the
desk. In her hand she had a rolled up piece of parchment. She walked
straight up to him and placed the scroll on his desk with a watery but
hopeful smile before exiting the classroom. Harry picked up the scroll
and watched as Hermione seemed to burst into tears and left the
classroom. Before he could read whatever was on the scroll, is other
former friend walked in followed by one of his former roommates
Seamus Finnegan.
"What did you say to my girlfriend Potter?!" Ron spat at his former
friend.
"I have no idea what you're on about Weasley. What girlfriend?" Harry
replied with a mock look of confusion.
The redheaded boy placed both hands on Harry's desk and leaned
forward menacingly. "Hermione, that's who! I know you spoke to her the
other day Potter. And since then she hasn't said two words to me and has
been in a right state ever since! So what the bloody hell did you do to
her?"
"I have done nothing to her Weasley, so go pester someone else." Harry
said lowly with his own menacing look.
"I want answers Potter!" Ron roared pulling out his wand from his robe.
But before Ron could clear cloth Harry had pulled his own wand and was
now pointing it straight at Ron's chest. Ron's body blocked the view of
Harry's wand from the rest of the class and was unobserved when
Professor McGonagall entered the room from her office.
""Mr. Weasley! Take your seat this instant! I will not have you starting
fights in my class, fifteen points from Gryffindor, and a detention this
evening Mr. Weasley." The stern transfiguration professor informed the
redhead.
"This isn't over Potter." Ron threatened lowly.
"Bring it." Harry replied back.
Ron and Seamus took seats two desks in front of him. A body all of a
sudden took the seat next to him. A sheepish looking Neville Longbottom
glanced at him. "Mind if I sit here Harry?" The timid boy asked.
"I suppose not." Harry replied getting a weak smile from Neville.
"Thanks."
"No problem." Harry shrugged.
Professor McGonagall started the class with a speech on the importance
of the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams or O.W.L.S. A syllabus was
distributed to the class which included a lot of revision along with
learning new theories and concepts as well as a heavy practical
component to the class. She also announced that this year they would
have a Profession's interview with their Heads of House where they
would discuss future career paths.
An hour and a half later the class mercifully ended. They spent most of
the class going over what they had learned over the last four years and
demonstrating their transfiguration skills. Harry was impressed with
himself; he usually struggled with transfiguration but all the training he
did for the Tri-Wizard Tournament had sharpened his skills
tremendously.
"Mr. Potter, a word please before you head off. You have a break this
period yes, since dropping Divination?" McGonagall called to him as
everyone was packing up their things to go to their next class.
"Yes Professor." Harry grimaced and wondered why she wanted to speak
to him. As the last student exited Harry made his way up to the front of
the class.
"Come up to my office Potter, I think we should make ourselves
comfortable." She told him. Now he knew something was up. He had
never been invited to her private office before. He wondered what he had
done now to be singled out like this.
Harry entered the office and found to his amazement that the office was
warmly decorated with personal effects placed all around. Several
pictures lined the walls; he saw one of a much younger McGonagall being
embraced by a rather striking man with dark blonde hair, bright blue
eyes and wearing dark blue Hit Wizard robes on her left, and embraced
by another man on her right in red Auror robes. He was much younger
perhaps late teens or early twenties.
Suddenly McGonagall was behind him. "That one on the left was my
husband Robert McGonagall." She sighed heavily. "He was a Hit Wizard
during the first war, such a powerful wizard, but more than that he was a
wonderful husband and w-wonderful f-father." She choked up. Harry was
stunned he had not known she was even married or that she had a son.
"The other young man…" Minerva continued with a shaky voice,
reverently touching the image on the photo. "…is…was my son Richard.
Robert was a Hit Wizard, a team leader, and Richard was a second year
junior Auror." Minerva suddenly looked so much older than she usually
did.
"W-what happened to them?" Harry asked but winced when he saw his
hard as steel professor begin to leak tears in steady streams down her
face.
"They were killed Harry. They were both assigned to Hogsmeade village
back in 1978. I was thrilled that they were so close to the castle. I got to
see them every weekend." She smiled warmly in remembrance, but then
the smile quickly disappeared as she continued.
"It was June 1978; the school year was nearly over. There was a Death
Eater attack on the school; You-Know-Who led the attack. The Hit Wizard
and Auror contingent in Hogsmeade were quickly dispatched to aid us. It
was a brutal assault, many students were killed. It had been a beautiful
warm day and many students were enjoying themselves outside the
castle. They came three hundred strong out of the forbidden forest.
Shooting indiscriminately at anything in front of them."
1978, Harry remembered what Bella had said from reading the book she
had on herself. It was 1978 and she was in that battle and had stated that
according to the book she was responsible for many of the deaths that
occurred that day. His heart sank knowing what Professor McGonagall
was about to tell him.
"My Richard and Robert fought valiantly. I had been fighting next to my
son when I noticed a first year cowering behind the fallen body of
another student who was obviously dead. I left my position next to my
son to assist the young girl. While I was gone two Death Eaters had
surprised my son coming from the position I had just left. They didn't
even give him a quick death, they slit his throat and he slowly bled out.
When I returned to him his eyes were frozen wide open in terror."
"I'm terribly sorry professor." Harry whispered.
"I failed to protect him Harry, and because I failed him he perished. The
Death Eaters were finally driven back and they fled. I later found my
Robert, killed by the killing curse. But he took nearly a dozen of them
with him before he died; from witnesses that saw him fall he had taken
out ten Death Eaters before he was faced with Bellatrix Lestrange. She
was just too fast for him. She toyed with him for several minutes, cutting
away pieces of his body before she finally killed him."
Harry was speechless; he did not know what to say. Why was she telling
him all this. It obviously was not something she was comfortable with.
"Come sit down Harry." Again she called him by his name and not by
Potter or Mr. Potter. Harry had never seen this side of her and it made
him a little nervous. Harry sat in a very comfortable armchair as
McGonagall sat in a similar one right across from him.
"I know you're wondering why I asked you here Harry. It's simply this. I
have failed you Harry as sure as I failed my own son I have failed you. I
have not been by your side when you have needed me and I have
allowed you to come to harm because of my foolish, foolish belief in
someone I use to hold in high esteem, who said it was for the greater
good.
But, no longer Harry. I know that you have no reason to believe or trust
me. But I will take a witches oath before you right now that I will do
whatever it takes to protect you and keep you from being placed in
harm's way. There are other professors who feel the same way and are
willing to swear an oath as well."
Harry wasn't sure how to respond to this. In years past she had ignored
his pleas for help and when he had come to her when he was being
targeted last year she had never defended him. Remembering all the
times she had dismissed his concerns and pleas were sparking his anger
and it was ready to burst free.
Harry stood up abruptly and unleashed a torrent of anger fueled
accusations and incriminations for the next half hour, and Minerva
McGonagall sat there and took it all without complaint or excuse. Her
face showed her remorse and shame for her part in Harry's treatment
over the last four years. Harry slumped back into his seat with his hands
covering his face when he finally ran out of steam.
Minerva remained silent as she watched the young man in front of her.
He looked so much like his father, but in that moment she saw the fire in
him that was definitely from his mother. She had witnessed more than
once the unleashed temper that the redheaded Lily Evans had and you
immediately felt for the one on the receiving end of it.
"Professor, I don't know if I can trust anyone but myself anymore. Those I
thought friends have turned their backs on me. I don't think I have it
within me to trust anyone." Harry calmly spoke, the hard edge in his
voice audible.
"I understand Harry, but nevertheless I swear on my magic that I will
always do my best to protect you." Minerva glowed a soft white for a
moment evidence of a magical oath sworn.
Harry gave her a small nod and then exited her office; he stopped short
of the classroom door that leads into the hallway as the ghostly visage of
the Lady Hogwarts appeared.
"My Lady." Harry gave a short bow.
"You can trust her Harry; she is serious about helping you and regaining
your trust. I've seen her in conference with other professors; they are all
willing to defy the headmaster on your behalf Harry." She informed him.
Harry sighed heavily. "But where was this help before?! Huh? Why are
they now so interested in helping me?!" He angrily spat.
The Lady taking no offense at his outburst explained. "They were blind
Harry, manipulated by one they all held as a leader of the light. But their
eyes are now opened and they are repentant. Allow them to help you
Harry. You and Bella cannot accomplish your goals without the help of
others and that means trusting again." She explained.
"I don't know." Harry sighed in frustration. "I just don't know if I can
allow myself to be that vulnerable again."
"Try Harry, it is important that you don't close yourself off to those who
want to help you." She tried again.
Harry let out a frustrated breath. "I'll try my Lady, but I won't promise
that it will happen overnight." Harry told her.
Lady Hogwarts smiled warmly at him. "That's all I can ask Harry."
Harry had just five minutes to get to his next class; he had been in
McGonagall office longer than he thought. The next class was Defense
against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins. "Bloody fantastic!" Harry
grumbled heading for DADA classroom. 'I wonder what kind of professor
this Umbridge woman will be?' Harry thought as he entered the
classroom.
oooOOOooo
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! It was actually over 14,000 words
so I decided to split it into two chapters. That means that expect the
next chapter to be out sooner than my normal update time. A lot of
information was given in this chapter and I hope it has you on the edge
of your seats for the next.
Please leave a review or a comment and let me know your thoughts
about the story so far!
9. Chapter 9
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Okay so here is the second half of the last chapter. It's not as long as
the first but it sets up the next chapter to come. Thanks for all the
reviews! Only a little over sixty this time but I'm posting this chapter a
lot sooner than I have on the others. Next chapter will be much longer.
This one is just to whet your appetites!
Chapter 9: Washroom Foreplay
It had been a long day and Bella was anxious to get back to the ROR and
unwind with Harry. The new status of their relationship was very
exciting to the young witch and she was looking forward to developing it
further. She was also anxious to begin going over the runescape that
Harry would need to learn in order to perform the unbinding ritual and
the spell work associated with it.
The other part of her foiling the marriage contract was also weighing on
her mind. On one side it terrified her. We're talking about her virginity
after all. It was a precious gift she knew she was giving him. But to her
family it was a tool to form political alliances between other likeminded
families. So not only was she giving up something sacred to someone she
was beginning to have feelings for, but also eliminating a family
bargaining chip.
What it all came down to for Bella, was that she was being true to herself
while at the same time defying her family and its outdated dogma. And
oddly, she was very okay with it, knowing that the fallout would be huge
once her family discovered what she had done, she felt at peace with her
decision. Just looking into those emerald pools and Bella felt that she had
found a soul mate. No, she didn't believe in the literally joining of souls
but more like a kindred spirit, a familiarity that made her feel complete.
Then again it could be just her teenage hormones and Harry was rather
hunky she mused…nah!
The morning had started out okay; she had not run into Rudolfus or his
minions except for Lucius who was in her Ancient Runes class. Lucius
surprised her, out of all Rudolfus' friends, Lucius by far was the most
intelligent, not the most powerful Rudolfus had him beat in sheer
magical power but Lucius was clever and calculating. Which begged the
question, why Lucius wasn't running the youth movement for Voldemort?
Maybe he was more of a behind the scenes individual, it would make
sense it fit Malfoy's personality. Needless to say that Bella was more leery
of him than any of the others.
Lunch saw the relatively good day turn sour, beginning with post from
her parents. Apparently word had been sent to them about her less the
hospitable interactions with Rudlofus. The letter had been scathing, her
parents had been severely critical of her behavior in an almost over the
top manner, they chastised her for her barbaric display which was
beneath her station. They went on to express the disappointment from
the Lestranges, who commented that they were shocked that a daughter
from the Noble and Ancient House of Black would act in such a manner.
Bella was about to torch the letter but stopped when she noticed a small
red dragon in the left hand corner just at the bottom of the parchment. It
was a mark that told her that there was a clandestine message hidden on
the parchment. It was a means by which secret messages were passed by
members of her mother's family the Edevane's. They were an ancient
Welsh house.
Her mother being of Welsh descent spoke the language fluently. Bella and
her sisters were also taught to speak the ancient language. Bella tapped
the image of the Welsh dragon with the tip of her wand and then spoke
the Welsh word "datgelu" meaning reveal. A message written completely
in Welsh appeared, but the letter still seemed to be written in code. The
letter warned of the DIEITHRIAID and the TYWYLLWCH in bold letters
and she was told to watch over her sisters closely.
Dieithriaid, was the Welsh word for strangers and tywyllwch meant
darkness. Why would her mother emphasize these particular words and
why not the others. Could her mother be referring to the Lestranges and
Voldemort, could she be warning her about them for some reason?
Why would she warn her though? Her mother never praised the contract,
but neither had she protested it when Orion brought it over for her father
to read and approve. Her father more or less bowed to the wishes of his
older brother who was the Head of House for House Black.
Could it be that she may have an ally in her mother? But even if she did,
Orion was still head of house and could force the issue and there was
nothing her parents could do but acquiesce to his will or be tossed from
the family. It seemed that at least her mother was becoming aware of the
coming darkness and was warning her. She would have to think on what
she read and perhaps send a reply to her mother asking for clarity.
Every where she went there was someone spouting off the rhetoric that
Voldemort was pushing with his Magic for Magicals, Beware the
Muggle Threat, and a pamphlet on Muggleborns: The Inconvenient
Truth. Its premise was that there was no such thing as a muggleborn, it
was muggles who had found away to steal magic from real magicals in an
effort to destroy the Wizarding World from the inside.
Her friend Olivia Rosier was one of the worst. Not only had she talked
her ear off with the hateful rhetoric but also kept talking up Rudolfus,
and how important he was in the Movement, and how he would be a
rising star in the new government and how he was a beacon to whom all
young purebloods should flock to.
Bella had simply rolled her eyes at her friend's ramblings and at one
point of absolute annoyance told the girl if she was so infatuated with
Rudolfus she should convince her father to write up a contract for her,
and that she, Bella, would gladly step aside for the enamored girl.
There was a definite unease in the castle. The half-bloods and
muggleborns were quickly becoming aware of the antagonism directed
toward them. Of course Purebloods only made up about a third of the
student population but they were by far the most vocal.
Narcissa's friend and Harry's future mother had been a victim of a nasty
prank from some third year Slytherins. While walking to the greenhouses
she was assaulted by the three Slytherins who covered her from head to
toll in mud. They had told her that she should feel at home in the mud
since she was a mudblood.
To Narcissa's credit when she found out she cursed the three boys with a
blistering boils hex at their genitals which had the three literally crawling
in pain to the hospital wing. Bella congratulated herself for having been
the one to teach Cissy the spell prior to coming to Hogwarts. Some boys
just needed to be put in their place she thought with a smile.
Bella had decided to take Lily under her wing and like Narcissa, she
would teach the young first year the subtle art of pain compliance spells
when it came to bullies. They were a mix of hexes, spells and curses
meant to torment a certain anatomical appendage of the male species.
Bella had made sure that everyone knew you did not mess with the Black
sisters; she would do the same for the muggle-born Lily Evans.
Lunch in the Great Hall had been very educational. She had noticed
Rudolfus and Lucius holding court at the opposite end of the table with
their usual sycophants. Rudolfus had produced a small satchel and was
pulling rings out of it and then distributing them to those around him,
about fifteen students in all including a couple of Ravenclaws. Olivia was
among them.
In her potions class Bella got a good look at the ring that Olivia was now
wearing. It was a silver skull with an emerald looking snake that made up
the band that wrapped around the finger with the head of the snake
coming out of the mouth of the skull. She recognized the motif from the
book she had read about herself. It was the tattoo that all the Death
Eaters had branded on their left arms. So it seems that the youth
movement had a good foothold within Hogwarts, she figured that it most
likely did, but now here was some physical proof. She would have to
make a list of those she saw wearing the rings and bring it to Harry.
"Interesting ring Olivia." Bella commented to her potions partner.
Olivia looked at her friend since before Hogwarts with something akin to
caution. "Oh…yeah." She began hesitantly. "It's just a ring of solidarity,
you know amongst the pureblood students."
"Solidarity?" Bella asked with curiosity.
"Well…yeah, so we know who we can trust." Olivia replied.
"Do all the purebloods have one?" Bella asked, knowing that she and her
sisters had not been given one.
"Well, um…not yet but I assume they will eventually. Well those who
aren't traitors to their own kind that is." Olivia shrugged. "I heard
through Malfoy that you'll be attending our gathering on Samhain. It's
about time Bella, I was beginning to worry that you had turned your back
on your family name and your own kind." She added a little bit more
friendly.
"Yeah, I thought I might as well find out what all the excitement is about.
Have you met this Lord Voldemort yet?" Bella asked, not revealing her
true feelings about this so called lord.
"No, but not many have. He is very careful not to come out in public. The
muggle loving ministry would love to arrest him on some trumped up
charge and throw him in Azkaban! Can you believe that?! They'd lock
him away for only telling the truth about the mudbloods!" She whispered
harshly, keeping an eye out for Professor Slughorn who was roaming the
classroom inspecting the progress of his students.
"I don't think Minister Bagnold could legally do that without some
evidence that Lord Voldemort has committed a crime." Bella reasoned to
her friend.
"Don't you believe it Bella! The ministry is corrupt and is pushing a pro-
mudblood agenda. Soon they'll be turning over the Wizengamot to these
magic usurpers." Olivia hissed again. "I wonder how they do it."
"How who does what?" Bella asked.
"How the muggles are stealing our magic! Do you think they are
kidnapping magical babies and sacrificing them? That's what I've heard."
Olivia told her friend. "Some say they even drink the blood of magicals
they've slaughtered to somehow get their magic."
"Are you serious Olivia?! That's the most ridiculous thing that I've ever
heard!" Bella told her friend. Bella was shocked at the horrible rumors
that were being spread amongst the purebloods.
"I don't know Bella, who knows what the muggles are capable of." Olivia
replied with a significant shrug.
The rest of the class went by without incident as did her charms class and
later in her History of magic class where most of the students took
advantage of the class to catch a quick nap before dinner. Bella made her
way to the Great Hall to meet up with her sisters and have a bit of
dinner.
Bella made her way to the Slytherin table and noticed that Andromeda
was already there. Andromeda had her head down and was reading a
piece of parchment. As she got closer she noticed the large smile on her
sister's face and the pink tinge in her cheeks. A small giggle then left the
middle Black sister's lips as she looked up and looked across the hall.
Bella followed her gaze to a handsome boy at the Hufflepuff table who
was smiling back at her sister. 'Ted Tonks', Bella surmised. He was a cute
boy; she had to give her sister that.
"No flirting at the table." Bella whispered in her sister's ear causing her to
jump in surprise.
"Bella! You shouldn't sneak up on people!" Andromeda hissed.
"Sneak up?" Bella replied indignantly. "I walked straight up to you.
Perhaps if you weren't sneaking longing looks over at your secret
boyfriend you would have seen me coming." Bella smirked playfully.
"I was not sneaking looks, I was just…I was just…oh just mind your own
business!" Andromeda pouted crossing her arms over her chest as Bella
couldn't help giggling at her sister's embarrassment.
"So where's Cissy?" Bella asked looking around for the youngest Black
sister.
"Over at the Griff table with her friend Lily." Andromeda told her
glancing toward the far end of the hall at the Gryffindor House table.
"Really? Brave of her." Bella replied impressed with her little sister's
daring.
"Yeah she wanted to be with her to show her support of her non-Slytherin
friend." Andi said with pride in her voice for Narcissa.
Bella watched curiously as little Jamie Potter was starring at the pretty
eleven year old Lily Evans. Bella had to smile to herself knowing that
theses two would eventually get together. But then a sudden sadness as
she remembered what fate awaited them and their future son. That
thought leaped frog to another as she sought out another face. Alice
Singleton, the future Alice Longbottom. She had read how she tortured
the future Lady Longbottom and her husband to insanity leaving their
young son for all intents and purposes an orphan much like Harry was.
"Are you alright Bella?" A concerned Andromeda spoke gently, laying a
hand on her sister's arm.
"W-what? Oh um…yeah…just got lost in thought for a moment." Bella
replied shaking the depressing thoughts from her mind.
"So, how goes the secret romance?" Bella asked with a grin, effectively
changing the subject.
"Just fine, and what about yours? Are you going to tell us who this
mysterious boy of yours is?" Andromeda replied flipping the conversation
towards her older sibling.
Bella's eyes unconsciously sparkled as the thought of Harry entered her
mind. The softening of Bella's facial features did not go unnoticed by her
astute sister.
"My, my Bella, if I didn't know better I'd say you've fallen for this
mysterious boy." Andromeda smirked.
Bella blushed hard and blustered. "You have no idea what you're talking
about Andromeda, he's…he's just you know…a friend!"
Andromeda's jaw nearly fell to the floor as she starred hard at her sister,
who continued to blush and look anywhere except at her sister. "You
have fallen for him!" She gasped. "Bellatrix Black has fallen in love! Is it
possible?!" Andromeda amusedly teased her sister.
"I'm not in love with him!" Bella protested in a harsh whisper quickly
looking around to see if anyone was listening in on their conversation.
"Deny it if you like Bella, but I can see it in your eyes and on your face,
you're in love or at the very least falling hard and about to."
Bella sighed heavily. Andromeda always had a gift for seeing the truth in
others, it was a gift she had since she was little. It was a gift that Bella
was extremely jealous of, how easy would it be to know whether or not
someone was being honest with you or not just at a glance. Bella's father
successfully had used Andi's gift several times when dealing with other
business men he was debating on getting involved with.
So it served no purpose to deny what Andromeda already knew
instinctually. Yes she had fallen hard for Harry and only in the space of
three days. She was stilled amazed at just how fast it had happened.
Andromeda noticed Bella's resignation and smiled.
"So does he love you in return?" Andromeda asked conspiratorially.
"I think so." Bella replied hopefully. "He's…something special and
unique." Bella smiled warmly.
"So did he agree to help you with uh…your problem?" Andi asked.
Bella's smiled enlarged reaching her sparkling eyes. "Yes, yes he did."
Andi grabbed her sister's hands and gave them a warm squeeze.
"That's wonderful Bella, I hope it all works out. I do hope we get to meet
this mysterious boy soon though." Andromeda looked meaningfully at her
sister. "He has to receive the Sisters Black's seal of approval you know."
Andi smirked raising a haughty eyebrow and then grinned at her older
sister.
"I hope you'll get a chance to meet him soon, Andi. But things are a bit
complicated." Bella told her sister.
"Complicated? How?" Andi asked.
"I can't explain it to you just yet, but I promise that I will as soon as I
can." Bella explained cryptically.
A disruption at the Gryffindor table caught Bella's and Andromeda's
attention as they witnessed their cousins Sirius Black and Jamie Potter
rushing out of the Great Hall but quickly being pursued by Narcissa and
Lily who were both now sporting purple hair. Both Andi and Bella
chuckled at the sight, to Bella's right a first year Slytherin boy also ran
after the four that had just left.
"I wonder why little Severus is running after then?" Andromeda asked.
"Don't know, but I think he and Lily are friends." Bella told her sister with
a shrug.
oooOOOooo
Harry had returned to an empty ROR, figuring that Bella had not
returned yet. He went into his room and pulled off his school robes
tossing them into a corner. He noticed that a scroll had fallen out of the
pockets of the robe. He bent down and picked it up, and then
remembering that Hermione had given it to him prior to her leaving
Transfiguration. He had seen her in his other classes and she had kept
giving him furtive looks but never approached him or spoke to him.
Between all the stares and apologies and the occasional insults and
sneers, Harry had completely forgotten about Hermione's note. He looked
at the rolled up parchment and debated with himself what to do with it.
The angry and betrayed part of him wanted to through the thing in the
fireplace and be done with it. But the noble and forgiving side of him
wanted to reconnect with his onetime best friend if it were possible. He
truly loved Hermione, he saw her as family a sister that he never had. In
the end it was his longing to have that relationship again that won over.
Sitting at the small student desk in his room he took the scroll in hand
and broke the seal on it. He unrolled it and laid it flat on the desk as he
began to read.
'Dear Harry,
I've started this letter at least a dozen times and a dozen times have thrown it
out in frustration. How do you put into words the indescribable shame and
pain that I feel in my heart and soul? How do I express the bitter sorrow I feel
for what I have done to you. I betrayed my brother, the only person outside
my parents that has ever shown me any love or kindness.
I know you think that I am with Ron…but I never truly was…at least
willingly. I can't explain it Harry, but the last two years has been like living in
a fog I did things and said things that I would never say or do in a million
years but somehow found myself doing them.
When we confronted each other on Saturday something happened to me it was
like suddenly I had awakened from a bad dream and had control of myself
again. I know you have no reason to believe me and I would not blame you,
but please Harry, I love you and would never willingly betray you!
I tried to speak to Ron about you and what had been going on with everything
after you left me in the hallway, but he would not listen to me no matter how
much I argued that we needed to sort things out with you. He said awful things
about you and when I tried to argue he stormed away muttering something
about me needing more treatment! I think I have been controlled somehow
Harry; it's the only thing I can think of for the way I've behaved toward you.
Please Harry, I need to talk to you in person and try and fix the damage I
caused between us. I'm all alone now and I need my brother. I ended things
with Ron, I don't think I ever really wanted to be with him, it's another oddity
about all this, Harry, I never fancied him, we are polar opposites I think that I
may have been artificially been influenced to be attracted to him as well.
Please Harry, please give me a chance to fix this, and please don't push me
away. I need my brother.
Love,
Hermione.
Harry stared hard at the letter, did he believe her? Is heart wanted to, his
head wanted to just be done with the traitorous slag. But because there
was a doubt in his mind to her having acted on her own free will, he was
willing to at the very least meet with her and decided where to go from
there. He would send her a note with Hedwig tomorrow with an offer to
meet and discuss things.
Harry finished removing his school clothing and threw on a pair of
comfortable sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt and returned to the sitting
room with the parchments that Bella had given him earlier with the
runes he would need to learn for the unbinding ritual.
He sat heavy in his chair and got comfortable. A tea set suddenly
appeared on the small table next to the chair and a plate full of biscuits.
He looked at the runes but had no idea what they meant or what they
did. 'Wish I had a book that could explain this to me.' The thought had
barely left his mind when a book appeared on his lap.
Harry chuckled at his own slow wit, 'of course Hogwarts would have a
book on the subject!' He mused. It took over an hour but Harry had
identified all the runes, twelve in total that had been used to bind Bella's
virginity. He was appalled at what some of them did. They were actually
punishments and/or curses that the female would be afflicted with
should she try and remove or circumvent the binding.
One rune would cause sterility, another would cause insanity and yet
another could kill her. It was barbarism the likes that he had never
known could exist between family members. How could Orion Black
place such heinous curses upon his own niece? It was unconscionable! He
wondered if this was the cause of Bellatrix Lestrange's insanity. Had
Rudolfus or someone else not want to wait to partake of the beautiful girl
and had their way with her before the binding was removed?
It was a possibility. But it no longer mattered to Harry; he realized that
this Bellatrix would never be that Bellatrix if he could help it. This gave
him the incentive to learn these runes and perform the unbinding as soon
as possible. The longer it took to learn added to the likelihood that
something or someone could harm his Bella.
It was a knee deep in parchment Harry that Bella found as she entered
the ROR. She had to stifle a chuckle at the sight of Harry's hands and
face. His fingers were stained in ink; he had a rather large smudge of ink
that ran down the length of his nose. She saw dozens of sheets of
parchment covered in runes. He had obviously been hard at work
practicing.
It warmed her heart that he was so involved and dedicated in doing this
for her. She walked toward him and surprised him as she took him by the
shoulders and led him to the bathroom.
Uh, where are we going Bella?" Harry asked in confusion as she pushed
open the bathroom door dragging him along with her.
"You are in a right state milord, ink everywhere! We need to get you
cleaned up straight away." She said with a smile.
Still confused but not objecting he allowed her to direct him to the large
marble sink. She turned on the tap and allowed the warm water to flow.
She grabbed some soap and lathered up her hands. With a warm smile
and soapy hands she grabbed Harry's left hand between her own two and
slowly rubbed the soap into his stained skin.
Bella spent a lot of time slowly working in the ink removing cleaning
agent into the palm of his hand, she then moved to the top of his hand.
Her fingers massaged the skin tenderly and determinedly. Once the top of
his hand met her cleanliness approval she moved to his fingers taking
each finger individually and slowly massaged.
Bella's eyes never left Harry's as they stood there facing each other in the
low warm light of the shared washroom. Her ministrations were slow,
one could even say seductive, as her fingers slid in and out of Harry's,
distributing the sweet smelling soap between each finger and then
spoiling each finger with individual attention as she washed and
massaged it. It took Bella nearly twenty minutes just to finish one of
Harry's hands.
Once she finished his left hand she moved on to the right, giving the
same wonderful attention to that hand as she had with the last. Harry
was lost in the violet colored eyes of Bellatrix Black as she worked her
magic on his hands. His breaths became short and shallow as the
intensity and the intimacy of the moment caught up to his teenage mind.
Harry noticed Bella's breathing and the large dilated pupils looking back
at him, it was almost overwhelming the self-control he was barely
holding onto.
He did notice as she had finished with his right hand and then gently
took hold of both his hands and couple with her own rinsed them under
the warm water. She continued to rub his hands under the running water
making sure all the soap was washed off. Their bodies were pressed
against each other as Bella's ministrations continued.
Once his hands were clean she turned into him and gently pressed her
chest against his. He wasn't sure what to do but the decision had been
taken from him as she had taken a warm wet wash cloth and gently
cleaned the ink from his nose. She was so close that he felt her warm
sweet breath against his cheek. He was nearly trembling now as her
bodily continued to move against his as she washed his face. His eyes
closed on their own volition and a low moan escaped his lips. He heard
her chuckle softly at his unintentional sigh.
The cloth on his face suddenly disappeared, he felt almost disappointed
until he felt and tasted the warmest and sweetest pair of lips being
pressed ever so softly against his own. The kiss was slow and tentative at
first but quickly became more sure and searching. The tender kisses gave
way to more expressive kisses which turned to passionate.
Harry did not know nor did he care how long they had remained there
but he definitely felt the loss when they finally broke apart to take a
breath of much needed air.
"Hi." Bella whispered as she laid her head on his shoulder and draped her
arms around his neck. "I missed you today."
"I missed you to." Harry whispered back, wrapping his arms around her
slim waist.
"Good day?" She asked.
"It was…alright." He shrugged. "You?"
"It was a little eye opening, to tell the truth." She replied not moving her
head from Harry's shoulder. "We can talk about it later; I just want you to
hold me for awhile."
"Can't think of anything I'd rather do at the moment." Bella giggled at his
cheesy reply, but it worked for her.
"My room." She whispered hotly in his ear. Harry quickly scooped her off
her feet and made his way to Bella's room carrying her bridal style. He
placed her gently on the bed but she did not release the hold around his
neck and in a sudden display of strength pulled the dark haired boy down
on top of her for some proper snogging.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Now review, review, and review! Stay tuned for
the next chapter!
10. Chapter 10
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: Again you guys have been fantastic with all the reviews. Sorry for
the delay of this chapter, I've been a little under the weather. Hope you
enjoy!
Chapter 10:
Harry awoke from a blissful night's sleep to the scent of sandalwood and
jasmine and unfamiliar warm weight upon his chest. Groggily blinking
his eyes open, he discovered that his vision was blocked by a mass of
black curly hair. It only took Harry a few moments to recall the night
before and for a large grin to split his face. He had never snogged a girl
before Bella, but he couldn't imagine anything being better.
His lips felt slightly bruised but he didn't care in the least, in fact he was
reveling in the lingering taste of her lips as his tongue ran over his own
lips to capture any essence of her he could find that remained. As his
brain finally began to fully engage he realized that he was in Bella's bed!
With Bella on top of him! He rushed through his memories of the night
before fearing that he may have done something completely stupid. He
hadn't…they hadn't…had they?!
Harry's hands went to his own chest…he no longer had his sweater on!
'Sweet Circe!' his mind raced. His other hand that was wrapped around
Bella felt bare skin as well 'shite! shite! shite!' He couldn't believe he had
been that stupid…what if they had…what about the curses?!
Harry's hand drifted further up Bella's back, he sighed as he felt the lacy
fabric of a bra underneath his fingers. He allowed his hand to slid down
her back, there was someplace else that he needed to check, he hoped he
was right and that nothing…er umm…happened between them. His hand
felt nothing but warm skin as his hand slowly made its way to the small
of her back. Further down he traveled and…he little out a breath he had
not realized he was holding. He felt the heavy cotton fabric of her skirt.
"A little further south milord and I would be expecting an engagement
ring from you." Harry blushed, turning beat red as Bella's low sultry voice
broke the silence with a slight chuckle.
'S-sorry I was worried we had…well you know…umm." Harry stuttered
and Bella giggled musically.
"No Harry, we didn't have sex." She spoke amusedly as she turned into
him and propped her chin on his chest, looking up into his emerald eyes.
"Not yet anyway." She teased. "You know you're a pretty comfy pillow, I
should keep you around." Bella told him thoughtfully.
"Oh really?!" Harry challenged as he tickle attacked her exposed sides.
Bella shrieked as she struggled to get away from Harry's ten finger
assault. The thrashing only caused the two to become entangled more in
the sheets of Bella's bed and Bella accidentally pulling harry on top of her
as she fell to the floor.
Harry suddenly found himself in the blood pumping position of being
between Bella's toned legs that were at the moment wrapped around his
waist. The two stared at each other as the giggling and laughter slowly
died away only to be replaced with heaving chests and wanting eyes.
They were silent for a few hormone fueled moments, just staring
longingly at one another.
"Harry." Bella whispered softly. "I-I think we should um…maybe just
get…uh…ready for the day."
Harry tried to quickly unravel himself from limbs and bed sheets. Bella
giggled once again at his antics. His face was beet red from
embarrassment as he tripped over himself several times in his attempts to
get up. Finally freeing himself he brushed his hands through his hair
nervously as he searched for the sweater he had been wearing when he
entered her room last night.
Giving it up as a lost cause he stuttered out an apology and made his way
to his room through their shared washroom. Bella couldn't help herself
and laughed at the retreating youth. She laid her head on the floor and
stared up at the ceiling. "That was so intense!" She whispered to nobody.
"Sweet Maeve I hope I can hold out till he completes the ritual." Erotic
images of her and Harry floated through her imagination as she lay there
on the floor.
Two hours later the couple was dressed and ready to start their second
day of class for the school year. They both stood at the open doorway
again looking out to the empty corridor. Bella vocalized what they were
both feeling at the moment.
"Its getting harder isn't it? Separating I mean." Bella whispered reaching
for Harry's hand.
"Yeah." Harry agreed with his crooked smile.
"Have you thought anymore about what we talked about?" Bella asked.
"About choosing a time for both of us?" Harry asked already knowing the
answer. Bella nodded.
"Yeah, there's just… so much to think through, for both of us." Harry
replied with a heavy sigh.
"If it helps…I think you were right about using both timelines to help us
in fighting Voldemort. There are already many supporters in the school
right now, in my time. If we can determine from your history who really
went on to become Death Eaters, we may be able to stop them before
they ever get that far."
"It's definitely a thought." Harry replied, tugging at his collar and wincing
a bit.
"You okay?" Bella asked raising an eyebrow at him.
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, it's just my neck is a little sore." Harry replied
grinning at her.
"Oh?" Bella asked confused. "Did you hurt yourself with all the wrestling
around we did?" She grinned.
"Nope, it was from last night I believe." Harry replied.
"Last night?" She asked.
"Uh huh, it seems my girlfriend decided to give me a nice chain of
hickeys all around my neck." Harry chuckled, pulling down his collar to
show her what her tender mercies had done to him.
Bella smirked at him. "Well, I was just marking my territory milord." She
chuckled.
"Well I'm definitely marked." He grinned.
"So, see you after dinner?" Bella asked, admiring her handiwork with a
satisfied grin.
"Unfortunately, no." He replied with an apologetic shrug.
"No?" She asked in confusion.
"Yeah, well it seems my DADA instructor and I had a bit of a
disagreement yesterday and she gave me a detention tonight and infact…
the rest of the week." Harry grimaced.
"Oh Harry." Bella sighed shaking her head. "First day of term and you got
yourself a detention. That has to be a record of some kind."
"Well Umbitch had it coming! Called me an attention seeking liar for
claiming Voldemort returned, in front of the whole class and hinted that I
may have had a hand in Cedric's death! She just fanned the flames on
that particular issue! There was no way I was letting that slide! And
besides that, she is teaching us absolutely nothing! Says all we need is to
learn the theory and nothing more! " Harry fumed. "It's like Aunt
Walburga told me…we crush our enemies, we don't allow an insult to
ourselves or our house stand." Harry recited Walburga's mantra.
"Harry I warned you about her! She's a conniving backstabbing bitch, and
from the conversation I overheard between her, Fudge and Lucius, this is
what they want, to make you out to be some sort of delusional
psychopath who needs to be put in Azkaban!"
"What should I have done then?" Harry fumed not sure why she was
getting angry with him. "Do I just do nothing as she drags my name
through the mud and incites the students against even more than they are
now?! I will not be a walking target this year Bella, I absolutely refuse!"
"Of course not!" She rebuked. "But there is the Gryffindor way, which
seems to be your specialty…" she huffed folding her arms accusingly. "…
and then there is the Slytherin way." Bella replied with a smirk.
"Then please enlighten me oh sage of Slytherin, how am I to respond to
this?" Harry smirked getting a raised eyebrow in warning from Bella.
"With subtlety, Harry, with subtlety. I know it's a foreign concept to most
Gryffs, but I have high hopes not to mention expectations for you." She
bantered back. "Now, I'm guessing that her tactic is to discredit you, yes?"
"Yeah, her and the entire Ministry." Harry groaned.
"Well then we turn the tables on toad face. I doubt she has the
prerequisite NEWTs not to mention OWLs to even teach Defense Against
the Dark Arts. I'd start there. Just whisper it around about her lack of
credentials and believe me by lunch time it will be all through the school.
And then sit back and watch as letters from students flood home.
Personally I'd start with the Ravenclaws, there the most uptight about
their marks especially those taking OWLs and NEWTs this year. I
guarantee that by the end of the week the school board and Ministry will
be dealing with a lot of angry parents calling for her removal." Bella
assured him.
"But until then what? Do I just suffer the abuse?" Harry shook his head.
"I'm not telling you to not defend yourself. Just be smart about it. Be
creative and ruthless to those who would persecute you, Harry. But do it
in such a way in your position as a Lord and head of an Ancient and
Noble House. Use your title and the weight it brings in doling out your
revenge; use their own laws against them. You be surprised what the
head of a noble and ancient house can get away with." Bella added with a
menacing smirk.
"Right, guess I need to release my inner Slytherin then." Harry mused,
earning a grin from his girlfriend.
"Now, give us a kiss or we're going to be late for class." Bella teased as
she planted a toe curling kiss to lips. "See you after your detention then,
and Harry, remember control, patience, and subtlety."
"Yeah, yeah." He replied as they both crossed the door's threshold.
oooOOOooo
Albus Dumbledore was pacing in his office in frustration. He performed
every diagnostic spell in his very extensive repertoire and yet could not
figure out why the silver tracking devices were not functioning. The
enigmatic headmaster was positive that they were all in working order
but for some unexplained reason did not report on the target to which
they were enchanted. Harry Potter.
One instrument monitored his health another provided his location, and
still another monitored his magical core strength, and still another yet,
monitored the strength of the spells that had been placed on the boy. So
it was with no small amount of anxiety that had the headmaster wearing
a hole through his carpets having lost all magical means of tracking the
boy.
Even the wards of the school no longer provided the ancient wizard with
the knowledge of the boy's whereabouts. And the portraits and ghosts
had out right refused to spy for him any longer. How was he supposed to
manage a school full of teenagers without the cooperation of the portraits
and the ghosts? And what had happened to the house elves? They had
reported that the castle had instructed them not to spy on students as
well but only to report when there was trouble afoot. The castle told
them?
To make matters worse, Severus had reported that the castle had rebuffed
any attempt to charm or place spells on any wall, door, or any other
surface where the student population were prone to go. It was if
Hogwarts herself was turning against him. But that wasn't possible, was
it? He was the headmaster; he controlled the school…right?
Albus felt a tingle in the wards on the circular staircase that lead to his
office. "At least that ward is still working." He mumbled to himself.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Come in Severus." Dumbledore called from behind his desk just taking
his seat as the dark haired potions master glided in.
"What have you determined Severus?" Dumbledore asked his confederate.
"A complete reversal headmaster, which shouldn't be possible, even if the
compulsion charms had failed, there should be a slow degradation of the
charms effects. But in every student I have tested the compulsion has
completely vanished." Severus Snape reported with his usual sneer.
"Interesting." Albus stated, drumming his steepled fingers together. "This
is an unexpected turn, but not necessarily a detrimental one. And I admit
that it was not one of my more brilliant conceived ideas, turning the
student body against him. I need him malleable not broken and I may
have let it get out of hand last year. We need him to experience what
Voldemort experienced without actually turning the boy dark. He must
understand Voldemort in order to beat him.
But I need him to turn to me Severus, but so far he has not sought my
help or council, and I'm afraid he has become more headstrong than I
could have anticipated. Damn Sirius and his blasted will! Who
emancipates a fifteen year old and then makes him Lord of House Black! I
would have thought that Lucius would be fighting tooth and nail to
challenge the will." Albus in his frustration let his emotions get the best
of him.
"Not to worry headmaster, the Malfoy attorneys are already making plans
to challenge the mutt's sanity and overturn the will and the lordship. I'm
confident that Draco will be the new Lord Black by the end of term if not
sooner." Severus smirked.
"I'm not sure that would be a better option. I shiver to think what Lucius
could do with the Black fortune. He would give Voldemort a huge
financial advantage over anything the Order or the Ministry could come
up with. It would be better that the Black fortune laid dormant and the
House of Black to slip into oblivion." Albus remarked popping a lemon
drop into his mouth.
"That is unlikely to happen, headmaster. Even if Draco is denied the
Black lordship, Narcissa is a Black and the only Black remaining that
could legally take possession of the fortune. And I need not remind you
Albus that she is not a political novice, she is very astute and she will not
be denied what in her mind is legitimately hers." Severus remarked,
brushing off a stray piece of lint from his midnight black robes.
"I'm not a political slouch either Severus, and there are ways to tie things
up in the legal system that it could take years to unravel all the red tape
that would allow her access. And by that time our problems will have
been resolved." 'I hope' Albus thought to himself.
Albus then brought the discussion back to his main concern. "An
independent Harry Potter is not what this world needs Severus. To bring
order and stability back to our world he must be a willing martyr, only
then will Voldemort be beatable."
"If Potter's death is all that is required to defeat the Dark Lord, I could
always arrange a mishap for the pampered prince." Snape grinned an evil
smile, relishing the thought of ending the Potter line. He would finally
have his revenge over James Potter by ending the line once and for all.
"No Severus, it must be Voldemort that delivers the killing blow. The
prophecy must be fulfilled in order for him to be beat. And Harry must
face him willingly. Afterward Voldemort will be vulnerable, unwittingly
killing a piece of himself when he kills the boy, thus weakening him
greatly."
"I still find it remarkable that his soul was split in two when he attempted
to kill the boy." Severus shook his head in reluctant belief.
"A remarkable happenstance to be sure, and the only reason he was able
to return. A portion that was ripped from him went to the only other
living thing in the room and thus anchoring him to this existence, while
the other half fled to parts unknown. But once he has been dealt with, I
will be able to get things back to the way they should be." Albus smiled
thinking of his perfect wizarding utopia.
Severus managed not to roll his eyes at Albus' naiveté at believing he
could actually unite all magicals under one standard. There were too
many egos and ambitious people for that to ever happen. Even with all
his manipulations of their society and his elevated status, it was just not
possible to sway everyone.
oooOOOooo
Harry approached the Potions classroom in the dungeons where many
students were already lined up to enter. You had the normal split of
students, Slytherins on one side and the Gryffindors on the other. Harry
sighed at the division the House system instilled in its students. Nowhere
was the animosity greatest than between the House of Lions and the
House of Snakes.
According to Bella, even in her time the animosity between the two
houses was deeply ingrained. Harry wondered briefly about when the
hostilities began and what caused them, or was it always the case since
the beginning?
"Hey scarhead!" Harry cringed as the familiar drawling voice broke into
his thoughts. What was it with Malfoy, did he have some sick and twisted
thing for him? 'Well I think it's time to take this rivalry in a new
direction.' Harry mused.
"Malfoy, I'm becoming truly worried about your behavior." Harry spoke
with a concern laden voice.
"About time that you admitted you fear me." Malfoy laughed, inspiring
Pansy Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle to join in, the other Slytherins
realizing that Potter had a small smirk and was setting the blonde ponce
up for something.
"Oh, I said nothing about fearing you Malfoy, although I am concerned
about this…abnormal obsession you have with me. I mean if I had a
girlfriend as gorgeous as Miss Parkinson, I would be giving her all my
attention and not…uh…chasing after other boys." Harry gave a
concerned look at Draco and a quick flirtatious wink to Pansy.
"I just don't fly that way Malfoy, so if I were you, I would direct your…
deviance toward another wizard, there's a good lad. " Harry gave him an
apologetic look and fought hard not to burst out laughing at the
completely gob smacked look on the ferret's face. It seemed Pansy on the
other hand was fighting dueling emotions, she wanted to defend Draco
but at the same time her cheeks flushed at the compliment the golden
boy had just paid her.
Crabbe and Goyle just didn't grasp the word play and so did not know
how to react one way or another, and surprisingly the rest of the
assembled Slytherins gave muted chuckles at the expense of the Malfoy
heir. Maybe they weren't all sheep. Harry mused.
The door to the classroom opened suddenly to reveal the ever so pleasant
countenance of the potions master. He quickly took stock of the amused
faces on his Slytherins and stifled laughs of the Gryffindors, his eyes then
turned to his godson who was spluttering but not forming a coherent
word and then swung his gaze to Harry who had a look of complete
innocence on his face. That innocent façade alone was enough for the
greasy haired professor to know where the source of the muted jocularity
had come from.
"What are you waiting for?!" Snape growled. "Take your seats!" The
Slytherins entered first, walking in single file. Harry was shocked to
receive a couple of approving nods from the Slytherin group as they
walked by him.
Harry entered in with the rest of his fellow housemates and took a seat at
the table at the back of the class. He was soon joined by none other than
Hermione Granger who gave him a timid half smile as she took her seat
next to him. Harry gave her a curt nod but gave no other form of
greeting.
"Today, some of you with at least half a brain cell will be brewing a
sleeping draft; this will be one of the potions you will be tested on for
your OWLs. It is a complicated and temperamental potion that requires a
steady hand and precise measurements and constant monitoring of heat
distribution to your cauldron. As such I don't expect many of you to
complete this assignment…unscathed." Snape finished forebodingly.
With a wave of his wand the directions and ingredients needed for the
potion appeared on the large chalk board at the front of his class.
Students left their seats to gather the ingredients that they would need
from the supply cabinet. Hermione had gotten up quick to retrieve her
items while Harry decided to hold back until the crowd around the
cabinet thinned.
"I got your ingredients for you Harry." The hesitant voice of Hermione
came who was looking longingly at Harry for some sort of positive
interaction.
"Thanks." Harry said dryly as he prepared his cauldron for use, Hermione
doing likewise.
Each had begun to prepare the individual ingredients in an
uncomfortable silence. It was too much to bear for Hermione and so
decided that she would have to break the silence. Harry was stubborn
enough to go the whole class without saying a word.
"I'm so sorry Harry." Hermione whispered her voice full of emotion.
There was a brief pause where Harry seemed to not hear her. "I know
Hermione." He finally spoke.
"Did-did you read my letter" She asked softly.
"I did…I was meaning to write you back." Harry stated calmly; that
statement nearly caused the girl to break down in tears of joy.
"You were?" She choked out and received an affirmative nod from Harry.
A lone tear flowed from her left eye and made its way down her cheek.
Harry saw the tear and felt a tug at his heart strings, the heart strings he
thought he had cut for the bushy haired girl. Without thinking he gently
brushed away the tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb.
Hermione's watery brown eyes turned toward him and though he had not
said it to her, she could see the forgiveness in his eyes as he stared back
at her. She was about to throw her arms around him but a stern look and
a raised hand from Harry let her know that now was not the time for
reconciliations. Hermione gave him a jerky nod and another watery smile
and returned to her potion.
Harry had reached the third stage of five for the potion and had reached
a perfect lime green color which was exactly how it should have looked.
It now needed to simmer for twenty minutes while the Belladonna extract
was completely infused into the crushed Valerian.
"Tsk tsk Potter, allowing Miss Granger to do your work for you is
cheating and I will not allow cheaters in my class." Snape's sneer was
almost approaching what some would be considered a smile. "Gather
your things and leave my class, I will be informing your head of house
about your expulsion."
"No." Harry said in a calm flat voice.
"What did you say?" Snape asked dangerously.
"I said no, your accusation is baseless and completely without proof. If
you believe I have cheated then you must provide evidence." Harry
replied with the same even tone.
"Why you…just looking at your potion I can tell it is not your own work!"
Snape growled.
"Again I asked for proof and not assumptions. This is indeed my own
work and as you can tell by looking at Miss Granger's potion she is still
one step behind mine. So again, I ask what hard evidence you have that I
cheated." Harry asked looking straight into his professors eyes.
"You arrogant little sprog, I am the ultimate authority in this class and
my word is law." Severus spat his lips curled into a condescending snarl.
"Speaking of the law professor..." Harry replied over emphasizing the last
word. "According to the Hogwarts bylaws all disputes between professor
and student are to be brought before the headmaster and the
disagreement is to be heard by a quorum consisting of the headmaster
and all heads of house. Should the involved professor be a head of house,
another member of staff will take his place during the dispute
proceedings.
Severus was momentarily shocked, he expected Harry to lose his
infamous temper and go off on him, allowing the professor to deduct
points and perhaps give him a detention or two. He hadn't expected the
boy to remain calm and have knowledge of the school rules regarding
disputes.
"The headmaster hardly has time for your whining Potter." Severus
retorted getting a snicker from Malfoy but the other Slytherins remaining
oddly quiet. The Gryffindors whether in stunned disbelief or still feeling
the shame from their treatment of their housemate stayed silent except
for Hermione who was giving him a look of awe.
Harry smiled a little eerily at the Potions Professor. "Is it my
understanding then professor that you are refusing to fulfill your
obligation as a contracted professor of this institution in taking our
disputation to the headmaster?
If that is the case professor, then I'm forced to remind you that by doing
so you are violating my rights as a student and by subverting the only
form of arbitration at this school, I will be forced to act in my role as
head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black and bring formal charges
against you in the only other place of arbitration left to me and that
would be in front of the Wizengamot, where I will call in to question you
fitness to teach and impartiality or lack thereof as a professor." Harry
glared at the man.
And there it was! Harry had forced the professor into a corner where he
either had to face Dumbledore and the other House heads and prove his
case, where he had no delusions that the other professors would side with
him, or be brought before the Wizengamot where the outcome was far
less certain. The older houses and even many of the younger ones would
side with Potter just to get into the good graces of a very politically
powerful family even if Potter did not realize it yet.
Either way he would have to face humiliation at the hands of the person
he hated just slightly less than James Potter. The thought sickened him,
but he had done this to himself. 'When did Potter get a brain?' Snape
seethed. He looked at the boy with a murderous stare and though
wandless at the moment looked poised to strike at the green eyed boy.
Harry noticed the posturing of his potions professor and wondered should
he push him just a little bit more to see the man completely unravel or to
let it go for now. With a calculating smirk he continued.
"If you push me professor I will destroy you publically to such a degree
that you would be lucky to get a job squeezing pus out of a bubertuber
pod. You have pushed and intimidated me for the last time Snape. The
line has been drawn…cross it at your own peril." Harry warned the
hateful man.
The entire class gasped at the not so subtle threat, and was completely on
the edge of their seats to see how this power struggle would end. Snape's
lips twisted and curled as he attempted to speak, with some painful
looking facial distortions he finally broke his silence.
"Headmaster's office, now!" He growled out slowly and then Harry
watched the overgrown bat sweep from the classroom presumably to
Dumbledore's office.
"Oh my god Harry, what have you done? " Hermione gasped fearing for
her friend.
"What is within my rights, Hermione, I thought of all people you would
have known that clause." Harry stated with a raised eyebrow. Hermione
demurely shook her head.
"I'm sorry I was not aware of it, if I had known about it I would have
suggested back in first year." She stated apologetically. "Is there anything
I can do for you know?" She asked hesitantly.
Harry turned to her and gave her a small yet warm smile. "Yeah would
you mind finding Professor McGonagall and let her know what happened
and to meet me in the headmasters office."
"Of-of course Harry." Hermione replied the left heading for the
Transfiguration classroom. Harry then made his way to Dumbledore's
office.
oooOOOooo
"Bella, did you see the Prophet this morning?!" Andromeda Black asked
her sister in a hushed whisper after finding her in the Library buried
behind a mountain of books.
"Hmm, what?" Bella mumbled absently as she was writing something
down that she had found of interest in the current book she was studying
from.
"The Prophet…have you read it today?" Andromeda asked in frustration.
"No why?" Bellatrix responded tersely, annoyed at the interruption.
Andromeda forced the periodical on top of the parchment Bella had been
writing on and pointed to the first page.
"Read it Bella, something terrible has happened to the Hemingways."
Andromeda sniffled. Muriel Hemmingway was a close friend of
Andromeda's, a third year in Ravenclaw. The Hemingway's were an old
Pureblood family, not as old as the Blacks but could trace their family
magic back six hundred years.
Bella looked down at the paper which showed a modest size Victorian
manor house with significant structural damage, but what grabbed her
attention immediately was what was floating above it a large greenish
skull with a large animated snake slithering from its gaping jaw.
"The Dark Mark!" Bella gasped quietly.
"The what?" Andromeda asked, hearing her sister mumble something.
"N-nothing Andi." Bella replied without looking up from the article she
was reading.
"…Six members of the Hemingway family were all found dead this morning.
The Prophet has learned through an anonymous source within the auror
department who informed this reporter that all members of the family except
for a Muriel Hemingway, who is currently attending Hogwarts, were all
subjected to the Cruciatus curse before being killed in very grotesque ways.
Lady Regina Hemingway, according to medical sources, had been raped
repeatedly before being disemboweled. Two older people believed to be the
parents of Lady Regina both were both hit with the Killing curse, no other spell
signature was found on them. Two younger children ages of 10 and 8 were
also found in the family room, their bodies dismembered.
Lord Hemingway was severely tortured and was hung above the family
fireplace with a spike through his head anchoring him to the wall, another
large metal spike was driven through his chest with a note attached to it which
read: 'DEATH TO ALL BLOOD TRAITORS! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.' "
Bella couldn't read anymore, her stomach threatened to revolt and spill
its contents on to the table. Pushing the paper away from her she took
several deep breaths and slowly pushed them out in an effort to get
control of herself. She looked up to see a teary eyed Andromeda.
"Muriel's Aunt and Uncle withdrew her this morning; I didn't even get a
chance to say goodbye. What is happening Bella? Why are all these
horrible things happening? I've been hearing all these whispers in the
common room about mudbloods and blood traitors. I'm not sure what to
make of it all." Andromeda looked to Bella for some kind of answer to the
insanity.
Bella let out a heavy sigh before turning to her sister. "Terrible things are
coming Andi, much worse than you can imagine. We are spiraling toward
an all out blood war that will rip our world apart. Muggleborns are going
to be…targeted." Bella mournfully spoke.
"Does-does this have to do with the new movement your friend Olivia
was talking about?" Andi asked.
"It does. Andi…how serious is your relationship with that Tonks boy?"
Bella asked quietly.
"What do you mean?" Andi asked narrowing her eyes.
"I mean no offense Andi, I'm just curious." Bella kindly told her sister.
"Well we're just barely fourteen, so as serious as two fourteen year olds
can be. I mean we haven't pledged undying love to each other, but we do
like each other a lot." Andromeda confessed.
"Then you need to be extra careful Andi, and keep this relationship as
secret as possible, don't tell anyone that you don't trust with your life.
Understood?" Bella told her sister in a very serious tone.
"You're talking like something will happen to us if people find out."
"If the wrong people find out about it, something could." Bella warned.
"What do you think mum and dad would do if they found out about me
and him?" Andi asked a little fearfully.
"I'm sure that father would insist you get the chastity binding as soon as
possible. Mum has been able to postpone it up until now and fortunately
Uncle Orion hasn't forced the issue yet. But once they find out it will be
over for you and Cissy as well." Bella told her.
"Not if I do something about it first!" The middle Black sister said with
determination."
"What are you talking about?" Bella asked her sister slowly and with
suspicion.
"You have found a way out of your situation or soon will, and I know
away out of my situation as well." Andromeda stated, crossing her arms
over her chest in defiance.
"You're not thinking of having…Andi your fourteen! Do you know what
mum and dad would do to you when they found out?!" Bella shrieked
getting a stern look from Madam Pince.
"I didn't say I was going to go out right now and have my wicked way
with Ted, but it's an option if it comes right down to it. And don't get all
self-righteous on me Bella, I figured you are planning something similar. I
just don't know how you're getting around the ritual. Whatever it is will
most likely be dangerous, so don't lecture me on what I should and
shouldn't do. I'm supporting you and I'd like to think I have your support
in return!" Andromeda replied shortly.
Bella grimaced and rubbed her face in exasperation. She stared at her
younger sister long and hard for a few moments but could not argue her
points. She herself was planning to do something that had the potential
of causing great harm to herself, but her freedom was worth the danger
involved and had to concede that her sister had every right to choose her
path as well.
Sighing in defeat Bella nodded her surrender. "Just be very careful Andi."
Bella finally said.
"It's not like they would disown me or something." Andromeda grinned.
"Mum wouldn't allow it."
Bella smiled albeit weakly. "Alright Andi."
Bella gathered up her research and placed it in her bag, if Andromeda
had been more observant she would have notice that she had several
books from the restricted section, many dealing with curses and how to
create a chain curse that would affect one linked object to its other parts.
The idea had come from Harry although he had no idea that it had.
Harry had informed her that the Dark Mark from what he was able to
gather was a form of not only identification with confederates but a way
of communication as well. A Protean Charm.
Bella suspected that perhaps the rings that Rudolfus had distributed to
the other assumed youth Death Eaters was in fact a Protean charm used
to communicate to each other. If that were true she might be able to use
the rings as a way of distributing a curse to all those who wore one. If it
were possible she could take down every student who wore one in one
swift blow. In as much as the rings were in constant contact with the skin
it was plausible. But how to get the curse to piggyback on the signal was
the problem.
She would have to figure out a way to weave it and the transmission
together. She was okay with charms but this was well above her level of
expertise. She would need to work up an arithmetic charm and obtain
one of the rings to see if she could decipher the charm lattice used on the
ring. Once she knew the lattice on the ring she could begin
experimenting on her piggyback charm.
The plan was taking shape but she needed more advanced charms,
arithmancy, and runes books to help her research. Perhaps the ROR could
provide what she needed. The next problem was getting a ring. It would
be obvious if she tried to take a ring from someone already wearing one,
which meant she would need to find the satchel that Rudolfus had and
steal one from there.
And there was little doubt that he would have it in a safe place or on his
person at all times. But then again this is Rudolfus Lestrange and his one
weakness was his arrogance and he may not of even thought of someone
trying to take one, after all who would dare try something like that
against the prince of Slytherin House.
She would have to keep her eyes and ears open, and perhaps get Harry to
loan her his invisibility cloak for some late night reconnaissance into the
boy's dorm rooms. She left the library feeling confident that her plan
could work. It would certainly deprive Voldemort of his assets within the
school, and if successful could be used on the Dark Mark itself.
oooOOOooo
Harry was waiting at the gargoyle statue that hid the staircase to
Dumbledore's office. He was not foolish enough to walk into the
headmaster's office without his head of house. If she truly was on his side
now he could definitely use back-up before confronting both Snape and
Dumbledore.
Harry heard footsteps and smiled as he saw Hermione leading not only
Professor McGonagall, but Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Sinestra.
Minerva had told Harry about the other professors desire to make
amends as well and were firmly in his corner.
"Thank you professor for coming, all of you." Harry told the assembled
group. "Did Hermione tell you what happened?"
"Aye she did Mr. Potter, and I must say that you conducted yourself
brilliantly, a move worthy of your mother." Minerva McGonagall replied
with a look of pride in her eyes.
"Well should we get this show on the road?" Pomona Sprout stated.
""Yes I think we should. That will be all Miss Granger." Professor
McGonagall told the bushy haired bookworm who looked for a moment
like she was about to protest being dismissed, but a stern look from her
head of house quickly changed her mind and she headed to the Great
Hall for lunch seeing that the afternoon classes had just ended.
Harry, Minerva and the others rode the spiral staircase up to the
headmaster's office. Harry centered himself for the upcoming
confrontation and mentally told himself to think before speaking and
remember what Aunt Walburga and taught him about being a Lord and
Head of House.
"Ah Harry, come in my boy, come…" Albus began before seeing the
procession that followed the Potter boy.
"I was not aware of a staff meeting Minerva." Dumbledore spoke turning
toward the Transfiguration professor.
"We do not headmaster; I am here at Mr. Potter's request, is this not a
disputation resolution meeting?" Minerva asked tightly.
"I see, well I really don't believe all this is necessary. It seems to be just a
misunderstanding and one I believe can be sorted out without convening
a quorum." Albus said with his grandfatherly smile. On the inside he
wanted to get harry alone so he could recalibrate his tracking devices,
but he would need a sample of Harry's blood to do so, and taking
someone's blood was an extremely serious matter not to mention illegal
in the way that Albus wanted for.
"I don't think so professor. Snape accused me of…"
"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore corrected.
"That's Lord Black, headmaster, and he accused me of cheating in front of
a classroom of my peers without any proof of said act but his own
assumption." Harry spoke in a hard and commanding voice.
'Why you arrogant…"
"Severus!" Dumbledore warned the potions master. Snape glared
loathingly at Harry but kept his tongue still.
"I'm sure you just missed understood him Harry." Dumbledore smiled
warmly.
Harry bristled. "Again sir, while this is a formal meeting you will address
me by my official title." Harry glared at the ancient wizard.
"Is that absolutely necessary Harr…Lord Black." Dumbledore corrected
himself after receiving an icy green stare from Harry.
Dumbledore sighed heavily
"It is sir, now I would like to formerly accuse Professor Snape of slander,
and to demand a public apology for his baseless accusation of cheating.
Furthermore I wish to petition the quorum that it begin an evaluation of
Professor Snape's teaching ability and his professors pledge of non-
favoritism and creating a conducive learning environment for all
students." Harry added.
"What?!" Snape snapped out.
"According to the school bylaws every professor is required to take an
oath, vowing that they will cause no harm to students under his tutelage,
to be fair and unbiased and provide a learning environment that is
conducive to learning. Amongst other stipulations and requirements, if
these vows are not met the professor in question may face disciplinary
action including dismissal from his position." Harry finished with a
penetrating look at the greasy haired man.
Severus chortled. "Nice try Potter, there is no such oath. Once again you
show your ignorance and utter stupidity."Dumbledore nearly palmed his
face in exasperation. This was about to get painful for his spy and
confidant.
"What!" McGonagall nearly shouted glancing at Severus. "There is most
certainly an oath! Every professor is suppose to take it before they ever
start teaching!" Minerva's Scottish brogue roared through, she looked at
her fellow professors for confirmation and received nods from Flitwick,
Sprout, and Sinestra.
"Would you care to explain to us Albus, why he has not taken the oath?!"
Minerva directed her ire onto the headmaster.
Albus knew that any explanation would be met with opposition if not
open hostility from his deputy headmistress. Of course he knew why he
didn't have Severus take the oath, he needed his spy unrestrained to do
the things he might be asked to do…all for the greater good of course.
"It seems that in my advancing years I may have let that slip my mind
Minerva." Albus decided to mislead his deputy headmistress.
"Well I think that needs to be resolved here and now professor!" Minerva
told the old man.
"I don't think now would be the best time Minerva, we have so much on
our plates and I believe this is one thing that can be taken care of at a
later date." Albus told her authoritatively, but it did not have the affect
he was hoping as Minerva's famous Scottish temper flared.
"It's the perfect time Albus! As we are here discussing Severus' apparent
lack of decorum in his own classroom. And let me assure you it is not
only Mr. Potter who has claimed that Severus' classes are hostile toward
anyone not in Slytherin! We will take care of this now or the quorum will
move for a suspension of Professor Snape until it is taken." The other
assembled professor voiced their support of Minerva.
"Very well, Minerva." Albus stated suddenly looking tired. "Severus lift
your wand."
"You can't be serious headmaster, this is an…"
"Severus lift your wand and repeat after me. I Severus Snape do hereby
promise on my magic that I will…" Albus continued and reluctantly
Severus made his oath, which was sealed by magic. Albus had lost a tool
at the school, one that had been free from the consequences of a
professor's oath. Things would now be a bit more difficult in
manipulating Harry through antagonism. But there were other ways.
"Well if we are finished with our business here…" Dumbledore began.
"Not yet headmaster." Harry interrupted. "I demand an apology and an
inquisition into Professor Snape tenure here at Hogwarts.
"Harry…I mean Lord Black, with Severus' oath you should see a change
in his teaching. I ask that you leave it alone and allow Severus a second
chance. Everyone deserves a second chance Lord Black." Dumbledore
replied.
Harry wasn't happy with this and would have continued to force the
issue, if he had not remembered the saying; keep your friends close and
your enemies closer. Perhaps it might be wise to know where the slippery
'former' Death Eater is at all times.
"I will agree to this on one condition Headmaster and that is a public
apology from him." Harry decided to see what he could still get.
"I will not apologize to this…" Snape began to protest.
"It is an acceptable condition Severus!" Dumbledore cut him off. Potter
may have neutered his pet but he still had uses and would rather keep
him at the castle. "He will apologize in your next class, Lord Black."
"At dinner." Harry responded curtly.
"Excuse me?" Dumbledore asked. "Why at dinner?"
"Because everyone who was there are now at lunch telling all their
friends about it and knowing the rumor mill the whole school will have
heard about it by dinner. So that is where I demand the apology be
made." Harry stated with all seriousness with a look that said this is not
negotionable.
Dumbledore sighed heavily. 'Very well, it shall be as you asked."
Snape looked gob smacked and the turned an impressive shade of red.
Snape glared at Harry and then swept angrily from the office.
Dumbledore shook his head and gave Harry a disappointed look.
"If that is all, I would like to speak to harry alone." Albus said looking at
the other professors and dismissing them with his eyes.
"Is this school related headmaster? If it is I request that my head of house
remain." Harry asked.
"Nothing like that my boy, I just thought we could have a friendly chat."
Albus tried to smile warmly to the boy.
"Perhaps another time headmaster, I really want to get to lunch before
my next class." Harry informed the old wizard and quickly exited the
office, followed by the other professors who excused themselves.
'Harry is becoming to defiant and to independent. I need to do something
to reel him back in.' Dumbledore mused. 'And how did he know about the
oath and the disputation quorum?'
Albus steepled his fingers in front of his face as he pondered over what
he had just seen. 'He was too well prepared, there is only one person he
knows with the intelligence to educate him in such matters. Granger! I
will have to do something about this.' The ancient wizard thought to
himself and then began to realize a plan where he could kill two birds
with one stone.
oooOOOooo
Bella was curled up on the couch reading when Harry returned to the
ROR just after curfew. He was staggering a bit and was rubbing the top of
his right hand. Bella got up and wrapped an arm around his waist and
helped him to the couch. Bella noticed that his eyes were slightly glassy.
"Harry, have you been drugged?" Bella asked worriedly, pushing open his
eyelids and looking at his pupils which seemed to be dilated. She grabbed
his hands and quickly released them after Harry winced. She gently took
his right hand and looked at it. She saw that something had been carved
into the top of his hands. The sentence read: I must not tell lies!
"What the hell is this Harry, who did this to you?!" Bella asked shaking
Harry gently.
"Lines." He whispered. "I must write my lines, I must write I must not tell
lies." Harry said mechanically as he reached for a nearby quill and
parchment. Bella knocked the items away from his hands and forced him
back on the couch.
"What is going on dear?" The voice of Walburga Black interrupted.
"I think Harry has been drugged Aunt Walburga. I think he was made to
carve into his hand." Bella replied.
"What?!" Walburga screeched. "Who dares to assault the Lord of our
House!"
"I don't know Auntie; I can't get Harry to focus." Bella's voice hitched.
"Kreacher!" The portrait bellowed. Within moments the ancient elf
appeared with a soft pop.
"Mistress is calling Kreacher." The old elf asked the portrait hanging
above the mantel.
"Yes Kreacher, I need you to go to back to Grimauld place and bring the
restorative draught in the potions lab. It will be on the middle shelf on
the back wall; it will be in a pear shaped green glass bottle. Hurry!" With
a pop Kreacher was gone.
"The draught he is bringing will flush out any remaining potions or toxins
in his system dear. Make him drink it all when Kreacher returns." She
instructed Bella, who nodded absently while she continued to try and get
harry to talk to her.
Kreacher popped back into the ROR and was instructed to give the bottle
to Bella. Bella uncorked the bottle and gently pressed it to Harry's lips.
Harry's instincts seem to kick in because he automatically opened his
mouth and Bella began to slowly pour the elixir down his throat. It took
several minutes but finally Harry had drunk the entire contents of the
bottle.
"Lay him back dear. It may take several minutes for the draught to work
and he'll need a bucket…this won't be pretty." Walburga told her niece.
A bucket materialized on the floor next to the couch just in time as Harry
began to convulse. Bella managed to turn him on his side and a moment
later Harry began to empty his stomach into the receptacle.
The evacuation of Harry's stomach lasted for about five minutes before he
was finished. Bella vanished the contents of the bucket, and then cast an
air freshening charm for the room and a mouth cleansing charm on
Harry.
Harry began to moan and cradle his hand while he lay on the couch only
semi-conscious. Bella conjured a cool wet flannel and used it to gently
dab at and sooth the inflamed hand that had been carved on. She then
cast a numbing charm on the hand as an after thought.
"Harry…can you hear me?" Bella asked gently.
"Ug…Bella?" Harry asked groggily.
"Yes Harry, it's me. Are you all right?
"I feel like my insides are all twisted up." Harry replied gingerly touching
his stomach.
"That's normal dear, the draught is a little rough, but it does the job."
Walburga added.
"What happened to you Harry?" Bella asked.
"Not sure exactly. My day was a little intense but everything went well
considering. At the end of the day I went to serve my detention." Harry
explained.
"Your detention with Umbridge?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, I sat down and she offered me some tea. I drank it and we talked
for a few moments. I began to feel a little strange or maybe tired…I don't
remember. She then told me I would be writing lines. I pulled out some
parchment and a quill but she said she had a special quill that I had to
use.
I asked for ink but she said it did not require ink. So I shrugged and
began to write I must not tell lies! The toad face! Well I wrote a few lines
and noticed that the ink appeared to be red, but I also felt the back of my
hand itch. I soon realized that the ink was blood and it was coming from
my own hand!
The lines I was writing were being carved into my skin. I protested but
she told me to continue writing till it had sunk in. I don't know why, but
I could not get myself to stop, it was like my brain wasn't listening to me
and I had to do what she said. I know it wasn't the imperious curse
because I can throw that off." Harry said.
"A Blood Quill!" Walburga shrieked. "That hag was torturing the Lord
Black with a blood quill! Blood feud on that cow and her whole family!"
The Black matriarch was wailing.
Bella was unusually quiet, but her body had stiffened noticeably. She rose
from her seat and entered Harry's bedroom. A moment later she exited
with his invisibility cloak in hand. Harry noticed the look on her face and
it was one he would not want directed at him.
"Bella where are you going?" Harry asked wincing as his stomach was
still tender.
"Kreacher! Stay with Lord Black, I have something to do."
"Bella, what are you going to do?" Harry asked in concern for his
girlfriend.
Bella looked at him resolutely and spoke in a voice that promised pain.
"Toad hunting." Bella then turned and quickly exited the Room of
Requirement.
oooOOOooo
A/N: What did you think? Leave me a review or a comment on how you
think the story is going. I hope all my friends state side had a great
Thanksgiving!
11. Chapter 11
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
A/N: Another first! Chapter Ten received 110 reviews! First time I have
had a chapter break 100 reviews. You guys are great! I am truly
humbled by the interest in this story. I love hearing back from you all
and reading your thought and comments. So without further ado here is
Chapter Eleven of Passageways. Hope everyone has a Wonderful
Holiday! Merry Christmas!
Chapter 11:
Harry stared at the disappearing back of Bellatrix Black as the door to the
ROR closed behind her. Her last statement caught the raven haired boy
slightly off guard. If this were the Bellatrix of his time he would
definitely be suspecting the premature death of the newest Defense
Against the Dark Arts professor.
But she had left without him, meaning that she was going after the
Delores Umbridge of her time. Bella had told him that she was not the
nicest of people but he doubted she had done anything yet to deserve the
wrath of the girl who would one day become the most dangerous witch
in recent history.
"Uh…Aunt Walburga you don't think Bella will…you know…do anything
permanent do you? Harry asked as he felt another wave of nausea hit
him.
"Whatever she does Harry, it will not nearly be severe enough." Walburga
sniffed contemptuously. "She has tortured the head of our family and that
does not go unchallenged!"
"In my time Auntie, not in her time." Harry tried to reason with the
portrait.
"Bella will not see it that way dear, and Bella also has another motivation
as well." Walburga grinned.
"What other motivation does she have?" Harry asked.
"Why you dear. She is very taken with you and she will take that
woman's attack on you as an attack on someone she cares deeply for, as if
it had happened to one of her sisters, she will take it quite personally."
Walburga explained.
"Oh bugger!" Harry exclaimed as he dived for the rubbish bin and
relieved his stomach of what remained inside of it.
oooOOOooo
The castle seemed eerily quiet as Bellatrix slowly made her way from the
seventh floor down to the dungeons where the entrance to the Slytherin
commons room lay hidden. The quiet in her travel did nothing to
diminish the roaring fire she felt in her chest. No one attacks the House
of Black like that, no one tortures her Harry.
It struck her as she walked beneath the invisibility cloak just how quickly
she became possessive of Harry, almost obsessive. She had always been a
passionate person; though she kept up a cool mask of indifference to
those she did not consider her family. But Harry brought out a whole
new level of passion within her, one she was most willing to explore. She
felt she could be herself around him and that in and of itself was
something Bella prized above all else.
She could not really be herself around anyone else and that was why she
was so selfish in keeping him secretly to herself. She was not ready to
even share the knowledge of him with her sisters either…not completely
anyway.
Bella was shocked to see that she had already arrived at the Slytherin
entrance, her mind had been so focused on what she was going to do to
the toad faced pygmy puff, she had not realized the passage of time. She
gave the password and silently entered the den of the snakes. Fortunately
no one had paid attention to her entrance not that they would have seen
her while underneath the cloak, but she thought at least someone would
have looked up to see who had entered with the doorway opened.
Bella looked around the dimly lit commons room and noticed that there
were still a few small groups lingering at the few tables and couches that
adorned the room. A shock of blonde hair drew her attention to a group
of four boys huddled together near the fireplace. It seemed that Malfoy
was holding court with a few others including Rabastan Lestrange,
Rudolfus was oddly not there.
Her curiosity got the better of her and she made her way carefully over
to the group. They did not seem to be too concerned with others hearing
them as they were not speaking in hushed tones. It was the top-dog or
alpha-male syndrome Bella sneered to herself. The knowledge that you
are the master of your domain; hence you do not fear the presence of
others or deem them a threat.
It wasn't very Slytherin in Bella's eyes. Never give a potential enemy any
ammunition that can be used against you no matter how inconsequential
you may deem it. Bella moved to within just a few feet of the group and
tapped her earring that she had used at the Three Broomsticks to listen in
to another conversation where an older Malfoy was present.
"I tell you she just disappeared!" Gregory Goyle spat.
"Need I remind you that apparition is impossible within the castle?"
Malfoy asked in a condescending tone.
"I am well aware of it Lucius! But nevertheless one moment she was there
and then she wasn't!" Goyle reiterated.
"Did you see her disapparate?" Rabastan Lestrange asked.
"Well no…I was following her as ordered right after dinner. She headed
up the grand staircase so I followed. She went to the fourth floor and
turned a corner, but when I got there and rounded the corner there was
nothing there but a wall." Goyle explained.
"A wall?" Vincent Crabbe asked with a confused look.
"Yeah a wall!" Goyle spat.
"Where were you on the fourth floor?" Malfoy asked the upset boy nearly
the size of a young troll.
"I was following her down the south corridor from the Library and she
took the first left, and then she was gone and there was this wall about
five feet down that corridor."
"Were you drunk Goyle! There is no wall there, that corridor runs to the
exterior east wall idiot! There is a large plate glass window there that
looks out toward the Quidditch pitch!" Lucius fumed.
"I tell you there was a wall there!" Goyle spat, jumping to his feet with
his fists clenched.
'Well that's unnerving.' Bella thought. 'They have been trying to follow
me, bastards! The wall being there is a little odd though." Bella reflected
on it for a moment before grinning. She would need to thank the Lady
Hogwarts next time she saw her.
"Calm down Goyle!" Rabastan growled. "This bickering isn't helping.
Rudolfus wants to know where the bint is sleeping and what she is up to.
She hasn't been in the dorms since we returned."
"Why does he care so much?" Crabbe asked looking bewildered. "It's not
like he's lacking for company at the moment." He chuckled.
"That's not your concern or any of your business!" Rabastan glared
menacingly at the bulky sixteen year old. "Your orders are to keep track
of her until told otherwise. Or need I remind you that the Dark Lord has
made Rudolfus his personal representative here and he has a personal
interest in the Black Family and wants to know their every move."
Rabastan hissed under his breath.
Crabbe swallowed hard and nodded his understanding. "W-what about a
tracking spell on her?"
"No good, I've tried." Malfoy commented. "She must have some sort of
repelling charm on her."
"Maybe we should ask her sisters." Crabbe opined.
"Not likely mate." Goyle replied. "That Andromeda has a wicked temper
not to mention casts a nasty scrotal enlargement charm. Last bloke who
hit on her had bollocks the size of coconuts for a week!" All the boys
shivered at the comment.
"What about the youngest sister…Narcissa? She's not a bad looking bird
for a first year." Lucius hummed. "I'm sure I can sweet talk her into telling
me whatever I want. I do have my ways with the ladies." He smirked
while licking his lips lasciviously. Bella would have unloaded a barrage
of hexes on the blonde ponce right then and there if she was not already
on a mission. But she would not forget and Lucius just made it to the top
five of her "hit" list.
The topic of the conversation turned to the latest conquests of the blonde
haired dandy, which turned Bella's stomach. While the goon squad was
thusly engaged in conversation, Bella thought it a good opportunity to
scout the seventh year male dorms for the satchel with the rings. If she
were lucky maybe she could get hold of one tonight.
She made her way to the stairs that lead down to the male dorm rooms.
Arriving at her destination she cast a silencing charm on the hinges of the
door and then slowly opened it. The first thing to reach Bella's senses was
the sound of a wet slapping. It was quickly followed by a female voice
moaning and panting. Bella entered the room and silently closed the
door. What she saw nearly made her puke.
Her friend Olivia was naked and straddling an equally naked Rudolfus
Lestrange. Her fingernails scratching into the seventh year's chest leaving
red marks with a trickle of blood in their wake. Olivia was bouncing up
and down on top of the oaf while Rudolfus was lying motionless with his
eyes closed and his arms folded underneath his head with a stupid grin
on his face. Bella's gag reflex threatened to expose her as she fought off
the stomach turning horror of seeing the hairy Sasquatch looking boy
getting his rocks off with her "friend".
She averted her eyes and began cautiously looking for the satchel she had
seen earlier. Five frustrating minutes later she finally saw it under the
pillow the uni-browed oaf was lying on.
'Shite! How am I supposed to get at it without lover boy knowing? I
suppose I could stun them both but I'm sure they'd figure that out once
they came to and that would be the first thing he would check.' Bella was
about to give it up as a lost cause for the night when suddenly Rudolfus
began to breathe faster and his hands flew to Olivia's bare hips. He began
to thrust in to her with abandon and within a few moments was releasing
his seed into her.
He fell back catching his breath as Olivia continued to grind on him, but
he had already softened and Olivia would get no satisfaction tonight.
"Get off wench I need to shower and get your stench off of me." Rudolfus
callously spoke shoving the girl off of him. Olivia looked like she was
about to cry as he dismissed her like a common whore. She gathered up
her cloths and stormed from the room. Bella heard the girl begin to sob
as the door closed behind her.
Bella was furious and wanted to kill the Lestrange scion right where he
stood, not for her sake but for all womankind. No one should be
subjected to the presence of such an arse. Bella in her rising anger was
not watching her surroundings and bumped into a small desk in the room
while she was moving away from the door.
Rudolfus stopped what he was doing, startled by the sudden noise. The
eldest Lestrange brother took stock of the room but did not see anyone.
But Lestrange was not a simpleminded fool like many wizards and knew
just because you couldn't see anyone did not mean there was no one
there.
As casually as he could he reached for his wand that was also under his
pillow. He spun around with his wand coming up. "Homenum Revelio!"
He cast the human revealing spell. Bella nearly wet herself as she thought
she would be discovered and a fight would ensue that would surely alert
others.
A few seconds passed by and…nothing. Rudolfus had a confused look on
his face as he slowly pivoted around to take in the entire dorm room.
Bella realized that his spell had not worked. It did not reveal her. Bella
wondered if it had been Harry's cloak that defeated the spell. But what
she knew of invisibility cloaks told her that a cloak could not defeat that
particular spell. That's why Rudolfus had cast it. It would reveal any
hidden person whether disillusioned or under an invisibility cloak.
Whatever happened, Bella was relieved, but she was still not out of
danger yet. Rudolfus after casting the spell two more times, finally
relaxed, figuring something must have fallen when Olivia had slammed
the door behind her. Rudolfus grabbed a towel from his trunk and
entered the adjoining washroom to take a shower.
Bella did not move for a few more minutes just in case Rudolfus was not
truly gone but listening for anyone in the room. Taking a chance she
moved toward the satchel under the pillow. She cast a silent revealing
spell to check the bag for any spells, jinxes or wards. Surprisingly she
found some sort of blood ward on the locking mechanism. It would take
someone's blood to open it, most likely keyed to Rudolfus' blood. It was
pretty advanced magic for Rudolfus. Someone must have set it up for
him.
'Damn! Now what!' She raked her mind for an answer to the problem, but
none came to mind that would not raise suspicions. 'Wait Olivia
scratched his chest! It may not be much but there may still be some of his
blood still under her finger nails. That is if she hasn't showered yet and
washed her hands.
Bella moved quickly to the door but had to jump out of the way as it
suddenly opened. Bella pushed herself flat against the wall as Rudolfus'
dorm mates entered in. Before they could shut the door she managed to
get out. She wasted no time and headed to the fifth year girls dorm and
entered. She saw Olivia's clothes thrown unceremoniously on the floor,
but no Olivia. Just then she heard the girls' showers running. Panicking
she ran to the showers.
On the floor underneath the spray of the water sat Olivia, she was curled
up into a ball sobbing. Olivia's hands were soaking wet and were
entwined in the girl's hair which seemed keen on ripping it all out. The
girl began to rock herself back and forth and was mumbling angrily at
herself.
Bella would have felt sorry for the girl if she hadn't been so frustrated by
the loss of the blood. But Olivia had brought this upon herself Bella
mused. She, like many pureblood girls, and especially those brought up
with Slytherin values, aspire to attach themselves to the politically or
socially powerful, and the Lestranges were a politically powerful family.
To Olivia, Rudolfus Lestrange was a means to bring her social and
political status in this new regime that she like many other purebloods
believed would replace the current magical administration. So it was
hard for Bella to feel any sympathy for the girl, who even knowing about
the existing contract between the Lestranges and Blacks attempted to
seduce the seventh year troll.
Olivia's renewed screaming shook Bella from her musings. Bella looked at
the blonde who seemed to be struggling to pull her right hand from her
hair. A closer look showed that the blonde's hair had become knotted in
the Dark Mark ring. With a sharp yank Olivia managed to free her hand
but had pulled out a large clump of her hair at the same time.
Olivia cursed as she stood and went to a sink. She pulled the ring off her
finger and pulled the clumps of hair out of it. She set the ring down on
the sink and began to run her fingers through her hair to see the damage.
Bella saw an opportunity and quickly neared the sink. With the cloak still
firmly around her she was able to grab the ring with barely a finger
becoming visible. She moved to the door and before she left cast a silent
charm on the sink pipes which caused then to clink as if something had
fallen down the pipes.
The noise had its intended effect, as Olivia spun around looking for the
ring fearing it had fallen into the drain. She screamed as she desperately
tried to force her fingers down the drain in a vain attempt to find the ring
that was now securely in Bella's robes. Bella exited the washroom and
only briefly wondered what the consequences of Olivia losing the ring
would bring down upon the blonde Slytherin.
It was getting late and Bella had one more visit to make and that was a
visit to the toad, who was due her comeuppance. Bella entered the
seventh year girls dorm still concealed beneath Harry's cloak. Umbridge's
bed was easy to spot as its bed curtains were a gaudy pink in color. At
first Bella wondered if there was a bear in the bed the snoring was so
loud, and wondered why her roommates weren't cursing the squat witch.
A quick revealing spell made it all clear. Her roommates had placed
silencing wards around their own beds. That would make things easier
for Bella; she would not need to worry about anyone hearing her in the
room.
Bella hadn't really thought through what she wanted to do to the toad,
she just knew that she wanted her to suffer pain and humiliation, and
maybe something worse. A stray thought of just killing the girl came to
mind…it would be so easy to immobilize her and then smother her. She
would never get the chance to hurt anybody…ever.
Bella suddenly heard an echoing cackle that came out of nowhere and yet
it shook her to her very core. It sounded so evil and unhinged that it
caused her to involuntarily shiver. The voice sounded eerily familiar it
sounded like…her!
Bella gasped as the images of her future self filtered into her head. A
cackling mad woman killing students indiscriminately as she stormed
Hogwarts castle along with a hundred other black cloaked and masked
individuals. She saw herself covered in the blood of the innocent, their
voices crying out for their mothers as they lay dying on the bloodstained
earth.
Hundreds of faces, both young and old swam before her vision in frozen
horror. She saw herself shooting killing curses at fleeing first years,
mocking them with a baby voice as each one fell to the ground never to
rise again. It was horror on a scale she could not imagine, yet she knew
that in Harry's world they had already happened.
Bella collapsed to the ground and wept bitter tears at what she had done
or would do. Agony like she had never felt welled up in her chest.
Suddenly a hand rested on her shoulder though it didn't startle her, but
she felt comforted by its touch.
Bella looked up to see the spectral form of the Lady Hogwarts, looking
down upon her with a sadness that a parent shows for a child whom they
must discipline for an indiscretion. But there was compassion and
understanding in her gaze as well.
"I needed you to see Bella…I needed you to understand that allowing
yourself to even contemplate the killing of another could lead you down
a familiar path. With just one act of murder Bella, you could set yourself
on that path that you have sworn not trod." Hogwarts counseled.
Bella hung her head and sniffed back the tears that threatened to fall.
"She tortured Harry." Bella softly whispered.
"No Bella, she has not. Not yet. You must not punish her for a crime that
she has not committed."
"But she will milady, she will. And she has in Harry's time!" A distraught
Bella replied.
"Think Bella, you do have an opportunity to stop her, but there are other
means in which to accomplish your goal. Harry is not the first or the last
to have suffered from her less than tender mercies, and I am confident
that you will find a non lethal way of making sure she never gets the
chance to repeat history.
Defend the ones you love Bella, but let the punishment fit the crime and
only use deadly force when you must. There is a difference between
killing in self-defense or to protect the life of another and murder." The
ancient manifestation counseled.
"What can I do to stop her then?" Bella asked pulling herself together.
"Are you not a daughter of the Blacks? Do you not possess the gift that
has been in your family for generations, passed from mother to daughter
since Morgana." Lady Hogwarts smirked at the shocked face of the raven
haired girl in front of her.
"Yes I know your line my dear. I know you have the blood of the first
enchantress in your veins Bellatrix Black of the House of Black. The gift
of enchantment runs rich within your veins. No mere spell, jinx or curse
has the permanence of a strongly placed enchantment. The true
knowledge of enchantment may have disappeared from the Wizarding
World, but a thousand years ago those of your bloodline were the most
feared of magicals. Use your gift now and have your justice." The spectral
form declared and then faded from view.
Bella was standing in the dark room digesting everything the Lady
Hogwarts had shown her and told her. The vision of what her future self
had done was more than enough to sober her up and rethink her strategy
with dealing with Umbridge.
Of course she knew she was an enchantress, every girl born of the Black
line had been blessed with the gift, but the incantations took a lot more
time than a simple spell and required more power to do so as well. That's
why she assumed the practice had been forgotten by others who
possessed the gift, given up because spells with a wand were so much
easier and quicker and enchantments' were heavily driven by intent and
emotion.
Bella breathed in deeply to center herself and collect her thoughts on
how she wanted to proceed. An evil smirk spread across her face as she
thought of the appropriate punishment for the toad. She moved to the
head of the bed and hovered over the contorted face of the snoring
seventh year.
Bella slowly unsheathed a silver dagger that had been hidden at her
waist. The blade gleamed in the soft artificial moonlight that came
through a spelled portrait that showed the night sky similar to the Great
Hall ceiling but on a much smaller scale.
She placed just the very tip of it on Umbridge's forehead and made the
shallowest of cuts. The blades razor edge sliced the skin as if it were
made of warm butter. Umbridge did not even stir, she remained oblivious
of her attacker presence and what she had done. Bella then brought the
knife to her own left thumb and poked the pad of the thumb and watched
as blood began to well up.
She positioned her bleeding thumb over the small cut on Umbridge's face.
Bella let three drops of her own blood fall onto the cut and smiled
devilishly as the blood was drawn into the cut. Her own blood would
anchor the enchantment making it impossible for anyone else to remove.
Bella then began the long incantation that would be triggered by the
cows own hubris:
Through your hate will your magic be bound,
your words of bigotry shall force you to ground,
on your belly will you crawl,
in the mud and marsh shall you sprawl.
Let your loathing become the croaking
that echoes through the night…
Bella continued for another ten minutes before the incantation for the
curse was complete. She felt herself sway not use to the amount of power
needed to perform this type of magic. She was satisfied however that it
would be Umbridge herself who would cause the curse to initiate. She
just hoped she was around when it happened, she would love to see
everyone's reaction to the…um, changes to the girl.
It was nearly two in the morning when Bella returned to the Room of
Requirement, but Harry had obviously awaited her return seeing him
sitting in a chair facing the door. Before he could ask her anything about
what she had done she had curled up on his lap with her arms draped
around his neck and her head on his shoulder and with a couple heart
beats was sound asleep. Chuckling softly to himself he stood with the girl
in his arms and made his way to her bedroom. He carefully placed her on
the bed but her arms refused to release his neck. Sighing good naturedly
he laid down on the bed with her.
He didn't know if she was truly asleep or feigning it but as soon as he had
stretched out on her bed she instantly cuddled into his side and wrapped
her arm around his waist pulling him tight to her. He kissed the top of
her head and with a swish of his wand the comforter covered them and
another flick and the lamps were extinguished. He could get answers
from her tomorrow, but right now sleep did sound pretty inviting,
especially with a beautiful girl on his chest.
oooOOOooo
When Harry had awakened the next morning Bella was already gone. She
had left him a sweet note explaining that she had gone to the owlery
early to send a letter to her mum, she also asked him to meet her back in
the ROR at lunch time and that she had something important to show
him. Harry had a free period this morning and so didn't need to be up if
he didn't want to but his rumbling stomach had other ideas.
He decided to check on Luna to see how she was doing so he quickly
showered and dressed and headed down to the Great Hall to see if he
couldn't find the quirky but sweet Ravenclaw. He was still upset that her
fellow housemates had treated her so poorly just because she was a tad
odd. But Harry knew all too well the feeling of being ridiculed and
bullied and felt a kind of a kinship for the small blonde.
Harry entered the Great Hall and immediately found Luna sitting by
herself at the Ravenclaw table eating what appeared to be three slices of
French toast stacked on top of each other and covered in oatmeal topped
with a fried egg and a sausage that seemed to be cut to look like the Eifel
Tower coming up through the middle of all of it. Harry just chuckled as
he took the seat in front of her.
Good morning Harry Potter. Are you my Harry Potter or are you the
other Harry Potter?" Luna asked airily, not looking up from her creative
breakfast masterpiece.
"Huh? I'm the only Harry Potter as far as I know Luna." Harry replied,
confusion in his voice.
Luna looked at him and tilted her head to the side as if deep in thought.
"You could be my Harry Potter, yes, I think you are. But I fear the other
will be here soon and I would have lost my Harry. I hope he will be as
nice as you have been when he comes." Luna stated with a resigned sigh,
and then returned to her breakfast.
"Um…okay." Harry shook his head, he did not know what she was getting
at, so decided to change the subject. "So how have you housemates been
treating you lately?"
"Much better, I think Professor Flitwick spoke to them, either than or the
wrackspurt infestation in our commons room has been cleared out. But
I'm rather inclined to suspect the former. It is very difficult to get rid of
an infestation of wrackspurt without a generous supply of orange
marmalade to tempt them with, and I haven't seen any orange
marmalade lying about."
"That's good to hear Luna, but just remember if your things go missing
again the elves will help you get them back." Harry told his friend.
"Yes they've been quite helpful." Luna smiled.
"Luna…who's that man sitting next to Professor Sinestra?" Harry asked
seeing an unfamiliar face at the head table.
Luna gave Harry a concerned look at his question. "That's the Defense
against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Hedgeburn. Are you okay
Harry, I don't see any nargles around you but sometimes they're even
invisible to me."
"What happened to Professor Umbridge?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Who?" Luna asked.
"Professor Umbridge…you know the pink cardigan wearing toad." Harry
stated with a look of disgust.
"Harry, even I know a toad can't teach DADA, they would be much better
at Herbology I would think." Luna replied.
"No Luna, Umbridge is that ministry employee that began teaching here
this year." Harry tried to remind her but she still had a blank stare on her
face.
"Oh dear!" Luna exclaimed.
"Oh dear? Oh dear what Luna?" Harry asked.
"Are you sure you're not the other Harry? No, no I don't think you are."
She corrected herself. Harry was getting a bit confused.
Suddenly Luna's face lit up, oh I have heard of an Umbridge though. My
dad told me something about a Delores Umbridge who was a seventh
year when he was a sixth. It was the first story he wrote for the Quibbler,
it was its inaugural publication. Let's see…what was the story about? Oh
yes! It had to do with Professor Slughorn creating his own toad army to
conquer Wales."
"Huh?" Harry felt a headache coming on from trying to follow his friend.
"Well according to father, Umbridge was undergoing some sort of
breeding regime to produce a master race of human-toads, when
something went wrong and she turned into a rather large toad the size of
a large dinner plate in the Great Hall exposing the conspiracy. She was
quickly gathered up by the professors and never seen again." Luna retold
the story as best she could.
"Do you have your DADA book with you Luna?" Harry asked curiously.
"I do!" Luna said pulling the book from her bag. I was the same book as
the one Umbridge had passed out. So this Hedgeburn must also be
following the same orders as Umbridge had, but he wondered if he was
as nasty as she was.
"Luna, have you had this class yet?" Harry asked her handing her book
back to her.
"Yesterday." Luna replied taking the book and putting it back in her bag.
"How did you like him as a professor?" Harry asked trying to get what
information he could get about the new addition to the staff.
"Well…" Luna began looking thoughtful. "He is a little timid for a DADA
professor, and he doesn't have a very strong magical aura. It's a little
frustrating that there is no practical wand work for the class. If you ask
me I think Fudge is planning on taking over the school with his army of
Heliopaths and he doesn't want us to learn how to defend ourselves. But
fortunately I know how to defend against them." Luna stated.
Harry couldn't resist so he asked. "And how do you defeat a Heliopath?"
"With fizzy drinks of course. The sugar attracts them but the bubbles
create a natural gaseous toxin that his deadly to the Heliopaths causing
them to explode. You see they can't belch the bubbles back up." Luna
whispered conspiratorially.
Harry grinned at his friend. "Maybe I'll have to buy a case of fizzy drinks.
Just in case." Luna smiled at Harry and nodded her head.
Harry stared up at the head table wondering if this subtle change in the
time line would have any serious repercussions or if it was small enough
to not have really made a difference. It was odd though that if
Hedgeburn had been here since the start of turn he had no memory of
him. Would his memories not change?
Harry leaned back on the bench he was sitting on with a pensive look.
"Bella what did you do to Umbridge that changed the time line?" Harry
looked down at his right hand where he was forced to carve the words "I
must not tell lies" and noticed that they were still there. Harry frowned at
that.
'If Bella somehow changed the future why do I still have the cuts in my
hand?' Harry thought to himself.
"Are you feeling well Harry?" Luna asked, worried about her friend's
sudden pensive appearance.
"Uh…yeah Luna, I'm fine. Just thinking." Harry replied mechanically. "Uh
I need to go Luna, I need to look into something." Harry stood from the
bench and turned to go but was stopped as Luna called to him.
"Harry…" Luna began softly; her eyes looked wide and sorrowful. "I will
miss you when the other Harry comes. I hope that I don't forget you
though when he does."
Harry gave her a concerned look and grabbed her hand. "Luna I'm not
going anywhere okay. I'll talk to you later right?"
Luna jerkily nodded her head and smiled tearily at him. "Okay Harry, the
other you may not be here for awhile yet anyway. I just wanted you to
know." Harry gave her a confused but sincere smile and then left the
Great Hall. Harry made his way back up to the Room of Requirement
deciding to skive of his first class. He was hoping to ask the Lady
Hogwarts some questions about the time lines.
oooOOOooo
Bella entered the Great Hall with Lily Evans by her side; she had run into
the first year Gryffindor after she had sent an owl to her mother and
invited the vivacious redhead to join her for breakfast. Bella was
beginning to really like the intelligent girl and could see why Narcissa
had become such quick friends with her. She was warm and unbiased and
was so open to this new world she had been introduced to that you
couldn't help being drawn in to her enthusiasm.
"Lily!" Narcissa waved from her seat next to her sister Andromeda. The
redhead waved back and joined her friend. Bella took a seat across from
her sisters and began to plate her breakfast.
"Have you heard about Olivia?" Andromeda whispered across the table.
Bella looked up at her sister. "No, what happened?" She asked in interest.
"Apparently she fell down a few flights of stairs this morning, was hurt
pretty bad from what I've heard. She was sent to St. Mungos about an
hour ago."
"Really?" Bella asked looking down the table looking for Rudolfus but not
seeing him.
"Yeah, odd that though." Andromeda added.
"Oh?" Bella asked.
"Well Madam Pomfrey is one of the top healers in the country. It's odd
that she wasn't able to take care of her here." The second eldest Black
sister mused.
"Maybe she was just being overly cautious and wanted to make sure there
was no permanent damage." Bella offered.
Andromeda shrugged. "Perhaps, anyway I thought since she was your
friend you might know more about it."
"No, I don't." Bella looked down at her plate, pushing her eggs around.
"But thanks for letting me know."
Bella knew that Rudolfus would most likely be furious with Olivia if she
had informed him that her ring was missing. And maybe she was being
naive or maybe just didn't care what those repercussions were at the
time, but now she was feeling a little guilty. Not much, but perhaps a
little.
"What is the Noble House of Slytherin coming to when a mudblood is
allowed to sit at our table?" A simpering voice vocalized for the table to
hear.
Lily cringed and lowered her head. "Don't do that Lily!" Bella order the
redhead, getting the first years attention.
"Lift your head, be proud of who you are, don't let people make you feel
inferior." Bella told the girl, who nodded with a watery grin before
straightening her back and glaring at the witch who made the comment.
"Oooh look the mudblood thinks she…*croooaaak*". The short curly
haired witch blushed.
"I-I don't know where that came from." She embarrassedly grinned.
"My Delores what big EYES you have." Bella cooed.
Students around the arrogant witch watched in fascination as her eyes
seemed to slowly grow to twice their normal size. They were literally
bulging from her eye sockets. Some students began to scoot away from
her at the sight.
"Oh my Delores what a big mouth you have." Bella continued in mock
concern.
Delores Umbridge's head began to flatten and elongate and her mouth
grew impossibly wide. Her hair began to fall out in large clumps leaving
a smooth bald surface exposed, the smooth surface then began to sprout
large brown warts. Students torn between running in fear and watching
in morbid fascination at the sight in front of them were frozen in place.
A large fly that had landed on the table was suddenly grabbed by a rather
large and sticky tongue. Students who hadn't moved away before
suddenly jumped in shock as they watched one of their own swallow the
pest in a loud gulp.
"Wha-wha-wha is going…*croak!*"
Delores Umbridge was in a full panic as her body was slowly morphing
into something reptilian, she brought her hands in front of her face and
witnessed as her thumb shrank back into her hand and the four
remaining fingers separated and elonganted.
She was feeling cold now and seemed to be shrinking, her neck all but
disappeared into her shoulders her legs folding underneath her. Her
shoes popped off revealing long scaly toes. The disturbance had finally
attracted the attention of the professors at the head table. Dumbledore,
Slughorn and McGonagall raced to the scene.
"Oh my, is that Miss Umbridge?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes professor." A Student in Slytherin robes informed her in a voice that
hinted at shock and wonder.
"Finite incantatem!" The Scottish professor cast to no avail. "It's not a
spell Albus." She told him in a worried tone.
"Perhaps a potion?" Horace Slughorn tested all the food and drink where
she had been sitting finding no potions.
"Fascinating." Dumbledore remarked with an impressed raised eyebrow
as they watched the transformation of Delores Umbridge complete.
Before them, on the bench, surrounded by student robes was an
extremely large greenish brown toad with dark oozing warts. It was as
large as a dinner platter and probably weighed at least twenty pounds.
Students looked on with mixed emotions on their faces. Some were of
shock, other of disgust, but no one seemed to notice the triumphant
smirk on Bella's lips.
Movement overhead alerted all in the hall that the post had arrived as
dozens of owls swooped into the Great Hall to deliver their parcels and
posts. The large toad did not go unnoticed by the owls that had in many
cases traveled long distances and were a bit famished. Toads being a
natural food source for owls brought a lot of attention to the rather juicy
looking toad. Dumbledore sensing an approaching feeding frenzy quickly
shielded the toad.
"I think we should take Miss Umbridge to Poppy. She may be able to
determine what has happened. If not I'm sure the perpetrator will come
forward and undo what has been done." Dumbledore told the other
professors.
'Not likely!' Bella thought to herself.
oooOOOooo
Several minutes later Harry was entering the ROR, and too his surprise
stood the Lady Hogwarts smiling at him knowingly as if she already knew
his mind and what he wanted to discuss.
"Come, sit Harry." She gestured to one of the chairs in the familiar
commons room that he and Bella shared. Harry sat in the offered chair
and the Lady sat in the other.
"You have questions for me." It was a statement not a question as the
beautiful spectral image of Hogwarts in the image of Helga Hufflepuff
began their discussion.
Harry cleared his throat and opened his mouth but then closed it a
moment later. He wasn't entirely sure how to ask what he wanted to ask
or what to ask truthfully. He folded his hands in his lap and looked down
at them. Seeing the scars on his right hand gave him reprieve and he
began by lifting his hand.
"Milady, something has changed…in my time." Harry stated in a rush.
Hogwarts looked at him to continue.
"Well, Umbridge is no longer there, I mean here anymore. I think Bella
did something to her." Harry stated.
"Indeed she did." Hogwarts chuckled. "Very inventive of her I must say."
"She didn't…you know…kill her did she?" Harry asked.
"No Harry." She reassured him. "Though it was a close thing." Hogwarts
didn't elaborate further.
Seeing no further answer from her, Harry continued. "So anyway,
apparently Umbridge never came to teach." Harry began to rub his hand
feeling the raised scars. Hogwarts noticed the action.
"And you are wondering how it is you still have the scars on your hand if
in your present she never was your teacher?" Hogwarts asked him and
received a nod.
"And why do I still remember it and I don't have any memory of the other
professor?" Harry asked with a furrowed brow.
Hogwarts stood and swept her arms around the room. "Harry, the
enchantments that I placed on this room has made it in a word "outside"
of time. While you remain in this room when changes are being made
your memories will not be altered. You and Bella will stay the same
while everyone else around you will have changed."
"So, I don't understand. If Bella or I alter the past, my present –her future
is changed but no one else will know about it? How is that even possible?
What if we stop people from being killed in the past? Will they suddenly
be alive and what about all the missing years in-between will they just
magically be filled in. What if…what if we stop my parents from being
killed…will I just know them and have new memories of them? I don't
understand the logic behind it, is there logic behind it?"
Hogwarts countenance fell as she looked upon the boy that fate had
treated so poorly. She had hoped that she would have more time before
she had to tell him, to tell them the full truth about their unique
situation. She needed to explain things to the both of them and she
expected that she was going to have a pair of irate teens on her hands.
But it needed to be done and they truly did have the potential for a
wonderful future together. It was one of the possibilities she had seen at
least.
Harry jumped as the entrance door suddenly opened and a winded Bella
came running in. Her cheeks were flushed and she was breathing heavily
like she had just run a marathon.
"Are you okay Harry?!" Bella asked looking between him and Lady
Hogwarts.
"Yeah, I'm fine. The question is are you okay? You look like you were
being chased or something." Harry told her.
Bella stood as straight as she could but seem to have a stitch in her side
that she was holding with her left hand. "I was in class when I felt this
extraordinary strong need to return here." Bella related.
"I apologize for the alarm Bella, but it was I who summoned you."
Hogwarts told the panting girl. "I needed you here to explain a few things
I neglected to tell the two of you earlier. Please take a seat." Bella
grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him to sit next to her on the couch.
The Lady stared back at the two teens who's hands were interlinked and
drew strength from the bond the two had already formed, and it gave her
hope that what she was about to confess to them might not be as
unwelcomed as it could be.
"You both know that I brought you two here for your protection and to
help me protect the school and its students by changing the events that
would lead to so much death and sorrow within and without my walls. I
have seen your future Bella, all the atrocities' and horrors committed by
Bellatrix Lestrange. I know how your mind fell into madness. But I also
see an alternate path, one that leads to a long and happy life." Here she
glanced knowingly over to Harry.
"Harry, I have also seen your future firsthand. I know what becomes of
you; how you meet an untimely end through treachery and deceit by
those you had trusted most on these very grounds. You were the lamb
brought to slaughter, unprepared, you blindly, though bravely went out
to confront a monster who would show you no mercy. But the path is not
set in stone.
And I have seen my own near destruction; it was because of so much
magical blood spilled on my grounds that I was able to create this place.
Through siphoning every bit of released magic from that horrible battle, I
was able to collect enough power to create this room. And thus bring you
together.
However, time is a fickled thing, and every change creates a ripple. Those
ripples are impossible to predict. For example when you cast a stone into
a calm lake you create a distinct pattern of ripples that begin to spread
out, but in a way you can still somewhat predict.
However, now if you toss another stone and yet another stone, all those
ripples begin to collide and distort and the original ripples are completely
lost, and you have something completely different. Do you follow me so
far?" Hogwarts asked. The two teens nodded their understanding.
"The past and the future have already begun to shift and even I am not
completely sure what the end result would be. So this room creates a
constant to the chaos. From the moment you stepped into this room you
no longer belonged to time. You exist outside of it. This room shields you
from the ripples.
These ripples won't affect Bella as much since we are working forward
from her time. But it will have a very significant affect on you Harry and
your time. And this is why I must ask you Harry to forgive me." Hogwarts
apologetically spoke.
"I don't understand, I knew there would be changes. Why would you need
to apologize?" Harry asked with a furrowed brow.
"Should you continue on this path? And succeed." She gestured to him
and Bella. "You, the Harry of your world will cease to exist. The person
you are right now will have never been."
"What, do you mean… am I going to disappear or something?" Harry
asked in a panic, Bella paled and tightened her grip on Harry's hand.
Hogwarts placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "No Harry, you will
not vanish. You, as you are now will continue to exist. But the world you
come from will not know you; it will have its own Harry Potter. One that
has not lived the life that you have, a Harry who has not suffered at the
hands of his relatives, one that has not faced the horrors and dangers that
you have faced.
This creates a dilemma, a paradox if you will. There cannot be two Harry
Potters that exist in your time. Eventually Harry, you will have to make a
decision. And this is where I have not been as forthcoming as I should
have been Harry, and why I must ask your forgiveness for not telling you
before you started this journey.
And that is, whether you stay in your time or whether you go to Bella's,
you will no longer be able to be Harry Potter."
Harry was stunned; he didn't know whether to feel confusion, anger,
sadness, betrayal, or manipulated. So instead he settled for numb.
"So who will I be or become? I don't understand why didn't you tell me
this before?" Harry asked tightly.
"I have no excuse Harry, in the future you were heading, saw you dying
at the hands of Voldemort at the age of seventeen. Dumbledore in his
arrogance believed that a battle between you and Voldemort would
weaken him enough that Dumbledore could step in after you were killed
and kill Voldemort himself. He didn't…and our world was cast into
darkness.
"Harry, it may not mean much to you." Bella quietly spoke. "But, I prefer
creating a new future with you than becoming the evil I might have been
had you not come into my life. And had the Lady not brought us together
I'm sure I would have. And for that, I am grateful to her for bringing you
here."
Harry looked at Bella warmly. "Funny thing is, I should be furious, but I
find myself okay with it. Being the Boy-Who-Lived has been more of a
curse than a blessing anyway. I think I'd like a shot at happiness rather
than an early death." He half smiled. Bella kissed him tenderly on the
lips.
"As to who you become it is completely up to you Harry, there are many
extinct lines within the Potter and Evans family that you could restart."
Hogwarts stated.
"The Evans?" Harry asked.
"Your mother is the first active magical in a long line of squibs, Harry.
The name was changed to Evans from Eveningshade in the early
eighteenth century." Hogwarts continued.
"I've heard of that family!" Bella gasped. "They were a dark family weren't
they?" Bella asked the ancient lady.
"More a dark shade of gray. They are an ancient house Harry, not a Noble
and Ancient house like the Potters and Blacks and hold no titles, but they
are just as old." Hogwarts informed him.
"So I guess I still have some time before I have to give up being Harry
Potter right?" Harry asked
"It all depends on how fast you and Bella work. It could be a year or two,
maybe more, before the new Harry makes an appearance." Hogwarts
estimated.
"I wondered how she knew." Harry suddenly chuckled.
"How who knew what Harry?" Bella asked.
"Luna Lovegood." He replied. "She said something this morning to me
that at the time made no sense. But now it does."
"What did she say?" Bella asked inquisitively.
"She said, that she hoped the other me was as nice as I was. And that she
hopes she remembers me." Harry said with an impressed look.
Lady Hogwarts smiled. "Yes Luna Lovegood, I have watched her on
occasion. She has a unique gift. Not the first in her family either."
"Is she a seer?" Bella asked.
"No, not in the traditional since. She is a magic reader. She can see and
feel magic around her; sense its ebbs and flows. It speaks to her. Magic
however is not linear it flows through space and time forwards and
backwards, side to side. Again it is partly why this room can exist. She
must have felt a change in your magic or the magic of the possible you. It
would seem similar to her but different and she could sense that it was
you but not you."
"Sounds confusing." Bella said with a shake of her head.
"It can be, she is trying to make sense of not only what her five senses are
telling her but what her magical senses are telling her as well. And
sometimes the two are at odds with each other, and why she seems so
odd at times. That is why most people avoid her unfortunately."
Hogwarts told them.
"Anything else that you want to know?" Hogwarts asked the young
couple.
"Lots…" They chorused.
oooOOOooo
The next few days seemed to fly by for the couple. The change in DADA
professors in Harry's time did not seem to have made any difference in
the current time line. Harry went to his classes and although the glares
had almost completely stopped there was still an air of discomfort for
many of the students who shared classes with him.
He had not really spoken to Hermione except in the classroom and
usually just about class related topics. During his free periods and in the
evenings he continued to practice drawing the runes and practicing the
incantation for the unbinding ceremony, and receiving lessons in
Lordship from Walburga.
They only distraction from the norm was the occasional request by
Dumbledore to visit him in his office. But Harry had managed to avoid
the request so far by.
Bella had not been idol either. She had informed Harry about the Death
Eater rings and her theory about them being a communication device and
the possibility of placing a curse on one ring that could transmit it to all
the others.
Harry was excited about the possibility, however Bella was having no
luck so far in trying to figure out the arithmancy behind the rings
operation and the charm work was well above her understanding. But
Bella loved a challenge and she would not relent until she discovered its
secrets. Then the next daunting task would be to weave her own curse
into the rings spell lattice.
She had a working premise on how it could work. But it was all theory
for now, and it would continue to be until she unraveled all the
protective spells on the ring itself and bean to experiment. The danger
came from accidentally destroying the existing mechanism of
communication in her attempts to understand it. If the ring became
inoperable it was back to square one, and somehow getting another ring
seemed was not a pleasant thought.
Bella was sure that Rudolfus had made an example of Olivia to impress
upon the others who had a ring not to lose them or let them out of your
sight, or they could face similar consequences.
oooOOOooo
The time had finally come to attempt the unbinding ritual and Harry was
a bundle of nerves. Walburga had tried to calm the nervous boy, but no
words of reassurance could ease his frazzled nerves. He was about to
perform a ritual he had never done before that could cause permanent
damage to the girl he was quickly falling in love with. One simple miss
stroke on a rune or a mispronounced word could be disastrous.
The only thing that kept him from falling apart was the faith Bella had in
him. They had spent the night together holding on to one another. He
had expressed his fears to her that night and she had told him that she
knew that she was in good hands and trusted him completely. The reams
of parchment he had gone through drawing and redrawing the runes was
a testament to his dedication on getting it right.
She had distracted him from his obsessive musing by making sure his lips
and mouth were to deliciously occupied to think of anything else but
exploring her lips and mouth in return. But now that the moment was at
hand those same nerves were threatening his confidence.
"The room is ready milord." Kreacher informed Harry who had been
pacing in his room. Harry nodded and took another deep breath to center
himself.
Harry exited his room into the commons area. He noticed that the
couches and chairs were no longer there, but a large alter dominated the
center of the room. It looked like shiny black onyx, he could see his
reflection in the surface of it. He ran his hand down it and to his surprise
found it warm to the touch.
A simple medical cart with wheels stood next to the altar with three vials
of Bella's blood and what looked like several old fashioned fountain pens
which would be used to draw the runes by dipping the head of the pens
in the blood.
Harry twisted the Black signet ring around his finger nervously and
began to recite the incantation in his head. He would not mess up, he
continued to tell himself as he paced. The room was warmly lit by the
roaring fire in the hearth, and several torches lining all four walls, and
four bluebell flames hovering above the altar illuminating it in soft light.
A door opening to his right caught his attention. He turned to see Bella
step out of her room. Her long curly dark hair was piled up on top of her
head to keep it off her shoulders and neck. She was wearing a forest
green silk robe that clung sinfully over her feminine curves. The robe was
pulled tight around her by a silk belt that just accentuated her femininity.
Bella gave him a shy smile as she made her way slowly to him, her own
nerves for the first time visible in her violet eyes. She pressed herself
against him as his arms encircled her narrow waist. They stood silently in
each other's embrace for a few moments, each gathering up their
courage.
"I know you can do this Harry." She whispered, her head tucked under his
chin.
All Harry could do was nod; he did not trust his voice not to expose his
nervousness at that moment. She needed to feel that he was confidant
and he would be that for her. She stepped back but still in his arms and
gently kissed him.
"I'm ready Harry." Bella told him. Not breaking eye contact with him she
stepped out of his embrace and pulled the silk belt loose and with a small
shrug the silken robe slid to the floor pooled at her feet.
She stood before him in all her vulnerability. Harry lost the power to
think or speak, for the very first time he was seeing her, all of her. He
was sure at that moment that not even Aphrodite could match the beauty
that stood before him.
Bella reached for his hand and pulled him with her as she approached the
altar. The altar lowered itself to just above Bella's knees. Still holding on
to Harry's hand she sat down on the edge of the altar and with Harry's
gentle help, she lay back and stretched out on the black shining surface.
As soon as she was completely reclined the altar rose again to allow
Harry easy access to her body. Bella continued to look deeply in to
Harry's eyes, her breaths quickened and her chest with its perfect breasts
began to rise and fall in nervous anticipation.
Harry closed his eyes and focused his thought on the task at hand. He
would start from the tops of her feet and work his way up until her entire
body was covered in the ancient writing. Harry took pen in hand and
dipped it into one of the vial of blood on the tray. He gently wiped the
excess blood from the sides of the pen.
Coming to the top of her left foot he made the first stroke of many. Harry
sighed in relief as the first rune was drawn perfectly. That success eased
the rest of his nerves and he proceeded with the next. Within an hour
Harry had drawn twenty-four runes that covered Bella's feet and legs.
The next three runes would be directly above Bella's smooth womanhood.
Harry felt the soft skin below as he prepared to draw the runes that
would affect her fertility. He lowered his head over her and could smell
her intoxicating scent as he began to draw the first rune.
Bella had to fight to keep herself still, she had to remain perfectly still,
and the slightest movement on her part could cause a miss stroke and
would be disastrous for her. But Harry's proximity and warm breath
around her warm nether regions was making the poor girl struggle to
keep her sanity. She had an overwhelming desire to wrap her legs around
Harry's head tightly and feel what his wonderful moist lips could do to
her.
An agonizing fifteen minutes later and Harry had finished with that part
of her anatomy and had moved on to her hips then belly. But as soon as
he had reached her breasts she fought another internal struggle not to
force Harry's mouth down on her nipple and order him to suckle her.
He was so methodical and so close to her body she could feel the warmth
of his body and breath, it was torture not to just reach out and pull him
on top of her and have her way with him. She knew her juices were
already starting to flow from the eroticism of the moment; her scent was
already heavy in the air.
Harry had finished the runes that encircled her breasts and was now
moving on to her shoulders and arms. Two hours later and Harry had
completed the runes. Harry stepped back and sighed heavily knowing
that he had finished the most taxing part of the ritual. He had struggled
with himself constantly throughout the procedure, his mind continually
tried to run away with thoughts of an extremely beautiful and not to
mention naked Bella in front of him. His trousers had become painfully
tight around his manhood as it begged for release.
Harry picked up a silver dagger that was on the tray with the blood and
pens. He sliced the palm of his left hand and then with the Black signet
ring on his right hand ring finger dipped the stone into his blood.
He pressed the blood soaked gem to Bella's forehead and began the spell
that would initiate the runes that covered her body. Calling upon his
magic and stating his position as head of the Black Family he called for
the removal of the chastity bindings.
Harry felt a pull on his magic as one by one each rune began to glow a
brilliant red. It began from where he had touched her forehead and
slowly made it way down her body. He stepped back and watched as
Bella's body began to glow and tremble like a current of electricity was
going through her.
Suddenly the glow and her shaking stopped and the runes that had been
drawn slowly faded into nothingness. Bella's eyes were closed and she
was not waking, but Harry noticed that she was breathing.
Walburga had watched the entire ritual and could see the worry in
Harry's eyes. "She will be fine Harry; it just takes a lot out of a girl when
they go through this process. Take her and put her into bed." Walburga
told him. With a sigh of relief he gently scooped her up into his arms and
held her tightly to him.
Harry walked into her bedroom and discovered that her bed sheets and
blankets had already been turned down for her; most likely Kreacher had
anticipated the need. He knelt on the bed and then gently laid her down.
He brought up the sheets and blanket and tucked her in. Even asleep she
was the most beautiful woman in the world to him. He kissed her
forehead and attempted to turn and leave so that she could sleep but a
hand had grabbed his own.
He turned around to see a pair of sparkling violet eyes looking back at
him. Her eyes spoke volumes to him, they spoke of gratitude, and love,
but the dominate feeling they were expressing at that very moment was
desire.
She spoke in a low husky voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief and
passion. "We're not done yet."
oooOOOooo
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter would love to hear your comments
and thoughts.
S/N: Before anyone gets angry at me, the next chapter will have Bella
and Harry consummating their relationship-tastefully done of course.
Don't want the story pulled. : )
Also some of you might be upset with how Harry reacted to Hogwart's
revelation about his unique circumstance or rather his lack of reaction.
And yes it was manipulation on Hogwarts part. But I think when faced
with either an early death or a new life with Bella, Harry would choose
the latter, probably after a good long rant, but I didn't want to go all
angsty in this chapter, so Harry was a little out of character. I don't
think it diminished the story. I hope anyway. Thanks again for reading!
12. Chapter 12
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, a lot of great and insightful comments.
Just a warning that there is a Lemon in this chapter; it is identified
before it begins. More changes to the time line! "Woo Hoo!"
Chapter 12:
Orion Black, head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, sat at
his roll-top desk in his study located at Number 12 Grimauld Place. It
was nearing mid-night and he was going over the most recent financial
ledgers sent to him by his account manager at Gringotts.
He was gazing at what he had in liquid assets and hard currency and was
beginning to regret the decision he had made on behalf of his House to
be a financial backer of the new Pureblood movement. He was currently
giving a thousand Galleons a month to Lord Voldemort, money that was
being used for lining the pockets of various politicians, and economic
leaders within the Wizarding World.
Buying politicians and economic leaders was an age old tradition since
the dawn of the first organized civilizations. And the Blacks were very
savvy in the art of political maneuverings, whether by fair means or foul
their reputation for always getting what they wanted was not
undeserved.
It wasn't the political game that now worried Orion Black, but something
else that had him reconsidering his backing of this political newcomer.
Orion once again starred at the parchment in his hands that had been
delivered to him this morning. It was from Voldemort demanding an
increase of two thousand Galleons a month to the movements coffers and
that all believers in the cause were to meet in one week's time to swear a
blood oath of fealty to their new Lord.
This did not sit well with the Black of Blacks; his house had always stood
above the rest. They were never subservient to another house not to
mention to any one man. The House of Black had existed for millennia,
but it had done so by remaining in the shadows and never putting all
their assets into one basket. And here this Voldemort wanted all the old
houses to swear their lives and fortunes to him.
Despots and rulers had come and gone and the House of Black had out
lived them all by following one simple rule. Loyalty to one's House above
all else. And this time was no different, he would help the cause but he
would not put the well being and survival of his house in one basket.
Voldemort would either accept his conditions or he would cease all
backing of the movement.
As Orion was continuing to review his financial statements the smell of
smoke caught his attention. He lifted his head from the parchment and
looked around his office; his nose was indicating that the smell was
coming from behind a section of wood paneled wall. Orion jumped up
from his seat and took out his wand. He quickly tapped the wall three
times and uttered a password.
The wood melted away revealing a large walk in safe. Orion pricked his
thumb causing it to bleed. He placed the bleeding thumb in the middle of
the Black Crest which was at the center of the large metallic door, the
crest only being about six inches in circumference. The magic in the crest
recognized the blood immediately and the door slid to the side into a
recess in the wall.
The safe was lined with shelves on both sides, filled with ledgers,
notebooks, a few ancient Black Heirlooms and several files on every
member of the family. Orion then saw smoke coming from a cubby that
was labeled Bellatrix Black. He ran to it just in time to see the last few
remaining remnants of the Lestrange-Black marriage contract burn to
ash. Orion knew that there were only three ways that the contract could
be destroyed in this manner, and that was if the Lestrange patriarch
destroyed his copy thusly signifying that he no longer wanted to pursue
the agreement or if he himself had destroyed it.
The only other possibility was that if the conditions of the magically
binding contract were violated making it null and void. But the
ramifications and punishment of such an act were so severe that it was
almost unheard of a witch willingly breaking it. The only other way was
if she was raped. He needed to get to the bottom of this.
He exited the safe and walked to the floo to call Lord Lestrange to
ascertain if it had been him that had destroyed the contract. Though he
could not see why in the world he would want to, considering the large
dowry the Lestranges would be receiving not to mention the added
political strength.
He reached for the floo powder on the mantle and was about to toss some
in to the grate when his own fire place erupted in green flames and the
head of Lord Leonard Lestrange appeared. And by the look of fury on his
face he had his answer.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS BLACK!" The Lestrange patriarch
roared. "HOW DARE YOU RENEGE ON OUR ARRANGEMENT!"
"Watch your tone Lestrange. Need I remind you that you are speaking to
someone above your station!" Orion hissed dangerously. "I have not
reneged on our agreement. I was about to floo you and asked if you had."
"Of course I did not! Why would I?" Lestrange replied indignantly.
"If neither of us was the one to destroy the contract then something has
happened with Bellatrix. Did your nephew lose his patience and attempt
to bed my niece before they were officially betrothed?" Orion accused. "I
made you and your son fully aware of the spells and curses I placed on
her during the binding to keep her pure! If he has befouled her then you
would have cost me a member of my family and I will seek retribution!"
"He would do no such thing." Lestrange insisted but there was doubt in
his eyes that Orion spotted. "If he was responsible…I will still honor an
arrangement of marriage no matter her um…condition."
Orion knew that it was the bride price and dowry that Lestrange coveted
and that this was the only reason he would still consent to a marriage
between his son and Bellatrix. Even if Bella were insane and barren the
money was worth it to Lestrange. And he always had another son that
could produce an heir for the Lestrange family.
"I suggest we contact your son and my niece tomorrow and determine
what has happened. Then after we determine the facts we may still be
able to come to some arrangement on a union between our families."
Orion stated noncommittally.
"Very well Orion. I will contact Dumbledore in the morning and arrange
a time where we can go and visit with the children and clear this matter
up." The Lestrange patriarch replied and then with a slight pop his head
disappeared from the fire.
Orion would need to contact Cygnus immediately. His younger brother
would not be a very happy man if they discovered a damaged Bellatrix.
oooOOOooo
Earlier that evening: *Lemon Warning!*
…She spoke in a low husky voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief and
passion. "We're not done yet."
Holding tightly to Harry's hand, she scooted herself to the edge of the bed
and then placed both feet on the floor on either side of Harry's feet.
Harry gulped as the nude beauty sat in front of him and stared
unblinkingly into his eyes with her sparkling violet eyes that were dilated
wide with passion.
Bella released Harry's hands and then with both hands free she tugged up
on Harry's tucked in shirt, freeing it from his trousers. Slowly and with
great dexterity she slowly began to unbutton the shirt working her way
methodically upwards never looking away from his eyes.
She stood as she came to the last two buttons; there was barely room
enough for a thin book to pass between them. Harry could feel Bella
breathe on his exposed neck, and she could feel his own shallow breaths
deliciously peppering her own skin.
She placed her warm delicate hands on his pectoral muscles beneath his
shirt and slowly slid them down to his strong abdominal core. Quidditch
players always had a strong core from the constant need to use all their
upper body muscles to keep them balanced on their brooms. Especially
seekers who were expected to push themselves and their brooms to their
fullest potential.
Harry let a small moan escape from his lips as her hands lingered around
his lower abs. Her hands made their way painfully slow back up his
chest, sliding over his shoulders and pushing his shirt over them. The
shirt fell silently to the floor.
Bella stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his chest, and
pressed her body against his. Harry felt his chest suddenly warmed as soft
flesh was suddenly pressed against his own. He felt Bella's firm breasts
against his own chest which caused an immediate tightening in his
trousers.
Bella gently swayed her body side to side which had the intoxicating
sensation of her breasts sliding across Harry's chest. Harry's mind by now,
at least the rational part, decided to take a nap as his other primal
instincts began to assert themselves.
His arms wrapped around Bella and his hands began to caress and
explore the smooth skin of her upper and lower back. His hands with a
mission of their own slid to lower regions. Bella moaned her approval as
strong fingers found the luscious flesh below her waist and began to
massage and gently knead the twin globes.
Bella leaned her head back and placed one of her hands behind Harry's
head and brought his head to hers where their lips met in tender
exploration. Her right hand caressed Harry's left arm and slid down to
where her right hand covered Harry's left hand which was still occupying
itself with the object of its current fascination.
She lightly gripped his hand and slid it up her body and placed it on top
of her breast. She squeezed his hand sending him an encouraging signal
that she wanted him to continue. She moaned into his kiss as he began to
minister to her firm b-cup breasts.
Harry was surprised at the firmness of her breast but how velvety to the
touch they were. He felt her nipple harden below his palm. He took her
nipple between his thumb and forefinger and began to gently roll it
between the two fingers. He realized that he must have found a very
pleasurable spot because Bella moaned louder than she had heretofore
done, she had pinched her legs together and she was trembling slightly in
his arms, she then suddenly deepened her kiss passionately.
Both of Bella's hands fell to Harry's belt and made quick work of
unfastening it. She unbuttoned the trousers and finding the zipper
unzipped them, her hands then went to the side of his waistband and
hooking her thumbs in the waistband of the trousers and his boxers she
pushed them down off his hips. The pants pooled around Harry's legs and
whether conscious or not of what he was doing kicked his shoes off and
then stepped out of the fallen trousers and boxers removing his socks as
well.
Bella took a half step back from Harry to properly see him for the first
time. She gasped as his manhood came into view. She had been
unfortunate enough to have seen Rudolfus' as he was shagging Olivia, but
he had nothing compared to Harry.
She cautiously reached out with her right hand and wrapped her fingers
around his shaft. At Bella's touch Harry gasped causing Bella to look up
in worry that she may have hurt him. But his crooked smile and dazed
eyes reassured her that he was definitely not hurting.
A bit more confidently she wrapped her hand around the shaft again and
began to move her hand up and down its length. She marveled at its
rigidity and yet its softness. Her other hand came up and with her index
finger she circled the head of his manhood. Her eyes widened as it
seemed to inflate and become larger. She wondered briefly how she was
going to fit him inside her, when Harry gasped again and his hands flew
to her shoulders, he had a look of panic in his eyes.
Bella was worried again for a moment that she had hurt him, but then
she realized that she must have brought him close to orgasm without
realizing it. She released him and then stepped into his embrace again
and brought his lips to hers once more. Their kissing became more
passionate as they tried to explore every part of each other's mouths,
neck, and ears.
Bella grabbed Harry and forced him to lay reclined at the head of the bed
with his legs outstretched; she then straddled him, kissing him languidly
for several minutes before breaking the kiss and sitting back on his legs.
"I'm ready Harry." Bella said breathlessly. Her eyes were large and were
swirling with a mix of emotions. Harry saw love, lust, anxiety, and worry,
and a host of other emotions.
"Are you sure?" Harry said with genuine concern which made her smile
appreciatively. She nodded demurely.
"But I want to be in control and set the pace if that's okay?" Bella asked
nervously. "I know it's going to hurt a bit and I want to be able to start
and stop if I need to." Harry nodded with an understanding smile.
The lights in the room seemed to dim and the flicker of fire light was the
only thing illuminating the room in soft yellows and oranges. Bella
leaned forward again and gently took Harry's lips with her own and
gently moving her lips across his. The tip of her tongue traced across his
lips asking for permission to enter, Harry though inexperienced with this
type of kiss parted his lips in an open invitation. Both were quick studies
and their tongues soon danced like well practiced partners.
Excitement and passion filled the couple as their bodies began to respond
to the other, the heat between them increased until they were both dizzy
with lust. Bella could not wait any longer, she needed him and
maneuvered herself into a position to receive him.
She slid herself along his length, allowing her fluids to coat him and to
prepare herself. She slid all the way forward aligning herself with him
and then gently slid back sinking him gently into her warm folds. Harry
was immediately overcome by a feeling of great warmth enveloping his
length. It felt amazingly warm and snug, nothing could have prepared
him for the intense feeling of pleasure he was now enjoying.
Bella slowly rocked back and forth taking her time and taking a bit more
of him with each pass. He finally reached her barrier and without
hesitation she rocked back hard with determination breaking through the
thin membrane.
She froze as she was hit with a tearing pain, she did not move and
allowed the pain to dissipate and for the burning to lessen before she
continued. Harry looked at her with concern but she shook her head and
gave him a watery eyed grin. A few minutes passed and Bella began to
move again. She placed her hand on his chest as she moved back and
forth. It took a bit more time but Bella had finally managed to take Harry
entirely.
Although awkward at first the young couple found a rhythm, but it soon
became apparent that Harry would not last much longer. But that was
quite alright with Bella, she knew that this was just the beginning of their
relationship and that there would be many more wonderful nights ahead
of the two, and it had been quite pleasurable for her but for a brief
period when her maidenhead was broken.
Harry's breathing suddenly became labored and fast, his hands had
gripped her waist and she knew what was about to happen. Freedom. She
would be free from the marriage contract and free to pursue a life with
Harry in whatever time they decided on. Harry's movements suddenly
became erratic as he looked at Bella with wide eyes; she smiled and
nodded to him and at that very instant Harry's world exploded as their
coupling reached its zenith. Bella was pleasantly surprised that Harry's
excitement had triggered her own happy ending.
She collapsed forward onto Harry's chest who wrapped her up in his
arms. They cuddled into each other and were blissfully unaware of what
was happening hundreds of miles away in London to two marriage
contracts that suddenly ceased to exist. Nor were they aware of the
sudden re-write of history.
oooOOOooo
The next morning found Harry and Bella snuggled together in a twist of
limbs, both awake and enjoying the warmth that they were creating
together with their bodies pressed so deeply into one another that they
appeared to be one.
"Well, milord…" Bella began with a grin. "As much as I would love to stay
in bed with you all day, we should probably start the day."
"Don't wanna." Harry said with a goofy grin. "I'm quite willing to stay just
like this."
Bella gave him a tender kiss. "Yes milord, but my bladder is telling me to
get a move on, and besides if you get up now we can enjoy a hot bath…
together." Bella waggled her eyebrows.
"Sold!" Harry grinned. "I'll get the water running." He said leaping from
the bed and dashing to the wash room. Bella chuckled at his enthusiasm.
Two hours later and a very thoroughly washed and sated couple walked
arm and arm into the commons room to a breakfast table filled with fruit
and hot scones.
"About time you two decided to join the land of the living." The portrait
of Walburga stated. She smirked at the glowing faces of the two teens as
they sat at the table, Bella practically in Harry's lap.
"So I take it everything went well last night?" The smirking portrait asked
the profusely blushing couple. "Although in my day, one waited till
marriage for such activities but in your case I understand your
motivations. However the use of a silencing charm next time would be
appreciated. Six times! Sweet Maeve, you two were insatiable!"
Harry and Bella glowed an even brighter red if it were possible. "Sorry
Auntie." The two teens replied not looking up at the portrait.
"I imagine Orion has discovered by now that the contract has been
voided, if not it will be soon. We need to come up with a plan to deal
with this. If I know my husband he will be marching up to the school as
soon as he can to find out what has happened." Walburga informed the
couple.
Bella's countenance dropped noticeably. Harry hugged her to him and
kissed her temple. She snuggled into his chest and let out a deep sigh and
closed her eyes.
"What did you have planned to deal with him?" Harry asked gently.
Bella shifted in his arms so her head was on his chest. "Honestly, I hadn't
given it much thought. I knew that there would be an eventual
confrontation…but I was more focused on getting things done than what
the aftermath would be." Bella sighed.
"Well, I suggest we come up with something, because your uncle will be
on a tear once he discovers the binding has been broken." Walburga
warned.
"What would he do to her Auntie?" Harry asked.
"My dear, I shudder to think. He could disown her from the family,
confiscate her trust vault, publicly disgrace her and make it impossible
for her to find any family who would take her in. The Black family has its
hands in many many pies; he can effectively cut her off from any help by
threatening other families from helping her in any way." Walburga told
him sadly.
"You knew this Bella? Did you know that this could happen to you?"
Harry asked angrily.
Bella tightened her grip on Harry and nodded her head against his chest.
"I knew Harry…and I would make the choice again. I don't want to lose
myself Harry, and I don't want to lose what has begun between us." Bella
replied earnestly lifting her head and looked deeply into Harry's eyes.
"Am I alone in my feelings Harry?" Bella whispered worriedly. Something
arose in Bella's chest something she had never really felt
before...vulnerability.
Harry looked at Bella's hopeful face and his heart beat wildly in his chest,
his words left his lips without hesitation. "No Bella, you're not alone."
Bella collapsed back into Harry's chest hugging him tightly.
"So what do we do? How do we handle this?" Harry asked.
"The Lestrange marriage contract was a political move on the part of my
husband. The Lestrange family was among the first of the Old families to
join the new movement and as such were in a prominent position. Orion
hoped by creating an alliance with the Lestranges the Blacks would be
well positioned to reap any benefits should the movement be successful.
Bellatrix was the "tribute" as it were to seal the alliance. If the movement
were to fail, it would not have affected the House of Black too severely,
Bellatrix not being in the direct line of House succession. She could easily
be expulsed from the family without repercussions." Walburga stated
apologetically to the seething young woman.
"So in other words I was expendable!" Bella hissed.
"Sadly, yes my dear. Politics is an ugly game and you were to be a pawn
in that game. You must understand Bellatrix that we believed at the time
that Voldemort was on a just crusade to restore the old ways, and we
wanted to be a part of that return. However, prudence dictated that we
play both sides.
Your cousins, my sons, were also used, groomed to be on opposing sides,
Sirius we would subtly guide to be loyal to the light and Regulus we
groomed to be loyal to the darker families. We hoped that whichever side
won we could claim allegiance through one of our sons. By Sirius' sixth
year we knew we could no longer support Voldemort but we were in too
deep, Voldemort had a stranglehold on our House.
You had become one of the Dark Lords top Lieutenants by that time; you
were quite mad and extremely dangerous. Cygnus had been coerced to
sign a marriage contract by Abraxus Malfoy between his son Lucius and
Narcissa. We suspect it was on orders from Voldemort to put more hooks
into our family.
Andromeda had fled the family in her fifth year and married a
muggleborn. At least she escaped the chaos. Regulus was brain washed
by junior Death Eaters at Hogwarts to taking the mark when he was
sixteen. He never finished his education and two years later he was dead.
Orion mysteriously died a month after Regulus' disappearance. He had
made the mistake of making it known that he would no longer support
the cause to the wrong people. His body was found outside a tavern in
Diagon Alley. I followed my husband in death a few years later."
Walburga finished.
"How does this help us Auntie?" Bella asked in confusion.
"Sorry I went on a tangent but there is reason for it. The mental state of
your uncle is tied to the health and wealth of House Black. If you can
show him that the Lestrange alliance is not in the best interest of the
family, and reveal Voldemort for who he truly is and what he will do to
the family, you may placate him long enough to not act rashly when he
asks about the unbinding." Walburga replied.
"What if we were to give him a more advantageous alliance, to an older
wealthier family?" Bella asked, having an idea beginning to form in her
head.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"What if I told him I have been approached by the Most Ancient House of
Eveningshade and an offer of marriage had been suggested?" Bella looked
hopefully at Harry. "The Eveningshade name is still well known amongst
the ancient houses and could persuade uncle to not pursue further
relations with the Lestrange family."
"Bella, I know very little about pureblood politics, and even less about
the Eveningshade family. It could be completely destitute without two
knuts to rub together." Harry said in a panic.
"Then we go see the goblins and find out. And Auntie and I can fill you in
on proper etiquette and how to deal with Uncle Orion." Bella stated
enthusiastically.
"I don't know Bella; maybe it would be better to just avoid him
altogether." Harry weakly suggested.
"Harry, if we could pull this off, you might be able to save my family
from the terrible fate that is before it. If you can convince Orion to turn
away from Voldemort the rest of the Black family would follow."
Walburga stated. "But you must approach Orion from a position of
strength and with solid information on Voldemort."
"Do we tell him I'm from the future?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't think that would be the wisest course Harry." Walburga Black
told the young man. "But it may eventually come to that. If you think you
can not persuade him, perhaps seeing me might do the trick."
"So I take it we'll be taking a trip to Gringotts in your time Bella?" Harry
asked.
"Yeah, we'll need to establish your identity with the Goblins and see if
there are any vaults left that belong to the Eveningshades." Bella replied.
"And if I don't have a knut?" Harry questioned.
"That won't be a problem young Harry." Harry and Bella turned to see the
Lady Hogwarts smiling widely behind them.
"Milady." The two teens spoke. Harry bowed and Bella curtsied.
"I will guarantee that you will be properly wealthy." The spirit of
Hogwarts stated with a sly smile.
"And how will you accomplish this?" Walburga asked from her portrait.
"This castle has been a school for over a thousand years and before that it
was Griffon Hall, the ancestral home of Gryffindor. In my long history as
a keep and a school I have been inundated with lost Galleons, misplaced
jewels, forgotten ancient tomes, and a myriad of other items and
artifacts. I store all these lost and hidden things within these very walls.
As my champions I shall give all that I have of value to you Harry and
the House of Eveningshade. Within my walls I posses the riches of kings
and conquerors, you shall never want for the need of gold or knowledge.
This I give to you with one request, that you use it to defend me, and to
live a long long happy life." The specter of Hogwarts offered with a smile.
Suddenly forty large chests appeared before them. Harry and Bella's eyes
widened in shock at the wealth on display before them, gold and jewels
filled the chest to over flowing.
"This is but a tenth of what lays within my walls my champions, but I
assure you what you behold before you will have the Goblins falling over
themselves to do anything you want to have your gold within their
walls." Hogwarts smirked.
Harry and Bella were speechless, but were shaken out of their stupor by
Walburga clearing her throat. "Well, if the Eveningshades weren't
wealthy before they certainly are now." Walburga commented.
"Two problems though." Harry stated.
"Oh?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, first how are we going to get to Gringotts before your Uncle shows
up, and two, how are we going to move forty trunks that weigh about a
ton each?" Harry asked.
"Really Harry?!" Bella asked incredulously. "Do you not have magic?"
"Uh, yeah." Harry said sheepishly.
"We can use shrinking charms on the trunks and a weightless charm. We
then can store them in a book bag. As for getting to Gringotts we can
apparate." Bella said matter of factly.
"Yeah, a small problem, I don't know how to apparate and aren't you too
young to apparate as well? I thought you had to be seventeen and then
you have to pass a test to get a license." Harry remarked.
"Blacks are taught to apparate when we are fourteen; I've been doing it
for almost two years." Bella replied.
"What about the trace? If you apparate won't the Ministry find out?"
Harry asked.
"I see I have much to teach you milord. When you became Lord Black
you were immediately emancipated and are considered a legal adult, so
you have been free of the trace since you accepted your Lordship."
Walburga informed the shocked boy.
"But what about Bella?" Harry asked.
"I never had the trace, Harry." Bella shrugged.
"What? How? I thought everyone under seventeen automatically had it."
Harry asked a bit surprised.
"Harry, the trace is on the wands, well the wands that are purchased from
Ollivanders that is." Bella stated. "My family does not buy our wands
from Ollivanders we have them custom made by a wand crafter."
"So it is my wand that has the trace?" Harry asked removing his wand
from his back pocket.
"It did but no longer. The moment you placed the Black Head of House
ring on your finger the family magic removed the trace from your wand."
Bella told him.
"Okay, so I still have the problem of not being able to apparate." Harry
told her accepting the other issue.
"Well, I'm going to be teaching you how to apparate, but for this trip I
can bring you along with me." She told her boyfriend.
"You can do that?" Harry asked, showing his ignorance of magical travel.
"Hmm huh, it's called side along appartion. It's a little uncomfortable but
not terribly so." Bella informed him.
"Okay." Harry finally said raising both of his hands in a surrendering
gesture. "When shall we do this?"
"No time like the present." Bella smiled. "All we need to do is get outside
of the wards and we can go."
"Be safe children and good luck." The Lady Hogwarts offered before
vanishing.
Harry and Bella went to work on shrinking the trunks and putting feather
light charms on them. Harry collected them all and placed them in a
dragon hide satchel that Remus had given him back in his third year.
Walburga instructed the pair to dress in their best dress robes. She
emphasized that a lord should look the part. With some last minute tips
on dealing with the goblins the young couple were ready to leave.
They approached the door and opened it. Bella took a firm hold of
Harry's hand and stepped first into the abandoned hallway. Although it
was an early Saturday morning and the majority of the students were
enjoying a lay in, Harry threw his invisibility cloak around them for the
sake of precaution.
They made their way to the entrance hall unmolested and stepped out
into the brisk September air. Twenty minutes later and they had made
their way through the Hogwarts gate and stood on the road that leads to
Hogsmeade. Harry removed the cloak after making sure there was no one
about who would see them.
"Ready?" Bella asked. Harry nodded that he was.
"Just take hold of my arm. It will feel like you're being squeezed tightly
but don't let go, okay?" Bella told him and received another nod.
With a quick twist, Bella and Harry disappeared with a loud pop. Harry
felt like all the air in his lungs were being forcefully squeezed from his
body, just when he felt he was going to pass out a pop and a rush of air
filled his lungs.
"Well that was p-pleasant." Harry gasped. "Is there any form of magical
travel that doesn't make you feel like you want to hurl?"
"Man up Harry, it wasn't that bad." Bella stated, rolling her eyes and the
green eyed boy. Harry just groaned a response.
Bella took out her wand and twirled it around her head. Soon her ebony
curly locks straightened and turned a dirty blonde in color. Another tap
to her temple and her eyes turned green.
"Okay let's go." Bella said.
"Wait, what about me? Don't I need to change my appearance?" Harry
asked.
"Well, considering you technically haven't been born yet, I don't think
many people would recognize you." Bella replied.
"But don't I look like a Potter?" Harry asked.
Bella looked at him evaluating his looks. "Well I guess we could give you
some highlights, I know of no Potters who have your eye color so I think
you're good there." Bella took out her wand and made a few jabbing
motions with her wand. "There, that looks nice."
"What did you do?" Harry asked.
"Just slicked back your hair and gave it some highlights…blue ones." She
smirked mischievously.
"Blue?"
"Yep, here look." She produced a small hand mirror and handed it to him.
"I look like bloody Clark Kent." Harry growled.
"Yeah, you look…super!" Bella laughed at her own joke.
"You know of Superman?" Harry asked suspiciously. "A muggle super
hero."
"Rebel child here remember. I've seen a few muggle comic books and
movies." She protested.
"Okay, okay." Harry shook his head with a half grin. "Let's go get this
done." Bella smiled and hooked her arm in his as they made their way
from the apparition point near the Leaky Cauldron to the large white
marble façade of Gringotts Bank.
"Next!" A surly looking Goblin called out. Harry and Bellatrix approached
confidently.
"I am here to request an inheritance test." Harry told the goblin firmly.
"You are in the wrong line human." The goblin sneered. "End of the hall
first door to your left."
Harry gave a curt bow and left with Bella and followed the goblins
direction to an office door with the words Inheritance Office stenciled in
gold on a frosted glass window. Harry opened the door an allowed Bella
to enter first, with him following closely behind.
They walked into a small waiting room with a reception desk and
another if possible, surlier looking goblin seated at it.
"State your business." The goblin ordered.
Harry cleared his throat and approached the desk. "I am here to request
an inheritance test and to claim anything of that inheritance."
"And what family are you receiving the test for?" The goblin asked now
looking at Harry and then slowly glancing at Bellatrix before his eyes
found Harry again.
"I wish to be tested for the Ancient House of Eveningshade." Harry stated
firmly once more.
The goblin raised an extremely bushy eyebrow. "The Eveningshade family
has been extinct for at least a hundred years boy. You waste my time, be
off with you and feel fortunate that I don't have you thrown to the
dragons for trying to claim family status." The goblin then returned to
sharpening a rather sharp looking black blade.
Harry for a moment was speechless and did not know how to proceed,
but his dilemma was soon decided for him as Bellatrix stepped forward.
"How dare you speak that way to the Heir of House Eveningshade! He
has made a legitimate request and you insult him by dismissing him off
hand." Bella hissed angrily. But her bravado did not have quite the effect
she had hoped. The goblin leapt to his feet and bared a mouth full of
sharp pointy teeth.
"Mind your place girl! This is Gringotts…Goblin territory and you find
yourself fortunate that you are a youngling or you would be dead where
you stand!" Bella gulped but stood her ground. One thing Aunt Walburga
had told them was to not show fear or intimidation. Goblins would see
this as a weakness and immediately they would cease negotiations with
you. But they found respect in strength and courage.
Harry stepped in front of Bella and glared at the Goblin. "I have made a
legitimate request sir, and by your own bylaws you must afford me said
request." Harry spoke.
The goblin smiled dangerously. "The inheritance test for the Ancient
Houses is not something to take lightly. It can be painful very painful for
someone not of the bloodline. So I caution you human, to consider that
before you continue with this request."
"I'm aware of the risks, I still want to proceed." Harry sounded confidant
but inside he was shaking. Bella reached out and took his hand in hers
and Harry felt a calm fall over him from her silent support.
The Goblin whose name was Gilflesh narrowed his eyes at Harry but
shrugged a moment later. "As you wish. Have a seat while I retrieve the
needed items for the test." The goblin then disappeared behind another
door directly behind his desk.
"Nervous?" Bella asked quietly.
"Scared as hell." Harry responded with a weak smile.
"You'll be fine Harry." She said comfortingly and squeezed his hand.
Several minutes later the goblin walked in with a large bowl the size of a
dinner plate. It was jet black and seemed to be made of obsidian. Several
runes were barely visible around the rim of the bowl. Gilflesh set the
bowl on his desk and then produced an obsidian blade that was wrapped
in a dark purple velvet cloth; an ornate E was engraved on the hilt.
"This is the Eveningshade ritual basin and knife for inheritance testing.
The family magic is saturated within the bowl and knife. You must cut
open the palm of your hand and then allow the blood to flow into the
basin. If you are indeed a family member the runes around the lip of the
basin will glow blue. If you are the heir the signet ring will appear at the
bottom of the basin called by your blood.
I must warn you that the knife is cursed. If you cut yourself with it and
you are not of the bloodline…let's just say I hope your lady friend knows
your next of kin." The goblin smirked. "Whenever you are ready?"
Harry stood and approached the desk. He had to wipe the palms of his
hands on his trousers as his nerves were affecting the moisture levels.
Harry hoped that the Eveningshade blood he did have was not too
diluted or else this trip into the past would be his last.
Bellatrix was also having second thoughts about Harry doing this. She
had just found someone with whom she could see herself growing old
with and now he stood in front of her and it could be the last time that
they were together.
Harry reached out with his hand and let it hover over the knife for a few
seconds before taking a deep breath and grabbing the dark bladed knife
by the hilt with his right hand. It initially felt cold to the touch but a
second later he could feel the magic in the knife flowing through it. The
cold disappeared replaced by a warmth that seemed welcoming.
He brought the knife to his left palm and not wanting to prolong the
inevitable drew the razor sharp blade across his palm leaving a long thin
cut that began to bleed heavily. Harry brought the injured hand over the
basin and making a fist watched as the blood began to fill the basin.
Harry felt queasy as he watched the liquid of life pouring from his hand
but soon the bowl had its due and the cut on Harry's hand began to
quickly heal.
One by one a series of rune began to glow cobalt blue around the rim of
the stone basin. Within moments every rune was illuminated declaring
Harry to posses the blood of House Eveningshade. Seconds later the
blood in the basin began to swirl and shift. More runes from the inner
walls of the basin began to illuminate. The blood began to pool together
and take form, solidifying into strands that began to weave in and out of
each other. Before Harry's eyes a ring began to take shape, a ring made
from his blood. The form hardened then began to glow a dark red almost
black in color.
When the glowing stopped, Harry reached into the basin and withdrew a
dark blood-red signet ring that had the crest of a black Phoenix with its
wings spread open. The ring vibrated in Harry's hand and seemed to call
to him. He placed the ring on his right ring finger. It felt warm to the
touch; Harry could feel what seemed like a pulse beating from the
curious ring, as if it were alive.
The goblins eyes widened almost comically as he looked from the ring to
Harry in something akin to fear and respect. Then to Harry's surprise the
goblin bowed deeply. "My Lord Eveningshade, allow me to be the first of
the Gringotts goblin clan to welcome back the Most Ancient House of
Eveningshade."
Bella marveled at the action the goblin had just taken. Never in her life
had she ever seen any goblin give deference to a Wizarding House before.
She wondered what kind of history existed between the goblins and
House Eveningshade.
"Thank you Gilflesh." Harry said a bit taken aback by the bowing goblin.
"Do any vaults still exist for the House of Eveningshade?" Harry asked the
goblin who was just now raising his head.
"There are two vaults my Lord; one contains your family Grimoire and
other books and personal family belongings. The second is the treasure
vault, but I'm afraid that it contains merely three or four thousand
galleons and a few other precious stones. The wealth of House
Eveningshade though substantial two hundred years ago is not on the
same level as some of the other ancient and noble houses.
Without a Lord Eveningshade to give financial direction to the account
manager, the vault fell into stasis and the account manager reassigned. I
am sorry my lord, but we believed the Eveningshade line had become
extinct, so the account was not maintained." The goblin actually sounded
remorseful.
"Not to worry Gilflesh. If you will have someone escort me to my vaults, I
have a rather large deposit to make." Harry grinned roguishly.
Gilflesh left the office to call on another goblin to escort Harry to his
family vaults. As soon as the goblin had left the room Bella had thrown
herself at Harry crushing him with a bone breaking hug and kissing him
hard on the lips.
"I was so worried that something would go wrong…a-and I thought what
if I never got to…be with you again, and…I-I…"Bella's eyes welled up
threatening to spill the tears of worry that she was fighting to hold back.
Harry hugged her tightly. "Hey, I'm okay. Everything is all right; you still
have this marvelous piece of man to rock your world." Harry gave his
patented lopsided grin.
"You prat!" Bella smacked him upside the head but nevertheless grinned
at him shaking her head. Harry was proud of himself that he was able to
turn an emotionally heavy situation around and lighten Bella's mood.
There was no point in both of them being emotionally spent though he
hid it well.
Ten minutes later and the couple were zooming down the tunnels
beneath the bank in a goblin mine cart. Not soon enough for Bella the
cart came to a stop in front of a small door, just large enough for a single
person to walk into.
"Why is the door so small?" Bella asked a much younger Griphook who
Harry had recognized but did not mention.
"It is a safety measure the Lord Eveningshade of the time requested. It
only allows one being at a time entrance, so if for some reason a group of
people tried to break in to the vault the defensive magic that protects the
vault could strike down the intruders as they entered single file. It
prevents a larger force from overwhelming the defenses." Griphook's
squeaky voice explained.
"So how do I enter?" Harry asked.
"It is all about blood with your house my lord. You must give a drop of
your blood to the Eveningshade crest.
Harry noticed a small spike where the phoenix beak lay and pressed his
thumb against it. The blood trickled down the small spike and the beak
of the Phoenix opened and appeared to swallow the blood. The crest
flashed red and the door opened.
"Will Bella be able to enter with me?" Harry asked before entering.
"When you reach the other side, speak her name and beckon her through
and the wards will accept her." Griphook informed him.
Harry walked through the man sized door and when he came out of the
other side called to his girlfriend. "Bellatrix Black come through."
Bella cautiously stepped through the door which was about five feet
thick. As soon as she was out she let out a breath she hadn't realized she
had been holding. Soon after Bella had entered Griphook strolled
through, which surprised Harry.
"Griphook, how did you get through? I did not call you." Harry asked
tersely.
"We goblins are the keepers of the vaults we can enter without
restriction. Though we would never enter on our own, but with you here
I can enter without harm." Griphook explained. Bellatrix didn't like that,
and by the look on Harry's face it seemed he wasn't keen on the idea
either.
"Now to your right you'll see the door that leads to your family's personal
vault, the door to the left is the treasure vault." Griphook explained.
"Any defenses on those doors?" Harry asked.
"None my Lord, your ancestor believed that any intruder would be struck
down before they ever got this far. And he was correct." Griphook puffed
out his chest. "These are the best goblin wards there are."
Harry and Bella entered the left door, it was surprisingly large, almost
half the size of the Great Hall. Harry could scarcely imagine this vault
filled with gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts. The vault
already contained several thousand Galleons but looked small in
comparison to the size of the room.
Bella and Harry went to work removing the many trunks from his satchel
and began to place them at five foot intervals. Once all the trunks had
found their space the couple began to re-enlarge them. A tally sheet next
to the door began to automatically update itself. It increased from four
hundred and twenty-three thousands Galleons to nearly 60 million
Galleons.
Bella was stunned to see the amount; it seemed that only forty trunks
would not be near enough to place fifty-nine million Galleons, she
realized that the Lady must have also placed expansion charms on the
chests.
Underneath the tally for Galleons appeared the words Precious Jewels. It
listed the number of rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and other precious
stones. A value of twenty million Galleons was assigned to the lot of
them, bringing the net worth of the vault to over eighty million Galleons
in liquid assets.
Griphook nearly fell over himself when he saw the new tally. The
Eveningshades were now in the top five wealthiest families in Great
Britain. Goblins would be slitting the competitions throats to get the
chance to manage such a large account and get the customary three
percent on any and all profits from investments they would make on
behalf of House Eveningshade.
Harry and Bella next explored the family's personal vault, where they
discovered a rather large library of ancient books and manuscripts on the
use of blood magic's and other arcane magical practices. These were
branches of magic that had either been banned by the International
Confederation of Wizards or had simply been lost to time.
They could tell from their reading that the Eveningshades were not a
strictly light sided family and were as the Lady had told them…just on
the darker side of gray. Looking through the family Grimoire confirmed
that indeed the Eveningshades were well versed in the art of Blood Magic
and even dabbled in Summoning.
"This could be very useful to have back at Hogwarts Harry. There are
spells and curses in here that have never been seen before at least in any
recent history. The best offensive spells are the kind your enemy knows
nothing about, and trust me as old as some of these entries are these
spells have not been seen in hundreds of years." Bella told him excitedly.
"Well I suppose we can take it with us." Harry told her flipping through
the pages. "Wait…what language is this? I don't recognize it." Harry
asked his girlfriend pointing out the page.
Bella looked at what Harry was pointing to but was just as flummoxed as
he was. "I don't know Harry. It's not Latin, or Greek or any of the Celtic
languages, or any other of the modern European languages. I don't know,
maybe the Lady would know." Bella told him with a shrug.
"There seem to be several more pages in whatever language this is."
Harry remarked. "Okay well we'll take it with us. You're probably right
about the Lady knowing something about it." Harry lifted the book from
its pedestal and placed it in his satchel.
"Anything else you want to look at while we're here?" Bella asked.
"I think I'm good for now unless you want to look around some more."
Harry told her. "I grabbed a few journals from my great-great-great
grandfather. Apparently he was the last Eveningshade to enter the vaults.
After that it seemed the family disappeared."
"Interesting, did the family squib out? Or did something else happen?"
Bella asked.
"Don't know, maybe his journals will tell me something more about what
happened to the family." Harry told her with curiosity. "If they were such
a powerful family it's odd that they would just disappear from the
Wizarding world." Harry mused aloud.
"Well, I'm starved. How about we go get some lunch?" Bella suggested.
"Sounds good." Harry replied.
An hour later the two teens found themselves at a quaint Bistro just down
from Florean Fortescue's Ice cream parlour. The day had warmed and
Diagon Alley seemed to be a beehive of activity with shoppers going to
and fro as they visited the many curio shops and restaurants.
"You know this place doesn't exist in my time." Harry quietly told Bella.
"Really? It's quite popular. The owner is a man named Gerard Bell, a
muggleborn. Graduated from Hogwarts about twenty years ago. After
graduation he left the Wizarding world for a while and went to France to
become a chef. Ten years later he came back and opened this Bistro. His
son Joseph Bell is a fifth year Gryffindor actually." Harry wondered while
Bella was giving the history lesson if this was a relative of Katie Bell from
his time.
"You seem to know a lot about him." Harry queried.
Bella smiled. "He actually introduced me to muggle music, well more like
Joseph did. I came to eat here with my mom about four years ago and I
heard some interesting music coming from the kitchen. I was a little
nosey and decided to investigate. Joseph was sweeping the floors and
listening to a singer named Elvis Presley. Have you heard of him?" Bella
asked.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure most people have, well at least muggles." Harry
clarified.
"Anyway, that was my first introduction into muggle culture. I met
Gerard that same day and got to know him. He asked if I liked the music
and of course I told him yes. He then went to his office and gave me my
first muggle record. It was Elvis of course. Gerard has been my source for
all things muggle ever since." Bella smiled mischeviously.
"Wow." Was all Harry could say.
A disturbance further up the alley caught the attention of the couple.
Several shouts had Harry acting on instinct as he jumped from his seat
while simultaneously drawing his wand. Bella following Harry's lead
drew her wand as the other patrons in the small establishment were
confused about what was happening.
Harry saw them first; about a dozen black cloaked individuals with
skeletal looking masks were marching straight for them. They formed a
half circle around the bistro all with wands drawn.
"Death Eaters!" Harry shouted to the other occupants of the restaurant,
but all he got back were blank or questioning stares.
"Death what?" A pudgy brown haired wizard asked.
"Bad guys!" Harry replied rolling his eyes.
"LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL HERE, THAT WE ARE TAKING OUR WORLD
BACK FROM THOSE WHO ARE UNWORTHY, FROM THOSE
MUDBLOODS WHO WOULD CONTAMINATE OUR WORLD WITH THEIR
FILTH!" One of the masked Death Eaters shouted to those who were
watching the scene unfold.
Gerard Bell came running out of the kitchen and stared at the group in
front of his store. "What is this?" The muggleborn wizard asked heading
for the door.
"Mr Bell! Don't go out there!" A still glamoured Bellatrix told her friend.
"NO LONGER WILL WE PERMIT THIS VERMIN FROM PROSPERING
FROM HARD WORKING WIZARDS AND WITCHE, OR FROM POLLUTING
OUR CULTURE WITH MUGGLE FILTH LIKE THIS ESTABLISHMENT!"
"This has gone on long enough!" Gerard Bell exclaimed as he grabbed the
door knob and threw the door open.
"No!" Bella shouted, but the proprietor stepped out in front of his life's
work.
"Get out of here you lot before I call the Aurors!" Gerard shouted.
"Are you the filth who owns this establishment?" The leader of the mob
asked in disdain.
"I am! And who the bloody hell are you?" The man demanded.
"The bringer of the changing tide." The masked man sneered. "BURN IT
DOWN!" The eleven others raised their wands and fired incendio spells at
the packed establishment.
"NO!" Gerard yelled, but the man was ignored as spellfire rained down on
the edifice.
Panic erupted in the small bistro as men women and children rushed for
the door only to create a log jam of people.
Harry pointed his wand at a large exterior window and blew it out with a
shouted bombarda, he and Bella started to help people out the window as
smoke and flame began to consume the roof. Once the establishment was
clear Harry and Bella stepped out to see Gerard trying desperately to put
out the flames with jets of water from his wand.
Harry looked back at the quaint restaurant and could tell it would be a
total loss; fire fell from the roof into the main body of the bistro like
molten lava, setting ablaze everything it touched. The twelve Death
Eaters laughed at Gerard's fruitless efforts.
"YOU BASTARDS!" Harry and Bella heard Gerard yell and turned to see
Gerard swing his wand at the Death Eaters.
Time seemed to slow down as Harry and Bella watched in horror as at
least a half dozen sickly green spells hit the infuriated muggleborn man
in the chest. He dropped like a puppet with its strings cut.
Another person screamed in fury…it was Bella. Her wand was a blur as
she unleashed curse after curse on the masked mob. Two dropped
immediately screaming from whatever curse Bella had hit them with.
Harry saw a glimpse of the Bella who would have become the most
feared witch in Britain.
The Death Eaters were momentarily stunned into inaction as they saw
two of their own go down. It gave Harry an opportunity to take two more
out with bone breaker curses before the remaining eight turned their full
attention to the two teens.
Harry tried to convince Bella to flee, but she either did not hear him or
chose not to. A rage ignited in her that demanded vengeance. If she
would not flee he would have to do his best to keep them both alive.
A positive thing came from Harry's forced entry into the Tri-Wizard
Tournament, he had learned a wide variety of offensive spells and was
extremely accurate with his casting if he did say so himself. And dodging
curses from his schoolmates gave him heightened reflexes.
He had also found a most interesting book in the Black Library that had
some very inventive curses. He could remember a couple of them, though
he had never practiced them. But a battle was no time to try something
unpracticed.
An orange colored spell rocketed toward Bella who was casting at
another masked individual and didn't see it coming. Harry cast a
reflective shield that sent the spell back to the sender. The man screamed
falling to the ground with a pinkish fluid pouring out of his mouth.
The ground suddenly came out from under Harry as a blast threw him
back several feet. He landed on his back with a thud, but did not remain
dormant. He rolled to his knees and was searching for the nearest threat.
To his right he heard Bella scream as a cutting curse hit her left shoulder.
Harry was on his feet and moving as fast as he could to Bella's side.
People were running in every direction trying to get clear of the fight,
Harry literally had to run over a fleeing wizard just to make it to Bella
who was pinned down behind a portable display case.
Harry saw her panicked face and the blood flowing down her left arm,
and then something within him snapped. The curse from the book in the
Black library forced its way to the front of Harry's thoughts. It was a wide
area curse…a ribbon cutter. The words flowed from his mouth as if he
were born speaking them and his wand made the movements like he had
performed the curse a thousand times.
With a sweeping arc a scarlet curse flew from his wand, the wide area
spell sliced through the neck of one Death Eater whose head rolled from
his shoulders and hit the ground with a thud. It split open the chest
cavity of two others. But Harry wasn't done yet, a high powered stunner
sent another crashing into a wall knocking him out.
Curses from the remaining four Death Eaters came at him fast and
furious, but unlike most wizards who fought from a stationary position,
Harry was bobbing and weaving avoiding curses when he could,
shielding when he couldn't.
Several killing curses were fired at him but the Death Eaters had a hard
time following and targeting the spry young man. With all their attention
diverted to Harry, Bella was able to leave her hiding place and flank the
Death Eaters.
A quick stunner took out one of the masked individuals who was behind
his confederates, his incapacitation going unnoticed by the other three.
However the next one to go down from Bella's perfectly aimed stunner
alerted the other two.
The leader of the group and one of the last two still standing, yelled at
his remaining companion to retreat. Harry realized that the man was
about to apparate by the placement of his feet to spin. With lightning
speed Harry cast an over powered bone breaker that shattered the man's
legs below the knees, and then followed it up with a disarming spell. The
second man disappeared a split second before Bella's stunner found him.
Harry quickly made his way to the downed leader of the twelve man hit
team. He was trying to prop himself up against the wall of another shop.
"You have just sealed your fate boy!" The Death Eater sneered as he spit
blood from his mouth. He had fallen face first to the ground breaking his
mask the jagged edge cutting the left side of his face from his chin to just
under his left eye. Blood from the gaping cut filled his mouth.
Harry looked at the man and saw a large resemblance to an older Lucius
Malfoy. The man had long platinum blonde hair, dark blue eyes, and an
identical sneer that all Malfoy's seemed to possess.
"I would be more concerned with your own fate." Harry cut back
dangerously as Harry pointed his wand at the man's heart.
Bella arrived at Harry's side and had to hold back a gasp as she
recognized Abraxus Malfoy, head of the Malfoy family. Bella whispered
in Harry's ear the identity of the man bleeding in front of him. Harry's
smile became absolutely feral as he stared back at the man.
"I think I may do our world a favor and just kill you now Mr. Malfoy."
Harry said with an edge to his voice that left no room for doubt that he
was serious.
"You killed an innocent man today." Harry growled.
"He was filth!" Malfoy spat. "We will see all mudbloods likewise dealt
with if they refuse to leave our world! My Lord will see to it!"
"You bigoted bastard!" Bella hissed kicking the man in the ribs several
times. Malfoy fell over howling in pain as several ribs broke.
"If I here of anymore attacks on muggleborns, Malfoy, there will be no
where that you'll be able to run that I will not find you." Harry spat
raising his wand to point right at Malfoy's forehead.
Malfoy's eyes widened at the sight of the signet ring on the boys right
hand. "It can't be." MaIfoy inaudibly muttered.
"Harry we need to go! Aurors are coming!" Bella warned. With one more
glare at the blonde Death Eater, Harry snapped the Malfoy patriarch's
wand and left quickly with Bella. It was not in their interest to be
questioned by the DMLE. How do you explain a time traveling teenager
to Aurors?
oooOOOooo
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a comment or a review
and let me know what you thought.
13. Chapter 13
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Because of the fantastic number of reviews I got for the last
chapter I decided to post the next chapter a bit early. 120+ Reviews!
You guys are awesome. So here is Chapter 13.
S/N: When the phrase Great War is mentioned through this chapter it is
in reference to the war with Grindelwald which coincided with the
muggle World War 2.
Chapter 13:
The denizens of Diagon Alley were in a state of disbelief at what had just
occurred. Not in recent memory had there ever been an attack of this
nature. Even during Grindelwald's reign of terror Diagon Alley had
remained untouched by acts of terror.
Now as witches and wizards came out of their various hiding places they
marveled at the destruction that was caused during the five minute
battle. Nine people were dead, eight of which were wearing black robes
and masks, the ninth the well known and loved owner of the only bistro
in the alley, Gerard Bell.
Three other men were either unconscious or injured so severely that they
couldn't flee and one masked individual had escaped uninjured. The one
man who was too injured to flee was a shock to most, he being a well
known and respected member of the Wizengamot and head of an old
pureblood family.
Auror captain Alastor Moody arrived and quickly surveyed the crime
scene. Being a veteran of the Grindelwald war he was not unaccustomed
to what wizards could do to other wizards, so the gore and destruction he
saw before him had little effect on him. What he did feel was interest, he
had of course responded to scenes like this but they had been in remote
areas of Great Britain and the casualties were always muggles,
muggleborns, and the occasional half-blood. But this was the first time he
had seen the tables turned on the aggressors.
The terrorist had never lost a man on their hit and run missions, striking
hard and fast and then leaving that damnable mark in the sky. The
Ministry for the most part tried to keep these attacks quiet. But this
incident they would not be able to sweep under the rug. There were too
many witnesses in the heavily trafficked shopping district.
He opined that the vigilantes had become bold due to their successes in
the more provincial areas and had finally decided to bring their coming
out to the big stage. However, their grand entrance had unexpected
results. Someone fought back. Someone fought back and soundly kicked
their arses.
"Captain Moody, sir!"
"What is it recruit Bones?" Moody turned around to see a pretty young
redhead in her early twenties that he had taken on as his trainee, who
was looking a little green around the gills.
"Sir, we have secured the area, Robards and Wiltcomb have placed all the
deceased in the nearby apothecary for tagging and identification.
Gilchrist and Talmage have the three surviving terrorists at the Post
Office under guard awaiting your arrival sir." Amelia Bones reported, and
then hesitated for a moment.
"Was there something else Recruit Bones?" Moody queried.
"Well, uh…yes sir. One of the prisoners is…Lord Malfoy." She replied in
disbelief.
"Indeed?" Moody's interest peaking. "I've suspected that this organization
is getting funding from some of the wealthy pureblood elites. Looks like I
have my first bit of proof." Moody grinned predatorily.
"Uh yes sir." Amelia gulped at the look on Moody's face.
"Very well Recruit Bones, I want as many witness statements as you and
the rest of the team can get. We have the terrorists but I don't see anyone
stepping up to take responsibility for taking them out. We could be
dealing with a rival group; maybe a muggleborn vigilante group has
decided to fight back and get some payback." Moody mused aloud.
"Captain Moody Sir!"
"Auror McKinnon, what do you have for me?" Moody asked turning to the
new arrival.
"This parchment was found on one of the deceased terrorist sir, it appears
to be a list of all the muggleborn owned business in the alley sir." Seamus
McKinnon stated handing over the parchment to his captain.
Moody took the offered parchment and looked it over. "Hmm, it looks
like Bell wasn't the only target today; looks like five other businesses
were targeted. Unfortunately for the terrorist they met resistance at their
first stop." Moody chuckled darkly.
"Very good McKinnon, do we have identities on the remaining dead
terrorists?" Moody asked.
"Yes sir, brothers Roger and Raymond Jugson, Adrian Montrose, and a
Sylvia Hedgeburn, all recent graduates of Hogwarts." The Auror second
class confirmed with a sigh of remorse.
"And the other four?" Moody questioned.
"You're not going to like it sir."
"Just out with it Seamus." Moody ordered.
"Tobias Bulstrode, Peter Rosier, and…Lord Lestrange and his brother
Lycas."
"Merlin's hairy backside! Two sons of prominent families, a lord and his
brother, not to mention Malfoy's involvement. Well the shite is really
going to hit the fan when this gets out." Moody swore. "Whoever killed
them whether it was self-defense or not are going to have half of the
Wizengamot clamoring for their blood."
"Your orders sir?" Seamus McKinnon asked.
"Alright, I want the bodies' portkeyed to the Ministry morgue. Place two
guards at the entrance I don't want anyone in there but the healer in
charge. Is that clear?!" Moody ordered.
"Yes sir! There is one more thing sir. We discovered that each one of the
terrorists has the same tattoo on their left forearm." McKinnon informed
his senior.
"Oh? What of?" Moody asked.
"It's a skull with a gaping mouth with a large snake seemingly slithering
out of the mouth of the skull and wrapping around itself." The auror
replied. "Much like the sign we have seen in the sky at other attacks.
"Coloring?" Moody asked.
"No color sir, just a dark black tattoo." He replied.
"Interesting." Moody said scratching his stubbly chin.
"It moves sir." Seamus added.
"What?"
"It moves. Well on the living terrorists. The tattoos on the deceased are
motionless, but the tattoos on the other three seem to move sir."
"Well I'll have to ask old Abraxus about it when I interrogate him."
Moody replied.
"Interrogate a senior member of the Wizengamot?! Is that legal sir?"
Seamus asked.
"He was apprehended at a crime scene and identified as taking part in the
hostilities; he is obviously a member of this terrorist group. Therefore his
right to immunity as a member of the Wizengamot is rescinded through
Ministerial decree where it involves murder and possible treason." Moody
grinned.
"Uh right sir. I'll go and prepare the bodies to be portkeyed immediately."
Seamus replied coming to attention and then making his way to the
apothecary.
Moody made his way to the post office to check on the living prisoners. A
medical detail attached to the Auror department was treating the injured.
Moody stepped into the old post office that smelled like old parchment
and owl droppings.
"Report!" Moody ordered making his presence known to his men and the
healers.
"These two..." Healer Cavanaugh waved his hand toward the two bound
men being guarded by two aurors. "…are fine they were only stunned.
They have a few scratches on them from falling over but they're fine.
Lord Malfoy however is in worse shape. The tibia and fibulas on both of
his legs were shattered and were forced out through the skin.
The resulting punctures caused severe blood loss. Several ribs were also
broken; one of the broken ribs punctured his right lung. I was able to
drain most of the fluid from the lung but he'll need to be seen by healers
at St. Mungos to repair any damage to the lung itself.
I've given him a blood replenisher for the blood loss, but the bones in his
legs were too badly shattered to repair. They will need to be vanished
and then re-grown. I've also healed the laceration to his face but
unfortunately he will have a scar. I've done all I can here, the more
severe injuries will need to be dealt with at the hospital." The doctor gave
his report.
"Has he said anything about the attack?" Moody asked the healer.
The healer shook his head. "Not a word about the attack, but he keeps
mumbling the words 'it can't be'. I'm not sure what he is referring to but
it seems to be the only thing that anyone can get out of him. It's almost
like he saw something so terrifying that his mind just shut down except
for those three words."
Moody sighed. 'Well that's gonna make interviewing the peacock a bit
difficult now isn't it." The healer just shrugged.
"I'm not a mind healer Alastor, but something in the man has snapped. I
have seen this before during the Great War, men see something so
terrifying or shocking that they lock themselves in their own minds to
keep from facing the horrifying truth of what they had seen." The old
healer informed his longtime friend.
"Is it permanent you think?" Moody asked staring at Malfoy like he lost
his favorite new toy.
"Hard to say, I have heard of men coming back to reality within days and
others who never recover. It depends on the individual I suppose." Calvin
Cavanaugh told him.
"Right, Thanks Cal. I want him under constant guard while he is at St.
Mungos, I'll send a team to the hospital with you as soon as you're ready
to go."
"Very well Alastor. I should be ready in about ten minutes." Moody
nodded and assigned two of his aurors to go with the old healer.
Moody's piercing blue eyes then focused on the two remaining terrorists.
"Looks like it's just you two then. I have a nice holding cell waiting for
you before the fun…I mean the interrogation begins." Moody smirk.
"Gilchrist, Talmage! I want these two in maximum security. No one sees
them before I do, is that clear!" The two aurors snapped to attention.
"Yes sir!" The aurors chorused.
"Right, get them out of here." Moody told the two aurors who portkeyed
themselves and the prisoners to the DMLE holding cells at the Ministry.
"Captain Moody sir!"
"Finished interviewing, Recruit Bones?" Moody asked his protégé.
"Yes sir. And we have learned some surprising things about who
retaliated against the terrorists." Amelia stated.
"Well don't keep me in suspense girl! Who did it?" Moody asked with an
impatient raised eyebrow.
"Um…well its seems, that the terrorists attacked Bell's Bistro, setting it
ablaze. Mr. Bell confronted the terrorists and was struck down by several
Avada Kedavra curses. There was panic in the Bistro when the terrorists
arrived and started cursing the building. The patrons all tried to run out
of the door but it quickly became blocked by so many trying to escape at
once." Amelia related. Moody rolled his eyes at how irrationally people
act when they panic.
"According to patrons in the Bistro a young couple blew out the Bistro's
large window and helped people escape through the opening." She added.
"Damn smart thing to do. Probably saved some lives." Moody growled.
"Yes, well then once everyone was out the couple exited just as Mr. Bell
was killed. Witnesses say the young woman screamed and then started
launching curses at the terrorists taking two out immediately. Then the
young man with her began to cast spells as well.
Witnesses say they had never seen such quick spell casting and such
devastating spells as what the young man was casting. If you can believe
it, several witness say that he sent a ribbon like curse that killed three of
the terrorists at the same time."
"Some sort of blasting hex?" Moody asked.
Shaking her head Amelia replied. "No, they said it was like a cutting
curse but more deadly, it severed the head from one terrorist and split
open the chest of two others."
"Yeah, I saw those bodies." Moody replied thoughtfully rubbing his face.
"So who else helped them?"
"That's just it, no one else lifted a wand." Amelia replied.
"You mean to tell me two twenty year olds took down a dozen terrorists?
On their own?"
"No sir." Amelia replied.
"Thought so." Moody nodded.
"They were teenagers." Amelia replied cautiously.
Moody looked at his young protégé in disbelief. "Now you're having me
on Amelia, and now is not the time for jocularity."
"I'm being serious sir. Several witnesses say that they couldn't be more
than seventeen years old, some saying younger." Amelia told her mentor.
"So I'm to believe that two teenagers took down a dozen adult wizards? Is
that what you're telling me?" Moody hardened his gaze at the young
auror.
Amelia gulped but stood her ground. "Yes sir that is what the witnesses
are stating."
"And where is this dynamic duo now?" Moody asked.
"No one knows sir. It seems they left as soon as the battle was over."
Amelia replied.
"Now that doesn't sound suspicious now does it?" Moody asked
sarcastically.
"A bit sir." Amelia admitted.
"Well did we at least get a description of the two teens?"
"Yes sir, the girl was tall and slender with long straight dirty blonde hair,
about 5'6", the boy had dark hair, he was also tall about 5'10" with an
athletic build. Both were between the ages of fifteen and seventeen."
Amelia stated checking over her notes.
"Very well Amelia, who do we have contacting the next of kin?" Moody
asked.
"St. Mungos is sending the director of their Crisis Center over to assist us
with notifying the families." Checking her notes again. "Yes, um…Dorea
Potter… Lady Potter?!" Amelia gasped. "I didn't know she was working
for St. Mungos!"
"Well it was the Potters who funded the creation of the St. Mungos Crisis
Center after the Great War. And Lady Potter was a healer before she
married Lord Potter, so it doesn't seem too odd."
"Yes, but for a Lady to involve herself in something like this is…well,
unusual." Amelia explained.
"Not really, the Potters are humanitarians; they always try to give aid to
others where they can." Moody replied. "Potter Manor was volunteered as
a field hospital during the Great War in fact. They are responsible for
saving a lot of lives, including mine." Moody smiled and gave her a wink.
"Now let's finish up here, I have a couple of dunderheads I need to
interrogate. I may even let you watch." Moody chuckled as his protégé's
eyes lit up in excitement.
oooOOOooo
Bella and Harry fled Diagon Alley to the streets of London. In a deserted
alley Bella transfigured their robes into more muggle appropriate attire.
Harry was able to clean Bella's wound that looked worse than it was. The
cutting curse had just grazed her arm but it had bled a lot. Although the
wound was superficial Harry was very attentive to his injured girlfriend.
Bella smiled at his antics and sighed thinking she could get use to this.
Not the fighting but having Harry so attentive to her needs.
The couple decided that they needed to decompress and so did not
immediately return to Hogwarts. They unintentionally found their way to
Hyde Park and walked around the beautiful park with its green lawns,
serpentine lake and many fountains. As the sun began to set and the
lights turned on it was a very romantic setting for the young couple.
But as it always does, reality finally caught up to them and they needed
to get back to the ancient castle. Grimacing in dreaded anticipation,
Harry held his breath as Bella apparated them just below the main gates
of the old school.
They slipped through the gate, covering themselves with Harry's
invisibility cloak and made their way to the castle doors that were still
opened for students to filter in and out as they explored the grounds with
their friends. As they entered they noticed that there were whispered
conversations happening in almost every nook and corner of the entrance
hall.
Bella noticed a worried looking Andromeda pacing back and forth in
front of the Great Hall doors. She was looking toward the grand stair case
and then to the large main doors. Her hair looked frazzled and she had
her arms crossed in front of her chest and was chewing on the fingernails
of her right hand.
Bella led Harry over to a darkened corner and whispered for him to stay
close as possible without being detected. She then stepped out from
under the cloak unnoticed by the other students and walked toward her
sister.
"Andi, are you alright?" Bella asked quietly as she neared her sister.
Andromeda looked up quickly and her face cycled between relief, anger
and worry.
"Where have you been?!" Andromeda hissed trying to keep her voice low.
"Around." Bellatrix answered cryptically.
"Around. Around!" Andromeda nearly yelled. "I suppose you've been with
him?!" Andromeda accused.
"And so what if I have? It's none of your concern!" Bella responded
tersely getting tired of her sisters ranting.
"Do you even know what's happened?" Andromeda asked. Bella just gave
her an 'I'm waiting look'.
"It's been on the wireless since lunch time!" The middle Black sister
informed.
"What has?!" Bella fumed. "If you're going to drag this out, I'm going to
leave." Bella stated crossing her arms in a huff.
"There was an attack this morning in Diagon Alley!" Her sister replied. "A
bunch of people were killed!"
"Oh…" Bella said acting surprised. "Who attacked who?" Bella asked.
"No one knows, the media is not saying at the moment, just that there
was some sort of fight and several people were killed. There is
speculation that it was an attack by the Movement. Rudolfus and
Rabastan looked almost giddy, so did Malfoy. They were going on about
mudbloods getting what's coming to them."
Bella had to keep her face from revealing that she had knowledge of the
attack and who really was killed. Death Eaters.
Several gasps captured the sister's attention as six red robed aurors
entered with a very regal looking woman dressed in navy blue robes with
silver embroidery. She had long but elegantly styled black hair and deep
blue eyes. Her aristocratic features were well known to the sisters.
"Aunt Dorea?" Bella and Andromeda muttered as Dorea Black came near
them.
Hearing her name the regal looking woman glanced over at the girls. Her
face broke out into a warm smile as she approached the two girls. They
returned the smile and then curtsied.
"Lady Potter." The two girls intoned. Harry who had been standing
nearby pressed against the wall to avoid being walked into, looked for
the first time at who he suspected was his grandmother. An intense desire
to rush over to her nearly had him leaving the safety of the wall.
"Now, now girls, we are family and you shall call me aunt Dorea, am I
understood?" The regal lady mock glared at the two sisters before
cracking a grin.
"Now come, give your auntie a hug! My, my, Bellatrix you are absolutely
stunning! The boys must be tripping over themselves to date you. So tell
me, do you have a special young man or are there too many suitors to
choose from?" She grinned.
"Oh, there's a special one auntie. Although she's keeping him a secret."
Andromeda stated, smirking at Bella who had a look of betrayal on her
face.
"You do?! Wonderful! I hope he comes from a good family dear." Dorea
winked.
"Oh, he does. " Bellatrix smiled enigmatically. "But, you know, Andy has
a boyfriend as well." Bella told her aunt, who now turned her attention to
Andromeda. Bella quickly sticking her tongue out at her sister.
"N-not officially Auntie. B-by the way what brings you here?" Andromeda
asked changing the uncomfortable subject.
Dorea Potter's countenance fell, and the girls immediately knew that
something was wrong. "Nothing's wrong with Jamie is there?"
Andromeda asked after her cousin.
"Oh no dear, James is fine. I imagine you are aware of the incident in
Diagon Alley this morning?" The two sisters nodded.
"Well, I'm here to bring sad tidings to a few of your schoolmates." Dorea
said sadly. Bella instantly thought of Joseph Bell, they were only
acquaintances really, but Bella liked Joseph well enough. He would be an
orphan now, his mother had died of dragon pox a few years ago, and
now with his father gone he had no one left. He was near the age of
majority so he would most likely be emancipated instead of receiving a
magical guardian.
"Auntie Dori!" A blonde missile launched herself at the Potter matriarch.
Narcissa jumped back with a glowing red face as she realized how
inappropriate she had just acted.
"I beg your pardon Lady Potter for my lack of decorum." Narcissa
apologized.
Dorea Potter looked down at her grandniece imperiously before the
corners of her mouth began to crack and her smile came through. "It's
lovely to see you to dear." The Lady Potter smiled warmly opening her
arms to receive a hug from the blonde haired Black daughter.
"And who is this lovely young lady?" Dorea asked noticing the redheaded
girl just behind Narcissa.
"Oh! This is my best friend Lily Evans." Narcissa informed her aunt.
"A Gryffindor first year I take it." Dorea asked.
"Yes Lady Potter…mam." Lily replied giving Dorea a small curtsey.
"Such a charming young lady, and such fine manners to. Tell me Miss
Evans do you know my son James? He is in your year and a Gryffindor as
well."
Both Lily and Narcissa scowled slightly at the name but quickly
composed themselves. Dorea ever the sharp eye for subtleties saw the
two first year's reaction.
"Oh dear, what has my son gone a done now?" Dorea Potter asked
knowing the prankster that her son was. Harry nearly lost his cover when
a laugh threatened to explode from his chest.
"He and Sirius are constantly pranking us!" Narcissa complained. "Why
just the other day they charmed our fingers to stick together. It took over
an hour before I could open my fingers again."
Dorea sighed. "It's his father's doing. He gave them a book on pranking
before the school year started and then told him to make him proud. Not
to worry, I'll talk to the boy. But for now I need to meet with Dumbledore
about some your other classmates. Lily it was a pleasure meeting you."
Dorea and the aurors she came with didn't get far as Albus Dumbledore
came to them. Dorea sniffed at the garish robes the headmaster was
wearing, they were a bright fuchsia with bright yellow moons and stars
that twinkled.
"Ah Lady Potter, I was made aware of the reason for your visit, but
perhaps we can wait to speak with those students involved till after
dinner." Dumbledore smiled apologetically. Harry froze when he saw the
headmaster, he wasn't sure if Dumbledore could see through his cloak or
not. If he could he gave no indication, and he was directly in his line of
sight.
"I think the sooner we inform them the better it would be headmaster.
I'm sure knowledge of the attack has already made it to the school. Its
better we separate those students who were affected before it becomes
public knowledge to avoid any…problems." Dorea counseled.
"I'm sure there is plenty of time, Lady Potter. After all, nothing soothes
the soul like a good meal." Dumbledore replied with his eyes twinkling.
"Please why don't you join us at the head table for dinner? However, I
would ask that the aurors remain outside of the Great Hall, I don't want
the students to feel uncomfortable with their presence."
Dorea Potter fought to keep her eyes from rolling. She really could not
stand the man. It always amazed her that Charlus trusted the man so
much. He may not be able to see the true nature of the man, but she
could. He was a manipulator, a chess master who used faux congeniality
like a sword to cut through the defenses of even the most shrewd and
discerning people. She swore that one day she would open her husband's
eyes to the duplicity of the man.
"Very well, Albus." Dorea told the man. Albus offered his arm but Dorea
lifted her nose and strolled into the Great Hall on her own.
"Way to go grandmother!" Harry whispered as he watched her walk with
a regal air and authority. He liked her a lot and wished he could just chat
with her for a minute, he was sure he would like her even more.
Andromeda and Narcissa grabbed Bellatrix's hands and drug her into the
Great Hall. Harry decided to follow; it appeared that Dumbledore indeed
could not see through his father's cloak. Harry kept to the walls so as to
avoid any collisions. Fortunately the Slytherin table was closest to the far
right wall.
Bella and her sisters sat on the outside bench so they could all see their
Great Aunt Dorea at the head table. Lily took the seat opposite Narcissa
as had become the norm, much to the disapproval of many in the house
of the snakes.
Bella felt something tickle her right ear and heard Harry's soft voice
whispering that he was there. Bella was at the end of the bench with
room enough for one other person to sit. Bella subtlety patted the space
next to her. Harry got her meaning and sat down next to his girlfriend.
Harry sat invisible to all in the hall which gave him an incredible since of
anonymity. He took the time to look at the young red head across the
table from him but one person over. He could definitely see the beautiful
woman that she would become, from the few pictures he had of her, and
from the descriptions that Sirius and Remus had given of her.
He felt a longing to hug her, even though at this time she was four years
younger than he was, he still felt a welling in his chest to feel his
mother's arms around him. Bella must have sensed a change in Harry's
emotions because she reached out for his hand and once she found it
gave it a gentle squeeze.
"She's a remarkable young girl Harry." Bella whispered. "And I am
watching over her as well."
Harry squeezed her hand in silent gratitude. His eyes shifted to the
Gryffindor table to see if he could catch a glimpse of his father. It didn't
take him long to find a mop of unruly black hair. He was sitting next to
Sirius and Remus Lupin. Harry's gaze hardened as his eyes fell upon Peter
Pettigrew. Harry knew logically that Peter was just an innocent first year
here in this time but it did little to quench the thirst for revenge that was
burning in his chest.
As the hall filled with the sounds of people filling their plates with the
evening's dinner, dozens of owls suddenly came flying into the hall. Like
well-trained bombardiers the owls swooped overhead and dropped
dozens of copies of a special Evening Edition of the Daily Prophet. The
sudden gasps of the students were all Dorea Potter needed to know that
the cat had been let out of the bag.
She glared murderously at Dumbledore who immediately took to his feet
and approached the podium. The quiet mutterings soon rose to loud
voices of concern and worry. Dorea snatched a paper from Horace
Slughorn and read the headlines. Murder and Mayhem in Diagon Alley!
"Silence!" Dumbledore roared in his amplified voice. It took two more
tries before Dumbledore had the students' complete attention.
"Will the following students please follow me and the Lady Potter to the
anteroom to the left of the staff table, please? Joseph Bell, Rudolfus and
Rabastan Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, Carlin Bulstrode, Suzette Barnes, and
Gillian and Waldon Macnair." Dorea wanted to hex the stupid man into
oblivion. You did not draw attention to the students who were about to
be informed about the death or imprisonment of their fathers.
A girl from the Ravenclaw table stood up from her seat and directed her
question at Dumbledore. "What is going on headmaster?" She all but
choked on her words.
"I'm grieved to say Miss Barnes that tragedy has struck our community."
Dumbledore told her.
"Headmaster!" Dorea Potter stood abruptly. "This is not the venue for
such a discussion! I suggest we take this to a more private location as you
suggested a moment ago."
"I think dear lady, that the students deserve answers to what has
happened in our world today, and that this is the perfect forum for this
discussion."
"I must protest Dumbledore! This is not the way to properly handle the
situation; the children need to be…"
"They need to be informed and educated Lady Potter, if we are to avoid
further conflict amongst ourselves. And this is an educational institution."
Dumbledore replied, with a hint of condescension in his tone.
"Dumbledore, I warn you, this will not have the outcome you believe it
will." Dorea tried again to dissuade the headstrong headmaster.
"I appreciate your concern, but it is unfounded. Now as I was saying…"
"Albus, I will go to the school governors with this if you continue, and
there will be consequences!" Dorea warned, the threat clear enough for
even a first year to understand. Dumbledore just nodded and then turned
his back on the Potter matriarch.
Seeing the insult for what it was, Dorea Potter glared one last time at the
headmaster and then swept from the hall her blue cloak billowing behind
her. Harry and the Black sisters watched as their grandmother and great-
aunt stormed from the school.
"Now, without further interruption, I shall continue. Today children, a
terrible travesty has occurred. Magical blood has been spilled, over from
what I can see, was a simple cultural misunderstanding. However, those
responsible for spilling so much magical blood should be brought to
justice and reeducated." Dumbledore stated.
"I heard it was just mudbloods that were killed, so no real loss there."
Rudolfus exclaimed with a smirk to the approving cheers of many in
Slytherin house and a splattering of other students from the other houses.
"I'm afraid your information is incorrect, Mr. Lestrange. There was indeed
one muggleborn killed, and it should not matter the purity of one's blood,
but there were eight purebloods that were ruthlessly cut down."
Dumbledore spoke to a much more subdued Slytherin house, which were
now paying close attention.
"It is my deepest regret to inform some of you here that you have lost
loved ones in this cowardly display of barbarity." Harry's hand gripped
Bella's tightly as he was afraid that Dumbledore would actually name the
people that were killed in the attack to all the students in the Great Hall.
"Those students whose names I called earlier have all lost a parent this
morning except for Mr. Malfoy, whose father is currently in serious
condition at St. Mungos." Dumbledore stated sympathetically.
"The mudbloods killed them?!" Someone shouted out.
"We don't know who was responsible." Dumbledore tried to calm the
growing tension.
"The fool!" Bella hissed under her breath.
There was a brief moment of stunned silence before chaos ensued. Half
the Slytherin table were on their feet yelling out threats and obscenities
at any muggleborn in sight. The Lestrange brothers fixed their sights on
Lily Evans, who just so happened to be the closest muggleborn. With
murderous intent they drew their wands and moved toward the small
redhead, Bella was on her feet in an instant as was Andromeda and
Narcissa.
Harry, still under his invisibility cloak, had moved behind Lily to protect
her if need be. Damn the risk of being exposed, he would not see his
mother harmed. Harry's ring began to pulse on his finger as he drew near
Lily. Somehow Harry knew that the ring was identifying her as an
Eveningshade.
Professors were trying to restore order to the Great Hall. McGonagall was
furious with Albus; she had agreed with Dorea Potter that the matter
should be handled in private. All Albus had accomplished, was to turn
the students more against each other than they were before.
"Step aside Black or you'll get the same as the mudblood!" Rudolfus
threatened.
"Don't think so Rudy." Bella challenged. "Take another step toward her
and you'll be sitting to pee for the rest of your life!" Harry cringed at her
words and he noticed that the Lestrange brothers also grimaced for a
second.
"Can't you see Bellatrix; these mudbloods are poisoning your mind
against your own kind. They're nothing but a disease! Now one last time
step aside." Rudolfus growled.
"No!" She replied defiantly.
Unbeknownst to Bella, Lucius had flanked the Black sisters, but Harry
had noticed him. Without realizing what he was doing Harry silently cast
a burning charm at Lucius. Lucius stopped in mid stride as he felt an
immense heat coming from his head. Lucius screamed as his hair burst
into flame, he dived for the pitcher of pumpkin juice and dumped it over
his head. His hair though continued to burn as he reached for any liquid
he could find to douse the flames.
Suddenly the Great Hall doors flew open and in walked an enraged Dorea
Potter with the six aurors that she had initially come with. She figured
that they would be needed if Albus was going to proceed with his asinine
approach, and she was right.
The aurors cast canon blasts into the air which caused the hall to quiet
almost instantly. Dorea Potter nee-Black cut an imposing figure when her
ire was up. And the aura of power she was radiating at the moment was
felt throughout the hall.
"Is this your idea of educating Albus?! By revealing such an emotionally
charged incident in a hall full of children who are barely learning how to
control their own hormones let alone handling something such as the
death of a loved one? This should have been handled in private and
individually." The Lady Potter stated with firmness. Albus looked a little
annoyed by Dorea's characterizations of how he was handling things, but
could not come up with a rebuttal that seemed intelligent enough at the
moment.
"Now, for those of you who were mentioned…" Here Dorea glared at
Dumbledore again. "I have been sent by St. Mungos and the Ministry to
explain things to you. I will meet with you individually and give you
further details about what occurred and what this means for you. I would
like to meet with Joseph Bell first, and then with you others one at a
time. We will meet in the anteroom following dinner." With that, order
was restored to the Great Hall and Dorea Potter made her way to the
anteroom of the hall, a distraught Joseph Bell behind her.
oooOOOooo
Bryce Thurgood was waiting nervously to be called in to speak with his
master. Things had not gone well not well at all, in fact it was a complete
disaster. He had counted himself lucky to leave Diagon Alley alive after
witnessing his comrades fall so quickly, but now he wondered if it was a
blessing or not. He would face the Dark Lord alone and explain why his
Lord's great and glorious plan to reveal their might to the wizarding
public failed miserably.
It was suppose to be an easy mission, destroy five mudblood owned
businesses, kill the proprietors and then cast the Dark Mark into the sky
above the alley. What they hadn't expected was for someone to actually
challenge them, but even that was not what bothered him, after all, they
all could fight. No, what they hadn't expected was the viciousness of the
attack. Aurors didn't cast to kill, and the general wizarding populace
would rather flee than stand up and fight back.
They counted on the people in the alley that day to be terrified and to
run like sheep for some place to hide, leaving him and his confederates
free to cause as much damage as they could before aurors arrived. To add
to their disgrace they had been beaten by children! Where the hell did
mere children learn to cast spells like that?! They must have been
foreigners because Hogwarts didn't teach the spells those two kids were
casting.
A set of ornate French doors opened into the formal dining room of
Malfoy Manor, and Bryce was ushered in by an ageing House Elf. At the
head position of the table sat a man dressed in the finest black
acromantula silk robes one could buy. His hair was dark with just a touch
of graying; he had aristocratic features, and would be considered a
handsome man but for the color of his eyes. They were a pale shade of
red with specks of brown from what was once their normal color. His
skin was also a shade paler than what would be considered healthy.
It was rumored that he had used various dark rituals to enhance his
magical abilities and strengthen his body. He was already a tall man at
six foot five inches, and his body was solidly built, a witch's dream. But,
as intimidating as his physical form was, it was the powerful dark aura
surrounding him that caused witches and wizards alike to be awed by
him.
His voice was like flowing silk, many believed that his voice was
somehow charmed so that it entranced anyone who heard him speak. He
was charisma personified. Though there was a darker side to him. He
absolutely hated failure and punished failure most severely. He also had
little tolerance for insubordination, you only spoke when spoken to and
you never challenged him once he made a decision.
"Ah Thurgood, I've been most anxious to hear about the success of your
mission or should I say the lack thereof." The Dark Lord said silkily.
An hour later an unconscious but twitching Bryce Thurgood was dragged
from the dining hall. The dark lords questioning had been brutal, and the
punishment even more so, but what was the most vicious had been the
Dark Lord's hammer like use of legilimency to pull the memories of the
fight from his servants head.
His men had been made to look like pathetic fools in front of dozens of
witnesses. How was he to instill fear in the masses when his men were
destroyed by a pair of teenagers?! His army would not be taken seriously.
His followers though many, were not sufficient to take over the
wizarding government or to deal with a confident magical population. He
needed fear and horror to paralyze the masses into inaction to achieve
his goals.
But his first foray into the general magical public had ended in
embarrassment. It was imperative that he create an environment of
terror, he could not let this failure stay long in memory, he had to strike
again and soon, and it had to be horrifying.
His mind whirled for a suitable place, somewhere that would strike at the
heart of every witch and wizard, an attack that would bring people to
their knees. It had to be in a location with a sizable magical population,
somewhere that would shock even the DMLE.
Tom Riddle grinned wickedly as the perfect place came to mind. It would
be unexpected and pierce the very heart of the wizarding world, a place
beautifully vulnerable to a truly horrific attack.
"Shelby!" The Dark Lord roared.
"Y-yes milord?" A small man of about forty cautiously entered the dining
hall.
"When is the next Hogsmeade visit for Hogwarts?"
oooOOOooo
Lady Claire Malfoy, wife of Lord Abraxus Malfoy had rushed to St.
Mungos after being informed by a family friend who worked at the
hospital that her husband had been brought to the magical hospital in
serious condition. He had also mentioned that her husband was being
guarded by Ministry aurors.
Lady Malfoy cursed under her breath at the idiocy of her husband. She
was a proud pureblood and held no love for muggles but to outright kill
them because of their parentage was a little much for her. And then her
fool of a husband had led several raids on muggleborn homes terrorizing
the creatures and who knows what else.
She never asked about what they had done, but she had her suspicions as
the men would always snicker about their deeds, bragging to each other
about the muggle women they had taught a lesson to. The vulgarness of
their speech in her house was intolerable, not to mention that she could
no longer sleep in her own bedroom because of the Dark Lords use of
their master suite. And now here she was coming to the hospital to see
her husband.
'It was bound to happen' she thought, as she made her way to the
information desk. Eventually someone would fight back and someone
would get hurt or killed. She sighed at the blood that would soon start to
spill. She never was in the presence of the Dark Lord for long but she
knew enough of him that he would not take this defeat lightly, and that
he would retaliate soon.
"May I help you?" The nurse at the information desk asked.
"Yes I'm Lady Malfoy and I'm here to see my husband." The high born
lady told the working class nurse with a sniff.
"I'm sorry Lady Malfoy, but he is in the secure wing of the hospital and
no one is allowed to see him at the moment, except for the DMLE." The
nurse replied politely.
"That is unacceptable! I am his wife and I will be seeing my husband!"
She demanded.
"I am sorry, but…"
"You will be sorry child if I am not directed to my husband this instant!"
She cut off the nurse brusquely.
"Mrs. Malfoy." A gravelly voice called behind her.
"That is Lady Malfoy sir! And who are you?!" She looked down at the
man.
"I am Captain Alastor Moody of the Auror Department, Lady Malfoy."
Moody replied tersely. "And the one who is in charge of this
investigation. I am the one who decides who does, and who does not
meet with my prisoner."
"Prisoner?! My husband is a senior member of the Wizengamot captain
and has immunity from imprisonment and interrogation." She replied
haughtily.
"Normally, you would be correct, but in this instance he is being charged
with murder and possible treason against the current government. Those
two charges override any immunity he may have had." The old auror
replied.
"I see." She said realizing that she probably could not intimidate this
man, and it would most likely backfire on her should she try.
"I understand your reasons captain, but please understand mine. My
husband, I've been told, is in serious condition. I would like to see him,
just to ease my own mind that he is okay." She asked hoping that she
appeared sincere enough that the veteran auror would allow at least a
quick visit.
Moody looked at her speculatively, maybe her presence might shake
Abraxus out of his mind lock. He already had a listening charm in the
room, so it couldn't hurt to let her in for a bit.
"Very well Lady Malfoy, but on one condition. Your wand stays with me."
Moody told the proud witch.
Sighing heavily but realizing that she had little choice if she wanted to
see her husband. She removed her wand from the left sleeve of her robes
and handed it, handle first, to the brutish auror. "Will that be all you
require Captain?" She asked with a restrained sneer.
"That will do milady, that'll do. Now if you'll follow me, I'll escort you to
where we have your husband."
Two floors, and three security check points later, and The Malfoy
matriarch was allowed into the secure hospital room her husband was
being sequestered in. She noticed that a healer and two nurses were in
the room when she entered.
"How is my husband?" The tall blonde aristocratic woman asked.
"Oh, Lady Malfoy! I'm Healer Quincey. I'm overseeing the care of your
husband." The gray haired healer said with a slight bow of the head.
"And how is he Healer Quincey?" She asked.
"He took quite a beating milady, as you can see we've had to vanish the
bones in his lower legs, we will give him Skele-grow by this time
tomorrow. Damage to his lungs has to be healed before we start on his
legs. The two potions required for each react badly when taken at the
same time. So we're looking at twenty-four to thirty-six hours before he is
fully healed." The healer informed Mrs. Malfoy.
"Will there be any permanent damage?" She asked.
Shaking his head no in response, the doctor added. "No permanent
damage, except for the scar along his face. However the red will fade and
all that will be left is a faint line that can be covered with a glamour
charm if wanted."
Claire Malfoy nodded. "Thank you Healer Quincey, may I be left alone for
a moment with my husband?"
"Of course milady, however he has not said much. He seems to be
suffering from a form of shock. But I doubt it's permanent; I suspect he
will be fine very soon." Lady Malfoy nodded that she understood.
When the healer and his assistants left she approached her husband.
"Abraxus, can you hear me?" Claire jumped back in surprise as Abraxus'
eyes popped open unexpectedly fast.
"Brax? Can you hear me?" She asked again quietly. His blue eyes locked
onto hers and he nodded slowly.
"Can you speak?" She asked him next.
"Yes." He groaned the pain in his ribs not completely gone.
"Have you been faking shock?" She asked with a smirk. He looked at her
in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" He groaned out again.
"They said you were babbling when they brought you in. They said you
were in shock." She told him. He only shrugged in response.
"Listen!" He spoke with a jolt of pain. "We need to leave the country…and
fast."
"What? Why?" She asked in confusion.
"I saw…I saw…they're back! We need to flee…I attacked him! We must
flee!" He told her, desperation evident in his voice.
"You're not making since Brax. Who did you see? Who did you attack?"
She asked.
"Thought they were gone…extinct! We have to flee. Our family will be
wiped out…I attacked him!"
"Who love, who?!" Claire asked now starting to worry. She had never
seen her husband act this way, and it unsettled her.
"The Ghosts! The Ghosts!" He cried.
"The Ghosts?" She asked in confusion.
Abraxus waved her closer; he did not want to say the name out loud. "H-
house E-Eveningshade!"
Claire stood up and looked at him strangely. "Eveningshade?" Abraxus
panicked and shushed her.
"Brax, you're speaking of a myth, an old wives tale, ghost stories told to
little children to make them go to bed on time. House Eveningshade is
not a real House." She said in a motherly fashion.
"They are real!" He spat. "My Great-grandfather survived an attack…th-
they they thought he was dead, he was but a child but he remembered
them! They are real! And I attacked one today! We are dead! Dead, do
you understand me?! Th-they move like ghosts…they can walk through
w-wards as if they were tissue paper; they brush off spells like brushing
off lint from their cloaks. Once they target you, you are dead…there is no
escape!"
"Honey, honey, even if they were real, that was centuries ago. They don't
exist anymore, the power they supposedly wielded is impossible, not
even Merlin could do what the stories claim the Eveningshades could do."
She tried to reason with him.
"I tell you they are real. I saw the signet ring. A black phoenix on a blood
red field, my grandfather made me memorize that ring." He covered his
face with his hands.
"Perhaps if we talked to the man and clear up any misunderstandings…"
"No, no the boy all but threatened me." Abraxus replied shaking his head.
"Boy? He was a boy?! For Bloody Merlin's sake you're afraid of some
child?! Claire yelled.
"Not just a child! An Eveningshade, and the bloody head of house!" He
stressed.
"So what exactly do you suggest we do?" She finally gave in.
"Talmage!"
"Yes captain Moody?"
"I want you to go to the DMLE archives and find me every scrap of
parchment that mentions an Ancient house called Eveningshade." Moody
ordered.
"Yes sir!"
"And tell no one about it!"
oooOOOooo
A/N: Hoped you enjoyed the chapter! Next chapter will contain the
confrontation with Orion. Please leave a comment or a review! Have a
great weekend!
14. Chapter 14
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Wow we hit a milestone! Passageways hit 1000 reviews last
chapter, also chapter 13 received the highest number of reviews yet with
154! So here is the long awaited confrontation with Orion! I hope you
enjoy it!
Chapter 14
After the fiasco that was dinner in the Great Hall, Harry and Bella made
their way back to the ROR. Bella was biting her lip in distress.
Andromeda had given Bella a letter from Uncle Orion that had arrived at
lunch. He was requesting a meeting with her Sunday afternoon in
Hogsmeade, at Merlin's Keep. Merlin's keep was an upscale restaurant for
the more elite of families.
It was also a place that prided itself on its discretion and provided its
clients private dinning or conference rooms completely warded by the
best goblin wards gold could buy. It was a place where the powerful and
privileged could go and feel completely secure with whatever secret or
sensitive transactions they needed to have.
And that's what concerned Bella. She knew the confrontation with her
uncle would be coming, but she had thought that it would occur in the
relative safety of the castle and not some out of the way establishment
which prided itself on keeping its patrons secrets.
Harry was also troubled with the day's events; the fight in Diagon Alley
shook him up a bit. During his fourth year he became much more
intimately acquainted with his magic, what it felt like when he was
centered, the fluctuations of power when he cast a spell, and how is body
felt somewhat drained after casting powerful spells.
What was concerning him now was that his magic felt…different now.
Before, his magic had always felt like a gentle stream flowing through
him, even when he cast his most powerful spells it still felt like a stream
but perhaps flowing just a smidge faster.
Today however it felt more like a rushing ocean tide trying to swallow
everything up in its powerful waves. The curses he used today he had
never even practiced but they came to his mind as clearly as the spell
Lumos, and his wand seemed to move like it had performed the spells a
thousand times.
Even now as he walked hand in hand with Bella his magic felt alive and
humming, it was reaching out in tendrils around him. It seemed to be
identifying the ambient magic around him, he could feel Bella's magic, no
that wasn't right, it was more like he could taste it, it was like warm
honey with just a hint of cinnamon. She was powerful and yet he
instinctively knew she was not even close to her full potential yet.
As they continued their trek to the seventh floor his senses became aware
of the magic within Hogwarts itself. It was ancient and pulsing with life,
he could feel a distinct feminine presence within the walls which caused
him to smile, it was the Lady. The power the castle had was incredible,
yet as his senses expanded he could feel the wards and knew instinctively
that there were small fissures and cracks that would allow him to slip
through them if he so desired.
Harry shook his head in confused wonder, how did he know these things?
It was almost like instinct, he just knew, like earlier in the battle, he just
knew he could perform the spells, and the magic responded.
The young couple reached the seventh floor and Harry was nearly
bowled over and blinded by the intense magic that was coming from the
wall where the door to the Room of Requirement would appear. Harry
watched as the strands of magic weaved a tapestry of magic that was so
intricate that Harry could hardly follow its patterns. But he could see the
patterns! He didn't understand much of what he was seeing, but the ward
strands were easy for Harry to pick out and follow, though he still didn't
know how he understood them.
When the door opened Bella tightened her grip on Harry's hand and
pulled him in quickly. She made haste to her bedroom pulling Harry
along with her. She pushed Harry down on the bed and then fell on top
of him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as she buried her
head into his shoulder and Harry felt her trembling slightly.
"Are you alright love?" Harry asked her tenderly.
"No, not really." Bella whispered from his shoulder, the days events
catching up to her as she replayed the actions she took in the alley. "I've
never killed anyone before Harry. I don't know what came over me, I was
just…just so angry when I saw Mr. Bell killed, that…I just lost control of
myself. I'm a murderer Harry, the one thing I did not want to become. I
guess fate wants what it wants, and it wants me to be an insane killer."
She sobbed.
Harry held her tighter and kissed her forehead. He needed to ease her
troubled mind and let her know that she was not a bad person and that
what she had done was justifiable. "I killed my first person when I was
eleven years old." Harry whispered.
" Dumbledore told me that I didn't know what I was doing and that it
wasn't my fault. But he was wrong…I knew what I was doing. I realized
when I grabbed his hand that was around my throat and it burned him so
severely that if I continued it could possibly do worse.
The opportunity came when he rushed me again and I grabbed his face.
His screams of pain were horrifying but I kept a hold of it as long as I
could. I knew he was trying to kill me, so I decided to do all I could to
kill him before he killed me. I've never told anyone about that before."
Harry sighed reliving the memory briefly.
"Bella, a murderer is someone who kills for the sake of killing; you killed
today to keep yourself and others from being killed. You may have let
your emotions get away from you at the beginning, but your first two
hexes were not lethal. It wasn't until they started firing back that your
spells became more aggressive. Besides, if it makes you feel better, I
killed six out of the eight, you only killed two." He poked her in the ribs
and gave her a lopsided grin. She shook her head at him but gave him a
half grin.
"Bella, I have a feeling that this won't be the first time that we'll have to
kill. In my time, history showed that in many of the battles that occurred
between Death Eaters and aurors, the aurors were soundly beaten with
many of them being outright killed, they tried using stunners and
disarming spells to stop the Death Eaters. The Death Eaters had no such
reservations and killed indiscriminately. The Ministry was playing a
losing strategy.
We can't play by the same rules as they did, we can't let the Death Eaters
feel that they can attack without consequence. This time we will meet
death with death."
"We can't do this on our own Harry. We're going to need allies, and right
now it's just you and I." Bella told him knowing that the task ahead of
them was more than what the two of them could handle.
"I know, but the only people I can think of are first years right now. My
dad and mum were powerful as well as Sirius and their friend Remus
Lupin, but they're eleven years old." Harry sighed.
"Well, I know a few people that we could possibly sway to our way of
thinking that are still in school, but were going to need others who are
much older and it would be helpful if they had connections within the
Wizengamot. Voldemort is already seeking out old pureblood families to
represent his interests in the Wizengamot; we'll need to do the same."
Bella informed him.
"I suppose you are right, but I have no idea about how to go about it, do
you?" Harry sighed.
"I don't know either, but I think we need to first look for allies who are
not tied to either Voldemort or Dumbledore. We need to create an
independent group, people who aren't hopelessly dark and not so light
that they won't do what is necessary." Bella stated.
"Doesn't sound like this will be easy." Harry mused aloud.
Bella shook her head. "No, it won't be."
An easy silence fell between them as they enjoyed the presence of the
other. 'Bellatrix Black was a cuddle bug. Who would have thought?'
Harry smiled to himself as the dark haired witch snuggled deep into his
chest.
Harry was about to nod off to sleep when his Eveningshade signet ring
began to pulse on his finger. A disturbance caught his attention as his
book bag he had dropped by the bedroom door began to levitate. The
flap opened up and a golden glow poured out from it. Harry's eyes
widened as the two journals he took from the Eveningshade vault floated
out of the bag and floated toward him, the book bag falling to the
ground.
Harry sat up straighter, waking up Bella who had just nodded off. Her
eyes widened as well when she saw the books making their way to Harry.
Bella sat up just as the two black leather books landed on Harry's lap
with a thud.
Harry looked at Bella who gave him a noncommittal shrug. Harry shook
his head with a chuckle. He reached for the first book and felt a small
electrical shock as his hand grabbed hold of the book and felt the ring
pulse again for a moment and then quieted. Harry raised an eyebrow at
the odd occurrence but thought nothing else of it.
He opened the cover of the top book and found an old folded piece of
parchment that had been left there. He picked up the parchment an
unfolded it carefully. His eye widened for a second time as he read a
letter that had been written by his great-great-grandfather in the year
1817.
To my heir,
If you are reading this, then the curse has lifted and you are the next Lord of
House Eveningshade. You will have already received the signet ring of our
house and will now have begun the transformation.
"Transformation! What transformation?" Bella asked in a panic.
"I-I don't know." Harry stated just as confused, and then continued to
read. As if answering their question the letter explained.
When you added your blood to the ritual basin it mingled with the blood of
every generation of Lord Eveningshades that have come before you. As your
ring formed, the blood of all your forefathers joined with your own. When you
pass on the mantel your blood will join that of your ancestors and the blood of
the new is blood magic of the most ancient, blood is life, my heir, and blood is
magic, everything that we are and were exists within that blood that has
created your ring.
Your ring, as you may have noticed, is more than what it appears, for within
it is held the knowledge and the power of the Eveningshades. Within twenty-
four hours of placing it upon your finger your body will begin to absorb the
magic within and you will become shadow and specter, the light and the dark.
You will feel pain, my heir, the likes of which you cannot imagine as your
body changes to accept your birthright. You may be asking what your
birthright is. I will explain. In muggle mythology we are believed to be the
progeny of angels and demons. Their legends speak of children being born of
fallen angels and demons, these children were neither accepted by Heaven or
Hell but cursed to remain in between the two.
We are the descendants of those children, and although we are not accepted
by the light or the dark, yet we possess the power of both. Loyal to none but
our own, we exist, and our power flourishes as we keep parity between the two
sides, never allowing ourselves to align with one or the other.
For if we join the light, our darker half dies, and if we join the dark our lighter
side dies, we cannot exist without both halves of ourselves. We are forever
gray, my heir.
And here is the tragedy that I caused to befall our family. I forgot our purpose
and I aligned with the lightside to destroy the dark that was threatening to
overtake the land. But in my zeal I went too far and destroyed my darker half,
I created an imbalance, and in so doing cursed our family to lose our power
until the fates decided to remove the curse and unbind us once more.
Now that our house has returned, make it strong again my heir, let the dark
and the light fear us equally, we who exist in shadow between the two worlds.
Let no slight go unchallenged, let no threat to our house go unpunished. We
are Eveningshade; we are the ghosts in the darkness that make all men
tremble, may the world tremble once more and our name be whispered in fear
in their safe places.
The two journals that you were compelled to take as soon as you entered our
family vault contain a history of our family along with other entries that will
guide you to use your developing power. As you read our family history and
learn our secrets, guard them with your life. Teach your family the
Eveningshade magic but none else.
In closing I wish you good luck my heir, for once you are revealed, our old
enemies will combine against us as they have done in the past, both light and
dark. Their fear and jealousy will bring them out, show no mercy to those who
would use or destroy us. May you live long and may House Eveningshade
reclaim its former glory.
And so, my heir, you are the first of our family to have our power restored,
you would not have been able to create the ring or read this letter otherwise.
With the last of my power I will seal this letter and go into the world to await
what fate has planned for my exile.
…Lord Cunobelinus Eveningshade…
When Harry finished reading the letter another jolt went through him
causing his body to straighten and stiffen. Bella watched in horror as
streaks of red beginning at Harry's ring rushed up his hand and arm and
quickly moved to the rest of his body.
Harry's body then arched suddenly, his arms straightened along his sides
and seemed to lock up his hands balled into fists and his mouth opened
wide in a silent scream. Bella screamed for Kreacher who popped into the
room and looked around wildly at his mistress's panicked cry.
"Do something Kreacher!" Bella screamed at the old house elf. The elf
tried to approach Harry but was rebuffed by a wave of magic.
"I's can not near him mistress." Kreacher stated apologetically.
Bella's panic began to increase and she was on the verge of throwing
herself onto Harry to try and do something…anything to help him when
she felt a hand on her shoulder. Bella's head whipped around and saw the
Lady Hogwarts standing there with a look of worry herself.
"He will be fine Bella." The lady told her though her voice was strained.
"It is his family magic that is asserting itself, activating dormant abilities
that have been closed to his ancestors for the last few generations."
Biting her lip in worry she turned to the image of Helga Hufflepuff. "Is
there anything I can do for him?" Bella asked pleadingly.
"I'm afraid not, at least not until the process is over." She apologized.
Bella turned her eyes back to Harry and nearly passed out as she
witnessed his skin become translucent showing his circulatory system, his
organs and his wildly beating heart, everything had a pale glow to it and
seemed to pulse with every beat of Harry's heart.
What seemed like an eternity to Bella in reality was a mere few minutes
as Harry's body slumped back on to the bed, his skin becoming normal
looking again. He was covered in sweat and his breathing was shallow
but steady. Slowly the red streaks pulled back and disappeared back into
the ring on his right hand.
Bella raced to Harry's side; gently she reached for his hand, holding it in
both of hers. "H-Harry are-are you alright?" She asked softly.
"Damn that hurt…did you see the herd of Hippogriff that attacked me?"
Harry winced with a half smile before passing out.
oooOOOooo
Number 12 Grimauld Place three hours after Diagon Alley attack:
At the head of the long dining table in the formal dining room of
Grimauld Place sat Orion Black, head of the House of Black, to his right,
sat his father Arcturus Black, who had given up the title of Lord Black to
his son fifteen years ago. Next to him, were Orion's Uncles Pollux and
Charil, and then his aunt, Cassiopeia Black.
To his left, sat Orion's two other aunts; Callidora Longbottom nee-Black
and Dorea Potter nee-Black. Next to them sat his brothers Cygnus and
Alphard and then his sister Lucretia, further down the table were the
spouses of the various Black family members and other relatives.
"I'm sure you all know why I called this full family council of the House
Black. This afternoon at approximately 11:30 a.m., a muggleborn
restaurant was attacked, its owner was killed and the establishment
burned to the ground. Also, eight of Lord Voldemort's men who were
responsible for the attack were brutally cut down, including Lord
Leonard Lestrange." Small murmurings were heard up and down the table
as Orion opened the meeting.
"We are here to discuss the political fallout of this incident and its
ramifications, and to determine how the House of Black will respond."
Orion informed the group.
A woman in her late fifties stood up from her seat. She had the Black
aristocratic looks, with sharp features, gray eyes, and black hair that was
pulled back into a tight bun. "The council recognizes Lucretia Prewett
nee-Black." Orion stated formerly.
"My lord…" Lucretia began with a slight curtsey. "…The Noble and
Ancient House of Black has survived these many centuries by not taking
an overt stand when it comes to in-fighting between rival factions. This
conflict between the darker families and the bastard magicals is such a
case. I see no gain in siding with one or the other. As I have stated to this
council before we should not get involved with what could become a
civil war. And supporting this so called Lord Voldemort is folly; we
should not risk Black blood or fortune for this man's dubious cause."
Walburga stood angrily. "How dare you minimize the noble crusade of
Lord Voldemort! He will bring back the old ways and cleanse our world
of this mudblood infestation!"
Lucretia was on her feet again and challenged Walburga. "And exactly
who is this Lord Voldemort?! His name is nowhere to be found amongst
the pureblood houses! And what is his end goal? What will he do once he
accomplishes it? He plans to tear down the government, what will he put
in its place?! Does he seek to rule over us? He has not said, is this not
concerning to you? So why do we continue to support this pretender
when his true agenda is not known?!"
"You dare to question this great man…"
"My ladies!" Orion interrupted his wife and aunt, with a sharp voice.
"Before we continue this topic of supporting the Dark Lord, I would like
to know what we have learned about today's events!" Orion stated glaring
at his wife who huffed in annoyance.
"Now, what did you learn from your contacts in Diagon Alley, Uncle
Alphard? Who was it that killed Voldemort's men?
A portly man of near seventy stood from his chair; his hair and short
cropped beard were salt and pepper in color. "The identities of the two
youths are yet unknown. What we do know is that they were powerful
and struck without mercy. The lad had used spells that seemed to be
unknown to those who witnessed the fight. There is however a rumor
that is now going around the ministry about the identity of the young
man." Alphard Black informed the group.
"Cygnus, has your contacts in the ministry said anything to you about the
identity of the boy?" Orion asked turning to his younger brother.
"They have, but I'm inclined to dismiss it as a hoax." Cygnus replied.
"A hoax? Explain." Orion asked.
Cygnus squirmed uncomfortably in his seat before responding. "My
contact in the DMLE said that Auror Captian Alastor Moody, who was
investigating the attack in the alley, sent one of his underlings to the
DMLE archives. He wanted everything they had on…a certain family."
Cygnus hesitated.
"On which family?" Orion asked sternly noticing his brother's reluctance
in saying.
"The Eveningshades." Cygnus replied. Orion froze and gasps were heard
along the table from all of the people gathered.
"Are you sure about this Cygnus?" It was Arcturus who asked his son.
"That was what was told to me father. And I trust my contact
completely." He replied, Arcturus sat back in his seat with a faraway look
in his eyes.
"Surely he must have misheard. The Eveningshades are but a myth."
Walburga announced to the group.
"They are not a myth." Arcturus replied, coming out of some lost
memory. "But I do find it hard to believe that they were involved, there
has not been a sighting of them for nearly two hundred years."
"How do you know that they are not a myth?" Walburga asked
incredulously.
"Kreacher!" Arcturus called the old elf.
"Yous called Master Black?" Kreacher bowed.
"Bring me the Book of Blacks with the date 1600 AD to 1700 AD." He
ordered the elf, which bowed and popped away to the Black Library. A
moment later he returned with the tome in question.
Arcturus took the book and searched for a particular year. "Ah, here it is,
the year 1685 The Monmouth Rebellion. Early in that year there was an
attempt to oust the new king by a bastard son of the former king, Charles
the second. During the chaos of that rebellion a rival house of the Blacks,
the Wiltbourns, decided to take advantage of the sudden turmoil in the
kingdom and attempted to take over our lands and holdings. They had
three times our numbers. Within weeks House Black was nearly wiped
out.
The Earl of Blackmore seeing the end of our great house decided to make
a deal with the enigmatic Eveningshades. Even then they were a mystery
to most magicals and those who knew of them only whispered their
name. To strike a bargain with them came at great cost, sometimes gold,
sometimes land and title, sometimes slaves, and sometimes oaths of
loyalty. According to our history the Eveningshades' price was a House
debt." He related.
"A house debt, I've never heard of a house debt." Orion queried.
"A house debt is a life debt but on all members of the Black family."
Arcturus explained.
"Is that even possible?" Walburga asked stunned.
"It is for the Eveningshades, the Blacks were not the first to incur such a
debt. Another house had been given the same debt. They then betrayed
the Eveningshades by attempting to kill their head of house, I know not
the reasons but I know the outcome. House Rochard was completely
wiped out. Every man, woman and child, including their vassal houses
were all utterly decimated." Arcturus stated.
"They killed them…all?" Lucretia asked aghast.
"Some say it was the oath that killed them, others say the Eveningshades
themselves." Arcturus replied with a shrug.
"And our house has this debt?" Orion asked mortified at the thought of
owing such a debt.
"Every Wiltborn and their allies over the age of majority were killed
within three days of the binding ritual that the Earl of Blackmore made
with the Eveningshades. If the Eveningshades have returned, our house is
still bound to that oath." Arcturus replied warningly.
"But we don't know for sure if it was an Eveningshade in the Alley this
morning." Walburga suggested. "And besides that was almost three
hundred years ago."
"Actually…" Dorea Potter spoke for the first time. "We may have
collaborating evidence that it might have been an Eveningshade."
Every eye turned to the Potter matriarch. "Healer Quincey and I are old
friends. He was attending Lord Malfoy, and in his delirium he repeated
the phrase 'It can't be' and one other phrase that was barely audible and
that was 'Eveningshade.' He was in near hysterics."
"We also have a third piece of Evidence." This time Cassiopeia Black
spoke. "The goblins were all in a tizzy this morning about the return of an
ancient house. I would lay odds that the emergence of this ancient house
and the possible reappearance of house Eveningshade in the alley are all
related." The younger sister of Arcturus replied to the nods of several
family members.
Orion sat back hard in his chair and rubbed his hand heavily down his
face. "This could have serious ramifications to our current plans." Orion
told his family.
"How so?" Walburga asked. "We are playing both sides."
"If it was an Eveningshade in the alley and he killed Voldemort's men, it
stands to reason he might be against the Dark Lord." Orion opined.
"We don't know that for sure." Cygnus added. "He may have just reacted
to a perceived threat to himself. We have no idea what his politics are."
"Well it sounds that the Eveningshades were a dark family to me, maybe
they share the beliefs of the movement." Walburga put her opinion out.
"If so, we should go all in supporting Lord Voldemort.
"Neither I or my family will support this terrorist." Dorea Black replied
sternly. "He offers nothing but bigotry and empty promises, and I, like
Lucretia, suspect his end goal is more selfish than altruistic."
"Yes, yes, we know your position Dorea." Walburga waved her hand
dismissively. "We know of Charlus' devotion to that crackpot
Dumbledore." Dorea glared at the shorter woman.
"Caution is what is required here." Callidora Longbottom nee-Black
advised breaking into the conversation. "Whether the Eveningshades
were involved or not, the political climate is very tenuous and we must
protect the family. Obviously Voldemort is trying to move ahead with his
plans…whatever they are. But it is prudent that we not allow ourselves to
become publically associated with any group until we know for sure
which way the wind will finally blow."
"And the uncertainty is ever growing." Orion stated with a sigh. "With the
death of Lord Lestrange and the arrest of Lord Malfoy for his
participation in the attack, the movement has lost two of its biggest
contributors and political heavyweights. The Dark Lords eyes, unwelcome
as they might be, may fall upon us."
"What about the contract between Bellatrix and Rudolfus Lestrange. Is it
still in effect?" Cygnus asked his older brother.
"That is another mystery, something has broken the contract, yet it was
not I or Lord Lestrange that cancelled the contract. And I have not heard
anything from Hogwarts stating anything is the matter with Bellatrix."
Everyone seemed to know to what he was referring. Many of the women
in the group hissed their displeasure at the archaic form of a chastity
binding.
"I sent an owl to her stating that we will be coming to speak with her
about it tomorrow afternoon at Merlin's Keep." Cygnus nodded his
understanding.
"I am actually headed to Hogwarts after this meeting to speak to the
students who lost a family member in the attack. Is there something you
would like me to pass along to her?" Dorea Potter asked.
"No, I want her to be off balance when I speak to her tomorrow. I
purposely was less than forthcoming in the letter to make her that way.
She is a clever girl and I don't want her prepared for our discussion."
Orion said.
Dorea scowled at her nephew for a moment before speaking in a
dangerous tone. "Harm a hair on that girls head Orion and I will bend
you over my knee like I use to when you were a child!" No one doubted
the Potter matriarch; she was one of the most powerful witches in the
family and had a vicious streak a mile wide.
"I have no intention of harming my niece if I find everything in good
sorts." Orion replied. Dorea wasn't convinced and gave him a 'try me' look
before Orion turned away a little unnerved which caused Dorea to give a
small smirk.
"Very well, keep your contacts looking into the Eveningshade question. If
anything more substantial comes forth, bring it to me immediately. Our
stance on Voldemort at the moment will be one of caution and vigilance.
I will not commit all our family resources to the man until we know more
of his motives." Orion glared at his wife who crossed her arms in
annoyance.
"If there is nothing else we will adjourn." Orion told the group. Within
minutes most everyone had left Grimauld Place. Arcturus however,
remained where he was, his mind reaching way back into his childhood
and to the stories his grandfather had told him by the light of the
fireplace in this very manor. To most old families the ghost stories of the
Eveningshades' were something akin to stories of the bogeyman.
The bedtime stories spoke of them walking through walls, manipulating
reality, and stealing your soul while you slept. Of course these were just
stories; the truth about them was even more terrifying. And Arcturus
hoped that his family would not find themselves on the wrong side of an
Eveningshade.
oooOOOooo
Sunday morning came too early for Harry and Bella. Harry had been near
exhaustion after his ordeal with the activation of his family magic, and
although his body felt twinges of pain now and then it did not keep a
near hysterical Bellatrix from making sure he was alright by examining
every inch of his body which turned into several rounds of making love
to each other.
Harry was the first to wake, he gingerly began to move his arms and legs
about to see how much pain he still had, but to his surprise he felt no
pain at all, in fact he felt good…really good. He gently lifted Bella's arm
from around his waist and turned to sit up. He pushed himself up from
the bed and marveled at how strong he felt.
He reached for his glasses which were on the nightstand and put them
on. However, the world went blurry when he put them on his face.
Confused he took them back off and everything came back into focus.
"No way!" Harry whispered. He walked over to Bella's full length mirror
and gawked at himself, first, because he could see clearly, his eyesight
miraculously healed, and second it seemed all the malnourishment he
had suffered through most of his life was gone and before him stood a
lean but powerfully built body. He was no muscle man but his arms, legs,
and core, were toned and tight.
Bella awoke when she no longer felt Harry's warmth underneath her, a
warmth that she really enjoyed cuddling in to. Her eyes blinked away the
last vestiges' of sleep and she looked around the bedroom for the boy in
question.
It did not take her long to find him; well at least she thought it was him,
because she had the most marvelous view of a strong looking back and
an incredibly firm looking arse. But the reflection of a pair of emerald
green eyes in the mirror left no doubt to whom was standing naked in
front of her.
"Whoever you are, you better get out of here quickly before my boyfriend
shows up, I hear he's the jealous type and wouldn't take kindly to a
stranger being in his girlfriend's bedroom." Bella playfully remarked
pulling up the sheets to cover her exposed breasts.
"Well then, I guess I should take advantage of his lack of intelligence for
leaving such a beautiful creature all on her lonesome." Harry replied
waggling his eyebrows and walking predatorily toward her.
Bella screamed as she dived under the blankets giggling. Harry launched
himself on top of her and began to tickle the dark haired witch who was
gasping for air from laughing so hard. Somehow Bella managed to turn
the tables and was now on top of Harry tickling his sides mercilessly, that
is until he grabbed her wrists and pinned them behind her back causing
her to fall forward onto his chest. Their breathing was fast and their
chests were heaving into the others. Bella and Harry stared deeply into
each other's eyes as their breaths slowed and evened out.
Bella's throat went dry as three words she had never spoken to another
with the same meaning behind them left her lips. "I love you Harry." It
was barely above a whisper but its impact on Harry was as if a loud gong
had been hit.
He looked back at her and saw the truth behind her words deep within
her eyes, it was an unexpected declaration and yet it was not at all
unwelcome. Harry's own heart had been telling him what his brain had
been too afraid to recognize for some time now. And all though they had
known each other for a relatively a short time, he felt as if he had known
her all his life.
Even now he felt his magic pulling him to her and he could feel her
magic pulling her to him as well. Harry's right hand cupped Bella's cheek
and he poured his soul into the three words he was now sure he wanted
to say back to her. "I love you too, Bella."
Bella's eyes seemed to sparkle as her lips crashed into Harry's; soon their
tongues languidly caressed each other as their emotions were poured into
the kiss. Each knew that their relationship had just taken another step
forward and surprisingly neither felt any anxiety about this new
development at all.
Two hours later and the couple were bathed and dressed, however, there
were several intimate interludes along the way. Walburga had sent
Kreacher out earlier to buy new robes for Harry, robes befitting of Lord
Eveningshade.
The outer cloak was Acromantula black silk with the collar, hood, hem
and cuffs decorated in gold with Celtic swirls and knots running down
the length of the cloak. The inner robe was a black and gold mesh pattern
that fell just above his ankles. On his feet were dragon hide boots from a
Hungarian Horntail. Around his waist was a wide dragon hide belt from
the same dragon with a golden buckle.
Bella was literally drooling over how good Harry looked. He looked every
bit a highborn lord and his look screamed of wealth and power. Harry's
shoulder length hair was swept back with a golden Celtic hair clasp in
the manner common among the lords of ancient houses.
Bella looked equally impressive with her long deep purple cloak that
made her eyes stand out her long black hair was left down and cascaded
down her back to give a beautiful contrast to the cloak she wore. Her
inner robes were just a shade lighter than her cloak with black Celtic
lattices throughout, she wore a long thin silver belt that presented her
feminine hips that left no doubt of the incredible figure the young
woman possessed. Her high heeled black leather stiletto boots rounded
out her outfit.
The two teens together made for an impressive sight as they stood side by
side. Walburga was crying in her frame at how good they looked
together, they complimented each other beautifully. She hated what her
living self had forced upon the girl. Her life as the wife of Rudolfus
Lestrange had destroyed the young witch and had twisted her so
perversely that even her own family did not recognize the witch she had
become.
But now she had a chance to see the woman that Bella should have
become; confidant, powerful, and loved and in love. She just wished she
could talk to her living self and make her see the complete disaster that
befell her family for following the Dark Lord.
"Are you ready to meet your father and uncle?" Harry asked with
concern.
"Truthfully, I'm not looking forward to it, but I think our plan will work.
If not, we may have to fight our way out." Bella was only half way joking
when she gave an uneasy laugh.
"Well, whatever happens we'll face it together." Harry gave her hand a
reassuring squeeze.
Harry donned his invisibility cloak after the couple had stepped out of
the Room of Requirement lead by Bella. It was still a Hogsmeade
weekend for third years and above, and it seemed as if every student that
could wanted to take advantage of the few warm days left before the
infamous Scottish winters came rolling in.
Harry had to be extra careful as he navigated the stairs and corridors
leading down to the entrance hall, students were everywhere meeting up
with friends and making their plans for the day. Bella mindful of him,
walked at a sedate pace to allow him to stay near her.
When they came to the main entry Harry was shocked to see a much
younger looking Filch, however he still looked very unkempt and had his
patented scowl as he checked students off his list as they left the castle.
Bella did not even pay the caretaker any attention and just walked right
passed him with her nose in the air as if daring him to stop her.
Apparently Filch had been on the receiving end of Bella's temper before
because he made no move to stop her. Harry, who had been watching the
greasy haired man, had to stifle a chuckle when he actually saw him with
a panicked look on his face as she walked by. Harry told himself he
would have to ask Bella about it later.
Bella hopped into an awaiting carriage with Harry slipping in right
behind her. The carriage then began its trip to the small wizarding
hamlet of Hogsmeade. Fifteen minutes later Harry and Bella stepped from
the carriage. Harry would not remain under his cloak. They had decided
that Harry would be revealing himself to Bella's uncle and father today
and saw no point in remaining invisible until the meeting with her uncle.
With an hour before they needed to meet with Orion, the couple decided
to walk around the village and enjoy the fall weather. They had barely
been walking for ten minutes when Bella heard her name being called.
Bella palmed her face and shook her head in exasperation, how could she
forget that this person would be in the village. This was a confrontation
she didn't want to have yet.
Bella turned around and greeted the person that approached her and
Harry. "Hello Andromeda, fancy meeting you here." Bella greeted her
sister who had a large half grin half smirk on her face. Bella wanted to
just roll her eyes and the smug look on her sister's face.
"Why…hello Bella." Andromeda cooed. "And who is this handsome young
man?"
"Oh I like her." Harry replied, his eyes twinkling.
Bella cleared her throat and gave her boyfriend a withering look before
addressing her sister. "Andromeda Black, meet my…boyfriend, Harry."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Black." Harry said taking Andromeda's
left hand and kissing her hand above the knuckles.
Andromeda's face pinked as she gave a small giggle of delight. "It's a
pleasure to finally meet you." Andromeda replied. "She's been rather
mysterious about you. I can see why she wanted to keep you to herself
though." Andromeda smiled coquettishly.
"Well it's been lovely chatting, but Harry and I really need to be going."
Bella told her sister not liking the direction the conversation was going.
"And I'm sure…Ted is it, is waiting for you somewhere?" Bella asked her
sister impishly.
"Nice to have met you Andromeda." Harry bowed to the girl.
"Andi…you can call me Andi." Andromeda smiled. "And be good to my
sister, Harry." She warned with a mischievous smile. "We Black sisters
stick together, and protect our own." Andromeda then turned with a
wave good bye and left to find her own boyfriend.
"She's cute." Harry chuckled. "In a sisterly way." Harry added as Bella
gave him a threatening look before she began to chuckle as well.
"Well, I think my boyfriend is neglecting his boyfriend duties." Bella told
Harry seductively.
"Oh?" Harry asked.
"Uh huh." Bella nodded, her large eyes wide with something bordering on
lust. "We've been here a whole twenty minutes and my lips have yet to be
kissed."
"Well then…" Harry began, wrapping his arms around her slender waist
and pulling her toward him. "I have been a very bad boyfriend. I suppose
I should beg for forgiveness." Harry's voice softened to just above a
whisper as he finished speaking. Harry then pressed his lips tenderly to
Bella's and the two teens melted into each other, and their kissing
became more passionate.
"BELLATRIX BLACK!" A male voice boomed behind her.
"Oh bugger!" Bellatrix swore.
She turned to see her Uncle and her father walking briskly toward the
couple who had not released each other yet. "Well cats out of the bag
now." Bella whispered.
"UNHAND MY DAUGHTER BOY!" Cygnus Black yelled at Harry drawing
his wand out and pointing it at Harry. "YOU DARE SULLY A DAUGHTER
OF THE HOUSE OF BLACK!
"Explain yourself Bellatrix!" Orion Black commanded, putting a hand on
Cygnus' wand arm forcing him to lower his wand. "Who is this whelp?"
Orion asked scathingly.
Before Bella could answer, Harry stepped forward confidently. "I'm her
boyfriend Lord Black."
"Boyfriend is it?" Orion narrowed his eyes at Harry. "I don't think so boy,
she is intended for someone else."
"Respectfully Lord Black, I disagree. Bella has chosen me and I have
chosen her and I will not allow us to be separated." Harry said smoothly
with his head held high and his eyes never leaving Orion's.
"YOU IMPUDENT CHILD! Do you know who I am and what I could do to
you?" Orion threatened in a dangerous voice.
"I will not marry the Lestrange shite! I have chosen him and he has
chosen me!" Bella stated forcefully, standing next to Harry and taking his
hand in hers. With Harry's and Bella's mutual declaration of choosing the
other there appeared an unexpected flash of magic at their conjoined
hands.
Harry felt a pull on his magic and then a sharp pin prick on his right ring
finger that drew blood where the Eveningshade signet ring rested. Bella
also felt a pin prick that drew blood from her left hand ring finger
immediately followed by another flash of magic that surrounded the
conjoined hands. When the light faded a ladies blood red ring with a
black phoenix inlay was on her left ring finger.
When Orion and Cygnus saw the flash of magic they believed that Harry
was attacking them and immediately raised their wands. Harry saw the
movement and with a small gesture of his free hand the two wands were
ripped from the hands of the two men, landing in Harry's open palm.
Though momentarily stunned at his wand being taken from him, Orion in
one smooth motion pulled a backup wand from his sleeve and pointed it
at Harry threateningly. "What did you just do boy?!"
"I think we all need to take a breath and relax a moment." A woman's
voice came from behind Orion. She stepped into view with her wand out
but pointing toward the ground.
"Aunt Dorea?" Bella asked in surprise.
"Grand mo…" Harry caught himself; he hoped his little slip went
unnoticed.
"What are you doing here Aunt Dorea?" Orion asked his father's sister
suspiciously.
"I wanted to make sure that my niece was being treated well. I know very
well that your temper can get the best of you at times Orion." The Potter
matriarch stated with a grin.
"This does not concern you Aunt Dorea. This is an issue for the head of
the Black family." Orion spat.
"Maybe not, but I'm quite fond of my nieces. And I would be very put out
if something or someone caused them any distress." The regal lady glared
ominously at Orion who felt a chill of doom race down his spine.
Orion turned from Dorea and fixed his eyes on Harry again and reiterated
his question. "What have you done to my niece boy?!"
It was Bella who responded to Orion's question. "It seems dear uncle that
magic has bound Harry and I together." She smirked, a little more
confidant now that she seemed to have an ally in her great-aunt.
"What are you on about girl?!" Bella's father turned on his daughter.
Bella grinned mischievously at her father. "If my assumption is correct, I
just got married." Bella looked adoringly at Harry who gave a slight nod.
Harry had felt his and Bella's magic unite when their hands flared and
knew instinctively that they had just become bound to each other.
"What foolishness are you speaking of Bellatrix?" Orion asked harshly.
"I mean…" Bella smirked at her uncle. "That I just became the Lady
Eveningshade." A pulse from Bella's ring seemed to acknowledge her
declaration.
Orion and Cygnus gaped at Bellatrix and then looked appraisingly at
Harry who was staring back at them unblinkingly. Dorea raised an
elegant eyebrow but otherwise showed no other emotion.
Suddenly Harry stiffened his wand seeming to just appear in his hands.
And a look rage flashed in his green eyes that were glowing ominously.
The adults seemed to falter a step as they felt incredible power rolling off
of Harry.
"Harry, what is it?" Bella asked worriedly.
"Anti-apparition wards just went up!" Harry told her.
"What? How do you know?" Dorea Potter asked.
"I just know." He told her. "Something bad is about to happen." Harry
stated now looking for signs of danger. He didn't have to wait long as
seconds later twenty masked and robed individuals flooded into the high
street of Hogsmeade.
The masked men broke in to four groups of five each. At first the towns
people just stopped and stared at the assembled groups not really sure
who they were or what they wanted. That was until the first bombarda
curse blew through the front of Scrivenshafts, sending debris and people
flying in all directions.
Terrified screams echoed through the high street from students and
adults alike as people scrambled to get to any cover they could find. 'This
group seems to be better organized than the team that had assaulted
Diagon Alley.' Harry mused.
"Children, we must get to safety!" Dorea Potter ordered. But Harry threw
Orion's and Cygnus' wands at their feet and was now moving quickly
toward the Death Eaters and Bella following just a half step behind him.
Orion saw a flash of green and witnessed a Hogwarts student drop
lifelessly to the ground. "What the hell is Voldemort playing at?!" Orion
growled furiously. "Attacking children, for Merlin's sake!"
Orion knew he stood at a crossroads. If he raised his wand against
Voldemort's men he would be a marked man going forward with those
elites who supported the movement. And if the boy he now saw running
to the fight was indeed an Eveningshade, and if he raised a wand against
him, he risked the annihilation of his house, if Arcturus was to be
believed.
There was a third option, he rationalized. Take no stand at all, claim
neutrality and sit this coming war out. Even as he thought it, he knew
that Voldemort already had a strong interest in his family or rather his
family's money, and that Voldemort would not allow him to be neutral.
For the first time in his adult life Orion Black did not know what to do or
how to respond. There was no political safe ground here. The House of
Black found itself in a precarious and volatile situation.
"Orion!" Cygnus yelled at his older brother. "My daughters are out there!
We have to get to them and get them to safety." Cygnus sprinted toward
the battle following Dorea who was trying to catch up to Harry and Bella.
Orion came out of his stupor when his very first lesson as the future heir
of House Black came to the front of his mind. "FAMILY FIRST!" And with
that final thought he raced after his brother.
Harry's magic was singing as he neared the first group of Death Eaters, it
was as if his magic wanted to be released and show what it could do.
Two of the Death Eaters saw him coming and immediately fired two dark
looking curses at him.
Time seemed to slow down for Harry but his senses were moving at an
accelerated rate. He slid forward on his knees and leaned his torso back
as the spells flew over him himself. He followed the trajectory of the
spells and found Bella almost mirroring his actions behind him. He
sprung back to his feet a mere two feet in front of the Death Eaters.
His wand made a ninety degree arc as he slashed it downward, a silver
colored spell slashed through the first man cleaving him in half from left
shoulder to right hip. The Death Eater surprised wide eyes showed the
last emotion he would ever feel.
Bella had risen to her feet and fired an overpowered piercing hex that
shot straight through her opponent's chest completely obliterating his
heart. She pirouetted gracefully and engaged another Death Eater side
stepping a curse, she unleashed a bone breaker point blank to his spine
severing the spinal cord dropping him instantly paralyzed from the neck
down.
Harry had not been idle, and conjured a fire whip that wrapped around
the two remaining Death Eaters pinning their bodies together and their
arms to their sides. The intense heat of the whip burned through muscle
and bone severing their arms just below the elbows. Harry canceled the
spell with a flick of his wrist. The two men screamed in agony as they
collapsed to the ground armless and with severe burns to their backs.
Dorea Potter along with Cygnus and Orion witnessed the teen's brutal
attack and were stunned at the precision like strikes. There was no
hesitation no signs of remorse as they unleashed their fury on the five
masked terrorists.
Harry and Bella gave each other a quick glance to make sure the other
was okay. An explosion further down the street got their attention and
soon they were sprinting toward the noise. Dorea, Cygnus and Orion
followed.
The group came to a stop as they witnessed five Death Eaters throwing
spell after spell at Honeydukes Sweet shop. The screaming coming from
inside was evidence of people still inside. One scream in particular was
immediately recognized by Bella."
"Harry, that was Andromeda! She's in the shop!" Bella yelled in panic.
Cygnus paled and raced forward but was blown back by a reductor curse
breaking his ankle. As before, their arrival did not go unnoticed by
another group of death eaters. The spells began to rain down on Harry
and those with him fast and furiously. Orion was able to summon Cygnus
to him as his younger brother winced in pain.
Dorea cast a powerful shield that stopped the first volley of spells from
hitting them, but the sheer number of spells was weakening her shield
fast. Orion and Cygnus began to fire back offensive spells at the
approaching Death Eaters while Harry and Bella began assaulting the
group in front of Honeydukes.
The Death Eaters spread out and took up positions of cover throughout
the street; the commotion alerted the last group of five Death Eaters that
a major battle was taking place. Dorea pointed her wand at the ground
around them and created several earthen battle works for her group to
hide behind.
The fifteen remaining Death Eaters had pinned them down in a semi-
circle on the high street. Honeydukes was beginning to burn with the
trapped students and adults still trapped inside. But five Death Eaters and
taken up a defensive position near the store and effectively blocked their
way to the sweet shop.
"Where are the bloody aurors!" Dorea screamed in rage. "We need to get
to those people, before the building falls down on top of them.
Minerva McGonagall was visiting some of her lions in Gryffindor Tower,
when she noticed out the tower window black smoke filling the sky
above Hogsmeade. She raced to the window and saw not one but several
plumes of smoke rising from several locations. She sprinted from the
tower and raced to the Headmasters Office to alert him.
The roof over Honeydukes began to crack ominously, it would not hold
much longer. Harry searched for a way to get through the Death Eaters,
but he could think of nothing that would not expose him to immediate
cross fire. It was then he realized that there was maybe one thing he
could do. He focused his magic and reached out to see the anti-apparition
wards.
"There!" He stated more to himself than to those around him finding a
fissure in the wards, then suddenly he disappeared. Bella screamed for
him but he was already gone. Harry appeared directly behind the Death
Eaters that blocked their way to Honeydukes. With a primal scream he
unleashed dark curse after dark curse.
Two Death eaters who had managed to get behind him were about to
curse him when he heard Bella scream 'behind you!' Harry spun around
but the curses had already been fired. What happened next terrified the
Death Eaters who were close enough to see what was happening.
Harry's body seemed to turn to smoke, the spells passed right through
him. He swooped to the two Death Eaters and roared with the sounds of
hell echoing in his voice. His emerald colored eyes glowed with the color
of death he then plunged his ghostly hands into the chests of the two
men. His fingers wrapping around each of their hearts, he squeezed and
squeezed. The Death Eaters blanched white as the beating of their hearts
were forcefully stopped.
Harry removed his hands from their chests and watched the bodies'
slump to the ground dead. He then turned his attention to the other
Death Eaters and vanished just to reappear behind another group. A
black shroud of smoke surrounded Harry as he fell upon the masked men
obscuring them from view.
All that could be heard was the horrific screams and gurgling sounds of
death. The remaining Death Eaters ran for their lives to the boundary of
the anti-apparition wards, only three were successful, as the rest
perished.
Dorea, Cygnus and Orion had made their way into Honeydukes and were
herding everyone out of the burning building. Cygnus grabbed
Andromeda and fiercely hugged her to him; she had been hit with some
minor cutting curses and was suffering like all the others from smoke
inhalation.
Bella had run to Harry and threw her arms around him, Harry for his part
pulled her tightly to him and buried his face into her hair. "Are you
okay?" She whispered in his ear. He nodded.
"How about you?" He asked softly. "I'm okay, a little…I don't know."
"Yeah, me too." Harry replied tightening his hold on her.
All those who had taken shelter in the other homes and buildings began
to resurface and look at the fallen forms that littered the street. Some
were residents of the small village, some were students, but most of the
bodies were wearing black robes and skeletal masks. Smoke and embers
floated on the air and there was a heavy presence of ozone from all the
spells cast.
Harry and Bella walked back toward Honeydukes hand in hand. "Wards
are down." Harry stated tonelessly. Within moments of his declaration
dozens of aurors popped into the village with drawn wands, a contingent
of professors from Hogwarts were also making their way into the village.
Harry noticed one of the red robed aurors who looked like a younger
Mad Eye Moody barking out orders sending his fellow aurors in pairs to
various parts of the village. He also noticed his grandmother approach
Mad Eye and speak to him.
Teams of healers began to arrive by portkey and set up a triage center in
front of Gladrags. Aurors began escorting the wounded to the healers and
floating the obvious deceased as well to an appointed area for
identification.
"Bella, are you okay?" Dorea asked coming up to the couple after
speaking with Moody.
"Yes auntie." Bella replied with a shrug.
"That was some uh…impressive magic you performed young man." Dorea
addressed Harry cautiously. Harry just shrugged noncommittally.
"I am in full agreement with that statement." Orion Black remarked,
approaching the teens with Cygnus following behind. Cygnus had left
Andromeda with the healers to be sorted out.
Orion cleared his throat. "I believe we may have gotten off on the wrong
foot young man. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Orion
Black, Lord and head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. This is my
brother Cygnus Black, young Bellatrix's father. And this is the Lady Dorea
Potter nee-Black of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter." Orion spoke
with a much more civil tone than he had previously.
"My Lords and Lady." Harry bowed slightly. "I am Harry Eveningshade,
Lord and head of the Most Ancient House of Eveningshade." Harry stated
with pride in his voice.
Orion gulped at the confirmation of the boy's identity and hoped he had
not offended the young lord to the point that his house was in danger. He
had to repair any damage immediately, the power he witnessed the boy
display was something he did not want directed at him or his family.
"My Lord, I most humbly offer my apologies for my abrasive behavior
when we first met. My only excuse was not knowing who you were or the
nature of your relationship with my niece. If it is acceptable I would like
to speak with you and of course Bellatrix at your earliest convenience."
Orion stated noticing for the first time the ring Bellatrix had on her ring
finger and the crest that was on it.
"I think that would be acceptable Lord Black. However I would ask that
you do not reveal who I am to anyone else. I'm not ready for the world to
know who I am just yet."
"I think that rabbit has already escaped, my lord." Dorea Potter told
Harry. "I assume that it was you in Diagon Alley yesterday that stopped
the terrorist attack."
Harry gave a slight nod to his grandmother. "Well then, you should know
that the man you left alive, Lord Malfoy, somehow knew you were an
Eveningshade. That knowledge will not be kept quiet for long."
"I see." Harry said, not happy about the Eveningshade name being made
public again so soon.
"Harry, we should leave." Bella whispered in his ear and directed his
attention to Moody who was coming their way. Dorea caught what Bella
had whispered and looked curiously at the couple.
"Is there a reason you do not wish to speak with the authorities Lord
Eveningshade, after all without your assistance everyone in Honeydukes
would have perished." She stated with curiosity.
"It's complicated Lady Potter, I assure you that there is nothing nefarious
in my reasons, but I'm afraid I really must dash. Lord Black, I look
forward to our next meeting, Mr. Black." Harry nodded to Bella's father
who was about to say something. Harry grabbed Bella's hand and silently
disappeared, leaving the three adults confused, curious, and in Orion's
case relieved.
oooOOOooo
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! The fallout from the attack will be
next chapter and a meeting with the House of Black. Please leave a
comment or a review and let me know what you thought. Your reviews
really motivate me to focus more on the story and get chapters out
faster.
15. Chapter 15
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
A/N:
Apparently there was a problem with FFN, I hope its fixed as I will
attempt to repost this chapter.
Okay a couple things, first, the last chapter received over two hundred
reviews! A new high, a big thank you to everyone who reviewed! I'm
grateful to everyone who continues to read my little story
Second, apparently I pissed off a few of my readers; a couple of you left
your reviews under your login names, which I respect. But some just
reviewed under Guest, kinda cowardly in my eyes.
One thing that really upsets me is when people use profanity in
expressing themselves and their discontent; you not only diminish your
argument by doing so but you diminish yourself. I welcome critiques, I
do believe it helps me to become a better writer, and I realize that I can't
please everyone and I don't worry myself with trying.
So I welcome the good and the bad reviews but please use intelligent
arguments and let's leave the profanities out. Okay enough of that.
Chapter 15
Harry and Bella apparated just outside of the gates leading back to
Hogwarts to return to the school, Harry collapsed immediately as they
reappeared slumping to the ground, his body was beginning to have fits
and his eyes seemed to roll back into his head. Bella, in shock, dropped
to her knees next to her boyfriend and grabbed his hands
"Harry, what's wrong?!" A panicked Bella asked the pale looking Harry
who was cold and clammy to the touch.
"I-I d-don't know, b-but I don't feel so well." Harry struggled to say as he
fought to control his trembling body.
"We need to get you to the castle! Can you stand?" Harry nodded and
tried to stand up but his legs were unsteady, he reached out for Bella who
grabbed his arm and pulled it over her shoulders to help steady him.
She pulled out Harry's cloak from her bag and threw it around them, the
cloak adjusting itself to cover them completely. The walk up to the castle
took longer than normal with Harry having to stop often to catch his
breath. They also had to negotiate getting around the panicking students
who were also rushing back to the castle and the professors who were
rushing to Hogsmeade.
The Hogwarts staircases seemed to be aiding the couple as they moved
into place to expedite their assent to the seventh floor. Harry was
faltering in his steps, he was having difficulty picking up his feet and his
body was becoming more unresponsive as they walked.
Bella was terrified that something had happened to Harry during the
fight that she had not seen, a curse of some kind that was having a
delayed reaction. She tried to remember everything she could from the
fight, but when adrenaline begins to pump, your focus on anything
except for what's in front of you is blocked out.
"Come on Harry just a little farther, we're almost there." Bella sobbed as
Harry no longer was responsive. Bella had to levitate Harry the last
twenty feet to the door that was opening as she approached. She took
him to her bedroom where she gently placed him on the bed.
She began to vanish his clothing and immediately began inspecting his
body for signs of spell damage or any other physical trauma. But beyond
a few scratches and minor abrasions she could not find anything that
would suggest he was hit with a dark or deadly spell.
Tears continued to fall from Bella's cheeks as Harry's appearance
worsened. "My Lady, I need you!" Bella cried, gripping Harry's cold limp
hand in her own hands.
"I've been watching child." The spirit of Hogwarts gently replied
appearing and standing over the form of her prone champion.
"I don't know what is wrong with him, my lady." Bella whimpered. "I
don't know what to do, should I take him to the medical wing?" Bella
asked through her tears.
Hogwarts placed her right hand on Harry's chest and closed her eyes. A
golden aura glowed around her hand as she seemed to be concentrating
on something. After a few minutes the lady spoke.
"His magical core has been nearly drained, and shows signs of stress.
What has happened child, I sense the fear in my students." Hogwarts
asked.
"Death Eaters attacked the village, Harry and I tried to defend the village
by engaging the Death Eaters, well Harry charged in and I followed…
stupid Gryffindorish behavior!" Bella murmured.
"Harry was bloody brilliant though! He did some amazing things, I'm not
sure how but he managed to make himself apparate through the wards
the attackers had set up and then he seemed to…I'm not sure how to
properly describe it, but it was as if his body turned to smoke, and two
curses fired at almost point blank range passed right through him." Bella
informed the ancient entity.
"Impressive, so when did Harry become so weak?" She asked.
"Right after the smoke incident, I noticed he looked a little pale but I
thought it was just from the battle and seeing the bodies on the ground.
He also seemed a touch unsteady as we spoke with my family after the
fighting was over. But it was after we apparated to the front gates that he
suddenly collapsed." Bella informed her.
"I think our young man exhausted himself, I believe he used more magic
than his body could handle." Hogwarts opined.
"Will he be okay then?" Bella asked squeezing Harry's hand.
"He should be fine, his body and core just need time to recover."
"How long?" Bella asked.
"That I don't know, but his core is dangerously low, it could take several
days, my dear." Hogwarts gave her a sympathetic look. Bella nodded her
head in understanding.
The Lady Hogwarts seemed to stare off into space for a moment and then
a tray of potions and draughts appeared next to the bed. "There are some
dreamless sleep potions and restorative draughts here on the tray. They
will help him physically but there is nothing that can speed up the
process of core replenishment, this must happen naturally on its own
time." The lady instructed Bella.
Bella climbed up onto the bed next to Harry and lifted his head to her
chest; she slowly poured a restorative potion down his throat followed by
a dreamless sleep draught that would have him out for the next twelve
hours. Within moments she could feel the rhythmic up and down motion
of Harry's deep and steady breathing.
She reached for the journals of Harry's ancestor and opened its pages
'perhaps' she thought there was something in them that could explain
what was happening to Harry. He had looked so strong and full of power
and then he just seemed to crash. It was confusing and she felt she
needed to understand Harry's family magic and see what exactly it
entailed. She just hoped that the books contained the information she
was looking for.
oooOOOooo
The smell of burning wood was pervasive throughout the small wizarding
community, a smoky haze filled the air making the people cover their
mouths with whatever piece of cloth they had with them, and glowing
embers from the smoldering buildings floated on the air singeing any
bare skin it came in contact with.
Aurors finished placing the deceased in front of the Three Broomsticks.
They were divided in to two groups, one for the terrorist and the other
for the students and townspeople who had lost their lives in the attack.
Aurors removed the masks from the dead terrorists and exposed their left
arms, and then began the sad business of identifying the bodies.
Seven residents of the town had also been killed and were identified by
long time resident and owner of the Hogshead Tavern, Aberforth
Dumbledore.
A horrified but stoic Minerva McGonagall provided the names of the five
cut down Hogwarts students to the aurors. Two had been from her own
house of Gryffindor, two Hufflepuffs, and a sixth year Slytherin.
Ravenclaw house had managed not to lose anyone from their house.
Distraught she hadn't noticed a large well built man with striking blue
eyes and a well kempt reddish beard approach her. He was wearing the
blue cloak of a Hit Wizard and walked with purpose and power. The first
indication of his presence was a gentle hand on her shoulder turning her
around.
"Robert!" Minerva cried as she saw her husband, she immediately fell into
his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hàlo Minnie, ciamar a tha thu?" Robert McGonagall asked his wife softly
in his native Gaelic.
"I'm fine Robert." She sniffed and got an unconvinced look from her
husband.
"For some reason I dunnae believe ya lass." He replied.
Minerva responded with a shrug. "What brings the Hit Wizards here?"
She asked noticing a few more blue cloaks. "Tis an Auror matter is it
not?"
"Aye, but the minister is comin and we're the advanced team to make
sure things are safe for her arrival." He replied.
"The minister? Why is she coming?" Minerva asked.
"This is going to be a public relations nightmare with the deaths of
children. She must be seen to be doing something to reassure the people.
So, she plans on making a statement to the press within the hour.
Speaking of which, I need to speak with Moody to get his assessment of
the incident, do you know where he is love?" Robert McGonnagal asked.
"Aye, he's speaking with Lady Potter and Lord Black in front of the Three
Broomsticks." Minerva pointed the group out.
Robert nodded. "We'll speak later, aye?"
"Aye." Minerva replied. "Tha gaol agam ort, Robert!"
"Love you too Minnie." He returned and then walked off toward Captain
Moody.
oooOOOooo
Captain Alastor Moody could never be characterized as a politically
correct man when it came to his job. To the contrary he was a hard as
nails; tell it like it is no nonsense kind of wizard. And when he was in
interrogation mode he was not above using any tools at his disposal to
get answers. However he had to go forgo his nature and his normal
approach when addressing the group before him.
"Lord Black, Lady Potter, and Mr. Black…" Moody began politely but
soon lost his composure. "…WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE!" Amelia
Bones cleared her throat at her mentor's side. Moody grimaced and bit
his cheek.
"I mean can you tell me what transpired here this afternoon?" Moody's
attempt at being anything but agitated would have been comical except
for the situation they found themselves in.
"I thought that would be obvious Alastor." Dorea Potter replied with a
scowl, and motioned to the destruction around them. "Just look at what
these terrorist have done!"
"Death Eaters." Moody replied.
"What?" Dorea asked.
"They call themselves Death Eaters. That's what the two we have locked
up at the ministry are calling themselves at any rate." Moody replied.
"What I would like to know is why the Aurors have not arrested this
Voldemort yet?! He is obviously behind all the attacks in the countryside
and now at the heart of our society." Dorea tersely asked.
"If it were up to me my lady, I would have rounded him up ages ago. But
as far as we know he himself has not participated in any of the attacks.
And until we have hard evidence that he is the one orchestrating and
ordering these raids we have little to arrest him on.
Not to mention he is the political leader of the Purist Party, any attack on
him could be seen as the Minister trying to silence a political challenger.
That would go over as well as week old haggis." Moody replied. "Now if
we could get back to my original question. What happened here?" Moody
growled.
"I would like to know that as well." Robert McGonagall said as he
approached the group.
"Bob." Moody greeted the captain of the Minister's protection team.
"Alastor." Robert replied. "How's my boy Richard doing by the way?"
"He's a talented young man; he's on track to graduate at the top of his
Auror Academy class." Alastor replied, which got a pleased look from the
Hit Wizard. "But if you want anything more personal, you'll need to ask
his girlfriend." Moody jerked his thumb over his shoulder at Amelia.
"What! But how did you kno…" Amelia Bones began flustered.
"I don't miss much lass, and every time you two pass each other you're
giving each other lusty stares that would make a sailor blush." Moody
chuckled. Amelia stood with her mouth open. "Don't worry lass, it's not
forbidden for Aurors to date each other; they just can't be on the same
team."
"Oh, so you're that Amelia!" Robert chuckled. "Richard has written about
you quite often. It's nice to finally put a face to the girl he's so taken
with." Robert offered warmly. Amelia blushed furiously at the twinkle in
the Hit Wizard's eye. She would have to talk with Richard and find out
exactly what he had told his father in his letters.
"Well, now that we have embarrassed my protégé." Moody smirked, he
turned to Lady Potter. "You were about to fill me in on what you
witnessed."
Dorea, Orion and Cygnus all gave a statements on what they had seen
prior to their getting involved in the fight themselves. They then
rehearsed what actions they took in the battle and what the Death Eaters
had done.
"Other witnesses said that there was a teenage girl and boy involved as
well." Alastor told them. "In fact it has been stated by other witnesses that
a teenage boy matching the description of the boy from the Diagon Alley
attack and your daughter Bellatrix was involved." Moody looked
questioningly at Cygnus. "Now, the girl from the alley does not match the
description of your daughter but she could have been using a glamour
charm."
"Captain Moody, I have no knowledge of the Diagon Alley attack or who
was involved!" Cygnus blustered.
"What my brother is trying to say captain…" Orion placed a calming hand
on his brother's shoulder. "…is that Bellatrix was here and helped us in
repelling the attack. But, to our knowledge, Bellatrix was nowhere near
Diagon Alley yesterday, but here at Hogwarts. As to the young man that
was here with Bellatrix, I just met him today. But he also helped to repel
the attackers." Orion Black stated.
"Did this young man have a name?" Moody asked.
"I'm sure he does Auror Moody, perhaps you should ask him." Orion
stated with a smirk. "Now if you'll kindly excuse us, we are concerned
about Cygnus' other daughter Andromeda who was injured in the attack."
"I need the name of that boy Lord Black." Moody growled.
"I wish I could give you his name Auror Moody, but I can't!" He
emphasized. "I imagine you could speak with Bellatrix and ask her. Now I
really must see to my niece." Orion and Cygnus then left to check on
Andromeda.
Moody watched the two men leave, his years of interrogating told him
that the two men knew more than what they were telling. But pressing a
member of the Wizengamot was always hazardous business. He turned
his attention back to Dorea Potter who had been summoned by the team
leader of the medical team who had responded to treat the injured.
Now here was a lady who he had respected for years, she had saved
many lives during the Great War with her healing skills, including his
own. She also had a talent for helping those who suffered psychological
trauma, and felt that he personally owed the Lady when she put him back
together both physically as well as mentally.
She had been tight lipped when he had asked about the identity of the
boy; she had been summoned by the medical team before he could ask
her any follow-up questions. If she was keeping the identity of the boy
secret he must be worthy of her silence he mused. But still he needed
answers, and those above his pay grade would demand them.
"So what do you think Al?" Robert McGonagall asked his longtime friend.
"I think we have a new player. Two attacks in two days by these "Death
Eaters", both attacks foiled and the attackers put down like rabid dogs. I
don't think we've seen the end of this, Rob, I think it's just getting started.
But what I want to know, is the identity of this boy. I fear he's going to
stir up a hornets' nest if he keeps killing off purebloods, even if they do
deserve it." Moody opined.
"Think we 'ave a new Dark Lord?" Robert asked.
"Don't rightly know. However, he has defended the helpless and has only
killed those who were attempting to harm or kill others." Moody
shrugged.
"Anything else you can give me before the Minister arrives?" The Hit
Wizard asked.
Moody sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes, the lingering smoke making
them dry and sore. "We have twelve dead Death Eaters and five
wounded. Seven townspeople were killed with several others injured or
suffering from shock. Five Hogwarts students were killed with at least a
dozen or more injured some seriously." Moody began.
"We believe that the Death Eaters were already in the town waiting for
the arrival of the students. Once the streets were full of students, the
Death Eaters initiated an anti-apparition ward that surrounded the high
street. That's when they opened fire.
According to witnesses, Bellatrix Black and the unidentified boy began to
engage the Death Eaters, soon followed by the Black brothers and Lady
Potter. Not much was seen of the fight between the two sides, the smoke
was thick and the majority of people tried to hide themselves away from
getting hit by spell fire. So the particulars are unknown.
Only the Blacks and Lady Potter know the full story, but for some reason
they don't feel like sharing. I do have enough information to determine
that they were not the aggressors but were acting in defense of the
village. But any death needs to be investigated." Moody informed his
friend.
"Sticky situation that, two noble houses." The redhead shook his head in
understanding and commiseration. "You'll have to tread carefully old
friend."
"Aye, but I do have some leads that I didn't have before. I got a pretty
good look at the lad before he disappeared and he is an associate of
Bellatrix Black. So, I think I'll have a word or two with Albus about his
students." The old auror commented.
oooOOOooo
The Lady Dorea Potter had transfigured her normally stylish robes to a
plainer and more functional set of robes, as she set about helping and
treating the wounded students and townspeople alongside the other
healers.
As she worked, her mind was bothered by the mystery that was Harry
Eveningshade. He looked so familiar to her yet could not quite place him,
and then there was the feeling she got when she had touched his
shoulder, it was as if her magic recognized him and his magic recognized
her. Then there was their initial meeting where she could have sworn he
was about to call her grandmother.
And his and Bella's spontaneous bonding! She was well versed in the old
ways and realized albeit a little late that the two had invoked an ancient
magical bonding, by claiming each other. Harry being the head of his
family had the power within him to initiate the bond, and Bella's
complete willingness to be bonded to him sealed it.
'Strange' she mused. There was much more to Harry Eveningshade, and
she was determined to find out what she could. She knew he was
powerful, she could feel it and what he did to those terrorists was
something she had never seen before. Though she noticed the signs of
magical exhaustion in the young man before he left with Bella,
nevertheless it was an impressive display of magic.
"A dark day is it not, when so much magical blood is spilled.' A gratingly
familiar voice said from behind her.
Dorea stood and turned to face the new arrival with an undisguised scowl
and was also surprised to see Minister Millicent Bagnold accompanying
him as well. "It's a dark day when any blood is spilled Albus. Minister
Bagnold, a pleasure as always." Dorea said diplomatically, receiving a
nod from the first female Minister for Magic.
"True enough, Lady Potter; however there are so few true magicals in
comparison to…"
"To what Albus…muggleborns, halfbloods, muggles?" Dorea asked
accusingly, her nerves raw from all the death around her.
Dumbledore held up his hands placatingly. "I was not suggesting that
anyone's heritage was less than that of another, I was merely pointing out
that the indiscriminant killing of so many magicals hurts us as a society
and could spawn further antipathy to those newer to our world."
"And why would protecting one's self create antipathy for new bloods?"
Dorea asked accusingly.
Dumbledore sighed heavily. "You know as well as I do Lady Potter that
those men that attacked the village are part of the new purist movement.
Their deaths will be blamed on the corruption of our world by those of
lesser blood status."
Dorea was ready to verbally pounce on Dumbledore for his arrogant
statement, but he again raised his hands to forestall the inevitable tongue
lashing.
"I know what you're about to say, nevertheless it is how it will be
perceived and how it will be portrayed by the purists. Meeting violence
with violence solves nothing and only exacerbates the problem. We must
seek alternatives to violence to bring our world back into balance."
Dumbledore stated in his grandfatherly style which had no effect on the
sharp as nails Potter matriarch.
"And what in Morgana's name are these alternatives! All I see Albus, is a
movement lead by a madman who will do whatever it takes to get his
way! This is not a political movement; this is a terrorist who kills children
meant to shock our society into capitulating to his demands!"
"Lady Potter, I feel if we can come to an understanding with the Purist
party we can avoid any further unpleasantries. Of course we may have to
allow them to pass certain legislation regarding muggleborns, at least in
the short term, but with oversight from the moderates such as your
husband, to make sure that any law submitted does not become
oppressive." The short gray haired minister commented adjusting her
rectangle wire rim glasses.
"I think that we must consider extending an olive branch to Voldemort
and the purist and give them a voice in policy making." Dumbledore
added. "For now it is for the greater good of our society on the whole.
"You are delusional Dumbledore! Take a look around you! Does this look
like a person who can be reasoned with?! Whose policies could bring
back the days of muggle hunting and subjecting a large portion of our
populace to second class citizens or worse!"
"I assure you Lady Potter that would never happen, the moderate houses
outnumber the extremists nearly three to one. And as we have stated any
bill would be looked at carefully before passed. It is in their best interest
to negotiate, I believe as Albus does, that giving them a voice will quell
the violence and our troubles will end." Bagnold replied receiving a nod
and a smile from Dumbledore.
"With all due respect minister…I fear we've only begun to see the
troubles." Dorea replied shooting a disgusted glare at Dumbledore.
oooOOOooo
Tom Marvolo Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort stood at the large floor to
ceiling window and stared out at the immaculate grounds of the
Lestrange Manor. Three members! Only three members of his assault
team to Hogsmeade had returned! His initial thoughts were to kill the
remaining incompetent fools that had returned to show his displeasure.
Instead he dismissed all of his assembled followers after extracting the
memory of the attack from those men who had fled. He now carefully
reviewed what had happen. He dissected every move that was made,
every spell that was cast.
His men in the beginning had actually performed well. They had taken
the village by surprise, wounding and killing many within the first two
minutes of the fight. It was then that things went pear shaped.
Apparently two children and three adults came from the direction where
five of his men had gone and since they had not returned he assumed
they were killed.
His men then worked as a team and took up defensive positions once
defenders arrived. They pinned down the new arrivals and seemed that
they would overwhelm them with concentrated spell fire on their
position. He recognized Orion and Cygnus Black and the girl who was
intended for the Lestrange boy amongst the defenders and Dorea Potter if
he was not mistaken.
The Blacks would be killed for their betrayal, the girl he would spare to
marry Lestrange, it would give him an in to the Black Fortune, after he
disposed of the other Blacks of course. He could not allow the betrayal of
the Blacks to his cause go unchallenged, an example must be made of
them to keep the other dark families from thinking of doing the same.
The Potters as of yet hadn't taken a position on the Purist movement,
although Lord Potter was a Dumbledore supporter and would most likely
side philosophically with the old fool, Lady Potter on the other hand
from all observations barely tolerated the man and would undoubtedly
put pressure on her husband to stay neutral at the very least. An attack
on the Potters though would not be wise; it could galvanize the neutrals
to side with the light making it more difficult to achieve his aims.
He needed the neutrals to remain neutral, and indifference was the key
that would keep them neutral. Most of the older families were fine to
look the other way when it came to the Purist movement because it did
not really affect them. They were for the most part unconcerned with
what was happening to others as long as it did not affect them.
However, the Potters were very popular and held a lot of political weight
in the Wizengamot and were one of the most influential of the neutral
families. To go after them would invite a lot of unwelcome attention from
those he was hoping would ignore him. Oh, he had his plans for the
neutrals, but those plans would not happen until after he took control of
the government. So for now, he would not touch the Potters.
That left just one more mystery to figure out. The boy…who was he? He
viewed the memory again and was astonished how the boy seemed to rip
right through the anti-apparition wards set by his most competent
warders. The speed and accuracy of his spells was something he had only
seen in the best of duelists.
What worried him the most was how the boy seemed to turn to smoke as
two dark curses went straight through him at point blank range. Then his
hands seem to pass through his men's chest like a hot knife through
butter, killing them. This was magic he had never seen before, and did
not know how to defend against.
With the lethality of the boy's spells, and his lack of emotion when he
killed, the boy was obviously from a dark family but which one? He
would need to find out and send envoys to his family and persuade them
to join his cause. Or he would need to kill the boy, he could not allow the
boy to live with that kind of power, he could pose a threat to him one
day.
What he did take away from all of this, was that he needed to move up
his plans to perform the next power ritual. The dark rituals warned of
doing more than one per solar cycle but this boy was a bad omen, and it
was clear that he needed to expedite his journey to immortality.
oooOOOooo
Bella rubbed her tired eyes and reached for the mug that was sitting on
the bedside table. She brought the mug to her lips and tilted it back. She
frowned at discovering the mug was empty, she had lost count at how
many cups of coffee she had finished but that did not matter she needed
to stay awake she had to learn as much as she could from the journals
that now littered her bed.
"Kreacher!" Bella called.
"Mistress called?" Kreacher's hoarse voice whispered.
"More coffee Kreacher, I don't want this mug to empty! Am I
understood?" Bella told the old elf in irritation.
"Kreacher understands mistress." Kreacher popped away and a moment
later returned with a fresh cup of steaming java.
"You need to rest dear. You have been at this for hours; you will be of no
use to Harry if you exhaust yourself." Walburga spoke gently from her
portrait.
"Auntie I need to know if there is anything in these bloody journals about
the Eveningshade magic, its limitations, its weaknesses, anything that I
can use to help Harry understand it and not kill himself by not knowing
what he can and can't do.
I think he got lucky auntie, I don't think what Harry did was controlled
magic; I think his magic reacted independent of his thoughts in a sort of
automatic self-preserving way. From what I've been able to discover, the
Eveningshade magic is progressive, it builds slowly over years until it
reaches its majority or its zenith.
Harry shouldn't have been able to do what he did in the attack; at least I
don't think so. It's all rather confusing, the journal speaks of levels and
tiers of magic, a bit about how to release the magic when a tier is
reached, but does not specify what magic each tier contains.
I believe Harry somehow was able to access a higher level of his family
magic than should have been possible." Bella informed the portrait.
"And this is a bad thing?" Walburga asked.
"Yes, very much so, from what I've been able to understand it's like taking
Belladonna…in small doses it does no harm and has healing properties
but in large doses it becomes toxic and lethal. It is the same with the
Eveningshade magic, when gradually absorbed it strengthens him and
slowly increases is magical core, but in large doses it becomes toxic,
unstable, and if too much is absorbed at once…it could kill him." Bella
stated with a large lump in her throat.
"But how do you keep him from not accessing too much and overdosing
on his magic?"
"That I don't know, and the journals so far have said nothing about
limiting their magic." A frustrated Bella replied.
"So what is the Eveningshade family magic?" Walburga asked curiously.
Bella raised an eyebrow at her aunt. "Well, we are family now." Walburga
added pointing to Bella's ring. Bella looked happily at the blood red ring
on her finger and sighed contentedly.
"Well, the journals don't go into specifics, more like they allude to certain
abilities, like the sight, without having read the journals you would think
it refers to maybe visions or seeing the future, but it refers to the
Eveningshade ability to see certain magics like wards.But I think the best
way to describe their family magic is the power to manipulate."
"The power to manipulate?"
"Yes, they have an ability to manipulate magic and their physical selves
as well." Bella stated.
"Can you explain that a little better?" Walburga asked.
"Well, because of their ability to see magic they can manipulate it. They
can see the threads that weave a spell and make subtle changes to it that
could turn a blasting hex into a tickling charm. In theory." Bella stated
with a shrug.
"What do you mean in theory?" Walburga asked.
"A caster who has a lot of power and can cast fast moving spells would
make it difficult for the Eveningshade to manipulate it. Fortunately, most
dark spells take time to cast and are slower moving than normal spells,
with the exception of the Avada Kedavra which is among the fastest of
spells."
"And Harry can do this?" Walburga asked.
Bella shook her head. "No, from what I gathered Harry must first learn
how to recognize the spell and how it is weaved, seeing the magic behind
it does him no good if he doesn't know the mechanics behind it. After
that, it will require a lot of practice." Bella yawned, her eyelids getting
heavy as she spoke.
"You also mentioned the Eveningshades can physically manipulate
themselves, how do you mean?" Walburga asked with interest.
"Again not sure of the mechanics behind it, but they can somehow
change the physical structure of their bodies on like a cellular level.
Harry turning to smoke is an example of it. I think that's where the
stories of them being ghosts come from. It's how they can pass through
solid stone, and rip through wards like tissue or how spells can pass right
through them.
There are limits though, Harry was actually very lucky, the idiot, truly
powerful spells could have still affected him. I doubt he would have
survived an AK. The spells that went through him may have had
something to do with why he was so weakened as well." Bella rubbed her
face with both hands, exhaustion catching up with her.
"But what about the supposed angel and demon inheritance, does that
give him any additional powers?" Walburga asked getting to the part she
thought would be the most intriguing. But her question went unanswered
as she heard the gentle snoring of her niece.
Bella had curled up against Harry and buried her face in his neck. She
wrapped her arm tightly around his waist and pulled herself as close to
him as possible. It had been nearly twenty-three hours since the attack
and Harry had not stirred once, and she would not leave his side until he
did. A warm comforter materialized over the young couple and the lights
dimmed. Hogwarts would now keep vigil over her weary champions.
oooOOOooo
S/N: So a bit of a filler chapter and smaller than my normal chapters,
but it does give more background to the Eveningshade magic, but not
all. : ) Many people have asked about Lily and if Harry will make
himself known to her and claim her as a member of the Eveningshade
family. I'm debating this, because if he brings her into the family it
could change the dynamic between her and James, but this is my story
and although AU, I don't want to change the personalities of James and
Lily too much. But anything is possible.
Again thank you all so much for the reviews! I hope you will all take the
time and review this chapter as well!
16. Chapter 16
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
A/N: I apologize for the short chapter last time, but it felt like the right
place to stop it. This chapter is much longer, yay! A lot of great reviews
last time keep them coming! ; ) Without further ado I hope you enjoy
this latest chapter of Passageways.
Chapter 16
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk drumming his fingers absentmindedly
on the polished wood, his thoughts alternated between worry, anger, and
suspicion on the whereabouts of Harry Potter. He had not shown up for
any of his classes on Monday or Tuesday and here it was Wednesday
morning and he wondered if the boy would be a no show again.
The portraits and the ghosts, much to his consternation, continued in
their refusal to help him locate the boy. However, the Grey Lady did state
that the boy was safe and in the castle, that was something, but she
would not elaborate further. Even the House Elves refused to divulge his
whereabouts.
He rubbed his temples in frustration as his mind began to reel with all
the implications of Harry's isolation, he needed to start preparing Harry
for his destiny and soon. His spies had informed him that the Dark Lord
was beginning to reestablish old alliances, large sums of Galleons were
being moved from account to account in an effort to hide where the
transactions were ending up, and the darker families of the Wizengamot
were starting to meet in convocation.
Dumbledore imagined that this time around Voldemort would not want
knowledge of his existence to get out until he was completely ready and
had taken out any serious opposition. Voldemort had learned hard
lessons during his last campaign to overthrow the government. His first
attempts had been an embarrassment and he had lost several followers to
a pair of teenagers in what would be considered the first shots of the war.
The teens inspired many a witch and wizard to take up their wands and
fight back against the purists, and in Dumbledore's opinion caused an
unnecessary escalation of the war. If the people had just followed his
advice and not retaliated against the Death Eaters, he believed they
would have eventually seen the error of their ways and ceased attacking
their fellow witches and wizards and would come to see how precious
every drop of magical blood was and turn from Voldemort's more radical
beliefs. And with no support Voldemort would be powerless and
eventually give up his misguided cause.
Dumbledore recalled how soon after the embarrassment that was the
Hogsmeade attack in the fall of 1971 came a more devastating attack that
made the wizarding world stand up and take notice. It was also the
beginning of Voldemort's organization truly militarizing itself and going
underground. No longer were alliances spoken aloud, and denials of
Purist associations were rampant. True loyalties were kept close to the
vest, and it was the first time Voldemort was characterized by the
government as The Dark Lord.
By mid-1972, Voldemort had given up any pretense of being a political
reformer and demanded nothing less than the unconditional surrender of
Wizarding Britain to him and his followers. Kidnappings, assassinations,
and mass exoduses of magicals, regardless of blood purity, left the
country leaving it with few defenders.
Spies from both sides were saturated throughout the Ministry of Magic
and paranoia was rampant. Friend turned on friend, families were
divided and old alliances began to splinter. Dumbledore sighed as his
thoughts brought to mind all the death and destruction that had been
wrought.
He idly thought how if he had been able to foresee what troubles the
actions of those two teens would create he would have killed them
himself. He would have done anything to avoid them inspiring the people
to create the village militias which took the lives of so many members of
noble and old families.
But he could not go back in time to change the past, not because he was
afraid of altering the future but because the technology did not exist to
send someone back for more than a couple of days, but if he could, he
would go back and erase the very existence of the illusive and mysterious
Lord and Lady Eveningshade.
oooOOOooo
Harry was making his way down to breakfast in the Great Hall; it was
still rather early just a quarter of seven but he was anxious to start the
day. He had been unconscious for two days and had awakened late
Tuesday night feeling so exhausted as if he had swam the width of the
English Channel at least half a dozen times and back.
Bella had burst into happy sobs when he had finally awoken but then
proceeded to hit and swear at him for the next hour for being a bloody
daft Gryffindor who had a death wish. Then it was back to sobbing which
eventually lead to an intense round of love making that lasted late into
the night or early morning depending on your perspective. Harry still
couldn't manage to remove the goofy grin on his face as he made his way
through the ancient castle.
Bella had told Harry about his condition and what she had learned from
the Eveningshade journals about the strengths and limitations of the
family magic. Bella, unsurprisingly, had felt new magic beginning to
develop within her as well. From her readings she knew that it would
most likely happen.
She discovered and had explained to Harry that when they had claimed
each other they had unintentionally invoked an ancient rite of marriage.
Long before there were such formal things as weddings and hand-
fasting's, there was marriage by love and magic. There were of course
specific conditions that had to be met, and amongst those conditions
were the couples' devotion to each other and their claiming of one
another along with Harry's status as head of house. Though not all
inclusive it was enough for magic to bond the two together.
And with that bonding, the Eveningshade blood, she explained, would
begin to manifest itself within her, and would begin to alter her magic
subtly until it became the dominant magic within her. But, like Goblin
made weapons, the Eveningshade magic absorbed that magic within its
new host that would make it stronger and thus each new generation of
Eveningshade would find itself more powerful than the generation
before.
So the Black magic that included a proclivity and a talent for dark magic
would be absorbed and passed on, as well as the latent metamorphic
ability that had been dormant for several generations would be absorbed
and could manifest itself in Bella's and Harry's children.
Harry had been stunned by everything Bella had learned and was feeling
relieved if not extremely lucky that he had not killed himself. He would
have to really focus on studying the family journals and learn more about
his family magic, so he didn't accidentally off himself.
Bella had also learned some very interesting facts about their rings; they
were born and forged from Eveningshade blood, and the rings could
identify anyone with Eveningshade blood no matter how distant the
relation might be. The rings could also be used as a magical focus; by
using and focusing the magic within the blood that created the ring it
could be used as a wand, although it would appear that the wearer was
performing wandless magic.
Another benefit was that the rings would alert the wearer of any foreign
magic's that were placed upon them such as tracking or compulsion
charms and would react defensively against any mental attack. Though
the rings offered no mental protection from attacks like legilimency it did
send out a magical pulse to disrupt the attempt.
Bella had strongly encouraged Harry to continue studying Occlumency
with her so that he could better protect his mind, just in case the ring for
some reason or another failed to stop the mental attacker physically.
Harry had quickly agreed, he did not like the idea of someone getting
into his head.
They both had agreed that they needed to make appearances back in
their own times. Bella was sure that people would be wondering where
she had gotten to, and assumed that people in Harry's time would be
searching for him as well. Harry planned to tell anyone who may
interrogate him on his whereabouts that he was physically incapable of
attending classes for the last couple of days, which was true but did not
give the full story which he had no intention of doing.
As Harry walked through the castle his skin began prickling with the
magic flowing through the ancient structure. Though he could not
identify what every jolt and tingle meant he was beginning to recognize
certain patterns in the magic flowing around him. Certain wards in
particular he could definitely identify others he assumed he would learn
in time. He learned this was one of the Eveningshade's magical gifts and
with practice he would learn to control it.
He was very intrigued by the art of physical manipulation, he had
learned from Bella that it was the most dangerous, if not one of the most
beneficial of his family secrets. To alter ones very structure and density
was incredibly exciting, but he had no idea how he had managed it in
Hogsmeade or even how to attempt it now. It was something he would
need to search for in the family Grimoire.
Before he had realized it he had entered the Great Hall, fortunately there
were few students about and no one had paid him any notice. He was
about to head to the Gryffindor table, an automatic reflex after four
years, but he had immediately changed direction when he saw a familiar
head of long blonde hair sitting by herself at the Ravenclaw table.
"Good morning Harry Potter." Luna greeted without looking up from her
breakfast plate. Harry was no longer surprised by Luna's seemingly
prescient sight when it came to knowing when he was near. He was
however surprised to see an impressive replica of the Giza pyramids
made from beans and toast and the Sphinx made from a large sausage.
"Morning Luna, may I join you?" Harry asked his quirky friend.
Luna looked up at him. "It's still you then?" it was half statement half
question.
"Uh…I think so yeah." Harry replied.
"That explains why you didn't kiss me." Luna shrugged.
"Huh?" Was Harry's only response.
"Well, my Harry would have kissed me good morning, but I suppose you
could have been one of the other Harrys', one in particular is kind of a
git…too many nargles crawling around his head you see." Luna
whispered conspiratorially.
"But you seem to be the first Harry, my friend Harry, and although you
are very sweet I hope the other Harry isn't too long in coming…I'm
looking forward to the kisses." Luna smiled in a daze.
"You lost me Luna." Harry shook his head.
"Eventually, yes." Luna frowned. "But when you leave me the other Harry
well appear, although there are a few possible variations of you that
could come, not all of them nice. I'm personally hoping for the one who
will be my boyfriend, he will be ever so nice and will taste like
butterscotch when we kiss." Luna smiled and licked her lips.
"Ooo…kay." Harry stated thinking that her comment was a little creepy.
"Besides…" Luna continued. "It isn't proper to kiss a married man,
although I suppose an innocent kiss wouldn't be too scandalous. Would
you like to kiss me Harry?" Luna asked innocently her grey-blue eyes
sparkling.
Harry looked at his friend in stunned disbelief. "How did you know I
was..a kiss…what?"
"You know, you're very cute when you're confused." Luna giggled
musically.
Harry shook his head a chuckled despite himself. "Luna…" Harry began
cautiously. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course you can Harry." She stated taking a rather large spoonful of
butterscotch pudding and moaning luxuriously as she swirled the sweet
substance around her tongue.
"Right." Harry arched an eyebrow. "Um…I was wondering…well you see,
you seem to know things…"
"I know lots of things Harry; I am a Ravenclaw after all." Luna said in a
matter-of-fact voice.
"Indeed, but what I was trying to ask…well I know you can see magic
and all, I've recently developed the same talent, but is there something
more to your ability. I mean can you…are you a seer is what I guess I'm
trying to ask. It's just, you seem to know things that you shouldn't be able
to know."
Luna slowly put her spoon down on the table and then interlaced her
fingers and placed her hands in her lap. She stared down at her plate for
a moment before lifting her head again and gazed speculatively into
Harry's eyes. Harry could tell she seemed to be deliberating something,
her eyes were focused and clear, and Harry could see for the first time
the intellectual depth of the person who sat before him.
Harry felt a privacy ward go up around him that surprised him. He could
see strands of magic coming from Luna that seemed to be powering the
ward. She smiled knowingly at him sensing that he could see the magic.
"My mother's family magic is very…unique." Luna began as Harry
returned his attention to the lithe blonde.
"We are not seers Harry, at least not how our world defines a seer. Magic
is a funny thing, how it ebbs and flows around us." Luna said, waving her
hand through the air.
"Most witches and wizards in our world only see magic as a thing, a tool
that we can bend to our will. But it is so much more Harry. It is a living
thing, a living thing that exists within us but it also transcends the
physical world and moves freely between space and time.
Each of us leak magical energy, even when we are not calling upon it and
we expel larger amounts depending on what we are doing or what we are
casting. This magic leaves echoes that move in and out of space and time.
The women in my family are sensitive to these echoes and are able to
extrapolate certain things from them. Giving us a peek at what could be.
Let me be clear on this point Harry, magic does not just flow in our
reality but in many realities and it moves back and forth. So the echoes
we see could be from any reality, it is difficult to know which pertain to
this reality as opposed to another reality." Luna said.
"Sounds like it is very confusing." Harry replied. Luna smiled and nodded.
"I try and unfocus my mind as often as possible to avoid the echoes, but it
doesn't always work. However, there are patterns within the echoes if I
look hard enough, and I sometimes can follow a strand at least for
awhile, and can say with reasonable certainty if it will affect me or not.
But there are always variations of it.
For example I know that you will be leaving me soon and another you
will take your place, what I don't know is which you will appear, I've
seen at least five possibilities. In two of them we become a couple, and
one of those will lead to marriage. The others…well you turn out to be
kind of a git. Like I said before I hope the one that becomes my future
husband takes your place." Luna said with a blush.
"So, do you see what happens to me?" Harry asked patting his chest.
"I've tried to follow your magical echo, but it's been very difficult to
follow because your magical signature somehow is slowly changing.
What I do know is that your future lay somewhere in the past, which is
what confuses me. I can see echoes from the past, which is not strange,
but they are from people from that time, but you're not of that time, yet I
definitely have seen the echo of your magic coming from the past. So I
can only assume that you are traveling back in time somehow." Luna
stated looking poignantly at her friend.
Harry looked at his friend and wondered if he should tell her about what
has been happening with him. She practically just told him that she
knows he has been traveling to the past, so telling her the truth could not
hurt him he reasoned.
"You mentioned something about me being married." Harry questioned
his friend.
Luna nodded her head. "Although the ring is invisible to the naked eye, I
can see the magic of it. I can also see the ring sending out a strand of
magic that seems to be searching for something or someone." Luna smiled
knowingly.
"I've seen this type of magic in rings before, the rings are very rare and
usually belong to a husband and wife typically a lord and lady of an
ancient house." Luna replied. "So obviously the ring has a mate, which
leads me to the conclusion that you are married."
"You are too clever Luna." Harry grinned. "Meet me by the large oak by
the Black Lake after dinner tonight; there are some things I'd like to tell
you." Harry said making up his mind to confide in his eccentric friend.
"Sure thing, Harry." Luna said as they both got up and walked together
toward the entrance hall.
"Oh, just one other thing Harry." Luna said turning toward Harry and
grabbing him by the collar; before he could react Luna had pressed her
lips against his in a firm but chaste kiss.
"Hmm, that was unexpected." Luna replied after she released him.
Dazed at what just happened Harry asked. "What was unexpected?"
"You didn't taste like butterscotch at all." She replied with a quirked
eyebrow.
"Oh. What did I taste like?" Harry replied tasting a hint of strawberry
from Luna.
"Cinnamon. You taste like cinnamon. Oh well, I hope the Harry that
tastes of butterscotch is the one who comes when you leave." Luna smiled
before skipping away.
"Are you dating Luna Lovegood Harry?" A surprised voice from behind
him asked.
"Hello Hermione." Harry turned, amicably greeting his onetime best
friend. "And no I'm not dating Luna, we're just good friends." Harry
chuckled still tasting a hint of strawberry on his lips.
"Oh." Hermione replied, her voice then became softer and concerned.
"Harry, where have you been for the last couple of days? Everyone has
been worried about you. Professor Dumbledore has approached me about
a dozen times asking me about you."
"I've been a bit under the weather and decided to rest for a couple of
days." Harry replied.
"Why didn't you go to see Madam Pomfrey?" She asked.
"Who says I didn't?" Harry retorted.
"She did. I asked." Hermione replied folding her arms across her chest.
"Well, I didn't want to bother her it wasn't anything life threatening."
Harry lied, according to Bella he came very close to snuffing it.
"Well, I'm happy your better." Hermione replied relaxing her arms. "Have
you eaten yet?"
Harry had been so engrossed with his conversation with Luna that he had
completely forgotten to eat something. "No, I could use a bite to eat."
Harry replied.
This time Harry followed Hermione to the Gryffindor table. He pulled a
plate toward him and started filling his plate. More and more students
made their way into the Great Hall to have a bite to eat before classes
started.
He noticed Vincent Crabbe walk in with another Slytherin boy by the
name of Theo Nott he believed. They walked on either side of a pretty
girl with dark blonde hair with brown highlights. Harry furrowed his
forehead in thought. He couldn't remember ever seeing this girl before;
she was very pretty and was sure he would have noticed her before now.
"Hermione…" Harry began. "Did the Slytherin's get a transfer student or
something over the last couple of days?"
"No, why?" Hermione asked.
"Well there's a new girl at the Slytherin table sitting between Crabbe and
Nott." Harry stated.
Hermione looked up from her breakfast toward the Slytherin table. "Ha
ha Harry, very funny."
"I'm not being funny Hermione, who's that girl between Crabbe and Nott."
Harry asked again genuinely curious.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you're playing at Harry,
we've known her since first year…the pompous slag."
"Hermione language!" Harry scolded playfully. "I'd think I'd remember
her."
"Are you serious Harry!' Hermione huffed. "You and Malfoy have been
enemies since the train ride first year!"
"What's Malfoy got to do with her?" Harry asked.
"What's Malfoy got to do…! Harry you and Antoinette Malfoy have been
at each other throats since we first met the French tart when she barged
into our compartment with Crabbe and Nott first year!" Hermione hissed.
"What are you talking about Hermione? Draco Malfoy barged into our
compartment first year with Crabbe and Goyle. And he isn't French the
last time I checked." Harry replied in exasperation.
Hermione placed her hand on Harry's forehead. "Are you still sick
Harry?" Hermione asked with concern. "I've never heard of a Draco
Malfoy and who is Goyle?"
Harry gawked at his friend in disbelief, 'how could she not know who
Draco Malfoy is?!' Harry mused. "No bloody way! Could I have…did I
change something?" Harry mumbled to himself.
"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked tentatively placing a gentle hand
on his arm.
"Hermione, humor me for a moment, forget that I know anything about
Malfoy. Tell me about him, err, I mean her." Harry asked.
Hermione gave Harry a worried look. "O-okay Harry." Hermione replied.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything." He replied.
Twenty minutes later and Harry was dumbfounded by what Hermione
had told him. Apparently The Malfoys' had fled to France before the first
war with Voldemort had truly begun. Lucius and his wife Esmeralda Dù
Dampierre, had moved back to Britain so that their only child Antoinette
Malfoy could attend Hogwarts.
Antoinette was spoiled, much like Draco had been, but where Draco had
more bark than bite, this version of Malfoy was clever as a cat and one of
the top students in their year. Harry decided to stay well and clear of her.
Harry wondered what other changes had occurred, obviously Goyle never
came to Hogwarts, he wondered if the elder Goyle had been killed in the
Hogsmeade attack. He hadn't asked Bella about the casualties, but he
figured it was possible.
Harry was waiting outside the Charms classroom with Hermione when
everyone straightened up at the arrival of the headmaster of the school.
"Ah, Harry, would you mind accompanying me to my office. I need to
have a quick chat with you." Dumbledore gave his best grandfatherly
smile.
"But I have a class right now sir. And it's Lord Black if you remember."
Harry replied sharply. "Can't it wait till after the class?" He said watching
the head master closely.
"I'm afraid not. It's rather important." Dumbledore pressed.
"Will Professor McGonagall be present?" Harry asked.
"But of course Harr…Lord Black." Dumbledore smiled but it did not seem
to reach his eyes.
"I'll see you later Hermione." Harry told the bushy haired girl and turned
away following Dumbledore.
Surprisingly, Professor McGonagall was waiting for them at the stone
gargoyle guardian. Harry had a suspicion that Dumbledore was being less
than truthful. She seemed relieved to see him. He suspected she had been
worried about his absence as well. He felt a little guilty but he truly was
incapacitated.
"Mr. Potter." The stern Scot greeted.
"Hello professor." Harry returned with a nod.
"Are you well?" She asked with a slight inflection of worry in her voice.
"I am now professor, I appreciate your concern." He warmly smiled. She
nodded and then placed a hand on his shoulder and they proceeded up to
the headmaster's office.
Harry and Minerva entered the large circular office and took the two
seats that faced the large ornate oak desk. Dumbledore had taken his seat
and was sitting back in his chair and watched Harry carefully as he took
his seat.
Dumbledore had the annoying habit of remaining silent and gazing
intently at a person he was trying to intimidate for several long minutes.
The awkward silence would cause most people to fidget nervously and
become off balanced, it was a game of wills, a power play and
Dumbledore was a master at it. When people were off balance they
usually were more susceptible to subtle manipulations and suggestion.
He wanted Harry off balance, no he needed him to be, Harry must be
made to understand that it is he…Dumbledore who was in control and
held the power. He must be made to believe that only through his
subservience to the greatest wizard alive could he hope to survive
Voldemort.
"Lord Black…" Dumbledore, finally breaking the silence, a bit perturbed
that Harry showed no signs of intimidation or nervousness.
"Would you kindly explain why you have not attended classes for the last
two days?" Dumbledore asked. "And I want to know exactly where you
are staying. Mr. Weasley has stated that you have not set foot in the
dorm rooms since the term began."
"To the first question headmaster, I was ill and did not wish to make
myself worse by attending classes." Harry said firmly.
"Yet you did not seek Madam Pomfrey out or even stop by the Hospital
wing." Dumbledore stated.
"I did not feel that it was necessary to disturb Madam Pomfrey in this
case. I was just feeling out of sorts, no broken bones or life threatening
injuries." Harry commented.
Dumbledore gazed at Harry trying to read him, but for some reason he
detected no surface thoughts as he usually could from the boy. This was
perplexing; Potter had always been an open book to him. His thoughts
and emotions were so close to the surface that even a first year could tell
what he was feeling or thinking.
'Someone has been teaching him how to control his emotions and
thoughts.' He mused. 'It had to be Granger!' The girl was becoming a right
nuisance and he wouldn't put it past the girl to have read something on
occlumency and had been instructing Potter on how to protect his
thoughts. He would deal with her later.
"In the future Mr. Potter, I request that if you are significantly ill enough
to not attend classes that you pay a visit to our resident healer. Is that
understood?" Dumbledore reprimanded.
Harry smiled tightly. "Of course, headmaster."
"Now then, to my other question. Where have you been staying since the
term began?" Dumbledore glared over the top of his half-moon
spectacles.
"As you are no doubt aware, I was censured by my house last year and
had to spend the last few months of the school year on a cot in the
Hospital Wing. When I arrived this year I was informed by my
housemates that my banishment was still in effect." Harry tonelessly
replied.
"It is my understanding though, that your housemates have recently
rescinded your banishment and that you are allowed back into Gryffindor
Tower." Dumbledore replied.
"Is that right, well jolly good for them, but I won't be returning to the
tower." Harry replied coolly.
Dumbledore smiled condescendingly. "I'm afraid you have no choice but
to return, all students must stay in a dorm room."
"That rule didn't seem to make a difference last year headmaster; I would
hardly call the hospital wing a dorm room, would you?" Harry countered.
"That was an unfortunate business last year Harry and I do apologize, but
perhaps I can make it up to you by allowing you to use the Gryffindor
Head Boy dorm room, you would have a room all to yourself but still be
in the tower." Dumbledore gestured magnanimously.
"I don't think so headmaster, besides I am quite comfortable where I am."
Harry replied.
"And exactly where is that?" Dumbledore asked finally getting to what he
had wanted to know, having the castle keep this information from him
was driving him spare, it made tracking the boy impossible.
Harry was not about to give away his true location to the crazy old man
but instead gave him a plausible alternative. "I am currently staying in
one of the Lord's chambers." Harry replied confidently.
"Funny, how you never mentioned that those rooms were available to
students who are heads of their family house. Fortunately I was made
aware of their existence and have taken up residence in one of them."
Harry replied steadfastly.
"I see…" 'Granger!' He thought furiously. "I assure you that it was merely
an oversight on my part. They have been rarely used in the last century.
But wouldn't you want to reconnect with your friends and the other
members of Gryffindor? I'm sure they would love to have you back."
Dumbledore smiled encouragingly.
"I was turned out headmaster! I have no desire to reconnect with those
who turned their backs on me nor do I wish to associate with them."
Harry spat, his temper getting the best of him for a brief moment before
he reined his emotions back in.
Dumbledore thought that he had indeed miscalculated Harry's response
to his exile from Gryffindor something that he himself and encouraged.
He believed it would humble the boy, make him more malleable, but
instead it had hardened him, made him more defiant and independent.
Yes he had made a mistake in his handling of the Potter boy, he admitted
that now, but he still needed the boy to bring back order to the chaos so
that the Greater Good could once more get back on track.
"Harry, Harry…" Dumbledore began.
"I've have told you repeatedly headmaster not to address me in the
familiar. You will either address me as Mr. Potter or Lord Black." Harry
stated coldly.
"My apologies Mr. Potter, but I think you are being unreasonable in not
allowing your classmates the opportunity to demonstrate their remorse in
what transpired last year, they are truly repentant and would like to be
forgiven of their trespasses against you. Surely you can afford them that."
"I'm most willing to forgive." Harry commented to a smiling Dumbledore.
"However, I will not forget, nor will I place myself in a position amongst
them where I appear anything more than tolerant of them. And
communing once again with them is more than I'm willing to give. So I
will remain where I am, as is my right as a Lord and that will be the end
of this discussion headmaster. Now if there is nothing else I would like to
prepare for my next class." Harry stood and without a second glance at
Dumbledore bid Minerva good bye and left the office.
When Harry left, Albus turned to Minerva. "I fear he is going dark
Minerva, when one can turn his back on his friends it is a sad affair."
Dumbldeore pontificated.
"He is most definitely not going dark Albus! But if he were, I suspect it
would be because of your scheming and meddling in his life. He is not a
tool Albus! He is a young man, and I swear if you continue to manipulate
that boy or anyone around him I will see you removed from this
institution!" McGonagall hissed.
"You forget yourself Minerva! You were a willing participant in how
Harry was guided, and I will not hear your sanctimonious ramblings now
on how I am dealing with the boy! Don't forget your own complicity in
the tests during his first year with the Philosophers' Stone. Then there
was your refusal to defend him against the false accusations of being
Slytherins' heir, in his second year.
And then there was the latest betrayal in his fourth year, where you
allowed him to be banished from your house. He was given no support
from his head in fact never once did you defend his claim that he had not
entered his name in the goblet. The attacks on him went uninvestigated,
and no one was punished."
"You bastard!" Minerva growled. "By your orders and my blind faith in
you, did I allow those things to happen!" She yelled.
"If there is guilt to be had Minerva we share it equally, you were not
under the imperious. But, no matter your feelings now, Harry IS the one
that must confront Voldemort. We both know he is not strong enough to
beat him, but his sacrifice will weaken the Dark Lord enough where I can
end him once and for all. That is why we have done what we have done.
Flitwick, Pomona, Severus, and you and I understood that the Potter boy
must be sacrificed when Voldemort returned. It is the only way to save
our society."
"I don't believe that anymore Albus, Harry deserves to live his life, he
deserves to be happy and find love and to grow old. What I have done to
that sweet boy will be a shame and sin that I will carry to the next life.
But I will spend from this day to that protecting that boy. So I give you
fair warning Albus, stop whatever it is your planning and leave Harry
alone." Minerva stated defiantly.
"You disappoint me Minerva; you, more than most, know the pain the
last war caused. Are you willing to sacrifice the safety and lives of others
just to protect one boy, an insignificant cipher in the grand scheme of
life?"
"No Albus, the disappointment is mine, that instead of choosing to help
and strengthen Harry, you have chosen to lead him like a lamb to
slaughter. The chosen one he may be, but I refuse to abandon the boy to
his fate, and you will find that the other professors support me in this,
with one obvious exception. We will teach Harry everything we know
and defend him to our last breath. So again, I say to you Albus
Dumbledore: LEAVE. HIM. BE! " Minerva ended with a fire in her eyes
that threatened to incinerate all it surveyed. Without another word she
spun on her heel and left the office slamming the door behind her.
Dumbledore watched with narrowed eyes as his deputy stormed from his
office. She had lost the vision, they had all lost the vision of what he was
trying to accomplish. He could no longer rely on anyone in the castle to
help him, except perhaps Severus, but since Severus was forced to take
the teachers oath he was limited to what he could do.
His other option was to recruit students to his cause, he had the youngest
Weasley already in his corner, it only cost him a few galleons a week to
keep the boy as a willing spy and operative. He was sure there would be
many other students who would jump at the chance to be his eyes and
ears in the castle.
Information was power and with the castle's refusal to spy for him, he
was no longer being fed the information he needed not only about the
Potter boy but for other key students he was keeping tabs on. And there
was already a need to find out what a certain bushy haired girl was up
to, she was becoming an annoyance and would need to be dealt with
soon. Her influence over Harry was making things difficult and he could
not have that.
oooOOOooo
Bella was surprised that her absence really wasn't noticed much except
by her sisters. It seemed that the attack in Hogsmeade had mobilized
many families to come to Hogwarts to check on their sons and/or
daughters to make sure they were alright. All classes had been cancelled
for the week to allow students a chance to mourn the loss of their
classmates and to attend the funerals.
Bella had learned from Andromeda that their father had received
permission from Dumbledore for the three sisters to go home for the
weekend. They were not the only students who had received such
permission as there were many parents who wanted their children to
come home to reassure themselves that there child was alive and well.
She had also been informed that Harry had also received a special
request by Orion to visit the family with Bella.
Bella was most curious, if not apprehensive, about bringing Harry home.
She didn't think that they would try anything against him, especially not
after witnessing what he had done to the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade. She
would talk it over with Harry, and they would come to some decision.
Bella thought also, while there was so much confusion at the school,
perhaps she and Harry could go to Gringotts and visit the Eveningshade
vaults again.
There were many other books there, journals from other heads of the
family and not to mention the family Grimoire. As an Eveningshade, she
now could open the book without consequence and she was dying to
learn more about the mysterious family. She was also curious to know if
her status as Lady Eveningshade had been recorded at the bank, or for
that matter the Hall of Records in the Ministry.
The mood in the castle was solemn, and yet you could feel the anxiety
and fear thick in the air. This generation of witches and wizards had not
known the terror of war. The Great War had ended before any of them
were born, so to have the ugliness that was war be thrust upon them in
such a horrific way was very unsettling.
The Daily Prophet had once again published the names of the deceased
Death Eaters and it was a literal, who's who of pureblood society, and a
list of the names of students and villagers killed was also published. The
minister had tried to be seen as a unifier by pandering to the Purists in a
speech given hours after the attack, but it had the opposite effect. The
moderates and the liberals demanded the arrest and prosecution of the
leadership of the Purist movement and the immediate incarceration of
Lord Voldemort.
According to the Prophet the outrage of the people was so severe that the
minister's security detail had to cast overlapping shields to protect the
minister front to back from hurled debris as they hurried to the
apparition site.
Bella noticed that there were a few students whispering fiercely and
pointing at her as she made her way to the court yard where Andromeda
and Narcissa were waiting for her. A few Slytherin students in particular
were giving her an icy glare, but Bella gave them no sign of unease or
worry, she strolled through the corridors with her head up and threw a
few of her own icy stares around which did have the intended effect of
causing those she glared at to turn away in alarm.
Bella reached her sisters unimpeded, Narcissa was the first to run up to
her and throw her arms around her waist. "Oh Bella, I was so worried
when we couldn't find you, Andi said you were probably fine and with
your boyfriend, but I was still worried." Narcissa cried happy tears that
her big sister was indeed okay.
"I'm sorry to have worried you Cissy but I was taking care of Harry." Bella
replied giving her sister an extra squeeze.
"Who's Harry? Is that the name of your boyfriend?" Cissy asked smiling
widely.
"Nope, that's the name of my husband." Bella smirked at the frozen faces
of her sisters.
"You were bound to learn of it sooner or later but I ask that you don't say
anything about it to anyone here at the school." Bella stated in a serious
tone.
"Your married?!" Narcissa asked.
"How did this happen, and when?!" Andromeda interrogated.
"Sunday, and quite spontaneously." Bella replied with a smile.
"Wow!" Narcissa gasped. "Did he give you a ring?"
"I do have a ring, yes." Bella replied lifting her left hand and allowing the
ring to become visible. Cissy cooed at seeing the ring, but Andromeda
blanched snow white.
"Bella, you know what house emblem that ring has on it?" Andromeda
gasped.
"I do." Bella stated seriously locking eyes with her sister.
"Then it's true then? There is an Eveningshade in England?" Andromeda
whispered and Narcissa eeped.
"Those are just bedtime stories r-right?" Narcissa asked nervously. "I
mean there aren't r-really any Eveningshades are there?"
"There is at least one and he is my husband and your brother-in-law."
Bella kneeled down and told her sister.
Narcissa's eyes went from wide with fear, to thoughtful, to smirking.
"Wicked! No one's gonna mess with our house now!" Narcissa crowed.
Bella chuckled at her little sister's antics. Andromeda looked as if she had
just made a connection and her face scrunched in horrific realization.
"It was you and he in Diagon Alley last Saturday wasn't it?! And it was
you and him that killed the terrorists Sunday in Hogsmeade as well!"
Andromeda asked, her jaw hanging open. "Bella, you killed people!"
Andromeda whispered harshly.
"Wicked!"
"Hush Cissy!" Andromeda scolded. "Bella how could you kill someone,
how could you be with a man that killed someone? I don't understand
this. You murdered twelve people!"
"Andi, those bastards didn't show up in the Alley or in Hogsmeade to take
in the bloody sights! They were there to cause as much mayhem as
possible and to kill whoever got in their way! For gods' sake Andi! They
killed Mr. Bell! And would have killed us if we hadn't defended
ourselves!
And you would be dead right now Andi! Burnt to a bloody crisp if Harry
hadn't killed those men keeping us from rescuing you! So you can take
this high and mighty attitude of yours and shove it up your…!"
"Bella! Andi!" Narcissa broke in. "We are sisters, and Blacks'; we don't
fight in front of others!" Narcissa scolded her sisters.
"You're right Cissy." Bella replied, her chest still heaving from the burst of
anger in her chest.
"I-I'm sorry Bella." Andi apologized, her head hung in shame. "It's just
been all monstrously stressfull these past few days. I-I didn't mean to
accuse you of…"
"Being a murderer?" Bella offered after Andi paused looking for the right
word to say.
Andi lowered her eyes and nodded. "And when you see Harry, please tell
him I'm grateful for what he did. I expect I owe him a life debt." Andi
shrugged, the tears rolling down her porcelain face.
Bella grabbed her sister in a hug which Andi immediately responded to
by wrapping her own arms around her older sister.
Cissy not wanting to be left out threw her arms around her two sister's
waists. Bella and Andromeda pulled her into their arms. "Hard times are
coming." Bella whispered. "We need to be strong and stick together no
matter what occurs. I will not hesitate to protect my family from anyone
who threatens us by whatever means necessary." Bella looked into
Andromeda's eyes communicating her meaning. Andromeda nodded her
head in understanding.
"Now, when's the plan to head home?" Bella asked as she stepped back
from her sisters.
"Papa has arranged a portkey for us for Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. It
will take us to the Black ancestral manor in Wales. Uncle Orion has called
a meeting of the family to discuss the family's future apparently."
Narcissa informed Bellatrix.
"Really?" Bella asked curiously. "Did he say anything else?"
"Not really, but the whole family has been requested to attend a meeting
Sunday evening." Andromeda stated.
"So, are you going to introduce us to your new husband Bella?" Narcissa
asked hopefully bouncing in place.
Bella chuckled at her youngest sister. "I'm sure you'll meet him soon
enough." She said.
"Andi said he was quite handsome and debonair." Narcissa gushed. "So,
does he have a younger brother?" she giggled.
Bella laughed merrily. "I'm afraid I must disappoint you and inform you
that he is an only child." Bella smiled.
"Excuse me, but may I have a word with you Miss Black?" An older male
voice asked. Bella turned around and nearly jumped when she saw Auror
Captain Alastor Moody standing in front of her with the red auror cloak
and his rank insignia on the collar.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Auror Captain Alastor Moody.
I was hoping to ask you a few questions about the attack in Hogsmeade
this past Sunday." The Great War veteran asked.
"I'm sorry, but I can't speak to you without the permission from my
family's head of house." Bella told him. She realized that he must have
seen her there and if he had seen her, he might have seen Harry as well.
She wasn't sure how to deal with this situation. She couldn't deny she
was there, if he had seen her, that would only raise his curiosity and
suspicion that she was trying to hide something.
"As a matter of fact, your Uncle Orion did give me leave to speak with
you, and before you ask, I have also spoken with the headmaster who
also granted his permission." Bella gulped, but tried to remain outwardly
aloof.
"Of course Captain Moody, but I don't know what I could possibly add
that I'm sure others you have interviewed have previously stated." Bella
remarked.
"I just needed to clarify a few things is all Miss Black; you understand
that when there are deaths, we must be very thorough in our
investigation. But perhaps this is not the most appropriate place to have
this discussion." Moody told the young woman.
"Indeed." Bella replied hesitantly.
"The headmaster has graciously allowed us the use of his office for this
meeting. If you desire the headmaster or your head of house can be there,
or your father if you like." Moody offered.
"I think I'd like my Aunt Dorea Potter there if it's the same to you?" Bella
informed him. She thought that the Potter Matriarch would have her best
interests at heart and more importantly, had heard that Moody had a soft
spot for the formidable woman who had saved his life on at least two
occasions if memory served.
"I don't see a problem with that, but I am curious as to why?" Moody
asked.
"I'm very close to my aunt and she was there in Hogsmeade with me, and
she is familiar with the law." Bella replied.
Moody looked appraisingly at the girl for a moment and wondered at the
request. "Very well, we can floo her from Dumbledore's office."
"Could we do this after dinner tonight Captain Moody? It's just that I
know Aunt Dorea volunteers at St. Mungos during the day and I'd hate to
pull her away from what she is doing. It would also allow me to get some
lunch and have time to get my things together for the trip home this
weekend."
Moody looked suspiciously at the girl, but acquiesced. "Very well, I need
to stop by St. Mungos anyway and I can speak to your aunt there and let
her know about the meeting."
"Thank you sir, I will be ready for the meeting right after dinner." Bella
stated in relief. She needed to speak to Harry and figure out how she was
going to handle this.
"I'll see you tonight then." Moody barked and then walked away from the
sisters.
"What was that all about?" Andromeda asked curiously, watching the old
auror make his way to the gates.
"Not sure, I guess he wants to know more about the attack." Bella
suggested evasively.
"I wonder if it has something to do with your husband being an
Eveningshade." Andromeda offered with an arched eyebrow.
Bella took a deep breath and let it out in one large exhale. "Listen you
two, this is a Black sister's secret! You cannot tell anyone about Harry or
that we're married." Bella whispered harshly at her sisters.
"But, why?" Narcissa asked disappointedly, she was most anxious to tell
her peers that her brother in-law was a member of the mythical if not
infamous family; she wanted those bullies in Slytherin to think twice
before annoying her or her friend again.
"It's complicated Cissy, but you must promise me that for now you will
keep my secret." She asked earnestly.
Narcissa huffed and grimaced but nodded her head. She stuck her arm
straight out with her palm out and fingers up. "Sister's promise."
Andromeda did the same followed by Bella; their hands were placed
together and formed a triangle. Then the three sisters in one voice
intoned their pledge. "Sister's Promise!" It was their own little way of
promising to keep each other's secrets. There was no magic involved but
the sister's saw the pledge as just as powerfully binding.
Bella nodded gratefully at her sisters and embraced them each. "I need to
go and meet with Harry, if anyone asks about me just tell them that I
wasn't feeling well and decided to have a rest." Receiving nods from her
sisters, Bella made her way back to the RoR.
oooOOOooo
Once in the room she asked Hogwarts to alert Harry to her need to see
him. Ten minutes later Harry had come through the door with a worried
look on his face.
"Is everything allright?" Harry asked his wife of three days.
"We have a problem." Bella began. "Moody came to see me today and
wanted to talk to me about the attack; I think he wants to ask me about
you. I have to meet him after dinner tonight." Bella nervously spoke, as
she paced back and forth in front of him.
Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, and wrapped his arms
around her in an attempt to calm her down. "It'll be okay; we'll come up
with something." Harry reassured her.
"I've asked that Aunt Dorea be present at the meeting." Bella told him.
Harry arched an inquisitive eyebrow. "Oh, why?" Harry asked.
"I think we need to have an ally Harry, and I think, out of all my
relatives, she would be the most trustworthy. I believe she would be
willing to help us and keep your secret. After all she is your grandmother
and I don't think she would turn her back on her own grandson." Bella
told her husband grabbing his hands and squeezing them.
Harry sighed heavily. "Do you really think that is a good idea? I can just
imagine all the questions that would raise in her mind." Harry sat heavily
on the couch. Bella kneeled in front of him taking his hands again.
"Harry, she is smart and cunning and is connected like nobody else, but
most importantly she is loyal to her family and has a practical mind. She
would understand the necessity of keeping your secrets. And I trust her
Harry, and you know how hard it is for me to trust anyone." Bella
reassured her love.
Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Okay, let's contact her.
Do you think we can meet with her before the meeting?"
"Yeah, she always goes home for lunch from St. Mungos, if we floo her
now we stand a good chance of catching her." Bella had just barely
finished speaking when a fire sprung up in the hearth of the fireplace and
a brass jar filled with floo powder appeared on the mantle.
"I guess the Lady Hogwarts thinks it's a good idea as well." Harry
chuckled.
"Well, go put on your dress robes! I don't want Aunt Dorea to see my
husband dressed in a shabby school uniform!" Bella told him, shoving
him towards their bedroom. Since their bonding Hogwarts got rid of one
of the bedrooms and now there was just one large bedroom for the two of
them.
Harry put on a crisp white shirt, a pair of pressed slacks and his best robe
with the Eveningshade coat of arms. He had let his hair grow out a bit, it
now reached his shoulder, and the length weighed down his normally
unruly hair and gave him a more old world aristocratic look.
While Harry was busy, Bella threw a handful of floo powder into the fire.
"Potter Keep!" Bella called out and then stuck her head in the fire. There
was a slight spinning sensation until her eyes focused into a Victorian
decorated receiving room.
"Aunt Dorea!" Bella called from the fire place.
"Hello there young lady."
"Oh, hello Uncle Charlus." Bella greeted her uncle.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" Charlus Potter said warmly.
Charles Potter was a tall man standing about 6'4" and of slender build,
his salt and pepper hair was of medium length, thick and combed straight
back. His most striking feature however were his bright hazel eyes that
always seemed to have an inner glow; they always appeared to be full of
warmth and mirth and drew you right in.
"I was actually looking for auntie, is she in?" Bella asked.
"Yes dear, I am." Dorea Potter replied walking in to the room. "Now what
can I do for you dear?"
"I was hoping that I could talk to you…uh privately." Bella looked at her
uncle apologetically.
"What about dear?" Dorea asked curiously.
"It has to do with what happened Sunday in Hogsmeade…and with my…
husband." Bella responded in a hushed tone.
"I see." The Potter Matriarch replied with interest.
"Husband, what husband?!" Charlus asked indignantly. "Why was I not
informed about a wedding?"
"It happened rather suddenly." Dorea told her husband. "I'll explain what
I can later." She patted his arm sympathetically.
"I can't wait to hear this." Charlus huffed.
"Don't mind him dear." Dorea winked at her niece. "Now, I would be
happy to meet with you. Would you prefer to come over here, or shall I
come to you."
"I think it might be better if you came over here, auntie." Bella replied.
"Very well dear, does your floo have an open connection?" Dorea asked.
"It does auntie."
"Right then, if you'll step back and leave the connection open I will come
straight through. And Charlus dear, would you notify Healer Quincey
that I will not be returning to the Hospital this afternoon." After receiving
a nod from her husband she stepped into the fireplace after Bella had
stepped back.
Dorea was impressed by the room she found herself in; it was warmly
decorated with wonderful medieval tapestries and dark wood furniture.
There was a comfortable looking sofa and two plush arm chairs, all
placed on a very large and ornately woven Persian rug. There was a
serving table along one wall with a ready tea set and a plate of biscuits.
The entire room had a natural calming effect on her as she looked around
the cozy apartment.
Harry entered the room to find that his grandmother had already arrived
and was looking around the room. Once again he felt a swelling in his
chest as he glanced at the regal looking woman. She had the Black family
good looks despite her age, her long black hair just now showing a few
streaks of gray.
Harry had heard that his grandparents were advanced in years when they
finally had James, but she still was a very attractive woman, and yet had
a command presence about her that demanded attention.
"Good evening Lady Potter, thank you for coming." Harry greeted in a
formal tone he took her hand in his and gave a slight bow over it. He told
himself he would need to thank Walburga for her lessons in pure blood
etiquette.
"Good evening, Lord Eveningshade." Dorea replied with a slight nod of
her own. She nearly gasped at Harry's touch which sent her thoughts
reeling for a moment. "I must admit I've been most anxious to speak with
you, ever since the incident in Hogsmeade."
"Likewise Lady Potter, and please call me Harry. Please, do have a seat,
would you care for some tea?" Harry asked playing the host.
"That would be lovely, thank you Harry." She replied.
Bella moved to the tea set and poured her aunt and Harry a cup of tea
along with a cup for herself. Dorea took one of the arm chairs, while the
young couple took the sofa facing her. For a few moments nothing was
said until Dorea could tell that the two teens were quite nervous, and if
they were going to speak at all it was up to her to break the ice.
"As delicious as the tea is, I imagine you had other reasons for asking me
over?" Dorea smiled at the suddenly pale faces.
"Umm, yes auntie, there are a few things we wanted to discuss with you.
You see, I have a meeting later this evening with Captain Moody of the
aurors, and-and he wants to speak with me about my involvement in the
incident in Hogsmeade and, most likely Harry's as well, I, that is we don't
think it is a good idea. In fact, it would be a really bad idea." Bella told
her aunt in a hurried pace.
"Why? You were only defending the village; there should be nothing to
worry about, unless you're trying to hide something from him. Are you?
Hiding something?" Here Dorea looked curiously at Harry.
Harry and Bella gave each other a sideways look that did not go
unnoticed by the ever observant Potter Matriarch. "Perhaps you should
tell me what's really going on between you two. Is it something to do
with Harry?" Her stare was penetrating, Harry felt as if she could see
right into his soul, yet her gaze was not harsh, but warm, and it curiously
made him feel at ease.
Harry rose to his feet and pushed his hands through his hair as he tried to
organize his thoughts, he began to pace back and forth his nervousness
apparent.
"Perhaps, Harry, if I might make a suggestion as where to begin." Dorea
offered.
"Um…sure." Harry replied looking a bit sheepish.
"Well, I personally would like to know how it is possible that you are a
Potter and If I'm not mistaken a Black as well?" Dorea asked with a smirk.
Harry and Bella stood frozen and opened mouth at Dorea Potter's
declaration.
"How did you…I mean I didn't…" Harry stuttered.
"Relax Harry, I'm not here to challenge you, but I do want an
explanation."
"But how did you know about me?" Harry asked.
"When I first met you I could see Black family traits such as your hair
color and your build, and facial features, but Potter traits were also there
in your stance and mannerisms, little quirks that are identical to my
husbands.
But, what convinced me that you were a relative, is when you took my
hand. Tell me Harry, are you in possession of the Head of House ring for
the Eveningshade family?" Dorea asked.
"I am, why do you ask?" Harry questioned.
"In the old days, the ancient families used a system in which they could
identify members of their family. Initially it was used to detect a
polyjuiced person or glamoured person from infiltrating the family and
causing mayhem.
Also, in those times, the men were a bit more promiscuous and there
were many bastard children running around. Some women would try to
claim that a child belonged to the head of the family or his heir in an
effort to defraud the family into adopting the child.
So in an effort to stop such fraud, they invented a blood rune that was
placed in the signet ring of the Lord and Lady of the family, the blood
rune would identify a family member through a slight surge of magic
within the ring, blood identifies blood, the closer the relation the
stronger the surge. The more modern families have no such rings to
detect family members due to anything dealing with blood magic was
outlawed late in the eighteenth century.
But the ancient families were exempt from the new laws. So, in short, as
the Lady Potter, my ring has that ability to identify other Potters. And, as
it so happens, my ring identified you as a Potter, not only a Potter but a
very close relation. So would you care to tell me exactly who you are
Lord Eveningshade?"
Harry took a deep breath and looked his grandmother square in the eyes,
wanting her to see no trace of deception in the words that would follow.
"I am Lord Harry James Potter Black…Eveningshade, and I am your
grandson."
Whatever she was expecting to hear, this was not it. She sat back into her
chair stunned at the boy's declaration. She sensed no deception in the boy
but what he was suggesting was impossible, her son, her only child, was
at least four years younger than he was.
"I was born to James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Evans, on the 31 of
July 1980 in Godrics Hollow." Harry continued. "In 1995, I am the head
of all three families." Harry concentrated on his family rings making all
three of them appear.
The unflappable Dorea Potter nee-Black was left speechless and pale. She
closely examined the rings on Harry's fingers and only one phrase came
to mind. "Bloody Hell!"
oooOOOooo
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter, I could have kept going but I don't
like to post anything over ten thousand words. Things are about to get
interesting as Dorea is filled in about Harry, but how much of the past
should he reveal? And will his past be relevant anymore with the ripples
affecting the time line? Please take some time and review I'm always
interested to hear your thoughts!
17. Chapter 17
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
A/N: I have been really motivated to keep on top of this story and its all
due to all of you who continue to read and review my little story. Over
two thousand of you are followers and I wanted to give you a big thank
you! Again thanks for all the wonderful reviews that keep me inspired!
Now I present Chapter 17 of Passageways.
Chapter 17
The Lady Dorea Potter had downed her third glass of fire whiskey that
had conveniently appeared on the small table next to the chair she was
sitting in. Bella, who had never seen her aunt drink anything stronger
than wine, was looking a bit shocked at the ease with which her aunt
threw back the most potent alcoholic drink in the wizarding world.
Dorea set her glass down on the table and smacked her lips. She looked
at Bella's stunned face and chuckled. "Nowhere is it written dear, that a
lady can't have a snort or two to calm the nerves." She smirked.
"Now, let's get back to you explaining to me how it is possible that you
are my grandson from the future, shall we?" Dorea asked settling herself
back into the chair and giving her undivided attention to the two teens in
front of her the warmth of the alcohol doing its job to settle her..
"Well, you see…how do I explain this?" Harry mused aloud. "I guess it all
starts with Hogwarts." Harry finally replied.
"Hogwarts?" Dorea asked incredulously.
"Yes." Harry and Bella nodded.
"You see aunty; Hogwarts brought Harry and me together." Bella replied
scooting to the edge of the couch to speak.
"I don't understand dear, are you saying that the school somehow brought
Harry to the past?" Dorea asked skeptically.
"Yes and no." Harry began. "This room that we are in was specially
created by The Lady Hogwarts to bring Bella and I together across time."
"The Lady?"
"Yes, The Lady, she is a physical manifestation of Hogwarts itself, she
took upon herself the image of Helga Hufflepuff. She's the one who made
the room and led us here." Harry replied.
Bella then picked up from where Harry left off. "She needed our help to
change the fate of the school and by extension our world. This room we
are in connects to both our individual times. When Harry exits that door
you see behind you it is the year 1995. If I go through the door it is
1971."
"But you're both in 1971 now."
"Well it's like Harry said this room that we are in, from what we can
understand is outside of time or maybe exist between times. We don't
know for sure. But we exist together here and as you have seen we can go
to each other's time."
"You mean you have been to the future?" Dorea asked sitting up
straighter, interest obvious on her face.
"I have, and I've learned of some horrifying things and…" Bella choked up
a bit. "…we have been given a chance, a mission really, to change the
future and to keep some horribly evil things from ever occurring to our
world…to our family." Bella finished softly squeezing Harry's hand.
Dorea sat back in her chair sighing heavily. She was a very good judge of
character and had an incredibly astute sense of knowing when something
was false or misleading. And her senses told her that the two teens were
being truthful at least about what they had said so far. But time travel! It
seemed such an impossibility, but here he was.
She turned her eyes to Harry; he looked so much like an older version of
James it was unnerving. His eyes, however, betrayed the hard life that he
had lived. She wondered exactly what had happened to the young man to
have such hauntingly old eyes. But his eyes also spoke of his
determination and strength and more importantly they were honest eyes,
she could see no guile within their emerald depths.
"Harry, may I call you Harry?" Dorea asked her grandson.
"Of course." Harry said immediately. Dorea smiled at the boy warmly.
"Harry if I may, you are fifteen years old correct?" Dorea asked.
"Yes mam." Harry replied.
"Yet you are lord of three ancient families. Would you tell me how this
came to be? What happened to our families that brought this about?"
Dorea asked curiously.
Harry stiffened at the request. This would be the hardest if not most
painful of his explanations, yet he knew it would come up, how could it
not. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to organize his thoughts into
some cogent explanation.
Harry could not sit still for this he needed to move, so he stood and
rubbed his sweating palms on his robes. He paced a bit before coming to
a stop in front of the roaring fire. His gaze penetrated the flames as if he
could see the past in their orange and red hues. He took a deep cleansing
breath before he began to tell his grandmother the travesty that was his
life.
"By October of 1981, my father and mother had gone into hiding…the
curse meant to kill me rebounded on to Voldemort, it did not kill him but
ripped a shade of him from his body…I was orphaned…left on the
doorstep of my mother's muggle sister…beaten and starved…A half giant
named Hagrid came for me…I couldn't believe I was a wizard…Diagon
Alley…brother wands…Hedwig… I met Ron Weasley…the hat placed me
in Gryffindor...Hermione Granger…A troll in the dungeons…Flamel and
the Philosophers stone…Quirrell…Voldemort!" Dorea sat in stunned
silence as Harry was relating his life; Bella was also on the verge of tears
as Harry continued his tale.
"Second year…crazy House Elf…stupid elf nearly killed me…Chamber of
Secrets re-opened…heir of Slytherin…students attacked…worthless
Professor Lockhart…Hermione petrified…A sixty foot Basilisk…
Voldemort again…the venom was extremely painful…phoenix tears…
Ginny Weasley saved… Riddle diary to blame…Lucius Malfoy attempted
to kill me…crazy House Elf saved me.
Third year… Sirius Black betrayed my parents to Voldemort…escaped
Azkaban…Dementors on the train…mum,she was pleading for my life…
Remus Lupin my dad's other friend…Sirius my godfather!...Dementors on
the Quidditch pitch…Patronus, it's a stag…Sirius innocent…Pettigrew
was traitor…escaped…a hundred Dementors…Sirius on the run again.
Fourth year…Qudditch world cup…Death Eaters and the Dark Mark…
back to Hogwarts…Tri-Wizard tournament…Goblet of Fire…I did not put
my name in…the whole school turned against me…betrayed by my
closest friends…hexes…jinxes…hospital wing over twenty times…
Dragons…merpeople…the labyrinth…Tri-Wizard cup a portkey…Cedric
killed…PETTIGREW…Voldemort reborn…Death Eaters…a duel with
Tom…brother wands…my parents appeared…escaped with Cedric's
body.
Minister denies his return…school still against me…banned from
Gryffindor House…DUMBLEDORE'S BETRAYAL!...returned to the
Dursley's…DEMENTORS…Sirius killed…the Goblins contacted me…
Sirius' will read…made me his heir…I'm the new Lord Black…
emancipation…my parent's will read…last Potter…became Lord Potter…
inherited Number 12 Grimauld Place…Walburga's portrait began to teach
me.
Returned to Hogwarts...the lady brought me here…met Bellatrix…a
rocky start…she won me over…change our fates and save the school and
our world…she wanted to be free of the marriage contract…and the
chastity bond…fell in love…Diagon Alley…my mother's true heritage…I
became Lord Eveningshade…DEATH EATERS…Hogsmeade… married!..
Death Eaters again…!"
As Harry finished telling them his life up to that point, Bella was openly
weeping and clinging to Harry, he had related many things to them that
he had not shared with her before. Dorea Potter who prided herself with
being in complete control of her emotions had let a few tears escape her
and she barely held in her utter outrage at Dumbledore's manipulation of
Harry's life. She stood and walked briskly up to her grandson and her
niece and wrapped them in her arms.
"I believe you." Dorea finally told the two teens, more tears escaping her
eyes. "I can hardly believe I have a grandson and an Eveningshade to
boot." She laughed.
"So what do we do now?" She asked releasing them from her arms. Bella
however refused to let go of Harry and he had to literally carry her back
over to the sofa where she sat in his lap.
"We try and stop Voldemort before he gets too powerful, by whatever
means necessary whether they be by political means or by more…deadly
means, we cannot allow him to continue unchallenged." Harry said
assertively.
"Harry, I've lived through one war and it was a terrible and beastly time
in our history, I don't want our world to go through something like that
again. I detest violence in all its shades, but I also know you cannot stop
an aggressor with flowery words or appeasement. So I ask you Harry,
does the purist movement really cause such chaos that an all out war
with them becomes necessary?"
Harry silently walked over to the bookshelf to the left of the fireplace.
His right hand skimmed over the titles of the books found there. Soon he
came to a book bound in blood red colored leather; he pulled the book
from its place and began to look for another. He quickly found the second
book he had been looking for and removed it also.
He walked to his grandmother and handed her the first book he had
removed from the book case. Dorea looked at the cover and read the title
'In Memory of Those Lost: The Second Great War 1971-1981'.
"Within that book, are the names of those who were killed or presumed
killed by Voldemort and his Death Eaters." Harry told her. "In some cases
entire families were wiped out, including many old houses some I believe
you will be familiar with." Harry replied in a flat tone.
Harry flipped the book opened to a page where a book mark had been
placed. Dorea gasped as she read the name of Lord James Charlus Potter
and Lady Lily Marie Potter nee-Evans. Below their names she read:
Preceded in death by his parents Lord Charlus Harrison Potter and Lady
Dorea Io Potter nee-Black taken by Dragon-Pox in September 1980.
Dorea looked up at Harry. "That's not possible. Charlus and I couldn't
have died from Dragon Pox. We both had them when we were children;
we are both immune from the disease. You cannot catch it twice."
"All I know is what the book says." Harry told her with a shrug.
She frowned at this, but continued to flip through the book, and indeed
she read the names and Houses of people she did know. She flipped to
the back of the book to learn the total number of people that had been
killed during the ten year war.
"Fifteen thousand lives." She whispered heartbroken. "Fifteen thousand
British witches and wizards, and more than three thousand of those were
children between one and seventeen." Dorea shook her head and dropped
the book to the floor as she sat hard on her chair.
Harry kneeled in front of his grandmother and rested his right hand on
her clasped hands that were fidgeting in her lap. "This is why we have to
take the fight to him, grandmother. In seven years time from now,
Voldemort will lead an assault on Hogwarts itself. Three hundred and
fifty-three students will be butchered and half the staff killed before they
are turned back." Bella's throat tightened as she knew that had her path
not been changed by Harry she would have led that attack on the school.
Dorea silently nodded her head in understanding and resolved within
herself to help her grandson in any way she could. "What is this other
book you have?" Dorea asked afraid of the answer.
"It is a history of Voldemort's known movements and attacks during the
war, his successes and failures, disappearances attributed to him and so
forth." Harry said.
Dorea sat back up with fire in her eyes. 'You mean we have a book that
tells us when and where he is going to strike?!"
"Maybe…maybe not." Harry said shaking his head. "The timeline has
already begun to change, but nevertheless it shows what targets he sees
as valuable, it also tells us how he infiltrated the ministry and though it
does not give us every possible person under his influence, it does give us
a good number of them to be looking at. It's at the very least a roadmap
to follow."
Dorea agreed that at least having some working knowledge of how
Voldemort operated could give them a distinct advantage over this new
upstart, and possibly save a lot of lives. She also understood the more
they changed things in her time the less accurate Harry's history book
would become. If Harry however, had continued access to the future then
perhaps they could find updated information on Voldemort's operations.
"Harry…" Dorea began. "You stated that you have already noticed
changes in your timeline, have the history books also been updated?" She
asked.
"Most likely, but…"
"But what dear?"
"It will come to a point where I have altered the future so much that I
will no longer be a part of that reality." Harry told her.
"Meaning what dear?" Dorea questioned.
"From what the Lady has told me and from what another…unique friend
has hinted at. There will come a point when I can no longer return to
that reality. Another version of me will have taken my place." Harry
relayed.
"But why should that stop you from continuing to use the doorway to
access that reality to collect information?"
"Allow me to answer that."
Dorea turned at the sound of a new voice. Before her stood the very
image of Helga Hufflepuff, clothed in the robes typical of a noble from
the ninth or tenth century. "Am I in the presence of the Lady Hogwarts?"
Dorea asked respectfully but in obvious awe of the manifestation.
"You are, Lady Potter." The spectral image replied.
"Can you explain why Harry won't be able to return to his time?" Dorea
asked.
"Because the ripples will soon become too great in number, the
cohesiveness of Harry's time line will begin to unravel and soon multiple
realities will begin to emerge, and Harry's reality will in essence come to
an end. In other words you will no longer have a clear future you can
pull from in his time.
More to the point, the Voldemort that you face now, in your time Lady
Potter, will not be the same Voldemort that Harry has faced in his. What
those differences will be for your time I cannot discern, what I do know
is that history is being rewritten as it happens. Harry's future, Bellatrix's
future, my future, and your future is now unwritten." The ancient lady
declared.
"I see." Dorea exhaled; disappointed that intelligence gathering from
Harry's time would soon end and may not even be accurate.
"We still have our other problem to discuss auntie." Bella interrupted her
aunt's thoughts.
"Oh yes, Alastor. Don't worry about him dear, he is an old family friend I
think I can persuade him not to go digging about, although, we should
consider bringing him in on your secret Harry. He could be an asset."
Dorea advised.
Harry shook his head. "He's close friends with Dumbledore, anything we
tell him would go straight back to him." Harry explained.
"Well, they are acquaintances, but I dare say not the closest of friends.
They butt heads regularly on how the auror core should respond to
criminals. Director Crouch of the DMLE and Dumbledore are of the
opinion that a softer gentler approach will persuade criminals not to
reoffend.
Moody has a different perspective. At least three to four aurors are killed
each year by dark witches or wizards and as the head auror he takes
every death personally. He wants more freedom to use more aggressive
spells in subduing those criminals who use deadly spells against them."
"I don't know grandmother; they are thick as thieves in my world." Harry
explained.
"Well, if worse comes to worse; the man does owe me a life debt from the
Great War. I can use that to obtain an oath of secrecy." Dorea explained
with a confident smirk.
"Now, let's sit. I want to hear more about my grandson." Dorea asked
warmly.
oooOOOooo
Three cloaked men suddenly popped into existence in an isolated wooded
area in Southern Wales. The faint traces of an old hunting trail could be
seen through the moonlit darkness as the men made their way toward
their destination. A light autumn breeze blew through the ancient trees
rustling the leaves above them.
The men kept an even but cautious pace, their feet made no sound on the
forest floor. A spell to silence their steps and anything the soles of their
feet touched was employed to keep their anonymity. The three men soon
came upon a pile of stacked stones that reached about three and a half
feet in height, it was wide at the base and narrowed as it reached it
zenith. The man closest to the stones withdrew a silver dagger from his
waist and then quickly sliced open the palm of his left hand.
He allowed the blood to pool in his hand for a moment before turning
over the injured hand over the pile of stones. The blood flowed on to the
stones and after a few short minutes the stones glowed briefly before
something began to push up through them. A pedestal with a family crest
upon it came through the stacked stones and presented itself.
The man with the bleeding hand placed his palm over the crest and
received a slight shock of energy. The crest seemed to accept the blood
offering and the pedestal sank back into the pile of stones. A shimmering
displacement in front of the men caught their attention, when the
shimmering stopped a large Roman archway could be seen. The arch was
about twelve feet high and at least ten feet wide.
The men stepped through the arch and where once a dense forest was
thought to exist it now opened up into large extremely well manicured
lawns and hedges, various water features, and a large central fountain.
Beyond the grounds some two hundred yards directly in front of the men
stood a large estate house. It was three stories tall in classic Tudor style
with battlements and towers at every corner.
More confidently now the three men approached the main door of the
castle like estate which opened as they neared it. The entry way was
large and nearly two stories tall, two richly carpeted staircases made
their way up to the second floor, one turning east as the other turned
west.
Medieval tapestries adorned the high inner walls while many large ornate
windows dominated the south facing entrance, letting natural light flood
the entrance hall. The dark wood floor below their feet stretched
throughout the entrance unadorned except for the large family seal they
were now peering at.
"Orion, Cygnus, we need to bring ALL the wards back up, both defensive
and offensive, and then call for all the Black House Elves to come here.
We will need them to get the estate ready for habitation." Arcturus Black
told his two sons.
"Do you think it's really necessary to bring all the family here? Are things
really that tenuous?" Cygnus asked.
"My contacts have suggested that our family is to be made an example of,
and that the Dark Lord is plotting on taking the Black fortune somehow
and disposing of us. I will not let that happen while I am alive. So yes, I
think things are that bad, Cygnus.
This estate has been the stronghold of the Black Family in times of crisis
and war for centuries. Here we will be safe from Voldemort's
machinations; here we can make plans of our own to put down this rabid
dog."
"But many of our allies are now with Voldemort, father." Orion stated.
"And Dumbledore and his supporters will not be sympathetic to our
plight either. They would turn us over to Voldemort faster than you
could say vendetta."
Arcturus sighed heavily. "Our path no longer lays with the darker
families, son, nor do they lay with the lighter families. We must seek
alliances with the neutrals, the grays. A time of war is coming my sons; I
can feel it in my bones just like with Grindelwald and the Great War."
"We may already have, at least tentatively an alliance with the house of
Eveningshade." Orion told his father.
"But the Eveningshade's are a dark family!" Cygnus replied. "Or they use
to be."
"The Eveningshades from what I've learned have always been on their
own side. They have fought for both light and dark lords throughout
their history. Their more mercenary than idealists and have only ever
gotten involved in conflicts when their own house was threatened or
when they saw potential gain in choosing a side." Arcturus educated his
boys.
"True Slytherins, if you ask me." Orion chuckled.
"Indeed." Arcturus agreed. "This unexpected union between Bellatrix and
Lord Eveningshade could prove very advantageous for the House of
Black. If word were to leak out of the union, many of the darker families
and the lighter for that matter would seriously reconsider ever attacking
us.
And if we extend the hand of friendship to the grays, offering them
protection from the upcoming war, with an Eveningshade as a protector,
I believe we could form a coalition larger than the light and dark put
together.
The political impact and power that a united gray coalition could have
on our society would be staggering, and at the head of this pack would
be House Black. Lord Eveningshade is young, but his family name is
feared and respected by the old houses and with the right guidance and
counsel we could see a new era in wizarding politics emerge."
Orion and Cygnus began to understand the implications of what their
father had just explained to them. The grey families had never truly been
united before and yet they made up nearly two thirds of magical
households; they were usually satisfied with staying out of the political
infighting that went on between the light and dark families. To them they
were just two sides to the same coin.
But the family who could accomplish such a feat would be in a very
powerful position; the Blacks would be able to write their own ticket
even the office of Minister would be within their grasps. The key was
using the infamy of the Eveningshade name in a persuasive manner to
unite the grays. And the key to Lord Eveningshade was Bellatrix.
Bellatrix was a Black and all Blacks had a deep commitment to family no
matter what other family they married into. Dorea was a prime example;
though she was the Potter matriarch she was still very much involved
with Black family matters as a daughter of House Black.
Though Bella was considered a bit of a rebel in her family she was still a
Black and family was just as important to her as it was to the more
traditionalists in the family. If that loyalty could be brought out in Lord
Eveningshade it would go a long way to strengthen the House of Black
politically.
"Now, I have invited lord Eveningshade to accompany Bellatrix when
they come home for the weekend. And he will be extended every
courtesy; he is after all Bellatrix's husband." Arcturus glared at his two
sons who understood that the touchy subject of marriage contracts and
chastity bindings were not to be discussed.
They had a long conversation about how Lord Eveningshade could
overcome the magic in the contract and binding, after the Hogsmeade
incident. It was decided that it no longer matter, that they were better off
shod of the Lestrange family.
"And for Merlin's sake Orion, do not let Walburga go off on some purist
rant! That is the last thing we need." Arcturus told his oldest son.
oooOOOooo
It was near five o'clock in the evening when Dorea arrived back at Potter
manor from the Room of Requirement. It had been both illuminating and
heartbreaking listening to her grandson, the worst had been when the
Lady Hogwarts provided a pensieve so that Harry could show certain
memories of his life.
The most disturbing had been the graveyard during that fiasco of a
tournament. To witness her young grandson being hit with the cruciatus
was too much to bear. And then to see the spectral form of her son and
his wife come from Voldemort's wand. He had indeed killed her son and
future daughter in-law. Voldemort would pay.
She had always disliked Dumbledore but to see how he had let her
grandson suffer all those years was something she could not and would
not forgive. It had taken some convincing but she had persuaded Harry to
allow her to speak to Charlus and Moody about him. She was sure that
the veteran auror would be an ally and Charlus would most likely
welcome Harry with open arms once she explained everything.
A quick floo call to the aurors office and Dorea had informed Alastor
Moody that she would speak with him on behalf of Bellatrix at Potter
Manor at seven. In the mean time Dorea 'The Iron Lady' Potter would
retire to her personal study and let her pent up emotions out in private. It
would not do for a lady to have an emotional breakdown where she
could be seen.
Needless to say, that in the next few hours, the retelling of her grandson's
story to her husband and Alastor would tax heavily all the emotional
strength that she could muster between now and then.
oooOOOooo
"I think that went rather well." Bella sighed cuddling into Harry's side as
they sat on the sofa staring into the fireplace.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I feel…well I don't know how to explain it really.
I've never had any family that I could go to and feel accepted and…
loved. And now I have you and my grandmother. And it's the best feeling
I have ever had…ever." Harry's grateful looking smile almost brought
Bella to tears.
"A lot of things will change now with both of our families knowing about
you. I wonder if you should not just close the book on your time and stay
with me now. I don't see any reason for you to go back to that horrible
life." Bella quietly told her husband.
Harry was pensive for a moment and then spoke. "I know it sounds
strange, but I'd like to tie up some loose ends before I close the book as it
were on my time. I know what the Lady said about my reality ending and
other realities emerging…but I think I need to have some closure at least
with a couple of people." Harry sighed.
"Luna and Hermione?" Bella asked softly.
"Yeah." Harry breathed. "I want to say goodbye to them. I really did
consider Hermione a sister; it was very painful when I thought she
betrayed me. And now I think it will be just as hard to say goodbye." He
sighed. 'But I need to do it.
"And Luna Lovegood?" Bella asked curiously. "What is she to you?"
Harry chuckled. "A friend…a sister, she found her way into my heart
rather quickly though; she is a kindred spirit in a way." He mused aloud
with a smile.
He sobered a bit before continuing. "Her life has not been an easy one, its
mirrored mine in many respects. She lost her mother physically and lost
her father emotionally at a young age. She is ridiculed for being different
by pretty much the whole school. I guess I just felt a connection with
her."
"Should I be jealous?" Bella smirked at her husband.
Harry chuckled again and tenderly kissed Bella's lips. "I'm a one woman
man, love."
"Good thing! I'd hate to have to go kick some future girl's arse for moving
in on my man." Bella laughed and Harry shook his head in amusement.
"Well, I'm starved." Harry said after a particular loud growl from his
stomach. "How about we go together to my time and have some dinner.
Perhaps we'll run into Hermione and Luna and I can say my goodbyes
properly." Harry suggested.
"Sounds good, but I really don't want to be under your cloak the whole
time. I'll just cast a glamour over me, what do you say?" Bella asked.
"Besides, dinner should be busy enough not to draw too much attention
to me, and I could always cast a Notice-Me-Not charm as well so no one
will pay any attention to me."
"I guess so, just stay close, I don't want to lose track of you." Harry
replied.
"Ooh, so possessive aren't we my lord!" She smirked playfully.
"Hey you're the one who wanted to kick some future girl's arse." Harry
good-naturedly replied.
"Point taken." Bella swatted his arm.
A few moments later and the two teens had exited the RoR and headed
down the stair case. Bella now was sporting the long blonde hair she had
disguised herself with in Diagon Alley and her violet colored eyes were
now a deep brown.
As they reached the fourth floor Harry caught a familiar head of bushy
brown hair coming out of the library, which wasn't odd in and of its self,
but what was odd was the company she was with. Harry stopped in his
tracks as he recognized the three other people with her; they were none
other than Vincent Crabbe, Theodore Nott, and Antoinette Malfoy.
"What the hell?" Harry whispered.
"What's wrong Harry?" Bella asked curiously.
Harry watched as Hermione seemed to walk mechanically in front of the
other three, who were trailing just a few feet behind her. They turned
down a hall and out of sight.
"Come on!" Harry told Bella grabbing her hand and quickly pursuing the
four other students. Coming to the corner and peeking around, he caught
a quick glimpse of Crabbe closing the door of an abandoned classroom
behind him.
Harry's internal trouble sensor flared as he saw wards go up around the
door. Sprinting to the door he looked meticulously at the magic on the
door and recognized a privacy ward and what could have been a locking
charm and a silencing charm.
"We need to get in there!" Harry said fearfully.
"Harry what's going on, who were those people?" Bella asked.
Harry hurriedly explained that the bushy haired girl was Hermione and
the other three were Slytherin students Crabbe and Nott and the female
version of Draco Malfoy.
"They can't be up to any good Bella, we need to get in there!" Harry
stated worriedly.
"Do you think you can pass through the wards like in Hogsmeade?" Bella
asked curiously. Harry shook his head.
"I don't know." Harry said.
Harry suddenly felt the Lady Hogwart's presence though she did not
manifest herself, and then he saw the wards around the door fall and the
door open a crack. Harry mentally thanked the Lady. Harry pulled out his
cloak from his bag and threw it around him and Bella.
Harry put his finger to his lips in a sign that they needed to be quiet.
They were able to sneak into the room unobserved, as the three
Slytherins had their backs to the door. Bella gently closed the door
behind them and they then edged closer to the others in the room. They
both wanted to know what was going on.
Hermione was pushed up against a wall and held there by Crabbe and
Nott who each had one of her arms in one hand and pushing her
shoulders flat against the wall with their other hand. Antoinette Malfoy
had her wand pointed at the Gryffindor's chest.
"Tsk Tsk, Granger." Malfoy mocked. "You have a real gift for not minding
your business, don't you?"
"What are you talking about Malfoy?! If you don't let me go this instant I
will be telling the headmaster about this!"
All three Slytherins laughed. Malfoy shook her head in amusement. "You
don't get it mudblood, this is a sanctioned intervention."
Hermione looked confused, which had Antoinette laughing harder. "We
are here on behalf of a certain administrator to warn you off Potter."
Malfoy sneered.
"Yeah, right! Like I'd believe that!" Hermione replied defiantly. Malfoy
shrugged nonplussed.
"Don't care what you believe, it is what it is. Certain people no longer
want you influencing Potter. And we're here to make sure that you
understand that."
"Oh, that's rich!" Hermione laughed. "I bet this all has to do with your
pathetic attempt to get Harry to sign that marriage contract with you
back in third year. You're wasting your time Malfoy, he sees you for what
you really are! A bigoted pureblood slag!" Hermione growled.
!SMACK!
Hermione's head twisted painfully to the side from the powerful
backhanded slap Malfoy had delivered to her face. Harry was about to
jump in and help his friend until Bella grabbed him and whispered for
him to wait. Hermione's lip had split and blood trickled down the corner
of her mouth.
"Potter will see the error of his refusal in due time mudblood whore!"
Malfoy replied shaking her hand to get the tingling to stop from hitting
the other girl. "But this intervention has nothing to do with that."
"They know you are coaching Potter in politics and his rights, and they
want you to stop. If you refuse…" Malfoy grinned evilly. "…You will find
your magic bound and your mind obliviated and then thrown back into
mudblood society." She told her gleefully. "I personally think they should
do it regardless or just kill you, I'm sure no one would miss trash like
you."
"You're lying! Dumbledore would never let that happen!" Hermione
shouted.
The three Slytherins laughed again at the bushy haired bookworm.
"Allow me to let you in on a little secret, Granger." Antoinette purred as
she closed the distance between them. She leaned in closer to Hermione's
left ear and spoke softly but it was loud enough for Harry and Bella to
hear it.
"It was on Dumbledore's orders that we give you this message." Malfoy
grinned widely as she slowly backed away from Hermione. Hermione's
eyes went wide as she saw the truth in Malfoy's own eyes, tears of
betrayal began to streak down Hermione's cheeks.
"And one other thing Granger, you mention any of this to anyone,
especially Potter, and you will find yourself out of our world faster than
you can say 'filthy blood!' Do you understand me?" Malfoy asked.
Hermione did not say anything; her mind was reeling at what was
happening. "I SAID DID YOU HEAR ME!" Malfoy roared and smacked
Hermione again across the face. To drive the point home Crabbe and Nott
slammed Hermione head and body into the wall causing her head to hit
the wall with some force stunning the girl.
"YES!" Hermione cried out as more blood began to run down her mouth
and down the back of her neck from a gash to the back of the head. She
felt like throwing up as a wave of nausea hit her. Her legs went slack but
the brutish Slytherin boy's held her up.
"So, animals can be taught." Malfoy laughed. "But, so you remember our
warning, I feel we need to put you in your proper place…mudblood
whore!" Malfoy nodded to Crabbe and Nott who grinned lecherously at
Hermione.
Both Slytherin boys released Hermione's shoulders, their free hands then
roughly grabbed Hermione's breasts, digging into the flesh and
attempting to tear away her blouse from her body. Hermione screamed in
terror at the thought of being raped by these two monsters.
Harry had seen and heard enough! He was boiling over in fury and it was
time to act. Harry threw the cloak off and with a powerful swish and
flick; both Crabbe and Nott flew up at incredible speed toward the high
stone ceiling.
There was a sickening crunch and snapping sound as the two boy's heads
collided with the ceiling crushing their skulls and snapping their necks.
The bodies then fell lifelessly to the floor. Antoinette Malfoy, at the
moment Crabbe and Nott went flying, had spun around and began
casting.
Fortunately, Bella was just as fast and threw up a shield that deflected
the curse away. Harry had rushed to Hermione's side and was rendering
what aid he could to his friend. Bella, meanwhile, was locked into a duel
with a very powerful Antoinette Malfoy who seemed to have a bigger
spell repertoire than most students in her year.
Malfoy cast a dark red curse at Bella, who summoned a desk to intercept
the curse. The desk splintered into hundreds of pieces of flying wood.
Bella returned a sickly yellow curse of her own. Malfoy ducked as the
spell hit the wall behind her, the stone began to bubble up as if hit by a
powerful acid.
The two girls began to circle each other; there was no taunting, no
monologues, just two expert duelists sizing their opponent up. Malfoy
launched first, it was a chain of bone breaking curses and stunning spells.
Bella shielded and countered with her own offensive spells meanwhile
keeping herself between Harry and the Malfoy witch while Harry was
still helping Hermione pull herself together. So engaged was Malfoy's
mind with trying to defeat this powerful opponent she did not see Harry
get up from helping Hermione and make his way toward her.
A split second before it happened, Antoinette Malfoy saw the eerily
glowing green eyes of Harry Potter before a fast moving fist connected to
the center of her nose effectively knocking out the girl with one punch.
The Malfoy heir fell in a heap to the stone floor her nose shattered and
blood rushing from the broken appendage.
"Well, I bet she wasn't expecting that.' Bella remarked looking at the
fallen blonde.
"Let's get Hermione to the Hospital Wing; that gash on the back of her
head looks bad." Harry said, gathering Hermione up in his arms.
Bella walked over to the two boys on the ground and looked them over.
"Harry, these two are dead." She said looking up at her husband in shock.
"Damn!" Harry sighed heavily shaking his head. "I didn't mean to kill
them."
"Harry we need to get back to the Room of Requirement before these
three are found." Bella stated in a worried tone. "I don't want you getting
thrown into Azkaban." She pleaded.
"But Hermione is hurt pretty badly; we need to get her to Madam
Pomfrey." Harry replied sternly.
"Harry, the longer we stay here, the more risk we run of being
discovered. What if we bring her to the RoR and help her there." Bella
responded.
"I don't want to risk it with a head injury, and it would be more difficult
to explain her back in your time if we have to take her to the Hospital
Wing. Look, as soon as we get her to Madam Pomfrey, we'll head straight
to the RoR. Okay?"
"Okay." Bella replied reluctantly.
Harry and Bella moved as quickly as they could to the Hospital Wing.
Many curious students observed the pair carrying a bleeding Hermione
and the rumors immediately started to spread. Harry burst through doors
to the Hospital Wing and was about to yell for Madam Pomfrey when he
saw Luna standing there as if she was waiting for him.
"Harry, they are coming for you." Luna said simply.
"What?" Harry asked in surprise.
"They were monitoring the classroom Harry." Luna replied. "You need to
leave now! I'll look after Hermione."
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
Luna arched an incredulous eyebrow. "Echoes, Harry." Luna replied. She
reached up and kissed his cheek. "I hope you remember me Harry Potter."
Her sad voice touched his heart. "Now go!"
Harry hurried and placed Hermione on the bed and kissed her forehead.
"I wish I had more time to tell you what your friendship has meant to me
'Mione, but I wish you the very best in life."
"Harry, we need to go!" Bella told him anxiously.
Harry turned and grabbed Bella's hand; they had not taken more than a
few steps before Luna's next words froze them in place.
"It's too late, they're here Harry." Luna gasped.
As if on cue, the doors to the Hospital Wing opened up and in walked
Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. Snape had a triumphant look on
his sneering face and Dumbledore also looked pleased with something,
Harry felt a sudden drop in his stomach.
"Mr. Potter, I'm afraid I must have a word with you and your…friend."
Albus looked at the glamoured Bellatrix not recognizing the girl.
"Bringing unauthorized persons into the school are we Potter?" Snape
sneered at the boy he loathed only slightly less than James Potter. "But, I
suppose with your current crime this is a minor one."
"Crime? What crime are you referring to? Breathing too loud or just
existing? But if existing was a crime, your existence would definitely be a
capital offense." Harry replied evenly. Bella snickered at Harry's
comment.
"Laugh all you want Potter, it's to Azkaban for you!" Snape rebutted.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Harry arched an eyebrow
disdainfully.
"Now, now Harry, don't make things worse for yourself." Dumbledore
finally entered into the conversation, shaking his head in faux concern.
"You are unintentionally, I'm sure, but nonetheless are responsible for the
death of two students, Harry. I have no choice but to call the aurors."
Dumbledore informed the young lord.
"And just who am I supposed to have killed?" Harry asked, stalling for
time, trying desperately to think of a way to get Bella and himself out of
this.
"You arrogant shite, you killed two members of my house and injured a
third!" Snape roared.
"What is going on here?!" Poppy Pomfrey shouted coming out of her
office.
"Hermione was attacked and beaten Madam Pomfrey." Harry told the
healer ignoring Snape.
"Who did this?" She asked.
"Antoinette Malfoy, Theodore Nott, and Vincent Crabbe." Harry replied.
"The very students you yourself attacked, Harry." Dumbledore replied.
"And I dare say your response was much more violent than theirs, fatally
more violent."
"What are you suggesting headmaster?" Poppy asked in shock.
"Our Mr. Potter is responsible for the deaths of two of our students."
Dumbledore replied, giving Harry a condescending look. Pomfrey gave
Harry a horrified look.
"I was defending the life of my friend!" Harry argued back.
"You lie, Potter. They were told not to hurt the insufferable know-it-all."
Snape sneered.
"So they WERE told by you to threaten Hermione!" Harry roared.
"BASTARDS! How dare you threaten her!" Harry's wand suddenly jumped
into his hand and was pointing it at Snape.
"Foolish boy, you are out of your league." Snape sneered, slowly
unsheathing his own wand and getting in to a dueling stance. "And thank
you so much for making the first aggressive move, Potter. That allows me
to circumvent my teacher's oath to do no harm."
Harry was shaking with rage again. He glared at the Potions Master and
then at the greasy bat's wand. A surge of magic escaped Harry and
suddenly there was a small explosion and a scream of pain and rage as
Snape's wand exploded in his hand, fragments of the wand tearing
through his hand.
"POTTER!" Severus yelled out in fury and pulled a back-up wand with his
uninjured hand from his robes and screamed: "SECTUMSEMP…"
"SEVERUS!" Dumbledore broke in, stopping the potion's master in mid-
cast. "I do not wish for this to become another incident! Besides if Harry
will just come quietly to my office I'm sure we can work something out to
keep Harry out of Azkaban. I'm sure you would be amenable to that,
wouldn't you Harry." Dumbledore tried his grandfatherly look at the boy.
"You manipulative bastard!" Bella spoke up seething. "You orchestrated
this whole thing didn't you?! This is how you plan to control Harry!"
"I am merely looking out for everyone's best interest, in this unfortunate
matter. Miss…?"
"Black…well, Miss Blackwell." Bellatrix replied kicking herself for the
slip.
"Blackwell…very well Miss Blackwell, I'm also curious as to how you
entered the school, you are not a student I recognize."
"Enough of this, Dumbledore!" Harry broke in. "I have no intention of
going anywhere with you or Snivelous at this moment. We are leaving
and we are leaving right now!"
"I'm afraid you have no choice but to stay Harry, if you do not cooperate
with me I will be forced to…detain you and have you arrested."
Dumbledore spoke, his voice hard and dangerous.
"This has gone too far Albus!" Pomfrey stated to the ancient wizard.
"Indeed it has…STUPEFY!" Albus had drawn and fired his wand in a
smooth motion at the boy-who-lived.
Bella had anticipated something like this and again cast a shield to
protect her husband. Harry responded immediately with a banishing
charm which Dumbledore batted away with a superior smirk.
"You don't really think your capable of fighting me…do you Harry?"
Dumbledore chuckled.
"Only one way to find out!" Harry launched a chain of offensive spells at
the old man who was surprised at the speed and complexity of Harry's
spells, but was nonetheless able to parry or shield himself from them
with ease.
Bella had also gone on the offensive and was hurling curse after curse at
Snape who was blocking as best he could with his offhand, his wand
hand being useless and mangled. Only his years as a Death Eater had
honed his skills to overcome such handicaps.
Severus pretended to be kept off balance as he backed up, drawing in the
feisty blonde. She was good, too good for her age, she had had some
formal dueling training that was obvious, but talent took a backseat to
experience, so he allowed her to have an illusion of superiority…for the
moment.
Madam Pomfrey had had enough of this nonsense! Fighting…in her
hospital…the nerve of it all! She would put a stop to this here and now!
Pomfrey pulled her wand from her sleeve and took aim at Harry
intending to petrify him.
"Petrificus Totalis!" Poppy Pomfrey fell on to her back hitting the floor
completely immobile. She looked up to see a mess of blonde hair and
silvery blue eyes looking down upon her with an apologetic gaze.
"I'm truly sorry Madam Pomfrey, but I could not let you interfere. Harry
must fulfill his destiny. You know, while I have your attention though, I
was thinking, if you added just a bit of butterscotch to your potions they
would taste ever so much better." Luna smiled angelically looking down
at the Hogwarts healer.
Harry dodged Dumbledore's latest stunner, so far he had not used
anything too harmful but Harry was not able to land a single spell. Harry
realized that the headmaster was toying with him, he needed to end this
somehow and escape with Bella back to the RoR. He reached back into
his mind for some of the nastier spells Walburga had showed him while
he was at Grimauld Place.
Harry smiled and cast Hydra's Arrow; the obscure charm took the form of
a red arrow. The dark curse sped its way toward Dumbledore who throw
a blasting charm at it in an effort to destroy the curse in flight. However,
when Dumbledore's spell hit Harry's, the arrow multiplied into seven
projectiles.
Dumbledore's eyes widened at the sight of not only one arrow but seven,
he tried to spin out of the way and cleared all the arrows except for two.
One struck solidly into his right hip and another into his right calf. An
intense burning of flesh and bone had Dumbledore gasping in pain as he
tried to vanish the arrows.
Harry tried to press his advantage with stunning the old man, but an
enraged Dumbledore was truly frightening. A raging Dumbledore
unleashed a spell of pure lightening that slammed into Harry's chest. The
boy-who-lived was tossed like a ragdoll head over heels across the length
of the Hospital Wing smashing into the potions cabinet with aloud crash
and a cry of pain.
Bella had not been faring well with Snape either, so concerned with
Harry's duel she had not kept her mind focused on what was in front of
her. Snape had quickly turned the tables on her and she was now on the
defensive. Bella had several minor cuts and burns from Snape's wand, but
she was managing for the most part to avoid being seriously injured.
Bella felt a sudden surge of magic and watched in horror as Harry was hit
with lightning bolts and thrown across the ward. Bella's moment of
distraction was all Snape needed and he cast a bone breaker at Bella's left
leg.
Bella screamed as her leg suddenly exploded in pain and she could no
longer stand on it. She crumpled to the ground in a heap her wand
slipped from her hand and rolled a few feet away. She tried to scramble
to her wand sliding herself across the floor. She heard Snape laughing
mirthlessly as he approached her pointing his wand at her face. It was
then that all hell broke loose.
Harry felt his muscles contract painfully from the surge of electricity that
had hit him, he also felt something warm running down his back and
shoulders. He was hurting and growing tired and realized that he may
not get out of this situation at all.
Just then he heard Bella scream, he turned his head toward her and
watched his wife's leg snap outward at an odd angle and then watched
her collapse to the ground yelling out in pain. He also noticed the many
cuts on his beautiful wife's face and her singed robes.
Something in Harry's chest burned white hot when he saw Snape smugly
glare at his wife and raise his wand at her. Harry's whole body began to
shake violently he was so fixated on snape that he did not notice Luna
running and pulling Hermione off her bed to floor and then pulling the
mattress over the top of herself and Hermione.
Suddenly cot after cot flew at not only Snape but Dumbledore as well, the
large missiles traveled impossible fast and were slamming into both men
one cot after another and then circling back for more strikes like they
were caught up in a whirlwind. The whole medical ward seemed to be
caught in the middle of an extremely powerful hurricane.
Dumbledore and Snape tried blasting the beds but they were moving too
fast and too erratically to track them, they had managed to hit a few but
this action made their circumstance worse as mini projectiles were now
pummeling them.
Snape caught a glimpse of Harry making his way over to the downed girl
who now was a curly haired brunette and looked vaguely familiar. He
would never be able to continue that vein of thought as the leg of a
blasted apart cot drove itself deep into his chest, piercing his heart.
Harry kneeled by his wife and scooped her up into his arms and hurried
to the door of the Hospital Wing. The room was still in chaos with debris
swirling at hurricane speeds but it never seemed to come near him.
Dumbledore saw the boy attempting to leave and shot several spells at
him which were intercepted by pieces of the floor suddenly lifting from
the ground and intercepting the spells with perfect timing.
Harry reached the door and on a whim successfully apparated himself
and Bella to the seventh floor. The door to the RoR was already opening
for them as he marched in to the room the door closing right behind him.
He placed Bella on the sofa she was conscious but he could tell in a lot of
pain..
He leaned over Bella to check for other injuries, several drops of blood
fell on to Bella's cheek, but it was not her blood. Harry lifted the back of
his hand to his nose wiping across it, he looked down to see his hand
covered in the red fluid. His body began to shake again just like after the
Hogsmeade attack. The room started to spin and his vision began to
blacken, but he would not allow himself to pass out though, Bella needed
him.
He crawled over to the lit fireplace, and grabbed a handful of Floo
Powder. Throwing the green powdery substance in the fireplace he yelled
out "POTTER KEEP!"
He stuck his head into the flickering green flames and found himself
looking into a large sitting room. He looked around and saw three people
sitting talking to each other, his eyes were blurring and could not focus
to see who was there, but it didn't matter Bella needed help.
"Grandmother!" Harry yelled.
The three blurry images turned to look at him; the one in the middle
stood and quickly made their way to the fireplace and knelt down. "Harry
what's happened?!" The familiar voice of his grandmother asked with
worry in her voice.
"We were attacked…need help." Harry said weakly fighting to stay
awake.
"Step back Harry and we'll come through." The Potter matriarch ordered
gently.
Harry managed to roll out of the flames and slide away from the grate,
his energy was failing him quickly, but he just managed to get back to
Bella's side when he heard someone step out of the floo before the
blackness overtook him.
oooOOOooo
Harry's eyes blinked open and he gazed around and sighed in relief as he
saw the familiar trappings of his and Bella's bedroom. The next thing he
realized though was that he could not move and there was a foul odor
coming from his chest. He managed to look down at his chest and noticed
a pasty orange substance spread all over his chest and abdomen.
"It's for the burns on your chest and stomach." A voice said from the door
way. "Its smells foul but it works extremely well in healing electrical
burns."
"Grandmother?" Harry asked.
"Yes, dear. I must say you took quite the nasty spell, it left your chest
with a lot of burnt flesh. But this paste should do the trick, you won't
even have any scarring." She said warmly.
"Why can't I move?" Harry asked.
"I couldn't have you thrashing about in your sleep and accidently wiping
of the paste off." With a wave of her wand Harry was able to move. He
gingerly sat up his muscles protesting the movement.
"Easy now Harry, you've not fully recovered yet." His grandmother placed
a pillow behind his back to make him more comfortable.
"Where's Bella, grandmother?" Dorea was really enjoying being called
grandmother and made her smile inside. She had always wanted more
than one child but fate would not be kind. Due to complications, James
would be her only offspring, but with Harry she was feeling that she just
received another son although he was older than James that did not
matter in the slightest to the witch.
"She's just there." Dorea said chuckling slightly while she pointed to the
other side of Harry.
Harry turned his head and indeed there was Bella, still sleeping. He
noticed that the cuts and bruising around her face had been healed but
her leg seemed to be immobilized.
"We had to regrow the bones in her leg, the bones were too badly
damaged to mend them. She should be right as rain though in another
few hours. I gave her a dreamless sleep draught to get her through the
night."
"Through the night? How long have I been out?" Harry asked.
"Almost twelve hours, it's about nine in the morning." Dorea explained.
"You gave us quite the start when you floo called that you had been
attacked.
"Us?" Harry asked with concern.
Dorea nodded. "Yes, I had just finished telling Charlus and Alastor all
about you when you so conveniently appeared in the floo.
"How did it go?" harry asked nervously.
Dorea smiled warmly. "Well as you can imagine it was quite a pill to
swallow. Charlus, was, as I expected, took very little convincing. Of
course he knows me well, and knew that if I believed it, then it must be
true."
"And Moody?" Harry asked with trepidation.
"He was extremely skeptical, that was until he came through the floo
with us and had a look at your bookshelf filled with books that have not
been written yet, at least in our time. It didn't hurt either that the
pensieve you used to show me your memories was still in your sitting
room with your memories still in it. Two hours later and Alastor was a
firm believer and has promised to keep your secret."
Harry sighed in relief. "Thank you grandmother. I wasn't sure how you
would go about convincing him." Dorea smiled and patted his hand.
"Now young man, I would like to know just what happened to you and
Bella." Dorea asked with a scolding look mastered by mothers the world
over.
"It's a long story." Harry sighed rubbing his hand down his face.
"Well we have time and you're not going anywhere for at least a few
more hours." She replied with a smirk looking down at his chest."
"Is grandfather and Moody still here?" Harry asked.
"No, Moody had to get back to the job and finish his report on the
Hogsmeade attack, and Charlus has a scheduled Wizengamot meeting
this morning." She replied.
"Just as well, I don't think they'd like to hear what I did." Harry frowned.
"What you did?" Dorea asked.
"Yeah, it was the catalyst for what happened later." Harry shook his head
sadly.
"Why don't you start from the beginning and we'll go from there." Dorea
replied with a warm smile.
For the next hour, Harry related the sequence of events leading up to his
floo call to her last night. She had stopped him just a few times for
clarification but otherwise remained silent during his tale.
Dorea stood and paced for a moment. "I won't say that I'm okay with the
death of the two boys, and I'm sure your only intention was to protect
your friend, but your magic responded in dangerous levels. Harry, I think
you have a problem with control over you magic. Even in Hogsmeade I
could feel the wild magic coming off of you in waves."
"I…I've been going through some…err changes ever since I became Lord
Eveningshade." Harry began. "My magic is changing; I can feel it pulse
wildly inside me at times especially when I'm..."
"When you're angry or scared." She put in receiving a nod from Harry.
"It's typical to see this in young children when their magical cores first
begin to develop. It's called accidental magic, but usually by the time a
child reaches ten accidental magic ceases; their magical core is then
stable enough to begin practicing magic.
I can only guess, but I think your core has become unstable again while
your new family magic begins to assert itself. It's only a theory but if it is
true you need to be very careful casting spells until your core stabilizes.
You have had two bouts of magical exhaustion in less than a week. That
is not healthy Harry, and you could deplete your core to a point where it
cannot replenish itself."
"It's not like I do it on purpose, it just seems to happen without me asking
it to, it's like my magic has a mind of its own." Harry replied sullenly.
"I understand Harry." Dorea told her grandson sitting on the edge of the
bed and taking his hand. "Your magic is adjusting to you as you are to it.
When we are young our magic has this natural protective nature and it
will respond in a protective manor to protect the host. I believe that is
what is happening with you. Tell me Harry, have you heard of
Occlumency?" Dorea asked.
"I have, Bella and I have been working on it but I'm still just learning to
order my thoughts." Harry said.
"That's wonderful Harry, I can also teach you. I am a master occlumens.
And though trying to organize your thoughts is a good place to start, I
believe with you, we need to work on controlling your emotions first.
Harry, emotions are much more powerful than thoughts, the most
powerful magic is emotion driven.
Love, fear, hate, joy, these emotions can amplify a simple spell such as
Wingardium Leviosa a thousand times. I believe that is what happened to
the two Slytherin boys. A mixture of fear for your friend and anger for
what they were doing to your friend, mix that with an unstable magical
core and it amplified your spell to the point that it shot them up to the
ceiling with such force that it killed them."
"So what do I do?" Harry asked with tears forming in his eyes.
She gave him a one armed hug and kissed his head. "I teach you to
control your emotions, and by doing so we control your magical output.
At least until your core stabilizes." Harry nodded gratefully.
"And believe me you're going to want control of your emotions when you
meet the rest of the Black family." Dorea chuckled. "They even strain my
control." She smiled humorously.
"Now, why don't you get some rest, tomorrow evening we all leave for
Black Hills, The Black family ancestral home." Dorea told her grandson.
Harry lay back down and wondered what lay in store for him now. He
could not return to his own time, he would most likely be a wanted man,
with the death of two students and one professor on his hands. Not that
he ever intended to stay in his own time, but his departure had been
rather abrupt.
He glanced over at his sleeping wife and smiled lovingly at her. 'At least I
won't be alone.' Was his final thought as he drifted off back to sleep.
oooOOOooo
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter; it is really beginning to move now.
Please leave your thoughts about the chapter what you like or didn't. I
read all the reviews and some have given me great ideas on how to move
things along. Have a great Weekend!
18. Chapter 18
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Sorry for the long wait on this chapter, I struggled with it a bit.
Also I was busy getting my Irish on this weekend to concentrate on the
story. ; )
A lot of very insightful comments on the last chapter, I really appreciate
those. I know some are wondering what will happen with Luna and
Hermione now that Harry has made his decision on where he will be
staying. They will not be coming to the past…sorry! This chapter does
give a small hint about Luna's future, but I don't think I'm quite done
with Harry's timeline just yet; there may be one or two more journeys
back. And I'm not done with the Room of Requirement either! No
guarantees though, just some ideas in the back of my head.
Again thanks for all the wonderful reviews and without further ado here
is Chapter 18 of Passageways!
A/N2: Some very observant readers pointed out that I had already
made Bella and Harry's marriage know in chapter sixteen. So I have
changed that reference in this chapter. Sometimes even authors make
mistakes. Thanks to those who pointed out my error!
Chapter 18
The next morning, Harry had received a crash course on wizarding
society and information on the Potter and Black family histories and
familial dynamics from Dorea and Bellatrix and of course from
Walburga's portrait that just had to put in her two cents. It was an eye
opening and frank discussion on pureblood politics, the House system,
the legal process and its duplicitous nature where bloodlines were
concerned.
Dorea prepared Harry for the inevitable discussion of alliances, which her
brother Arcturus would undoubtedly bring up during their visit to Black
Hills. The bonding that occurred between he and Bella would be
Arcturus' angle on solidifying an alliance of equals between House Black
and House Eveningshade, and thus become a warning to those who might
stand against his house.
"Harry…" Dorea began. "Arcturus is a very shrewd politician, but a
pragmatist, he will see the precarious position that House Black is in.
With House Black wands having been turned on Voldemort, the darker
families that have embraced the purist movement will be targeting our
house now. He will shift the family politics to the center in an attempt to
find allies to surround himself with.
This is where you are extremely valuable, Harry. The Eveningshades have
a well deserved reputation of crushing those who they set their eyes
upon. That alone will make the old darker families think twice about
engaging House Black if the Eveningshades are allies. But your family
name has been silent for over a hundred years and the newer, dark
aligned houses will not have the same trepidation as the older houses.
But with the neutral, older houses who still remember the Eveningshade
name, the pull to align themselves with you would be great indeed, even
if their motives are purely centered around self-preservation. The task
before Arcturus is to demonstrate to the neutrals that there is a real need
for an alliance by showing them a clear and present danger to their
Houses and their wealth." Dorea explained over her morning tea.
"How do you think he will accomplish this?" Harry asked.
Dorea chuckled setting her tea cup back on the table. "The Blacks have
been involved in politics for centuries, Harry. And are masters of
manipulation. A whisper here, a veiled threat there, a promise or two of
political or economic favor, and wa-la, you have an ally. And of course
he has his ace in the hole…you."
"Me?" Harry asked confused.
"It is already being whispered that it was an Eveningshade who killed
Voldemort's men in Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade. Without realizing it,
dear, you have declared war on the purist movement; you have killed
members of some of the darker families who support Voldemort. The
only question now for many is where exactly you stand. Are you a light
wizard or are you a gray?
Once knowledge of an Eveningshade is out there, you will be courted not
only by the dark families, and grays, but by the light families as well.
And from my talks with you, I know you are not a Dumbledore
supporter, and seeing as the majority of our world sees him as the leader
of the light, when you reject his offer of alliance many will assume that
you are gray or at the very least neutral. But I think the neutral ship has
sailed with the two recent attacks." Dorea winked at him with a smile.
"That's why Uncle Orion and grandfather Arcturus will shift their
allegiance from dark to gray, Harry." Bella added. "They have betrayed
the dark families by fighting against them in Hogsmeade, and they
suspect you are not a light wizard because you had no hesitation on
killing your enemy. That is something the light tends to avoid, much to
their own detriment." Bella continued receiving an approving nod from
her great-aunt.
"So what does all this mean?" Harry asked his grandmother.
"It means dear, that there must be a third faction in the upcoming war if
we are to survive, and it must be large enough and powerful enough not
only to stop Voldemort but to stop Albus as well. Albus…the fool, sees
things only in black and white, and he will see your actions as dark."
Dorea stated with a huff.
"Dumbledore has passed a lot of legislation, love, making it more difficult
for aurors to use deadly force and for everyday witches and wizards to
defend themselves. He believes that passivity and compromise will lead
to a peaceful outcome." Bella replied with disgust in her voice.
"Compromise and passivity didn't help Mr. Bell!" She fumed. "Or save
those people and students killed in Hogsmeade!"
"We need a stronger government Harry, one that will take the necessary
action against aggression. Dumbledore has weakened us by polarizing the
Wizengamot to the point that our governing body is largely ineffectual. If
we can gain a majority in the Wizengamot we can begin to undo the
damage that Albus has caused. To do that Harry, we need to unite the
neutral and the gray families." Dorea's tone was serious and grave.
"The old fool should be run out of the Wizengamot and the school if you
ask me!" The portrait of Walburga spoke up for the first time this
morning. "Especially after learning what he has done to Harry!" She
added with a dangerous scowl.
Dorea and the painting of the Black Matriarch had spent most the prior
evening after Harry had gone back to sleep talking about the events of
Harry's timeline up until Walburga's death in 1985.
Needless to say that Dorea was motivated more than ever to help her
grandson in changing the future. To learn of the destruction of House
Black and the near collapse of the Potter line was something that ignited
a fire in her belly. She knew that alliances needed to be made, strength
gathered, and political muscle needed to be flexed…and soon!
The Potters and the Blacks were well connected families with ancient
bloodlines, which held a lot of sway with many of the other older houses,
houses that would need to be approached and brought to their camp.
From what she read in the book on Voldemort that Harry gave her last
night. Voldemort and his supporters had become so far entrenched into
the magic community, that when the people began to realize just what
Voldemort represented it was too late.
The ministry had been on the brink of collapse until the night the lunatic
killed her son and his wife and then tried to kill her grandson. She would
need to use all of the political influence of the Potter and Black families
to change all their fates.
"Well spoken Walburga!" Dorea replied to the avatar in the large frame
mounted on the wall above the fireplace.
"I thought that the Potters were avid Dumbledore supporters,
grandmother." Harry asked cocking his head to the side with an
inquisitive look. Dorea looked utterly insulted by the remark.
"Who on earth told you that?!" Dorea asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Well…um…Dumbledore did and Hagrid as well. Mum and Dad were
part of his Order of the Phoenix, so I just assumed." Harry replied.
"Were they now, I'll have to see about that!" Dorea replied incredulously.
"Charlus does respect the man, especially after he defeated Grindelwald,
but he is not oblivious to Albus' shortcomings. During the Great War, the
Potter's leaned more gray than light, and more than once did your
grandfather standup to that old crackpot in the Wizengamot.
The Potters believed in meeting force with equal or greater force. We did
not try to exchange niceties to those who were trying to kill us." She
explained haughtily. Harry had to suppress a grin that threatened to
appear on his face. He really liked his grandmother's no nonsense
attitude.
At length the discussion turned to Harry's secret. It was agreed that
beyond those that already knew, it should not be revealed that he was
from the future or who his parents and grandparents were. That kind of
knowledge could be very dangerous should it slip to the wrong people.
That being said, they also believed that Harry should keep his identity
secret, at least for now, when out in public, the great success of House
Eveningshade's longevity was that very few outside of the family ever
knew what the head of house Eveningshade looked like. In this manner
he could never be directly targeted by enemies. He was a mysterious and
elusive person and that anonymity only inspired more myths and legends
about the family.
Dorea had heard about the loyalty oaths that members of the
Eveningshade clan were obligated to take, though she did not know the
specific oath; she assumed that somewhere in the Eveningshade Grimoire
the spell and oath existed. She suggested to Harry that he find the oath in
question and require all members of the Black and Potter families to take
the oath and any others he may bring into his confidence, if they wanted
to form an alliance.
"Grandmother?" Harry began tentatively.
"Yes dear?" The older woman asked.
"About my mum…I was wondering, should I…"
"Should you tell Lily that you are her son, and from the future?" Dorea
asked.
"Um…yeah." Harry replied.
Dorea sat back in her chair and regarded her grandson for a moment. She
saw two men in her grandson at that instant. One undoubtedly would
become the powerful enigmatic Lord Eveningshade, a force of nature and
magic that could shake the very foundations of Wizarding Britain, should
he choose to do so.
She could see and feel all the untapped power that the young man had
within him. She had no doubt that in time and with proper training he
would eventually become an arch mage if not a full blown sorcerer,
surpassing Dumbledore and being on the same level as Merlin himself.
But right now his magical core was not stable enough or strong enough
to handle all the power he would one day wield, only time and maturity
could properly prepare him for that day.
The other man she saw was not really a man yet at all, but an insecure
and scared teenager longing for love, a family and validation and support
from a parental figure. And the way he looked at her now, she could tell
that he was hoping that she would be that person for him. He wanted to
put all his trust into her. Affection for the dark haired boy blossomed in
her chest, 'and why shouldn't it' she mused, 'he is after all my grandson.'
So it made it more difficult to tell him what she thought about bringing
Lily or James for that matter into the secret. For starters, Lily and James
were only eleven years old and she doubted very much that informing
the two preteens that they were destined to be married and would have a
son and oh by the way here he is! And he's four years older than you!
Somehow she thought that it would be something that they were not
quite mature enough to handle...or believe.
"Harry, dear." She began with a sigh and a look of sympathy. "As much as
it pains me to tell you this…I think it best that you do not approach your
mum and dad with this secret. Telling them could harm the natural
development of their relationship. And who knows how they would react,
you could unintentionally drive them a part." Dorea told her crestfallen
grandson. She leaned forward and took his hands in hers.
"That does not mean that you can't be a part of her life, Harry." Dorea
stated tenderly, Harry looked up into his grandmother's deep gray-blue
eyes, a common trait amongst the Blacks.
"How do you mean?" Harry asked.
"She is an Eveningshade, Harry, and family. If you wanted you could
claim her as a member of your house." Dorea explained.
"But I thought we wanted to keep a low profile." Harry asked confused.
"Who you are, Harry, and Bella as well. We want to keep who you and
Bella are a secret as the Lord and Lady of House Eveningshade. But Lily
you can still claim, and it would give her instant ancient status amongst
the old houses and it will provide her protection from certain unsavory
elements of our society who could get away with crimes against a
muggleborn, but would not get away with a crime against a member of
an Ancient House." Dorea informed her gobsmacked grandson.
"But how can I claim her as an Eveningshade without revealing who I
am?! I'm sure she would want to know how it is I knew she was an
Eveningshade and how we are related." Harry told his grandmother.
"Don't be so dramatic Harry; your head of house ring will identify her as
a member of your family. She is already good friends with Narcissa; it
would not be hard to set up a situation where you meet the girl. You
could be introduced as Bellatrix's fiancé and when you greet her, you
shockingly reveal to her that she has the Eveningshade bloodline, and
you as head of House Eveningshade, could reinstate her into the family
and explain what that could mean for the girl and her family." Dorea sat
back with a congenial smirk.
"You make it sound too easy, grandmother." Harry replied with an arched
eyebrow. "I've been told all my life that my mum was a very intelligent
witch. I think she would find it more than a little convenient that all of a
sudden some lost relative showed up in her life and claim that she is a
member of an infamous pureblood family."
"You'd be surprised Harry. Lily is basically alone in our world; sure she
has a friend in Narcissa, but nothing else that really connects her to this
marvelous world she now finds herself in. If she were to learn that she
isn't here by some fluke that she actually has a magical lineage…a
magical family as old as any in our world. Tell me she would not be
excited about it and jump at the chance to learn all she could about it."
Dorea smiled.
"Perhaps you are right." Harry sighed nervously. "I just don't want to
frighten her away."
"I doubt you would Harry, you have a very trustworthy air about you."
Dorea smiled warmly at her grandson and patted his hands. "Now are you
all packed to leave this morning?"
"We are." Bella replied.
"Good, you and your sisters will take the Hogwarts Express to Kings
Cross, your father and your Uncle Orion will meet you on the platform,
and from there you will travel by portkey to Black Hills. Harry you will
be with them."
"Where will you be, grandmother?" Harry asked.
"Charlus and I will arrive with James before dinner. Oh and before I
forget. Harry, if we are to keep your secret you must not call me
grandmother in front of others." She stated seriously.
"What should I call you then?" Harry asked a little saddened that he
couldn't use the term of relation.
"While at Black Hills you should address me as Lady Potter and I will call
you Lord Eveningshade. We must observe the formalities. However,
socially we are equals, so after we are formally acquainted we may give
each other leave to use our first names. In private I would feel very
happy to have you call me grandmother or grandmamma.
And Harry, remember you should practice several glamour's that you will
use in public. Bella can help you there; she is quite skilled in that
particular area. For now I think we need to do something a bit more…
permanent to avoid unwanted questions about the way you look."
"The way I look?" Harry asked incredulously.
"You look remarkably like your father, except for the eyes of course. The
unruly black hair is a Potter trait that goes back for generations, and you
have the Black bone structure in your face. There isn't anything we can
do about your bone structure, but we can do something about your hair."
Dorea explained ruffling Harry's black mop.
"We are not changing his eyes though, auntie! I love his eyes." Bellatrix
put her foot down.
"Nor would we want to dear." Dorea told her niece in indignation. "Those
eyes are the hallmark of an Eveningshade. All Eveningshades' had them.
There is a legend you know, a legend that the Eveningshade's created the
Avada Kedavra curse, and gave the curse the color of their eyes.
Whether it is true or not, no one really knows, but it added to the
mystique and fear of the family. It was said that when you would see the
glowing green of their eyes, death soon followed. It was brilliant
psychological warfare dear." Dorea explained. Bella was impressed at
how much myth seemed to surround Harry's family, and how they had
used it to their benefit.
The Eveningshades seemed to be the pinnacle of Slytherin ambition in
Bella's mind. They were cunning, and resourceful, they were ambitious,
and ruthless to those who opposed them, loyal to none but their own.
They followed their own path and that was something Bella admired.
"So what are we going to change?" Harry asked, breaking Bella out of her
thoughts.
"Well, you are a Lord from an Ancient House, so wearing your hair long
would be socially acceptable. The Potters have not worn their hair long
for nearly two hundred years so it would create a distinction immediately
between you and the Potter line.
However, the Blacks do keep their hair longer and usually have ebony
hair, accept for the occasional blonde that pops up like Narcissa. A Veela
somewhere in the family, but that's neither here nor there." Dorea waved
her hand dismissively.
"So I think with adding length to your hair we need to soften the color,
maybe a chestnut brown with a hint of red in it. What do you think
Bellatrix?" Dorea asked the younger witch.
Bella looked at Harry speculatively, walking around him as if she were
examining him. She came to a stop and stood just in front of him raking
her fingers through his short jet black hair. She bit her lip and appeared
to be in deep thought.
"Yes, yes I think he would look rather dashing with the longer and lighter
color hair." She concluded stepping back.
"Do you think you could do it then?" Dorea asked her niece, knowing she
had inherited the gift of enchantment from their mutual Black family
ancestor.
"Oh yes." She replied confidently, taking out her wand. "Now just stand
still, Harry."
Harry gulped and his eyes widened as Bella began to weave her wand
around Harry's head, he could not make out the words of the incantation
but he could tell that they were in Latin. Suddenly Harry felt his scalp
begin to tingle and then itch. Within seconds he could feel his hair begin
to lengthen and grow over his ears and down his neck.
A minute later and his hair had reached just below his shoulder blades
before it stopped. Bella had paused briefly before beginning to weave her
wand in patterns around his hair again. He then felt something like the
feel of cool water washing over his head; it gave him a slight shiver.
Bella stepped back and looked quite pleased with herself. He looked
every bit the pureblood lord. His hair was long and silky looking; the mix
of brown and red highlights suited him perfectly making his green eyes
pop. The magic was permanent only she could remove it so there was no
worry that it would revert back accidentally.
"Well done Bellatrix…well done!" Dorea complimented her niece as she
inspected her grandson. "I don't think anyone would notice any family
resemblance unless they really looked for it."
oooOOOooo
Luna Lovegood stood in the center of the large open entrance hall of
Hogwarts Castle, her eyes were unfocused and she seemed to stare
mesmerized into the nothingness. Students of every house gave the odd
Ravenclaw a wide berth as they whispered to friends about the strange
blonde with the radish earrings and Butter Beer cork necklace.
Luna was looking at all of the temporal echoes that seemed to flood the
area with great interests, to the normal or ungifted seer, there was no
rhyme or reason to the chaos of images that assaulted the senses, and
even to one possessed with the gift as Luna was, it was still difficult to
follow and give order to what she was seeing around her.
The future was in constant disordered motion now as was the past and
the echoes would come and go, and blink out of existence in a blink of an
eye, ever changing ever rewriting themselves. It was difficult for a mind
to make sense of it all, and it is why many who had possessed the gift
throughout time had gone insane. The life expectancy of a seer who
could not completely detach themselves from a linear way of thinking
was very short, due to the abnormal amount of stress to their minds.
Luna, however, had no such issues and could detach herself at will,
which made her seem odd and sometimes mental to others. Luna had also
learned how to follow the stronger temporal echoes; these were the
echoes with the highest probability of becoming her reality.
The echoes were rushing around her at greater and greater speeds, and
her eyes danced in her sockets trying to look at one long enough to
follow its path. Then she spotted an echo directly in front of her, it was
moving much slower than the rest and definitely had more substance to
it. She watched in fascination as it continued to move directly toward
her.
Her reality seemed to almost come to a crawl, student's movements
around her slowed; a student here and there would just disappear while
another would suddenly come into existence. The echoes moved even
faster now and were becoming fainter with each passing second as her
focus on them waned. All of her attention now was solely on the echo
still coming toward her.
The echo came to a halt just inches away from her face, it leaned in
toward her and suddenly there was a loud whooshing sound, a sound like
a dozen trains rushing by her all at once. Suddenly there was a slight
warm gentle pressure against her lips.
Luna closed her eyes and then smiled widely when the pressure stopped.
She opened her eyes to find a very real pair of dazzling green eyes
lovingly looking back at her. "Mmm…butterscotch."
oooOOOooo
The overall feeling at the train station in Hogsmeade was solemn for the
most part. The older years who had been in Hogsmeade during the attack
were still dealing with the traumatic effects of watching fellow
classmates and townspeople cut down by masked witches and wizards.
The Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic were now calling these
terrorist by their own admitted nom du guerre of "Death Eaters."
The general consensus of most of the students was that these Death
Eaters were evil witches and wizards who were nothing more than
murderers and terrorists. But to a modest group of Slytherins and a
spattering of other students from the other houses, they called them
freedom fighters and revolutionaries fighting for the preservation of
tradition and blood purity.
The Daily Prophet had printed several scathing articles about the Purist
Movement and the elusive and mysterious Lord Voldemort, who was the
political head of this organization. The paper reported that a spokesman
in the Wizengamot for the Purist Party had stated that the "Death Eaters"
were simply a misguided action group of concerned witches and wizards
alarmed about the dilution of magical blood and corruption of our
traditions by the integration of muggleborns into "our" society, and was
not affiliated in any way with Lord Voldemort or the Purist Party.
To those with a keen sense of the obvious however, saw this for what it
was…the beginnings of another wizarding war. After all it was not so
long ago that Grindelwald had tried something similar, though his
methods were admittedly more abrupt and obvious.
oooOOOooo
Harry had stayed beneath his invisibility cloak until he reached the
outskirts of Hogsmeade. Once there he removed it and he and Bella
walked hand in hand toward the train station where they were to meet
Andromeda and Narcissa.
"Bella!" A young voice called out. Narcissa Black sprinted to her sister
and through her arms around her waist, burying her head in her chest.
Bella returned the hug and smiled warmly at her youngest sister.
Andromeda, however, had walked more sedately toward her sister.
Andromeda had been uncharacteristically subdued over the past few
days; she was having nightmares about being trapped in the burning
building in Hogsmeade.
Every time she closed her eyes she could see the orange flames and the
billowing black smoke pouring in from all sides, she could still feel the
suffocating weight in her lungs from the swirling soot and ash, and the
burning of her eyes as the intense heat devoured any moisture in the air,
and her ears could still hear the screaming from those who shared her
hell in that inferno.
Harry recognized the blank stare and the bags under Andromeda's eyes as
someone not dealing well with what had happened to her. He had the
same exact look on his own face after the Tri-Wizard tournament. Harry
stepped toward Andromeda while Bella was busy with Narcissa.
"Miss Black." Harry softly called to her. Andromeda looked up with
haunted eyes and Harry felt his own heart break for the girl. Harry
reached for her left hand with his right and then gently covered it with
his left. Andromeda looked down at her covered hand and then looked up
inquisitively at Harry.
"I was standing right next to a classmate who was killed by the killing
curse. We were standing so close to each other that I could hear and feel
the rush of the spell as it crashed into his chest. The impact tossed his
body several feet away from me. When I close my eyes…I still see the
green of the spell and the vacant look in my classmate's eyes.
I was then tortured and forced to duel a wizard who had decades of
experience on me. He wanted me dead but decided to toy with me first to
prolong my suffering and agony; he wanted to make me suffer to the
point that I would beg for death. By luck I was able to escape…but, there
is still a part of me that lingers in that place where my life almost ended.
It was the most horrific and with frightening thing I have ever lived
through. But I did live through it. And since that night, though it took me
quite some time, I've learned to take some comfort in that thought that I
did survive." Harry looked deeply into Andromeda's eyes with
understanding.
"The nightmares don't come as often anymore, though they do still come.
What helps me to overcome them is telling myself that it's okay to move
on…to live and be thankful for that life. But more importantly I have
found someone who is willing to share my burden." Harry cast a quick
sideways glance at Bella, who was now watching him with eyes watering
with pride along with Narcissa who had tears in her eyes as well.
Andromeda was beginning to show for the first time since the incident,
the pain, the fear, and the guilt she had been holding in. "If you want
Andi…" His voice was soft but earnest. "I would be honored to be that
someone you can speak with and share your burden. I know that opening
up to someone else is very hard, but it has helped me deal with my
demons, and I know it could help you with yours."
Andromeda looked up into the warm green eyes of the man she had just
barely met before the attack. He had impressed her then with the little
time they had interacted. And now, she again felt impressed by his
gentleness and empathy. He had known what she had been feeling, had
felt it himself and now he had offered to help her, an almost total
stranger.
She did not know what Bella had done, to have the fates be so kind to
her as to be sent such a wonderful man but she was very happy for her
sister. Andromeda regarded Harry for a few moments longer before she
spoke.
"Thank you, Lord Eveningshade." Andromeda whispered with a watery
half smile. "That is most kind of you to offer. I-I may just take you up on
your kindness." Bella walked up to her sister and enveloped her into a
crushing hug.
"I'm here for you too, Andi." Bella whispered. Andromeda tightened her
hug on her sister, and nodded her head into Bella's shoulder.
"Not that I'm complaining." Narcissa smiled coquettishly at Harry. "But
why are you coming to Black Hills with us?" Narcissa asked interrupting
the moment, feeling a little left out.
"Well, for starters he is our brother-in-law." Andromeda supplied.
Harry and Bellatrix looked and Andromeda in surprise. "How did you
know, Harry was coming to Black Hills?" Bella asked.
"It was in the letter father sent me, when he informed us we would be
going to Black Hills this weekend." She replied.
"What!" Narcissa almost yelled. "You knew about him coming and didn't
tell me?!" Narcissa waved her hands between Harry and Bella. "And
didn't tell me?! Oh this will be an interesting weekend!"
"Just slipped my mind." Andromeda shrugged apologetically. "I haven't
quite been myself lately."
"S-sorry.' Narcissa apologized quickly to her older sister. Andromeda gave
her a weak smile in return.
"It's alright Cissy." Bella released Andromeda and turned to Narcissa. "It
was kind of a spur of the moment kind of thing. I'm a little concerned
how things will play out with the family." She looked back over her
shoulder at Harry with a nervous look.
"Wish, you could have had a real wedding." Narcissa groused. "I could
have gotten a new dress out of it." She pouted.
"Well, I hope to have a proper wedding sometime in the near future."
Bella looked over her shoulder at Harry playfully.
"And a proper honeymoon." She winked saucily at him. Harry blushed
but smiled back and nodded.
"How cool is it to have a brother in-law that can kick arse!" Narcissa
crowed. Harry and Bella chuckled at the small blondes antics. "Can't wait
to tell those gits in Slytherin, they'll be shaking in their boots when they
find out who my brother-in-law is!"
"Actually, Cissy, we need to keep Harry's identity a secret for now."
Bellatrix explained to her sister.
"What! What for?!" Narcissa pouted.
"For his safety and ours. Eventually we will reveal ourselves to the public
but for now we need to keep it quiet until we are ready. Do you
understand?" Bella asked.
"No." She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly.
Harry knelt in front of the blonde and took her hands in his. "It's
important to me to keep you and your family safe, until I'm ready for our
society to know of my existence, and even then, my name must be kept
secret. Will you keep my secret until then?" Harry asked sweetly kissing
the tops of her hands and smiling at her.
Narcissa swooned and blushed at the kisses Harry had placed on her
hands. "Okay, I will keep your secret." Narcissa replied with a demure
look in her eyes.
"That's enough, you big flirt!" Bella swatted his shoulder playfully.
"There is something you can help me with Cissy." Harry stated.
"Really?! What is it?" She asked excitedly.
"Your friend, Lily. Do you know if she will be on the train today?" Harry
asked.
"Lily? Yes, she'll be on the train. But what do you want with my friend?"
Narcissa asked suspiciously.
"You see, she is also an Eveningshade, though she does not know it yet."
Harry whispered.
"Are you serious?!" Narcissa asked flabbergasted.
Harry nodded his head. "I am, and I would like a chance to talk to her.
Do you think you could find her once we're on the train and invite her to
our compartment?" Harry asked the small blonde.
"Wow!" Narcissa breathed. "Sure, we were planning on getting together
anyway. Merlin will she be surprised!" Narcissa stated shaking her head
in amused disbelief.
"Brillant! Thank you Cissy." Harry stated with a smile.
oooOOOooo
The three Black sisters and Harry boarded the train and searched for an
empty compartment. They found one near the end of the train and settled
in for the long trip to London. The group noticed the presence of several
aurors at Hogsmeade Station, but was surprised that there were several
who were on the train as well. They imagined it was for added security,
they just all hoped they wouldn't be needed.
As soon as the train began to move, Narcissa left the compartment to find
her friend Lily Evans. Narcissa was totally excited that her best friend
was actually a member of the infamous Eveningshade family. If those
boneheads in Slytherin knew that they been harassing a member of one
of the most feared families in British Wizard history, they'd be wetting
themselves in fear of reprisals. Narcissa smiled to herself.
Ten minutes later, Narcissa found Lily with a group of other first year
Gryffindor girls. The two friends hugged each other in greeting, and
quickly became the target of suspicious glares from the other Gryffindors
in the compartment, who did not approve of the friendship at all.
The two friends left the compartment together. If they saw the hostile
looks from the other girls in the room, they gave them no mind. Hand in
hand the two friends made their way back to the where Harry and the
other Black sisters were sitting.
The two friends were giggling about something when they entered. Lily
smiled at Andromeda and Bella whom had been very nice to her and
welcoming. She then noticed the lone boy in the compartment who was
looking at her strangely. It wasn't a creepy or hostile look, if anything it
appeared to be a happy look, a look one would see from a long lost friend
who had missed you terribly.
Harry stood from his seat and approacehed the girl with a smile and an
outstretched hand. "Hello Lily, I'm Harry. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Harry introduced himself, and shook her hand his eyes sparkling and his
lips turned up into a welcoming grin.
Lily felt a slight tingling in her hand when she had touched her hand.
"Lily Evans." The small redhead curtsied, curious to where the strange
feeling a familiarity was coming from.
"Please come in and sit down." Harry offered, pointing to the seat directly
in front of him and Bella who was sitting next to him. Lily sat down
across from him and Narcissa took the spot next to Lily still holding her
hand. Andromeda took the seat next to Bellatrix.
"I've heard a lot about you?" Harry began warmly. "I hear you're an
exceptional student."
"Um…thank you." Lily began. "I can't say that I know anything about
you." Lily asked blushing slightly at the intensity of the boy's gaze. It was
then she really noticed his eyes. They were a brilliant green. If she didn't
think it was possible she would swear that his eyes looked exactly like
hers.
"He's Bella's mysterious boyfriend. Remember me telling you about him?"
Narcissa reminded her friend.
"Oh! Oh yes…so your Bella's boyfriend?"
"Well, more than that now." Narcissa giggled, until Bella gave her a
withering look that had the blonde wincing apologetically.
"Actually, if you can keep a secret just between us girls..." Bella
whispered conspiratorially. "I'll let you in on a secret."
"Sure, I can keep a secret!" The excited young redhead replied crossing
her heart.
"Harry and I are actually magically bound; in the eyes of our society, that
means we are considered married." Bella smiled warmly while squeezing
Harry's hand affectionately.
"Wow! I've read that wizards and witches tend to marry early…but wow!"
Lily replied with interest.
"It's actually not uncommon amongst the older houses to make arranged
marriages between their children, usually for political reasons."
Andromeda put in with a disdainful snort.
"Is yours a political marriage then?" Lily asked Harry and Bella curiously.
"Um…no." Harry supplied. "Our union was kind of spontaneous."
"Spontaneous?" Lily asked.
"It's old magic Lily." Bella began. "When a witch and wizard declare
themselves for each other, magic can sometimes bind them together. It is
very rare and generally requires a really powerful wizard to begin the
bond."
"What if the witch doesn't want to be bonded?" Lily asked. "I mean can a
powerful wizard do this to any witch he fancies?"
"No, Lily. The desire to bond has to be reciprocated by the witch." Bella
explained.
"Well that's a relief!" Lily replied dramatically earning her giggles from
Narcissa.
"Afraid that Jaime is a powerful wizard and might want to bond with
you?" Narcissa laughed hysterically.
"Not funny Cissy!" Lily swatted her best friend on the shoulder. "Ug! That
boy drives me insane, always lurking about and staring at me!"
"You know you like it!" Narcissa teased. Bella and Harry gave each other
knowing smiles.
"I'd rather date a buber tuber!" Lily huffed, crossing her arms over her
chest.
"But then we'd be family." Narcissa replied pulling Lily into a one armed
hug. "Wouldn't that be brilliant!" The blue eyed blonde said excitedly.
"Speaking of family." Harry took the segway that was conveniently
offered. "Do you know much about your father's family?" Harry asked
seemingly innocently.
"My father?" Lily asked confused by the sudden change in topic, but
grateful nonetheless to get off the topic of James Potter.
"Yes, do you know much of your family history?" Harry asked.
"Not much really. I asked my dad once about it for a school project on
genealogy." Lily replied thinking back to primary school.
"What did you learn?" Harry asked curiously.
"Well, all I know for certain is that our surname was changed a little over
a hundred years ago. When I asked my dad what it had been he said he
did not know. He had asked his grandfather about it when he was a little
boy, but he refused to tell dad what it was. He assumed that our
ancestors must have been bad people and they wanted to escape the
name."
"Interesting." Harry replied. "Can I ask you another question Lily?"
"Of course." She replied.
"What color were your dads eyes?" Harry asked.
"Green, why?" She replied curiously.
"And your grandfathers?"
"Green as well."
"Would you say that there eye color was exactly the same?"
"Um…yeah." She replied after thing about it.
"The same color as yours?" Harry asked.
"I suppose so yes." She replied wondering where this was all going.
"Were they the same color as…mine?" Harry finally asked slowly looking
straight at the young redhead.
Lily shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She looked at all the occupants in
the compartment and noticed that they were all paying very close
attention to her and Harry. Lily gulped audibly as she wondered what
was going on.
"I don't know what you're trying to get at Harry. But you're making me
feel…awfully nervous." Lily told the young man in front of her.
"I don't mean to make you nervous Lily, but…please. Look into my eyes
and tell me…do they look like yours and your father's and your
grandfather's." Harry asked gently.
Lily had always known, because it was such an oddity, genetically
speaking, that her eyes were the exact same shade and color of not only
her father's, but of her grandfather's and from what she had heard from
her father exactly like her great-grandfather as well.
She hesitantly looked deeply into Harry's eyes and gasped as she looked
at a pair of emerald green eyes that appeared to be exactly like hers.
"How is this possible?" Lily whispered.
"Lily, within the magical community, at least with many pureblood
families there are certain traits that are passed on from one generation to
the next. A family's magic is also passed down through the bloodline. I
believe Bella has explained this concept to you, correct?" Harry asked.
Lily nodded her head, remembering the conversation that she had with
the Black sisters on the train ride to Hogwarts to begin her first year.
"Sometimes, a child is born to magical that cannot access their magic.
These are known as…"
"Squibs." Lily offered. Harry nodded and smiled at his mother.
"Correct…squibs. They still posses magic they just can't access it. Many of
these squibs will leave the magical world and seek a new live in the
muggle world." Harry paused for a moment.
"Now, sometimes a squib or a descendant of a squib will give birth to a
child that does have full access to their magic, and they are then brought
back into the magical community. Many are mistaken as muggleborn, but
in truth there are no muggleborns. Anyone who has magic had a magical
ancestor somewhere in their family." Bella replied, picking up on Harry's
train of thought.
"Sooo, you're saying that I had a magical ancestor." Lily replied slowly.
"Exactly!" Harry smiled.
Lily began to put things together now, as she took what Harry was saying
about certain traits in magical families and Bella's statement that there
were no real "muggleborns" and that all magicals no matter their ancestry
had a magical somewhere in their family history.
Lily looked hard at Harry for a moment before speaking. "Are you trying
to tell me, that we may be…related, Harry?"
Harry gave her a soft smile. "Not just maybe, Lily. Allow me to fully
introduce myself. I am Lord Harry Eveningshade. Lord and head of the
Eveningshade family. And you Lily Evans are in fact an Eveningshade."
Harry announced.
Lily sat back in her seat, half in denial and half in shock at the revelation.
She turned to look at Narcissa who was beaming at her with a wide
smile. "How-how can you be so sure? Surely just having the same eye
color is not enough to make such a claim?"
"There is more than just your eye color Lily. As head of House
Eveningshade, I wear a signet ring that can identify a member of my
house no matter how distant that relation may be. When we shook hands,
my ring pulsed, informing me that you are indeed from the Eveningshade
family; in fact you are from the main branch of the family.
I believe your great-great grandfather changed your name to Evans, after
he left the magical world." Harry told the stunned redhead who
remembered feeling something as well when she had shaken his hand…a
since of familiarity. For some unknown reason, she felt deep in her heart
that she could trust this young man and that he was telling her the truth.
"Soo, what does all this mean?" Lily asked finally after some inner
discussion. "Does it change anything?" Harry smiled at her seeming
acceptance of the bombshell he had just dropped on her.
"Being from an Ancient House, gives you all kinds of benefits and
protections!" Narcissa told her friend, squeezing her hand.
"Benefits? Protections? I don't understand." Lily replied.
For the next several hours, Lily was informed about the politics and
cultural of magical society, and how the purebloods, as unfair as it was,
were treated differently from those considered of lesser blood. Lily was
on an emotional rollercoaster as her moods went from stunned, angry,
happy, confused, and finally accepting, however grudgingly to what life
as an Eveningshade could offer her.
Harry and Bella had educated Lily on House Eveningshade, at least as
much as they themselves had learned. The history and myths that
surrounded the family stunned the young redhead, and made her very
eager to learn more about the infamous family…her family.
Bella had found the family spell in the Eveningshade Grimoire that would
officially bring Lily back into the family, making her an Eveningshade in
full standing. Lily had agreed to it after she had been told that she would
not have to give up her family and that actually her mother and father by
extension of her membership were also brought under the protection of
House Eveningshade.
Unfortunately they could not make her father a member in full standing
because of his lack of ability to use his dormant magic. But Harry and
Bella had promised Lily that they would meet with her parents during the
Christmas holidays.
It was a simple spell, that in the end had created a small blood red ring
with a black Phoenix that was formed from both Harry's and Bella's blood
as the Lord and Lady Eveningshade and a few drops of Lily's. All the
blood was dropped into Harry's cupped left hand, once the incantation
was spoken; the blood from all three began to merge and formed the ring
that would forever identify Lily as a member of House Eveningshade.
The train rolled into Platform 9-3/4's in the early evening hours. The
group stepped onto the platform and after a promise to meet Lily early
Monday for the train ride back to Hogwarts. Lily, much to Harry's joy,
gave him a firm hug, before she turned to walk through the barrier to
meet her parents.
Two men in expensive looking cloaks approached Harry and the girls.
With a slight bow one of the men greeted them. "Lord Eveningshade, it is
a pleasure to meet you again."
"And you as well, Lord Black." Harry responded formally, bowing his
head slightly.
"Ladies."
"Uncle Orion." They responded together.
"Lord Eveningshade" Cygnus Black bowed.
"Girls." The father of the sisters greeted his children. One did not show
outward affection in public. It was quite unbecoming of a proper
pureblood.
"We our honored, that you accepted our invitation, Lord Eveningshade. I
do hope you will find your stay with us to be enjoyable and beneficial."
Orion Black offered respectfully.
"I'm sure it will be a very enlightening visit Lord Black, I'm very
interested to learn more about the Lady Eveningshade's family." Harry
tersely replied to the man and emphasized Bella's position who the two
men did not address properly.
Harry would do as his grandmother had taught him, and that was to
always show strength and power. The two Black's had just insulted his
wife by not addressing her correctly by her title while in public.
Orion and Cygnus realized that they had already made a serious
miscalculation in testing the young lord. Orion internally grimaced at the
reaction that Arcturus would have when he discovered that his sons had
already insulted prospective ally.
"I apologize, Lord Eveningshade; we meant no disrespect to the Lady
Eveningshade. We are still adjusting to her…new position." Orion bowed
in apology, but inside he was seething at playing nice with this whelp,
even if he is an Eveningshade. It was he who had brought his family to
their current precarious position. If not for him, Bella would still be
betrothed to Lestrange and none of this madness would have occurred.
"We will be more mindful in the future." Orion replied.
"I should hope so Lord Black, after all the proprieties' must be observed,
or we are no better than a commoner." Harry retorted. In truth he could
care less about pureblood protocols, but Orion and the other Blacks did,
and he had to play the part of the dangerous lord if he was to have their
respect. Dorea and Walburga had emphasized this.
The Blacks respected power and strength and so did many wizarding
houses, he had to assert both from the very beginning with them or they
would try to take whatever advantage they could over him. If he failed it
would be an uphill battle to get that respect back.
"Of course Lord Eveningshade." Orion replied. "If you and the Lady
Eveningshade are ready to leave, we can portkey to Black Hills." Orion
deferred to Harry.
"I believe we are ready Lord Black." Harry told the man.
Cygnus produced a long length of rope in front of him. "If you'll all take
hold, we'll be off."
Once everyone had taken a hold of the rope, Orion spoke: "Activate!"
There was a familiar tug behind the navel and the entire group vanished
into thin air before suddenly appearing in an ancient looking forest.
Harry was silently congratulating himself for actually landing on his feet
this time. His previous experience had him sprawled out flat on his face
last time he attempted this form of transport.
The group walked about ten yards until they came to a large Roman
archway. Orion, still furious about his dressing down by Harry, decided
that the boy needed to be humbled and so did not inform the boy about
the defensive ward in the archway.
If the ward was not deactivated it would deliver a serious shock of
electricity and throw the one trying to pass through it a good twenty feet
into the air. It was just what the little snot nosed kid needed to put him
in his place.
"Just through the arch my Lord, and straight on to the manor." Orion
gestured with his hand. Cygnus was about to stop him when Orion shot
him a look that told him to be silent. Bella, and the others had never
been here before and therefore did not know of the wards.
Harry looked at the arch and saw the powerful wards that surrounded it.
Harry began to fume inside as he realized Orion's intentions. His magic
began to pulse within him as his temper rose. He immediately took hold
of his emotions and quieted the swirling magic within him.
Harry smirked as he walked toward the archway, reading the patterns of
the wards and easily found the small gap within them. Using the one bit
of Eveningshade magic that he could control he walked through the arch
widening the gap to allow his body to walk through unharmed, and then
closing it as he passed through.
Orion and Cygnus looked dumbstruck, a look that quickly turned to fear
as they looked up to see Harry glaring back through the archway at them
his eyes glowing in rage and his cloak swirling around him in an invisible
wind.
Suddenly Harry's voice erupted like a sonorous charm on steroids as it
boomed and echoed through the woods, shaking the very stones and
trees.
"YOU FIRST INSULT MY WIFE! YOU THEN ATTEMPT TO HARM ME
WITH YOUR PITIFUL WARDS! CROSS ME ONE MORE TIME ORION
BLACK OF HOUSE BLACK, AND I WILL BRING SUCH HORROR TO
YOUR HOUSE THAT NOT A SINGLE SOUL IN OUR WORLD WILL
EVER DARE SPEAK ITS NAME AGAIN! Harry roared, his whole body
seemed to glow ominously.
Orion and Cygnus threw themselves onto the muddy ground, prostrating
themselves in front of the enraged demon that was Lord Eveningshade.
Every horror story that they had ever heard about House Eveningshade
was coming to their minds eye as clear as if it were just told to them.
"P-p-please my lord! Forgive a foolish man his trespass against you! Do
not harm my house! I swear on my life and magic that neither I nor
anyone from my house will ever do anything that would earn your wrath
or ire or in any way harm you or anyone from your house. We are your
servants!" Orion pleaded, knowing he had royally screwed up.
"SWEAR TO IT!" Harry ordered.
"S-So I swear, s-so mote it be!" Orion swore on his magic, a white pulse of
magic sealing his oath.
Harry's impressive aura began to slowly diminish, but his glowing green
eyes remained. Orion and Cygnus slowly rose to their feet and Orion
lowered the wards in the arch. Bella was the first through and ran into
Harry's arms.
She could feel the slight trembles in Harry's body, letting her know that
once again he had used a little too much of his magic and he had
weakened himself. She hoped it wasn't too much to where he would pass
out again; he still had the rest of her family to meet after all.
One good thing did come out of her uncle's arrogance though, and that
was he had just forced himself to in essence swear loyalty to her husband
and that was definitely a good thing. And scaring the living hell out of
him was just an added bonus.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Hoped you enjoyed the chapter, I'm personally looking forward to
writing Harry meeting the entire Black and Potter families. That will be
the next chapter. I know that there will be some of you who will
question my decisions to bring Lily into the Eveningshade family, but I
think the story will work better with her as an Eveningshade and I have
a few great arcs with her in them planned.
As always I would love to read your reviews, comments, or critiques on
this last chapter or on how you feel about the progression of the story.
The pacing of the story will begin to move a little faster but probably not
for at least three or four more chapters…don't hold me to it though. I
like to write organically and the story will dictate how fast I move
things. Thanks again!
19. Chapter 19
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
A/N: Been under the weather this last week but I was determined to get
this chapter up after all the great reviews on the last chapter. *Warning
Mild Citrus in this chapter*
S/N: I wanted to answer some question about the story:
It was asked why Harry as Lord Black could not just turn off the wards
surrounding the arch. If you've read carefully you will noticed that
Harry has only acted as Lord Black in his own time and in the Room of
Requirement and not in Bella's time. I didn't want Harry to come in and
usurp all authority and make him ruler over House Black, so his Black
Lordship will not have power in the past.
Plus the wards were tied to Orion, and only he can turn them off or on,
or add someone to the ward scheme to allow them entrance. Besides it
would not have the same effect if Harry just switched them off, Orion
would have felt it. But to seemingly pass through the wards had the
desired effect of making Orion and Cygnus believe further in the myth
of the Eveningshade's ability to walk through any ward.
There were also questions on why was Orion acting so foolishly. I see
Orion as a prideful and ambitious man, not to mention a lord of one of
the most powerful and influential families in the Wizarding World. His
own hubris will not allow him to give deference to a boy, and I don't
think we've seen the end of Orion's pride flaring up.
I know there were some other questions but I think I'll leave it here for
now, and I will try to answer the others privately.
I hope you all enjoy this latest installment of Passageways!
Chapter 19
By the time the group had reached the manor doors, Harry's tremors had
ceased much to his and Bella's relief. Andromeda and Narcissa had been
in complete awe of Harry's incredible display of power in the forest. It
had felt as if the earth threatened to open up and swallow everyone up in
its fury.
Silently, Orion and Cygnus were leading the group up the pathway, the
two men lost in their own thoughts. Orion was furious with himself, once
again he allowed his pride to overrule his common sense. But by Merlin's
sake he was the head of House Black! He was a very capable and
powerful wizard in his own right. And to give deference to a mere child
was something that his stomach just could not tolerate.
So it was an extremely bitter pill to swallow when he prostrated himself
in front of this mere child. However, at the time he got a glimpse of
power which he had never seen before, regardless of the age of the boy,
and that level of power confused him. He had witnessed the destruction
the boy had brought to the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade, but it still did not
seem possible for the boy to do the things he witnessed.
His eyes and his mind could not come together on what had occurred in
the small wizarding community. And this was the cause of much of his
inner conflict. He knew he should not judge the boy on his age, but what
he could bring to the House of Black; it was his father's wishes as well
that Eveningshade should feel welcomed. But his own pride would not let
him.
However he could not look weak in front of the boy, he would not look
weak. He had no respect for a person who showed weakness, and yet he
was forced to humble…no humiliate himself by falling in the mud and
swearing allegiance to the young whelp. It sickened him to his very core.
Cygnus in his own thoughts was hoping that his new son-in-law would
not see Orion's actions against him as something he was complicit with,
he planned to make that abundantly clear the first chance he got. He
couldn't believe what Orion had attempted to do to Lord Eveningshade,
Arcturus was going to be furious with his son. Orion may have just killed
any possibility of an alliance with the young lord and Arcturus would not
find that acceptable, no not at all.
Cygnus would glance back at his oldest daughter as they walked toward
the manor, it was obvious by the way she held on to him, looked at him
that she was devoted to him and that if push came to shove she would
choose him over her family. If Lord Eveningshade walked away from the
Black family she would follow. 'Damn Orion and his pride!' Cygnus
thought.
Cygnus could not look at Harry without seeing an Eveningshade of
legend and myth, his nightmares as a child made flesh. He remembered
all too well the ghost stories his parents had told him during his
childhood. And witnessing what the young lord had just done further
cemented that fear that if the young lord felt attacked he would see
House Black as an enemy and act accordingly. He prayed to whatever
deity was listening that Lord Eveningshade was a forgiving sort.
The magnificent doors to Black Hills manor opened slowly to reveal a
single ancient looking house elf dressed in what appeared to be a white
toga with a gold colored hem and the crest of House Black in the upper
left breast. He carried a small walking cane in his right hand. His
leathery skin was gray in color, and his large eyes were practically
sightless and cloudy in appearance. His large ears drooped somewhat
with a large amount of gray hairs jutting out wildly.
"My lords and ladies, welcome to Black Hills, I am Silas, head elf of Black
Hills and personal steward of his lordship Arcturus Black. During your
stay you each will be assigned a personal elf to assist you with your
needs." At those words two more elves appeared behind Silas.
"My Lord and Lady Eveningshade." Silas bowed. "This is Getti she will be
your elf during your stay. She will escort you to your suite were you can
rest before dinner is served." A small elf dressed similarly to Silas curtsied
before Harry and Bella. She appeared to be very young, with large blue
eyes and pinkish skin. She bounced with enthusiasm to serve the young
couple.
"Thank you Silas, for your warm welcome." Harry stated giving a quick
accusatory glare at Orion. "I'm sure Getti will be more than helpful."
"Will Master Evy and Mistress Evy bees following Getti, and I bees taking
you to your room." The little elf squeaked. Andromeda and Narcissa were
also assigned a house elf and were escorted to the room they would be
sharing during their stay.
"Master Orion and Master Cygnus sirs, Lord Arcturus is wanting to see
you in his study right away." Silas told the two men. Orion and Cygnus
looked at each other in silent resignation of what was to come. They
nodded to Silas and then made their way to their father's study.
oooOOOooo
Getti led Harry and Bella to the third floor of the east wing of the manor,
this was the family wing of the manor. The suite they were taken to, was
large and decorated in Tudor fashion. A large four poster bed dominated
the far end of the room, with lavish drapes depicting a fox hunt. There
was a sitting area to the left of the room where a set of French doors
opened up to a medium sized veranda that over looked some of the
gardens that surrounded the house. To the right was a door that led to a
large in suite with bath and walkout shower. Overall it was a very
opulent looking room.
"What do you think so far?" Bella asked embracing Harry and kissing him
tenderly.
"Well the décor is lovely, can't say much for the reception." Harry
remarked with a playful smirk.
"I know." Bella sighed. "I don't know what Uncle Orion was trying to
prove with that stunt. I take that back, I know exactly what he was trying
to do. He wanted to "put you in your place." Merlin did that back fire!"
Bella giggled. "Aunt Dorea will be proud of you."
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, you stood up to Uncle Orion, and defended my honor, and let him
know that you were not to be trifled with." Bella said seductively, kissing
his neck softly.
"Y-yeah?" Harry gasped as shivers went down his spine.
"You know what else." She whispered as her lips found his earlobe and
gently sucked it into her warm mouth.
"W-what?" Harry stuttered.
"I found your performance incredibly sexy." She moaned into his ear.
"O-o-oh?"
"Mmm, oh yeah!" She bit down gently on his earlobe. "It totally turned
me on. You know…we have two hours before we meet everyone for
dinner." She cooed into his ear.
"I-it did…we do?"
"Uh huh. And I can think of some wonderful ways to work up an
appetite." She whispered.
Before he knew what was happening, Bella had managed to completely
unbutton his shirt, and was now pushing it off his shoulders. She
shrugged off her cloak and had grabbed hold of Harry's hands and
brought them to her own blouse.
Following her lead he began to unbutton her blouse while her hands then
went straight to the belt buckle holding up his trousers. Her nimble
fingers made quick work of his belt and soon his trousers had fallen to his
ankles.
Harry had progressed to Bella's black lacy bra, he fumbled for a moment
with the hooks in back, but soon the straps of the soft lacy fabric were
sliding over her shoulders and the garment fell between them to the
floor.
Immediately warm flesh was pressed against warm flesh as the two
embraced each other. Their lips met tenderly at first but increased in
intensity as their passion rose. Harry could feel Bella's nipples hardened
against his chest which only increased his own desire.
Bella reached down between them and grabbed the firm result of Harry's
passion. He gasped into her mouth with the sudden touch and then
moaned as she began to stroke him gently. His own hands reached up
and began to caress the side of her breasts.
They soon found themselves on the large bed, Harry on top of his
beautiful wife, her arms were wrapped around his neck and her legs
wrapped around his waist pulling him in as close as she could. For the
next hour they would explore the wonderful world of intimacy in as
many variations as their young minds could come up with.
oooOOOooo
Orion knocked on the heavy old English oak door that led into his
father's study. It opened seemingly on its own. He and Cygnus looked in
to see the real power behind House Black with his left hand on the
mantle of the fireplace, in his right hand he held a glass of amber liquid
that he was swirling around the glass. He was gazing into the snapping
flames of the fire that roared in the grate.
If Arcturus was aware of his sons' entrance he gave no indication that he
had done so. He remained silent and unmoving, this had Orion and his
brother immediately on guard. Orion took a deep breath to steady
himself and was about to speak when he was abruptly interrupted.
"Close the door." The voice was low but carried through the room.
Cygnus turned and closed the door. The door, as it latched shut activated
two rune stones. One was inset into the door itself while the other was
embedded into the door frame. When the door closed and the two stones
came into contact with each other, it activated several privacy wards that
ran through every wall, as well as the floor and ceiling of the office.
"Did you think I would not find out?" Again the voice was low but
carried.
"Father…"
"SILENCE!" Arcturus roared spinning around and backhanding his eldest
son, sending Orion flailing to the floor. His lip was split and blood began
to fill his mouth, Arcturus slammed his crystal glass against the flagstone
of the fireplace, shards of glass flying everywhere.
"DO. NOT. SPEAK!" Arcturus glared at his two sons with something akin
to loathing. The two men, both kneeling on the floor now, cast their eyes
down and could not look their father in the eyes. Orion wiped at the
blood flowing down his chin, in an effort to clean his face.
"You knew…you both knew what was at stake here! We are on the cusp
of another wizarding war and we need all the allies we can muster to our
side. And what do you do! You attack the one person who could
rally the very houses we need!"
"Please father, I let my pride get away from me, I made a mistake…"
"A MISTAKE! A MISTAKE! Perhaps the mistake was mine! Allowing you
to take over as head of the family. You may have the title Orion but
never forget who holds the real power in this family. I gave you the title
of Head of House Black and I can just as easily take it away!" Arcturus
bellowed.
Arcturus turned and faced the crackling fire once more. "I hope for your
sake that your incompetence has not cost us possibly the most powerful
ally we could hope for. Because if you have…" Arcturus turned around
and looked murderously at his son. "…I will kill you myself." He spat.
"Now get out of my sight…the both of you!" Orion and Cygnus rose to
their feet and promptly left their father's study and made their way to
their own apartments within the manor.
Arcturus retrieved another glass from the small bar and poured himself a
double, he downed the Fire Whiskey in one gulp and grimaced slightly at
the burn. He hoped that his son had not ruined them with his childish
arrogance, and though he knew that forgiveness was not generally in the
nature of an Eveningshade, he hoped that the young lord's youth and
bonding with his granddaughter was enough to give them a second
chance.
oooOOOooo
"Did you see what he did?!" Narcissa asked her sister in amazement.
"Of course I did, I was there wasn't I?!" Andromeda replied sardonically.
"Sweet Maeve, I could feel the power just running through my body."
Narcissa replied glassy-eyed. He looked…looked so beautiful! His
gorgeous green eyes glowing and his hair flowing around him." Narcissa
swooned as she fell back on to her bed.
Andromeda arched an amused eyebrow. "Easy there Cissy, that's your
brother-in-law you're drooling over. I'm sure Bella won't appreciate you
becoming all moony over Harry."
Narcissa blushed heatedly. "I-I didn't say I fancy him!" She tried to deny.
"Though he is very fanciable, I was just making an…observation."
Andromeda giggled at her little sister's spreading blush that now
disappeared below her neckline. She would never admit this, especially
to the gossip that was her little sister, but she did find him quite fanciable
as well. But her heart belongs to another and besides it was obvious that
Lord Eveningshade only had eyes for Bella.
oooOOOooo
The inhabitants of the manor were informed by the various elves
assigned to them that dinner would be served in an hour in the grand
dining hall. Bella and Harry had just exited the large bath and were
having fun drying each other off when Getti had popped into their room.
The embarrassed elf apologized profusely and covered her enormous eyes
with her little hands while she relayed her message, which threw Bella
into a fit of giggles at seeing a house elf blush for the first time.
Within a half hour Getti had escorted the couple to the drawing room
where other family members had gathered prior to dinner. As they
entered all heads turned toward them, and an immediate hush befell the
room.
Silas appeared next to them and in a surprisingly regal voice announced
their presence. "May I present the Lord and Lady Eveningshade."
Harry and Bella stepped into the posh drawing room and were
immediately greeted by Andromeda and Narcissa. Everyone else seemed
to be waiting on something or someone else. The two younger Black
sisters backed away and all attention was turned to the center of the
room.
A tall, older looking man stood there, the white hair and aged face still
had a shadow of a very handsome man. He stood with authority and
everyone in the room had turned their attention to him. Harry had not
met him, but from his grandmother's description this had to be Arcturus
Black, the real power in the family and its patriarch.
"I bid you most welcome, Lord and Lady Eveningshade." The man spoke
bowing in deference to the young couple. "I am your host, Lord Arcturus
Maximillius Black. Welcome to the ancestral home of my forefathers. I
extend our hospitality to you and your lovely wife sir."
"It is an honor sir, to have been invited to this most magnificent home
and for the opportunity to meet the family of my beloved wife." Harry
replied and returned the bow. Dorea looked upon her grandson with
pride but kept the indifferent façade in place so as not to give anything
away.
"You honor me sir, with your presence." The honed politician of many
years replied. "Please allow me to introduce you to the rest of the family.
Starting with my generation, allow me to introduce Lord Charlus Hadrian
Potter and his wife, who is my sister Dorea Potter nee Black and their son
James. My first cousin Pollux Black and his wife Irma, my cousin
Cassiopea Black…spinster." Cassiopea sniffed irritatedly at her first
cousin.
"Callidora Longbottom nee Black…widow. Lost her husband to
Grindelwald in the Great War." Harry wondered quickly if she was a
relation of Neville's.
"And finally my Cousin Charis Crouch nee Black and her husband Caspar
Crouch. Now to the next generation. My eldest, Lucretia Prewett nee
Black and her husband Ignatius, My son Orion who is the acting Lord
Black." Arcturus said this as if his situation could change at any moment.
"…and his wife Walburga who is the daughter of my cousin Pollux. And
my youngest son Cygnus and his wife Druella Black nee Edevane." Harry
inclined his head to everyone that he was introduced to and received
polite greetings in return.
"And these two rascals are my grandsons from Orion; Sirius and Regulus,
and my granddaughters from Cygnus; Andromeda and Narcissa. And of
course you are very familiar with my oldest grandchild Bellatrix. I do
hope one day to hear how the two of you met." Arcturus stated
diplomatically.
"It's a pleasure to make all your acquaintances. I look forward to my stay
here and the chance to get to know you all better." Harry told the group.
"Dinner is served!" Silas announced.
oooOOOooo
Lily Evans sat in the back of her parent's car reflecting on what had been
revealed to her on the train ride from Hogwarts. She had to pinch herself
several times just to prove she wasn't dreaming, but all she really had to
do was look down on her right hand and see the blood red ring with a
black phoenix on her finger to know that was indeed true. She spun the
ring around her finger over and over, she found it intriguing that the ring
seemed to pulse in sync with the beating of her heart. It was a comforting
feeling almost like a warm blanket.
"Eveningshade." She whispered the name almost lovingly.
"What was that dear? Did you say something?" Rose Evans asked her
youngest daughter, her oldest, Petunia, was thirteen and was not coming
home for the weekend from her boarding school in Surrey.
"Oh nothing mum, just thinking out loud." The pretty redhead replied.
Her father however looked at her through the rearview mirror with a
curious expression on his face.
The trio soon arrived at a modest looking home in a quaint neighborhood
near Spinner's End. Rose and Lily entered the two-story home while
Geoffrey Evans unloaded the car. He wondered to himself if he had heard
his daughter right. 'Eveningshade' an odd name to be sure but one he had
heard accidentally in his youth.
He had overheard his father and grandfather whispering the name while
visiting his grandfather in the hospital. His grandfather was near death
and wanted to see his family before he passed. He remembered asking his
father at the time what Eveningshade was, and was startled at his father's
reaction.
His father looked both angry and fearful, and made him swear to never
speak the name again! He said it was a dark secret that should never be
revealed to anyone. In his young nine year old mind he could only think
that it meant that Eveningshade must have been a very bad person in the
family and that the family was afraid of him.
And to his knowledge he had never spoken the word since. So he
wondered where his daughter had heard the name and if he had even
heard her right. He would have to carefully listen to her during her stay
to see if she repeated it. Little did he know that he would not have to
wait long before the topic would be raised by his daughter.
oooOOOooo
There was a little bit of a power struggle at the Black dinner table as
Arcturus took his seat at the head of the table and then offered Harry the
chair opposite him at the other end, which traditionally would have gone
to Orion. Orion took this as a slight which only fueled his anger at the
predicament he found himself in. He would like nothing better than to
hex this pretender, but the oath he swore prevented him from raising a
wand at him.
Dinner progressed without incident or drama until the second course
soup was served. "My Lord Eveningshade." Walburga Black initiated.
"Yes, my Lady?" Harry responded.
"It is my understanding that House Eveningshade is a most ancient
house." She stated with a quizzical expression.
"It is; my House has existed since before the Roman invasion of Britain."
Harry replied.
"How wonderful, it's becoming such a rarity these days to see an ancient
or noble house. Our numbers are dwindling to smaller and smaller
numbers." She sighed heavily.
"Our culture and traditions are fading more and more as the years go by,
only to be replaced by mud…muggleborn tradition. Samhain, being
replaced by Hallowee-wee."
"Halloween, mother." Sirius replied with a snort and a crooked smile.
"Yes, yes, Halloween. Yule has even been replaced with muggle
Christmas, our most sacred and holy days, minimized or outright
dismissed." She shook her head despairingly. Arcturus glared at
Walburga, realizing what her game was. But the woman took no notice of
his displeasure and continued.
"Being from such a Noble and Ancient family, you must feel…distressed
with the collapse of our heritage." She shook her head in supposed
commiseration. "Though, there are those who are nobly trying to stem
the flood of these modern encroachments on our society. Don't you feel it
is important to save that which defines us as a people?" She asked
sweetly as she placed her wine glass to her lips and taking a sip.
All eyes soon turned to Harry, everyone curious to what his response
would be. Would he reveal himself as a traditionalist, a moderate, or a
radical? Harry placed his spoon in his bowl and grabbed his napkin from
his lap and slowly dabbed at the corners of his mouth, giving him time to
form a response.
The portrait of Walburga from his time had taught him to take his time in
answering questions, never respond with emotion, allow yourself a
moment of reflection and craft your response before replying. His
grandmother had told him the same and had warned him that certain
family members would test him to gauge his political leanings.
"My lady, I agree that our traditions and culture to a certain extent are
for lack of a better word disappearing. But is it that fault of those re-
entering our world or is it the fault of our educational and government
institutions." Harry replied. Most of those assembled missed Harry's
reference to those "re-entering" except for Dorea and Pollux.
"What on earth do you mean my lord?" Walburga questioned. "Of course
it is the fault of the muggleborns, they have no sense of tradition, or
culture, or manners for that manner." She rebutted.
"Tell me my Lady, are you aware of any class at Hogwarts that teaches
repatriated witches and wizards about our customs and culture, anything
about our government or social ettiquttes?" Harry asked. A few murmurs
were heard as various family members were conferring with each other.
"Well…I-I don't know, it has been many years since I was a student."
Walburga blustered.
"Andromeda?" Harry turned to the caught off guard girl. 'Are you aware
of any such class being taught?" Harry asked with a warm smile.
"No-no my lord. To my knowledge no such class exists." She replied
blushing at the attention.
"Lord Potter, you and the Lady Potter are school governors are you not?"
Harry asked knowing that indeed they were, having been told by Dorea.
"We are Lord Eveningshade. And to answer your question, no there is no
such courses being taught at Hogwarts." He replied with a half smile.
"So how do these young witches and wizards learn about our world? Do
we just bring them in and then leave them to their devices; hoping or
perhaps not, that they learn anything about our culture?" Harry paused
looking at each adult.
"We mock their culture without truly understanding it, and with the same
breath we criticize them for not understanding our own. It's like
demanding language fluency from a one year old. Without providing
them a resource for learning about our culture and traditions, we can
hardly condemn them for their ignorance." Harry's words seemed to have
had an effect on some of the family or at the very least cause them to
think on the problem.
"My dear lady, I would suggest that it is our society which is to blame for
our cultural demise, and not those re-discovering their magic." Harry
posed.
Walburga's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Harry could
tell she was trying to come up with an argument. "My lady, as an
example; does the House of Black attend the solstices with the other great
houses?" Harry asked.
"Of course we do!" She defended.
Harry nodded. "And at these festivals and gatherings are there many
muggleborns or half-bloods for that matter?"
"We would leave immediately if there were. Such filth would only defile
and make a mockery of our traditions!" She replied heatedly.
"And here in lays the problem dear lady, we ostracize them from our
festivals, we exclude them from our government and we treat them as
second-class citizens, if we consider them citizens at all. You cannot
promote ignorance, exclusion and separation and expect them to know or
honor our ways. Those rejoining our society must have complete access
to our traditions and culture for them to re-assimilate into our world."
Harry stated.
"My Lord, several times in referring to muggleborns, you have used
descriptors such as re-entering or re-discovering, as if they had magic
before."Cassiopeia Black queried.
"Indeed I did my lady. You see, there is no such thing as a muggleborn as
it is defined by our ministry." Harry replied.
"What do you mean, my lord?" Cassiopeia asked confused.
"It is a fallacy, my lady; magic cannot simply just appear in a person.
Magic is hereditary; to have magic you must be born to at least one
parent who has magic, even if they cannot access it, such as a squib.
Spontaneous birth of magical children to none magical parents simply
does not happen." Harry explained.
"How can you be sure?" Cygnus asked, joining the conversation.
Pollux Black cleared his voice and heads turned toward him. "What Lord
Eveningshade has stated…is true." He began. "However, it has not been
made common knowledge."
"I don't believe it!" Walburga exclaimed. "They must be stealing our
magic then!"
"That is quite impossible, daughter. One cannot steal magic. As part of
my responsibilities with the Unspeakables, I would perform random
lineage checks amongst the muggleborns. We used the opportunity of
requiring vaccinations to draw blood from muggleborns during the mass
outbreak of Dragon Pox in the thirties.
We performed lineage tests on every sample that we obtained. To our
astonishment, every single sample came back as being related to a
magical line. Because some of the lines we had discovered were from old
families long thought extinct, it created a serious dilemma." He
explained.
"A dilemma, how?" Callidora Longbottom asked.
"It was feared that if those "muggleborns" from Great Houses were
allowed to take up their family names it would cause a shift in power
within the Wizengamot." He replied.
"How many extinct Great House's could return?" Arcturus asked.
Pollux took a deep breath before speaking. "Twenty-four." Gasps were
heard from all around the table.
"My gods!" Arcturus exclaimed.
"That is why it was decided by the highest levels within the government,
that this information be hidden. If muggleborns were to gain those seats
they could literally block any and all legislation that came before the
body. And as fractured as the Wizengamot is right now, they could
probably pass anything they wanted." Pollux informed the group.
"They would destroy our society! You must see now that we must stop
this threat before they can seize power." Walburga shrieked. "We must
align with the Purist and take control of the government before the
mudbloods realize…"
"ENOUGH WALBURGA!" Arcturus demanded pounding the table with his
fist.
"Did you not hear what Pollux stated?! There is no such thing as a
mudblood or muggleborn! They are witches and wizards, some from
Ancient and Noble Houses. I find myself agreeing with lord
Eveningshade, if we can educate them at an early age and welcome them
fully into our society, perhaps all the prejudices and the hate and
misunderstandings could be a thing of the past."
"But surely Lord Voldemort has the right of it. Why give these muggle-
raised the chance to pollute our society with foreign muggle ideas? He
would bring us back to a golden age of Pure-blood prosperity and
dominance." Walburga replied.
Harry laughed harshly at Walburga's comments. "What is it that you find
amusing my lord?" She asked.
"That you have bought in to the lies and platitudes of Tom Marvolo
Riddle, my lady." Harry replied.
"I beg your pardon, who is this Tom Riddle you speak of?" Cassiopeia
asked in confusion.
"He is the pretender who calls himself Lord Voldemort. He is a halfblood,
his mother a near squib and his father a muggle." Harry answered.
"Lies! You speak lies!" Walburga hissed. "Tom Riddle was at Hogwarts
during my time, he is not Lord Voldemort."
"That is where you are wrong Lady Black." Harry took out his wand and
then looked at Arcturus. "With your permission sir." Harry asked
receiving a curious nod from Arcturus. Harry wrote the name Tom
Marvolo Riddle in the air in the same manner that the shade of a sixteen
year old Riddle had done in the Chamber of Secrets.
"Riddle made an anagram of his name, a name he believed would one
day cause fear in our world." With a swish of his wand the letters
rearranged themselves to spell out 'I am Lord Voldemort'.
"A nice parlor trick, my lord, but that proves nothing." Walburga replied.
"Only a very few have even seen his face…" Walburga began before being
cut off.
"Oh I have seen his face." Harry replied darkly. "And I know his true
aims, and it is not to bring back a so called "Golden Age." He means to
subject all magicals to his will to rule as an emperor. He demands
absolute loyalty, but offers none in return. He kills indiscriminately, not
just muggles, but muggleborns, half-blood's and yes even purebloods that
will not bend a knee to him.
He is a monster of the worst sort, and he will not save the wizarding
world but bring it to its knees and subjugate it. That is the man you so
highly esteem, my lady. I give my oath that all I have said is true. And I
make this oath, that I will fight against and destroy any witch or wizard
who tries to subjugate our world be they light or dark, so mote it be." A
brilliant white flash flared around Harry as magic accepted his oath.
The dining hall was silent for several long minutes as those gathered tried
to digest what they had just heard. Arcturus rose to his feet and all eyes
turned to him. He looked at every family member and lingered a few
seconds longer on Walburga who squirmed uncomfortably under his
gaze.
"I make this command of my house. From this day forward we will sever
all connection to the Purist Movement and cut all ties to Voldemort and
those that follow him. Furthermore, I believe it is time for House Black to
officially move to the center and we begin to cultivate new alliances with
the neutral and gray houses.
In addition I propose that we begin to explore the muggleborn issue, in
particular those who have returned to our world and have legal claim to
a Great House that sits vacant in the Wizengamot. If we can form
alliances with these returned houses it could be a boon to our objectives."
Arcturus stated authoritatively.
"Be realistic father." Orion spoke. "Say this is all true, you will still have a
large segment of our society who will not care. They will see them as
muggle raised and there for not trustworthy to be involved with the
running of our government. Even if we did begin to educate them, it will
take an entire generation or more before the old prejudices fade if they
ever do." He replied flippantly.
"You don't see it, do you Orion?" Arcturus shook his head.
"You see only the here and now, and not what lay ahead. Open your eyes
son. Think! Along with the neutral and the gray families, we could add
an entire new block to our cause. No longer would we have merely a
third of the Wizengamot but add twenty-four more houses and we now
have a substantial majority. Even if the light and dark houses united,
they would still fall short of majority." Arcturus explained.
"Are you seriously suggesting we tell the muggleborns of their true
ancestry?" Walburga asked askance.
"And why not!" Dorea exclaimed. "Who are you to deny someone their
heritage, you who place so much fervor in blood status and lineage?! If
they have magical ancestry as old as any, how much more incentive is
there to get them to research their forefathers and perhaps look at our
culture and heritage through more open eyes." She stated accusatorily.
"I agree with Arcturus, welcome them with open arms back into our
society and show them their lineage, I believe it can only strength our
world." Dorea finished. Walburga folded her arms against her chest
petulantly but said nothing more.
"I must warn you Arcturus." Pollux began. "That, if this were to come out,
it would meet with serious resistance. If you do this it must be done
gradually and perhaps even clandestinely. A sudden boom of
muggleborns getting inheritance tests to prove magical lineage, would
definitely alarm the traditionalist not to mention the furor amongst those
of the Purist party, who's whole platform is that muggleborns are not true
witches or wizards."
"Then we don't go through the Inheritance Department at the Ministry.
We use Gringotts, they are not required to forward any information on
who requests the testing, and the results cannot be refuted by the
Ministry, the Goblins form of inheritance testing is far more advanced
than our own." Dorea added.
"It's settled then, we will sit down and formulate a strategy to quietly
bring the muggleborns into their inheritance. Pollux, would you be able
to acquire the list of muggleborns who have ties to the extinct Great
Houses?" Arcturus asked.
"I believe so; I have many contacts still in that department." Pollux
informed his brother.
"Excellent, we'll discuss this more later. I know that this may seem
superfluous now, Lord Eveningshade, especially after the oath my son
gave you as Lord Black. But, House Black will stand with you against any
who would seek to subjugate our world, and would be honored to be
counted as ally and friend to House Eveningshade." Arcturus offered
respectfully.
Harry stood once more from his chair and addressed his host. "Lord
Black, I would be honored to call you ally and friend, but more than that,
I hope we can also call each other family. My lovely wife being a Black
has tied our two families together. And like you, I believe family to be
the most important possession that one can have.
It is my hope that we can go forward and that transgression of the recent
past…" Here Harry glanced at Orion who tugged at his collar
uncomfortably. "…be forgiven and we begin a new page in the history of
our two families." Harry addressed his host and all those present.
Arcturus raised his glass to Harry. "To new beginnings, my Lord." The rest
of the family stood and raised their glasses.
"To new beginnings!" They all chorused.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Short chapter I know, but it felt like a good place to stop. My next
chapter will most likely break 10k words, as I have a lot planned for it.
So what did you think about Harry meeting the Black Family? Let me
know your thoughts. Was I too easy on Orion? More Black family
interaction to come and Lily begins to have magical growing pains.
Have a great weekend!
20. Chapter 20
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Didn't quite make two thousand reviews with the last chapter, but
the story did hit over two thousands favorites! A lot of great reviews
keep them coming! There is a little bit of everything in this chapter, I
hope you enjoy! Now on to Chapter Twenty of Passageways!
Chapter 20
Lily busied herself in her room while her mother was downstairs in the
kitchen preparing that nights dinner and her father was rummaging
around in the attic. Ever since the car ride home Geoffrey Evans kept
hearing that name echo in his mind…Eveningshade…Eveningshade…
Eveningshade.
It would not leave him alone. Flashbacks to his youth assaulted his
mind's eye. A whispered conversation between his father and grandfather
at the hospital. 'What was it they were saying…something to do with that
name? Why had they argued? Why had his dad forbid him to speak the
name?
Was his great-grandfather a traitor to the Crown, is that why the name
was forbidden to speak aloud? Perhaps a murderer? Were the
Eveningshades' pirates? Though he could not recall the name showing up
in any history book he had read, still it was a possibility. The name
evoked so many questions; this curiosity about the connection to his
family name had not been this strong since he was a child. And so he
found himself in the dust layered and cobwebbed filled attic, looking for
an old family heirloom.
Geoff continued his search for the object that could possibly shed some
light on the issue, a relic he had not thought of since Lily was a child, a
small rosewood box that his grandfather had given his father and had
then come to him upon his own father's passing. Fifteen minutes later
and a lot of stirred up dust had resulted in finding the object of his
search.
It was about fifteen inches long and about three inches wide, and about
two and a half inches deep, made of delicately carved and stained
rosewood. At the center of the box was a pure black phoenix with spread
wings and large fanned tail feathers. It was centered in the middle of a
blood red circular field.
He took hold of the box and tried to open the lid. It would not budge. He
adjusted his grip and tried again but without success. He turned the box
over and over in his hands trying to find a way to open it. There had to
be a way, he could see the small hinges, but no matter what he tried it
would not open.
At length, he decided that later he would take it to the garage, maybe
after dinner. There he would try and remove the hinges with his drill, if
he was careful enough he would not damage the surrounding wood. He
wasn't sure where this obsession was coming from, but the thought would
not leave him since the car ride home.
"Geoff, love! Dinner is ready!" He heard his wife call to him from the
bottom of the extendable ladder that extended down from the attic hatch
to the floor below.
"Be right there!" Geoff Evans replied, shoving the long thin box into his
back pocket. He descended the ladder and washed up a bit before
heading downstairs. Walking through the family room, he placed the
Rosewood box on the mantle of the fireplace and then entered the small
dining room where his wife and youngest daughter had already taken
their seats at the table.
On the table was a platter of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and
coleslaw, and buttermilk biscuits. Geoff chuckled quietly. His wife Rose
had become obsessed with Kentucky Fried Chicken since it came to the
UK in the mid-sixties, though she never quite got the chicken recipe right
it was still rather tasty.
"Oh shut it you!" Rose Evans mock glared at her husband knowing what
he was chuckling about.
"I think I almost got the seasonings right, a few more herbs and spices
and I'll have it. Just you wait!" She sniffed superiorly. Geoff lost it and
began to laugh out loud, quickly followed by Lily who had been watching
the interplay.
The rest of dinner passed by quickly with playful comments and chuckles
here and there, the mood was light and homey. Something that Lily had
missed, though she had barely been at school for about a month.
"So tell me sweetheart, how are things at the magical school of yours?"
Rose Evans asked her daughter, as she brought in a platter of treacle tart,
lily's favorite.
"It's wonderful mum! I've already learned quite a few spells, and potions
class is the best. My professor says I'm a natural!" Lily beamed.
"That's wonderful dear. How about friends? Have you made many?" She
asked.
Lily's countenance fell just for a split second but it was enough for the
experienced mother of two to catch. "I have made one really good friend."
Lily replied.
"Oh?" her mother asked warmly.
"Yes, her name is Narcissa." Lily told her mother.
"Narcissa?" Her father asked. "Now there is a name you don't hear every
day." Geoff Evans chuckled.
Lily glared at her father. "She is very sweet and my best friend." Lily
defended. "And her sisters are great too. Andromeda is a third year, and
Bellatrix is a fifth year. In fact Bellatrix and Andromeda have taught me
some very helpful jinxes to keep people from…"
"From what dear?" Rose asked worriedly, from the look on her daughter's
face it wasn't something good.
"Well…there are a few bullies that don't like that I'm a muggleborn." She
offered demurely.
"A muggleborn?" Her father asked.
"A witch or wizard born to non-magical parents." She sighed, but then
hurriedly added. "But that's no longer the case with me!"
"So other students are bullying you?" Her mother stated fiercely, not
catching the second part of her daughters response.
"Yes, but…"
"Have you gone to a professor?!" Rose asked.
"Well…I…"
"You haven't, have you?! Lily Evans, you need to tell someone at that
school what is going on or we will!" Rose stated pointing to herself and
her husband.
"I can take care of myself mother!" Lily fired back. "And besides I can
defend myself quite well, thank you! And Bellatrix would hex anyone
into oblivion if they dared try anything to hurt me!"
"Sweety…" Her father said tenderly. "We are just worried about you. You
are so far away from us, and it's hard for a parent to think of their child
being all alone and picked on."
"But I'm not alone. I have Narcissa and Andromeda…a-and Bellatrix and
now Harry." Lily replied a bit more evenly, her father's soft voice calming
her down.
"Harry? Who is this Harry?" Her mother asked.
Lily smiled and twirled the ring around her finger that was hidden from
view, her hands in her lap. "I-I'm actually glad you brought that up." Lily
replied looking a little apprehensively at her father.
"Dad, I…I learned something today. A-about myself…about our family
really!" Lily began hesitantly.
"Oh?" her father asked and motioned for her to continue.
"Y-you see, I'm, well that is…we are…" Lily sighed in frustration at her
own lack of knowing how to start this conversation.
"Just spit it out Lils." Geoff told her with a warm smile.
"Dad, I know that you have never spoken about our family history except
in very vague generalities, and I was too young when Grandpa Evans
died to know or care about that sort of thing. But today I learned
something about our family, about the…Eveningshades." Lily managed to
say finally.
"Eveningshade?" Rose asked in confusion. "You mean the Evans, don't you
dear?"
"No, I mean the Eveningshades; Great grandfather changed it to Evans.
Didn't he father?" lily asked looking to her father for confirmation.
"Y-yes, I believe he did." Geoff Evans stated softly, as a clearer memory of
the conversation that he had overheard between his father and his
grandfather in the hospital came to him. Geoff stood as the scene from
the hospital came into focus. He paced a bit before speaking again.
"Y-your grandfather was told by your great-grandfather that the true
name of our family was Eveningshade and that he hoped that one day
our birthright would be restored. Your grandfather had angrily replied to
him, that what was lost should stay lost and that he didn't want his
family to be associated with such unnaturalness ever again. I didn't know
really what he meant by those words. What did they mean Lily, do you
know?" Her father asked questioningly.
"I believe I do dad. I believe great-grandfather at one time was a…a
wizard, a magical like me. Or at least a squib." Lily proclaimed softly.
'What is a squib dear?" Rose asked her daughter.
"A child born to magical parents but is not magical himself or cannot
access his magic for some reason. Lily explained.
"Not, that I don't believe you, love. But how can you be sure that he was
a wizard. I never have heard of anyone else in the family having magic."
Geoff replied skeptically but was willing to hear his daughter out.
"Because…because I met an Eveningshade, father. He told me of my…of
our heritage." Lily replied nervously.
"Just because you met someone, with the same last name as our
ancestors, doesn't mean that we our descended from the same line." He
replied sympathetically.
Lily sighed heavily. "Dad, there are means by which the head of a
magical house can detect a person of his bloodline."
"And this Eveningshade you met, he is the head of his house?" Geoff
raised an eyebrow.
"Lord Eveningshade, and he is dad." She replied.
"I don't know sweetheart. How do you know if this guy isn't just telling
you what you want to hear?" He offered.
Lily looked down at the table trying to think of a way to explain to her
father how she knew it was the truth. "Dad, when he touched me…"
"HE WHAT?!" Geoff Evans started with a raised voice.
"Not inappropriately father! He took my hand! Sheesh!" Lily shook her
head and rolled her eyes. Her mother chuckled at her husband's
embarrassed look.
"As I was saying, when he took my hand, my magic flared and seemed to
almost sing. It-it was recognizing him and I felt his magic recognize me in
return. There was this intense feeling of familiarity it-it was intense!" She
told her parents.
Geoff sat back in his chair and slowly shook his head; he placed his hands
on the table and looked at his little flower. Lily could see the doubt in her
father's eyes. She reached out and placed her small hands on top of his
larger ones in a comforting gesture.
It was then that he saw it. Her father leapt to his feat, his chair falling
over backwards to the floor. He held up Lily's right hand and stared
unblinkingly at the small ring on her ring finger. He immediately
recognized the symbol that was on it.
Geoff Evans swallowed hard and then looked into his daughter's green
eyes, the same eyes that he bore. "Sweetheart, where did you get this
ring?" He asked softly.
"It was created for me by Lord Eveningshade." She didn't mention how
and from what it was created, she didn't think her father would take it
well if he knew it was created from her blood and the blood of Harry and
Bellatrix.
"Wait here for a moment." Her father said mysteriously and then left the
dining room. A few moments later he had returned with a beautiful thin
box. He turned it around and held it with both hands so the seal was
pointing away from him. "This belonged to your great grandfather and
was given to my dad and then to me."
Lily looked at her father confused at first but her eyes suddenly widened
as she saw the same crest on the box as was on her ring. "The
Eveningshade crest." She whispered.
"May I?" She asked holding her hand out for the box. Her father nodded
and placed the box into her hand. The small box suddenly began to glow
a rich golden color at her touch. Slowly the lid began to open revealing
its contents. A wand.
It was ten and a half inches long with what appeared to be two distinct
colors of wood fused together spiraling each other seamlessly. One half
was a dark ebony color and the other a bright ivory. It was in Lily's
opinion a most beautiful piece of craftsmanship. She reached for the
wand with her right hand and it literally jumped into her awaiting palm.
A surge of powerful magic went through Lily as the wand chose her. Her
parents involuntarily stepped away from their daughter as she was
enveloped by a bright light that filled the room. Rose Evans gasped as she
witnessed her daughter's green eyes begin to glow dramatically. As the
light around Lily faded and her eyes took on their normal hue, she
staggered breathlessly and only the presence of the table behind her kept
her from falling over.
"Whoa!" Lily breathed heavily as she leaned against the table. "I guess
that answers the question of whether or not we come from magicals!" lily
grinned and then promptly fainted.
oooOOOooo
No sooner had Harry and Bella returned to their room after dinner than
Bella had jumped into Harry's arms, wrapping her legs and arms tightly
around her husband. She kissed him passionately before pulling back
with the largest grin on her face.
"Sweet Morgana, you were brilliant Harry!" She squealed excitedly.
Harry couldn't help but smile in return at her enthusiasm. "Yeah? You
think so?"
"Harry, you got grandfather to side with you! That is huge! With his
vocal support the rest of the family will not dare to challenge you! Even
Uncle Orion won't publically take sides against you now."
"I noticed you were pretty silent during dinner." Harry stated with an
arched eyebrow.
"I was being the dutiful wife." Bella said in her most aristocratic voice,
before smiling. "It was your time to show strength, love. You needed to
do that on your own in order to prove to the rest of the family that you
are a leader, the Head of House Eveningshade, and a force to be reckoned
with."
"I see." Harry replied, flopping back on the bed, exhausted from the
mental exertion at dinner.
Bella lay next to him, cuddling into his side with her head on his
shoulder. "This first meeting, Harry, was all about politics. The family
would politely listen to you, then challenge your positions and then judge
you worthy or not of their allegiance. They respect only strength my
love." She softly spoke.
"Soo, dinner was a test then?" She nodded her head. "Why didn't you tell
me beforehand?" Harry asked in a serious but nonthreatening tone.
Bella sighed and tightened her arms around his waist. "I didn't want you
to over think things and become too concerned with how they would
react or try and pander to them. I wanted you to be yourself and speak
from your own convictions, and show them the strength of those
convictions. I wanted them to see what I see, a strong and passionate
man, a man who will take a stand, and save our world despite itself."
"So is the testing over with then?" Bella took another long breath and let
it out briskly.
Bella shook her head. "No, my love. It's just begun. The strategizing will
now start, but I believe most of the family will follow grandfather's
counsel without question, but Uncle Orion and perhaps Aunt Walburga
will not be easily swayed. I wish we would have thought to bring Aunt
Walburga's portrait with us." Bella sighed.
"That wouldn't have been wise, since we're trying to keep secret that I'm
from the future." Harry smirked playfully earning him a swat on his
chest.
"Well, we should be fine without it, I don't think they will defy
grandfather, they may be a source of constant contention and testing
your limits though. The other problem may be great-aunt Cassiopeia."
Bella replied.
"She seemed to be anti-Voldemort though." Harry looked at her confused.
"I'm sure she is, but she is also anti-Dumbledore. She is a true neutral; she
will be hard to convince that the family should get involved with the
coming conflict. She won't want to risk the family unnecessarily. "Bella
shook her head.
"She and Aunt Dorea are the keys to the neutrals though. We know Aunt
Dorea will aid us; fortunately she is well thought of and respected and
has many, many connections with neutral families from great and minor
houses. But if we can get Aunt Cassie to see our side of things, we could
really pull in the neutral families, especially those on the fringe." Bella
explained.
"The fringe?" Harry asked.
"Kind of hard to explain, you see there are still certain families that
follow the old ways." Bella began.
"I thought the Blacks followed the old ways?" Harry asked propping
himself up on his elbows to better look at his wife.
"Well, there are the old ways and then there are the OLD ways, in fact
these families are actually probably more in line with the Eveningshades
than the Blacks." Bella explained.
"How so?" Harry asked curiously.
"Well for starters they practice the blood arts and ritual magics like the
Eveningshades. You see Blood Magic has been outlawed for centuries
now, but these families never gave up the practice. Though the Ministry
has outlawed it they are too afraid to truly enforce it, because Blood
Magic is essential in long term curses, and no one from the Ministry
wants to get cursed by these families.
Now, Ritual Magic, is almost a lost art as well as only those who have the
gift of enchantment can properly use them. This gift runs in the Black
Family, I have it!" She said proudly.
"Aunt Cassie has it and I think Aunt Dorea does as well, but it is weak in
her. She can only perform minor rituals. The fidelius charm is an example
of a powerful enchantment, which is why only a few people can do it."
She said.
"Dumbledore supposedly cast the Fidelius charm on my parent's home."
Harry replied tersely.
Bella caressed his face to calm him down. "Yeah, I heard he was an
enchanter, though I don't know how powerful." She replied.
"So they are fringe because they practice old magic?" Harry asked to
make sure he hadn't missed anything.
"Yeah, that and many still follow and worship the old pagan gods." She
said.
"The pagan gods?"
"Yeah, like the Morrigan, or Hecate, or even Hern. There is quite the mix
of Celtic and Roman gods that are still worshiped and their rituals
practiced. Most of the modern houses and the Ministry consider them to
be barbaric practices, but because of the ancient status of their houses
they can't be kicked out of the Wizengamot for it. But it has been decades
and decades since most have even attended a Wizengamot session." Bella
explained.
"So your Aunt Cassie knows these fringe families then?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes, Aunt Cassie is a follower of Brigid and the Morrigan. In her
youth she was actually a high priestess of the Morrigan." Bella told him.
"Wow, what kind of family did I marry in to?" Harry teased.
"The best mister!" Bella replied and dove on top of Harry, starting a tickle
war between the two teens. Bella managed to get on top of Harry, and
straddled his chest while pinning his arms above his head. Her long dark
hair fell forward and draped both of their faces almost blocking out the
fire light that was softly illuminating the room.
Their eyes locked on the other's as their breathing slowed from the
intense wrestling around on the bed. Bella leaned down turning her head
slightly, Harry mirrored her actions and soon their lips met in a soft and
tender kiss. She slid her lips slowly over his and seductively began to
trace the contours of his mouth with her tongue.
Her mouth hungrily moved over his and gently asked for entrance; he
offered no hesitation as he parted his lips and their tongues met and then
began their own wrestling match for dominance. She slid her body down
the length of his, she grinned saucily as she felt his excitement against
her body. Slowly she ground her hips into his causing him to moan
loudly at her teasing.
Her gyrations on top of him went on for several minutes and were getting
too much for Harry; he was nearly ready to explode at any second.
Suddenly, Bella jumped off of him giggling. "That was nice…I think I'll
just go take a shower and get ready for bed now." She stretched and
yawned exaggeratedly and gave him a smirk as she walked toward the
bathroom door swinging her hips.
"Oh you evil little minx!" Harry shouted and jumped off the bed and
dashed toward her. Bella squealed and laughed uproariously as she
dashed into the bathroom quickly followed by a hot and bothered Harry.
oooOOOooo
Lily awoke the next morning feeling a bit out of sorts, she couldn't
remember coming to bed, in fact the last thing she remembered was
reaching for the wand in the Rosewood box…her great grandfather's
wand!
She sat up quickly realizing she was in her room and immediately looked
for the wand. She then saw it across her room sitting in the open box it
came in on her dresser. She stood from her bed and without thinking
raised her hand, meaning just to walk toward the wand and pick it up,
but to her surprise the wand rose from the box and floated to her
outstretched hand.
"Wicked!" She said slowly. She felt the wand literally hum in her hand.
She felt connected to it, truly connected, not like her other wand which
felt fine but this was entirely on a different level. She knew that this
wand was meant for her…a perfect match.
Something else was different as well, as she took stock of herself. She
could feel her magic flowing more freely through her than it ever had, as
if something had been dormant…sleeping, and was now awakened
within her. She wanted terribly to perform a spell to test herself, but she
knew it was forbidden to use magic outside of school, so unfortunately
she would have to wait.
Wondering if this had something to do with the Eveningshade magic, she
pulled from her school bag an Eveningshade history book, which Harry
had loaned her. It was the history of Marius Eveningshade, and the war
of 1648. Harry had mentioned that she could glean quite a bit of
information on the family by reading this journal. The story it told had
Lily captivated.
England was in its second muggle civil war, but the magical houses never
squandered an opportunity to cause their own mayhem under the guise of
collateral damage from the muggles. In that year House MacTavish decided to
test their mettle against House Eveningshade. Their goal was to take the lands
and chattel that the wealthy house had and make it their own.
The MacTavish first struck a small village of Eveningshade kinsmen while they
slept in their beds. Every adult wizard and every adult witch who fought back
were butchered and their heads put on pikes lining the road through the
village. Sixty-five men and woman were killed, while nearly seventy women
and children were taken as spoils of war.
Bolstered by their complete victory over the village they moved to the next
village where other Eveningshade kinsmen lived and wreaked the same
devastation on it. Attacking under the cover of night, they would kill, rape and
burn homes down with the families trapped inside. They made a terrible
mistake this time and left a few people alive to warn their liege of what had
happened and who was doing it.
Further emboldened by their success House MacTavish launched an assault on
Castle Eveningshade in Yetholm. With two hundred wizards, and five battle
mages they felt confident that they could take the castle and claim the
Eveningshade wealth. However Lord Marius had been warned by those
villagers who had escaped the slaughter and was ready for the attacking force.
The MacTavish army of wizards and mages confidently entered the grounds
surrounding Eveningshade Castle. Lord MacTavish in his hubris called out to
the lord of the castle and challenged him to come out and meet his army on
the field of battle instead of cowering within his castle walls.
Lily read on in horror and fascination as a piece of her family history was
literally unfolding before her eyes as she read the words on the pages of
this ancient book. A mental image formed, it was like watching the tele,
and she could see what was happening as if she was there. She briefly
wondered what spell was used to create this piece of extraordinary
magic. She turned back to the book and began to read again and was
pulled back into the events.
The large castle doors slowly creaked opened. A thick and cold mist poured
from the doors and on to the grounds. There was something or someone
stirring just behind the large doors, silhouetted just out of focus. Soon the
silhouette began to move forward, it was a solitary man. No…wait, it was
more than one.
Out they came in a straight line until the first man stopped and five silhouettes
broke to the left and five more to the right. They formed a skirmish line, each
silhouette about six feet from the other. As the images began to sharpen, eleven
men in hooded black dragon leather battle robes stood silently and motionless
in front of the two hundred plus force just a hundred yards in front of them.
Lily gasped and sat up straighter as she saw eleven men defiantly face
down the army of Lord MacTavish. Her heart was pounding wildly; the
scene was awe inspiring in its apparent hopelessness. How could eleven
wizards hope to defeat this force were they were outnumbered nearly
twenty to one? She grabbed her pillow and held it tightly to her chest as
she continued to watch the scene unfold before her.
"Is this all the men you could scrape together?!" Lord MacTavish mockingly
laughed and many from his company laughed as well. But not a sound did the
eleven wizards make, but silently stood their ground.
"I have you outnumbered, surrender now and I will spare your women, but I'm
afraid your men will receive no such quarter." MacTavish chuckled.
Again the men remained silent and unmoving. Unease fell upon MacTavish's
men, as they looked upon the eleven who had not moved an inch since they
arrived, nor had they spoken nary a word. It was unsettling.
Eleven heads began to look up at the opposing force; gasps were heard up and
down the MacTavish lines as eleven pairs of eerie glowing green eyes stared
back at them. With unnatural speed eleven wands snapped into eleven hands
and were held loosely to the side of each man.
The temperature suddenly dropped twenty degrees as the mist rose up from the
ground and surrounded the two opposing forces in a shroud of bone chilling
murky haze. It made the glowing green eyes of the Eveningshades seem much
more ominous.
Lily squeaked unintentionally, and began to chew desperately at her
fingernailsas the tension rose to incredible heights. She knew that she
was not part of what was happening but her emotions were off the
charts, she felt fearful and anxious as the scene was about to climax.
Lord MacTavish became visibly nervous, an affliction that quickly spread to
his men. Someone screamed a blood curdling intonation, whether it was a
scream of fear or a battle cry, it did not matter, but it did result in the first
spell being cast from the MacTavish lines.
The spell cast in panic or haste went well above the heads of the eleven, but it
was all the incentive they needed to retaliate. Their wands were a blur of such
speed that it was impossible to see the movements required for each spell.
With deadly precision twenty men lie dead before the MacTavish army could
even return fire. They moved with the speed and agility of vampires. The mist
then lit up in a rainbow of colors as spells began to be fired fast and furiously.
Three Eveningshades ran head long into the MacTavish lines cutting wizards
down and leaving a trial of dismembered limbs and entrails as they passed
through. The three came face to face with the five battle mages who were at
the rear of the force.
With their long staffs they let loose a hail storm of powerful blasting spells that
caught one of the Eveningshades flat in the chest splattering small pieces of
him across the field. The remaining two Eveningshades cast their eyes on the
five mages who were now bearing down on them. The mages smirked as the
two black cloaked wizards stood still.
The mages twirled their staffs ripping hundreds of blades of grass from the
ground and caused them to hover in the air in front of them. With another
wave of their staffs the blades of grass became sharpened blades of steel. Still
the two Eveningshade did not flee. They walked slowly with purpose toward
the five mages.
With looks of smugness the mages banished the hundreds of miniature razor
blades at the two men. Their looks of smugness suddenly fell and became looks
of surprise, and then horror as the razors passed right through the cloaked
men as if they were not even there. The blades continued to travel and struck
several of the MacTavish men.
Two dozen men fell screaming from the dozens of punctures and cuts from the
transfigured blades of grass, five fell dead from the attack gone wrong. The
next thing the mages saw were the wands the two Eveningshade men were
carrying, elongating into double edged swords.
Again with inhuman speed the Eveningshades fell upon the five mages and
liberated their heads from their shoulders and further bathed the ground in
their enemies' blood. Screams of mercy began to echo as wizards fell to the
drenched earth. The smell of blood and gore flooded the battlefield and hung
heavy in the air.
Lily fought with everything she had not to wretch at what she was
seeing. She was already in tears as she witnessed the horror of what a
wizard can do to a wizard. She was also stunned at the magic that her
ancestors were using and wondered briefly if she would learn how to
wield this kind of magic as well.
Whips of fire, and ribbon cutters, cut down men left and right. The
Eveningshades moved like ghosts seaming to become wisps of smoke one
second and then solid the next. The MacTavish had never seen anything like
it, their fear of this unknown type of magic turned into desperation for
survival. That desperation turned into an inability to focus on their own spell
work and soon they became nothing more than easy prey for these demonic
Eveningshades.
The battle soon became one sided as the Eveningshades laid low any wizard
they confronted. Soon the battle was over. They had lost three of their own,
and left no enemy alive except for one. Lord MacTavish. He had managed to
apparate away before he was taken, but in his haste to flee after watching his
invincible army being decimated, he lacked the concentration required for
apparition, resulting in his right leg being completely severed from splinching.
The leader of the Eveningshades stepped forward and lowered his hood, and
looked to those with him. "Gather the others."
Lily watched as twenty Eveningshades appeared at what could only be
called a hill fortress. It sat on a large knoll, surrounded by two sets of
earthen and wooded battlements that provided two layers of defense
against an invading army. Lily wondered how the Eveningshade were
going to get past this.
The ground began to shake but her ancestors paid it no mind, a loud roar was
then heard as something was crashing through the surrounding forest. Soon a
large Hibernian dragon came into the open, it was being led by one solitary
man who was walking along side of it and seeming to talk to it.
Lily wondered if this was another demonstration of Eveningshade
magic,the ability to talk to and control dragons. It would be an amazing
ability to have, dragons were known to be magic resistant so was there
some other means by which her ancestors controlled them?
The dragon was led to the first fifteen foot high battle works and with a large
intake of breath, belched out an impressive stream of fire that immediately set
the fence ablaze, green and purple blasts of light indicated that whatever spells
or wards that had been on the battle work was now destroyed by the dragon
fire.
Witches and wizards from the castle began to shoot spells at the dragon from
the cover of the stone walls, but most spells fell short of reaching the dragon,
the few that did reach it, bounced off harmlessly.
The second battle work was then set a blaze by the dragon with the same
results as the first. Smoke and cinder permeated the air and seemed to be
pushed magically toward the castle, obscuring the view of the attackers from
those in the castle. The roar of the dragon echoed through the dark night
wanting to attack the castle but his handler spoke to it and calmed it down.
Lily watched as the Eveningshades walked through the flames and smoke
like demons walking out of the depths of hell, their green eyes aglow
with power and determination. They strode slowly forward to the castle,
a line of walking death bringers. Spells from those within the stone walls
were raining down on them but few came close to striking them and
those spells that did come close were batted away like a pesky fly.
Twenty men came to a stop at the stone wall of the castle, dozens of eyes
roamed over the walls searching for something. One by one the eyes stopped
on a certain point on the wall and then each took on a look of supreme
concentration and then one by one they stepped through the walls.
Lily gasped as she watched in amazement as the Eveningshades walked
through solid stone! 'How did they do that?!' She wondered gob smacked.
The next thing she saw was the complete annihilation of every adult
witch and wizard within the walls, they had found Lord Hamish
MacTavish and made him watch as his family and his house was made
extinct.
According to the record within a time period of two weeks, every
MacTavish was sought out and killed, except for the children who were
all taken and bound to House Eveningshade or its allies, upon reaching
their majority they were made to take oaths of loyalty.
Lily closed the book and sat back against the headboard of her bed. She
sat there silently and tried to process what she had seen. Even with her
limited exposure to the magical world, she knew that the power and
magic the Eveningshades demonstrated was beyond what the average
witch or wizard could do, and it excited and frightened her.
oooOOOooo
The next day Harry and Bella joined the rest of the Black family for a
light breakfast in the back garden, politics was set aside for the morning
in lieu of lighter conversation. James and Sirius tried to put together a
pickup game of Quidditch, Regulus was all for it but Andromeda and
Narcissa were not interested in the least.
The boys finally convinced the girls to play a game of the wizarding
world's version of tag. Only low powered stinging hexes were allowed.
Regulus was given a training wand that only had three spells it could
shoot. A stinging hex, a tickle charm, and a tripping spell. It was an every
witch or wizard for themselves and the last one not hexed was the
winner.
Harry smiled from the table where he sat with Bella, Charlus and Dorea
Potter, his grandparents. Harry watched his father at play, he looked so
carefree and full of mischief, and he wondered if his childhood would
have been similar if his parents had lived. Would he have grown up with
cousins and other family members around him?
The smile that he was wearing slowly morphed into a pensive and wistful
look. He had missed out on so much. He did not have a childhood, none
to speak of really, no friends to play with, the Dursleys' made sure of
that. He had been manipulated and moved about like a pawn on a chess
board. Harry's mood was quickly falling and becoming morose.
"Will you walk with me my lord?" His grandmother's voice shook him out
of his sullen thoughts.
"Wha-what? Oh of course!" Harry replied hastily, forcing a smile onto his
face.
Bella looked at him and suddenly noticed the far off look of her husband.
"Shall I come as well?" She asked.
"No need dear. I'd like to speak with Lord Eveningshade alone." She said
for the benefit of the others.
"Offer a lady an arm my lord?" Dorea asked as she approached Harry.
"Of course." Harry replied extending his elbow. Dorea Potter slipped her
hand through her grandson's offered arm. They set off toward the large
pond to the east of the patio.
"Knut for your thoughts dear." Dorea stated with a warm smile. "You
seem to be in deep thought about something. Something, that is troubling
you?"
Before Harry could ask a stunned 'how did you know?' She answered his
unasked question.
"James often gets that same look on his face with there is something
troubling him." She said patting his arm as they strolled the grounds.
Harry sighed deeply as they walked. "I was just wondering…wondering
what my life might have been like if…"
"If things had turned out differently?" She finished for him. Harry nodded
glancing over at his father sneaking up on an unsuspecting Narcissa.
"Harry…I won't pretend to know the answer to that question, and I will
not patronize your intelligence by stating that your life would have been
a bed of roses. The truth is, is that we will soon be at war and there are
no guarantees how any of our lives will turn out. As a mother and a
grandmother…" Dorea squeezed Harry's arm affectionately.
"…I would do and will do whatever it takes to protect my family. You
being here, has given us an advanced warning of things to come, an
opportunity Harry, an opportunity to change our fates. You may never
have the childhood you dreamed of, my dear boy. But perhaps this new
future you intend to bring will be brighter for all of us.
I know that there is a certain young woman who is watching us closely
back there, who is hoping for a long and happy life with you. Harry, now
is the time to live for the future, not to dwell on ghosts and dreams of the
past. Love your bride, protect yours and her future and the future of your
own family you will have with her one day."
Harry looked back at the table where Bella was watching him with
worry, but with obvious love in her eyes. 'It was time'. He sighed. Time to
let go of foolish childhood dreams of a home and family he could not
have and instead fight for the one which was now right in front of him.
Harry's posture straightened and gone was the wistful looks of a moping
teen, and in its place a resolute look of determination from a young man
on a mission.
"Good, good!" Dorea praised looking at the set face of her grandson. "We
are your family now, Harry. And though the dynamic is not quite would
it should have been, it is close enough." Dorea squeezed his arm again
and then led him back to the table.
A triumphant Andromeda walked imperiously toward the breakfast
tables, with a treasonous looking James and Sirius plotting revenge as
they rubbed their inflamed backsides behind her. Regulus and Narcissa
were both sporting multicolored hair, and were grumbling and looking
menacingly at James and Sirius as well.
The adults chuckled at the children's antics, before ordering them back
inside the manor to get cleaned up for the day. Harry sat back down next
to Bella when two barely audible pops caught the adult's attention. Two
house elves had suddenly appeared. One looked very familiar as it
walked to Orion. Kreacher.
"My Lord Black this urgent message arrived at Grimauld place for you."
The old elf stated with a bow. Harry noticed the elf looking a lot
healthier than when he first discovered him at the old Black house.
At the same time another elf approached Charlus Potter. "Master Potters
sirs, an important message for you arrived at Potter Manor." The much
younger elf bowed.
"Thank you Jasper." Charlus told the elf. It bowed and then was gone.
"What is it dear?" Dorea asked her husband.
Charlus sighed. "Dumbeldore has called an emergency session of the
Wizengamot."
Dorea rolled her eyes. "Does the fool say why?" She asked.
"No, just that it begins at one this afternoon." He replied. "Orion, you got
the same?"
"I did. I'm guessing we will be discussing what occurred in Hogsmeade
and Diagon Alley." The head of House Black suggested.
"I believe you are right." The two men looked at Harry, who remained
stoic at their gazes.
"I need not remind you Orion, where our house stands in regards to Lord
Eveningshade." Arcturus glared at his son.
"I am well aware, father." Orion replied.
Arcturus nodded. "I believe I will join you at this meeting, nonetheless."
Orion bowed in acquiescence.
"My lord, I would be interested in attending as well." Harry mentioned to
Arcturus.
"My lord, please, we are family now, call me Arcturus."
"Thank you, Arcturus, and its Harry…to all of you." Harry stated looking
to all the adults.
"Harry, it may not be in your best interest to go, if you are indeed the
topic of conversation." Arcturus offered.
"The ministry doesn't know who I am sir, and if I were to come as your
guest or Lord Potter's, I don't imagine anyone questioning you about my
presence." Harry said.
"You're welcome to sit with me Harry, and it is Charlus." Charlus told him
with a nod.
"Thank you Charlus, I would be honored." Harry replied.
"Harry, I don't know about this." Bella stated worriedly. "But if you're set
on going, I'm going with you!" Bella stated firmly, daring him to say
otherwise. Harry blinked owlishly at his wife.
"Get use to it Harry." Charlus patted him on the shoulder. "Black women
are incredibly stubborn when they set their minds to something." Charlus
chuckled until he saw his own wife glaring at him and every other Black
woman in attendance.
"Um, did I also forget to mention that their incredible intelligence is only
matched by their amazing beauty?!" Charlus stated clearing his throat
nervously. Dorea smirked at her husband and gave him a peck on the
cheek while patting his other cheek with her hand.
"That'll do husband, that'll do." She grinned.
"Well, now that that is settled." Arcturus smirked. "I suggest we get ready
for the meeting. We'll leave within the hour."
oooOOOooo
A/N: What did you think?! There was a lot of information for Lily and
her dad, some more Black family interaction. And what will be
discussed in the emergency session of the Wizengamot?! Plus a little
more Bella and harry one on one time. Please leave a comment or a
review!
21. Chapter 21
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: So sorry for the delay! The laptop I use had an unfortunate
accident where the screen cracked. But I'm up and running again. So to
all those who have expressed worry let me reassure you that I will not
abandon this story! Want to give a big thanks to all of you who have
reviewed and who continue to follow my story. I hope you all enjoy this
next installment of Passageways!
Chapter 21
From Black Hills manor, Dorea and Charlus Potter, and all the adult
Black family members, flooed to their respective private offices at the
Ministry of Magic. Being senior members of the Wizengamot had its
perks, because of their ancient and noble status they were allowed to
have these private connections.
This was a boon to Harry and Bella who would not have to go through
normal security checks to enter the Ministry of Magic, as guests of the
senior members were given exceptions to the rule. Harry and Bella had
accompanied Charlus and Dorea to the Potter office with their identities
remaining a secret.
It was a surprisingly large office with a large rich mahogany desk, a small
conference table that could seat about ten people, several comfortable
looking leather chairs and a matching leather couch. Above the mantle of
the fire place was the coat of arms for the Ancient and Noble House of
Potter, with several portraits of former heads along the walls.
A security brief was waiting for Charlus on his desk detailing the events
of the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade attacks. Every member of the
Wizengamot was given this brief by the department of Magical Law
Enforcement. As Arcturus and Charlus had believed; the topic of the
emergency session would be these recent attacks.
The brief contained a list of those who were wounded or killed in the
attacks, also an estimate of the collateral damage in Galleons, including
cost of repairing damaged buildings, healer response along with
emergency medical services provided by St. Mungo's. There were witness
statements, photographs, as well as the most recent progress report into
the investigation of the attacks, i.e. the names of perpetrators, those
individuals or organizations involved.
Theories, suppositions, and allegations were not a part of the official
report, but Charlus knew that these things would be raised on the floor of
the Wizengamot and it would be an intense oral debate. Charlus wasted
no time and quickly began sending flying memos to those that were part
of the Potter voting bloc; he called for a quick meeting with his
colleagues before the session began.
Orion under Arcturus' direction was doing much the same with those
families he knew were loyal to the Blacks or at least were indebted
someway to the Blacks by fair means or foul. Both patriarchs would
counsel their colleagues not to be pressured into an immediate vote of
any kind today, but require the Chief Warlock to allow the customary
three days of review before calling for a vote on any kind for new
legislation.
Charlus excused himself to meet with his delegation and prepare them
for how they were going to respond as a bloc in council. He would return
after the meeting before the session began and they would all make their
way to the Potter box in the Wizengamot Council chamber.
Harry was interested in how the political dynamics of the Wizengamot
and its members worked, and realized quickly that it took a savvy and
shrewd person to figure out how the political game was played and won.
His grandparents and his new in-laws both appeared to be very
knowledgeable and experienced with the real way the government
worked.
Bella seemed to be in her element absorbing everything around her with
childlike enthusiasm, asking Dorea question after question. Dorea was
extremely patient and was very willing to illuminate the two teens on the
ins and outs of political life and also educating them on the pitfalls and
the cutthroat atmosphere.
"Grandmother, how would I find out if the Eveningshades were ever
members of the Wizengamot?" Harry asked curiously.
"I don't know for sure but I believe that they were, but depending on
their membership they may not be anymore." She replied thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Well, it depends, if they were a Founding member, a Hereditary
member, or Common member, that is a purchased membership." She
explained.
"I still don't understand, grandmother." He told her.
"A permanent member or what is commonly known as a Founding
Member, Harry, is a House, who participated in the creation of the
Ministry; they were the Lords of the era when the Ministry was first
established and thus were given permanent member status in the
Wizengamot, which is the ruling body of our government. Even if that
family has become extinct, their seat still exists.
There are a total of fifty Founder seats but only twenty that are active.
Thirty have gone extinct. Although according to Pollux, twenty-four of
those extinct houses have resurfaced from the muggleborns. If they were
to be reintegrated…well, that would indeed cause a stir." She chuckled
mischievously.
"Now, a Hereditary member is a House which gained its Wizengamot
position by being landowners or lords over a fiefdom, they were
compelled to provide taxes for the Ministry, and wizards and witches to
the government in times of war or civil unrest and in return they were
given a representative seat in the government. As long as they did not
lose their titles and lands, their seats would exist in perpetuity.
However, if they lost their titles or lands, either by conquest, forfeiture,
sold, acts of gods, or from a vote of disenfranchisement from the
Founding members, their seats would be then offered to another lord.
There are only one hundred available hereditary seats. Of course with the
collapse of the Feudal system, the requirements for the maintaining of
the title of lord have been changed to allow titles to be passed down from
father to son, without the need of being a lord over a fiefdom.
Also, if a House in this second group cannot produce a male heir, their
seats will be either sold to another great house that had not been able to
have a seat because of the number limit. However, a House's seat can be
saved if they have a female member who is of the main line. She would
have to acquire a consort bond with a man of equal status and produce a
son that could take over her House's lordship. But failing to produce a
male heir would result in that House permanently losing their seat." She
explained.
"A consort bond?" Harry asked.
"Yes, in other words she would be the second wife to a lord of equal
status to her own house. She would not carry her husband's name, nor is
she or any children she would bare to him entitled to that house's titles,
lands, or fortunes. Her son would become the new lord of her own
family's house." She told him.
"Ug, I guess I asked!" Harry groaned. Dorea smiled sympathetically at her
grandson.
"Now, where was I? Oh yes! The last group is the Commons, they are
members who come from some of the newer families given House status.
These houses have come to economic or social prominence through
business or other means. They are allowed to purchase seats in the
Wizengamot but again only one hundred seats are available to them.
These seats are not hereditary and once that person is deceased or can no
longer perform his duties that seat is then put up for sale, but, final
approval of a new house getting those seats must come from the Founder
membership." Dorea explained.
"So there are no elected seats?" Harry asked.
"No. Though there have been attempts at legislation from this third group
to have elected seats. As you can imagine, the older families do not
particularly embrace the idea. So, they have not been able to get enough
votes for the measure to pass." She explained.
"If there are so few permanent members in the Wizengamot, why do the
other two groups fear them? It seems to me that the other groups could
pretty much do as they want? How will grandfather or Arcturus stop
anything that comes to the floor?" Harry asked.
"Very good question, Harry. You see, there were safe guards put into the
bylaws of the Wizengamot. Any proposed legislation must have a sponsor
from a permanent member of the Wizengamot, or it will never see the
light of day.
This little caveat is the catalyst for many of the factions we have today.
Amongst the permanent members you have those who are the so called
light faction, the dark faction, and the neutrals. The memberships of the
two other bodies align themselves with a permanent member who best
fits their politics.
These alliances are what create a voting bloc. The light and dark factions
are fairly even numbered, with the largest faction being the neutrals.
However, the neutrals are not as fanatical as the other two factions and
so aren't as passionate about their politics. The neutrals would better be
classed as a loose coalition at best.
They rarely will get involved with legislation that did not immediately
affect them in some way. Arcturus is hoping to tighten and rally the
neutrals around the premise that Voldemort's true goals are not one of
Pureblood prominence but the subjugation of every magical in the
Kingdom."
"Placing himself, or at least the House of Black in a very powerful
position politically." Harry added with a smirk.
"With House Potter as a co-sponsor, it would bring a lot of prominence to
both families, Harry, not to mention what it will do for the
Eveningshades as well. It is how things are accomplished Harry, you can't
hope to make changes without the political strength behind you to do
so."
"I understand grandmother, I do. It just feels like a sneaky way to do
things."
Dorea chuckled warmly. "Well my dear, if you had been born a thousand
years ago, the power of the wand was stronger than the quill, but today
that is just not the case. But not to worry, your family is quite astute in
the political arena." She affectionately hugged her grandson to her chest
and kissed his forehead.
"Now, to answer your initial question about the Eveningshades, we'll
have to look in the book of Wizengamot Houses." Dorea stated looking
through her husband's bookshelf.
"Aha! Here it is." She declared pulling an old tome from the bookshelf.
"Now the families are listed alphabetically…hmmm let's see." Dorea
flipped through the pages quickly, glancing at the name found at the top
of each page.
"Eveningshade!" She affirmed loudly. Well, it appears that your house
was not one of the founding houses, I expected as much, so they are not
permanent members of the Wizengamot. It does state that they did have
a hereditary seat and had taken over several other hereditary seats by
means of conquest or as payment for debts owed, in fact they
controlled…oh my… seventeen seats. Now that's curious." Dorea frowned
looking at the book.
"What's curious?" Bella asked having followed the conversation with
interest.
"The dates of when the Eveningshades lost control of sixteen of those
seats." Dorea said thoughtfully.
"What about them grandmother?" Harry asked.
"It's odd, because all of the seats but one were lost on October 31, 1810
and the last in 1817. It's curious that there were no heirs to take over the
seats. They were simply controlled by your family one day and then the
next…the seats were extinct, and new lords appointed." She frowned
again.
"Well I know something happened to my great-great-great grandfather in
1817. He lost his magic and went into the muggle world." Harry told his
grandmother.
"But something else had to of happened to the rest of them Harry. The
Eveningshades were known to have a large family, enough siblings and
cousins to control seventeen seats in the Wizengamot easily." Dorea
replied slowly, her mind in deep thought.
"What are you thinking auntie?" Bella asked.
Without a word Dorea Potter stood from her seat and walked briskly to
the fireplace. She threw in some floo powder from the mantle, with a
whoosh the orange flames turned green and she then called out:
"Wizengamot Historical Records Department!"
"W.H.R.D. this is Marjory Dunkell, how may I help you?" A sweet lilting
Irish voice replied.
"Marjory dear, its Dorea. How are you today?" Dorea asked politely of her
old Hogwarts dorm mate.
"My goodness…Dorea! How are you mo chara?" The redheaded director
of the Wizengamot Historical Records Department asked jovially.
"Fine, fine dear, and how's your daughter Roisìn? She would be a sixth
year now wouldn't she?"
Marjory pursed her lips before replying. "To be honest Dori, I'm a bit
concerned. She's been seeing this muggle boy from the village named
Sean Finnigan."
"Oh my, does he know she's a witch?" Dorea asked.
"No, I don't think Roisìn is wanting to scare the boy away. Devout
Catholic you see." Marjory stated as if it were an obvious problem.
"Perhaps it's just a rebellious phase dear." Dorea comforted her old friend.
"Thank you dear, I can only hope so. Now I'm assuming this call wasn't a
social one?" Marjory smiled.
"No, not entirely. I was hoping you could do a favor for me, I was hoping
you would be able to find something for me in the historical records."
Dorea asked.
"What is it that you're looking for?" the Irish woman asked, willing to
help her old friend.
"Anything surrounding House Eveningshade, and the seats they
controlled and lost in the year 1810." Dorea replied.
Marjory's eyes widened at the mention of the name, but nevertheless this
was one of her oldest friends and she would do what she could to help.
"Anything specific you want me to search for?"
"I'm curious about their sudden disappearance from the Wizengamot in
that year. They had control of seventeen seats and then by the end of that
year all but one was gone. It just seems a little suspicious to me." Dorea
told her friend.
"What is this for Dori? Why the interest in an extinct and…infamous
family?" She asked a little concerned.
"You know I've always been a history and a mystery buff." Dorea replied
smoothly. "And I had heard the name mentioned recently and wanted to
learn more about them. That's when I discovered that they all of a sudden
disappeared in 1810. I found it rather intriguing." Dorea smiled.
"Frankly Dori, I remember the ghost stories about that family when I was
a child." She shivered uncontrollably at a past memory. "Scared the
freckles right off of me when I was little!" She chuckled.
"A check of unofficial or sealed records wouldn't go a miss as well." Dora
stated conspiratorially with an all too familiar wink and smirk to the Irish
woman.
Marjory chuckled at that, she remembered all the clandestine late night
excursions to the Restricted Sessions in her youth with Dorea and their
little group of girls. "Alright, I'll see what I can find. Where can I reach
you?" She asked with mirth in her voice.
"I'll be here at the Ministry for the remainder of the day I believe. Charlus
was called into an emergency session and I'm accompanying him today."
Dorea told her friend.
"It may take some time, but if I find something while you're here, I'll send
an elf to you with the information. If not I'll forward it to the manor shall
I?" Marjory asked.
"Thank you dear that would be lovely." Dorea told her friend. "Oh, one
other thing Marjory. I'd appreciate it if we kept this just between us." She
told her friend as an afterthought.
"Of course Dori. Give my best to Charlus and little Jamie." Marjory smiled
again remembering how the now very proper lady was the rebellious
friend of her youth.
"I will, and thanks again dear." Dorea replied warmly.
Dorea returned to her chair, where a waiting Bellatrix and Harry were
giving her inquisitive looks. Dorea sat primly in her seat and took a long
sip of her tea.
"Well?" Bella asked impatiently. "What was that about?"
"A hunch." Dorea shrugged non-committally.
oooOOOooo
Marjory Dunkel had worked in the W.H.R.D for twenty years now, and
had been its director for the last six. Of all the Ministry jobs out there, it
was by no means the most exciting, but neither was it the worst. But
Marjory found it fascinating. Any piece of legislation that was passed,
every monumental policy change, every court proceeding, found its way
to her department.
She fancied it as her version of the Library at Alexandria, here on
parchment was the history of the Wizengamot, but really what it was,
was the history of magical Britain. The scandals, the victories, the
intrigue, the political maneuverings, some of the most famous witches
and wizards had penned many of their laws and they were all held here.
Every word spoken during a Wizengamot session was transcribed here on
magical parchment and then filed under the day and year.
Though it was not a secret, few members knew or remembered that even
their whispered conversations and uttered diatribes were all copied down
for posterity's sake. There were never truly any secret conversations
within the hall.
The public records of a session were available to anybody who requested
them, provided that they had filled out all the proper forms in triplicate.
Those non-public mutterings were not made available to the public, an
official document of release signed by both the head Warlock and
Director of the DMLE was required before these records could be
released.
However, Dorea being such a close friend would not have to provide such
documentation. After all, a fellow Mistress of Mayhem got special
consideration. Marjory smiled as memories of her misadventures with
Dorea and the three other girls who were part of their group floated to
the surface.
They weren't hooligans by any means, they were a group of girls who
craved adventure and an ancient castle like Hogwarts, provided many
opportunities for exciting and sometimes terrify exploits. And of course a
girl had to have chocolate every now and then, and when the group had
discovered the secret passage that led to Honeydukes in their third year,
it was Avalon!
Of course they always left money on the crates in the basement for what
they took; they weren't thieves for goodness sake. Of course Dorea would
make quite a bit of extra spending money by selling some of her stash to
other students, after a modest markup of course. A girl needed her
spending money after all.
Marjory chuckled to herself as she searched for the 1810 Wizengamot
records. The other members of the Mistresses of Mayhem, she reminisced,
had all married well or had successful careers. Delia Stodmore was now
the Lady Delia Greengrass; Agnes Finkel was now Agnes McKinnon, one
of the top Hit Wizards in the country along with her husband; and then
there was Minerva Dunbar who was now Minerva McGonagall, the
Transfiguration prodigy who was now a professor at Hogwarts.
The five girls were the best of friends and a bane to boys and professors
everywhere. Dorea had been their leader and the glue that held them
together. Dorea and Delia had been Slytherins, while Minerva was the
quintessential Gryffindor, Agnes was a Ravenclaw, and she was a
Hufflepuff.
Dorea broke boundaries in house relations. She wasn't a trendsetter nor
did she try to be. She liked who she liked and that was that. It also didn't
hurt that she was a very powerful witch and a daughter of House Black,
so there were very few students brave enough to give her grief over her
odd friendships.
When she and the Gryffindor Quidditch captain Charlus Potter started
dating, it raised a few eyebrows but no one dared to challenge the
relationship. They quickly became the power couple of their year at
Hogwarts. Charles was exceptionally skilled with charms, and was no
slouch in the dueling arena, but his boyish charm and good natured
personality didn't inspire fear in other like Dorea did.
Dorea was cunning and patient, victims of her wrath were kept in abject
terror wondering when and where she would exact her revenge on
someone. She loved to keep her targets in a state of paranoia never
knowing when they would meet their fate. Her enigmatic smile was
enough to make most male students wet themselves in fear.
Marjory chuckled again thinking about Lorcan Rockwood. The stupid boy
actually was foolish enough to loudly call Dorea a frigid whore in the
Great Hall, when she turned down his advances to court her. Dorea had
let the boy worry for nearly three months with promises of horrendous
pain, even insinuated that she would immobilize the boy and lower his
body into a vat of undiluted buber-tuber puss until the acidic puss
stripped away all the flesh off of his worthless bones.
Ten weeks had passed since her threat, but everyday she gave him that
look which promised that his day was coming soon or she would show up
unexpectedly in front of him and smirk evilly at him. Lorcan Rockwood,
after ten weeks, had a severe mental break down and was taken from the
castle in a nearly catatonic state. It was rumored he was admitted into St.
Mungos mental ward, where he finished out the school term.
Needless to say Dorea had achieved "Don't f**k with me" status through
the remainder of her school days. To outsiders, Dorea appeared to be a
dark witch you did not want to cross. But to those who truly knew her,
knew her as a passionate and loyal friend. To her closest friends it was no
surprise that she later became a healer, ironically her strength was in
helping those with mental disorders, and she had help more than one
veteran of the Great War deal with their traumas both physical and
psychological.
Many a witch and wizard who had been affected by the Great War had
stories upon stories of her compassion and generosity. She had been the
one to offer Potter Manor as a convalescence center during the war, and
had personally treated many of the injured and had comforted the dying
in their last moments. She became affectionately known to thousands as
simply "The Lady."
Marjory was confused as she looked through the magical shelves which
contained the files for the Wizengamot. Each shelf was clearly labeled
with the year that it pertained to. To her left was the shelf labeled
W-1809 and next to it to the right was the shelf labeled was no sign of
the shelf that should be labeled W-1810.
She looked around at some of the other shelves and realized that several
other dates seemed to be missing as well. Someone had stolen at least
two dozen years worth of files. But that did not make any sense; even if
the files themselves had been taken the shelves should still be there.
"They're hidden!" Marjory told herself in sudden realization. "But why?"
Marjory took out her wand and pointed it at the area where shelf W-1810
should be. But before she cast she suddenly felt an urge to go to lunch. "I-
I just had lunch." She told herself shaking her head. "Why would I need to
go eat again?"
She shook her head again. "A compulsion charm?" She hesitated a guess.
"It must have been cast some time ago." She could still feel the
compulsion but it was weak. She raised her wand again and fought
against the compulsion.
"Finite Incantatem!" Marjory cast her strongest dispelling charm.
Suddenly a shelf shimmered into existence with the label of W-1810. On
the shelf was two old leather bound books. One book contained the
official record of proceedings of the Wizengamot for that year, while the
other contained every conversation held with the Hall for that year.
The books were magically shrunk and held much more than they
appeared to; they also had a voice command feature on them so as to call
up each individual session or a certain piece of proposed legislation and
each conversation held within the Hall of the Wizengamot. With the use
of keywords you could narrow your search and quickly wade through the
voluminous pages of script.
Marjory opened the second book knowing that her friend was not
wanting the official transcripts but rather the occult and hidden
conversations. "Reference search…Eveningshade!"
Marjory felt the usual tingle of magic that told her that the book was
cataloging every conversation that mentioned the Eveningshade name.
However there was a pulse of magic that was not normal for a search. It
almost felt like a notification ward, similar to the one that was on her
office door to let her know that someone had entered.
"Odd." She thought briefly. Her attention was then redirected to the first
page of the book which was now bringing up any and all conversations
where Eveningshade was mentioned.
She was surprised that there indeed were many whispered conversations
about the Eveningshade. Many were vitriolic in nature. It seems many
houses distrusted the Eveningshades, not that she could blame them they
were a rather dark house from what she had grown up hearing.
Some conversations actually showed the Eveningshades in a favorable
light. In one such positive conversation, the infamous family had helped
a family out of a rather nasty infestation of vampires on their property.
The nest of vampires was wiped out within days and the Eveningshades
price for their help was ten percent of their crops and livestock for the
next season. The family found it a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Then she found something else, something sinister. There was a plot, a
plot to wipe out the entire Eveningshade clan. Her eyes widen in disbelief
and she lost all color in her face as she saw the names of those who were
conspiring to commit genocide on the Eveningshade family and their
reasons why.
"Morgana have mercy!" She gasped. This was dangerous information to
have, extremely dangerous! The more she read, the more sickened she
became. If someone found out she had this information, there was no
doubt in her mind that she would not live to see another sunrise.
"What have you got me into Dori?!" Marjory breathed in panic. "My gods!
The notification ward on the book! Someone knows that I've read the
book!"
Marjory rushed from the archive room with the books tightly held in her
arms and entered the main office. She grabbed her cloak and threw it on
in a hurry. She needed to find Dorea quickly and inform her of what she
had found and warn her. As director of the department she was the only
one capable of removing original material from the archives, without
serious ramifications.
She sprinted out of the door and headed for the lift. She stopped
suddenly as she made the corner, hearing voices in the lift as it was
coming to her floor.
"You guard the door to the office while I go in a deal with the problem."
A gravelly voice stated.
"Wha dya tink is in da book that 'as him so worked up?" Another man
with a heavy nasal laden voice asked.
Marjory gasped and jerked her head side to side looking for a place to
hide. She found a small alcove that was covered with a floor length
tapestry. She ducked behind the tapestry and pressed herself against the
wall and held her breath.
"Dun no. Something serious enough, that 'e doesn't want the knowledge
to get out. And then telling us to do what it takes to contain the
problem." The first man replied.
"Gonna kill 'er then?" The nasal man asked.
"Not 'ere, we'll get 'er to come wit us. We'll do it in the alley after we find
out what she knows."
Marjory was near panic as the two men walked by her hiding place. She
remained there until she heard then turn the corner to where her office
was at the end of that hall. Peeking out from behind the tapestry and
assuring herself that the coast was clear she bolted to the lift.
"Who were those men?" she rasped out as she fell against the back of the
lift. She cast a tempus to check the time. "Damn! The Wizengamot session
has already started! It a closed session, I won't be able to get in after it
has started. Shite! Shite! Shite!
"Okay, calm down Marjory. We need to think." Marjoray told herself as
her mind rushed to decide her next move.
"First things first, I need to get to some where safe. Home? No, if they
know who I am that will be the next place they'll go. Thank Merlin
Daobh is out of the country for the week! The Leaky Cauldron, I can hide
out there until I can get a message to Dorea!"
Marjory exited from the lift out into the atrium and headed to one of the
public floos. She threw in some floo powder than stepped into the green
flames and called out her destination. Twenty minutes later and she was
sitting in room 317 of the Leaky cauldron. Through Tom the barkeeper,
she had sent a message to Dorea at the Ministry. The note instructed her
to meet her as soon as possible. She signed the note M.M. Banshee.
Marjory let out a weary sigh, and then downed her third shot of Fire
Whiskey. She set the empty glass on the table next to the chair she was
sitting in that was facing the door. She was never very good at casting
wards, but proficient enough to give her at least a second or two of
warning when someone came to the door.
So she sat their facing the door with her wand drawn and hoped that
Dorea would get her message soon. She felt the magic from the door
pulse; she stood up and pointed her wand shakily at the door. But no one
knocked; she stood there for a few more seconds and was just about to sit
back down when suddenly the door silently flew open.
A red light hit her wand and it flew from her grasp. Two large men
snarled predatorily as they lumbered into the room. They wore their
hoods up so their faces were obscured in darkness. Marjory could feel the
foulness roll off of the two men. The smell of cheap cigars and alcohol
filled the room quickly.
A man with a revolting nasally voice then spoke to her. "Allo poppet, we
'ave some business wit you." With a flick of the other man's wand the
door closed itself and silencing wards were cast.
oooOOOooo
Charlus returned from his meeting in thoughtful reflection. It had been
very informative meeting; apparently the Eveningshade rumor had
become widespread throughout the peerage. Most had dismissed it as
hysteria and unfounded gossip. But there were a few who were terrified
at the thought of the infamous family's return; and still there were a few
others who found it all rather intriguing.
But in the end he had the consensus he was hoping for amongst the bloc
members, they would not rush to vote on any measures or legislation
brought before the body today. 'Now if Arcturus was as successful.'
Charlus mused. There would be enough opposition to keep anything that
Dumbledore proposed from being voted upon before the mandatory three
day review time lapsed.
"Are we ready to go?" Charlus asked his little entourage, rubbing his
hands together.
Dorea, Harry and Bella all stood at his inquiry and gave him nods of
eagerness. Charlus lead them through a door just to the left of his desk. It
led directly to the Potter box within the Wizengamot Council chambers.
The chamber was a large oval room with stadium like seating.
A raised dais half way down the seats on one end of the room consisted
of a large throne like seat wear the Chief Warlock sat with two smaller
but similar chairs placed on either side but just behind it with small desks
in front of the chairs
These two seats were occupied by the executive secretary of the
Wizengamot and the Wizengamot historian. The seats that were directly
behind and to the sides of the Chief Warlock's dais were the one hundred
hereditary seats, fifty on either side.
Directly in front of the dais were the hundred seats of the Common
Houses. At the very top of the chamber above all of the other seats and
circling the entire chamber, were the box seats of the fifty permanent
houses of the Wizengamot.
Each seat of the Common Houses consisted of a nice desk and two leather
chairs. The seats belonging to the hereditary houses were much nicer and
consisted of a more elegant desk and four very comfortable leather
chairs. The permanent members enjoyed luxurious boxes that included
only the best furnishings that money could buy.
They were allowed up to ten visitors in their boxes and were also allowed
house elf services, not to mention their respective offices were connected
to their box seats. The family crests were ornately placed in front of the
boxes for the rest of the Wizengamot members to behold. Position in the
Wizengamot was important and the founding families proudly displayed
their house crests.
Charlus took his place at his desk while Dorea sat back with Harry and
Bella in the guest seats. Harry looked around and noticed the Potter seat
was to the right of the Chief Warlock Dais and centered along the longer
wall. He noticed that the House Black was seat was directly in front of
him, so as to put it left of the dais.
Harry noticed many familiar names as he looked at the crests of the
permanent members. He was surprised to learn that a couple of names he
recognized were founding members, and that others he assumed were
weren't.
Dorea noticed her grandson looking at the box seats with interest and
decided to educate him on the factions within the permanent
membership. "Harry dear, remember me telling you about the three
factions?"
"Yes grandmother." Harry replied.
"Well, the light side families are Weasley, Prewett, Doge, Lovegood, and
Abbott. The darker families are Rosier, Rookwood, Crabbe, Nott, Macnair
and until recently the Blacks. Rosier is the voice and sponsor of the Purist
party within the permanent members. The neutral families are the
Potters, Longbottom, the Bones, Greengrass, Bagshot, Davis, Edgecombe,
McKinnon, and Turpin. However, the neutral faction is not a unified
group and a few sway with whichever way the political wind happens to
be blowing."
"Wow, I didn't realize that the Weasley's were a founding family." Harry
stated.
"They are a very old family and before the Great War were quite wealthy,
not on the same level as the Blacks and Potters but respectable."
"What happened to them then?" Harry asked.
"They lost their family fortune in fighting Grindelwald, gave the bulk of it
to Dumbledore who recruited them to his fold of backers. Supposedly he
used the money to buy informants and spies to follow Grindelwald's
movements."
"Huh. What about Dumbledore, I thought his family would have been a
founding family?" Harry asked.
Charlus turned around at hearing the question. "Oh no!" Charlus
chuckled. "I'm sure he wishes, no; his family has a hereditary seat. They
have only possessed it for about a hundred and sixty years, a relatively
new house within the Wizengamot." His grandfathers stated before
returning to his reading of the security brief.
The sound of a pounding staff, stopped Harry from asking any follow-up
questions as the emergency session was about to start. "Hear ye Hear ye,
this emergency session of the Wizengamot is now in session! The most
honorable Chief Warlock, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian
Dumbledorepresiding!" The chamber herald announced.
"My fellow lords of the Wizengamot please be seated. I have called this
emergency session to address the incidents of this last week. Dark days
are upon us my friends when such wanton acts of mayhem, destruction,
and the shedding of magical blood can be perpetrated in the heart of our
magical towns and villages and the ones responsible still walk freely
among us!" Dumbledore began his oration with a thunderous voice.
"Two days ago I walked along the streets of Hogsmeade Village. And do
you know what I saw?! I saw cratered streets, burned out buildings, and
bodies! Bodies of students lined up all in a row, bodies of unmoving
children cut down before their prime, never to grow in to adulthood,
never to fall in love and have families, never to see the wonders of the
world.
But that is not all I saw my friends, no; I saw another row of bodies…this
one with several adult witches and wizards butchered in the most
heinous of ways. Murdered because of their ideology, slaughtered
because they were misguided and frustrated with a society they feel is in
decline and that has turned their back on them. Witches and wizards of
old families cut down before they could be shown mercy and the error of
their ways and brought back into the fold of their government's
embrace."
"That arrogant…duplicitous…windbag!" Dorea hissed under her breath.
Bella turned to Harry and gave him a wicked smile while motioning
toward Dorea.
"My friends we are few, and can ill afford the lackadaisical killing of one
another because of misunderstandings. The Great War took a heavy toll
on magical populations throughout Britain and Europe. Many old houses
have become extinct and our heritage thins with every generation. All
you need to do my friends is look up at the empty box seats of those
great houses whose lights have forever been darkened to see the truth of
my words." Several pairs of eyes looked up to the Founding seats and saw
more than half of them dark.
"It is with the promise of preservation of our world, that I am proposing
new legislation today that in part will make it illegal for any government
agency; specifically our Auror and Hit Wizards departments from using
deadly force in the apprehension of any magical except in the most dire
of consequences. Also to make it up to a lifetime in Azkaban offense
should any private citizen use deadly force against another witch or
wizard!" Dumbledore proposed.
"I ask that this law be made retro-active, beginning at January first of this
year, so that we may seek justice for those who have lost their lives in
these two heinous and cowardly attacks." Dumbledore added.
"Well that's interesting." Dorea commented to the two teens. It appears
that he wants to bring you two to justice."
Murmuring erupted in the hall, Harry noticed some shaking of heads in
opposition, but he also saw others who were nodding and voicing their
approval. Still there were others who were looking calculatingly at the
long bearded old man in front of them.
Dumbledore waited patiently as the hall digested his words. He knew he
would have to play things very carefully. He gave the traditionalist
including those of the purist movement something they wanted and that
was a show of support for heritage and tradition.
He gave the liberals and lighter side families something they wanted, that
being harsher penalties for those who use deadly force against others,
including lengthy stays in Azkaban.
The neutrals and grays would most likely remain largely apathetic to the
legislation as long as it did not affect them in any manner. It had been so
for centuries. The Weasley's and the Doge's of the Founding seats, had
already agreed to sponsor the bill, what he needed now was at least fifty-
one percent of the remaining members of the Wizengamot to agree to
immediate implementation.
Once passed, he would order a warrant for the arrest of the young dark
haired boy that was purported to be an Eveningshade. Though he
doubted that the boy was truly an Eveningshade, they were wiped out
after all. He could not let the memory of the family resurface. Not now.
Already an unsubstantiated rumor of the family had caused the Malfoy
family to flee the country.
So panicked was the family, that lady Malfoy risked stunning the guards
protecting Abraxus Malfoy's hospital room while he was still in custody.
Lucius had been pulled from school the next day and supposedly had
joined his family. A warrant had been issued for Abraxus Malfoy, but if
he had gone to France as was assumed, the Ministry would not be able to
touch him. Magical France and Magical Britain did not have
reciprocating extradition agreements.
"Chief Warlock!" A voice from down in the gallery suddenly called out.
"Lord Darby." Dumbledore acknowledged the lord from the Commons.
"I find this bill utterly unacceptable!" He stated as he flipped through the
stack of parchment in disgust. "Not only is the bill incredibly vague with
undefined regulations and limits, it in essence removes the DMLE whose
role is to prosecute capital crimes and puts it into this…"
Lord Darby searched the bill for what he was looking for. "…ah…its
states here that the Chief Warlock will appoint a secret five man panel,
whose responsibility will be to investigate all capital cases and basically
act as judge, jury, and executioner!" Lord Darby held a lot the bill and
looked at his fellow Wizengamot members with fire.
"I need not remind this body that we are not the judicial branch of the
government! We are the legislative branch! The DMLE serves that
purpose! This seems to be an attempt by our Chief Warlock to usurp
authority that does not belong to him!"
More and more angry voices began to make their selves known as
members began to look closely at the bill. Dumbledore tried to regain
control of the room, by banging his gavel several times on the podium.
"My fellow members!" Dumbledore called out. "I feel it is necessary to
form an independent counsel to police the DMLE. How can we expect the
DMLE to investigate incidents of abuse of this law within its own house?"
Dumbledore replied.
Charlus Potter was on his feet and responded to Dumbledores statement.
"You know very well that they have their own Internal Affairs division,
Dumbledore. And I for one do not like the idea of constraining our law
enforcement officers in this manner. We rely on these brave witches and
wizards to protect us from those who would seek to do harm. The Purist
movement has demonstrated that they have little regard for the sanctity
of life and…"
"I STRONGLY OBJECT!" Lord Rockwood shouted jumping to his feet. "I
refute the allegations that any of these attacks are somehow linked with
the Purist Movement! And furthermore…"
"LORD MALFOY himself was arrested at the site of the attack in Diagon
Alley! Is he not an influential member of the Purist movement?!" Lord
Bran Bones replied heatedly.
"One man's alleged involvement in the attack does not prove collusion
with the party, only that he showed poor judgment in associating with
those who do support violence!" Rockwood argued.
"Every terrorist that was killed in Hogsmeade has a connection to the
Purist party! I doubt that it is coincidence!" Another man yelled out.
"Again, there is no proof that the attackers and the party are linked! The
party stands for a peaceful return to our values and traditions as a
people. We do not advocate violence! Need I remind this body that these
dead witches and wizards are not here to defend themselves from these
false allegations, and that this type of capricious speculation only leads to
false assumptions?
I have not heard a word uttered about the other two people involved in
these incidents! Where is the call for their arrest?! Why are we not
condemning their actions?!" Rockwood asked with his arms spread open
wide.
Harry and Bella shifted nervously in their seats as suddenly the identity
of the two people involved in beating back the terrorist became the new
hot topic. It was now just a matter of time before the rumor would be
brought up and no more than a minute into the new discussion was
brought up did the name get mentioned.
"IT'S BALDERDASH!" Elphias Worthington yelled from his seat. "The
Eveningshades no longer exist. Not a trace of them has been seen in over
a hundred years. I will not believe that by some miracle that family has
reappeared!"
"I believe otherwise, Elphias!" Marius McKellan replied from the
Hereditary seats. "My granddaughter was at Hogsmeade during the
attack. She saw two spells fired at point blank range at this mysterious
man and they passed right through him! Who else but an Eveningshade
has ever been known to be able to do that?!"
The hall exploded once more into exclamatory shouts, some were shouts
of fear and others of disbelief. Harry and Bella sat quietly as they took in
the scene unfolding below them. It was clear that the Eveningshade name
elicited powerful emotions amongst the Wizengamot members. Curiously
Dumbledore allowed the mêlée to continue for some time before calling
the hall to order once more.
"It is precisely for this reason that I am proposing this piece of legislation.
The Eveningshades may or may not be back, but this legislation will stop
killers like the Eveningshades from running amuck. And we need this
special committee within the Wizengamot that can't be intimidated by
any house with such leanings.
The eye for an eye philosophy that the Eveningshade family was known
for would be outlawed and such acts would be punished most severely.
But only through a special committee whose members would remain a
secret, thus avoiding bribery and intimidation, which would be the case
if the DMLE were the ones to prosecute these types of cases." Dumbledore
explained, his eyes twinkling as more heads than before began to nod in
agreement.
Surprising everyone, Lord Arcturus Black stood and addressed the hall.
"Chief Warlock, really now…a secret court that trumps our DMLE…" He
began silkily "…With a secret membership no less?"
"Hmm…what else? Oh yes…unchecked authority and power, and this
panel would be judge, jury, and executioner. Why with no oversight you
would quickly become a very powerful if not feared man. Convicting who
you want or clearing who you want." Arcturus rubbed his chin in mock
appreciation.
"A truly Slytherin move that Salazar himself would be proud of. Such
ambition, Albus. I never realized how incredibly…STUPID you must
think we all are." Arcturus' voice became hard and accusatory. This farce
you call a bill is nothing more than an attempt by you to wrest power
away from the DMLE, and giving you unparalleled power within the
government." Arcturus accused.
The murmurings began again and many distrusting eyes now turned
toward the Chief Warlock, all wondering what is motives truly were. "I
take offense sir! My only concern is for the greater good of our people…"
"I'm sure there are those within this hall that believe that Dumbledore. I
am not one of them. What your true motives are I can only speculate. But
what I do know is that to give someone such power over our legal system
is foolhardy.
Couple that with this idiotic law that punishes our citizens for defending
themselves and ties the hands of our Aurors from meeting deadly force
with deadly force, I'm forced to ask myself what is your agenda here?
Maybe, it's to get rid of all those who might actually have the bollocks to
defend themselves against an oppressor. Are you trying to become that
oppressor, Dumbledore?" Arcturus asked with an inquisitive raised
eyebrow.
For a third time the hall erupted with shouting, shouts from those who
attempted to defend Dumbledore, but the majority this time were
accusatory. Dorea smirked as the tide had definitely just turned against
Albus, she would have to give her brother a big wet kiss for his remarks.
She doubted the bill would ever see the light of day now.
Dorea jumped slightly as a house elf suddenly appeared next to her with
a note in its hand. Bowing deeply the elf squeaked. "An urgent message
from Director Dunkle, your ladyship." The small elf bowed handing her
the message and then popped away.
Dorea unfolded the parchment and began to read the obvious hurried
script written in her friend's hand. As she read the note her eyes widened
more and more in worry. She suddenly stood and hurriedly whispered in
her husband's ear who gave her a concerned look and nodded his head.
"You two come with me, we need to hurry to the Leaky Cauldron." Dorea
told the two teens as she exited out of the box door and into her
husband's office not bothering to see if Harry and Bella were following.
She made her way quickly to the fireplace and grabbed the floo powder
off of the mantle. Throw your cloaks on and pull up your hoods. We're
going to the Leaky Cauldron; keep your wands in your hands. And stay
close to me." She told the pair.
Bella and Harry nodded and did as they were told. Dorea was the first
one into the floo quickly followed by Bella and then Harry. Harry stepped
out of the floo with a barely noticeable balance check. When his eyes
adjusted to the lower lights of the tavern, he nearly panicked as he saw
half a dozen aurors interviewing witnesses.
"Damn it Bones! I thought I told you to secure that floo! This is a CRIME
SCENE for Merlin's sake! We don't want to contaminate further!" Auror
captain Alastor Moody screamed at his protégé.
"Sorry sir!" Amelia Bones apologized hurriedly. "I'm taking care of it
now!"
Moody grumbled something unflattering under his breath as he walked
toward the new arrivals. "Lady Potter?! What brings you hear?" He asked
softening his voice from his normal gruff barking tone.
"Alastor…what's happened?" Dorea asked with some trepidation.
"A ministry employee was murdered upstairs. Whoever did it, worked her
over pretty good before they killed her. Nearly every bone in her body
was broken." Moody stated shaking his head in disgust. "Apparently she
had something they wanted."
Dorea swallowed hard and steadied herself. "W-who was it Alastor?" She
finally asked.
Moody looked at her curiously but then realization dawned on him.
Dorea had been close friends with the victim. "Have a seat Dorea."
Alastor offered gently to the woman who had saved his life all those
years ago.
"Alastor, please…just tell me." Dorea implored with wet eyes.
"…Marjory Dunkel…"
"Oh gods!" Dorea gasped.
"I take it, that it's no coincidence that you're here?" Moody asked. Dorea
slowly shook her head.
"I received a message from her, to meet her here, she said it was urgent."
Dorea explained. She happened to look toward the staircase as two
Aurors were floating a sheet covered body down the stairs. The white
sheet was covered in large swaths of red. Dorea stumbled at the sight of a
limply swaying arm bruised and misshapen. Moody caught Dorea before
she could fall. He gently sat her in a chair and then pulled another one
next to it so he could comfort his old friend.
"Grandmother?" Harry whispered lowly and knelt in front of her. Dorea
grabbed Harry's hand and held it tightly in her lap. Bella hugged her
from behind and kissed her cheek gently.
"I know this is an awful time to ask this…but can you tell me why you
were meeting Marjory?" Moody asked sympathetically.
Dorea looked at her old friend and then glanced toward Harry and then
back to Moody. "I asked her for any Wizengamot information on the
Eveningshades." She leaned forward and whispered to the Auror captain.
"Specifically in the year 1810."
Moody sat back in his chair with a confused look. "Any particular
reason?" He asked.
"Not here Alastor." She looked around the tavern. "Too many ears."
Moody nodded.
"Later then." He gave her a tired half smile.
"You mentioned that whoever k-killed her was looking for something?"
Dorea asked.
"Huh…oh yeah. The room was destroyed; it looks like they were
searching for something the way the room was tossed. Whether they
found what they were looking for…I don't know." Moody sighed heavily.
"M-may I take a look at the room Alastor?" Dorea asked hopefully.
"Dori, it's a right state. I don't think you'll want to see it. And besides we
haven't finished processing it yet."
"Please Alastor, if Marjory felt she was in danger she would have hid
whatever it was they were looking for." She told him.
"We've searched the room Dorea, we couldn't find anything." Moody
replied.
"I would like to try, Alastor, please." Moody sighed and looked
appraisingly at the regal lady.
"Very well, but I have to be with you, agreed?" He asked.
"Agreed." She told the man. "I'd like Harry and Bella to come as well."
Moody was about to argue, but he never could deny Dorea anything she
truly wanted. He owed a debt to the woman he could never truly pay
back. "Very well, just don't touch anything." He told Bella and Harry who
nodded.
The four of them climbed the stairs to the third floor and made their way
to room 317. Moody dispelled the ward that kept people from entering
the room and then opened the door. Dorea had to catch herself against
the door frame as she witnessed the state of the room. She was not a
stranger to blood and gore, but knowing that she may have inadvertently
been the cause of her friend's death it left her sick to her stomach.
Dorea straightened herself up and took a deep breath to compose herself.
"Now if she hid anything she would have used a displacement spell on a
section of wall, floor, or a mirror." She stated with more confidence than
she was feeling at the moment.
"Yes, it creates a hidden cavity within an object; I developed the spell
while in school. My friends and I used it to hide our…well…contraband
from our roommates and professors." She stated.
"Really?" Bellatrix asked interestedly. "So how are we to find it? Do we
use a revealing spell?"
"No, that won't work; I created it to be undetectable." She replied.
"Then how are we to find it?" Harry asked looking around the destroyed
room. Pieces of furniture lay scattered around the room.
"She would have left our mark over the spot she hid it. It will be two
capital M's next to each other." She explained.
They searched the room for twenty minutes without success until Bella
called out from the bathroom. "Auntie! I think I found it!"
"Let's see child." Dorea said as she entered the bathroom.
"Just there." Bella pointed to two M's seemingly etched into the lower left
hand corner of the bathroom mirror.
Dorea smiled. "This is it. Good job Bella." Dorea took her wand and
touched it gently to the double M's. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no
good." She stated clearly.
Harry looked at his grandmother gob smacked at hearing those words. He
would definitely need to talk to her about that at a more appropriate
time. The glass mirror seemed to melt away as a large cavity appeared.
Inside were two old leather bound books. She removed the books and
looked at the binding and read the titles.
Dorea sighed heavily as she held the books to her chest. "I'm so sorry
Marjory." She whispered to herself.
"Shall I ignore that those are here?" Moody asked rhetorically.
"Please Alastor, I promise I'll bring you up to speed as soon as I can."
Dorea told her old friend who nodded understandingly.
"I'm here for you Dorea, you know that right?" The old veteran asked.
"I do Alastor, I do." Dorea the shrunk the books and placed them in her
cloak pocket.
Dorea looked at her grandson and his wife with silent determination.
"Harry, Bella, lets head back to Black Hills. We have some research to
do."
oooOOOooo
A/N: A lot of information in this chapter and a bit of intrigue. Not a lot
of Harry and Bella in this chapter but never fear next chapter will have
a lot more as Harry has to decide what to do with himself now that he
has decided to stay in Bella's time. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and
would be gracious enough to leave a comment or a review! Again thanks
for reading!
22. Chapter 22
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: I continue to be humbled by the amount of interest in my little
story and am grateful for all the reviews, critiques, insights, and
suggestions. Keep them coming! : )
S/N: Okay so I feel I need to preface this chapter, it has been pared
down substantially from its original draft. This chapter begins with a
quick look into the Dumbledore family history (according to me that is).
A quick look into what makes Albus tick and why he is doing the things
he is doing. I say a quick look because there was over 9,000 words just
on the Dumbledore family back story alone, so I cut it down by a fourth.
After being warned by my lovely wife that the chapter was too heavy
with anecdote and not enough substance I had to drastically alter how I
wanted to present the Dumbledore history. So instead of the full story in
one go, I have broken it up into pieces that will be told over the next few
chapters.
I know many of my readers love the action scenes but I have to put in
the why's and wherefore's for the story to make sense. I realize that
Dumbledore seems one dimensional right now but bare with me and by
the time his story is revealed you'll understand what motivates him
much better.
And with that I hope you enjoy this next thrilling installment of
Passageways!
Chapter 22
Dumbledore sat in his luxurious Wizengamot office of the Head Warlock,
but the posh surroundings did nothing to soothe the headache that was
molesting him at the moment. He sat heavily back in his large leather
chair rubbing his temples in frustration. 'How did it go so wrong?!' He
thought wearily.
Magicals he knew were an emotionally driven people for the most part,
and he knew that he needed to strike, as it were, while the iron was hot
to get his bill passed. He believed, and rightly so that the recent attacks
would stir enough outrage within the community that he would easily be
able to sway the Wizengamot's opinion into his court.
On the surface the bill appealed to every faction, a little bit for the
purists and the darker families, a little bit for the light side families and
nothing that would upset the neutrals and grays. That was how he crafted
it to appear at least. Underneath however was legislation that would give
him and his specially selected panel unprecedented judicial powers.
It was a necessary evil, for the greater good of the wizarding world he
needed to reign in the chaos an unpredictability of the people, the
muggleborn and their proponents to be more precise. Oh, he had nothing
against the muggleborn where it came to their blood purity, quite the
contrary. But they brought dangerous ideas into the wizarding world and
that's what concerned him, and he was after all a traditionalist at heart.
His one hundred and thirty-five years of life had shown him more times
than he cared to remember what idealistic muggleborns could do to upset
the heritage and time honored traditions of Wizarding Britain. If a people
had no heritage to cling to they were like a rudderless ship being tossed
to and fro by whatever wind was prevailing at the time, until the ship
was sunk or dashed against the rocks, and he could not allow this to
happen.
The muggleborn were needed though. The pureblood population was
breeding themselves into extinction. With so much inbreeding amongst
the old families more and more squibs were being born, and others were
lucky if they were able to produce one viable magical child at all. A
culture could not sustain itself with these kinds of numbers.
So the muggleborns were a necessary evil. What he could not allow to
happen was for the outsiders to corrupt a way of life that had existed for
over a thousand years. And unfortunately every few decades or so an
event would come along that inspired the muggleborn to challenge the
status quo.
In his own lifetime he had witnessed near twenty of these uprisings.
Fortunately each uprising was put down and the status quo was restored.
But every incident caused more pure magical blood to be spilled,
thinning out a populace that could not afford to be thinned.
The first Muggleborn uprising occurred in 1771, Dumbledore recalled
from his history lessons. He slowly stood from his chair and looked out
the large magical window. It depicted a quaint English countryside with
rolling hills a small babbling brook and off to the left was a grove of old
growth English Oak trees.
Three years earlier in 1768, a charismatic American half-blood wizard by
the name of Benjamin Franklin had been in London to speak to the
Muggle parliament on behalf of the American colonies seeking redress for
something or another. But he had also spent time in Diagon Alley and
some of the surrounding magical communities. The muggleborns were
fascinated with his talk about equality in representation, and that all men
shared a common destiny and therefore had an equal say in how that
destiny was forged.
Three years later on October 25, 1771, after several attempts to get the
Wizengamot to address their grievances without success, three hundred
muggleborn witches and wizards threw up barricades and defensive
positions directly in front of Gringots bank to keep patrons from entering
the bank to do business. Their goal was to force the Wizengamot to pass
new legislation giving muggleborns a voice within the government and
be given equal status as magical citizens.
Unfortunately for the defenders, they did not realize that the blockade
not only kept the witches and wizards from entering the bank to
withdraw money, but it also kept these same witches and wizards from
making payments to the Goblins for loans, or investments. This hurt the
banks profit making capability, which was unacceptable to the Goblins.
The blockade came to a bloody end two weeks later as a wizard force of
five hundred wands, and a goblin horde of two hundred axes, fell upon
the muggleborn defenders from two sides in a coordinated attack. It was
a massacre.
The muggleborns were cut down without mercy. The fortunate ones were
those felled by a wand. The goblins took pleasure in hacking off limbs
first, before finally taking an opponent's head. The three hundred rebels
were divided up. One hundred and fifty were given to the goblins that
placed the one hundred and fifty heads on pikes and placed them up and
down on both side of the large stair case that lead up to the Gringots
main entrance. A warning to all those who would dare to try and block
the flow of commerce.
The Ministry hung the remaining bodies from lampposts along the
cobblestone street of Diagon alley for a week. It was a message to any
other muggleborns who had similar thoughts of challenging the ministry.
Dumbledore shook his head as he knew that it was not the last time the
muggleborns would attempt to assert their "rights". With the success of
the Americans in claiming their independence not only from Muggle
Britain but from Magical Britain as well, it gave them hope that their day
would so come.
The next attempted uprising began in 1809 and ended in February 1811
with the imprisonment and or execution of over fifteen hundred
muggleborns. On the heels of the French Revolution, and Napoleon's bid
for world domination, the British muggleborns saw an opportunity once
more to fight for change within the wizarding world.
Dumbledore remembered the stories his grandfather and father told him
about the short lived rebellion. It was when the Dumbledore name first
came to prominence in wizarding Britain and the first time a Dumbledore
was given a Hereditary seat in the Wizengamot for "services" to the
government.
It seemed that the rebels had learned from their past mistakes and had
courted some members of the Wizengamot for support this time around.
They had swayed the powerful house of Eveningshade from the
Hereditary Houses to support their cause and also the Founding House of
Granger as a sponsor.
House Eveningshade could easily convince a near majority of the
Hereditary Houses to vote as a single bloc, and with the Ancient and
Noble House of Granger as a sponsor from the Founding Houses' new
legislation was almost a given.
The traditionalists were in a panic and were forced to take action against
House Granger and House Eveningshade as well as a few other houses
within the Hereditary and Common seats. Because of its reputation as an
eye for an eye family, drastic measures needed to be taken to assure
success against House Eveningshade.
It was a closely guarded secret amongst a handful of old families, a sworn
oath of silence made by all the heads of the thirteen involved houses.
Dumbledore threw back a glass of amber liquid that burned its way
soothingly down his throat as he was reminded of his own family's part
in this. They weren't alone in the conspiracy though several prominent
families were involved and some notorious families as well.
With the loss of their Wizengamot backers the muggleborns were forced
to take up their wands again in violent protest. They had sent envoy's to
the magical revolutionaries in France for support. But they were still
trying to put their own magical government back together; they could
not spare more than a few advisors.
One of those advisors had been Jacques François du Malfoy. He had been
a major in Napoleons' Magical Calvary and had been instrumental in
taking several fortifications of the Royal French Wizarding Constabulary.
He was known to be a brilliant tactician and ruthless in battle. The
muggleborn rebels hoped that with such an experienced soldier he would
be able to train their relatively small numbers into a lethal guerrilla
fighting force.
However, it was betrayal that ended the rebellion in the second month of
1811. Major Malfoy had conspired with Ministry spies to set an ambush
for the muggleborn rebels in exchange for citizenship, lands, title, and a
seat in the Wizengamot.
In a "warded" training ground in Denge forest, south of Canterbury, while
the rebels were sleeping off a long day of exhaustive training. A ministry
force of six hundred witches and wizards silently entered the
encampment. And began to stun and bind the muggleborn rebels in their
tents.
Leading the ministry lead forces was a Dumbledore family friend,
Wilhelm Grindelwald, a German pureblood who had recently moved his
family to England. He had served as a commander in the German version
of their elite Hitwizard Corp. He now lead his own division of English
shock troop wizards.
There was little resistance as all fifteen hundred and sixty-two rebels
were subdued. However seeing as how the rebel numbers were more than
double his numbers he executed fourteen hundred of then and buried
them in a mass grave deep within the Denge forest. It had been the worst
case of the slaughter of magicals in Wizarding history up to that point.
The remaining one hundred and sixty-two rebels were brought back for
public trial. They were all tried by a hostile court and convicted of
treason, the leaders were summarily executed, twenty in all. The
remainder spent the rest of their lives in Azkaban. That is, all but one, to
show that they were merciful, one seventeen year old boy that was the
youngest of the rebels was spared.
His magic was bound and he was sent into the muggle world. No one in
the wizarding world ever knew what happened to George Spencer
Churchill after his banishment. But if Albus remembered correctly a man
with that same last name became the muggle Prime Minister during the
Great War. It was probably a coincidence.
*Knock* *Knock*
Albus turned his head toward the door of his office, startled out of his
thoughts. "Enter!"
"Forgive the interruption sir." A young sandy haired man in his twenties
stated as he stood in the doorway.
"What is it Argus?" Albus asked his secretary with a severe look. He did
not like being interrupted when he was thinking.
Argus tugged at the collar of his shirt and nervously cleared his throat. "I-
I apologize sir, but I thought you might want to be informed…t-that
there was a murder. At the L-leaky Cauldron…a Ministry official was
killed sir." He hastened.
Albus quirked an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Aaaa…Marjory Dunkell, head of the Wizengamot Historical Records
Department." Argus replied looking down at the name on his clip board.
"Interesting." Dumbledore stroked his beard. "Do the Aurors have a
motive behind the attack?"
"Not that I know of sir. They are still investigating the scene sir." The
young man replied.
"Who is leading the investigation?" Albus asked.
Checking the parchment on his clip board once again. "That would be
Auror captain Alastor Moody sir."
Albus nodded his head. "I'm sure Captain Moody's investigation will be
thorough. Have his report forwarded to me once it clears Director
Crouch's desk."
"Of course sir." Argus replied jotting down a note for himself.
Albus walked back to his desk and sat once more in his large leather
chair. "And Argus, cancel the rest of my appointments for the day, I have
a lot of paperwork to get through this afternoon."
"Yes sir, uh…sir? What about your five o'clock with Minister Bagnold?"
Argus asked cautiously.
Albus sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose. He really did
not want to speak to the old harpy but he needed to keep her focused on
his agenda. "Very well, give me a reminder twenty minutes before the
meeting." He sighed.
"Very good sir." Argus replied and then turned quickly and exited the
office.
oooOOOooo
Alastor Moody escorted Dorea Potter, Bellatrix, and Harry from the crime
scene and out into the hallway. Dorea took one last look at the room
where her good friend had been murdered. It was hard to put into words
what she was feeling, there was of course sadness, shock, a bit of guilt
and regret but one emotion was increasingly making its way closer and
closer to the surface and it could simply be described as…extremely
pissed off!
"Alastor, as soon as you know anything about who may have done this, I
want to be the first one you contact! Do you understand?!" Dorea
whispered in a low and deadly tone.
"Dorea, you know I can't share information about an open investigation,
it could damage the case." Moody explained apologetically.
Dorea stepped right into Moody's personal space, her impressive 5'10"
frame going toe to toe with the war veteran, her face mere inches from
the Auror captain's. In a dangerously sweet voice that caused chills to run
down not only Moody's spine but Harry's and Bella's as well.
"My dear boy…" She began with a sugary sweet voice. Her right hand
warmly cupped his cheek, her thumb caressing the bristly skin tenderly;
her eyes however were ice cold and held the promise of a thousand
painful ways to die. "…you will inform me of your findings the moment
you have them. And then you will give me twenty-four hours of
unrestricted freedom to pursue and apprehend those responsible. And
then and only then will I turn them over to you. Agreed?" She held his
eyes with hers and nodded her head; his head began to slowly nod as if
he dared not to do anything else.
"Then we have an accord." Dorea stated authoritatively.
Alastor took a staggering step back and shook his head to try and clear it.
"If it were anybody else Dorea…" He left it there, shaking his head again.
Dorea smiled cheekily at him. "Come children." The Lady Potter then
made her way down the stairs with her two charges.
They entered the main hall of the pub and made their way toward the
back door to the entrance to Diagon Alley, unaware of interested eyes
following the group. "Auntie, so are you really going to turn over
whoever did this to your friend back over to the Aurors?" Bellatrix asked
incredulously.
"I never stated what condition they'd be in dear." Dorea smirked as they
walked down the alley.
"Harry you mentioned that there were several journals and family history
books in the Eveningshade vault correct?"
"Yes grandmother, why?" Harry asked.
"I think it behooves us to gather up as many facts on the family as
possible, especially from the 18th and 19th centuries. What about the
Eveningshade Family Grimoire?" Dorea asked.
"I have it auntie." Bella replied. "It's in my trunk at Black Hills."
"Good, I think you two need to start learning all you can about the
Eveningshade Family Magic. I have a feeling you may need every
advantage you can get…and soon." Harry and Bella looked at each other
and grimaced, not because of the learning but because of the reason they
had to learn.
Harry squeezed Bella's hand reassuringly and she smiled warmly back at
her husband with determination in her eyes. It still made her giddy inside
to realize how much this young man had changed her life and in the
most wonderful of ways. At the beginning of the school year she had
been faced with the very real possibility of being forced into a loveless
marriage, bound body and mind to a bastard.
But now, she had found love, yes it had been fast but it didn't make it
any less real or lasting and she knew that he loved her too, otherwise the
ancient magic wouldn't have bound them together in the manner it did.
Her ability to open and read from the Eveningshade Grimoire was
testament to their magical union, for only an Eveningshade could open
and read from the book.
The trio entered Gringotts and Harry and Bella allowed their signet rings
to appear, identifying them as Lord and Lady Eveningshade. Twenty
minutes later the trios were perusing the many tomes in the
Eveningshade vault.
Harry had collected about two dozen personal journals of the various
heads of house and had been shrinking them down and placing them in a
shoulder bag. Bella and Dorea were looking through the family historical
records. The Eveningshade much like the Blacks and many of the old
families had a family historian that kept a record of all events
surrounding the family.
Dorea surmised that they might get a better picture of what was going on
with the family in the early 1800's through these books. Historical
records of a family usually contained information on inter-family
relations, alliances, contracts, treaties, and political standings of the
family. It also would include information on enemies, blood feuds, and
intelligence on anyone that the family saw as a potential threat to them.
She was pleased when she found the historical records of the last
Eveningshades before they vanished. The records covered the years from
1810 to 1817, when the Eveningshade family disappeared completely
from Wizarding Britain.
Bella was inspecting a large alcove toward the back of the vault; it was
dimly lit with a few torches which cast shadows that seemed to dance on
the walls. Bella got the feeling of darkness as she approached the room. It
wasn't threatening or hostile, but almost…welcoming...calling to her.
Bella frowned thinking she must be imagining things.
In the room which was much larger than it appeared, she found dozens of
shelves cut into the rock wall of the room. Her eyes still trying to adjust
to the lower light in this particular section of the vault, widened in
amazement as the rock shelves were stuffed with stone tablets and
papyrus scrolls.
"Harry! Aunt Dorea!" Bella called out to her companions. Harry bolted to
where she was worried that something was wrong. Dorea also hurried
but with more dignity than what Harry was displaying.
Harry arrived at the alcove and had to squint his eyes to see Bella about
fifteen feet into the room. Harry grabbed a torch that had been hanging
by the entrance and made his way into the dusty room. Dorea had
followed behind him with a torch of her own, curious as to what her
niece had discovered.
"Everything alright?" Harry asked his wife. Harry gave a shiver, suddenly
noticing how much colder he was and how much darker this room felt
than the rest of the vault.
"Take a look at these shelves or rather what's on them." Bella stated, and
went to reach for a tablet; a soft green hue began to surround the tablet
the closer her hand came to it.
"No! Don't touch!" Dorea exclaimed grabbing Bella's hand before she
could touch the tablet that she was staring at.
Bella shook her head as if in a trance. "That was bloody stupid of me!"
Bella chastised herself, breathing heavily. "Anything that feels as…off as
this does should not be handled without knowing what it is."
Harry smirked cheekily at Bella who swatted the back of his head. "Who
are you to judge?! 'Mister jumping down a bloody hole chasing after a
basilisk!'" Harry had the good sense to look apologetic as Bella gave him
a victorious smirk of her own.
Dorea leaned forward with her torch to get a better look at the stone
tablet; there was no glow this time. Dorea scrunched her face in thought.
The tablet had curious runes or glyphs of some kind, but they were not
Egyptian, Persian, or Mesopotamian, that she could tell.
"Do you know what they are Auntie?" Bella asked watching her great
aunt concentrating on the stone tablets.
"I-I'm not entirely sure…" She began as she searched the tablet for a
familiar glyph that could give her clue to the tablets origin. Where ever
these relics were from they were dark, she could feel it the moment she
stepped into the room. The magic was dark…not necessarily evil, but
definitely dark and…powerful.
Then she saw something…a familiar glyph…no two familiar glyphs. She
gasped as she realized what she was looking at. She stood with her torch
in hand and looked around the room. It was deceptively large it was only
eight feet wide but it recessed back into the rock about another fifty feet.
With her torch in front of her she slowly walked the length of the room,
looking left and then right, only pausing when something caught her eye.
She realized that the further back she went the older the tablets became
and more rudimentary the engravings and carvings were.
Harry and Bella followed a few steps behind Dorea with their torches in
hand, as she made her way to the far end of the tunnel like room. When
Dorea came to the end of the tunnel she turned around and looked
curiously at her grandson.
"Harry…" She began slowly. Harry looked at his grandmother, the
powerhouse Lady Potter and a feared daughter of House Black and was
shocked to see a hint of fear in her eyes.
"…how old is the Eveningshade family?"
"Well, I'm not sure exactly. The journal that Bella and I took from the
vault on our first visit made an inference that the Eveningshade bloodline
has been around for a very very long time. But I don't know how much of
that is true or not. I know several purebloods who claim they can trace
their ancestry past Merlin, but I always figured it was all unfounded
bragging. Why?" Harry replied.
"T-those stone tablets, the ones at the entrance to this room, the ones that
Bella was looking at. They are nearly four thousand years old!" She
exclaimed.
"Holy shit!"
"Bella language!"
"Sorry auntie." Bella grimaced.
"They are written in ancient Sumerian, Harry. That language has been
dead for thousands of years." Dorea told him. "And the ones back here are
even older! I have no idea how much older, I don't understand a single
scratch on them, but we could be talking several more thousands of
years!"
"Isn't it possible that the Eveningshades just came across them somehow?
It doesn't mean the Eveningshades created them."
"It could have been possible, except for the fact that it seems to react only
to Eveningshade magic." She replied.
"How do you know that?" Harry questioned, not really believing what he
was being told.
"When Bella's hand neared the tablet, it began to glow green. When I
neared it, it did nothing. Now, Bella and I have the same blood and
magic except for one difference…" Dorea was explaining.
"I now have Eveningshade blood as well!" Bella finished. She slowly lifted
her hand over a nearby tablet without touching it and once again a soft
green hue began to engulf the tablet. Bella removed her hand and the
light faded. Dorea then put her hand over the tablet and again nothing
happened.
"Without touching the tablet Harry, place your hand above it." Dorea
instructed. Harry hesitantly moved his right hand over the stone tablet
and the green hue returned and engulfed the entire stone. It began to
gently rise from its place on the shelf. Dorea grabbed Harry's hand and
pulled it away and the tablet gently lowered itself and the green hue
faded.
"Believe me now?" Dorea asked. All Harry could do was nod.
"Do you know what's written on the tablets?" Bella asked Dorea as she
looked at the strange carvings.
"These here, I haven't a clue. The one you were looking at and a few
others near it, I believe so." She replied.
"What do they say grandmother?" Harry asked curiously.
"It describes a summoning incantation." She replied.
"What like an Accio, or something?" He asked. Bella palmed her face and
shook her head in amusement.
"Not that kind of summoning love." Bella chuckled musically kissing his
cheek.
Harry gave a sheepish look to his grandmother and Bella. "It's an
incantation Harry, to summon a demon if I'm not mistaken. But I don't
know what kind." Dorea explained.
"In any case it is something we definitely do not want to be fooling
around with. Demons are crafty and extremely dangerous, and once
they've been summoned they are damned near impossible to control. The
Greek and Egyptian mages were infamous for summoning demons to aid
them in battle. It almost never turned out well for them.
Egypt at one time used to be an oasis of lush vegetation and healing
waters, forests of Cedar trees and mighty rivers and lakes covered the
region. That was until an Egyptian Pharaoh demanded of his High Priest
to summon a demon that would be the Pharaohs personal body guard. He
figured with a demon at his command no enemy would dare challenge
him. To make a long story short, demons do not take kindly to be bound
to humans.
The priest, who was an arch mage, was successful in summoning the
demon and binding it to the Pharaoh. However the priest only
commanded it to protect the Pharaoh and not his kingdom. The demon
unleashed the fires of hell upon the once fertile kingdom leaving
desolation in its wake. The Pharaoh, seeing his kingdom laid to waste,
did the only honorable thing he could think of and killed himself and
thus releasing the demon and returning it to wherever it came from."
"Whoa! I get it, demons are bad…very bad." Harry shook his head.
"Right, I think we should head back to the surface. I have a few more
stops I want to make before we head back to Black Hills." Dorea
explained. The trio exited the "Sumerian" wing as Harry dubbed it and re-
entered the main vault.
"Anything else you might want Harry?" Dorea asked.
"Yeah!" Harry gave an excited shout as he lifted an onyx black leather
battle robe off a trunk. In a word it was cool! Harry slipped his arms
through the sleeves and rolled his shoulders and tugged on the lapel. It fit
him like a glove the black duster like cloak appeared to be made from
dragon skin but he could not tell from what kind of dragon.
The coat fell to his ankles slightly flaring out from the waist. Harry found
many pockets and places that looked like sheathes for knives or
additional wands. All though it looked heavy it felt light on his shoulders.
He lifted the leather cowl over his head and Dorea noted that his face
was immediately obscured in darkness, a charm no doubt.
Harry removed the cowl from his head and smiled at his grandmother.
"What do you think?"
"Very nice, Harry. It appears to be made from the hide of a Norwegian
Ridgeback, a very magic resistant hide. It should offer you protection
from most minor spells and hexes." She replied.
"There's one here that looks like it was made for a woman." Harry replied
finding another cloak.
"You should give that to Bella." Dorea told her grandson.
"Give me what?" Bella asked walking toward them.
Harry turned toward her and his eyes suddenly glazed over and his
mouth hung open. Bella had shed her robe and had apparently found an
article of clothing she liked. Bella had on a black leather corset that
showed off her curves in a very pleasing manner and displayed her
magnificent breast in spectacular fashion.
"Mouth Harry! Potter's do not drool." Dorea told her grandson, trying
hard to stifle a laugh. Harry closed his mouth with an audible pop.
"What do you think?!" Bella asked spinning around.
"Unnnggg…"
"I think what Harry is trying to say dear, is that it looks quite…flattering
on you." Dorea replied with a half smile.
"That's not the best thing about it though! Look at this!" Bella reached for
the sides of her breasts. Whatever Harry thought she was going to do was
not what followed. She grabbed at something where the boning went up
the sides of her breasts and pulled out two slim shiny daggers and
stepped back into a combat stand.
"Is it wrong for me to think that that is the sexiest thing I have ever
seen?!" Harry mumbled to himself but the acoustics in the room carried
his comment to the two women in the room. Bella winked saucily at him.
"Young men and their hormones!" Dorea muttered rolling her eyes.
"Oh! I've got these as well!" Bella replaced the daggers in the corset and
as hard as Harry looked he could not tell where they had gone to, there
was no obvious signs of them. But then again his attention kept being
distracted by the perfect porcelain globes that sat so beautifully atop the
tight article of clothing.
"Harry! Eyes down. You can ogle me later." Bella smirked at seeing Harry
blush an impressive shade of red.
Harry looked down to see Bella hitching up her dark green dress exposing
her knee high high heeled boots and just a glimpse of a nicely toned
thigh.
"Harry…Harry!"
"Damn! I'm sorry, my mind was just ummm…wandering a bit." Harry
explained lamely. Dorea smacked him on the back of the head.
"Focus, Harry." Dorea arched a manicured eyebrow.
Bella then reached down to the neck of her boot and withdrew another
double-edged knife; this one appeared to be of pure silver.
"Damn that's hot!" Harry muttered again. Dorea huffed in mild
annoyance.
"I hope James isn't driven by his hormones when he gets to your age!"
Dorea sighed. She noticed Harry was about to tell her something about
her son but she quickly held up a warning hand.
"Stop right there young man, I'd rather be ignorant of that particular
piece of information for the time being." Harry and Bella laughed heartily
at the proper lady.
The trio soon returned to the foyer of the bank. Harry had put on the
cloak he had found in the vault as had Bella with the one he found for
her. Dorea explained that they were battle robes and would offer them
better protection than their other cloaks. Bella had added two more
daggers to her collection which brought the number up to eight she had
on her.
Dorea had explained to Harry that all children from House Black are
trained in fencing from an early age. Bella, as with her dueling skills,
excelled with bladed weapons, including a passion for dirks and daggers.
She further explained that most wizards and witches believed that
muggle weapons were beneath them and could not possibly be of any use
against a wizard with a wand.
The Blacks however took a more practical approach and to the wizarding
world a radical one. They believed nothing was off the table when
defending oneself or their family. They would use fair means or fouls,
magical or muggle means, whatever it took to win. And since most
magical wouldn't expect a muggle weapon it was easy to surprise them
with it.
Harry saw the sense of it and had chosen two Eveningshade daggers as
well. One was in his right boot, and the other up the left sleeve of his
cloak. As they made their way down the steps of Gringotts Dorea stepped
between Harry and Bella and spoke to them in a low tone without
looking at them.
"Don't turn around and keep walking toward the apothecary." Without
waiting for the expected question, Dorea answered them.
"We are being followed. I noticed the man in the Leaky Cauldron when
we met with Moody. He then followed us to Gringotts; I assumed it was
just a coincidence since it is a common place to go. However, he was
seated in the lobby when we came up from the vault. He has been
following us at a distance since we left the bank." Dorea spoke but her
face gave no indication that she was alarmed or worried she appeared as
if nothing were the matter.
"What do you want us to do?" Harry asked, gripping his wand in his
pocket.
"Nothing yet. He may not be alone; we'll need to flush out anyone else
who might be with him. We're going to split up; I want you and Bella to
go into the apothecary, I will go to Scivenshafts across the street. When
you get inside look for anyone who all of a sudden is hurrying toward
your location and I will do the same toward mine.
If they enter the store and you feel threatened at all…take them down.
But don't KILL them. They may be the ones responsible for Marjory's
death, and they are probably looking for the books she hid at the Leaky
Cauldron. We need to find out what they know and who they are
working for."
Harry and Bella each gave a slight nod of understanding and prepared
themselves mentally. "Okay children!" Dorea said just a bit above her
normal voice so that the pursuers could hear her. "Go and replenish your
potions supplies. I'll be in Scivenshafts. Meet back here in…oh about
thirty minutes okay?" Dorea stated clearly.
Harry and Bella waved goodbye to Dorea and entered the apothecary,
they immediately went to the window and looked out into the street, sure
enough they saw two men quick step toward the apothecary directed by
a third man, who was now signaling to two other men to head toward
Scrivenshafts. The third man directing the group joined up with the two
who were going after Dorea.
"What do we do Harry?" Bella asked, her wand was out but hidden within
the sleeve of her cloak.
"Let them make the first move." Harry stated. He looked around the shop
and noticed that there were about half a dozen people shopping. "Let's
move toward the counter, we can jump behind it if things go pear
shaped." He stated as he and Bella moved swiftly to the merchant
counter.
"What about the other people in the shop?" Bella asked, spotting a young
girl of about four years old holding the hand of her mother.
"Hopefully they'll have the good sense to get out if trouble starts." He
replied with shrug.
"I don't like it Harry. We need another plan, there are children in here."
Bella replied tersely.
"If we go outside love, it will make it more difficult to contain them."
Harry countered.
Bella growled in her throat and looked around the store quickly. Seeing
an option she quickly cast a bubblehead charm on Harry and then
herself. Then with two quick flicks of her wrist two flasks of some liquid
flew off the shelves and collided with each other in mid air.
The collision of the two flasks exploded into a large cloud of noxious
fumes that quickly dispersed throughout the store. Patrons and
employees all made mad dashes for the door and the fresh air outside.
Bella grabbed Harry's hand and drug him behind the merchant counter.
The two men who had been ordered to follow them had been a mere few
feet from the door when Bella's distraction happened. They watched as
the people ran out, looking closely for the two teens. It was several
seconds when they realized that the two they were looking for had not
exited with the rest.
Harry and Bella waited for the two men to enter, the fumes were now
dissipating as the particles drifted up and out. Slowly the door swung
open, Harry peaked over the counter but could see no one enter.
"Bella." Harry whispered. "I think they're disillusioned."
"Bollocks!" Was her whispered reply.
Harry heard the floor boards creaking from two different directions, and
realized the two men had separated and were searching the store in a
methodic pattern. It was only a matter of time before they reached the
counter. But with the two men disillusioned it would be hard to spot
them. And they couldn't just pop up and cast a homenum revelio charm
without completely exposing themselves. There had to be a solution he
just needed to think of it.
oooOOOooo
Dorea had just entered Scrivenshafts and peered back through their
window. She immediately recognized the man that had been following
them in the middle of the street. She witnessed as he waved two burly
looking men toward the Apothecary and then to two others motioning to
the shop she had just entered with him following.
Dorea narrowed her eyes at the coming three men. "Let's play, shall we."
She whispered to herself. She quickly cast a proximity ward on her hand
bag. Anyone who came within five feet of her hand bag would trigger the
ward causing the bag to vibrate slightly thus alerting her to someone
nearby.
She made her way slowly, seemingly without a care in the world,
through the store, winding her way through the various displays. She
stopped briefly and pulled out a compact case and opened it up and used
the mirror to check her makeup like any lady would. But her motivation
was not to check that her lipstick still looked fresh but to use the mirror
to locate the three soon to be educated men that you do not mess with
the Lady Potter.
She noticed one of the men, a short balding man who perspired way too
much standing by the door as a guard she supposed. Another man, this
one tall and lanky, with a hooked nose, and a slight slouch was off to her
left near the imported quills. The third man, and apparently the leader of
the group, was about twelve feet to her right and back, near the
merchant counter.
She decided to move left and deal with this hook nosed man between the
large book case that carried magical journals of every shape and size. She
gracefully walked between the two large bookcases, the lanky man
walked slowly behind her. Once out of sight of any other patrons, the
man began to draw his wand.
Faster than he thought a lady of her age could move, she had spun and
slapped his neck, no it wasn't a slap. A poke? His eyes suddenly became
heavy and it took every ounce of concentration to look at the woman.
She was smirking at him with what looked like a hatpin in her right
hand.
"Not to worry dear. It's not you who I'm after, but your boss. But, I can't
have you following me, now can I." She said sweetly.
They man looked at the woman in confusion. Was she getting taller?
Wow she was a big woman! A giant she's a giant he screamed, but he
heard nothing but a squeak.
Dorea reached down and picked up the tiny mouse that was once a man
holding him in the palm of her hand. "My own little concoction, it is a
modified polyjuice potion. It is introduced into the bloodstream. Much
faster, and much longer lasting, and you only need a drop. The best part
is that it's compatible with animals as well as humans.
Just imagine all the fun we are going to have together when I get you
home. I bet you're the screaming type aren't you, I can always pick out a
screamer." Dorea smirked as she placed the polyjuiced man into a small
cage that she then put back into her purse.
She exited the row of bookcases looking as nothing in the world was the
matter. She had a smile on her face and greeted people as she passed.
Argyle Mansfred looked up from his position at the counter and narrowed
his eyes at the high born lady that had just exited. He didn't know who
she was but she had been at the cauldron and had talked to the Auror
Moody.
He even allowed her and those two kids up to the room where they had
done the other old lady in at. She might know the whereabouts of the
books they were looking for. He hoped they were worth all the trouble.
This was the first time in several years the brotherhood had been called
upon to fulfill their obligation to the Thirteen.
He wasn't complaining, he got paid well for doing pretty much whatever
he wanted, he just needed to be ready to respond at any moments notice,
to do the Thirteen's bidding. Rodger had not yet exited from the
bookcase, something wasn't right.
Argyle moved to the bookcase where his comrade had entered following
the high born. He turned the corner and saw…nothing. There was no one
there, no one at all. His friend couldn't have just vanished.
"The high born bitch must 'ave done sumin to him!" He cursed. "OUCH!"
Argyle yelled as something like a bee sting pierced his neck. He spun
around to see the high born smirking at him and sheathing what looked
like a hatpin into a thin metallic container. The next thing he knew was
that the world suddenly got much bigger.
oooOOOooo
Harry could hear the creaking getting closer and knew that their pursuers
would find them. Harry silently looked for anything under the merchant
counter that he could use to distract the men so that he and Bella could
make a run for the door. He found a large tin of talcum powder and then
suddenly had a thought.
"Bella…" He whispered as quietly as he could. "I have an idea." He
quickly explained his plan and although Bella didn't like it much it was
the best they could do at the moment.
"On three. One…two…three!" Harry jumped to his feet and in a wide
sweeping arc he slung the talcum powder out into the store. Immediately
following was Bella, who with her keen eyesight and lightening quick
reflexes spotted the silhouetted bodies of their pursuers and stunned both
before they could clear their lungs of the powder and utter a counter
curse or shield.
"Incarcerus…Incarcerus!" Harry bound the two men while Bella cancelled
their disillusionment spell.
"What do we do with them?" Harry asked, scratching the back of his
head.
"Leave that to me." A welcome voice replied from behind them.
"Grandmother!" The two teens cried happily.
"You're okay?" Bella asked.
"I am. But we need to hurry. Mr. Hornsby, the owner, will be wanting his
store back soon. Fortunately these two cast a confundus charm on the
door and he has been walking in circles wondering why he can't find his
shop." She chuckled.
Dorea reached into her bag and pulled out a long thin phial with a pearl
top. She grabbed the pearl and pulled out a rather large needle. She stuck
each man in the neck with the needle and stood back. Harry and Bella
gasped as the two men quickly transformed into rats.
"Wicked!" The two teens exclaimed.
Dorea then removed a silver cage from her bag that contained three small
mice and placed the two new ones in with their comrades.
"Well, I think that we have had enough excitement for one day. I suggest
we head home." Dorea proclaimed. Besides we have guests to make
arrangements for." She patted the side of her purse, with a sadistic smile.
oooOOOooo
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter and feel inspired to leave a
comment. The intrigue gets deeper now as there is more than one player
involved with the Eveningshade and Muggleborn conspiracies. The web
is spinning wider, and as with all webs there are intersecting lines that
criss-cross.
23. Chapter 23
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Wow we have topped over 2400 reviews! I say this often but it still
holds true, you guys are awesome! A special thanks to Nic Flamel for
some guidance for this and the next couple of chapters as the gang
heads back to Hogwarts. Thanks Nic!
There have been others of you who have made some great suggestions as
well on how the story lines could go. Keep them coming and if I use an
idea I'll be sure to give you a shout out.
One little itch that I wanted to scratch and it doesn't bother me too
much, just a wee bit, is when reviewers complain about clichés or
tropes. There are over half a million fanfics written for Harry Potter,
with just about any and every plot device being used and reused. With
so many fics you are going to see a lot of crossover in "clichés and
tropes" no matter how hard you try to avoid them it will happen.
I do try to minimize them in my stories but they do occur, so I won't
apologize for their appearances. I know some readers are quite nitpicky
and feel they have to point these things out, which they are welcome to
do. But for me, when I read a story I know that I'm reading amateur
authors who have various levels of education and who are putting
themselves out there because its something they enjoy doing. I read
stories for their entertainment value, I don't try to pick apart and
criticizes every paragraph or condemn it if it doesn't fit in exactly with
canonical timelines.
I know that I'm not a perfect writer so I would feel hypocritical to
condemn another for their errors. I do appreciate well thought out and
constructive criticism, it has helped me tremendously but I'll be the first
to admit that I'm still a work in progress when it comes to my writing
ability. So before you condemn an author for the use of those "story
killing clichés" remember you always have the choice to not read them if
they offend you so much!
So that's my two cents, my itch has been scratched. Now without further
ado, I present to you the next chapter of Passageways.
Chapter 23
Dorea, Harry and Bella had returned to Black Hills via floo by way of
Charlus' office. Charlus, Orion and Arcturus would arrive later after
meeting with their respective blocs. They wanted to discuss with their
cohorts an alliance between those houses allied with the Black Family
and those of the Potter family.
It would be an intense debate but both Arcturus and Charlus felt
confident that they could persuade many if not all their bloc members to
accept the move. Especially with House Black moving to the political
center, it would be a move that the neutrals would see as beneficial; the
Blacks were not only known as political powerhouses, but economic
powerhouses as well, with its hands in many different businesses that all
supported the magical economy.
The Potters were also economic heavy weights, but were also known for
their philanthropic work as well, especially after the Great War. This is
where the Potters shined the brightest and why they were so respected
not only in Britain but around the Wizarding World. Dumbledore may
have stopped Grindelwald, the darkest wizard in a generation, but it was
the Potter's who healed the country, with financing field hospitals,
humanitarian outreach programs, and war orphan scholarships, and
many charitable donations to war relief programs.
"Bella, why don't you take Harry outside for a stroll around the grounds?
It's been a trying day, and I'm sure the both of you could use some time
to relax and unwind." The Potter matriarch told her niece.
"I thought we would help you with…you know…our guests." Bella
whispered conspiratorially.
"I have it well in hand dear. Besides they are not going anywhere. Now
go and enjoy what remains of the day while I attend to our guest's
accommodations." She smiled, but by the tone of her voice Bella knew
that the conversation was over. Whatever her aunt was going to do, she
wanted to do it alone. Bella wondered for a moment if any of the "guests"
would be alive by tomorrow morning.
"Come on love." Bella stated, grabbing Harry's hand. "Let me show you
more of the grounds."
The young couple walked out to the back garden and into the cool late
afternoon air. Harry and Bella saw James, Sirius, Regulus, Narcissa and
Andromeda playing a fast game of broom tag. Harry was surprised at
how nimble and fast Andromeda was on a broom. He had always heard
about his father's natural flying ability, and how he led Gryffindor house
to several Quidditch victories as a chaser. But it seemed at least at this
age, Andromeda was putting his father to shame with her aerobatic
prowess.
Bella led them to the large pond away from the game of tag where they
could spend some alone time. When they reached the pond Bella
removed her cloak and then her boots. Harry followed suit removing his
socks and shoes and sat down on the bank of the pond. Bella sat in his
lap and rested her head on his shoulder. Harry inhaled her sandalwood
scent that had him instantly nuzzling her hair to breath in her scent more
deeply.
Bella chuckled at his antics and snuggled into his embrace sighing
comfortably while pulling his arms around her waist tightly. After several
minutes of sitting in comfortable silence, Bella broke the stillness with a
question that had suddenly surfaced.
"Harry, what are we going to do when we return to Hogwarts?" She asked
staring out over the calm water.
"Honestly, I haven't given it much thought. Things have been so chaotic
that it hasn't even entered my thoughts." He replied truthfully.
"We have to go back the day after tomorrow, Harry." She sighed,
scrunching her eyebrows together. "I don't want to be separated from you
once we get back."
"You mean for classes?" He asked. She nodded, her hair tickling his
cheeks and nose.
"I don't know what we'll do. The last time I was in my time there had
already been some drastic changes. With everything that has happened in
the last two days I'm sure many more things in the future will have
changed as well. Who knows, I may have already changed things to the
point where I can't go back to my time." He quietly told her, kissing the
top of her head.
Bella thought quietly for a moment. "If…if you can't go back to your
time, and it's too dangerous for you to suddenly show up at Hogwarts in
my time…where does that leave us? You still need an education and a
place to work on the Eveningshade family magic." She asked curiously.
"Well, let's see." Harry began, scratching his head as he thought. "I could
probably stay with the Potters and perhaps take private tuition and
grandmother would be a great asset I think in helping me with my family
magic." Harry stated thoughtfully.
"No way, I told you I don't want to be separated from you." Bella replied
petulantly.
"I don't think the lady Hogwarts would like it either." Harry replied with
a chuckle, now thinking about it. "She did bring us together to protect the
school as well as change the future."
"That's an idea Harry!" Bella stated excitedly turning around in Harry's
arms and facing him."
"What's an idea love?" Harry asked as Bella readjusted herself by
straddling his extended legs and looking at him face to face.
"The Lady Hogwarts! Who else do we know with over a millennium of
experience with magical education?" Bella asked rhetorically with a
broad smile.
"She's a castle, love, not an educator.' Harry replied with a half grin.
"Yes she is a castle, but she has living memory Harry. I would wager she
knows more about magic than anyone else in the castle, including arcane
magics that are no longer taught at Hogwarts. Harry she would be the
perfect professor for us!" Bella stated excitedly bouncing up and down in
Harry's lap, which was distracting the poor boy in wonderful ways.
Smiling goofily Harry replied. "Well we'll just have to ask her when we
get back to the school."
"Think about it Harry, it's the perfect place to learn and train without
anyone knowing that you're there." Bella sat back on Harry's legs noticing
the odd smile on his face. "Why are you smiling like tha…" Bella stopped
mid-question as she felt the reason.
*smack!*
"Ow! That hurt." Harry protested, rubbing the side of his head from
Bella's sudden slap.
"Focus now Harry, play time later!" Bella smirked.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I can't help it…hormones!" Harry tried to explain
with a mischievous pout.
"I agree with Aunt Dorea, though." Bella stated changing topics suddenly.
"We need to keep you a secret."
"What, are you ashamed of being with me already?" Harry replied
cheekily.
"No you prat!" Bella swatted his head again. "We need to keep the fact
that an Eveningshade has returned hidden. With what happened in the
Wizengamot today with Dumbledore's legislation attempt and the attack
on Aunt Dorea's friend, I think it best that we lay low for awhile. Don't
you?" Bella asked her husband concernedly.
"Yeah, I think your right. I'm still learning what it is to be an
Eveningshade, and the more I do learn, just adds more questions to my
growing list. Plus, I have little to no control over my family magic yet, I
don't even know the extent of the Eveningshade magic for Merlin's sake!"
Harry complained realizing how dangerous a position he was really in.
There was Dumbledore on one side whose motives were foggy at best,
then there was the Death Eaters and the Purist who were about to
unleash hell and reveal their true nature and agenda if Harry
remembered his history correctly. The first true volley of the Voldemort
war would begin in January 1972 as students were returning to school
from the Christmas holidays.
And now there was possibly a third group, the group who were involved
in the killing of Marjory Dunkel over what was contained in the
Wizengamot Historical records books that she smuggled out of the
Ministry. Things were becoming more and more complicated, so it was
vital that Harry have enough unmolested time to train himself and Bella
for the coming fights.
"SHITE!" Harry suddenly sat up straight nearly toppling Bella from his
lap.
"What?" Bella asked, righting herself on his lap.
"My mum! I mean…Lily. We can't have her letting people know that she
is an Eveningshade! We need to contact her immediately!" Harry's voice
was panicked.
"Okay, calm down love, do you know where she lives?" Bella asked in a
soothing voice.
"Uhh…umm…shite! I don't know!" Harry exclaimed rubbing his face in
frustration.
"We'll send her an owl Harry, Eros will be able to find her where ever she
is. Come on." Bella stood up and grabbed Harry's hands pulling him to his
feet. "The owlery is just over here." She told him dragging him to a half
stone half wood structure that looked like a small barn or a large two
story shed.
They entered the owlery where Harry saw six owls of differing breeds
perched around the edifice. Bella called to a large Eagle owl who was
perched high in the rafters. It jumped from its perch and glided silently
to a central perch in the middle of the room. Next to it was a small
writing desk which contained within it parchment, quills, and inkwells.
Bella quickly penned a note to Lily explaining that she needed to keep
her Eveningshade heritage a secret for now and for her to come find her
and Harry as soon as she arrived at the train station to return to
Hogwarts come Monday morning.
"Eros, I need you to take this to Lily Eveningshade as quickly as possible."
Bella told the regal owl. He bobbed his head in understanding and then
flew out making his way quickly skyward.
"The more I think about it, the more I think we need to have Lily train
with us." Harry remarked as they walked back toward the pond hand in
hand.
"Probably, I would like to bring in Andi and Cissy as well. I know they're
not Eveningshades…but I want them to be able to defend themselves
better. And they could all watch each other's back." Bella added.
Harry nodded his head. "We'll still need to keep my secret though just
between us and those who already know. Lily and your sisters I don't
think should know…at least not yet, and my mum…well, I don't think
that I should ever reveal our true connection." Harry morosely stated. He
desperately wanted to connect with his mother, but it was just too
dangerous to tell her the truth.
Bella seemed to read his thoughts and embraced him tightly. "You still
will have a relationship with her Harry, just not in the way that you may
have wanted. But you still can become close, you are still family, and she
will treat you like family and you her." Bella whispered soothingly in his
ear. Harry held his wife tighter and nodded into her raven colored curls.
"I could get use to this." Harry whispered softly, his eyes closed tightly.
"To what?" Bella asked playfully.
"To married life, to spending the rest of my life with not only the most
beautiful witch in the wizarding world, but someone who has become my
best friend and confidant as well." Harry said sweetly.
"Mmm…well flattery will get you everywhere milord!" She smiled
saucily.
Harry leaned in slowly and without hesitation Bella followed. It wasn't a
frenzied kiss or overly passionate but it was slow, tender and full of
emotion. The world faded to nothingness as the young couple lost
themselves in the moment, they were sharing an emotional bond so
strong with each other that it took their breaths away. They only broke
apart when the need for air became too great; they stood there wrapped
in each other's arms, their foreheads pressed against the others as they
tried to catch their breaths.
"Young love is a beautiful thing dears, but the proprieties should be
observed. That kind of demonstrative affection is better left to the
boudoir I think." An elderly woman remarked from her lawn chair. She
was sitting at a small table enjoying the sunshine and watching the other
children playing.
Harry and Bella smiled affectionately at each other before turning toward
the person who had interrupted their moment of bliss.
"This isn't 1910 Aunt Cassi, it's not inappropriate to show affection in
public anymore." Bella told her first cousin three times removed, kissing
her cheek in greeting. In the Black family all older generation females
were referred to as aunt, as were all older generation males called uncle.
Cassiopeia Black sniffed but looked appraisingly at Harry. "Well I suppose
if I had a beau that looked like Harry, I'd want to kiss him in public to.
Just to warn off all the other hens out there." The older woman chuckled.
Harry blushed at the compliment which had Cassiopeia chuckling more.
"Lady Black…" Harry began.
"Cassiopeia would be fine Harry. Aunt Cassi, if you are so inclined, we
are family now after all." The older woman smiled warmly.
"Aunt Cassi." Harry began again. "Dorea has told me that you are a
practitioner of the ancient ways, ritualistic and blood magics. "Harry
spoke with genuine interest. "I would love to know more about your
experiences, the Eveningshades also practiced the ancient ways, but sadly
I myself am unfamiliar with them, but would love to become familiar
with the old magics, and bring the Eveningshades back to their roots."
"Delighted dear! Please, please have a seat." Cassiopeia replied excitedly,
more than happy to talk about her passion. No one else in the family
except for perhaps Dorea ever spoke with her about the old ways. With a
flick of her wand she created two more chairs for the young couple. And
thus began the conversation that would lead to an unlikely friendship
between Harry and Cassiopeia, and the eventual catalyst for his
introduction to all the "fringe" Houses that followed the ancient ways.
oooOOOooo
Heavy eyelids fluttered open only to find a blurry miasma of light and
dark shadows and flickering lights. Squinting his eyes hard and blinking
he tried to get his eyes to come into some kind of focus. He moved his
head left and right to take in his surroundings but his eyes were still
having trouble adjusting and could not discern where he was.
He tried to remember the last thing he was doing before waking up. His
thoughts and memories seemed as hazy as his eyesight. The more he tried
to focus the more elusive his memories became. He did sense however
that he was lying down on his back on something soft and earthy. He
then realized that he felt a little cold; there was a breeze of some kind
blowing over his skin. He could feel it move across his chest and legs and
his…HE WAS NAKED!
The sudden realization of his state of undress seemed to clear the
cobwebs that had still lingered across his mind like a shroud. He tried to
sit up but found he could not as something cold and metallic had a hold
of his wrists and ankles and a collar of some kind around his neck.
The clanking of the metal restraints alerted someone else who was in the
room of his moving about. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw
movement, a body turning toward him. A-a female body cloaked in dark
robes.
"Ah, you're finally awake. Good, good, then we can get started." A refined
voice stated.
The woman came closer and looked down at the restrained man. "You!"
The man bellowed.
"You 'ere tha one at tha shop! You'd best turn me loose whore if you
knows what's good for ye!" He spat.
Dorea Potter cocked her head in amusement at the large man who was
chained down to a rather large crate filled with dark soil. The man was
spread eagle with his arms chained above his head and his legs spread
open with his ankles chained to the corners of the crate.
The wooden crate was about ten feet long by five feet wide by four and a
half feet deep. It was filled to the top with a rich dark soil. Each corner
had a steel eyelet that allowed for chains to be slipped through them and
then secure them to the crate itself.
"Tsk tsk, such horrid manners and grammar." Dorea chastised the man.
"Why would I turn you loose my good man when I have such an
interesting evening planned for us?" She said with a sadistic smile.
"Fuck you bitch! I'm not playin, ya either cut me loose or me friends will
'unt you down and cut your pretty 'ittle throat." The man sneered.
"You mean the four friends that I have locked up in the cell over there."
Dorea pointed over her shoulder to four men huddled together naked as
the day they were born in an eight by eight cell. "Oh I have plans for
them as well. But seeing as you seem to be the head fool of this pitiful
band of baboons, I decided to start with you." Dorea smiled mockingly at
the man.
"We 'ave powerful friends, if you value tha lives of your family, I would…
AAAHHH!"
Whatever the man was going to say died in his throat as Dorea lightly
raked her finger nails over the man's bare chest. Dorea's facial expression
showed nothing but a stony calmness, but her eyes flashed murderously
at the restrained man. The man arched his back at the excruciating pain
he felt. It was an unnatural pain…amplified somehow. During his life he
had been any many fights and had received many injuries and wounds,
even suffered under the Cruciatus curse once, but this was unlike
anything he had ever felt.
Dorea leaned down next to the man's left ear and whispered dangerously.
"Now you listen to me carefully for I will only say this once, you are
going to tell me everything I want to know, or you will feel such pain as
you could have never imagined in your worst nightmares."
The man was panting hard as the pain began to subside. "What did you
do to me?!"
Dorea stood up straight and smiled piteously at the man. "I've given you a
little something that magnifies the sensitivity of the nerve endings within
your body, and at the same time prohibits the production of endorphins
and adrenaline.
In the simplest of terms that you would understand, is that you will be
begging me to kill you rather than have me give you the tiniest of
scratches to your body. I fancy myself quite the inventive potions
mistress. However, I developed this quite by accident. It was meant as an
aid for the Dragon Pox. You are aware of course how painful the sores
associated with the Dragon Pox can be.
I had intended to create a salve that would deaden the sensitivity of the
nerve endings to make the fiery sores less painful. But as fate would have
it, the opposite happened, and the salve magnified the nerve ending
sensitivity by multiple factors. And now here we are." She told the man.
"So you gonna torture me then?" The man spat. "Such a nasty business for
a highborn." He sneered. "Wouldn't tink you'd want to get your fingers
dirty!"
Dorea smiled at the man. "Oh I won't be dirtying my hands, no, but I do
have…something else that will do the work for me."
"The man looked curiously at her. "You haven't asked me about the crate
you're chained to yet." Dorea stated as she walked slowly around the
crate sliding her hand around it edges.
Argyle Mansfred suddenly felt a bit worried. He turned his head to look
at the soil his body rested upon wondering what the insane old lady was
getting at.
"You know what a Niffler is, don't you dear?" Dorea asked sweetly.
"A niffler!" He laughed. "Their furry little puff balls!" He laughed again.
Dorea smiled ominously. "Yes they are quite gentle little creatures,
affectionate even. Though an interesting thing about nifflers, is their
insatiable interest in gold and shiny things. Did you know that their little
claws are harder than diamonds and they can actually burrow through
solid rock to get to the object of their desire?"
With that Dorea pulled out a Galleon from her robes and placed it on top
of the soil just below the man's armpit. Suddenly Argyle felt movement in
the soil and a niffler popped out of the dirt next to his body and
immediately bit down on the gold coin and began to playfully knaw on
it. Dorea carefully picked up the tiny furry rodent and began to pet it
lovingly.
"Such sweet little things aren't they? Now imagine if you will this sweet
little creature burrowing through solid stone to get to this little gold coin.
Have that image in your head?" Dorea asked not expecting a response.
"Now just imagine…" Dorea produced another Galleon and hovered it
wandlessly over the man's stomach. "…what this sweet little creature
would do to human flesh to get to this shiny little coin."
Argyle stiffened as the niffler in Dorea's hand attempted to jump from her
grasp to get to the other coin. He was now starting to worry, the old lady
was insane! He couldn't tell her anything even if he wanted to he had
taken an oath not to betray the brotherhood!
"Now, young man. Tell me, what is your name?" Dorea asked. Placing the
niffler on top of the soil but removing the Galleon from over the man's
stomach. The niffler dived into the dirt and began to search for glittery
things.
'Okay.' He thought he could at least give her that, he was not bound by
oath to not reveal his name.
"A-Argyle!"
"Argyle..?"
"Argyle Mansfred!"
"Well that wasn't so hard was it?" Dorea smiled.
"Now Argyle, I want you to tell me why you were following me and my
companions?" She asked sterner this time.
He hesitated briefly thinking how he could best answer her without
answering her. However his pause was too long for Dorea who tossed the
coin into the crate. It landed flat against the side of his right ankle with a
thud.
"No!" Argyle screamed. But it was too late as the little niffler launched
itself up out of the dirt and bit down on the coin its little claws scratching
his exposed bare skin before diving back into the soil. Argyle screamed
out in agony at the superficial cuts to his skin.
"I am not a patient woman Argyle. When I ask a question I demand a
quick answer!" Her voice was hard and unsympathetic.
"Saw-saw you at tha Cauldron! T-talking with the aurors!" He spoke
through gritted teeth.
"What were you doing there?! Did you kill Marjory Dunkel?! Did you kill
the woman on the third floor?!" Dorea demanded.
Again he was too slow to respond for Dorea and she tossed another coin
into the crate this one landing on his left knee. Another niffler jumped
out of the soil and dove for the coin. Its razor sharp claws sliced into the
prisoners knee cap, shredding flesh and creating bone splinters. The
amplified nerve endings fired off toward the pain receptors in the brain,
and an immediate response was felt.
"AARRGGHHH! GODS PLEASE, PLEASE!" Argyle screamed out, the pain
was like burning acid slowly eating away at his flesh.
"DID. YOU. KILL. MARJORY DUNKEL?!" Dorea demanded again.
"YES YES, GODS HELP ME, I KILLED HER!" The man confessed.
Dorea took a large breath and let it out slowly. "Why?" She hissed.
"She wouldn't tell us where the books were, or what she knew!" He cried,
tears flowing down the sides of his face.
"Why did you want the books?" She asked slowly.
"We-we were sent to get them, we weren't told what they contained!" He
sobbed.
"Who sent you?" Dorea asked dangerously.
Argyle Mansfred began to cry again and shake his head. "I-I CAN'T…
OATH! PLEASE!"
"You will give me someone's name or I'll place coins all over your body
with sticking charms and watch as the nifflers shred your body to pieces!
NOW. GIVE. ME. A. NAME!!" She demanded.
Argyle sobbed, his chest was heaving up and down, his eyes red and
burning from the flow of tears. He fought desperately to speak knowing
that should he reveal anything his magic would be ripped from him
which could result in his death.
Dorea reached into her robe and pulled out a handful of galleons. With a
murderous look she approached the crate.
"NO! PLEASE WAIT!" He begged. He was forcing himself to betray his
oath. He knew the price but he could not take the pain anymore, he just
couldn't take anymore!
"A NAME!" She pressed.
"The B-brotherhood of-of the F-Fox! B-B-Borgin, Marius Borgin!" He
screamed. Suddenly his whole body arched and his mouth opened
unnaturally wide in a silent scream as his body and magic paid the price
for the betrayal of his oath.
"Marius Borgin?" She asked herself. "Of Borgin and Burkes?" She knew of
the man and also knew that he had dealings with the wizarding
underworld. He had actually been a smuggler and profiteer during the
Great War, something Dorea absolutely detested. People getting rich off
the misery and misfortune of others. He was crafty and dangerous but she
did not believe he could be behind this alone, a middleman, perhaps. But
then again, he must be somehow connected if this Argyle had suffered for
revealing his name.
She turned back and looked upon the restrained man. This man was a
murderer and if was given the chance would have murdered her or Harry
and Bella. She felt no pity or sympathy for the man, he had chosen his
path and now he would reap what he had sowed.
She watched as his chest began to slowly rise and fall. He was still alive,
but she could feel no magic in the man now. He had indeed been stripped
of his magic. Dorea reached into her robe and pulled out a single galleon.
She walked over to the man and placed the gold coin on the center of his
chest and cast a permanent sticking charm.
She turned toward the door to leave and was about to close it behind her
when she heard the blood curdling scream of the man who would never
again hurt another living soul. She turned to look at the four other
whimpering men in the small cell.
"No one threatens my family." She said with deadly calmness as she
glared at the four men. "We will chat latter." The men sobbed as they
were sure they would meet the same fate as their brother. With a
satisfied and determined look she closed the door behind her. A new
target had been revealed and there was much to plan and two books to
read through.
oooOOOooo
"Come in Albus. Come in." A stressed voice called.
"Minister Bagnold, always a pleasure to meet with you." Dumbledore
smiled congenially at the current Minister for Magic.
"Troubling times Albus, we're in troubling times." Minister Millicent
shook her head as she poured the rest of the amber liquid in her class
down her throat. She stared out of her window down at the Ministry
atrium, watching as the many ministry employees went to and fro.
"I assume you're talking about the murder of Marjory Dunkel?"
Dumbledore asked.
"That's just the latest layer to this mess, Albus. I've just returned from
meeting with the muggle Prime Minister, Edward Heath. And do you
know what he told me?!"
Albus conjured a large stuffed chair and sat down and then waited
expectantly for her to answer her own question.
"He had the nerve to tell me to…and I quote "get your house in order
before I am forced to do so for you!" She spat.
Minister Bagnold grabbed a manila folder from her desk shaking it in her
fist. "These..!" She stated slamming the folder back down on her desk. "…
are lists of recent muggle homicides. All of which had residual magical
signatures on them. For Merlin's sake I didn't know the muggle
government had a team of magical investigators!"
"Muggleborns most likely." Dumbledore offered.
"It doesn't matter who they are, what matters is that over the last six
months thirty murders of muggles were magical in nature!" She growled.
"And what's more is at every crime scene some damn image of a snake
and skull is seen floating above each attack. Now I know from Crouch's
security reports that this is the mark these…these Death Eaters have
tattooed on their arms! I want to know who these people are, and I want
to know what connection they have to this Voldemort and the Purist
movement."
"Take a calming breath Millicent." Dumbledore gently told the woman
who was pacing back and forth like a caged animal.
"I'm assuming again that Director Crouch has already mobilized the
Aurors to investigate these incidents?" Dumbledore asked.
"I met with Crouch prior to your arrival. He requested that we give the
Aurors license to use deadly force to bring in those responsible should
they put up a fight.
Albus stood and cleared his throat menacingly. "I hope you did not
authorize such tactics!"
"Not yet, but I'm seriously considering it. We have had two attacks in our
communities Albus; children have been killed for Merlin's sake!"
"You know my position on this matter Millicent. We cannot afford to lose
anymore old blood! With each loss we stand to lose precious magical gifts
only passed down through each new generation of old families." He
defended his position.
"So we should just allow muggles and muggleborns to be killed?! And
hope that the muggle government continues to ignore us?!" She fired
back.
"Of course not, but we must find a more peaceable solution." He replied.
"The purists want to purge our society of the muggleborn!" She shouted.
"You know as well as I that we cannot allow that to happen. We need
them not only for promulgating our people, but they are a large
economic resource, we can't afford to purge them from our society. It
would collapse our economy."
"Of course I know that! But there are many in the Wizengamot who do
not believe the same." She replied. "They fear that our cultural and
heritage will be destroyed by allowing them to remain. They see them as
a real danger Albus."
"I know the dangers of muggle ideology better than most. My sister was a
victim of muggle intolerance." A flash of anger lit his eyes but was
quickly gone before the minister had seen it.
"They despise that which they don't understand and in many cases
demonize it, persecute it, and in some cases destroy it. They can be
arrogant, and have a tendency for violence. It is why I proposed so long
ago that we respond to every recorded muggleborn birth. If we take them
into our world as infants we avoid any muggle ideological contamination
into our world." Dumbledore sighed.
"We are not in the business of kidnapping infants out of their mother's
arms! Sweet Morgana! The muggles would be in an uproar." She replied
hotly.
Albus shrugged. "Then we are left with what we have. The problem is
that the muggleborns see our culture as antiquated, obsolete, and in need
of reform. And, we don't help our own kind by keeping them ignorant of
how much muggles have accomplished technologically. They see the
muggleborns as little more than barbarians at muggles as almost less than
human
You're too young to remember the muggles First World War; However I
remember it quite vividly. It was the first time that many of our people
saw what muggles could really do, it was a rude awakening needless to
say. It was death and destruction on such a scale that had never been
seen before.
Their weaponry was extremely powerful. Before the 1860's most muggle
rifles could only fire once before they would need to reload and reengage
an enemy. These single shot weapons were no match for a wizard who
could fire several spells before a muggle could return fire. But with the
invention of the repeating rifles and then the creation of what they call
machine guns, these new weapons could fire dozens of deadly projectiles
before a wizard could verbalize a second spell.
The need for absolute secrecy for our world was never more inculcated
into our people, than at that time. But what to do about the muggleborn
and half-bloods who were continuing to come into our world. We placed
more and more restrictions on what they could do or jobs they could hold
in our world were heavily regulated.
Our leaders feared that their muggle ideas and warmongering would
corrupt our people. And in a way it had. We saw it in our schools, a
nationalistic pride amongst the muggleborn and half-bloods. Many chose
to leave our world to fight in the world war, when they returned from
war; they brought dangerous new skills back with them and new muggle
ideas and a pride in muggle progress.
On the darker side, some returned so damaged from their experiences in
the war they could no longer function normally in our society and in our
streets, without a way to support themselves some became criminals and
used the skills they learned in the muggle military to achieve their goals.
Some became vagrants, and others just seemed to get by.
More muggleborn and half-blood legislation was introduced, tighter
restrictions on dual citizenship. You were either a magical citizen or a
muggle citizen, you could not be both and if you chose the latter you
magic was forcibly bound.
Was it harsh? Yes. Was it necessary? I believe most would argue that it
was. We saw a clear and present danger to our world. By allowing the
muggleborns and half-bloods to live muggle lives, while still living in the
wizarding world the chance of exposure of our world was greatly
increased.
But some concessions were made to them so they could continue to live
amongst the muggles. Monitoring spells were introduced to keep an eye
on any muggleborn or half-blood residence to make sure no magic was
being performed and tracking spells on all muggleborn and half-blood
wands. Was it intrusive? Yes. But again, it was necessary to assure our
world's anonymity.
Many more new ideas began to be introduced into our society by the
muggleborn, such as the Women's Suffrage movement, and Irish
independence. That war was the catalyst for the increased level of
prejudice many of our people now have for them. So it is understandable
that they would want to purge them.
But we must make them see that they are needed, but we also must
demonstrate to the old houses that we will not allow our culture and
heritage to disappear or be replaced. We must allow the tighter
restrictions. I believe this will appease these so called Death eaters and
the Purists." Dumbledore finished.
"I don't know Albus, I fear that by doing so we will create another
Grindelwald, but this time he'll be a muggleborn out to destroy the
entirety of our world." She shook her head tiredly.
"I'm sure that would never happen." Albus said comfortingly.
Millicent chuckled mirthlessly. "I understand your bill failed today."
"A temporary setback at most, I plan on rewriting some of it, but it will
stay largely intact. No, my failure to get it past was being surprised at the
position of some of the founding houses and their influence on other
Wizengamot members. I plan to rectify that problem by speaking to some
of these families and try and persuade them to see the benefits of the
bill." He smiled enigmatically.
"Good luck with that Albus. Now if you'll excuse me, it has been a rather
trying day and I'm anxious to end it." She stated rising from her chair.
Albus nodded and stood as well, and with a swish of his wand the chair
he had created disappeared. "Till our next meeting then." Albus bowed
and then left the office.
Albus' smile fell as he walked back to his office. The mention of his
longtime friend had evoked an old memory. Late November 1916, he and
his closest friend Gellert Grindelwald had gone to France to investigate
firsthand the tales they were hearing in England about the horrific battle
taking place at the Somme River in France.
Nothing could have prepared them for the scene they had found.
Hundreds upon hundreds of bodies laid out in make shift morgues, stacks
of arms, legs, and headless torsos were stacked in various piles,
thousands more bodies lay scattered or stacked in trenches of earth, the
smell of death was heavy in the air. Albus had lost all constitution and
fell to his knees and vomited, his body continued to heave even though
he had emptied the contents of his stomach completely. Gellert looked
upon the scene with anger and disgust. The depravity of humanity
seemed utterly boundless. Filthy muggles he was heard to whisper.
Albus recalled that it was several months later that Gellert had
approached him about the muggle problem. It was there that they
discussed what was for the "Greater Good" of the Wizarding World. If
muggles were left unchecked they would eventually destroy the world.
They needed to be stopped at all cost.
The most plausible course was to somehow take control of the muggle
world and subjugate the violent muggles. Albus had agreed that the
muggles were incapable of governing themselves in a peaceful manner.
For the next twenty years the two friends would plot, plan, and recruit
those of like-mind to their cause.
"Oh Gellert…we had such good intentions." Albus quietly spoke.
oooOOOooo
Lily Evans was in her bedroom just turning in for the night when a
tapping at her bedroom window made her jump. Seeing a rather large
owl at her window was a bit surprising, but then she noticed a letter
attached to one of its legs. She quickly threw open the window and the
owl hopped in and flew over to the headboard of her bed.
She approached the magnificent fowl, which stuck its leg out for her to
take the envelope attached there. "Aren't you a handsome owl?" Lily
cooed and stroked his breast feathers gently; the large owl seemed to
enjoy the attention and was bouncing from foot to foot as she stroked his
feathers.
"If you like you can finish my ham sandwich." She pointed to a plate on
top of her dresser. "There is water in the glass next to it." The owl spread
his wings and glided over to her dresser and began to make quick work
of the sandwich.
While Eros was busy, Lily sat on her bed and opened the note. "Oh, it's
from Bellatrix and Harry!" She read the note and frowned a bit. "Why
would I need to keep my heritage quiet?" She mused. "And I love my new
wand! I suppose I'll need to keep that quiet as well." She looked at the
ebony and ivory wand on her nightstand.
She sighed heavily. "Well I guess it must be important, suppose I'll just
have to ask them what's going on when we're on the train."
Lily opened her trunk and pulled out some parchment and quill and
penned a reply to Bella and harry that she would comply and see them
on the train Monday morning. She then took out another piece of
parchment and began a letter to her friend Narcissa.
Dear Cissy,
First things first, I miss you! I know it's been only a few days, but there is no
one here to have fun with or gossip with. I don't have any real friends here
where I live. Well, there is Severus and he's a good friend, but I need female
companionship sometimes.
Oh! Speaking of Severus, I think something awful happened to him the other
day. This morning he came over to see me and we went over to the park
nearby our house to play. I went to tickle him but he jumped when I touched
him and winced in pain.
When I asked him what was wrong he changed the subject. I noticed
sometimes when his shirt would slip up while we played that he had some dark
bruises on his back. I think his parents might be beating him.
Do you think I should ask him about it? I'm worried he might get upset if he
thinks I'm prying into his personal business. But I'm truly worried about him.
What should I do, if I go to my parents they would definitely confront Severus'
parents, his dad is a muggle but his mom is a witch and my parents aren't
magical at all, I'm afraid that she would curse my mom and dad for being
nosey neighbors. So any advice would be welcome.
On to happier topics, I can't wait to show you what I read in my ancestor's
history book that Harry gave me! Oh my god it was the most amazing thing I
have ever seen! Oh and I have another surprise to show you as well, something
from my great-great-grandfather.
Well enough about me. How are you doing? Do anything fun with your
family? Tell Andromeda hi for me, and I can't wait for her to start teaching
me that knee reversing jinx. I still owe James and Sirius for their last prank on
me. Honestly, those two are menaces to society. At least their friend Remus is
nice, but Peter..eewww…he gives me the shivers, he's totally creepy.
Speaking of Remus, I meant to tell you on the train, I overheard him talking to
Sirius about you before we left. I think he might fancy you. (giggling madly)
Seriously he is rather sweet but painfully shy.
Anyway! Can't wait to see you on the train!
Your friend,
Lily
oooOOOooo
Dinner at Black Hills that evening was a complete strategy meeting
amongst the older family members. Arcturus, Orion and Charlus were
going over each and every House that was in their voting blocs and then
going over others who could be sympathetic.
"I'm telling you, Dumbledore will not let this bill go. I expect he and his
surrogates will be visiting all the major houses this week in an attempt to
garner their vote." Arcturus told the others.
"I agree, we need to show Albus for the manipulator he is. He is trying to
usurp the DMLE's authority that can't sit well for most of the Common
Houses, and I suspect a good portion of the Hereditary Houses as well.
This is pure and simple a grab for power." Charlus Potter added.
"Dumbledore has a lot of sway with the Hereditary Houses." Orion began.
"Many of those house owe him allegiance."
"Yes but he does not have a controlling majority." Dorea piped up.
"He has enough." Orion replied hotly. "Nearly a third of the hereditary
seats never show up to vote. The greys have never been persuaded to
take sides…on anything! And without their involvement it would only
take a handful of other houses to give Dumbledore an edge."
"I believe that some if not all could be persuaded to come together this
once. Who knows maybe even more than once?" Cassiopeia Black replied
nonchalantly.
"What do you mean?" Arcturus asked.
"I had a lovely conversation this evening with our young Lord
Eveningshade, and I must tell you I am quite impressed with the young
man. I plan on taking Harry to Samhain at New Grange this year and
introducing him to my friends." The former high priestess of the Morrigan
spoke.
"You expect Lord Eveningshade to go dancing around naked with your
lot?!" Walburga screeched.
"Clothing is optional!" Cassiopeia replied back with a grin, winking at
Harry. "He will not be asked to participate in any of the rituals or
activities unless he wants to join in and learn them. He has expressed a
desire to learn the ancient ways, and I am more than willing to facilitate
that education." She replied haughtily.
"It would be a good way for Harry to gain allies." Pollox offered. "If he
was accepted by the fringe houses that would definitely give us the
advantage."
"Those freaks don't concern themselves with political matters with all
their dancing about. They are social outcasts and we don't need that
stigma associated with our House. It would be a waste of time to even
court their allegiance!" Walburga stated.
"Its bigoted attitudes like that Lady Black, which will tear our world
apart. I'm surprised really, that you would take such a position on these
houses that practices the ancient ways, you who puts so much weight on
tradition and heritage.
According to Aunt Cassie, it was only a short two hundred years ago that
the Blacks were practitioners of the ancient ways, and five hundred years
ago most magical households in Great Britain practiced rituals and blood
magics. So in a sense you have turned your back on our honored heritage
and traditions." Harry confronted the outspoken witch.
"Well said Harry!" Cassiopeia exclaimed. "Well said!"
Walburga for the first time did not have a snappish comeback. It was true
that the Blacks had been practitioners; her own mother had been a
Morrigan with Cassiopeia. But peer pressure from her classmates at
Hogwarts caused her to turn her back on the practices.
They called the practices archaic and freakish. Many of the old houses
had abandoned the art years ago due to how labor intensive it was. Spells
were quicker, incantations and rituals took too long to perform and
generally required the blood of the caster, with the more powerful rituals
requiring several casters at once.
It was true she had turned her back on the ancient ways, but she was too
proud to admit that she may have been wrong. Prejudices that she
cultivated in her youth, were not so easily changed. How could she admit
that she was wrong all these years? She couldn't do it; her pride wouldn't
let her, at least not yet.
"Personally…" Arcturus broke the awkward silence. "…I think it a good
idea as well Harry. That is a large source of untapped political power."
"It will take time to earn their trust Harry, but if anyone could do it, I
believe you can." Cassiopeia told him warmly.
"Now, on to other matters. Pollux, have you spoken with your contact
about the lost Founding Houses…" Arcturus began.
oooOOOooo
Monday morning came too soon for the returning students at Black Hills.
After some parting counsel from Arcturus and the other adults about
watching out for each other and keeping secret Bella's marriage to Harry
and anything dealing with Harry being an Eveningshade, the children
accompanied by Dorea and Cassiopeia all flooed to the receiving hub on
Platform nine and three-quarters.
Dorea had cast a notice-me-not charm on Harry that would work on
anyone except for the family. Before they boarded the train Cassiopeia
had pulled Harry aside and placed a goblin made thin silver chain around
Harry's neck, at the end of the chain was a circular medallion. The
medallion depicted three ravens surrounding a triple Celtic spiral.
"This is the symbol of the Triple Goddess, the Morrigan, she is the
goddess of battle, victory, and prophecy. This will identify you to others
of our coven that you are an apprentice of our order. You will be
surprised young Harry how many of us there are that keep the old ways,
and how much help you will have when you are in need." Cassiopeia then
kissed his forehead and both cheeks before letting him go.
Dorea had then pulled both Harry and Bella to her. "I'll visit you every
weekend in the Room of Requirement, to continue your occlumency
training. I suggest you invite Lily along as well." Dorea told the two.
"What about the others? What about Sirius and my da…James, and Andi
and Cissy?" Harry asked.
"I've been training James since he was eight, he has a good foundation
already and he knows he is supposed to continue his exercises nightly
before bed. As for the others, all children in House Black are taught it.
However it may be wise to check them, but for the next month I would
like it just to be you two and Lily. We will need to start from the very
beginning with her.
I know the portrait of Walburga had trained you some, but I'll expand
and improve on what she started. I want you two and perhaps Lily as
well to really begin studying the Eveningshade journals and Grimoire and
begin to learn as much as you can.
"I'll be looking through the two books from the Records department and I
will let you know what I find." Dorea then looked at the pair worriedly.
"Take care of each other." She quietly whispered hugging the both of
them together.
"We will grandmother." Harry replied thickly his voice hitching at the
emotion he was feeling being held by his grandmother.
"Now get going." She replied, straightening up trying to look like the
strong woman that she was, but a slight misty look in her eyes told of the
emotion she was feeling for her grandson.
oooOOOooo
S/N: Hoped you enjoyed the chapter, I hope that everyone's opinion of
Dorea has not been soured. I felt that as a Black and a Potter, family is
paramount and thus she would react in an aggressive manor toward
anyone who would threaten her family, plus as a Black she does have a
darker side and she let that show here.
We learned a bit more of the Dumbledore back story and where his
opinions and thoughts began to form, and we're not done yet exposing
his history. Harry has made a new strong ally within the Black family
and all though I did not go into detail about Aunt Cassi, in coming
chapters when Harry visits her coven we will learn more about her and
the "fringe" families. Please leave a comment, critique or review and let
me know what you thought!
24. Chapter 24
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Wow we have hit over 2600 Reviews, and nearly 3000 followers!
How awesome are you guys! A lot of wonderful reviews for the last
chapter and a lot of support! Everyone seems to love my Dorea and I
have to say that she totally does rock! She will be letting her inner Black
really shine in the coming chapters so hold on!
I hope to get at least one more chapter out by next week, but it could be
iffy. My daughter, my oldest child is getting married on the 22nd so
things are a little crazy right now, but I'll do my best to get another
chapter out like I said by sometime next week. Anyway I hope you all
enjoy this next chapter of Passageways!
Chapter 24
Hogwarts Express:
"It's a beautiful wand Lily, and you say it just jumped into your hands
when you reached for it?" Narcissa asked with wide eyes.
Lily nodded her head vigorously. "It did, but what's more amazing is that
when I hold it…it seems to sing." She replied in a wistful voice.
"Sing? How do you mean?" Andromeda asked the redheaded girl. Harry
and Bella were also listening closely.
"It's…hard to explain but it's like, its connecting with my magic and the
two energies seem to blend, harmonizing with each other…like singing."
She shrugged at not being able to describe it better.
"I feel this incredible connection with it; I've never felt this with my wand
that I bought at Ollivander's. I feel…I feel more connected to it, I feel
more…powerful with it." Everyone in the compartment noticed that Lily's
emerald eyes began to glow slightly as she spoke, everyone in the
compartment shared a glance with each other but no one said a word.
"Lily…" Harry began softly, placing a hand over hers. "I know what I'm
asking you to do may seem unfair, but it is for your protection. You need
to keep your true heritage and your new wand a secret and only use your
old wand for your classroom work. It would raise too many questions,
questions that we don't want people to ask." Harry told his young mother.
"But we do have a place where you can train with your new wand, and
there, you, Harry and I will begin to learn more about and train with the
Eveningshade family magic." Bella told the girl squeezing her shoulder
gently.
"Why would you need to learn about the Eveningshade family magic,
Harry? Aren't you Lord Eveningshade?" She asked inquisitively.
Harry sat back in his seat and pondered for a moment on what he should
say. He couldn't tell her the whole truth; there were just too many
problems that could arise if his true connection to her was learned. It
twisted Harry's gut to mislead his mum, but he knew that for her sake
and for all their sakes he needed to carry on the charade.
"I won't go into the minute details of my life, but to say that I was
orphaned when I was but a baby. My parents were killed by a very dark
wizard. Though my parents were magical, I grew up in the muggle world
with an aunt that I now suspect was probably a squib. I knew nothing of
the magical world until I was eleven years old.
"The details of my life, from when I re-entered the magical world at
eleven until just a month ago, are difficult to explain and perhaps best
left untold. But recently I was made aware that I may be a descendant of
a House that was thought long lost to the magical world.
"I went to Gringotts Bank and had an inheritance test performed. The test
proved that I was a member of the previously thought extinct house. The
ritual involves a process wherein blood infused with family magic coats
the inside of a rune covered basin, it identifies a family member by the
spilling of their own blood in to the basin.
"But that is not all it does, it can also identify or choose the next lord and
head of house. It found me worthy and chose me to bear the title of Lord
Eveningshade and so I became the head of the Ancient House of
Eveningshade.
"But like you, it wasn't until that moment when magic that had
previously been bound within me was let loose. And I'm only now
beginning to understand just the tip of it. Similar to what you told us
about feeling your magic suddenly feeling unbound after you held your
new wand.
Together Lily, I hope that we can explore what it is to be Eveningshades.
We are family Lily, and know that family means everything to me, and as
family, I will always be there for you and I hope you will eventually feel
the same for me." Harry passionately told his mother.
Lily didn't know why, but she felt a sudden surge of affection toward
Harry and a desire to hug him, though from the moment she first met
him she had felt that there was something about him that felt so familiar
and homelike. So throwing caution to the wind she threw her arms
around his neck and squeezed him tightly. Harry welcomed the embrace
and held her to his chest and kissed the top of her head.
Still in his embrace she thoughtfully asked. "So what do I call you?
Uncle? Cousin? Brother?"
"How about just Harry, and I'll call you Lily." Harry gave the young girl a
warm smile.
"Okay…Harry." The pretty redhead smiled warmly back. Bella's eyes had
begun to well up with warm salty tears as she watched her husband make
that personal connection he so desperately wanted to make with his
mother. Though it would never be a mother- son relationship, it was
enough for Harry to still be able to call her family.
"Sooo, this place you'll be training in? Any chance Cissy and I can come
along and get some training too?" Andromeda asked, breaking up the
heavy emotional moment.
Harry let go of Lily and quickly wiped something out of his eyes that
suspiciously looked like tears. "Of course you can, in fact we were going
to suggest it. We also need to speak with James and Sirius about joining
us as well." Harry replied.
"Not Jamie and Siri! Those two hooligans would just horse around the
whole time!" Cissy bemoaned.
Harry chuckled. "Nevertheless Dorea has asked that we train everyone in
the family at Hogwarts how to better defend themselves against what is
coming."
"Well that didn't sound ominous." Andromeda chuckled sarcastically.
"Dark times are here little sister, and we need to make ourselves strong
enough and fierce enough that no one, and I mean no one, will fuck with
our family." Bella stated with passion and fire, Harry looked at Bella
proudly.
"Will you tell Jamie and Sirius that Lily is an Eveningshade?" Narcissa
asked.
"Yeah, Bella and I are going to go find them now and have a chat with
them." Harry told them.
"What about Remus and Peter?" Lily asked. "They hang out with James
and Sirius." Harry's eyes tightened at the mention of the man who had
betrayed his parents and a fleeting thought of tossing the boy underneath
the wheels of the train seemed to excite a dark part of him.
'But he's not that man, not yet, and perhaps may never be.' Harry mused.
Remus was a good man and was the levelheaded one of the marauders
from what he had learned of his old Defense Against the Dark Arts
professor, and new that the boy was loyal, but the secret was just too
important to chance it.
"I think it best just to keep it a secret amongst family." Harry replied after
a moment.
oooOOOooo
Black Hills Manor:
"I can't believe you brought those men here without my permission."
Arcturus shook his head angrily at his sister who sat primly and
unconcerned in the study of the Black family ancestral home.
"It's not like I had much choice, I had Bellatrix and Harry with me and I
needed the…tools and cells that the dungeon has."
"If they were to escape they could inform others of the location of this
house, Dorea!" He protested.
"You know as well as I do that there is no chance of them escaping
without outside help, and no one in this family would help them escape.
Besides even by some miracle they did escape once they were outside the
wards they would not be able to reenter without a Black with them." She
replied matter-of-factly and then took a long sip of her tea.
Arcturus sighed heavily. There was never any use arguing with her, even
as children she would never concede an argument if she thought she was
right no matter what the pressure. It was an admirable but sometimes a
down right irritating quality. But she was his sister, and she wouldn't be
who she was, if she were the type to back down easily.
Arcturus plopped down into the leather arm chair facing his sister. He
rubbed his temples trying to ease the tension he felt throbbing in his
head. "So, what did you learn from our guests?" He finally asked. "What
were they after?"
"To be honest, I think I came away with more questions than answers.
The men belong to some organization called the Brotherhood of the Fox."
She began.
"Never heard of them." Arcturus replied before taking a sip of his single
malt whiskey.
"Neither had I. Apparently, Marius Borgin is connected to them somehow
though. They were after the books, at least some information contained
in the books."
"Borgin?" Arcturus asked with an arched eyebrow. "How is our slippery
friend involved with this group?"
"I don't know…yet. But I assure you I can't wait to find out."
"Caution sister, he may appear to be a low life simpleton, but the man
has knowledge of dark artifacts and curses matched by only a sparse few.
Not to mention his connection to the seedier side of our world."
"I'm well aware of his so called affiliations with the less desirables of our
world. I've even been told that his mother was a hag."
"Hence his expert knowledge of dark curses, Dorea." Arcturus warned. "If
I were you I would not approach him directly, you don't want his eyes
looking in your direction."
"I'm not a novice at covert espionage Artie." Dorea sniffed indignantly.
"Never insinuated that you were dear sister, you are a Black after all. But
extra care must be taken around him, and if he is connected to this other
group you must walk carefully."
"These fools didn't even know who I was, or who Harry or Bellatrix were
for that matter. The only reason they followed us was because they
thought we had information about the book that Marjory had taken from
the Ministry." Dorea replied, refreshing her cup with more tea. She sighed
sorrowfully for her friend before she took another sip to calm her mind.
"You seem quite taken with our young lord." Arcturus stated looking over
his glass at his sister measuringly.
"I beg your pardon?" Dorea sniffed.
"I mean you seem to have taken a…motherly interest in him. I just find
it…interesting. You're not the type to trust easily. You have a very tight
circle of people you consider friends, and even with many of them you
never let your guard completely down.
"Yet with our young Lord Eveningshade, I've seen a side of you I have
only ever seen between us when we were children, and of course now
with Charlus or James, it has even extended to Bellatrix. I'm just curious
what you see in the young man that has inspired such…affection."
Arcturus asked his sister with scarcely hidden interest.
Arcturus and Dorea had been the best of friends when they were younger
and throughout most of their adult life, though they were separated in
age by a few years they acted more like twins, rarely seen apart from
each other. They had been each other's sounding board and confidant. It
had even been Arcturus that had encouraged Dorea to follow her heart
and start dating Charlus Potter.
Though their political views at times were on opposite ends of the
political spectrum, they still loved and respected each other and were
always in constant contact with one another. So it was Arcturus, out of
anyone else in the family that was most likely to notice Dorea's subtle
emotional attachment to the dark haired youth.
Dorea looked calculatingly at her brother; he was too smart for his own
good at times. She mused. Dorea tensed when she saw Arcturus withdraw
his wand from his wrist holster but relaxed as she watched him activate
the privacy charms for his private study.
"Do I need to make an oath, or will my word to not reveal anything you
tell me suffice?" Arcturus smirked playfully at his sister.
"Prat." She chuckled. "Your word has always been good enough for me,
dear brother." Dorea replied shaking her head.
She inhaled deeply and then relaxingly pushed out the air in her lungs.
"Lord Eveningshade…Harry, is more…much more than he seems." Dorea
began. "But there are things that I have sworn not to reveal about him."
"Well, can you at least tell me how it is that he is a son of yours?"
Arcturus smirked at the stunned expression on her face.
Schooling her features she glared back at her brother. "Harry is not my
son!" Dorea growled lowly.
Arcturus watched her intensely and saw no deception in her response but
could tell she was holding something back. He sat back in his seat and
pressed his fingertips together.
"The others may not have noticed Dori, but we grew up together, I know
your face, as well as I know my own. And Harry Eveningshade has your
same facial bone structure, the same bone structure our father had. He
also has the same mole behind his left earlobe as you do, and that our
mother does. And yet he has the athletic build of a Potter and Charlus'
unruly hair, same cowlick and all.
"That cannot be a coincidence dear sister, and despite all that, there is the
fact that the wards of this house recognize him as a Black. The wards are
still tied to me here and if I choose I can feel the presence of everyone
who enters this house. And the wards identify him as having the blood of
House Black.
"Why else do you think I was so willingly to listen to him, and so quick to
ally myself with him. I have no doubt that he is an Eveningshade, but I
am equally convinced that he is a Black as well and possibly a Potter.
Still there was a shadow of doubt, but seeing how intimate you have
become with him there is something more to your relationship than mere
acquaintance. I'd like to know what that relationship is." Arcturus asked
sincerely without accusation.
"As always you are as sharp as ever my brother. I can't tell you
everything you want to know, because I gave my oath to Harry. But your
instincts are correct; he is of our noble house and also a true
Eveningshade. If you take the time to get to know Harry and earn his
confidence, he may reveal everything to you." Dorea replied.
"Do you trust him?" Arcturus asked. Dorea knew what he was really
asking. He was asking if she would trust him with the safety and welfare
of the family by allowing him fully into their confidence. It was a trust
that was not given lightly or capriciously.
"Completely." Was her only response. Arcturus nodded and downed what
remained of the amber liquid in his glass.
"Then I shall trust him as well. Now what have you learned from these
books your friend liberated from the ministry."
oooOOOooo
Hidden Location:
"Have you heard from our contact in London, were your brothers
successful in recovering the book?" A heavily accented voice whispered,
however it carried throughout the chamber magnified by the natural
acoustics of the room. The shape of the room was octagonal in nature,
the floor made of cultured white and jade colored marble, Roman
columns surrounded the room, and a gilded throne dominated one end of
the room elevated by several steps above the main floor.
Those who had seen the room would say that it was how they imagined
the throne room of Zeus on Mount Olympus would look. The only thing
that seemed off was the red hanging banners with an iron cross with a
superimposed fox's head as a sigil that flanked the throne.
"Our contact has informed us that our brozzerz have not returned from
their task. He reports that the ministry official vas killed but he has
received no further communication from our brozzerz in London." The
brown cloaked man reported.
"Fools! By killing the ministry employee they risked exposing us if they
were caught. For nearly two hundred years have we remained hidden,
because we have struck from shadow, never leaving a trace, and only
killing when absolutely necessary! Which team was sent in?" He seethed.
"Team London drei." The man replied.
"Team London drei?"
"Ya, this vas to be their first official mission for us, it vas deemed an easy
assignment…a training exercise." The brown cloaked man explained with
a shrugging gesture.
"A training exercise?" The man asked incredulously.
"Ya, the information contained in the book was deemed inconsequential,
but our London brothers saw an opportunity for training and so
dispatched team drei to gain experience."
"Those inconsequential books contain the whisperings of our beginnings!"
The man stood from his throne roaring in displeasure.
The brown cloaked man fearfully dropped to his hands and knees. "My
lord the books will be of no use to anyone who doesn't know what to
look for. They could not make a connection from what is in the books to
us now, it would be inconceivable!"
"Oh no!" The mysterious lord replied sarcastically. "If someone were to
look closely, they would see the systematic eradication of certain
Wizengamot members in 1810, and if they connected those to the
whispered conspiracies of that year; an intelligent person would be able
to deduce that some sort of organized group was formed to perpetuate
the deeds and the names of those involved! Our forbearers were careless,
and learned too late that every conversation within the Wizengamot is
recorded." He spat.
"Vhy did they not just destroy the books as soon as zey found out?" The
brown cloak asked.
"The books are protected by strong wards against destruction or changing
what is written, and only the department head can remove them from
storage. They did what they could by slipping into the department and
casting a notice-me-not ward on the shelf it was placed and then a
notification ward on the books themselves to make us aware if our other
protection had failed and that someone had opened the book and
performed a search."
"I see." The brown cloak nodded.
"We must ascertain what happened to those books. Speak to our man in
London and tell him to send team Eins to investigate and ONLY to
investigate what happened to team drei and the books, and then report
back as soon as possible. And tell Borgin that if there is another mishap
like this one again, he WILL not like the consequences."
"Es wird geschehen, mein Herr!" The brown cloaked wizard clicked his
heels together and bowed before turning and marching out of the room.
Magical England was slowly being pushed to the cusp of civil war and he
would see it to its complete descent. He had learned from his past
mistakes and would use more subtle means to achieve his end goals this
time. He would gently push Albus and the Ministry into an inevitable
conflict with Voldemort and the Purists.
He would not let anything or anyone stop him this time; he would take a
page from Julius Caesar and divide and conquer, pitting the British
wizards against one another. If successful in Britain he would move to
the continent next. But the disappearance of the Wizengamot books
unsettled him. If someone knew what to look for it could eventually lead
back to his family name and then back to him. He needed to find out who
had the books and for what purpose they wanted them, and then destroy
them.
oooOOOooo
Hogwarts Train:
Harry and Bella made their way down the train corridor looking for
James and Sirius; they needed to make them aware of the family training
together and where, and also to let them in on the secret of Lily's true
lineage.
Harry wondered if this revelation would be harmful or not to his parents
eventual coming together. Bella had tried to ease his fears by reassuring
him that James most likely fell in love with her personality and
character, rather than her family and blood status. Furthermore she told
him that with the intimate setting of training it could possibly even fast
track their feelings for each other, that is if James would take the
training seriously and not goof off with Sirius.
Finding the compartment, Bellatrix slid the door open and stepped in
followed by Harry. One of the boys let out a very unmanly squeak of
surprise or terror that caused both Harry and Bella to wince at the high
pitch noise. Peter Pettigrew dived under his seat to avoid being seen by
the new occupants.
Harry and Bella looked at each other and shook their heads at the display
of cowardice. Harry noticed a young Remus Lupin rolling his eyes and
then heard the loud guffaws coming from his father and Sirius.
"Peter, come out from there! You're embarrassing us!" James scolded the
chubby eleven year old with small watery eyes.
"What's up Trixie! What brings you to the cool cabin?" Sirius smirked
playfully.
"Unless you want to finish out the term bald, I would not call me Trixie
again!" Bella growled.
"You would dare to vanish these luscious locks?!" Sirius gasped in faux
fear, tossing back his shoulder length wavy black hair.
Bella drew her wand and pointed it at his head. "Try me, dog boy!" Bella
threatened.
"Dog boy?" Peter chuckled crawling out from under his seat.
"The star cluster Sirius…the Dog Star!" Bella rolled her eyes at the small
boy, who looked away as if scolded.
"No need for hostilities cousin." James stated with his hands up in
surrender.
"We need to speak to you and Sirius, James." Harry spoke stepping out
from behind Bella.
James and Sirius immediately jumped to their feet. "Of course my lord,
our apologies we didn't see you standing there." James replied a bit
nervously.
Harry had to stifle a laugh at his father's and Sirius' sudden change in
demeanor, as they stood with perfect posture and then bowed slightly at
the waist.
"Lord?" Remus asked.
"This is Lord E…"
"Harry." Harry interrupted his father. "You may call me Harry. And your
names?"
"My name is Remus Lupin sir." The eleven year old werewolf stated.
"I'm only four years older than you are Remus." Harry chuckled. "You
don't have to call me sir."
"But aren't you a lord?" Remus asked respectfully.
"I am. But I give you leave to call me Harry." Harry smiled warmly
clapping the small boy on the shoulder.
"Uh..um…I'm Peter, Peter Pettigrew." The pale first year stuttered.
Harry's face reflexively tightened but managed to give the boy a genuine
smile. "Nice to meet you Peter. Would you and Remus allow us a few
moments alone with Sirius and James? We have a few things we need to
discuss with them.
"Uh yes sir, I mean uh, yes…Harry. We can do that." Remus stated. He
grabbed Peter by the shoulder and the two boys stepped out of the
compartment. Bella slid the door closed and with a few swishes of her
wand had placed a silencing ward on the door and the surrounding walls.
"Have a seat boys." Harry told his father and Sirius. "James, did your
mother talk to you about what was expected of you for the rest of the
year." Harry asked the dark haired bespectacled youth.
"Yeah, she mentioned that Sirius and I would be receiving some extra
tuition in dueling." James replied.
"That's right; you and Sirius will be joining me and Bellatrix with
Andromeda and Narcissa for some advanced training." Harry told them.
"Why?" Sirius asked. "I mean we have Defense Against the Dark Arts why
would we need more training?" He pouted folding his arms across his
chest.
"Are you serious?" Bellatrix began. "Don't even go there dog boy!" Belatrix
threatened at seeing a cheesy grin appear on Sirius' face as he opened his
mouth to speak.
Bella glared Sirius into submission before continuing her reply. "You are
aware of the recent attacks in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade?" Bella asked
the two eleven year olds.
"Yeah, everybody knows about that. Dad and Aunt Dorea were involved."
Sirius replied.
"So, do our parents think there is going to be more attacks?" James asked
worriedly.
"I don't want to frighten you, but there is a war coming boys." Harry
began. "And a lot of people will be hurt and many killed. The family, the
Blacks and the Potters…"
"And the Eveningshades." Bella put in with a proud smirk.
"And the Eveningshades…" Harry winked at his wife. "…Feel that it is
extremely important that we prepare the family as best we can. An
enemy can be anywhere and be anyone, which is why we will be training
every weekend to sharpen not only our physical skills but our mental
skills as well."
"Do you mean Occulmency lessons?" Sirius whined. "I hate those; I can
never clear my thoughts!"
"That will be part of the training, Aunt Dorea will be the one teaching us,
so man up poochy!" Bella told her cousin with a smirk.
James and Sirius sighed heavily, this would mean cutting into their
pranking time, not to mention that James would be seeing his mother
every weekend. Oh he loved his mother, but she was a real stick in the
mud, never relaxed or had any fun, his weekends now were officially
worse than Mondays! He pouted to himself.
"Oh, there will be one other that will be joining us as well." Harry
informed them.
"Oh, who?" Sirius asked
"Lily Evans." Bella replied.
James popped up from slouching in depression. 'Maybe the weekends
wouldn't be that bad after all.' He mused. Harry noticed the sudden
change in his father's attitude and had to stifle a chuckle.
"Evans? Why her? She's not family." Sirius stated confused.
"She is family." Bella corrected.
"She is?" James and Sirius asked together with increasingly confused
looks on their faces.
"She's my family boys." Harry stated.
James gulped and Sirius' eyes widened. "S-she's an Eveningshade?!" Harry
nodded.
"Merlin's balls!" Sirius exclaimed. "We've been pranking her since the start
of term." Shaking his head in fearful disbelief. Bella was grinning madly
at her two younger cousins who were beginning to realize that they had
been pranking a member of one of the most infamous families in Britain.
"Now that brings up a very important thing I want to discuss with you
two. I'm sure your parents instructed you to keep my identity completely
secret." The two boys nodded.
"That promise, extends over Lily as well, no one can no her true heritage.
Is that understood?" Harry asked.
"How are you going to get into the school Harry? You're not a student."
James asked.
"I have my ways." Harry smiled enigmatically. "Now, starting next Friday
evening, right after dinner, I want you and Sirius along with Lily, to
come to the seventh floor, east of the Gryffindor Tower entrance and wait
by the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls to dance. Wait
there for Bella or I to come and get you. Understood?" Harry asked. The
two first years nodded.
"Good, any questions?" Harry asked.
"Can we invite Remus and Peter along?" James asked.
"No." Bella answered. "This is strictly for family, our family oaths can
protect the secret but outsiders are not bound by the same magic."
Bellatrix told the two boys. They glumly nodded their understanding.
Harry and Bella stood. "Right, well we'll be off then. And don't forget
about Friday. And as a special favor to me…keep an eye out for Lily. Just
don't let her know you're doing it."
"Of course we will!" James quickly shouted and then turned red as Sirius
sniggered and mumbled something under his breath that caused James to
blush even more.
"I appreciate your willingness to help James." Harry smiled knowingly.
He had learned from Remus in his own time that James had fancied Lily
from the first time he saw her in their first year. It was heartwarming to
actually see the seed already beginning to germinate.
His father had fallen in love with his mother at first sight, not much
different than how fast he fell for Bella, and according to his
grandmother, Charlus had fallen for her sometime during their first year
although it took her a few years more to fall for him. So Harry though
that he was in good company for finding the love of his life so quickly.
He squeezed Bella's hand affectionately as they left his father's
compartment after Bella had removed the privacy wards. Harry was in
good spirits walking back to their compartment right up until a group of
Slytherin robed boys stepped in front of them.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here lads." Rudolfus Lestrange sneered
to the guffaws of his brother Rabastan, Crabbe, and Goyle.
"Why, if it's not Bellatrix Black…my fiancé." He stared at her lustfully.
"Were you dropped on your head over the break, Cyclops? There is no
contract between us anymore." Bella stated coolly.
"I refuse to accept that Black! You were promised to me and I will have
you!" He barked.
"Poor, poor, pitiful Rudy. Living in your fantasy world, where I give a
damn about what you want." Bella snidely replied back.
"Watch your mouth girl, I am Lord Lestrange now and could have you
thrown into Azkaban for simply annoying me!"
Bella laughed mockingly. "Oooh you've got me scared now Ruuudy.
House Black could crush your pitiful little house."
"Perhaps it is you that should watch your mouth." Harry spoke up
threateningly from behind Bella.
"Who the fuck are you?" Rudolfus demanded, noticing Harry for the first
time.
"Someone who will kick your ass up and down this train, if you don't stop
annoying my girlfriend!" Harry replied.
Rudolfus' mouth hung open stupidly for a moment before his brain
reengaged. He went to draw his wand, but faster than anyone could take
another breath Bella had produced one of her daggers and had jammed it
between Rudolfus' legs.
The seventh year Slytherin jumped to his tiptoes as the razor sharp blade
easily passed through his robes and penetrated his trousers. The new
Lord Lestrange froze as he felt the cold blade separate his testicles. He
felt the burn of the sharp blade as it pressed against the sensitive skin of
his scrotum.
Bella leaned in and in a deadly tone whispered. "One wrong move Rudy
and your line ends right here, right now. I'm giving you this one chance
to walk away with your manhood still intact. You even look sideways at
me or my…boyfriend and I. Will. End. You." Bella's lip curled viscously
and her eyes glowed an Avada Kedavra green that caused Rudolfus'
friends to step back involuntarily.
Rudolfus gulped and raised his hands to show they were empty and
nodded that he understood her warning. Bella lowered her hand and
brought the dagger out. There was a thin trickle of blood on the blade
which she promptly wiped clean on Rudolfus' robes. The Lestrange lord
quickly left with his friends but mumbled vengeance under his breath as
he returned to his compartment.
Harry and Bella returned to their compartment and enjoyed the rest of
the train ride talking with Bella's sisters and Lily. Harry learned a little
more about his maternal grandparents and had promised Lily that he
would come over during the holidays and meet them. Harry found it
remarkably easy to speak to his mother and found her to be, as he had
been told by many from his own time, very intelligent and a warm caring
person.
The train began to slow as it made its approach into Hogsmeade Station.
The girls stood up, straightened their robes and checked their hair before
exiting their compartment. Harry and Bella waited for the others to leave
before Harry took out his invisibility cloak and threw it on. He and Bella
would try and get a carriage to themselves and enjoy the ride up to the
castle together. Harry had made new allies and had set in motion events
that would change the future dramatically. He just hoped that it changed
it in a positive way.
oooOOOooo
A/N: What did you think? So, Arcturus is a very astute man, and I
figured that out of all of the other family members he would be the one
to pickup on Dorea's attachment to Harry and notice the family
resemblance. Bella has an Eveningshade moment! You will see her as
well as Harry and Lily begin to have more and more of the family magic
begin to assert itself in coming chapters.
Short filler chapter I know, but it felt like a good place to end it, but I
hope that you will still feel inclined to leave a review or a comment. The
next chapter will have the gang back at Hogwarts and will be
significantly longer. Thanks again for reading!
25. Chapter 25
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: I apologize for the long delay in getting this chapter out. My
daughters wedding had diverted all of my attention. The wedding
though was quite beautiful; it was a traditional Celtic Hand-fasting
ceremony. Both of our families are of Irish descent which I found
amusing since the Hand-fasting ceremony is of ancient Scottish
tradition.
Anyway, with the distraction of the wedding I kind of lost my flow of
writing, and so this chapter, at least to me doesn't feel quite as fluid as
it should be, although my wife said it was good. But she's biased.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the chapter, not much action in this chapter
but it does include some important developmental pieces.
I have placed a Poll on my homepage to see if there is any interest for
me to create a forum for Passageways. Take a look and vote yes or no.
If there is enough interest I will create one. So without further ado I
hope you enjoy this next chapter of Passageways.
Chapter 25
The return feast had been anticlimactic, Dumbledore had kept his speech
short, only touching upon the loss of the students that had died in the
Hogsmeade attack, and that future visits to the small wizarding
community would not be terminated but would be closely monitored by
staff.
He also reminded students that classes would begin first thing in the
morning and that they should renew their commitments to their studies
and focus on becoming the best witch or wizard that they could become.
One by one the students filtered out of the Great Hall heading back to
their respective common rooms. Bella had lingered behind, allowing the
Great Hall to empty. Harry stood nearby under his invisibility cloak, once
there were only a few stragglers left, Bella and Harry right next to her
underneath his cloak left the large hall. Several minutes later they
walked into the Room of Requirement to find someone waiting for them.
"Welcome back, my champions." Lady Hogwarts greeted the two teens
with a warm smile.
"Thank you my Lady." They both replied.
"I trust that your meeting with Bella's family went well?" She asked.
"It started out bumpy, but I think we have allies in the Black family, at
least most of them." Harry replied.
"By most, I assume that my counterpart gave you a hard time?!"
"Auntie Walburga! I've missed you!" Harry replied excitedly approaching
the portrait of Walburga Black.
"She was a bit standoffish auntie." Bella replied matter-of-factly. "But I
think we changed her mind, at least somewhat in regards to Voldemort,
but she still believes in the purist philosophy."
"You should let me talk to her dears; I could get her to see reason. Once I
explain to her how we lose our children because of the machinations of
that madman and what he does to our whole family, she will be after his
head." The portrait stated passionately.
"I would love to see that." Harry chuckled. "But, we can't do that without
exposing who I really am and when I come from."
Walburga nodded her silent agreement. Knowing herself as she did, she
knew that her counterpart would try and use that knowledge for self-gain
and would most likely harm their goals. "Well, just give her time Harry, if
she comes to realize that her family is in danger she could become like
me and be one of your staunchest allies."
"Thank you auntie, I hope we can sway her as well." Harry sighed.
"Master Harry Potter has returned!" A gray blur suddenly attached itself
to Harry's left leg.
"Dobby?" Harry asked surprised to see the quirky elf.
"I brought them all here while you were gone Harry." Lady Hogwarts
replied appearing in front of the couple. "Your timeline has been
completely altered and I knew that you would not want to leave them
behind."
"Them?" Hedwig suddenly flew over to him from a perch near the
fireplace and landed gently on his shoulder and nipped at his earlobe
affectionately.
"Hey girl, I've missed you!" Harry told his oldest friend. Hedwig nuzzled
her head against his cheek and barked softly. Harry noticed also taking a
look around that the ancient looking Kreacher and Winky were also in
the room shuffling about.
Bella noticed the little female House Elf fidgeting about and looking
sullen. "Is there something wrong Winky?" Bella asked the elf.
Winky suddenly looked nervous. "N-no mistress it's just…"
"Just what?" She asked.
"Winky is not knowings what to do, this room is small and needs little
cleaning, Winky is hoping that she would be working in a proper home,
now that yous and master is married, Winky is wanting to be a proper elf
and takes care of her family." The little elf was twisting the hem of her
frilly yellow dress nervously.
"Oh, well…master Harry and I…that is to say we don't have an official
residence yet." Bella explained. Turning to Harry she followed up.
"Are there any Eveningshade houses still in existence?" Bella asked her
husband.
"I'm not sure to be honest." Harry began.
"Yous do being having a house Master Harrys sir!" Dobby jumped up and
down.
"I do? How do you know and where is it?" Harry asked.
"When yous bonded Dobby to you, your family magic now flows through
Dobby. Dobby is knowing where all properties of Evyshades, Blacks, and
Potters is!"
"Oh, well…that's great Dobby! So are there any Eveningshade properties
that are still in existence and are they habitable?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes Master Harry! The manor in Yetholm is still standing and has
been in stasis and hidden since the last Evyshade left for muggle world!"
Dobby said excitedly.
"Well then perhaps you, Winky, and Kreacher could go there and prepare
it for us. Would you like that Winky?" Harry asked the little elf.
"Yes master, Winky wants a proper home to take care of, and perhaps to
take care of babies soon to." Winky stated hopefully. Bella blushed and
Harry nearly choked at the seemingly innocuous comment.
"Um…well…I don't think we're quite ready for that yet Winky." Harry
stammered.
"Not for a few years anyway." Bella added, and subconsciously placed a
hand on her belly, the thought not entirely unpleasant to her." She never
thought about being a mother, she was only sixteen for Maeve's sake, but
now that the idea had entered her mind she smiled at the thought of one
day being a mother.
"It's settled then, go an open the manor and prepare it for Bella and I to
visit in…let's say about two weeks, right before Samhain." Harry told the
three elves. The three elves bowed to their master and mistress and with
three small pops were gone.
"Once your residence is active again I can create a secure floo link from
there to here." Hogwarts added helpfully
"What do you think?" Harry asked Bella with a smile.
"I think that we need a proper home, we are after all Lord and Lady
Eveningshade, we should have our own place." She stated with faux
pomposity, before a smile broke through.
"Well then a place of our own you shall have milady!" Harry replied
sweeping into a low bow, grinning from ear to ear.
"Prat!" She giggled slapping his arm playfully.
"Now that your home is settled, I think we must speak about plans for
your education and training." Lady Hogwarts interrupted the two teens.
"It is not possible for you to return to your own time Harry, the time
currents are to chaotic now, to try and return would be dangerous and I
could not guarantee in what reality you would be stepping back into.
Your time line in essence is being re-written and is no longer stable."
"So no going back then." It was a statement, and Harry surprisingly felt a
sudden loss. He had left everything behind, including Hermione and
Luna. Though he felt sadness at the loss of his friends he was comforted
by the fact that he had found family here in the past…no he rethought,
not the past…this is my present and my future and realizing for the first
time that he felt like here was where he was meant to be.
"Anticipating your need for tuition, I have arranged professors for you to
complete your studies." The image of Helga Hufflepuff informed him.
"Who?" Harry asked curiously.
"Helena Ravenclaw will be teaching you Ancient Runes and Arithmancy
and Astronomy. She was a very clever girl, so like her mother." Lady
Hogwarts sighed with a hint of sadness.
She continued. "The Fat Friar will be teaching you Herbology and
Potions, the two fields of study are complimentary and should be taught
in tandem with one another. Of course the Bloody Baron will be teaching
you Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts, really there is no
one better he was a master at both. Your Aunt Walburga will be teaching
you about the magical government and politics. And I will be teaching
you charms, History of Magic, and will be helping you with your family
magic as well." She smiled.
"Great!" Harry replied a bit sarcastically. "Add that to what Dorea will be
teaching us, I'll have barely enough time to breathe."
Hogwarts rolled her eyes at the young man in front of her. "In centuries
past, Harry, students worked on their studies from sunup to sundown.
There were no free periods or House Qudditich teams to divert your
attention.
"You were expected to devote every moment in study and sharpening
your skills. In those days students were given a master or mistress after
your third year, and you were then their apprentice until they felt you
were ready to practice your craft in the world.
"An apprenticeship generally lasted four years which is where the seven
years of magical education was thought of, but, in those days some
apprenticeships could take up to ten years or more. In fact Dumbledore's
apprenticeship in Alchemy lasted twenty years.
"They controlled every detail of your life, when you slept, when you ate,
the hours of study and the hours of practical applications, you had no say
in how you spent your day. Now what I have planned for you will require
your absolute dedication but you will have some personal time, I don't
think Bellatrix would allow me to take all your time." She chuckled
getting a heartily nodding Bella glaring at her.
oooOOOooo
Midnight Forbidden Forest:
"Our lord has commanded us to double our recruitment efforts here at the
school; we must approach every pureblood of our political leanings to
join the cause of purity." Rudolphus Lestrange instructed his inner circle;
the inner members consisting of his brother Rabastan, Greg Goyle,
Vincent Crabbe, Amycus Carrow, Evan Rosier, and Waldon Mcnair.
Lucius had been pulled from school and was rumored to be in France
with his mother and fugitive father.
"How are we to persuade them?" Evan Rosier asked tersely, he was still
not happy with Rudolphus and his treatment of his sister Olivia, who had
been beaten by the newly ascended Lord Lestrange for losing the
communication ring she had been given.
"By not giving them a choice!" Rudolphus replied heatedly. "Those who
do not join this noble cause are traitors to the pureblood that runs
through their veins! Let them know that they would be seen as traitors to
their own kind and would not be looked upon favorably once our master
takes the government!"
"Many of the lighter families and even some of the darker families will
not join, especially after what happened in Hogsmeade. Our lord's men
were cut down in the street! The Black family the pinnacle of pureblood
society and a dark family were leading the charge! How are we to
convince the others of our strength with this kind of failure?" Greg Goyle
asked.
"The failure in Hogsmeade was unfortunate and the Black family will pay
for their treachery, but our lord is planning another demonstration of our
strength and resolve, and it will put to rest any doubt of our lord's
power." He stated without further explanation.
"Now, we have a second mandate, and that is persuading…" Rudolphus
began with a sadistic smile. "…the mudblood students to "voluntarily"
leave our world and not return to Hogwarts."
"How are we to persuade them?" Crabbe asked with a vacant look on his
face.
"Subtly." Rudolphus replied. "We must be Slytherin about this. We cannot
risk bringing unwanted attention to ourselves. Most of you are competent
enough now from our summer training to use the imperious curse…use
it! Use others to achieve our goals, but you will leave the Black sisters to
me. I have something special in mind for those whores."
oooOOOooo
Olivia Rosier watched from her darkened corner of the Slytherin
commons room as her older brother snuck out with the Lestrange
brothers and several others of Rudolphus' lackeys. Her external bruises
and broken nose and jaw had been healed, but the internal bruises on her
psyche and spirit had not.
Olivia had lost most if not all of her lingering infatuation with the oldest
Lestrange brother, after his rather cold and callous "punishment." She
now kept her distance from the volatile youth, and was unsure if she was
willing to follow someone who was undeniably sadistic and with an
avarice for power that was only dwarfed by his depravity.
The attack in Hogsmeade had been an eye opener for the Slytherin
pureblood. To speak of revolution and punishing the mudbloods was one
thing, but the indiscriminate killing of children and other innocents was
something that tore at her very soul. She could not support any
organization that could perpetrate such heinous acts against innocents.
She still felt that the mudbloods were corrupting their culture with
muggle ideology and culture, but she was finding that killing them
because of their heritage was no longer something she could support.
Perhaps there were other ways to save the old ways and customs that
didn't involve murder and mayhem.
Olivia had made the decision to approach Bellatrix and warn her about
what Rudolphus was planning. She had overheard that there was a
bounty on the Black family for lifting their wands against the purist
movement and Lord Voldemort's soldiers. Bellatrix and her sisters would
be in danger from the children of the darker families. They had orders to
capture one or more of the sisters and get her out of Hogwarts and into
the hands of their lord.
Olivia feared for her friend and distant cousin, Bella was a pureblood
from an ancient family and it did not sit well with Olivia that Lord
Voldemort who professed a desire to elevate purebloods and bring back
the glory days, would want to exterminate one of the oldest families in
the country. So, she decided that she needed to speak with Bellatrix as
soon as possible.
oooOOOooo
Lily sat in her four poster bed in the first year girl's dorm, and was
reflecting upon the strange but wonderful events in her life since she
found out that she was a witch, and had entered the wizarding world.
The most intriguing event however was meeting the enigmatic Lord
Eveningshade and learning that she was a member of that family, and
then discovering that they were an infamous family with a long history in
the magical world.
Since meeting 'Harry' as he wanted her to call him, she had felt a new
stirring in her magic and knew that something within her had changed or
had become 'unbound' as Harry called it. Harry and Bella had told her
that it was the Eveningshade family magic beginning to assert itself. This
thought excited and yet terrified her. She had seen the kind of power the
Eveningshades could wield from her studying one of the family history
books, and it was breathtaking.
She wondered if that was the cause of James Potter's and Sirius Black's
sudden change of attitude toward her. Were they afraid of her now
because of her heritage…she wondered? They had been uncommonly
nice and even offered to escort her back to Gryffindor Tower after dinner.
They had their first actual conversation while walking that didn't include
screaming at the two boys for one of their stupid pranks.
Whatever the reasons were for their behavioral change she figured she
should take advantage of it. Pettigrew, she noticed, wasn't too happy
about James and Sirius giving her any attention that wasn't in the form of
a prank and had sulked mutinously behind the group as they returned to
the tower. Remus didn't seem bothered by her presence at all, but he had
always treated her with kindness so it wasn't too much of a surprise.
Lily lay back on her pillow but sleep wouldn't come, she was still too
keyed up. The excitement of the past few days was still engaging her
young mind. Giving it up as a lost cause for the moment she opened her
trunk and pulled out another Eveningshade journal that Harry had given
her. She jumped back into her bed and propped herself up against the
headboard and pulled the blankets up to her neck, and settled in for a
good read.
oooOOOooo
"AAARRRGGG!" Bella sprang from the bed, her wand seeming to
suddenly materialize in her hand. Harry's terrified scream had woken her
from a rather blissful dream. She gazed open mouthed at what she saw
before her. Harry was flat on his back on the bed looking straight into the
ghostly face of none other than the Bloody Baron who was floating
horizontally mere inches above Harry's own body.
"Its time to wake, Lord Eveningshade." The ghost spoke, its voice seeming
to echo hollowly. "You have an hour to bathe and eat your breakfast
before my lessons begin.
Harry quickly nodded, feeling very uncomfortable with the ghost's close
proximity. Harry could feel the cold coming from the spectral being and
it gave him goose-pimples.
"And may I suggest my lady that you find appropriate attire to put on."
The Baron stated not turning his head to look at the teenage girl.
Bella let out an embarrassed 'eep' as she realized she did not have on a
stitch of clothing. Blushing madly, she yanked the comforter off of the
bed and hastily wrapped it around her form.
The Baron floated up and turned to exit the room. "One hour, my lord,
one hour." He proclaimed as he floated through the door.
"What the hell was that?!" Harry roared after coming to his senses.
"Apparently your wake up call." Bella groused at the unwelcome visit of
the Slytherin ghost.
"What time is it?" Harry asked getting himself out of bed.
"Six in the morning!" Bella stated disbelievingly as the time displayed
itself in the air after a twirl of her wand. "Classes don't even begin until
eight-thirty!"
"I guess mine start earlier." Harry shook his head. "Nothing for it I guess,
but to start the day."
"Join me for a shower?" Harry grinned lustily at his wife.
"Sorry sweet-cheeks, I'm going back to bed for an hour." Bella replied and
then padded back over to the bed and flopped down on the soft mattress.
"Be a dear and cast a silencing charm on the bathroom door, the sound of
running water will keep me awake." Bella smirked playfully.
"Ouch!" Bella griped as a pillow smacked her on the head. Harry smiled
triumphantly before quickly closing the bathroom door behind him
before his wife could retaliate.
An hour and a half later a showered and dressed Bella walked from her
and Harry's bedroom into their common room. At least she thought it
was her common room. The familiar couches and chairs were gone the
light homey feel was replaced with what looked like a training pit of
sorts.
The wood floor was now sand, the four walls were gone and the room
was now oval in shape, halberds, swords, spears and shields lined the
walls. In the center of the room Bella saw Harry kneeling in the sand
panting as if he had run a marathon. His wand was held loosely in his
right hand. Directly in front of him were various random objects; a chair,
a cauldron, a large mirror, a scarecrow, and a rather big slab of granite.
"I'm impressed Harry." Bella heard the Bloody Baron who was floating
around Harry in wide circles say to her husband. "You have your father's
gift for transfiguration. Remember, magic results are not only produced
by power but by intent as well.
"Now, I want you to use transfiguration in an offense manner, this will
require you to combine transfiguration with charms. You will again use
the sand to create a spear, and then use a banish charm to send it toward
the scarecrow." The silvery ghost told him.
*Pant* *Pant* "I d-don't think I c-can…too t-t-tired." Harry was gasping
seemingly out of breath.
The specter flew angrily at Harry. "TOO TIRED!" He roared. "IN BATTLE
YOU EITHER DO OR DIE MAN! Your enemy will not grant you respite to
catch your breath; you only ever stop fighting when you or your enemy is
DEAD! GET UP! GET UP and kill your enemy!" He lashed out.
Harry grimaced and struggled to his feet, Bella saw the exhaustion in his
face and body language. Harry pointed his wand at the sand and
appeared to be trying to cast a spell but it did not appear to be working.
He tried again, determination set in his face. The sand in front of him
began to coalesce into a crude spear, but it didn't look completely solid.
Sweat poured down Harry's face as the spear hovered in front of him, he
then diverted some of his attention to the scarecrow that he apparently
had created earlier. The loss of concentration caused the spear to lose
some of its integrity as grains of sand fell from the transfigured spear.
Suddenly the spear raced forward, Harry managed to banish it toward his
target.
Bella watched as the spear collided with the scarecrow, but immediately
turned completely to sand upon impact. Bella sighed sympathetically as
Harry slumped to his knees panting harder now. The spear hadn't done
any damage to the scarecrow and frustration was evident on her
husband's face.
"Not good enough, not nearly good enough at all." The ghost shook his
head. "We have much work to do; you must be able to split your focus
without losing your concentration on holding your spells together, Mr.
Eveningshade."
"I'm doing my best." Harry groused, from his kneeling position.
"Obviously your best needs work." The Baron replied unfazed by Harry's
sour demeanor. "Take ten minutes to greet your wife and then it's back to
work."
"Slave driver!" Harry mumbled under his breath, staggering to his feet.
"What are you chuckling at?" Harry turned to his wife who looked
amused.
"Oh, nothing dear." Bella smiled going to him and kissing him tenderly.
"Have you eaten?" She asked.
"Yeah, the bloody git told me I would need my strength today and to eat
a big breakfast." Harry replied.
"How long will he be teaching you today?" Bella inquired.
"Till dinner." Harry sighed heavily. "He wants to see what I can do, and
test my limits."
"That's good though, love. That way he can focus on areas you need to
improve upon and strengthen what you already know." She said grabbing
some porridge from a table of breakfast items that suddenly appeared
along one of the walls.
"I guess." Harry replied morosely filling up a large glass of pumpkin juice
and then downing most of it in one gulp.
"Have the elves come back yet?" Bella asked curiously.
"Oh! Yeah, Kreacher was here earlier and said that the manor is ready for
us to visit. They must have worked through the night to get it so.
Kreacher looked absolutely exhausted." Harry told her.
"Maybe we can go visit it after dinner tonight?" Bella asked hopefully.
"Lady Hogwarts did say that she could connect the floo to the manor and
here."
"Yeah, I guess we could go tonight. I'm a little curious to see what it looks
like." Harry replied.
"I'm curious to see if there is a family library there." Bella said excitedly.
Harry could not help but grin.
"I think you and Hermione would have gotten along." He told his wife
with a chuckle.
"Do you miss her?" Bella asked curiously.
Harry thought for a moment. "Yeah, a bit. She was my closest friend at
one time." Harry sighed. "But that's in the past now, or the future…well
which ever. I do know that I'm where I belong now." Harry stated
passionately, hugging his wife to him.
"Good to know." She stated with a wink. "Cause I'm not giving you up."
"So, what class do you have this morning?" Harry asked.
"Potions, then herbology, lunch and then double charms." She replied
reciting her schedule for the day.
"In fact I should get going. I wanted to meet up with Andi and Cissy
before classes start this morning." She told her husband.
"Tell them hi for me, and would you check on Lily as well?" He asked.
"Will do lover boy, now give us a kiss." Harry gave Bella a smoldering
kiss that left her speechless. With a goofy grin on her face she grabbed
her book bag and headed out of the Room of Requirement to meet up
with her sisters.
oooOOOooo
Dorea Potter had spent most of the night and a good portion of the early
morning pouring over the two books from the ministry that her late
friend Marjory had smuggled out. She was trying to find what in the
books had concerned the Brotherhood of the Fox so much that it was
willing to kill someone to obtain them. And what connection did the
Brotherhood have if any, to the annihilation of House Eveningshade.
Obviously Marjory had made some sort of startling discovery from the
books, otherwise she would not have been so frightened that she felt the
need to flee the ministry and hide the books. The problem was that she
herself was having problems in finding these discoveries. The knowledge
of how to call information up from the books was not known to anyone
outside of the archives.
So Dorea was not aware that to pull information from the book, all she
needed to do was write on that first page the information she wanted and
the requested information would appear. Instead Dorea was going page
by page searching for any mention of the Eveningshade name or anything
referencing the Brotherhood of the Fox.
So far her efforts had produced very little, that is to say she found
nothing so far that mentioned the Brotherhood of the Fox, and only a few
references to the Eveningshade controlled Wizengamot seats. There were
several heated exchanges between House Eveningshade and several old
Houses about expanding rights to muggleborn witches and wizards
within the magical community.
The most vocally hostile houses toward the Eveningshades were the
houses of Umbridge, Diggory, Fletcher, Lestrange, and Rockwood. Two of
the houses surprised Dorea as they were known as light families; the
Diggory's and the Fletchers, but this was nearly two hundred years ago
and it was not unheard of for Houses to change their political leanings
over time.
What was obvious was that the 1810 Wizengamot sessions, were some of
the most hostile ever recorded. There were threats not only made against
the Eveningshades but several other families as well, including a few of
the Founding Houses.
The uproar seemed to begin in the January session, with the introduction
of a bill sponsored by the Founding House of Granger, a bill written and
proposed by the Eveningshade coalition. The bill proposed sweeping
reforms to the current laws that oppressed muggleborns and other
magical sentient beings from owning magical businesses, or working in
the magical government, as well as other discriminatory laws and
regulations.
From what Dorea had read there was wide support within the Common
Houses, and a strong coalition amongst a quarter of the Hereditary
Houses. From what she was seeing in print, it appeared inevitable that by
the fall Wizengamot session that the bill would pass.
But by the fall session, where the bill would have been voted upon,
things had radically changed. Several of the Common Houses that had
supported the bill were no longer members of the Wizengamot, and
others had changed their vote. Nine Hereditary Houses including the
Eveningshades, had been silenced as well, their seats gone and other
houses had been sworn in.
These Hereditary seats had been taken up by the Malfoy family, the
Thomas, the Fudge, the Reinholdt, the Pritchard, the Crouch, the Borgin
and most interesting was the additions of the Dumbledore family, and the
Grindelwald. To add to this disturbing occurrence was that two Founding
Houses suddenly becoming extinct, the Houses of Boswell and Granger.
These two Houses had been the sponsors of the new legislative bill and
by all accounts were allies and supporters of House Eveningshade. For
them to suddenly become extinct was beyond coincidental, it was highly
suspicious if not downright obvious that they were murdered to stop the
bill from being passed.
With the two sponsors of the bill gone, and House Eveningshade wiped
out, as well as several other Hereditary and Common Houses who
supported the bill, and the others, in Dorea's opinion, intimidated it to
changing their vote. The bill died before it ever got the chance to be put
up for a vote.
The signs of a conspiracy were evident, and though she had her
suspicions on which houses were most likely involved, she had not found
supportive evidence…at least not yet. She was determined however to
search every page, inspect every paragraph, and read through every
sentence until she did find something.
She did have one lead, and that was Borgin. She needed to learn of his
involvement with the Brotherhood. Was the Brotherhood responsible for
the 1810 shakeup in the Wizengamot? Was it merely a coincidence that
his family became a Hereditary House that year and he being linked to
this mysterious group who killed because of the historical information in
those books?
No, she did not believe in coincidences. Her instincts told her that Borgin
was only the first stone uncovered in what could be a wide conspiracy to
stop legislation that would have drastically changed the social and
political structure of magical Britain. And that conspiracy led to the
extermination of several Wizengamot families including the
Eveningshades.
It was a sobering thought that there was some occult organization
making sure that the status quo was maintained and that this
organization would kill to keep anyone from discovering them. It made
her task all the more precarious, she had no idea how far the conspiracy
went and who all the players could be.
And with the names of Dumbledore and Grindelwald possibly connected,
it made it just that much more dangerous, not only for her but for her
entire family. She would have to use all of her skills and wits to stay in
the shadows while she investigated this conspiracy. She would definitely
have to speak with Arcturus about her suspicions; she would need the
network of Black informants, spies, and muscle to go to places where a
lady just did not go, especially one as well known as the Lady Potter.
oooOOOooo
"Bellatrix!" Olivia Rosier called out seeing the raven haired girl about to
enter the Great Hall.
"Can't talk 'O', I'm meeting my sisters for breakfast." Bellatrix told the girl
as she continued walking toward the Great Hall door.
"Please Bella! It's important." Olivia replied nervously.
Bella stopped. Olivia rarely used the word please; it was enough of a
shock that it had stopped her in her tracks in disbelief. "What's so
important that you are delaying my breakfast?" Bella asked impatiently.
Olivia looked around nervously as if she was afraid of something. "I need
to tell you something, something very important…but not here." Olivia
grabbed Bellatrix's hand and led her to an empty classroom near the
Great Hall.
"This better be important 'O', I hate being late for breakfast." Bella
warned.
Olivia led Bella into the empty classroom and closed the door and then
cast a locking charm on the door. Bella looked suspiciously at her friend
and had surreptitiously drew her own wand.
"Do you know any privacy charms?" Olivia asked turning toward her
cousin. "It's just I don't want anyone to overhear us." She pled.
Bella could see the fear in her friend's eyes and her nervousness. "Sure…"
Bella said slowly. "I know a couple of charms." Bella pointed her wand at
the door and then at the four walls and finally at the ceiling and floor
casting her spells.
"Okay Olivia, what's this all about?" Bella asked sharply wanting to get to
the point quickly so she could go and find her sisters.
"You're in danger Bella, you and your sisters." She replied quickly.
"In danger? From what or who?" Bella asked.
"From Rudolphus, and the others in his group." She replied.
Bella rolled her eyes. "I can handle Rudy." Bella replied flippantly.
"You probably could, but what about Andromeda? How about Narcissa?"
Olivia interjected.
This got Bella's attention. "What does he plan to do?" She finally asked in
a dangerous tone.
"I don't know, but there is a bounty on your family, on every member of
it. Lord Voldemort has put out the word that any member of the Black
family should be captured and then brought before him."
"And what about you Olivia, what's your feeling on the matter? Is that
why you brought me here? To try your luck at capturing me?" Bella
sneered raising her wand at the girl.
"N-no! Of course not! I wanted to warn you about Rudolphus, to…to…to
help you and your sisters." She replied hastily.
"Why should I believe you? Aren't you shagging old Rudy boy?" Olivia's
eyes shot open in surprise at Bella's declaration. 'How did she know?' she
wondered to herself. Bella's smirk and accusing eyes were all that she
needed to see to know that she knew.
Olivia lowered her gaze, ashamed at what she had done. "I-I'm sorr…"
"If you're trying to apologize…don't. I have no feelings whatsoever about
the unibrowed flubberworm. I'm merely dubious as to your sincerity
about wanting to warn me, since you fancy the scion of flatulence."
"I…I admit that I fancied him once. But no more, I realize the kind of
person he is…and I don't want…" Olivia hesitantly touched the left side
of her face, as if it would cause her great pain to do so. "I don't want to
be with someone who can be so…cruel." She finally muttered. Bella
noticed several tears sliding down her friends face.
Bella remembered what Andromeda had told her about Olivia before the
train ride home. That she had been beaten rather viciously for some
offense to Rudolphus. Bella knew that it was because she had stolen the
ring given to her as a member of the young Death Eaters. Bella felt a
twinge of sympathy but only a twinge.
Resisting the urge to tell the girl that she made her own bed and
deserved what she got, she decided to let the girl off. "Look, I appreciate
you coming to me about this. If you here anything more, you'll let me
know yeah?"
"I will, I promise. Evan is still hanging out with them and he always tells
me what's going on. So if he plans to do something he'll probably let me
know." Olivia replied.
"Thanks 'O'." Bella told her friend with a half but sincere smile.
Olivia nodded and turned back to the door and cast the unlocking charm.
Bella took down the privacy wards and the two left the classroom to go
to the Great Hall. Bella found her sisters and made her way to them
sitting just across from the two.
"About time you showed up, breakfast his nearly over." Andromeda stated
giving her a disapproving glare.
"Couldn't get away from Harry?" Narcissa smirked playfully waggling her
eyebrows.
"First off, you're too young to be making such insinuations young lady."
Bella replied. "And second, it wasn't Harry that made me late. I just had
an interesting chat with Olivia." Bella whispered leaning forward.
"What sort of chat?" Andromeda asked, picking up the seriousness in
Bella's voice.
Bella looked up and down the table spotting the Lestranges' holding court
with their lackeys. Bella shifted her eyes down the table toward the
group. "The troubling kind of conversation." She replied flatly.
Both Andromeda and Narcissa stiffed at the implication. "What did she
say exactly?" Andromeda asked.
"Later." Bella told her. "But from now on I don't want either of you going
anywhere alone. Is that understood?"
Andromeda wanted to argue that she was capable of taking care of
herself. But the glare Bella was holding her with brokered no argument.
Andromeda nodded as did Narcissa.
"Cissy, I will escort you to your classes, Andi, is there someone who you
trust to walk with you to class?"
"Yeah, my two roommates are trustworthy." Andromeda replied.
"Are you sure?" Bella asked probingly
"Yeah, Jessica is a half-blood and hates the politics in Slytherin, and
Marney is her best friend and from a neutral house. I should be fine with
them." Andromeda told her sister.
Bella nodded her head. "I want you both to meet me on the seventh floor
at lunch time by the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. Actually Cissy I will
come get you after your class. Andi, ask if your friends would walk with
you to the library. It's a public place with a lot of people, and I'll meet
you there once I pickup Cissy." The two younger sisters nodded there
understanding.
Suddenly a loud cry echoed through the hall and many of the Slytherins
started laughing. Bella noticed Rudolphus smirking and trying to put his
wand away slowly without drawing attention to himself.
"Lily!" Bella heard Narcissa shriek. Bella looked up and saw the pretty
redhead trying to pick herself up off the floor. Bella noticed that her legs
seemed to be stuck together as she struggled to stand. 'A leg locking
curse!' Bella growled glaring at Rudolphus.
Narcissa had gotten to Lily and was trying to help her friend up. Bella
rose from her seat and cast the counter to the jinx. Lily was redfaced and
looked like she was about to cry, but instead she stood up straight and
defiantly glared at those laughing at her expense.
"Very mature." She directed her comment at the older Slytherin boys who
were the most vocal.
"Are you talking to us mudblood?!" Terrence Travers a seventh year
Slytherin growled at the little first year. "You do not speak to your betters
without permission; in fact don't open your mouth at all unless it's on
your knees, but you won't be using it to talk then either." The blonde
haired boy smirked and received a round of guffaws from his house-
mates.
Lily at first appeared to be frozen in place, everyone mistakenly thinking
that she was standing in shock or fear. But Bella felt a sudden drop in
temperature and noticed that the flatware on the Slytherin table began to
rattle ominously.
All eyes were on the shaking flatware and goblets and ignoring the little
redheaded Gryffindor, but Bella glanced at Lily and began to see her eyes
begin to glow that killing curse green.
"Shite, shite, shite!" Bella hissed.
"Follow me, now!" Bella told her sisters as she moved quickly to Lily.
"Lily, come with me, quickly." Bella told the first year stepping in front of
her. Taking her gently by the arm she guided her out of the hall.
The rattling stopped suddenly when Bella had touched Lily arm. A pair of
twinkling blue eyes watched with interest as the Black sisters escorted
Lily Evans hurriedly out of the Great Hall.
"Curious, very curious." Dumbledore murmured stroking his beard.
oooOOOooo
A/N: I'm back to writing everyday now, so I'm getting back into the flow
again. The next chapter should be out by the end of next week and
should be a bit lengthier than this chapter. Please leave a comment,
critique or review, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
26. Chapter 26
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: So sorry about the delay in getting this out! I had to go out of
town for a week on work related business and forgot to bring my flash
drive. Also started my vacation and the wife has had me busy with
honey do's.
Happy anniversary Passageways! One year ago today I started this little
story. A big thanks goes out to Papa Dragon for reminding me of the
date! And a thank you to all those who reviewed the last chapter.
Also, there was enough positive response into creating a forum for
Passageways that it is up and running. I've never done one of these
before so be patient with me as I try to make it work. Beginning with
this chapter I will answer review questions in the forum or if you have
other questions about the story I left it open for new postings. Take a
look when you get a chance!
S/N: This chapter was a struggle and there are parts I'm very happy
with and others…well not as much, but overall it accomplishes what I
wanted it to in moving things a bit forward. Thanks again for reading
and reviewing! Now the continuation of Passageways!
Chapter 26
Bella quickly led her sisters and Lily out of the Great Hall before anyone
could notice the building magic around Lily, on her way out she noticed
that Sirius, James and their two friends were just now heading in to
breakfast. Coming to a quick decision she called out to her cousins and
beckoned them over to her.
"I need to talk to you two?" Bella told James and Sirius. "It's about family
business." She replied glancing over meaningfully at Remus and Peter,
letting her two cousins know that they would need to send their friends
away.
James catching her meaning turned to Remus and Peter. "Hey guys, we'll
see you in potions alright." James told his friends. Remus nodded his
understanding and Peter just shrugged. The two boys then turned and
entered the Great Hall for some breakfast.
"What's this about cuz?" Sirius asked suspiciously.
"Not here." Bella hissed. "This needs to be done in private." Bella turned
and made her way to the Grand Staircase, the others following quickly
behind her.
The group ascended the stairs silently until Sirius and James realized that
they were headed toward Gryffindor Tower, the two friends looked at
each other and silently decided to ask again what was going on.
"Hey Andi, what's going on and why are we heading to Gryffindor Tower,
as a matter of fact how does Bella even know where it is?" Sirius asked
suspiciously.
"The 'what's going on' will have to wait, but as far as knowing that
Gryffindor Tower was up here…" Andromeda shrugged. "…we didn't
until you just mentioned it." Andromeda grinned ominously.
"Wouldn't want to give us the password, now that you've spilled the
beans on its location?" She waggled her eyebrows.
"Not likely." James answered for his cousin. "No telling what evil plots
you could unleash on our housemates." James smirked.
"Oh you're no fun Jamie!" Narcissa said playfully.
"So why does Bellatrix have her arm around Evans?" Sirius asked
curiously.
Narcissa immediately scowled. "Someone cast a leg locking jinx at her
and she fell to the ground near the Slytherin table. Terrance Travers then
said something awful to her that got her upset."
"What did he say to her?!" James asked angrily. Narcissa and Andromeda
shared a knowing smile with each other.
Andromeda quickly whispered close to James ear what the seventh year
Slytherin had said to Lily. James' face flushed red with anger and
abruptly turned around to march back to the Great Hall. Andromeda had
to grab him by the collar to stop him from seeking out the boy.
"He'll get what's coming to him, Jamie, don't you worry about that. Lily is
under our protection and we don't let a slight against our family go
unpunished." Andromeda told her cousin meaningfully.
"Why didn't the professors do anything?" Sirius asked.
"Not sure they heard." Andromeda replied. "Most of the professors weren't
even there, only Dumbledore and Slughorn. Slughorn is useless and
Dumbledore likes students to work out their own problems."
The group had reached the top of the stairs of the seventh floor but
instead of turning west toward Gryffindor Tower, they turned east.
"Not that you don't know where you are going cuz…" Sirius began. "But,
there is nothing down the east corridor. No classrooms or bathrooms, just
an unkempt and unused part of the castle." Sirius told Bellatrix who had
suddenly stopped in front of a bare wall. There was a tapestry of a wizard
trying to teach ballet to a group of trolls on the opposite wall but nothing
else around.
Bella turned to face the group. "I will have all of your words that you will
not disclose anything you may see or hear from this point on. This falls
under family secrets. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Bella said sternly
as she looked at her cousins, sisters and Lily.
Noticing the serious if not deadly expression on her face, all present
nodded their agreement quickly. Bella turned away from the group and
began to pace. The others just looked at each other in confusion and
curiosity. Suddenly a large door appeared on the previously bare wall.
The group looked at the door in stunned silence.
Bella smirked at the incredulous looking faces and then took a step
toward the door that opened of its own accord. The group quickly
followed the dark haired witch into whatever was hidden behind the
wall.
Three girlish 'eeps' came from Andromeda, Narcissa, and Lily as they
walked in and saw a shirtless Harry, who's bare chest and defined abs
were glistening with sweat. Andromeda and Lily immediately turned
around to avoid gawking at him. Narcissa on the other hand continued to
stare with a flushed face but a wicked grin as she let her eyes roam
unashamedly over her brother-in-law's body.
"Oh!" Harry said in surprise. "I wasn't expecting company." Harry said
picking up a towel from a chair and wiping off the sweat from his body
and then reached for a t-shirt.
"No need to get dressed on our account." Narcissa breathily stated. Bella
rolled her eyes at her prematurely hormonal little sisters.
"That's quite enough of that you shameless flirt!" Bella told the small
blonde, trying to cover her eyes with little success as Narcissa kept
bobbing her head up and down to get another look.
"I see you have visitors Lord Eveningshade; we shall continue our
training tomorrow morning." The Bloody Baron stated before drifting
through a wall.
"Sorry love." Bella said giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "But there was
an incident in the Great Hall and I was also given some disturbing
information about a plot against the family. I felt it was important that
we gather everyone together to discuss it."
"No it's alright, I'm grateful to take a break." Harry breathed heavily as he
flopped down in a chair and grabbed a large glass of water gulping it
down. "If there is a threat do you think we should invite Dorea over?"
"It might not be a bad idea." Bella replied.
"Well, I think we need better accommodations if we are having a family
meeting." Harry told his wife. He closed his eyes and to the surprise of
everyone except for Harry and Bella, the room suddenly seemed to spin
in a blurry rush causing them to stagger nearly falling over themselves.
Suddenly the room stopped and a large fireplace materialized with
several comfortable looking couches and chairs surrounding it in a semi-
circle. A serving table also appeared along the left wall with an
assortment of breakfast items, tea and coffee. They all had looks of
stunned disbelief on their faces as they tried to process what had just
happened in their reeling minds.
Harry and Bella chuckled at their family. "Help yourself to something to
eat." Harry told them in a friendly gesture. "I'll just kip off and get
cleaned up while you eat."
"I'll give Aunt Dorea a call while you're doing that." Bella told him and
swatted his arse playfully as he went by.
Thirty minutes later Harry walked out of his shared bedroom with Bella,
he immediately noticed his father and Sirius with their heads together
whispering back and forth to each other, when they would stop one of
them would scrunch up their faces till they were red and then go back to
whispering looking confused. Harry chuckled when he figured out that
they were trying to get the room to do something for them.
He saw that Cissy and Lily were likewise engaged on one of the couches,
the flirty blonde seemed to be consoling her redheaded friend. They
seemed to be very close friends, and Harry briefly wondered what caused
the friendship to end in his reality.
Bella and Andromeda were at the bookshelf examining a plethora of
books that normally could only be found in the restricted section of the
library. Harry chuckled at the glassy eyed look on Andromeda's face as
she lovingly stroked the spine of a particularly ancient looking book.
Harry came up behind his wife and wrapped his arms tightly around her
waist and hugged her to him. Bella giggled and turned her head to the
side and leaned back and gave him a quick kiss.
"Hmm, you smell much better." Bella told her husband. She turned
around in his arms and pressed herself against him and gave him a
proper toe curling kiss that left him breathless.
"I thought I was being called to an emergency meeting, not to watch my
niece snogging her husband senseless." Everyone jumped at the sudden
appearance of Dorea Potter stepping out of the Floo.
Harry blushed while Bella just smirked saucily. "He's just too delicious
not to want a taste of every few minutes." Bella replied with a grin on her
face.
"As delicious as he may be, I believe you called me here for a reason."
The Lady Potter stated with an arched brow.
"I did auntie." Bella replied grimly.
"And?"
"I was told by a reliable source that Voldemort has put a bounty on every
member of the Black Family, including…us." Bella motioned to herself
and her sisters.
Dorea sat back in a large wingback chair and let out a deep resigned
breath. "Tell me everything."
oooOOOooo
This wasn't what he signed up for, not what he was told would happen to
him. They had assured him that everyday witches and wizards would flee
when they were threatened with violence and that if the aurors did arrive
unexpectedly they never cast to kill.
But it wasn't aurors who showed up, but a young witch and wizard who
retaliated, they retaliated with such speed and brutality that it had
surprised him and his hit team. 'What the hell was that ribbon looking
curse!' It was supposed to be an easy mission! Lord Malfoy guaranteed
that there would be no resistance!
Alan Pratt had joined the militant arm of the Purist Party two years ago.
He had graduated from Hogwarts three years previous and all though he
was a pureblood, granted from a lesser house, he could not find a job that
would pay him what a respectable pureblood deserved; his parents
however, had no political or social clout to get him a job with the
Ministry. So he starved for a year trying to find employment.
He did notice however that a classmate of his, Bert Stanwich a half-blood
with a mudblood mother was now running his father's apothecary. Where
was the justice in that?! One night as he was expressing his frustrations
over a few pints at the Hag and Troll Pub down Knockturn Alley, he was
approached by a man who was sympathetic to his plight.
A few more pints and three days later and he was a new recruit for the
Purists movement's military wing; the Death Eaters. He was all too happy
to join with likeminded wizards and witches who saw the disease that
was the muggleborns with their unnaturalness.
He remembered with glee how he passed his initiation test. He had to kill
a mudblood or a half-blood. He did both, killing the half-blood Bert
Stanwich and his mudblood mother; unfortunately his pureblood father
was there and tried to protect the filth. Well his death would serve to
warn other purebloods from polluting their bloodline with muggle filth.
But now, here he was with magic suppressing manacles on his wrists,
chained to an interrogation table like a common criminal in a small
windowless gray room. He shook his head again. This was not supposed
to happen; no one was supposed to fight back. Now all but three were
dead, out of twelve on his team only he, Bryce Murdock, and Lord Malfoy
had survived.
The heavy metal door that kept him locked in the small room creaked
open. Alan could see two red cloaked aurors standing guard just outside.
Two people then walked in and took the two chairs just opposite him.
The first was an older man with several scars on his face and had a
hardened look of a soldier who had seen his fair share of war.
The other was a pretty red-haired witch somewhere in her early twenties.
She looked somewhat familiar, she was about his age, probably had seen
her at Hogwarts. Definitely not in Slytherin House, he would of
remembered her if she had been in his house.
"Alan Perciful Pratt, twenty-four years old, Hogwarts class of '64,
mother…deceased, father, Perciful Jonas Pratt of Londonderry…
bookkeeper. I see here you have several minor offenses to your record,
drunk and disorderly, petty theft, and what do we have here? Oh ho! It
looks like several arrests for assault!" Auror Captain Alastor Moody read
from his file before looking up at the shackled young man in front of him.
"My name is Auror Captain Alastor Moody, and this is Auror Bones. We
will be conducting this interrogation, and it is my duty to inform you that
this interrogation can and will be submitted as evidence for Pensieve
viewing by both counsels and at your arraignment and hearing, the court
date is not yet set.
"Now, is there anything you wish to confess or state for the record, before
we start questioning you?" The veteran auror asked.
"Fuck you! I'm not saying a word to you without my solicitor!" Pratt spat.
Moody's face tightened at the foul mouthed whelp, and had to take a
calming breath before he continued. Moody looked down at the
information sheet in front of him and grinned evilly. "It says here that
your solicitor is one Lord Abraxus Malfoy. I hate to tell you this laddie,
but Lord Malfoy is a wanted fugitive and is not able to represent you at
this time." Moody smirked.
The shackled man's face paled as he realized that he, like many of the
Death Eaters, had Lord Malfoy listed as their solicitor, there were other
solicitors in Lord Voldemort's employ, but he did not know who the
others were.
"I-I…"
"Can't think of anyone else?" Moody mocked. "Why don't you do yourself
a favor, and just tell me what I want to know, and we'll see if we can
persuade the courts to be easy on you. What do you say lad?"
"I-I don't know anything! I was j-just in the wrong place at the wrong
time! I didn't do anything wrong!" Pratt shrieked.
Moody looked piercingly at the young man in front of him, pure loathing
on his face as he stared at the Death Eater trash, the vacant stares of
Hogwarts student still fresh in his mind. Moody pushed away from the
table, the legs of the metal chair screeching across the stone floor. He
stood and slowly began to circle the table like a shark circling his prey.
The eyes of the young Death Eater nervously watched the progress of the
old auror as he made his way around the table until the man was directly
behind him. He twisted his neck from one side to the other in an attempt
to keep an eye on the older man, terrified what the auror was doing.
*SMACK* Alan Pratt saw stars as his head was suddenly smashed into
the metal table, small rivulets of blood streaked across the cold surface
from the newly shattered nose.
"CAPTAIN!" Amelia Bones shrieked in shock.
"That…was an attention grabber!" Moody growled near the dazed Death
Eater's ear. "Next time I ask a question, you had better answer me!"
"You didn't ask me a BLOODY question!" The man spat, blood flying
everywhere. Amelia produced her wand and with a quick 'evanesco',
vanished the splattered blood.
"Oops, my bad." The old auror chuckled darkly.
Amelia cleared her throat to get the attention of the shackled young man.
"I apologize for my partners rather…abrupt actions. He can be quite
temperamental at times, but he hasn't killed a suspect in over a week, a
personal best really." Amelia casually explained, and had to stifle a grin
as the young man's eyes widened in panic.
Soothingly Amelia continued. "Now, we know that you are a member of
the illegal vigilante group known as 'Death Eaters'. We also know that
you were involved with the burning of the Bistro in Diagon Alley,
endangering the lives of the seventeen people who were patronizing the
establishment at the time, and that you participated in the murder of
Gerald Bell, the Bistro's proprietor.
"Your wand was tested by 'Priori Incantatum' and was found to have cast
the killing curse. This curse of course being an unforgivable and has a
mandatory sentence of life in Azkaban prison. You were also witnessed to
having taken part in the subsequent battle that left many surrounding
businesses damaged or completely destroyed, as well as injuring at least a
dozen other innocents including three children.
"These are the facts, and you are looking at life in Azkaban prison, and
most likely will be held in its maximum security floors, which you are
aware is guarded by Ministry Dementors." Amelia finished reading from
her file.
"Dementors, lad." Moody repeated over the young man's shoulders.
"Those soul sucking devils that strip you of every pleasant thought, every
happy emotion and leaves you with your darkest fears and memories as
you scream your throat raw as their unnatural cold chills you to your
very bones." He growled.
Alan Pratt visibly began to shake. This definitely was not what he had
signed up for, Dementors for Merlin's sake!
"You do have some options available." The pretty redheaded auror stated
with a hint of sympathy in her voice.
"O-options?" The man asked hopefully. Again Amelia had to stifle a smile
at how easily she and her mentor were leading this terrorist slime.
"Of course." Amelia replied sweetly. "If you were to help me, I in turn
would help you."
"W-what do you mean h-help you." He stammered looking back and forth
between Moody and Amelia.
"I want you to give me everything you can on Voldemort, his Purist
party, not the propaganda but the real goals of the organization, and
everything about the Death Eaters. Such as, how many are there? Where
do they gather and train? What are the requirements? I want to know
about any and all former attacks and raids that you are aware of. And
most importantly I want names, names of every son-of-a-bitch that has
raised a wand to harm, maim, or kill in the name of that sick bastard you
call lord." She said dropping the sugary voice into a hard demanding one
that she would one day become renowned for.
The man silently shook his head before speaking. "If I do that I'll be dead
before the next dawn."
"You'll be worse than dead if you don't!" Moody snarled. "Ever see anyone
who has been too close to a Dementor? Have you lad?" He spat.
"Not a pretty fuckin sight! Most pray for death after the first week under
their tender mercies. But we don't allow you to die in there see, oh no,
you'll slip further and further into madness, as their ungodly existence
slowly destroys your very will to exist…but you do, and the torment
never ends. Think on that boy."
Alan Pratt was now openly weeping as the dark realization of his
predicament finally was made manifest. He, like all magical raised, knew
of the Dementors and what they did and could do to you. He also knew
the punishment for betrayal. He had witnessed his lord torture a fellow
Death Eater into insanity for expressing a desire to leave the Death
Eaters.
"I-if I do this, if I help you, I will have a target on my forehead." Pratt
whispered, looking down at the table that was dotted by the drops of
blood that were still leaking from his broken nose.
"If I do this will you protect me, or get me out of the country…maybe…
America." He asked.
"No guarantees, but I'll speak to the DMLE director and have him pass it
by the Head Warlock and the Minister. But you have to be able to give
me some damn good intel or its no deal." Moody spoke.
Pratt nodded his head and then proceeded to relate to them all the
muggle attacks he had been part of and those he had heard about from
his fellow Death Eaters and the names of those involved. He explained
that the Death Eaters were usually divided in to twelve man cells that
received instruction from a handler who received direction from
Voldemort's inner circle who had received it from Lord Voldemort
himself.
At least that was what he was told. He explained that there was a
command structure, and that information came through those lines. The
average Death Eater grunt rarely saw the Dark Lord, only the inner circle
and on occasion the Cell captains met personally with their lord.
Apparently, Abraxus Malfoy had been an inner circle member as well as a
Cell captain.
Pratt was not aware of how many of these Death Eater cells existed but
was confident that there were at least a dozen or more. There had been
thirty-six people in his training group a little over two years ago, and
knew that the facility he was trained in was just one of three that the
organization had.
He had little information, that is to say no information on Voldemort
himself or who the inner circle members of the Purist movement were. In
the end the information that Pratt provided gave the DMLE a place to
start, a training facility near Inverness and a few names of people he
knew were in other Death Eater cells.
"We need to go public with this. The people should be warned about this
threat." Amelia told her mentor as they stepped out of the interrogation
room.
Moody gave her a stern glare. "What should they know Bones? All we
have right now is hearsay. That 'supposedly' there are terrorist cells of
Death Eaters lurking about and that they receive third-hand…third-hand
orders from Voldemort? We cannot prove that any orders came from the
bastard.
"All we have here are leads we need to follow; only good detective work
is going to bring down this dark son-of-a-bitch. As of the moment we
cannot substantially connect the Purist Party with the Death Eaters."
"But, but Lord Malfoy is a known member of the Purist Party, and was
captured at the Diagon Alley attack!" Amelia protested.
"Use that brain in your head Amelia, I know you have one. It's all
circumstantial. Just because he is a member of both groups does not
automatically tie the two organizations together. Not to mention the
pecker-head up and fled the country.
"I can guarantee you that the Purist leadership will no longer participate
in Death Eater raids. With the capture of Lord Malfoy and the loss of the
Malfoy fortune it will cause the organization to rethink risking their
money-men from being on the frontlines."
Amelia nodded her head in understanding. "You're right. Without
definitive proof all we have our allegations and speculations." Amelia
sighed in frustration.
"Don't look so defeated Amelia. We do have a solid lead to start with.
With one step at a time we will get the evidence we need to bring these
arses down. What we do need to do is inform Crouch about these training
camps and that we could be facing a serious threat of Death Eaters who
may outnumber the Aurors and Hit Wizards combined."
oooOOOooo
The conversation with Dorea had ended with the group being instructed
to be extra vigilant and to watch out for one another. They were further
instructed to never go out alone. It was decided that for their safety
Andromeda and Cissy would move out of Slytherin House and into the
Room of Requirement with Harry and Bella.
Narcissa seemed to be very excited with this declaration as she smiled
coquettishly at Harry, much to Bella's irritation. The little flirt had
mentioned to her and Harry earlier that it was quite acceptable for a lord
to have a mistress and that she wanted to be considered for the position
when she was old enough.
Harry wasn't sure if she was joking or not, but either way Harry had to
politely rebuff her when he saw Bella staring daggers at her youngest
sibling. Narcissa had just shrugged and skipped away giving Harry
another dazzling smile as she left.
As soon as the decision had been made for the sisters to stay, another
door had appeared that lead to a large bedroom with two full size canopy
beds, a fireplace, two student desks and a spacious walk-in closet and
large bathroom with a sunken tub.
Dorea's mind was a whirl of plans to protect her family, and would be
contacting her longtime friends Poppy Pomfrey and Minerva McGonagall
the next day. It was time to have a serious chat with her two former
schoolmates. She knew from Harry's former time that the two witches
had been strong allies of Dumbledore. She would need to sway them to
her before Albus got his claws into them this go-around.
With a war coming she needed to start gathering her allies and it didn't
hurt to have a couple of reliable spies within the school to inform her of
the goings on and to be two more pair of eyes to watch over her family.
With their shared history together it shouldn't be too difficult to enlist the
two powerful witches.
She also needed to speak to Alastor, he was uniquely positioned within
the DMLE to keep her abreast of anything Death Eater related, and she
also wanted to bring him in on the whole Brotherhood of the Fox
problem. She of course had the enigmatic resources of the Black
underground network, a web of informants, spies, and thugs that were at
the beckon call of House Black.
The threat to her family seemed to be coming from multiple sides and she
knew that she would have to determine which the greatest threat was,
and take them out as quickly as possible. She, Charlus and Arcturus had
agreed that they could not fight on multiple fronts and hope to succeed,
even with the combined resources of the Potters and Blacks.
She would trust Harry and Bella to protect the family at Hogwarts and
she, Charlus and the other Black family members would work on dealing
with the problems outside of the ancient school.
oooOOOooo
Friday had arrived; the rest of the week went by without incident for the
sisters and Lily, though there was an obvious uptick in anti-muggleborn
verbiage and several minor altercations, which required some medical
attention. But it did not pass by Poppy Pomfrey's notice that all the
recent visitors to her little hospital had all been muggleborn.
She had heard the whisperings like all the professors had regarding an
organized hazing of muggleborn witches and wizards. She had even
brought up the issue in this morning's weekly staff meeting. But
Dumbledore had dismissed it as young people just being kids and that
there was nothing to worry about.
This had caused her to bristle and reflect on the meeting she had had
with Minerva and their old friend Dorea Potter nee-Black and the ever
vigilant Alastor Moody. They had met Wednesday evening at the Three
Broomsticks for dinner, an invitation to dine from the Lady Potter.
It had been an illuminating meeting if not worrisome and downright
frightening. Dorea had told them that another Blood War was on the
horizon, and that this Lord Voldemort and the Purists Party would be the
ones to throw magical Britain back into the horrors that all three women
had faced nearly thirty years ago.
Minerva had been skeptical and told her friends so. Dorea told the pair
that the recent attacks in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and the several
attacks they had heard of on other small muggle villages had been
executed by a group calling themselves Death Eaters, and were the de-
facto militant wing of the Purist Party.
At first Minerva could not believe what she was hearing, until Moody had
confirmed the Lady Potter's comments. He shared with the assembled
ladies some information that he had extracted from the interviews with
the captured Death Eaters. He laid out before them a picture of the
radicalization of disenfranchised purebloods.
The Purist Party was grooming young angry purebloods to be its own
military, a militant group which they could mold into heartless and
mindless killing machines. The hit and run raids on unsuspecting muggle
villages, the rape, and the torturing were tools to desensitize their young
minds to the mayhem that they would eventually unleash on the magical
population.
Poppy recalled how Minerva absorbed what was being said and when she
no longer doubted Dorea's words. She had immediately suggested that
they speak with Dumbledore and that he would know how they should
respond to this new threat. He was after all the Chief Warlock of the
Wizengamot and could put the Ministry into motion.
Dorea immediately launched into a vicious diatribe of how Dumbledore
took a neutral stand during the Great War and the Grindelwald situation.
He constantly voted against giving Aurors and Hit Wizards more
discretionary powers to defend life and property.
And as for why he all of a sudden took interest in Grindelwald at the end
of the war and the supposed duel that killed the Dark Lord. She had her
suspicions; after all, no body was ever shown to the International
Confederation of Wizards. They just had Dumbledore's word that the
deed had been done. Well she had her suspicions about that to, and the
relationship between the two of them.
Poppy and Minerva had been stunned at the acerbic characterization of
the headmaster coming from their longtime friend. Dorea explained to
them that this threat needed to be met not by passive negotiating or
backroom politicking, but by an aggressive policy of 'Cross this Line and
You Fucking Die!' and in Dorea's and Alastor's minds that line had
already been crossed.
The deaths in Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade were merely the preamble
of a much darker agenda. They needed to stop this threat before it
became unmanageable and Dumbledore was not a proactive leader, he
usually took a wait and see position on almost everything. And having
the minister's ear, it was a guaranteed certainty that once again he would
recommend a policy of passivity.
The meeting had stretched into the wee hours of the morning, but Alastor
and Dorea had convinced Minerva and Poppy to at least be their eyes and
ears within the school. Minerva would not actively spy on students who
might be junior Death Eaters but that she would keep her eyes open.
Poppy would continue to document all assaults on students, both victims
and perpetrators. Documents that could be presented not only to the
school governors but also to the DMLE as well, to force Dumbledore's
hand in expelling students who have shown a history of violence toward
their fellow schoolmates. This was one way she could protect the
children who attended the ancient school.
Dorea had made Minerva and her aware of the price put on the heads of
her family including those within Hogwarts. The two of them vowed that
they would try to keep an eye out for the three Slytherin sisters and the
two Lions and Lily Evans as well.
The explanation Dorea gave for her interest in Lily was because of her
friendship with her niece Narcissa and that she had already been targeted
by bullies in Slytherin who do not like the relationship between the two
first years. With a promise to all meet again soon the group went their
separate ways until a new meeting was called.
oooOOOooo
Terrence Travers strutted his way to the Great Hall for his Friday
morning breakfast, and why shouldn't he strut? He was a seventh year, a
pureblood from a wealthy and influential family, and he was a Slytherin.
The other pathetic students from the other houses ran from his mere
presence, such was his awesomeness.
Everything was right in Terrence's world as he sat at the Slytherin table
amongst his friends and bragged about his latest sexual conquest of a
fifth year Hufflepuff, so he had stunned her before he took liberties with
her, but his friends didn't need to know that. Besides, she should be
grateful that a pureblood used her half-blood body for his pleasure.
Bellatrix entered the Great Hall walking with Olivia Rosier; the two had
rekindled their friendship and were making their way toward the
Slytherin table. She smirked evilly as she saw her intended victim
laughing it up with his friends. Quickly schooling her features to a more
aloof façade she directed herself and Olivia to pass just behind the
oblivious seventh year.
Slowing down Bella turned toward Olivia and spoke as they were just
behind Travers. "Did you hear Olivia, that a horny Dog was spotted in the
castle trying to hump everything in sight." Bella smiled enigmatically as
she and Olivia took a seat near Bella's sisters. Bella was particularly glad
that Lily had joined Narcissa for breakfast this morning.
Terrence Travers suddenly began to feel a bit…strange. His friends
noticed that he began to pinch his legs together and was squirming
around in his seat. The boy began to sweat and his eyes looked like they
were glazing over. They watched in confusion as their friend who had
been boasting just moments ago had become suddenly silent.
They jumped as Terrence's hands slapped down on the edge of the table
gripping the wooden surface tightly. He began to rock as he crossed his
legs and was grinding his thighs together, his breathing quickened and
his eyes began to dilate.
Terrence suddenly lurched at another male Slytherin student who
happened to walk by just then. The seventh year wrapped his arms and
legs around the other student and began to jerk his body up and down
the side of the now frightened boy.
The boy tried to push Travers off him but he held on tight and continued
to dry hump the younger boy's leg with increasing fervor.
"Travers what are you doing?!" Rabastan Lestrange yelled as he tried to
separate the two boys. His effort to separate the two was successful but
had the unfortunate affect of Traver's trousers falling down around his
ankles and now an obvious erect Traver's was now trying to mount him
with wildly thrusting hips.
"Who knew that Traver's went commando?" Andromeda roared with
laughter.
"Not that he needs boxers with such a miniscule organ as that." Bella
replied with a smirk, sending many around them into fits of laughter.
"Mr. Travers! Mr. Lestrange! By Merlin's beard what are you two doing?!"
Professor Slughorn bellowed as he was hurrying to the scene.
"I'm not doing anything professor!" Rabastan screamed as he and his
brother were trying to pull off a very excited Travers.
"I think he's been put under a spell professor!" Rudolphus replied as he
deflected Traver's attempts to jump on him.
The entire hall had erupted in unrestrained belly laughs at the sight of
the two Lestrange brothers being sexually attacked by a horny Terrence
Travers. Bella winked at Lily and mouthed the words 'for you'. Lily gave
her a grateful grin that went from ear to ear.
"Finite Incantatem!" Slughorn cast without success. "Finite Incantatem!"
He cast again trying to end whatever spell had been put on the still
humping boy. No success.
"Allow me Horace." Dumbledore arrived at the scene with a superior look
on his face. "Finite Incantatem." He cast casually. Dozens of eyes widened
as the all powerful headmaster's counter spell failed to stop the boy
whose lower appendage was becoming raw from constant friction and
starting to bleed from micro-tears in the skin.
'That's not going to work you old fossil!' Bella thought superiorly to
herself. She was an enchantress and when she cast an enchantment it
could only be removed by her.
Dumbledore tried three more times before giving up and stunning the
boy. By the time he had knocked the boy out his manhood looked more
like ground beef than an actual cock. And Bella felt no inclination to
remove the curse…ever. She smirked again knowing that when they
awakened him, he would once again feel the overwhelming urge to
copulate with the nearest male leg.
Though no-one could ever prove it, the feeling in Slytherin House was
that the Black sisters were somehow involved with whatever happened to
Travers, seeing as they had previously warned that the Gryffindor
redheaded first year was under their protection and since Travers had
insulted the girl it stood to reason that they were involved.
Lily Evans would never be targeted again, at least by the male population
of Slytherin. Not one of them wanted what happened to their house-mate
to happen to them.
oooOOOooo
After the last class of the week finished, Bella escorted Lily back to the
Room of Requirement to begin their training in Eveningshade family
magic. Harry had immersed himself all week in the family Grimoire,
searching for some chapter or passage that would explain how to access
and develop the unique magic that flowed in his blood
He had found many unique spells, curses and hexes that he had never
heard of before, he also found several blood and sex rituals which left
him feeling a bit disturbed and a bit turned on if he was being honest
with himself.
Harry suspected that many of these later rituals involving blood would be
classified as dark magic and almost all blood magic was banned and
criminalized by the magical government. He did learn from the book
about the tablets within the family vault. He would have to tell Dorea
that she had been right, that some of the tablets were written in ancient
Samarian, they were summoning rituals but the Grimoire was cryptic as
to what exactly they summoned.
He was disappointed that he could not find a list in the book that
detailed all the family magical gifts, he did discover however that some
gifts were shared with all those who possessed the Eveningshade blood,
but that their were also other gifts that only manifested in witches of the
family, such as summoning.
Only the most powerful females of the clan possessed the gift of
summoning and the ability to decipher the ancient tablets. But again the
book was cryptic as to why this was. All members had the ability to "slow
time" in battle. It wasn't time manipulation, but the chemical and
electrical impulses in the brain firing information so fast that it appeared
that everything was moving in slow motion.
Harry had actually heard of this in the muggle world, time seeming to
slow down when someone was under extreme physical or mental distress.
Bu it seemed that the Eveningshades could do this at whim. This gave
them a distinct advantage in battle where they appeared to anticipate an
enemy's move before they even began.
These same electric impulses from the brain also gave the Eveningshades
heightened reflexes and speed during physical altercations. One of the
most interesting abilities was the power to affect the environment around
them, from dropping the temperature to raising it, as well as creating
mist and fog.
He discovered that the Eveningshades had taught themselves how to have
complete control over their minds and bodies. They could control every
single muscle individually or collectively, they could slow their own
blood flow, they could manipulate their metabolism and even
temporarily change their body chemistry. Harry was disappointed
however to learn that these techniques took years to master and that
Eveningshades began this training at a very young age.
The realization that he had no way to know how to begin this training or
how to even understand the magic settled on him like a bludger in his
stomach. He tried to remember how exactly he moved so fast in the
Hogsmeade attack and how his body had gone from solid to whatever he
was when the spells from the Death Eaters went right through him.
He needed help and he did not know who could provide it. Dorea was
not an Eveningshade and could not read from the Family Grimoire, Bella
could, but she would be just as in the dark as he was. Perhaps there was
something in his family vault that could help, but the vault was large and
had hundreds of old tomes and scrolls, it could take a long time to find
anything, if they found anything at all.
He supposed he would just have to rely on the visual texts that showed
the various documented battles that his family had fought and glean
what he could from them. His thought was that seeing the magic in
action might trigger something within him. It was a long shot, he
admitted, but it was all he could come up with at the moment.
"Lady Hogwarts?" Harry called out to the room. The beautiful image of
Helga Hufflepuff appeared before him with her long braided red hair and
flowing emerald green gown.
"You have need of me Harry?" She asked.
"Yes, well a question really." Harry replied.
"My family history books have a unique charm on them that brings what
is written to life, well a projection anyway. The reader sees and hears
everything that is written as if they are a spectator watching it unfold. I
guess in a way it is like a pensieve." Harry told the spectral image.
"And your question is?" She asked patiently.
"Is there a way for that projection to be made larger, so that more than
one person could view it?" He asked hopefully.
"What you ask my champion is possible. Godric would often use this
room to review past battles to critique himself and others. In a way, the
magic in this room can become a large pensive of a sort that puts you in
the middle of the memory."
"Brilliant!" Harry replied excitedly. "What do we need to do to draw the
history out of the books?"
Suddenly a marble pedestal of Greek column design rose out of the floor
at the center of the room. It was white with streaks of blue running
through it. It was four feet high and a foot in diameter, forming the top
was what appeared to be a large square amethyst of a brilliant purple hue
that seemed to pulse with magic.
"Place the book on the gem stone Harry." The Lady directed.
Harry did so and immediately a purple aura surrounded the book. The
cover opened with a snap against the gemstone. Suddenly the pages
began to turn at an incredible rate like hurricane winds blowing them
open until it reached the end and the back cover snapped the book
closed.
A small purple dome arose from the amethyst and covered the book
completely beneath it, and then the marble column sank back into the
floor, book and all. Harry was about to ask what was happening when
the room suddenly became dark.
Harry could not see a thing, panic began to well up in his chest as the
climate in the room suddenly changed from warm and dry to cold and
humid. He could smell it before his eyes focused enough to see it, but the
unmistakable scent of pine hit his senses. Soon trees came into focus and
he looked around and found that he was in the midst of a thick forest.
Harry looked up and could barely see the evening sky through the heavy
forest canopy. Harry was confused, if this was a memory where was his
ancestor? His question was soon answered when he heard whispered
voices.
Harry turned around at the sound of the voices coming from behind him.
There just feet from him were two men in what appeared to be Roman
Armor speaking in hushed tones. At first he could not understand them;
the extent of his Latin came from spells he learned at Hogwarts. Within
moments, perhaps through the magic of the book or the Room of
Requirement, Harry began to hear English.
The family history book he had chosen was his family's involvement with
the Cimbrian War. Germanic tribes were flowing into Roman controlled
territories and the Romans afraid of the growing number of barbarians
began a costly but ultimately victorious campaign.
Harry looked closely at the two men, they were short, maybe 5'5" at the
most but what they lacked in height they made up with broad shoulders
and powerful looking chests and arms. They looked like a pair of large pit
bulls he chuckled to himself. What stood out to him the most were the
matching pairs of emerald green eyes, exactly like his own.
These were his ancestors, Mallius and Marcus Solanum, officers in the
Roman 1st Magical Cohort under the command of Gaius Marius. The year
was 102 BC and this was the eve before the Battle of Aquae Sexitiae
where the Roman Legion would crush the Germanic tribe of the Teutones
and its allies.
Harry had picked this particular tome because of the different tactics of
battle between the Roman wizards and the Germanic warlocks. There
were three Roman Magical cohorts; the first cohort consisted of eight
hundred men, with the other two with 480 each, for a total of nine
hundred and sixty men. These magicals were conscripted for the most
part from all over the Roman Empire.
The Teutones and their allies had a magical force of about fourteen-
hundred strong. The Germanic warlocks each wielded a staff of varying
shapes and sizes, the Roman wizards carried wands, because they were
small and easier to wield. Though the wands were easier to wield, they
did not have the magnified focus power of a staff, with its devastating
ability to cast wide area spells.
The draw back to the staff was of course its bulky size; it was not a
weapon that could be used easily in close quarters combat, where the
wand would excel. Harry thought it would be educational to see how the
two sides maximized their assets and how they overcame their
weaknesses, but more importantly he wanted to see how his ancestors
wielded their unique brand of magic.
According to the book there were ten Eveningshades or Solanum as they
were named during that time, which fought in this particular battle with
only one perishing in the fight. The Roman wizards along with their
wands carried the Scutum, this shield had been enhanced to withstand all
low powered curses and most mid level and a few high powered curses.
The German warlocks did not carry shields as their staffs required both
hands, but being unencumbered with a bulky shield they could move
quickly. Even without a shield they still had some protection as they
wore cloaks of dragon hide that were spell resistant.
"Harry?! Are you here?" Harry turned around to see a point of light
coming toward him…a lumos spell.
"Keep coming forward Bella." Harry called out as the raven haired beauty
approached with Lily next to her.
Bella had to duck under a large half fallen tree before she managed to get
to her husband. "Mind telling me what all this is?" Bella asked in a growl.
Her high heeled boots not made for this type of terrain.
"Well…uh…this is from one of the family history books, specifically the
one chronicling the Cimbrian War." He told her with a sheepish shrug.
"And…" She folded her arms across her chest waiting impatiently for a
more detailed explanation.
"You see...the Lady was able to absorb the contents of the book and then
turn the room into a kind of pensive so that we can be up close to the
memory." Harry replied.
"This is so cool!" Lily gasped. "It seems so real!" Lily reached down and
picked up a pinecone she spotted on the ground.
"It is real." Lily whispered in awe.
"Well, yes and no." The Lady Hogwarts spoke approaching the trio with
Dorea Potter in tow who had come through the floo. "This is merely a
magical representation of the sights and sounds that exist within the
magical tome Harry gave me. And although all your senses will be
affected by the magic environment, you cannot interact with what is
happening on the battlefield nor will you be able to be hurt by anything
that occurs in this memory."
"Well that's good to know." Dorea Potter remarked touching a bit of green
moss on a nearby tree and rolling it in her fingers interestedly.
"So what is the purpose for this…representation?" Dorea asked
inquiringly waving her hand about the area.
"Observation and education." Harry replied without hesitation.
"I thought by observing Eveningshade magic in action, we might be able
to understand how it is done. The thing is…I haven't found much within
the family Grimoire that tells me how to develop my family magic or
what all the family magic includes." He said with a shrug.
Dorea sighed. "Harry, I don't think that this will be that helpful."
"Why not?" He asked a bit perturbed.
Dorea gave him a withering look. "Without knowing what is going on
inside your ancestor's head it will be difficult to know how he is pulling
the magic from within him. Seeing them cast, is not the same thing as
knowing how they cast."
Harry rubbed his face in frustration and turned away from his
grandmother and the others and walked to the tree line. He looked out
over a camp with what appeared to be more than a thousand small tents
with a thousand small fires pits in front of them. The scene before him
though was paused, no one moved, the flames of the fires did not flicker,
even an owl that had been in midflight was frozen in place.
Harry felt a hand squeeze his shoulder gently. He looked back over his
shoulder to see his grandmother's warm dark eyes. She looked out over
the Roman camp below and suddenly had a thought. "Harry dear…in
Hogsmeade during the attack you were able to access some of you family
magic. It was an amazing thing to watch." She smiled and shook her head
at the memory.
"Yeah." Harry said slowly wondering where his grandmother was going
with this.
"Your magic responded to you in a time of need…of great stress, like
accidental magic in children. The magic reacts to intense emotion and
determines what the child needs and reacts accordingly, like an
autonomic reflex. Tell me…what were you feeling when you saw the two
wands pointed at you at point blank range?"
"What was I feeling?!" Harry snorted. "I thought oh fu... I mean darn!"
Harry looked sheepish, but relaxed when Dorea chuckled at his near slip
of vulgarity.
"Anything else?" She asked pointedly.
Harry took a moment to remember back to that day and the incident in
question. "There wasn't any clear thought…not really." Harry began. "It
was j-just an intense feeling of not wanting to be there." Harry stated,
confused at his own reply.
"Do you remember that feeling, that exact feeling when you changed?"
She asked.
"N-no…maybe…I don't know." He said slowly. "It's hard to remember."
Dorea nodded her head and squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. "I
believe Harry that your magic reacted on its own, much like accidental
magic. I think if we can recreate those intense situations such as what
happened in Hogsmeade you'll be able to remember what it felt like. I
believe if we can take your memories and project them like this…" She
waved her hands at the current projection. "You might be able to
reproduce what you did and then remember that feeling."
"But I think that viewing what my family is capable of would also benefit
us. Don't you think?" Harry asked diplomatically.
"Perhaps your right, Harry." Dorea relented. "But war is an ugly thing to
see, and although you may think you are ready to see man's inhumanity
to man, let me assure you that no one is truly prepared for the horrors of
war. Believe me…I know." Dorea stated with a faraway look.
"Whether I'm ready for it or not, war is coming grand…Lady Potter."
Harry quickly corrected himself. Bella had caught the slip and gave him a
warning look. Lily seemed to have not heard the slip and was still looking
around at the forest they found themselves in.
Dorea closed her eyes sadly as she remembered the Penseive memory of
Harry being used to resurrect Voldemort in his timeline, the lengths the
man had gone to, to achieve his pseudo immortality, and the dark rituals
he would have had to perform to reach the level of power and inhuman
corruption he had obtained was sickening. It all attested to the demented
character of the man who would see the destruction of their world for his
own selfish ego.
"Very well Harry, but I must insist that Lily not take part in this viewing.
She is far too young to be witness to this obscene level of brutality. And
that goes for the others as well, you may teach them what you have
learned afterwards but I can't in good conscience allow them to view
this." She stated firmly.
Harry nodded his head in understanding. "I will be viewing it Auntie."
Bella put in defiantly. "I stand with my husband. And where he goes I
go."
"I had no illusion of any other decision my dear." Dorea replied with a
resigned tone that was laced with pride for her niece. "A wife's place
should always be at her husband's side."
"Lily, you will come with me. I think its time to begin your occlumency
training." The Potter matriarch informed the petite redhead and then
quickly ushered her in the direction she had come from, the Lady
escorting them out.
"Are you ready for this?" Harry turned to Bella and asked.
Bella swallowed hard. "I-I am." She stated with as much conviction as she
could muster. She had heard stories of the Great War and how bloody
and brutal it had been, she imagined that what she was about to witness
would be no less horrific.
The sky was changing from the star filled inky black to darker shades of
blue and purple…dawn was approaching. The sound of a horn soon
grabbed the two teen's attention. Harry grabbed Bella's hand and they
raced to the tree line. The two of them stood in awe as thousands of men
in leathers and plated armor began to assemble into their respective
cohorts and legions.
They stood amazed at how fast the assembly was and how orderly. More
horns sounded, breaking through the crisp morning air, as captains
barked out orders and the many columns' of men began to march.
Hundreds more on horseback began to move as well. Bella tugged on
Harry's sleeve and pointed to a cluster of wooden apparatuses and gave
him a quizzical look.
"I think those are what are called Ballistae; they shoot large bolts or
arrows into the enemy, some actually shoot multiple bolts at a time."
Bella grimaced at the thought of being impaled by a bolt of wood or steel
and thought if she was going to die she'd rather be AK'd than impaled.
The two teens found their way down to where Mallius and Marcus were
marching and shouting encouraging words to the wizards of the 1st
Cohort. It wasn't long before the column came to a stop. Harry and Bella
gulped nervously as they looked across a large clearing and could see the
enemy the Romans soon would be facing.
They were dressed in animal skins for the most part, some wore little to
no clothing, and some wore paint on their face, arms, and chest, giving
them a more frightening appearance. Harry was able to pick out the
warlocks quite easily as they wielded their long staffs. He was
unprepared though to see the numbers of the Teutones and their allies.
By the look of them he would guess that they were twice the number of
the Romans.
More horns blared as the sun peaked above the horizon, the echo of
drums next reached his ears and then suddenly they were moving
forward with the rhythmic sounds of feet stamping on the ground and
sword and shield striking one another in a deadly cadence. The battle
was about to begin!
oooOOOooo
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter and are not too upset with the
cliffee. I'm not sure I want to go into graphic detail about the battle and
what the Eveningshades did in the next chapter. I'm thinking to just kind
of bring it up when Harry begins to dissect it and plan on how to
develop and teach it to Bella and Lily. Perhaps I'll let you decided. If
you want me to write the battle scene or not give a yea or nay in your
review.
Again thanks for reading and hope to see lots of comment, questions
and reviews and don't forget about the forum, the link is on my
homepage!
27. Chapter 27
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Hey all thanks for all the reviews! And I agree with many of you
that there really is no need to write a battle scene, it does nothing to
move the story forward. But I will make several references to what they
saw and learned throughout their training.
So without further ado, I present the next chapter in the continuing saga
of Passageways!
Chapter 27
The evening was late as Marius Borgin was cataloging the latest
acquisitions of certain relics that the Ministry of Magic would consider
dark and dangerous. But Borgin saw them much differently; these were
works of art, truly artistic in their complexities. The ability to
permanently curse or enchant objects was all but a lost art.
The ancient Egyptians were truly masters at creating such masterpieces of
dark magic; curses and enchantments that lasted for thousands of years.
True enchanters nowadays were extremely rare, he himself only knew of
two personally in the whole of Europe. And their services came at an
extreme premium.
As a result of the few numbers of enchanters or enchantresses, the market
for existing enchanted objects was highly lucrative. His latest acquisition,
The Hand of Glory, was such an object. Even through the murkiest
darkness it would provide light to the holder, open any door, and was
even rumored to immobilize anyone who looked directly at it. Granted, it
siphoned the holder's magic to do so, but it was still an impressive work
of enchantment.
His musings ceased however when he felt the wards keyed to his shop's
door alert him of someone entering. He made his way to the display floor
from the backroom, and saw a cloaked figure locking his door and
turning his open sign over to where it displayed the 'Closed' side of the
sign.
Borgin hadn't stayed in his nefarious line of work for so many years by
being a careless wizard, and so had immediately raised the offensive
wards within the store. If the stranger made any kind of threatening
move, the wards would activate and the intruder would find himself hit
by at least a dozen dark curses.
Borgin grimaced as he heard the cloaked man chuckle, his deep timber
identifying him as male. That dark chuckle was familiar to him and he
swallowed a large lump in his throat as the man turned to face him.
Beneath the hood of the dark brown cloak, he saw one unnaturally
looking amber eye staring back at him, the other eye, the left one was
covered by a silver leafed eye patch.
"Is this any vay to greet an old friend, Marius? I felt the wards go up as
soon as you called them." He chuckled mirthlessly.
"Since when have we considered each other friends, Heinreich?" Borgin
sneered and received another aggravating chuckle from the visitor.
"Are ve not friends and brothers in the cause?" He asked silkily, lowering
his hood to reveal long silver hair pulled tightly into a ponytail at the
base of his skull, and held in place by a silver clasp of a wolf's head.
"You are nothing more than a thug Heinreich and no friend of mine."
Borgin replied through clenched teeth.
"Yes, yes…I am a lowly foot soldier, while you…you belong to one of the
Thirteen." Heinreich said with faux pomposity and waved his hand airily.
"And look where your House name has brought you?" Heinreich said
insultingly as he looked at the rundown shop.
Borgin fumed at the dismissive attitude of this lowborn slug. He would
curse the man where he stood but the man was one of "His" enforcers,
and it would be suicidal to be anything but…tolerant of the man's
presence.
"What is it you want?" Borgin growled finally, controlling his
overwhelming desire to activate all his wards and kill the condescending
bastard.
"My Lord is most impatient with the lack of information coming from
you, regarding the missing Wizengamot transcripts. He is curious vhy this
is." He replied in a silky voice.
Borgin ground his teeth together as his anger boiled just below the
surface of his neutral façade. "Team three seems to have completely
disappeared. I have not been able to learn anything about what they
were doing after they killed the Ministry slag in charge of the records
department." Borgin replied his voice laced with frustration.
"Nozzing at all? " Borgin shook his head. "Pity, my Lord hoped that there
would be news. I suppose I must inform him of your lack of progress."
Heinreich sighed heavily, but his feral smile was anything but amiable.
"I assure you that I will discover what has happened to team three, and I
will locate the books, but I must tread carefully. The war veteran Alastor
Moody is in charge of the investigation and he is as cautious as he is
thorough. If anyone can figure out our involvement it would be him."
Borgin replied hotly.
Heinreich tensed at the mention of the Auror and subconsciously touched
the eye patch over his damaged eye. A piercing hex by the war hero had
permanently left him without the use of his left eye, a reminder of his
failed one on one duel with the man.
"Und vhat are you doing to make sure that doesn't happen?" Heinreich
asked after shaking himself out of his angry thoughts.
"I have Team One monitoring him…from a distance, to learn what they
can from his continued investigation." Borgin stated.
Heinreich gave a curt nod. "Very well, und vhat news of my master's
former protégé? What chaos has Thomas been up to recently?" The
German asked accusingly.
"Why would I know anything about him?" Borgin asked maybe a bit too
defensively.
"Come, come Marius, you and I both know that you have been aiding
him, even after our master forbid it after Thomas' betrayal."
Borgin chewed on his cheek for a moment. He needed to be careful here.
Though he had sworn allegiance to the Brotherhood, Voldemort and the
purists were making him very wealthy by supplying them with certain
commodities and using his business connections to supply the up and
coming dark lord with other necessities as well.
Finally he decided to feed him some innocuous information about
Voldemort, just enough to satisfy him, without revealing the level of his
involvement with Voldemort and the Death Eaters. He knew it was a
dangerous game to be in the middle of two Dark Wizards, but the allure
of the Galleons he could make overrode his sense of self preservation.
"Voldemort has been quiet since the Hogsmeade fiasco, his Death Eaters
were soundly beaten, but they did manage a bit of murder and mayhem,
just not on the level they had hoped." Borgin commented.
"Yes, ve are aware of the failure of his ill-conceived plan. He is a fool to
come out in open hostility against the Ministry. Did he learn nothzing
from ze time he spent vith us? Subtlety and manipulation of key people is
the vay to get vhat you vant. It may take time, but in ze end ze slow but
steady course vill achieve our goals.
"But Thomas vas anything but patient, his impulsiveness vill be his
undoing in ze end. Und 'is little movement vill be but a footnote in
magical history. If I vere you Marius I vould remember to whom your
loyalty truly lies." Heinreich replied.
"I would not dismiss him so casually, his movement grows stronger every
day and he may just succeed where are master failed in the past." Borgin
retorted.
"Our master failed because of betrayal! Betrayal by one who vas once his
confidant and closest friend! And for zat betrayal, Dumbledore will
receive his just revard! Our master has sworn it!"
Twenty minutes later and Heinreich Schroader exited Borgin and Burkes
unaware that a set of canine brown eyes had watched the store with
great interest the entire time. Once the coast was clear an English bulldog
arose from his spot beneath a pile of refuse and padded his way further
into the shadowy alley before suddenly turning into a squat heavy set
man with large cheeks and just a tuft of gray hair on top of his head.
The listening crystal in his had pulsed a faint blue indicating that it had
successfully had captured the conversation in Borgin's establishment. Its
companion crystal was surreptitiously left on a shelf in the dilapidated
shop over a week ago in hopes of hearing a conversation just like this
one.
He tapped his crystal twice which severed the connection between it and
the other crystal, and safely secured his crystal in a leather pouch that he
placed into an inside pocket of his cloak. With a small pop he
dissaparated, he needed to inform a certain Lady about what had just
transpired and give her the crystal. He grinned as he popped out of site
as he thought about the monetary reward he would receive, after all a
Black always paid their debts.
oooOOOooo
It was October 28, 1971, just three days until Samhain Eve, which
coincidentally fell on a Sunday this year . Harry was becoming nervous
about the upcoming Sabbat, he had received a letter from Aunt
Cassiopeia just the other day reminding him that he would be
accompanying her to visit the Morrigan Coven on that holy day where he
would be introduced to the "Fringe" families.
She had informed him that he would be the guest of honor at the sabbat
and hinted that there may be someone of interest to him there. This
cryptic tease had him worried and wondered who this person might be.
Surely it would not be Voldemort…did he follow the old ways? No, Aunt
Cassie had expressed a dislike for the leader of the Purist Movement. But
then who?
Bella was also at a loss for who her odd aunt could be talking about, and
frankly she was having her own mystery to deal with at the moment to
figure out her eccentric aunt. Ever since their peek into the Eveningshade
past, in particular the Battle of Aquae Sexitiae, she had had dreams of a
disconcerting nature.
Some, sure enough were because of the carnage she had witnessed in the
memory, it had been bloody and barbaric and though a part of her
became almost euphoric with blood lust she quickly suppressed that part
of her psyche, warning herself about the lure of the dark. She was
committed to the gray now, and to her husband and so tried to look upon
the display of violence as academically as possible.
But something else had awakened within her; the blood of her husband's
heritage began to whisper to her in her dreams, calling out to her,
beckoning her to…do something…to go somewhere…to unleash…to
unleash…it was all fuzzy after that.
It was maddening and yet she kept it to herself, because her husband was
also feeling the effects of their historical trip. The sights and sounds of
the battle seemed to transform her husband for a time. His green eyes
glowed like eldritch fire as chaos overtook the battlefield and a spectrum
of color coming from every wand and staff as the two opposing forces
clashed.
He ran into the fray next to one of his ancestors, though this was all
projection it felt real to the senses of the young couple. Harry began to
move like he did in Hogsmeade, inhumanly fast between combatants, his
spells though never hurting the combatants in the memory however were
impressive to behold.
Bella had wondered why Harry's spells had not done damage to the Room
of Requirement, but surmised that the Lady must have certain protections
built into the magic of the room. Harry continued to cast and cast and
was visibly becoming exhausted. Suddenly, Harry seemed to fade into
nothing but then had reappeared and had collapsed, blood pouring from
his nose and the corners of his eyes.
Bella immediately had the Lady stop the projection and return the room
back to their living quarters. She rushed to her husband's side, swearing
at her unconscious lover as she levitated him to their bedroom. Dorea
and Lily had appeared when the room changed back, a furious looking
Dorea and a fearful Lily watched as Bellatrix carefully laid her husband
on their bed. It took Harry a full two days to recover from this latest
episode of draining his magical core.
We he did awake it was to a furious Bella who beat on his chest all the
while kissing him passionately in relief. Dorea had not been pleased, no,
not at all pleased, and had chastised her grandson for a solid hour for
being so foolish.
His foolishness did however bare some fruits as he was able to explain to
Bella and Lily what he was feeling when he was able to slow down his
perception of time and how he felt when he moved with enhanced speed.
They had worked on it together afterwards; however neither Bella nor
Lily could grasp how to enhance their speed. However they did on
occasion manage to slow their perception of time and were able to react
much quicker to objects coming toward them.
He was still at a loss however, about how he had suddenly
dematerialized and then reappeared. What he did remember was the pain
he felt when it happened as if his body was suddenly burning from the
inside out. Bella and Lily obviously did not like the sound of that and
were reluctant to even explore the possibility of learning that particular
ability.
Lily, James, and Sirius had also grown a bit closer as their training with
Lady Potter in Occlumency had begun along with Narcissa and
Andromeda. An unforeseen side effect to this was that James had invited
Lily into his little group of friends. At first Lily had been skeptical if not
suspicious of the offer. She and Narcissa had been on the receiving end of
too many of the young marauder's pranks.
But over a short period of time he was able to convince the pretty
redhead of his sincerity. Of course a stern lecture from his mother about
respecting women of all ages didn't hurt, add to that that Dorea had told
her son that she had become very fond of the young witch and she
herself would take personal offense if any of the marauders did anything
remotely unkind to her.
Remus had immediately welcomed Lily into their group, they having
already a mutual respect for one another. However problems quickly
surfaced as Peter would have tantrums anytime Lily was with them. It
came to a head when in a pique of jealousy Peter cursed Lily with a boils
hex to her face.
James had come unhinged at the attack and had physically punched
Peter breaking his nose. The mousey first year was never welcomed back
into the group after that incident and had become a social pariah
amongst the first year Gryffindor's.
James had escorted Lily to the Hospital wing and stayed with her the
entire time as Madam Pomfrey treated the swollen faced first year.
Though her face looked horribly disfigured because of the curse, James
had stayed with her, and tried to make her feel better by telling her
amusing stories of his and Sirius' childhood mishaps. It was at that
moment, when she realized that James Potter was not…all bad.
"Will you be coming with me and your Aunt Cassie to the Samhain
gathering?" Harry asked his young wife who was cuddle into his side
going over her Ancient Runes assignment.
"Hmm? Oh uh no…I think it best if you go alone. Besides there is
something I'd like to look into this weekend."
"Oh? You're not planning on going to that meeting that the Lestranges set
up for potential Death Nibblers are you?" Harry asked with a raised
eyebrow.
"What…no! Though it might be a good way to get some intel about what
their up to. They've been too quiet lately." She stated pensively.
"Well, I planned to have Dobby actually go and monitor the meeting."
Harry told her.
"Oh, well that could be good. Dobby could remain hidden the whole time
and get us loads of information on who shows up and what they discuss."
She said impressed.
"I thought so too." He replied with a cocky smirk.
Bella gave him an exasperated look. "So has Kreacher given you a status
update on the Eveningshade home in Yetholm?" She queried.
"Yeah…" He sighed. "It was in pretty bad shape, but all the ward stones
were still in working order, they just need to be recharged by the heart-
stone which requires me to give it some of my blood and then to take
control of the wards." He said.
"So when will it be ready to move into?" She asked.
"He estimates at least another month or so, but definitely by Christmas."
Harry smiled at the thought of him and Bella celebrating the day together
in their own home.
"So, are you going to tell me what you have planned then while I'm
gone?" Harry asked her again.
Bella sighed heavily and sat up and faced her husband. "I wanted to go to
the Eveningshade vault."
"Oh?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Yeah." Bella stated twisting a strand of her hair nervously. Harry noticed
her nervousness and continued.
"Is there something you needed from it?" He asked.
Bella looked down into her lap for a moment before speaking. "I…I think
something there is…calling to me." She said with a nervous shrug.
"Calling to you? I don't understand." He looked confused.
Bella blew a loose strand of hair out of her eyes and looked at Harry
again." I don't understand it either, I just…I just have this feeling that I
need to go there. I can't explain it better than that." She stated sincerely.
"Okay." Harry replied, still feeling concerned about Bella being "called"
somehow to the vault. "Well, maybe Dorea could go with you or at the
very least take Winky along." Harry offered.
"Yeah, I'll ask Aunt Dorea to maybe come along." Bella agreed. She
turned back around into her husband's arms and picked up her
homework again, but this time her thoughts were not on Rune placement
and sequence, but to the feeling she had once more about what was
waiting for her in the vault.
oooOOOooo
"Will everything be ready by Samhain?"
"Y-yes my lord." The kneeling man said nervously. "B-but I…"
"BUT WHAT!? Was Borgin not able to procure the items I require?"
"He w-was my L-lord, it's…it's just…my lord this may not be the right
time to perform the ritual." The man blurted out in a hurry before his
courage faltered.
Lord Voldemort, aka Tom Riddle stared furiously at his potion's master,
his lip twitching in annoyance at the man. "We have been over this
before!" Voldemort growled.
"Y-yes my lord, b-but you have already performed a strength enhancing
ritual a mere three months ago. My Lord another this soon c-could cause
unintentional c-consequences. P-perhaps if you w-waited another six
months…" He stammered.
"Samhain is the single most powerful night where magic is at its greatest
potential, and you would have me wait another six months until Beltane!"
"M-my Lord…"
"CRUCIO!"
"YOU DARE TO QUESTION MY ORDER?!" Voldemort roared at the
twitching man on the floor. "You will assure that everything is ready…
ON SAMHAIN! Or I will be in the market for a new potions master!"
"Y-yes my Lord." The man spoke in a labored pain-filled voice, and then
crawled out of his lord's presence to make preparations.
oooOOOooo
Sunday, October 31, came early for the occupants of the Room of
Requirement as they all sat down to a large English breakfast. Lily had
spent the night with Narcissa and the two girls had stayed up until the
wee hours of the morning discussing Narcissa's favorite topic…boys.
The two first years were the last to wake and drag themselves to the
table. Narcissa took the seat next to Harry's left side, scooting her chair
'very' close to his and then giving him a quick flirtatious smile. Lily
giggled at her best-friends antics and Bella rolled her eyes and murmured
something about 'bloody Veela genes' under her breath.
Harry seemed to be oblivious at the byplay between the girls and just
continued eating his breakfast in perfect ignorant bliss. He did however
here the "Ow!" that came from the youngest Black sister. Looking up he
saw her rubbing the back of her head and staring daggers at a smirking
Andromeda.
"So what time are you meeting Aunt Cassie?" Bella asked the raven haired
boy next to her.
"At noon at Black Manor, from there I don't know where we are going.
She hasn't told me where this thing is supposed to take place." He said.
"Well, I know that they rotate where they celebrate the Goddess."
Andromeda remarked. "I think last year it was near Newgrange or the
Hill of Tara. It has been at Stonehenge in years past, usually it's at a
location of magical strength and significance.
"Hmpf, well I guess I should take my traveling cloak then." Harry
remarked to himself. "Were you able to get Dorea to go with you today?"
"No, apparently she has a previous engagement. So I'll just take Winky
along with me. Don't give me that look Harry, I'll be perfectly fine." Bella
scolded her husband who was giving her a worried look.
"I'd just feel better knowing she was with you, love. Technically I know
our marriage has made us legal adults, and you can leave Hogwarts
whenever you like, but no one else knows that outside of the family. I
just don't want word to get back to Dumbledore that you were spotted in
Diagon Alley." Harry reasoned to his wife.
Bella patted his cheek in loving exasperation. "That's what glamour's are
for, my love."
Harry raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, just being overly
paranoid I guess."
"If anyone should be careful Harry, it's you with the Morrigan Coven."
Andromeda simply stated, wiping the corners of her mouth primly as she
finished her breakfast.
"Why's that?" Lily asked the middle Black sister before Harry could.
"Well, let's just say that most of their rituals and revelries are a clothing
optional affair, more so for Beltane, with the renewal and fertility
rituals." Andromeda stated with a shrug and a mischievous smile.
"Ooh! Can I come to Harry?" Narcissa asked excitedly with a gleam in her
eye.
"No!" Came the three voices of Andromeda, Bella, and Harry who looked
at the little blonde with a hint of bemusement. Narcissa pouted but let it
go.
oooOOOooo
Harry stepped out of the floo into the study of Black Manor at exactly
12:00 p.m. Waiting for him was Cassiopeia Black first cousin to Lord
Arcturus Black. Though she never married she was an attractive older
woman at seventy-four years old. Instead of marriage she chose instead
to become a priestess of the Morrigan coven at nineteen.
Her family had initially frowned upon the girl's decision to dedicate
herself to the ancient religion but eventually they decided that there
could be worse things she could become involved in. Like Bellatrix,
Cassiopeia had the gift of enchantment; the ability was strong within the
Black family though usually only one female per generation possessed the
full gift.
Dorea Potter nee Black was also an enchantress but her abilities were not
as strong as her own and Bella's gift was stronger still, extraordinarily so.
She had hoped to initiate Bella into the coven once she became of age but
with Bella's marriage to Harry, the new Lady Eveningshade had other
duties to concern herself with.
Cassiopeia had spoken to the leadership of her coven about the return of
a Lord Eveningshade and his desire to meet the 'Fringe families' and unite
the gray and neutral factions to end the stranglehold of the light and dark
families in wizarding politics.
At first the leadership had not been very receptive to the idea; many
doubted that the Eveningshades had actually reappeared. The oldest
member of the coven leadership however seemed intrigued almost
excited. No one knew exactly how old she was, she had always been a
part of the coven, and no one currently alive was her contemporary.
It was rumored that she was at least two hundred years old but no one
knew for sure and she would never disclose her age. It was her voice of
approval that swayed the rest of the eleven leaders and it was she who
wanted to meet the young lord on Samhain one of their holiest of days.
"So where are we going?" Harry asked.
"Scotland dear, near Callanish, but not for a few more hours." She told
him as they walked out of the study.
"So why did I need to be here so early?" Harry asked confused.
Cassiopeia thread her arm through Harry's as they walked. "To give an
old spinster time to get to know better the enigmatic Lord Eveningshade."
She smiled mysteriously. "It's not every day after all that I get to spend
time with a handsome young man."
Harry chuckled to himself. 'I wonder if being flirtatious is a Black family
trait.' He mused as he was escorted to a small dining room where a light
lunch was waiting for them.
oooOOOooo
In a secluded spot near Gringotts Bank, Bella and Winky appeared with
nary a sound, the little elf using her own magic to transport the pair of
them. Bella now a voluptuous looking blonde walked up the marble steps
leading into the white marble entrance of the goblin run edifice.
Bella approached an unoccupied teller. "I need to be taken to my vault."
She said authoritatively.
The goblin sensing the magic of a glamour on the person in front of him,
looked suspiciously at the woman. "And what vault would that be?" He
asked tersely.
Bella allowed the Eveningshade ring to appear on her finger and placed
her hand on the desk of the goblin. The teller's eyes widened at seeing
the signet ring of the Lady Eveningshade before him.
"Right this way my lady." The goblin stated and quickly scampered off of
his chair and led Bella to the carts that would take her to the lowest
levels where the Eveningshade vault was found.
Thirteen minutes later found a slightly nauseous Bella stepping out of the
modified mining cart, and quietly cursing the foul apparatus. She
approached the vault door and placed her hand on the Eveningshade
seal; a slight poke and a drop of blood opened the enchanted door and
allowed her and Winky into the ancient repository.
Bella walked around the rather large main room, still not sure what it
was that was calling to her here. But the feeling was strong to the point
of now being nearly overwhelming. She felt a tug on her magic to her left
and allowed herself to follow it. She came to a stop in front of the door
that she knew lead to the annex that contained the ancient scrolls and
stone tablets.
She gasped, startled at the sudden opening of the door. She had not
touched it nor asked for it to open. A cold mist rolled out of the
passageway and into the main vault, it gave her goose pimples all up and
down her body. She tried to peer down the passageway but the heavy
mist obscured everything from site.
Suddenly she heard something just on the very edge of her hearing. A
whisper? She strained her ears, and again she heard something,
something unintelligible but definitely a whisper. Her heart began to beat
faster in her chest and found to her surprise that her wand had somehow
managed to get in her hand.
She pointed her wand down the passageway without entering. "Lumos!"
She commanded but the light only succeeded in making the mist brighter
but illuminating nothing else.
"Bella…" She definitely heard it this time, her name…someone or
something had called her name.
"Come my Lady…" Bella swallowed a lump in her throat as she heard a
feminine voice beckon her."
She did not know what possessed her to do it, but her feet began to move
forward into the dense mist. Her feet mechanically took one step after the
other. Unbeknownst to the Raven haired beauty a frantic Winky was
calling out to her trying to get her to stop. But Bella could not here her.
Bella passed over the threshold of the passageway and had only taken
two steps when the crash of a slamming door behind her caused her to
shriek. She stepped up to the door and tried to push it open, but it would
not budge. Frantically she called out for Winky but the small elf did not
or could not respond.
"Bella…" The voice called to her louder this time, echoing throughout the
passageway. She spun back around her wand pointed directly in front of
her.
"Bloody hell! What have I got myself into?!" She chastened herself.
"Come Bella…Come Lady Eveningshade it is time…"
"The time for fucking what?!" She called out to the disembodied voice.
"Come my lady…it is time."
"WHO THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU?!" Bella shouted inching forward.
"Come my lady…it is time to take your rightful place."
The mist began to thin and she noticed that directly in front of her,
further down the passageway there was a gently pulsating green light.
"It is time my lady…you must take your rightful place and receive the gift as
those before you have done for over five millennia." The voice echoed.
Bella reluctantly proceeded toward the voice, as she went farther into the
passageway she noticed a large cavernous opening that she had not
noticed before when they were here last.
"Come my lady…do not fear…come receive what is to be yours." The voice
was hypnotic and urged her forward.
Bella came to the large opening and had to swallow several times to get
the lump in her throat to abate. With one last deep breath to steady
herself, she walked into the cavern. A blood curdling scream left her
throat and then darkness overtook her.
oooOOOooo
"Now the compound itself should have a minimal presence due to it being
Samhain, the majority of these Death Eater trainees will most likely being
spending the evening with their families. The information that we
received on these facilities is at best unreliable, but it is suspected to at
least have thirty recruits training there at any given time.
"Let me repeat myself that this is a reconnaissance op only. I want
intelligence on ward emplacements, sentry rotations, and the names of
those coming in and out of the facility. I want you to observe and
document everything that goes on there! If they take a dump in the
woods I want to know about!" Auror captain Alastor Moody growled.
"Sir, what if we are discovered and fired upon, how should we respond?"
Auror 2nd Class John Dawlish asked.
"Let me make myself clear people." Moody began. "We are not to engage
these wankers…unless!" He quickly added as he saw several faces about
to protest. "You are directly fired upon. I'd prefer that we did not have
casualties on either side. However, if it comes down to a life or death
situation, you have authorization to defend yourselves. I'd prefer you
then bring back a live body over a dead corpse. Am I understood?!"
"Sir, yes sir!" The twelve Aurors assigned to this operation replied back in
unison.
"Now then, these Death Eaters have not been recognized by the Ministry
as a clear and present danger…yet. That being said, their actions
constitute that of an organized militia. And we all know that due to royal
treaty that no magical militia or military force may be organized without
the express consent of Her Majesty the Queen and the muggle British
Prime Minister.
"And violation of that treaty can be seen as a willful act of rebellion
against the Crown, and all participants will be considered traitors and
will be charged with high treason and will be brought to justice. Make no
mistake people that these Death Eaters are considered criminals in the
eyes of the muggle government, and I expect that our Wizengamot and
the Minister will move in that direction soon.
"And because of that, I want every scrap of information we can gather on
every bastard who wears a mask or bares that Morgana damned mark on
their arm. Our Ministry has already received warnings from the office of
the muggle Prime Minister about the recent attacks on muggle villages.
They've told us to get our house in order before they are forced to.
"I don't have to remind many of you of what the muggle military is
capable of. So with that, here are the assignments; Team Alpha will
consist of Bones, McGonagall, McKinnon and Mckinnon. You are our eyes
and ears out there ladies and gentlemen. You protect the other two teams
and will be the primary defensive team should we be attacked.
"Team Bravo will consist of Dawlish, Robards, Wiltcomb, and Gilchrist.
You lot will map out the wards and location of the ward stones. I want to
know everything about every nasty surprise that we could encounter
should we have to breach their defenses.
"Team Charlie will consist of Shacklebolt, Talmage, Brocklehurst, and
Moon. Your mission is to get memories of everyone who comes in and
out of that place. I want faces people, faces clear enough to be viewed in
Penseive identification. Your secondary mission is to capture the highest
ranking member you can find there. The recruits are not told the
locations of the other two facilities, but I'm guessing that the higher ups
will." He stated.
"Any question? No, good! Portkey deployment in fifteen minutes. Good
luck and…"
"Constant Vigilance!" The twelve aurors shouted together.
"Damn straight!" Moody returned.
oooOOOooo
It was five o'clock in the evening when Harry who was side along
apparated by Cassiopeia to a place near Callanish. As they walked Harry
immediately sensed a miasma of wards assaulting his magic. Muggle
repelling and redirection wards, Notice-Me-Nots, anti-apparition, anti-
portkey, and the necklace of the Morrigan that Cassiopeia had given him
became warm against his skin.
The elderly woman of House Black seemed to recognize Harry's thoughts
and answered his unasked questions. "The wards are to keep the site free
of those who are not welcome, to keep the ceremony from being
disturbed. The necklace I gave you allows you to pass through the wards
unharmed and it will be away for the rest to known that you are a friend
of the Coven."
"Ah, well okay, I guess you take security pretty serious then?" Harry.
"It a very sacred night for us Harry, and the Goddess would not be
pleased to have it interrupted by those who do not share our beliefs." She
replied taking Harry's arm. Harry nodded his understanding and allowed
Aunt Cassie to guide him.
They had just passed through another ward when Harry was met by the
site of over a hundred people both witches and wizards busily attending
to various tasks. Several wizards were levitating dozens of logs into two
large piles about ten feet apart.
To the east of this Harry noticed a couple of animal pins with sheep and
cows, next to these pins two wizards were monitoring a large spit with
what looked like a side of beef slowly turning in circles roasting above a
fire.
There were groups of witches watching over several large cauldrons with
who knows what simmering within their metal bellies. To the west of the
large piles of wood sat two other witches with about twenty children
sitting in front of them. None of the children appeared to be older than
ten. It looked to Harry like a class of some sort, he heard mention of the
triple goddess being talked about.
Harry was led to a very large tent to the north of the two piles of wood.
Upon entering he saw eleven witches of various ages sitting in straight
back wood chairs. He noticed a twelfth chair that was vacant, that was
until Cassiopeia left him in front of the semi-cirlce of chairs and took the
empty seat herself.
No one spoke for what seemed several long minutes to Harry. They
seemed to be studying him or judging him, he didn't know which, but
nevertheless it was very uncomfortable as all eyes were upon him.
After the uncomfortable silence had gone on for several more passing
seconds, Cassiopeia stood once more but did not approach him.
"My sisters, as instructed by our matriarch…" Cassiopeia bowed to an
ancient looking woman at the center chair directly in front of Harry.
"…I have brought his lordship, Hadrian Eveningshade, Lord of the Most
Ancient House of Eveningshade before this counsel. He seeks alliance
with those of the Coven and the other enlightened families." She stated.
'Enlightened families?' Harry asked himself in confusion. 'Who are these
enlightened families?'
"You claim that you are an Eveningshade?" A stern looking witch of
about eighty asked with incredulity in her voice. "Forgive me if I have my
doubts, House Eveningshade went extinct one hundred and fifty-four
years ago."
"Not extinct my lady." Harry replied in a low but firm voice. "It was
merely dormant for a time." Harry noticed that the ancient looking witch
in the center seemed to shift in her seat when he spoke. She appeared to
be very short from what he could tell, not quite five feet tall. Her hair
was of the purest white he had ever seen and fell to her waist in a thick
braid. Her eyes that stared right at him unblinkingly were a milky white
in color and he suspected that she might be blind or nearly so.
"According to our sister, you believe that another war is coming amongst
our people. Is this correct?" Another witch asked a few seat to the left of
the 'Ancient' as Harry had named her in his head.
"I don't believe it will come, I know it is." Harry said matter-of-factly.
"Are you a seer my Lord?" The same witch asked.
Harry allowed a small grin to appear on his face. "No my lady, I am not.
But I am…." Harry's concentration was momentarily broken by the site of
a hunched elderly woman walking with a staff in her hands and what
looked like a crow or raven on her shoulder pass in front of him looking
at him and smiling enigmatically at him.
Curiously to Harry no one else seemed to notice the woman, either that
or they did not care. "You were saying my lord?" The witch who had
spoken earlier coaxed him.
"Um…yes. As I said I am not a seer but I have certain…knowledge of the
events that will shortly come to pass." He stated.
"A very cryptic response." Another of the twelve stated.
Harry nodded understandably. "The signs are already out there my lady,
the attacks on muggle villages, the attacks on Diagon Alley and
Hogsmeade. This is just the beginning of much worse things to come."
"It was you, was it not?" The ancient witch asked in a voice that was
something between a whisper and a murmur. "The one who stopped the
attacks with such impressive magic."
Harry turned to the witch and nodded. "It was my lady."
A smile appeared in the ancient face, pushing the folds of age up. "I felt
the stirrings once again…my lord. My magic returning to me." The
woman said. She struggled to stand; the two witches next to her
immediately stood and assisted the matriarch of the coven to stand.
Slowly her short steps took her to stand directly in front of Harry. He was
right she was very petite maybe four feet ten inches tall and frail as
kindling. She lifted a shaky hand and cupped Harry's cheeks. Tears began
to fall from her milky eyes.
"I knew you would one day return to us." Her voice cracked full of
emotion. "I have waited for over one hundred and fifty years to see a lord
of our house return."
"Our house?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Y-yes." The ancient woman began to tremble with happiness in her small
frame.
"My name is Lilith Murron Sym…nee Eveningshade, my lord!" Harry's
eyes widened as the ancient witch's eyes glowed a pale green.
Gasps were heard around the tent; apparently no one knew the true
heritage of their coven's matriarch. They watched as their leader tried to
kneel before her lord. Harry quickly came out of his stupor and grabbed
Lilith's shoulders and brought her to his chest where he embraced the
trembling witch.
"Welcome back my lord." She whispered and kissed his cheek."
oooOOOooo
A/N: So this chapter is the build up for a very exciting and surprising
next chapter. I hope that you all enjoyed this latest addition and would
kindly leave me your comments, critiques, or questions as you review.
I hope to have the next chapter out by next Sunday, but don't hate me if
it's a little late. It's football season (American) and I have a son who
plays and I enjoy going to watch him practice and play his games so
that does eat up some of my free time when I usually write. But don't
worry the next chapter is already partially written.
Thanks again for reading and reviewing! Hoping to break the 3000th
review mark.
28. Chapter 28
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
A/N: Sorry about the delay everyone, but between work and football,
this took a little longer to post, not to mention that I rewrote it a couple
of times because I was not happy with the first two drafts! And
yesterday was my birthday so I didn't get to it then. I'm selfish that way
:P
Anyway, WOO HOO! Over three thousand reviews! What a wonderful
milestone. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys are awesome!
Well, I hope this chapter lives up to the standard you guys have come to
expect, so without further gilding of the lily, here is the next chapter of
Passageways!
Chapter 28
"Fifteen minutes till Portkey deployment! I want to see final equipment
checks from all teams!" Auror Captain Alastor Moody ordered the three
teams. This was protocol for all deployments where the likelihood of
hostile engagement was high.
"Sir, yes sir!" Twelve voices replied in sync with each other. Each team
checked and re-checked their equipment they would need for the
assignment. They would not be wearing the standard red Auror robes.
This was a covert operation. All teams would be wearing matte black
uniforms with one inch thick dragonhide inserts that covered their torsos,
backs and thighs. Knee-high dragonhide boots would protect their legs
and feet.
Each member had been issued an individual emergency Portkey for
immediate extraction. This portkey would take them to the Auror Medic
station at the Ministry. Every member was also issued a secondary wand
and tactical boot knife that had been rune etched to be able to cut
through any physical bindings and pierce any body armor whether
magical or mundane.
"Status!" Moody barked.
"Sir, team Alpha is status green, sir!" Amelia Bones replied.
"Sir, team Bravo is status green, sir!" John Dawlish replied.
"Sir, team Charlie is status green, sir!" Team leader Shacklebolt replied
crisply.
"Outstanding! Team Alpha!" Moody directed his gaze to Auror Bones.
"Sir?" Amelia asked, standing at attention.
"Your team will arrive on site first. You will cast concealment charms and
your team will immediately take to the air for aerial reconnaissance. If
hostiles are present you will tap your badge three times, the protean
charm will then alert the rest of us of the current situation.
"If the area is safe, you will tap your badge twice. Two minutes later
team Bravo will portkey in and begin to establish base camp and set up a
ward blind to conceal our presence and then they will begin their
preparations for ward mapping of the area.
"Once the blind is operational, our ward breakers will slice into the ward
scheme and create a temporary undetectable hole into their detection
wards, Dawlish will send the signal for team Charlie to portkey in. This
could take some time depending on the strength and complexity of the
wards.
Team Charlie, once you've been notified of success you will then proceed
to enter and inspect the facility and get us a layout of the structure, and
any documents listing personnel or recruitment lists. This is critical,
anything that mentions the other facilities is a must have, and if you can
find any operational plans or raid deployments wouldn't go amiss either.
"Make copies of everything, we don't want to alert them to our presence
if at all possible. Your secondary mission is to capture one of their higher
ups for interrogation, if the opportunity presents itself.
"Team Alpha you are our eyes and ears and our shock team if things go
pear shaped. IF you are fired upon you have permission to respond in
kind, in other words if they start shit, I want you to finish it! Is that
understood?!" Moody barked out.
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Out-bloody-standing!"
"Team Alpha! You're up! Count down to portkey deployment in 5…4…
3…2…1!"
Amelia and her team felt the familiar tug behind the navel, and within
moments they appeared in the cold night air near Inverness Scotland.
With military precision they immediately took up a defensive posture and
observed their surroundings quietly. They were less than about half a
kilometer from the objective. The ward boundaries around the training
facility extended three hundred yards in all directions around the
complex.
Seeing no immediate danger, Amelia communicated to her team with
hand signals, to mount their brooms and cast concealment charms upon
themselves and then to proceed to their assigned areas. They would now
communicate with each other through light signals to each other with
their wands.
Amelia tapped her badge two times to signal team Bravo that they were a
go for deployment. Two minutes later and team bravo had appeared and
immediately began to set up a ward blind. Once the blind was
constructed, team Charlie was then notified and two minutes later they
appeared within the safety and concealment of the blind.
Team bravo then began to work on a ward splice to allow team Charlie
through the wards undetected. It took them nearly an hour to achieve the
correct runic algorithm that would allow them a temporary entry point.
The access point would not hold long before the wards would reassert
themselves and close the opening.
"You have about two hours at the very most before our splice deteriorates
and the wards are backup at full strength." Dawlish informed Shacklebolt
and his team. With a curt nod, Team Charlie passed through the wards
and made their way to the large warehouse like building three hundred
yards away.
Amelia and her team watched nervously from a hundred feet up in the
air as they watched team Charlie make their way to the building.
Shacklebolt's team did not use any disillusionment charms or any other
magic while outside the building. They did not want to accidently trip
any other wards that could detect concealment magic.
They arrived at a side door toward the back of the building. The door
was made of steel and appeared to be secured with just a muggle
Deadbolt. A quick low level revealing charm showed no magical locking
spell or ward.
Shacklebolt withdrew his knife from his boot and pushed it between the
edge of the door and the door frame near the locking mechanism. He
pushed the knife up and made contact with the lock and with a quick
twist the bolt seemed to snap. Shacklebolt looked at his men giving them
a small nod.
The large auror then slowly opened the door; Talmage was the first one
through with his wand out and took a quick scan of the area. The area he
had entered was nearly dark; only a few overhead lights dimly lit the
center of the complex, and there were no signs of human activity. He
signaled the rest of his team and they all entered taking defensive
positions that gave them a 360 degree view of what appeared to be at
one time a receiving dock.
Taking stock of their surroundings they noticed that the warehouse main
floor had been turned into a training facility, littered with spell damaged
training dummies and obstacle courses. They discovered that the wall to
their left had multiple scorch marks on it and several set of manacles that
were bolted into the wall.
The four aurors became outraged as they saw drying pools of blood on
the floor along the wall. It appeared that the Death Eaters were using live
people to practice their spells on. At least they were alive when they
were hung there.
The team began to document everything that they were seeing, finding
more and more evidence that people had been killed and tortured there.
At the far end of the warehouse floor they found an office and a set of
stairs that went up to an upper floor.
"Talmage…you and Brocklehurst examine the office; duplicate every
scrap of parchment that you can find. You know what we're looking for,
and be quick about it. I don't want to be here any longer than necessary."
Shacklebolt order.
"We're on it, Shack!" Talmage replied and he and Brocklehurst went to
work.
"Moon, you're with me." He told the blonde witch, who nodded in reply.
Silently, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Allura Moon ascended the metal
staircase. They reached another door, but this one was made of heavy
wood. Moon slowly turned the knob and gave Shacklebolt a nod,
indicating that it was unlocked.
Shacklebolt tapped Moon's head and she felt the cold tingling sensation
of a disillusionment charm be cast upon her. The tall dark auror did the
same to his own head and soon the large man was as invisible as his
smaller partner.
"I'll take high, you take low." Shack quietly told his partner, who
whispered a 'got it.'
Moon slowly pushed opened the door as Shacklebolt pied the room
looking for any trouble. Shack noticed a cafeteria style lunchroom in
front of him, and further down noticed about three dozen cots divided in
half on either side of the aisle. Several voices caught his attention further
down the floor.
Moon had entered and gave two light taps of her boot on the ground,
letting Shack know that she was in the room. He responded in turn and
Moon stepped closer to him until they were touching. Shack reached for
her arm and then the top of her hand.
With a serious of long and short taps to the back of her hand he
instructed her to stay where she was and take up a defensive position and
that he would move forward. Though she wanted to argue and go with
him, she followed his orders and would wait for his return.
The veteran auror moved forward and soon found himself looking at
about fifteen magicals, nine wizards and six witches in what appeared to
be a large commons area. His fist tightened on his wand as the group of
men was taking advantage of two naked teenage girls, most likely
muggles. They had several cuts and bruises all over their bodies, eyes
were red and swollen, as tears fell from their eyes. The wizards appeared
to be taking turns raping the two girls.
The witches had their own plaything stuck up against a wall with most
likely was a sticking charm. They took turns in brutalizing the man's
testicles with a combination of stinging hexes and minor bludgeoning
charms. All the fingers on both hands were pointed in unnatural
directions indicating that they were most likely broken.
The poor man's left eye was dangling from its socket and his right leg
below the knee was totally black and misshapen. Like the girls the man's
body was covered in cuts, bruises, and burns. The man's nipples appeared
to be completely burned off, and Shack watched as a witch cast a
summoning charm on the man's mouth and saw a tooth forcibly yanked
out of the man's gums.
Kingsley Shacklebolt wanted with every fiber of his being to blast these
witches and wizards into oblivion, but he was severely outnumbered and
he was under orders to not engage the Death Eaters if possible. He knew
however that these three muggles would most likely continue to be
tortured, and this did not sit well with him.
He closed in on the witches and wizards and looked carefully at every
face, so that he could identify them all later in the Auror department
Pensieve. Knowing that he was doing something rather foolish, he
stepped closer to the witches so that he was nearly flush with them, and
then taking up a position between two of them who were casting spells at
the man, he cast his own, a silent piercing hex straight through the man's
heart.
Blood started to flow from the man's chest and within a few moments the
man was dead. The two witches that had been casting yelled at one
another, accusing the other of killing the man and ruining their fun. A
witch fight erupted with the two women hexing each other.
The ruckus caught the attention of the wizards who grinned and began to
egg the two women on. The distraction was enough for Shacklebolt to
make his way over to the two women who were already in a catatonic
state from their ordeal. He apologized to the two women internally
before casting the same curse at the two women. He would try and tell
himself that it was a kindness to end their suffering but he knew he
would carry the guilt of his actions for the rest of his life.
Shacklebolt made his way back toward his partner. He tapped his boot
twice and heard her reply with the same. They made for the door and
returned to their comrades down below, he just hoped that they had
found something worth this bloody trip.
oooOOOooo
Bellatrix groaned as flickers of consciousness began to ignite her senses.
The first thing that she felt was a dull pain that encompassed her entire
body, from the roots of her hair down to her toe nails. It was as if she
had been hit by bludgers…repeatedly.
The second thing she knew was that her head felt like a Hippogriff had
run rampant inside her skull, she still hadn't managed to open her eyes,
the effort was just too painful. Next she realized that she was lying on the
cold hard ground.
This confused her. Why was she on the ground? Where was she, she
asked herself. She tried to focus her mind on the last thing she could
remember and found the process…frustrating.
'Let's see…I remember breakfast this morning with Harry and the girls. I
remember him saying something about going to the Samhain festivities
with Aunt Cassie. I-I needed to be…somewhere…someplace? Ughh!' Bella
grabbed her head and pressed down on it.
"Think…think Bella." She groaned. "I-I think I was supposed to meet with
someone." She began to reason.
"No, no…I was being called! I was somehow being called to…GRINGOTS!
I came to Gringots, I entered the Eveningshade vault!"
An echoing chuckle startled Bella from her thoughts. And then everything
came back to her, entering the vault, hearing the voice and walking into
the archive passageway. There was a large opening she had not seen
before and a female voice calling…calling to her.
She remembered entering the large open cavern and...feeling an intense
cold, then seeing a tattered and torn cloak hovering a few feet above the
ground fluttering in an invisible wind and glowing green eyes.
"A DEMENTOR!"
She recalled trying to back away but tripped and fell on her arse, she
crabwalked backwards as fast as she could, but was suddenly stopped
when her head connected with a stone wall and then there was only
darkness.
"Sweet Circe, have mercy!" Bella whispered to herself, when she realized
that she was still in the cavern and that-that…thing, that Dementor with
the glowing green eyes was most likely still here.
'Wait a tick.' Bella began to think. 'Dementor's don't have eyes. So…
whatever it is, it may not be a Dementor.' She thought hopefully.
Low, feminine laughter caught Bella's attention but she was still too
frightened to lift her gaze, afraid of what was there in the flickering
emerald light. Whatever it was, she was still not sure it was friendly, after
all if it looks like a Dementor and feels like a Dementor, then…
"I will not harm you Lady Eveningshade, I am bound to our house, I am
for all intents and purposes…your servant." The low womanly voice
echoed in her head.
Slowly, the sixteen year old Lady of House Eveningshade lifted her eyes
to gaze upon the thing…the being that was returning her gaze. On closer
inspection Bella noticed the differences between the entity and a
Dementor. This creature was not skeletal like the soul sucking freaks of
nature that guarded the wizard prison.
Through the tattered and torn cloak or shroud this creature wore, she
could see flesh at least something resembling flesh though it was a blue-
green in color. She could also tell that whatever it was it was definitely
female, as its breasts could be seen through the torn strips of cloth.
Though it wore a hood, strands of the blackest hair she had ever seen
fluttered a drift in the invisible wind. She was beautiful…well, in a
demonic creature kind of way, Bella mused.
What continued to unnerve her though, were the intense glowing green
eyes that looked back at her seemingly with an undefined excitement,
and then there was the bloody cold that she could feel in her bones. She
tried to push down her anxiety and stood up on shaky legs.
Bella noticed as she looked around, that the creature was in the middle of
a ten foot in circumference circle, surrounded by thirteen large glowing
stones that were etched with various unknown runes. She walked around
the edges of the circle and could feel power emanating upwards from the
stones.
The creature's eyes followed Bella's path as she walked. "It is not a cell,
merely a conduit for us to speak and interact." She smirked at the young
witch, who was thinking that she was some kind of prisoner.
Bella startled in surprise when she heard the creature speak, heard but
did not see. The creatures mouth did not open but Bella heard her as
clear as day. Some sort of telepathy or legilimency, she surmised.
"Who are you?" Bellatrix asked at length.
"I have gone by many names, but I have always been partial to Euryale."
She replied mentally but grinned nonetheless.
Bella tilted her head in thought. The name was familiar but she could not
place where she had heard it before. It was not a common name to be
sure, it sounded Greek or maybe Persian, she thought.
"Um…what are you?" Bella asked curiously. "I have never seen anything
like you before."
Again, Bellatrix heard a low chuckle. "As to what I am…I believe I will
allow you to discover that on your own. However, all you need to know
now is that I am the Bearer and the Keeper."
"The Bearer and the Keeper?" Bella asked with confusion.
Euryale smiled. "Yes…I am the keeper of the ancient rites and rituals of
our House and the bearer of the ability to use them.
"It-it was you I heard in my dreams, the voice that was calling to me!"
Bella stated, now recognizing her voice.
Euryale smiled and nodded. "Only the Eveningshade blood that flows
within you could have brought me here and allowed you to hear my
voice.
"How did my blood bring you here?" She asked, her curiosity peaked.
"When the lord's blood mingled with your own, it altered your body
chemistry." Euryale began.
"As his blood mixed with yours, you became new, more than what you
were. Your family magic has now been added to the fusion of
Eveningshade magic. And in turn the magic and gifts of every matriarch
of our house that preceded you is now yours, and when you leave this
mortal realm you will pass it to the next matriarch.
"Once your new magic had settled, it called to me, as it has done for
every new matriarch for five millennia. Know this my Lady, that only a
woman, who is a powerful sorceress of the blood, can call me forth. Your
predecessors were all powerful sorceresses; and they have all
complemented their husbands. For only a powerful sorcerer, could call
forth the blood rings of our house and become lord, and he needs a
strong companion. It has always been so.
"So Harry's blood created the change within me?" Bella asked.
Euryale smiled and nodded. "Not just yours, but every Eveningshade."
She said mysteriously.
"I don't understand."
"The Eveningshade magic is unlike anything you have been taught about
magic. Our magic is not of this world, but of other realms. It is parasitic
in nature assimilating the host's magic into its own. But magic in your
realm is a peculiar thing and all though our magic is very powerful it has
its limits and restrictions in this realm.
"It is not known to us why, but for our magic to be accessed or optimized
there must be a Lord and a Lady to facilitate it. Our magic is blood based
and when the blood of the Lord of the House no longer flows or he has
renounced his title and magic, then the magic of the Eveningshades
sleeps until it is reawakened when the magic chooses another lord.
"It is similar to vampirism, in that if you destroy the progenitor those that
were bound to him are released and they lose their powers. The
Eveningshade magic only flows true in our kinsmen when there is a lord
that wears the blood rings. It is the same with others of our kind."
"I've noticed that you have used the word 'our' repeatedly when referring
to the Eveningshade family. What is your connection to them?" Bella
asked the creature floating in front of her.
Euryale smirked at the young woman before her and wondered how she
would handle what she would divulge to her. "Eons ago there was a tear
in the veil that separated your realm with the realm I come from. Many
of the magical creatures you have come to know came through at that
time; trolls, doxies, dementors, even faeries, unicorns, and centaurs.
"Some of these other worldly beings were intrigued by the humans they
encountered, some so much so that they even copulated with them, and
produced, quite unexpectedly, hybrid children. The Eveningshades as
they call themselves now, is one such of a very few existing mixed
bloodlines.
"The first few generations looked barely human at all, but they eventually
came to look like any other human, though their abilities were quite
different. Though they blended better, all those of the bloodline were left
with a tell-tale sign of their ancestry. A small, but identifiable physical
sign that was common to all of the same blood." Euryale smiled
enigmatically.
"In what ways are they manifested?" Bella asked.
Euryale smiled again. "My, what lovely green eyes you have my lady."
She smirked.
"What? I don't have green eyes. I mean after Harry and I were married I
noticed a few green specks, but, I don't have…"
A large floor length mirror appeared before Bellatrix. She gasped and her
hands flew to her mouth. She looked at her complexion and noticed that
her once purple orbs were now an unnaturally brilliant green, they
looked just like Harry's, and just like Lily's, and just like… "You?"
Bella turned to look at the floating woman. "It's you, isn't it? You, you are
the first of the blood!"
Euryale grinned widely. "I am, the first bastard child of a blending was
my son, who is the progenitor of your line. I was fascinated by a certain
human male, and I lay with him. To him it was like a dream, nothing
more. By the morn I was gone, and he would go about his life never
knowing that he had impregnated me that night."
Bella was stunned by the revelation; this creature was Harry's ancestor,
the founder of her husband's family. They were descendants of a race not
indigenous to their world. She smiled to herself thinking how the purists
or even her own family the Blacks would respond to learning that bit of
family history.
"You, Bellatrix Eveningshade are now a guardian of our family secret.
Reveal it to no one!" She commanded in a deadly tone.
"Save your husband, no one else should know, until the next matriarch is
chosen. This is your burden, and your curse to keep what you will be
given and taught here hidden from all others. Only you can enter this
chamber, only you will be able to use its secrets, and only you will pay
the price."
"What do you mean…pay the price?" Bella asked with trepidation.
"You are here to learn the magic of summoning; in times of dire need it is
the responsibility of the matriarch to save her husband, her family, and
our house if necessary. As you have seen in the passageway, there are
many tablets and scrolls that will provide you with…resources to aid
you. Some are more dangerous than others, but ALL demand a price."
Euryale informed the young witch.
"What sort of a price?" Bella swallowed hard.
"Some demand a sacrifice such as blood, some demand life and still
others…the more…darker, may demand a soul. The matriarch must be a
woman of deepest conviction and a most serious mind. This part of our
family magic is extremely dangerous and it is why this knowledge is not
shared.
"We can touch the heavenly and the horrific and because of that
connection to what men call heaven and hell we are bound by the laws of
both. We must remain forever neutral, to remain in the shadow, to be
gray. To purge one side of our nature or the other is to create an
imbalance within our magic and cause its eventual loss.
"BUT WE DEFEND OUR OWN!" Bella jumped at the sudden fire in
Euryale's voice and the sudden drop in temperature in the cave.
"We destroy those who seek to destroy us; we were nearly driven to
extinction by those who now rule the magical world. By the laws of
magic and the old ways we are justified in taking our vengeance upon
those who sought our destruction!
"This is your mandate young matriarch of House Eveningshade, to help
your husband bring to ruin all those who conspired against our family.
Unleash the power of our family on all those who would persecute us or
subdue us! Remind them why our name is only whispered in fear!
Remind them that hell has no wrath like an Eveningshade wronged!"
Euryale growled.
"Do you accept this mandate, Bellatrix Eveningshade? Do you accept
willingly the position of matriarch of our house, and the responsibility of
that position, to keep our family secrto support your lord and husband?"
Bellatrix fell to her knees and nodded.
"Swear it." Euryale prompted her.
"On my life and magic, I swear to fulfill my responsibilities as matriarch
of House Eveningshade, to fulfill the mandate I have been given, and to
support my lord and husband. So mote it be." A flash of golden light
surrounded Bella sealing her oath.
"Now my child, your education shall begin."
oooOOOooo
The Morrigan Coven was a buzz about an Eveningshade being at their
Samhain celebration and was even more stunned that their Coven
matriarch, Lilith Sym, was actually an Eveningshade as well. But had the
coven been more aware of the reactions to some of their brothers and
sisters they would have noticed the looks of joy on several faces.
Harry had escorted Lilith back to her seat and the two of them were
immediately encircled by the coven leadership including Cassiopeia.
Harry knelt in front of the ancient witch who could not stop smiling
adoringly at him with tears of joy running down her wrinkled cheeks.
She had refused to release his hand as she sat.
"There is so much I would like to ask you my lady." Harry told the
smiling witch.
"I am not a lady my lord, I am from a secondary branch of the family."
Her aging voice replied. "I was a second cousin of the last Lord
Eveningshade, Cunobelinus, and I married a commoner."
"You are a Lady in my eyes." Harry informed her gently. "You are family,
I only know of one other Eveningshade and she is eleven. I did not know
that there were any other Eveningshades living besides the two of us."
Lilith smiled enigmatically and leaned down to whisper in his ear. "You
are not alone my lord, we are few but we live."
Harry looked at her with hopeful eyes. "How-how many?"
"Let me tell you a story." She leaned back in her chair, her eyes never
leaving Harry's.
"It was exactly 161 years ago tonight that our family was betrayed and
the night of horrors fell upon us. I did not know it then, but after years of
looking, I discovered the treachery of thirteen houses who had combined
to eliminate our house. They murdered all the family heads, their wives
and children, they then came after the extended families.
"They had knowledge of where our homes were, my lord, all of them. It
was genocide; they wanted to eradicate us completely. I had never seen
such brutality and carnage in all my days before and since.
"I was a young woman of twenty-three and our village was gathered in
celebration of the night. We were all Eveningshades by blood or
marriage. We felt wards go up around us, and then suddenly the night air
was filled with the glow of spell fire, and the echo of screams.
"We were surrounded, bodies of my kinsmen fell left and right to curses. I
was struck by a bludgeoning curse and was knocked unconscious briefly.
During the slaughter the bodies of more of my kinsmen fell over me,
covering me, hiding me from our attackers. I watched paralyzed beneath
several bodies, as our attackers systematically killed everyone there, the
wounded were killed pleading for mercy that would never come.
"The corpse of my kinsmen on top of me, hiding me is the only reason I
survived. I lay there for several hours after our attackers left, too scared
to move and reveal myself to possible scouts that were left behind.
"At Length, I pushed myself out from under the bodies. It was then I saw
the level of depravity that my fellow kinsmen suffered at the hands of our
attackers. Many of the women and children had suffered…indignities,
before being killed. Men had their genitals cut from their bodies and their
heads severed from their shoulders.
"Miraculously, they did not kill all of us. There had been four more
survivors from my village. A small boy of two years, twin girls of fifteen
and an elderly woman of ninety-two had not been at the celebration, the
girls had dragon pox and had been quarantined in a small hut just
outside the village, the elderly woman was their healer, and they had hid
in a root cellar when they heard the attack."
Lilith's eyes misted over as she recounted her history. "My husband and
three children…did not survive. I found…I found their bodies. I collapsed
and screamed in rage and cursed at everything. We fled to seek refuge
with others of our clan only to find that every location had been attacked
and everyone slaughtered as well. We did find survivors here and there,
but the clan leadership had been wiped out, at least all but one.
"Our lord had survived, though barely. When he recovered he sought
vengeance, but our House had lost all its warriors. In desperation he
decided to purge the dark-side within him, he felt that his power would
increase with just holy magic.
"He learned quickly the error of his beliefs, there is no light without the
darkness to define it. In his haste for vengeance he forgot about that part
of our nature and instead of doubling his power, his magic was stripped
from him. He left our world in shame and never returned.
"Those of us, who were left, felt the loss immediately. Without a Lord to
wear the blood rings of the family our unique abilities fell dormant. In
fear of our lives, the twenty-three of us that were left hid our ancestry
and took up new names and we left our Ancestral homes in Yetholm and
dispersed into parts all around Britain.
"For three days after our Lord departed, I called upon the triple Goddess
Morrigan for vengeance. She being a goddess of war, I pleaded with her
to smite those who had murdered my kinsmen and destroyed our clan.
"To my shock she appeared before me, she cradled me in her arms and
spoke soothingly to me until my pain and rage had diminished. She
promised me that one day those responsible would have justice fall upon
them and that Our House would return to greatness. I plead with the
goddess to allow me to live long enough to see my House restored and
justice delivered.
"I am the last of the original twenty-three that survived the genocide of
our family, my lord. I had begun to lose faith and thought that the
Goddess had forgotten her promise…but two months ago I felt the
stirrings of Eveningshade magic once again. And I knew that the blood
rings had been forged again and that a new lord had risen.
"I prayed to the Goddess in gratitude and asked her to direct you to me…
and here you are my lord! These old bones can die happy now knowing
that our House is reborn." Lilith smiled and shed joyful tears.
"Don't leave just yet my lady." Harry said warmly, holding both of her
hands in his. "There is much I need to learn about our family. And
besides you must stay around to see our enemies destroyed." Harry
grinned.
The ancient witch giggled which stunned the other coven leaders. Never
had they heard their matriarch chuckle much less giggle like a young
girl.
"I will remain as long as you need me, my lord." She replied.
"Lilith, if twenty-three of you survived, are there any descendants of
those survivors?" Harry asked curiously.
Lilith gave a genuine smile. "There are many my lord, though we are
scattered. Some have gone to the continent and others to the Americas,
but there are several families here in Britain. We do all come together
once a year at every Beltane."
"How many in total?" Harry asked excitedly.
"We number a little more than three hundred my lord. Men, women, and
children, all who bare the eyes of our House." She replied without
hesitation.
Harry sat back hard. He was completely dumbfounded with the
information he had just received. That there were over three hundred
Eveningshades was incredible!
"But enough of this talk for now my lord, they are about to light the fires
and we must give thanks to the goddess this night." Lilith told him. She
stood and took his hand and led him and the others outside. She would
give the Goddesses blessings to begin the ceremony and Harry would be
the guest of honor.
oooOOOooo
*WARNING: Graphic content to follow*
The moon had reached its apogee in the night sky, and shown down upon
a secluded and heavily warded clearing. On the ground was a large blood
soaked pentagram with a naked dark haired man lying in the center of it.
His body marked with several arcane runes from head to toe. His head
was placed on the top point of the star and his arms and legs stretched
out on the remaining other four points.
Surrounding him, were thirteen men equally spaced around the
pentagram. All dressed in black robes and silver masks except for the old
man at the head of the star, who wore a dark green cloak with Norse
patterned designs woven throughout it.
Above each point of the pentagram, suspended in midair by magic were
five female nude bodies, virgins, whose throats had been cut to allow
their life's blood to fall on each point of the star, blood which would be
the catalyst for the dark ritual.
The enchanter from Norway began his recitation as soon as the moon had
reached its zenith, the blood soaked pentagram lit suddenly with unholy
black and red flames. Pillars of fire at each point of the star shot up and
began to consume the suspended bodies.
Skin, muscle, sinew, and tissue sloughed off the burning bodies, falling
with a wet thud into the ritualistic circle before being fully consumed by
the flames. The chanting became more intense and the runes on the Dark
Lord's bodies began to glow blood red.
The Death Eaters who were assembled jumped with a start as a scream of
pure agony spewed forth from Voldemort's throat. The hellish flames
enveloped the Dark Lords entire body. His followers watched in
fascinated horror as their lords body jerked and flailed on the ground in
seeming torture.
The enchanter began to slow and the flames began to dim in the ritual
pentagram. The smell of burnt flesh saturated the air around them. Those
assembled began to see movement through the dense smoked that hid the
body of their lord.
When the smoke cleared there were startled gasp of shock and of disgust
as a cheap imitation of a human stepped forth. Gone was the handsome
and aristocratic looks of Lord Voldemort aka Tom Riddle. What stood
before them was some kind of abomination. With rough reddish skin that
looked like lava-rock, his eyes were black as coal, his once thick, jet black
hair was now white and wispy.
He appeared to be taller now, and more muscular. The purposes of the
ritual, had been to make him physically stronger and attune his magic
more toward the darkest arts, and purge the weakness of emotion and
sentiment from him. The physical changes however had not been
expected.
And seen the look of revulsion in his follower's eyes her conjured a
mirror to gaze upon his appearance. With one brief look into the mirror,
it shattered in the Dark Lords hand.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS LOTHGAR?!" Voldemort roared at
the enchanter they had paid to perform the ritual.
"M-m-my lord, this was an unforeseen side effect. T-there was always a
possibility that you're magic had not completely stabilized after your last
enhancement ritual. T-this instability m-must have reacted poorly to the
ritual, my lord." The man fell to his knees apologizing profusely.
"I cannot be seen in public like this! Is this permanent or will it change?!"
Voldemort demanded kicking over the old man.
"M-my lord, all rituals are permanent and all ritual magic demands a
price. I-I'm afraid that it is permanent, my Lord." He whimpered.
Voldemort looked at him in rage and fury, and then almost hissingly
stated. "And so is this. AVADA KEDAVRA!"
oooOOOooo
Amelia's team was getting worried, Shacklebolt and Team Charlie had
not exited the building yet and Team Bravo had signaled her that only
five minutes were left before their splicing ward would fail and the
training facility's wards would be fully active again.
She was about ready to send her own team in when she noticed Shack
and his team exiting out of the building and began running the three
hundred yards between them and the edge of the wards. Amelia gripped
her broom tightly as she watched the four person team sprint.
They were a mere twenty yards away when Auror Moon suddenly cried
out and fell to the ground. Shacklebolt stopped and ordered the other two
to keep going. He ran to Moon who was grasping her left ankle.
"Shack, I fuckin twisted my ankle steppin into a bloody gopher hole!"
Moon told her team leader as she was helped to her feet by the large
auror.
"Come on, we need to hurry! I'm not sure how long we have. Don't get all
pissed at me, but I think we'll move faster if I just throw you over my
shoulder." Shack told his partner.
"Fine! But I don't wanna hear any crap from the others about this!" She
huffed. Shacklebolt gave her an amused grin before hoisting her over his
shoulder and giving her arse a quick slap, before sprinting to the wards
edge, chuckling all the way at the indignant blustering of the attractive
blonde auror.
Amelia was just about to sigh in relief as Shacklebolt, with his human
cargo in tow approached the edge of the wards. But that relief suddenly
vanished as the wards tripped before he was able to cross.
A dozen pops were suddenly heard as Death Eaters appeared just feet
behind Shack and Moon."Fuck! Nothing for it now. TEAM ALPHA
ENGAGE!" Came Amelia's roared command.
Shack had immediately gone to ground with Moon at hearing the pops of
apparition. Both Aurors had their wands out and were already picking
targets. Shack heard Amelia's shout and knew that that the four broom
riding Aurors from Team Alpha were about to unleash hell on the Death
Eaters.
"BOMBARDA!" Four simultaneous shouts incanted. Two of the spells hit
both flanks of the Death Eaters who had formed a weak skirmish line,
sending dirt and gravel and a couple of black robed bodies flying into
the air.
The other two spells hit just forward of the center of the line, sending
shrapnel like debris flying into the center rank. Five Death Eaters were
blinded by the incoming dirt and rock filled wall of pain. The loud and
effective curses were enough to startle and confuse the gathered Death
Eaters.
"There!" Shack pointed to a Death Eater with a silver mask, who was
barking orders at the others.
"That must be one of their trainers. Focus on stunning him Moon! We
need to take him back with us if we can." Auror Celeste Moon nodded
and took careful aim at the silver masked Death Eater. She grinned
maliciously as her first attempt to stun the man was successful, hitting
the man squarely in the middle of his back.
Shacklebolt summoned the downed man and quickly bound him with
magical ropes, seeing their instructor felled by a curse and taken hostage,
the remaining conscious Death Eaters quickly apparated away, leaving
five of their brethren behind.
"Bloody cowards!" Moon spat at seeing the terrorist flee.
"No honor amongst thieves…as it were." Shacklebolt chuckled.
Amelia and her team landed and were collecting the remaining downed
Death Eaters, and removed any objects or wands on them. Once they had
them together they placed a portkey on each that would deposit them in
a Ministry holding cell.
"You alright Moon?" Amelia asked, helping the other witch to her feet.
"Yeah, just bloody pissed at myself! A gods' damned gopher hole took me
down of all things!" She swore.
"Right, well with that ankle twisted, you better let me side along
apparate you back to headquarters." Shacklebolt told Moon.
"Liked the feel of my body that much, huh Shack?" Moon smirked
playfully. "Can't wait to get your hands on me again?"
Shacklebolt blinked owlishly at Moon's teasing. "What… no…I mean I
was just offering to…"
Amelia and Celeste began to laugh uproariously at Shacklebolt's
stutterings. He growled at the pair of them. "Witches!" Shacklebolt shook
his head.
"Oh come on you big lug, give a girl a hand." Celeste chuckled as she
wrapped her arm around Shacklebolt's neck, preparing herself for side-
along apparition. "But I do expect a dinner out of this." She said playfully.
Amelia shook her head amusedly at the pair of them. Shacklebolt and
Moon had been partners now for three years and the two teased each
other mercilessly with subtle flirtations and innuendo. Those thoughts
caused her to look over to her own boy toy.
She watched as her boyfriend, and she hoped soon to be fiancé, was
sending the last of the captured Death Eaters back to the ministry. The
redheaded Scotsman was as passionate as his hair would suggest. Being a
redhead herself just magnified the fiery passion the two aurors had for
each other.
But those thoughts were best left for after the mission was complete and
they were off duty, hopefully for a little R and R at her place tonight! She
mused. Because nothing got the lustful juices flowing like a little evening
combat.
oooOOOooo
Harry was actually a little surprised by the number of people that were
here at the Samhain celebration. From the way that Bella had talked
those that followed the 'Old Ways' were but a few families. But there
were nearly three hundred people here.
Harry was intrigued by the blessing that Lilith had given and how she
paid homage to the Goddess, and all things natural. The two large
bonfires were then lit and roared into life. As the flames grew taller and a
smoky mist surrounded the bonfires, people began shedding their
clothing and began to dance, laugh, and make merry as they danced
through the smoke.
Harry's hand was grabbed by a passing young witch and dragged in
between the two fires where the smoke seemed to be the thickest. He
laughed and began to run, skip, and jump as the scent of sage, juniper,
and other scents he did not recognize assaulted his olfactory senses.
Harry had made about three turns around the bonfires in a figure eight
pattern when he realized that at some point he had lost all his clothing.
His wasn't sure when he lost them or even how, but nevertheless he was
as naked as the day he was born.
As he puzzled on this while he stood between the two fires. He felt a pair
of eyes on him. He looked up to see the old crone that he had seen earlier
in the tent of the Coven leadership. She looked at him appraisingly as she
approached slowly.
Harry's head was fuzzy and he felt slightly unsteady on his feet. He tried
to keep his focus on what was going on around him and in front of him
but he found it more and more difficult to do so. He saw other bodies
jumping and skipping by him, but they seemed to move in slow motion.
He started as he saw glowing greens eyes occasionally glance at him as
they passed.
His attention was brought back to the woman who was now just arm's
length away from him. She looked at him curiously, searchingly, Harry
felt like he was being studied by the ancient looking woman.
"Why are you here traveler?" She asked with a raspy voice, tilting her
head at him inquisitively.
"Umm…What?" He mumbled.
"She asked why you are her young traveler." Harry jumped as the ancient
looking woman suddenly turned into a stunning voluptuous looking
woman who could put Aphrodite to shame.
"Traveler?" He asked, and then jumped again as the stunning woman
turned into a ten year old child.
"You, silly." The young girl giggled. "Why have you come to this time?"
She asked brightly.
Harry shook his head in an attempt to make sense of what he was seeing
and hearing. "Well…I…you see I'm not from…"
Suddenly the old woman stood in front of him again and placed her hand
on his bare chest. "A child of prophecy I see. A destiny this one has."
The old woman was gone again and the younger appeared stepping
closer to him, pressing her full breast against his chest and staring deep
into his eyes. "He is of the fallen." She said breathily, stirring Harry's
nether regions. "But, he has not reached his potential." She said stepping
back.
"But he will." The little girl appeared, taking Harry's hands in hers. "He
will one day be very powerful, like his ancestors before him." The little
girl smiled at him.
"Yes, he will." The Crone replaced the young girl. "But what will he do
with this power? That is yet to be known. Will he serve the dark or the
light?"
"Neither." The little girl reappeared. "He will remain true to his heritage."
She nodded with a smile.
"Youthful optimism." The beauty returned, expressing her skepticism. "His
choice has not been made firm yet."
"He has an old soul." The Crone once again manifested herself. "I believe
he will walk in the shadow."
The ancient woman stepped back from Harry. "So do we offer him our
blessing?" Suddenly the woman split as the young woman stepped out of
the right-side of the Crone and the young girl stepped out of the left.
Harry staggered backwards at the sight of the three females suddenly
staring back at him. He had to fight the sheer panic that began to build in
his chest.
"I like him." The little girl stated with a smile at Harry. "I vote for giving
him our blessing."
The ancient looking woman stepped forward again and placed her hands
on Harry's chest. "I sense the light in him…however, I also sense the
dark. It is weaker than the light side, but it is gaining in strength. Long
has his ancestors held favor with us, they have kept the old ways. This
one has not yet bonded with us, but I sense that he will. If he is willing to
do so, then I say we give him our blessing."
The crone stepped back and the younger woman with her flaming long
red hair stepped forward, stopping mere inches away from pressing
herself against him.
"What say you traveler, Harry, Lord of House Eveningshade. Will you
bond yourself to us as all your predecessors have done heretofore? Will
you receive our blessing?"
Harry's mind reeled at was happening and what was being offered. Aunt
Cassiopeia had told him about the blessings of the Morrigan, she being a
priestess of the coven. The implications for what it could do to him for
good or bad were significant. He never truly thought he would actually
see the goddess, much less interact with her. And it seemed almost
surreal.
But as addled as his mind was, he knew that if he were successful in
staying in their good graces, they would be a tremendous asset to him
and his family, but also knew that he could pay a terrible price for any
kind of insult or perceived transgression against them. He looked up at
the three expectant sides of the Morrigan and sighed heavily.
Harry looked at each representation and then lowered his head in
deference. "My ladies I am humbled by your offer and of my own free
will…accept your proposition."
"Then…"
"let…"
"us bond."
The three aspects of the goddess merged back into one leaving one single
entity. The voluptuous goddess approached him and slowly wrapped her
arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Harry did not know
that he had become erect until warm flesh surrounded his manhood.
He felt like he was in a dream and suddenly found himself on his back
with the redheaded beauty astride his hips. It was like nothing he had
ever felt as she worked her magic over him. Too soon he felt a familiar
feeling in his groin and then felt her surprisingly strong muscle
contractions around him.
The goddess as she neared her climax placed both hand on Harry's
pectoral muscles. They came together and as she screamed and his chest
suddenly burned like white hot fire beneath her hands, leaving the mark
of the Triple swirls on each chest. The mark of the Morrigan.
A/N: So what did you think? Before I get a ton of remarks about this, I
will let you know that I purposely left the Blessings of the Morrigan
cryptic, and will be explained in later chapters. I also know that the
Morrigan has many incarnations, and I used the little girl in this story
as the rebirth aspect of the goddess and the mischievous side. Would
love to get some feedback from all of you!
29. Chapter 29
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Awesome reviews from everyone. I know some of you are upset
with Harry's actions with the Morrigan, but so much of the religious
culture from the Celtic deity's to the Greek and Roman gods were
heavily influenced by sexual rites and ceremonies, as well as blood
rituals. So I felt that Harry receiving the help and blessing of a goddess,
especially the Morrigan should have a sexual sacrifice of some sort.
Anyway I hope that explains the why, but that doesn't mean Bella took
it well. (smiles evilly) Also a few comments were raised about the
flirting of the aurors while in a dangerous situation. Those of you who
have been in the military, Law enforcement, or other equally stressful
professions can back me up in this. We all deal with stressful situations
in different ways and humor and flirting to break the tension is very
common, especially with those you work or serve with closely.
I fall into this group that has a dangerous profession, and can attest
with authority that this kind of behavior is not uncommon at all.
Anyway, enough on that soapbox.
So without further ado, here is the next chapter of Passageways, I hope
you enjoy!
Chapter 29
Bleary green eyes slowly opened, their owner confused to find himself in
a bed, and struggling to remember just how he got there, and why in the
hell he hurt all over. He strained a bit to push himself up against the
pillows. While doing so he noticed the two new tattoos on his chest. They
were two identical marks, both with the triple swirls of the Morrigan.
Harry fell heavy against the head board as cloudy memories of Samhain
became more and more vivid. Did he really dance naked around the
bonfire? He remembered several pair of glowing green eyes staring at
him, and a woman…an old woman…no, it was a woman in her twenties
or thirties…no, it was a small girl, maybe four or five years younger than
he was.
He rubbed his eyes in frustration trying to recall all the details of the
evening. He sat there staring blankly into the darkness of the bedroom he
was in. He realized that this was his room in the Room of Requirement.
He was back at Hogwarts he surmised.
Looking down at the tattoos again, he remembered a pair of feminine
hands pressing down on his chest exactly where the marks were now.
Those feminine hands he began to recall belonged to a very beautiful red
haired woman…a very naked red haired woman!
"Holy shite!" Harry swore. It was a very beautiful, naked, red haired
goddess, who had sex with him! He began to panic at the implication of
his actions and how his very powerful and very vindictive wife would
take this revelation. One word forced its way to the front of his thoughts
and that word was "badly!"
Harry Potter jumped at the sudden light illuminating the room spilling in
from the opening of the bedroom door. A tall imposing woman entered
into his line of sight, and his body was tensed up and ready to flee for his
life.
"Thank the Goddess that you've awakened!" The familiar voice stated
with relief.
"Grandmother?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Yes dear. Thank the stars we hoped that you were not permanently…
well, I'm just happy you've awakened." A small sigh of relief escaped her
lips as she sat on the bed next to him and began to look him over.
"What are you going on about?" Harry asked.
"You don't remember?" Dorea Potter asked with concern. She grabbed his
face and began to inspect his head for injuries.
"Grand moth…Grand Mother! Stop…stop!" Harry growled pulling her
wandering hands off of his head. "What happened?"
Dorea sat up straight and let her hands fall into her lap and looked into
his eyes. "What is the last thing you remember dear?" She asked.
Harry told her what he remembered of Samhain and meeting Lilith and
being told about other living Eveningshades, he told her of the bonfires
and the dancing and the disappearance of his clothes, and then
embarrassedly, related his talk and liaison with the Goddess Morrigan
and the resulting tattoos on his chest.
Harry thought just for a second that his Grandmother's mouth twitched a
quick smile or perhaps a smirk, but it happened too fast to be sure of
either. Harry watched his grandmother a moment waiting for her to
chastise him for his irresponsible behavior or shake her head in
disappointment, but neither seemed to be occurring. If any emotion was
showing it was one of humor.
"That's all you remember? You don't remember Aunt Cassie bringing you
back to Black Hills, and then flooing back to Hogwarts?" She asked.
Harry tilted his head to the side inquisitively. "I did all that?" He asked
almost skeptically.
"Indeed you did, I was here waiting for your return with Bella." She softly
chuckled. "I must admit that her speed in casting has nearly tripled since
the last time I saw her cast, and caught me quite off guard."
"Huh?" Harry asked.
Dorea tried to stifle another chuckle but failed in the attempt. "Oh my
yes, Harry. You told us all about your night and then you got this very
remorseful if not pleading look on your face when you explained what
happened with you and the Goddess to Bellatrix."
"Oh no!" Harry dropped his shaking head into his hands.
"Oh yes!" Dorea smiled. "It was very brave of you to confess your little…
indiscretion. But, we Black women have a jealous streak a mile wide, and
though we appear to be in control of our emotions at all times, we are
much like the calm mountain which hides the terrible volcano just
beneath the surface."
"Soo…I assume that Bella did not take it very well." Harry asked rubbing
the back of his head nervously.
Dorea did nothing to subdue the laughter that escaped her lips this time.
"I swear I've never seen that many spells cast, in what was only a few
seconds. Fortunately for you that none of the spells were lethal or caused
at least we hoped no permanent damage.
"I was able to heal pretty much everything, though the testicle
enlargement jinx did take several hours to run its course before they
returned to normal size." Harry gulped and covered his genitals
protectively with his hands.
"I really screwed up, didn't I?" Harry asked his grandmother pitifully.
"Well, she was pretty angry with you and refused to be in the same room
with you for the first couple of days, by the third day of you still be
unconscious she began to worry that she had truly hurt you and she
refused to leave your side and cried herself to sleep each night holding
you in her arms.
"Aunt Cassie had come over that next day and explained to her what had
happened, and explained that terrible things happen to those who refuse
the Goddess once she makes an offer. She completely vanquished any
remaining anger she felt, and now felt horrible for how she responded to
your confession."
"Wait Aunt Cassie was here?! And exactly how long have I been out?"
Harry asked in shock.
"Relax dear, Cassie did not know where she was, as far as she knew she
was at the Leaky Cauldron, and you have been unconscious for…ten
days." Dorea told him sympathetically.
"TEN DAYS!" Harry roared. "How…what…how…"
"Shh Harry, you were hit by so many spells, and frankly even Bella
doesn't know everything she cast at you. But what I was able to figure
out was that one or more spells reacted poorly with each other and
destabilized your core. It put you into a magical coma of sorts, but
remarkably I noticed that your magic was beginning to heal itself and
reverse the process, however slowly." Dorea told him.
"So Bella nearly killed me?!" Harry shouted.
"Harry…Harry dear, please calm down." She grabbed his face with both
of her hands forcing him to look at her. "Believe me, Bella feels terrible,
she hasn't slept in days. She has refused to leave your side for the last
seven days. In fact I pulled her out of the room only about an hour ago
and refused to let her back in until she ate something."
"Bella's not eating?" Harry asked softly calming down almost instantly.
Dorea shook her head slowly. "She has been refusing meals for almost a
week now. I finally had had enough and forced her to eat, I told her she
ate on her own power or I would stun her and force food down her
throat."
Dorea and Harry's attention was redirected to the door that was being
pushed slowly open. Silhouetted by the light from the next room, a very
thin and hollow looking Bellatrix Black stood looking into the room.
Their eyes immediately found the other's and Harry saw the sadness and
regret in her dim green eyes, a reflection of his own regretful and
apologetic eyes.
Harry had barley time to see a single tear fall down her right cheek
before Bella became a blur of motion and within half a heartbeat had
launched herself on top of her husband. Wet tearful kisses rained down
on Harry's face and neck, Harry threw his arms around her and tried to
hold her tightly to him while whispering his heartfelt apologies to his
wife.
Andromeda quietly stood and smiled warmly at the young couple and
then quickly made her way out of the room and closed the door behind
her. The two teens needed their privacy at the moment; she imagined
that this whole incident would bring the two lovers even closer together.
They would undoubtedly come to realize how much they loved each
other and reaffirm their commitment to one another. Either that or they
would kill each other. But she was pretty confident in the former.
oooOOOooo
It was nearly two hours later that Harry and Bella emerged from their
bedroom; both had swollen lips and flushed faces from whatever activity
they had been up to. Dorea's eyes twinkled knowingly at the pair as they
came into the commons area.
Andromeda, Narcissa, and Lily shot to their feet as the married teens
entered. Lily looked like she wanted to run and jump into Harry's arms
but she held herself back, but definite tears of joy began to fall from her
eyes at the dark haired boy that she had begun to think of as family.
Dorea and the girls were not the only ones that were present though.
Harry looked around in surprise as he noticed his grandfather Charlus,
Alastor Moody, and Arcturus Black seated at a table with stacks of
parchment spread over the top of it.
"Good to see you up and about Harry!" Charlus intoned amiably. "You
had us worried there for a time."
"Well, it never is wise to upset a daughter of House Black." Arcturus
smirked with pride at the powerful abilities of his niece.
"Yes, be that as it may." Dorea began glaring at her brother. "There is
much to discuss. Much has happened since your…unfortunate incident
with your lovely wife." Dorea chuckled, lightening the mood after seeing
Bella wince at her uncle's remark.
"What's happened?" Harry asked worriedly.
"A shite storm boy…uh…my lord." Moody stated gruffly turning around.
Harry had to suppress a laugh. Moody was anything but politically
correct in his character, which made him in Harry's mind one of the most
honest people he knew outside of his family.
"I really think we should have postponed this meeting till Harry was
more himself." Dorea protested. "Perhaps in a day or two." She offered.
Arcturus shook his head. "No we need to move on this quickly, if we're to
avoid the coming chaos."
"I'm confused." Harry stated, approaching the table with Bella in tow.
"What's happened?"
"Dumbledore and that shite for brains Lord Pucey is what has happened!"
Moody growled.
Charlus saw the confusion in Harry's eyes and continued for Moody who
had taken a long swig of a hip flask. "On Samhain a special group of
aurors were sent on a reconnaissance mission of a suspected training
facility. This facility was suspected of training new recruits to be the
Purist Party's foot soldiers, Death Eaters as they call themselves.
"They discovered that not only was it a training facility, but they were
using live hostages to practice their spells and curses on. Mostly muggles
they believe. They also recovered documents listing two other training
facilities." Charlus explained rubbing his forehead wearily.
"But that wasn't all we discovered, we recovered intel that suggests that a
big operation is in the works. It didn't give specifics on where or when,
but it would be during a time that would cause the most fatalities."
Moody cut in wiping a bit of amber liquid off his lips."
"We are thinking that an attack could happen at Hogsmeade Station, the
platform in London, or even Diagon Alley again during the shopping
period for back to school supplies for next year. Really we have no idea;
we are only making educated guesses here."
"So what does the ministry plan to do?" Harry asked looking in turn at all
the adults in the room.
"The Ministry? Nothing that is what they're going to do, dimwitted
bastards!" Moody spat.
"Why? Didn't you show them the documents…the…evidence?" Harry
asked stunned.
"Better than that, we captured some of the Death Eaters at the facility."
Moody explained.
"So what happened next? What did the Ministry say to that?" Harry
asked.
"Lord Pucey happened! His sprog was one of the Death Eaters we picked
up at the facility. To make a long story short, he claimed that the facility
his son was at was an elite dueling academy! Claimed that we had no
warrant to enter the facility and then went on to say and I quote: 'Our
Auror Department is running amuck! Chasing shadows and harassing the law
abiding citizens with ranting's of dark wizards and conspiracy theories of
overthrowing the government!
"This body of law can no longer afford to allow this kind of unchecked
paranoia to exist! I demand an investigation into the recent actions of the
DMLE and move for an immediate reorganization of the Auror and Hit
Wizard departments starting with its leadership!'
"Well, the shite really hit the badger with those comments. Director
Crouch went on a rampage, went on and on about how the Ministry had
become weak and indolent since the end of the Great War and we needed
to expand the power and authority of the DMLE to deal with the growing
threat of these Death Eaters.
"Then the shouting really began. Even with all the evidence we provided
including the tattoos of the Dark Mark on every arm of the group we
arrested at the facility and those of the ones taken in Hogsmeade and
Diagon Alley. It was ruled circumstantial and did not prove any wrong
doing on their part. Most everything was thrown out and all of our
records pertaining to the case were ordered to be turned over to a
"Special Review Panel" for evaluation.
"Special Review Panel my arse! Half of those we arrested were from old
pure-blood families. That information will mysteriously disappear faster
than a Snitch before one sentence is read!" Moody growled and then shot
back another swig from his flask.
"Dumbledore sided with Lord Pucey in this matter. He was the one that
suggested this special Review Panel; also he ordered an audit of DMLE
training procedures. He claimed that the DMLE had overstepped its
authority and is acting like a paramilitary organization instead of the
Peace Keepers they were organized to be.
"He also demanded an investigation into all recent actions of the DMLE.
This seemed to encourage Lord Pucey in his ranting's about the DMLE.
Here watch this." Arcturus stated tapping a runic pattern on the Pensive
that was in the middle of the table. A projected memory of the
Wizengamot meeting rose from the silvery liquid and begun to play.
"Once again all this so called evidence is circumstantial, if not a complete
fabrication! Where is the physical evidence? Where are these alleged muggles
you claim were prisoners? You ask us to expand your powers and in the same
breath ask us to condemn these young people on what amounts to hearsay,
and the 'questionable' pensieve memory of a halfblood auror who is not a
native Britain and undoubtedly holds animosity toward the law abiding
purebloods of elite society!"
"My Lords and Ladies, what we have here is obvious to even the lowliest of our
society, the DMLE is stirring up a false hysteria of dark lords and terrorist
armies in a bid to increase its own power and in doing so would reduce us to a
police state usurping the power of the Minister and the Wizengamot!
"Here is the true threat to our government and our way of life! A power
hungry DMLE anxious to use any excuse, including imagined dark lords to
pursue its own ends of subverting our government!" Pucey pontificated.
Shouts rose up throughout the hall as all sides clamored to be heard.
Crouch and his office were on their feet denying such heinous
accusations, but a larger group was calling for his dismissal and the
reorganization of the DMLE, some even suggesting it's dismantle
altogether.
*BANG*BANG*BANG*
"ORDER! I will have order in these proceedings!" Albus Dumbledore thundered
from his chair as Chief Warlock, bringing the gavel down hard three times.
The memory ended and Harry sighed deeply. "So what was the result of
the meeting then." Harry asked almost afraid of the answer.
Moody had a look of fury in his eyes as he spoke. "They have utterly
trashed our training program, cut out everything useful and left us with a
program a fourth year Hogwarts student could pass. They've neutered us,
boy; they've cut our numbers in half and on top of that the use of deadly
spells or curses, even to protect ourselves, has been made illegal and
would be cause for immediate dismissal from the DMLE and possible time
in Azkaban.
Harry grimaced. "Bloody hell. So what do we do now?"
"We do what they feared the DMLE was becoming…we create our own
army and we stop Voldemort." Arcturus said with steel in his voice.
oooOOOooo
Albus was sitting in his office at Hogwarts and was reflecting on the
passage of much needed restrictions on Auror response levels. He had
been listening closely to all the back and forth during the debate and saw
an opportunity to once again push his agenda, but this time he could use
the growing animosity toward the DMLE to gain enough support to make
it happen.
He had seen too much death and destruction over his lifetime, and
though at one time he had shared the same beliefs as his old friend
Gellert, he could no longer allow the shedding of so much magical blood
to happen on his watch. Yes, the muggles were dangerous, extremely so
and there was a risk that muggleborns witches and wizards would bring
their parent's same attitudes to the wizarding world.
The muggle called World War II or the Great War as it was called
amongst the British magical population, truly showed the depravity of
the mundane world. The Blitz had not only been devastating to Britain's
muggle population but had taken a devastating toll on their world as
well.
It was during this time that Dumbledore and his dear friend came to an
ideological impasse, Gellert wanted to bring the muggle world to its
proverbial knees and establish wizarding rule over the world. It was a
grandiose plan and was inevitably doomed to failure. There were just too
many muggles to effectively rule over them. And they had weapons
unlike anything that wizard kind could match.
Albus remembered the day that the Americans dropped hell on Japan,
thousands were killed instantly and thousands more would perish from
the effects of the bombs throughout the years. Wizards could not fight
such powerful weaponry.
Albus turned from actively supporting a wizard ruled world to just
maintaining and strengthening the existing magical population and
keeping it hidden from the rest of the world's insanity. Preserving magic
and the magical gifts of the old families was paramount if their society
was to survive.
Gellert did not take the perceived betrayal by Albus well, and made his
displeasure known. The ensuing fight would place Dumbledore in the
annals of magical history as the wizard who defeated the Dark Wizard
Grindelwald. The truth of the outcome of that fight was obscured by half-
truths that soon became myth and legend, and since no one stepped
forward to challenge Dumbledore's account his status as a hero was
unanimously bestowed by the people.
And yet he knew that muggleborns would continue to be born and that in
order to keep their world secret, they would need to remove them from
their mundane families. He also realized that the muggleborns were
needed, new breeding stock had to be introduced into wizarding Britain
or the old pureblood lines would soon breed themselves out of existence.
The common practice of interbreeding was producing more and more
squibs each generation.
Albus was not a fool, he knew that the Purist Party was becoming more
radicalized by the hour and he knew that unlike like Gellert who wanted
to subjugate the muggles, and the purist wanted their extinction.
Three divergent paths, one wanted to rule them, one wanted to destroy
them, and he wanted to use them. There was no foreseeable outcome
with the other two plans that would not incur the wrath of the muggles.
They were too many and too powerful. Their world would be exposed
and they would be destroyed by the aggressive muggles who feared
anything they did not understand. The witch burnings were evidence of
that.
No, it was for the Greater Good of the magical world to remain hidden
and use the new infusion of muggleborn magical blood to reinvigorate
the growing stagnation of the old families. But he could not and would
not allow for the unnecessary shedding of blood of the old lines. The loss
of the many magical gifts and talents in those lines must be preserved at
any cost.
Tom and his movement must be brought into his way of thinking before
things got any worse; the revelation of the training facility had been
surprising, it reminded him of similar facilities that Gellert had organized
during the Great War.
It was time that he took a more active role in information gathering, he
needed to know what Tom's plans were and for that matter he needed to
know what the DMLE was doing. Like Tom, Barty could be extremely
unpredictable at times, and he needed to know what the DMLE was doing
before they did. It was time to organize his own spy network.
Turning to the large bright red and orange colored phoenix that was
quietly sitting on his perch to the left of him, he asked. "So what should I
call this order of spies my old friend?"
oooOOOooo
A/N: I know, I know, this is shorter than my usual chapter length, but
things in RL have been crazy and I haven't had much time to sit and
write. But I wanted to get something out to you this weekend. Things
should get back to normal here in another couple of weeks and my
updates will become more regular.
S/N: So this is a bit of a filler chapter, but it does give some insight into
Dumbledore and the pre-Voldemort war Ministry and the DMLE. At this
point things will begin to move a bit faster as the lines begin to become
clearer.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter and hope that you would leave your
comments or reviews. Until next time Thanks!
30. Chapter 30
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Well as I expected, the last chapter was not well received by some,
it happens, but I am grateful to those who despite the failings of the
chapter made positive and encouraging comments. My muse went on
holiday over the last couple of weeks and did not warn me and I found
this chapter a bit rough to write, but it does set up nicely the next
chapter.
Again a big thank you to all those who continue to read and review, it is
a learning process for me as I work on my writing skills and imagination
to bring out in print what I have swirling around in my head…as scary
as that can be! : )
Now without further ado here is the latest chapter of Passageways.
Chapter 30
A dark grey cloaked individual made his way unmolested through the
Atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. Passing by the security desk the
desk officer gave a quick nod, not that he recognized the person because
his hood was up, but because he recognized the cloak and the insignia on
the collar. The cloaked individual passed by the central fountain and
without a backwards look tossed a galleon over his shoulder into the
flowing water. A little wish for luck never went amiss.
He entered a lift and pressed the button that would take him to the ninth
floor. The lowest level or so many believed, of the government building.
Arriving at the floor the metal doors parted and he stepped out. He
walked with purpose as he made his way to his destination. The hall was
empty which was not that unusual during this time of year.
It was nearly Yule and many employees were enjoying a Holiday break,
leaving but a skeleton crew to keep essential services going such as the
Floo Network, and the DMLE offices. This was the best time to be here if
one wanted to go unnoticed. He came to the end of the corridor and
rested his hand on a brass doorknob in the center of a large ebony door.
He turned the knob and strode forward in to a dimly lit room with
several other doors that surrounded the circular room.
The door behind him closed silently and then the doosr along the wall
began to spin. He ignored the spinning doors and made his way to the
center of the room. Drawing a small silver dagger from a pocket in his
robe and then piercing the tip of his right index finger. Blood quickly
came to the surface and pooled into a bubble on the very tip.
He sank to one knee and then with the bloody finger began to trace an
intricate rune on the floor at the very center of the room. Once he
finished he stood and took three steps back. The rune began to glow a
blood red and then disappeared. A second later a golden rectangular
glow appeared on the floor, and then the rectangle began to rise pulling a
door seemingly from out of the floor.
Once the door had reached seven feet in height it stopped. The cloaked
individual then took the bleeding finger and traced a small circle on the
door, which resulted in a gold doorknob appearing. He placed his hand
on the doorknob at then pushed open the door and then stepped through.
The door way, lead to what would be considered an ordinary looking
room, nothing in the room screamed SECRET or MYSTERY, or
FORBIDDEN knowledge, but that was exactly what the room contained.
Forgotten tomes and scrolls of spells, curses and old pagan rituals that
had been lost to time, at least that's what the Ministry hoped. There were
also other things here that were best kept secret and out of the hands of
the common witch or wizard.
It was one of these other things that had brought the Unspeakable here
today, a knowledge that would be explosive in nature if it were brought
to light, and information that could destroy the beliefs of many in the
wizarding world. Knowledge so frightening to the Traditionalist, that it
was immediately sealed and hidden away here in the Room of Forbidden
Things.
The design of the room, however, wasn't anything that one would
consider exciting or earth shattering. If anything it looked like a modest
library, the kind that you might find in any stately manor. There were
bookshelves that covered three of the four walls, one single but large
desk was found in the center of the room, and a few bell jars scattered
about that contained only Merlin knew what.
The man moved to the bookshelves immediately to his left. His finger
browsed over the spines of several books looking for a particular title. It
took him but a minute or two before he found what he was looking for.
Smiling to himself he read the title, Pedigree.He drew his finger down the
length of the spine, from top to bottom and then stated clearly: Open!
He stood back and watched the bookshelf recess back about a foot before
sliding sideways into the wall. Beyond the bookshelf was a small room
with a large granite pedestal and seated upright on the pedestal was a
large leather bound was two feet in height and four feet long and nearly
twelve inches thick.
It was a large ledger; to be precise it was THE LEDGER. The ledger that
contained all the extinct bloodlines that weren't so extinct after all. A
tome which would disprovethe pureblood dogma about 'mudbloods', and
which could send the magical world into political chaos. It was proof that
muggleborns did not "steal" their magic or that they were an anomaly of
nature, but in fact came from existing magical lines.
Pollux Black lowered his cowl, and walked slowly toward the book, while
at the same time chanting and waving his wand in complicated patterns
dispelling the many wards that surrounded the Forbidden tome. It took
nearly ten minutes of constant casting before he was able to physically
touch the ledger. Though he could touch it, he could not remove the
book without tripping wards that would alert the head of the
Unspeakable Department.
Nearly seventy familiesthought extinct were represented in the ledger
that was compiled in the nineteen-thirties. An epidemic of Dragon Pox
was used to conceal an Unspeakable project to solve the Muggleborn
question of where their magic came from. Free vaccinations were offered
to the muggleborn population and surreptitiously their blood was
collected for study.
Never would they have believed what would come of this research, every
single muggleborn that was tested was shown to have been descendant
from a lost magical line, or descendant from a current existing line. It
was determined that all muggleborns were descendant of a squib, whose
magic lay dormant and then suddenly reemerged in one of their
descendants.
The social as well as political ramifications of this research would be
frightening to the pureblood ruling class. There were actually
muggleborn witches and wizards who could claim Head of House status
of some notable houses because they were direct descendants of former
Lords, displacing some current lords in the Wizengamot. Inheritance of
titles within the magical community always went through the eldest son
and in a few families could be the eldest child no matter the gender.
He would start with those that were amongst the original fifty founding
families. There were only twenty founding families still alive, at least that
was what was thought until the lineage check of muggleborns occurred in
1932. Twenty-four of the remaining thirty families were found during the
muggleborn lineage research, six Founding names were still missing, the
families of Melville, Sinclair, Granger, Columba, Dàsachtach, and Mac
Echdach.
Three hours later he had his list in hand, and would now begin the
process of trying to track down the families in secret. He would not
approach them just yet, he merely wished to learn if they were all still in
the country. Once he learned the disposition of each family, he, his
brother Arcturus, and Charlus would begin to approach the families and
begin to lay the groundwork for the greatest potential coup that any
magical government had ever faced.
oooOOOooo
Seven weeks had passed since Samhain and the Yule holiday was soon to
begin for the residents of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The weeks prior had been busy for Harry and his new family. He had
officially organized the Marauders but unlike the original quartet from
Harry's timeline, this incarnation of the infamous band of mischief
makers did not include the boy that had betrayed his parents.
Pettigrew had shown his true colors earlier in this timeline, as he was
seen more and more often in the company of the Lestranges and Carrows,
and had become the mouthpiece in Gryffindor Tower for the junior Death
Eaters trying to sway other purebloods to the Purist's view of the
muggleborn infestation.
This incarnation of the Marauders included not only the original other
three members but also now included Lily, Narcissa, and Andromeda.
Harry and Bella directed the group from the outside giving them ideas
and targets. Where the Marauders of old would prank just for the sake of
pranking, now, they had a specific agenda, a moral imperative to combat
the influence of the Purists and junior Death Eaters.
Sirius and James were masters of execution and subtlety, but
surprisingly, it was Lily and Narcissa who were the most inventive of the
group, creating cruel yet masterful schemes of mayhem and chaos,so
much so that Lestrange and the junior D.E.'s took to traveling in groups
of three or more when not in their Common's room.
Lestrange and his group had not been quiet either, hexing and cursing
any 'mudblood' they could isolate and promoting their own bigoted views
amongst the right kind of families,but reprisals from the Marauders were
usually swift and caused no small amount of trepidation for Lestrange's
lackeys. The attacks seem to happen without warning and in public
places where the whole student body could see the humiliating effects.
The identity of these Marauders was unknown to the rest of the faculty
and student body and was becoming a sore point with Dumbledore. His
usual network of spies, (i.e. the portraits, ghosts, and House Elves) were
claiming they had no clue as to who was responsible. He was flummoxed
at this seeming lack of cooperation from the castle. As the Headmaster of
the school, he held control of all the wards and magics within the ancient
edifice, but of late his requests and orders seemed to go unheeded.
Dobby, who had received instructions from Harry to spy on the young
Death Eaters during their meeting in the Forbidden Forest on Samhain,
had given Harry a list of all those who attended and a list of those the
young D.E.'s would be trying to recruit. It was a bit surprising how many
non-Slytherin's had been on the list, including Gryffindor Peter Pettigrew.
Andromeda and the younger Marauders were given the assignment of
recruiting students amiable to their cause and to also attempt to recruit
those who were on the fence about which faction to join. By the middle
of December there were distinct battle lines drawn between those of the
bigoted Purist movement and those of the Equality movement.
The family, as Harry now called the Potter-Black coalition had not been
resting on their laurels either. Arcturus and Charlus used their
considerable combined political power, to disrupt the Purist agenda
within the Wizengamot foiling as much as possible any legislation that
was perceived as exclusionary or down right bigoted.
Unfortunately, they were not successful in stopping every piece of
legislation, such as the Werewolf registration act, or the Muggleborn
business tax, a twenty-five percent flat tax on all muggleborn owned
businesses, and also the prejudiced Muggleborn Exclusionary Law, which
prohibited all muggleborn from holding office or directorships within the
Wizengamot and Ministry respectively.
Dorea had continued to find out more about the Brotherhood of the Fox,
she had discovered that the origins of the group coincided with the
disappearance of the Eveningshade Clan. Harry had given her a list of the
Thirteen, provide him by Lilith who had spent a life time uncovering the
names, these were the thirteen families who took over the Eveningshade
Wizengamot seats when they had been wipeout.
She had been stunned at the list which included not only dark leaning
families but some prominent light leaning families as well. The Black spy
network was working overtime to discover the links between the Thirteen
and the Brotherhood, hoping to trace back to a single source. Someone
still had to be directing the Brotherhood and she wanted to know who.
Not only for Harry, but for her friend who was tortured and killed by this
mercenary group.
Lilith and Aunt Cassie since Harry's awakening, had been meeting with
the young lord daily, and along with his education from the Hogwarts
ghosts had been instructing him in the ancient ways and in Eveningshade
magic. Harry had taken to learning both with an eager and ravenous
appetite. He relished the family history he was able to glean from the last
living Eveningshade before the genocide, and at the same time developed
a deep seeded yearning for revenge on those who perpetrated the heinous
crime.
He was also taken to meet with the heads of three other large covens that
represented a large number of 'Fringe' families. His natural leadership
shown through as he spoke with the various leaders and explained how
the winds of war were soon upon them, and that the neutral and gray
families would not be left alone, they would be forced to support one side
or another. But Harry assured them that a third option was on the table;
an alliance with the House of Eveningshade, an alliance to unite the
neutral, gray, and Fringe factions under one banner.
Before his speech, Lilith had whispered it amongst the matriarchs that
Harry had received the blessings of the Morrigan and bore her marks
upon him. This seemed to cause quite a stir with the priestesses of the
faith and was cemented further when a large crow flew down and
reposed upon Harry's shoulder while he addressed them.
Lilith used the devotion of the matriarchs to their faith in rallying their
support for her lord. Once the matriarchs were convinced of the
Goddesses' chosen one, it was easy to convince those of their respective
covens to consider an alliance with House Eveningshade.
oooOOOooo
The ever astute Dorea Potter knew that once word spread about Harry
throughout the many families of the covens, that the Ministry would soon
have multiple witnesses verifying that House Eveningshade had returned.
It was her hope that with this revelation those families of the
Wizengamot who were in collusion with the Brotherhood would reach
out to the group once again.
Her knowledge of the thirteen families involved with the attacks, gave
her spies targets to watch and to inform her who the families were
meeting with. However, a firmer statement to the Thirteen was about to
happen. The family had agreed upon its first target, a physical
manifestation that the Eveningshades had returned and were out for
blood.
It was planned that two days before Yule, the Wizarding world would
once again tremble in fear at hearing the nameEveningshade,cementing
the rumors as hard fact. An unsuspecting pureblood family was about to
receive unwelcome guests, but they would be only the first of a war of
retribution, and according to the "Old Laws" blood feuds were still
recognized.
In their own arrogance, the elite of the Old Houses of the Wizengamot
had left open an avenue in which House Eveningshade could legally
exact its revenge without fear of judicial reprisal. And Dorea inwardly
smirked at the hubris of those same members who took advantage of the
same law in 1810 against her grandson's family, how symmetrical and
poetic will be their destruction.
oooOOOooo
Kreacher, Dobby, and Winky had been hard at work repairing the old
Eveningshade mansion in Yetholm, and had finally finished their
endeavors. The finished home had twenty bedrooms, two formal and
three informal dining rooms, one Grand Ball room and a smaller more
intimate ball room, a large reception gallery with several portraits of
Eveningshade lords and ladies that span back several generations, a large
hearth dominated the room which had a secure floo.
The grounds consisted of several gardens including a hedged labyrinth
and various fountains and a large pond stocked with trout and salmon.
There was a large paddock, and stables, though there were no horses yet,
but in time there would be. A large orchard dominated the eastern part of
the property, apple and pear trees abounded.
What the elves had not expected was the sudden influx of people
rebuilding the nearby village. Since word had reached the ears of the
Eveningshade descendants that a Lord Eveningshade had returned, they
began to come in large numbers back to the Eveningshade seat of power.
Families of all ages returned and within a months' time the village was
thriving, and growing. Thirty families' had returned thus far.
Lilith had also returned and quickly became the matriarch of the village.
Harry had offered her a place within the Eveningshade mansion, but she
had gently refused stating that the younger generations needed her to
pass on the traditions of their once great clan, and teach them about the
Eveningshade heritage and legacy as well as their innate magic.
The elves had also repaired and Harry had recharged the ward stones,
bringing the ancient defenses back online. Dorea and Charlus also helped
him modernize the ward scheme making them twice as strong as they
once were. Harry was also adamant on giving the village protection as
well, he did not want another attempt to wipeout his family again.
Harry had wanted to surround the village with intent based wards, but
Dorea had informed him that such a large ward scheme was not possible,
and even if it were, it would need an incredible amount of ambient magic
to power it, and the area just did not have that kind of ambient magic. So
in lieu of wards a town patrol was organized and would make rounds
through the small community.
A set number of alert stones were placed along the outer perimeter of the
village, and it was the responsibility of the six man patrol team to tap
these stones with their wands every hour. If a stone was missed a loud
wail would echo through the village. The villagers would then quickly
seek shelter within the mansion's exterior wards. Fifteen minutes later the
defensive wards would initiate and any left outside the ward would need
to seek shelter elsewhere until helped arrived.
It wasn't completely what Harry wanted for his people, but it was the
best they could do at the moment, and though he doubted very much
that a large force would come against his House, he did not want to leave
it to chance either.
oooOOOooo
It was Monday December twentieth and the students of Hogwarts were
making their way down to Hogsmeade Station to take the train ride back
to London. Harry and Bella had met up with Lily and would escort her
back to London. The Evans would meet them on the muggle side of
platform nine and three quarters.
Harry, through Lily, had invited them to Eveningshade Mansion for the
holidays, but they had declined wanting to spend the holidays with their
two daughters. Petunia was attending another bordering school in
Wessex, and with Lily attending Hogwarts in Scotland, they had missed
their daughters tremendously and wanted to spend quality time with the
two girls before they returned to school.
"So, Cissy told me you are hosting a Yule celebration." Lily commented to
Harry and Bella as they boarded the train looking for an empty
compartment.
"We are." Bella replied.
"Aunt Lilith…" As Harry now called the oldest living Eveningshade. "…
Recommended we hold one to allow the village some face time with their
new Lord and Lady." Harry replied, shaking his head and chuckling at the
absurdity of the old custum.
"It's also an opportunity for those of House Eveningshade to proclaim
their loyalty to their lord." Bella explained giving her husband an
exasperated glare.
"Harry, like it or not, you are Lord Eveningshade and now have a
responsibility to your House. They will look to you for guidance and
protection as we reclaim our legacy." Bella told him seriously, squeezing
his hand.
"So does that mean I need to swear my allegiance, or something, since I'm
an Eveningshade?" Lily asked with a raised eyebrow as she entered an
empty compartment somewhere close to the middle of the train.
"I don't think so." Harry began
"Why not?" Lily asked. "If I'm an Eveningshade like the others, shouldn't I
do the same?"
"Well technically…um yes. But you see…uh, you are a descendant from
the main line, and therefore it is not required." Harry stated unsurely
looking to Bella for help with answering this question.
"What Harry is trying to say, Lily, is that you are a member of the
immediate family and so it is not required of you."
Lily looked at the two older teens in front of herinquisitively, and then
saw the two give each other a sudden worried look like they had just said
something they shouldn't have. The intelligent redhead had not missed
the implications of what the two had inadvertently said, peaking her
curiosity to astronomical levels.
"What do you mean…I am immediate family? That would mean I would
have to be a sister or daughter of some sort, wouldn't it?" She asked. She
noticed Harry pale at her questions, which intrigued her further.
"What aren't you telling me Harry?" Lily said, taking his hand and looking
trustingly into the same emerald green eyes as she had; a trait of every
Eveningshade. It was then she notice that not only did they share the
same eye color but the same shape of eyes as well, and the same shape of
ears with the detached lobes.
Harry looked to Bella again, his eyes pleading with her to help him out.
Bella just shrugged and stepped behind Lily placing both her hands on
the younger girl's shoulders and squeezed them affectionately.
"I don't think it is a good idea." Harry replied lamely.
"What isn't a good idea?" Lily replied staring back at him and then over
her shoulder at Bella who looked at Harry sympathetically.
"It's your call my love." Bella quietly spoke, as she pulled Lily down onto
the bench next to her and wrapped her arm around the redhead's
shoulder.
Harry paced back and forth, pushing his nervous hands through his hair
and began to mumble incoherently.
"Is-is it bad?" Lily asked worriedly.
"What? N-no Lily, its…it's just complicated." Harry hurriedly replied.
"I don't understand Harry. Please tell me. How are we related? What is
the family connection between us?" She pleaded with tears welling up in
her eyes. Lily stared at the young lord in front of her with hopeful eyes.
Since she had met the enigmatic young man she had felt an immediate
connection to him, an unquestioning since of belonging and love.
She saw such devotion to her in his eyes, it was only recently though that
she began to wonder why he would look at her that way? What was it
about her that made him so protective, why did his eyes sparkle with
restrained emotion when he looked at her? Why he seemed to go out of
his way to speak with her and train her above and beyond the other
marauders accept for perhaps Jamie.
It was a mystery that drove her to near distraction as of late, and this
latest incident with him telling her that she was immediate family
provided the opportunity to ask her questions, and hopefully to finally
get some answers.
Harry looked at his mother for a moment before exhaling deeply. He
slumped into the seat across from her and mind whirling with pros and
cons, knowing if he revealed the truth there would be quite a few holy sh
ts and most likely a few what the f &ks!
Decision made for better or worse he began to chuckle. "I was always told
you were an incredibly intelligent witch." Bella gave him a slight nod and
an approving smile at what her husband was about to reveal.
"What do you mean you were always told…we only just met a few
months ago?" Lily questioned.
"Not entirely true, we've met before, though for me it was a long, long
time ago, and I really don't remember much but for a few…memories."
Harry smiled sadly at her.
"I'm very confused Harry." Lily huffed crossing her arms under her chest.
"Can't you just say what you mean, you're dancing around…whatever it
is!" She huffed again in a pout.
"I see where you get it now, Harry." Bella chuckled uproariously
clutching her stomach. "That pout is classically yours!"
"Get what?! Not you too Bella! Will one of you just tell me already?!" Her
eyes narrowed at the two teens.
Bella slowly gained control of herself and looked at Harry adoringly. "Tell
her love, I think she can handle it, and if not we can always obliviate
her." Bella said casually but with a wink and a wicked grin.
Lily gawked at Bella and was more than a little concerned that Bella was
only half joking. Why was what Harry hiding so difficult to explain, and
potentially so unbelievable that she would need her memory modified.
Harry cleared his throat witch got her attention. "Lily…damn this is
difficult!" Harry shook his head.
"Lily, I'm not from…here." Harry waved his hand in the air.
"What do you mean, you're not English?" She asked still confused.
Harry laughed nervously a bit before responding. "No, I'm English, I
mean I'm not from…1971."
Lily still looked confused and turned her gaze to Bella for some
clarification. The brunette looked to Harry and he gave her a slight
shrug. Blowing the bangs out of her eyes she glared at her husband
menacingly.
"What my scardey-cat of a husband is trying to say is that he is not from
our time. In fact he comes from about twenty-four years in the future."
She told the skeptical looking first year.
Suddenly Lily burst with a loud and most unladylike belch of laughter.
"Oh, ha haha. I asked a serious question and I would like a serious
answer." She asked after composing herself.
"It's true Lily, I was born July thirty-first, nineteen-eighty in Godric's
Hollow, and…you are my…" Harry gulped thickly as he looked at her
with a few unshed tears in his eyes, he was about to continue but was
suddenly pulled roughly from his seat.
Lily had jumped to her feet and grabbed the front of his robes in a fierce
grip. "IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO TELL ME THAT I'M YOUR MOTHER,
HARRY EVENINGSHADE, I THINK I SHALL HAVE TO KILL YOU!"
Surprised at the sudden turn of events all Harry could do was stare at his
mother and open and close his mouth like a fish out of water.
A gentle hand squeezed Lily's shoulder. "Lily…" Bella began softly. "I
know this is hard to believe, but, Harry…is your son. Please sit down,
Lily and we'll explain everything."
Lily let go of Harry but never let her gaze leave his. She began to shake
her head in denial. "No-no-no, that is not possible, that…time travel is
not real…it can't be true. Why would you say something like this Harry…
Bella?"
Harry removed his wand from the wrist holder on his left arm and
pointed straight up, his arm bent at a ninety degree angle. "I Harry James
Eveningshade do swear on my life and magic that what I'm about to tell
Lily Evans about my birth and life is absolutely true, so mote it be!" A
white light flashed around Harry as magic accepted his oath.
"Now…" Harry began. "…Magic will not allow me to lie about myself
without losing my magic."
Lily looked stunned and allowed Bellatrix to pull her back down on the
bench. Harry then began to cast privacy spells all around the
compartment, with Bella adding a few of her own. They had several
hours before they reached London and it would take every minute of
those hours to explain to Lily who he really was.
oooOOOooo
Lily's eyes were red and puffy from listening to Harry relate his life to
her, the good and the bad. For the last hour she had been in his lap, her
arms around his neck in a vice-like hug that threaten to cut off his air
supply. She had wept and sobbed, and as skeptical as she was at the
beginning of his story she eventually had accepted the truth about their
relationship.
"Why *hiccup!* won't you tell me who your father is?" She asked wiping
her eyes on the sleeve of her jumper. Harry had told her everything
except for who his father did not want to place that burden on her. He
hoped that the relationship between her and his father would naturally
develop over time.
He knew that they did not start dating until late into their sixth year, and
was afraid that he had changed the dynamic between her and James so
much, that anything more could jeopardize the two of them from getting
together at all.
"I just don't think it is a good idea, Lily." They had agreed that their
relationship as mother and son should be kept secret and would continue
to address each other as they had been. They would use each other's
given names when alone or with family, and she would use his title as
Lord Eveningshade when in public.
"I've already told you too much, and I don't want to somehow ruin things
for the two of you." Harry told her.
"That's just…" She began, but then Bella interrupted.
"Suppose he does tell you Lily, then what? Do you march up to the boy
and tell him that in seven years you will be married and then have a son,
who travels back in time to save the world from a megalomaniac? Not
very romantic if you ask me, not to mention it would sound incredibly
creepy and would probably chase the poor boy away." Bellatrix told her.
Lily sighed and laid her head on Harry's shoulder. "I know, besides, I
already have a pretty good idea who it is." She said softly.
"What?!" Both Harry and Bella gasped.
"Oh please, harry as much told me so." She replied with a sigh.
"I did not!" Harry protested.
Lily sat up straight and looked him in the eyes, and repeated some of his
words before their conversation. "…I Harry JAMES Eveningshade vow…"
Bella chuckled. "Most intelligent witch indeed." Harry looked sheepishly
at his mother.
Harry's expression then grew serious. "Lily…mum, I love my dad as much
as I love you, but he is not emotionally or in any other way ready to
know this. I don't think he would handle it very well. Grandmother told
us as much."
"Lady Potter you mean?" Lily asked. Harry nodded.
Lily sighed heavily again. "Frankly I don't see it. Yes, he's cute in a puppy
dog sort of way, but he just so…so…infuriating at times with all the
pranks, he's very immature." She said rolling her eyes and shaking her
head.
"He changes, Lily…for you." Harry told her with a half grin.
"Just think Lily, you can get an early start on him and mold him into the
kind of man he's meant to be. He's already smitten with you." Bella
smiled conspiratorially at her.
"He is?" She asked. Bella gave her a "Duh!" look.
Lily bit her lip shyly, thinking about the raven haired boy and how lately
he had shown a more attentive side of himself toward her.
"Oh okay, I'll not say a word, I promise." She said sweetly, hugging Harry
tightly again before getting out of his lap.
oooOOOooo
The train slowed as it arrived at King's Cross Station and the trio quickly
disembarked and headed for the barrier that would lead them to the
muggle side of the train only took Lily about five minutes before she saw
her parents. She raced to them and jumped into her father's arms, kissing
his cheek and then twisting to give her mother a hug. Her father
chuckling but his little fireball back down on the ground.
"Okay so the freak is here, can we go now!" Lily turned with a hurt look
on her face toward her sister Petunia. Petunia was a year older than she
was, and where Lily had vibrant red hair, Petunia had listless mousy
brown hair pulled back into a severe bun. Another difference was that
her eyes were hazel like her mother's not the emerald green of her father
and sister.
"It's wonderful to see you Petunia." Lily smiled hesitantly but warmly at
her only sibling. Petunia just rolled her eyes and looked away in a show
of disinterest. Lily's shoulders sagged and a frown slid on to her face.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans." Harry greeted as he and Bella neared.
"Hello umm…" Geoff Evans began.
"Harry. Harry is fine." Harry replied warmly giving the man a firm hand
shake, and bowing slightly to his grandmother.
"Daddy, this is Lord Eveningshade." Lily whispered so only he and her
mother could hear.
"A pleasure to meet you my lord." His grandfather replied.
"Please, like I said, it's Harry." Harry smiled.
"Well our daughter is quite taken with you. I understand that we may be
distantly related through my father's line." He remarked amiably.
"Indeed we are, I'd love you to visit me at my home for the New Year,
and show you the family genealogy. It's quite remarkable." Harry
grinned.
"That would be lovely." His grandmother said graciously. A gagging
sound ruined the moment as everyone turned to see Petunia sticking a
finger down her throat and then making a gagging noise.
"Petunia!" She said scandalized at her oldest daughter's behavior. "I'm
terribly sorry Harry…" Harry chuckled waving off her apology.
Harry, before he could say more felt something bump into him, but as he
turned to see who it was he could see no one immediately around him.
For an unknown reason he felt uneasy which was accentuated when he
noticed another man seemed to be pushed by an invisible force.
Harry focused his eyes on seeing if there was any magic being used in the
area. What he saw worried him. As he saw what appeared to be two
figures that were disillusioned, working their way away from the barrier.
Harry then looked around to see if there were any more disillusioned
people milling about. He didn't see any people but he did see several
disillusioned objects the size of a medium to large cauldron. His head
spun around quickly and he had counted six such objects. The objects
appeared to be strategically placed. They were near the barrier to
platform nine and three-quarters placed evenly encompassing a large
rectangular area.
This was bad very bad. Not only was the platform filled with returning
Hogwarts students but it was also the evening commute home for
muggles.
Everyone noticed Harry's sudden pale face and nervousness. Watching his
eyes dart left and right. "Harry what is it?" Bella asked worriedly.
"We need to get out of here now!" Harry suddenly yelled. Harry gasped as
the cauldronbegan to shake violently.
"EVERYBODY DOWN!" Harry yelled pulling Bella and Lily to the ground,
throwing himself on top of them.
The Evans and others who had heard him scream did not have even a
second to speculate what was going on when the entire platform
exploded. Fire and red hot shrapnel tore through the unsuspecting
evening commuters.
From above one could see a cloud of thick black burning smoke shoot up
high into the air, the blast was felt blocks away and burning debris began
to rain down upon cabs and lorry's, shoppers and bystanders alike. The
blaring sounds of sirens began to fill the evening air as medical, police
and fire personnel were dispatched to the scene.
People were screaming and running for what safety they could find,
panic was in full swing as body parts were seen falling from the sky
painting a macabre fresco over the city streets. Emergency personnel
struggled to get through the panicked mobs, desperately trying to get to
the train station in hopes of finding survivors.
Harry's return to consciousness was met by a sharp ringing in his ears,
followed by suffocating smoke and debris. He could see smoke and
flames all around him, his head felt heavy and swayed uncontrollably as
he tried to remember what had happened. He forced his eyes to focus
and immediately regretted doing so, he saw dozens of bodies in various
states of completeness, men, women, and children.
Harry brutally forced down a desire to vomit, knowing that it would do
him no good. Suddenly he felt movement beneath him. He looked down
and saw a head of red hair try and move and another head of black hair
shifting below him as well.
The awful reality then set in, there had been an explosion and they had
been in the middle of it. He remembered forcing Bella and Lily to the
ground and then covering their bodies with his own as he hastily tried to
conjure a shield around them.
Looking at the destruction around him he must have been successful. He
tried to move off the two girls but screamed out in pain as he did so.
Looking over his shoulder he saw his back was nearly completely black
from severe burns and a metal rod of some kind sticking through his left
leg. Apparently the shield didn't stop everything from getting through.
Gritting his teeth he rolled off of his companions.
Bella pushed herself off the ground and into a kneeling position, her eyes
took in her surroundings with complete horror. She quickly searched for
Harry and screamed tearfully as she saw his condition. Harry could see
the terror in his young wife's eyes but the ringing in his ears deafened her
voice to him. She scrambled over to him and began to cast every healing
spell she knew on him.
Lily was numb, her mind couldn't wrap itself around what she was
seeing, twisted metal and debris, and…bodies everywhere, and the smell
of charred flesh and blood. Her constitution wasn't as strong as Harry's
and Bella's and she immediately voided all the contents of her stomach in
front of her.
Lily panicked as she tried to find her parents and sister, seeing a large
form just to the right of her she recognized the blackened wrist watch on
the forms left wrist. She screamed as she scrambled over to him. She
wailed uncontrollably as the body was badly burnt and showed no signs
of life.
Movement below him caught her attention, she could see strands of red
hair "HER MOTHER!" She tried to push the corpse of her beloved father's
body over but he was still very hot to the touch. Digging deep for a
strength she did not know she possessed she was able to move him.
Her mother looked bad, but she seemed to be breathing though it was
labored. Her legs had been badly burned and her hands as well, but it
looked like her father had protected his wife's torso with his own body.
"Mum!" Lily cried shaking her mother's shoulder, but her eyes were
unfocused and unseeing and she seemed not to hear Lily's cries. She
scooted closer to her mother and placed her head in her lap, trying to
give comfort to the woman who gave her birth. It was then that she saw
the third member of her family.
Sightless eyes stared blankly into the nothingness, Petunia was missing
her whole left side; she was gone, just like her father. Lily had lost nearly
her entire family, and was struggling to keep herself together for her
mother.
Bella had stabilized Harry for the most part and was now staring sadly at
her young mother-in-law. This was not supposed to of happened, not
today, in all the history books that she and Harry had read there had not
been a recorded attack on this day. This was unexpected, she realized
that they could no longer rely on Harry's history from his time, and it
was a bitter pill to swallow.
Bella wiped muddy tears from her cheek angrily and cried out. "DOBBY!"
Suddenly a small elf popped into existence next to his mistress. His tennis
ball sized eyes if possible got even bigger as he took in his surroundings
and then his injured master. Before he could start on what would be
harrowing wails of grief, Bella grabbed him by the front of his toga.
"Dobby, take Harry home to the mansion, get him to the master bedroom.
Then return here with Kreacher and Winky and help the rest of us get
home." She stated emphatically to the small creature. He nodded quickly
and moved over to his master.
He placed some sort of stasis spell over him and immobilized him so he
would not injure him in transport. Then he placed his hand on his master
shoulder and with a small pop vanished. Bella crawled over to Lily trying
to keep her head below the smoke that was still blanketing the platform.
"They're dead Bella." Lily said caressing her mother's hair
absentmindedly. "Papa and Tuney are dead."Bella grimaced and hugged
the petite witch to her chest.
Bella could see the ragged rise and fall of Lily's mother's chest and cast a
quick diagnostic spell over her. She had sever third degree burns over her
legs, feet and hands, she had some minor internal bleeding, but was in
shock. They needed to get her medical attention and fast.
"Lily we need to get your mum back to the mansion, where we can treat
her." Bella said as the three elves appeared.
Lily shook her head numbly. "I can't leave dad and Tuney." Bella looked
at Lily and could see that she was going into shock as well.
"We'll take them with us to Lily, but we must hurry. Your mother does
not have much time." Lily turned her head to look at Bella's soot covered
face and nodded jerkily.
The elves went to work and carried the living and the dead back to
Eveningshade mansion. Bella then sent the elves to get Dorea and to
inform her what had happened. Dorea within minutes of Bella sending
the elves was flying into the master suite with an unreadable expression
on her face. To Bella it appeared to be a mixture of rage and anguish, but
there was much more there that she could not decipher.
Dorea was directed to Lily's mother, Rose, who was in critical condition.
With a practiced healing hand from treating scores of witches and
wizards who were victims of the first war, she set to work in healing her
grandson's other grandmother with fierce determination.
Meanwhile Bella was comforting her own husband and casting numbing
spells on his back. Winky surprised Bella with her own knowledge of
healing spells and had vanished the metal rod from his leg and healed the
wound and closed it up with nary a scar.
Harry's own magic helped in the healing of the burns that covered his
back and the backs of his legs. He would be healed within a few hours
though his skin would feel tender to the touch for several days more.
Aunt Cassie and Lilith had also arrived and were helping Dorea with Rose
Evans, because Lilith was a muggle, she had no inner magic to help heal
her body, and so she would need at least a week or two before she felt
strong enough to be up around. Lily had not left her mother's side since
they arrived and was being comforted by Lilith.
It amused the ancient witch and warmed her heart that Lily took to her
so easily and felt comfortable in her presence. Lilith could feel the power
the young witch would one day wield and began making plans to bring
the young witch in to the coven as her apprentice.
If she could get her interested in the old ways, she would make a very
powerful priestess for the Morrigan, perhaps even one day take her place
as the coven's high priestess. Lilith knew she was not long for this world
and would soon move onand she saw in Lily an excellent prospect to pass
on her knowledge.
oooOOOooo
Early the next morning Charlus and Arcturus arrived to speak with Harry.
Bella had helped him down to his personal study a large office with a
solid oak desk with ornately carved top and legs, with a high back
leather more leather chairs sat facing the desk with a comfortable looking
couch off to the side. A large fire place with a black marble mantle,
warmed the room and cast the room in soft light.
Dobby escorted the two pureblood lords into the office. Harry rose from
his seat to greet them with Bella a half-step behind him and to his right.
"Welcome Lord Black, Lord Potter to Eveningshade Mansion. To what do
I owe the pleasure?" Harry greeted.
The two lords bowed to Harry. "Lord Eveningshade we bring news about
the attack and Kings Cross Station. Information we have gathered from
Ministry sources as well as Muggle." Arcturus began.
"Please have a seat gentleman. And now that the formalities are over
with, it's just Harry while we are here." Charles grinned at his grandson
and Arcturus gave a slight bow of his head.
Harry took his seat as his guests made themselves comfortable in the two
chairs across from him. Bella moved over to the small couch and sat,
making herself comfortable. Dobby popped in and offered refreshments
to everyone, as Dorea Potter walked in with Alastor Moody in tow..
All three men stood as she entered the office. "I'm not late am I?" Dorea
asked with a smirk.
"Not at all dear." Charlus kissed his wife's cheek, add nodded to Moody
who was looking very uncomfortable at the moment. Dorea then moved
over and took a seat next to Bella.
"Captain Moody had contacted me earlier this morning to pass on some
information and knowing that you gentlemen would be discussing
yesterday's events, I thought his information might be valuable.
"Welcome Captain Moody please have a seat." Harry said as he waved his
wand and conjured an exact replica of the two other chair in the office.
"Thank you, my lord." Moody grumbled and took his seat next to Charlus.
Arcturus cleared his throat. "Right…" He sighed. "On to business then.
According to my sources in the Ministry the bombing was perpetrated by
the militant wing of the Purist Party…"
"They were bloody Death Eaters. They cast their bloody mark into the
sky. It's the same design as the tattoo they wear on their left arms."
Moody spat.
Arcturus stiffened and gave Moody a quick glare. "Indeed…as I was
saying from what I've been able to learn they…the Death Eaters, used
large steel cauldrons and sealed them after mixing several unstable
ingredients together. The ingredients began to react violently with each
other, creating a dangerous buildup of energy. Once they reached the
critical stage, the built up energy burst the cauldrons with incredible
force.
"The resulting explosion was incredibly powerful, sending waves of
shrapnel and fire in all directions. It also weakened the entire structure
enough that sections of the ceiling and surrounding support pillars
collapsed. Crushing anyone who was caught underneath it." Arcturus
stated grimly.
"Anything to add Captain?" Harry asked.
"Lord Black's information is correct, and I would LOVEto know how you
came by that information, that incident has been given classified status."
Moody growled. Arcturus did not seemed phased at all with the
accusation, and merely smirked, returning his attention to Harry.
"What Lord Black didn't tell you is the number of casualties. There were
seventy-eight people killed…"
"Eighty." Harry interrupted, receiving a quizzical look from Moody.
"Geoff and Petunia Evans, muggles, were also killed. They are…distant
relatives of mine, their daughter Lily is a student at Hogwarts and a close
friend. We were all at the train station when the explosion occurred, we
brought their bodies back with us."
Moody nodded. "Beside the eighty that were killed there were nearly
three hundred other injured, many of them critically, we may see several
more die before everything is said and done."
Harry rubbed his face tiredly. "How many were Hogwarts students?"
"Sixteen." Moody said bluntly. "And before you ask, there were eleven
parents of those students that were killed as well."
"Anything else?" Harry asked.
"The muggle authorities have begun their own investigations, our teams
got their first, but there was nothing that we could do. There was little of
the cauldrons left to piece together, so their forensics' people will be hard
pressed to make a magical connection." Moody stated.
"Charlus, anything from you?" Harry asked of his grandfather.
"My sources within the Muggle Ministry, have told me that their MI5
division is looking at this as a terrorist attack, they are looking at the
I.R.A. at the moment as a possible suspect, but of course the organization
has not claimed responsibility. But with the troubles in Northern Ireland
right now they are not ruling them out." Charlus informed the group.
"MI5, what's that?" Arcturus asked.
"It's the muggles' Elite Auror Division. They investigate any threats
against Great Britain in the country.
"Aww." Was Lord Black's only response.
"Although their resources are directed elsewhere at the moment, the
Muggle Prime Minister is aware of the location of the barrier on to
Platform Nine and Three-quarters, and he may begin to investigate this as
a possible link to the bombing."
"Minister Bagnold and Dumbledore have already met with the Muggle
Prime Minister and has informed him that they do not believe magicals
were involved, explaining to him that our people do not use or would
they know how to use muggle explosive devices. I don't know if he
bought it or not, but they are focused elsewhere." Moody told the group.
"Figures that the meddlesome fool involved himself." Dorea spat. "Let's
just bury our troubles in a big ripe pile of denial! Alastor what is the
DMLE doing about this?" She asked.
"There is not much we can do, we have no witnesses who saw the
perpetrators, and the Ministry will not allow us to confront the Purist
party about it without some hard evidence that they were behind it." He
told them.
"Even our interrogations are now monitored by a civilian appointee, to
make sure we are not violating the rights of our suspects! Give me the
good ole day's when we could use Veritus Serum on everyone. The whole
damn system is bollixed if you ask me!" He spat.
"Then we don't rely on the ministry for information gathering, we
continue to do it our way, by whatever means necessary." Bella stated
firmly earning a smile from Harry and nods of approval from the others
assembled.
"Do you have any leads at all Moody?" Charlus asked.
"One, there was a bloke who was overheard bragging about teaching the
muggles a lesson, said that they would get a big bang out of it. It's a bit
flimsy but it's all I have to go on. I'll get back to you as soon as I learn
more." He told them getting to his feet.
"I need to run; Barty wants a meeting with all his people to discuss the
ongoing investigation. I'll be in touch." Moody bowed to the ladies and
then to the others. Dobby popped in and then escorted the veteran Auror
to the floo.
"Now, onto other business." Harry replied with resolve after Moody had
left. "Which of the Thirteen are we hitting?!" Harry directed his gaze
toward his grandmother.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Well how was it?! Coming up: more aftermath of the bombing and
Harry and company go hunting! Hopefully you found it better than the
last. I'm hoping my muse returns soon or in other words the crazy busy
real life settles down a bit. Please let me know what you think, reviews,
critiques (the helpful kind), and thoughts or suggestions are always
welcome!
31. Chapter 31
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews for the last chapter, your thoughtful
reviews always amaze and inspire me! The end of this chapter may be
shocking for some but I give an explanation for why I did what I did in
the Authors notes that follow. Things in Harry's world are about to get
ugly, but I hope you continue the ride with me. And now the continuing
saga of Passageways!
Chapter 31
It was December 24th and the plaza of the Eveningshade village of Night's
End, so named by the first Eveningshades that had occupied the area
centuries before, had been decorated for the Yuletide festivities for that
evening. Evergreen garlands and mistletoe were everywhere and fairy
lights lit the area in warm illuminating hues.
Their lord and his invited guests would join in the festivities, and their
town matriarch the High Priestess of the Morrigan, Lilith, would bless the
proceedings. There was an excited energy that went through every man,
woman, and child as they would celebrate the first Yule of the
reestablished hamlet.
Climate control spells enhanced by ward stones had been cast around the
village plaza creating a comfortable temperature for the festivities, which
would undoubtedly go well into the early morning hours. Barrels of mead
and homemade spirits would be on tap for those adult witches and
wizards who indulged, and butter beer and Yule punch for the younger
aged.
The Blacks, the Potters, and many heads of the fringe families and covens
would be there to celebrate the ancient observance of the Winter Solstice,
and to solidify alliances between one another.
While preparations for the Yule celebration was taking place in the
village, Eveningshade Mansion was also a hive of activity, but for very
different and very deadly reasons. A war council of sorts was meeting
together in Lord Eveningshade's study, finalizing plans to let loose the
first volley of a campaign of revenge and retribution that would end with
the annihilation of thirteen pureblood houses.
Though retribution was indeed a major reason for this war council, it was
not the only reason. It was also a calculated strike that would weaken the
power of the Purist Party within the Wizengamot and Voldemort. The
intended family was not only a part of the Thirteen, but also a financial
backer of Voldemort and its family head was a part of Voldemort's inner
circle.
They would be killing two birds with one stone as it were, and Harry was
anxious for a little payback for the attack at Kings Cross Station. He had
hoped that he would have a chance to get to know his maternal
grandfather and perhaps even one day bring him into his confidence
about who he really was. But that dream had been ruthlessly taken from
him and he had sworn that he would find the perpetrators and personally
deal with them in the most horrendous way he could think of.
Harry was realizing that something within him was changing. His
thoughts were becoming more focused and his mind became more
calculating. A feeling of indifference dominated his emotions when it
came to the anything outside of his family. Indeed his sense of
protectiveness for those he considered his family and his people
overshadowed any feeling he had toward the magical community in
general.
Whether this was a side effect from the Eveningshade family magic
asserting itself within him or the influence of the Morrigan, who's many
incarnations included her being a goddess of war, he did not know, but
as the days went by he worried about it less and less.
Right now he felt that his new family and his rediscovered people were in
danger, in danger from multiple adversaries both dark and light, and he
would bring the entire country to its knees in subjugation if it meant that
his people were kept safe and prosperous.
oooOOOooo
"We've changed the date of the attack to December thirty-first, to allow
you more time to fully recover. We will need you at full strength Harry, if
we are to successfully penetrate the wards surrounding the home.
Though the wards are minimal, we don't want to alert them of our
presence and give them a chance to form a defense." Arcturus Black
stated from his place at the circular table, that he, Charlus, Dorea, Orion,
Cygnus, and of course Harry and Bella were standing around.
"Will they all be at the manor?" Orion asked.
"They are hosting a New Year's ball. All of their family will be in
attendance as well as a few other families. From past parties I have
attended there, it should break up sometime around two in the morning."
Arcturus replied.
"Will there be any children there?" Dorea asked pointedly.
"They have two minor aged grandchildren, ages six and eight." Arcturus
replied indifferently.
"We won't harm the children." Harry stated heading off his grandmother's
obvious next statement.
"It's unwise to leave any witnesses my lord, especially an heir who could
one day do as you are doing and seek revenge." Orion replied dutifully.
Harry sighed tiredly and pulled his hand down his face. He was still
feeling the effects from the blast on his body, but he answered
thoughtfully. "In ages past, the children of our enemies were kept as
spoils of war, raised by our people, however, their memories were
modified and oaths of loyalty administered once the reached eleven years
of age. I suggest we do the same here, we have families within the village
that could raise them as their own."
"That is a possibility." Charlus began. "There are still laws on the books in
reference to chattel obtained through conquest. Though they are very old
they have not been repealed. However, you would face a very unfriendly
Wizengamot Harry for trying to invoke it.
"Although blood feuds are still recognized, and the chattel law could be
used, you would not find a very sympathetic judicial body, and you
would have to come forward and claim them as spoils of a blood feud,
which means you will have to legally proclaim who you are and that a
blood feud exist between you and the victim's house.
"This also means that you would be exposing yourself to the twelve other
families, and risk them all coming after you at the same time. You must
be prepared for a significant backlash from this attack." Charlus
instructed them.
Arcturus began to chuckle loudly drawing every eye in the room toward
him. "Ever the honorable Gryffindor, Charlus!"
Harry gave the Black of Blacks an inquisitive look. Arcturus cleared his
throat merrily. "Harry my boy; this is an instance where you should be
more like a cunning Slytherin. If all goes as planned there will be no need
to inform the Wizengamot at all. Why would you want to?
"The Wizengamot will have no idea who attacked or where the missing
children are. They have no method of tracking them. Why expose
yourself to them unnecessarily? Granted that word will eventually get out
that House Eveningshade has returned, but they will have no proof or
even reason to suspect your house's involvement.
"Let sleeping dogs lay Harry, and keep yourself out of the Ministry's
influence and wand tip as long as possible. Now is not the time to be
honorable, now is the time for misdirection and anonymity." Arcturus
finished.
Harry sighed again and looked enquiringly toward Bella who gave a
slight nod, and then looked to his grandmother who gave him a
supportive nod as well. Realizing that the clandestine approach would be
the better option he voiced his agreement with Arcturus' suggestion.
Focusing now on the diagram laid out on the table of the manor's floor
plans, and the location of the ward stones, they began to discuss tactics
and entry points and individual assignments.
oooOOOooo
"Now, the most important aspect of magic dear is intent, and especially
so for our particular brand of family magic." Lilith explained to Lily as
they strolled slowly through the village. As they walked witches and
wizards of every age bowed or curtsied to the ancient Eveningshade
witch.
"They really respect you, don't they?" Lily asked as they walked.
"In magical society we are raised to give deference to our elders,
especially those brought up in the old ways, and seeing as I am the oldest
thing around, I'm always getting invited to dinners and events and given
tokens of esteem and such, you'd be surprised what I walk away with."
Lilith winked with a conspiratorial smile as they came to the tree line at
the edge of the village.
"Now as I was telling you about intent in using magic, the Eveningshades
have many unique abilities that have been passed down through our
bloodline, which did not come from our human bloodline." She looked at
Lily meaningfully. Lily nodded her understanding hearing the same thing
from Harry.
"You mentioned that you would be teaching me one of those abilities
today. What exactly, will you be teaching me today?" Lily asked
curiously.
"Not every ability we have is offensive in nature my child." Lilith began.
"Some of our abilities are defensive. Now, not every member of our
family can access all the abilities that have come through our heritage. So
I don't want you to become discouraged if you are not able to perform
one or more of them. Do you understand?" Lilith asked gently laying a
withered hand on Lily's shoulder.
"I do." Lily nodded though her voiced trembled slightly with worry that
she would not be able to access any of the Eveningshade magic. Lilith
smiled warmly at her.
"Now, one of our best defenses is the ability to obscure our opponent's
view of his surroundings by creating a cold dense mist."
"I've seen that!" Lily excitedly replied. "In the family history book that
Harry gave me. It was used when the MacTavish attacked one of our
ancestors. They created a mist that seemed to envelop and terrify
MacTavish's men!"
"Very good, Lily! Yes, the mist has an almost Dementoresque property to
it. It not only obscures our enemy's vision but it produces a chill that
penetrates to their very bones. It is enough to make the bravest of
wizards wet themselves in terror." Lilith chuckled softly.
"So, how do I summon the mist?" Lily asked excitedly.
"Very astute Lily, there is no spell but it is a minor summoning that
occurs. Now, you must be very focused, and visualize in your mind
exactly what it is you want. Your intent will guide your magic in the
summoning of the mist." She told the young girl.
"But how is it done?" Lily asked.
"Through our…non-human blood line, you see we have a connection to
the environment around us; through that connection we can manipulate
it for short periods of time, longer if you are very powerful. Watch me
and reach out and feel how the magic feels around me, it will help you
duplicate the same feeling."
Lilith closed her eyes briefly before they popped open and began to glow
the Eveningshade killing curse green. Lily stepped closer to Lilith and
placed her hand on the older witch's chest and immediately felt the
buildup of magic.
Within seconds a slow rolling mist formed at Lilith's feet and spread
outward and all around her. Lily was amazed at how fast the small
clearing they were in filled with the dense cold mist. Soon the trees and
the village completely disappeared from view.
Just as quickly as the fog had appeared it had retreated and then
disappeared as if it had never been there. Lily turned her eyes back to
Lilith's and saw her smiling proudly.
"I haven't done that in years!" She stated. "It felt wonderful to do it again,
glad that I could still do it!" She chuckled happily.
"Now did you feel the magic I was using? Every spell, every curse, and
every jinx has a specific feel and pull on your magic. The most powerful
Eveningshades could tell what an enemy was going to cast before they
actually loosed the spell, giving them an edge in a fight, either
countering the spell or knowing deflecting it with the appropriate shield."
She stated.
"I did feel it." Lily told her new mentor. "It was like cool running water
going through you and something else, like…like a pulling sensation?"
Lilith smiled proudly at the young girl. "Yes, I was actually pulling in the
air around me and then pushing it back out in the form of the fog, my
magic physically changing the composition of the air."
"Wow!" Lily replied in wonder. "So do you think I'll be able to do that?"
She asked.
"We'll never know until you try child." Lilith replied with twinkling eyes.
"Let's give it a go, shall we?" Lily nodded quickly, enthusiastic about
learning the incredible useful ability.
Lily stood ready to give her best and Lilith stood behind her with her soft
hands on her shoulders. "Now…" Lilith whispered. "Remember how the
magic felt and try to replicate it within yourself, once your magic
responds to your desire the air will automatically begin to flow into you
pulled and changed by that same magic."
Lily focused on the feeling she had felt from the older witch,
remembering every detail of how the magic ebbed and flowed and willed
her magic to recreate the same fog her mentor had created. It started
with a trickle and remained that way for several minutes. Lily began to
have doubts that she would be able to summon the mist and the trickle
began to diminish.
Suddenly at the moment she was about to give up she heard the voice of
the ancient Eveningshade began to fill her ears with soft encouraging
words and told her not to give up. Lily grimaced in renewed
concentration refusing to let her mentor and herself down.
Lily lost track of how long she was concentrating but suddenly she felt
the trickle begin to increase to a gentle flow and then a feeling of
cascading water flowed through her. She heard her mentor whisper
'wonderful', she opened her eyes without losing focus and nearly gasped
as the clearing was once more completely covered in thick, cold, rolling
mist.
Excitement took over Lily causing her to lose her concentration and
within seconds the mist dissipated leaving the clearing as it was before
she had summoned the mist. Lily was bouncing on the balls of her feet
with joy.
"I did it! I did it!" She proclaimed loudly and exuberantly, jumping up
and down.
"Yes, you did indeed!" Lilith smiled as the petite redhead through her
arms around Lilith in a near bone breaking hug.
"What next?! What can you teach me?!" Lily asked excitedly. Lilith smiled
patiently at her young protégé. She could tell that Lily would be a
powerful and formidable witch when she matured and just hoped that
she would still be around long enough to train her to take her own place
as the teacher for future Eveningshades and a priestess to the Goddess.
"Let's try accelerating your reflexes next."
oooOOOooo
The meeting had been exhausting and Harry just wanted to close his
eyes, but Arcturus and Charlus had wanted a few private moments with
him after the others had left to get ready for that evenings celebration.
"Harry…" Charlus began. "Once the Wizengamot has learned of the
extinction, there will be a thirty day grace period for any remaining
family member to claim the seat. Failing the appearance of an heir, the
members of the Founding families will begin to take and review
applications to fill the vacant seat in the Hereditary seats.
"As an ancient house you would easily qualify but it is no guarantee of
acceptance. You must have the vote of two-thirds of the seated Founding
families. As of today we would fall short by three votes. However, you
have one thing going for you that the others do not. House Eveningshade
had a Hereditary seat before the 1810 extermination of your family.
"A well prepared oration on your part about the circumstances
surrounding your houses' disappearance may emotionally move enough
of the members to convince at least three if not most of the remaining
votes to reinstate your house." Charlus finished.
"And if that doesn't work…" Arcturus began. "There are other…persuasive
measures you could take. Such as a whispered reminder of what House
Eveningshade had done to their enemies in the past. Those horror stories
are still whispered in many old houses." Arcturus grinned evilly.
Harry chuckled. "Well let's hope it doesn't come to that."
A soft rapping at the study door caught the attention of the three seated
men. Rose Evan stood at the door supported by a walking cane. The three
men rose from their seats and as one bowed to Rose as was the custom of
all pureblood men when a lady entered the room.
"Am I disturbing you?" Harry's maternal grandmother asked with some
trepidation.
Harry looked to the other men and a silent agreement was made between
to continue this discussion later. "Not at all Mrs. Evans, we were just
finishing." Charlus replied warmly.
Rose ghosted an embarrassed smile. "I was hoping to have a moment
with Lord Eveningshade."
"Of course my lady." Arcturus replied. "Charlus and I were just leaving."
The two older men bowed once more and exited the study.
"May I have a moment of your time Lord Eveningshade?" She asked
Harry.
"Of course, of course. Please, come in." Harry replied congenially.
Rose slowly walked into the study relying heavily on the cane she was
using. Harry moved toward her and escorted her to one of the oversized
leather arm chairs. He helped her sit and with a casual wave of his hand
silently closed the door to his study and took the seat in front of her.
They stared at each other for a long moment, and Harry suddenly felt a
little nervous sitting in front of his grandmother, though she was still
unaware of the relation.
"Oh my! Where are my manners?" Harry suddenly exclaimed. "Would you
care for some tea?"
"That would be lovely my lord." She replied with a half-smile.
"Please, I have asked you before, call me Harry." Harry told her kindly.
"Winky!" Harry called out, and as if she had been listening in to the
conversation, the diminutive elf appeared with the smallest of pops, with
a full tea service and biscuits.
"Thank you Winky." Harry told the elf with genuineness.
"Yes, thank you…um Winky is it?" Rose asked.
"Yous' welcome miss, and I is Winky." The little elf curtsied in her toga.
Rose smiled at the strange creature.
Harry prepared his tea with no sugar and with just a twist of lemon. He
took a careful sip and found it to be the perfect temperature. He sighed
contentedly and sank back into his chair closing his eyes.
Rose Evans watched the young man in front of her with great interest
and with no small amount of curiosity. He was no older than sixteen yet
he was a lord and acted like a man twice if not three time his age.
Harry slowly opened his eyes and found his grandmother's warm brown
eyes staring back at him, and strangely enough it did not bother him in
the least. She had a kind face and an approachable quality that he found
very inviting.
Seeing the cane propped against the chair brought reality crashing down
on Harry, Rose had just lost her husband and oldest daughter not four
days ago, and though Harry was extremely busy with other family affairs
which kept him from dwelling upon or even thinking about the tragedy,
she had been recuperating and healing under the watchful eyes of Dorea
and Aunt Cassie.
The events were still raw and fresh in her mind, she was physically
healing at an astounding rate thanks to Dorea's healing expertise, but the
emotional trauma was not so easily fixed. She had nearly lost everyone
she had loved and though Lily spent most evenings with her and would
sleep in the same bed, Harry knew that it would be a long process before
she was truly well and whole.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked softly and immediately chastised
himself for the stupid and insensitive question.
Rose caught the self-reproved look in the young man's eyes and smiled
internally at his youthful and innocent verbal blunder.
"I'm coping a day at a time, Harry. Thank you for your concern." She
replied earnestly.
Harry smiled sheepishly and then frowned. "I'm sorry…that I was not
able to save…"
"You saved my little Lily, Harry. And for that I will be eternally grateful.
From what Lily has told me about you, I know you would have tried to
save my husb…" Rose suddenly choked on her words and her eyes filled
with salty tears.
Harry was quickly out of his chair and kneeling in front of his
grandmother clasping both her hands tenderly in his own. "I'm so sorry. I
wish…" He whispered.
Rose cupped his cheek and smiled warmly at him through her tears. "I
know Harry." She whispered. "Dorea has told me somewhat of your life,
and from what I have heard, and what I can see in your eyes, I can tell
you are a good man, and would have done everything you could have."
Harry looked down at the floor guiltily, here this wonderful woman was
telling him what a good man he was and yet just a short time ago he was
planning the annihilation of another family. The juxtaposition was stark.
Rose sensing Harry's self-accusatory silence, continued. "I know about
what you're planning to do Harry." Harry looked up at her in shock.
"I was also told what had happened to your family in the past, and about
the threat hovering over them today. And although I might not
understand the complexities of this magical society, I know what an evil
man with followers can do.
"I was very young, but I still remember the Blitz. My family lived in
London, though my father was off to war, so it was just me and my
mother. She was a nurse and felt that it was her duty to stay and help
those who could not help themselves.
"Those were dark days in my life Harry, there was so much death and
destruction. I cursed the name of Hitler every day, praying that god or
someone would strike him down. If I had the power to stop that horror
from taking place I would have.
"I look at your situation similarly, at least I try to. Your world is on the
brink of war, add to that the families who wiped out your family still
exist today and pose a potential threat, if I understand the politics
correctly. Dorea has been educating me somewhat on pureblood politics.
I like her by the way." Rose gave a quick smile.
Rose took a deep breath to center herself again before continuing. "My
daughter, Harry, is a part of your world now, and from what I understand
she is a member of your house. Which means she is in danger as well.
She is all I have left Harry, and I want you to protect her, and if that
means that you must destroy a hundred families, I want you to swear
you'll do what's necessary to protect her."
Harry was beyond stunned at this new development, and seriously
considered hexing Dorea for her blabbering. But Dorea he realized, had a
sense about people that was unparalleled by anyone he knew, and so he
knew if she had trusted Rose with these things, she had a very good
reason for doing so.
Harry looked at his grandmother with hopeful eyes. "You don't think I'm
a monster for…well you know." Harry asked.
She squeezed his hands tenderly. "No Harry, not that my opinion truly
matters, but my heart tells me that I can trust you, and that what you are
doing is simply protecting your family. That is something I understand."
"I consider you my family as well Rose. This is your home as long as you
want it to be. I will do anything to make your stay here comfortable and
happy."
"I know you will Harry." She stated as she made to get up. Harry helped
her to her feet. "After all a grandmother should always feel welcome in
her grandson's home." She looked piercingly at him.
Harry looked gob smacked at the redheaded woman in front of him. "Did
you know that Lily talks in her sleep?" She smirked.
"…" Harry blinked owlishly.
"Dorea had entered my room this morning just as I had asked Lily about
what she had said in her sleep; needless to say neither Dorea nor Lily
would confirm or deny what Lily had spoken in her sleep. Dorea merely
told me it was not her story to share, but that I should ask you.
"So please…Harry. Tell me, are you somehow my grandson, do I really
have another family member to love?" She asked staring tearfully at him.
Harry stood and turned away from her and approached the large window
just behind his desk that looked out upon the lush grounds surrounding
the mansion. He closed his eyes tightly and sighed heavily.
"It would seem that fate has its own timeline for revealing my secrets."
He laughed almost bitterly. Harry was then silent for several minutes as
he stared out upon the grounds, and Rose did not interrupt him, allowing
him to collect his thoughts.
At length she heard him speak in a low voice almost a whisper. "It is true,
I am your grandson, but this…you knowing…complicates things."
Rose pressed her trembling lips together tightly in a bid to calm herself at
his confirmation of what she had heard Lily speak. "I don't understand
how this is all possible, but why does it complicate things? Did you not
want me to know? Do you not want me to be your…" She asked urgently.
Harry quickly turned around and held up a hand to stop her. "I am very
happy and honored that you are my grandmother, Rose. The how is a
long story, but begins with a magical room and a thousand year old spirit
of a castle. However, now is not the time to go into lengthy details."
Harry told her gently.
"So explain to me this complication." She swallowed thickly.
Harry sighed and pushed his hands back through his hair. "There are
people here, family and allies, which do not know about my true origins,
and I rather they not know."
"I can keep our secret Harry." Rose insisted.
Harry smiled at her warmly. "I believe that you wouldn't purposefully
disclose my identity, but here, while you're living amongst magicals,
there is a danger of someone pulling it from your mind. There are people
here that can view your surface thoughts at a glance, and others with
greater skill that can enter your mind and shuffle through all your
memories.
"It is illegal for someone to do so, but nevertheless it is still done.
Andromeda, Bella's sister, to give you an example, has a gift that allows
her to know when someone is being deceptive or false. If she were to ask
you a direct question regarding our family relationship she would know
immediately if you were telling the truth or not."
"Oh my!" Rose exclaimed.
"There is a solution to that particular problem." Harry looked up and
Rose turned around to look at the new voice in the conversation.
Dorea Potter walked into the room with the grace of a queen. She was
holding in her hand a rectangular velvet box. "Oh don't look so surprised
Harry!" She addressed her grandson.
"How long have you been listening grandmother?" Harry asked the regal
lady.
"I've been disillusioned since she first entered. I'm surprised you did not
notice me."
"Grandmother!" Harry scolded. "Well, I was a little focused on Rose's
presence. I didn't think I would have a spy in my own study." He smirked.
"Oh please dear, I may be a Potter in name now, but never forget that I
am also a Black and we are most expert in the art of espionage." She
smirked playfully.
"So what is it we can do for you grandmother?" Harry finally asked
shaking his head.
"Well, I knew from my earlier conversation with Lady Rose here, that she
would seek you out and discover for herself the truth of things. And
without trying to sound too immodest, I knew in which direction this
conversation would go and anticipated what your concerns would be. So,
I have brought you a solution to your concern my dear Harry. A gift for
the Lady Rose."
Dorea handed Rose the velvet box and bid her to open it. Rose gasped as
she pulled from the box a sapphire pendant, laid in the brightest of silver
settings. The stone was of the deepest blue at about four carats.
"The chain and setting is made of goblin silver which is charmed against
summoning, if you look carefully at the stone, you will find within its
center, etchings that we call runes. The construct of the sapphire
amplifies the magic of the runes." Dorea explained.
"It's absolutely lovey, Lady Potter. But how does this help me?" Rose
asked.
"Most pureblood children at least those from old families teach their
children a technique called occlumency. It is a technique that allows us
to block unwanted invasions into our thoughts by others.
"It is a difficult skill to master taking years to do so. Many families such
as ours have many secrets that we wish to guard and protect, and a
child's mind is quite easy to read, their thoughts are never far from the
surface. So in order to safeguard those thoughts many families have
charms such as this one, which blocks most legilimency attacks." She
explained.
"What is Legilimency?"
"It is the technique used to enter your mind, dear. This amulet will
protect you from all forms except from a direct attack from a particularly
skilled witch or wizard. But it will block anyone who only tries a surface
scan of your thoughts." She reassured the petite woman.
"T-thank you, Lady Potter." Rose stated gratefully.
"And now that you know that we are related, call me Dorea, when we are
with family." The regal lady clarified. Rose nodded in understanding.
"Now I think we have had about enough excitement for now Rose. You
are healing wonderfully, but you still need a few more days of rest before
you are completely up to snuff. So let me help you back to your room."
Dorea informed her threading her arm through one of Rose's.
"Thank you Dorea. We'll talk again soon Harry, if that's alright." Rose
stated as she and Dorea walked to the door.
"I am always available to you…grandmother." Harry replied with a warm
smile. Rose returned a watery smile back at him and then left with Dorea.
Harry fell back into his chair and drew his hand down his face massaging
his head briefly. It had been a very long day already filled with plan
making and familial surprises and he still had the Yule celebration to
attend. Hopefully there would be no surprises waiting for him there.
oooOOOooo
The quick vibrato of violins filled the air and the thumping tattoo of a
dozen bodhrans excited the hearts of all, squeeze boxes, pipes, flutes, all
resonated merrily in every soul as the village square was alive with
music, dancing, and merry making.
Children were squealing with delight as performers thrilled them with
magnificent displays of magical fireworks, puppet shows where the
marionettes were animated to move and perform on their own. Prepared
foods and sweets of all kinds were devoured and shared amongst friends
and families.
The earth was moving to the stomping feet of young lads and twirling
dresses of young lasses of every age, each celebrating life, love, and
family. Everyone seemed to be reveling in the magic of the night.
Harry wore a genuine smile as he looked out over his people, his family.
This to him was worth all the gold in every vault of Gringotts. This was
how life was meant to be. Free from worry of attacks, bigots, and
pureblood politics. Simply living life to its fullest with those you love.
Bella was dragging him eagerly to where the dancing was taking place.
Placing one of his hands on her hips and holding the other up and out,
she began to drag him twirling around the dance floor, kicking up her
heels. Her dark ringlets bounced around her face and shoulders, her
green eyes much like his now sparkled with joy and happiness as the
moved through the other couples. She looked absolutely stunning, he had
rarely seen this giddy side of her and he found that it made her simply
irresistible.
Harry began to chuckle out loud when Bella had pointed out James
trying to work up the courage to ask Lily to dance. He was standing
about ten feet down from her just staring at her. Every few seconds he
would work up enough courage to take a few steps toward her but then
stop and turn around and curse himself for his failure.
Harry was initially surprised to see so many youth in the village, and
asked Bella if she recognized any of them from Hogwarts. She had told
him that Hogwarts was out of the price range for most magicals, only
those from wealthy families could truly afford it, the rest went to some of
the other smaller schools of magic.
There were four other schools throughout the country and two more in
Ireland that most wizarding families sent their children to. As Harry
looked around he did see a girl of about twelve or thirteen years of age
that looked familiar.
"Do you who that girl is over there near the punch table?" Harry asked
his wife. "The one with light brown hair with the blue ribbon tied in it.
Bella turned and looked and she indeed recognized the girl. "Oh, yes, she
does go to Hogwarts actually. Her name is Alice Sombra, she's a third
year in Gryffindor. Andi has her as a lab partner in Herbology I believe.
She is actually dating the Longbottom heir, Francis, or Frank as he likes
to be called, if the rumor mill is true." She said.
"Look at her eyes Bella! They're Eveningshade green; for her to have that
color she must have access to the family magic." Harry commented.
"We'll have to talk to her. The Longbottoms are allies with the Potters,
but if she marries into that family we could form an alliance as well, and
strengthen the Eveningshade political support. But! That will have to
wait for another day, because I am enjoying this night with my sexy
husband and politics is not an allowed topic of conversation." She
grinned as she twirled under Harry's arm and pressed herself against his
chest, kissing him passionately.
"Now, dip me lover boy!" She gave him her best seductive smile, he
promptly dipped her and placed a playful kiss where her should and neck
meet, much to her delight.
oooOOOooo
Christmas morning came very early for the residents of Eveningshade
Mansion, many of whom were suffering from the after effects of last
night's merriment. Including a very grounded Sirius Black who had
managed to get a hold of several pints of mead, and had three up rather
spectacularly on his mother's costly acromantula silk robes.
Needless to say that his mother Walburga was not amused by what her
oldest son had done, by bringing assumed shame upon their family name
by his unacceptable behavior. He was not allowed to visit the village for
the rest of the holiday break, which was a compromise hard fought for by
Sirius whose mother wanted to have him flogged.
The Potter's, Blacks, and Eveningshades all gathered in the large family
room, where gifts were exchanged and hang over draughts were downed.
After everyone had been completely sobered up and gifts opened
everyone slowly filtered out and went about their day until they would
meet for the family dinner that evening.
Harry and Bella made their way back to the warm blankets and soft
mattress of their bedroom, divesting themselves of what clothing they
had on and quickly melting into each other's embrace. This was their first
Yule as a couple and in their own home, and they meant to spend it in
the most lascivious fashion possible.
Harry awoke sometime later with Bella's warm body pressed against his;
he loved the velvety softness of her breasts as they pressed into his chest
and the suppleness of her leg that lay across his waist, he even liked the
way her hair tickled his nose as her head lay snuggled into his neck.
Checking the time with a quick tempus spell he discovered that it was
near three-thirty in the afternoon, they had returned to their bedroom
around ten a.m. so they had been up here roughly for five hours not that
he minded but he had promised Rose and Lily that he and Bella would
meet with them to give his grandmother the full story of his time travel
and his life before coming to 1971.
They say confession is good for the soul, but how do you tell your
grandmother and mother what hell your life had been in your time and
who it was that caused his childhood to be so terrible. He believed it was
bad to speak ill of the dead, and Petunia in this reality was dead and it
would serve no purpose or good to speak ill of her now. So maybe an
edited version would be better, than the unvarnished truth. Yep, that was
what he would do; as Arcturus had stated earlier it is better to let
sleeping dogs lay.
oooOOOooo
Time Jump: January 1st, 1972, 2:16 a.m., McNair Manor
They had been lucky, the wards had been turned off while the party was
going on, and were now just coming back up as the last guests left. But
they were well inside the wards now and would not trip the boundary
wards that encircled the manor. All they had to deal with now was the
wards on the home itself, but with Harry's Eveningshade ability to pass
through wards, he would be inside with no one the wiser.
The raiding party consisted of Harry and Bella, Orion and Cygnus, and
Dorea. Also in their company were two men from the village. Both
Eveningshade descendants, the oldest was Jacob Cysgod, 44, his family
had fled to Australia soon after the 1810 massacre. He was a bounty
hunter and had the Eveningshade ability of accelerated speed that made
him one of the best in the business, always catching his targets off guard
by his swiftness. He rarely killed his targets but he had no problems
taking a life if it was necessary and had done so on many occasions.
The second man was Anthony Tonalita, 38 years old. Like Jacob's family,
his fled, but to Sicily where they became successful fishermen. Antonio
had enlisted in the Italian army at seventeen and had joined their elite
special forces of the Ninth Regiment the 'Col Moschin'.
He had retired after twenty years and felt the call to return to England
and Night's End where his great grandfather had been born. He was a
warding expert, gifted really; he had an uncanny ability to bring down
even the most complicated of ward schemes.
It was an Eveningshade gift that allowed him to see the individual
magical lines that connected each ward stones to the keystone which
powered all wards. With practiced alacrity and skill he could manipulate
the magical energy within seconds, effectively disabling them.
The two men had been recommended to Harry by Lilith and immediately
had been welcomed into the strike team.
The night was overcast; blocking the moon's light from revealing the
various silhouettes that surrounded the manor. Each individual briefed
on their particular responsibility. Arcturus had briefed them on the
layout of the home, having been their many times himself.
The family bedrooms were all on the third floor while guest
accommodations were on the second. The ground floor consisted of a
large formal hall for gatherings, a ball room, a library, and the lord of the
manor's study, a formal dining hall and a smaller dining room for more
intimate settings. Below the ground floor were the kitchens, and house elf
quarters. They were known to have two elves.
Arcturus informed them that it was customary for the entire main family
to stay in the manor during Yule and other holidays, and that they should
expect anywhere from fifteen to twenty people, including the two under
aged grandchildren.
The stillness of the night air, drew Harry into self-reflection as he
considered what he was about to do. He found himself in conflict with
his self, realizing that he was about to wipeout an entire family, but for
what cause? Revenge? For crimes they have or have not yet committed?
Could he really justify to himself that he was judge, jury and
executioner?
As he warred with himself he heard the distinct caw of a crow
somewhere behind him, he glanced over his shoulder looking up at a low
hanging branch of a large oak. Perched upon the branch was a large crow
who's black eyes stared at him unblinkingly, it spread its wings and dived
off the branch and fluidly changed forms into the now familiar a visage
of the Crone.
"My Lady." Harry kneeled on the cold ground and bowed his head in
deference to the Goddess Morrigan.
"FOOLISH BOY! Why do you worry your mind with such nonsense?!" The
harsh voice of the ancient woman admonished.
"M-my lady, I-I only fear that I may be crossing a line, hurting the
innocent, punishing those who had no part in the murdering's of the
past." Harry breathed.
"Foolish boy, this is not only about vengeance or retribution! This is
about balancing the scales, righting the injustice of our people!" She said
in a feral voice, she walked toward him, again her appearance changing
to that of the seductress he had laid with at Samhain.
She circled him like a shark in water. "Do you hear that Harry?" She
asked as she continued her orbit. Harry looked at her confused.
"I hear nothing my lady." He replied keeping his eyes down.
"You hear nothing?" She mocked. "Do you know what I hear my lover? I
hear the voices of over a thousand souls of your kin, crying out from the
dust, their blood demanding justice! Did your enemy worry about the
innocent, the WEAK, OR THE OLD, OR THE CHILDREN!
"Let me reassure you that they did not! What you are doing is bringing
balance to that which was skewed, forcing equilibrium back from those
who wronged you and yours. But if that is not enough for you, shall I
remind you of the world you came from, the war that stole your family.
"Here in this very manor are those who have and will kill the innocent,
just like those who killed your maternal grandfather and aunt. They will
not stop till the wizarding world is torn asunder, and everyone they deem
unworthy to possess magic.
"Is this not why the Lady Hogwarts brought you here? To stop the threat
before it grows too powerful, to save those innocents who are targeted
merely by the happenstance of their birth?! To bring ORDER TO THE
CHAOS!
"HERE HARRY! Here is where you make your choice! Here is where your
destiny begins! Take up your wand Harry, and fulfill your destiny, rain
down hell upon all those who would rise against you and threaten that
which you love and cherish. Be my warrior Harry, and bring magical
balance back to all people who possess it!"
Harry lifted his head and the Morrigan smiled in satisfaction as she
witnessed the emerald flames within his eyes burn brightly and with an
intensity of pure resolve and determination.
Harry stood proudly and bowed to his goddess. "Blessed be thy name, I
shall not fail you or my family." The Morrigan grinned and nodded her
acceptance of his pledge. She raised her arms quickly changing instantly
into the form of the crow and flew quickly from site.
Harry turned back to the manor and let his instincts take over. Soon a
cold dense mist spread out across the manor grounds leaving the manor
as if an island in a sea of fog. It was the signal to the others to move
forward.
The team of seven all dressed in gray cloaks that seamlessly blended with
the swirling mist around them made their way unseen to the very walls
of the manor. Dorea, and Anthony cast their own anti-apparition, and
portkey wards. The floo would have to be taken care of once they
entered. According to Arcturus there were only two active floos in the
manor.
The first was in the main receiving hall located on the main floor just left
of the front doors of the manor. The second was in the west wing of the
manor, Lord McNair's study. Orion and Cygnus would head to each one
respectively. Harry and Bella would then head to the third floor and stun
or render any family there.
Anthony and Jacob would search the second floor and take care of
anyone there. Dorea would remain at the entrance and would be
responsible for the two minor children when they were found. She also
had another task that would create a misdirected suspicion on who had
attacked the manor.
Harry approached the front door and concentrated intensely but briefly
before stepping right through the solid and warded door. He decided that
the feel of passing through solid objects was much like striking your
funny bone but having that stinging feeling all over your body. Not very
pleasant.
Harry looked around the empty receiving room, gaining his bearing and
taking in the vast wealth on display. He smirked thinking that a major
financial backer of Voldemort would no longer be contributing to the
dark wizard.
He felt a sudden small spike in magic as two house elves popped in front
of him with their hands raised toward him. That split second of warning
was all Harry needed and had stunned both elves before they could
effectively react to his presence.
Harry then felt the remaining wards fall around him and the front doors
open allowing the rest of his team in. Without further word each went to
his assigned area and task, Bella and Harry quickly moved up the large
staircase quickly passing by the second floor and within moments was on
the landing of the third floor.
The family suites were in the west wing so they turned with their hoods
over their heads and made their way carefully down the hall. They were
about to turn the corner when Harry stuck out his arm to stop Bella's
movement.
She looked at him inquiringly. He placed his hand on the wall and
cocked his head before turning back to Bella. "Wards." He whispered with
a smile. "A localized barrier ward, just around the corner. Ah, and we
have guests." He smirked.
With their eyes glowing that well known killing curse green, Bella and
Harry stepped confidently around the corner. Twenty feet down the hall
the two teens saw their targets all conveniently watching them behind a
magical barrier. There were four men at the fore with wands drawn and
pointed at Harry and Bella. At the very back of the hall were about seven
women of various ages and five more men all with their wands out.
Harry grinned in satisfaction as everyone had taken a step back as they
saw the two gray cloaked individuals with the glowing green eyes below
their cowl come into view. "How fortunate, that you have all made
yourselves available to us." Harry said in disguised voice that echoed
through the hall.
"I don't know who you are, but you have made a grave error entering my
home." Shouted a man, who looked to be in his early seventies if not
older.
"Lord McNair I presume." Harry mocked bowed.
"Who are you and what are you doing here!" He demanded.
"Consider me a ghost from the past, my lord. I've come to collect on a
very old debt." He grinned but with his hood up no one noticed.
"You are trespassing and if you do not leave this instant I will be forced
to remove you by force!"
Harry chuckled as two explosions were heard coming from the main
floor, the floos being destroyed, and then several screams from the floor
below. "Did you hear that my lord? That was the sound of the beginning
of the end of your House and line." Harry said coldly.
"I am quite safe from you behind these wards you filth! Even now my
elves will be returning with help, and believe me you will not live much
longer once my lord arrives!"
Harry snapped his fingers and the two immobilized House Elves he had
stunned earlier now lay in front of his feet. "Do you mean these elves?"
Harry mocked.
"Tsk tsk, I guess your master won't be coming. Voldemort, isn't it?" Harry
mockingly asked.
"Not to worry, I will be dealing with him soon enough." Harry hissed
almost sounding like parcel tounge.
"What is this supposed wrong that I have committed against you?!"
McNair asked trying to seem defiant.
Harry stepped closer to the barrier, his eyes glowing brighter. Your
House, and twelve others, tried to commit genocide against my House,
and was nearly successful. Ring any bells?" Harry asked in a growl.
"Let me give you a hint, it happened one hundred and sixty years ago."
"E-Eveningshade?!" He whispered disbelievingly.
"I'm glad you remember, it will make this so much more satisfying."
Harry stated coldly. Just then the barrier flickered and then failed.
"Thank you Anthony." Harry stated softly as Anthony and Jacob turned
the corner. Anthony had taken down the ward as his Lord spoke with the
filth who were cowering behind it.
"Now where were we?" Harry asked malevolently as he faced the
McNairs.
oooOOOooo
The first aurors on the seen the next morning were still shaking with
horror at the sight of a semi-circle of twenty two heads placed on the
ground looking up at the body of Lord William McNair. It had been
determine by curse experts that he had been hit with a slow working
withering curse.
Investigators would state in their reports that it was most likely that Lord
McNair had been alive when he was staked into the ground and had to
look upon the lifeless faces of his kinsmen until the curse took him
completely. Another oddity was the message left, carved into his chest.
"AND THEN THERE WERE 12!"
The auror's reported that the decapitated bodies had all been lined up as
well, several feet away with twelve of the bodies having a tattoo on their
exposed left forearms. The same tattoo, which had been on the arms of
several terrorists, that had been either captured or killed over the last few
months.
"What does this mean?" Asked a horrified Amelia Bones to her mentor
and partner.
"Obviously someone is sending a message." Alastor Moody replied with a
huff as he was going over the identification reports in his hand.
"But what is the message, and to whom?" She asked as she took in the
charred remains of McNair Manor.
"Captain Moody sir!" An red cloaked auror came walking over swiftly.
"What is it Gilchrist?" Moody asked curtly.
"We found three more bodies sir!" The auror told him.
"More McNairs?" Amelia asked.
"No, we don't believe so. The bodies are mostly intact. We believe they
may have been part of the group that attacked the McNair's."
"Show me!" Moody growled and he and Amelia followed the other Auror.
"They were found nearby the back entrance to the manor. It looks like
the McNair's did put up some kind of defense fight." He replied pointing
out the three bodies.
Moody and Amelia knelt over the bodies to get a better look at them. "Do
you recognize them?" Amelia asked.
Moody scowled and flipped one of the bodies over with a wave of his
wand to get a better look at him and then the others. "Two of them look
familiar, can't place where I know them from though. The third I can't
place at all."
"Look at this sir!" Amelia said pointing to a small tattoo on each man's
right wrist.
"Looks to be a tattoo of a small dog." Gilchrist stated.
"Nope…it's a fox." Moody stated thoughtfully.
"Gilchrist! Make sure this is in your report. I believe what we have here
might be a rival group of the Death Eaters." Moody informed him matter-
of-factly.
"Sir, that's quite an assumption to make." Amelia commented to her
mentor.
"Not an assumption Ami, a lead that we need to explore. I want the
description of that tattoo out to all media sources." He told her.
"But, sir?! If we leak that information it could compromise our
investigation! And if it is a rival group it might force them to ground and
we'd never find them."
"Or!" Moody said tersely to his young protégé. "It will cause these Death
Eaters to expose themselves by looking for this other group for some
payback, and we follow the trail they leave behind. That way we get
information on both organizations and we bring them down at once."
Amelia wasn't so sure of this plan, but she trusted her mentor and would
defer to his years of experience and training.
Alastor Moody looked out over what could be considered a battlefield.
The aurors under his command gathering what evidence they could. The
bodies had been identified and tag and were being sent to the morgue
beneath St. Mungos for further investigation.
"So it begins." He whispered. "I hope you know what you and that
grandson of yours is doing Dorea." With that last thought he turned on
the spot and disapparated. It was going to be a very long day and he had
a bottle of Ogden's Finest with his name written on it back in his office.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Well I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. I know some of you will be
upset with how Harry acted in this chapter and will say it is completely
out of character for him. Or at least it was too sudden of a change.
But I think I have provided sufficient reasons for why Harry would
suddenly take a harder outlook on what he is doing in this time. With
the recent Kings Cross incident, coupled with what has already
happened in Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade and the slap in the face with
a heavy dose of reality from the Goddess and I think I have created an
evolution of sorts for Harry's change in attitude.
As always, your reviews, thoughts and critiques are welcomed and
encouraged. Flames are ignored but well thought out and explained
criticism is accepted and considered.
Stay tuned as the fallout of this incident is felt in all camps! Thanks
again for reading my little story!
32. Chapter 32
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: I'm so sorry I have not updated in so long. I've been dealing with
illness for the past couple of months and it has taken quite a toll on me,
not only physically but creatively as well. I'm doing better but it has
been a challenge to get back into a groove with my writing.
I'm sorry that this chapter is so short and admittedly not my best, but I
wanted to get something out before everyone thinks I've abandoned the
story. The next chapter is already percolating in my brain and will be
much longer and hopefully better written than this one.
I sincerely appreciate all the reviews and for all of you who have PM'd
me wondering about an update. I hope this satiate you for now. Expect
my next chapter in about two weeks. Thanks again to everyone who
takes time out of their personal lives to read my little story. So until
next time, I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of Passageways!
Chapter 32
Platform Nine and three-quarters on Monday January 3, 1972, was unlike
anything that anyone had seen since Grindelwald's reign of terror during
the mid-1940's. Red robed Aurors and purple cloaked Hit Wizards were
positioned all along the platform; no less than five were monitoring the
newly repaired portal that leads onto the platform from the muggle side
of King's Cross.
More were watching the three connected floos in a reception area of the
platform, and another half dozen watching the only apparition point at
the far end of the platform. Parents were only allowed ten minutes on the
platform before they were required to leave and the students had to
board the train and not linger on the platform.
It was a new Ministry protocol, its purpose was to avoid large
congregations of people that could be seen as potential targets for
whatever terrorists that happened to be lurking about. Though there was
no intelligence to suggest an attack was pending, the Ministry felt it had
to do something to show strength and try to calm and reassure the
understandably terrified witches and wizards of the United Kingdom that
all was well in hand.
The events of the last two weeks had the citizenry very much on edge.
First it was the attack on King's Cross while students were returning
home for the Yule Holidays, and then the horrible massacre of the
McNair family on New Year's Eve and of course the most recent attack
happening just yesterday in broad daylight in Knockturn Alley.
The Ministry unfortunately was demonstrating quite effectively its
ineffectiveness during a time of crisis. Witches and wizards across the
country were clamoring for something to be done, sending angry posts
and howlers to the Minister's office and to the DMLE and nearly every
Wizengamot member. Hysteria began to surface, many were beginning to
believe that Grindelwald had somehow made a return from the dead and
was launching a second campaign of world domination.
Only a handful of people knew the entire truth, and they were keeping
their silence. Captain Alastor Moody was one of these people. He was
confederate in a plan to bring down not only the terrorists organization
known as Death Eaters and the Purist Party led by Tom Riddle; aka Lord
Voldemort, but also to expose the Brotherhood of the Fox.
It was the Brotherhood that was deeply concerning to his longtime friend
and yes savior; Dorea Potter, who had patched him up more times than
he could count during the Grindelwald war. He owed her a life debt a
few times over.
Of course he knew who had been responsible for the Macnair attack, and
who had planted the three bodies belonging to the Brotherhood. He was
playing his part in the dangerous game of misdirection that Dorea had
come up with. He even let certain information about the "suspected"
handler of the Brotherhood agents.
*Flashback:
Auror squad room, desk of Auror Captain Alastor Moody. Seven hours after
initial investigation of the Macnair massacre.
Auror 1st class Blake Jackson strolled innocuously into the squad room. He
greeted his fellow Aurors with a nod and an easy grin, making small talk here
and there. He paid extra attention however to those Aurors who had
participated in the Macnair investigation, making subtle inquiries into their
findings.
Alastor had immediately locked eyes on the Auror as soon as he had walked
in. He had to force himself to keep a neutral look on his face as he watched
the man in boiling contempt. Thanks to Harry's pensieve memories of the
future and a few books about the coming war from the Room of Requirement,
Moody had learned of the five aurors within the DMLE who were Voldemort
spies and who conspired with other Death Eaters spies within the Ministry to
nearly bring down said Ministry in 1980.
"Oi Cap'n!" Jackson greeted Moody as he approached his desk. "Nasty business
this Macnair case, eh?"
Moody glared at the short pudgy auror, a typical response from the older
veteran. "Nasty business is it?!" Moody growled incredulously.
"A whole bloody family was wiped out!" Moody barked, playing up his part.
"I meant not'in by it cap'n." Jackson replied hurriedly. It would do no good to
piss Moody off if he wanted to learn anything for his lord. "It's a terrible t'ing
it is! Any leads on who dunnit?" Jackson asked hopefully.
And here it was, Moody thought. The bloody traitor was trying to glean what
information he could to pass on to the Dark wanker. Moody grinned to
himself; Voldemort took a significant financial hit with the Macnair fortune
effectively being taken from him, not to mention the Malfoy fortune since
Abraxas Malfoy fled the country.
He imagined that Voldemort wanted some answers and some payback from
whoever had perpetrated the hit on the family. And this toady in front of his
desk was to get that information. Dorea had been right; 'of course she was.'
Moody inwardly chuckled, that clever lady usually was. She predicted that
Voldemort would not let this attack on one of his inner circle go unchecked for
very long. Less than eight hours to be exact!
"Nothing I care to share with you Jackson! You know protocol on open cases;
only those assigned to the case are authorized to know details." Moody stated,
but in an exaggerated move he closed the open file in front of him and slipped
it under a stack of other folders. Jackson saw the move and Moody noticed
the sudden glint in Jackson eye.
'Like taking candy from a baby.' Moody mused.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with the director to get to." Moody
stood and then walked toward the outer squad room door. As he approached
the door he looked back surreptitiously over his shoulder to see Jackson trying
to be inconspicuous as he slid the file out from under the stack of other folders
and slip it into his robes.
The very next morning as the businesses of Knockturn Alley were just opening,
a dozen masked and black robed individuals popped into existence in front of
the shop of Borgin and Burkes. The front of the store was blown away as a
dozen reductor curses hit the entrance of the shop all at once.
Borgin his wife and two adult sons were dragged from their home and
executed while on their knees in front of many on lookers in Knockturn Alley,
with the specter of the Dark Mark floating high above the alley afterwards.
*End flashback*
Jackson had reported to his Lord that Marius Borgin had sent agents of
the Brotherhood of the Fox to kill the Macnair clan in what appeared to
be a case of political assassination. The Macnairs' and the Borgins had
both become members of the Wizengamot in 1810, but due to some
cheating at cards on the part of the Macnairs, the Borgins lost their seat
because of Breadthart Borgin in 1915.
Breadthart, who had a gambling problem, had incurred an enormous
debt, more galleons than he could afford. Since Borgin could not pay the
debt, Macnair demanded he turn over his seat on the Wizengamot as
payment. Since then, there had been a great enmity between the two
families.
Voldemort ever since the latest ritual, had become more and more
volatile and unstable, a side effect from performing it too soon after the
last one. His irrational bouts of anger and paranoia were becoming
common place and it had his followers always on edge.
So it was not surprising that he had become enraged when he had heard
the report that Jackson had removed from the DMLE. Macnair and his
family were killed it seemed by a political move by the Brotherhood
facilitated by a vendetta seeking Borgin! Voldemort remembered well his
time as the protégé of Gellert Grindelwald, he himself being a former
member of the secret society until he tried to take control of the society
himself and was banished.
Voldemort thought the Brotherhoods aims were good, however he
thought they moved too slowly for his tastes. They moved in slow
calculating steps, remaining in shadow, hiding themselves from public
view. They used political espionage, blackmail, and occasional
assassinations to achieve their goals.
Grindelwald, Voldemort knew, believed he had erred in his belief that he
could take over the magical world by using brute force and terror to
conquer. His alliance with Hitler had ended in disaster as the Nazis and
their axis allies were beaten into submission.
He had planned to allow Hitler to rule the muggle world for a time, if he
had won, more or less as his puppet, but he would eventually kill the
man and take his place. But until then, he would allow the charismatic
German his time and make use of his war machine to further his own
goals. But it all fell apart, and to make matters worse he was defeated by
Albus Dumbledore his onetime friend and possibly more.
Many believed that Dumbledore had killed the man, but in fact had
gotten lucky with a disarming spell. Grindelwald was then imprisoned in
the very edifice he had built to hold others. It was a humorous mistake
on the allies' part. Grindelwald would of course have made a way were
he could escape should he somehow be forced to take up residence there.
Grindelwald would allow Dumbledore and the allies to think he was
safely put away and he took the time to rethink his strategy, he never
would however, give up his dream to rule the world and subjugate the
muggles. It was for the Greater Good of course. The muggles were
warlike and destroyed everything they touched, he and Albus saw the
inhumanity of man first hand.
Muggles needed to be subjugated so that the world could finally achieve
the peaceful Wizarding ruled utopia he and Albus had envisioned. But
Gellert went from one extreme to the other, from brute force to
clandestine chess playing.
But Voldemort believed there was a middle ground that would be
successful. Gellert's first attempt had been too large in scope, trying to
conquer the world in one go, he on the other hand planned to take the
British Magical world first then England, and then move on from there.
He would have left Gellert alone in his German home, but that was
before this latest incursion against him.
Gellert's interference with one of his financiers and inner circle members,
meant that Gellert was making some kind of political play in the
Wizengamot and in England, which was not acceptable! England was his
to take and he would not let the Brotherhood get a foothold! He would
send them a message to keep out of his isle, a message to Gellert himself
to stay out of Britain! The head of Marius Borgin and his family would do
nicely for a start.
oooOOOooo
Moody stood on Platform Nine and Three-quarters watching the
Hogwarts students being dropped off by their families and allowed his
thoughts to mull over the events of yesterday morning. Dorea's plan had
set Voldemort and his ilk on the road to war against the Brotherhood.
It had been her plan to get the two organizations ire turned toward one
another so as to camouflage hers and Harry's actions. From what she had
gathered from the three men she had captured and tortured, Borgin was
an important intermediary and handler for the Brotherhood in Great
Britain. He provided not only intelligence but resources. Truth be told he
was an equal opportunist, a true capitalist who saw profit in playing
every side.
However, his great-grandfather had been a member of the Brotherhood at
its inception and felt some loyalty to the organization. Marius was the
handler of five Brotherhood cells that operated throughout Great Britain
and Ireland. Each cell operating independent of the other, only Borgin
knew who all the members were, except for the Brotherhood leadership.
As such, the Brotherhood would not take his assassination lying down. It
was only a matter of time before the Brotherhood would answer the
assassination back with one of its own, and Voldemort being the
egocentric megalomaniac that he was, would of course retaliate, his ego
would demand nothing less, thus creating a back and forth feud between
the two organizations.
It was a clever move on Dorea's part; he just hoped it went the way she
was hoping it would. These were two extremely dangerous groups that
she was trying to manipulate, but if successful, they would thin each
other out enough to be better managed by others. Of course she would
continue to subtly push them into conflict with one another while
masking her own involvement. Their infighting would be enough to
disguise what they were planning to do with the other members of the
"Thirteen" now only being eleven.
oooOOOooo
Harry and Bella, had decided that they would not return to Hogwarts, as
students that is, but would use the Room of Requirement as a base of
operations and coordinate with the marauders, including Andromeda and
Narcissa, as they quietly recruited students of neutral and gray families to
the Eveningshade cause.
Harry decided to actively pursue the remaining families that made up the
original "Thirteen" and begin the political maneuvering to take back the
hereditary seats that his family had lost. Not forgetting his promise to the
Lady Hogwarts to protect Hogwarts from the horrors that Voldemort had
unleashed in Harry's past, and Bella's future.
He and the marauders would crush the young Death Eaters within
Hogwarts as clandestinely as possible, hopefully without raising
Dumbledore's attention. But Harry knew that he would eventually have
to deal with Dumbledore. Not only for his ideology regarding the
subjugation of muggleborns for the purpose of infusing the purebloods
with new magical blood to avoid extinction, but more personally for his
family's role in the extermination of his own.
Harry however reluctant to let his family go on the train without him. It
was true in his own time as it was in this one, that when hundreds of
teens are left alone for hours with little to no adult supervision that there
would be innocent pranks and not so innocent…incidents, between those
who saw themselves as better than others, and felt that their
mistreatment of those lesser beings as perfectly fine and justified. They
needed to be put in their place after all.
So Harry had given Lily and each Black Sister a pendant with the
Eveningshade crest, which was charmed to warm a similar pendant that
Bella wore to indicate they were in danger. It was charmed to activate
when the girls uttered the word "Bettlegeuse" and also acted as a homing
beacon so that Harry and Bella could apparate to them. It was an altered
scrying enchantment that Bellatrix placed on each pendant, hers being
the master.
Alastor Moody noticed the arrival of the Potters; Dorea, Charlus, and
James along with Lily "Eveningshade" and little Remus Lupin at the
approved apparition point on the platform. Dorea and Charlus gave him a
nod of recognition but did not stop to talk.
They moved forward onto the platform where other families' were seeing
off their Hogwarts bound students. A few moments later Cygnus and his
wife arrived with the three Black sisters, well two were still Blacks' the
other was now the Lady Eveningshade, though that information was still
very much a secret. They were accompanied by a young man, tall with an
athletic build, long dark chestnut hair, pulled back in a low pony tail as
was pureblood fashion for the elite, and piercing green eyes that could
stare down a rampaging Hippogryph.
This group ignored Moody completely, keeping up appearances of an
elitist family, though he did see an almost imperceptible nod from Harry
as he brushed by. They moved forward and were in mere feet of the
Potters. The two pureblood men then nodded to each other as was
pureblood custom. The niceties must be observed.
They were soon followed by Lord Orion and Walburga Black with their
sons Sirius and Regulus, who quickly joined Cygnus and his family. Sirius
upon seeing James, Lily, and Remus peeled away from his family to chat
with his friends. Orion, Walburga, and Regulus approached Cygnus and
his group.
"Is it wise for you to be so exposed my lord? Out in public like this?"
Walburga asked Harry in a hushed voice.
"No one knows who I am lovely lady. At least not yet, so I still have some
anonymity." Harry gave her a charming smile. Walburga blushed at the
unexpected compliment.
Harry had learned from her painted counterpart that the Lady Black was
a pushover for flattery and it was one avenue for Harry to use that could
soften the lady enough to sway her to him. In reality the austere woman
had already decided to support the young lord, but not because he was a
handsome young man, or his use of flattery, no, Walburga was moved by
his power and ability, and Harry had both to spare.
Plus she saw what he had done to the Macnairs, and she liked her head
where it was thank you very much! She deemed it very unwise to get on
the bad side of the powerful young wizard, and now since the Blacks
were no longer popular with the Purist crowd after they pulled their
financial support from the organization, she needed to assure the survival
of her family and since the young Lord Eveningshade was technically
family it appeared that an alliance with House Eveningshade was their
best hope to survive what was coming.
After saying their goodbyes and giving Lily an extra-long hug and a
cautionary word of vigilance, Harry and Bella apparated back to the
Eveningshade manor house. They would remain at the manor until the
student's arrival at Hogwarts and then floo to the Room of Requirement
where they would meet the new marauders.
oooOOOooo
Albus Dumbledore stood staring out his office window which looked
down on the main gates of Hogwarts. It was a perfect view to watch the
many carriages carrying the future of wizarding Britain toward the
ancient castle. His thoughts were troubled though as he knew that they
carried far fewer students than they carried at the start of the Yule break.
Several muggleborn and half-blood students had been killed or seriously
injured by the explosion at Kings Cross station and would not be
returning. It was a serious waste of magical blood he ruminated. This
generation of witches and wizards had already lost too many, with birth
rates among the established magical families at an all-time low, he feared
for the future of his people with such loss among the newer witchborn.
It was now more important than ever to hold on to the muggleborn, and
not let them stay or return to the muggle world. He had already ordered
committees to look at drafting legal bills, to…in a manner of speaking
subjugate the muggleborns to wizarding authority and jurisdiction as
soon as they were identified as magical.
The children would then be distributed to wizarding families to be cared
for and raised in wizarding traditions, all of course under Ministry
oversight. With the older muggleborns, they would be required to
become wards of these various old families and when they reached the
age of maturity the head of house would then arrange marriage or
concubine contracts to suitable families.
Still, no matter how much he tried to argue with the die-hard
traditionalist he could not convince them that they needed to breed with
the lesser bloods if they were to remain viable as a people. He had many
of his surrogates out trying to sway some of the less rigid older families,
and had seen some movement, but they wanted certain restrictions and
regulations.
But if Tom and the Purist kept targeting the muggleborn all would be
lost! His antipathy for the muggle world would be the ruin of the
magical. He needed them to see reason, the muggles were far more
dangerous than the Purist realized, and if they kept provoking them,
eventually they would awaken a sleeping Titan that could literally
obliterate their world.
Those disturbing thoughts led his mind to consider the other events of
the last week. House Macnair was wiped out. By whom, was still unclear
though according to his sources in the DMLE it may have been an
organization that he had not heard tale of in many a decade. If they were
indeed the architects of the Macnair's demise he could not fathom the
reason why.
Then there was the execution of the Borgins. Retaliation perhaps for the
Macnairs? But what if any was the link between the two massacres. Was
the young couple that had fought in Diagon Alley involved? Albus did
not like being in the dark, no, not at all. And so he decided to call a
meeting of loyal friends and associates and those he thought could be
valuable to him to organize an intelligence gathering organization.
They would meet after the welcoming feast in his office. It was time
Albus thought, to take a more proactive approach in dealing with these
new threats to peace in magical Britain. He would bring order back to his
isle and they would achieve his utopia! It was after all for the greater
good of their world!
oooOOOooo
S/N: I guess there are a few questions I need to answer. First it has been
asked a few times whether Lily must remain a virgin or unmarried to be
the Priestess of the Morrigan, the answer is no. She is not a 'Vestal
Virgin'; I have not found anything that would suggest that she would
need to be. In the Wiccan religion the high priestess can be married, my
daughter is a practicing Wiccan and I've heard nothing to the contrary.
Next, the three men that were found at the McNair house were the three
men (Brotherhood of the Fox) captured by Dorea in Diagon Alley, I
thought that was obvious but perhaps it was too vague. Why were they
there? Dorea is using a tactic of misdirection and you will see more of
her using this tactic in following chapters.
The two minor McNair children were not killed but were taken back to
Night's End and will be integrated into an Eveningshade family.
And finally, I may have not made this clear in the last few chapters, but
Moody is aware of what is going on with the attacks and is helping
Dorea in her misdirection tactics, remember he is one of the few that
has seen Harry's pensieve memories of the future and is actively helping
Harry and misleading the ministry and Dumbledore.
33. Chapter 33
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: Sorry for the delay, real life has been crazy this last month. I also
want to give a shout out of thanks to everyone. This story hit over a
million views a couple of chapters ago! So, here is the latest chapter of
Passageways!
Chapter 33
Auror Captain Alastor Moody tromped into his office, sat back heavily in
his chair and took out his hip flask. Taking a few gulps he let out a sigh
of relief as he leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the desk.
Standing for three hours at the train platform was not his idea of a good
way to start the day. But Director Crouch was under pressure from the
minister, who in turn was under extreme pressure from concerned
parents about the safety of their children.
Being on his feet didn't bother him, dealing with snot nosed little kids on
the other hand was something that he found as distasteful as a swig of
Skele-Grow. His people were a crack tactical response team, the best of
the best, handpicked by him. Being given babysitting duty he felt was
frankly beneath their talents. But these were troubling times and he knew
that every wand in the Auror Corp would soon be put to the test.
His office door suddenly burst open with a loud bang as someone came
running in yelling. Moody tumbled backwards in his chair rolled over
and in one sweeping motion pulled his wand from his wrist holster and
pointed it at the head of the intruder and shot a curse but at the last
minute redirected it at the wall blowing a fist sized hole into it.
"MERLIN'S HAIRY BACKSIDE GILCHRIST! I NEARLY BLASTED YOUR
HEAD FROM YOUR SHOULDERS!" Moody roared as he recognized the
man who entered as one of his team members. For his part, Gilchrist's
face had lost all color as he felt the energy from the curse whizzing by his
left ear.
"S-s-sorry captain!" Gilchrist stammered.
"What was all that yelling about?!" Moody barked.
"W-what? O-oh…there is an attack in progress in Knockturn Alley, sir!"
"Death Eaters?" Moody asked walking quickly past the man and into the
squad room. He tapped his Auror badge three times which alerted the
rest of his team members wherever they may have been that they were to
quickly assemble in the briefing room.
"Unknown, sir." Gilchrist responded as he hurried to catch up to his boss.
Thirty seconds later Moody had entered the briefing room as the sounded
of running feet approached. The other eight members of Moody's team
entered doing last minute adjustments to their body armor and securing
their cloaks around their shoulders.
Moody looked at his squad with pride as they waited for the briefing.
"Right then!" Moody began. "Gilchrist update the team and be specific
and quick about it.
"Y-yes, sir. About three minutes ago one of our assets in Knockturn Alley
reported that a fight had broken out in the alley inside of the Green
Salamander Tavern. Our asset reports that some men with silver masks
were being attacked by men in brown cloaks. There are roughly ten to
twelve people involved." Gilchrist reported.
During Gilchrist's report Moody had made a port-key that would take his
team two blocks from the Green Salamander. He stood before his team
who all surrounded an old combat boot.
"Right, we don't know if we are entering a hot zone, so I want two
standard five man diamond formations; alpha team will take right-side of
the alley, bravo you will take left. The wingmen, upon arrival cast shields
while our front and rear points will immediately scan for hostiles to the
front and rear and engage if necessary. Remember, talk to each other;
keep your teammates aware of what you see.
"Right, on three…two…one…activate!"
With a swirl of color the ten man Auror response team appeared almost
in the center of Knockturn Alley. Though mid-day the alley was
blanketed in shadow from the tall and leaning buildings that lined both
sides of the alley. The run-down appearance lent an air of creepiness and
foreboding that put the team on edge as soon as they appeared.
Shields went up in front and in back of the two teams, the point men
looked straight ahead and behind, the center man of each team looked up
towards the buildings search for movement and threats from the
windows above.
Not detecting an immediate threat, the two formations quickly made
their way toward the Green Salamander. Each team member doing their
part in scanning their assigned part of the alley. As they came to the final
corner before coming into view of the seedy tavern they heard a heavy
accented voice distinctly speaking by means of the Sonorus charm.
The two teams halted their forward motion but each team member still
focused on their assignments. Talmage, the point man for team alpha
peaked the corner taking in the scene in front of him, four men in black
robes were in a kneeling position with four silver masks on the ground in
front of them. Directly behind them, were six men in brown robes, four
of which were pointing a wand at the back of the heads of the kneeling
men. One who was speaking and the other acting as lookout.
"Let it be witnessed this day that the Brotherhood will take vengeance
upon anyone who does harm to one of their own! For the crime of
murdering a member of our order and his family, we sentence these men
who call themselves Death Eaters to that end which they extol…death!"
The hooded brown cloaked man proclaimed.
Talmage backed away from the corner, and turned to look at Moody and
reported what he saw. Moody quickly instructed the two teams to take
positions as quickly as possible around the corner and to take cover and
flank both sides of the street putting these cloaked individuals and the
kneeling Death Eaters in a crossfire.
The two teams waited for Moody's signal to fire stunners at the six brown
cloaked individuals. Before Moody could do so, the lookout spotted them
out of the corner of his eye and fired a bombarda curse at team Bravo
sending chucks of cobblestone flying into the air and alerting his
comrades.
The Aurors returned fire quickly, however they were not fast enough to
stop what happened next, the man who had been speaking approached
the kneeling men, he was being shielded by the lookout as he
approached. The man then withdrew a long curved knife from his cloak
and immediately slit the throats of the four kneeling men.
The four men collapsed forward as their life's blood spurted from their
necks in pulsing streams. The six brown cloaks then concentrated their
spells at the buildings the Aurors were taking cover in front of, causing
wood, brick and mortar to rain down upon them. The Aurors had to focus
on shielding themselves from the falling debris giving the brotherhood
assassins time to disaparate.
"FUCK!" Moody roared as the brotherhood members disappeared.
"Bones, Talmalge, Gilchrist, Brooksby! I want a secure crime scene
immediately! Wadsworth, Pennington I need witnesses, and I want them
now! Shacklebolt, Dawlish, secure the Tavern, it looks like there are more
bodies in there. Prescott, I want identities on all the deceased!" Moody
barked out.
Moody looked over the scene, the tavern had some minor exterior
damage including the shattered windows. It appeared that the major
incident occurred inside the building. He walked toward the entrance of
the establishment and stopped suddenly at the large crow that was
staring down at him on a perch just above the door, it seemed to stare
straight into his eyes unblinkingly.
Moody a follower of the old ways bowed slightly and whispered. "My
lady." The crow spread it wings and flapped them vigorously and then
took flight. Moody watched the crow slowly fly out of sight and only then
turning around and entered the Green Salamander.
"Well this day just got a lot more interesting." He mused.
oooOOOooo
After seeing the others off on the Express, the Potter and Black adults
headed off to the various activities they had planned for the day. Harry
and Bella who were not taking the train either, returned to Nights End to
spend some much needed time alone before meeting with the Hogwarts
group in the Room of requirement later that night.
Things had been so chaotic over the last few weeks, that they had not
spent any time just being a couple, and Bella was past ready to spend
some quality time with her husband. She wasn't a clingy or needy witch,
but damn it you can't give a girl a taste of physical intimacy and then cut
her off for a week or more! It would be like introducing her to chocolate
for the first time and then telling her she couldn't have anymore, it was
an extremely foolish if not dangerous thing to do.
The young couple appeared with a near silent pop of displaced air just on
the outskirts of the small village of Night's End. They began to make their
way through the cobblestone streets of the growing Eveningshade
community hand in hand. The air was brisk but with very little wind the
January day was comfortable enough to not hurry their way up to the
manor.
The midday sun shone brightly over a cloudless sky and had inspired the
younger children from the village to build snow forts, snowmen, and a
few were even ice-skating on the frozen over pond. All seemed to be in
high spirits and their peals of laughter rang through the small
community.
Bella glanced at the sparkling eyes of her husband, and had to stop
herself from chuckling at the boyish grin of excitement as he spotted a
group of children splitting into factions for a snowball fight. Three teams
had been chosen and had taken position behind their respective snow-
forts. Within moments volleys of snowballs were bombarding each
position as the children shouted in delight and yelling encouraging words
to their comrades.
Harry was literally bouncing on the balls of his feet watching the mini
battle, his grin was large and his eyes were glowing with a yearning to
join in. This time Bella did giggle light heartedly at her husband.
"Oh gone on you big goof! I know you're dying to join…go on!" She
laughed at his roguish look of glee, with a quick peck on the cheek he ran
off and then dived behind one of the snow forts. Harry had chosen the
team with the youngest of the participants who were now whooping with
joy to have their lord join their team.
Bella looked on fondly at Harry, noticing how much he came alive
playing with the children. There hadn't been much time to be carefree
lately, not that Harry ever had time to be a child, and it seemed that this
was an inspired interlude to bring life back into her husband's eyes.
"He'll make a wonderful father someday." Bella nearly jumped out of her
skin, she had been so focused on watching over Harry, that she had not
sensed the arrival of the town matriarch, Lilith.
"You can tell by the way he interacts and speaks with them." The ancient
lady had continued speaking, as if she hadn't noticed Bella's sudden gasp
and jump of surprise.
"Notice how he speaks to them as an equal and gets down to their level
when he does. He inspires them and in return they remind him of the
joys of youth. He will become a much beloved leader of his people, and
that kind of love inspires great loyalty." The wizened woman softly
spoke, threading her arm through the much taller Bella's.
"Come inside my lady and have some tea, I'm sure his lordship will be
awhile." She smiled knowingly. Bella could only nod as she was pulled
into Lilith's small cottage. The two witches sat in two comfy chairs by a
large window that looked out on to the square and the ensuing mayhem
of the snowball fight.
The cottage was warm and homey, decorated with a mix of various styles
of furniture from early Victorian to Edwardian with a bit of French
Napoleonic thrown in as well. Handmade doilies were found on tables
and the sofa and chairs. There was a large mantelpiece, where several old
looking moving photos had been lovingly placed, with warm candles
illuminating the subjects in their silver frames.
Above the hearth was an ornate and ancient looking iron age Triskelion
with three crows weaved in Celtic knots, symbolizing the Triple Goddess.
Above the cottage door, made from a combination of reed and sage hung
Brigit's cross, placed there to bless the home and provide protection from
evil to all within its walls.
Bella could feel the ambient magic that flowed through Lilith's little
cottage, the home literally hummed with power but it was not an
uncomfortable feeling nor was it oppressive but felt welcoming and gave
one a sense of security. Her home was at the very heart of the village and
was the spiritual center for the residence and place of learning for the
young and old alike.
Bella, though knowing she was the Lady Eveningshade and considered
the matriarch of the family now, knew without doubt that this tiny
ancient woman seated next to her was the heart and spiritual soul of the
growing Eveningshade clan. She was a teacher, a mentor, and the
spiritual leader of the family. And much to Bella's surprise she was okay
with that, because she knew she had her own role to play within the
family.
"He will become one of the most powerful you know." Lilith said casually.
"Sorry?" Bella asked confused.
"Your husband dear, he has it within him to be one of the most magically
powerful lords our clan has seen in centuries."
Bella shifted in her chair to face the tiny woman. "Have you seen this in a
vision?" Bella asked.
Lilith chuckled lightly and replied never taking her eyes of Harry, who
was wandlessly levitating a dozen snowballs before banishing them
toward one of the fortified snow-forts getting cheers from his teammates.
"No, no vision child. I do not need to see the future to see and feel the
potential of your husband. Not only has he been touched by the Goddess
but he has barely scratched the surface of the power that he will one day
wield. Great and terrible will be the magic at his command. But at this
moment…" She paused and sighed heavily.
"…He is at his most vulnerable and most dangerous." Lilith frowned
slightly, her gaze still on the young lord.
Bella turned to look at her husband who had the largest smile she had
ever seen on his young face. Turning back to Lilith she asked. "I don't
understand, why do you believe Harry is vulnerable and dangerous?"
Lilith sighed and took a sip of her tea, closing her eyes and relished the
warmth of the liquid as it made its way down her throat. "You are a
daughter of House Black, and from the time you could walk and talk you
have been taught to control your feelings, your emotions, to never show
weakness." She began.
"You've mastered the art of indifference, never allowing the taunting of
an enemy to make you act impulsively. Neither do you allow sentiment
to rule you. You are in control of your emotions and therefore have
better control of your magical responses. And, though from a dark family,
your aura and your leanings are more toward the gray. Neither side has
sway over you. You are balanced. You are in essence the perfect
Eveningshade; but the power of our family magic is a blessing and a
curse." Lilith told her with a slight pursing of her lips.
"A blessing and a curse? Balanced? What is it you're trying to tell me?"
Bella asked curiously.
"It is a precarious balance that we must keep, Bella, we are not a people
of the light, neither are we a people of the darkness, yet we have the
bloodline of both. We are the bastard children of the two…we are a
sacrilege, a heresy, our bloodline and the magic that binds us is ancient,
and in the eternal fight between good and evil, we are forced because of
our dual bloodline to remain neutral, lest we lose our magic or worse…
be destroyed by violating the magic that bound us in the beginning."
Lilith replied.
"Um…okay, but what does this have to do with Harry's emotions and him
being dangerous?" Bella asked confused with the direction of the
conversation.
"Harry has not had the same upbringing that you have; he had no proper
upbringing at all." She growled.
"He has never been taught how to control or conceal his emotions. His
views on light and dark, prejudiced by those who wished to manipulate
him and use him for their own purposes. He is at a volatile point in his
life where he will set his path for light, dark, or gray. He must remain in
the gray Bella, if he is to survive…if we are to survive as a people.
"It has only been since he took up his lordship that the true power of
House Eveningshade has begun to assert itself. The power of the family,
you see, comes from our lord's blood, and because our forefathers' blood
accepted Harry's blood when it mingled with theirs in the Eveningshade
chalice, the family magic proclaimed him the new lord.
"Abilities that had lay dormant for a century are now manifesting in all
those of our bloodline. You see, there is a symbiotic connections with the
magical blood that runs through his veins, our lord's veins, and the rest of
the clan.
"Many years ago Harry's great-great-grandfather, Gaius Eveningshade,
believed that there was a conspiracy by dark wizards to weaken our
House, this being in the early 1800's, it turned out to be much worse than
he or any of us could ever have imagined. He confessed his fears to
someone he thought a friend and ally, this friend played on his emotions
for his family and his fears and convinced him that the only way to
assure his family's survival against these evil men was to purge himself of
his darker half.
"So to make sure our family was at its strongest he decided that he would
try and purge our dark blood by some arcane ritual this "friend" had
suggested. He was convinced that by being pure light he would
strengthen us so that we would be able to withstand our enemies'
assaults.
"He was wrong. It weakened us, and led to the damnable 1810
extermination of our people. It was folly on his part to believe that he
could purge our blood. Unbeknownst to him the ritual was meant for
human magicals only, and we are not completely human. Like Veela,
Dryads, and satyrs we are a blended people.
"The attempted purge violated are neutrality and resulted in the loss of
our lord's magic, and in turn our family magic went dormant. We were in
a weakened state when our merciless enemies attacked, and the strike
was surgical in its precision, ruthless and perfectly timed. It was a
massacre.
"Those who survived scattered and hid their true heritage for fear of
being discovered and killed. Harry's great-great grandfather loved his
people immensely, but he made the mistake of forgetting our nature, and
allowed irrational feelings to cloud his reason and so he attempted to
remove a part of our soul.
"Harry cannot let his emotions sway him in the way Gaius did. The
danger is that Harry allows his emotions to rule him, and he needs to be
able to rule them. And you my lady, are the perfect witch to guide him,
you and Dorea who he has developed quite an affection for and an
absolute trust."
Bella returned her attention to her husband who was laughing loudly as
the snowball fight had turned into a game of pile on his lordship. Young
boys and girls were wrestling around with Harry who was underneath a
pile of the giggling and smiling children.
Bella sighed heavily as she watched her husband. "It is those
demonstrative feelings that has endeared him to me so much, Lilith.
There was little to know physical affection in my family and very little
outward emotion. It is why I love him so much; he shows his feelings and
emotions. His gentle caresses, his warm hugs, and tender kisses, and by
the goddess his eyes! So full of deep emotions that I sometimes become
weak in the knees. I don't want him to lose that Lilith." Bella replied,
shaking her head.
Lilith gazed at her lord warmly before speaking. "Don't miss understand
me my lady, emotions are not a bad thing and being so demonstrative
toward others like these children, is as heartwarming as it appears. What
I speak of, is not a suppression of his emotions, but firm control."
oooOOOooo
"It feels odd not to have Bella here with us." Narcissa commented to the
others in their compartment on the Hogwarts Express.
"Yeah a bit." Andromeda replied staring at the passing scenery outside the
window. "But we'll see her tonight after the feast in the Room of
Requirement."
"So will you and Narcissa stay in the ROR the rest of the year?" Sirius
asked.
"Yeah, it's too dangerous for us in the Slytherin dungeon right now, what
with Voldemort upset that your dad is no longer making financial
contributions to his Purist movement, and with Rudy Lestrange being his
eyes and ears at Hogwarts, not to mention that Bella has escaped his
grasp it will be best for us not to be anywhere near him."
"Then we should blind him then." Lily stated matter-of-factly.
All eyes turned toward the redhead who appeared to be reading another
one of the Eveningshade journals of a distant relative.
"Blind him?" James asked a bit confused.
"It's obvious isn't it?" Lily closed her book and looked up at the others and
rolled her eyes. "We take away Voldemort's eyes in the school."
"I see where you are going with this Lily, but he would just be replaced
by another." Andromeda replied shaking her head at what Lily was
suggesting.
"Then we make such an example out of Rudy that no one would want to
take his place." She replied with a wicked glint in her eyes.
"I've been reading some of my family history during their time as
mercenaries for the Roman Army." She stated patting the book on her
lap.
"So, what about it?" Sirius asked.
"Have you ever wonder how Rome was able to conquer and control the
territories the invaded?" She asked.
"You mean like 'Divide and Conquer'?" Remus asked.
"Partially, but they also instilled terror in the hearts and minds of the
people. So much so that many tribes and villages never resisted. When
the Romans went into a new territory they would utterly destroy the first
village they would come to, slaughter every man, woman and child, and
then display their bodies on pikes or crosses.
"Word would spread to the other neighboring villages, and rather than
meet the same fate as the first they would submit to the Romans. But the
Romans, like Remus suggested, also used the tactic of divide and conquer
as well. The Romans would make deals with some tribes, promising then
expanded territory if they helped defeat other tribes in the area. The two
tactics were quite successful." Lily stated confidently.
"So are you suggesting that we take out everyone in Slytherin House?"
Sirius snickered until Andromeda and Narcissa growled at him.
"NO, I am not suggesting we take out Slytherin House!" Lily replied
quickly. "Just its leadership." she shrugged.
"Kill the Lestranges?" Narcissa asked with interest.
"We don't need to kill them to take them out." Andromeda replied curtly.
"Pity." Narcissa whispered, but they all heard her. Sirius and James
chuckled and Remus looked uncomfortable with the whole conversation.
Andromeda just shook her head in exasperation.
"They are one of the thirteen." Lily replied evenly. "What's to say that
they don't meet with some unfortunate accidents?"
"Lily, I think you've been reading too many of those violent journals."
Andromeda commented concernedly.
oooOOOooo
The proprietor of the Green Salamander was a former prison guard at
Azkaban prison, he had been fired from his job when it was discovered
he had been taking certain liberties with the female inmates against their
will. He was not only fired but stripped of his pension as well, he was
then summarily drummed out of the Auror Corp in disgrace.
Willem Wickerman was a large man at 6'5" and tipped the scales at
nearly twenty-two stones. His once thick red hair had faded to a thin
sickly yellow as he approached the age of sixty-two. He had a deep
loathing of the Ministry and especially anyone in law enforcement. His
uncle had left him the Green Salamander in his will, being the only other
living relative he had left after the Great War.
So it was no surprise at the sneer plastered on his face when Moody
entered his place of business with two other Aurors. He was already in a
foul mood with the near destruction of his tavern at the hands of those
brotherhood arses and the three dead bodies in varying states of
completeness. But now he had these gobshites in here poking around, no
doubt to make him out to be the cause of the troubles.
He should have known that by allowing these Death Eater pukes his
tavern for their meetings would one day lead to trouble. But the money
to allow them to hold there gatherings here was too good to pass up.
"Wickerman."
"Moody."
The two men glared at each other with distaste clearly written on both
their faces. Moody had conducted the investigation that led to
Wickerman's dismissal and dishonorable release from the Aurors.
Wickerman was never tried for his offenses, Director Crouch wanted to
avoid a scandal within his department so it was all handled quietly.
Moody felt though that the bastard should have been tried and then
tossed into the very prison that he had guarded, and let it be known to
the man.
"Had quite the donnybrook here didn't ya?" Moody smirked at the man.
"Sod off, Moody! I have no inclination to talk to you!" Wickerman said
stubbornly.
Moody chuckled sardonically. "Sod off is it? Well let's just see what we
have here? Hmm, looks like three corpses to go along with the four
outside, may have been the cooking but I doubt it. Spell damage
everywhere, Death Eater masks. You do know that Death Eaters have
been classified as terrorist, Wicky?"
"I'm not associated with that lot! And don't call me Wicky!" Wickerman
spat.
"So you say, but here they are, in your little establishment. I'd call that
harboring wouldn't you?"
"You're a right bastard!"
"So I've been told." Moody replied nonplussed. "So let's see now, that's
harboring, aiding and abetting, possible direct involvement."
"I told you I have nothing to do with that lot!" Wickerman roared again,
his fists clenching and unclenching.
Moody shook his head and smirked. "Looks like I gonna have to shut you
down, Wicky."
"WHAT! You can't do that! I had nothing to do with them or their
deaths!"
"NO? Then perhaps you can tell me what the hell happened here?! And
you know what I'm talking about! I want details. I want names. I want to
know of every terroristic bastard that has walked in here in the last six
months!"
"I'm no snitch!" He replied.
"Your choice." Moody stated giving him a punitive stare.
The tavern owner pulled his hand down his face hard and shook his head
feeling the claustrophobic sensation of being caught between a rock and
a hard place. It wasn't much, but his tavern was all that he had left, but if
he cooperated with Moody and the Ministry he would most likely feel the
displeasure of Voldemort and his shock troops, then again the Ministry
could confiscate his tavern and he would have nothing anyway.
Wickerman sighed heavily as he made his decision. "Look, I'll tell you
what I know about the meetings the Death Eaters have been having here,
but I was down in the cellar when the attack happened. I heard spell fire
and then shouting. When I got back upstairs those men in brown cloaks
were dragging those for men out."
"Do you know who they were?" Moody asked.
"The brown cloaks? No. Just something about some brotherhood, they
did mention something about Borgin though. My waitress was here
during the entire thing, you should ask her." He replied, jerking his head
toward a rather plain looking witch.
"Captain Moody sir?"
"What do you have to report Bones?" Moody asked his young protégé.
"The Ministry coroner has taken possession of the deceased and is
preparing to port-key the lot back to the Ministry morgue." Amelia Bones
reported.
"Anyone of note?" He asked.
Amelia knew he was asking if there were any elites of wizarding society
among the dead. "No one of any political significance, but we did find
Thomas Rockwood among the dead, I believe his brother is Augustus
Rockwood who works in the Department of Mysteries."
Moody recognized the name, he knew Augustus Rockwood was a traitor
and a spy for Voldemort according to Harry's memories, however he did
not know that his brother had been one as well.
"Very well, that'll be all Bones, continue coordinating with Coroner's
office. I want every scrap of evidence they find on those bodies tagged
and evaluated. Maybe will get lucky and find some important
intelligence. Also, tell Shacklebolt I want memories from everyone who
saw those brown cloaks, if we can identify who they were it'll go a long
way to tracking them down." Moody ordered.
"Yes sir!" Amelia answered crisply.
Moody then walked to the waitress that Wickerman had pointed out. She
was sitting in a chair, her face pale, eyes wide, her hands were shaking in
her lap. 'Shock' Moody told himself. Hopefully he'll be able to get
something useful from the catatonic looking woman but it wasn't looking
good.
"Miss, I'm captain Alastor Moody, I need to ask you a few questions." He
began.
The dark haired woman turned her head toward Moody's voice, with a
scared and surprised look on her face. She did not respond and looked
like she would start screaming at any moment. Moody pulled up a chair
and sat down in front of the frightened woman.
"I'm not going to hurt you miss, I just need to know what you heard and
saw. Can you do that for me miss…"
"Snape."
"Excuse me?" Moody asked.
"It's S-Snape, Mrs. Snape. Use to be Prince, Eileen Prince." The woman
told him softly.
"Old family name, Prince." Moody stated.
Eileen nodded. "There all gone now." She whispered.
"Who?" Moody asked.
"My parent's and two brothers. They died fighting Grindelwald. I'm the
last of my family." She said sniffling.
"Snape…Snape. That's not a name I'm familiar with. Halfblood?" Moody
asked the woman who seemed to be calming down a bit.
"He-he's a muggle. I had no dowry for a pureblood family to take interest
in me, and my family was not wealthy." She looked down. Moody didn't
know if it was out of embarrassment or shame.
Moody nodded and then decided to change the obvious uncomfortable
topic. "Eileen, can you tell me what happened here?"
She nodded. "Brynn Cadfael and six others came in as they always do,
they seem to be in a good mood. I-I heard them talking about being
rewarded for making the traitors pay. One of them mentioned the
Borgins by name." She looked down again twisting her hands in her
apron.
"M-Mary Borgin was a f-friend of mine." Eileen commented.
"My condolences. Were all these men Death Eaters?" Moody asked getting
to the point.
Eileen nodded. "They really like that name." She replied flatly, her eyes
shifting left to right.
"So they were enjoying themselves, and then what happened?" Moody
asked her?
"Well I noticed two men dressed in brown cloaks with their hoods up
come in and walk to the left far corner of the tavern, about a minute or
two and two more came in dressed the same way and went to the
opposite of the bar, then the last two came in. They made brief eye
contact with the other four who nodded toward the table in the middle of
the room where the seven Death Eaters were sitting.
"Then everything happened so fast, the last two men to enter drew their
wands and fired blasting curses point blank at the back of the heads of
two of the Death Eaters. I-it was…horrific, there was b-blood and…
everywhere.
"The explosion of the two Death Eaters sent a piece of bone I think into
the head of a third who didn't move afterwards. Three of the others didn't
stand a chance they were hit with stunning spells from two sides. But one
managed to throw up a shield and then dived behind the bar. There was
an exchange of spells, but six against one…he didn't stand a chance. Not
sure what they hit him with but he let out a scream the likes that I've
never heard.
"The brown cloaked men then levitated all four out into the middle of the
street, woke them and then forced them to kneel on the ground. Then
one of them let off a cannon blast from his wand and called for people to
bear witness, it was about then that you and your people then showed
up." She sighed sitting back in the chair and rubbed her face tiredly with
both hands.
"If you'll indulge me a little bit longer Eileen. Did you happen to see the
faces of any of the men in the brown cloaks?"
"Yes, during the exchange of spells three of the men's face were exposed."
She replied.
"Did you recognize any of them?" He asked.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't recognize any of them." She shook her head
disappointed that she couldn't be more help.
"That's quite alright, Eileen." He told her. "Do you mind if I get your
memories of the incident. It'll help our investigation."
"I-I guess, but you'll have to extract it. I'm afraid I was never that
magically talented, though I was pretty good at potions." She replied with
a shrug.
"I can do that for you. I just need you to bring the incident forward in
your thoughts, and I'll do the rest." He told her gently.
Eileen Snape pulled the painful images to the fore of her thoughts. She
gave a slight nod to Moody who touched her temple with the tip of his
wand and slowly pulled a gossamer strand of memory from her mind and
immediately put it in a glass vial he pulled from his robes.
"Thank you Eileen, if there is anything else you can think of, whether
about the brown cloaks or the Death Eaters you come see me alright?"
Moody told her. She nodded that she would.
As Moody got up he wandered back outside, and looked at the puddle of
blood that had pooled from the murdered Death Eaters. He then glanced
back over his shoulder to look one more time at the Green Salamander.
"They hit back faster than I thought." He mused, thinking of the
Brotherhood of the Fox. "The ball is back in Voldemort's court now. I'm
sure this is gonna get a hell of a lot more bloody."
oooOOOooo
A thoroughly soaked Harry was walking toward Lilith's cottage with a
contented smile on his face. The children also beginning to head back to
their own respective homes, all were exhausted but chatting animatedly
in excitement with each other.
"My lord! My lord!" A small girl was running toward Harry. Harry turned
as the small girl approached. She looked shyly at him and was fidgeting
just a bit. Harry knelt down so that he was close to eye level with her.
"What can I do for you Maggie?" He asked the eight year old little blonde
who had been on his team. She suddenly gave him a kiss on the cheek,
blushing madly she quickly turned and ran for home. Harry watched her
as she ran off and smiled to himself.
"Do I have competition for your affections my lord?" Bella asked playfully
as she appeared behind him with a widely smiling Lilith at her side.
"Oh, umm…" Harry began, blushing slightly.
"How could any girl resist such an articulate man?" Bella chuckled.
"What can I say, Shakespeare watch out!" Harry managed to say. "But if
you're feeling neglected I could give you a big hug." He replied playfully
waggling his eyebrows as he opened his arms and quickly approached
her.
"Harry you're soaked!" She protested trying to quickly back away.
"You know you want one!" Harry grinned evilly.
"Harry…Harry!" Harry launched himself at Bella, causing both to get
tangled in each other's limbs as they tumbled into the snow.
Harry began to pepper her face and neck with kisses as his fingers sought
out those more ticklish spots he knew she had. Bella kicked and thrashed
as she began to laugh uncontrollably. They rolled over and over each
other, each trying to gain the advantage.
With a final heave, Harry managed to pin her down on her back on the
soft snow. His face hovered just above hers, his body lying on top of hers
in just the right position to be deliciously intimate. Their smiling faces
glowed red from the cold and their playful exertions. Their green eyes
locked on to the others as their breath calmed but deepened.
The moment was very intimate and incredibly exciting. Harry slowly
leaned forward tilting his head slightly and closing his eyes. Bella
instinctually tilted her head in the opposite way, her eyes closing as well.
Their lips met tenderly but filled with that emotion that only lovers can
truly feel. The kiss seemed to stretch on and on until they slowly parted.
"Take me to bed Harry, and I mean now!" Bella spoke huskily.
Harry didn't need to be told twice, taking a firmer hold of her, he
apparated them both back to their bedroom at Eveningshade Manor from
their horizontal position.
"Well, I guess no goodbye then?" Lilith commented to the now empty
square with a smirk. "Children these days have no sense of etiquette." She
chuckled as she returned to her cottage.
oooOOOooo
A cloaked man in expensive Acromantula silk robes made his way into
the lobby of Gringotts Bank. He was followed by two other men who
were obviously not in the same economic or social class as the first man.
They passed by the many tellers who were all busy either with customers,
counting gold, or otherwise glaring menacingly.
The man with his entourage turned left as they passed the teller counters
and entered a set of large double doors, seated at a desk was a secretary
who raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the three men.
"What is it that you want wizards?" The goblin asked, not quite
succeeding in keeping the contempt out of his voice."
"I'm here to see Riptorn, the director of Genealogy and Inheritance." The
well-dressed wizard replied.
"And who may I ask is making the request?" The goblin asked.
"Pollux Black and the potential lords of two Ancient and Noble houses
once thought extinct!" Pollux smiled predatorily.
oooOOOooo
A/N: A little bit of everything in this chapter including some
foreshadowing of things to come. Thank you all for the many wonderful
and helpful reviews! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter
with a review, critique or a comment. And an advanced Happy St.
Patrick's Day! Slainte agus Erin Go Bragh!
34. Chapter 34
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
Authors Note: I'm so sorry for the long delay! I have not abandoned the
story. Real life and health issues kept me from writing for a while. That
being said, it has been a struggle to get my muse flowing after such an
extended absence. So I ask you to bear with me for a few chapters while
I get my creative juices flowing again. This chapter has been difficult to
write and I'm not entirely happy with it, but it does push things forward
a bit. The next few chapters we won't see much of Lily, James and the
other students at Hogwarts, as events mostly happen outside of the
school. There will be a lot more Harry and Bella in the next two or three
chapters as they develop together as a couple and as Lord and Lady
Eveningshade while bringing the fight to Voldemort. We will also see
more of Dorea's cunning and influence on events and especially a strong
mentorship that will develop between her and Harry.
I am also so grateful to all those who have inquired about my health
and about the story. It means a lot and is the main reason I will not give
up on the story, that and my wife threatening me with physical harm if I
don't continue. ; )
So without further ado, here is the next chapter of Passageways!
Chapter 34
"DID WE LOSE THEM, DID WE LOSE THEM!?" A mousey haired man
shouted, as he fell to his knees panting from exhaustion, this last
apparition siphoning almost all of his magical reserves.
"Shut up you feckin gobshite! Do you want to alert the whole bloody
countryside!?" Another man hissed slumping against a nearby tree.
"Oi…where are we, Travers?" a third man asked bracing himself, hands
on his knees to a fourth.
"We should be somewhere near the safe-house, it's on the outskirts of
Yetholm." Marcus Travers replied to his three companions and then
looking around at the heavily wooded forest they found themselves in
speculatively.
"Did we lose them?" The first man asked again a little quieter than his
last outburst, but not by much.
"Calm yourself Sharpton, you sound like a bloody mudblooded girl!"
Travers growled. "We should have apparated enough times to confuse
them. I doubt they would be able to follow our signatures after that
many." He stated taking in his surroundings once more.
"THEY FOUND OUR OTHER SAFE-HOUSE! THEY BUTCHERED THE
OTHERS!What makes you so sure they won't find us at this one?!" Sean
Doyle a twenty-two year old pureblood, a new recruit of eight months to
the Death Eaters hissed.
"Shut your gob you stupid mick! I was there too, I know what the fuck
happened!" Travers spat back heatedly.
"We need to tell our lord, he must be informed that the brotherhood has
hit us again!" Rory Sinclair, a thirty-eight year old disciple of Lord
Voldemort advised.
"I don't think I can make another jump without splinching me self in
two." Sharpton wheezed. Doyle nodded his agreement.
Travers looked at his three companions taking in their conditions. He
hated to admit it, but he was near magical exhaustion himself. "Right,
we'll make for the safe house and rest for a few hours, and then will
report to our lord."
"Agreed." Sinclair replied, receiving nods from Sharpton and Doyle.
"Right, we need to find a clearing so I can orient myself. It's strange but I
don't recall the forest around Yelthom being this thick before." Travers
spoke, though more to himself than to the others.
The four men stood and with Travers taking the lead, they began to move
in a southerly direction. At least that was what Travers thought, the tree
canopy was successfully blocking his view of the night sky and he
couldn't be completely sure.
The men had been walking for what seemed like hours, they were
beginning to have an uneasy feeling in their guts as the forest began to
darken and curiously become increasingly silent. Their eyes began to dart
from left to right, up and down as their sense of direction diminished.
Their lumos spells were illuminating less and less coming to a point
where all it illuminated was the wand tip itself. Doyle was the first to
allow panic to engulf him as he began to yell 'LUMOS MAXIMUS…
LUMOS MAXIMUS!'
"Doyle you dozy sod! Lower your voice!" Travers barked.
"LUMOS MAXIMUS! LUMOS MAXIMUS! LUMOS MAXIMUS!" The young
man shouted in increasing alarm.
"So help me Doyle I'll A.K. your arse if you don't shut it!" Sinclair hissed
and then backhanded the boy sending him crashing to rough ground.
The young Irishman curled into a ball on the ground and started to
whimper, rocking himself back and forth. In his short time with the
Death Eaters he had not seen any of the glory his recruiters had promised
him, nor had he seen riches, not even a pretty mudblood to rape!
What he had seen was "his lord" torturing his fellow Death Eaters for
their cowardice in fleeing from the Brown Cloaks. He had heard the
whispers from his comrades that the Brown Cloaks were utterly ruthless
and preferred dispatching their victims the Muggle way, with daggers
and knives.
It was said they enjoyed watching the life slowly fade from their victims
instead of the more humane quick death of the Avada Kedavra curse. Oh
they would use their wands to subdue their victims to be sure, but then
turn to their blades to finish them off.
Not more than a few hours ago he had witnessed the Brown Cloaks in
action and up close. He, and the three in his present company, had been
on patrol and were just returning to the safe house when they heard the
shouting of spells and the sounds of mini explosion coming from within
side.
They had rushed to the house but instead of running into the dilapidated
old farm house decided to peek inside the building from the exterior
windows. The fight had just ended, and all six of those who had been
inside were all down on their knees, with four Brown Cloaks looking
emotionlessly down at them.
Doyle, had involuntarily revealed them when he screamed out in
disbelief, one by one the Brown Cloaks slit the throats of each man,
including his cousin Liam who had encouraged him to join the cause
against the mudblood corruption of magical society.
Thus began a chase that had them apparating all over the country, the
Brown Cloaks had somehow been able to follow them their first two
jumps, they didn't appear on their third but Travers had them jump four
more times in order to assure they had shook them.
Now curled up on the ground of some bloody forest in the south of
Scotland he was rethinking his membership in this godforsaken
movement. He was never one for politics but this just didn't seem to be
what he was sold when he had joined.
They were supposed to be fighting for a new golden age for those of pure
magical lines, but it was appearing more and more to him that it was just
wizards killing wizards, dying for an ideology that espoused one magical
birth being better than another. Maybe it was time to just go home.
Those thoughts were suddenly pushed from his mind as he felt himself
being lifted off the ground and shaken.
"Get a grip Doyle!" He heard Travers growling at him mere inches from
his face.
"We push on!" Travers stated angrily, releasing his grip on the young
man, and turning around to growl at the others.
*Caw...caw*
All four men reflexively crouched down low and bringing their wands to
bare, searching for the source of the sound that had suddenly broke the
silence of the forest. Each man faced a different direction pressing their
backs against each other in a defensive position.
*Caw…caw*
"There!" Sharpton informed his mates, pointing to a high branch on a
large tree a mere few feet from them.
"Merlin's balls, it's a bloody crow!" Travers sighed in exasperation and no
little bit of relief.
"Bloody Crow!" Sinclair growled taking aim at the large bird.
"Sinclair don't…"
"Lacero!" Sinclair incanted the cutting curse at the perched bird.
The crow moved unnaturally fast as it dived from the branch straight at
Sinclair, the curse traveling over the head of the diving bird. Sinclair
threw himself to the ground as the bird cuffed his head with its wings
and then gliding to a branch directly behind him.
"Sinclair, you bloody fool! Are you trying to get us found?!" Travers
hissed at the man as he stood dusting off his robe.
"Sweet Mary and Joseph!" Doyle whispered harshly.
His three fellow Death Eaters turned around to look at what Doyle was
staring at. They all four started, as the large crow looked down at them
with glowing green eyes.
"Bloody hell." Sharpton declared. "W-what is that…it can't be a n-normal
crow, can it?!"
Before anyone else could offer a reply the crow dove from its perch again
and flew past the quartet of wizards. As they followed the direction of the
crows flight Travers saw what appeared to be a section of forest that was
a bit more illuminated. A clearing he thought, finally he might be able to
get his bearings in this blasted wood.
"Come on you fools, this way." Travers stated grumpily as he headed off.
oooOOOooo
It was nine-thirty in the evening on a Friday night, it being two weeks
after the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had
returned from the Yule holidays. Albus Dumbledore sat on his throne-like
chair on the raised dais in his office as he waited for the last two people
to arrive to his already packed office.
The old wizard had reached out to close friends and acquaintances, and
to those who owed him in one way or another. He hoped that they would
become the core of his planned organization, a secret intelligence
gathering society which would be known as the Order of the Phoenix.
It wasn't enough that his former student Tom Riddle, was causing
difficulties with the purist movement and his Death Eaters terrorizing
muggleborns and muggles up and down the country, but now with the
appearance of the Brown Cloaks, and their seeming vendetta against the
Death Eaters, things in his beloved magical England were quickly
spiraling out of control. And control and order was what was occupying
the thoughts of the Hogwarts Headmaster.
He could not guide the magical society to its utopian destiny if chaos
reigned! He needed to put an end to this or at the very least get some sort
of control over these hostile factions. But in order to do this he needed
assistance, he already had spies within Voldemorts ranks, but the Brown
Cloaks was a more difficult nut to crack.
They had not been seen on English soil since 1910, when they were
conceptualized by what had become known as the Thirteen. They were
created for the purging of a powerful House, which most Wizengamot
members felt to be dangerous and too powerful to let continue. The
thirteen conspiring minor houses were then allowed to split their ill-
gotten seats and be counted amongst the members of the Wizengamot.
This was all history to Albus Dumbledore, but what he didn't know for
certain, although he had his suspicions, was who was now controlling
this secret organization, and why did they remerge after so many
decades. Did they see weakness in Britain due to the rise of the purist
party? It was all speculation for now, and that's why he needed this new
spy network, his Order.
Amongst the handpicked confederates, were Robert and Marlene
McKinnon; a young pureblood couple. Robert was the scion of the
politically connected House McKinnon, and his wife was the assistant
director over the all-important Floo Network. She was someone who
could monitor and track movement of anyone, a very valuable asset.
Indeed, those whom Albus was courting all had jobs or skills that would
facilitate him being able to gather intelligence, information, or otherwise
keep tabs on almost anyone at any time. Of course the McKinnons' were
just two arrows in his quiver.
Elphias Doge, a well-placed Ministry power broker, who used his old
family name and old family money to buy favors and peddle influence.
Whether it was funneling Galleons to certain action committees, or using
them to crush legislation that his interests groups wanted dead. It was all
a part of the political game that he reveled in.
Benjy Fenwick, an investigative journalist with the Daily Prophet, he
came with a multitude of personal sources and contacts from the political
world to the more…seedier elements of magical Britain.
Dedalus Diggle, retired Unspeakable who had worked in the Department
of Mysteries. He was Dumbledore's go to man when he wanted access to
items or knowledge that the Ministry deemed dangerous or forbidden.
Dorcas Meadows, longtime friend and advisor to Minister Millicent
Bagnold. She was Dumbledore's eyes and ears in the highest office of the
magical world. Dumbledore had a lot of influence over Bagnold, but
Meadows could sway her with little to no effort. A whisper from
Meadows into her former Hogwarts dorm mate's ear and it was a done
deal.
Sturgis Podmore, a twenty-five year old recruit in the Obliviator's office,
a position that Dumbledore had helped him acquire, he had an innate
talent with memory charms, which could be very useful. Dumbledore
himself was quite adept and memory charms as well, but why risk your
own exposure if you can get someone else to do it for you?
Mundungus Fletcher, longtime petty thief and trafficker in stolen and
illegal goods. He made his home in the rundown shanties of Knockturn
Alley. He would be Dumbledore's eyes and ears amongst the denizens
that inhabited the shadows of wizarding society, such as the hags,
werewolves, vampires, and others who tended to lean dark.
Emmeline Vance, a former professional dueler, and protégé of Filius
Flitwick. She was a powerful witch, who now worked for the Ministry as
a Warder. She was one of a few people who oversaw and maintained the
wards around many government facilities and a few private homes.
Rubeus Hagrid, a half giant and the assistant groundskeeper at Hogwarts
School, he was a loyal disciple of Albus Dumbledore, after he offered him
a place at Hogwarts after his expulsion. Dumbledore became his father
figure and Hagrid his devoted son.
There were a few other's whose roles were more financial, but
nevertheless would be important in pushing Dumbledore's vision
through. The last member to arrive was the key to having eyes in the
DMLE. Alastor Moody. Moody was one of the chief trainers for all
incoming Auror cadets, he was a top investigator and knew more about
combat than any other member of his new order.
It had taken some convincing to recruit the old Auror, but in the end
Dumbledore always got what he wanted. Moody didn't like the current
head of the DMLE, Bartemius Crouch, Barty had a caustic personality that
many could not tolerate. Moody had butted heads with the DMLE
Director more times than anyone could remember, and that was
something that Dumbledore could use to his advantage.
Having Moody on his team also presented another benefit…The Potters.
Moody was a close friend of Dorea Potter and he was hoping to use that
friendship to sway the Potters to join his Order. The Potters would be a
crown jewel for recruitment purposes, with their wealth and political
power, there was very little that Dumbledore could not accomplish with
them backing him.
Of Course he knew of the antipathy the Lady Potter had for him, but the
Potters had been a Light Family for centuries, Charlus would at least
listen to his proposal where Dorea would dismiss him out of hand. But a
combined approach from Charlus and Moody, and she just might bend.
With a sudden whooshing of green flames within the floo, the war
veteran stepped into Dumbledore's office. His honed situational
awareness provided him with the number of occupants and their
positions within a heartbeat of entering the office. This particular skill
had saved his arse on more than one occasion.
"Albus." The old auror greeted gruffly.
"Ah…Alastor, it seems we are all here then. Right on to business then."
Albus stated with his all too familiar twinkle.
"My friends, welcome to this first meeting of the Order of the Phoenix…"
oooOOOooo
Travers, Sharpton, Doyle, and Sinclair, made their way slowly through
the trees to the illuminated area that Travers had spotted. It turned out
not to be a clearing but the edge of the forest. They could all see the
lights of a small village about a half a kilometer away.
"Is that Yetholm?" Sharpton asked?
"No…no its not." Travers replied slowly, looking a bit confused.
"Then what is this place?" Sinclair asked tersely.
"Not sure?" Was his reply.
"Is it a muggle village?" Doyle asked their leader.
"Could be, we'll have to get a bit closer to know for sure." Travers stated.
"LOOK!" Doyle whispered as loud as he could. "Over there, by that pond."
The other three men looked to find a young woman kneeling near the
edge of the pond. She appeared to be picking some plants or herbs and
placing them in a basket that was on the ground next to her.
Her long blonde hair seeming to glow in the moon light that was bathing
the area. She looked young, maybe early twenties. Her winter cloak did
nothing to hide her shapely figure as she stood and then leaned over to
pick up her basket.
All four men looked at her hungrily, it had been some time since they
had been in the company of a woman, and she was an appetizing visage
they wanted to sample. Their baser natures took over their rational
thought, and they began to hug the tree line as they made their way
toward the maiden. Keeping to the shadow of the trees as much as
possible, they closed the distance until they were within spell casting
range.
Unaware of anything else but the maiden, the four wizards failed to
notice that the unusually large crow they had seen earlier was now
gliding over their heads monitoring their progress; neither were they
paying enough attention to feel a certain tingle wash over them as they
crossed an invisible ward line.
Suddenly the object of their interest stiffened and then turned quickly
and ran toward the village, but before the four wizards could give chase
or even ponder what had spooked their prey, they saw multiple red
streaks illuminate the dark sky before total blackness overcame them.
Marcus Travers was no stranger to the uncomfortable sensation of waking
up after being stunned. The after effects of the stunning spell left a
distinct crawling sensation under the skin, and a feeling of slight
disorientation.
As his head began to clear he could sense that he was standing upright
but could not move his arms or legs, he squinted his eyes to try and focus
them and could blearily make out flicker light of several torches. He
could feel the biting night air blowing across his face so he knew he was
still outside.
As his faculties came into to sharper relief, he noticed that he was tied to
a tree or a large pole of some kind, and he could hear the murmurings of
what sounded like many people. He blinked his eyes rapidly and then
refocused his eyes.
He swore silently as he was finally able to take in his surroundings. He,
as well as his three companions was all lashed to large polls in what
looked like a village plaza. There were dozens of cloaked and hooded
people of both sexes and all ages surrounding them.
Torches were floating in the air illuminating the area with orange and
yellow light. 'Yep' he told himself…a magical village. He looked to his
left and saw Doyle and Sharpton both waking, he then glanced to his
right and saw that Sinclair was wide awake and had a defiant sneer on
his face.
Even an idiot could tell they were not facing a friendly crowd; he
chuckled to himself as he thought 'We are so fucked. It will take some
serious smooth talking to get out of this one.' Looking to his left he
chuckled again as the two youngest of their group had fully awakened to
their surroundings. They were looking at Travers and their mouths were
moving rapidly but no sound came forth.
'Silencing spells.' He thought.
He turned back to the crowd and noticed they were beginning to part, as
the bodies stepped to one side or the other two figures walking straight
toward them between the parted people. He noticed that they walked
slowly and with authority, he watched as the heads of those they walked
by bowed in deference to them.
Whoever they were, they were someone of importance and standing in
this community. Even at a distance he could feel the magical power
coming from the pair. They wore full length robes that looked like they
were made of rolling mist; he'd never seen anything like it. Their hoods
were up obscuring their faces, but as they neared him their eyes became
visible.
He nearly gasped as he beheld two pair of eerily glowing green eyes, his
anxiety rose further as he had noticed that almost every person in the
village had glowing green eyes as well, not near the intensity of these
two but it was unnerving, and a bit ominous. Who were these people?
The two cloaked individuals stopped a few feet in front of he and his
comrades, and quietly observed them. Travers eyes suddenly caught a
blur of black feathers flew past him and then perched itself on the
shoulder of the taller of the two cloaked individuals. There sat a large
crow.
To increase his unease, he noticed that the crow had the same glowing
green eyes as his captors, the same crow; it would seem they had seen in
the forest earlier.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" A baritone but youthful voice
asked in a tone that brokered a deadly intent should they not be
forthcoming.
It would have been comical if not for the precarious position they were
in, as Sinclair immediately began to speak in his usual pleasant manner.
"Release us! Or feel the fury of the Dark Lord as he crushes this pitiful
town from existence!" Sinclair spat in fury.
Travers was not sure what spell the young man just used, for he did not
vocalize it, but Sinclair suddenly gave a guttural scream of agony. He and
the others watched in horror as Sinclair's left eye seemed to catch fire in
the idiot man's skull before sliding out in a blackened sludge from its
orbital cavity.
With a wave of the young man's hand, Sinclair was silenced, though his
body continued to shake in torment. The young man dropped his hood as
did the person next to him which was clearly a woman, one who he
thought he recognized as a member of the Black family.
"I will ask you only once more." Harry growled. "Who are you? And why
are you here?"
"Please my lord…" Travers began before the other two idiots could open
their mouths. "My name is Marcus Travers and these two to my right are
Doyle and Sharpton. The man to my left is Sinclair." Travers gulped as he
nodded towards the flailing man.
"We are here quite by accident my lord; we mean you, nor your people
any harm." He quickly replied.
"You say you mean us no harm, yet your friend here has already
threatened us." Harry replied glaring at Sinclair with contempt.
"H-he over reacted my lord, we are in an unfamiliar area and then find
ourselves bound. Surely you can understand our anxiety. Truly we mean
you no harm, if you release us we will just be on our way."
"I don't think so." Said the beautiful young woman, she looked like she
could be one of the daughters of Cygnus Black.
"Surely my lady, there is no reason to hold us. We have made no trespass
against you." Travers replied quickly.
Bella raised her wand and with two quick slashes of the magical foci the
captives left sleeves of their robes disappeared, expose the writhing black
tattoo of the Dark Mark.
"Death Eaters!" Bella spat.
Instantly dozens of wands were raised and pointed at the four bound
men. Travers looked into several of the faces as looks of anger and
disgust stared back at them.
Doyle began to wail in his hysteria. "I-I'm no Death Eater! I have never
hurt a soul! I just barely joined them!" The Irishman sobbed. "P-please
don't hurt m-me!"
"They were sneaking up on Olivia by the pond!" A man shouted from the
crowd. "We saw them closing in on her with their wands raised!"
Travers turned to look at Harry who seemed to be having a conversation
with the crow on his shoulder. The look the young man had on his face
worried the Death Eater. The crow suddenly jumped from his shoulder
and changed seamlessly into a young redheaded girl. But, Travers could
tell there was something unearthly about her.
Many in the crowd began to kneel when she appeared and offer up
prayers and supplication. The little girl skipped toward the four bond
men, and rested her eyes on each of them. Her lips curled into something
of a smirk, and then she bounced over to stand in front of Sinclair.
"Your soul is dark and tainted." The high pitched voice of the little girl
said. She then waggled an extended finger at him. "Such a naughty,
naughty human. Can I play with him Lord Eveningshade?" She said
brightly turning toward Harry.
At the Eveningshade name being mentioned, Travers eyes widened
fearfully as did Sinclairs. They had recognized the name, as ghost stories
from both their childhoods came immediately to their minds. Doyle and
Sharpton just looked confused.
Harry chuckled. "And what would you do with him my lady?"
The innocent looking girl clasped her hands behind her back as she
skipped around the pole that held Sinclair bound, looking at the man
speculatively.
"Peel him." The girl replied thoughtfully.
"Peel him?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes, it's ever so much fun. Just like grapes, I like to peel the skin off
grapes before I eat them." She said brightly. Doyle immediately fainted
and Sharpton had wet himself, after hearing the little girl's response.
"MY LORD, please! Again, we have done nothing to you or your people to
warrant such treatment." Travers pleaded.
"YOU ARE AN AGENT OF VOLDEMORT!" Harry retorted harshly. "I have
seen his tender mercies and what he and his soldiers have done to the
innocent. And I know what is required to take his mark."
"But my Lord, we-we have no quarrel with you or your people! We did
not even know there was a magical village here!" Travers pleaded.
"And that is how it will remain! Voldemort and his followers will bring
nothing but death and destruction to the magical world, my people have
suffered at the hands of others who felt we should no longer exist, I will
not allow that to happen again!" Harry hissed.
"But we are not at war with you my lord!" Travers pleaded once again.
"BUT I AM AT WAR WITH YOU!" Harry roared.
The Goddess in her form as the little girl clapped her hands
enthusiastically and jumped up and down with giddiness. She then
turned sharply toward Sinclair who was struggling with all his might to
get free. She lifted both hands and vanished all the clothing that Sinclair
was wearing. She then began to curl her fingers back toward her palms
slowly.
Sinclair's screams echoed through the village, his skin, beginning at his
toes began to roll up toward his ankles, exposing raw flesh beneath; the
skin slowly progressed to roll up the length of his body until it fell from
the top of his head, rolled up like parchment.
With his village now being discovered once by Death Eaters, he knew it
could easily happen again. Harry felt the time to go on the offensive had
come and he felt the need to expedite the destruction of the Thirteen. For
now he would not interfere with the Brown Cloaks as they seemed
focused on the Death Eaters as well, and knew that his grandmother
Dorea was actively looking into them.
Dumbledore would have to wait his turn, but Harry knew instinctually
that a clash with Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix would come
soon; Moody, his spy in the Order, had confirmed that the Order had
officially organized and would begin intelligence gathering immediately.
With the players all in motion now, the war would truly begin in earnest.
Though they were still discovering their abilities and refining them,
Harry and Bella were confident. They had their own spy network within
the Ministry, Hogwarts, and in the Order, they were still training with
Lilith every day to strengthen the Eveningshade family magic, and
training the young marauders as well.
They had the support of a near majority of the grey families and nearly
all the Fringe families, thanks to Lilith and Cassiopeia. The returning
Eveningshade family descendants continued to flock back to their
ancestral home of Nights' End and swear fealty to the new Lord
Eveningshade. Not to mention he had the ear of a Goddess, even as
unhinged as she seemed to be at time, it was an edge. Hopefully an edge
he would not find himself impaled upon.
oooOOOooo
A/N: Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you thought. The
next chapter has already been outlined and should be much longer than
this one; I hope to have it out in no longer than two weeks from now.
Again love you guys!
35. Chapter 35
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
A/N: I can't apologize enough for the time it took to get another chapter
out, real life sucks sometimes. Although short, this chapter leads into a
very dynamic turning point for the story in the next chapter. I'd like to
thank those who have reached out to make sure I'm doing okay and
have continued to offer me encouragement, especially NicFlamel and
Papadragon.
I have a chronic illness that sometimes affects my ability to write as
often as I would like. I am a cancer survivor, but I continue to have
occasional problems stemming from it. But I promise not to abandon
this story though updates may be sporadic. But if you feel too much time
has passed since an update, please let me know, it might just be the kick
in the pants I need to get back on track. ; )
Thanks again for sticking with me! You guys are the best and the
reviews and comments really do inspire me!
Chapter 35
Harry Potter, that was his name once…in another life…in another time.
It seemed so long ago, but in truth it had been a little more than four
years and a lifetime, nearly five years since a humble half-giant by the
name of Hagrid had introduced him to the wizarding world, almost five
years ago when he learned who he really was and what he was.
It had been so surreal at the time, exciting and fantastic. A chance to
change his life for the better, a means of escape from the Dursleys and
the less than pleasant life he had been leading up to then; a chance to
have a normal, happy life.
That hope for normalcy had been dashed rather quickly, but he still had
hopes for happiness and for a short time he found that happiness and
acceptance in the forms of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. But even
that had been taken from him during his fourth year at the magical
boarding school. Ron's true colors had been revealed, had been magically
influenced to turn away from him.
Dumbledore had been the biggest disappointment, even now the anger
and contempt for the old man boiled just under Harry's skin. The
manipulative bastard had been the puppet master throughout his young
life. He wasn't the man the wizarding world thought him to be, Harry
new that now. The history between the Dumbledore family and the
Eveningshade family was proof of that.
The only positive thing to have happened to him recently was Hogwarts
guiding him to the Room of Requirement, and meeting her…Bellatrix
Black. Never in a thousand years would he have thought that the darkest
witch in his world would be his soul mate in this new one. But he would
never deny the instant connection he felt toward her when he first
entered that out of time room.
And now here he was not five months later married to her and finding
himself the lord of an extinct ancient house that was not so extinct after
all. Again the surrealism of what had transpired was almost
overwhelming, as he learned of his heritage through his mother's line and
became a beacon for the scattered remnants of his house, remnants that
flooded to him in surprising numbers.
A once stilled magic began to flow once more within the veins of every
Eveningshade descendant, and it beckoned them back to their ancestral
home. The village took shape quickly and Harry soon found himself
being the head of a very large and infamous family; a family that looked
to him for support and protection and a restoration of their family glory
and power not to mention protection.
It was a rather large responsibility for a not quite sixteen year old. But he
had found allies in this new world, allies that would help him and guide
him through the turbulent waters of uncertainty. Besides his cunning and
powerful wife, who was absolutely devoted to him, he had also found a
true mentor and confidant in his grandmother, the Lady Dorea Potter nee
Black.
Harry was in awe of his grandmother, she was intelligent, cunning,
powerful, and was viciously protective of her family. Qualities he aspired
to cultivate within himself. He found himself turning to her often for
advice and counsel, and she freely gave it and would see him destroy
anyone that would threaten his family.
Though she was the Lady Potter, and loved her husband dearly and what
the Potters stood for, the Potters had always leaned more light with the
occasional lord leaning a bit gray. But she was raised a Black, and within
her chest beat the heart and soul of a Slytherin. Cunning, resourceful,
and not above using questionable methods in protecting her family, she
considered her magical and political-self more aligned gray with dark
highlights than light. Bella seemed to fit in this category as well. And it
was exactly what Harry needed as an example of where he wanted…
needed to be.
And as it happens, Harry was looking to that darker place within himself
now; a place that he had just within the last few months discovered
actually existed. He stared out into the darkness from the balcony of his
and Bella's bedroom suite, his mind trying to focus on the recent events
of the night.
"Knut for your thoughts?" Bella asked tenderly as she walked up to him
and pressed her chest into his back and encircled his waist with her arms
and tightly hugged him. The master suite was more like a small
apartment with a sitting room, a small private office, a large in suite
bathroom with a sunken garden tub large enough for four people to be
quite comfortable in, a breakfast nook and then of course the bedroom
itself with a large canopy bed.
The Eveningshade manor was small compared to the ancestral home of
the Blacks or even the Potter's, but it was large enough for Harry, who
never had a place he could truly call his own.
It was a two story Tudor style country estate. The exterior had beautifully
manicured lawns and water features; the home itself was a combination
of carved stone and old English oak beams. The interior was richly
decorated with tapestries hanging on the walls and from the buttresses.
Bella had the home decorated with many family artifacts and heirlooms
found in the Eveningshade vaults, she also included several of the
portraits that they had found of past Eveningshade Lords and Ladies.
A long hall with a high pitched ceiling, illuminated by large 13th Century
stained glass windows stretching to the rafters greeted visitors and guests
who entered through the main entry. The décor was warm but elegant
and denoted that a person of high social rank lived there. Each room had
its own theme and color scheme and various works of art that had guests
visually stimulated the moment they entered.
The family suites were on the second floor in the east wing of the estate,
and it is where Harry and Bella would entertain their relatives and closest
friends. However, tonight a meeting of the newly formed town council
was to be held, and it was would be held on the main floor in Harry's
personal study. But first he needed time to reflect upon what he would
say to his people about this recent development.
Harry chuckled morosely. "I'm afraid I would exhaust all the knots in our
vault with the number of thoughts I have warring in my head."
Bella rubbed soothing circles on his back as her magic flowed like warm
honey to comfort him. "We are partners love, your worries are my
worries, and my problems are yours. My strength is your strength and
yours is mine. We will face what comes together." She stated warmly,
kissing and nibbling lightly on his earlobe.
Harry turned his head to look at her and smiled gently at her with love
and admiration. He reached for her hands and lifted them to his lips,
kissing each open palm. "We are partners…aren't we." He breathed,
taking comfort in her nearness. He turned in her arms and hugged him to
her tenderly, nuzzling his face within her long dark tresses. Her scent of
sandalwood and spice filling his very soul with the calmness only she
could provide.
Taking a steadying breath he spoke. "I knew that eventually the village
would be discovered, but I had hoped it would have been much later
than sooner, and that we were better prepared." Harry stated, pulling a
tired hand down his face.
"We don't know for sure that Voldemort knows anything about us or the
village, Harry. It may have been just a coincidence that these Death
Eaters found us." Bella suggested cupping his face.
Harry sighed heavily and shook his head. "Maybe, but I can't take that
risk. I can no longer allow the safety of our people to be lacking." Harry
spoke with determination.
"I want to speak with Moody about forming and training a militia from
the villagers. I've already sent word to Lilith to choose about a dozen or
so who our strong with Eveningshade magic, especially those with some
advanced magical training, or muggle military training. I'll also be asking
the village council tonight to begin nightly patrols." Harry stated, then
turned and walked toward his desk.
"If you are going to do this, you should also include Lilith in the training,
Moody will not be able to teach them the family magic's, which we'll
need to take the fight to our enemies." Bella remarked receiving a nod
from Harry.
"Have you heard anything from grandmother?" Harry asked.
"She was still interrogating the last of the Death Eaters now, the young
Death Eater…Doyle, I think his name was. She will let us know what she
learns." Bella replied with a rueful chuckle.
Harry nodded his understanding, he loved his grandmother dearly, but he
had never met a more creative person when it came to information
extraction. He almost felt sorry for the man…almost. But he and those
like him were a threat to his people and of course to wizarding Britain he
reminded himself. But he would not let conscience override is duty to his
family; he would not make the same mistake his ancestor made that cost
them their magic and the lives of nearly every Eveningshade.
Harry stepped over to the small writing desk in the suite and tapped his
wand three times on a glass bell jar that sat there. The jar held within it a
floating scroll. The glass seemed to melt away and the scroll unrolled
itself and floated in front of Harry.
Harry stared down at the list of thirteen family names written upon the
yellowish parchment. Two of the names hand lines through them now.
Borgin…Macnair. He stared at the parchment, stared at the names of
those families who had conspired and had attempted to wipe his family
out. Some family names belong to those he knew were Death Eaters,
others he was not familiar with or what part they played in Voldemort's
blood war, but there were two that he felt conflicted about, knowing that
they were light families at least in his time.
Part of his soul screamed for vengeance but another part screamed for
justice, but every bit of him screamed for action.
"Now, let's get you properly attired." Bella chirped, taking a step back and
with nimble fingers began to unbutton his shirt. "We must look the lord
and lady for this meeting." She stated as she removed the shirt from his
shoulders, and then tossing it on the floor.
"And I know the perfect outfit." She continued as she tugged on the belt
to his trousers, unbuckling it and sliding it through the belt loops with a
quick swish of her wrist. She pressed her chest against his bare chest as
her nimble fingers got to work again. Sliding snuggly down between
them, her hands made their way to the trousers' top button. She grinned
mischievously at him keeping her eyes locked on his. Soon he felt the
button pop loose and then felt as much as heard the zipper slowly being
lowered.
Harry gave an involuntary moan as her fingers ever so gently brushed
against his manhood. Bella's grin, if possible, became even more
mischievous as she lowered his pants, sinking to her knees as she went.
Harry gasped as he felt the warmth of her breath on him through his
boxers, and his own breathing intensified becoming slightly labored. His
body began to flush as she slowly rose from the floor, her sliding palms
following just after her warm breath as she gently rose up. Squeezing his
calves and then his thighs, her hands wandered closer to his center and
he shuddered in anticipation of her taking hold of him.
But suddenly her hands went from his hips to his abdomen and then his
shoulders. He hadn't realized that he had closed his eyes at some point
during her undressing of him, but they opened quickly as he felt a gentle
kiss to his chin.
She had a wicked smile on her bright red painted lips and a sultry if not
mirthful twinkle in her eyes. He was about to protest but she silenced
him with a finger pressed to his lips. "That was just the appetizer my
love, you'll have to wait for the entrée until after the meeting." She
smirked playfully, and then gave him a bit more teasing by squeezing his
erect member firmly through his silk boxers before turning away and
entering the wardrobe.
oooOOOooo
Later that evening:
"Repeat the oath!" Harry commanded, to the nine wizards and six witches
who were kneeling in front of him, who spoke the Eveningshade oath as
one.
"We are the specters that move in shadow…
"We are the guardians of gray…
"Our House is our family…
"Our family is our blood…
"Blood is life…
"We give our blood for the family…
"and for the goddess.
"On our magic…so mote it be."
"So mote it be!" Harry spoke firm and clear.
Bella and Lilith then approached the kneeling group with two other
Eveningshade witches that were each carrying a bundle of dark grey
cloaks. The fabric felt alive with magic and seemed to swirl as if the
cloaks themselves were made of mist.
Lilith stood in front of the first kneeling acolyte; she then brought forth a
chalice that appeared to be half full of blood. She dipped her thumb into
the dark viscous liquid.
"This is the blood of your Lord and our house and with it I give you the
mark of the Goddess who is its protector." She stated as she traced a
Triskel on his forehead with the blood from the chalice. The mark burned
green and then faded into the skin. Lilith then stepped back and Bella
stepped forward.
Bella took one of the cloaks from one of the two witches. She then
addressed the kneeling wizard. "Arise, paladin of House Eveningshade
and honor your house and your goddess." Bella said ceremonially.
The first of the fifteen stood and Bella clasped the cloak around his neck.
The wizard felt an immediate sensation of electricity run down his body
as the magic imbued in the cloak took measure of him. It would now
only respond to him. Bella then stepped back and the wizard bowed his
head in deference, before taking his place next to the others and kneeled
again.
One by one each new paladin received their mark and the Eveningshade
cloak. A cloak weaved by Eveningshade magic that offered the wearer
complete anonymity when the hood was up, and that was spell resistant
to all low level spells and some moderate curses. It blended into
whatever environment the wearer found himself in so that he appeared
to be part of it, seamless and nearly invisible.
Harry took stock of his new "Hit Team". These were the most magically
powerful of his people, those who had exceptional acumen with their
developing Eveningshade magic. These would be the ones he would take
with him to exact justice for his family, and from the intelligence that his
grandmother had extracted from the captured Death Eaters, he already
had his first target.
ooOOOooo
"What you're suggesting…well…it seems too ludicrous to be true. It could
potentially destabilize not only the government but the country as well!
And frankly I can't see the traditionalist supporting this at all, not to
mention the reaction of the light coalition!" Lord Horace Longbottom
snapped.
"I can't believe your even suggesting it Charlus! And you Arcturus…your
house has led the caucus of the darker families for decades! How do we
to take this seriously…a Potter and Black led gray coalition?! The very
idea seems preposterous." Caius Greengrass, lord of House Greengrass
stated incredulously.
"I am curious about your motivations my lords. I've heard the
murmurings and the whispered rumors; I've seen the after action reports
from the DMLE. We are at a precarious precipice, I can see the shadows
of war upon our people, and what you are suggesting could push us over
that edge." Lord Bryn Davis added.
"I must agree with my colleagues. The gray and fringe families have
never shown any kind of organized coalition. We cannot suddenly lend
our support to legislations from this mysterious new lord you claim has
rallied them. I have seen no evidence of this! Not one of the hereditary
seats owned by any fringe family has participated in a session of the
Wizengamot in more than fifty years.
"Any muggleborn legislation you send to the floor will be dead on arrival.
Even with the sudden turn of the Blacks to a neutral house…which by the
way I am still having trouble believing. We don't have enough support
from the other noble house, light or dark.
"And let me assure you that the dark coalition will see and spin this as an
attack on pureblood customs and superiority. This Lord Voldemort's
"return to the Golden Age" propaganda is being positively received by the
minor pureblood houses." Lord Evard Bones argued.
An elegant female voice suddenly spoke up. Her tone was soft, but her
words piercing as she addressed the four Lords of the `neutral' faction of
the permanent members of the Wizengamot, four of the twenty Ancient
and Noble Houses that still existed.
"I am surprised, my lords, and not pleasantly so. As Lord Davis has
suggested, our world is facing a civil war. The lines have already been
drawn; the dark pureblood families of the elite and those of lesser lines
are rallying to the banner of a dark lord in the making. His followers
have attacked and killed muggles and muggleborn without challenge.
"I assume I do not need to remind you of the attack on Kings Cross
Station? Our world was nearly exposed if not for the superb work of our
DMLE. How many muggles were killed? How many muggleborn students
were maimed or killed? And has anyone been brought to justice!" She
said a bit more harshly.
"Our Minister, under the recommendation of the Chief Warlock Albus
Dumbledore, swept the entire incident to oblivion. There has been no
follow up investigation, whatsoever! The attack in Diagon Alley where
Gerald Bell was killed…in broad daylight! I have not seen one trial for
any of those that were captured! What about the attack on Hogsmeade!
"Why has there not been any resolution?! Because Albus and his sheep
don't want to upset those in our own Wizengamot who were involved!
"Your next question my lords, should be why? Why is he blocking justice
from being pursued?
"I'll tell you, he…like Voldemort believes in the superiority of blood, the
only difference between the two is that Voldemort wants to wipeout the
muggles and muggleborns, Albus wants to use them as breeders to
increase the magical population. He wants take any muggleborn infant
from the arms of their muggle parents, so they are not raised with
muggle ideas or values." She stated fiercely.
"How do you know this Lady Potter? Albus has always been a champion
of the Muggleborn. I find it hard to believe he would have any such
aims." Lord Longbottom replied.
"No?" The Potter matriarch chuckled mirthlessly.
"Have you read any of his recent proposals and sponsored legislation?
How about Ministry Bill 1142? Requirements for the positions of Ministry
Director, chief of staff, under-secretaries, and other ministerial critical
departments, that the applicant must be of no less than three generations
pure. This was a stipulation that Dumbledore put in.
"And the Marriage and inheritance act of 1945? This was also sponsored
by Albus Dumbledore. This law was enacted soon after the muggle's
Second World War. Many witches and wizards from old magical families
were nearly wiped out during the Blitz including the young. This resulted
in a shortage of available purebloods to marry.
"Many families in desperation to keep their lines alive married
muggleborns and half-bloods. But in order to protect the integrity of their
fortunes and lineage. A law was passed that muggleborns could not
inherit vaults or titles. Does this sound like a man who wants equality for
all magicals regardless of blood status? There are many more examples
my lords, and I assure you that Dumbledore is no friend to muggleborns."
"Even so Lady Potter, we simply don't have the numbers within the
hereditary seats to affect real change." The Longbottom of Longbottoms'
replied tiredly.
"But we do." Charlus replied.
"Yes, yes." Lord Davis waved his hand dismissively. "The fringe families
will miraculously appear in great numbers to create a new majority."
"That is exactly the case." Arcturus Black stated firmly, glaring at the
man.
"And who exactly is this mysterious lord that will lead them? You have
been less than forthcoming with the identity of this enigmatic wizard
who has supposedly has won the loyalty of the fringe."
oooOOOooo
A trembling wizard lay prostate on the floor, small rivulets of blood
flowed from the edges of his mouth, the result of biting through his
tongue, because of the intensity of the Dark Lord's Cruciatus curse. His
body was in continual spasm and his mind somewhat addled. All he had
done was report the safe house in Glenridding had been attacked six were
found dead four were missing including Travers, the cell leader.
'Why would his lord attack him over reporting information that he
himself had asked for?' The young Death Eater thought through the foggy
haze that covered his mind. However any and all thoughts suddenly
ceased as a bright green light enveloped him.
The room stilled as the twenty or so Death Eaters at the abandoned
Malfoy Manor watched as one from their ranks was drug from the room
never to return. All eyes were looking down, but every ear was sharply
listening to their lord's movements about the room.
"Runcorn, If Travers and the other survived the attack, where would they
have gone?!" The raspy voice of his lord shouted.
"A-according to his cell's escape plan, they were to apparate at least three
times, there by confusing any tracking spells and then to finally apparate
to our safe house near Yetholm." Runcorn stated as calmly as he could.
"Have we received any word from Yetholm?" He hissed.
"N-none my lord."
Voldemort glowered at the man and began to pace the hall; his dark
magic was felt by those in attendance and caused many to shiver
involuntarily. "I grow weary from the incompetence, of the so called elite
of the wizarding world. I will go to Yetholm myself to find our lost
soldiers."
"But my L-lord, it is…it is too dangerous, we still do not know how the
Brown Cloaks are finding us, and…"
"Worthless coward!" Voldemort growled, pointing his bone white wand at
him. "I am the most powerful wizard since Merlin! No one can stand
against me! Now organize these fools! We leave in twenty minutes!"
"Y-yes my lord, of course my Lord!" Runcorn groveled, bowing lowly.
Runcorn turned toward the twenty-two Death Eaters that were there.
"Make yourselves ready, we leave in twenty minutes for Yetholm!"
As the group separated to prepare themselves, two death eaters went to
send messages to two very different masters. This was information that
could not be kept quiet. The reclusive Voldemort would be out in the
open for the first time in months. An opportunity such as this could not
be passed up.
Little did any realize that the first serious engagement of what would be
come to be known as the Blood War was about to begin.
A/N: I know I know, it is a short chapter, and it was either post
something now or wait another week or two before hammering out the
rest of the chapter. This chapter sets up a rather large and unintentional
showdown between all the major players that will truly start the war.
I hope to have the next chapter out within the next week or two. I've
been extremely busy in the real world, not to mention that my three
boys are monopolizing our computer with schoolwork. It amazes me
how much school has changed since I was a student. Almost all of their
assignments are online, from math to language arts; I think pretty soon
the need for actual teachers in a classroom will become obsolete!
Anyway! I hope you enjoyed this small chapter, the next should be
definitely larger, as a confrontation on the battleground and in the
Wizengamot is about to happen. Please review and let me know your
thoughts and opinions.
36. Chapter 36
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
A/N: First I want to give a big thanks to all those who have reviewed
this story, we hit over 4000 reviews after the last chapter and I have all
you to thank! It's quite humbling to know so many people have taken an
interest in my little story.
Ok, so this chapter has been written and re-written three times, hence
the lateness of this chapter being posted. I struggled with how I wanted
to present this part, would it be all out mayhem and destruction heavy
on the action with little character development or interaction, or would
it be getting you emotionally involved with the different factions and
characters and consequences of their actions.
I went with the latter, and after many re-writes I hope I have been able
to draw you in a little more to the personal and political consequences
as the story continues to move the Eveningshade saga forward.
The chapter is shorter than I would have liked but the re-writes and
editing has delayed this chapter long enough and I wanted to give you
something. This chapter is part one of two chapters in this particular
arc.
Thanks again and I hope you enjoy this latest chapter of Passageways!
Chapter 36
There was no sound, though he could see many contorted faces in the act
of screaming…yelling…cursing…and praying, yet there was no sound
coming from their open mouths. He realized that at some point he had
lost the ability to hear. It was as if he were in the midst of a silent
nightmare, a nightmare that he could not awaken from.
He forced a large lump down his throat and angrily tried to suppress the
growing fear within his chest. He felt numb or was it cold, he was not
sure. He began to wonder if he was not dead already and just existed now
as some spectral witness to the carnage that lay before his eyes. And if he
was dead, was this hell? Was this the penance he would have to pay
throughout eternity for his crimes? To watch his brethren cut down? To
smell the stench of eviscerated bowels spilt upon the white snow.
Was he to be an immortal, immobile observer to the destruction of
everything? Would fate be so cruel? It had been a noble cause…hadn't it?
Uniting the world under wizarding kind, to end humanities madness, to
end their wars?
He had firsthand knowledge of muggle cruelties' and inhumanities. He
had lived in the wizarding section of Berlin when the Russians and
Americans attacked. Their bombs and their machines of war had
decimated the city, including a large part of the magical community that
had lain invisible to muggles for centuries. He had lost his wife and his
four year old daughter in the air raids. The filthy barbarians destroyed
without care or compassion.
It was in 1951 when he first heard the speech that would drive him for
the next twenty years. A voice calling for the unification of wizards and
witches everywhere a call to arms against the muggles, a man who spoke
with a vision of a world safe from muggle ideas from muggle weapons
and muggle wars, a world where the law of magic would rule absolute. It
would be a world where muggles were controlled and pacified.
He had followed Gellert Grindelwald ever since. Grindelwald would lead
them from the hidden shadows and into the light of day, and they would
put down the muggle oppressors who forced wizard-born into hiding and
fearing discovery.
He felt rather than heard the concussive blast that threw up snow, parts
of splintered trees and rock into the air, bits of stone, earth, and wood
fell upon him like a perverse version of rain. 'No' he thought. He was not
dead; he was still alive at least in some fashion…for the moment.
Another thud to his left had him turn his head in his prone position half
buried in snow, to look at the vacant stare of young woman who had just
fallen.
He did not recognize her, he was not sure which group she was with, not
that it mattered now, he mused, death was the great equalizer, it did not
care if you were good or bad, rich or poor...it eventually took everyone.
He looked into the stilled blue eyes of the young woman lying next to
him on the frozen ground; he supposed she had been quite beautiful,
even with the few new lacerations to her face…she was striking. A few
loose strands of brilliant red hair fluttered in the air, a petite upturned
nose and an elegant face…such a waste, he mourned.
His attention was then drawn upward; he felt the familiar sizzle of spell
fire close overhead. It was getting more difficult to get his eyes to focus
now, not to mention the exhausting effort to turn his head. His eyes
widen however at the spectacle that was happening within a quaffle's
throw from where he lay.
Two gods were locked in mortal battle; the collage of colors was
incredible as spell crashed against shield, and then returned. They circled
each other like sharks, like predators searching for that one weakness
that would allow them to deliver a killing blow.
He recognized them; one was of international acclaim the wizarding
world over. However, his claim to fame was based on a fabrication. He
was celebrated as the man who had killed his master. But that was far
from the truth, a simplistic lie for a complicated reality.
The other was the upstart traitor who betrayed his master and sought to
take his place if not his legacy and glory from him. Though he appeared
more a monster than man now, there was no mistaking the irritating
pompous voice of Tom Riddle.
He would have paid anything to see how this duel ended, but his eyes
were growing dim, he knew his hold on mortality was quickly slipping
away and he would join all those lost souls who found their end here…in
this god forsaken place.
He searched the battlefield one more time to see if any of his comrades
were still on their feet, but as his eyes traveled around he could not find
any. He scrunched his face in confusion as he noticed the nearby tree
line. Blurry silhouettes began to emerge, who were they? They did not
seem to be fully corporeal, they were ghostlike.
Were these the heralds of death? Were they Valkyrie, here to guide the
valiant dead to Valhalla? As his last rattling breath was escaping his
body, one of them turned toward him, eyes blazing emerald green,
everything seemed to suddenly stop and then…darkness.
oooOOOooo
She couldn't catch her breath, spells were coming too fast and too close.
The very air was electrified with the number of spells flying in everything
direction. 'Damn Dumbledore to hell.' She thought as she threw herself
head first into a large shrub, as several spells impacted the spot she had
just vacated.
Her respite was short lived however when the shrubs she had sought
cover behind were set ablaze by an incendio spell. Scrambling quickly on
hands and knees she sought new shelter only to have the ground beneath
her stomach explode in a shower of frozen dirt and rock tossing her some
twenty feet backwards, landing close to the tree line. Shrapnel cut into
her face and head and blood began to flow free from the many cuts.
Her heart was beating so violently, she thought that it would soon
explode from her chest. She struggled to take a breath; her lungs burned
as she gasped in the frigid air around her. The sound of pounding feet
startled her, she forced herself to belly crawl through the pain toward the
cavity of an old fallen tree and shoved herself into the rotting bark.
She had no idea if it was friend or foe, and her survival instincts were
screaming at her to hide and be quiet, so she lay motionless. In her
moment of mortal uncertainty she was mentally cursing Albus
Dumbledore, whose portkey had dropped them in the middle of a pitched
battle between the Death Eaters and the Brown Cloaks.
What the fuck was going on! This was supposed to be a reconnaissance
mission, to learn about the Death Eaters and the connection to the Purist
Movement's leader, Lord Voldemort. What the hell were the Brown
Cloaks doing here! Instead of a clandestine observation operation they
found themselves caught in the middle of a fight between two factions
intent on killing each other.
The foot falls faded and she debated whether to just stay where she was
or peek out and see if any other Order members were close by. When
they had suddenly appeared by portkey not twenty feet from an intense
fire fight they were immediately beset upon by both sides. There had
been eight of them when they arrived but two went down immediately
from the killing curse.
Dumbledore had immediately thrown up a shield but the sheer amount of
spells began to collapse it quickly. They had all made a run for whatever
cover they could find. She had tried to apparate but there were
apparently wards up keeping her from escaping.
Decision made to find her friends or at least Dumbledore and then get the
hell out of here got her moving. Shimmying out from the hollow log she
was in, and keeping her body close to the ground. She hoped that a
smaller profile would hopefully keep her from being spotted by others.
She had only moved a few feet when the first spell clipped her shoulder
at sent her spinning to the ground. The air was suddenly electrified with
a rainbow of colored curses flew around her. She noticed a large
unmoving body just twenty feet from her. It might give her a little
protection, some cover against the oncoming spells.
She made a quick dash towards the fallen brown cloaked man, dodging
this way and that, she was almost there when she noticed out of the
corner of her eye a flare of powerful magic. She turned to see
Dumbledore deflecting a rather nasty looking curse back at the caster. It
was him…Voldemort. Bile rose in her throat at the sight of the
animalistic looking leader of the purist movement.
She felt as if everything would be okay, Dumbledore would get them
back to safety and she would be reunited with family and friends and
forget this night ever happened. She grinned as she closed the last few
remaining feet to the body that would give her enough protection until
Dumbledore drove back the others.
She dove the last few feet, but her eyes widen and would remain that
way as a sickly green light sped toward her striking her in the chest. She
fell bonelessly to the ground, not even a foot away from her supposed
protection. Her glowing blue eyes suddenly and violently dimmed
forever.
oooOOOooo
The silence was deafening, Lords Greengrass, Longbottom, Davis, and
Bones were gobsmacked as they stood in various position around the
formal Head of House office of the Ossuary, the seat of House Bones.
"You can't be serious Dorea! The Eveningshades are extinct; their light
was extinguished more than a century ago!" Bryn Davis exclaimed.
"I assure you that House Eveningshade lives, and has a powerful wizard
as it Lord and Head. And of the greatest importance to us is that he has
garnered the loyalty of the fringe and many gray leaning families."
"This is not a good omen, Charlus, you must see it. If true, we should
distance ourselves from this not form an alliance with this lord. The
Eveningshades were dangerous, though my family never had interactions
with them, the stories I've heard about them are terrifying. They are not
to be trusted." Evard Bones warned.
Arcturus Black stood and rolled his eyes at the lord of House Bones.
"Grow a spine Evard, your grandfather…Merlin bless his soul… would be
sorely disappointed at your paranoid rant! He would have looked at this
situation logically and separated fact from fiction, and then acted in the
best interest of not only his family but our world."
Arcturus then cast a challenging gaze upon the other three neutral lords.
"House Eveningshade was powerful…very powerful." He said slowly,
momentarily recalling the power he felt coming from Harry when he first
met him. "But they keep their word, they are not oath breakers, but they
hold those who enter agreement with them to their words also.
"Were they cunning? Yes.
"Were they crafty? Indeed they were.
"And were they dangerous? None deadlier." He nodded knowingly.
"But, they were also loyal to their family and to their allies; they were…
are, neither light nor dark. Lord Eveningshade walks in the shadow and
has already set in motion events that will change Wizarding Britain as we
know it. And we are offering you a front row seat."
"And what is your role in this Arcturus? The House of Black has always
been a dark house. Why this sudden change? There must be something in
this for you. Some promised element for your support, more power
perhaps in the minister's office?" Lord Longbottom suggested with
suspicion.
"Perhaps you seek the position of Minister yourself! A dictatorship…
where House Black controls all!" Caius Greengrass shouted. "Will you
turn the Eveningshades on us?!"
Dorea interrupted before an all-out duel erupted between the posturing
wizards, seeing her brother Arcturus's eyes narrow it was almost
inevitable. "My lords! Can we please not get into a pissing contest while
there is a lady in the room?!" She chided the increasingly blustering men.
"My apologies, Lady Potter." Lord Longbottom inclined his head in
deference and Arcturus giving a tight nod toward his sister, Greengrass
folding his arms against his chest in an angry childlike manner.
"Now then, as you can all plainly see in the Writ of Alliance, that no
house will have power over another!" Her index finger tapping forcefully
to the official parchment spread-out on the desk. We act as one body.
Every perk, promise, and power meticulously outlined. We cannot act
unilaterally; we must have a consensus of all our houses. Only together
are we strong enough to effect the change we want."
"My Lady?" Lord Bones began. "What we are doing is tantamount to
treason. If we fail, we could all find ourselves sharing a cell in Azakaban."
"Then we must not fail my lord. We will have a slight majority in the
Hereditary Houses, and on the permanent council." Dorea stated firmly.
"I must disagree my lady." The Longbottom of Longbottoms interrupted.
"There are twenty surviving houses that make up the permanent council.
We are only six; we do not have a majority to bring about the change you
want."
"There is one more neutral house that may agree to join us…The
Edgecombes." Charlus stated.
"The Edgecombe's?! They follow where ever the strongest wind is
blowing. Light…dark, it does not matter to them as long as there is no
risk to them." Greengrass mocked.
"Even if we did persuade them, that still only makes seven, seven against
Thirteen, Charlus. The light faction has eight, and though the dark houses
only have five, now that the Blacks have shifted, we still can't seat a
majority." Lord Bones indicated.
"That's where you would be wrong Evard." Dorea half smiled half
smirked. "There are actually at this moment twenty-eight surviving
'Ancient and Noble' house of the permanent council."
"What nonsense Dorea, there have only been twenty for nearly a century.
The others have gone extinct." Lord Longbottom chuckled softly.
"Just like the Eveningshades, my old friend." Charlus Potter began. "They
have reemerged from the darkness and are ready to take up their seats
once more."
"What insanity is this Charlus?! The other thirty lines are gone!" Lord
Horace Longbottom insisted.
This time it was Arcturus who chuckled. "I once thought so to, Horace.
But they survived through their squib descendants."
"Squibs are not allowed to have any seat in the Wizengamot!" Lord Davis
shouted. "This is ridiculous!" He shouted again. "Was this your glorious
plan? To bring in squibs to sit amongst us? What fools!" He chided.
"Hold your tounge Bryn Davis, or I shall remove it!" Dorea Potter nee-
Black warned as she stood abruptly from her chair. Such was the power
and awe that the older woman possessed that the Lord of House Davis
stumbled back a few steps and paled as he fell back into his own chair.
"These are not some simpletons without magic! These are wizards who
are heirs to Ancient and Noble Houses! And it is their right by all the
laws we hold dear to claim their seats on this council! And you would do
well to remember that Lord Davis, as THEY have already sworn
allegiance to Lord Eveningshade and the Gray Council that we are
inviting you to join.
"With them joining the Houses of Potter and Black, we will have a
majority within the permanent council. AND with the inclusion of the
Fringe families who will flood the halls of the ministry this next session,
we will already be the dominant force in the Wizengamot!
"Now then, my lords!" Dorea glared at the other three neutral lords
daring them to challenge her. "Shall we debate this further or have we
come to an agreement that the Gray Coalition will include your Houses
or will you fall to the wayside and let history pass your Houses by?"
Lord Bones stood and approached the desk; he grabbed a quill and
dipped it twice into the inkwell. He placed quill to parchment and signed
the Writ of Alliance, officially becoming a member of the Gray Alliance.
Lord Longbottom was next to sign, quickly followed by the Lord of House
Greengrass. A humbled Lord Davis stood from his chair and approached
the desk; he bowed respectfully to Dorea and signed his name to the
parchment.
"Now that that has been settled, let us discuss the overthrow of the
Ministry." Arcturus Black smiled gleefully reclining back in his chair his
dark gray eyes sparkling with excitement for the things to come.
oooOOOooo
Karima Laylan was standing in the courtyard of Eveningshade Manor
along with her fellow paladins waiting for the activation of a port-key
that would take them and others to the Death Eater safe house, the
location having been learned by Lady Potter during her interrogation of
the captured Death Eaters.
Their assignment was to wipe them out…all of them. They were a threat
to the clan and leaving them alone would mean a possibility of other
Death Eaters or Voldemort himself discovering their location. They would
also make it appear that Brown Cloaks had attacked the safe-house to
throw off any who would investigate the attack. So they would use blades
to slit the throats of the Death Eaters simulating a typical Brown Cloak
strike.
Karima was born in Morocco; at nearly six feet tall and an Olympic
athlete's body she made for an imposing woman, but her sharp facial
features and flawless caramel colored skin along with her piercing green
eyes also gave her an exotic beauty that left most men speechless.
However it was her skill as a Hit Witch and soldier that she prized most,
second only to her love for her great-grandfather. Her great- grandfather
was born an Eveningshade, and had only just turned eleven years old in
1810 when his world exploded around him. With very little formal
training in magic his wand that he had only had for a short few weeks
was useless to him during the great extermination.
Amidst the chaos of screams and sizzling spell fire, his mother had
grabbed him and was running as fast as she could toward the tree line to
hide. Tragically his mother was cut down by a blasting hex that severed
her left femoral artery.
She frantically tried to cast a blood clotting spell on her leg to stop the
flow of blood but her spell work was not fast enough to stem the flow of
the life giving fluid. Karima remembered the story her great-grandfather
had told her when she was just a child. How he screamed in horror as the
light from his mother's eyes dimmed.
He had taken up his wand and though he did not know any spells or
incantations tried to force his magic to heal his mother. After several
failed attempts he collapsed onto his mother's unmoving chest and
sobbed. His mourning was interrupted by a callous voice speaking
directly behind him.
"No challenge here, just an Eveningshade brat, that won't live to see another
day." The voice had said with dark amusement.
"Avada…"
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" A new voice had yelled. He turned to see a woman
with green eyes much like his mother's stepping over the body of the man
who had just threatened him. She then lifted the young boy over her
shoulder and quickly made to the trees.
Six months later Cillian Eveningshade would arrive in Morroco, a refuge
from the shores of Great Britain with a few other survivors. He would
later marry a beautiful Moorish witch and raise a family. He would often
speak of his early life and about the once great clan of House
Eveningshade and of course about the betrayal and annihilation of his
clan.
Karima had always felt a strong connection to both sides of her family
heritage. Her great-grandmother had been a powerful witch and whose
magical lineage was as old as any. Karima carried a curved bejeweled
Saracen knife at her waist, a gift and heirloom from her great-
grandmother and her Moorish ancestor several generations back.
She also wore around her neck her great-grandfather's wand,
miniaturized by a powerful shrinking charm; she kept it close to her
heart so that she would always remember him. Remembering the man,
who would tell her of Britain, and the Eveningshade history.
Karima had been twelve years old when her great-grandfather had passed
away at an impressive 158 years old. Her earliest memories centered on
him, they had formed an instant connection, he would entertain her with
stories and demonstrations of what wandless magic he could do and she
would giggle and laugh her green eyes sparkling and it would bring
sunshine back into his heart.
He had told her shortly before he died that she possessed within her the
strongest measure of Eveningshade magic that he had felt in any of his
other children or grandchildren. He also told her that he had foreseen a
day that House Eveningshade would raise again from the ashes, and that
she would feel a pull on her magic directing her to return to Britain and
that she should follow it.
And now here she was, chosen to be the personal bodyguard to the Lady
Eveningshade. She knew her great-grandfather would be so proud of her,
and she would finally be able to keep the promise she had made him on
the day that he died. That House Eveningshade would be avenged and
restored to its rightful place.
As her mistress joined the circle along with the lord of the clan and a few
others, she smiled internally and touched the wand around her neck
lovingly and then caressed the handle of her Saracen blade at her waist…
it was time to go and face her destiny as an Eveningshade and Paladin of
her house.
oooOOOooo
37. Chapter 37
A/N: My friends, I realize that it has been about two and a half years
since I have updated this story. As many of you know I had been
struggling with health issues and I needed to take a break from writing.
I am back to writing again and have promised myself that I will finish
this story. I have continued to receive wonderful reviews and
encouraging messages from many of you and it is a big reason why I
have come back to this story. The updates will be sporadic and the
chapter length will fluctuate but I am determined to finish this story.
Due to the length of my absence from the story I may make a few
mistakes in continuity and characterization in the world I've created in
this story, but I hope that I don't stray too far from my original premise.
This chapter is short but I wanted to give you a little something to
hopefully rekindle your interest in my little story. Again, much love to
all those who have continued to ask for the story to go on, and so to all
of you here is Chapter 37 of Passageways!
Chapter 37
"I can't believe this shite sarge! It's half an hour till our shift is over…and
they bloody send us out to the middle of nowhere to yell at some sprogs
that got a hold of some bloody fireworks!"
"Shut it Campbell! YOU'LL only be late to the pub…my wife had plans for
us this evening, and you know how she gets when her plans get tossed!"
Sergeant Dumfries of the local constabulary in Yetholm growled at his
partner.
"You married her you daft sod. I warned you about my sister before you
started dating her! You have no one to blame but yerself." Constable
Robert Campbell chuckled at his brother in-law.
"Right…" Dumfries rolled his eyes. "Just keep your eyes on the road ya
sod, it's looking a bit icy, and I don't want to explain to the chief how you
wrecked another squad car."
"Oi! That last one was not my fault. That cow just came out of nowhere!"
Campbell defended.
"It was ten feet from the bloody road…in a field!" Dumfries smacked the
back of Campbell's head.
"Well, I didn't see the pothole and that bloody coffee was hot… went
right down me trousers it did!"
"Whatever, let's just find these kids so we can get back to the station and
get our shift report done, maybe if we're quick enough the missus won't
be too cranky with me."
"Did you feel that mate?" Robert asked suddenly as they turned off on to
an old lane. "Huh and where did this turn come from…never seen this
road before, and I've lived here me entire life."
"I felt something too." Hamish Dumfries replied, shivering just a bit and
squinting his eyes into the darkness with a sense of sudden foreboding.
"Felt…a bit like walking next to a high voltage power line…all tingling
like."
"Yeah…what the bloody hell is that?!" The car had suddenly shaken,
nearly causing Constable Campbell to swerve off the snowy lane and into
a tree.
"Fuck me…that was no firework that felt like a bloody bomb went off!"
Sergeant Dumfries yelled his senses now fully alert.
"Should we call in for some back up?" Robert asked a bit more on edge.
"We're the only two on duty except for the dispatcher this late at night.
By the time they called someone in, whatever this is could be long over.
No, radio it in but let's not wait around, we need to investigate this as
soon as possible." Dumfries informed his partner.
"Right, but as soon as we stop I'm pulling the shotgun from the trunk,
could be the IRA for all we know." The junior constable fidgeted in his
seat.
Dumfries rolled his eyes at his brother in-law. "I highly doubt it's the IRA
you paranoid git, we're far too north for their likes, and there is nothing
of political interest up here else ways."
"SAINT ANDREW PRESERVE US!" Robert Campbell exclaimed as he made
the sign of the cross slamming the brakes of their little squad car and
sliding to stop.
The two men saw dozens of strangely clothed people running around and
shooting colored lightning from sticks at each other. Body parts could be
seen being blasted from their owners from the lightning strikes, some of
the lightening was creating explosions tossing up frozen dirt, rocks, and
people.
"MAVIS…MAVIS! ITS HAMISH…WE NEED BACKUP…WE NEED
BACKUP!"
The radio crackled as a female voice responded. "Sergeant Dumfries, this
is dispatch confirming request for backup."
"FUCK…MAVIS; WE NEED BACKUP…CALL LONDON IF YOU BLOODY
HAVE TO! We have some kind of battle going on…I'm seeing dead and
injured persons all over the fucking place!" The police veteran screamed
into the radio.
"Right! I'm on it Hamish…sit tight until help arrives!" Mavis Breckinridge
replied, her voice raising several octaves as she scrambled to get the two
constables some immediate assistance.
Movement in front of them caught their attention and the two officers
stared in horrified awe as they witnessed a figure in black robes create a
long whip of fire from his stick and then watched as it wrapped itself
around another man in what looked like a brown robe. The robes of the
second man instantly caught fire and with a tug on his stick the first man
seemed to pull charred flesh from the second man's bones sending the
remains flying through the air.
The blood curdling scream jolted the two law enforcement officers out of
their momentary paralysis. This fight was something that was clearly out
of their depth of training and experience, it was time to get the hell out
of there!
"LET'S GET THE DEVILS OUT OF HERE ROBERT!" Hamish screamed at
his partner.
Robert was about to throw the car in reverse when a cloaked figure
suddenly appeared in front of them, the flashing blue lights from the
patrol car illuminated the heavily scarred face of the man. The grotesque
face offered an even more grotesque smile. The two officers looked at the
man and froze as they witnessed him raise his arm toward them, a stick
in his hand.
They watched his lips move and then suddenly there was a blinding flash
of red and then an eardrum splitting sonic boom. Neither man would be
filling out any shift reports tonight, the burning twisted heap of metal
that had once been the newest vehicle in the Yetholm Constabulary
motor pool and its two occupants were no more.
oooOOOooo
A sudden wash of color flared just behind the tree line to where a pitched
battle was taking place. Harry, Bella and the Eveningshade Paladin strike
team materialized and immediately took a defensive posture.
"SHIELD WALL!" Jacob Cysgod the 44 year old Aussie and Paladin
captain ordered. Six Paladins stepped forward in front of the others and
cast large shields of a golden hue; they overlapped each other increasing
their individual strength exponentially.
"What the fuck..." Harry whispered as he took in the battle in front of
him. Who were all these witches and wizards? There were at least fifty
magicals in an all-out melee. This was just supposed to be a quick hit and
run on a Deatheater safe house, but they found themselves staring at a
pitched battle. He recognized the death eaters with there black robes and
silver masks, he also recognized the Brown Cloaks. But who was the third
group?
His question was almost immediately answered when his eyes were
suddenly drawn to the middle of the fight. Two wizards were locked in a
massive duel, spellfire being exchanged at such a rapid rate it was nearly
at inhuman speeds. He immediately recognized Dumbledore then
focusing on the other he knew it had to be Voldemort.
"My lord, your orders?" Cysgod asked his family patriarch and lord. Harry
didn't respond. He had not anticipated a scene such as this. It was
supposed to be a quick strike to eliminate a safe house…eight hostiles at
most. But this…this he was not expecting, and honestly he was unsure
how to proceed. If he engaged he undoubtedly would lose some of his
people, not to mention revealing himself to the wizarding world sooner
than he would like, and there was just too much chaotic spell fire and too
many unknowns to just throw his people into this maelstrom.
"My lord?" Cysgod asked again but seeing the hesitation and confusion in
his master's eyes he quickly turned around sending hand signals to the
rest of the team, instructing them to raise their hoods and use the charms
in their cloaks to blend into their surroundings and to hold their
positions.
The veteran soldier placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "Perhaps
we should fall back and observe my lord. We can use this opportunity to
gather intelligence on our enemies' tactics and strength." He gently
offered.
Harry nodded mechanically and the team silently fell back to the safety
of the forest. Fortunately their arrival had seemed to go unnoticed by the
other combatants. The word was passed down the line to hold positions
and not engage.
Harry looked over the battlefield and noticed that the combatants slowly
began to cease their fighting and instead focused all their attention on
two individuals who were creating such a powerful light show that the
very air crackled with charged ozone.
"Sweet Morgana…" Harry whispered. He looked at the two wizards that
had ruined his life and the power they displayed and a flicker of self-
doubt popped into his mind.
"How can I defeat these bastards!?" Harry growled forcing his momentary
insecurity down deep and turning it to anger as his awe at the display of
power turned to loathing.
Down the ranks to the left of Harry, Karima also looked down at the
fighting going on and wanted to throw herself into slowing fray, the
warrior within her longing to be tested once again in combat. But she
knew her primary responsibility was to the Lady Eveningshade and her
honor would not allow her to abandon her charge to satisfy her own lust
for battle.
Karima looked at her Lady in quiet admiration, though the Lady
Eveningshade was young she could since her power and potential. She
watched the dark-haired mistress of the clan as she took in the battle
below them, her eyes scanning and taking in the scene as it unfolded
already mentally preparing herself for what might lie ahead.
Karima sighed longingly as she caressed the hilt of her blade. The
Saracen enchanted knife seemed to vibrate and sing a song to her of
longing for battle and blood. She had resigned herself to just being a
spectator…at least until movement to the right caught her attention.
Hand signals again.
A/N: I hope this latest chapter has rekindled your interest in the story,
short I know and a bit of a cliff hanger…don't flame me please. I just
wanted to get something out there to whet your appetites. Much love,
Jerr.
Please Review!
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