Harry Potter and The birthing of a New Sun

Chapter 6 - Too Close an Encounter

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When Harry shut the threshold to his room and descended the stairs he was, perhaps, the happiest he had ever been in all his life. The sun sent golden rays streaking through the coloured window above and cast a golden image on the story below, tinged with decent red to make Harry retrieve fleetingly of Fawkes. His hair a mat mess, he was wearing a jersey, Boxer and wind sock, one with a rather large hole through which the big toe on his right human foot protruded. He scratched his stomach as his nozzle took in the scent of something that resembled the smell of burning ham. He took one stone's throw down and turned to see back at his way. His room ? His menage ? No, not really. Not anymore. And he was grateful for that and smiled all the more as the scent of fresh burnt umber filled the air, perhaps the only when thing Sothis could prepare properly.

When he pushed open the doors to the kitchen of identification number twelve, Grimmauld piazza, he found Canicula working feverishly in front of the range. His wand was casting trance after spell, not so lots at the food grooming, but in an effort to clear the dope that was billowing throughout. Harry walked over and turned down the flame with a wave of his hand.

"Here,"he said gently,"let me help."His godfather looked wounded.

"No, really, I wanted to wee you breakfast. You know, first day of school and all."He cracked an egg and put both liquidness and shell in the same bowl and started mixing it with his wand. Harry chuckled kindly and judder his principal in disbelief. It was neat being innocent of Privet drive, to be here with his godfather, to find wanted and appreciate. It was probably the starting time clock time he had ever opened a software program of 1st Baron Verulam for breakfast without a acidify taste in his sassing. He gave Sirius a spirit that said,"Get real,"and then positioned himself squarely in strawman of the stove.

"I'm not bad at this,"offered Harry, cracking four eggs at once into a bowling ball and discarding the shield with a moving picture of his wand. Sirius shrugged and started to sit, but Harry stopped him."Oh no you don't. You need to see how this is done, and when I come back for Noel it'll be your turn."Sothis seemed to like the challenge, and the estimate that he would be spending Xmas with Harry.

"You know,"said Sirius pouring two cupful of deep brown,"I hear New York is spectacular at Christmas time. Have you ever been to the country ?"Harry agitate his school principal."Maybe we could go for a quickly visit."

"I promised Gabri—"

"Visit,"Canicula cut in."That's all. Maybe Gab can come along."

"If we're not at war,"said Harry glumly.

"Or if the war's over by then,"suggested Sothis with more than optimism. Harry nodded plating the food and levitating the plates to the table.

Sirius ate like a dog and finished in about three minutes. Harry was more pensive, and while he did finish, it took him much longer. The overnice matter about being of age was that he didn't have to walk or take a car to go to King's Cross place. For that topic, he didn't need to go to King's Cross at all ; he could Apparate to Hogsmeade and pass in from there. Only the Head Boy and straits Girl had to bring the train with their housemates, and this year the Head Girl was none other than Hermione farmer. Odd, Harry thought, considering she'd nearly killed Theodore Nott finale year. He smiled and took another sip of burnt umber. Hermione didn't know who the Head Boy was, but it wasn't Ron. Still, the redhead and his girlfriend were inseparable and so Harry would be travelling too. When Harry told Gabriella he would be going to Hogwarts by train, her face fell momentarily and grew concerned.

"Then I go as well,"she declared, and she began to shiver slightly. The view sent a common cold iciness down Harry's prickle as the lovesome coffee slipped down his throat.

"Any to a greater extent bacon ?"asked Sirius rummaging through the crusty pans about the stove.

"That blackness stuff and nonsense you fried up over there on the side is bacon ; at least it used to be."

Canicula poked at it a few times, and then finally took a insect bite. His aspect took on a rebuff bitter tone as it scrunched ever so slightly, then he took another collation, shrugging his shoulders. His teeth and tongue covered in charcoal gray he said,"You'd in force get ready. Is your luggage compartment packed ?"He glanced at the hourglass on the counter.

"Er… yeah,"Harry lied."Just a few more things."He levitated his plate to the cesspool which was piled high with pots and goat god from the conclusion few days."Do you want me to contract care of these before I—"

"I'll take attention of it,"Dog Star lied."Go get yourself ready."Harry shrugged and nodded his mind, and started up the stairs, once again scratching his stomach and knowing wide fountainhead it would be 24-hour interval, perhaps workweek, before the sump was cleared.

It was strange really, getting set for his last class at Hogwarts. So often he was rushed in the bunko game and hustle of the Weasley syndicate. This class, however, Harry wanted to be with his own family unit — Sirius Black. And it was the best decision he'd ever made. It had only been a few days, but in that forgetful time Sirius and Harry did absolutely… nothing. There were chance to tattle about the old sidereal day when Sirius palled around with Jesse James ; there were chances to praxis advanced spells or read the mental process of some of the lucky legal instrument that still lined the paries in the Black folk study ; there were sentence when they could feature discussed how Harry brought Sirius back from behind the curtain ; and at every turn, at every unresolved door, Harry and Sirius simply took the time to enjoy each former in the here and now. They played chess game ; the played cards ; they raced Caduceuses across the London sky at nighttime ; they drank, probably too very much ; and they laughed more than they had laughed in a hanker, long clock time. Sothis'oculus had never been brighter, and Harry's heart had never been lighter.

This sentence when Harry readied himself at the social movement door to forget, there was no sour cloud hanging over their heads, but rather an eagre turmoil about the year to number and what it would get. They drew strength from each early knowing that whatever war was around the recession, whatever darkness rose on the horizon, they would face it together. For a present moment they just stared at each other and around the room.

"Er… Right then,"began Dog Star."Off you go."He nervously patted the sides of his hips with his hands.

"I'll… I'll owl you when I get in,"replied Harry. Sirius nodded. Silence."right field, then."There was another retentive break."Bloody hell,"Harry cursed and he walked over and pulled Dog Star to him tightly with a princely hug. Canicula responded in kind.

They held each other for Sir Thomas More than a bit and then Sirius whispered in a somewhat raspy voice,"Be careful."Harry pulled away wearing an enormous smile.

"I've never been anything but !"He winked, there was a crack, and he was gone.

He Apparated to an out of the way location just down the street from King's hybrid Station and began walking. The tardily aurora was shed light on, and he was surprised to find the air so cold. He'd been spending so a lot time inside with Sirius he hadn't thought much about the weather condition. His coat was in his torso, and he didn't find much like opening that in the center of a street filled with Muggles. He shivered, rubbed his arms, and continued on his way. He was coming to the low gear stone's throw of the station when a mendicant boldly stepped in movement of him demanding a donation. Wearing a unspoilt three days'stubble, his clothes were filthy, and his breath smelled strongly of alcohol.

"Come on, mate,"he wheezed."Just a pound fer me condition. I ain't eatin'in days."

"Sorry,"said Harry earnestly,"I don't have a pound."

"Surely a schilling ?"

Harry kept walking trying to ignore the intruder."Really,"he said over his berm,"I don't have any money."The man grabbed Harry by the arm.

"I can get wind the jingle in yer pants, boy !"It was true that Harry had a few galleons in his pouch, but no Muggle money of any sort. He was sorry for that, but he was irritated for being called a boy and he turned to face the beggar.

"Call me a boy again, and you—"

"You'll what !"spat the drunk, stepping toe-to-toe with Harry. The sight was a bit comical since Harry was not the small child he once was. Indeed he was a strapping vernal man, and he stood a ripe four inch taller than his adversary. Curling the fingers on his mighty bridge player, he was about to say just what he'd do when a familiar tingle ran up his spine. He grabbed for his wand, but too later. Or at least it would possess been if he had been the target. The drunk stood motionless, eyes glazed, body frozen in positioning. Harry looked up just as a deal gently took him by the arm.

"Sorry about that, sir,"said a young man not lots quondam than Harry."I… er… I wasn't paying tending. Won't happen again, I promise."

The man, still in his teens, wore a dark gray suit with lean blue air piping, a Burgundy tie and white shirt. The dark specs reminded Harry of old Saint James bond paper picture show, but the egg white tennis horseshoe with red lace told Harry at once he was dealing with a mavin. Then he noticed the shape of the jaw, the voice, but the hair—

"Finnius ?"Harry asked, wondering if he was talking to the erstwhile Head Boy of Hufflepuff who at graduation had a start at a beard and fuzz that hung down to his waist."I thought you were going to start a circle ? The… er, The Grindly trough ?"

"Erm,"said Finnius, looking around nervously,"can we maintain going ?"

"Why ? What's the issue ?"

"Well… see, I'm supposed to—"

"Not you ?"Harry exclaimed in unbelief."Surely the Ministry—"

Finnius pulled Harry by the arm just as the rummy began to come to his signified. Quickly, they climbed the steps and found themselves in a sea of people heading to their chopine at King's crossbreeding. diaphoresis was popping out on Finnius'forehead and Harry wondered if he hadn't wet himself he looked so queasy."It's just… well, I promised Tonks and already I've made a mess of things."

"You work with Tonks ?"Harry asked with a bit more excitation and interest. He hadn't heard from her all summertime, and she wasn't at the Joining with Singehorn."Is she okay ? Where is she ?"Finnius continued to usher Harry toward platform nine and three-fourths holding Harry with his right paw and wiping his hilltop with his left.

"Yeah, well, she's the one that convinced me I could be an Auror. Said she'd train me, see… herself. But since that business at the Ministry last twelvemonth, she's been in and out of infirmary and… well, now she's in and… well, she made me promise. See ?"

Harry didn't see, and he was getting a bit irritated. He yanked his arm out of Finnius'traveling bag."What do you mean she's in infirmary ? What's wrong ?"Finnius looked away from Harry's vivid gaze.

"Ah, here we are."They were at the platform."Just in time too !"Before Harry could say another word, Finnius gave him a bit of a shove and he plunged through the paries and found himself on the other side standing just in front of the Hogwarts Express. Harry dropped his trunk, reached for his wand and started back toward the rampart when he was tackled from the side. The photoflash of raven blacken fuzz in his face told him at once it was Gabriella.

"You made it !"she cried."I was beginning to think—"She stopped, sensing at once that Harry's emotions were in turmoil."What's wrong ?"And then she too looked at the bulwark to the outside world."Who's out there ?"

The thwarting on Harry's boldness was clear ; he was about to charge back out when his eyes caught something he had never before seen : Neville Longbottom was hugging his parents, Frank and Alice, good-bye. Alice held his face in her hands and planted a big wet buss on his impertinence. They were all grinning as Neville wiped it with his arm. Then dog Longbottom handed his son something and, as Neville wrapped his fingers about the object, a more serious looking came into his eyes. His dad slapped him on the shoulder and a reduce smiling appeared again as Neville boarded the train.

"He's Head Boy,"Gabriella said warmly.

Harry looked at Gabriella, then at the paries behind, and back to the gear, then back to the wall."semen on, let's—"

"ALL ABOARD !"the conductor called.

"Dean said he'd save us a spot,"said Gabriella, taking hold of Harry's manus. Harry took one last aspect at the wall behind them, and then the two boarded the gear. The corridor was crowded with scholarly person, particularly 1st years who were completely confused. What was noticeable, however, was that the convention demarcation of house zones seemed to be somewhat blurred. There were Slytherins purposefully mixing in with Ravenclaws near the social movement of the train, and a group of third year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors in another baby carriage playing snap. A few cable car down Harry just caught a glimpse of someone in Gryffindor pluck disappearing into a carriage and so he and Gabriella followed. He pushed open the carriage door only to walk in on Neville and Helen kissing ; a sweet sweetness filling the air.

"Oh,"said Harry."Sorry."Neville had Helen up against the wall and there was some sort of vine with delicate pink bloom wrapping itself around her arm and stomach. She was wearing a smile and blushing slightly."Er… seen James Byron Dean ?"Neville who seemed about three inches taller than when Harry last saw him which was only a few calendar week ago spoke through a beaming smile.

"Yeah, he's up forward."Then, with a positive flick of his wand Neville shut the room access in Harry's human face, following that with a appealingness that sealed it tight. Gabriella just raised her eyebrow and smiled.

"See what happens when you're late."She smacked Harry's stomach."That could have been us !"

They continued moving forward past various pusher when the flash of red hair caught Harry's eye. It was Ron, and he was bickering with Hermione. The floor of the perambulator they were in was littered with clothes, Good Book and various things Harry knew to be Ron's, most notably by the overabundance of socks.

"Honestly, Ronald,"said Hermione in a scolding voice as if talking to a four year old."If you don't find oneself it soon you'll have to evidence professor Flitwick, and if you won't I will."

"Is that a threat ?"shot back Ron, holding both hands on his pelvis and kicking at the atomic reactor of dress on the flooring. Gabriella walked in first.

"Is there something wrong ?"she asked gently, Harry only a measure behind her.

"No, nothing's wrong,"snapped Ron immediately."Er… hey, mate !"he said with a wave at Harry.

"He's lost his scepter,"exclaimed Hermione.

"I haven't lost anything,"retorted Ron in defiance."I've just… er…"

"Have you tried summoning it ?"asked Harry, starting to rummage through the clothes on the go-cart floor. The nerve look of fire in Ron's eyes said that they had certainly tried that and many early things and would beset just not make believe any other prompting because Hermione has already made every possible suggestion known in the Wizarding world and none of them have worked.

"Hermione,"said Gabriella with a tone that Harry had come to know all too well, and yet was still new to Hermione."Perhaps one of my Slytherin housemates is playing a trick, most likely shimmy. Would you bring together me and perhaps together we can solve this little problem."Knowing Hermione's disposal toward Nott, Harry wondered if it was a wise melodic theme to put the two in close propinquity, but Gabriella may have been on to something. Certainly Nott would birth the motivation to attract a stunt like this, but perhaps Gabriella just wanted to get Hermione away from Ron for a bit. He smiled to himself realizing that it was probably both.

"Sure,"said Hermione. She cast one more look at Ron before she left and said,"And don't you stop looking !"The moment the girls departed, Ron flopped down on the pusher bench and blew the haircloth out of his eyes.

"Bloody hell."

"fountainhead, Fred or George can certainly get you a new wand,"offered Harry, sitting down across from Ron."Or maybe we can pussyfoot out this weekend and Apparate to Ollivanders."Unfortunately, Ron's face did not brighten at the suggestion.

"Look at us, Harry,"said Ron with a whimsical expression on his aspect, tinged with a bit of sourness."We were here six eld ago, you and me. Do you think of ?"

There was a second of muteness as Harry watched the countryside solecism by. It wasn't the same train as six years ago, but it might as well have been.

"Yeah,"said Harry, almost in a whisper as he nodded his brain,"I remember."

"things haven't changed much."

"They've changed loads."Harry reached forward and pulled on the modest goatee now sprouting from Ron's chin.

"Really ?"asked Ron with a snicker."Back then you were Harry ceramist, The Boy Who Lived, and I was Ron Weasley with a blot of dirt on my nose."

"That's not—"

"Now we're both of age and you're Harry potter, Protector, Guardian and envoy, the maven that destroyed Voldemort and brought peacefulness with the giant star, and I'm Ron Weasley the kid that can't obtain his BLOODY sceptre !"At the last words he stood up, kicked at the paries, and put his flush all the way through.

Harry was trying to muster something to say when the room access began to open. Angry, Ron instinctively reached for his wand to slam the threshold shut, but it wasn't there. He growled like a Leo and was about to physically thrash the door shut when Patrick O'Riley, now in his second year, poked his head through.

"Was that you, Ron ?"asked Patrick brightly, nodding his caput toward the maw that now protruded into the corridor. Then he noticed Harry."Hey, Harry ! James Byron Dean said you were going to be up in his carriage."

"Later,"answered Harry."Right now I'm just—"

"St. Patrick,"cut in Ron, doing his dear to remain becalm,"we don't have fourth dimension to—"

"Prob'ly mad ‘ bout losin'this,"interrupted St. Patrick, and he held up Ron's wand. For a moment Ron sputtered, ineffective to talk. Finally, he grabbed the wand and pulled it close, cradling it like a baby as a Wave of easing passed over his body.

"Where'd you find it ?"asked Harry.

"Oh, I didn't,"said Patrick,"St. James the Apostle did. When he showed it teh me, I knew at once whose it was. He was on his way teh take it teh Flitwick, but I told him I'd get it teh yeh."

"Er… thanks,"answered Ron."You're okay, kid."At conclusion Ron smiled as he slipped his wand away.

"Why don't you and James stay in here,"offered Harry."I haven't heard from the Chang Jiang all summer and was wondering how Cho was doing."At these words, Saint Patrick became noticeably uncomfortable.

"Gee, Harry,"he answered, looking back down the corridor,"we're already hangin'out with the Slytherins."

"Slytherins ?"asked Harry."I thought James was going to get down Gryffindor this year. He knows he can pick whatever house he wants doesn't he ?"

"Yeah, well, he changed his mind o'er the summertime, I guess."Again he glanced nervously down the hallway."Well… see yeh !"He smiled and disappeared down the corridor to the back of the train.

"That was a bit odd,"said Ron, sweeping away a few span of wind sock with his paw and sitting down on the bench.

"Yeah, it was."

"Why on earth would anybody pick out Slytherin over Gryffindor ? Everyone knows they're nothing but a caboodle of—"

"Yes ?"Gabriella stood at the open door, her fingers drumming against the frame.

"Er…."

"…Sweethearts !"chimed Hermione gaily as she stepped into the carriage with Gabriella."Except maybe… Teddy."She flopped down future to Ron.

"He didn't make it too well when we asked if he'd stolen Ron's scepter,"continued Gabriella as she sat next to Harry. Hermione took Ron's script and pulled him close down to her.

"No, but he didn't dare use a hybrid word or upraise his voice,"said Hermione."Quite the gentleman for a change."

"organism nearly killed can do that to some people,"said Ron.

"I could smell out right away he was telling the truth,"said Gabriella,"so we decided to come in back. Patrick told us he found your wand."

"No, James Yangtze River found it,"said Harry."Patrick only returned it. Did he secernate you that James has decided to go with Slytherin this year ?"

"There, you see !"said Gabriella,"Another fine example. James was one of the better first year scholar as I recall."Ron pulled out his scepter and looked at it closely.

"I should probably have it examined,"he said."Maybe Nott put him up to it."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous,"said Hermione, slapping his hand. Then she turned to Harry, trying hard to ignore the mess on the base."So how's Sothis doing at Grimmauld property ?"

The hours passed quickly as tiffin came and the recently afternoon brought drooping eyelids to everyone. doyen never made his way back to the carriage, and they never endeavoured to strike further up the power train. They were all nodding off to log Z's when the train began to slow.

"Hogsmeade ?"asked Ron groggily. The midday sun seemed suddenly to evanesce to darkness as if person had just pulled down the curtain.

"No,"said Hermione with a bit of vexation."It's too early."They all noticed the last word leave her lips in a whiff of smoke -- the air was growing colder by the 2d. They knew at once what was happening and each had their wand at the make. The dark outside the train filled with flashes of light. Ministry guards had moved out to meet the onslaught which was centred toward the front of the train. Incantations filled the air as Patronus after Patronus was being sent out against the attack Dementors. There were screams all up and down the corridors, mostly from the youngest students.

"Ron,"said Hermione with a dominate vocalisation."Help me gather the first years."Ron was up in a blink of an eye, and a moment later his voice was barking Holy Order down the corridor for everyone to rest equanimity, calling for the kickoff years to come up at the galley. Students began to move toward the behind of the train, away from the fighting.

"They're looking for you, Harry,"said Gabriella, holding her wand at the window. She cast a spell at the glass, protecting it from attack, just as early windowpane began to shatter about the train.

"wellspring they're about to chance me !"jibe Harry as he started for the door. Gabriella grabbed his arm.

"You can't be serious. Who knows how many are out there. Your best using the gear as a—"The train lurched forward causing collective screams all up and down the corridor. Then it began to move -- chug… choo-choo… chug… choo-choo… She was quickly gathering speed. There was another hustle of bright white flashes of light cast against the darkness, and the afternoon light suddenly reappeared and the heat returned. Everyone cheered as the head covering of darkness became naught Thomas More than a dark-skinned swarm on the horizon behind the train.

A look of relief gap across Gabriella's face, but dark still remained in Harry's eyes as he reached and grabbed the wrist of the hand that was holding his arm. Slowly, but firmly he pulled her mitt away, and looked at her with a very down in the mouth expression. She sensed his emotions before he said the Holy Scripture and she didn't like what she was feeling. Finally, he spoke in a stern and ignite voice.

"Don't EVER do that again."

"But—"

There was a scream that Harry knew at once to be Ginny's. In a heartbeat he was out the door and down the corridor, only a footfall ahead of Neville Longbottom, and two steps behind Ron. Ginny was on her knees in the baby carriage, broken glass everywhere and teardrop streaming down her middle. She grabbed her brother by his sleeve.

"Do something, Ron !"she cried out."They've taken him. They've taken James Dean !"

"But… but he's right here, Gin"answered Ron, looking at Dean who was still seated on his chair, but looking out the window at the rural setting running past. It was Gabriella who noticed first.

"Oh, no,"she whispered, stepping past times Harry and turning Dean to front them all. There was a corporate gasp. Still breathing, his heart were blank, his face sunken, and his skin almost picket. He gave them no reaction at all. Ginny stood up and wrapped him in her arms, rocking him back and Forth. On her finger was the ring Dean had given her the twelvemonth before. The firestone with which it was set had lost its brilliant freshness, its fire, its beloved extinguished.

"They've taken him,"she cried again."They've taken his soul."




Harry thrower and the essence of Becoming

Chapter 7 - The Lost Soul

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Harry clenched his fist and bicker,"Fucking war."Other than that, only the rumbling of the train and the wind whistling through the shatter window accompanied Ginny's sobs. He stepped next to Gabriella and watched helplessly as Ginny, a soul Ilex paraguariensis if ever he had one, rocked back and forth with Dean in her arms. Dean, breathing but lifeless, made no response. He might as well be a corpse - he'd be comfortably off. Harry felt the craze building within, but something was tempering it, something was focusing it. He gazed into nothingness as locoweed streamed by the broken windowpane and a split tracked down his cheek.

"Ginny,"Gabriella whispered, then louder,"Ginny."The redhead, her face wet, looked up at Gabriella."May I see him ?"Ginny sniffed, wiped her face and nodded silently. Someone, a daughter, screamed at the room access and then ran down the corridor yelling for assistant.

"I'll get a Healer,"said Neville despondently to Harry. His vocalism was much older and much sadder than Harry had ever heard before. They both knew it was pointless.

"It won't do any thoroughly,"cerebration Harry to himself, reaching for his wand and then nervously fiddling it with his fingers. Then, out loud, he whispered,"He's gone."The craze roiled in his mind as he watched the Green River hill roll by - a painting complete day. Finally, his mind found its clearness."This was yesteryear forgiveness,"he thought to himself and his hand clenched tightly about his wand as he pulled it to the cook."I'll pour down them ! I'll obliterate them all !"He would Apparate back down the cartroad and destroy every Dementor that moved. He began the wrist drift when Gabriella grabbed his arm. His eyes shot fire into hers."I told you—"he began.

"You're not thinking,"interrupted Gabriella, staring at him intently with sour black centre that demanded he not be so brash.

"I don't care how many of them there are !"cried Harry.

"I'm with you, Harry !"yelled Ron."We'll kill ‘ em all !"

"YEAH !"cried others."LET'S GO !"

sceptre began to appear from everyone.

"Harry !"blast Gabriella."THINK !"She pulled him close."You know a better way !"

Harry's mind began to subspecies ; there was no time for this. The Harlan Fiske Stone ? Was she talking about the Edward Durell Stone ? Certainly she didn't mean that he could heal Dean's person using the Harlan Fisk Stone."I don't have time—"

"Your voices, Harry,"she said softly but with a crisp tone.

representative ? Voices ! She couldn't be dangerous. She had wanted to work with him on the representative, the natural endowment of those who had touched him at the connexion, but he chose instead to spend his prison term with Sirius. All those lay out at the Joining on Singehorn's mountain were, in several elbow room, a part of him now. They had shared of themselves freely, but there were so many he couldn't sort out them out and time was dripping through his finger's breadth.

"I can't."

"You must."

For a import, as more voices clambered about the corridor for a counterplay on the Dementors, he tried to strain down deep inside, calling to those who had shared of themselves, scanning through innumerous computer memory, snippet of pictures that spanned 100.

"This is inconceivable,"he said with a sigh.

"ejaculate on, Harry ! Let's kill them !"someone called from ass. It was Anthony Goldstein. Very well said, thought Harry, but Susan B. Anthony's Patronus would be lucky to push away a single Dementor let alone dozens. Unfortunately, before Harry could say another password, Anthony gave Harry the most peculiar look and shouted,"For our family, mate !"There was a pop and Goldstein was gone. It was followed by another pop and another gingersnap. elderly bookman were Disapparating from everywhere.

"Wait ! STOP"Harry yelled."You're… you're not prepare !"

"Mama's seen them, Harry,"said Gabriella above the cracking and dada."She may know. Think of her… be her !"

Harry closed his eyes once again and focused on Soseh. His mind dwelt on the warmth of her hospitality and the aroma of her kitchen, but Gabriella turned his mind.

"Coldness. Emptiness,"she whispered."The smell of radioactive decay, of death."

trope filled Harry's creative thinker. mental image of what was, what is, what might be. He saw Dakhil, a much younger looking Dakhil, blood dripping from the niche of his backtalk ; he saw himself hanging from the window on Privet driving, an odd freshness surrounding his half-naked body ; he saw Grigor looking cruel and defiant ; he saw the moth-eaten dead body of Antreas, stab wounds covering every inch of his bare chest ; death, and then he saw them.

It was Night and the only if sound, beyond a lone howler in the darkness, was the rough intimation of the oncoming Dementor. Just a few feet away, a young girl was cowering beneath the clothed anatomy. Just to her left was a man, somewhere in his late twenties, a firedrake emblazoned on his right wing forearm. Ignoring the man, the Dementor pulled back his hoodlum revealing its skull-like masquerade party of horror, a large hole where perhaps a mouth should be. The visual modality seemed so real Harry tried to reach for his baton, but found his arms shackled to a stone wall.

The young woman screamed as the Dementor drew in its breath in a great wheeze. Another scream… another wheeze. On the third wheeze, the girl made no sound ; her dumb eye opened, staring blankly up at her attacker. It was then, as if empowered with a second vision, Harry saw it : the glow. He watched the faint golden clean light being pulled into the maw in the Dementor's orifice. He expected it to disappear into the darkness, but it didn't. The Dementor pulled his exhaust hood up over his skull, but Harry could still perceive the glow trying to fight its way out. It was as if the Dementor was shining, backlit by a spotlight from above."I see,"Harry whispered and the darkness rushed away to be replaced by the luminousness and rumblings of the racing Hogwarts Express.

"I see !"cried Harry."I…"He paused."Soseh can see,"he said slowly shaking his head."Soseh has the gift, I don't, at least not yet. I haven't tried. There's no way I can—"Gabriella's eyes were fixed on his. He knew she bore her mother's gift of quite a little, and her center were telling him that she too must go."No,"he said flatly."You're staying here."

"It's the alone way, Harry,"she said, still holding his arm."If we find the one in metre, then… then you use the pit to draw back Dean's life sentence force."Everyone looked at the two as if they'd both gone mad. There were pace racing their way down the corridor. Harry glanced back, knowing that once the Aurors found out about the attack and the flight of the students they'd be blasting Dementors right and left. With one unseasonable enchantment, James Dean's soul would be lost forever.

"We must go now,"she insisted. Harry held the hand clutching his arm and nodded his assent.

On two, they both Apparated back into the darkness. It was as if they had just landed themselves in the midriff of an ominous thunderstorm that had extinguished the sun. All was inkiness save for the flashes of lighting - wandlight from the attacking students. Harry felt the heat rushing out of his off-white and heard the sidesplitter in his ears.

"Can - you - see - the - one ?"Harry yelled over the din. His interpreter held hope, but his kernel had none. There were at least a hundred Dementors swarming about, skimming across the hillside, trying to decide if the recently arrived wizards were to be feared or consumed. Harry saw a Patronus, the shape of an enormous owl, plunge into a mathematical group of about a one-half 12 Dementors and sent them flying. About thirty yards away, near a bandstand of trees, Goldstein's wand was doing little more than lighting up the pocket-size clearing of green goddess in movement of him. A Dementor was closing in on him when three scholar from Ravenclaw converged, simultaneously casting an Incendio spell and incinerating the creature. Harry's tenderness skipped. Could that have been—

"This way !"hailed Gabriella, pulling on Harry's arm as she held her eyes shut. She was pulling them closer into the pack. Harry conjured a stag that split the sea of Dementors, if only for a moment, the rift windup behind the bright beast as it passed through. But in that mo, Gabriella squeezed Harry's arm.

"Yes !"she said with more certainty. Her eyes still closed she cried,"Follow me !"

They were plunging right into the heart of the cloud of blackness. Gabriella was moving more swiftly. She let go of Harry's arm and began to jog ahead. Harry followed sending another Patronus ahead of her and splitting them away. rather than focus on Harry and Gabriella, the Dementors seemed to favour the well-to-do prey near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and began to move away. He could hear the screaming behind him as Gabriella pulled her scepter and emit something in Armenian language. A Theodore Harold White gleam enveloped her as if she held a star at the tip of her baton. She pressed on ever forward, her pace gathering speed, but her verge dimming as each new Dementor tried to bottom its glowing surface.

"rushing, Harry !"she called back. The terrain was rockier here and they were moving along the slope of a hill and the further they moved along the more steep the incline grew, making it more difficult to traverse. Harry heard a collection of snaps behind him ; the Aurors had arrived. He looked back at the gravid cloud of Dementors unwittingly racing toward the new appeal of emotions. Just as he turned back to look at Gabriella his foot slipped on a endocarp and his articulatio talocruralis twisted under his weight unit. He fell to the ground and tumbled a unspoilt twenty foundation down the side of the hill, scraping the side of his leg badly before he came to rest.

He looked up and saw the flickering glow of Gabriella's wand disappear over the edge of the hill. Three Dementors swarmed over him - it was the last matter they ever did. melanise blood sprayed all over the ground as Harry blasted his way through, grimacing from the pain in his ankle as he took each long stride. It was then that he realized he hadn't a clue what to do when he came upon the Dementor they wanted. Gabriella had said to use the stone, but how ? And how would he keep the Dementor from simply fleeing ? His ankle throbbing, Harry past another large tree diagram and came up over the side of meat of the mound. The soil opened up beneath him, running down maybe twenty yards and then spreading out into a vast champaign that stretched on until it disappeared into the dank mist of darkness. sunshine was trying to interpenetrate the misty swarm of blackness casting an eerie red glow over the green landscape before him. It was then when his meat sank.

Just at the end of his vision, Harry could see the flickering radiance of Gabriella's scepter. Only now it was more waver than light. About her were two Dementors, the only two to be seen and they were circling her like predator. Each would swoop around and then dip at Gabriella only to bounce from her failing shield magic spell. It wouldn't be long before—

The buckler failed, and Harry heard her scream. He was too far away to do anything but run, and that's just what he did. He ran with all his might, pain stabbing at his leg with each strike at the ground as if a snapping Hydra were ever at his blackguard. He was perhaps fifty yards away when an tremendous red illumination burst from Gabriella's wand, filled the air about her, and one of the Dementors burst into flaming. Harry could get wind its gurgling cries as it tried to fly away, but plunged into the pot starting a minor fervor, fatal smoke billowing upward. Harry was now 20 yard away as he watched the second Dementor crouch over Gabriella and he heard her screeching.

There was a pop just off to his right. An Auror appeared, wand drawn.

"No !"Harry cried. The Auror looked only briefly at Harry then set to cast a spell at the Dementor hovering over Gabriella.

"Petrificus Totalus !"called Harry. The Auror went tumid and fell to the ground. Ten yards. Gabriella screamed again and this time Harry could hear the raspy wheeze of the Dementor as it tried to pull away her person. With a great leap Harry jumped forward, wrapped his arm around Gabriella and the two of them rolled away from beneath the grip of the Dementor. When they came to perch, Gabriella was on top of him ; the golden necklace he had given her with the Gryffindor signet - a lion baring two deep red red eyes - that came from professor McGonagall hung round her neck and swung back and forth in front of Harry's face. He had remembered McGonagall's tidings :"For time of darkness."And then he heard the voice of Dumbledore, as if he were whispering in Harry's ear, only the whisper was coming from Harry's lips.

"Really, Nicolas ? An enchanted golden chemical chain will trap them ? I never heard of such a thing."

The Dementor's growing wheeze signalled its approach when Harry grabbed the lilliputian golden chain off Gabriella's neck. He rolled her to the side of meat, feeling the cold approaching from behind. With one concluding enceinte elbow grease he heaved himself upward, tossed the chain in the air and cast a spell he had never uttered before, but one that Dumbledore knew. The bantam golden chain grew snakelike in pattern and dimension, but its head was the capitulum of a Leo with flame red eyes. With the flick of his verge Harry levitated the glow, golden, lion-headed snake toward the coming common cold, and it began to curl itself around the Dementor several times. Round and unit of ammunition in less time than it takes to untie a shoe lace the Dementor was cinched tight from head to toe. Struggling to escape, the black creature could not move and ultimately fell to the grass.

"Harry ?"Gabriella's voice whispered weakly from behind."Harry ?"

He knelt down by her English at once."Are you okay ?"he asked.

"The Harlan Fiske Stone. Use the Harlan Fiske Stone before the others come."

The vivificus rock had not been used since it was charged at the joining. Singehorn had told Harry that flak was upright but love was something far more supportable. And the endocarp, snuggled close to Harry's liver, was already covered in Harry's blood. All that remained was the incantation :"Bravery, Wisdom, Love."

In an instant, Harry found himself in what he had, in his own mind, decided was an antechamber of sorts. All was white waiting for his request. For a moment his psyche hovered on Gabriella, but he knew he was forbidden on using it to the vantage of another in the Votary. Instead, he called to the subject nothingness,"Show me Dean's soul !"

He expected to see a vortex of colour, but instead he saw a whirl of blackamoor. His center skipped for fear that he had done something wrongly, but his own spirit held tight to the need to carry through his friend if at all possible. The dark spread before him and in this vacuum a malodour filled Harry's nostril. It was then when he realized where he was, what he was entering - the life story forcefulness of the Dementor.

Blackness and rot filled his vision. filament of oily character hung from above and when Harry looked to see their origin, all that was visible was utter iniquity. He was reminded of the crevasse into which he and Canicula had fallen and a very material role of him wanted to leave this topographic point as quickly as potential. He was inhuman and growing colder as he forced is creative thinker's eye to press onward into the depth of the Dementor's essence, an insatiable need to feed.

At first, the phone were removed replication coming from down a long tunnel, voices perhaps, or animals screaming. Harry moved toward the sound and found the wickedness pressing in all around him. Though in here he really had no material form, something wet and sticky splattered against his grimace ; the desire to wretch was strong. Then he heard the strait again.

Yes, they were sidesplitter, but homo screams, calling just ahead. Floating deeper into the wickedness, his substructure tangled on something he could not see. He pulled and freed himself and then realized his dentition were chattering."This is not potential,"he thought to himself and now an even greater theatrical role of him wanted to devolve."I can't do this."He glanced back to see a tiny while of white no bigger than a postage stamp miles away. He could be there and back to rubber in the flare of a thought process.

Then he heard a voice, clear and strong above the others, telling them to quiet down, to heed. It was comrade, but it wasn't Dean's. There was something nurturing about this phonation, something that made one feel safe. Harry pressed forward. It felt like hour, although it was probably little more than the time it takes a star to twinkle, when he saw the syncope golden luminescence ahead. He ached and felt that at any moment he would collapse and be trapped in this swarthiness forever. The vocalization called out again and his pulse quickened as he hurried forward. Against his body he felt the sensation of ice-cold bridge player pulling at his sprit, trying to stop him, but still he moved ahead. The cold was unbearable, the sense of fear was overwhelming, and that's when he saw him, towering tall above the others huddled in the lightlessness goop : Mr. Silverton. It was the Lapp mavin from Hogsmeade that had tried to save Dragon's life the class before, but had failed in the effort. Harry had always seen him as a rather tame yet friendly man when he visited Hogsmeade, but here he stood taller than life, translucent in a prosperous grandness.

"Hurry, save the children !"he called out to Harry, and then he added as if he'd always known,"guardian of the inexperienced person !"

Harry looked down to see those huddled at Silverton's feet. They were there, nearly a dozen souls, nestling mostly. Each was translucent, each glowed bright, though some more than others. The brightest of these was the offspring black wizard, who seemed utterly lost. Dean looked straight at Harry, but did not recognize him.

"avail,"he pleaded in a weak, raspy part."Where am I ?"

"No one stays behind,"Harry said to Silverton."I'm taking you all."And without another word he reached out his bridge player and with his mind summoned the mortal toward him. Silverton stood firm as if guarding the onward motion, guiding them toward Harry's summons. First, and virtually uncoerced, came James Byron Dean, then a young girl with black hair… a boy with bright dark eyes… and on… and on…. Each soul came to… came into Harry as if he were an enormous vacuum pulling them in. When the last left the slack at Silverton's base the sure-enough wizard smiled.

"You have done well,"he said warmly."Release us now, and I will lead them home."

The common cold was pressing in on Harry once again, fighting one last desperate tone-beginning to keep its wanted treasure as Silverton floated toward Harry.

"H-Home ?"Harry asked through chattering teeth."H-Heaven ? D-Dean needs t-to—"

"freeing us, Harry,"breathed Silverton as he became one with Harry.

"Home."

The blackness began to rush away with a great tearing phone. Harry felt as if his legs were being pulled backward by a tether that held him tight to the world behind. Flashes of varying ghost of Asa Gray screamed past, and then with a awful wooosh Harry found himself back in his body on the grassy plain looking upward at the milky-blue sky.

"Harry !"Gabriella cried as his eyes blinked against the sudden brightness.

He felt dizzy, then strong, more powerful than he had ever felt. But then he realized why ; he still held their life force. He could use this energy, this power in the war to make out. They could be triumphant ! Then, a slow up sigh slipped past his lips, and before he lifted his head off the Mary Jane he closed his center and whispered,"Hhhhome."It was a recollective, slow, dyspneic word that sent iciness down Gabriella's backbone. He could sense the energy plinking out from within him as each psyche drifted upward. Perhaps it was a hallucination, for Gabriella said later she saw no such vision, but before Harry the translucent soundbox of all the children hovered for a instant just above him. They looked down, smiling when at go Mr. Silverton emerged. He took the small girl's hand and in the next present moment they all rose above the crown and disappeared from sight, doyen travelling with them ever upward.

Harry was certain he heard dean's voice utter,"Goodbye."

A lone tear spilt from his eye when Gabriella reached down and lifted his head into her lap. Harry raised his helping hand and summoned the favorable chain that surrounded the Dementor."This is yours I think,"he said softly.

"But—"

"It's dead,"Harry answered before she could ask. And indeed the Dementor lay lifeless on the dry land, deflated somewhat, as if it had been decaying there for months.

The air blasted with the report of two tatty pops as a pair of Aurors appeared clad in red Ministerial robes. One noticed the Auror some yards away on the ground still stiffened by Harry's spell. The other reached down to help Harry and Gabriella to their feet.

"You can't stay here,"the Auror said, then he noticed who he was speaking with and turned to his companion."It's Potter !"He held Harry more firmly as if his life sentence might calculate on it."You've got to return to the railroad train. Miss, will you help—"

"Hey ! He fired on—"the Auror that had been petrified began, but in that instant both Harry and Gabriella had Apparated back to the railroad train.

They appeared in the corridor of the wagon train, near the tail end, and Harry stumbled to the storey when he landed. He hated Apparation, and this was his first-class honours degree try at hitting a moving target. If Gabriella hadn't been holding his hand… He didn't want to think about it.

He was a bit airheaded and disoriented, but he grabbed a carriage door handgrip and pulled himself up to his feet, taking a shaky step forward."Dean,"he muttered."I've got to see if…"He began to crumple to the story when Gabriella grabbed his arm. He looked at her clenched manus and then at her eyes and smiled."Thank you,"he said softly."Did I ever tell you that I thought you were brilliant ?"Her brass did not smile back. Her nerves were too wracked with care as her eyes darted up the corridor.

"Yes, yes,"said Harry."Let's go."

Two auto down there was a concourse of students that only parted when they realized who it was. When Harry made it to dean's car he stepped in to look straight in on Ron's back. His dress were a passel of mud and true pine acerate leaf, and the side of his shirt was torn, blotches of origin seeping through, red commixture with splattered Joseph Black. His red hair draped down over an arm that was hugging him tight. It was Ginny's and she was crying. Harry's middle plummeted and he dropped his head ; they had failed. Dean had died.

It was then that he heard Gabriella commit a sharp gasp as she gripped his forearm. He looked up to see her pointing at Ginny's deal. On her ring finger was the gilded ring doyen had given her, only now the firestone was glowing as bright as ever, shining through the strands of Ron's red hair.

"He's fine Gin ; Madame Pomfrey will induce him patched up in no time."

It was Dean's representative, talking about Ron. It was shivering but clear and Harry watched as two arms of cryptical chocolate wrapped around the redheaded brother and Sister in a orotund hug.

"Dean ?"choked Harry, his marrow skipping out of his chest of drawers and the summit of his finger's breadth and pads of his human foot starting to tingle.

"Harry ?"asked James Byron Dean from behind the Weasley's. Ron spun round and, as he did so, Ginny saw Harry. She immediately let out a squeal of joy. A second later her subdivision were around Harry, tears streaming down here cheeks and cheers rising up all around the train. Soon, they were all snuggling. Scripture spread that the counterattack had been a success, at least with the aid of the Aurors that had been guarding the train. If it hadn't been for—

"Where's Anthony ?"stab Harry, realizing that the terminal he saw was what could only be called a ruck of Dementors stampeding away from Harry and toward the Ravenclaw.

"right here, Potter ; no thanks to you."

Harry turned to see a very bruised and a very battered Anthony Goldstein. There was dried supergrass in his hair and a bit of parentage at the quoin of his mouth, and he still clutched his sceptre as if ready to cast another spell at whomever or whatever might thwart him.

"Merlin's beard,"said Harry, stunned."You're alive."

"Cho said you weren't that smart,"sneered Susan B. Anthony with somewhat of a crisp on his shoulder,"but I don't think she realized just how daft you really are."He was itching for a fight, but Harry simply smiled.

"You were brilliant out there today, Goldstein,"said Harry brassy enough so everyone could listen."If it hadn't been for you—"

"That's the one !"

Everyone turned to see two Aurors in their embattled Ministerial gown making their way through the throng of students. One, the one pointing his finger at Harry, was promptly recognized. It was the Auror Harry had dropped in the field. He was holding the other Auror by the arm and pulling her almost against her will.

"That's the one, right there - with the specs. I'd recognize the face anywhere. Greasy little git."The pair parted the crowd and were now right in front of Harry."Thought you could get away with it, did yeh ? small prat. You could give birth had us all killed."Then he turned to the former Auror, a very marvellous woman with deep juicy eyes and an formula somewhere between exasperation and debilitation. She was about to say something when Anthony Goldstein stepped in front man of Harry.

"Do you have any hint who you're talking to ?"he asked with a smug air of superiority that almost sounded Ministerial. Certainly, Mark Antony was destined for bully matter in government. It was then that the cleaning woman recognized Harry, but the former Auror was having none of it.

"Get out of my way, you !"he shoved Anthony to the side, and almost at once there was a spate of bookman like a Wave breaking against the shore filling the gap and forcing the two Aurors backwards.

"What's this ?"the Auror yelled, and he pulled his wand. In answer, over two dozen wands suddenly appeared pointed directly at him, inches from his side. The fair sex reached up to deplumate her associate's hand down just when there was another part from the far end of the carriage.

"Strickman ! PUT THAT John L. H. Down !"If Antony's voice was Ministerial, the new part was all that and Thomas More. Strickman's eyes widened in jounce. He'd heard this voice before, shoemaker's last yr when he graduated from the Auror Academy. Everyone turned and saw the shock of red hair and knew at once who it was.

"Dad !"cried Ron, whose height gave him the punter sight over all his peers. baton quickly found their way back to their right positions as all the students tried to act as normally as possible, considering they had just been through a Dementor attack.

"Ronny. Ginny."He was trying not to show that he was there to con the status of his own children, but the shake in his voice and the spirit of succour on his face were obvious for all to hear and see."I came as soon as I heard."Then his center met Harry's as he moved past the two Aurors and a look of wonderment filled them."Harry ?"he breathed in disbelief."I had heard you were taken. That your soul—"

"That was Dean, sir,"answered Harry.

"James Dean ? Beasts of Bulgaria, not—"His heart saw Dean standing next to Ginny."I… I don't understand."

"Harry brought him back, Dad,"Ginny answered her father's questioning eyes."He brought his person back."Arthur Weasley looked at his daughter and saw that she was sincere. Then he looked back at Harry.

"That… that's not possible,"he whispered."Not even Dumbledore—"

"That's right, pastor,"spat Strickman."It's not potential ! This little prat—"

"SHUT UP !"yelled government minister Weasley."If you say another tidings, I'll have him do the Saame to you as he did to Voldemort !"The parole stung many ears and there was a collective groan, but not as universally as there might have been the year before. Only then did Strickman finally realize who he had been calling a prat.

"P-P-Potter ?"He began to apologize, not to parson Weasley, but to Harry ; he never had a chance.

"You're dismissed,"shot the diplomatic minister,"both of you."It was the female Auror who was now doing the grabbing and dragging as she pulled Strickman by the back of his cloak and tossed him into the forward carriage.

"Here's your hero, sir,"said Harry, pulling the grimy Goldstein forward."He led the countermove. If it hadn't been for him, I'd have never reached the Dementor that had James Byron Dean's soul."

Arthur was still struggling, trying to comprehend what it was that Harry was saying. Nonetheless, he patted Anthony about the berm and said,"Well done, young man. Goldstein is it ? Yes, I know your female parent. Runs a coven in Colchester."He gave Anthony, who was now beaming, another pat."wellspring done."Arthur then turned and hugged his two minor and then he said in a loud voice,"I'm gladiolus everyone's safe and I assure you the rest of your stumble will be uninterrupted, if not completely boring."

With the bickering and fighting over, most the students returned to their rig, muttering about the battle as they went, and the crowd in the corridor thinned. President Arthur Weasley put his arm around Harry just as Hermione entered the train car.

"Harry, you're secure !"she cried."They're saying you captured a—"

"Hermione,"interrupted Mr. Weasley,"might I have a word with Harry… alone ?"

"Oh, certainly, sir,"she answered. And as Harry and the Minister started down the corridor he could see Hermione grab Gabriella's hand and heard her ask what had happened as they disappeared into the carriage with dean, Ginny and Ron.

"Harry,"began Mr. Weasley,"I need to mouth with you about something very important. I was hoping to take you back to the Ministry with me right now, but under the condition it's perhaps dependable that you stay put. Once you're settled at the schooling, I'll call for you."

"What is it, sir ?"

"Not here, not now, Harry. The walls…"Mr. Weasley smiled, but it was not a happy smile."…the walls have ears."

"I don't hold a good deal religious belief that the rampart at the Ministry are any better, sir."

"No. No, I know you don't,"answered the minister of religion as he stopped to depend at Harry."But this is something too important to discuss anywhere else, even at Hogwarts. I'll send for you in a week or so, okay ?"Harry nodded."And don't worry, Harry. Where we're going no one knows about. Not even I knew about it until just utmost week. But if what you say is true about Malfoy and the Dementors, and certainly this plan of attack points to that, we must act soon and we must act decisively. It's time to take the offensive."

"You know I'll do whatever it takes,"answered Harry.

"I know you will, son,"answered President Arthur."I know you will. That's what frightens me."


Harry Potter and the parturition of a New Sun

Chapter 8 - Engaged

~~~***~~~

The Snitch flitted upward fourth dimension and time again only to be snatched into his handwriting after every escape. He was actually getting quite good at it really. Nearly XX minutes without a—

"Damn !"

The snitcher slipped through Dean's fingers and began to zip about the boy'dormitory room, bouncing off the wall above Harry's capitulum. With a flash, few but Ginny Weasley could treasure, Harry had his hand around the wing orb.

"That was capital, James Byron Dean !"said Harry earnestly, handing the canary to Ginny who was sitting next to Dean on his bed. While Dean was practicing, Harry had been reading a tale headlined Miracle at St. Mungo's which described how nearly a XII patient role, all victim of Dementor attacks, had suddenly and inexplicably awakened - their psyche intact. He turned the page with a grinning as Dean continued to practice.

Madame Pomfrey had prescribed the physical exertion of sneaker snatching as a form of therapy to facilitate Dean regain control of his neuro-synapses. Even though Harry had returned Dean's someone, he was feeling somewhat disconnected from himself. It was hard to explicate just exactly how he was disconnected. Sometimes he would reach for something, like a mover and shaker of table salt, and it would fumble through his fingers for no reason. Sometimes his love for Ginny was stiff, while at other times it seemed as if he had no belief for her at all. In witching artistic creation, Dean would paint portrayal of birds, creature, or even masses but the images wouldn't move ; they remained lifeless on the canvass. It was all very strange, and no one, not even Madam Pomfrey, knew exactly what to do.

"No one's ever had their soul reattached,"Madame Pomfrey had said shortly after they had arrived at Hogwarts castle. Her solution was to try to re-stitch Dean's psyche by having him exercise both his body and spirit.

Ginny held steadfast at Dean's side of meat ; a less char would accept left at once. Watching the two of them these go few daylight, Harry wondered if his love for Gabriella would be able to withstand such a test of organized religion. Somewhere, deep down inside, he felt it would, perhaps it already had, and he smiled as Ginny stroked James Byron Dean's back, encouraging him to try again.

"Nah, Gin,"answered Dean, truly eject."I'm… a bit tired."

"You're right, babe,"Ginny replied."balance a bit and we can go to dinner later."

"Thanks,"said dean with a rickety grin. They kissed and Ginny turned toward the stairway down to the green way.

They had been at Hogwarts for three mean solar day and even though the intimate rhythm of classes and course piece of work pulsed on at Hogwarts, something was distinctly different. Maybe it was the plan of attack on the geartrain, the expectancy of what was to get, or simply that they were in their final year. Whatever it was, there existed, near certainly, a palpable signified of expectancy as if it any consequence something spectacularly howling, or devastatingly fearful was about to happen.

As Ginny stepped from their room, Harry turned to doyen and said warmly,"She's wonderful, isn't she ?"

"She's my world, Harry."He lay down on his pillow, folding his blazon behind his head."I wish I knew why… sometimes…"Dean let out a large sigh and turned over on his English, his back toward Harry. Over the last year, Dean had grown confident in his kinship with Ginny and Harry no longer shake off the origination on which their relationship was anchored. Dean continued,"I think… maybe this year at Christmas—"

There was a sudden screech from down in the Gryffindor Common room. It was Hermione's belly laugh ; Harry was sure. Not an moment later, Ginny cried out, followed by a clamor of screeching that rivalled the arriving owls during the morning post.In an instant, both Harry and Dean had their verge at the set, and started cautiously for the landing place. Just as Harry was about to seem down on the green room below, Patrick appeared from the secondment year'student residence ; his wand also drawn and his grimace concerned. There was a third yr passing St. Patrick and running the other direction, trying to escape whatever risk was causing the commotion. Harry didn't recognize the boy from behind, but the intellection of a coward in his firm bristled the back of his neck."A Gryffindor ?"Harry cried out.

The second's distraction was enough to do Dean to bump him slightly from tail. Harry tried to align his footing by stepping forward, only there was nothing on the orbitual staircase to step out on. Instead, he completely lost his balance and began tumbling, down and around, head over heals until he landed prostrate onto the floor. Dazed, he looked up to see Ron on the ground also. well, almost… he was down to one knee, a look of pure terror in his heart. Harry grabbed his practiced friend by the shirtsleeve and pulled himself up aligning back to back with Ron.

"Where are they ?"he cried to Ron over his shoulder, sceptre at the ready. Quickly, he spun around and saw Hermione looking down at him."What's going on ?"Harry asked excitedly."Why did you squall ?"Then, looking to the side, Harry noticed the great bit of Gryffindors looking down at him, all with rather cut through locution on their faces. It was Parvati who stepped over and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, pulling him away from Ron.

"You idiot !"she hissed under her breath.

Her cheeks a brighter people of colour of red than Ron's hair, Hermione had to cover her rima oris to proceed from laughing. It wasn't until then that Harry noticed Ron was holding something in his hand - something gold and shiny.

"Er… so, yeah then…"Ron sputtered."Well ?"Hermione was about to say something when Lavender poked Ron in the berm.

"fountainhead, what ?"Lavender said sharply."Go on, Ron. Ask her properly."There was a general murmur of consent to this, mostly of the feminine persuasion.

"Yes, go on, Ron,"followed by,"Do it right."

"Bloody hell,"Harry whispered, stunned by what he was seeing. Anapurna pinched his neck opening and pulled him to his feet. Dean was stepping slowly down the staircase and came to a diaphragm on the grim flight, wrapping his arm about Ginny's waist. She had been transfixed, but the warm touch caught her attention and she wrapped both her arms about Dean, smiling as she watched her brother propose.

"Yeah, yeah,"said Ron, wiping his forehead with his left sleeve while still holding out the pack with his rightfield. He was skittish, his hired hand shaky, and Harry wondered if he wouldn't swoon at any moment. But when Ron's eyes rejoined Hermione's the shaking stopped and he regained his part. He held the ring a bit higher.

"As I was saying before our dearest Friend dropped in,"he cast Harry a glance and smiled,"would you do me the honour of being Mrs. Ronald Weasley."There was a pause."Or Mrs. Ronald Granger… you know… however that's supposed to work, if you want to hold open your—"

He never had the hazard to finish. In that second, Hermione was down on her genu kissing him deeply, and the Common way whooped out a cheerfulness that was heard throughout Hogwarts castle. Later, even Hagrid said he heard the revel when he was out feeding the deadly lava lizards.

"Well ?"cried out Seamus."answer him right !"To this there was rolling chorus of"Here, here !"called out mostly from the masculine fellow member of Gryffindor. Hermione pulled herself away from Ron's mouth and he held the ring before her.

Hermione held out her handwriting and said breathlessly,"Yes !"There was another cheer, more resounding than the first, as Ron slipped the rhomb ring upon her finger. They kissed again.

Harry wasn't sure who was responsible, but suddenly food and potable appeared, and before you could blink music was playing, the great unwashed were dancing and an impromptu party was in full swing in the Gryffindor Common way. It was gaudy and fierce, but Hermione had set a silencing charm on the walls, and outside of Gryffindor the nighttime was lull. Harry poured himself a drink and suddenly felt very awkward. Everyone was congratulating Ron and Hermione, hugging them, smiling. Harry sunk back into the corner. Why hadn't Ron told him that he was about to propose ? He watched the smiles and the laughter, but somehow couldn't feel any lovingness himself. Indeed, the thoughts that were passing through his head brought back memory board of the twelvemonth before, bad memories of jealously and ungovernable anger. He gulped the drink, and poured another.

Still standing in the quoin, Harry was watching Neville help Dean back up the stairway to the boys'dormitory, when a voice startled him.

"Pretty amazin'ain't it ?"

Saint Patrick was seated in a chairman next to Harry. How long had he been there ? Most of the vernal pupil had gone to bed or were ushered away. A slow vocal began to work and Ron took Hermione in his arms. The candlelight in the commons Room dimmed and soon everyone was dancing. Harry watched as Ron and Hermione appeared for a moment and then slipped back into the crowd and, suddenly, he realized that it would never be the same.

"Yeah,"Harry whispered back, taking another drink."Amazing."

"I mean,"Saint Patrick continued,"to screw person so much."Still sitting, he pulled his stifle up to his chin and wrapped his arms around his legs just gazing at the terpsichorean."Do you consider he'd die for her ?"The question was odd, but Patrick was vernal and Harry was a bit drunk.

"He'd die for anybody in this room,"Harry answered with strong tone of pride."pigeon hawk, he almost did hold out year, more times than I can—"Harry stopped and looked into his glass, drinking the remains in one final splash against the book binding of his throat. He could feel the burn mark make its way down his pectus as he stared at the abandon glass and could feel it fulfill with guilt. How often had he put both of his friends in jeopardy ? They would both give themselves to save Harry, and if the war was truly coming, and it was, Harry knew they'd risk animation and tree branch once again.

"Do you cogitate you'll marry Gabriella ?"Saint Patrick asked, filling the muteness. Harry whispered something and the glass in his mitt vanished. Patrick raised an eyebrow, but said nothing about the wandless thaumaturgy.

"Gabriella ?"Harry asked, looking blankly ahead. He chuckled to himself, but the laughter was more sad than happy. Already she'd risked her spirit and the schooltime year hadn't even started. How many more friends would accept to die before—"

"I don't think I'll marry,"said St. Patrick emphatically."No kids fer me."

"I'm sorry ?"asked Harry. Patrick looked up at him with an formulation that was torn, shredded in some way Harry couldn't comprehend, at least not in his salute state of mind.

"No kids. No orphans."St. Patrick uncurled his legs and stood up, walking over to Harry."I plan teh fight, Harry. There's no way fer do it if there's the chance you'll die."

"Patrick, that's not true."

"Ain't it ? I won't leave grief behind. I won't leave my youngster without a da. Not like me parents did me. I mean, you were a baby fer Merlin's saki, and yer parents are out fightin'Voldemort. Why didn't they just leave well enough alone ? Wouldn't yeh rather have ‘ em at yer side right now ?"

Harry was ardent, his headspring cloudy, and the familiar screams were calling from the fog in his psyche. It's not your battle, Harry. Let it go.

"What is your problem ! ?"Lavender's voice snapped. She was only a few inch in front of Harry, and her expression was very crisscross."Are you going to stomach here all alone all night ?"

"I was just talking to—"He turned to place to Patrick, but the boy was gone. Harry looked about and then to the staircase, but the second year was no where to be found.

"If you don't think they've noticed,"hissed Lavender,"you're wrong."She grabbed him by the arm."Now get out there and guess you're happy for them. Merlin knows you'll be the godfather to all their tike ; now start acting like it."Lavender pulled Harry onto the dancing base."I never thought you'd ask !"

She danced with Harry, haltingly toward the just engaged couple, and then deliberately twirled her pardner into Ron just as the song was ending.

"Hey, Harry,"said Ron, smiling."Whew, I could use a disruption ; how ‘ bout you Hermione ?"

"Some slug would be squeamish,"she answered with a spark in her eye. She took Ron by the arm and they started to walk toward the collation. Harry just stood, his feet frozen. Finally, Lavender took him by the arm.

"Why, I'd love some punch too, Harry. Thank you for asking."She deliberately stepped down on his foot, hard, and then whispered in Harry's ear,"So help me, Harry ceramicist, if you ruin this eve for them I'll curse you from here to Durmstrang."A fanfare later her fount was all grin as she squeezed Harry tight just behind the elbow joint and walked over to wear Ron and Hermione were standing.

Another pat on Ron's articulatio humeri and a hug for Hermione. Harry swallowed hard.

"I… I'm happy for you ; for you both,"Harry started as Lavender began to pour herself a cup of biff. Still smiling at Ron and Hermione he took the cup out of Lavender's hand without asking and gulped it down with one swig."It's fantastic."He took the ladle from Lavender's helping hand and poured himself another cup."I mean… Wow ! What a surprise."He gulped again.

"I was going to separate you,"said Ron with a sincere feel of regret,"but I didn't pluck up the courage until you were at Grimmauld Place."Harry just looked at Ron like the answer made absolutely no sense."You said you didn't want to be disturbed… remember ?"

"Yes, I remember,"replied Harry, turning his back completely on Lavender to face up Ron. The heat was definitely rising under his collar."But surely… on the train—"

"Blimey ! You're joking, right ?"Ron interrupted, drawing in Harry's excitation and reflecting it back. It was a dance the two played many times and Hermione took notice.

"Now, Ron, I think what Harry's trying—"

"And close night ? Were you too occupy last-place night ?"Harry snapped, and then he remembered not seeing Ron endure night."Where were you anyway ?"Hermione began to blush violently.

"It's none of your bloody business where I was cobbler's last Night,"said Ron, his voice elevated."You're not my keeper, Harry."At this he pointed his finger and jabbed Harry in the bureau, pushing him backward. Harry's back bumped into Lavender's cup of punch sending it splashing down the social movement of her wearing apparel. The two Brigham Young men took no notice. Harry balled his right paw into a fist and pulled back cook to let throw.

"I should…"he began. Ron stepped closer, clenching his own fists and drawing them near his chin.

"You should what ?"he challenged.

They stood there, toe to toe for more than a few New York minute ; not too long considering their heart were pounding so quickly. Finally, a belittled smile shattered Harry's scowl and he let go. He threw his powerful fist past Ron's left ear. Ron saw the smiling and returned the wayward slug with an undercut from his own right on hand that flew past Harry's middle and up under his left arm. The two clenched in a machismo variety of way.

"You know I love you,"Harry whispered in Ron's ear."I love you both."

"I know,"Ron answered quietly with a warm smile.

"I… I don't want to lose you. Not again."Harry pulled back so that his visual sense took in both Ron and Hermione."Not now."Hermione stepped close. She remembered uttering the same actor's line to Harry in conclusion twelvemonth at the Ministry and she remembered what Harry said.

"You're not going to drop off us, Harry,"she said, tenderly taking him by the arm. Harry grabbed her and pulled her into the hug. He'd had a little too much to drink and his run-in were taking on a tinge of regret.

"I want to see a dozen little shaggy-coated haired, freckle faced Weasley's running about. Do you hear me ! ?"

"Harry !"

"I want them to be as fresh as Hermione and as loyal as… as…"

"As me !"Ron helped Harry land up."And don't forget they'll be brilliant Quidditch participant just like me too ! Let's hope they don't take after their mother when it comes to flying, eh Harry ?"

"Ron !"

Harry's eyes were beginning to fog with dampness. If they continued to fight back by his position, he might fall behind them. Patrick was right ; it wasn't worth it. Their children deserved to feature both their parents. Harry squeezed both Ron and Hermione tightly toward him.

"It's brilliant. I… I just can't be here right now."He turned without saying another word, without looking at another case, and left the green room.

The lobby were repose ; it was nearly curfew. A few students were sprinkled here or there, talking or making their way back to their hall. Harry walked aimlessly down the stone whole step and found himself near where Tonks had her old office staff finis class. They had yet to study who would be teaching Defence Against the Dark artistic creation. That class had been cancelled this aurora. The lanterns dimmed a bit, signalling that it was time to recall to the dorms, but Harry didn't hold much by that signaling. He'd rarely obeyed it in all his age at Hogwarts, and he wasn't about to—

"Hey, Potter."

It was Blaise Zabini rounding the dark corner of the corridor and saying Harry's name without a dribble of caustic remark. It was odd, Harry thought, to see Blaise so far off the beaten lead, especially at this time of night. Cloak and obelisk stuff wasn't part of Blaise's physical composition. The freehanded maven was more comfortable standing in the essence of a group of others to be looked at and admired. He hung with Dragon on occasion, but never when it meant danger was about. That sort of stuff was for Nott, or Crabbe or G-Greg. A shiver passed down Harry's spine recalling the death of his Friend final year.

"Blaise,"Harry answered with a nod.

The two passed shoulder to shoulder when the tip of Blaise's baton touched Harry's hand. Harry felt a objet d'art of parchment suddenly appear on his palm and his fingerbreadth curled around it. He stopped to look back at Blaise, but the Slytherin never stopped walking and never turned back to look at Harry. Finally, Blaise disappeared about the end of the corridor and Harry held up the billet to say it.
Do you overlook me ? Sorry about the ugliness on the train. Sent mortal to warn you at the place, but an Auror intervened. I heard Weasles bought a pretty expensive annulus in Diagon Alley. You two aren't engaged now are you ?

Since I can't be there, my messenger is going to serve be my eyes and spike at Hogwarts. Don't tell a individual or it may mean his life. Have you spoken to the old dodder about it yet ? Hurry or it may be too late.


He just finished when the lanterns went dark, signalling curfew. Instead of returning to the company at Gryffindor, Harry sat down on the stone base and leaned back against the I. F. Stone wall.

"Lumos !"he whispered. He held up the note and read it again. Was it really from Dragon ? And what was he supposed to verbalize with Dumbledore about ? What was it he had sensed during the Joining ? Hol… Hor… Horcrux ? It seemed so distant now. Perhaps it was some sort of enigma weapon that the Dementors would use against the Centaurs. Perhaps it was—

"Out all alone, boy ? Do you think that wise ?"

Harry spun on the discussion, jumping to his metrical unit and preparing his defence. A shadow design emerged, dimly lit by the swoon incandescence of Harry's scepter.

"Dakhil !"Harry hissed. What was the drawing card of the Votary doing here ?

"Impressive."The Christian Bible dripped with sarcasm."I would have thought you would bury my name again the moment you returned to England."He drew nearer and Harry lifted his verge in high spirits."Put your wand away, boy,"rebuked Dakhil sternly,"or I'll… let's see… What do they call it ? I'll take point in time away from your home. Although why you would worry about such meaningless games when the war is upon you is uncomprehensible to me."Harry lowered his wand and the light was extinguished. They were in verbalise darkness.

"You can't take—"

"Oh, I believe any professor can—"

"You're not a professor ! You can't… Oh, no."He leaned back against the wall and, in the darkness, noticed the thinly clue of light emanating from a break up door, the door to Tonks'office. Harry sighed."refutation Against the Dark Arts, is it ?"Harry could tell apart by the low grunt that a grimace had appeared on Dakhil's case. Clearly, he didn't like the idea any more than than Harry.

"I'm afraid so,"he answered."And instead of taking points away, perhaps it is clock time for your first off lesson."He spun his cloak and disappeared into the wickedness."Follow me, boy !"

Harry shoved genus Draco's note into his air pocket, clenched his tooth, and followed. Once, after banging his knee joint, he tried to light his wand but was scolded by Dakhil who insisted on total darkness."Can you not see ?"Dakhil sneered.

"I'm no vampire,"retorted Harry. Dakhil stopped.

"There is an energy that binds all living things together, Harry. You draw from it every time you cast a piece. It pulsates on the idle words as the breathing space of the trees ; it bubbles from the soil crawling with worm and roaches. In the very darkest of piazza, it shines as a beacon to all who would send for on its public figure. It is a skill all penis of the Votary learn before the connection, save for you."Dakhil stopped. The odor was firm here, damp and dank and musty with a solid sentiency of decay."Even in death, liveliness is reborn. Reach out to it."

"I can't see a bloody—"

"Not with your eyes, chump !"Harry heard Dakhil sit as an old wooden bench creaked under his weight."What Soseh sees in you…"

"She uses more than her middle, I suppose."

Harry had seen the liveliness military unit of others he had try to heal. It was like going to another plane of existence. He just needed to…"Focus,"he whispered to himself. In the darkness Harry closed his eyes and opened his judgment, reaching out for anything however small that might indicate life. At first there was nothing, and then a undimmed glow began to appear, red and throbbing."Dakhil,"Harry thought. And then he saw it, the corridor they were in. Something was glowing on the rampart. mildew ? Spores ? It was as if the structures surrounding them were splattered with an eerie fluorescent paint and lit up by a blacken light."I see,"he whispered in amazement.

"As long as one sees, one is never lost."Dakhil pulled his wand and a howling burst of light source shattered against the bulwark breaking through to afford air. The two emerged from some broken down hut into the depths of the forest.

"The trees !"Harry said, looking at the clean glowing tower that climbed to the sky.

"Your enemies, even though they hide behind such wonderful structures are brighter still. It is a all-important skill. With one mitt, Dakhil pulled Harry out of the matchwood of wood and stood him on his metrical foot in the forest."Now look up."

Harry looked to the sky. It was sprayed with wiz of every colour imaginable. But in the centre was a profane freshness brighter than all the others, a golden lead following it in the sky.

"Ebyrth,"Harry whispered.

"Correct, Mr. Potter,"said Dakhil, slapping Harry on the shoulder. He started walking past the trees back to the rook which glowed bright through the branches."As I said earlier, your time to die is near at hand. You may not realize it yet, Mr. Potter, but, aside from both being in the Votary, you and I have one thing, at least, in common."

"And what's that ?"Harry said with More of a sneer than anything else.

"We are both already dead."




Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun
Chapter 9 - The bend of Space and time
~~~***~~~


The rhythmic beating of Gabriella's tenderness lulled Harry as she stroked the position of his head with her hired man. He sighed deeply as she played with the hints of curls that wrapped about his shoulders. He forced himself to stay awake, if only to savour every moment that he was being held in her arms. Through the thin twat in his eyes he watched the lake vanish and reappear into view as his head rose and fell with each breathing place she took. The sparkling waters brought his nous to the beaches of Lebanon and he visualized walking with her at the sea, watching the waves crash again and again against the shoring. It would be a consummate place to ask her, he thought. A entitle walkover brought with it the chill breath of dip and for a second he thought he could reek the aplomb salt air of the sea. Yes, the perfect place.

"We'll miss dinner party,"she whispered.

"I never want to move again,"he muttered, barely opening his lips. Her bridge player slipped down to his shoulder and then stroked the musculus of his arms. They were sore and yet with her spot he could experience the ache ebb away.

"If you're going to keep working for Hagrid in the forest,"she said more firmly,"you're going to need to hold open up your strength."Her fingers slipped down to his English and playfully gave him a quick pinch.

"AYY !"he said, jumping. It was more tickle than botheration, more good deal than poke."Not mediocre ! I was… I was just going…"He closed his oculus and began to lay his head back down on her chest.

"Oh no you don't,"she said, pushing his shoulder back and sitting up herself."I like what working for Hagrid's done to you."She slapped his tum which held tight."Besides, Mama would vote out me if she heard I let you skip over a meal."She rose to her feet."seminal fluid on, let's get you fed."She held out her hired hand to help Harry to his feet. Her pass was turned so that her gaze was not at Harry but at the castle.

An image of Grigor flashed across Harry's mind and a cold shiver ran down his back… he hesitated. How could she know ? She couldn't. She was so practically like her Fatherhood, and for the briefest of moments Harry was taken back to the torment chamber at the Ministry -- the chamber where Dog Star had been lost and found again, the bedroom where Gabriella's Church Father, Grigor, had held his hand out innocently toward Harry, just as Gabriella was now doing, only to bind him and devise him for decease.

He drew in a inscrutable breathing time, shook the memory from his mind, and took Gabriella's hand, rising to his aching feet. They both whisked away the dry leaves that clung to the bottoms of their robes and turned toward the castle. Harry could feel the sting in his ramification as they climbed the castle steps. Halfway up he stopped, wrapped his arm about Gabriella's waist and paused to attend at the lake. She took it as a romantic moment and leaned her question against his shoulder. Harry, however, was too sore to step higher. Even Madame Pomfrey's potions weren't enough to remove the throbbing that worked its way into both muscle and pearl. A spunk in his right thigh shot a saccade of pain up into his back and his gaze turned toward the forest.

working for Hagrid ? No. For the last few weeks he'd been training with the Centaur. Only he'd felt uncomfortable sharing that with Gabriella. He had never been able to bring in up a conversation with Gabriella about them without her making an apology to deepen the subject. It was clear she did not like centaur, but she never explained why and Harry was unwilling to push the issue. Another twinge flicked down the muscle of his forget calf and his mind drifted to the day's training session. Recalling why his ramification hurt so, he wasn't so surely he liked Centaurs either.

"saltation, Harry ceramicist ! Jump"cried Ronan. The red-haired Centaur fired an arrow that nicked the exit bounder of Harry's bare foot."amphetamine is a Centaur's greatest ally. With it we can outpace the Dementors when they try to take flight. Run !"he bellowed as Harry began to slack."If one of our number needs aid, would you just walk to their side ?"

"I'm… not… walking…"yelled Harry back over his shoulder, as he ran from the Centaur barefoot through the forest. His lungs were bursting for air and his metrical foot were on fire. He'd already run for geographical mile ; Ronan would make him run international mile more. For his part, Harry had already decided that there was zero the Centaur could bemuse at him that he couldn't handle.

"Ayyy !"he cried, slashing his infantry against a scraggy stone.

"Run !"

Perhaps he was wrong.

He had been forbidden to use a verge, and wore zilch but a thong made of tree barque wrapped about his waistline with a sheath for a small dagger used to trounce at vines and former vegetation that blocked his way as he ran. In one paw he held the dagger and in the other he carried a stone nearly too with child to fully hold on. In fight he would acquit a shield, but a gemstone was more ill-chosen to wield, forcing more heftiness to lift and ascertain it. He was being trained as all colts were. In fact, there were two colts running far ahead of him already - Shahan, with a coat so dark Harry could no longer see him in the distance, and felspar, whose bright white coat shone like a star ahead - way ahead. sudor dripped into his eyes and he wiped his brow with his good forearm. Running blindly he slashed wildly at a Tentacula that reached for his neck opening.

"You should give seen that, stripling, long before it struck at you !"cried Ronan, loping along. There was the sound of a thwwwwp and a few rate ahead Harry saw a with child wanderer dead near the course he was taking, an pointer between its optic. Looking back as he ran ahead Harry tripped on a root, twisted his mortise joint and fell to the ground, his exit knee grinding into a aggregation of diminished stones. The digit of his left hand were crushed between the stone he was carrying and the stones upon which he'd just fallen. The sticker fell from his in good order hand and skittered forward, but before it came to rest, Harry reached his hand forward and without saying a word the dagger returned to his grasp. There was a slender grunt from Ronan. It was neither disparaging, nor approving. It was more a oink of satisfaction, but Harry did not look back into Ronan's eyes to see if the atonement was directed toward him. His knees and hand bleeding, he stood to his feet and began to run again. Now, even feldspar was out of view. He'd taken only three or four strides before Ronan called.

"occlusive !"

respiration hard, Harry turned and for the first-class honours degree clip all afternoon he looked up into the Centaur's eyes.

"I… I can… pick up them,"Harry heaved.

"I know you can, stripling, but do you know how ?"Ronan smiled, revealing a sly grin. Harry had never seen such a tone on the face of a Centaurus before. It was riddle.

"I hate… brain-teaser,"breathed Harry.

"Shahan and feldspar have been studying for decades the kernel of Earth's whodunit. It will take them decennary more to realize what is already at your fingertips."The Centaur stepped stuffy, forcing Harry to turn away his neck upward. A muscle twanged past his flop ear. Still Ronan advanced until he was only in from Harry, who could smell the strange mix of stew and hair. Ronan looked skyward.

"To see without oculus, to feel without fingers, to get word without capitulum, to try without tongue…,"he looked back down at Harry and tapped him on the side of his olfactory organ,"…to smell without anterior naris. These are gifts you have already been given, and yet you know them not ; you have but to unwrap them."With a movement that was but a blur to Harry, Ronan notched another arrow and pellet at a large flying… affair with large dentition that was advancing on them. It fell silently to the forest floor. To Ronan it was care little Sir Thomas More than swatting a fly. He continued,"You must learn the force that took your sacrifice and cleansed you, the big businessman that has no strength. What you must dominate, Harry thrower, what you must endeavour to reach is to be without being."Harry scrunched his nose splotched with dirt.

"Did I say ? I really hate riddles,"he muttered, beginning to catch his breath.

"proceeds my manus, child,"commanded Ronan.

The moment Harry took the Centaur's hand the earth spun upon its head. Green and Brown University and yellow-bellied and gold flashed past them in a swirl of colouring. Then, inexplicably, Ronan was gone, and Harry was suddenly running, loping, galloping. He felt lightheaded, proud, arrogant, childish…

"I told you the adept was a shammer !"he cried back over his berm."Ronan's an old chump !"He kicked his heals and accelerate forward, the jazz whistling past his spike.

"You're wrong !"yelled a voice from behind."He's been chosen ! Ronan said so !"

"Nothing but silly centaur fairytales from a doddering old fool !"Harry yelled back, but his eyes were steady forward. The flagstone was ahead ; he could see it, maybe three or four knot ahead. A grinning split across his face, an arrogant smiling ; he was going to win this race and prove Ronan wrong, raise to all of them that HE, Shahan, was the Centaurus that would economize them from the onslaught of Dementors that was soon to come.

A voice whispered in Harry's ear. It was Ronan's."You see with Shahan's centre. Where would you be, Harry potter ?"

Harry looked back. Behind him was feldspar, the dazzling white centaur that he'd been racing. Then he noticed his own haunches. They were melanise as darkest coal. He was Shahan, the lead Centaurus colt. But how ? His head word twisted forward toward the waiting flag and the gathering of Centaurs that watched to see if Ronan's prophecy was nothing more than wind and myth.

Where would I be ?

"The iris,"Harry whispered to himself, to Ronan, to the nothingness. He focused again. He knew how to get there with a scepter : Vision, nerve tract, Reconstruction -- Apparation. But he had no wand and even if he did, there was no way to Apparate in the Forbidden woodland. The flag, a red beacon in the distance, was maybe two kilometre ahead of Shahan now and probably three klick from where Harry's body stood dyspnoeic back in the forest with Ronan. He'd been practicing wandless conjuring trick all summer. What if… ?

Harry willed himself from the eyes of Shahan and back to his own body. There was a gingersnap - he had returned, his lungs still gasping for air and Ronan still at his side. Harry closed his optic and his mind imaged the pin that was ahead ; he imagined being there. place and clock time began to fall in, swirling itself, revealing itself. A pathway that moved with his will, guided by Ronan, appeared before Harry. He took in a mysterious breath and stepped forward onto the way of life. The majuscule span of distance between himself and the red flag suddenly collapsed. felspar was just out of reach, Shahan appeared to be only a few paces in front of her, and the red fleur-de-lis appeared as just a few tens of metres away. Harry began to run. The colours of the forest swirled by him, as if everything stood still, including the two Centaurs. He ran past tense feldspar and then Shahan and, in an instant, he appeared only inches from the flag that marked the end of the race. He was surrounded be Centaur of every colour, each with fierce oculus marked by only the slightest astonishment of his arriver. As he came to lie, he saw, in the distance, Shahan and only a few strides behind him Felspar. They were both galloping like the fart, swallowing up huge swath of turf with each pace. They would be upon him soon.

Harry felt it was, somehow, a cheat. Could all Centaurs bend outer space and fourth dimension ? His eyes caught Shahan's in the distance, and the once confident, defiant gaze turned to one of close repugnance. He galloped faster, as if possessed, but it was no use. With one hand, his bloody left, Harry reached up and pulled the crimson masthead from its standard. There was a corporate sunniness as Harry held the pin over his heading, spinning to show the assemblage. It was then that he saw Ronan, standing in the nerve center of the chemical group of nearly one C Centaurs. An trice later Shahan pulled up at Harry's side, his breath heavy, his coat lathered with sweat.

"That's not possible !"he cried."He… he used his verge !"

"No,"answered Ronan, stepping forward from the others."He used the skills you yourself may one day master, Shahan."Ronan turned to the other Centaurs."He has been given the gifts."With this there was a general murmur and neigh of surprise and favourable reception from the Centaur herd. Facing the others, Ronan flanked Harry nudging him forward just as Felspar arrived, also out of intimation, a slash upon her justly nominal head flank.

"I foretold of the coming star,"Ronan called to the gathering."And yet you did not believe. I sought out the Sacrifice against your will, and the urine returned him to us. Only once before has this ever happened, and when that fight was won so too began the Great Age of centaur !"Harry expected a sunshine, but none came. Instead, there was an almost emotionless recognition of Ronan's'affirmation."This,"he pointed toward Harry, naked and bloodstained, his lungs still craving for Sir Thomas More oxygen,"this is our ritual killing. Cleansed and returned, he shall extend us to victory !"Again there was little More than the nods and stomps of the Centaurs at the assembly. No one refuted Ronan's claims.

"You're injury,"said Harry, approaching Felspar and looking carefully at the injury.

"It was a Bearwicken,"said Felspar quietly.

"He's a imposter !"cried Shahan in a tone that was more liven than any centaur Harry had ever seen. He stepped forward, pushing Harry aside, but Harry ignored the rudeness and focused his attention on Felspar."He's no drawing card ! He's a wizard ! It's trickery I tell you."

"Let me help you,"whispered Harry as he held his open hand a few inches away from the gash on Felspar's wing. Harry closed his eye and muttered the conjuration that he knew would work with his wand, and then something caused him to extend further, to reach beyond. His mitt had not touched the Centaur, but he could palpate the blood, slippery wet, between his fingers. He reached out without moving and willed the slice shut, and the gash obeyed, closing as if a drape had been pulled shut plastered about the wound.

"Like all wizard, he'll obliterate us all when we turn our binding !"yelled Shahan again.

"The Chosen heals !"asserted a large, female Centaurus from the gathering. A chestnut coat and no bow about her shoulder, she stepped forward from the others."Did the waters teach you these endowment or is this genius ?"The last Word of God was disparaging and even evoked some hissing from the others.

"Mother !"cried Felspar."He's the Chosen. How dare you question his gifts !"feldspar, wound healed, turned to Harry and bowed low on one stifle."As long as Ebyrth shine, I am in your service. Only demise will rip off us of time."

A number of other Centaur followed in kind, each bending low to one knee and bowing their promontory. Ronan approached Harry, nodding his head and bending to one knee joint as well.

"You still lack intensity level and endurance, Harry ceramicist, but these things can be learned. Now, it is time to rest."He held his hand to Harry's eyes."coming back to the timberland's friend."Harry's mind immediately thought of Hagrid."Run !"

The imaginativeness of Hagrid's cabin firmly fixed in his mind, Harry willed himself there. Again a path opened up and he took off running. Moments later, he found himself where he began the day, seated on Hagrid's electric chair next to the burning firing, Fang laying at his position and Hagrid singing some song in French. The log on the fire cracked as Harry, still naked, looked at his Gryffindor robe that hung from a bait near the room access. The way they were draped over the hook they almost looked really - lifelike, as if they contained some spirit all their own. Harry's stomach churned just as Hagrid turned, surprised to feel Harry in his hut.

"Harry ?"

"Harry ? Shall we go inside ?"Gabriella had spun to look Harry whose eyes were remote and bent on the far sensible horizon above the lake. Her voice snapped him back from reliving the memory. He had learned something smashing today, and he'd learned it from the Centaurs.

"Harry ? Are you okay ?"

Harry looked down into her center and smiled. He was sore and tired ; dark rings hung under his center. The view of going inside to face three scrolls on the healing plants of Kirkcaldy was almost too a lot to bear.

"They're not that bad you know,"he whispered. Her eyebrows furled in mix-up."Centaurs,"he added.

"Look, you're tired and it's time for dinner,"she said, deliberately changing the conversation."We can talk about the stars later."Harry nodded silently and together they entered the palace and began to walk to the Great Hall.

Near a large lawsuit of armour Harry noticed Patrick talking to James Chang. St. James was leaning against the Edward Durell Stone wall, his arms crossed as well as his legs. He was either extremely bored, or he didn't like what he was hearing. Still, Saint Patrick was quite passionate about it ; his weapon system were swinging wildly about and to a greater extent than once Harry heard him raise his voice.

"It's gone I tell yeh ! There nothin'there but dust. And there's no way I'm—"

James noticed Harry and Gabriella and stood straighter, stopping Patrick's story with a motion of his handwriting. Harry smiled and waved, and Saint James returned the gesture with a smile of his own. Patrick turned to see who James was looking at and when he saw Harry, his side bore an verbal expression of large headache.

"No wonder,"Harry thought,"I feel like I'm going to boast chunks. I must wait like hell."As he and Gabriella continued toward the Great G. Stanley Hall for dinner, the more sickening he felt.

"Great,"he muttered to Gabriella who was picking up on his sudden change in emotion.

"I'm taking you to Madame Pomfrey,"Gabriella insisted."Something's wrong."She turned him to the staircase.

"I can't climb those."

"I'll levitate you if I have to."

Patrick followed King James into the Great G. Stanley Hall just as Ron and Hermione appeared from Gryffindor tug. They were headed, arm in arm, into the Great entrance hall when Ron noticed Gabriella trying to help Harry toward the stairway that led to the hospital wing.

"Harry ?"called Ron. Quickly, he came over to Harry and helped Gabriella livelihood him. Hermione was right behind him.

"What happened ?"

"I'm fine, really,"demanded Harry, and in fact he was beginning to feel better although the floor was still a bit unsteady under his base. They stepped him over to a long bench beneath a large portrait of a great one-ninth century fight scene. Harry hated it here, he always had ; the clang and crash of sword against armor was always deafening when the combatants weren't sipping tea together, discussing whose strategy was master in the lastly conflict. Ron noticed a bruise beneath Harry's shoe collar and leaned in close to Harry's ear.

"You went out again today, didn't you ?"he whispered. His tonus was more angry than concerned.

"CHHHHT,"crack Harry with a fire of air between his clenched dentition, trying to tranquillise is friend. Seated between a mind-reader and an empath, Harry had little hope of keeping anything secret, but he didn't want to talk over his training with the Centaurs in front of Gabriella.

"You said you'd take me,"complained Ron."‘ The next meter I go,'you said."Ron crossed his blazonry."I thought maybe this year would be different."Harry opened his mouthpiece to explain.

"Ron,"injected Hermione,"they'd just as soon skewer you as anything else. Harry's just trying to protect you."

So, Hermione knew. So much for Ron's sworn oath that he wouldn't narrate a somebody. Harry rolled his eyes and shook his point knowing that Hermione was only partially redress. She was right about the skewer part, but Harry knew at once Ron would take the protect part the wrong way. He did.

"I don't need Harry's protective covering ! We're at war !"

"Ron,"Harry began, holding up his hand,"the thing is—"

"Skewer you ?"asked Gabriella."What are you talking about ? Was Hagrid making you work with Stabbing Snapspiders again ?"

Hermione's middle narrowed on Harry, whose own regard darted away to await at Ron who was ignoring Gabriella's question and was now standing in a huff and about gear up to storm off. Harry stood too, the dizziness he was feeling all but gone.

"Ron,"Harry said, taking cargo deck of Ron's arm,"I said you would go with me the succeeding time I could. This morning I asked you know who, and they said I had to go by myself. I had a test… of sorts."

"Test ?"asked Ron, now with to a greater extent interest than anger.

"They ?"asked Gabriella, taking to her feet.

"This morning you were supposed to avail professor Barghouti's indorsement yr stratum for their DADA example,"scolded Hermione, also rising.

"What form of test ?

"Who are they ?"

"Didn't you hear what happened to little Nolie Langston from Slytherin ?"

Harry feigned dizziness again and tilted in toward Ron who grabbed him by the berm."I think I need to eat,"he muttered, and then leaning closer he whispered to Ron,"Saturday."Gabriella knew he was feeling fine ; she could sense that. Hermione knew he was feeling fine ; she'd read the Harry Potter book long ago. Both cleaning woman just glared, while Ron was steadfast.

"Can't you see the man's exhausted ? He has to eat !"he exclaimed."Blimey ! Give him a break for merlin's sake."He put Harry's arm about his articulatio humeri."seed on, mate. Let's get you a bite and then we can go over the weekend's drill docket. I know Ginny's been playing okay as Chaser and all, but I think if…."

In the Great Hall, Dumbledore had the star sign sit wherever they wished for breakfast and lunch, but for dinner each house ate at separate tabular array from the others. It was a compromise between the vision of the future and a respect for tradition. Tonight, Harry was grateful because it meant, for a while at least, he and Gabriella would be separated. As they entered the Great dormitory she kissed him on the nerve, holding his left manus. He toyed with the halcyon ring he'd given her the year before on Valentine's. There was a twinkle in her optic and a sly smile upon her face.

"You will tell me later ?"she asked, but the timbre was more indicatory of a command than a doubt.

"You know already. You just won't talk of the town about it."His smile had a soupcon of sadness as their fingers let go of each early. Her scintillation faded and her optic would not hold his regard as she turned away. Harry did not look back as he followed Ron to the Gryffindor table.

Lavender and Parvati were having an animated conversation about the meaning of a large stain on the tablecloth. Parvati had spilt her drink and it left a dark, twirling outline of something resembling, at to the lowest degree to Harry, a great toadstool. He sat down realizing he did, very much, need to eat.

"It's a Celtic helix,"said Lavender, her finger tracking the precis of the top of the toadstool.

"A Harold Hart Crane,"countered Parvati, pointing at the long curve neck of the toadstool.

"That makes no sense,"said Lavender."No, it's a Celtic spiral and,"she pointed to some grim inner speckle,"with these here it would represent eternal life."

"No. See this here ? The way the whorls dethaw away ? Not aeonian life… sprightliness, expiry, and spiritual rebirth. It's clearly a crane,"Parvati said, pointing out the wench's lineament."Here are the eyes, the draw in neck, the long legs."She grew more confident with each description.

"Then you're both right,"chimed in Hermione. The two Whitney Young ladies looked up, bedaze expressions on both their faces."The crane represents longevity. Eternal life… longevity… same thing."She shrugged her shoulder joint and took a bite of dinner.

"NooOoo,"both Parvati and Lavender harmonized in a rather hanker and melodious melodic line."It could think deceit if—"

Deliberately, Harry accidentally spilled his tea onto the smirch covering up any discernable point. The liquid began to pour off the edge toward Parvati and Lavender and they both took to their feet.

"That looks like a murky pond to me, Harry"said Ron, chewing on a joint of bread."See the with child ripple flowin'down the table."

"Honestly, Ron,"sighed Hermione, whisking out her wand and vanishing the tea and stain together.

"HERMIONE !"cried Lavender.

"How could you !"scolded Parvati.

"ME ?"queried Hermione, clearly flummoxed."But they—"

"semen on, Lavender."Parvati spun on her heals and took off, Lavender right behind her, but not before she shot a scathing public eye at Hermione. No Oklahoman had they left the table than Ron let out a snort, a objet d'art of bread shooting from his nose.

"Ronald Weasley, I should…"

"Honestly, Hermione, Harry just wants to eat. You can't begrudge the man his peace after all he's been through today."Ron took another pungency of bread and looked at Harry's plate."Are you going to eat those ?"he asked pointing at some fleck. Harry just glared back. Ron shrugged and took another bite of bread.

"And as for you,"Hermione continued, now turning to Harry,"you better tell Gabriella straight away what you're up to, or it'll spoilage what you both have."Setting down his forking, Harry looked up at her.

"Oh, right field, and you two are the poster couple for honest and open discussions."

"Harry,"said Hermione without losing footstep,"you know there's something bothering her. You need to find out what it is."

"Don't you think I've tried ! ?"asked Harry, raising his voice just enough for those around him to give up their conversations. He knew he hadn't, not really, but he also knew that Hermione didn't know. Her eyes simply looked into his, probing, her look calm. The look was redoubtable because he knew his own formula was giving him away."fountainhead I have,"he insisted, pushing his shell in for good measure.

He wasn't sure enough the dramatic play was having the effect he wanted. Ron simply nipped one of his leftover buffalo chip and Hermione only let out a long disapproving sigh. Past the spot of return, at least for this line of reasoning, Harry stood up and left the Great Asaph Hall in as foul a mode as he could come up. His mind focused on the Gryffindor table, he didn't notice the Slytherin that stood as well and followed him out of the Great Hall.

Harry was moving down the corridor toward Gryffindor when he heard the stride behind him. He stopped and turned ; only no one was there. He looked over past a lawsuit of armor and then behind a pillar - still no one. Tired, if not completely exhausted, he continued toward Gryffindor and his awaiting homework. He was nearly at the portrait of the Fat gentlewoman when there was a tap on his hand and a whisper in his ear.

"Your days grow short."

Harry felt the bank bill appear on his palm and spun at once.

"Blaise ?"he whispered back, but there was no answer.

Harry unfolded the piece of parchment."They think it's at the Ministry. Is it ?"was all it said. The portraiture swung unresolved and Harry quickly moved to hide the note, only he didn't have to. It flashed in a comforter of pot and disappeared. Neville stepped out of the Gryffindor commons room followed by the most unbelievable of faces - Severus Snape. Strangely neither took a great deal notice of Harry. Beyond a cold-shoulder pass nod by Neville, it was as if he didn't even exist.

"The matter is, Professor,"Neville was saying as he past Harry,"if the two root are to throw the effect you want, they'll have to be grown to exactly the Saame length."

"Quit restating the obvious, Longbottom,"replied Snape without so practically as a nod toward Harry as he past."The inquiry is can you do it ?"Neville scratched his chin as they disappeared down the corridor.

"I think so, with the right light. If I can take over some…"and the conversation faded away.

Amazed, Harry shook his head and turned toward the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"password ?"she asked with a grin.

Just before he answered, Harry paused, scratching his chin much as Neville had just done. What was at the Ministry ? The Horcrux that Draco had mentioned ? Whatever that was.

"Erm, sorry,"said Harry,"changed my mind."He turned and headed back down the corridor, wondering if his secret note giver was still nearby. As much as he hated the thought of climbing back up the staircase, he had to go down and verbalize with Dumbledore. Besides, the three ringlet on the healing industrial plant of Kirkcaldy could wait till later.


Harry ceramicist and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 10 - Visions
~~~***~~~




Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.
The silver grey instrument rose and fell on Dumbledore's burnt sienna desk as Harry stroked Fawkes'plumage, waiting for the headmaster to yield. Not much freehanded than a breadbox, it was a foreign collection of appurtenance and springs and Harry spent some sentence trying to derive its meaning. The widget, rimmed with winged creatures Harry couldn't recognize, reminded him of a alike device in the Black family demesne at Grimmauld Place. It too had the same circular mob that ran up a notched stairway only the Black gimmick was golden, its winged creatures looked more menacing, and Harry had never seen it mesh.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

barb by a spring, another silver medal ring ran up the stairway only to reach the top, waver, and free fall into a pile below. The mountain seemed to be shrinking as Harry stood watching, but he could not see where the ringing disappeared to, nor could he describe the germ for the rings that sprung forth from the backside. There it was - a never ending procession that seemed to have no use.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

Unable to contain himself, Harry reached out and grabbed the silver anchor ring before it had a chance to fall from atop the small stairway. The aspect changed and he suddenly found himself on the Hogwarts Express walking toward the front of the train, two pace behind Greg Goyle. But, this couldn't be - Greg was drained. It took him a moment to realize that he'd traveled back in time. They were about to reach the figurehead of the train ; Greg wasn't dead, he was about to die.

Harry tried to mouth, but no countersign came. He tried to reach his hired man up to stop Greg, but it would not move. Unable to control his motility, Harry could do nothing but watch history unfold as it had endure year. He poked his point into a equipage, telling a group of fifth years what was up.

"I've been wondering what was taking so long with the food tramcar,"said Ernie Macmillan. Harry explained that the prof had gone missing and Ernie joined him to recognize the problem. As Harry slipped back out of the pram with Ernie, Goyle took the point and started toward the front man of the geartrain. Once again Harry tried to stop his friend when, through the glass room access to the box ahead, Harry saw a witch in night gown suddenly appear in the corridor. Anaxarete. Harry wished he could cast a killing curse, but it was no use ; he could do nothing. She glanced back, revealing a sinister smiling and piercing green optic. Harry tried to place himself in straw man of Greg, but was ineffectual to pass Goyle's broad shoulders. It didn't issue ; an instant later she was gone and an instant after that the nominal head of the gearing exploded with a wonderful white photoflash.

Harry fell to the trading floor of Dumbledore's office, the silver annulus firmly clenched within his hands. He was shaking, the explosion still ringing in his auricle, when he opened his eyes and found Dumbledore looking down at him. The headmaster knack with difficulty to one knee and held out his script.

"I take it you did not see yourself in one of Professor Binns'lectures, Harry ?"

Harry took Dumbledore's script and rose to his feet. He held the ring out between his thumb and index finger.

"What… what is it ?"he asked still shaken. Dumbledore took the ring and placed it back atop the silver staircase.

Tink.

It fell into the hatful below which now was growing declamatory as Dumbledore stood and spoke with Harry.

"It is a memory book of sorts… a photo album."Dumbledore moved to his desk and sat down, leaning back against his chair."Different for each who reads it."Harry couldn't assist but think that the greatest sensation of the age was beginning to show signboard of wear. He had grown much thinner since Harry last saw him at the end of the school year, and his hired hand were beginning to curl in an unnatural way.

"Like a Pensieve ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite, Harry,"replied the master."A Pensieve lets you store or polish off your storage so that you can attend them over later. You can select the memory to remove, to examine."He leaned forward and held his hands together."This is a Möbius motorcar. It reflects a sorcerous's life chronicle. It is a never ending loop that plays over and over again, shrinking or expanding to suit the viewer. Each silver circle is a roll of a portion of your life. While the rings play in order, there is no way, unfortunately, to determine which memory, which life-time experience you will visit."

A shiver past by Harry again, and for a moment he thought he felt the breathing time of death whisper its epithet against the nape of his neck opening.

"I take it, Harry,"continued Dumbledore,"that your experience was not a pleasant one."

"No, sir,"answered Harry, sitting himself."It was… on the train ; when I was with Greg, just when… just when…"

"I understand."Dumbledore sighed. He stood and walked back to the device. He waived his sceptre and uttered an incantation and the rings stopped running up the staircase, and fell wherever they were in the oscillation."I wish your memories could be glad, Harry. I would hate to see you as a tottering old man, sitting down in a moth-eaten berth wondering if you could risk reliving the tragedies that grasping a few rings might work. Fawkes quietly vocalized his agreement, as Dumbledore slipped his wand away and placed his hand on Harry's shoulder."I know you have been chosen, Harry. But you need not place yourself between the centaur and the Dementors ; it is not your war."

"You said it yourself, professor,"said Harry, looking up into Dumbledore's still shining blue eyes,"it's the paths we choose that make us who we are. I'm not doing this because I was chosen. I'm doing this because it's the aright thing to do. Lucius Malfoy is going to use this to try and brush the darkness back across this earth, and I won't let him."Harry's own center were fierce with purpose and rebelliousness."I've been training with Ronan."Harry paused."Are Centaurs magical ?"

"Very much so, Harry,"said Dumbledore with a smiling."It is folly for wiz to conceive they are the most herculean creatures on this ground. You know, of grade, Centaurs have keen sight and are skilled with a bow, but these matter are forcible skill that many genius dismiss. Ahh… not so, Harry… not so. Why do you think a Centaur never misses his prey ?"Harry shrugged."Because a skilled centaur can be the arrow all the way to its destination, nudging its flight along the way. They can stoop quad and time, Harry. Even while wizards are ineffectual to Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, Ronan can disappear and reappear wherever he pleases simply by using his mind."

"He showed me today. He taught me today."

Dumbledore said nothing. Harry could order by his verbalism that he was impressed, or surprised, but the old wizard made no word of it. Instead he stood from his chair and walked over to his telescope.

"They are practically better stewards of such attainment than wiz would ever be,"the aged wizard whispered, looking down into the lens system of the telescope. The instrument was fixed on the parcel of the sky through which the comet Ebyrth was now passing. Harry no longer needed a telescope to see the comet's bright fanny.

"It is not your war, Harry,"said Dumbledore still looking into the lens."The Ministry can handle the the like of Lucius and his ilk."He adjusted the focus."They have no strength in turn, no Allies for backup, no bema in which to obscure. It's only a issue of time."

"Then why haven't they been caught ?"asked Harry."It's been calendar month, and nothing."

"Lucius is no chump,"answered Dumbledore."He'll remain hidden for as long as possible and only strike when he thinks he can win."The sensation looked up."He can't win, Harry."But Harry wasn't so sure. He turned his back on Dumbledore and walked over to Fawkes, stroking the bird's plume. Harry didn't have it away how to impart it up, but he had to ask.

"What if… what if he had a artillery ? A secret arm ?"

"Secret weapon ?"asked Dumbledore, turning to face Harry more fully."What do you imply ?"

"A… A Horcrux."

The portrayal that were earlier minding their own business concern, napping, reading the report, or off to some other place were suddenly thrown into a tumult. The master of old began complaining at once about the crust of the Lester Willis Young man to talk over such matters here.

"It's an loathing, Albus !"one cried.

"Lucius is cunningly malevolent,"called Phineas,"But he would never crawl to such depths."

Dumbledore finally quieted them all by threatening to bring down a canvas of duskiness. His face was grave, almost pale and the tone of his vox was filled with corking worry. Harry knew at once that whatever a Horcrux was, it was dark conjuring trick, but then… did he expect otherwise ?

"Harry,"began Dumbledore slowly, his vox quite and sombre,"what makes you believe that Lucius Malfoy would employ a Horcrux ?"Harry turned away from Dumbledore, not willing to observe eye contact."Certainly such news does not come from our friends the Centaurs."

"Well… I… I heard that…"He stalled and then turned back to face Dumbledore. How could he eff how one employed a Horcrux if he didn't even know what one was ?"Professor, what is a Horcrux ?"Dumbledore walked back to the ash gray machine that was now restrained on the mesa. He tapped it with his wand and the silver rings began to roll again. He took a gang and held it in his hired hand for but a moment when he laughed and placed it back along its path.

"Precious,"he whispered to himself."So precious."

"professor ?"

"It was the day when professor McGonagall asked me if I enjoyed teaching at Hogwarts. She was thinking of applying to teach here as well, but wasn't sure if her husband would agree."

"Husband ?"asked Harry incredulously."Professor McGonagall was married ?"

"Oh yes, Harry,"answered Dumbledore."And very happily I might add. He was killed by a dying Eater when Voldemort first returned. She joined the order of the Phoenix soon after. Since then, she's been our substantial ally against the darkness."This new news had Harry's mind spinning just a bit. He'd always assumed…. Dumbledore turned back to the silver simple machine."Can you reckon what it would be like if Professor McGonagall did not give birth the memory of the murder of her husband ?"

"I… I suppose she'd be happy."

"But she is happy, Harry. Certainly, if you were to ask, she would care that he was still at her side, but she is very happy."Dumbledore's workforce squeezed the wooden mesa and he drew in a rich breathing space. When he turned to bet back into Harry's eyes, his case was grave and his own eyes tail end."What I'm about to tell you, Harry, is not supposed to leave this room."Harry glanced toward the door as if there might be someone there."Harry, I know with whom you would wish to plowshare. You should roll in the hay that it is forbidden. I would not even mouth of it with you, had you not brought it up first. Do I induce your parole ?"

"Yes, sir,"replied Harry, his voice belittled than he thought it should be. He began to wonder if he should get ever asked. Dumbledore stepped close.

"Imagine for a bit that I could split you into three people. Not written matter mind you, but three distinct persona of your very essence… your soul. One would stay put with the organic structure you now possess ; the other two would be put away for storehouse you might say. If you, the part of you that inhabits the body you now have, were to die, one of the early part would seek out another body to inhabit… to hold. You, theatrical role of you, would last again."

"Part of me ?"

"The part that you hid away."Again Dumbledore turned to the automobile on the tabular array."The pile of ringing that you see in movement of me here, Harry, is magnanimous than your was. Why ?"

"You have to a greater extent memories, more experiences."

"Precisely ! But a rive soul would only take with it portions, tincture of the memories the original soulfulness carried. Imagine, my boy, if you had to choose… what component of your soul would you carve away ? What part of you would remain ? There are many alternative. You could carve out the bad store, perhaps the death of Greg Goyle, and go on believing that he had never died ? But then, what would happen if you were to die, and the Horcrux storing only the bad memory was released ? What variety of soured soul would remain ?

"Then there are those sorcerer who believe that it is the tragedy of a wizard's life that drives him forward ? Such a wizard might keep the tragic computer memory at the gear up erasing all joy and happiness, perhaps the day you first arrived at Hogwarts ?.

"And it's not just memories, Harry. It's also the essence of who we are, what we have become, both just and malefic, duskiness and sluttish. A necromancer must decide how to separate each slash of joy and rue into tiny patch, sprinkling a small bit of everything into each portion of your soul, splintering all you ever were into shards of fogged spyglass that can never really be made unscathed again. order me, Harry, what choice would you take in ?"

"I… I wouldn't choose such a life, sir,"replied Harry, horrified of the thought.

"No, Harry, nor would I."Dumbledore's shoulders drooped slightly as if a large weight sat square upon them."Thankfully, nigh wizards and beldam would refuse to choose as well. Fewer still know that there is such a path one can accept ; and only the most powerful of those would be able to take it."Suddenly looking quite tired, Dumbledore returned to the chair behind his desk and let out a rich sigh, closing his heart."The Horcrux is simply the memory vessel… it could be a tilt, a cloak, a cup—"

"But Lucius—"

"Think, Harry,"Dumbledore interrupted."It might even be a book…"There was a recollective pause. Harry could try a number of the portraiture on the paries mumbling to themselves. Clearly they were unhappy with the counseling of the conversation, particularly Phineas.

"The diary ?"Harry answered finally, his vocalisation more sealed than uncertain, and with each new enquiry the dubiety vanished."Tom brain-teaser's journal ? That was a Horcrux ? Voldemort used a Horcrux."

"Lucius is cunning, ruthless and wickedness, but I have seen deeply into his eyes. He could not overcome the Horcrux even if he desired to."

"But I saw Voldemort die,"said Harry."There was cypher left."

"Yes,"said Dumbledore, nodding."You also saw Tom Riddle die in the Chamber of Secrets. I had always assumed he had divided himself in two. Who would risk fracturing themselves Sir Thomas More than once ?"Dumbledore chuckled to himself grimly."Who indeed ?"Then he turned back to Harry."This word palls the view with a new darkness. Tell me, Harry, why you believe that someone is employing a Horcrux because, if individual is, Voldemort is most certainly behind it."

Again, Harry found himself turning away. He didn't want this news. He thought it had something to do with Lucius, with the war that would soon be upon them. He didn't want to trust what he had felt all summer, what he had felt since returning to Hogwarts, that Voldemort was somehow still alive. But where ? How ? Harry, his eyes sincere, looked back at Dumbledore.

"Sir, I… I can't. I gave my word."Dumbledore's eyes narrowed and then, quite naturally, he smiled back.

"Well, I suppose if you told me, then your promise to hold our conversation of the Horcrux private would mean nothing."

"If it does exist,"Harry said anxiously,"we have to recover it before it's too late."

"Harry,"said Dumbledore with grave concern,"such waters are filled with Grindylows and Inferi."Harry looked at Dumbledore, confused.

"Inf— ?"

"It's far too dangerous for you to set about some journey to look for the cosmos for a Horcrux. Voldemort's been to the border of the Earth and beyond ; it could be anywhere. More in all likelihood, it has already been activated. No, I will verbalise with the phallus of the—"

"Sir, you can't. I swore that I'd—"

"Relax, Harry, there will be no penury to implicate your involvement. In fact, it's more to our advantage to keep your figure completely out of the picture."

Dumbledore breathed in deeply and closed his eyes as he slowly let out his breathing spell."Yes, I think I understand. He didn't just split himself in two. He may not have stopped at three. There's no telling."He walked over and stroked Guy Fawkes'feathering, clearly uncomfortable with what he was about to say."I despise secrets, Harry, but if Voldemort has reanimated he may, once again, have agents working within the school walls. I'm sure Lucius does. That we know another Horcrux might live gives us an edge we dare not lose. Do you have any idea—"The chimes of the great clock struck twice.

"Oh dear,"said Dumbledore."I've made you late for class."He paused, struggling for the briefest of moments about what to say adjacent."You adept be on your way. We can continue this later. Tell Professor Barghouti it was all my fault and I'll confer with him about it later."

"But—"

"Go on, Harry,"interrupted Dumbledore.

Harry sighed, grabbed his books and started for category. Just as he was about to wave his paw across the magnanimous brass doorhandle, Dumbledore stopped him.

"Harry, there are those that we can trust—long-time friends and soul mate. I understand that you may be compelled to seek assistance. If you must talk over this, keep the conversation within the paries of Gryffindor."Harry paused for a moment, taking in the master's words.

"But that means—"

"You know what it means. Now, be on your way."

As Harry walked down the corridors toward defense lawyers Against the Dark Arts class, his mind was spinning with the new information and trying to digest everything that Dumbledore has shared with him. Within the walls of Gryffindor. Even though this year students were free to enrol the commons way of any planetary house into which they were invited, Harry knew exactly what Dumbledore meant ; he shouldn't trustfulness Gabriella. He pondered how he would keep Gabriella out of any discussion he might deliver with Ron or Hermione concerning the Horcrux. Maybe he was advantageously off not saying anything to anybody. His concerns about Gabriella faded quickly, however, when arrived late to class and Professor Barghouti took ten points away from Gryffindor for Harry's tardiness. He wouldn't let Harry say a word about where he was or who he was with.

Normally, Harry arrived early to class so that he could sit in back. He like the majority of the stratum wanted to sit in as far away from Professor Barghouti as possible. For about bookman it was because their professor was a vampire ; Harry simply didn't like him. Every sentence Harry looked into his eyes he felt that he had to evidence himself worthy ; that he was somehow lacking when it came to the Votary. Now, having arrived to class late, Harry had to sit in forepart next to the only early students who would : Hermione and Gabriella. Harry took his seat adjacent to Gabriella who offered him a supportive grinning after he was chastised by Barghouti about time direction.

"Now, as I was saying,"said Professor Barghouti with a bit of a drawl that reminded Harry all too much of a Cross between Snape and Malfoy,"before we were so rudely interrupted… Occlumency is more art than learned, more nature than nurture. Nonetheless, even the most inept wizard,"he looked at Harry,"can learn to repel at least rudimentary endeavor to come home the creative thinker. Fortunately, almost of you are sorely lacking as Legilimens."Barghouti stared once again at Harry.

"I want each of you to receive a partner and while one attempt to permeate his mate's mental defences the other will use the techniques you described in last Nox's homework assignment. For those of you who found the assignment to windy and chose instead to drill Quidditch,"again he looked at Harry,"expect to spend the eventide with Madame Pomfrey as she treats your headache."

"But, Professor,"complained Hermione while raising her hand.

"Yes, Ms farmer ?"

"What if the great unwashed don't want to have their minds read ? It is, after all, a violation of personal space."

"True, Ms. Granger ; it is a violation. But then, so is the Killing Curse and we've learned to fight ourselves, as best we can, against such an attack. Would you prefer to have your view read freely by Lucius Malfoy's spy ? Have them acknowledge your plans so that they can kill you or your hump ace when you least expect it ?"

"But—"

"pair with someone you trust,"he interrupted."We'll talk of this no more."

Hermione's lips pursed as she crossed her sleeve. Harry knew that feel before. Still, he didn't think that it was such a big deal. Instinctively, he paired with Gabriella. Ron was about to pair with Hermione when Barghouti grabbed him by the arm.

"I think not, Mr. Weasley. I understand you're quite gifted in this domain. Today, you can be my partner."Barghouti offered a rare smile and both Ron and Harry expected to see his fangs, but all that appeared was a straight row of bright, pearly dentition.

Harry turned his desk about and sat opposite Gabriella. He had let her into his judgment many times before. There was something playful, almost erotic about how they would communicate in this way. While she had become quite adept at curling herself around Harry's thoughts, she never went abstruse than Harry offered. For his part, he had never been able to see her thought process unless he opened his own first. They always had to play in Harry's mind, and he had never tried to push her away. She was smiling at him, a twinkle in her eyes, as she took his hand in hers. It wasn't until their hands touched that his warmness skipped. Foremost in his mind was something he couldn't let her see — his conversation with Dumbledore. His handwriting pulled away ; he couldn't terminate her from sensing his emotions, but he could stop her from reading his judgment.

"Harry,"she asked, sensing immediately his emotional shift,"what's wrong."

"Erm… N-nothing,"he answered evasively."I… I mean we already know you can get into my head. How ‘ bout I try to get into yours first ?"She said zero, trying to put his actor's line in conjunction with the flavor she was sensing."That's okay, isn't it ?"he asked.

"Sure,"she said slowly. She reached out her work force again, but Harry placed his own in his lap.

"Erm… Let me give it a go without contact."

"You know you can't."

"I can try,"he take back with a bit of defiance. His spokesperson was heated for no respectable reason, and he knew she'd horse sense that as well. If he stayed flustered, she'd be right ; there would be no way for him to amount close to reading her head.

Around the class some students were having better succeeder than others. Most attempts were fairly workweek and were being met by immediate repugnance. This resulted in more than a few student being knocked backwards out of their chair. Ron was popping down on to the ground Sir Thomas More times than you could stimulate a wand at and Barghouti was taking corking expiation in being able to snub Ron's advances. Just behind Harry, Hermione had teamed with Neville who, at the moment, was trying to penetrate her mind. Avoiding Gabriella's middle, Harry took a deep breathing spell.

"Ready ?"he asked.

"Go tiger,"said Gabriella with a smile.

Harry began to center as best he could on Gabriella's cerebration, but all he was sensing was the back of his eyelids. Squeezing his heart closed more firmly, he heard another enceinte thump that he took to be Ron's arse once again striking the ticket floor. It felt like an eternity, but at some point he could hear Gabriella calling his name. Not with her mouth, but with her psyche. Instead of pushing him back, she was trying to palaver him in. Even with the supporter he was finding it extremely difficult to push his way through the darkness to her idea. Not aware that he was now grabbing the edge of the desk with his hands, he redoubled, tripled his movement to bear on his way in.

Suddenly, there was a jerking from tail end. Trying to interpenetrate into Neville's mind, Hermione had been repelled backwards and fell against Harry. She grabbed his shoulder and began to pull him backwards. Without thinking and still focused mentally to come home Gabriella with all his great power, he reached out toward her. She grabbed his manpower and when she did the scene in Harry's mind changed. The speech sound was sucked out of the room and all was darkness. He had penetrated Gabriella's thinker ; but what was this… her memory or something more ?

The commotion of the class had disappeared and an eerie quiet surrounded him. He heard first, a rushing of H2O, a drip-drip-drip, a whisper of foliage and then crying… Then the air filled with a musty, wet scent of pine and loam… The Forbidden timberland, he knew at once. Slowly, a brightness began to afford up before him and he realized that the crying came from the infant he was holding in his arms. This was no memory ; Harry was himself in this visual modality. He found that his robe were soaked. Both he and the Whitney Young baby, still LE than a year old, looked as if they'd just come from the lake. The infant, glistening wet, was wrapped in dark crease of moistness cloth, dripping on his boots. A hired hand touched his berm from backside.

"You'll have to involve care of him now, Harry."It was Hermione, her vocalisation seeped in sadness."She'd want it that way."

A rush of fear began to pour itself over Harry. He was frigid, shivering, teeth chattering, the nestling in his arms continued to cry out for its mother, but Harry knew that it was a cry that would never be answered. He wanted to scream, to run, but when the child looked at him his pump warmed and his resoluteness strengthened. Slowly Harry's fingerbreadth brushed the child's buttock.

"You know,"he whispered, quelling the child's tears,"you have your mother's eyes."


Harry thrower and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 11 - Notty Boy
~~~***~~~

Bass hammering, strings reverberating, the band was loud and Harry was not feeling all that well. He slumped back, sinking into the big, overstuffed chair and rubbed his temples. Why did he let Ron and Dean challenge him into a drinking affaire d'honneur upstairs ? The Quidditch mates against Hufflepuff was tomorrow and he swore he wouldn't take a sip. But then Ron convinced him that they were two-hundred point favourites over their sister menage and why not celebrate… a little ? It was Halloween after all ; their concluding at Hogwarts.

Feeling a bit drunkard, he then had let Neville convert him to eat far too a good deal during the fete. Why not ? It was, after all, their cobbler's last Halloween together. And then when he had stepped outside for some fresh air, Hermione started in on him again.

"I saw it. You saw it. By the way she's acting, all three of us saw it, Harry."Her voice was more openhearted than chiding as she set her handwriting upon his shoulder. She had tried this approaching once already ; it hadn't worked then either. Harry didn't know why she wouldn't just let it go. O.K., that was a lie - he did know. That was just what Hermione did. She wanted to solve a problem that she didn't understand and not knowing the solvent was driving her mad. Nonetheless, after her protestations, Harry had simply rolled his middle and shrugged his shoulders.

"If she doesn't want to peach about it, then—"

"You need to tell her what you saw,"Hermione had said, stepping in more closely to Harry, but his head had grown foggier than ever. Instead of being refreshed by the Night air, he was just cold and inebriate. He shook his psyche, disagreeing with Hermione, unceremoniously pushing her gentle script away, and had wandered, stumbling a bit, back into the dancing, where he had found the nice cushy chair he now was melting into. Frustrated, Hermione had left his slope before he entered the Great Hall, and he was thankful for that. Rubbing his temples, Harry considered the new song. Yes, the band was very cheap, but everyone was having a majuscule metre.

The Great Hall was sinister save for the spots that bathed the set in an eerie orange and empurpled luminosity. Now and then a row of cd burning at the social movement of the stage would winkle bright, sparkling into the air. It was the exclusively time you could make much of anything out, except when a prof's wand grew bright, lighting up two snogging students typically in a darken street corner covered by the fog that floated some three pes off the trading floor.

Harry was surprised to see Patrick dancing with a third year girl from Slytherin, if you could shout out his revolution dancing. The lad was flailing his munition and pounding his feet ; Harry expected to see him smiling, but Patrick didn't seem too pleased with it. Ron was nowhere to be seen, which put a momentary smirk on Harry's grimace, for it was Harry who had won their sooner bet. He smiled even more broadly, thinking that Ron would feature to go three nighttime straight without wearing any air sock. There was another smart trice and he caught sight of Gabriella exit by James Yangtze River as she entered the Great Hall. Eyes blurred, Harry thought she had been carrying something, but couldn't make out what it was before the room went night again. His tum churned ; he did not experience well at all. A moment later she was at his side with a stone mug in her mitt, steam boiling out the top and rolling down over her helping hand.

"You owe me for this !"she called out over the raging music."Ginny told me what you did upstairs. You can't do that, Harry. It's too dangerous for you to be this vulnerable."She handed the mug to Harry, who was nodding his school principal even though he couldn't make out a exclusive word of honor she was saying, and squished in next to him on the oversized cushion. Harry took a probationary sip. Feeling her warmth next to his, Harry was sure she had been praising him for drink Ron and Dean under the table. There was another flash of sparks and he noticed a few of the younger students including King James and Patrick were leaving. He looked back down into his mug, mustered up the courage and swallowed down the remainder. The essence was nearly immediate. The nausea passed and his vision began to clear. He was feeling better, but he was growing tired. When he set the mug down, Gabriella took him by the hands.

"You did a wonderful job helping Professor Flitwick with the decorations. The serpent that kept swallowing commencement years was quite creative."

"A Slytherin inspired me,"replied Harry, smiling back at her now that the sonorousness was leaving his ears. He glanced over at the serpent that was over in the box of the Great Hall. The few for the first time yr pupil that remained were still lining up to be swallowed by the large, grayish creature with trigger-happy yellow optic. Once swallowed, bookman were transported to the strawman of the stage where the band was playing. It was the only when way the new students could make their way to the front end of the horde that crushed up against the degree. If they were prosperous, they got to sing with the dance band. If they weren't, the older students would put away them to the vertebral column of the bunch. This latterly, it became more a game than anything else with start year finding some form of kickshaw or concoction from Fred and George's store in their pockets by the prison term they were flung out of the bunch.

"I can't believe you're the only if one who offered to serve,"said Gabriella.

"Flitwick usually does it all himself. Er… finish year… I made a promise, I guess."

Harry was suddenly neural, remembering where he was and what he had done stopping point class at Halloween. At first he tried to search away, but he could sense Gabriella's black eyes penetrating his feelings, so he turned to her and try on to change the subject to something he knew she wouldn't want to babble about, especially not here.

"You know… Hermione thinks you should tell us what we saw."

At best it was difficult to pick up, and with the hanker pause and come lack of reaction on Gabriella's parting, Harry wondered if she'd even heard him. He tried to repeat himself.

"I said, Hermione thinks—"

"I know what Hermione thinks,"Gabriella snapped."AND I know what YOU think."She let go of Harry's paw and crossed her weapon system and ramification. Her eyes were not furious, they were sad, almost frightened.

"I didn't mean to—"

"You just don't understand, Harry."Her jaw was set as they watched another first year go flying off the phase and be thrown to the back of the Great Hall, disappearing into the swirling fog that hung low on the level. Without looking at Harry, she yelled,"Is there somewhere we can go so we're not screaming at each other ! ?"

Harry was taken aback. He didn't expect that she'd lack to verbalise at all about it. His heart darted toward the antechamber off the Great Hall. No one could get in there save professors ; yet Professor Dumbledore had taken Harry there the year before and he remembered how to get in. Still he hesitated, but then his heart began to backwash a bit, thinking of the possibilities. It was dark ; if they stayed close to the wall no one would see them slide behind the stage.

"wellspring ?"Gabriella called out.

Harry took her head and nodded for her to adopt. It wasn't light making it to the wall, but the crowd was focused on a particularly screeching song by the run singer with bass bank note that pounded the floor and tossed folks off their feet. Undetected, Gabriella and Harry slipped into the face room and the music instantly fell away. The antechamber was dimly lit by the lovesome glow of the fireplace and a handful of lit candle. Beyond that there wasn't another pin of furniture in the position. Harry paused, thinking about the right field trance, but before he put it together, Gabriella had conjured up a overnice loveseat near the hearth.

For the briefest of moments he thought to ask Gabriella about what he had seen in her mind, but being in this particular room on this picky night caused memories of Cho to speed over him. His emotions were mix in between excitement and concern. He hadn't heard from Cho since school let out and when Gabriella offered to visit Cho at her home, Mrs. Chang said that she had gone to the commonwealth and wouldn't be back for the rest of summertime. The alone student who had any link with her at all was Anthony Goldstein who seemed to be her fellow now. He seemed to triumph that he knew something that Harry didn't and he wouldn't say a Son about what Cho was up to ; only that she was goodish and well-chosen and that they'd be seeing a lot to a greater extent of each other after he graduated.

"Has she answered your letter ?"Harry whispered without thinking.

"Who ?"asked Gabriella, a bit confused.

"Cho. Only Anthony seems to know anything, but he seems to be playing Prince Valiant by keeping mum. Have you heard anything ?"

"You know I haven't,"answered Gabriella."Why do you—"

"I hope she hasn't relapsed,"said Harry with business concern.

To Gabriella, Harry's sudden concern for Cho was odd, out of post. Why here ? Why now ? Still, it was somehow heart-warming, and she took his deal again as they sat down together by the fire.

"If something was improper, we would have heard,"she said comfortingly."If anything, Anthony's filled with pride and felicity. I can sense it. He feels as if he's doing something tremendously of import. Is it so bad if he won't share ? Why ?"She smiled devilishly."Are you overjealous ?"Gabriella pinched Harry's English and made him yap.

Harry put on his best Humphrey DeForest Bogart impersonation."These eyes are only green for you, sweetheart."

He leaned over and kissed Gabriella hard against the rim. It had been historic period since they had been truly alone together, and she pressed her lips firmly back against his. Her weaponry wrapped around his back and she pulled him tight to her breast. His custody slipped to the warm, soft flesh of her venter. Thoughts of Centaur visions slipped past both their thinker in favour of early, more pleasurable, activities.

Later, as Harry was tying up the lacing of his flight simulator, he realized how artfully Gabriella had managed to sustain him from asking her about the imagination they'd seen. She kissed him one last time as he reached for the knob on the door that led back out to the Great mansion house. There was still a throng of people crowding against the degree when they slipped back out of the ante-chamber. They chose not to dance and instead made their way out to the front of the castle. It was well past tense midnight, but there were still a few dyad huddled together, watching the night sky. It was the most spectacular Halloween Harry could remember. The stars were vivid, but then he saw it. His regard froze and his smile fell.

"What ? What's the matter, Harry ?"Gabriella placed her hand against the side of Harry's face and then looked to the firmament above her shoulder."What's wrong ? What do you see ?"

"Ebyrth,"said Harry flatly. Gabriella leaned her head against his shoulder joint and patted his rachis, saying cipher. Harry sighed deeply."I… I just don't get it."

"What ?"

"I don't see how it can turn much brighter. I see it during the day now."

"It may be bright for you,"she answered quietly,"but almost the eternal rest of us can't yet see it at all."

"Where's the war ? I don't know why things haven't started already,"said Harry, but then a deep, techy voice broke the night's hush.

"What makes you think they haven't ?"

Both Gabriella and Harry jumped. It was prof Barghouti. The moment the other couplet saw him they began to scramble up the movement whole step of the palace, constantly casting backward glance to pee certainly he wasn't following them, and occasionally reaching for their neck opening as if to reassure themselves that they hadn't been bitten. Harry forced himself to retrieve his composure, but Gabriella had beaten him to it.

"Dakhil, where have you been ?"she asked."I've been looking for you all day ?"

"I had a sojourn with a lycanthrope,"he answered."Only fitting, don't you think ?"He laughed at his own antic and while Gabriella laughed as well, Harry was having none of it.

"Just got back then, did you ? fly a bit fag ? Slurp up a few tourer along the way ?"

"Harry !"Gabriella snapped.

"Yes, boy,"said Barghouti unimpressed,"as a topic of fact…,"he ran his knife across his teeth, and this meter a row of jagged, razor-sharp teeth appeared,"…I did."

"Dakhil !"chided Gabriella. Barghouti merely chuckled again and the teeth became unbowed and chopper white.

"You may not see it, boy,"said Barghouti, tapping Harry across the face with his large deal,"but your war has begun. Does that make you find better ?"Harry's oculus were incredulous.

"What do you mean ?"he asked."There hasn't been an incident since the train."

"The Centaurus of the Great Forest are not the only Centaurus in the world, boy. And, as much as you might like to believe that England is the centre of the world, it is but a very small part of it."He looked at Gabriella."It is as I had feared. The war has begun at home."

"I thought you said you didn't care about the war,"queried Harry."Why the hanker fount now ?"

"Because, oh chosen one,"Barghouti sneered,"your friend Lucius Malfoy has enlisted the help of lamia and hence his choice of first of all strike - the Carpathians. Only they're not just killing Centaur, they're wiping out anything and anyone in their path - all of them Muggles. A all Greenwich Village was destroyed. The Muggle paper are reporting that the desolation was due to a gas explosion."A fit of air popped between his lips."I must repay to Singehorn for a few solar day. I fear my old supporter may run to intervene and retell old misunderstanding. Professor Dumbledore has been informed and Professor Lupin will train concern of my classes."

"Wait ! I'm going with you,"said Harry emphatically. Barghouti snickered and turned."I said—"

"You wish to write the world, boy ?"Barghouti snapped, spinning back upon Harry. He was clearly raging, as if Harry had started the completely thing ; as if Harry had placed the comet in the heavens himself."Why don't you try saving this school first ? Why don't you try saving THEM ?"His hand shot out toward the trees that surrounded the school ; all was darkness. Harry squinted, which only made Barghouti all the more exasperated.

"Have you learned zilch ?"he cried. There was a diminished squeal from one of the remaining students near the palace doorway who quickly ran inside, slamming the door behind her."Can you not SEE ?"

Harry looked again into the dark, squinting. Then he remembered. He took a deep breath and closed his eye. Then, he reached out with his mind toward the forest. As Dakhil had shown him before, all living matter began to appear before him - the skunk, bushes, and trees all glowed brightly. He scanned further out and then saw it : a centaur some ten yards into the trees, bow in hand. motility to the right field caught his visual sense again - another Centaurus, another bow. Harry continued to scan. Every thirty to fifty yards another Centaurus stood sentry go, watching over the shoal in the dark. But Harry couldn't William Tell if they were trying to restrain something out, or something in.

"What are they doing ?"he whispered.

"I am weary of teaching the ignorant,"Barghouti muttered."The Centaur can smell out the swarthiness, fool. It is already upon you. You would be knowing to detect its source before it swallows you whole."In a swirl he disappeared before Harry had a chance to say another intelligence. The phone of flapping wing, faded to nothingness. What he noticed, after the dust settled, was that Gabriella's fingerbreadth were digging into the soft pulp of his forearm.

"What— ?"He looked over at her and saw pure fear on her face. She was mesmerized, staring intently at the shadow of the forest. Then he realized that she was searching for what Harry could see, but she could not. She was afraid of the centaur. She took a step behind Harry, almost as if using him as a shield against the duskiness, and then pulled him toward that castle doors.

"Let's go inside,"she breathed.

"They're protecting us, Gab,"said Harry, trying to calm her nervus."They won't injury you. They would never spite you."Her eyes never left the forest and, if anything, the veneration that filled the black pond of her eyes slipped toward ira.

"Now."

Harry sighed and nodded his head."Alright,"he acquiesced, and followed her up the stairs, noting that she was ever sure to keep his dead body between her and the darkness of the timberland. When the doorway finally closed behind them, he could see the burthen lift from her berm and the relief spread across her brass. She leaned back against the doors, placing her hands over her face. Harry stepped closer, touching her shoulder softly.

"Baby, what is it ?"he asked."What's wrong ?"The men upon her face began to tremble and crying began to streak down her cheeks, one by one, but she would not cry, not out trashy. Slowly, her eyes turned to the side to look at Harry. He'd seen that facial expression when Gabriella lost her father, Grigor. It was a look of doubt, of fearfulness, of demise. Without saying a give-and-take, she shook her head and turned to walk away. She'd gone only a few paces before Harry called her to stop, but she wouldn't listen. She past the stone column and began to head up down to the dungeons, to the entrance of Slytherin. Her foot did not establish the first step before Harry grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.

"William Tell me what's—"He never finished. She didn't use her sceptre ; she didn't need to. Her relieve handwriting came up under Harry's neck and he was out cold on the floor.

When he came to, he was lying on a slate floor, but he wasn't at the top of the staircase leading down to Slytherin anymore. He was bound with R-2, ineffective to prompt, in some way, well lit by Aaron's rod. The walls were Harlan F. Stone, and along their top was a crown-moulding made of oak. Along its face, every few metrical unit, was engraved a snake's head.

"Slytherin,"Harry hissed.

"Well done, Potty."The representative came from behind and Harry had to roll over to see who he knew to be there.

"Hello, Teddy,"Harry said, knowing Nott hated the name. Harry was not surprised to find Crabbe at Nott's incline."Taken to abduct now ? A step up from watching murder I suppose."

"Just gathering road-kill, Potty,"Nott retorted."A niggling bird told me you'd been drinking… a bit too often. conceive of my surprise when I found you passed out on the steps to Slytherin."Nott stepped closer."Were you trying to get hold your true love ?"Harry said zip."I can find you a mirror if you'd like."

"I see you found yours,"Harry smirked, tossing his head in Crabbe's management. Crabbe took more offence than Nott and kicked Harry in the side. The nose candy was hard and a burst of air shot from Harry's backtalk.

"Why don't you untie me Crabbe, and then let's see how brave out you are ?"Harry's eyes were on fervor. Fearful, Crabbe stepped backward.

"I… I wonder how w-well Gryffindor will do without their Seeker tomorrow,"Crabbe shot back shakily.

"So that's it, is it ?"asked Harry.

"I wonder,"added Nott,"what the Wizarding worldly concern will do without its hero. How ever will we get on… once you're bushed ?"Harry's eyes narrowed on Nott. Crabbe's middle darted nervously toward Nott.

"Dead ?"he muttered under his hint. Evidently, he was not in on Nott's good plans.

"That's a bit bold for you, teddy bear, isn't it ?"

"Did you screw ?"asked Nott, ignoring Harry's question and Crabbe's fear."Malfoy's enlisted over two 12 vampire and more are joining every day. They're crushing everything in their path, and soon, they'll be here at Hogwarts. Soon, they'll be coming for you, and they don't die, Potter."

"Oh, they die, Teddy. I've seen them die. Didn't you know ? I was attacked by them this summer. Turns out that a well placed Centaur arrow… thwup… and they die."Harry chuckled deliberately."Funny thing, vampires. When they're pierced, their vampire shell sheds away and for a minute they're who they once were, the craziness gone."Harry looked up at the green ceiling."I like to call back that in that moment, good had a opportunity to rush in and fill their individual once more. They have a chance to be saved."

"trash,"shot Nott, believing More than disbelieving.

"Yes,"said Harry still looking upward."Vampires, at least, have a second chance."He turned to face Nott."You on the other hand… I suppose you'll rot for all eternity."Crabbe's human face was Edward D. White, but Nott's was flushed with anger and thwarting. It was his turn to kvetch Harry hard in the gut. It was all Harry could do not to regorge.

"Don't worry, Potterkins. You won't die tonight. But you will lose to Hufflepuff in tomorrow's—"

"Bloody hell ! I knew it !"

A flash of red whisker told Harry at once who had just entered the room. Ron was breathing hard, his wand drawn, but his deal was shaking noticeably, not because he was scared or winded, but because he'd had too much to imbibe. Harry could make out a flash of light-green robe behind him ; he assumed it was Gabriella which, with Ron in his present precondition, he was thankful for. Both Nott and Crabbe turned toward Ron still standing at the door, wands drawn.

"How'd you find this space, Weasley ?"spat Nott.

"A little shuttle told him,"said the interpreter behind Ron. It wasn't Gabriella, it was Jesse James Yangtze River ; Harry's apprehension began to grow once more. There wasn't much of a chance if Ron couldn't pull it together… and quickly. The secondly year who had freely chosen to be in Slytherin this semester stepped in presence of Ron with his wand drawn.

"Chang ?"Nott asked, almost laughing."You little—"

"Obliviate !"chanted James, casting a spell well beyond his years. A fit of orange light erupted from his sceptre throwing both Nott and Crabbe against the wall, knocking them unconscious, and wiping their minds of recent memories. The intensity of the Obliviate magic spell determined how much memory board was removed. Normally, a endorse yr wouldn't even be able-bodied to cast the spell, but Harry was trusted that the effect would be lasting.

Ron released Harry from his ties while James I bound his two planetary house brothers."They'll be the ones missing the match tomorrow,"he whispered with a smiling pursing his lips.

Rising to his animal foot, Harry felt a little light-headed, the sickness once again returning, and had to lean on Ron for support. He looked over at Saint James the Apostle, wanting to thank him for his help, but more rum about the spell.

"James,"he asked,"how did you—"He was struck from behind.

"Harry !"

It was Gabriella, followed closely be Saint Patrick. She wrapped him in her arms.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sooo sorry."She kissed his neck opening and brass, and then looked into his eye."Can you forgive me ?"Harry looked over at the two Slytherins on the flooring and back at Henry James.

"Let's go,"he said, a assuredness sweat beading on his forehead ; the potion Gabriella had given him earlier was obviously beginning to put on off."This piazza gives me the creeps."

They made their way up a constringe row of rock steps that opened out on the Slytherin common elbow room. Harry hadn't been here since he was a first year. James and Patrick nonchalantly split away from the group to mouth to some former indorse years that had just returned from the evening's company while Gabriella walked Harry and Ron out. The three began their trek up to the Gryffindor tower. By the clock time they made it to the towboat, Harry was feeling much better and it was Ron that was leaning on Harry and Gabriella.

"I hope James blasted Nott's memory to the Stone Age,"said Ron.

"No you don't,"answered Harry coolly, recalling his conversation with Dumbledore about the Horcruxes."Two long time ago I think he might have taken this fortune to belt down me, just to prove himself to his Padre and the early death eater. Tonight, he was just a bag total of hot air. He's learned something since then, since his father died."Harry paused."Compassion I think."

"Oh, p-lease !"cried Ron."Nott ? Compasshhhionate ? James said he was goin'to sour you over to them… to the end Eaters. He might not let delivered the blow, Harry, but he still would have been dancin'on your grave."

"Saint James the Apostle told you that ?"asked Gabriella."Saint Patrick told me that they were going to throw him in the lake."

"If they had tried, they wouldn't have gotten very far,"said Harry calmly.

"What makes you say that ?"asked Ron, just as the reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Centaurs,"answered Harry, he looked at Gabriella."At night, they've got the rook surrounded."

"sang-froid,"said Ron with a smile, rocking a bit on his own two stage. Harry didn't think it would take a good deal to knock him over."I'd like to see Nott with an pointer up his arse."Gabriella tried to come up a smile, but couldn't.

"Ron,"she said,"you go on in. I need to verbalize with Harry alone for a moment."Ron grinned.

"Sure,"he said."I get it."He turned toward the paining."Err… Erm…."He turned back to Harry."P-Password, partner ?"

"toffy drops,"said Harry and the painting swung open air and Ron stumbled through. Before it shut, he looked back at the two, pointing his digit in no particular instruction and shook it."But not too long, P-Potter. It'sss game dark !"

A few moments later, Gabriella and Harry were alone in the corridor outside the Gryffindor common room. Gabriella walked him over to a stone bench and the two sat down. Even though the paries and floor were now spotless, he never liked sitting here, remembering the Dementors that had nearly killed Professor McGonagall the year before. There was a signified of death in the air and for a second Harry felt a cool hurry swimming up his spine, whispering Death's name. Gabriella held his handwriting, but would not adjudge his regard. Instead, she watched their fingers intertwined and mingling.

"Mama has the sight,"she began."You know that, Harry. Me… I can only feel the emotions of others. I can't see the doors and window that open on to the early planes."

"But—"

"Shhhh."She put one hand gently across his lips."Since I was Whitney Young, before I ever went to Al Bsahri, I have had one sight. Sometimes years would glide by before it would recall, the Lapplander aspect, over and over. Since we've returned to Hogwarts this yr, it comes to me nearly every day."She leaned her head teacher against Harry's shoulder."Yesterday, I asked mom what happened when you and Hermione plunged into the scene that has been playing in my thinker without you for so many years."There was a long interruption, and Harry could hear laughter coming from way down the staircase below ; it died away.

"And ?"he asked, nudging Gabriella along.

"A vision from another plane is like a finely cut gem, a ball field with many facets. One can look in and see different ikon from all angles. You and Hermione became part of my vision and somehow shared it from your own linear perspective. We all saw the Saame thing, but all differently. And what we each saw can mean unlike things."

"Then why don't you want to—"

"No visual sense is complete, Harry ; and, like time-turners, there are also regulation about looking into the time to come. Most would puddle change based on the imperfect cognition they see, often changes that lead to more desolate resultant. Only the best, those like Mama, have any promise of moving the sands of prison term to mould the outcome of the other planes. Others go mad trying to deepen what n-never was to c-come."She began to tremble as she delivered the last-place words and in the quiet that followed Harry felt a tear drop onto his forearm. He put his arm around her and held her tight.

"Gabriella,"he asked,"what is it ? You need to annul this weight from off your soulfulness. I swear I won't do anything to change the future."Her heart met his ; she did not believe him, so he repeated himself more forcefully."I swear on my parents that I won't do anything to deepen the future. Please, tell me what you saw."Again there was another secrecy, and then Gabriella squeezed Harry's hand. Finally, not looking into Harry's eyes, she began to whisper.

"It begins with a photoflash of light, a flaming erupting from a glistening emerald lake. We are surrounded by them. There is a screech and then silence. And then there is me… case down in the marvelous forage. I… I am short, Harry. Buried oceanic abyss in my backbone is the hanker wooden arrow of a Centaur."


Harry Potter and the nativity of a New Sun

Chapter 12 - subterfuge luck
~~~***~~~

The air was warm for declension, yet the sky was a heavy grayness. Flying with the charms of his Caduceus P2 off, Harry could feel the wetness in the air. He knew it would rain down soon and that, more than anything else, focused his get-up-and-go on finding the stoolie. It had been hard concentrating. Last class, Ron had lost Harry's broom when he had been attacked flying into the tunnel. So this year he was riding the up-to-the-minute modeling of Caduceus, the new P2, P for Potter. Cleansweep was paying him a belittled fortune to use his gens for their new broom, monies that Harry was using to attend the category who had lost loved 1 in the war. That didn't seem to matter much. Even his own star sign was ribbing him for the branding of his figure and it didn't aid that smack in the middle of the visitors stand was a ten metrical unit by twenty metrical foot crystalline portrait of Harry flying the new broom and waving at the crowd. Every so often words would appear : The Caduceus P2. So fast it'll blow the competition away. It was a sport on the history run by the Daily vaticinator about Harry's defeat of Voldemort. The story said that the spell Harry cast was so brawny, not only did it destroy Voldemort, but it nearly took the Ministry down with it. Even now, the Ministry was digging out and repairing the gaping Fall into malarky that remained after the floor of the decease sleeping accommodation fell away, swallowing whole the curtain of Phenolem and the podium upon which it stood. Harry glanced again at the Brobdingnagian sheet of crystal, his own trope smiling back at him and waiving, and shook his head to clear his idea.

He'd been distracted all day and most folks thought it had to do with first plot heebie-jeebies. He was Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain this year and nearly everyone believed it a folly decision. Since the flak on the railroad train, the unharmed school knew that he was going to be fighting the Dementors when the war with the Centaurus came. How could anyone concenter on training their team with a burden like that on their shoulder ? Indeed, even Professor McGonagall thought that Ron Weasley might make the comfortably option ; she told Harry so.

"If I can't induce your nous on the plot, you're no use to the team, Mr. ceramist,"she had said in confidence."Ron Weasley bleeds Quidditch and his psyche is sharp when it comes to analyzing the other squad'weaknesses."Harry had nodded and had turned to leave her office when she stopped him."But no one commands loyalty like you, Harry. It takes seven to win a Quidditch match and all Gryffindor would sooner fly into the lake than let you down. The interrogative sentence is — can you hold open from letting all Gryffindor down ?"

"No, ma'am. I mean yes ma'am,"Harry sputtered."I mean…"He sighed."I won't lie, prof. Ron's the good strategian, and there's no one better in northerly UK when it comes to keeping a Quaffle from skewering the hoop. Dennis Creevey is the fastest in all Hogwarts and is starting to come up with plays I could never dream of. Jack Sloper's put on 30 quid since hold up year and he can knock a poof off a fencepost at fifty meters. Slytherin was the only team that had a supplicant to beat us, but with Malfoy gone they don't have a opportunity. The team doesn't need me to lead them ma'am. Anyone can point us to the cup."McGonagall looked at Harry over the top of her glass.

"Is that so ?"she had asked."Well then, Mr. Potter, I suppose you'll do then. I want the team roll, to include the player replacing Katie at Chaser, and the weekly praxis docket by tomorrow morning. And, to keep you motivated since this will be such an soft yr, let's say that if we don't win every game by more than than one-hundred fifty points, you'll be back in my position on Sundays for detention."

"But—"

"Three hours, each week. Good-day, Mr. Potter."

Harry had thought the challenge simpleton enough, but sorting out the team proved more difficult than he expected. They couldn't find a good chaser and when Jimmy Peakes tried out for Beater he played ferociously, unseating Hooper from the team. Finally, Harry selected Demelza Robins as Chaser, if for no other reason than she was particularly practiced at dodging Bludgers. The shuffle caused a lot of growing strain and suffering notion, but after three hebdomad of practice Harry was convinced once again that the team could not be defeated.

Now, flying high over the auction pitch, Harry wasn't so sure. Trying to ignore his own face, he glanced at the scoreboard to find Gryffindor up by forty which, as far as Harry was concerned, was pathetic. They should have been clobbering Hufflepuff from the first, but Ron was letting nearly every Quaffle through. Having heard that the double-decker of the scavenger, Claude Bernard Bennegin, was coming specifically to scout Ron's functioning he was a nervous shipwreck. To make thing bad he was suffering from a katzenjammer and was having fuss seeing the Quaffle, let alone stopping it. The only good news was that jimmy and jackass were keeping the Bludgers off the team while Dennis and Demelza were scoring nearly at will. Ginny could stimulate been too, but she was so busy yelling at Ron for being such a git she hadn't scored a single goal.

Harry scanned the skies once more, searching for the Snitch. The Hufflepuff Seeker, Summerby, had seen it about an hour earlier. Harry had been well out of position, and if it hadn't been for a well placed Bludger by Sloper, Gryffindor would have lost. It was then Harry turned off the appeal of his heather, hoping that he might better smell out the Snitch's location. Suddenly, the yellowed side of the tar erupted in cheer ; Hufflepuff had scored. Harry forced himself not to look at the scoreboard. He had to remain alert, but before you could say snicklfritz the crowd erupted again - another score for Hufflepuff. Finally, Harry called timeout.

The team gathered over by Ron whose ears were flaming red with embarrassment. Ginny began to tear into her brother.

"So serve me, Ron !"she yelled,"The next Quaffle that goes through one of those rings is going to find its way up your—"

"Hang on !"Harry interrupted."We're not here to fight with each other ; we're here to chance a way to win."

"You could be looking for the Snitch !"snapped Ginny as she pulled out her verge."So help me, if either of you two drink on a secret plan Nox again, I'm going to hex you both back into professor Trelawney's social class !"

"You think you can jeopardize me ?"yelled Ron at his sister as he pulled his own wand, however shaky his hired man was.

"Stop it !"yelled Dennis above the ruffle. With a no-nonsense voice that commanded attending, Dennis Creevey, who was still the pocket-sized on the team, began to point out what needed to be done.

"Ron, they're constantly feinting right and shooting left. If you move higher in the air and hold position just a petty longer, you'll give up them. Ginny, we could use a little more of your attention on the Hufflepuff incline of the field of battle. Dem, they're starting to becharm on to Harry's first few plays."His eyes dotted to Harry who nodded in concord."I think we should move on to what he was showing us final stage weekend."

"But we've only flown that three or four times,"argued Demelza.

"Dennis is rightfield,"countered Ginny."At the worst we'll have given them a new look. At the best we'll grudge three or four before they catch on."

"Jack, Jimmy, you guys have been unflawed. Just keep the Bludgers off our backs and we'll score for sure."Then Dennis looked at Harry."Harry, I don't blame you if you tell me to sod off, but…"

"Go on,"said Harry.

"fountainhead, it seems like you've been day dreaming up there, Harry. I know there are a thousand things you should be thinking about besides Quidditch, but we're gon na ask the Snitch today, and if Summerby sees it again we've lost. Are you with us ?"

Harry had to smile at the new general on the field."Our own short Napoleon,"he thought. Madame Hooch blew the whistle for gaming to summarise. Hufflepuff broke their scrum and began to fly into position. Harry looked down on the pitch below. There was nothing he loved more in the world than flying.

"I'm with you,"he said with trust."Summerby won't have a opportunity. I swear."Harry shot into emplacement just to the west and a little below Summerby. If anything, the sky was growing darker and the air colder, but he resisted the enticement to prosecute the good luck charm of his broom.

Dennis had been right. Over the next forty minutes or so, Ron had blocked six flat Hufflepuff attempts while the Gryffindor pursuer had scored four metre. Still, they would involve the Snitch. He flew over by the Slytherin stall and pick up a handful of fizzle, and one cheer.

Harry could cogitate of few Hogwarts charwoman besides Gabriella Darbinyan able to withstand the taunts and mockery of Slytherin for being Harry's girl. Of course, there were no taunts or jeer, because all of Slytherin was deathly afraid of Gabriella. Perhaps because she came from a school known for its shadow thaumaturgy, but more because any input usually meant the commenter had a one-way ticket to the hospital wing. Harry looked down and saw her smiling up at him.

"Go, Harry !"she cried. Harry waved back, smiling and giving her a thumbs-up."NO ! GO !"she yelled, pointing her finger. The gesture and the pant of the gang told him at once that the canary had been seen. He spun to see Summerby plunging toward the turf at the Frederick North end of the pitch. Below him was a glint of gold, racing low and heading toward the visitors'stands. Summerby was ahead by at least fifty metre when Harry began to charge.

"You bloody changeling !"Harry cursed at himself as he clenched his teeth."You flobberworm sucking imbecile !"The wind roared furiously at his facial expression. The stoolie was flying low to the sod and Harry could see that it would have to wrench or mount once it hit the stands on the opponent side of the pitch. Even as goodness a flyer as Summerby was, he would not reach the stoolpigeon until it hit the wall. Harry leaned forward, accelerating his broom."It will rebel,"Harry whispered to himself, focusing wholly on the amber globe that was coming closer."It will rise."He chose to fly the straight course to intercept the fink where he thought it would be. If the sneak turned left or right at the wall, Summerby would make it before Harry could react. If the Snitch flew up… Harry groaned. At this f number it was still impossible. Harry poured all his energy into making his Scots heather accelerate. The seat of his robes began to tatter in the savage current of air and his goggles were pressing hard against his font. The pressure tunnelled his imagination, but he didn't care. He could still see the golden spark growing larger before him."Faster ! tinker's damn it ! Faster !"

The auction pitch below him was a haze ; the standpoint faded to dark and all that Harry could see was the golden snitcher and the trail of yellow that followed it -- the trail of yellowness that Harry was passing. Faster ! A mainsheet of purple — the visitors'stands. The prosperous snitch flying upward. Yes !
Harry's fingers pressed firmly against the winged canary when he heard the screams of scourge. They conflicted with his own sense of joy.

"We won !"thought Harry, feeling the grueling metallic element in his clutch pedal."Why would anyone be— ?"
Then everything went violently red… just before he lost cognisance.

Waking, and still feeling a bit groggy, the first matter Harry recognized was the sound of charge card being unwrapped, bust and then crumpled. The rhythmic mastication that followed told him at once that Ron was nearby. Harry smiled. He tried to open his oculus, but couldn't. He leaned to his compensate side and felt a dull ached that ran up the leftover one-half of his body. With his decently hand he felt the mainsheet about his chest, the pillow behind his head, the bandage that wrapped his face.

"He's awake,"whispered Gabriella out of the darkness. A warm touch sensation took his deal."Hi, sweetie,"she said softly."How are you feeling ?"

"Hey, checkmate,"Ron added before Harry could answer."Erm.. don't worry ; Madame Pomfrey will give birth you back to new in… in no time."The voice had a bit of a tremor in it and it wasn't because a chocolate toad frog found its way down the wrong pipe.

"That's right,"added Hermione with a stiff and abnormal tone. And then vocalization, scores of vocalization it seemed to Harry, added their agreement.

"You'll be fine, Harry."“ Don't concern, Harry."“ Flyin'in no metre, you'll see !"“ Shut up, stupid."“ Hey, I didn't mean—"

"Alright… Alright…"echoed the voice of Madame Pomfrey."You've seen him move, now be off, all of you."

A number of tribe touched Harry's upright arm. He felt of few kiss against his cheek. He heard a few cheery Good-byes and Later, mates, but he also heard a few snuff and whoreson. The room access swung closed with a thick thunk.

"I'm still here,"whispered Gabriella and she took his hand once more. With his sore arm Harry reached up to pry off the bandage that wrapped about his boldness, just to take in a meridian.

"No you don't, Mr. thrower !"cried Madame Pomfrey. She grabbed his arm and gently pulled it down."The bandages are to remain on for the next three weeks if you wish to have any promise of seeing again."

Okay. So he had been growing more and more apprehensive since he first became conscious. And the bandage were starting to freak him out… just a bit. Something in the cover of his thinker had said the Scripture, but he had pushed it back down. Only problem was… the glowering recess of Harry's idea were shouting now.

"See again ?"he asked."What the snake pit does that imply ? I… I'm blind ?"he asked weakly. Madame Pomfrey let out a marvellous sigh.

"Oh, lamb,"she said quietly,"I didn't mean for it to follow out that way."Gabriella's hand tightened about Harry's and he felt her tingle.

"It was the crystallization portrait, Harry,"Gabriella said sadly."You slammed right through it, sending matchwood of glass everywhere. They shattered your goggles and your… your…"

"Your center were shredded, Mr. ceramicist,"cut in Madame Pomfrey."I wish I could say I've seen worse, but I haven't. I had therapist Sventstein from St. Mungo's perform the operation. If it were up to me, you'd still be there, but Professor Dumbledore insisted that you remain within the castle."

"You've b-been out for two days, Harry,"said Gabriella, another tremor of sorrowfulness cracked her voice. Harry reached up and touched the bandages wrapping his side.

"Mr. Potter,"snapped Madame Pomfrey."If you keep touching your wrap you'll assuredly disturb their good luck charm ! I will not have you go blind ! Do you find out me ! If you keep moving your arms I will pin them."Her voice was husky. She'd been crying ; Harry could tell. The sadness in the room was almost overwhelming. Finally, he turned his head in the direction of Gabriella.

"Did we win ?"he asked.

"What ?"she replied, still dazed.

"Did we win ?"he repeated."I did catch the canary. Hooch saw that, didn't she ? We did win, didn't we ?"

"Harry, how can you—"

"RON !"Harry screamed. In a heartbeat the door burst open.

"What ? What is it, Harry ?"Ron called nervously.

"Did we win ?"Harry asked. Without Harry saying another parole, Ron began an exposition that was nearly poetic. At least… he thought it was.

"Blimey, Harry,"he began,"it was amazing. There you two were, screaming across the pitch to the north. Everyone was standing, even Professor Snape. Although, who he was cheering for, I don't know. But he was screaming just the Saame. Summerby was flying low to the ground, his robe flicking up dried forage and tossing it into the air. The blowing dust made it see as if his broom was on ardour.

"I thought for sure we'd lost, when you spun over and started closing in from on high-pitched. The snitcher was flying just to my right and I could have sworn there were glint flying out the tail of your broom. It was glowing red. Heading toward the rack, it was clear you were going to transcend Summerby, but you were too high ; everyone could see that. But it didn't subject. No one has ever seen someone fly that fasting at Hogwarts… ever ! Crimey, maybe in all Britain !

"When you passed Summerby, I thought you'd dive to ward off the stands, to catch the stool pigeon that was still screaming low to the ground. But you didn't ; you stayed straight on. When the fink darted up toward you…"Ron sighed in hug drug."It was a miracle, mate. Like you were calling out to it and it obeyed. Pop ! rightfield into your mitt."There was a yearn pause."It's when everyone's oculus popped up with the stoolpigeon we saw what was going to bechance. That's when the screams began."Ron walked over next to Harry's bed."Summerby smashed into the supports down low. Broke his leg and lost a duo tooth. He got out of the infirmary yesterday. You… you…"Ron swallowed heavily.

"You held on, teammate. Yeah, we won, alright."Ron patted Harry on the chest."C. H. Best shit Seeker in all Britain."

"You still think Krum's better then, do you ?"asked Harry with a smile. Ron sat back down next to Gabriella.

"fountainhead, now,"Ron answered,"I know you've had your mediocre share, Harry, but I still think superior can handle a shot to the head with a Bludger good than you."

"That's because there's nothing up there to bruise,"added Gabriella.

"Okay, okay you three,"said Madame Pomfrey."Mr. ceramicist needs his rest."She shuffled the two friends outside the room, but not until Gabriella kissed Harry on the lips.

"I love you,"she whispered into his ear."Whatever happens, I love you."

When the threshold closed, Madame Pomfrey walked over to Harry's bed. He was wondering if he'd ever look into the dark pools of Gabriella's middle once again. He was scared.

"Harry,"she said softly."We'll do everything possible, but you need to give them sentence to heal. The wrapper will abide on for at least three calendar week. Your lids will be sealed tenacious still. Even when you can open your middle, Harry, I don't defendant you'll see to a greater extent than shade of twinkle and dark. Once we know what you can and can't see, healer Sventstein can get down making the proper corrections. You'll have to be patient, my dear, very patient."

He could learn her folding some papers, putting folderol away he thought, and then she stepped over to the slope of the room and poured something into a glass or goblet.

"I need you to salute this,"she said, helping him sit up and enfold his work force around the cup. He winced when she held his left arm."Yes, the solid left side of your torso was pretty very much hamburger marrow. We've summoned out all the glass shards we can. There may be a few that aren't responding. I'll work on that more tomorrow."She sounded fag out, so Harry decided not to indicate about the drink and swallowed it down in one hanker draught. The pain running down his side of meat ebbed away and the apprehension about his vision faded. Soon he was asleep.

When Harry woke, he found himself throw and disoriented. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see and he began to thresh around, rising out of bed, the endocarp story low temperature beneath his nude understructure. He was about to accomplish up to his look when a hired man took him by the arm. At first he was startled, but the voice settled him at once.

"Easy there, flyboy."It was Sirius."Bad dream ?"

"Canicula ?"Harry asked to the dark, reaching out and touching Sirius'brass.

"Afraid so,"Harry's godfather responded."I was in the area ; thought I'd stop in."Harry began to be active forward.

"Hold on ! Hold on !"Dog Star stopped Harry from running into the candela hovering at his bedside."Let's er… let's get you back in bed."Sirius helped Harry mount into bed and pulled the weather sheet back over him."There, that's better."He patted Harry's good leg and remained standing at his bedside.

"What time is it ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite three in the morning."

"trio in the morning ?"He paused, rising up on his cubital joint and looking about the room."Anyone else here ?"

"Just you and me little pal. How are you feeling ?"

"Blind,"Harry answered flatly, dropping back against his pillow.

"Yeah,"agreed Sothis smartly."That's what I hear."Harry could hear Sirius sink back into his professorship and sigh."I have to allow in, Harry, that was the fast I've ever seen a ling fly, and I've seen a few Quidditch matches in my day. When you hit that damn portrait with your photograph on it, the thing exploded. It was like a giant quartz firework. And that you still held onto the Snitch… well, it's been all over the papers. virtually figure you broke the record, but the phratry from Cleansweep want you to number out and perform a fly-off against Comet — twenty thousand galleons to the winner's charity."Harry turned on his side, his back toward Sothis.

"Like that's ever going to go on,"he muttered.

"What do you think of ?"

"You know what I mean,"Harry answered curtly."If they've told anybody, they've told you. I'm blind and I'm… I'm going to stay blind."

"That's not truthful, Harry,"began Dog Star."Madame Pomfrey—"Harry spun and faced Canicula. Sirius didn't motive to see Harry's eyes to roll in the hay the feel he was getting right now. He sighed."Ten percent is not zero percent,"he whispered.

"Yeah, right,"Harry replied and dropped back down again. Likewise, Sirius sunk back into his chair, crossing his implements of war and searching for what to say. There wasn't much he could say. Harry, after all, was set. Once a witch or ace lost their centre there was often little that could be done—eyes simply hold too much magic. Healers could re-grow many things, but the eyes… the eyes, particularly of a hefty beldame or wizard, were nearly impossible to repair. Sothis let out a low groan as the silence stretched between them. After that, the glint of candlelight was the but disturbance that accompanied their ventilation. At shoemaker's last, it was Sirius who began again, not sure if Harry was even still come alive. His phonation was unfirm, recalling a part of his past he had never shared with Harry.

"When I… when I was in Azkaban, there was aught to see but darkness, nix to smell out but the stench of death, cypher to hear but the yell of lament, nothing to savour but the remnants of crying that had long since died away, and the alone affair one felt was the inhuman hint of despair. What food they gave us was more like black gruel with a consistency somewhere between mud and slime."Sirius chuckled grimly to himself."When the Dementors departed, leaving this black sludge behind, I would smile. It was the only joy I had, sensing their deviation, knowing that however awful the solid food was, the emptiness that screamed from my belly would soon be staved for another day. That crusty bowlful of crap and my pure hatred for Peter Pettigrew were all that kept me alert.

"I never dreamed that one day…"Sothis'voice halted and he had to bury to gather himself."That one day… the son of my dearest friend would parlay my ten-percent of nothing and economize me… not from the Dementors of Azkaban… not from the mantle of Phenolem, but… from myself. I was used up inside, Harry ; a cuticle of a wizard and less a man. You've shown me, even now as darkness rushes in toward us, how to live again… how to love again. I'm amazed that today, I once again walk the halls of Hogwarts—a free man, not because I'm innocent of the horrors of Azkaban, but because I'm destitute of the shadow and hatred that once consumed my soul. Because of you, I'm free to savor the toothsome fruit of life once again."

"Erm, surely you're not referring to your cooking ?"asked Harry, turning back to face Sothis. Because I think you could go your own eating place for blackamoor sludge."

"If I could smack you, I would,"scoot Canicula, kicking the post of Harry's bed with his metrical unit, a bust sliding down the face of his aspect.

"Bring it on, old man !"called Harry, rising up in bed and brandishing two fists that were swinging wildly in the air—something akin to a boxer's side."I can drive you with both eyes tied behind my spinal column !"Harry was smiling as Sirius rose to his substructure. The older wizard wiped his oculus and then, gently, took Harry's hands in his own.

"You just have to believe that it'll get better, Harry. It will. I know it will."The smile on Harry's face drooped.

"Sirius, if I can't see, I can't battle… I can't fly… I can't…."Harry shook his drumhead and then looked toward where he knew Canicula to be."So many people are depending on me. I can't let them down. I can't—"

"Enough already ! Stop telling me what you can't do ! I don't want to hear it anymore !"This meter Sirius'part was heated."I still wake in the middle of the night grasping for my sheets, fearing that it has all been a dream, wondering if in the nullity of night I'm really still trapped behind the drapery of Phenolem. One day the nightmares will end ; I know so, because I believe they will. Until they do, I will go to sleep at Nox, searching for those dreams that will carry me through till first light.

"Harry, you need to believe that one day you will see again."

"Yeah, but—"

"And more than that,"Sirius interrupted,"until the day comes when your vision returns, you'll have to find a way to see through your blindness."Harry's immediate reaction was to let a outburst of air push through his lip in scoffing sacking of Sirius'words. He began to diminish back into his pillow when he stopped himself and held fast to Sirius'deal. To see through sightlessness ? Might it still be potential ?

Not sure what to expect, Harry reached out with his mind as Dakhil had shown him — to see without seeing. Why hadn't he thought of it before ? Almost immediately he could recognize the brightness level of Sirius before him. It wasn't an mental image so much as an aura of spark that shown bright. Harry leaned forward in his bed. Reaching out further he began to take in the dim radiance of the constituent life that clung to the walls, ceiling and floor. Without saying a Scripture he let go of Dog Star'hand and rose out of bed.

"Harry, I don't think—"But Harry held up his hand and his godfather simply watched.

What Harry was ‘ seeing'wasn't so much an figure of speech as an imprint of all that was around him. It would direct time to decode the shapes, hue and volume. There was a glow coming toward them. Harry pointed at the door.

"Someone's coming,"he said. Sirius spun, confused. An instant later, Madame Pomfrey walked through the doorway.

"Harry Potter !"she cried."Get back in bed this split second !"Harry smiled as she reached over to help him, but he moved out of the way before she could pass on him.

"I should have known it was you by your colour,"he said happily."Bright gamy — the coloring material of a healer's spell."He looked back at his godfather."Sothis, you're a bit orange right now. You were brighter a moment ago. What's damage ?"

"My god,"whispered Canicula."You can see."


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 13 - The New summation
~~~***~~~

"The flow. The stream ! Do you see the current ?"

"Ye… yes, Ro… Ronan. I… I see… the bloody… stream."

"jump !"

Ronan didn't want to tell apart him. Harry had already started the saltation.

It had been bitterly dusty all day, but with all the running Harry was beginning to rue his determination to wear clothes. They were pushing the limits between forcible and magical travail and Harry's understructure, well clad in a pair of trainers, were on fervour. The light jacket and pants he was wearing were suffocating and felt like they weighed a thousand pounds.

Once again he was training with Shahan and Felspar. Over the finis few days, the three had been put though their pace by Ronan, Firenze and others — running, lifting, and shooting pointer from one slope of the Forbidden forest to the other. Harry was exhausted — a feeling he was beginning to savour. If anything, he preferred to be out in nature.

Still blind, he was developing his restrict ability to reach out and smell out the aureole of life around him. While he could make impressions about where affair were at Hogwarts, occasionally very clean objects would miss his attention. A radical of Slytherin fourthly years had discovered this about a hebdomad after Harry had returned from Hospital and had taken to conjuring marble in country where they knew Harry would be walking. Harry, in turn, developed a few spells that helped top his way. The tinkling of marbles usually meant that a Slytherin was nearby, waiting to learn Harry get wise. But since Harry could discover someone's aura, even through walls, the perpetrator was usually found fastened to the bulwark with their underwear on their heads and nothing else. It was a page out of what Nott and Parkinson had done to Ron death class and Harry didn't mind a petty playful requital.

In the woodland, however, Harry felt as if his vision was better than having sight. Everything was active and vibrant. Trees and vegetation, the largest animate being and the smallest spores, Harry could see it all as if he'd never been blind.

Shahan had cleared the watercourse ahead and was already pulling away. felspar came a bit forgetful and she splashed water into the air. Harry, just a stride behind feldspar, was little still, landing a full phase of the moon measure away from the bank's edge. His foot landed firmly in the water and he struggled to retain his residuum so as not to fall into the icy water completely. He'd only taken three steps when he noticed the coolness around his foundation. When he focused his attention downward he could sense clearly that his trainers were gone, the bottoms of his pants in tag. Where the splattering from feldspar hit the front end of his jersey it had dissolved away as if it had been burned by dot, the aura of his bare skin underneath beaming through.

Stepping backward as he moved out of and away from the stream, Harry focused at the melt down water system. For the kickoff sentence he noticed that its colour was dissimilar than the other stream he'd seen through the timber. The alight emanating from this piss was whiter, more crystalline, more pure. With a not bad bounce Ronan, who had been following, jumped from bank to bank with repose. Harry expected to be chastised for stopping, yelled at for falling behind, but Ronan said cypher. Harry noticed that the whitish-gray of Ronan's aura warmed a bit. He'd learned, at to the lowest degree with his friends, that such a change meant a smile. He wondered what it meant with a Centaur.

Shahan had long disappeared in the underbrush ahead, but Felspar stopped short of the thickening trees and returned to Harry and Ronan.

"Is something incorrect ?"Felspar asked.

"Only one of the three has seen it,"answered Ronan coolly."I asked you not to depend on your situation and to reach out with your vision."

"But Shahan said—"Felspar began, but Ronan cut him off.

"You are your own Centaur, Felspar ! You have passed these body of water so often, and yet you still can not see ?"feldspar stepped nearer to the flow, staring down at its rippling.

"Not with your eyes, foolish one !"snapped Ronan. feldspar stepped back and closed her heart. A consequence passed before she rose up on her fundament legs and spun toward them.

"The falls !"she cried with inflammation."The stream that feeds the crepuscule !"Then felspar stepped over to Harry, noticing his bare foot and ankle."Harry ceramicist, your fetlock joint are bare."She stepped near."But the flesh is unharmed. If ever I held dubiousness in the elect, they have forever washed away."feldspar nodded with a slight bow. Harry nodded in reappearance and the smiled as he saw felspar own fetlocks.

"And I thought you couldn't be any whiter,"Harry said, grinning.

"The boy is compensate, Felspar,"said Ronan."Your own fetlocks have grown brighter. Like the chosen, you now wear socks."He laughed as felspar looked down to see that indeed her whiten coat was glistening to a greater extent brightly from the knee and soak down.

"Perhaps you should skip over in wholly,"suggested Harry.

"No,"said felspar immediately, backing away from the water."I would not place the honour of my kernel at such a standard. Indeed, if I had known these were the very waters…"

"felspar,"said Ronan,"catch up to Shahan if you can and tell him that we are done for the day. He has, once again, failed the test. You are fortunate that you stopped to return. In these fourth dimension we must retrieve to think of the herd before our own interests."Felspar bowed.

"Shahan will not be pleased,"Felspar said to the background.

"As I am not,"retorted Ronan."For three heterosexual days Shahan has failed to savvy the object lesson. Firenze says Shahan did not even bother to search for Ebyrth. The centaur is of no use to the heard if he refuses to take our ways. I care not that he is young."Then Ronan stepped tight to Felspar ; his posture becoming unbending."You would be wise not to listen to Shahan's thoughts, Felspar. That your pelage should change people of color at all is not a good sign. Your mother has raised you better."Then Ronan's demeanour changed back to one of teacher.

"focal point your thinker on where you need to be, Felspar."He said nothing more, but Felspar turned toward the portion of the wood through which Shahan had disappeared. A minute later in a streak of Andrew D. White she was gone.

"Is that not an Apparation ?"Harry asked.

"One can not Apparate on these grounds, Harry thrower. The dry land is too filled with magic. The Centaurus can bow space and boring clock time so that space travelled can be covered far more quickly than on hoof alone. You have accomplished this already. What's more you have learned to go away your mortal body and travel with the early living spirits of the forest."

"You helped me… when I was with Shahan."

"Yes,"answered Ronan."But I need not point you again ; these skill are yours to require. Do you sense the Bowtruckle staring at us from across the stream ? Perhaps he can help you see what you've thirsted for. Reach out to the creature's mind."

When Harry did strain out, he found it far easier than he first expected. The energy of the forest seemed to permeate him with added brainwave, guiding his thought process as he became focused on the creature, leaving his own self, releasing his corporeal configuration behind and melding into the essence of a joystick. In a flash he was one with the woody Bowtruckle. His eyes blinked. Ahead, across the stream were a Centaurus and unseasoned man with tattered pants and no shoes. Harry tried to mistreat forward, but the tool would not react. It was as if he were simply eavesdropping. Suddenly, he felt quite thirsty. Instead of looking ahead at the two across the stream, Harry found himself looking down. There was a rather turgid reek worm wriggling its bulb-shaped principal between two leaves. He bent down, sniffed the foul affair at pulled it up out of the grime grinding gut and earthly concern between his teeth.

"Yack !"said Harry, returning to his own eubstance and spitting out what wasn't there. Ronan remained expressionless.

"well done, Harry ceramicist. It has been less than a class since the Cleansing, and already you have learned the Centaurus artistic creation. It will take much Thomas More prison term to master them and many years to understand their honest nature. It is…"Ronan paused looking toward the western sky."…unfortunate that we have so lilliputian time."His hoof clawed at the ground."It does not go well for our blood brother in Eastern EU. Wizards have joined the Dementors and brought a new ally to the war."These finish words were spoken with the most emotion Harry had ever heard from a Centaur—contempt.

"Vampires,"said Harry quietly."It's the work of Lucius Malfoy."

"It is the study of Ebyrth. Malfoy is but its tool."

Harry could feel darkness falling, and for the first metre he was beginning to experience cold. Ronan sensed this at once.

"It is time for you to return to the castle, Harry Potter. I have been training you far too severe and far too tight, I'm afraid. So it is with Shahan and felspar. You are all learning before your ability to embrace. If we were big in number…"Ronan let out a foresightful suspiration as Harry turned to face him.

"Why earnings war,"asked Harry,"simply because Ebyrth has returned to the firmament ? How is it that this solstice is any different than last ?"

"That is not a doubt for the Centaur, Harry ceramicist,"said Ronan defiantly."It is a question for the Dementors. It is not our war ; it is theirs. It is not the Centaur herd that are destroying the hamlet of Eastern EC. That is the work of the Dementors and their ilk. They are the single swayed by Ebyrth's return ; we are simply defending ourselves."

"I read that in the Battle of the Fifth Age the Centaur ruck nearly obliterated Dementors from the face of the earth."

"Would that we had,"said Ronan coolly."Their wickedness has no intention other than devastation. Near the end of that war, only a handful escaped into the swampland and bog through which we could not locomote. It was there they learned to fly ; it was there they developed their thirst for soul. Now, from a scattered few, their offspring have multiplied. They outnumber the Centaurs two to one. For that we can thank the Wizarding human race and the world of man whose rapacity has consumed the earth and produced maintenance on which the Dementors feed.

"No, Harry potter, you fight on the side of righteousness, as the Centaurs have for centuries. But, I am afraid, virtue alone will not be enough to lead us to victory. We will need your strength and more."

"It doesn't help that I'll never see again,"said Harry, rubbing his weaponry with his men to bring some affectionateness to them.

"It is the will of Ebyrth. There is a reason and you will see it. Already your blindness has taught you to see many things."

"Yeah, right,"said Harry a bit sarcastically."I see that everyone's their own pretty colour. If I had a few centuries I might be able-bodied to recognise everyone's special hue."

"It is a window to the look that lies within. This imagination you have goes beyond external show and penetrates the centre of the tool before you. My people hold their emotions well, so they appear gray or white. Have you noticed that firm elves are nearly always—"

"cat valium. Er… light-green. Yeah, I noticed."

"Goblins, whose natures are always angry, are almost always peak with red. While wizards and Wiccan carry the colors that suit their nature, colours the trained Centaur head can discern. It does not deal long to discern the given hue."

"Or hue,"added Harry.

"exculpation me ?"asked Ronan."What do you mean ?"

"wellspring, when they have more than one vividness. You know, say viridity that sometimes turns blue."Ronan was staring blankly at Harry."You know, the guy's kind of blue sometimes, kind of commons other times… right ?"

"Unless there is a phenomenal translation, a spirit carries but one hue, Harry thrower. It may clear up or darken, but the hue remains the Same. Unless…"

"Unless what ?"asked Harry. Ronan stepped back from Harry and scanned the woods about them.

"Do you see this in many ?"he asked cautiously. Harry had to suppose for a min.

"No, not really. Now that I think of it. Just a handful… in the school."Ronan stepped closer.

"There are ways you might see two hues, Harry thrower. Some whizz or witches are known Animagi. The animal inside can represent a different hue, although even among the Animagi it is rare. Usually, the creature reflects the nature of the witch or wizard."There was a long pause.

"And the other ?"asked Harry.

"It can be the work of a fractured life, somebody who is really two people, or possibly under the dominance of another."

"The Imperius jinx ?"Harry asked.

"Perhaps. Such is the way of ace and my knowledge falters there. I hope this is not someone close. soul in your self-assurance ?"

"Erm, no… not really,"Harry lied."I've got to go, Ronan. Thank you for your commandment today."Harry's intellect was clicking of the list of epithet. He focused on bending the space between where he was and Hagrid's hut."I think I can find—"Before he finished his sentence, Harry had warped time and found himself outside Hagrid's figurehead room access. He'd covered the length, some mile, in little more than the wink of an eye. Still, in so doing he'd exhausted what small resources of military posture he had left. His clothes shredded, he was about to knock on Hagrid's door when he sensed that somebody was hidden in the trees behind the garden. Harry reached for his wand and held it at the ready. Barefoot, he began to step silently toward the spy. It was one technique taught him by the centaur and for the fleetest of here and now Harry thought he'd prefer a notched pointer right field about now.

Stealthily, Harry moved closer. The public figure, with a bright emerald green aura, didn't motility. Its position continued to rest against the Tree. Just a few railyard away Harry's nostril took in the smell of fume, a distinctively aromatic heater.

"Draco !"Harry hissed quiet down and low. This last, Harry could see the figure, still leaning motionless against the tree, bring his manus to his mouth. He was taking another retarding force on his cigarette. Harry could get word the exhale, long and slow.

"Damn, thrower,"Draco said, pulling himself away from the tree and turning to human face Harry."I thought you'd never get here."Draco took a step closer."Falco columbarius, what the hell happened to you ?"

"Dragon, you can't be here. Do you know what will happen if—"

"You don't know yet, do you ?"said Draco in a long low drawl. He liked knowing Thomas More than Harry and didn't head showing it, if only for a moment."How long have you been in the forest ? All day ?"

In the darkness from far up the Alfred Hawthorne Harry could hear the figurehead doors of the castle clear with their device characteristic go. What he didn't expect to take heed next was Ron Weasley's voice.

"He should be there by now, I'm sure."

Followed by his father's.

"I should hope so, Ron. I don't have much more time and this is quite important."

Harry spun to see three image walking their way down to Hagrid's hut. One he didn't recognize, but was sure was Mr. Weasley. The other two were Ron and Professor Dumbledore.

"I thought the old man would be numb by now,"said genus Draco with a subject of fact tone as he pulled what was left of Harry's jersey toward some thicker underbrush. Harry acquiesced and the two withdrew deeper into the woods as Ron, Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley made their way to Hagrid's hut. When Hagrid answered the bash he was ashen.

"Yeh should have been here an hour ago !"he called from inside."I don't care what Ronan tells yeh ; the forest ain't safety after dar—. Er… prof Dumbledore, sir. Erm… Minister. I… er… I wasn't expectin'company."

"I take it,"said Dumbledore, making his way into the hut,"that Harry has not yet returned from his sentence with the centaur ?"A mo later and the door shut leaving Harry alone with Draco once again.

"What's going on, Draco ?"said Harry not holding the proper telephone circuit of flock with Dragon's optic."I thought you were going to use Blaise to—"

"So it's true,"said Draco, waving his hired man in front of Harry's face."You're blind."Able to see the glow from the life-forms that clung there, Harry grabbed Draco's arm.

"You can say !"said Harry dismissively."It's been in every paper I can think of."Draco ignored the crack, reached up and touched the side of Harry's boldness.

"Does it offend ?"

"I'm too cold to sense anything right now,"said Harry rubbing his arms again."What's up with Blaise ?"

"Blaise has been… compromised. He and I have a magical catch phrase that we use to guarantee the other is mentally free from any… tampering. For the last two weeks, Blaise has tried to contact me without using that musical phrase. He's someone else's now."Draco took another long puff on his coffin nail."How father found out… I don't know."His words were deeply disquiet. It was an emotional slip in Dragon that Harry had rarely seen."We were careful ; Sir Thomas More than careful. You need to know that there's a spy in the castle. I thought maybe Nott, but he doesn't have the skill to drop the Imperius."

"You're r-risking your spirit to tell me there's a spy ?"asked Harry incredulously."There's p-probably a dozen !"His teeth were beginning to maunder as the frigid set in.

"And you're supposed to be our Jesus of Nazareth ? We're screwed."Draco flicked his butt into the air and it vanished."Here."He passed Harry his cloak and wrapped it around his shoulder joint."You know, aside from being scratched bloody, having essentially no apparel, and looking like you were just run over by the Hogwarts Express, you're in pretty secure shape. Maybe if you stopped running around the afforest laughingstock naked—"

"T-Training,"Harry interrupted.

"right wing, like that's going to save your sorry ass. I don't know what potions you've been taking, but you better arouse up and see what's going on around here."

"I don't know where the hell you've been, Draco, but I've been here since day one. I think I know what's going—"

"Cho and Goldstein are going to be married over Christmas. Did you know that ? A secret wedding."

"What ? What are you talking about ?"

"I've been here since day one,"Draco mocked Harry."Yes, you're so in line, so enlightened. Hell, Harry, that's not even the worry news."

"Married ? Goldstein ?"

"Not even her little brother knows they're getting married. Quite scandalous."Draco chuckled to himself and then sat cross-legged on the ground."But I suppose you, all knowing vaticinator of the subterfuge have insight to that."Harry said zilch, but sat down next to Draco crossing his branch and legs under Draco's cloak.

"seminal fluid on, thrower,"drawled Draco once again."Surely you can guess why Cho and Goldstein would want to… nay… would ask to get married secretly."Again there was a long pause and Harry pulled Draco's robe tighter about his articulatio humeri. He was feeling a pang of green-eyed monster and he had no right field to. He had loved Cho and he would always love her, but their paths were never meant to go together. His way of life was and would forever be entangled with Gabriella. It wasn't perfect tense but the magnet was strong and the love firm and the uncertainty of any given day that kept Harry forever on edge tickled a very Slytherin part of his spirit that wriggled deep inside him. Finally, Harry breathed.

"Cho's pregnant,"Harry whispered."That explains why they've been meeting secretly for months. Goldstein won't say where."

"Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault,"answered Dragon with a sly smile."Don't tell anyone, Harry, but Goldstein's guardian may be their chaperone by day, but at dark he's a Death feeder in my beginner's help. It's a tryst of minuscule moment to my father and it pays the bills for William Henry, the chaperone, but I knew you might have a limited interest."

"I never thought that Goldstein and Cho would—"

"Oh, but I'm not done, Harry. Cho Chang spends her twenty-four hour period in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault, in a fiddling villa just north of Marseilles, a town called La Mure. She and the—"

"When's she due ?"Harry asked."Do you sleep together how far along she is ?"At this Draco smiled.

"crone can hide that fact until the very day of bringing, Harry. Have you ever seen a pregnant crone ?"For a moment, Harry pondered the estimation. No, he hadn't ever seen a pregnant witch. And then he remembered that he'd seen Geoffrey Hooper's mother just a few weeks before her child was born and she looked no different than the twelvemonth before.

The doorway to Hagrid's cabin opened and the giant stepped out for just a moment looking toward the forest."Should be any bit, sir,"he said to the tribe inside."Any moment."Then more quietly to himself before he went back in he whispered to the wood,"Harry, where in Singehorn's public figure are yeh ?"Harry began to abide, but Draco pulled him back down. For a flash, Harry was irritated, but caught himself.

"You know, Dragon,"Harry said gently,"if we walked in there right now, together, Dumbledore and the Minister would take you back. You'd be—"

"Dead in about two daylight,"cut in genus Draco."Not by the Ministry's hired man, but by its nighttime underbelly."

"Then why are you risking your biography right now ? It's not to chat on about some miss and guy you couldn't hold a damn about. What's so authoritative that—"

"They've found it,"Draco interrupted."calendar month ago I asked you to find it first, and you didn't even try. Now they have it."He flicked a branchlet into Harry's face."Blaise risked his living and you did nothing. Now he's been found out."Draco leaned over and grabbed the cloak about Harry's neck. Harry could feel the cloth tighten, not by Draco's hand, but another force."You're going to get it back, good, or I'll killing you myself."The cloth tightened further. Harry reached for his verge, but found the cloak held his hands tight.

"genus Draco,"he gasped,"I don't know what you're—"

"Save it for someone who gives a damn."He leaned over Harry who was gasping for breathing place now."Funny thing… magical cloaks. They can harbour so many enchantments."He pressed Harry firmly against the sod as the Gryffindor desperately tried to foregather air."Understand, Harry, I don't want it and I sure as hell don't want my father to get his hired man on it. But he will if they have their way. Get it out of the Ministry before it's too late."

All of a sudden, the cloak released Harry and he began to cough, heaving in as a great deal air as he could. Draco took to his foot and wrapped the blackened cloak about his shoulders, his long blond tomentum starkly white in dividing line. Still coughing, Harry stumbled to his feet and pulled his wand. Draco ignored the gesture and turned to get out. But then he stopped as if suddenly remembering a block idea. The door to the Hagrid's hut opened and Ron stepped out. He'd heard the auditory sensation of Harry's cough.

"Harry ? !"Ron called to the swarthiness.

"Oh, and Harry,"Draco said, looking Harry in the eyes even if the glance was not returned."Cho isn't pregnant."He turned to pull up stakes."It's a new-sprung babe boy. fountainhead, not so much newborn any more. You'll never guess the birthday… it's the same day as yours."

"Harry !"Ron called again. This time, by the whole tone in Ron's interpreter, Harry knew they'd been seen. He focused back toward the hut, but when he turned back to genus Draco, the Slytherin was gone.

"That's not possible,"he whispered at the vanity. The auditory sensation of footsteps came charging up from behind and Harry could get a line the commotion on the presence porch of Hagrid's hut. A helping hand touched Harry's articulatio humeri.

"Was that who I think it was ?"Ron asked quietly. Harry simply nodded."That can't be good,"Ron muttered.

"No. No, Ron, it's not."

"Harry ? Is that you my boy ?"Arthur Weasley called from the hut."Harry, come inside. Get out of the cold."

"I told you, President Arthur,"Dumbledore said gently from within the hut,"nil to worry about. Come in and let's finish our tea."

"My god, Albus !"cried Arthur as Harry and Ron returned to the cabin."Look at the boy !"Harry was still barefoot, what remained of his clothes in tatters, his cheek covered in mud and now a thin red line that wrapped about his neck shown through the dirt. As he climbed the steps with Ron's assistance his teeth once again began to chatter.

"Yes, yes,"said Dumbledore, dispassionately."I see they've been working you rather hard today, Harry."The assertion was to a greater extent doubtfulness than anything."A lot to mean about ?"Harry just nodded and walked through the door."Well, it's not going to get any well-situated, Lester Willis Young man."

"Get o'er by the flaming, lad,"said Hagrid, offering a mantle. But before Harry had a chance to accept, Dumbledore pulled his wand and tapped Harry's shoulder. The grime disappeared and a Hogwarts gown covered his physical structure. The lean red line about his neck and the aching muscleman, however, remained.

"Hagrid,"said Dumbledore,"perhaps some tea and some…"Harry tried to catch Dumbledore's optic to tell him to stop, but found, as it had been since his accident, he could no longer effectively put across silently with his eyes."…stone cakes."

Warming his muscles by the fire, sipping a bit of tea, and pretending to savor Hagrid's rock-hard gemstone cakes, Harry was beginning to palpate himself again. He assured King Arthur Weasley that he was ticket and that his tousled show was all in a day's body of work, training with the Centaurs in the woods ; but the Minister was none too convinced.

"Your clothes were in shred, Harry, and it still looks as if you've been strangled."

"Just a little work with Lucifer's Snare is all, sir,"answered Harry, rubbing his neck with his left hand and sipping some more tea with the other. If they could see his eyes, they would know he wasn't listening to a discussion they were saying. Draco probably thought his little appearance would rivet Harry's mind fully on some Horcrux that the Ministry had no dubiety just found, but Harry's mind was anything but centred. After a bit more banter about school, regret about Harry being blind, and news about the battles raging in Eastern Europe, Chester A. Arthur Weasley finally got down to the purpose of his visit.

"You know, I'm sure,"he began,"that we have been excavating the collapse that occurred at the Ministry last year, beneath the… erm, chamber."

"What ?"Harry exclaimed."Why ?"

"well, to try to recover the consistence, Harry,"answered Mr. Weasley, surprised somewhat at Harry's response."Many Aurors lost their lives that evening and their bodies have never been found — at least, not until conclusion week. Since the collapse we tried for calendar month to find out the bottom with no success. We encountered one magical portal after another, and the workers were none too inclined to accidentally trip across the drapery itself."

"You recovered the drapery of Phenolem ?"cried Ron."Why ? Why in bloody—"

"No, Ron,"interrupted Dumbledore,"the Curtain and the ambo were destroyed in the fall. No, just the dead body, physical structure from both English, have been returned to their loved ones."

"Well, yes, Albus,"added Arthur with some nervousness."Most of them, anyway. We have yet to find Draco Malfoy's remains."Ron began to cough.

"Hagrid,"he asked, clearing his throat once again,"do you take in any Sir Thomas More stone cakes ?"

"Why trusted, Ron,"said Hagrid with glee."Come on in teh the kitchen."Ron stood and followed Hagrid, patting Harry's shoulder joint on the way.

"I don't really see what any of this has to do with me, sir,"said Harry."I mean… well, I've put that behind me now. oasis't I ? There's another darkness we need to stave in off, isn't there ?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely, Harry, absolutely."Arthur patted Harry's lap."But there was one other recovery at the very astuteness of the gaping fissure."All at once, Mr. Weasley's nimbus faded and Harry knew the following lyric were a lie."They pulled it up today, just before luncheon. I looked for you earlier, Harry, but you'd already left for the forest."King Arthur Weasley stood from his electric chair and looked out the window facing the castling, the colour returned to his aura."I was thinking we could suffer a dedication of sorts. You could fall to the Ministry as we put it on show. It would certainly remind the mass in these night times that we can vanquish darkness."

"I'm sorry, sir, but what did you recoup ?"

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry, Harry,"answered Arthur."I've wanted to discuss our search since you and I spoke on the train. I never knew taking charge of the Ministry would down so much of my time."His eyes wandered for a moment and then returned to meet Harry's."No matter,"he whispered."In our search, we recovered the cloak. The black cloak of… You-Know-Who. The only remnant of his darkness and a symbol to all of his defeat."

"Voldemort ?"snapped Harry."You have Voldemort's cloak ?"Harry turned in his president."Burn the damn thing. Destroy it !"

"I knew you might palpate this way, Harry,"said King Arthur with understanding."That's why I came myself. You must realize what an icon you've become in the Wizarding world. Just one picture of you, perhaps wand drawn, adjacent to the cloak of the wickedness you destroyed would mean so practically to—"

"It's insane !"said Harry, rising to his understructure."Do you have it off what that might be ? It could—"

"Harry,"said Dumbledore sternly, silencing Harry's fustian."I think it would be Isaac Mayer Wise for you to take some clip to consider what all the implications are. Time to consider what's best for… everyone involved."Harry expected to see the fondness of anger build in Dumbledore's aura, but if anything his light dimmed with a coolness of concern.

"I… I'm sorry, sir,"said Harry, cooling his own disposition."Yes, that's what I need Minister… time."

"Please, Harry, you needn't phone call me—"

"exculpation me, sir. I need to go. It's just… I'm really tired is all."Harry reached out his hand to judder, and Arthur Weasley took it."Let me get my head together, and I'll get back to you. Just a day or two."

"Certainly, Harry, I understand. Until then, we'll hold back it good ; I can assure you."Harry started for the room access."Here, let me take the air you to the castle."

"I got it dad,"said Ron, dropping one of the stone cakes on the table with a thud."cultivation your tea and have some more… er, cakes."Ron ran to the door next to Harry's side. Staring at the cake and then Hagrid, King Arthur was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke out instead.

"Excellent idea, Mr. Weasley,"he said to the younger redhead."Please find Harry safely back to the castle."

"Goodnight, Hagrid,"said Harry to the goliath still in the kitchen, baking up another wad of cakes for his guest."Thanks !"

"Sure thing, Harry,"called Hagrid."Anytime."Then he turned to Mr. Weasley just as Harry began to shut the threshold."minister of religion, try another one, hot out of the oven !"

By the time Harry and Ron were at the castle step, Harry had answered most of Ron's questions.

"I just don't get it, Harry,"said Ron shaking his head."It's just a patch of cloth. You killed him."

"Ron, you saw my wearing apparel tonight. They were burnt away because I fell into the magical current that feeds the evenfall. Remember when you fell in last year ?"

"Pulled in you mean,"said Ron, rubbing his right carpus."Yeah, I remember. My clothes disappeared."

"They didn't disappear,"corrected Harry."They were burnt away. Clothes are unclean. They can't survive the purity of the water."

"That's a Centaur tarradiddle,"said Ron dismissively.

"Tale or not, the piss destroys cloth. I doused Voldemort in nearly ten congius of the stuff. It was enough to dissolve every iniquity bone in his eubstance, but the cloak… Damn ! I should have got known when I saw it then. The cloak survived. But why ?"

"So you think it's the…"Ron's voice dipped low,"…the Horcrux Draco was talking about ?"

"I don't see how it can be,"answered Harry."If it's part of Voldemort, it should have been destroyed."Harry sighed."Maybe Hermione will know."Ron shrugged and nodded in agreement as he reached to unfold the rook doorway. Ron heaved on the heavy grip just as Harry's deal stopped him and shut them again.

"Ron ?"he asked."You have a lot of buddy and sis. Erm… how foresightful does it take to… er… for a crone to… you know… have a baby, after… you know."For a secondly, Ron just stared at Harry, and then reaching ever so slightly to the mentation on the tip of Harry's mind he understood.

"Oh ! How long does it take for a baby to be born after innovation ?"he asked.

"Yeah… yeah, that's it."

"well my mum's always going on how I took longer than most… ‘ 40 two weeks, and in the center of the war !'she'd say.

"So… figurin'my natal day, what would you say… you know… for my folk to…er—"

"Do the nasty ?"said Ron with a smile. Harry simply nodded. well, Ron thought for a moment, touched his fingers and counted backwards, and then a gleam of a grin crossed his face once again.

"Pretty damn near to Halloween, Harry."He poked Harry in the costa."Do you recollect they were wearing costumes ?"Harry didn't react in the way Ron expected. Instead, he leaned his dorsum against the castle doors and slid down to a sit on the stone landing place.

"Oh, Falco columbarius,"he whispered in a sickly sorting of voice."Oh, bloody, piece of tail, Merlin."

"What ? What is it, Harry ?"

"Ron… I think… I think I'm a father."


Harry ceramist and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 14 - Wedding Plans ~~~***~~~

When Harry and Ron passed through the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry found the Gryffindor common room, tender than pattern. Near the fireplace sat the auras of Annapurna, Lavender, Gabriella, Hermione, Ginny and Dean. Towards the dorsum, Neville was helping Patrick and a few others, Harry had yet to agnise, prepare for their Herbology exam. Evidently, the test involved a combustion plant of some kind, perhaps fireseed, Harry thought, since there was a billowy cloud of smoke that hung over the group and cypher seemed to mind.

Harry, his creative thinker fractured at the moment, brought his tending on Patrick. The Mary Jane was clouding his ability to see the auras of those at the back table, but the sink in twinkle emanating from Patrick was the same as it had been since Harry first met him after the accident - blue air and green. Each colour waxed and waned, growing more green whenever he was excited or near Harry.

"St. Patrick ?"Harry thought silently to himself, but the persuasion was short lived.

"Harry ! Ron !"cried James Dean. His spokesperson brought Harry's attending back to the radical about the fireplace. The call sounded like a plea for help, as if Dean felt, at the moment, like a cornered rat in a Snake's Cage. He began to bear when Ginny grabbed his arm.

"Oh, Dean,"she said breathlessly,"isn't it beautiful ?"Hermione was projecting an image of a Thomas Young womanhood in a Stanford White wedding dress. The daughter stood, suspended in the center of the five educatee and modelled the attire she was wearing, slowly turning in all centering so that everyone could see, everyone that is except Harry.

"Er… yeah, keen,"muttered dean miserably, sinking back into the couch.

"I don't know, Gin,"said Lavender cautiously."I think the caravan's a little long."

"Lavender's right hand, Hermione,"added Parvati."You don't want to conduct with all that dragging behind you even if it's levitated."

"You could hold fairy's carry it."

"I kind of like it,"Hermione said as she held her helping hand to her mentum and tapped her cheek with one finger."But I think the second…"James Byron Dean let out an audible groan, but the missy ignored him while Hermione began to swank through model after model, dress after frock, as if riffle page of a al-Qur'an. It was only then when she noticed that Ron and Harry had entered the common room.

"Ron !"she exclaimed."You're just in time."dean's center grew wide and he shook his read/write head as nondescriptly as he could to ward them off. Ron caught it, but Harry did not."We were just looking over apparel when—"She stopped herself mid-sentence, noticing the expression on Ron's face."What's wrong ?"

Gabriella stood and came over to Harry."You both look like someone died. Did Filch catch you sneaking into the kitchens again ? Out with it… what happened ?"Ron looked at Harry, and Harry looked blankly above the girls.

"aught,"they said simultaneously.

Gabriella patted Harry's cheek.

"Nothing ?"she said, sensing the swirling horde of emotions that must have shown like a beacon for everyone to see."Would you like to fall in us ?"she asked."We were just—"

"No thanks,"interjected Harry. While he had grown accustomed to seeing students from early houses in the common room, he had completely forgotten that the girls were going to get together this evening to discuss Hermione's wedding programme for the summer."I need to get ready for the Potions exam tomorrow."Ginny stood, looking at Harry.

"I thought you were supposed to be out training all day today,"she said, questioningly.

"I was."

"But you're screaky clean and jerk,"she replied sceptically."You know, if you weren't working out in the forest today, we could possess gotten at least three hours on the pitch."

"I was in the forest today !"Harry exclaimed."Besides, you know I can't Seak. Not like this."He waved his hand in front of his centre.

"You're the team sea captain ! It's you're duty to—"

"These aren't your gown,"interrupted Gabriella, rubbing the cloth in her fingers."These are new."

"Dumbledore cleaned him up,"offered Ron. This was followed by a refrain.

"Dumbledore ?"

"fountainhead, er… he and Dad were at Hagrid's and—"

"Dad ?"asked Ginny."Dad's here ? Why didn't he say he was coming to school ? Where is he ?"It felt, suddenly, as if sharks were beginning to circle Harry and Ron.

"Well, he only had a minute,"said Ron, stepping near to his sister. She had risen to her feet and doyen took the chance to quickly dart away and head toward the spiral staircase to the male child'dormitory."And he needed to see Harry, so I took him over to—"

"So he saw you, but he didn't have time to see his only daughter ?"

Less than a second later everyone was talking at once. Ron and Harry were being bombarded with doubt about everything from the Minister's sojourn, to why Dumbledore needed to conjure Harry new gown, to what pattern Ron mentation would be overnice for the new china.

Unexpectedly, there was a brassy detonation from the back of the room that caused everyone to shriek. A rather large fireball spewed forth from the table where Neville and the others were working. It was Neville who stopped it from lighting the whole place on fire by casting a squelching appeal.

"shit it, St. Patrick,"Neville said irritably, while a few of the other student laughed,"I told you not to mix fireseeds with dittany pulverisation ! If you do that in the exam tomorrow, prof Sprout will fail you for sure."

The rumpus that had surrounded Harry, quickly gathered about the back table and the scorched faces that stood there. Harry took the opportunity to follow Dean's pace up the staircase. Near the top he heard a rather dejected Patrick apologize, but what he saw was a bluish glory beaming with pride. Then Harry noticed Saint Patrick flash him a thumbs-up from within the tenacious sleeve of his robe, a signal that no one could see.

"Sorry, Neville,"said Patrick with a shrug of his articulatio humeri."I'm just no good at this variety of clobber. I'll be golden to make it to the thirdly yr at this rate."

Gabriella looked back toward the fireplace to witness Harry and before she could incur where he was Harry disappeared into the boys'dormitory. Inside he found doyen, belly down on his bed, reading a book about Quidditch. He loved the game so, it was a shame he wasn't any secure at it. He looked up as Harry entered.

"Are they gone ?"he asked."Did you have to swash them all up ?"

"well, I—"

"Because that'd be fine by me, Harry. I was about to gas myself up if I had to calculate at one more Taiwan pattern."He looked back at the book and turned the page."Talk about pressure… blimey."He turned another page."I mean… I love Ginny and all, but does she actually think I'm going to ask her to wed me ?"He turned another page ; clearly not having read the last."So… last year… yeah, maybe. But that's your fault."Dean looked up, pointing a digit at Harry.

"Me ?"

"wellspring, I mean, I was in a battle — fighting you for her. You know. That sort of matter, well… it gets a guy in the mood. But this stuff downstairs… marriage wearing apparel, and colours of table clothes, and…"Dean sighed."talking about deflating."Without looking back down to the book, he turned another page. Then, quite suddenly, Dean groaned and turned over on his bed, placing the open Holy Scripture over his thorax."Merlin, I love her."There was silence and he sighed again."She's been my human race. She brought me back after the accident."James Byron Dean held his hand up, flexing the fingers in front of his face. His soul had been reconnected to his material form and Ginny had been there every step of the way."She didn't need to do that."

"She loves you,"said Harry, walking over to his bed, taking off his new school robe and putting on a loose pair of blue jean."Face it, Dean, you're her world too."

"I just don't want to be thinking about wedding while I'm still in school,"answered dean, sitting up on the edge of his bed and veneer Harry."There's decent to be getting on about without having to worry about in-laws… mainland China patterns…"

"…children,"added Harry quietly.

"Merlin, no,"scene Dean."I can't even imagine. But then Ginny's handy with a sheathing charm. We're careful… you know ?"Harry nodded as a air mile twisted in his tum."Can you consider Neville and Helen ?"continued Dean."Neither one of them used any protection their first few times. Hermione found out and had a fit."

"Hermione ?"queried Harry.

"fountainhead, I told Neville that he was being an imbecile. I told him how Lee Jordon told me that Fred told him that Saint George hooked up with some female child in Hogsmeade last class and wound up with a slip of runespoor verruca. Had to go to St. Mungo's to get them removed. Can you conceive it ? Yeesh."Lee covered his crotch with his hand and grimaced.

"But why Hermione ?"

"If you want to know any spell, appeal, or hex to get the job done, Harry, who do you go to ? Hermione."Harry looked a bit disgruntled and crossed his arms. Dean sensed Harry's superbia and added,"After all, everyone knew she and Ron were together since the spill of last yr. She knew how to be safe, and Neville trusted wasn't going to utter to Ginny."

Harry wasn't certain how to take that. He didn't have a clue until concluding Xmas that Ron and Hermione were together. Yet, everyone else seemed to jazz. Further, he was pretty surely that last year Tonks had used her Metamorphosis skills to adopt on the show of Helen so that she could sneak into Gryffindor tugboat with Neville. It brought up memories… bad memories. Suddenly, going to babble to Hermione about anything didn't seem like such a good idea. Harry began to drum his desk with his finger's breadth, then crossed his arms and just looked down at the base. He could see the aura's of the living organisms that his partner had tracked in under their shoes. Maybe Aunt Petunia wasn't such a looney bat after all - at least as far as wiping one's feet at the door was concerned.

"What's up, Harry ?"asked Dean."Why are you so weave up anyway ?"

Barefoot and shirtless, Harry walked over to the window. Christmas was a week away and, sadly, no snow had fallen. The footing below and the surrounding woodland glistened brightly in Harry's blindness. He placed his left hand on his chest of drawers, just above Asha's heart, the endocarp that even now sat hidden within him. Focusing high above the treetops he found naught but pitch blackness. Late in the evening, cloud had moved in, covering all in a night blanket through which no maven shone. He peered at the same quadrant of sky in which he knew Ebyrth hung, growing ever closer. He closed his eyes and dropped his head word heavily against the glass windowpane.

Voldemort's cloak should take in been destroyed by the piddle from the falls, but it wasn't. Why ? Was it the Horcrux Dragon thought it was, or simply an object of power that Lucius craved ? There was a spy in the castle, probably within Gryffindor or Slytherin that had given up Blaise. He was now under a demise feeder's swaggering curse. Who was the spy ? Could they have turned Patrick too ?

It wasn't enough that war was raging in Eastern Europe and would soon grace the timberland about Hogwarts, if not the palace itself. Now there was a baby. Could it really be his ? That was a stupe inquiry. Of course it could be ; the timing was near perfect and they had been… well, stupid. It was just before the Halloween fete. Harry was going to order Cho about Gabriella… let Cho know that they couldn't be together, that Gabriella was the one he truly loved. But then she touched his arm… the look in her heart. Even now, the memory sent a shudder down his spine and made his interior quiver. Neither of them was in the aright frame of mind, but they both knew what they wanted. Now they were both paying for it. At to the lowest degree Cho was. Harry began to wonder… if the child was Harry's, did Susan Anthony know, or was Cho simply using him ?

Harry shook his head, trying to clear his muddled thoughts. Maybe he was making a big deal of cypher. Maybe Susan Brownell Anthony was the Church Father. But the vision… Gabriella's visual sensation that both he and Hermione shared. He'd seen a small fry. Gabriella saw her own demise and yet Harry saw liveliness. He thought it was their tyke, his and Gabriella's. Now, Harry wasn't so for sure.

The windowpane was cold and a shudder ran across his body. He turned and walked over to his storage chest, opening the lid and feeling around for a shirt.

"Harry ?"dean asked."I know something's bothering you. What is it ?"

"Tell me, Dean,"said Harry as he found a shirt. He began to fumble about for a pair of air sock.

"Yes ?"

"Ah…"Harry held up two socks."Do these twin ?"

"Kinda,"answered Dean, looking at black and maybe a morose navy blue blue.

"Good… good,"replied Harry and he slipped the shirt and wind sock on. He sat back on his bed and slipped on his boots without saying a discussion.

"Harry ?"asked dean probing."Where are you going ?"

"Accio cloak !"Harry called with his rectify hand in the air, digit outstretched for a catch. His cloak flew into his case."Almost,"Harry muttered. He stood and put on the cloak on and then slipped his wand into his sleeve and stepped toward the door.

"Dean,"he said,"please consecrate my apologies to professor Snape. I'll miss the examination tomorrow I'm afraid. It's sad really. Since the joining, I think I had a pretty trade good fortune of acing it. Severus, after all, shared a bit of himself with me that night."Harry rubbed the scar on his compensate arm.

"Slow down, mate,"said dean, taking to his feet."You can't just go off—"

"Whew ! I made it !"cried Ron, jumping into their elbow room."I never thought I'd get Hermione's aid. I finally had to go in through the back door, if you know what I mean."He tapped his head."She'll be up in a… Whoa. Where are you going ?"he asked Harry.

"Actually Ron,"began Harry,"I was just telling Dean that—"

"What's all this about the Horcrux ?"asked Hermione as she entered the room.

"Shhhh !"cried Ron and Harry simultaneously, ushering her inside.

"You found it ?"she asked in a near whisper.

"Maybe… if you can believe Malfoy,"answered Ron.

"Malfoy ?"asked Dean."Not Draco ? I thought he was—"Gabriella entered the room.

"What's going on ?"she asked. Then looking at Harry she queried,"Where are you going ?"

Harry, who had leaned up against the wall near the threshold, began tapping it nervously with his finger's breadth. He glared at Ron."Great plan, mate."

"Well,"said Ron,"I tried to—"Harry held up one finger to his lips and Ron lowered his voice."I tried to—"Harry shook his finger at Ron. There was a bit of a rumble and Ginny burst through the door.

"What's up ?"she asked. Then she noticed Harry."What's with the cloak ?"Harry crossed his arms.

"Bloody snake pit,"he whispered.

"Is that what's got you so agitated Harry ?"Dean asked as Ginny slipped into his munition. Then he turned to her."Did you know Draco was alert ?"It was a enquiry she didn't expect and it caught her off safety. Her optic shot immediately to Ron and the look gave her away at once.

"You did !"cried dean."How could you not tell me ? Did you all know ?"Harry could see the fire building in Dean's emotions. nonentity said a word."How long have you known ?"

"Get over it, Dean !"Harry snapped."Draco wanted it confidential and we're keeping it that way. We know because we were there. Ginny knows because her comrade has a big fat mouth."Harry gestured at Ron without looking his way."genus Draco's heart is here at Hogwarts, Dean. Until we can clear his name we can't make him out as a fugitive."

"open his epithet ?"said James Byron Dean."He was… he is a Death Eater."

"He saved my life, Dean,"interjected Ron."That you do know. That I've told everyone. But my Logos isn't adequate to keep open him out of Azkaban. I should jazz, the rector's my Dad and, no, he doesn't know about Draco either."

These countersign cooled Dean's fires, if only a smidgen, and his work force found his pockets. There was a moment of silence and then he turned to Ginny reached out and took her helping hand.

"You know, Gin,"Dean said gently,"if we're going to spend the repose of our spirit together, we can't be keeping mystery from one another. Secrets… they… they sour souls and crook trust. If you'd have just told me to keep mum, you know I would bear. All you had to do is ask. You know that… don't you ?"Ginny reached her hand to James Dean's cheek and kissed him.

"I know,"she said softly. Then she held him tightly in her branch."I'm sorry."

"Well… dependable,"said Harry uncomfortably."Erm… Ron, tell your Dad that we can have the ceremony with Voldemort's cloak this Saturday after exams."

"But that's three days, Harry,"Ron said,"isn't that too long to—"

"rightfield,"cut in Harry,"so that's why you… all,"he waved toward the group,"can figure out how we get the cloak tomorrow night. I'll meet you at the entranceway to the Ministry at midnight. Have the plan ready and I'll help you however I can."He grabbed Gabriella's hand."Come with me."They started for the doorway when Hermione grabbed the back of Harry's cloak, stopping him in his running.

"What do you mean ? Where are you going ? Your Potions exam is tomorrow."Harry turned back, his face stern but his eyes blank.

"number 1, I'm going to see a friend of mine in Ravenclaw, and then… then I'm going to France."

There was a collective,"What ! ?"from everyone but Ron.

"It's one secret I'm afraid,"said Harry, raising his mitt to quiet his supporter,"that needs to be kept… at least for now."Again he took Gabriella's arm."semen on."Everyone turned to Ron as Gabriella and Harry left the room. Almost immediately, Gabriella began to ask questions, but Harry held a finger to his lips.

"Not here… not now,"he whispered.

They were about to solve out through the portrait of the Fat Lady when Lavender stopped them near the hearth.

"So I guess Hermione's done looking at dresses for the night ?"she asked.

"I think she and Ron might be having a bit of a row,"said Gabriella insightfully."She's definitely done for the night."

"Ooooh,"hummed Lavender as she cast a chatty glance toward Parvati.

"Men,"said Parvati flatly. Gabriella simply nodded, taking Harry by the arm and walking out of the Gryffindor unwashed room.

The two didn't speak until they reached the staircase. It was quiesce with only a few students roaming about. Most were likely studying for tomorrow's examination. The others were either heading toward or returning from the library. The two found themselves alone on the stairway as it slowly began to slide into place. Finally, Harry gathered the courageousness.

"Did you know… ?"he began cautiously."Did you know about Cho ?"

"Cho Yangtze River ?"Gabriella asked blankly.

"Yes, Cho Yangtze River !"Harry snapped."How could you not know ? You two were inseparable at the end of death year. She helped you through exams. pigeon hawk, you spent more time with her than with me. How could you not bang ?"

The stone staircase came to rest against the rampart. The two climbed off that one and onto another that began to slue into yet another direction.

"So we're going to see Susan B. Anthony,"Gabriella said knowingly. Harry said nothing, wishing only that the staircases would move more quickly."William Tell me Harry, are you still so jealous ?"

"Jealous ?"Harry asked angrily."jealousy has nothing to do with this. I have a right to know !"His last Good Book were gaudy and reverberated off the Stone rampart.

"They have a rightfulness to their concealment, Harry,"Gabriella replied with an edge in her voice."They have a rightfulness to keep the Daily prophet out of their lives. Frankly, I don't see how it's any of your business. It's clear Cho knew what she was talking about when she asked that I keep this from you. She said you'd react this way."

They turned and began to give their way up to Ravenclaw tug. A third year Ravenclaw joined them on the moving compositor's case upward. Harry moved close to Gabriella failing miserably at keeping his vox hushed.

"None of my line ? None of my business ? !"

"Yes ! None of your business ! They were stupe, Harry,"Gabriella said struggling to maintain her equanimity in strawman of the third year, although Harry could sense the anger building within her."It was a mistake, a misapprehension that Mark Anthony's wizard enough to set straight. Can't you see that he's trying to do the aright thing by caring for what will soon be his crime syndicate ?"

At this, the third base year Ravenclaw looked back over his shoulder at Harry and Gabriella. Gabriella flashed him a aspect that put the boy's nose back into the Book he was reading. The stone stairway came to a arrest and the boy stepped off followed by Harry, but Gabriella grabbed his arm.

"What do you intend to do ?"she asked."Confront him ? Hex him for getting your… your mistress pregnant ? If that's what she was. You hardly carry the more noble ground."

Suddenly Harry realized that Gabriella knew, but didn't know. She knew that Cho had had a child, but she didn't know that Harry could be the founder. He stopped and leaned against the handrail. The delay was just long enough that the staircase began to propel again.

"She was not my schoolma'am,"Harry said quietly to the darkness."I… I was not myself end year. You know—"Gabriella put her hands about Harry's articulatio humeri.

"I know,"she whispered sadly. Harry turned to front her.

"I've only ever loved you,"he said.

"I know that too,"she said with a grin that Harry could not see but could smell. She kissed him gently on the cheek and pulled him close. They held each early that way for some clock time and when the staircase came to a full point Gabriella moved to get off, but Harry stood still.

"I'm not jealous because of Marcus Antonius,"spoke Harry to the open air before him."It's just that… I could be the father,"he said softly.

"What ?"

"I could be the begetter,"he repeated, stepping close to her."It wasn't Anthony that was the dolt one ; it was me - Hallowe'en of survive yr. Cho's child… it could be mine."

Harry waited to see the reaction, but none came. The news had no issue on Gabriella's aura. Either she knew already, or had suspected all along, or the news simply didn't effect her emotions.

"I see,"she finally whispered."That muddies things a bit, doesn't it ?"

"I need to ask Anthony where she is,"he said firmly."I need to see her ; I need to know."

"It seems to me,"Gabriella said slyly,"that, for someone who's not supposed to know anything, you know quite a bit already. You know there's a youngster. You know she's in France."

"La Mure,"added Harry.

"Then you know all there is to know, Harry. The town's not that great and a few well placed head will get us to where we need to go."

"Us ?"Harry asked.

"Don't be silly,"answered Gabriella."It's far too grievous for you to bequeath the castle alone. Besides, prof Snape has already released me from tomorrow's examination for—"

"—for high gear marks,"interrupted Harry."Yeah, I know. I know."He paused for a few second and then shook his head. But before Harry could say a news Gabriella began.

"Harry,"she said gently, holding her hand to his side,"I don't guardianship how well you can see what others can not."She took his hand."You're blind. It makes a difference. You can't go somewhere you've never been, talk to multitude you've never met and think that it's no big deal."There was another farseeing pause.

"Cho's bodyguard is a Death Eater,"Harry said, Thomas More to himself than to Gabriella.

"You're joking, right ?"

"He's not much of one, but Cho's escort is a demise Eater."He paused, churning the suggestion in his mind. Finally he said,"You're correct. I probably wouldn't get a chance to see her… not without help."He squeezed Gabriella's deal."Besides, you need to be there. I need you to be there."

It took XX hour to get what they needed before they could pussyfoot out through the hidden burrow to Hogsmeade. It took half that clock time to do it to Le Mure. Gabriella was right, Harry would have been lost without her. It was bad enough trying to remember his French ; it was worse trying to project out what hand motion or facial nerve face went along with it. Blind, he could observe none of it, but Gabriella was nearly everlasting. In fact, Harry began to wonder if she had known the way all along. Finally, knowing that Cho's flat was just around the occlusion, the two decided to spend the Nox at a belittled inn and hold until break of day. It was the first they'd been truly alone since the summertime.

Harry offered to kip on the floor, but Gabriella pulled him close to her. There was a warmth to her touch that meant more to him than anything in the wholly world. That Nox he laid his person bare, telling her everything he knew, everything she'd listen to, including Draco's theory about Voldemort's cloak. Only when he touched on his training with the Centaur, would she noticeably change the subject. He fell asleep in her branch and woke the next morning the same way. The sun was just breaking into the window as he stroked her long Negro haircloth, wondering with some fear what the time to come would bring.

After breakfast, they walked down the alley toward the small apartment anatomical structure that the innkeeper had described to Gabriella. When they finally arrived, Harry covered himself with the invisibility cloak. Gabriella knocked at the door and the door opened, held open by an older man with grayness hairsbreadth and a pall look on his aspect. There were introductions and Gabriella slipped inside. The door shut before Harry could survey. There was a moment of muteness and then squeals of joy. Harry knew the speech sound ; Cho was inside. A few present moment later the man left, jingling coins in his pocket. Harry's plan had worked - Gabriella, handing the man a couple galleons, suggested he go to the corner pub for a sharpness and a beer or two. He wasn't to the sidewalk before there was a ginger snap and he had Disapparated. Then the mussitation began ; louder, then softer, then louder again. Finally, Harry heard,"Don't be silly."A mo after that, the doorway opened and Gabriella ushered him inside.

All the while, Harry had seen the auras of the two Young woman and the elderly man. He watched as they moved back and forth, and as Gabriella hugged what he figured to be Cho. It had been the first sentence he had observed a Disapparation without his sight and he noted with interest the sudden fusillade of get-up-and-go that accompanied it. But more than anything else his attention was focused on one matter above all - a dim reddish glow that glimmered from the back of the apartment. Through all the walls it could have been anything - a cat, a dog. But Harry knew, by how well its colours blended with Cho's, what was there.

"Harry ?"Gabriella asked to the nothingness before her. Cho stood only a few feet away. Harry sensed warmth mixed with collar. As for himself, he could feel the sweat of his palms as he reached up and slipped off the cloak.

"Cho ?"he asked to the glowing before him. The halo didn't motion, the person didn't speak, but the colour began to blanch almost immediately. Then her hand went to her face, covering her oral fissure.

"Oh, Harry,"she croaked."Tony told me about the accident, about…"Slowly she walked over to him.

"This ?"Harry asked, holding his hand near his synagogue."It's nothing. Just a bit of glass. Surgery's scheduled for future month ; should have me unspoilt as new."Cho took his hand and then touched his face.

"I'm so no-good,"she whispered."I should have come to visit."She took him in her arms and held him tight. He could find her shaking in his limb."I couldn't… I couldn't bear to see you again."

"Great,"Harry drawled."Always expert to have it away you're thought of kindly."

"Harry !"snapped Gabriella shortly. She took Cho gently by the arm and said,"Cho, can we occur in and have a sit ?"Cho loosened her grip on Harry and wiped her aspect with her hands.

"Oh, yes,"she said, sniffing,"of course."

The place was bigger than Harry expected, compared to what it looked like from the outside, but it was sparsely furnished and what furnishings there were appeared old and tatterdemalion. As they entered the kitchen he noted a few Ravenclaw memorabilia here and there. He even recognized a broom, the Calluna vulgaris he bought her last year, was propped up in the corner. Cho offered them some coffee, they accepted and together they sat at a humble table in the kitchen. There was a small public lecture about the weather and school.

"Are your exams over ?"Cho asked."Tony has Arithmancy tomorrow."

"Tony,"muttered Harry through gritted teeth. Maybe he was a bit jealous of Marcus Antonius."Er… yeah. Gab and I are done for the semester."

"That's big,"said Cho softly. There was an awkward silence, and then, finally, Harry could look no longer.

"I heard… I heard you and, er, Tony were going to tie the knot… get married. I told Gab we should get by and find out when. Ask what you might need to, erm…"He looked around at the ratty furniture."… spruce the spot up."

"Soon,"answered Cho without hesitating."But we're not telling anyone until after the school year. Not even my menage. They think I'm here studying art."

"I also heard,"continued Harry, not really listening to Cho's words,"that you two had a child ; a sister boy is it ?"Before Cho could answer Gabriella took her by the handwriting.

"It's so sex, Cho !"she said joyfully."I'm sure you're a fantastic mother. The baby is so lucky to accept two such wonderful parents. Both Ravenclaws !"

"Thank you, Gab,"said Cho warmly."T-Tony's been great."

"Can we see him ?"asked Gabriella excitedly."I've wanted to see him so."Cho was hesitant.

"Well,"added Harry,"I can't see him, but I have a pretty skillful musical theme that he's properly through there, isn't he ?"He pointed to the back room and swallowed."I think it's great that you and… er, Tony are doing the… er, right field thing. It certainly would be swell, at least for Gabriella, to see him. Just a prime ?"

"He is due to eat breakfast soon,"Cho said cautiously."Perhaps… just for a moment."

When she returned to the kitchen, Cho was carrying a baby boy dressed in a low red jump shot. He smiled and muttered a few audio as she sat him in his chair, offering him a cooky to jaw on. The pall fog of Harry's centre were focused somewhere above the boy's head, but his mind's eye was captivated on the golden red glow before him. It was brilliant, almost blinding, and Harry wondered if the brightness of the glow was because he was a sister or something more. The cooky snapped out of Cho's script and flew into the waiting grasp of the baby's.

"Look at that ! So soon ?"cooed Gabriella."He's just perfect."And then she began to blither baby talk to the child.

"Yes, he's pretty special,"answered Cho.

Harry could sense that she was looking at him, centred on his chemical reaction, but he was at a red. To bonk for sure as shooting he would have got to ask straight out. Now, here they were, and Harry didn't know what to do. He half wanted to horn in the baby with a reefer to see what it would do.

"Has he,"Harry began,"shown any other signs of magic trick ?"

"No. Not really,"answered Cho cautiously."But he can resist with help and he's already tried to walk."She paused."I think, maybe, he'll be in Hufflepuff,"she added wistfully."He loves it when I take him to the zoo."

"What's his public figure ?"asked Gabriella.

"Jamie,"answered Cho.

"After your brother ?"

"We just liked the figure,"Cho said, not committing.

"I have to admit,"said Gabriella,"that he's the cleave image of you. And that's a good matter ; you're much better looking than Anthony."She laughed and Cho did too. It sounded as if it had been the beginning time Cho had laughed in quite some time. But then the tone in Gabriella's voice changed.

"In fact, he doesn't look much like a Goldstein at all. You're both so nighttime, and Jamie's skin is so pale."

"He… he doesn't get out much,"said Cho, growing nervous.

"Cho, you know I love you like a Sister. Don't you ?"Gabriella asked gently."fountainhead, I think Harry has a right to know. You see, he told me that you two slept together at Hogwarts - just once, on Halloween. Caught in the hotness of the mo, I guess."Gabriella took a breath, gathering her long suit."I don't maintenance why it happened. And it doesn't bother me anymore that it happened. The fact is it happened… nine month before slight Jamie here was born."

"Well—"

"Cho,"Gabriella interrupted."Harry may have his suspicions, but he can't see what I can, and the eyes never lie. You and Susan B. Anthony, you both have brown eyes. Both your parents each have brown eyes. It would hire a powerful whiz to acquire a boy with anything other than brown eyes and the magic would most certainly be to turn the colour of the optic to his own."Cho said nothing. Harry said nothing."It's true, Jamie is the splitting image of his beautiful mother. But the eyes… I think he has his forefather's eyes."Cho remained silent. Once again, Harry watched as her aura blanched.

"What do you think ?"asked Harry blindly. Gabriella took his hired hand.

"They're cat valium, Harry,"she said quietly."sweet almond shaped and brilliantly green. Just like yours."


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 15 - Another Potter
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Beyond the babble of the baby sitting beside Harry, there was secretiveness. Perhaps, if one were to listen closely, the sound of a bird chirping or a removed bus creaking to a halt could be heard, breaking the stillness of the morning. Then Cho's foot began to nervously tap against the side of the tabular array. In front of Harry, she had been confronted by Gabriella with the verity, but still she would not, or could not speak. Harry had known before they came to France that the nestling would be his, and though he had not heard the words from Cho's backtalk, he wasn't about to become angry ; it was hard enough not to prove how scare he was feeling. No, if anything, he needed some time himself to get over the sinking touch sensation in his venter, as if he'd just fallen off his Calluna vulgaris. He would waitress for Cho to be make. He breathed deeply the smell of his coffee, took a sip, set the cup down and put out his finger, with which the little boy began to burn toothlessly.

"Jamie ?"Harry said tenderly."I… I like that name."

He smiled and put his hand on the boy's capitulum.

"Oh, my. What a head of hair ! Is it black ?"This wide-eyed query was purposefully directed at Cho. There was the beat of a pause before she answered.

"Yes,"she said quietly, with a bit of a crack in the word. Harry could get wind her swallow.

"Thank Merlin he's got his female parent's looks,"Harry said with a chuckle. He took another sip of coffee.

"You'll see him one day, Harry,"said Gabriella with an encouraging whole step. Harry tilted his head down and sway it slowly.

"I don't think so,"he said quietly, his lips still turned in a tenuous smile.

"What do you stand for ?"asked Cho, surprised."Surely they can—"

"I was just examined by Madame Pomfrey,"interrupted Harry."The vision charms aren't knitting. There's still too a good deal glass."

"But couldn't they just—"

"There are 12 of tiny fragment - too many and too small to vanish without vanishing pieces of my eyes and if they summon them out they'll shred whatever healthy eye tissue that's left."Cho gasped.

"I… I didn't know. I thought—"

"No matter,"said Harry taking to his base."I can see the fire in his soul, even if I can't see their colour of his eyes."He went to the coffee pot to pour himself one more cup. On the way, he tripped on a small toy that had fallen on the floor and what liquid that was in his cup spilt.

"Woops,"said Harry. Cho stood to clean the spillage, but Harry had it off the earth nearly before it landed with a unproblematic undulation of his helping hand. Since losing his sight, his ability without a scepter, abilities he rarely used in front of others, had strengthened. Without skipping a round, he poured himself another cup, but rather than turn he continued to face the cabinetry. Yes, he could see the fervidness in the boy's aureole, but he would consecrate anything to cause his eyesight back… to see his child, his son. He began to tremble. For the world-class time in month he was cold with fear, and it wasn't veneration of a Dementor or decease feeder. It was fear for his small fry and his child's mother, fear for a future that was already so incertain, so darkness. It felt as if all the air in the room was being sucked away.

"At least,"he said, holding the warmly cup in his handwriting,"Anthony won't need to… to look into my eye and admiration. I… I wouldn't want that."Cho stepped up behind Harry and placed her manus on his berm.

"Antonius Goldstein, Ravenclaw Prefect at Hogwarts shoal for witchcraft and wizardry ?"asked Cho."He might be a bit proud at clock time, but he's no fool, Harry. He knows."She turned Harry to face her."He's always known that… that Jamie is your son. He came up with the epithet. Your f-father's name."She placed her hand at the side of Harry's boldness."He knew that too. I… I didn't."With these words, Cho began to cry. She held Harry by the social movement of his shirt and pulled him close, sobbing into his chest. Gabriella left her hot seat and the three hugged for some prison term while Cho repeated over and over how sorry she was, and Harry repeated over and over that it was okay, that he was the one who was sorry. It was trivial Jamie who broke up the trio as he began to cry.

"Oh… he's hungry,"said Cho blotting her center. She picked the boy up into her weapon system and ushered them all into the figurehead room where the hearth sat cold, but the slightly tattered chairs were more comfortable. Even without the fire, Harry watched with wonderment the warmth that filled the room. He could tell she loved the boy deeply. Nor, was the emotion lost on Gabriella, sitting at Harry's side, who was gathering a gleaming herself as she took in the room's emotions of love. He took Gabriella's deal and for the first sentence in a long metre Harry tried to relax, letting the swirling fears of the future tense fade from his judgment. It was Cho that started the conversation as Jamie continued to suckle.

"I wanted to keep this arcanum, Harry - secret from my parents, enigma from my brother, orphic from you. At first I was ashamed and then—"

"But—"

"Let me polish off,"asked Cho."I need to eat up, or I may never be able to."Harry nodded."hold up year you wanted to say me about Gabriella."Cho looked at Gab."He did so want to push me away, to recount me of the Muggle girl he had met back home."Her eyes returned to Harry."But I could see that, just under the skin, there was a fire of desire and I… I wanted… my broken body wanted to be desired."

"He was cross-hexed by my parents,"said Gabriella. The Holy Scripture were meant to be explanatory, but Harry noted a mite of bitterness or lugubriousness.

"I know that now,"answered Cho."Maybe I knew it then, at least that he wasn't in his mighty mind. I could get used a sheathing appealingness. I thought about it. I even reached for my wand before it happened Halloween nighttime behind the Great Hall."Gabriella shot Harry a glance that he could not see."But then I stopped. I wanted this."Cho looked down at Jamie."I wanted to have something in case… in case…"

"In case I died ?"asked Harry."Like Cedric ?"Without speaking, Cho simply nodded.

"I was being stupefied. As if I could ever… And then, when I found out about Gabriella, when we actually spoke…."Cho smiled."I was so happy for you, Harry, and you were so sad."She sighed, shaking her head."So I hid it - I hid my gestation and I hid Jamie."She put the baby over her shoulder and began to pat its back."I thought that after You-Know-Who had been destroyed I could tell you, but then I heard about the new war… that Malfoy's expiry Eaters were out to kill you. What would they do if they knew you had a son ?"She shook her oral sex."This summer, I travelled to the United state with Anthony… Tony. One night, I fell asleep in his arms and when I woke up the adjacent break of the day the befuddling good luck charm had warn off. I was pregnant for all to see. In that instant I panicked, horrified by what he might consider, what he might do, and in the next I felt Tony's soupcon, warm and caressing on my stomach. He stayed at my side and he's never left."Jamie let out a rather impressive burping and everyone smiled.

Grinning, Cho held Jamie in her lap and said something in Chinese as she wiped the milk from his chin.

"Tony's hired Chalmers"said Cho, referring to the safety device that was probably now close to finishing his morning repast,"to watch over Jamie and I, while he finishes school. It's costing him every knut he has. Once we're married we'll qualify for benefits from the Ministry. They offer caparison and, maybe, we can find a squeamish place to—"

"benefit ?"spat Harry, his spine snapping stiff."From the Ministry ? You can't be severe ! You're not going to ask a dime from the Ministry. As far as I'm concerned there all a bunch of crooks !"

"Harry !"called Gabriella.

"fountainhead, Ron's dad. But the rest of the lot ? Crooks !"He took to his metrical unit."And as far as animation in Ministry housing… never ! I won't allow it."

"What do you mean you won't allow it ?"said Cho a bit heatedly."You have no say in the matter."Harry ignored her.

"You'll stay at the castle. It's far enough away from what's happening… yes, you'll be rubber there."

"We're safety here,"said Cho, standing herself, the baby held snugly in both limb.

"Safe ! Are you kidding me !"weep Harry."What's his name… sleeping accommodation ? He's a Death eater !"

"Oh,"Cho chuckled,"now you're just being ridiculous. Chalmers wouldn't hurt a fly. He's only working for Tony because of the benignity in his core. He hardly makes enough money to get by on."

"So he moonlights for Lucius Malfoy as a Death Eater !"exclaimed Harry."At least he doesn't know that the boy is mine. Thank pigeon hawk for that."Cho's face dropped with surprisal at these Holy Scripture.

"How could you possible know that we haven't told him ?"she asked. Now Gabriella stood, stroked Jamie's cheek and took him in her own arms, patting his cover as he rested against her shoulder.

"Because,"Gabriella said softly with a melodic voice as if she were singing to the baby,"if Chalmers knew, Lucius would know. And if Lucius knew, his son would know."

"Draco ?"breathed Cho."I thought genus Draco was…"Her phonation quieted and she strode over to Harry and slapped him on the shoulder joint."You piddling liar. You looked me straight in the eye and told me he fell into the abyss."Harry turned his back.

"Don't you look away from me !"Cho yelled."Let me see your face."Harry acquiesced. When he faced her, any choler he felt evaporated and his shoulder slumped.

"This is pointless,"he breathed."He'll be back here any import. Maybe he's a kindly old doddered just trying to make a dollar bill any way he can. Cho, you can't admit a chance."He placed his hired man on her shoulder joint."I have money and it's my responsibility. Let me at to the lowest degree help pay the notice until Anthony alum. Let me at least give you a roof over your brain where the open fireplace works and you'll know you'll be safe."

"It's beautiful there,"added Gabriella."cat valium fields… azure seas… precious Hellenic boys with bare chests."She winked and kissed Jamie on the oral sex. Cho crossed her coat of arms and walked over to the fireplace that had no fuel for the attack.

"I… I'll have to ask Tony,"answered Cho."Do you think… I know it's hard overseas, but do you think we could connect to the floo web ? I miss the family so, and we are going to tell them… after Tony graduates."

"That's one thing the Ministry can do,"said Harry, suddenly happy Cho was changing her psyche."But you can evidence Tony later. number 1, we need to—"There was a pushover and an instant later the social movement door opened. Gabriella motioned for Harry to hide. He had just enough time to flutter under his cloak and gather himself into the box before Chalmers walked through the nominal head door.

The old man was too thin and not a great deal taller than Cho. When he entered he took his coat off and hung it against the bulwark with a sticking charm.

"Beautiful day today, fille Chang,"he said with a toothy smile."Beautiful Day !"He stepped over and gave Gabriella a nod."And thank you missy for the mulct meal."He paused."It's been a while since…"His case grew wistful, but then he shook his read/write head."No matter."He slapped his paw together and pulled his verge."Let me straighten out these stunner for you."Harry stood silently against the paries as Chalmers walked with a bit of a hobble into the kitchen. There was a distinct speech rhythm to the cadence of his walking that Harry, two months ago, would not otherwise have noticed. It was then that Harry saw a change in Gabriella's aura ; something was wrong.

"Oh,"said Chalmers with a tone of surprise in his vocalization."Three cupful. Did you have another visitor today ?"Without waiting for an answer he levitated the dishful into the sink where the scrub brush began to wash them. Cho was immobilise, but Gabriella stepped over without falter.

"Yes,"she said quite calmly,"a girlfriend of ours, also from Hogwarts. She had to allow for ahead of time to get back for her afternoon exam."Chalmers nonchalantly straightened the electric chair.

"Well, you know how Mr. Goldstein feels about visitant, Miss Chang."He settled himself into one of the cushioned hot seat and began to spread out the newspaper publisher, still scanning the room with the centre."At to the lowest degree strangers."Harry could tell that the old man was on guard duty, sensing something that was not right."Just tryin'to keep you and the baby prophylactic he is."

Baby Jamie babbled something and then pointed at Harry hidden beneath the cloak. The motion was enough to cause Chalmers to change state and face back into the far corner at the cracked and abandon wall. Jamie babbled again and gave a lightheaded laugh. Chalmers smiled.

"Well, wee Jamie is happy enough to have guests."He held up the front end page."What's your booster's name, missy ?"

"Hermione… Hermione husbandman,"answered Gabriella. There was the thin pause and she added,"And I should be on my way as well."She gave Cho a hug and kissed Jamie's cheek."Thanks so much for letting us visit. He's just adorable and you're a wonderful mother."

"Thank you, Gabriella,"answered Cho, kissing Gab's cheek."I couldn't ask for a kinder, tender supporter. Please come visit after the wedding. I think I'll feel more comfortable then - Mrs. Goldstein."

"Oh ! That reminds me,"said Gabriella suddenly."Mr. Chalmers is it ?"Chalmers set his theme in his lap.

"Just Chalmers, missy."

"Cho was showing me the nursery and I noticed the back window. We had discussed placing a sealing charm, but I wasn't sure if—"

"Yes, young woman,"cut in Chalmers proudly."The wholly house is sealed tight. No one can get in without permission. It's a Bucinum charm."

"Oh honey,"said Gabriella."A Bucinum good luck charm ?"Chalmers nodded his forefront."I think a Trepidus charm would be safer."

"Trepidus charm ?"asked Chalmers blankly.

"Oh yes,"added Cho."A Trepidus appeal would be ideal."

"Certainly,"continued Gabriella,"I mean, if someone tries to break in the Bucinum charm blows them up. That could harm the sister. Do you think you could designate me where you set the good luck charm ? Together we can make the replacement."

"Oh, please do, Chalmers,"asked Cho pleadingly."Gabriella's a first social class witch. She studied at Al Bsahri you know."

"Did she now,"said Chalmers with interest as he took to his groundwork."I've heard they reopened the shoal this year."

"Yes,"said Gabriella,"it's quite lovely."

"Well, let's have a expression around and see what we can do."Together, Chalmers and Gabriella made their way to the back of the sign of the zodiac, leaving Cho and Jamie alone with Harry. Even as Harry moved toward the front room access beneath his invisibility cloak, Jamie followed him with his regard, pointing with his paw. Cho walked to the doorway and opened it.

"When… when do you marry Gold— Marcus Antonius ?"Harry asked.

"Christmas,"Cho answered. She tried to make the countersign sound exciting and vibrant, but it fell monotonic.

"Cho, you don't have to—"

"Don't I ?"Cho snapped."Don't I ? Tony loves me for all the humankind. He'd jeopardy his life-time to protect me… and your son. He's honest, hardworking, and… and… and I'm marrying him on Christmas."Jamie wriggled in her subdivision, both hands outstretched toward Harry.

"You deserve to be felicitous,"said Harry quietly."You deserve ..."but Harry's words failed him."I'm so sorry."Cho ushered Harry outside to the front stoep and shut the room access behind her. She lifted his cloak to reveal his typeface.

"Harry,"she said."Tony… he looks at me… he looks at me the way you look at Gabriella. What girl wouldn't want that ?"She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, and then draped the cloak back over him."I'll ask him about your pass. He's a proud man, Harry, and a bit stubborn. You should be able to appreciate that."

"I love you, Cho. If there's ever anything you need… anything at all, let me love and it's yours. I'll see to it, I swear."Cho smiled, but her heart were sad. Jamie began to suck on his fingers. The door opened and Gabriella appeared followed closely by Chalmers.

"Ah, here you are,"said Gabriella. The sun was lovesome on her face as she put her weaponry out and gave Gabriella a hug."The flat is sealed tight."Cho took in a deep breath.

"Good, thank you,"she said."I was just giving Jamie a short sun."

"Which he can get through the window, my dear,"said Chalmers herding Cho back into the house."Now come inside."He seemed quite protective, but Harry wondered if it wasn't something more."A pleasure to meet you, girl Darbinyan, was it ?"

"Yes, and a pleasure it was to meet you,"Gabriella replied."It's good to see my booster in such delicately custody. Cho, I'll be by before farseeing with those giving I promised."

"Gifts ?"Cho asked."Oh, yes, talent. Yes, yes, anytime. Be safe ; there's a serenity space to Apparate just behind that gray edifice over there."They kissed good-bye and Gabriella began to walk down the street, Harry at her English. Chalmers stood for some fourth dimension after Cho had gone inside, watching from the stoup. Gabriella waved one last meter as she turned the quoin out of sight. Harry was about to pull off the cloak when she stopped him.

"hitch hidden,"Gabriella whispered."We're being followed."Harry spun and there behind the building they'd just passed were the air of two little image. They hadn't been there a second before.

"Did you see them ?"Harry asked."I didn't hear an Apparation."

"House elves,"Gabriella whispered,"at least one of them. The other… I can't tell."

"But there weren't any house elves at the house,"said Harry.

"I know,"she replied."They must belong to to someone else, or one's with its master."

"Who ?"

Gabriella just shrugged.

"How did he know your gens ?"asked Harry.

"It just slipped out. But I don't think—"

"You don't think Lucius would just as soon see you up on a freeway as me ? It was foolishness !"

"He'd have found out soon enough,"said Gabriella with a sigh as the two turned another corner. The street was deserted save for two young boy playing football near the end by a chain-link fence. Gabriella pulled her wand. She was going to round the two that were nearing the corner, but Harry stayed her paw.

"Gab, no,"he whispered."Grimmauld Place."

"But—"

"Now !"

A present moment later they found themselves on the streets of Greater London, just outside of number twelve, Grimmauld shoes. They waited to see if they might induce been followed, then checked that the streets were assoil. Finally, Harry uncloaked and walked up the stair to the door, knocking twice. The threshold opened of its own accord and the two walked in. There was a rustle, a thud, and then Sirius appeared atop the stairway wearing boxers and a T-shirt. Wand drawn he pointed it blindly toward the door.

"Freeze !"he screamed."Or I'll obliterate you !"

"I hope not,"answered Harry."I'm kinda hungry."

"Harry ?"Canicula said, blinking his eyes."Harry what the hell… Gabriella ?"Canicula made an attempt at slicking back his hair and started down the stairs.

"It's after noon,"Harry said."Don't order me you were still sleeping."

"I was up late last night. Remus finished grading composition and we— Hey, isn't your Potions exam today ?"Sirius'eye shot to the door."And why didn't you use the floo ? What's going on ?"

"Erm… can we eat first,"asked Harry.

"What,"shot Sirius in a singularly insistent tone,"is… going… on ? !"

"Sothis,"said Gabriella softly,"I think it upright if we sit down."

"You do, do you ?"snipped Sirius, but Gabriella's black heart caught a soft-spot in Dog Star'bark."Well… okay."

The three moved into the kitchen and Sirius started toward the range. He grabbed a spatula and summoned some sausage balloon when Gabriella took his bridge player.

"Here,"she said softly,"let me do that. You sit with Harry."Sirius moved to the table and sat opposite his godson.

"wellspring ?"Sirius queried."It's obvious something's afoot. Spit it out."Harry tried, but he couldn't hold his godfather's regard.

"I… I, erm…"He sucked in a large gulp of air and exhaled."Igoterpregnant."

"What ?"Dog Star asked."What was that ?"

"I… I got her pregnant."

"What !"Sirius stood and spun towards Gabriella."You're significant ?"Gabriella turned the sausages with her wand."How could you—"

"Let him finish,"she replied, floating three home out onto the table.

"Not Gabriella,"Harry said. Sirius turned back to boldness Harry."Cho… Cho Chang."Dog Star fell back into his chair.

"Are you sure ?"asked Canicula with a disbelieving tone."Because sometimes witches can—"

"Oh,"cut in Gabriella sharply."He's sure."

"Merlin,"he whispered, scratching his chin."Harry, you should know better."

"I know. I know I should know better."

"And you,"Sirius said, turning back to Gabriella,"why are you here with this cheating trash if Cho's running around pregnant ?"Expressionless, Gabriella placed the sausages on the plates and added some warmed dome.

"It was last year,"she answered sitting down and handing Canicula a fork.

"The sister was born in July,"said Harry."On my birthday. His gens is Jamie."

Sirius'fork fell with a clank onto the dental plate, splattering red beans onto his white-ish T-shirt.

"A b-boy ? Jamie ?"

"They're living in a shit,"said Harry quickly,"and I can't have my son living like that. I won't have another Potter live with dust and spiders, not as long as it's in my office. So, I offered to have them bide at your castle. You know… until Anthony graduates. Merlin save his mortal if he ever—"

"My castle ? Antony ? Who's Anthony."

"Goldstein. Well Cho calls him feeling. How cheesy is that ? Anyhow, the thing is…."

It was well into the even before Harry had set Sirius straight on all the details, uncertain as they were. Dog Star then began a language that lasted for nearly XXX minutes and included a few reference point to Harry's parents. But when Harry began to poke into deeper Dog Star changed the topic. After venting about Harry's imbecility, he had agreed to make Mark Antony, Cho and Jamie in and help in any way he could.

The sausage balloon Cho cooked little more than a memory, Sothis grew thirsty again and he convinced them to go to a Thai restaurant that he had found just a few city block away. When they arrived, Harry discovered that it was run by an old Muggle, but frequented by a telephone number of witches and champion. The occasional flash bulb of magic that occurred never seemed to faze the old man. Sirius called him a Savant, a Muggle in tune with the conjuring trick of the natural domain but possessing no skill his own. Harry was half-way through his Panang Curry when he realized that tonight he was to receive Ron and Hermione at the Ministry.

"The cloak,"he muttered suddenly to himself, before taking another collation.

"What's that, Harry ?"asked Sothis. Harry looked up into Sirius'eyes ; they were smiling. Harry's blindness didn't allow him to see that the flexure that had once drawn the incline of Sirius'optic down were now curling upward. But he could sense the brightness level of the glory in his godfather's look. For a moment, Harry considered telling Sothis of their programme at the Ministry. Gabriella touched his hand.

"More tea ?"the waiter asked, and all three nodded. Harry continued to front toward Sirius who was as glad as ever. The thought of asking Sothis to help them, particularly at the Ministry, curdled the curry in Harry's tummy.

"I said I almost choked,"Harry said with a cough.

"You're eating too fast,"said Gabriella knowingly, rubbing his arm and smile."It's not a race."

"Probably the curry,"said Sirius, taking another bite."It's a bit piquant tonight."

"Yeah… yeah that's it,"Harry answered. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table."Erm… Actually, I think I well be—"

"Harry,"interrupted Gabriella,"I have to go before it gets past midnight."

"Is it getting that late ?"asked Sirius, his mouthpiece one-half wide-cut. Harry shot her a coup d'oeil ; his mouth frowned. He didn't want her at the Ministry any more than he wanted Canicula. There were too many memories—bad retentiveness. Then she said something that surprised even Harry.

"I need to see Jamie,"she said,"just for a moment. I should have taken care of it this morning, but I forgot. I've not been in tune with the old shipway for some time. Mama would be disappointed in me."Unconsciously, Harry began to rub the Dragon scar that was emblazoned on his right forearm.

He remembered what Gabriella's mother, Soseh, had said at the end of last school year."The thanksgiving is inscribed on the male person of each generation by the charwoman of the generation before. It will be Gabriella's duty to elapse the benediction to your sons."Once it was light up that Harry would accept Jamie as his son, it was Gabriella's obligation, by oath, that she pass to him the benediction of Asha.

"The Votary,"Harry whispered quietly, staring down at the bowling ball of yellow and gold. Then his dull optic looked toward hers."It's too unsafe,"he said sharply."What if Chalmers has told them. What if he knew all along ? What if they're still there ?"

"They ? They who ?"asked Canicula.

"We were followed after we left Cho's apartment,"said Gabriella."But it makes no departure. By accolade, I have no choice. It must be done, and the Oklahoman it's done the greater the major power of Jamie's blessing, of his security. He'll need Asha's help in these sentence of darkness."

"You mentioned the dying Eater escort, but you didn't honorable mention that you were followed,"said Sirius, his eyes turning toward Harry with a more good glower.

"Dragon said that Chalmers doesn't work nights, at least not for Goldstein. Dog Star, you need to go with her, keep her prophylactic. That way you can see Jamie and pass on the news, maybe convince Cho to move into the rook tonight while Chalmers is away."

"And you ?"Dog Star asked.

"I'll just chief back to Hogwarts. If the two were a pair of Lucius'thugs out to get me it'd be better if I wasn't there."Sirius sighed, looking longingly at an untasted barbecue spare rib. He licked his rim and pushed his plate forward.

"Very well, let's go."They paid and made their way outside and down the street, finding a more remote alley often used by the visiting beldame and mavin to Apparate. Canicula took Harry by the arm and looked him in the eye, but Harry turned away to face down the street as a car past tense by.

"straightaway to Hogwarts,"said Sirius sternly,"okey, Harry ?"

"heterosexual to Hogwarts,"Harry agreed. Gabriella kissed him on the impertinence.

"I can see your emotions roiling,"she whispered in his ear."Be vigilant and say, ‘ Hi !'to Ron and Hermione for me."She pulled her wand as did Sirius."Oh, and don't worry ; Jamie will be fine. I'll make sure that no evil harms your child."Harry tried to summon a smiling.

"Did I ever tell you how much I loved you ?"he asked and then they kissed."I'll see you at school in the morning. restrain her safe, Sirius."There was a ginger nut and both Gabriella and Sirius had vanished. Harry focused his vision to another part of London and in the following moment found himself at a telephone box above the entrance to the Ministry. As off-putting as Apparating was for Harry, he was ill prepared for what happened adjacent.

"Stupefy !"The blast of red luminance hit Harry squarely in the chest, knocking him backward some ten to twenty feet, his wand tumbling from his paw."There, Harrington,"a declamatory cloaked form said with a rather blustery voice, picking up Harry's baton,"and you were about ready to wet your pants. He is a boy, after all."Still on his back Harry could smell out them stepping toward him.

"I… am not… a… boy !"he rasped. This made the closest wizard laugh, but the smaller man behind him said nix.

"well, I've got your verge, little man. I doubt you'll—"

"Diffindo !"Harry hissed, stretching his right arm forward. Orange light erupted from the shoulder down and extended out and beyond Harry's fingertips.

The forepart of the last feeder's cloak looked as if a large cavalry sword had just slashed across it, tearing cloth and physical body alike up and outward. Harry could feel the blood splutter his face. The Death Eater screamed falling to his knees. Unsteadily, Harry stood. The whole plaza seemed to be spinning. He was giddy and a gathering sensory faculty of nausea was building inside.

"Accio verge !"he cried, wrenching his baton from the Death Eater's grasp and in to his own hand. Limping forward he yelled"BOY ?"Then he placed his verge on the forehead of his foe."BOY ?"Blood continued to trickle from beneath the crouching Death feeder's costa and between the hands that clutched his thorax."Who do you bring for ?"Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

Harry had focused so much care on the with child Death Eater, he had neglected the smaller one that had retreated to the tincture.

"I said WHO - DO - YOU - WORK FOR !"Standing over his cowering victim, it was then that he noticed the lights - stack of lights. Five more than auras had Apparated ; he was surrounded. Seemingly emboldened by the new arrivals, the minuscule expiry Eater emerged from the shadows and held out his verge.

"Expel—"There were three charm cast almost simultaneously that stopped the wizard before he had a hazard to finish.

"Stupefy !"“ Diffindo !"and Harry's shield charm,"Contego !"

Only, Harry didn't need the shield charm… for himself. The first gear spell came from one of the approaching atmosphere Harry presumed to be more than Death Eaters. The bolt of lightning, not the strongest Harry had ever seen, knocked the smaller wizard backward, albeit only a few infantry. Fearing for his life, and rightfully so, the diminutive death Eater Disapparated. The endorse spell came from yet another aura, lowly yet intense. It was directed at the crippled wizard crouching before Harry. The result was frightful and instant ; the Death eater's foreland fell to the gravelled paving and his trunk slumped forward, draining blood at Harry's human foot, a boiling pool of luminousness like lave erupting from a volcano.

Harry spun to front the five wizards approaching him, holding his wand high. Two showed wind of both red and viridity in their aureole as they drew nearer."lordly jinx ?"Harry wondered. And then a spokesperson came to him that startled him more than that of the late dying Eater.

"Bloody infernal region, James River ! What in Falco columbarius's name did you do that for ?"

The colour, the canter, the tone… Harry knew at once it was Ron Weasley.


Harry potter and the parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 16 - The Burden cry
~~~***~~~

"He was reaching for his sceptre,"said Jesse James, pointing at the decapitated Death Eater at Harry's feet."He was going to kill Harry !"

"He was on his stifle,"snapped Hermione."Harry had him firmly in control."

"He didn'have the… that little guy in control condition,"countered Saint Patrick."I had teh take him down."

"You're just lucky he was as frightened as a molamar in water,"said Anthony Goldstein with a rather haughty voice.

"Goldstein ?"asked Harry in surprise as the mathematical group converged on him.

"darn, Potter,"said Goldstein,"you're a bloody pickle. And I do mean bloody. Scourgify !"The splash covering the front of Harry's face, shirt and pants vanished, though the kitty on the sidewalk remained."There, that's better."

"Who in underworld told Goldstein ?"cried Harry.

"Actually, potter,"replied Goldstein,"I stumbled on this merry company as they tried to sneak out. Seemed like a in force DA commission.

"Are you kidding ?"snapped Harry, gazing at the aura of the man who'd be his son's father. There was a purity about it, but Harry was to heat to consider it."You… you can't be here. It's too dangerous."

"Yes, I see that,"said Goldstein with a rather sarcastic tone. Gingerly, Harry stepped out of the parentage, pooling at his metrical unit. Hermione ran over to him and hugged him.

"Who were they ?"she asked."Nobody's supposed to do it we're here."

"That's what I thought,"answered Harry."I was trying to get an reply when James here decided to play the butcher."Harry turned to the second year."The next time I need your help Chang, I'll ask for it."Harry sensed at once the anger building within the minor wizard, but then it subsided almost as quickly as it came.

"I… I was just trying too hard I guess,"answered William James."It was scary."

"And why are you two,"Harry pointed to both James and Patrick,"here in the inaugural place ? Stumble across the troupe as well ?"He shot Ron a glance and wished he could convey eyes of death.

"Patrick overheard our program and said he'd thieve if we didn't bring ‘ em along,"answered Ron."It was supposed to be calm ; I didn't figure we'd run into decease Eaters."

"If that's what they were,"said Harry, still holding his wand at the ready."They acted more like hired thugs than Death Eaters."

The night air was cold and quiesce. He could feel the moistness of a dilute mist wrapper about his font, sending shiver down his prickle. For a bit he thought of Dementors, but the coolness, this chilled clamminess was something else, something more splanchnic. The whispers of last were swirling ; somehow Harry knew that. And not for the man that had just been slain, the whispers were telling Harry that more would soon unite the numb man at his groundwork. But who ?

"Goldstein,"Harry said suddenly,"Susan Brownell Anthony, really you… you have to—"

"Well, we're here now,"said James."Dispatchio !"The dead wizard and the pond of blood beneath him vanished."Let's say we get in, get the cloak and get out before anymore… er, dark star show up. Wouldn't want Luci—"

"Where'd you learn that turn ?"queried Hermione."That's fifth year."St. James shrugged his shoulder.

"My sister I guess,"he said."She's the chic one in the family."

"Yeah… I see,"said Harry, noticing James I'aura fade from green to red then back from red to green. For the number 1 time, he thought James might not really be an ally."Ron, maybe you should take—"

"James is right,"break Susan Brownell Anthony."secure if we get down into the Ministry before another dozen Death Eaters Apparate in."

"But—"

"Harry,"interrupted Hermione,"let's just get downstairs. We can mouth then."Harry heaved a suspiration and the group squeezed into the phone booth. Ron said the word his founding father had told him and a ash gray orb appeared, scanning Ron in a sickly White River light source. Then, with a jar, the elevator began to plummet. Harry tried to attend at Ron and suggest to the redhead that he should read Harry's mind, but his eyes were lacuna and Ron didn't greet the nervus facialis expression as he once would accept. Harry silently cursed his blindness.

Harry's affectionateness began to renovate. If the two 2d years were under the Imperious Curse, they were likely in Lucius Malfoy's ascendancy. He was feeling strongly like he wanted to wretch onto the round off marble floors just as the doorway opened onto the resplendent entranceway hall of the Ministry of conjuration. The six stepped out, baton drawn.

After only a few paces, they all saw where the cloak was to be displayed - it was obvious. A large glass character had already been erected. On a terminal was the torso of a mannequin and succeeding to that a prosperous statue of Harry with his verge drawn. They all stepped near. There was no cloak, but there was a plaque. It read,"This land site commemorates the defeat of the dark magician Voldemort by the Grand mavin Harry Potter, decree of Merlin, get-go Class, who faced his foe wand-to-wand and struck him down."
"Order of Merlin ?"asked Goldstein surprised."I didn't know—"

"Neither did I,"cut in Harry.

"They'll probably award it to you during the ceremonial tomorrow,"said Hermione brightly. Harry turned to her.

"If we do this right, there won't be any ceremonial occasion,"said Harry shortly."No nighttime cloak, no return of Voldemort, no ceremonial occasion. Ron, do you have any idea where—"

There was a resonance coming from down the mansion and a deliquium glow that was growing nearer. It sounded as if someone were humming. The group began to draw out back, away from the exhibit case ; all, that is, except James IV. Harry went to catch his sleeve, but the boy wouldn't move.

"Is this it ?"he asked, still staring at the re-enactment before him."Is this how it happened ? You struck him down ? cypher could tell me for sure, not even Gabriella."Harry held more tightly to King James'robes and began to pull him bodily across the level.

"James I,"Harry said, huffing between his dentition,"there are some things you can't believe. kickoff, never trust a word Trelawney says unless she sounds like a hob on fire whiskey. second gear, never consider a parole written in the Dailey prophet, unless it's written by Luna Lovegood. And finally, never… ever believe anything the Ministry says - ever !"He continued dragging James by the back of his collar until they were hidden between two marble columns.

"Bold parole, Harry,"continued James passively."But I never believed you could puzzle Lord Voldemort wand-to-wand. tell apart me, is there still a percentage of the iniquity Lord that courses through your veins ? That could be utilitarian, if—"

"Shhh."All was silent, save for the occasional cracking ember from one of the open fireplace that surrounded the rarified entryway student residence and the hum that was growing louder by the minute. Again Harry tried to gather Ron's care, but he was busy whispering something in Hermione's ear as they clung together behind a suit of armour opposite the Fountain of Magical comrade. At another pillar just behind Harry and Saint James, Patrick and Antonius crouched. The whispering of end were growing louder. So loud, in fact, that Harry turned to see if perhaps a ghost or something More were at his right side. Only James was there, kneeling quietly on the flooring.

The Light grew brighter and then the witch appeared. Harry could arrive at out her glory, a shimmering gold, but not her features at this distance. In front of her was a cloak levitated some two feet off the soil. She was approaching the display event when James began to wriggle under Harry's hand.

"Hold still,"he whispered, but the marble rampart took in the sound, echoed them about, amplifying the noise such that it was audible to the hag at the display slip. Harry noticed the vacillation. He expected her to release, but she did not. Instead, she levitated the cloak onto the torso within the show case and closed the glass door. She cast a appealingness with her wand and then turned as if to go out. In turning, she revealed her face to the others, but Harry was still ineffectual to recognize who the Wiccan was. From the syncope pant from across the hall it was clear that Hermione, for one, knew who it was. The enchantress stepped toward the fountain and took something out of her pocket, perhaps a coin, Harry couldn't William Tell. In a move that was as graceful and as guile as any Harry had ever seen, she flipped the object into the fountain. It spun high into the air and, just as it crested in its arc, her former bridge player pointed her wand toward it and cast the piece.

"Immobulus !"Harry recognized the voice at once ; it was mollie Weasley, Ron's mother.

half of the get down leaving her baton passed the coin cleanly and struck the witch and champion by the suit of armour. The other half, however, glinted off the coin, reflecting toward and blasting the two virtuoso next to the chromatography column behind Harry. With one charm she had immobilized Ron, Hermione, Anthony and St. Patrick. Again, James I wriggled under Harry's grasp and again Harry held him fast.

"I know you're there,"Mrs Weasley said with a voice that held no fear."I'm afraid it's well after hours. If you're lost, I'm sure I can help you find your way. hail out from behind the editorial and let's see where you belong. Shall we ?"

Again James pushed against the weight of Harry who was pressing him concentrated against the marble floor. Finally, Harry had had enough. He couldn't danger what James might do.

"Incarcerous !"he called. Ropes sprung from his wand and began to wrap themselves about St. James.

"Sectumsempra !"cried James, slashing the ropes with his wand and pushing Harry away. Then he pointed his verge at Mrs. Weasley."Avada Ked— !"
"Stupefy !"she called, her charm interrupting the boy's. The red lighter nearly collide with James who deflected it at the conclusion consequence, sending the beam into the roof above, showering them all with pieces of marble and splinters of walnut. This was no secondly year wizard.

Harry jumped to his infantry and retch his own stunning spell, but again James deflected it. It was then that molly Weasley noticed who he was.

"Harry ?"she called.

"Hide, Mrs. Weasley !"he cried in recurrence."Hide !"

James cast a jet of red visible radiation Harry's way. Harry focused on where he needed to be—out of the beam's path. Suddenly, everything slowed and he found himself running to the right wing, toward the fountain, just as the bolt of red passed his leftover elbow. James smiled.

"Impressssive, Harry,"James hissed in a much high, dusty representative, a voice that shook Harry to the core group. It couldn't be."You've learned well from the Centaur. I did as well ; although I suspect my method of extracting the knowledge I required were somewhat different than yours."There was another bolt, jet, and again Harry disappeared and reappeared into another persona of the grand antechamber.

"Diffindo !"called Mrs. Weasley. Her spell run into James on the left shoulder, leaving a cruddy cut. James spun on the enchantress.

"Avada Kedavra !"

This metre the immature light sailed toward molly Weasley. Harry began to hover a marble bench into the beam's path, but quickly realized the judiciary was too heavy and would not travel fast enough. Instead he ran, slowing time and bending the blank space between them tightly together. He grabbed her by the articulatio humeri and pushed her to the soil just as the blast past the brace, smashing into the wall behind and showering them with dust and rock. Harry landed on his back as Mrs. Weasley landed on top of him, knocking the air out of his chest.

"Harry,"she said sternly as only a mother could,"what are you doing here ? What's going on ?"

"It… it's Voldemort,"he gasped trying to find air that wasn't there."He's… back."He wheezed, sucking in a short breath of air."In… James."Without questioning further, Mrs. Weasley's back went rigid and she rose to face St. James the Apostle, to front Voldemort.

"Nooo,"Harry rasped, struggling to sit up, but barely able-bodied. She ignored his beckon and faced the belittled boy now standing only a few foundation in social movement of her.

"Leave the boy, Voldemort,"she commanded, brandishing her verge."He can't possibly be of any use to you, now we know the truth."

"Truth ?"queried James as his eyes shot toward the darkness cloak still protected behind the seal field glass. Harry rose to his knees, trying to contribute air back into his lungs."The truth is that there are only two things in this elbow room I want… and you're not one of them."His baton rose in unison with Harry's, only Harry was unable to pant the go.

"Avada Kedavra !"

Placing himself between Mrs. Weasley and Voldemort, Harry tried to heighten up in front line of the jet of greens but the toss off scourge would win the race this time ; he knew that. For her constituent, mollie Weasley cast a carapace charm about them both, hoping to deflect the magical spell, but they all knew it wouldn't work. In her last jiffy of life her hands gripped Harry by the articulatio humeri and she cast a glance down into his dim center, a glance that held love and pity, a glance that was filled with concern not for herself but for the boy before her… a coup d'oeil he couldn't see. She fell dead to the floor.

"NO !"cried Harry as he spun and cast another slashing spell against Saint James who deflected it with relaxation."You're being controlled, King James ! Fight back !"Epistle of James only laughed.

"YOU stood face-to-face with the Great iniquity Creator Voldemort and defeated him ?"James mocked."What a jest !"

With Mrs. Weasley absolutely, the tour she cast on the other four sensation began to outwear off. Slowly, they were coming to there sensation, working to regain ascendancy of their move. Epistle of James walked over to a groaning Patrick who was still prone on the floor. He grabbed Patrick's hair and pulled his forefront off the primer coat.

"This one here,"called James, his voice echoing off the walls,"thinks of you as a comrade, ceramist. He'd Oklahoman die than see you amount to harm. Yet he's betrayed you at my every command. Shall I kill him next ?"

"Expelliarmus !"Harry cried, but once again James deflected the spell.

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Potter ? Even with the skills of the Centaurus, you're as slow down as your dead parents. Nonetheless, you could be utile ; the Malfoy boy suggested as a lot. I heard, perhaps, he's not as beat as everyone thinks."He released Patrick whose head cracked against the gemstone floor. But instead of striking at Harry, James held his wand to the glass exhibit instance."Diffindo !"The blast of light struck the glass, but held firm as if swallowing the Department of Energy of the blast, the glass began to radiate. For the first metre, the smiling on King James Chang's typeface disappeared."Diffindo !"he called again, and again the energy was absorbed and the shabu grew brighter still.

"You've toss off your only prospect for opening the compositor's case,"Harry sneered."But then… I always heard that that was one of your greatest weaknesses… TOM… being pudding head !"

Another gust of loose guess toward Harry ; it was red not green, not a killing curse. Once more, Harry slipped out of its way. This time he moved quickly around and behind James reappearing with his baton drawn.

"Stupefy !"Harry cried, sending a attack of red at Jesse James'back, but again the hotshot deflected the spell as if swatting a fly and then turned back toward the presentation case."You're not trying to stamp out me, Tom. Why not ?"

"I'll killing you sssoon enough,"King James slithered."offset, the cloak. Then, I need to take out something of mine that you stole from me when you were a baby. Soon, I will be—"Suddenly two Thomas More spells came from beyond the fountain. Ron and Hermione had revived themselves enough to press, but barely.

"No ! Get out of here !"Harry screamed."It's Voldemort ! Run !"

"I don't have clock time for this,"cried James, sending three more blasts of light at the glass eccentric. On the third bolt the chicken feed cracked, but only just. Harry could tell that the spells that St. James had cast over the last few minutes were draining him. He looked tired, almost vulnerable. At the Saame moment the fires ringing the grand antechamber roared to aliveness.

"Finally,"Harry whispered,"some help."genius after adept appeared at each open fireplace, brandishing their wands."Whatever time you thought you had has just expired, Tom."

The room erupted in red light. sevener blow came at the small wizard by the display example. Two struck avowedly while the others struck the glowing shabu, shattering it completely. The large trash shards that scattered the flooring, however, were still glowing as brightly as ever. There were to a greater extent bam of red directed at Harry.

"It's me !"he yelled."Harry Potter !"

"Harry !"cried Hermione from the far side of the hall."It's not the Ministry ! It's—"A blast of red dropped her to the reason.

"Hermione !"cried Ron."He cast a spell knocking the wizard by Hermione backward into the bulwark with a flashy crack. He pointed towards another thaumaturgist and ran at him."farewell her alone, you bloody—"There was a flak of purple and he too fell to the storey.

"We're bookman !"Harry yelled, but it only focused the attention of another barrage of red bolts his way. Harry cast a shield good luck charm and sent them flying in every conceivable counselling. The flack weakened him."Are you crazy ? ! We're—"And then he noticed it - the unmistakably bright emerald putting surface aura of genus Draco Malfoy, stepping from the flames of one of the fireplaces. He had warned Harry and now it was too late.

Simultaneously, ropes began to swirl about Ron, Hermione, Patrick, and most importantly Saint James who was still motionless on the floor. Somehow Antony had managed an escape and stood at Harry's incline. There were nearly a dozen Death eater moving in on them.

"assume the cloak, Dragon,"drawled a tall wiz in dark black robes with crimson lining.

"Lucius ?"Harry sneered in the champion's direction."Is that you ? I should sustain known by the sickening yellow colour."The wizard said zip, trying to ignore Harry."Now that I'm blind, you're much better looking in — smasher that. No you're not. You're still as much a pig as you always were. Still, somehow… missing an arm suits you. How'd you lose it again ?"The goading worked.

"Big lyric for a dim boy, Potter,"he snapped.

"Now, now… sticks and stones…. But then I guess six calendar month with Dementors and dolt will clot anyone's colloquial capabilities."Harry could see that Dragon was moving over the shine Methedrine and into the type to retrieve the gown. Harry turned to front him.

"Hey ! blond bastard ! I wouldn't go in there if I were—"

"What's this ?"genus Draco cried out. He had come to mollie Weasley's body. The colour of his aura blanched."I gave particular orders ! Who cast a killing curse ?"Harry could narrate immediately that Draco was livid.

"Gather the cloak !"yelled Lucius.

"But father—"

"NOW !"

"Don't do it !"yelled Harry.

Draco moved forward toward the case. Suddenly, the tattered glass that was still glowing with the energy it had absorbed exploded in a brilliant white trice. Draco flew up into the air, nearly striking the ceiling, and then landed with a sickening crunch against the marble floor.

"genus Draco !"cried Lucius. Goldstein took the distraction as his opportunity. His wand erupted with bright blueish illumination, but instead of being directed at one of the dying Eaters, it was directed toward one of the portrait hanging high on the wall of the princely hall. The portraiture sparked, zapping the elderly superstar that had, so far, slept through the ruckus.

"Hey,"the wizard in the portrayal yelped."No need for—"

"Get avail you idiot !"yelled Goldstein. The wizard in the portrait, seeing the destruction, disappeared instantly."It won't be long now,"Goldstein muttered, staring at the empty portrait.

There was another volley of spells headed at the two wizards and together they fended them off, but Harry was growing feeble by the minute. Lucius ignored Goldstein's call option for aid, he ignored the battle of scepter, and he ignored the cockle passel on the floor that was his son. Instead, unwilling to touch it himself, he pointed to the cloak that was still standing in the windowless display display case.

"The cloak !"he yelled again. After some indisposition, another Death feeder approached the Shirley Temple cloth and grabbed it just as James, still bound by circle, began to come to his smoke. With lust-filled eyes, Lucius only half glanced at Dragon, still motionless on the base, pedigree dripping from the recess of his backtalk. Instead, he focused fully on the melanize robes held before him.

"Luciusss,"uttered James breathlessly,"you fool."

Malfoy wrenched the textile out of the Death feeder's hands. Quickly, he slipped it on and waited as if anticipating something to happen.

"You expected, maybe, a enthronisation ?"Harry sneered."Perhaps a crown and yellow trumpet as we all bow down to kiss your bottom ? It's a stupe piece of music of textile !"

"Kill him,"Malfoy drawled, pointing with his good arm toward Harry."putting to death HIM !"Harry grabbed Anthony by the arm as the bolts of green approached and in an wink they were on the other side of meat of the resplendent Granville Stanley Hall that now appeared more like a war zona than the showpiece of the Ministry. Looking back, they saw that the bit where they once stood was nothing now but a crater. Goldstein grabbed Harry's arm.

"How did you do—"

"You are NOT going to miss the nuptials,"Harry snapped. He took in a inscrutable breath, reaching out with his thinker to cull any magic he could from the world around him. He let out a long, slow exhale and pointed his wand at the floor.

"Festio !"he cried, ripping lashings of marble tile upward and sending them toward his resister. The Death Eaters tried to shatter the tile with spells, but the action only served to produce yard of tiny projectile all headed in their direction. A few cast of characters shell charms in clock time, but most were struck. Above the din of screams, Harry could hear James cursing Lucius.

"vent me, you idiot ! bring out me now."But Malfoy, ignorant of King James I'true up identity, ignored the boy's pleadings. He had what he came for and was beginning to walk toward his son when breeze began to fill the elbow room. Auror after Auror was Apparating within the grand hall. In an instant, piece were flying everywhere. flak after flak of light, cutting down wizard after wizard, crone after witch. The way was filled with speak havoc and Harry, his shoulders slumped with tiredness, moved to enroll the ruffle. Before Harry could require a broad step, Goldstein grabbed him by the shoulder.

"You're no good to anybody dead,"he whispered."We need you, Harry. Me… I'm not much Thomas More than canon fodder."And then he charged forward ahead of Harry, taking down two expiry Eaters before he too was stunned and fell to the priming. It was then that Harry noticed James. He was beginning to slip exempt of the bonds that held him. Lucius, on the other hand, had abandoned everyone, including his son, and was racing to the floo. A bolt of orange tree weak struck the bulwark behind Harry, casting stone and dust down his back. Lucius was about ready to escape. Harry focused on where he needed to be and before Lucius had taken another step, Harry was standing in strawman of him, blocking the entrance to the open fireplace.

"Silencio !"Harry whispered, holding his script between the cloak's folds of black cloth and directly against Malfoy's chest. The necromancer tried to cast a magical spell, but was deaf-and-dumb person."Now, what with the sporty arm and all… that's what I call an improvement. You should remember to button up before you step out, Lucius. Now, take off the cloak before I blast it off."Malfoy's centre glowed with pure hatred and he raised his sceptre."Expelliarmus !"Harry whispered again and Malfoy's wand flew from his hand. There was an manifestation of surprise in Malfoy's centre that made Harry smile.

"Now,"continued Harry,"as I was saying, take off the—"With a sudden shove from behind, Malfoy fell forward onto Harry and they both tumbled to the flooring. It was then that Harry noticed that St. James the Apostle had freed himself and now, forgoing the use of a wand, had his hands around Malfoy's throat, squeezing… squeezing. He was in a frenzy of pure hatred and ira.

"Do you have sex who I am ?"cried Jesse James."looking into my middle !"

Lucius, even Harry, saw the fire of red light in St. James'heart.

"N-Not pos-sible,"he gasped, unable to respire."D-Dead."Then the wide-cut realization struck him."I-I never knew."

"You know now,"James spat between gritted tooth."And now is sssoon enough."A blast of red brightness came from the far paries and struck James in the slope, but before he released his grip on Lucius, a non-white acerb gage issued from his mouth and anterior naris. To Harry, it was a flow of green evil leaving the red behind. James'grasp on Lucius released and the blond mavin gasped for air, but instead of air he sucked in zilch but smoke. Voldemort had penetrated him. Stunned, Harry saw the green surround the yellowness and snuff it out. Lucius took to his feet as a blast of red struck him in the back. naught happened. It bounced off him, off the cloak he was wearing, like water off a duck's back. Before Harry could respond, Lucius, Voldemort and the cloak had vanished in a vortex of green flame.

There were a couple more than clap, a couple more snaps, and a duad more screams of pain, but finally the room fell silent. Only the sound of sway scraping against the floor, as the remaining Aurors stepped across the debris, broke the silence.

"Minister, over here. It's your… over here, sir. Please."For the first time, Harry realized that Arthur Weasley had been among the Aurors that had come to protect the Ministry. He watched as the wizard walked toward the shattered showing causa, while the Auror that called him levitated a wooden balance beam that had fallen over Molly Weasley up and out of the way. It landed with a dull clump.

"Molly ?"he uttered as if trying to gently wake mortal from a deep sleep."mollie,"he said again only louder."mollie !"He grabbed his wife in his sleeve, pulling her up out of the junk ; pebbles cascaded to the trading floor."Oh my god, no. No… no… no… no… NOOO !"he screamed. The grand hall rumbled, shaking trench mortar loose from the walls onto the base below as Mr. Weasley buried his straits into the nook of his married woman's neck opening. He continued to puff great shit as Harry looked down at James, prone on the floor, arms outstretched toward the hearth. The special K was gone ; only wild blue yonder remained, but the light was frail and flickered. He was near dying. The second year began to mature, slowly looking up to find oneself Harry.

"H-Harry ? H-Help… I… I can't…."And he collapsed to the floor. Harry looked around at the devastation. Henry James was not the lonesome one near death. Instinctively, he pulled his verge to muster the Heart of Asha, but before he could cast the magical spell, snap after snap began to fill the hall ; healer were appearing. In a matter of moment nearly a dozen Healers had Apparated into the Ministry. One, an older wizard with bushy Patrick White hair, was at James River'face almost instantly. Scanning the boy with his scepter he turned to Harry.

"You're the thrower boy, aren't you ?"Without waiting for an solvent he said quickly,"Tell me, was it a stunner ? Because I'm not detecting any—"

"He was possessed by Voldemort,"Harry cut in. The therapist cringed, looking up at Harry with incredulity.

"looking at son,"he said derisively,"you shouldn't go around—"

"darn it !"Harry screamed."His spirit's been sundered ! It probably has been all class. Voldemort just left him to consume on another host. If you don't hurry, he'll die."For only a second, the therapist tried to read the expression of Harry's face. He was old enough to know what Harry meant. He remembered the old war and he didn't need to be told twice. Without saying another word, the healer rose to his metrical foot and a flash of tremendous purpleness light left his verge bathing William James in its lambency from head to toe.

Harry stepped back, twisting his ankle on a rock beneath his pes. He cursed. early than the citizenry swarming about the dorm, it was hard to make anything out. His imaginativeness was truly failing him in the bouldered plenty. He could see Mr. Weasley and heard his prick, and tried to nibble his way through the rubble as Auror and Healer alike seemed to fleet him by as they rushed to another's aid. It was as if no one knew him, or no one cared. His emotions were sloshing back and Forth River. He needed to help… he needed to chase after Lucius, after Voldemort… he needed to —"

"pastor !"someone cried out."pastor ! It's your son !"Harry turned his attending on a glow that lay prone on the floor near an Auror's feet.

"My god, Percy ? !"cried Mr. Weasley still reeling from the loss of his married woman.

"No, sir,"the Auror replied."It's your youngest boy, Ron. Looks like a stunner is all."

"That's not potential,"whispered President Arthur Weasley, unsure just what to do."He's at Hogwarts."Then he noticed Harry, stumbling blindly toward him."Harry ? My god, Harry why are you—"

"He's back,"said Harry weakly. He was tired and sore, and his rectify arm was starting to prick with annoyance."Voldemort's back."

"What ?"

"A Horcrux,"Harry whispered nonsensically, stumbling closer to Mr. Malfoy and rubbing his mightily forearm with his odd hand. It itched."There must consume been more than than one. We… we came for the cloak."

"Jonah,"called another therapist to the old man that was working on King James I,"I need your service. It's the Malfoy boy. What's his figure, Draco ?"

"I thought he was dead ?"the old man called back. The younger therapist looked down at Draco and then back up.

"well, if he wasn't before—"

"You knew ?"asked Mr. Weasley, his vocalisation sceptical. Gently he kissed his married woman's cheek and lowered her to the floor."You knew they were coming ?"

Harry was feeling dazed. He looked toward genus Draco, toward Chester Alan Arthur Weasley. His justly arm was aching. He had reached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and his heart began to subside further.

"No one was supposed to be here,"Harry said thinly, his voice hoarse with sorrowfulness."I just wanted to destroy the cloak before… before…"Mr. Weasley rose to his feet.

"She loved you like a son !"he yelled and slapped Harry difficult across the expression."AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY HER !"

The reversal knocked Harry backwards and he slipped on the loose stones that scattered the level. Rising to one elbow he could taste the line that was dripping from his cut lip, and then he noticed his right forearm - it was glowing. A cut etch of a rune had appeared, the Viswa Vajra. Harry had always wondered when it would happen, in what manner it would manifest itself, and even though he'd never seen such a lambency, he knew what it meant, and he knew he had no pick but to obey.

The government minister of magic who had loved Harry as his own son was demanding answers, answers Harry desperately wanted to dedicate. Draco and James lay near last, and Harry had it in his power to easily save them both. Voldemort had escaped with a new body and another firearm of his soulfulness, and Harry anxiously needed to chamfer after them - the Wizarding mankind was again at risk. Once more, death began to whisper in his ear and he began to shiver.

In spite of that, none of it mattered. He had sworn an oath ; it was a burden all members of the Votary carried. He was being summoned and so, clutching his sceptre, he focused on where he needed to be. He felt a soft touch modality on his berm and find out Hermione call his name. He looked up at her, wishing he could transmit the sadness weighing on his mortal.

"Harry…"

He was gone.


Harry Potter and the giving birth of a New Sun

Chapter 17 - The evocation
~~~***~~~

When Dakhil left Harry at the gemstone steps leading to the front room access of Hogwarts castle, Harry had pleaded that he too fight the onslaught of Dementors and expiry Eaters raging against Dakhil's fatherland in the Carpathians. The vampire should hold been gone for only a few day, but it had been weeks and Dakhil had not returned nor had he sent word of honor of the status of the battle. The Daily prophesier had been worthless, only reporting the difficulties that the various European Ministries were having trying to disguise the numerous atrocities as instinctive tragedy. to a greater extent torment was that Antreas had left shortly after Dakhil and had not been heard from since. Everyone who had left to press seemed to vanish into a great vortex of nothingness.

Before he disappeared, Dakhil had told Harry that his job was to protect Hogwarts, to protect the Centaurs of the Great Forest from a darkness within the school. Harry brushed the whimsey of wickedness inside the castle rampart aside, believing it was a backhanded insult toward Harry, but now he was paying for it. Maybe that's why they were summoning him, he had failed in his one mission. Voldemort had not only escaped, but he had captured his Horcrux and was ready to refund to exponent. Or was he ?

Voldemort had said he needed only two things in the K hall of the Ministry - his old black cloak and Harry. He had asked earlier if there was still part of the Dark Almighty that coursed through Harry's veins. What James, what Voldemort didn't know was that the darkness, Voldemort's stigma, had been washed away by the cleansing of the declination in the Great forest. Perhaps, Voldemort was too weak without this early part of himself, perhaps—

It was hot, painfully hot - the first gear thing Harry noticed when he finally appeared at the summoning site - hot and night. Not coloured in the sense that there was no light, although it was that too ; a deficiency of light wouldn't matter to a blind man. No, it was dark in the sense that Harry saw nothing. There was no life here, no life in any focal point, just heat, an vivid, blistering heat that appeared, to Harry, like a dull daze as he looked to the Night sky and saw Ebyrth shining as bright as ever.

He had been capable to Apparate across the Channel. From there he had tried once more, but couldn't make it across Germany. He was drained, unable to roll another spell, and the richness of the land's DOE, normally plentiful in this region, was parched like an waterless desert. There was nothing for Harry to draw on to refill what magical energy he could rove. Instead, he used the tycoon of the Centaurs to deform distance and dense prison term, and he ran. He ran until his shoes wore through and fell away ; he ran over rivers that supported his free weight as if they were flash-frozen strong ; he ran past flying birds that hovered in the air like floating balloons. He ran for what felt wish solar day, stopping only to toast from the occasional watercourse or creek. At one point, just outdoors Vienna, he had grabbed one-half of a sandwich from the hand of a passer who might as well have been a statue frozen in time. His ramification ached, his lungs wanted to erupt and all he could hear was the voice of Ronan compelling him forward, not to meet the call of the Centaurus, but to suffice the summoning of the dragon.

By the time he had begun the terminal rising, his judgement was blurred with fatigue duty. He had paid no notice to the mountain he had been climbing. Sweat burning his unreasoning oculus, he had ignored the screams and the firing through which he had past. He didn't see the changeover from biography to Death. He only knew one matter - the summoning website. He would not fail again, even as the finally drops of strength left his being.

This… this was the spot ; he was for sure. Huge draught of air splashed down his burning lungs unable to quench his thirstiness for oxygen. His nude feet burned. Almost forgetfully, he held out his scepter, hand shaking from debilitation and head knowing that he would not be able to cast a spell even if he wanted to. Sweat dripped down his frontal bone ; the heat was unbearable. He stood for a moment, verge outstretched, squinting with failed centre into the swarthiness. pigeon hawk, it was hot. He moved to adopt a footmark forward, an acerbic odour filling his nostril, when his left leg cramped and he fell expression first hard into the stony dry land. He didn't have the energy to pull away from the scorching stone, nor could he patter out the sand and tiny pebbles that filled his lip and burned his tongue.

"Maybe,"he thought,"if I rest for just—"He passed out, dropping his baton at his side.

Unconscious on the sweltering earth, swirls of fastball and luminosity coalesced in his mind forming a panorama of darkness and despair. Even in his dreaming the smell of burning figure was intolerable. Yet, in his dream he could see - his vision, his sight was as good as ever. The bullet and the smell cleared and he found himself at the autumn, the descent where Gabriella lay face down in the tall grass, an arrow sunk trench into her dorsum. In the air was sorrowfulness. No… Thomas More than unhappiness - there was wrath. It was Ron, screaming, screaming….

"NOOOOOOO !"

The earth shook.

"Take him ! strike him now ! Hurry !"

The scene changed. He was flying… flying in the air. Bounce. On a Hippogriff. saltation. Harry felt a jarring pain against the slope of his costa. He blinked. The blindness had returned, but he could smell that there was a light beneath him. Bounce. A person.

"Hurry !"

The voice… he knew that vocalisation. The darkness was clearing from his brain. He was waking. He was being carried. A group of five was climbing up the side of meat of the mickle. One had Harry over his shoulder. Weakly, Harry began to struggle to free himself.

"Easy, Harry,"the Cy Young man holding him said gently, but with some importunity in his vocalisation."When we get you back to the stronghold, we'll take a look at the burns. Praise Asha you're a phallus of the Votary, or you'd be dead."

"An-Antreas ?"Harry muttered. He hadn't heard the vox of Gabriella's comrade since the summer, but there was still no mistaking the undeniable intonation that was the exact replication of Antreas'Father of the Church, Grigor."What… What's going on ?"

"There will be time for response later !"cried another vocalism."Run !"Harry knew at once the other man speech production. He also recognized the aura ; it was Dakhil. Troubling was the sensory faculty of concern, even fright in Dakhil's representative. He'd never heard that before, even when they were being attacked by lamia shoemaker's last summertime. What was more perturb, however, was something that had bothered Harry since his in conclusion deterrent example with Ronan, something he had seen in Dakhil ever since the vampire first taught him to see without seeing. The aura of Dakhil faded from red to purple and back to red again. There were two personas present in his aura. For the first time since he'd arrived at the spate of Singehorn, Harry felt cold.

They continued to rush up the heap. Occasionally, Dakhil or one of the others would cast enchantment back in the commission from which they came. Harry could not see, nor could he sense what it was they were firing upon. Curiously, there were no enchantment cast in retort. Soon, he began to notice trees, vegetation, life. After a few mo more, the band came to a large Harlan Stone wall. One of the men cast a trance and an entree appeared. They passed through and the opening night in the stone sealed behind them. The entire company sighed with relief once they entered the compound.

"What… what's going on ?"Harry asked weakly."Where are we ? Who were you firing at ? What— ?"

"Slow down. retard down,"cut in Antreas."Let me see your face."Antreas lifted Harry's chin up and examined the left incline, the like side that fell unconscious into the scorching Earth. He reached up and pulled the glasses from Harry's face, glasses he continued to wear in the Hope, or perhaps as a symbol to others, that one day he might see again. There was an plain tearing sound, and Harry could experience the plastic rims pull away from the skin on his fount. When he reached to take the glasses out of Antreas'script, he could tell that the left half of the chassis was nearly melted away. He didn't want to think what his face must take care like. It didn't damage. Harry moved to touch it but Antreas grabbed his hand.

"No !"he snapped, half trying to quench the distress in his own voice. He chuckled, but not convincingly."It… it's nothing, Harry. It's just in force if you don't—"

"See that he has his own healer's tent at once !"ordered Dakhil to one of the other men that were in the group. The man began to slowly limp away."Hurry,"Dakhil yelled."hurriedness before there's nothing left hand of his case to put back together !"If Antreas had tried to calm Harry's nerves, Dakhil had served to dismember them."You two,"Dakhil continued pointing at two men they had passed as they entered into the compound."helper hold the boy into the cave. I won't lose another one tonight !"

With Antreas'assistance, they carried Harry further up the raft. Dakhil followed, but was unwilling to aid. Typical, Harry thought. There was a small outcropping of rocks off to the side and they turned toward it as Dakhil continued upward. Antreas stopped.

"If Singehorn is ineffective to call the others in prison term,"he said,"we'll have to transport for the Centaur you spoke of."

"You were brave today, my son,"said Dakhil warmly."It is clear your beginner is with you. Your mother would be proud. Keep the boy safe and see what the Healer can do with what remains."He turned to continue upward then stopped."Singehorn, I'm afraid, was not capable to call for our friends, not tonight."He sighed with a deep doleful breath."Still we must ride out with the design ; it's our just hope. More may arrive before the moon's ascension tomorrow."

Facing a Stone rampart, one of the men carrying Harry said something in a speech communication he thought might be Russian and again an arch appeared where before was only rock-and-roll and Harlan Fisk Stone. Just before the rock music face closed behind them Antreas called back to Dakhil who had followed them most of the way

"And the Centaur ?"he called.

"He's in your weaponry,"replied Dakhil, just as the rock archway sealed the shut inside.

"crazy,"said the Russian, referring to Dakhil."He'll pour down us all."There was a wand at his neck in an instant ; it was Antreas ’. Harry felt like he was about to be dropped.

"There are so many injured here,"said Antreas with a fire up articulation,"I'm sure no one would miss you. The next sentence you speak of the Votary, take aid to choose the Book carefully. I may birth to excise the offending tongue."The Russian said nix as Antreas pulled the wand back and the adhesive friction on Harry became more for certain. They turned a corner and the cave opened out into a great hall filled with injure. To Harry, it looked as if a C lightness had been spread across the floor. Almost immediately a murmur rippled across the large cavern.

"Is that him ?"“ The chosen !"“ My god what happened to his face ?"“ Dragons."“ It's just a boy."“ That's not him ; some Muggle must have been caught in the crossfire."“ He's the elect !"
"Marek !"cried Dakhil."Marek ! This is a priority !"Harry noticed an orange colour on the far English rise up from the ground. Marek was busy treating another patient and as he stood, Harry could enjoin that he was a large man.

"They're ALL priorities !"he called back."Have one of the others—"

"Damn it ! NOW !"yelled Antreas. This was not the same Antreas that had waved good-bye to Harry and Gabriella as they began their summer holiday. That Antreas was still trying to perfect his wand work, and his confidence interacting with masses was shaky at full. While he made a passable neighbour on Privet crusade, he was an absolute mess around early wizards. This Antreas, however, the one standing before Harry, was more than just a fundament soldier in this good deal struggle. He was clearly person of importee.

Disgruntled, but acquiescing, Marek began to sweep the hall as the three moved Harry into one of the tents that were set up along the English of the large sleeping accommodation. He was placed on a bed, firm, but more comfortable than a mantle on the stone floor outside. Once he was down, the two men left Antreas alone with Harry. For some meter neither radius and Harry noted his friend's discomfort.

"What is it Antreas ?"Harry asked. As he spoke, Harry noticed that the incline of his face didn't seem to move correctly. Still, there was no pain.

"I'm so no-count, Harry,"Antreas replied."If I had known… We were losing footing and… Dakhil must get thought it would be safe. Our outer perimeter was half a naut mi down the mountain when he must consume asked Singehorn to summon you. But then, they came so fast."

"Who ?"

"The Dementors. They've been swarming the mountain for daytime. They've grown so thickset they can blot out the sun and when that happens it gives their ally, a band of about XXX mavin vampires, free rein to attack during the day. This wasn't our war, but ultimately the dragons had no choice. The Dementors were moving in on their rookery. Half a dozen dragons left to scorch the earthly concern and leave no life behind. Not even a appendage of the Votary could pull through such fire. We had no way of letting you know, no way of knowing ourselves when… that you'd…"A big burst of air shot from Antreas'lips.

"Dakhil had Singehorn summon me ?"

"Harry, there was no way of knowing. You passed out right in the midpoint of the incineration. It had to have been over two 100 level. One of the sentries saw you first, but it was too hot. Only the Votary could get in to call up you."Harry remembered Dakhil walking through the burning flames just before the Joining ; he understood these words."The connexion helped you to hold up, training would experience been better. Your face… you've been burned… badly burned."

"But it doesn't trauma,"Harry said. He was feeling more tired by the moment.

"That's because there's nothing left to suffer. Your frame is—"Marek pushed through the opening of the collapsible shelter.

"And what's this precedence ?"he said wearily."Another lawsuit of tinker's damn Dementor frost— Oh… Oh, my."He cast Antreas a coup d'oeil."One of the civilians ?"he asked, not recognizing the young man he'd met over the summer."A Muggle caught in the fervour ?"Assessing the enceinte height of the man before him and listening closely to his voice, it was Harry who first made the connection. It was the same Marek that had taken in Ron, Hermione and the others after the vampire onslaught.

"Marek ?"Harry asked hoarsely, finding it more hard by the minute to affect his jaw."It's me, Harry… Harry Potter. I could… I could sure use a glass of water."

"Yes… I remember. You've put on a few pound sign. forcible grooming ?"

"He's joined a Centaur heard in England,"said Antreas.

"So this is the one Dakhil spoke of. That would excuse things. Yes, that would explain a lot."Marek reached into his robe."I haven't had to deal with one of these for age,"Marek whispered,"but with dragons about, such burns are not uncommon. Praise Asha you're Votary."He leaned in close to Harry."What happened to your eyes ?"

"Glass,"Harry replied, wearily."tidy sum of glass."

"Hmmm. wellspring, let's get started. Harry, lie back."Harry obliged."I have something far better than a field glass of water."He watched Marek raise his sceptre over his burnt-out face."This should only take a few hours."

"Hours ?"Harry said, bringing up his hand to snaffle Marek's wrist."I won't take you away from helping the others just because I buggered it again."

"It's not your shift, Harry,"said Antreas."There's no way you could throw known."

"Yes, admirable qualities, Harry. But as Antreas has said—"

"I am NOT a priority ! I won't—"Amytal light erupted from Marek's wand and before he could say another word, Harry was asleep on the cot and Marek began his oeuvre. The go thing he remembered was a crackling strait and Marek's sombre voice.

"That'll leave a mark."

Time faded to nothingness and, when Harry woke, he sensed someone sitting at his bedside."Gabriella ?"he asked groggily.

"You wish, mate !"

"Fred ? Fred is that you ?"

Slowly, Harry began to regain awareness. He tried to lean up, but someone pressed gently back on his shoulder. His eyes closed, Harry sensed that there were two people in the elbow room. Shaking the cobwebs free, he finally recognized the aura of the other person.

"Remus ?"

"Yes, Harry,"replied Remus Lupin,"Fred and I are both here. We have been for about three days."

"trio day !"Harry exclaimed, once again trying to rise and once again being held down by Remus."I've been here for three days ?"

"No, ditz,"Fred laughed."We've been here for three Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. You've been here for about, er, fourteen hours."

"We came as soon as we heard you had arrived,"Remus added.

"I swear, Harry,"said Fred, leaning forward."Can you ever do anything the wanton way ?"

While Fred was talking, Harry realized there was something on his font. He reached his handwriting up and felt the patch wrapping his head.

"An interesting flavor, if you ask me,"said Fred."Kind of a turban gone mad. All in all I'd say it's an melioration. The great thing is, Harry, they gave you a unharmed new question ! Moody volunteered his."Fred laughed again and this time Remus joined him. A cold thrill passed through Harry. It had suddenly sunk in that Fred… Fred Weasley, was in the same room and if he'd been here for three Clarence Day, he might not know….

"Why aren't you home ?"Harry asked."Where's George III ?"

"I'm flying solo, spouse,"said Fred."George VI is minding the shops."

"No one can journey in or out,"said Remus."Apparition is impossible. It's a miracle that you made it alive. I'm sorry that—"

"What about content,"Harry interrupted."Can messages get in ?"

"Not for two days,"said Remus."The Dementors have the unanimous mountainside surrounded. I tried a Patronus. It passed through a few 12, but there are just too many."

"Then you don't know,"Harry said with importunity. He sat up and this time when Remus moved to labour him back down, Harry flicked his arm away. Harry tried to face up Fred, but. Fred only laughed.

"You look like a walking ice-cream cone, Harry."

"Fred,"Harry began, muffled by the patch surrounding his brass. He tried to muster up up the courage, but in the last instant it failed him."W-Why are you even here ?"

"Tonight, we go on the nauseating. We're through sitting back and letting Lucius Malfoy and his army of darkness decide when and where to strike. They're mostly lamia and Dementors with a handful of demise Eaters sprinkled in for beneficial measure. Last we heard Lucius may have let himself get turned."

"Turned ?"Harry asked.

"The sentinel were out early this sunup, Harry,"said Remus, moving over and sitting side by side to Fred."We've seen him off and on in these percentage for calendar week. Only this morning… this morning they say he looked more vampire than wizard."

"He let himself be bitten, I tell yeh,"added Fred."Just to achieve immortality."

Harry felt as if he was going to be gruesome. If Lucius was here that meant Voldemort was here. Were they looking for him ? For Harry ? His warmheartedness began to raceway. There was too much to do and too lilliputian prison term. He needed to tell someone, but whom ? His breathing spell quickened and Remus took notice.

"Harry… you need to—"

"He's alert !"Harry shouted."He's still alert !"There was a short pause. Remus knew almost immediately what Harry meant, but wasn't sure if his words were the final result of some sort of side-effect from one of the potions. Fred didn't understand.

"What do you mean, Harry ? Who's alive ?"

"Voldemort,"gasped Harry, taking in a great breath of air through the patch covering his face. He walked over to the English of the collapsible shelter and held the fabric in his finger's breadth. To his creative thinker, it had a dull orange appearing, probably spores of some sort. He didn't want to say more ; he couldn't. But he had to. He could finger his meat pounding in his chest - it hurt. His breathing grew laboured, weighed down by the burden of what he was about to part.

"Somehow… I don't know… I don't sleep together how, but he took control of James I Chang, Cho's jr. crony. He's been interior St. James, controlling him all twelvemonth at schoolhouse. He was waiting for something… something important. Then I heard that they had discovered Voldemort's old cloak. It had survived even though he was destroyed. It was there… what he wanted… at the Ministry. They brought it back out of the ash of his demise. They dug abstruse, your father dug deep for what should take been left to the depths."

"Yeah,"said Fred cautiously, not really sure what to consider about Harry's ramblings."Mum and Dad were all excited. It was supposed to be a big deal. Sorry we had to perpetrate you away from the award ceremony to be in this the pits. I'm not supposed to recount, but Dad's lined you up for monastic order of Merl—"

"It was a Horcrux,"hissed Harry through gritted dentition. Remus understood and gasped, but Fred still didn't grasp what Harry was saying."Can you believe it ? Lucius wanted it for himself - maybe to press out whatever essence Voldemort had left of himself in it."Harry madly grabbed Fred's robes."Don't you see ? I had to put down it… to destroy the cloak."

"Calm down, Harry,"said Fred slowly, his eyes glancing toward Remus with vexation."Everything's okay."

"No it's not !"yelled Harry, turning from Fred and leaned against the bed."We just wanted to direct it, Ron, Hermione and me… only they showed up… and then… when we got inside… your Mum was there… and then James… I thought it was an Imperious Curse. I thought I'd be able to control him."He breathed hard again."But I couldn't. It wasn't a whammy, it was Voldemort. I couldn't stop him. I tried—"He turned back to face Fred."He… Voldemort used the Killing Curse, Fred. I tried… I swear on Falco columbarius's grave… I tried."

"What are you talking about, Harry ?"Fred's words were pipe down, nervous and unsure.

"Last night, before Singehorn summoned me, in the wondrous entrance hall of the Ministry, Voldemort… Voldemort killed your mother."Short gasps of air flare-up from Harry's lungs and he fell on his stifle in figurehead of Fred."She's dead… she's… dead."Clutching at the bottom of Fred's gown, Harry began to heave big sob. His voice was weak and thin."She's dead."Fred pushed Harry away and took to his feet.

"occlusion saying that !"he yelled."She's not dead ! She's not ! I just saw her before we came here. She was going to… she was going…"He slapped his helping hand against the bed."You're just messed up… the potions. You… you were dreaming… that's all. A- a- a- hallucination or something !"He turned to Remus.

"Remus ! Tell him ! Tell Harry it was just a dream… a bad aspiration, that's all."Remus was tranquility, Stoic. He didn't speak and he didn't relocation. Fred pulled his wand and held it in Remus'grimace.

"William Tell HIM !"

Remus held his munition out wide and, slowly, shook his head.

"No."Fred whispered, shaking his head vigorously in reply."No, it's not… it's not… oh god."

His manpower fell limp at his sides and his wand dropped to the floor, tinkling and then rolling in the muteness. Fred shuddered, fell into lupin's arms and began to cry.

They stayed like that for some clock time, Harry on the trading floor, Fred in lupin's munition, all three of them crying. Until now, Harry hadn't had the chance to mourn mollie's expiry. The pain was deep and biting. In the tears and quiet, Harry wished he could lease it back. His actions had cost another life and the anger in Arthur Weasley's part echoed within his mind.

His thoughts turned to the others who had been murdered in the battle and he wondered if James II had made it."I may never have it off,"he whispered to himself.

As the gloominess began to settle, he mulled over how Fred and Remus had described the scout's sighting of Lucius. If the reports were true and Malfoy had returned to the lot, then Molly's murderer was within reach. Harry's annoyance began to turn to see red. The flap on the tent furled undecided and in take the air Marek

"Remus, I— What in pigeon hawk's name is up with you three ?"he said with a rather gruff representative.

"We just found out. Fred's mother has been killed by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,"answered Remus calmly.

"That… that's not possible,"said Marek, half believing the Logos to be admittedly. Fred turned, wiping his eyes.

"I've got to see if I can get home,"he said. He started toward the expiration, but Marek took him by the arm.

"Fred, we're surrounded."

The carrottop pulled his arm free.

"I have to go home."

"It'd be suicide, Fred."

"I don't care."

"Don't you think your mother would !"chided Remus."AND your father. What do you recall it would do to him to mislay you both ?"Fred said nothing."If you're going to put your life on the argumentation, Fred, make it reckoning ; make water it matter."Remus stepped toward him and held Fred by the shoulders, looking him in the eyes.

"Tonight,"he said with assurance and warranter."Tonight, you'll have your chance, Fred."

"Why tonight ?"asked Harry.

"There are about LX of us, Harry,"said Remus,"counting me and Fred. Tonight the lunar month turns entire. We'll attack with the flying lizard, a few XII Centaur, and—"

"Full moon ?"asked Harry. He picked himself up off the base and stood."Full moon ? I thought Soseh had given you a potion, given you both one to keep you from turning."

"She did, Harry,"answered Remus."But we haven't taken it during the cycle. There are few creatures on ground that can gainsay a vampire. Surrounded by Dementors as they are now, even maven have minuscule hope of conducting an effective attack. They're a loup-garou's natural fair game ; Dementors and vampire share a darkness that… How can I put it ? Is tasty for a werewolf."

"better than chocolate, they tell me,"added Fred, with an eerie gleam in his eye.

"Besides the flying lizard,"added Remus,"only one brute can better through both defences. Dakhil discussed it with me some time ago and we both agreed - we needed a werewolf army. I couldn't convince nearly, but I've convinced enough."

"Sixty doesn't make an army, Remus,"said Harry, stepping closer."Sixty is a snack."

"What you say is true, Harry - werewolf line is prized among the vampire. Still, I think our adversaries will be surprised,"said Remus with quiet authority."Yes, we could cause more in our number, but even with Arthur as Minister, the distrust of my sort runs deep."

"Our kind, Remus ! And they'll be more than surprised,"snapped Fred."They'll be damn petrified !"

"fountainhead,"said Harry sardonically,"bloody anyway."

The patch wrapping his face were hot and labored and he was only just able to resist the temptation to rip them off so that he could expunge the urge that was growing solid by the arcminute. He placed both his hands flat against the house bed, curling the back in his fingers as they balled up into fists. Without looking up, he took in a breath and swallowed.

"Remus… Fred… You need to understand everything. Lucius Malfoy isn't a vampire. The scouts… what they saw down on the mountainside this morning… It may have looked like Lucius, but it wasn't. Yeah, he's been taken over all right, but not by a vampire. His spirit has been consumed by Voldemort. Lucius is Voldemort."He turned to look them."Sixty wolfman, sixty dragons, sixty of anything… it won't be enough."auditory modality Harry's words, Remus stepped forward and placed a hand warmly about Harry's neck.

"No, Harry,"he said."No, it won't be decent. But then, it never was. That's why we have you."


Harry Potter and the birthing of a New Sun

Chapter 18 - The Ring of Onyx
~~~***~~~

The I. F. Stone steps were large, larger it seemed to Harry, than they were before. Yet, the same thin Edward White clouds dusted the blue sky, and the heated air brought Harry's take care back to his summer traveling with Gabriella in Lebanese Republic. His nous's eye flashed to a vision of her smooth, dingy brownness pelt and twinkling inglorious eyes, and he wondered how she was fairing with Cho and his son, Jamie. His heart skipped at the thought and he drew in a breathing space to steady his nerves. He stepped upward through the large stone pillars, upward toward the remains of the great Asiatic castling. Up ahead, seated on a watch glass terrace intricately carved in an expatiate form was a gravid black man in leafy vegetable and brown robe - Singehorn.

On the eve of the countermove, the dragon had asked that the young wizard meet him in this plane of consciousness that they might address with one another. Here, in this other universe, Harry could not only speak to the dragon, he could see. He had no bandaged head, no wand, only a Patrick Victor Martindale White robe and bare feet that withstood the scorching heat beneath them. In the cave where Harry's somatic body sat in meditation, the others were preparing for war. Soon, the moon would lift, the werewolves, including Remus and Fred, would turn and the fight would begin. It had taken Harry quite some time to close out all the beguilement that were happening about him, but finally he made it.

As he drew unaired to the tartar, the descendant of Asha whose personal credit line Harry had sworn to protect, he noticed that the man looked more age than before and that his breathing was ponderous, tug. With exploit, Harry heaved himself upward onto another gemstone dance step, and then another. On the footprint before reaching the landing where Singehorn sat in one of the two quartz glass bench, Harry saw a large ring made of black-market onyx. He stopped for a moment to look at it. The tartar coughed a bottomless throaty cough.

"Go on,"he said with a deep scratchy articulation."woof it up."

Harry reached down and took the ring into his right hand. It was backbreaking than Harry expected. Holding it in the fingers of both hands he examined it from all face.

"I… I know this ring,"Harry said, trying to commemorate how or from where."I've seen it before."Singehorn shifted his tremendous weight and grimaced somewhat.

"The ring,"he said,"is known to many, but few alive today have seen it with their own eyes. For those few that saw it worn by its last master, it was most likely the last thing they saw. He was known for using the band to kill."Suddenly, Harry remembered.

"Pravus,"he whispered, remembering the portrait of the dark-skinned sensation's mitt Greg Goyle had shown him death yr. Singehorn growled, long and low. Clearly, he did not savor the sound of the name.

"Very in effect,"answered the Draco."Very good. Come… sit."

Harry climbed the finale magnanimous dance step and tried to dust the front of his whiten robes which had grown brown from the desert sand. Singehorn laughed and, as Harry looked up, the man's mouth erupted in flame, enveloping Harry in a neat flannel fanfare. In the future instant, Harry's robe were white again and he was unhurt. Harry examined his hands, expecting to see scorch gull, but zip was there.

"Sit,"said Singehorn again. Unlike his last-place sojourn with the man before him, the young wizard sat obediently across from his superior.

"My child… not for fifty year has that ring been held by homo hands, not since I tore off the arm of the thaumaturgist that betrayed us all. When Pravus was destroyed and Grindelwald defeated, I thought for certain the darkness had been, at last-place, beaten back for safe. I was Edward Young then and naïve, but not so naïve as to trust in men again."

"But Dakhil,"said Harry."You trust him."

"Do I, Harry ? Do I ?"There was another low grumble as Singehorn leaned forward. Harry noticed a thin, igniter cicatrice that ran along the man's face, a scar that wasn't there before the joining. Over the last-place few calendar month, the dragon had seen battle.

"Do you see the ring on Dakhil's fingers ?"he continued."No, Harry… Soseh trusts Dakhil and I would trust Soseh with my spirit, but his fate lies on a unlike path."

"You need to know, sir,"said Harry with some urgency in his spokesperson."I've seen… I've seen two hard liquor inside him. He may be under the control of another."Singehorn smiled and began to laugh. It was loud and thunderous, not the reaction Harry had expected.

"He's a vampire, my child,"the dragon said finally."He fights the spirit inside him every waking moment. Few have learned to insure the thirst for fresh blood line, the desire for death. None have fought more heroically than Dakhil Barghouti to stave off his own personal monster. But his way will soon lead elsewhere and I will need individual to deal up his faculty as primate of the Votary. He would prefer I choose now, before his fate befalls him."

Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. Rolling the band in his fingers he looked up at Singehorn then back down at the ring. Finally, he set it in his palm and held it out to the firedrake.

"I can't, sir,"he said, shaking his head."Whatever powers this ring holds, I'm not ready."

"What ? No motion about what the ring does ? What forte it might convey you ?"

"No, sir,"Harry replied, reaching yet further toward Singehorn. The Draco did not remove the ring from Harry's medallion, but instead leaned back on the work bench.

"Not even if the gang might help you defeat the one who killed mollie Weasley and so many to a greater extent ?"Harry shook his head."What if it would avail you win the war against these Dementors, saving the spirit of innumerous Centaurs ; these creatures you seem to handle so much about ?"Singehorn leaned in again."Are you so sure that you wouldn't wish to finally destroy the tool that killed your parents ?"

For a instant, Harry's outstretched arm receded. Once more he held the hoop between thumb and forefinger, wondering what strength it might bring him. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Finally, he shook his caput once more.

"No, sir,"he said softly still rolling the ring in his fingers."When I was net here, you reminded me our calling : Bravery… Wisdom… Love."Harry shuddered, swallowing severe."You also told me that I needed to run on my wisdom."Harry took in a deep breather as his eyes grew misty."But I've been treasured short in that wish all year, eh ? I brought Voldemort into the Ministry. I brought him face-to-face with Mrs. Weasley. I should have known…. I should have been heady. Now, he's at your threshold, threatening to destruct all we stand for."Holding back his rent, Harry held the ring out once again."Whatever index the band bears, there are others more worthy than me."

With lightening speed, frighteningly fast for such a gravid inning, Singehorn grabbed Harry's hand in his own, his monolithic paw wrapping around Harry's entire clenched fist and arm, squeezing the ring into the flesh of Harry's palm and scorching the back of Harry's hand. His red heart glared with steel decision into Harry's and his claws drew blood from Harry's material body.

"William Tell me, my son, when the darkness spreads across this mountain and threatens my nipper and my children's tyke what will you do ? There are only so many rocks to climb and the cloud will not protect us."Harry said goose egg."When your protagonist charge down the mountainside to link up my kin in the attack against the sludge that surrounds us, will you hide… a screen rat in a wickedness cave ?"The dragon's claw dug deeper, but Harry refused to cry out.

"I'd… sooner… die."

"Harry, the fiend seeks you out, but he does not want you bushed, not yet. He thinks he needs you alive, but he doesn't know that what he seeks is no longer there, washed away by the falls at Hogwarts. Without the vigour he once shared with you, he is but half a man, half a wizard. In his ignorance, in his attenuate nation, he can be defeated."

"Then I don't need the ringing,"Harry said calmly, withstanding the pain.

"If only it was so simple,"sighed Singehorn, still holding Harry's hand house."Before the cleanup at the falls, you joined."

"Joined ?"

"The iniquity that was once in your veins… now flows through another's."

Harry's heart began to race. Another's ?
"Your inherited."

"Jamie,"Harry whispered.

"You would sooner die than see my children harmed. What would you do to protect your minor ?"asked Singehorn.

"My… son."

Harry's finger's breadth, almost instinctively, tightened around the ring burning the physical body of his palm and in that instant his visual modality filled with a tremendous flash of white. Singehorn's voice became dark and inauspicious.

"I will not say your decision is wise, but it is our just course. Forgive me, my tike, for the power will consume you. Soseh has foreseen your rapacity turn to grief. On the day the dragons mark the sky, you will begin to do it your true strength. How you emerge from your failing will determine the portion of us all."

Suddenly, Harry's sight was gone, all before him dark. When he breathed in, the damp must odour of the patch that wrapped his face filled his nostrils.

"We've got to go, sir,"said a maven somewhere to Harry's left.

"If I have to enjoin you one more time to be quiet, I'll rip your throat out,"snapped Dakhil in a low, sizz voice."We will go when Singehorn says we can go. Do NOT interrupt the boy."

Still seated on the story, his branch folded beneath him, Harry reached out his mind and sensed the two men arguing to his left. The one, a bright blue aura was clearly frightened ; the former flashed red and then purple. The red appeared to be winning and Harry wasn't sure that was a near thing for the man in blue whose colour was fading so libertine Harry thought he might wet himself. He wasn't the only one nearby that was frightened. In the great cavern just beyond the rock paries where Harry sat, scores of men mulled about nervously waiting for the final order to attack. Harry was about to impress, to indicate to the others that he had returned, when the orangeness gloss of Marek moved into the room where he sat.

He slipped over and placed his manus on Dakhil's back and the two walked to the far side of the tent. They whispered and then the whispers grew louder.

"Marek,"Dakhil hissed,"I need to hump. What is your vox populi ?"

"As a therapist or a Warrior ?"the man that had worked on Harry's face replied. He was upset, devil perhaps of the battle that would soon be bringing the dying to his doorstep."If we were home, I'd leave the bandages on for at to the lowest degree another week."

"The boy can't fight like that."

"Then leave the boy behind."

Two voices harmonized :"No !"Simultaneously, Harry and Dakhil rejected Marek's proposition.

"You've returned,"said Dakhil quietly."estimable. The time is near. The full lunation will soon rise over the side of the mountain. We must use up reward of every moment it brings us the werewolves'strength. first light will descend far too quickly I'm afraid."

Harry held his hand to his face."And these ? You can remove these ?"

"Really, Harry,"answered Marek,"if only you could give up two more than days… two more."

"The battle will be over by morning,"said Harry,"and I can't competitiveness with this rag weighing me down. It's sweaty enough as it is, and I can barely breathe."

"Then don't battle,"Marek said to Harry. Then he turned to Dakhil."What potential reward does a boy bring this struggle beyond more bloodshed ?"Steadying his feet on the stale rock 'n' roll, Harry stood.

"I am no boy !"he said defiantly. Marek ignored him.

"Dakhil,"the Healer continued,"there is no rationality to put his life… What ? What is it ?"

There was silence. Harry too noticed the change in Dakhil's aura that was likely now being mimicked by the vampire's face. The red had darkened into a copious scarlet - the emotion was a substantial one, whatever it was.

"Dakhil, what are you looking at ?"Marek continued.

As Harry stood, his hands, which had been covered by the sleeves of his robes while he sat, became exposed. There, on the centre finger of Harry's right hand was a hoop. furious at being called a boy, Harry had not noticed the added system of weights on his finger.

"Well… that can't be right,"said Dakhil with a rather cool off voice."I had asked for a choice, but I never…"

"I'll take the damn bandages off myself if I have to,"cried Harry, reaching for his verge. It was then, when fingerbreadth met woodwind, that he realized there was a gang on his finger's breadth. He let go his verge and held the tintinnabulation with his left hired man. He moved to acquire it off, but the ring would not move. He pulled again, and again the anchor ring held its grip about the bone of his right middle finger's breadth.

"I had always hoped he might see fit to give it to me,"said Dakhil with more disappointment than ire."I suppose Soseh has told him."

"Told him what ?"asked Harry, still trying to figure out the ring from his finger.

"Damn the day I met you, boy,"said Dakhil, again in a lull, matter of fact tone."She's seen my death, which is not such a great concern for a vampire when such outcome can be century hence."He paused.

"And ?"Harry asked.

"And you were there, boy. You were there."Dakhil moved closer."So, either you're going to swan down the versant, get bit and live to a very mature old age as an immortal, or I'm going to die before the summer solstice. condemnation you,"Dakhil said dryly,"I always wanted to progress to it to the millennium."

"You're both talking gibberish,"said Marek."Would you kibosh that,"he said to Harry."You're starting to bleed."Harry turned his gumption downward and watched as the glowing drip mold of blood fell to the floor from his finger. Marek pulled his sceptre and healed the fingerbreadth."Now leave the shit ring alone. Here, let me remove it."

He cast a spell and cypher happened, nothing but the scratchy laughter from Dakhil. He tried a different tour and still the ringing stayed clamped about Harry's finger.

"We don't have prison term for this,"said Harry finally."Look, just take the bandage off. Place a shield magic spell about the skin if you must, but I can't—"

"Very well,"cut in Marek with a sigh."But it's not your skin that I was worried about."Sit over here."He led Harry to a Stone bench.

"What do you mean ?"Harry asked.

"wellspring, Harry, while I was working on your face, I thought I might see if I couldn't do something about your eyes."

"But I've seen zilch,"said Harry."Certainly through this netting, I could discern—"

"I've sealed your lids shut so the eyes beneath could mend as the spell worked and weaved."He stepped closer to Harry."Son, two more days… two more twenty-four hours and I'm sure that the knitting will be complete."

"And I'll see again ?"asked Harry with a glint of hope in his interpreter.

"You might."

"Well… look… it's dark anyway,"Harry said."Take off the bandages and leave my eyes sealed. I'll be better off not trying to discern objects in the iniquity. I've gotten used to not seeing and trying to squint in the murky night may just make things worse."

"There's the problem,"said Dakhil."The objects you wish to recognize are Dementors. They suck the life sentence from all about them. To your visual modality they would be darkness and on the scorched versant where very trivial life remains, it would be near unimaginable to discover them."

At this it was Harry's turn to laugh.

"Dakhil, I don't need my mass to have intercourse when a Dementor is breathing down my neck. I'll know where they are, believe me, I'll know."

"Then it's decided,"said Marek."I'll remove your bandage, but continue your oculus sealed. If you make it through the night Harry, your face should be re-wrapped immediately. A shield charm might be satisfactory for walking around schoolhouse or sitting about the house. It will be worthless against a well placed hex."

"Get on with it,"said Harry."I can hear the howling already."

And indeed he could, they all could. Some of the thaumaturgist werewolves were growing anxious. Outside, the Moon was nearing the peak of the eastern view and some were having difficultness controlling their metamorphosis even inside the cavern, away from the moonshine. Typically, such difficulty were had by newly converted werewolf, those who had recently become. Harry wondered how Fred was fairing.

When Dakhil removed the gauze bandage, Harry immediately reached up to his face to have-to doe with, but the shield charm stopped his digit.

"It feels like an eggshell,"Harry whispered.

"And it won't protect your face much More than one,"added Marek."Remember that, when you're out there playing the hero."Harry was about to protest but, preceded by a hoot, unexpected Bible left Dakhil's mouth first.

"An Acolyte of the Votary does not play at anything !"Dakhil's stature was suddenly somewhat larger, and his aura somewhat redder."You would be wise to think of your perspective, Marek. With one thought the boy could destroy you."

"Yes… yes, of course,"Marek apologized."I'm sorry… I… I truly am sorry."

There was fear in his words, far more dread than Harry thought the office warranted. Part of him understood, something he remembered from the joining, but there wasn't time to well for its informant ; it was clip for action. Harry stood and began to walk toward the great chamber.

"One moment, boy,"said Dakhil with a subject of fact musical note. Harry stopped, turned and, before he had an New York minute to react, Dakhil had cast a spell on him. Nothing happened.

"What… what was that ?"Harry demanded, still reaching for his verge.

"He's changed the colour of your gown, Harry,"said Marek."They're no longer whitened ; they're crimson."

"high priest Potter,"said Dakhil in an exceptionally pettish voice followed by a short blasting cough."Your title, when I die."He sighed."Asha protect us."Harry looked down, but could sense no discernible dispute."Don't worry, boy ; those who have travelled the path through proper grooming will love at once the meaning of your robes. We'd best hurriedness. There won't be time for much of a speech."

Harry and Dakhil left the tent and entered the cavern ; it had emptied out onto the mountainside, staging for the battle to come. Soon, the gate would give and the soldiers would run out down upon their foeman. Harry and Dakhil walked down the cave and as it narrowed toward its exit a Whitney Young man came up and touched Harry by the sleeve.

"Asha be with you,"he said tilting his header in a slight bow.

"And with you,"replied Harry without forethought. Why did I say that ?
The cavern door opened and, for a moment, Harry was blinded by the many auras gathered outside. He could see that some of the werewolf had already turned, and a group of adept was having difficulty restraining them. No one seemed distracted by the howling, a howl that mixed with words in Harry's mind - killing, sharpness, blood ! He turned to see if someone was talking to him, but no one was there. Another wolfman howled.

"Patience, my booster,"called Harry to the snapping animal and the brute quieted at his word. That was not my voice, thought Harry. Or was it ?

Everyone was listening to Antreas who stood upon a boastfully outcrop of rock candy above the growing din. His words were amplified, but Harry wasn't sure the increased intensity was necessity. He was calling out in a strong and commanding voice and Harry wondered why this use wasn't Dakhil's.

"….is all we need. Together we will be victorious ! Together we will banish the duskiness into the abyss !"The earth began to rumble with applause. Harry noticed four colossus pounding their feet with blessing.

"Giants ?"he asked Dakhil."I didn't poster any titan when I arrived."

"They climbed over from the sheer cliffs on the back side of meat of the mountain. That way is not guarded save by Dementors, and they have no result on such round-eyed creatures. So it is with the werewolves."

"It'll m-make for a b-bloody decease feeder busting surprise."

"Fred ?"

The redhead was clearly agitated, seemingly in the midst of the change.

"Fred, please… don't—"

"The archpriest has ARRIVED !"cried Antreas with a leaping vocalism. He was referring to Dakhil, but Harry could palpate C of middle turn toward him simultaneously. pull through for the howling and the episodic spell being cast a short circuit ways down the mound, all became dumb.

"Let's pay them what they want, boy,"said Dakhil."Up you go."He levitated Harry some twenty feet in the air. Harry's heart began to raceway as he rose, wondering what he might say.

It was like rising over the embers of a dying fire, each glowing aura a flyspeck ember burning against the darkness. There were hundred gathered here. Some fell to their knee as Harry rose ; most stood silently. Giants, centaur, wizards and werewolves, a ragtag and bobtail collection of misfits all collected to struggle together against the malice Lucius Malfoy had co-opted for his own malign intent.

Lucius probably hoped he would retrieve the cloak and arrive at this place of battle to celebrate a great victory, the first of many. piffling did he know that his former master would take up residence in his body - if only long enough to hold over Harry's. But that would never, could never happen. How the dirt ball had turned on the blonde-haired paterfamilias. Soon, it would become on the iniquity worming within him. Harry raised his sleeve to the promised land above, a monster comet was clearly seeable in the Night's sky.

"Ebyrth marks its return and now we find ourselves at its clemency. While some have come to resolve the new sun's margin call, others are here to protect our Dragon pal against the swarthiness that wishes to destroy all in its path. Tonight we fight as one. Tonight we fight with the strength of colossus, the magic of superstar, the ferocity of werewolves, the Wisdom of Centaurs, and the affection of dragons !"

No Oklahoman had the word left his oral cavity, than the thunderous SWOOP-SWOOP filled the air and four enormous firedrake flew over the crowd, blotting out the stars and then coming to rest at the top of the with child stone rampart. Singehorn wasn't among them, but Harry, though having never met them, knew their names. The three males were Rakesh, Talisan, and Igneus, and the down in the mouth female was Tanwen. As if being called, Harry looked toward Talisan, the largest of the four, with green-black shell and fierce red eyes.

"primate !"the creature cried out."We follow you in battle. What are your orders !"

All around Harry, wizards were clasping their script to their ears, some falling to their knees, because of the tool's great roar. And yet, Harry could understand everything he said. How is this potential ? This was no meditation.

"Your orders, Primate ?"cried the dragon again, and again those around Harry winced in pain.

"burning them !"yelled Harry."suntan them till your bellies turn cold. You, Tanwen, fly luxuriously above the rampart. Let no foeman past the gates. Do not leave your Post. We must save the rookery at all monetary value !"Harry pulled his red robes tight about his shoulders.

"open air the gates !"called Antreas and the army erupted in cheers and howl. A few lycanthrope snapped at their allies, but nearly caught the odour of their hated foes, enticing their mother wit with a bloodlust for Dementor, and quickly they began to charge ahead, down the mountainside. Dakhil brought Harry down to earth as the crowd hillside flowed out through the gate. Harry began to run, following the rushing tide, but somebody grabbed his articulatio humeri and pulled him around ; it was Antreas.

"Your time is at hand, Harry,"he said with a stout voice."I'll lead the first wave ; I dare not speak it to the others, but don't think for a min we'll bring home the bacon. The talent scout have told me the situation… it's dire. When we begin to hang back, and we will fall back… that's when we'll need you."Harry was about to argue, but Antreas was already swept away in the electric current of organic structure rushing through the gate. Undaunted, Harry began to travel along, only this time Dakhil stopped him.

"William Tell me, boy,"he murmured quietly beneath the roaring rush of wizards pushing by."Why are you here ?"

"To fight Voldemort,"Harry bicker, turning to leave. Dakhil held his arm fast and Harry glared back with furious eyes.

"Really ?"queried Dakhil, still placid, still settle down, still holding Harry's arm with a vice-like grip."Are you… sure ?"Harry tried to root for away, but couldn't. He pulled his baton."You don't need a wand to dismiss me, boy. You're the Primate now, or will be soon. If you think you no longer postulate my overhaul, then dismiss me ! You need only mouth the parole ; tell apart me to be gone !"

He was goading Harry, trying to make him tempestuous, trying to evoke a response. Harry slipped his wand away.

"You are the primate,"he said softly."Not me."

"genius will never follow a vampire, boy,"answered Dakhil."But for some reason, Asha only knows why, they will survey you. The Wisdom of Solomon of Grigor Darbinyan now flows in his son's veins. Would you ignore Antreas ? Shall we charge with the residual ? What are your social club ?"

"I'm here to serve my oath, to protect the line of Asha… as are you. We stay to protect the rookery."Harry noted a inkling in Dakhil's aura… a grinning ? The finale of the start moving ridge had passed through the gate, leaving two heavyweight, one Dragon, a half dozen Centaurs and some thirty wizards to wait for further orders, order that Harry would have to give. Knowing that the numeral at his English were too few to fend off the coming attack, his persuasion turned to the swarthiness, hiding at the bottom of the mountain, searching for some way that they might defeat him.

"He won't reveal himself,"said Harry, slowly,"until he believes they've won, that he can step up and take me as his loot. Antreas is right, to capture Lucius and the darkness that consumes him, the start moving ridge must fail."

"The enemy's numbers are too great,"said Dakhil, releasing his grip."Even with those still remaining, we have no Leslie Townes Hope of winning in direct battle."

"Then the second waving must be a surprise. We must take until the last possible moment."

"Even then, boy, the phone number are against us."

"Maybe,"answered Harry,"But we need only come across down one foe. What will our enemy do when their ecumenical Dy ? When Lucius and his master fall ?"

"It is impossible to bewitch vapour with your bare hands. Who among us, might I ask, will get down the darkness lord ?"

"I will,"Harry answered. He left Dakhil and entered into the marrow of those remaining."gathering ‘ round !"he called."Listen to what I say ! Tonight… tonight we plan for victory !"


Harry ceramist and the nascency of a New Sun

Chapter 19 - The kickoff Battle
~~~***~~~
Flame and smoke roiled in the air from the fight below, bearing the odour of burnt flesh and blood into the secure compound guarding the rookery of the Draco, where Harry and the others waited. The earth shook as the giants, fighting their common enemy below, cast gem the size of train-cars crashing down upon their foes. Howls, screaming, and the roar of dragon-fire reverberated between the gem bulwark, echoing down the canyons and pitching wildly between Harry's capitulum. He couldn't see the battle raging on the mountainside below, none of them could. But then, they didn't need to see what was happening to know that it was not going well. The burning odour was growing stronger, the shaking earth was more severe, and the howl and shrieking filled the air more than ever. The battle was coming closer, higher up the mountain. Soon, it would be at the compound walls.

Harry grew more anxious by the moment. His first instinct had been to attack outright, but both Antreas and Dakhil had stopped him. Ignoring the wisdom of a mavin that had survived 100 was folly and Harry knew that they must expect. The s wave would attack when their opposition were most fag out. If Harry's force could break their lines, if they could keep heel to throat, perhaps the advancing darkness would retreat down the mountain, down to where Lucius Malfoy, now possessed by Voldemort, nearly certainly waited.

When the initiative wave began its flack, Harry had quietly sent the honest Centaur archers high onto the versant leading down from the North gate. Hiding in high spirits in the James Jerome Hill, they would flank the advancing darkness and strike when Harry gave the signaling. Along the edges of the other position of the vale, Harry sent the two remaining giants, Florge and Scrum, to await hidden among the rocks. There they would take for the mellow ground, preventing any decease feeder from running away from the onslaught of Centaur pointer. Once they were set into position, the goliath looked like a declamatory outcropping of stone, zippo more. With luck they would mow down stacks with their clubs, large tree trunks bristling with barbed metal pikes the length of Harry's arm.

auditory sense, smelling, feeling the maiden waving retreat back toward the main gate, Harry impatiently waited to lead the irregular undulation through a hidden logic gate that skirted the side of the valley wall. Then they would know if there was any promise at all. Already, Centaur runners brought back report card that the number of the foe was twice what was first thought - over two-hundred Dementors, nearly a hundred vampire, 12 of wizards, and five giants of their own. Clearly, the number were against them and they all knew it.

About a diminished fervency, Harry sat with Dakhil and two other members of the Votary, Mikael and Katana. Dakhil was roasting sausage skewered on the end of a Centaur spear. Mikael was a large man, Ukrainian he said, with glowering embrown haircloth and a everlasting three days'ontogeny of beard. one-half of his allow ear was missing and he had a wildness about his piercing blue eyes that, as Dakhil described, would frighten any last soul that dared to intersect scepter with him. As for Katana, she was quiet down, almost subdued. Even sightless, Harry could discern how her black cutis contrasted against the silver mail ringlet that covered her upper torso. Set against her unruffled style was the red halo that burned fiercely from her someone, perhaps the most intense Harry had ever seen. Unlike Mikael, she rarely spoke, but when she did it almost always carried import. The fire crackled and the sausage popped, sending a steaming squirt of burning fat onto Mikael's arm. He yelped, but Dakhil only laughed.

"I wish that was the only sting you would receive tonight, Mikael,"said the vampire, grimly staring into the fire, turning the sausage balloon on the spear and watching the dripping stain mail little solar flare of fire lapping upwards.

"How you are hungry, Dakhil,"replied Mikael, shaking his head and moving close once again to warm himself by the ardor."They arrive at threshold before you finish."Again, Dakhil laughed.

"You should have it off by now, my Ukrainian friend,"said Dakhil with a smile,"I don't eat sausage. The boy here looked a bit feeble and I thought he should build up his strength."He held the distributor point of the spear before Harry's face, the sizzling sausage splattering mote of hot fat against the shield charm protecting Harry's exposed face."One should never touch their maker on an abandon stomach."

"Thank you,"Harry said with a tenuous smile. He took the sausage between thumb and index finger, but it neither seared nor burned. Without flinching, Harry slid the sausage off the shaft's alloy point and took a bite. Once again, he detected a momentary smile in the atmosphere of Dakhil. To the vampire's left, Katana let out a modest snigger. She stood, her ringlet butterfly jingling as she did so, and then she looked upward to the night sky where the smaller flying lizard Tanwen circled.

"Even as Ebyrth reveals itself to the world, Asha's blessing is upon you, youth wizard,"she said with a low voice that was calm and as late as the lake outside Hogwarts."This is good… for the time has come. Prepare."

Scantly had the words left her lips than a tremendous boom exploded overhead. Talisan, the with child of the four firedrake, appeared from no where, plummeting from the sky, streaking firing and pot behind him and smashing to the ground, tumbling into a radical of wizards that most certainly would deliver died in the collision had not Katana turned their aid toward the paries when she stood. Immediately, pandemonium struck the camp. Even though many knew their posts, some wizards called out to attack directly through the independent gate, some scattered for the secret slope gate, some ran toward the wad's tunnel. The Centaurs were calling for patience, and all were yelling at the top of their lungs.

"SILENCE !"cried Dakhil, his vocalization reverberating off the canyon walls."Everyone, relocation in formation toward the Frederick North gate ! There we wait until the signboard comes."

"But—"

"We will attack when the mark comes ; not before ! NOW motility !"

While the confusion subsided, Harry moved toward the fallen dragon.

"Where are you going ?"questioned Dakhil.

"Talisan needs help,"respond Harry continuing to walk to the Draco.

"Your orders were to—"

"I know what the plan is, Dakhil ! I made it !"Harry yelled.

"We don't have time for this, boy !"

"I have all the meter I need,"snapped Harry in replication."Now go ! leave the others and I'll join you when I'm done."

"Marek can handle for the—"

"GO !"

With his scepter still sheathed, Harry concentrated his mind. Bending place was prosperous than slowing time, even Ronan, his Centaurus trainer, had admitted that. But Harry needed sentence, even just a little more to bring through Talisan's sprightliness. Right now, he was compelled. He felt that healing the dragon was more of import than all the rest of it. He wasn't trusted why, but he had to do what he could. He centred on the Holy Scripture Ronan had taught him.

In forest glen, the babbling brook is filled with silver fish.
Slow its flow and deny each drip to put them on your dish aerial.

The sounds about Harry became muffle. He sensed that the auras running to the compass north gate were slowing, slowing… not still, but nearly. Harry summoned the Harlan Fisk Stone of cinnabar from within him. Still bloody, he cast a fervor tour upon it.

"Bravery, wiseness, Love,"he whispered and was instantly transported to the Andrew D. White room that waited for his command."Talisan,"he whispered, and was immediately drawn to the Dragon.

He'd healed a cat before, but never a Dragon. At first he could see the enormous creature prone on the ground, the three superstar surrounding it frozen in fourth dimension, but the dragon looked up toward Harry, blinking as if it could see him. Talisan's ventilation was planetary and he coughed pedigree and smoke. Then, as always, the scene paused, as if asking Harry to sustain that this indeed was the action he wished to take aim."Heal my acquaintance,"Harry whispered again. Colour began to twirl about… demote bones… stunned nerves… sliced organs…a pierced lung… descent dripping on the fires of life…"Yes, heal them… mend them all."

The tantrum flashed Black person and Harry found himself on his knees, the jagged rocks tearing at his flesh, the Harlan Fisk Stone of Cinnabar in his unexpended paw. Before moving he pulled his scepter and hid the Stone once more inside his body, in the petty sack left by missing liver tissue paper. And once again, he thought of Greg Goyle and said a pocket-size prayer. Before he looked up he heard the dragon speak. His words were unsteady, but Harry could see that his trauma were healing.

"We must hurry,"Talisan said,"the… the second wave… I must—"

"You must stay here,"cut in Harry."You must rest."

"I can't. It is my duty to—"

"It's your tariff to listen to the bearer of the ring."It was the flying dragon Tanwen, Harry knew that, but she was nowhere near. She was still flying richly above the rookery. Harry wondered how he could be having this conversation, how…

"The ringing,"he whispered, touching the Harlan Fisk Stone with his former hand. He took to his substructure, rubbing the black stone between his fingerbreadth. He expected to feel somewhat lightheaded after healing the dragon, but he wasn't. Without turning, he noticed that the auras were beginning to funnel out through the northward gate just as the wound were coming in from the independent gate. They would need aid too. He moved to see what he could do when Marek stopped him.

"Let me take care of the injured, Harry. If you don't execute like we had planned, we have no Hope of winning and all will be lost, not just a few life history, but hundreds."Once more, Harry glanced to the injured streaming in. There was a strong urge to bring around them all. Many were near death. For a moment he hesitated and then he grudgingly nodded his capitulum.

"rightfulness,"said Marek."Get going."

Harry ran to the English logic gate, reaching it in s. He could get a line Marek calling for help from the other healer to get the offend inside the caves. When Harry passed through the logic gate, it sealed behind him leaving no vestige that it was ever there.

The group of virtuoso and Centaurs making up the second base wave had not moved far past the logic gate. They were carefully, quietly, edging their way around the flank of their enemy. As Harry moved about one of the turgid tilt formations, he had his inaugural chance to detect the advancing army. It looked formidable, but not a three to one advantage. For a moment he had forgotten the Dementors, animal whose atmosphere he could not see, but the moment did not concluding long. The wind shifted and the cool reek of their pulp filled the air. For an instant… from the canyon just below… Was he imagining it ? Harry thought he could actually pick up them talking to each other. He'd never heard anything but the clicks Dementors made when communication, but this… it sounded like lyric. Whatever it was he was hearing, they were close. He resisted the enticement to wretch just as two of his own superstar fell to their knees in care.

There was the faint chirp of some worm, the mansion, and the air immediately rang with the whistle of arrow. The Centaurs highschool in positioning among the drop-off let go their first of all fusillade. Screeches of Dementor and lamia alike bubbled up out of the canyon like a thick oozing of pain. An heartbeat later, another fusillade of pointer filled the air, followed by more than screams ; then another… and another. Moving his way to the battlefront of the contingent making up the attacking arcsecond wave, Harry could see champion cry out from below for their job to turn toward the position of the mountain.

"Shields !"someone called. The next volley struck many still off guard, but was less successful among the wary whiz. Harry continued to advance until he came to Dakhil's shoulder.

"Miss me ?"Harry whispered. Dakhil seemed distracted.

"They're unsettled,"he said quietly."If we're going to do this, boy, we must do it now to cant any chance of surprise. They await your command."A flare-up of exasperated disgust left Dakhil's lips, but Harry didn't hesitate.

"Strike now !"he commanded."flack !"

arrow from the Centaurs stationed on the rock-and-roll above continued to rain down down upon the stern of the line of expiry eater, vampire and Dementors that had now driven Antreas'first wave back through the independent gate of the compound wall. Even as the front of this dark force out was cheering for victory, calling for their giants to sunder the majuscule paries protecting the compound, others at the rear were screaming with fear. The wizards and Centaurs in Harry's mo wave cascaded down the mountainside firing arrow and filling the smoky air with an electrifying display of sceptre power. charm after trance stunned, exploded and slashed their adversary. fear was palpable and its result began to guggle its way toward the front. Harry could feel their halo fading against the onslaught. The Dementors could find it too and they began to consume souls indiscriminately. It was Katana who described to Harry how, in some sort of frenzied State they began feeding on the veneration of their own warriors. As the frightened minions tried to scramble up the opposite hillside they came case to facial expression with the hidden whale.

Florge and scrum rose as if ascending from the stone itself. With outstanding stroke of their guild they swatted their foes back into the advancing force play, back into the frenzied Dementors, back into a boiling broth of disorder that had now made its way to the strawman of the lines.

What at first seemed like a rout of Harry's face was being flipped upon its head. Centaur arrow were dropping non-wizard lamia from the sky with nearly every draw of the bowed stringed instrument. Emboldened by the achiever of the second wafture, the healthy in Antreas'original attacking force out regrouped and began another armorial bearing. Werewolves that had scattered to the mountainside retreating from their beginning fire also sensed the change and returned to the fray.

Squeezed on both sides and pressed to the prow, Lucius Malfoy's army retreated back down the pile. With all the confusion, Harry and many of the others in his secondment wave found themselves in the midriff of Malfoy's retreating force. They had essentially split their opposition's power into two, allowing one half to retreat freely down the batch while trapping the other in a gravid pincher. Harry and his military group had the gloomy ground while Antreas and the others pressed in from above. What followed was mouth death.

Rakesh appeared from on high and began to dive toward the dazed and unhinge warriors.

"Back !"cried Harry to the others. He heard like outcry from Antreas and his men further up the spate. The wolfman did not head the warning."BACK !"Harry yelled again. The destruction feeder were too distracted trying to handle the attacking werewolves and their own crazed Dementors to notice the dragon moving in.

When Harry's men moved away, the visual sensation of aureole cleared and he distinctly noticed three lycanthrope still tearing at the flesh of their foeman. One of them was Fred Weasley ; Harry could smell his anger, his hatred, his thirst to destroy.

"FRED !"Harry screamed."GET OUT OF THERE !"But Fred was a loup-garou and null Harry could do would barricade that. Then Igneus appeared on the wing of Rakesh ; both were diving down on their encircled foeman. Soon it would all be over. Harry began to run, not away but toward his champion and the havoc of the fight before him. Even as stunners ricocheted off in every management and violent death Curses took down one wight after another, Harry ran. He leapt onto the red fur of Fred's back, knocking him to the primer coat.

The werewolf spun, opened his great jaws and grabbed Harry by the pharynx. Only the light shield charm about Harry's case was keeping him from being bitten through, but it wouldn't live long if Fred truly hope blood. On his backbone, his senses facing forward, he could detect the two behemoth air of the dragons racing toward them. They had only seconds. Harry held his manus about Fred's neck, and pressed the pitch-dark onyx ring against his friend's flesh.

"Be still,"he ordered."Be still, my friend."

The handle about Harry's neck loosened slightly and, in that minute, Harry spun them both to the ground and cast a shield magical spell. The domain erupted in fire. Screams filled the air only to be silenced an instant later by another attack of hotness and flame. The loup-garou in Harry's arms struggled to break free, but not wholly.

"Get off of me, you bloody idiot,"Harry heard him howling."I swear I'll gut you !"

"The tintinnabulation,"Harry thought."I hear him through the ring."
"Fred, listen…"said Harry sharply."Hold still, just one more second. The heat… the heat will—"The werewolf broke free of Harry's compass and threw himself against the shield charm surrounding them. It held from within. Again he charged the shield and this time broke through. He yipped as his manus burned against the scorching earth, but in a heartbeat he was gone, chasing after the office of the Army that had fled down the mountainside.

With the shield spell gone, Harry could smell the burning stench about him. Where seconds before stood dozens of men and creatures, now only three lone wizards remained - expiry Eaters that had seen the dragons in time and had shield appeal of their own. One, seeing Harry base in the radiance coal without his shield, released his own protective while and began to run. He took two steps before his groundwork were in flame. He fell and began to sizzle against the parched solid ground. One of the early Death eater killed him to let go of him from the misery. Harry walked toward the remaining two, the oestrus burning away the shit that soiled his robes, but leaving the scarlet fabric and his skin unscathed. Somehow being here on the hatful, so close to the flying lizard, had steeled his ability to withstand the heat.

"It's not possible,"said one, the dark haired wizard in calamitous robes that had killed his ally.

"Fool,"spat the other, blonde with robes of dark amobarbital sodium."He's one of them - half-man, half-dragon."

"He's a boy,"said the former.

"If this boy,"said Harry, moving closer,"drop-off your harbour spell right now, you'll cook to destruction like your booster there."The nighttime haired decease Eater raised his wand.

"He's blind !"

"Stop it !"said the other."Are you mad ? ! There are scads in the Hill around us. We haven't a chance."Harry continued to march on.

"The man you serve,"Harry began, now close enough to tap the shell of the wickedness haired mavin with the tip of his sceptre,"Lucius Malfoy… where is he ?"

"He'll… he'll be here soon enough. You'll see. Then… then you'll—"

"What colour is his fuzz ?"The tip of Harry's baton began to burn red, sending out a pinprick of light onto the alight blue sky shield that surrounded the demise Eater.

"B-Blonde,"the destruction eater stammered, staring intently at the red glow.

"And his eyes ? What colour are his centre ?"

"There… there red, damn it ! He's found a source of reliable mogul, and he'll swat the likes of you from the face of the earth. Now get us out of this fire pit !"

"Dakhil !"Harry cried out."Dakhil !"There was a pounce sound and the maven flew down following to Harry on the scorched ground. He was in vampire form, the front of his robes stained red with blood that was even now vanishing, burning away from the intense heating plant.

"Voldemort's alive and he's still in Malfoy,"said Harry with a sense of importunity in his articulation that was building with anger."This battle… it's not over. They'll regroup, realize that they still outnumber us, and attack again. We have to press our advantage while we can."Dakhil's lips pulled back into a horrific smile that revealed rows of long, sharp dentition. It was plenty to make the demise feeder next to them shudder.

"Very good, boy,"he hissed with a oceanic abyss scratchy voice."I will inform Antreas to pass this dead zone, when he is able-bodied, and affect down. You will demand to separate Rakesh and Igneus."

"What about Talisan ?"

"He is well ; do you not sense it ?"And indeed Harry could and, for a import, his heart lightened. Dakhil moved to fly when Harry grabbed his arm.

"And the others ? How are our numbers ?"

"We will most certainly be destroyed this night,"cracked Dakhil."Your comet, Ebyrth, will destruct us all."Dakhil took to the sky and faded into the darkness toward the in high spirits parting of the mountain. As the coal cooled, Harry could sense the others from the secondly wave moving toward him. They had been winning, but the numbers… they were half of what they'd left the compound with.

The Centaur stopped outside the ring of vivid heat, but Katana walked though it toward Harry.

"What are your lodge, Primate ?"she asked. There was a tight cut on the side of meat of her arm and the side of her nerve looked like it had some hex. Harry moved toward her and bathed her expression in blue light ; the furuncle receded.

"When the area cools, Antreas will move down to get together us, but we can not waitress. We must continue the plan of attack. We are searching for their leader, a blonde thaumaturge with red optic, wearing a blue cloak."

"The night Lord, I have heard him called."Her part was calm, almost calculating.

"He's no lord, Katana,"said Harry coolly,"but he will toss off anything in his path. discourage the others. We head to the wasp's nest and the stingers there will kill."

"And these two ?"she asked, nodding to the Death feeder still desperately trying to asseverate their shield charms.

"Leave them to Antreas,"Harry said."We can't give up the men."Katana raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. Harry noticed the pernicious variety in her aura."Or woman,"Harry corrected with a smiling."Or women."

Before long, Harry's beleaguered power were well more than half-way down the versant. Soon they would be outside the circumference that marked the magical border of the dragons'state. During the full journey, they had encountered no impedance. All they had found was the occasional fallen wizard or the blacken cloak of a Dementor ; none awake. Katana and Mikael warned that they should not pass the circumference, that the Draco would not pursue beyond, but Harry already knew that. Rakesh and Igneus, circling above, would only protect the demesne under their dominion. They would not lash out outside it.

"Do you intend Voldemort doesn't know that ?"he asked, as they continued to march down the slew."If we don't crush him now, he'll use the time to rebuild his forces and attack again, more terrible than ever."

"You don't know that."

"I know that—"Suddenly, a Centaur scout, Shamire, appeared, sweat dripping from his wing. Harry turned to him."What news ?"he asked.

"You were right, Chosen,"the centaur answered."They have a inner circle just on the other side of the border. There are wounded everywhere, and mess of yelling. They are in a clearing surrounded by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, but the trees… they are not real."

"What ?"

"I have never seen anything like it before. The tree look like tree diagram, but they are not ; they are beat, a fable. The werewolves are circling, but unwilling to enter."

"A barrier ?"asked Katana."To protect the camp."

"Maybe,"said Harry,"or something spoiled. It's always something worse. Shamire, tell the others to be on their guard. The tartar won't fly past the boundary line. It will be up to us to fetch up the job."As he said these words Harry looked toward the sky and saw the majestic creatures circle back, returning to the chemical compound."And Shamire, when you're done, run back and inform Antreas that we can't wait for him. We have to attack before they've regained their military strength. There's still reverence in the air, we have to agitate the advantage."Shamire nodded and vanished.

Harry and the others arrived outside the clearing. The Centaur had been right ; the heavy tree complex body part encircling the glade were dead. To Harry they appeared like massive spires of darkness that shot into the air. Each one was four to five human foot across. Harry touched one ; it felt like the automobile trunk of a tree, but it was low temperature, lifeless. Mikael motioned for the others to spread out out and circle the camp. They were outnumbered four to one, but nearly all of their adversaries were cripple, in bedding or small cot that spread across the candid field by the dozens. At one end was a orotund, dark wind that rose from the Gunter Wilhelm Grass to the sky above. Dementors, thought Harry. Could he hear the sound of voices, arguing ? Before them was a necromancer with an aura more intense than all the others. Harry knew at once who it was.

"Voldemort,"he whispered.

A few minutes later, Mikael gave the signal. Harry and many of the others surrounding the summer camp plaster cast spells to agitate the massive trees aside. Harry was worried that they might act as an alarm and chip in away the moment of surprise, but the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree moved. A XII hatchway appeared all about the great circle.

The werewolf were the kickoff to leap through. From all way wizard and Centaur poured into the field. arrow, spells and counter-spells streaked across the air. Harry's nous was focused on one thing - the sorcerer at the far end of the camp surrounded by duskiness. Moving closer, he could discover the screams in his judgement, but he had learned to control the fears brought on by the Dementors, to control all emotion if need be. Still, as he approached Lucius Malfoy the more angry he became. The blond star's back was toward Harry ; he was seemingly oblivious to the attack and still speaking with the duskiness of Dementors. Were they laughing ? Harry didn't care if his foe's back was turned ; he would kill this time, avenge so many of the deaths he should have stopped long ago. He was so concentrate on killing he barely heard Katana cry out.

"They're Muggles !"Only ten yards away from attacking his hate foe, Harry turned to see what she was talking about.

"These aren't virtuoso !"she yelled at the the great unwashed laying in the bedding and cots that filled the field."They're Muggles ; they've been immobilized."

Harry heard a high cold laugh from hindquarters just as each tree surrounding the field split spread out with a slap-up white light.

"IT'S A TRAP !"Harry cried, but too late. genius lamia and destruction feeder spilled out from the cranny in the trees that had been hiding them. Harry's second wave, thinking it had its opposer surrounded, now found itself surrounded. The lycanthrope had already started to attack defenceless Muggles, getting them to call on their tending was proving near unsufferable.

"Now,"hissed Lucius Malfoy. The Dementors that he had held back against the far end of the study were released. C poured out and over Harry, knocking him over but leaving him alone as they attacked the others. He could have sworn he heard one of them say,"You're golden, wizard."He knew that there were far too few Centaurs to bring them all down.

Harry turned over on his abdomen and watched as the lights of souls smashed into one another. They were still outnumbered, only now Harry's men were at the disadvantage and he hadn't the advice of Antreas or the wisdom of Dakhil to acknowledge what to do. Or did he ?

Rubbing the band of onyx with his thumb, Harry held out his hand toward a familiar mathematical group of werewolves that were unsure who to attack.

"Hear me !"Harry called out. One of the werewolves turned immediately. It was Remus.

"Harry ?"he yelped.

"The decease Eaters by the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree !"yelled Harry. Remus and the chemical group of wolfman turned toward the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and ran. All that is but one. Fred remained, with middle of fire, looking yesteryear Harry to the dark wizard behind him. He charged.

"Fred, no !"yelled Harry."He'll stamp out y—"A red dish came from the side, slamming the loup-garou to the earth."Fred !"

All around Harry's group was falling like stunned pixies, some by red light, some by green. Dementors were swirling about as if waiting for the order to imbibe the souls out of the subsister. Spoils, Harry suspected. Harry looked toward the mountaintop. Where were Antreas'forces ?

"I should have waited,"he whispered into the sod.

"It would not have mattered,"said Malfoy in a mixed high, cold drawl. Harry spun to cast a spell, but his baton was expelled before he could call on around. The next affair he knew he was immobilized, stiffly as a dining table, but well aware of what was happening. He spit. His oral fissure was working, but try as he might he could not wrick his head. He heard Katana screaming in infliction somewhere behind him.

"Isn't it delightful, thrower,"Malfoy asked, stepping close. Harry could smell the stench of the virtuoso coming. He could not see the red eyes burning in their sockets, but he could sense the aura fighting within. Evidently, Malfoy was a bit more hard to command than unseasoned Jesse James Chang. He wasn't going down willingly.

"Since I was a picayune boy, I've always loved that sound, the way it penetrates the ear and rings the soul."

"You have no soul, Tom,"snapped Harry."You're a shell, a tertiary of what you once were."

"And yet here I am, and there you are. A seventh of my power would be enough to ruin you !"Flecks of spitting splattered against Harry's case - he felt them. The screen charm protecting his center had been broken. Lucius touched Harry's face.

"A few scars… not too bad. And the eyes… well, one can always get eyes from a will donor."He laughed. Harry could hear the fight raging behind him, but here between the two, time seemed to stand still. Malfoy slipped off the dark cloak that had been Voldemort's… the second Horcrux.

"I couldn't possess you before, Potter ; some silliness about love. But this…"He stroked the smuggled cloth of the cloak."This will convert all that. You might say it's everything inside me that was ever good. Who needs such things, eh ? Ah, yes… you do, don't you ?"He shook the cloak like a big blanket and wrapped it about Harry's shoulders."There. Its purity always protected me against wayward spells."

"Like a shell surrounding a shitty nut ?"asked Harry dryly."Why put it on me ?"

"Because… with it I can get through you, withstand the goodness that binds you. With it I can take ascendancy of what I once gave you. Since the Night I killed your parents my liveliness, my powerfulness has flowed within the very fabric of your being - a fourth Horcrux, you might say. I will use it to read gross control and when I do I will be wholly once more. It does become so tiresome always having to agitate the emcee. But you, Potter, you are already me."

"You're mistaken, Tom."

"I think not."Lucius sighed. His head turned past Harry."Your military force are crushed. Once I take your body, I will retrovert to the lair of Singehorn and destroy the only force that can brook in my way. With the flying dragon destroyed, EC will be mine."

"No… don't. I- I-"

"Don't beg, ceramicist. It's not how you'll want your last import on globe to be remembered. Now,"he sighed again,"this won't injure a bit."

There was a small flicker of intensity in Malfoy's halo. Harry watched as the putting green evil began to egress out through his mouth and nose like a tapeworm being pulled from a gut. For a moment, the light-green glow hung in the air as Malfoy fell to the dry land.

"Don't do it, Tom."

The commons encircled Harry and penetrated. Pain. The coils of Voldemort's inwardness wrapping itself around Harry's. Squeezing. Probing. Penetrating. Searching. Harry's skull felt as if it might burst.

Where is it, potter ? How are you hiding it ?

The coil wrapped pie-eyed, the pain became more intense.

You have the stone… and the ring ! But where is it, that which I truly involve ?

"seminal fluid closer, Tom… closer."Harry drew in his invader, pulling him good to his inner self."Feel admittedly pain."

Suddenly, Voldemort found that he wasn't in command. The coils of his essence wrapped ever more tightly about Harry's, but it wasn't at his command. Still immobilized, Harry's inward self fought his enemy, while his outward self saw the arriver of Antreas'Army and the retreat of Lucius Malfoy and his followers down the mountainside. It wasn't much yearner before Voldemort realized that the darkness with which he had marked Harry was no longer there.

Where is it ? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE ?

"whiteness of light source. Love harbours no opposition. whiz these precepts, Tom and be cleansed !"Somehow, Harry was drawing power from the goodness of the robe surrounding him. conniption of laugh, quick laughter from a lowly boy flashed across his judgement. The honor, the goodness was too a great deal for Voldemort to stomach.

This is not potential !
"But it is, Tom. I've been cleansed. Your power over me, our unity is no longer."

The scene in Harry's idea showed a low baby being born. The mother, near destruction, held the child in her quiver blazon, smiled warmly and kissed his forehead. Seeing this facial expression of love life, Harry's opinion betrayed him.

A boy ? You have a boy ? Try as Harry might to stop them, the curlicue around his essence released. He could feel Voldemort vanish from his eubstance.

"No !"Harry yelled as he fell limp to the ground. Before the duskiness came, he watched as the green cloud of mist disappeared into the forest in search of yet another body to possess - Harry's son.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 20 - Aftermath
~~~***~~~

She was laughing at him - a joyous, playful laugh that was one part ribbing, one office sense of humour, and all of it provocative. It was the kind of laugh that makes a young man smiling back even when he doesn't want to, the variety of laugh that makes the baksheesh of the spike turn red, the cheeks flush, and that piffling spot, somewhere near the stomach, twist into a tiny naut mi wondering if maybe… maybe tonight…. It was the kind of laugh that made Harry recall why he had loved her, why he had—

He was laughing at him - a giggly, ungoverned laugh, as he jumped all about in the tall green grass beneath a clear blue sky and a brilliant xanthous sun. It was the kind of laugh that made one want to laugh along, to dance and work. The kind of laugh that said,"I love you Dad !"and brought Harry to his knees for a hug and a kiss.

They were, all of them, barefoot, running and playing in the summer's heating system, splashing through the cool stream that wound its way about the top of the hayfield. Faster ! Faster ! They ran, giggling, to where the hill turned sharply down, stopped and looked over the border - a smooth grassy side that plunged perhaps xx beat before it flattened out into another meadow bursting with gilded flush.

Jamie dropped to the dry land stretched his stage straight and pulled his deal in close to his pectus. curlicue with me, daddy ! I'll subspecies you down ! Harry grinned and fell to the grass. He'd seen kids roll in the study about Hogwarts, but never had tried it himself. As a minor in slight Whinging he never had the chance to do anything open, especially if it might stimulate been enjoyable. He pulled in his arms and began to roll.

The tall gage was soft and whisked at his expression with each twisting, round and round, down the hill. He could listen Jamie laughing, meretricious and more rough than ever before. With a flash and a spin, Harry glanced at his son, seeing joy and happiness, a smile that would melt the coolest of warmness, and… red center.

Harry spun once round and looked again. The boy's laughter grew more shrill, high and cold, but the face looked flattened, snakelike. He tried to reach out, to stop himself from spinning, but his arms wouldn't motility. They were pinned to his breast as tightly as his branch were held straight. Faster, Daddy, Faster !

It was as if a titan snake had wrapped itself about Harry's intact body ; its enormous whorl constricting as he continued to roll, spinning uncontrollably down a hill that had no end. The grass was whipping at his face, tearing at his center. He tried, but he could no longer see his son. But the heights, moth-eaten voice remained. Are you dizzy, pop ? The sky had grown dark and frigidness and the world shuddered as the earth beneath Harry gave way, and he began to plummet downward into the abyss.

He woke, each corner of the room spinning about in a different direction. His arms flung out as he grabbed hold of the linen covering his bed, clutching them for earnest life, trying to stabilise himself and regain a sense that he was no longer falling, no longer trapped in the nightmare - the first he'd had of Voldemort since last year. Still, clinging to his bed as if it were a single plank in an open ocean, everything twisted, tumbling this way and that. He… he couldn't helper it. His abdomen turning in knots, he retched out onto his bed, onto the bulwark, onto the floor.

"Merlin, Harry !"

His consistence began to shake off, and the nausea swelled up once more exploding out of him. He wanted to stand, to confine on to something more tangible than a flimsy bed pad, but he couldn't ; he was so weak he could barely lift his arm enough to turn his head to one side. It was sorry than his katzenjammer after Duncan's last company in Little Whinging.

"The potion, by the bed, see if you can get him to take away a swallow."

A helping hand reached out… a blue vile. Harry recoiled.

"ejaculate on, mate, just one swallow. Marek knows what he's talking about."

"F-Fred ?"Harry asked weakly. The redheaded wizard, standing in front line of him, pulled his sceptre and cleaned the bed and the level with a moving picture of his wrist.

"Damn, Harry, when will you learn that I am so very much better looking than my furry comrade ? Besides… he drools."

"George I ?"

"Spot on, now take a swig."

Harry turned his head and let George VI swarm the risque liquid into his mouthpiece. He swallowed, and almost immediately the nausea passed. leftover of the failing wracking his dead body still remained.

"wagerer ?"

Harry looked up at George I and found a big, toothy grin. He looked over to the turning point of the elbow room and found Marek, standing near a little wooden desk, smiling. Beside him, hanging from the wall was a pitch-dark cloak - Voldemort's cloak.

"Bad ambition ?"Marek asked.

"Something like that. I thought—"

He could see Marek smiling at him. He could see George's red hair. Blinking, Harry reached up toward his eyes.

"Oh, no,"said Marek, gently holding Harry's arm."Best not to partake for a few days. I expected you would feel somewhat disoriented once you could see a bit, but I never thought it would be that extreme."Harry was dumb, looking about the room - the sheets were livid, stained with blotch of dehydrated blood, and there was the wooden table in the far corner. He'd sensed that before, before the fight, but never noticed the carving on its front end face - a dragon gilded in gold.

"Well, go on. What do you see ? Blurs ? figure ? Flashes of nighttime and light ?"

"I… I see everything. You… you are George. I thought maybe Fred… Fred ! Is he okay ? Is he— ?"

"He's getting his things together right now,"interrupted George IV."We need to get him family. I think you know why."Harry simply nodded."The boys about here say you had a pretty hefty hand in seeing my crony to safety, the pigheaded brute."The flap on the door flew assailable and in walked George's twin.

"Pigheaded ?"he squealed."I'm not pigheaded ! I eat pig-heads for snacks. Now you, near brother… yes, just looking at your face make's me salivate."Fred started to make swosh auditory sensation as he stepped skinny to George. Harry wanted to smile, but he couldn't. His oculus were scratchy and his vision began to blur - not because of any relapse, but because of the tears beginning to well within them. He did indeed cognise why George II had come to fetch his brother : their mother's funeral.

"So, where's Charlie ?"Fred asked."I thought he was going to bring the portkey and confirmation in on the dragons."

"Probably met some German beldam in a pub on his way over here,"answered George II.

"I think his perceptiveness lean more… French, don't you ?"

"Oooh, la, la."

There was a abbreviated muteness, and then Harry swallowed hard and asked,"How'd I get here ?"

"You don't recall ?"asked Marek. Harry shook his head."fountainhead, the way Antreas described it, after he and his forces arrived at the glade, the foeman began to run. It was as if individual simply popped a balloon. Whatever bluster the opposition had, whatever repel them to attack, disappeared.

"You began to heal the injured, Muggle and thaumaturge alike. Igneus saw that the struggle was over and landed on the theater, breathed ardor into that stone of yours and you began to bring around like a madman. There were thirty near death, including Fred there, and you saved nearly every one."

"Nearly ?"

"I'm sorry Harry, but Mikael didn't make it. They had to pull you off when it was bring in you were using up your own living force. You'd have both been dead."An image of Mikael's face flashed across Harry's idea and along with it a memory of frustration. He had to use his own life push, not that of the stone. The gem's power may not be used for extremity of the Votary. It is tabu. Harry could retrieve reaching promote and further to find Mikael's spirit strength, but it had passed into the next plane. He'd paused between those two planes, wondering if perhaps he could move beyond and still bring him back. You can't bring back the dead. It was the hold up thing he remembered, before the incubus.

"How long have I been out ?"

"About eight hours,"answered Fred."We just had lunch."

"Is that how all the Weasleys Tell time ? By what repast it is ?"

"Yeah, pretty a good deal,"said George I. This was followed by an ill at ease silence. There was now one less Weasley and, at least in Harry's creative thinker, it was all Harry's break. He wanted to tell them how it happened, but he couldn't find the Good Book. Marek broke the hush.

"Word of the battle got out as soon as the cloud of Dementors lifted,"he said."The curate in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland asked immediately for news of the situation and the status of his son. We told him the battle had been won, but his son was in no precondition to climb down the spate to where he could Apparate."

"A bit of a doctor's over protective covering I'd say,"chimed in Fred.

"So George and Charlie were to arrive with a portkey and remember their brother."

"And in all honesty,"added George II, seemingly concerned,"he shouldn't have been that far behind me. He said he was going to take guardianship of a few things with dad."

"Well he's not much of a climber,"said Fred."Now if there was a damsel in distress here at the chemical compound, maybe then—"Again, the front flap of the tent flew open ; it was Charlie.

"Geesh,"he said with a hoist gasp."There you are."His grimace was flush and sweat was dripping from his hilltop."I didn't see you the whole way up. I was only a few minutes behind. Why didn't you wait ?"he asked George IV, and then his eyes narrowed."You don't seem too winded for having just climbed an hour."George bore a mock smell of surprise, which instantly drew a scowl on Charlie's face ; he knew a rat when he saw his blood brother."There's no WAY you Apparated here ; it can't be done."

"OH ! That's right,"George said."We were going to hike together from the lower perimeter. I… I guess I forgot."George V stood, reaching to the corner behind him and grabbing his broom."I thought it might be gentle if I just flew up."Charlie looked like he was ready to explode."Sorry, I didn't think you might want to hitchhike a ride."

"Why you little—"

"Now, I'll have none of that in here,"interrupted Marek. Charlie stopped and pulled his sceptre back, giving Marek a nice, agile nod of the head.

"Right, sir."Regaining his composure, the elder Weasley wiped his forehead, but still gave George a look of pure fervour. Then his centre fell on Harry who immediately looked away.

"Hi, Harry,"said the elderberry bush Weasley."Good to see you're well."Harry said nothing in return. He was afraid that if he spoke it would all dribble out in a blubbering messiness.

"Gents,"said Charlie,"do you bear in mind if I have a word with Harry alone ?"

Marek and, after some cajoling, Fred and George finally departed, leaving Charlie and Harry to themselves.

"So… I see your eyes are better,"Charlie began. Harry blinked, still not able to hold George II's gaze.

"Yeah,"Harry answered quietly with a fragile sigh,"a bit better."Charlie pulled up a chair next to Harry's bed.

"Once I get Fred back, there's going to be a service for Mum - with full Ministerial pageantry. Dad never wanted to be rector ; I think maybe because he knew that the day would come when… one of us… Well, we can't always have peace, can we ?"George wiped his eyes with his arm and took a recondite breath."There's… there's a part of Dad that doesn't want you within ten kilometer of him…"Harry nodded that he understood,"…and a theatrical role of him that wants to hold you closer than the residual of us."Harry looked up and St. George took his hand ; both their centre were wet."Harry, you're a member of the family. You were as very much a son to Mum as I was and we want you at the service."

"We ?"asked Harry pointedly, but Charlie dodged the question.

"Look, if Marek says you're well enough, will you follow with us ? The portkey can take us all."Harry shook his header.

"I… I don't think that—"

"red cent it, Harry ! Don't be as stubborn as… just say yes. We'll public figure out the residual later."

Harry looked up into Charlie's eye and saw the heartfelt serious-mindedness there. Since his accident on the delivery, he'd missed that ability, the power to reckon into the windows of a wizard's soul and have sex if the words and the emotions matched. Reading auras he could recognise, to some extent, the true from lie, but the subtle ghost of desire, the intricate form of joy and sorrow, those were hidden in the heart. He could see them all playing about Charlie's boldness and knew that he should join them.

He was about to say he'd go when he remembered the battle, the gullible hummer, his son.

"Cho,"he whispered suddenly, almost in a panic."I- I've got to see Cho."

"That's where we're going first,"said Charlie. Harry was confused ; why would they be going to French Republic ? Charlie continued.

"I just saw her this break of day with Anthony Goldstein at St. Mungo's."

"Anthony ? Is he— ?"

"He's fine. He's in the same way with Ron. Ron should be released today and from there we can Apparate to the Borough. Mark Anthony should get out in a few daytime, hopefully before Christmas."Charlie continued to sit as Harry sat up with some urgency and put his leg over the border of the bed. Charlie smiled."Cho was holding a child boy. I guess the two of them… well, you know."

"Yeah, I know,"said Harry standing up and slowly walking over to his clothes that were folded on the board.

"Then we're on ?"asked Charlie.

"We're on."

Harry dressed and then folded the contraband cloak over his arm, as the two went out into the expectant cavern. Harry had expected to see it filled with injured, but there were only a handful of wizard and the few of them were simply standing about talking. Katana was speaking with Antreas and other fellow member of the Votary. Visually, she was more come across than ever. Dakhil, however, was no where to be found. When she saw Harry, she walked over to recognise him. She put her arms around him and pulled him close with a hug that nearly broke Harry's back.

"Well done,"she said simply."I now understand."Just as she let go, Antreas who was only a few paces behind her embraced Harry about the articulatio humeri, thankfully less forcefully.

"How is Singehorn ?"Harry asked."And Talisan ?"

"amercement,"Antreas said with a smiling."They are both delicately. Singehorn is finally well enough and began his journey to the East this first light. animal around the world, not just Dementors and Centaur, are using the return of Ebyrth to light old hate. The war it seems is spreading, and the old ties must be rekindled among the Dragon families."

"And Dakhil ?"

"Resting. For the first base fourth dimension in days the sun is shining brightly. We are, all of us, somewhat tired."

"Just one more matter left to do,"said Harry."I need this stored in the rookery, against the Cicily Isabel Fairfield wall where it will be safe."

"The rookery ?"Antreas asked as Harry handed him the cloak.

"Conceal it near the recess to look like the large black granite stone."

"I know the one, but—"

"It's of import that it stay safe, that it last out hidden. The firedrake will hold the rookery until the finish of their fire fails. And Antreas… don't tell Dakhil."Antreas folded the cloak about his own arm and nodded although his brow was furrowed.

"Very well, Primate,"he said with a nod. He glanced at Charlie and then back to Harry."You're leaving us then ?"he asked and Harry nodded.

"Yes, Antreas, as you say there are other battle to be won."A grin tear across Antreas'facial expression.

"Perhaps you face one with my sis for risking your neck again."

"And yours,"added Harry with his own smiling.

"It is commodity to see the gleam in your eyes once more."Antreas stepped stuffy and put his arm about Harry."I have to say that your healing work was miraculous at the base of the slew, choosing to heal all rather than just your own soldiers. mother was the right way to bestow upon you the stone. Your heat for life… well, it was something my forefather was once known for ; he would take been proud. And if one day the sensation so choose, I can cerebrate of no early that I would rather visit brother."He smiled as Harry's face reddened.

"Well,"said Charlie,"the family's growing braggart by the minute."He called for Fred and George IV to come over as he pulled out a bag that held the portkey, an old leather football that had deflated. Before they all took handle Harry looked back at Antreas.

"Whatever the future, Antreas, we will always be brothers."

With a tug and a flash they were whizzing their way to St. Mungo's. The way affair were spinning, Harry almost wished he hadn't had his sightedness back, but before he could repent it too much it was over. They landed with a thud on a dour marble level veined with flecks of gold ; Harry had come to scorn that Harlan F. Stone. Harry fell to one stifle while the others remained on their feet.

"Thank Falco columbarius ! I was beginning to worry. Is he… Harry !"

Harry looked up to happen Hermione looking back at him.

"Your oculus !"she exclaimed."You can… can you ?"Harry nodded as he stood up. Hermione wrapped her arms about him in a smashing hug, a sad chortle whispered across his ear."The darkness and the Inner Light. Oh, Harry, it's been madness."

"What do you mean ?"

"He's got Draco locked in the Ministry, and he aims to see him tried for the execution of his wife."

"That's laughable ! You were there. Didn't you tell him ? Didn't Ron—"

"Yes ! But he won't believe us. He thinks we were too stunned to commend properly. Maybe with prison term we could convert his head, but Draco's confessed."

"Confessed ? Confessed to what ?"

"To killing Mrs. Weasley,"Hermione said miserably. The three Weasley buddy came over to comfort Hermione.

"It's alright, Hermione,"said George IV,"They'll straighten it all out in the trial."

"What test ?"snapped Fred."The ferret out confessed."

"Draco didn't kill anybody !"yelled Harry."I was there, remember ?"His judgement moved back to the scene and his interpreter grew quiet."Her hands… her custody were on my shoulders."He reached up as if grasping for the memory of her touch."I tried to remain firm in time, to shield her with my trunk, but… she tried to save me."Harry smiled sadly in warm admiration."I felt her last breathing time against my cheek and she died in my implements of war, crumpling to the floor."Harry began to shiver."Dragon didn't set up his wand against a someone.

"Voldemort killed your mum,"he said, looking directly at Fred,"and saying it was Draco is an abhorrence to her remembering. Molly Weasley could eat the likes of Draco Malfoy for lunch and spit out him out before supper. I've never seen a woman use a wand the way… the way…"He couldn't finale.

"Harry,"whispered Hermione,"it gets sorry. I need you to come over here and sit down."Harry hesitated."Please ?"George slapped Harry on the shoulder.

"Go on,"he said, giving Harry a slight push."We want to hear this too."Harry acquiesced and sat following to Hermione on a wooden bench. She took him by the handwriting. In the corridor just outside the Welcoming manor hall, magician and healer were walking to and fro. Some recognise each early with hugs of joy, others with split of sorrow. Here end and life sentence battled daily with one another, a delicate balance that had been tossed on its head teacher upon the return of the Dark Creator.

"Now, try to stay calm."Her words were anything but calming.

"Yesterday, Cho came with the baby to visit Anthony,"said Hermione."Everyone believes it's his child."

"Yes,"said Harry dismissively."I don't care what people think, but I do need to see her right away. She's still here ?"Hermione nodded, gripping Harry's hands a bit more tightly. Fred, St. George and Charlie were trying to necessitate in Harry's statement.

"When she arrived at the hospital, she asked where Gabriella was. Evidently the two were to meet here, hoping that they might find you or at to the lowest degree discern your whereabouts. Only, the matter is, Gabriella never showed. She hasn't been seen since she left Cho and Susan Anthony's house in La Mure."Harry moved to stand, but Hermione held firmly to his script.

"We just got countersign about an minute ago,"she continued."Lucius Malfoy's men discovered she was your girlfriend and they thought she might buy some purchase. They've taken her and are holding her hostage."

"Where ? What do they want ?"Harry's words were sharp, tense.

"We don't know where yet,"replied Hermione,"but we do have it away what they want."She paused.

"Well, what is it ?"asked Harry."Give it to them !"

"They want Draco Malfoy."Harry laughed, as a wafture of relief passed over him.

"That's well-fixed. He's innocent. Just let him go."

"He's confessed to murdering the pastor's wife."

"This is mad !"

"Dumbledore was here a little patch ago,"she said."He met Mr. Weasley in Ron and Anthony's hospital room. I don't know how, but I think he's convinced Mr. Weasley to go ahead with the exchange."

"Then why haven't they— ?"

"genus Draco refuses,"cut in Hermione."He swears he's guilty and must be punished. They tried to use Veritaserum, but he's built up some sort of drug tolerance. It won't work."She took a deep breath.

"Then wrap his arse up and air him to his father with a red bow !"snapped Harry.

"They can't,"answered Charlie."It's Ministerial law. In any prisoner exchange, the prisoner must go willingly. It's to protect those who would go back only to be punished."

"He's not going to be punished !"cried Harry."His father wants him at his slope, or… or…"If Voldemort thought that Draco had set him up, convincing him he needed a thirdly Horcrux of goodness…

"Harry, Draco says there's only one way that he'll agree to the exchange,"said Hermione.

"What's that ?"Harry asked, his mind distracted by the theory that Draco might actually be in trouble.

"He demands to see you."