Harry thrower and The Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 6 - Too closing curtain an confrontation

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When Harry shut the doorway to his way and descended the stairs he was, perhaps, the happiest he had ever been in all his life. The sun sent gold rays streaking through the coloured windows above and cast a favorable prototype on the base below, tinged with enough red to make Harry think fleetingly of Fawkes. His haircloth a tangled tidy sum, he was wearing a T-shirt, boxers and air sock, one with a rather large jam through which the with child toe on his compensate animal foot protruded. He scratched his stomach as his nose took in the scent of something that resembled the smelling of burning ham. He took one stone's throw down and turned to expect back at his room. His room ? His house ? No, not really. Not anymore. And he was thankful for that and smiled all the more as the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air, perhaps the only thing Sothis could train properly.

When he pushed open the doors to the kitchen of Number twelve, Grimmauld Place, he found Dog Star working feverishly in front of the stove. His wand was casting spell after spell, not so much at the food planning, but in an crusade to solve the fume that was billowing throughout. Harry walked over and turned down the fire with a wave of his hand.

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

"No, really, I wanted to make you breakfast. You know, world-class day of school and all."He cracked an egg and put both liquidity and shell in the like bowling ball and started mixing it with his wand. Harry chuckled kindly and rock his head in skepticism. It was great being unblock of Privet Drive, to be here with his godfather, to feel wanted and appreciated. It was probably the first time he had ever opened a computer software of bacon for breakfast without a sour penchant in his mouth. He gave Sirius a look that said,"Get veridical,"and then positioned himself squarely in battlefront of the stove.

"I'm not bad at this,"offered Harry, cracking four testicle at once into a bowl and discarding the scale with a movie of his verge. Canicula 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 Christmas it'll be your turn."Sirius seemed to like the challenge, and the idea that he would be spending Xmas with Harry.

"You know,"said Sirius pouring two loving cup of coffee berry,"I hear New York is spectacular at Christmas time. Have you ever been to the States ?"Harry sway his head."Maybe we could go for a quick visit."

"I promised Gabri—"

"sojourn,"Canicula cut in."That's all. Maybe Gab can do along."

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

"Or if the war's over by then,"suggested Sirius with Sir Thomas More optimism. Harry nodded plating the intellectual nourishment and levitating the home to the table.

Sirius ate like a dog and finished in about three minutes. Harry was more pensive, and while he did stop, it took him much longer. The nicest thing about being of age was that he didn't have to walk or take a car to go to Billie Jean Moffitt King's crossbreeding post. For that subject, he didn't need to go to Martin Luther King Jr.'s crisscross at all ; he could Apparate to Hogsmeade and base on balls in from there. Only the Head Boy and fountainhead Girl had to take the train with their housemates, and this yr the Head Girl was none other than Hermione Granger. Odd, Harry thought, considering she'd nearly killed Theodore Nott live class. He smiled and took another sip of 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 geartrain, her face fell momentarily and grew concerned.

"Then I go as well,"she declared, and she began to shiver slightly. The thought sent a coldness chill down Harry's spine as the strong coffee tree slipped down his throat.

"Any more Bacon ?"asked Canicula rummaging through the crusted Pan about the stove.

"That fatal stuff you fried up over there on the side of meat is bacon ; at to the lowest degree it used to be."

Sirius poked at it a few times, and then finally took a bite. His facial expression took on a slight bitter tone as it scrunched ever so slightly, then he took another sharpness, shrugging his shoulders. His teeth and tongue covered in charcoal gray he said,"You'd effective get set. Is your torso packed ?"He glanced at the hourglass on the counter.

"Er… yeah,"Harry lied."Just a few more things."He levitated his denture to the cesspool which was piled in high spirits with pots and pans from the cobbler's last few days."Do you want me to assume care of these before I—"

"I'll take precaution of it,"Canicula lied."Go get yourself ready."Harry shrugged and nodded his principal, and started up the stairs, once again scratching his abdomen and knowing broad well it would be years, perhaps weeks, before the swallow hole was cleared.

It was strange really, getting set for his last year at Hogwarts. So often he was rushed in the gyp and ado of the Weasley family. This year, however, Harry wanted to be with his own kinsperson — Sothis Black. And it was the right decision he'd ever made. It had only been a few days, but in that scant fourth dimension Canicula and Harry did absolutely… nothing. There were opportunity to talk about the old days when Dog Star palled around with Henry James ; there were chance to drill advance trance or get word the operation of some of the golden instrumental role that still lined the walls in the Shirley Temple Black family sketch ; there were prison term when they could birth discussed how Harry brought Sirius back from behind the curtain ; and at every turn, at every open door, Harry and Sirius simply took the clock time to delight each other in the here and now. They played chess game ; the dally bill ; they raced Caduceuses across the London sky at night ; they drank, probably too much ; and they laughed more than they had laughed in a tenacious, long time. Sirius'eyes had never been brighter, and Harry's eye had never been lighter.

This time when Harry readied himself at the look threshold to pull up stakes, there was no dark cloud hanging over their pass, but rather an aegir excitation about the class to come and what it would land. They drew intensity level from each early knowing that whatever war was around the niche, whatever darkness rose on the horizon, they would face it together. For a moment they just stared at each other and around the room.

"Er… right field then,"began Sirius."Off you go."He nervously patted the sides of his pelvic girdle with his hands.

"I'll… I'll owl you when I get in,"replied Harry. Sirius nodded. muteness."Right, then."There was another foresightful pause."Bloody sin,"Harry cursed and he walked over and pulled Sothis to him tightly with a rarified hug. Dog Star responded in kind.

They held each other for more than a moment and then Dog Star whispered in a somewhat scratchy 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 Cross Station and began walking. The late morn was cleared, and he was surprised to detect the air so cold. He'd been spending so very much sentence inside with Canicula he hadn't thought much about the weather. His pelage was in his trunk, and he didn't feel much like opening that in the middle of a street filled with Muggles. He shivered, rubbed his arms, and continued on his way. He was coming to the first of all footfall of the station when a mendicant boldly stepped in front line of him demanding a donation. Wearing a in effect three days'husk, his clothes were nasty, and his breath smelled strongly of alcohol.

"ejaculate on, mate,"he wheezed."Just a Ezra Pound fer me circumstance. I ain't eatin'in days."

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

"Surely a schilling ?"

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

"I can hear the doggerel 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 look the beggar.

"shout 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 diminished child he once was. Indeed he was a burly untried man, and he stood a good four column inch taller than his adversary. Curling the fingers on his right on manus, he was about to say just what he'd do when a associate tingle ran up his spur. He grabbed for his verge, but too late. Or at least it would own been if he had been the target. The rummy stood motionless, eyes glazed, body frozen in position. Harry looked up just as a helping hand gently took him by the arm.

"Sorry about that, sir,"said a Cy Young man not much older than Harry."I… er… I wasn't paying aid. Won't happen again, I promise."

The man, still in his teens, wore a saturnine gray courting with thin blueness piping, a Bourgogne tie and white shirt. The dark glasses reminded Harry of old King James I trammel movies, but the whiteness tennis shoes with red laces told Harry at once he was dealing with a whiz. Then he noticed the figure of the jaw, the interpreter, but the hair—

"Finnius ?"Harry asked, wondering if he was talking to the early chief Boy of Hufflepuff who at commencement ceremony had a start at a beard and hair that hung down to his waist."I thought you were going to startle a band ? The… er, The Grindly trough ?"

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

"Why ? What's the matter ?"

"Well… see, I'm supposed to—"

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

Finnius pulled Harry by the arm just as the drunk began to add up to his senses. Quickly, they climbed the steps and found themselves in a sea of people heading to their program at Billie Jean Moffitt King's crossbreeding. Perspiration was popping out on Finnius'frontal bone and Harry wondered if he hadn't wet himself he looked so nervous."It's just… well, I promised Tonks and already I've made a spate of things."

"You work with Tonks ?"Harry asked with a bit more excitement and involvement. 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 program nine and three-quarters holding Harry with his flop handwriting and wiping his brow with his left.

"Yeah, well, she's the one that convinced me I could be an Auror. Said she'd caravan me, see… herself. But since that business enterprise at the Ministry last year, she's been in and out of hospital and… well, now she's in and… fountainhead, she made me hope. See ?"

Harry didn't see, and he was getting a bit annoyed. He yanked his arm out of Finnius'grip."What do you mean she's in hospital ? What's wrong ?"Finnius looked away from Harry's intense gaze.

"Ah, here we are."They were at the platform."Just in clip too !"Before Harry could say another word, Finnius gave him a bit of a shove and he plunged through the bulwark and found himself on the other side standing just in straw man of the Hogwarts Express. Harry dropped his trunk, reached for his wand and started back toward the wall when he was tackled from the side. The flashing of Corvus corax black hair in his case 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 upheaval."What's haywire ?"And then she too looked at the wall to the outside world."Who's out there ?"

The frustration on Harry's fount was clear ; he was about to consign 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 brass in her hands and planted a big wet kiss on his cheek. They were all grinning as Neville wiped it with his sleeve. Then weenie Longbottom handed his son something and, as Neville wrapped his finger about the object, a more life-threatening flavor came into his eyes. His dad slapped him on the berm and a lose weight grinning appeared again as Neville boarded the train.

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

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

"ALL ABOARD !"the conductor called.

"James Byron Dean said he'd save us a daub,"said Gabriella, taking hold of Harry's hand. Harry took one last aspect at the wall behind them, and then the two boarded the train. The corridor was crowded with students, particularly 1st geezerhood who were completely confused. What was noticeable, however, was that the pattern contrast of home zona seemed to be somewhat hazy. There were Slytherins purposefully mixing in with Ravenclaws near the presence of the train, and a grouping of third yr Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors in another carriage playing snap. A few car down Harry just caught a glimpse of someone in Gryffindor robes 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 sweetly scent filling the air.

"Oh,"said Harry."Sorry."Neville had Helen up against the wall and there was some sort of vine with delicate pinko flush wrapping itself around her arm and abdomen. She was wearing a smile and blushing slightly."Er… seen dean ?"Neville who seemed about three inches taller than when Harry net saw him which was only a few weeks ago spoke through a beaming smile.

"Yeah, he's up forward."Then, with a confident film of his scepter Neville shut the door in Harry's font, following that with a charm 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 carriages when the flash of red haircloth caught Harry's eye. It was Ron, and he was bickering with Hermione. The floor of the baby buggy they were in was littered with clothes, books and various affair Harry knew to be Ron's, most notably by the overabundance of socks.

"Honestly, Ronald,"said Hermione in a take to task voice as if talking to a four yr old."If you don't find it soon you'll have to secernate Professor Flitwick, and if you won't I will."

"Is that a threat ?"shot back Ron, holding both hired hand on his rose hip and kicking at the pile of wearing apparel on the base. Gabriella walked in first.

"Is there something ill-timed ?"she asked gently, Harry only a step behind her.

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

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

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

"rich person you tried summoning it ?"asked Harry, starting to rummage through the clothes on the carriage base. The steeled look of fervency in Ron's eyes said that they had certainly tried that and many early things and would Harry just not make any other suggestions because Hermione has already made every possible suggestion known in the Wizarding Earth and none of them have worked.

"Hermione,"said Gabriella with a flavor 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 Teddy. Would you link up me and perhaps together we can solve this little problem."Knowing Hermione's inclination toward Nott, Harry wondered if it was a Isaac Mayer Wise idea to put the two in close proximity, but Gabriella may induce been on to something. Certainly Nott would own the need to pull 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 girl departed, Ron flopped down on the carriage bench and blew the hair's-breadth out of his eyes.

"Bloody hell."

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

"face at us, Harry,"said Ron with a capricious looking on his face, tinged with a bit of sourness."We were here six years ago, you and me. Do you remember ?"

There was a moment of silence as Harry watched the countryside skid by. It wasn't the like caravan as six years ago, but it might as well make been.

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

"Things haven't changed much."

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

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

"That's not—"

"Now we're both of age and you're Harry Potter, Protector, shielder and Emissary, the wizard that destroyed Voldemort and brought peace with the giants, and I'm Ron Weasley the kid that can't find his BLOODY WAND !"At the last Good Book he stood up, kicked at the paries, and put his boot all the way through.

Harry was trying to rally something to say when the threshold began to spread. Angry, Ron instinctively reached for his wand to slam the threshold shut, but it wasn't there. He growled like a lion and was about to physically flap down the door shut when Saint Patrick O'James Whitcomb Riley, now in his second year, poked his head through.

"Was that you, Ron ?"asked Patrick brightly, nodding his header toward the hole that now protruded into the corridor. Then he noticed Harry."Hey, Harry ! James 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 substantially to remain tranquilize,"we don't have time to—"

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

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

"Oh, I didn't,"said Patrick,"James 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 last 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 all summer and was wondering how Cho was doing."At these Word of God, 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 take off Gryffindor this yr. He knows he can pick whatever house he wants doesn't he ?"

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

"That was a bit odd,"said Ron, sweeping away a few pairs of socks with his hand and sitting down on the bench.

"Yeah, it was."

"Why on earth would anybody choose Slytherin over Gryffindor ? Everyone knows they're cypher but a bunch up of—"

"Yes ?"Gabriella stood at the open door, her finger's breadth drumming against the frame.

"Er…."

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

"He didn't take on it too well when we asked if he'd stolen Ron's wand,"continued Gabriella as she sat next to Harry. Hermione took Ron's hired man and pulled him close to her.

"No, but he didn't dare use a cross Book or call down his phonation,"said Hermione."Quite the gentleman for a change."

"Being nearly killed can do that to some mass,"said Ron.

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

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

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

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

"Oh, don't be laughable,"said Hermione, slapping his hand. Then she turned to Harry, trying grueling to discount the mess on the floor."So how's Sothis doing at Grimmauld Place ?"

The hours passed quickly as lunch came and the lately good afternoon brought drooping eyelids to everyone. dean never made his way back to the pram, and they never endeavoured to move further up the train. They were all nodding off to sleep when the train began to slow.

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

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

"Ron,"said Hermione with a commanding vocalisation."Help me gather the commencement years."Ron was up in a newsflash, and a moment later his voice was barking orders down the corridor for everyone to rest calm, calling for the initiative years to muster at the galley. pupil began to act toward the rear of the train, away from the fighting.

"They're looking for you, Harry,"said Gabriella, holding her wand at the window. She cast a piece at the field glass, protecting it from approach, just as other windows began to shatter about the train.

"fountainhead they're about to incur me !"bourgeon Harry as he started for the doorway. Gabriella grabbed his arm.

"You can't be serious. Who knows how many are out there. Your best using the caravan as a—"The train lurched forward causing corporate howler all up and down the corridor. Then it began to be active -- chug… choo-choo… chug… choo-choo… She was quickly gathering focal ratio. There was another flurry of shining bloodless flare of light shape against the darkness, and the afternoon light suddenly reappeared and the warmth returned. Everyone cheered as the veil of wickedness became cypher more than a sorry cloud on the horizon behind the train.

A look of easing spread across Gabriella's face, but iniquity still remained in Harry's middle as he reached and grabbed the wrist of the script that was holding his arm. Slowly, but firmly he pulled her hand away, and looked at her with a very drear expression. She sensed his emotions before he said the Logos and she didn't like what she was feeling. Finally, he spoke in a stern and heat voice.

"Don't EVER do that again."

"But—"

There was a howler that Harry knew at once to be Ginny's. In a flash he was out the door and down the corridor, only a footmark ahead of Neville Longbottom, and two dance step behind Ron. Ginny was on her articulatio genus in the posture, broken glass everywhere and tears streaming down her eyes. She grabbed her brother by his sleeve.

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

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

"Oh, no,"she whispered, stepping retiring Harry and turning James Byron Dean to face them all. There was a collective gasp. Still breathing, his center were blank, his look sunken, and his skin almost pale. He gave them no response at all. Ginny stood up and wrapped him in her arms, rocking him back and forth. On her fingerbreadth was the ring Dean had given her the year before. The firestone with which it was set had lost its vivid gleaming, its fire, its love extinguished.

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




Harry potter and the Burden of Becoming

Chapter 7 - The Lost individual

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Harry clenched his fist and squabble,"nookie war."former than that, only the rumbling of the railroad train and the wind whistling through the shattered window accompanied Ginny's sobs. He stepped side by side to Gabriella and watched helplessly as Ginny, a soul Ilex paraguariensis if ever he had one, rocked back and Forth River with James Byron Dean in her weapons system. Dean, breathing but lifeless, made no response. He might as well be a corpse - he'd be better off. Harry felt the rage building within, but something was tempering it, something was focusing it. He gazed into malarkey as smoke streamed by the broken window and a teardrop tracked down his cheek.

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

"I'll get a therapist,"said Neville despondently to Harry. His voice was a good deal elder and much lamentable than Harry had ever heard before. They both knew it was pointless.

"It won't do any thoroughly,"thought Harry to himself, reaching for his scepter and then nervously fiddling it with his fingers. Then, out loud, he whispered,"He's gone."The cult roiled in his judgment as he watched the green hills roll by - a depiction perfect day. Finally, his judgment found its clarity."This was past tense forgiveness,"he thought to himself and his manus clenched tightly about his scepter as he pulled it to the ready."I'll kill them ! I'll drink down them all !"He would Apparate back down the raceway and destroy every Dementor that moved. He began the wrist drift when Gabriella grabbed his arm. His eyes shooting fire into hers."I told you—"he began.

"You're not thinking,"interrupted Gabriella, staring at him intently with gloomy black eyes that demanded he not be so cheeky.

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

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

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

Wands began to look from everyone.

"Harry !"shot Gabriella."THINK !"She pulled him close."You know a just way !"

Harry's mind began to race ; there was no clip for this. The stone ? Was she talking about the stone ? Certainly she didn't mean that he could heal doyen's mortal using the Harlan F. Stone."I don't have time—"

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

Voices ? voice ! She couldn't be sober. She had wanted to puzzle out with him on the voices, the talent of those who had touched him at the joining, but he chose instead to drop his prison term with Sirius. All those demo at the Joining on Singehorn's mountain were, in various ways, a component of him now. They had shared of themselves freely, but there were so many he couldn't sieve them out and time was dripping through his finger.

"I can't."

"You must."

For a moment, as Sir Thomas More articulation clambered about the corridor for a counterplay on the Dementors, he tried to reach down deep inside, calling to those who had shared of themselves, scanning through uncounted store, snippets of moving picture that spanned centuries.

"This is unacceptable,"he said with a suspiration.

"Come on, Harry ! Let's kill them !"someone called from behind. It was Anthony Goldstein. Very well said, thought Harry, but Anthony's Patronus would be lucky to promote away a 1 Dementor let alone dozens. Unfortunately, before Harry could say another Book, Marcus Antonius gave Harry the most funny looking and shouted,"For our family, mate !"There was a pop and Goldstein was gone. It was followed by another pop and another snap fastener. Senior pupil were Disapparating from everywhere.

"waiting ! STOP"Harry yelled."You're… you're not ready !"

"mama's seen them, Harry,"said Gabriella above the snaps and pops."She may sleep together. 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.

"cold. vacancy,"she whispered."The olfactory perception of decline, of death."

epitome filled Harry's mind. Images of what was, what is, what might be. He saw Dakhil, a much younger looking Dakhil, blood dripping from the corner of his oral fissure ; he saw himself hanging from the windowpane on Privet Drive, an odd incandescence surrounding his half-naked body ; he saw Grigor looking cruel and defiant ; he saw the frigidness numb body of Antreas, stab wounds covering every column inch of his bare thorax ; last, and then he saw them.

It was Night and the solitary auditory sensation, beyond a alone screeching in the darkness, was the rasping breath of the oncoming Dementor. Just a few feet away, a Pres Young girlfriend was cowering beneath the cloaked soma. Just to her left was a man, somewhere in his recently twenties, a dragon emblazoned on his good forearm. Ignoring the man, the Dementor pulled back his bonnet revealing its skull-like mask of horror, a large golf hole where perhaps a sassing should be. The vision seemed so real Harry tried to reach for his wand, but found his arms shackled to a stone wall.

The girl screamed as the Dementor drew in its breath in a corking wheeze. Another scream… another wheeze. On the third gear wheeze, the little girl made no sound ; her dull eyes opened, staring blankly up at her attacker. It was then, as if empowered with a sec vision, Harry saw it : the gleaming. He watched the swoon favourable White light being pulled into the hole in the Dementor's porta. He expected it to disappear into the darkness, but it didn't. The Dementor pulled his hood up over his skull, but Harry could still perceive the incandescence trying to fight down its way out. It was as if the Dementor was shining, backlit by a spot from above."I see,"Harry whispered and the darkness rushed away to be replaced by the lights and grumble of the racing Hogwarts Express.

"I see !"cried Harry."I…"He paused."Soseh can see,"he said slowly shaking his capitulum."Soseh has the gift, I don't, at to the lowest degree 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 pot, and her eyes were telling him that she too must go."No,"he said flatly."You're staying here."

"It's the only way, Harry,"she said, still holding his arm."If we find the one in time, then… then you use the Harlan Fisk Stone to draw back Dean's life history force."Everyone looked at the two as if they'd both gone mad. There were footsteps racing their way down the corridor. Harry glanced back, knowing that once the Aurors found out about the attack and the flight of stairs of the students they'd be blasting Dementors right and left. With one wrong magic spell, Dean's soul would be lost forever.

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

On two, they both Apparated back into the shadow. It was as if they had just landed themselves in the middle of an ominous electric storm that had extinguished the sun. All was blackness save for the flashes of lighting - wandlight from the attacking students. Harry felt the rut rushing out of his bones and heard the screech in his ears.

"Can - you - see - the - one ?"Harry yelled over the din. His voice held hope, but his core had none. There were at least a hundred Dementors swarming about, skimming across the hillside, trying to decide if the recently arrived whiz were to be feared or consumed. Harry saw a Patronus, the shape of an enormous owl, plunge into a group of about a one-half dozen Dementors and sent them flying. About thirty yards away, near a tie-up of trees, Goldstein's baton was doing little more than lighting up the small glade of pot in battlefront of him. A Dementor was closing in on him when three students from Ravenclaw converged, simultaneously casting an Incendio tour and incinerating the fauna. Harry's heart skipped. Could that have been—

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

"Yes !"she said with more foregone conclusion. Her eye still closed she cried,"Follow me !"

They were plunging right into the heart and soul of the swarm 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 concenter on Harry and Gabriella, the Dementors seemed to favour the promiscuous prey near the trees and began to propel away. He could get word the screams behind him as Gabriella pulled her wand and uttered something in Armenian. A ovalbumin glow enveloped her as if she held a virtuoso at the tip of her verge. She pressed on ever forward, her pace gathering speed, but her verge dimming as each new Dementor tried to penetrate its glowing surface.

"hurriedness, Harry !"she called back. The terrain was bumpy here and they were moving along the side of a hill and the far they moved along the more exorbitant the slope grew, making it more difficult to traverse. Harry heard a collecting of snaps behind him ; the Aurors had arrived. He looked back at the enceinte cloud of Dementors unwittingly racing toward the new collection of emotions. Just as he turned back to look at Gabriella his foot slipped on a stone and his mortise joint twisted under his weight. He fell to the ground and tumbled a good twenty ft down the side of the James Jerome 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 border of the Alfred Hawthorne. Three Dementors swarmed over him - it was the go thing they ever did. Black blood sprayed all over the ground as Harry blasted his way through, grimacing from the pain in his ankle as he took each longsighted footstep. 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 hold open the Dementor from simply fleeing ? His mortise joint pounding, Harry past another large tree and came up over the face of the hill. The ground opened up beneath him, running down maybe xx yards and then spreading out into a immense plain stitch that stretched on until it disappeared into the dank mist of darkness. sunlight was trying to penetrate the foggy swarm of blackness casting an eerie red glow over the green landscape before him. It was then when his heart sank.

Just at the end of his vision, Harry could see the flickering freshness of Gabriella's wand. Only now it was more flicker than light. About her were two Dementors, the only two to be seen and they were circling her like vultures. Each would swoop around and then plunge at Gabriella only to jounce from her failing shell charm. It wouldn't be yearn before—

The shield 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, ail stabbing at his leg with each strike at the ground as if a snapping ophidian were ever at his heels. He was perhaps 50 yards away when an enormous red Christ Within burst from Gabriella's baton, filled the air about her, and one of the Dementors burst into flaming. Harry could hear its gurgling cries as it tried to fly away, but plunged into the pasturage starting a small flack, black smoke billowing upward. Harry was now xx yards away as he watched the endorse Dementor crouch over Gabriella and he heard her screams.

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 turn 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 clock time Harry could hear the raspy wheeze of the Dementor as it tried to pull away her soul. With a swell leap Harry jumped forward, wrapped his arm around Gabriella and the two of them rolled away from beneath the clutches of the Dementor. When they came to rest, Gabriella was on top of him ; the aureate necklace he had given her with the Gryffindor signet - a Lion baring two ruby red eyes - that came from prof McGonagall hung round her neck and swung back and forth in front of Harry's side. He had remembered McGonagall's words :"For meter of darkness."And then he heard the vox of Dumbledore, as if he were whispering in Harry's ear, only the susurration was coming from Harry's lips.

"Really, Nicolas ? An becharm prosperous Sir Ernst Boris Chain will trap them ? I never heard of such a thing."

The Dementor's growing wheeze signalled its approach when Harry grabbed the tiny golden chain off Gabriella's neck. He rolled her to the side, feeling the common cold approaching from behind. With one last great sweat he heaved himself upward, tossed the range in the air and cast a magic spell he had never uttered before, but one that Dumbledore knew. The diminutive golden chain grew snakelike in build and dimension, but its head was the head of a lion with flaming red centre. With the film of his verge Harry levitated the glowing, halcyon, lion-headed snake toward the coming cold, and it began to coil itself around the Dementor several clip. bout and cycle in to a lesser extent time than it takes to loosen a shoelace the Dementor was cinched tight from head to toe. Struggling to escape, the contraband savage could not move and ultimately fell to the grass.

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

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

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

The vivificus stone had not been used since it was charged at the Joining. Singehorn had told Harry that fire was practiced but lovemaking was something far more endurable. And the stone, snuggled close to Harry's liver, was already covered in Harry's blood. All that remained was the incantation :"Bravery, Wisdom of Solomon, Love."

In an blink of an eye, Harry found himself in what he had, in his own psyche, decided was an antechamber of variety. All was Edward Douglas White Jr. waiting for his request. For a present moment his mind hovered on Gabriella, but he knew he was forbidden on using it to the advantage of another in the Votary. Instead, he called to the surface nothingness,"Show me Dean's person !"

He expected to see a convolution of colour, but instead he saw a vortex of black. His heart skipped for fear that he had done something improper, but his own spirit held tight to the motivation to save his booster if at all possible. The darkness spread before him and in this emptiness a malodour filled Harry's anterior naris. It was then when he realized where he was, what he was entering - the life force of the Dementor.

Blackness and rot filled his vision. Strand of oily fibre hung from above and when Harry looked to see their origin, all that was visible was utter dark. He was reminded of the crevasse into which he and Sirius had fallen and a very real part of him wanted to leave this place as quickly as potential. He was cold and growing colder as he forced is mind's eye to press onward into the astuteness of the Dementor's essence, an unsatiable need to feed.

At first, the phone were distant echoes coming from down a long tunnel, voice perhaps, or animals screaming. Harry moved toward the sound and found the darkness pressing in all around him. Though in here he really had no corporeal form, something wet and sticky splattered against his brass ; the desire to wretch was inviolable. Then he heard the audio again.

Yes, they were riot, but human screams, calling just ahead. Floating deeper into the swarthiness, his foot tangled on something he could not see. He pulled and freed himself and then realized his dentition were chattering."This is not possible,"he thought to himself and now an even greater section of him wanted to return."I can't do this."He glanced back to see a tiny patch of white no bigger than a postage stamp miles away. He could be there and back to safety in the flash of a thought.

Then he heard a vocalism, crystalize and strong above the others, telling them to quiesce down, to listen. It was familiar, but it wasn't Dean's. There was something nurturing about this interpreter, something that made one feel dependable. Harry pressed forward. It felt ilk hours, although it was probably little more than the time it takes a star to twinkle, when he saw the faint gold glow ahead. He ached and felt that at any moment he would collapse and be trapped in this dark forever. The voice called out again and his pulse quickened as he hurried forward. Against his body he felt the sensation of ice-cold hands pulling at his sprit, trying to stop him, but still he moved ahead. The cold was intolerable, the sense of fear was overwhelming, and that's when he saw him, towering magniloquent above the others huddled in the nigrify slime : Mr. Silverton. It was the same maven from Hogsmeade that had tried to salve Draco's aliveness the yr before, but had failed in the attempt. Harry had always seen him as a rather meek yet friendly man when he visited Hogsmeade, but here he stood taller than life, translucent in a halcyon magnificence.

"haste, save the children !"he called out to Harry, and then he added as if he'd always known,"shielder of the Innocent !"

Harry looked down to see those huddled at Silverton's feet. They were there, nearly a dozen person, youngster mostly. Each was semitransparent, each glowed bright, though some to a greater extent than others. The shiny of these was the young ignominious wizard, who seemed utterly lost. James Byron Dean looked straight at Harry, but did not spot him.

"Help,"he pleaded in a weak, rasping representative."Where am I ?"

"No one stays behind,"Harry said to Silverton."I'm taking you all."And without another word he reached out his hired hand and with his nous summoned the souls toward him. Silverton stood firm as if guarding the advancement, guiding them toward Harry's summons. First, and well-nigh willing, came Dean, then a Cy Young girl with disgraceful hair… a boy with shining bluish eyes… and on… and on…. Each soul came to… came into Harry as if he were an enormous vacuum cleaner pulling them in. When the last left the mire at Silverton's feet the older wizard smiled.

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

The cold was pressing in on Harry once again, fighting one last desperate attempt to keep its precious treasure as Silverton floated toward Harry.

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

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

"Home."

The pitch blackness began to rush away with a great tearing sound. Harry felt as if his pegleg were being pulled backward by a tether that held him tight to the macrocosm tail. Flashes of varying shadowiness of gray screamed past, and then with a marvellous wooosh Harry found himself back in his trunk on the grassy sphere looking upward at the milky-blue sky.

"Harry !"Gabriella cried as his heart 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 Department of Energy, this business leader in the war to come. They could be victorious ! Then, a slow suspiration slipped past his lips, and before he lifted his head off the pasture he closed his eyes and whispered,"Hhhhome."It was a long, deadening, dyspneal word that sent chills down Gabriella's spikelet. He could finger the vim 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 bodies of all the baby hovered for a moment just above him. They looked down, smiling when at last Mr. Silverton emerged. He took the low girl's manus and in the next moment they all rose above the crown and disappeared from sight, Dean travelling with them ever upward.

Harry was sure he heard Dean's vocalization utter,"Goodbye."

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

"But—"

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

The air blasted with the report of two meretricious pops as a twain of Aurors appeared clad in red Ministerial robes. One noticed the Auror some yards away on the undercoat still stiffened by Harry's spell. The other reached down to avail 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 fellow traveler."It's potter !"He held Harry more firmly as if his life might depend on it."You've got to deliver to the train. Miss, will you help—"

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

They appeared in the corridor of the string, near the prat, and Harry stumbled to the floor when he landed. He hated Apparation, and this was his first base attempt at hitting a moving target. If Gabriella hadn't been holding his hand… He didn't want to believe about it.

He was a bit empty-headed and disoriented, but he grabbed a coach door hold and pulled himself up to his feet, taking a shaky measure forward."dean,"he muttered."I've got to see if…"He began to rumple to the story when Gabriella grabbed his arm. He looked at her clinch hand and then at her oculus and smiled."Thank you,"he said softly."Did I ever tell you that I thought you were brilliant ?"Her face did not smile back. Her nerves were too wracked with business as her eye darted up the corridor.

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

Two cars down there was a throng of scholarly person that only parted when they realized who it was. When Harry made it to Dean's car he stepped in to attend straight in on Ron's back. His clothes were a mess of mud and pine phonograph needle, and the position of his shirt was torn, blotches of blood seeping through, red admixture with swash opprobrious. His red fuzz draped down over an arm that was hugging him tight. It was Ginny's and she was crying. Harry's marrow plummeted and he dropped his question ; they had failed. Dean had died.

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

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

It was Dean's vocalism, talking about Ron. It was wobbly but clear and Harry watched as two blazonry of deep hot chocolate wrapped around the redheaded pal and Sister in a large hug.

"James Byron Dean ?"choked Harry, his heart skipping out of his chest of drawers and the tips of his fingers and pads of his pes starting to tingle.

"Harry ?"asked Dean from behind the Weasley's. Ron spun unit of ammunition and, as he did so, Ginny saw Harry. She immediately let out a squeal of joy. A second later her arms were around Harry, tears streaming down here cheeks and sunshine rising up all around the train. Soon, they were all hugging. Word gap that the counterattack had been a success, at least with the service of the Aurors that had been guarding the train. If it hadn't been for—

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

"rightfield here, thrower ; no thanks to you."

Harry turned to see a very wound and a very battered Susan Anthony Goldstein. There was dried grass in his hair and a bit of blood at the corner of his mouth, and he still clutched his sceptre as if gear up to cast another magical spell at whomever or whatever might cross him.

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

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

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

"That's the one !"

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

"That's the one, right there - with the glasses. I'd pick out the expression anywhere. Greasy little git."The pair parted the crowd and were now right in presence of Harry."thought you could get away with it, did yeh ? Little prat. You could take in had us all killed."Then he turned to the other Auror, a very tall cleaning lady with deep blueing eyes and an expression somewhere between exasperation and enervation. She was about to say something when Anthony Goldstein stepped in front of Harry.

"Do you have any hint who you're talking to ?"he asked with a smug air of favourable position that almost sounded Ministerial. Certainly, Anthony was destined for bully thing in political science. It was then that the woman recognized Harry, but the early 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 Rush of educatee like a waving breakage against the shoring filling the gap and forcing the two Aurors backwards.

"What's this ?"the Auror yelled, and he pulled his baton. In answer, over two dozen wands suddenly appeared pointed directly at him, inches from his facial expression. The woman reached up to extract her companion's hand down just when there was another part from the far end of the carriage.

"Strickman ! PUT THAT DOWN !"If Anthony's voice was Ministerial, the new vocalisation was all that and Thomas More. Strickman's eyes widened in shock absorber. He'd heard this voice before, close year when he graduated from the Auror academy. Everyone turned and saw the impact of red hair and knew at once who it was.

"Dad !"cried Ron, whose top gave him the better view over all his peers. Wands 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 learn the status of his own kid, but the tremble in his voice and the look of ministration on his face were obvious for all to hear and see."I came as soon as I heard."Then his eyes met Harry's as he moved past the two Aurors and a spirit of wonderment filled them."Harry ?"he breathed in disbelief."I had heard you were taken. That your soul—"

"That was James Byron Dean, sir,"answered Harry.

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

"Harry brought him back, Dad,"Ginny answered her father's questioning heart."He brought his soul back."King Arthur Weasley looked at his girl 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, parson,"spat Strickman."It's not possible ! This little prat—"

"SHUT UP !"yelled Minister Weasley."If you say another Bible, I'll have him do the Same to you as he did to Voldemort !"The word stung many ears and there was a corporate moan, but not as universally as there might let been the year before. Only then did Strickman finally take in who he had been calling a prat.

"P-P-Potter ?"He began to apologize, not to minister of religion Weasley, but to Harry ; he never had a opportunity.

"You're dismissed,"shot the 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 counterattack. If it hadn't been for him, I'd have never reached the Dementor that had Dean's soul."

King Arthur was still struggling, trying to savvy what it was that Harry was saying. Nonetheless, he patted Anthony about the shoulders and said,"wellspring done, young man. Goldstein is it ? Yes, I know your mother. Runs a coven in Colchester."He gave Anthony, who was now beaming, another pat."well done."Chester Alan Arthur then turned and hugged his two children and then he said in a tatty vocalisation,"I'm sword lily everyone's safe and I assure you the rest of your trip will be uninterrupted, if not completely boring."

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

"Harry, you're condom !"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 government 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 verbalize with you about something very authoritative. I was hoping to take in you back to the Ministry with me right now, but under the circumstances it's perhaps best that you stay put. Once you're settled at the school, I'll call for you."

"What is it, sir ?"

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

"I don't hold much faith that the wall at the Ministry are any skillful, sir."

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

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

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


Harry thrower and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 8 - Engaged

~~~***~~~

The Snitch flitted upwardly metre and time again only to be snatched into his mitt after every escapism. He was actually getting quite proficient at it really. Nearly XX minutes without a—

"Damn !"

The Snitch slipped through Dean's fingers and began to zip about the boys'dormitory, bouncing off the wall above Harry's headway. With a flash, few but Ginny Weasley could appreciate, Harry had his mitt around the winged orb.

"That was cracking, James Dean !"said Harry earnestly, handing the Snitch to Ginny who was sitting next to Dean on his bed. While James Byron Dean was practicing, Harry had been reading a write up headlined Miracle at St. Mungo's which described how nearly a dozen patient, all victims of Dementor flack, had suddenly and inexplicably awakened - their somebody intact. He turned the page with a grin as James Dean continued to practice.

Madame Pomfrey had prescribed the drill of stoolie snatching as a sort of therapy to serve James Byron Dean regain ascendence of his neuro-synapses. Even though Harry had returned Dean's psyche, he was feeling somewhat disconnected from himself. It was hard to excuse just exactly how he was disconnected. Sometimes he would accomplish for something, like a Shaker of table salt, and it would muck up through his fingerbreadth for no understanding. Sometimes his love for Ginny was strong, while at other multiplication it seemed as if he had no feelings for her at all. In wizardly Arts, dean would paint portraiture of birdie, animals, or even people but the images wouldn't move ; they remained lifeless on the canvass. It was all very unusual, and no one, not even lady 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 rook. Her resolution was to try to re-stitch Dean's soul by having him drill both his organic structure and spirit.

Ginny held steadfast at Dean's incline ; a lesser woman would give left at once. Watching the two of them these last few days, Harry wondered if his sexual love for Gabriella would be able to stand firm such a test of faith. Somewhere, deep down inside, he felt it would, perhaps it already had, and he smiled as Ginny stroked Dean's back, encouraging him to try again.

"Nah, Gin,"answered James Dean, truly washed-out."I'm… a bit tired."

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

"Thanks,"said Dean with a light smile. They kissed and Ginny turned toward the staircase down to the commons room.

They had been at Hogwarts for three Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and even though the conversant rhythm of classes and track oeuvre pulsed on at Hogwarts, something was distinctly different. Maybe it was the attack on the train, the expectation of what was to come in, or simply that they were in their terminal year. Whatever it was, there existed, near certainly, a tangible signified of anticipation as if it any moment something spectacularly wonderful, or devastatingly abominable was about to chance.

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

"She's my public, Harry."He lay down on his pillow, folding his arms behind his question."I wish I knew why… sometimes…"James Dean let out a turgid sigh and turned over on his side of meat, his back toward Harry. Over the live on year, Dean had grown confident in his human relationship with Ginny and Harry no longer escape from the creation on which their relationship was anchored. Dean continued,"I think… maybe this year at Christmas—"

There was a sudden scream from down in the Gryffindor park elbow room. It was Hermione's thigh-slapper ; Harry was sure as shooting. Not an instant later, Ginny cried out, followed by a blare of screaming that rivalled the arriving bird of Minerva during the forenoon post.In an instant, both Harry and James Dean had their baton at the ready, and started cautiously for the landing. Just as Harry was about to look down on the green room below, Patrick appeared from the Second old age'dormitory ; his wand also drawn and his facial expression concerned. There was a third year passing Patrick and running the other direction, trying to miss whatever danger was causing the commotion. Harry didn't accredit the boy from behind, but the mentation of a coward in his household bristled the spinal column of his neck."A Gryffindor ?"Harry cried out.

The minute's distraction was enough to cause Dean to bump him slightly from buttocks. Harry tried to adjust his footing by stepping forward, only there was cypher on the circular staircase to step out on. Instead, he completely lost his rest and began tumbling, down and around, drumhead over heals until he landed prostrate onto the level. Dazed, he looked up to see Ron on the ground also. fountainhead, almost… he was down to one stifle, a looking at of pure terror in his eyes. Harry grabbed his best friend by the shirtsleeve and pulled himself up aligning back to stake with Ron.

"Where are they ?"he cried to Ron over his shoulder, baton at the ready. Quickly, he spun around and saw Hermione looking down at him."What's going on ?"Harry asked excitedly."Why did you scream ?"Then, looking to the position, Harry noticed the large number of Gryffindors looking down at him, all with rather traverse verbal expression on their faces. It was Parvati who stepped over and grabbed him by the scruff of the cervix, pulling him away from Ron.

"You idiot !"she hissed under her breath.

Her cheeks a brighter colour of red than Ron's hair, Hermione had to cover her mouth to keep 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 shoulder.

"wellspring, what ?"Lavender said sharply."Go on, Ron. Ask her properly."There was a worldwide mussitation 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. Parvati pinched his neck opening and pulled him to his feet. Dean was stepping slowly down the staircase and came to a stop on the low-toned flight, wrapping his arm about Ginny's waistline. She had been transfixed, but the warm touch sensation caught her attention and she wrapped both her coat of arms about James Dean, smiling as she watched her brother propose.

"Yeah, yeah,"said Ron, wiping his forehead with his left sleeve while still holding out the ring with his right. He was nervous, his script shaky, and Harry wondered if he wouldn't faint at any second. But when Ron's center rejoined Hermione's the trembling stopped and he regained his voice. He held the ring a bit higher.

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

He never had the opportunity to land up. In that instant, Hermione was down on her articulatio genus kissing him deeply, and the common room whooped out a cheer that was heard throughout Hogwarts castle. Later, even Hagrid said he heard the revel when he was out feeding the venomous lava lizards.

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

Hermione held out her deal and said breathlessly,"Yes !"There was another cheer, more resounding than the first, as Ron slipped the diamond hoop upon her finger's breadth. They kissed again.

Harry wasn't sure who was responsible, but suddenly food and drink appeared, and before you could blink euphony was playing, people were dancing and an offhand company was in wide-cut swing in the Gryffindor green room. It was brassy and knockabout, but Hermione had set a silencing charm on the rampart, and outside of Gryffindor the night was quiet. Harry poured himself a swallow 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 warmth himself. Indeed, the cerebration that were passing through his mind brought back computer storage of the year before, bad retention of jealously and uncontrollable wrath. He gulped the boozing, and poured another.

Still standing in the recession, Harry was watching Neville assistant Dean back up the stairway to the male child'dorm room, when a vocalisation startled him.

"Pretty amazin'ain't it ?"

Saint Patrick was seated in a chairperson next to Harry. How long had he been there ? Most of the younger scholarly person had gone to bed or were ushered away. A slow Song dynasty began to toy and Ron took Hermione in his arms. The candlelight in the common 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 deglutition."Amazing."

"I mean,"Patrick continued,"to love somebody so much."Still sitting, he pulled his knees up to his chin and wrapped his implements of war around his legs just gazing at the dancers."Do you remember he'd die for her ?"The question was odd, but Patrick was young and Harry was a bit drunk.

"He'd die for anybody in this room,"Harry answered with secure tone of pride."merlin, he almost did death year, more times than I can—"Harry stopped and looked into his glass, drinking the remains in one final exam splash against the cover of his throat. He could feel the burn make its way down his breast as he stared at the empty glass and could feel it fill with guilt. How often had he put both of his friends in jeopardy ? They would both sacrifice themselves to spare Harry, and if the war was truly arrive, and it was, Harry knew they'd hazard liveliness and limb once again.

"Do you think you'll marry Gabriella ?"Patrick asked, filling the silence. Harry whispered something and the glass in his hand vanished. Patrick raised an brow, but said nothing about the wandless illusion.

"Gabriella ?"Harry asked, looking blankly ahead. He chuckled to himself, but the laughter was more sad than happy. Already she'd risked her life and the school yr hadn't even started. How many more acquaintance would have to die before—"

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

"I'm sorry ?"asked Harry. Patrick looked up at him with an facial expression that was torn, shredded in some way Harry couldn't comprehend, at to the lowest degree not in his present body politic of mind.

"No Kyd. No orphans."Saint Patrick uncurled his legs and stood up, walking over to Harry."I plan teh combat, Harry. There's no room fer love if there's the probability you'll die."

"Patrick, that's not true."

"Ain't it ? I won't leave grief behind. I won't leave my child without a da. Not like me parents did me. I mean, you were a baby fer Merlin's sake, 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 strong, his head cloudy, and the conversant riot were calling from the fog in his judgment. It's not your battle, Harry. Let it go.

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

"I was just talking to—"He turned to point 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 dissemble you're glad for them. Merlin knows you'll be the godfather to all their tike ; now start acting like it."Lavender pulled Harry onto the dancing level."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 break ; how ‘ bout you Hermione ?"

"Some punch would be decent,"she answered with a twinkle in her eye. She took Ron by the arm and they started to walk toward the snack. Harry just stood, his animal foot 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 invertebrate foot, hard, and then whispered in Harry's ear,"So help me, Harry Potter, if you ruin this evening for them I'll condemnation you from here to Durmstrang."A flash later her face was all smiles as she squeezed Harry tight just behind the elbow and walked over to wear Ron and Hermione were standing.

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

"I… I'm glad for you ; for you both,"Harry started as Lavender began to pour herself a cup of puncher. 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 hand and poured himself another cup."I mean… Wow ! What a surprise."He gulped again.

"I was going to tell you,"said Ron with a sincere shade 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 vertebral column completely on Lavender to present Ron. The heating was definitely rising under his collar."But surely… on the train—"

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

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

"And last nighttime ? Were you too busy last Night ?"Harry snapped, and then he remembered not seeing Ron last dark."Where were you anyway ?"Hermione began to redden violently.

"It's none of your bloody business organization where I was net night,"said Ron, his voice elevated."You're not my keeper, Harry."At this he pointed his finger and jabbed Harry in the chest, pushing him backward. Harry's back bumped into Lavender's cup of clout sending it splashing down the front of her dress. The two vernal men took no notification. Harry balled his right hand into a fist and pulled back set to let give.

"I should…"he began. Ron stepped unaired, 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 flash ; not too long considering their gist were pounding so quickly. Finally, a pocket-size smile shattered Harry's scowl and he let go. He threw his right fist past Ron's left ear. Ron saw the smile and returned the wayward clout with an undercut from his own right hand that flew past Harry's midsection and up under his left arm. The two clenched in a machismo sort 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 grin.

"I… I don't want to lose you. Not again."Harry pulled back so that his imaginativeness took in both Ron and Hermione."Not now."Hermione stepped close. She remembered uttering the same words to Harry lastly yr at the Ministry and she remembered what Harry said.

"You're not going to lose 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 lots to tope and his words were taking on a tinge of regret.

"I want to see a 12 niggling bushy haired, freckle faced Weasley's running about. Do you see me ! ?"

"Harry !"

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

"As me !"Ron helped Harry finish."And don't forget they'll be glorious Quidditch role player 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 moistness. If they continued to press by his face, he might lose them. Patrick was right ; it wasn't worth it. Their kid deserved to have both their parents. Harry squeezed both Ron and Hermione tightly toward him.

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

The halls were quiet ; it was nearly curfew. A few students were sprinkled here or there, talking or making their way back to their dorms. Harry walked aimlessly down the stone steps and found himself near where Tonks had her old office staff last year. They had yet to con who would be teaching defence mechanism Against the Dark prowess. That class had been cancelled this morning. The lanterns dimmed a bit, signalling that it was clip to return to the dorms, but Harry didn't hold much by that signaling. He'd rarely obeyed it in all his years at Hogwarts, and he wasn't about to—

"Hey, Potter."

It was Blaise Zabini rounding the shadow corner of the corridor and saying Harry's figure without a drip mould of caustic remark. It was odd, Harry thought, to see Blaise so far off the dumbfound data track, especially at this time of night. Cloak and sticker stuff wasn't constituent of Blaise's makeup. The handsome wizard was more comfortable standing in the centre of a mathematical group of others to be looked at and admired. He hung with Dragon on juncture, 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 last year.

"Blaise,"Harry answered with a nod.

The two passed shoulder to shoulder when the tip of Blaise's scepter touched Harry's hand. Harry felt a man of parchment suddenly appear on his medal and his fingers curled around it. He stopped to look back at Blaise, but the Slytherin never stopped walking and never turned back to reckon at Harry. Finally, Blaise disappeared about the end of the corridor and Harry held up the note to read it.
Do you pretermit me ? Sorry about the ugliness on the train. Sent someone to discourage you at the station, but an Auror intervened. I heard Weasles bought a pretty expensive ringing in Diagon bowling alley. You two aren't engaged now are you ?

Since I can't be there, my courier is going to aid be my optic and capitulum at Hogwarts. Don't tell a soul 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 party at Gryffindor, Harry sat down on the endocarp level and leaned back against the stone wall.

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

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

Harry spun on the words, jumping to his base and preparing his defense mechanism. A dark figure emerged, dimly lit by the faint gleam of Harry's wand.

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

"Impressive."The word dripped with irony."I would take in thought you would forget my public figure again the import you returned to England."He drew nearer and Harry lifted his wand high."Put your wand away, boy,"rebuked Dakhil sternly,"or I'll… let's see… What do they scream it ? I'll take point in time away from your house. Although why you would worry about such meaningless game when the war is upon you is inexplicable to me."Harry lowered his wand and the illumination was extinguished. They were in gross 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 rampart and, in the darkness, noticed the thin jot of light emanating from a batty doorway, the threshold to Tonks'office. Harry sighed."Defence Against the shadow prowess, is it ?"Harry could tell by the low grunt that a grimace had appeared on Dakhil's face. Clearly, he didn't like the theme any more than Harry.

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

Harry shoved Dragon's note into his air pocket, clenched his teeth, and followed. Once, after banging his genu, he tried to ignite his sceptre but was scolded by Dakhil who insisted on aggregate darkness."Can you not see ?"Dakhil sneered.

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

"There is an energy that binds all hold out things together, Harry. You draw from it every time you cast a while. It pulsates on the wind instrument as the breath of the trees ; it bubbles from the soil crawling with worms and roaches. In the very darkest of places, it shines as a beacon to all who would call up on its epithet. It is a skill all members of the Votary learn before the connexion, save for you."Dakhil stopped. The odor was strong here, damp and dank and musty with a strong sense of decay."Even in decease, life is reborn. arrive at out to it."

"I can't see a bloody—"

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

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

Harry had seen the aliveness power of others he had try to heal. It was like going to another plane of creation. He just needed to…"Focus,"he whispered to himself. In the dark Harry closed his eyes and opened his mind, reaching out for anything however low that might point life. At for the first time there was aught, 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 walls. cast ? Spores ? It was as if the structures surrounding them were splattered with an eerie fluorescent fixture pigment and lit up by a fatal luminance."I see,"he whispered in amazement.

"As long as one sees, one is never lost."Dakhil pulled his sceptre and a tremendous flare-up of Christ Within shattered against the bulwark breaking through to open air. The two emerged from some broken down shack into the deepness of the forest.

"The tree diagram !"Harry said, looking at the ashen glowing pillars that climbed to the sky.

"Your opposition, even though they hide behind such grand bodily structure are brighter still. It is a all-important skill. With one script, Dakhil pulled Harry out of the splinters of Grant Wood and stood him on his foundation in the forest."Now look up."

Harry looked to the sky. It was sprayed with stars of every colouration imaginable. But in the meat was a blue lambency brighter than all the others, a golden trail following it in the sky.

"Ebyrth,"Harry whispered.

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

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

"We are both already dead."




Harry Potter and the nascence of a New Sun
Chapter 9 - The Bending of outer space and Time
~~~***~~~


The rhythmic beating of Gabriella's heart lulled Harry as she stroked the side of his head with her hand. He sighed deeply as she played with the intimation of gyre that wrapped about his shoulders. He forced himself to stay awake, if only to enjoy every consequence that he was being held in her arms. Through the thin slits in his eyes he watched the lake vanish and reappear into view as his head rose and fell with each breathing space she took. The sparkling water supply brought his intellect to the beaches of Lebanon and he visualized walking with her at the sea, watching the wafture clank again and again against the shore. It would be a perfect office to ask her, he thought. A gentle snap brought with it the cool breath of fall and for a moment he thought he could smack the cool salt air of the sea. Yes, the consummate place.

"We'll Miss dinner,"she whispered.

"I never want to be active again,"he muttered, barely opening his mouth. Her hand slipped down to his shoulder and then stroked the muscles of his blazon. They were sore and yet with her tactual sensation he could feel the ache ebb away.

"If you're going to keep working for Hagrid in the forest,"she said more firmly,"you're going to demand to maintain up your strength."Her digit slipped down to his side and playfully gave him a straightaway pinch.

"AYY !"he said, jumping. It was more thrill than pain, more mountain than poke."Not comely ! I was… I was just going…"He closed his heart 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 abdomen which held tight."Besides, ma would kill me if she heard I let you skip a meal."She rose to her human foot."Come on, let's get you fed."She held out her script to help Harry to his foundation. Her nous was turned so that her gaze was not at Harry but at the castle.

An image of Grigor flashed across Harry's idea and a coldness tremble ran down his back… he hesitated. How could she screw ? She couldn't. She was so much like her founding father, and for the briefest of moment Harry was taken back to the torture chamber at the Ministry -- the chamber where Sirius had been lost and found again, the chamber where Gabriella's father, Grigor, had held his hand out innocently toward Harry, just as Gabriella was now doing, only to constipate him and prepare him for death.

He drew in a deep breath, shook the memory from his intellect, and took Gabriella's deal, rising to his aching feet. They both whisked away the dry leaves that clung to the bottoms of their gown and turned toward the castling. Harry could feel the sting in his pegleg as they climbed the castle steps. Halfway up he stopped, wrapped his arm about Gabriella's shank and paused to look at the lake. She took it as a quixotic mo and leaned her head 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 bone. A nerve in his right thigh shot a jerking of pain up into his back and his regard turned toward the forest.

Working for Hagrid ? No. For the live on few weeks he'd been training with the Centaurs. Only he'd felt uncomfortable sharing that with Gabriella. He had never been able-bodied to impart up a conversation with Gabriella about them without her making an excuse to change the study. It was clear she did not like Centaur, but she never explained why and Harry was unwilling to push the yield. Another twinge flicked down the muscle of his left sura and his psyche drifted to the day's training session. Recalling why his peg hurt so, he wasn't so sure he liked Centaurs either.

"Jump, Harry potter ! jump"cried Ronan. The red-haired Centaur fired an arrow that nicked the go forth heel of Harry's bare foot."Speed is a Centaur's greatest ally. With it we can outpace the Dementors when they try to fly. Run !"he bellowed as Harry began to slow up."If one of our number needs aid, would you just walk to their slope ?"

"I'm… not… walking…"yelled Harry back over his shoulder joint, as he ran from the centaur barefoot through the wood. His lungs were bursting for air and his feet were on fervency. He'd already run for miles ; Ronan would make him run land mile more. For his part, Harry had already decided that there was nix the Centaurs could throw at him that he couldn't handle.

"Ayyy !"he cried, slashing his foot against a jagged stone.

"Run !"

Perhaps he was wrong.

He had been forbidden to use a wand, and wore naught but a thong made of tree bark wrapped about his waist with a case for a small dagger used to slash at vines and other vegetation that blocked his way as he ran. In one helping hand he held the sticker and in the other he carried a rock nearly too large to fully grasp. In battle he would have a bun in the oven a shield, but a Oliver Stone was more embarrassing to handle, forcing more brawniness to nobble and control it. He was being trained as all Colt were. In fact, there were two Colt running far ahead of him already - Shahan, with a coat so dark Harry could no longer see him in the space, and Felspar, whose lustrous white coat shone like a lead ahead - way ahead. Sweat dripped into his eyes and he wiped his eyebrow with his compensate forearm. Running blindly he slashed wildly at a Tentacula that reached for his cervix.

"You should possess seen that, stripling, long before it struck at you !"cried Ronan, loping along. There was the sound of a thwwwwp and a few paces ahead Harry saw a large spider dead near the path he was taking, an arrow between its eyes. Looking back as he ran ahead Harry tripped on a root, twisted his ankle and fell to the reason, his leftover articulatio genus grinding into a collection of small-scale Edward Durell Stone. The finger's breadth of his pass on bridge player were crushed between the stone he was carrying and the stones upon which he'd just fallen. The dagger fell from his powerful hand and skittered forward, but before it came to rest, Harry reached his deal forward and without saying a word the dagger returned to his clasp. There was a slight grunt from Ronan. It was neither disparaging, nor approving. It was more a grunt of satisfaction, but Harry did not see back into Ronan's eyes to see if the atonement was directed toward him. His knees and hired hand bleeding, he stood to his animal foot and began to run again. Now, even felspar was out of eyeshot. He'd taken only three or four stride before Ronan called.

"Stop !"

external respiration hard, Harry turned and for the get-go fourth dimension all afternoon he looked up into the Centaur's eyes.

"I… I can… catch them,"Harry heaved.

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

"I hate… riddles,"breathed Harry.

"Shahan and feldspar have been studying for decennary the essence of solid ground's mysteries. It will take them decades more to realize what is already at your fingertips."The Centaurus stepped closer, forcing Harry to bend his neck opening upward. A brawniness twanged past his justly ear. Still Ronan advanced until he was only inches from Harry, who could smell the strange mix of sweat and hair. Ronan looked skyward.

"To see without eyes, to sense without finger, to hear without ears, to taste without tongue…,"he looked back down at Harry and tapped him on the side of meat of his nose,"…to smell without nostrils. These are gift 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 shot at a tumid flying… thing with great dentition that was advancing on them. It fell silently to the forest level. To Ronan it was similar little more than swatting a fly. He continued,"You must take the power that took your forfeiture and cleansed you, the great power that has no durability. What you must subdue, Harry ceramicist, what you must endeavor to achieve 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.

"Take my hired hand, baby,"commanded Ronan.

The import Harry took the Centaur's helping hand the humankind spun upon its drumhead. William Green and embrown and chickenhearted and gold flashed past them in a swirl of colours. Then, inexplicably, Ronan was gone, and Harry was suddenly running, loping, galloping. He felt giddy, lofty, arrogant, childish…

"I told you the whizz was a fake !"he cried back over his articulatio humeri."Ronan's an old sap !"He kicked his heals and accelerated forward, the wind instrument whistling past his spike.

"You're wrong !"yelled a vocalism from rear end."He's been chosen ! Ronan said so !"

"Nothing but silly Centaur song and dance from a doddering old fool !"Harry yelled back, but his eyes were steadfast forward. The flag was ahead ; he could see it, maybe three or four mi ahead. A grin rip across his nerve, an arrogant smile ; he was going to win this subspecies and prove Ronan wrong, leaven to all of them that HE, Shahan, was the Centaurus that would keep open them from the onslaught of Dementors that was soon to come.

A articulation whispered in Harry's ear. It was Ronan's."You see with Shahan's eyes. Where would you be, Harry thrower ?"

Harry looked back. Behind him was felspar, the dazzling white Centaurus that he'd been racing. Then he noticed his own haunches. They were black as darkest ember. He was Shahan, the tip Centaur colt. But how ? His head teacher twisted forward toward the waiting signal flag and the gather of Centaurus that watched to see if Ronan's divination was nothing More than nothingness and myth.

Where would I be ?

"The masthead,"Harry whispered to himself, to Ronan, to the nullity. He focused again. He knew how to get there with a baton : imaginativeness, Pathway, reconstruction -- Apparation. But he had no wand and even if he did, there was no way to Apparate in the Forbidden forest. The masthead, a red beacon in the distance, was maybe two kilometres ahead of Shahan now and probably three kilometres from where Harry's body stood breathless back in the woodland with Ronan. He'd been practicing wandless magic trick all summertime. What if… ?

Harry willed himself from the eye of Shahan and back to his own body. There was a press stud - he had returned, his lungs still gasping for air and Ronan still at his side. Harry closed his eyes and his intellect imaged the signal flag that was ahead ; he imagined being there. Space and prison term began to collapse, swirling itself, revealing itself. A pathway that moved with his will, guided by Ronan, appeared before Harry. He took in a mystifying breathing space and stepped forward onto the path. The great span of distance between himself and the red flagstone suddenly collapsed. felspar was just out of reach, Shahan appeared to be only a few gait in front line of her, and the red iris appeared as just a few ten of metres away. Harry began to run. The gloss of the forest swirled by him, as if everything stood still, including the two Centaurs. He ran yesteryear Felspar and then Shahan and, in an instant, he appeared only column inch from the fleur-de-lis that marked the end of the subspecies. He was surrounded be Centaurs of every semblance, each with fierce eyes marked by only the slightest astonishment of his arrival. As he came to pillow, he saw, in the space, Shahan and only a few strides behind him feldspar. They were both galloping like the malarky, swallowing up immense swaths of greensward with each footstep. They would be upon him soon.

Harry felt it was, somehow, a cheat. Could all centaur bend outer space and time ? His eyes caught Shahan's in the distance, and the once confident, noncompliant regard turned to one of near revulsion. He galloped faster, as if possessed, but it was no use. With one hand, his bloody left, Harry reached up and pulled the flush flagstone from its criterion. There was a collective cheer as Harry held the flag over his heading, spinning to present the gathering. It was then that he saw Ronan, standing in the centre of the group of nearly one hundred Centaurs. An minute later Shahan pulled up at Harry's side, his breather heavy, his coating lathered with sweat.

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

"No,"answered Ronan, stepping forward from the others."He used the science you yourself may one day passkey, Shahan."Ronan turned to the former Centaurs."He has been given the gifts."With this there was a general mutter and neigh of surprisal and approval from the Centaur herd. Facing the others, Ronan flanked Harry nudging him forward just as Felspar arrived, also out of breather, a cut upon her right front flank.

"I foretold of the coming whizz,"Ronan called to the gather."And yet you did not believe. I sought out the forfeit against your will, and the waters returned him to us. Only once before has this ever happened, and when that conflict was won so too began the Great Age of Centaurs !"Harry expected a cheer, but none came. Instead, there was an almost emotionless credit of Ronan's'averment."This,"he pointed toward Harry, naked and bloodstained, his lungs still craving for more atomic number 8,"this is our Sacrifice. Cleansed and returned, he shall lead us to victory !"Again there was little more than the nods and stomps of the Centaur at the gathering. No one refuted Ronan's claims.

"You're hurt,"said Harry, approaching feldspar and looking carefully at the wounding.

"It was a Bearwicken,"said Felspar quietly.

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

"Let me help you,"whisper Harry as he held his open mitt a few inch away from the gash on Felspar's flank. Harry closed his eyes and muttered the incantation that he knew would work with his wand, and then something caused him to prolong further, to touch beyond. His hand had not touched the Centaurus, but he could feel the ancestry, slippery wet, between his finger. He reached out without moving and willed the slice shut, and the gash obeyed, closing as if a curtain had been pulled shut mean about the wound.

"Like all wizards, he'll stamp out us all when we turn our back !"yelled Shahan again.

"The Chosen heals !"asserted a turgid, distaff Centaurus from the gathering. A chestnut coat and no bow about her berm, she stepped forward from the others."Did the amnionic fluid teach you these gifts or is this genius ?"The conclusion tidings was disparaging and even evoked some fizzle from the others.

"female parent !"cried feldspar."He's the Chosen. How dare you question his gift !"feldspar, lesion healed, turned to Harry and bowed low on one knee."As long as Ebyrth shines, I am in your service. Only death will cheat us of time."

A number of early Centaurs followed in sort, each bending low to one human knee and bowing their mind. Ronan approached Harry, nodding his caput and deflexion to one knee as well.

"You still lack strength and survival, Harry Potter, but these affair can be learned. Now, it is meter to rest."He held his hand to Harry's eyes."Return to the forest's friend."Harry's mind immediately thought of Hagrid."Run !"

The vision of Hagrid's cabin firmly fixed in his head, Harry willed himself there. Again a path opened up and he took off running. present moment later, he found himself where he began the day, seated on Hagrid's chair next to the burning fire, Fang laying at his side and Hagrid singing some Sung in French. The logs on the fire cracked as Harry, still naked, looked at his Gryffindor robes that hung from a hook near the door. The way they were draped over the hook they almost looked real - lifelike, as if they contained some spirit all their own. Harry's stomach churned just as Hagrid turned, surprised to obtain Harry in his hut.

"Harry ?"

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

"Harry ? Are you okay ?"

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

"They're not that bad you know,"he whispered. Her brow furled in confusion."Centaurs,"he added.

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

Near a large suit of armor Harry noticed Saint Patrick talking to King James I Yangtze. James I was leaning against the Oliver 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, Patrick was quite passionate about it ; his arms were swinging wildly about and more than once Harry heard him invoke his voice.

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

King James noticed Harry and Gabriella and stood straighter, stopping Saint Patrick's chronicle with a motion of his hand. Harry smiled and waved, and James returned the motion with a smile of his own. Patrick turned to see who James was looking at and when he saw Harry, his face bore an grammatical construction of smashing concern.

"No admiration,"Harry thought,"I feel like I'm going to vaunt lump. I must look like hell."As he and Gabriella continued toward the Great Hall for dinner, the more sick 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 Hall just as Ron and Hermione appeared from Gryffindor column. They were headed, arm in arm, into the Great Hall when Ron noticed Gabriella trying to serve Harry toward the stairway that led to the infirmary wing.

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

"What happened ?"

"I'm fine, really,"demanded Harry, and in fact he was beginning to sense better although the floor was still a bit unfirm under his feet. They stepped him over to a long bench beneath a large portrait of a great 9th century battle scene. Harry hated it here, he always had ; the clash and crash of sword against armour was always deafening when the combatants weren't sipping tea together, discussing whose strategy was Lake Superior in the stopping point struggle. Ron noticed a contusion beneath Harry's collar and leaned in close to Harry's ear.

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

"CHHHHT,"shot Harry with a good time of air between his clench teeth, trying to quieten is friend. Seated between a mind-reader and an empath, Harry had fiddling Hope of keeping anything mystery, but he didn't want to discuss his preparation with the Centaurs in movement of Gabriella.

"You said you'd take me,"complained Ron."‘ The next clip I go,'you said."Ron crossed his blazonry."I thought maybe this year would be different."Harry opened his sass 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 recount a soul. Harry rolled his eyes and judder his head knowing that Hermione was only partially correct. She was right about the skewer voice, but Harry knew at once Ron would hold the protect role the wrong way. He did.

"I don't need Harry's protection ! 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 eyes narrowed on Harry, whose own gaze darted away to look at Ron who was ignoring Gabriella's question and was now standing in a miff and about ready to rage off. Harry stood too, the vertigo he was feeling all but gone.

"Ron,"Harry said, taking hold of Ron's arm,"I said you would go with me the future 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 more interest than anger.

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

"This morn you were supposed to help Professor Barghouti's secondly yr class for their papa lesson,"scolded Hermione, also rising.

"What sort 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 ceramicist book long ago. Both women 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 pigeon hawk's sake."He put Harry's arm about his articulatio humeri."Come on, mate. Let's get you a bite and then we can go over the weekend's practice schedule. I know Ginny's been playing OK as pursuer and all, but I think if…."

In the Great hall, Dumbledore had the star sign sit wherever they wished for breakfast and luncheon, but for dinner each house ate at offprint table from the others. It was a compromise between the visual sense of the future and a regard 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 Charles Francis Hall she kissed him on the cheek, holding his left script. He toyed with the golden ring he'd given her the year before on valentine's. There was a twinkle in her eyes and a sly smile upon her face.

"You will distinguish me later ?"she asked, but the pure tone was more suggestive of a financial statement than a question.

"You know already. You just won't talk about it."His smile had a tinge of sorrow as their digit let go of each former. Her twinkle faded and her eye would not hold in his gaze as she turned away. Harry did not seem back as he followed Ron to the Gryffindor table.

Lavender and Parvati were having an animated conversation about the signification of a large stigma on the tablecloth. Parvati had spilt her drink and it left a iniquity, twirling outline of something resembling, at least to Harry, a orotund toadstool. He sat down realizing he did, very much, need to eat.

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

"A Crane,"countered Annapurna, pointing at the long crooked cervix of the toadstool.

"That makes no sense,"said Lavender."No, it's a Celtic spiral and,"she pointed to some colored privileged spot,"with these here it would present eternal life."

"No. See this here ? The way the roll dissolve away ? Not eternal life… life story, death, and conversion. It's clearly a crane,"Parvati said, pointing out the bird's feature film."Here are the eyes, the curled neck, the long legs."She grew more confident with each description.

"Then you're both right,"chimed in Hermione. The two untried peeress looked up, stun locution on both their faces."The Hart Crane represents longevity. ageless life… longevity… Same thing."She shrugged her articulatio humeri and took a bite of dinner.

"NooOoo,"both Anapurna and Lavender harmonized in a rather long and melodious tune."It could have in mind deception if—"

Deliberately, Harry accidentally spilled his tea onto the stain covering up any discernible item. The liquidness began to rain cats and dogs off the sharpness toward Annapurna and Lavender and they both took to their feet.

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

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

"HERMIONE !"cried Lavender.

"How could you !"scolded Parvati.

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

"cum on, Lavender."Annapurna spun on her heals and took off, Lavender rightfield behind her, but not before she shot a scathing glare at Hermione. No Sooner had they left the table than Ron let out a snort, a objet d'art of shekels shooting from his nose.

"Ronald Weasley, I should…"

"Honestly, Hermione, Harry just wants to eat. You can't begrudge the man his pacification after all he's been through today."Ron took another sharpness of kale and looked at Harry's home base."Are you going to eat those ?"he asked pointing at some flake. Harry just glared back. Ron shrugged and took another chomp 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 spoilation what you both have."Setting down his crotch, Harry looked up at her.

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

"Harry,"said Hermione without losing step,"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 contain 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 facial expression composure. The look was unnerving because he knew his own expression was giving him away."fountainhead I have,"he insisted, pushing his plate in for good measure.

He wasn't sure the drama was having the outcome he wanted. Ron simply nipped one of his leftover splintering and Hermione only let out a foresightful disapproving sigh. Past the point of return, at to the lowest degree for this argument, Harry stood up and left the Great Hall in as foul a mood as he could muster. His thinker focused on the Gryffindor table, he didn't notice the Slytherin that stood as well and followed him out of the Great Charles Martin Hall.

Harry was moving down the corridor toward Gryffindor when he heard the footsteps behind him. He stopped and turned ; only no one was there. He looked over past a suit of clothes 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 Lady when there was a tap on his hand and a whisper in his ear.

"Your sidereal day grow short."

Harry felt the note appear on his medallion 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 portrait swung open and Harry quickly moved to hide the line, only he didn't have to. It flashed in a pull of smoke and disappeared. Neville stepped out of the Gryffindor commons room followed by the most unlikely of faces - Severus Snape. Strangely neither took much notice of Harry. Beyond a slim head word nod by Neville, it was as if he didn't even exist.

"The matter is, prof,"Neville was saying as he past Harry,"if the two roots are to make the burden you want, they'll have to be grown to exactly the Saami length."

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

"I think so, with the ripe light. If I can borrow some…"and the conversation faded away.

Amazed, Harry shook his heading and turned toward the portrayal of the Fat noblewoman.

"parole ?"she asked with a grinning.

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 bestower was still nearby. As much as he hated the sentiment of climbing back up the staircase, he had to go down and utter with Dumbledore. Besides, the three coil on the healing plant life of Kirkcaldy could wait till later.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

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




Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.
The ash gray instrument rose and fell on Dumbledore's mahogany desk as Harry stroked Guy Fawkes'plumage, waiting for the headmaster to return. Not much bigger than a bread-bin, it was a strange collecting of gears and saltation and Harry spent some fourth dimension trying to deduce its meaning. The contraption, rimmed with winged creatures Harry couldn't recognize, reminded him of a like device in the Black family estate at Grimmauld Place. It too had the same bill annulus that ran up a notched staircase only the total darkness device was gold, its winged creatures looked more menacing, and Harry had never seen it lock.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

Shot by a spring, another Ag ring ran up the stairway only to reach the top, falter, and fall into a big bucks below. The pile seemed to be shrinking as Harry stood observance, but he could not see where the rings disappeared to, nor could he discover the source for the rings that sprung Forth River from the bottom. There it was - a never ending procession that seemed to receive no purpose.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

Unable to take himself, Harry reached out and grabbed the silver doughnut before it had a chance to descend from atop the low staircase. The picture changed and he suddenly found himself on the Hogwarts express mail walking toward the straw man of the train, two tempo behind Greg Goyle. But, this couldn't be - Greg was suddenly. It took him a moment to agnize that he'd traveled back in meter. They were about to reach the front of the train ; Greg wasn't dead, he was about to die.

Harry tried to speak, but no tidings came. He tried to make his manus up to stop Greg, but it would not move. Unable to control his motility, Harry could do goose egg but watch account stretch out as it had last yr. He poked his head into a carriage, telling a grouping of 5th years what was up.

"I've been wondering what was taking so long with the food trolley,"said Ernie Macmillan. Harry explained that the prof had gone missing and Ernie joined him to discern the trouble. As Harry slipped back out of the carriage with Ernie, Goyle took the full stop and started toward the straw man of the train. Once again Harry tried to stop his friend when, through the shabu doors to the box ahead, Harry saw a witch in darkness robe suddenly appear in the corridor. Anaxarete. Harry wished he could wander a killing curse, but it was no use ; he could do zilch. She glanced back, revealing a sinister smile and piercing green eye. Harry tried to aim himself in forepart of Greg, but was ineffectual to pass Goyle's all-inclusive berm. It didn't subject ; an instant later she was gone and an instant after that the front of the train exploded with a tremendous white heartbeat.

Harry fell to the floor of Dumbledore's office staff, the silver anchor ring firmly clenched within his manus. He was shaking, the detonation still ringing in his capitulum, when he opened his eyes and found Dumbledore looking down at him. The headmaster bent with difficulty to one stifle and held out his hand.

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

Harry took Dumbledore's manus and rose to his feet. He held the ring out between his thumb and forefinger.

"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 pile below which now was growing orotund as Dumbledore stood and spoke with Harry.

"It is a computer storage Good Book of sorts… a photograph album."Dumbledore moved to his desk and sat down, leaning back against his chair."Different for each who reads it."Harry couldn't avail but think that the greatest wizard of the age was beginning to show house of wear. He had grown much fragile since Harry last saw him at the end of the schooling year, and his hands were beginning to wave in an unnatural way.

"Like a Pensieve ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite, Harry,"replied the Headmaster."A Pensieve lets you store or remove your memories so that you can look them over later. You can select the computer memory to take away, to examine."He leaned forward and held his hands together."This is a Möbius car. It reflects a wizard's living chronicle. It is a never ending loop that plays over and over again, shrinking or expanding to suit the viewer. Each silver round is a lock of a portion of your liveliness. While the tintinnabulation play in monastic order, there is no way, unfortunately, to determine which memory, which spirit experience you will visit."

A shiver past by Harry again, and for a minute he thought he felt the breathing time of end voicelessness its name against the scruff of his neck.

"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 gimmick. He waived his wand and uttered an incantation and the ringing stopped running up the stairway, and fell wherever they were in the cycle."I wish your memories could be happier, Harry. I would detest to see you as a tottering old man, sitting down in a dusty authority wondering if you could risk reliving the tragedies that grasping a few rings might bring. Fawkes quietly vocalized his agreement, as Dumbledore slipped his wand away and placed his hand on Harry's berm."I know you have been chosen, Harry. But you need not set 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 bright blue eye,"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 redress thing to do. Lucius Malfoy is going to use this to try and cross the iniquity back across this land, and I won't let him."Harry's own center were rough with determination and defiance."I've been training with Ronan."Harry paused."Are Centaur wizard ?"

"Very much so, Harry,"said Dumbledore with a grinning."It is folly for wizards to believe they are the most hefty puppet on this earth. You know, of course, Centaur have keen sight and are skilled with a bow, but these affair are physical acquirement that many genius dismiss. Ahh… not so, Harry… not so. Why do you think a Centaur never misses his target ?"Harry shrugged."Because a skilled Centaur can follow the arrow all the way to its finish, nudging its flight along the way. They can deform space and time, Harry. Even while champion are unable 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 tell apart by his saying that he was impressed, or surprised, but the old wizard made no countersign of it. Instead he stood from his chair and walked over to his telescope.

"They are very much better stewards of such acquirement than wizards would ever be,"the aged wizard whispered, looking down into the genus Lens of the telescope. The instrument was fixed on the portion of the sky through which the comet Ebyrth was now passing. Harry no longer needed a telescope to see the comet's bright behind.

"It is not your war, Harry,"said Dumbledore still looking into the genus Lens."The Ministry can handle the likes of Lucius and his ilk."He adjusted the stress."They have no strength in numbers, no allies for support, no sanctuary in which to conceal. It's only a subject of time."

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

"Lucius is no fool,"answered Dumbledore."He'll remain hidden for as long as possible and only tap when he thinks he can win."The genius looked up."He can't win, Harry."But Harry wasn't so surely. He turned his back on Dumbledore and walked over to Fawkes, stroking the bird's feathers. Harry didn't know how to bring it up, but he had to ask.

"What if… what if he had a weapon ? A secret weapon ?"

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

"A… A Horcrux."

The portraits that were earlier minding their own business, napping, reading the report, or off to some other topographic point were suddenly thrown into a commotion. The headmaster of old began complaining at once about the impudence of the young man to discuss such subject here.

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

"Lucius is cunningly evil,"called Phineas,"But he would never cringe to such depths."

Dumbledore finally quieted them all by threatening to bring down a sheet of dark. His side was grave, almost pale and the tone of his articulation was filled with smashing business concern. Harry knew at once that whatever a Horcrux was, it was dark magic, but then… did he expect otherwise ?

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

"Well… I… I heard that…"He stalled and then turned back to face Dumbledore. How could he jazz how one employed a Horcrux if he didn't even know what one was ?"professor, what is a Horcrux ?"Dumbledore walked back to the silver motorcar that was now quiet on the table. He tapped it with his wand and the silver ring began to roll again. He took a mob and held it in his script 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."

"hubby ?"asked Harry incredulously."professor McGonagall was married ?"

"Oh yes, Harry,"answered Dumbledore."And very happily I might add. He was killed by a Death Eater when Voldemort first returned. She joined the Order of the Phoenix soon after. Since then, she's been our firm ally against the darkness."This new news had Harry's read/write head spinning just a bit. He'd always assumed…. Dumbledore turned back to the flatware machine."Can you imagine what it would be like if prof McGonagall did not possess 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 English, but she is very happy."Dumbledore's workforce squeezed the wooden board and he drew in a recondite breath. When he turned to look back into Harry's eyes, his face was sober and his own eyes unappeasable."What I'm about to severalise you, Harry, is not supposed to allow this room."Harry glanced toward the door as if there might be someone there."Harry, I know with whom you would like to share. You should know that it is forbidden. I would not even speak of it with you, had you not brought it up first. Do I ingest your word ?"

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

"Imagine for a mo that I could cleave you into three masses. Not copies mind you, but three distinct parts of your very essence… your mortal. One would stay with the body you now possess ; the early 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 other parts would essay out another soundbox to inhabit… to control. You, percentage of you, would live again."

"Part of me ?"

"The part that you hid away."Again Dumbledore turned to the machine on the table."The sight of rings that you see in front of me here, Harry, is magnanimous than your was. Why ?"

"You have more memories, Sir Thomas More experiences."

"Precisely ! But a split soul would only take with it fate, dark of the retentiveness the pilot somebody carried. Imagine, my boy, if you had to choose… what portions of your soul would you carve away ? What section of you would rest ? There are many choices. You could carve out the bad retentivity, perhaps the death of Greg Goyle, and go on believing that he had never died ? But then, what would materialise if you were to die, and the Horcrux storing only the bad memory board was released ? What variety of soured somebody would rest ?

"Then there are those wizards who believe that it is the tragedy of a wizard's living that drives him forward ? Such a wizard might proceed the tragic store at the set up erasing all joy and happiness, perhaps the day you first arrived at Hogwarts ?.

"And it's not just storage, Harry. It's also the essence of who we are, what we have become, both proficient and evilness, darkness and get off. A wizard must decide how to separate each gash of joy and sorrow into tiny pieces, sprinkling a short bit of everything into each serving of your soul, splintering all you ever were into shards of fogged glass that can never really be made hale again. differentiate me, Harry, what choice would you make ?"

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

"No, Harry, nor would I."Dumbledore's articulatio humeri drooped slightly as if a large free weight sat square upon them."Thankfully, most wizards and witches would turn away to opt as well. fewer still know that there is such a path one can take ; and only the most powerful of those would be able-bodied to take it."Suddenly looking quite tired, Dumbledore returned to the electric chair behind his desk and let out a recondite suspiration, closing his eyes."The Horcrux is simply the storage vessel… it could be a rock, a cloak, a cup—"

"But Lucius—"

"Think, Harry,"Dumbledore interrupted."It might even be a book…"There was a long pause. Harry could try a number of the portraits on the wall gumming to themselves. Clearly they were unhappy with the direction of the conversation, particularly Phineas.

"The diary ?"Harry answered finally, his phonation more certain than unsure, and with each new doubtfulness the doubtfulness vanished."Tom Riddle's diary ? That was a Horcrux ? Voldemort used a Horcrux."

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

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

"Yes,"said Dumbledore, nodding."You also saw Tom Riddle die in the bedchamber of Secrets. I had always assumed he had divided himself in two. Who would run a risk fracturing themselves more than than once ?"Dumbledore chuckled to himself grimly."Who indeed ?"Then he turned back to Harry."This news palls the apparent horizon with a new shadow. Tell me, Harry, why you believe that someone is employing a Horcrux because, if mortal is, Voldemort is most certainly behind it."

Again, Harry found himself turning away. He didn't want this tidings. He thought it had something to do with Lucius, with the war that would soon be upon them. He didn't want to believe 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 preserve our conversation of the Horcrux private would mean nothing."

"If it does exist,"Harry said anxiously,"we have to find 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 begin some journey to search the humanity for a Horcrux. Voldemort's been to the edges of the orb and beyond ; it could be anywhere. More probably, it has already been activated. No, I will speak with the phallus of the—"

"Sir, you can't. I swore that I'd—"

"Relax, Harry, there will be no motive to implicate your involvement. In fact, it's more to our vantage to go on your name completely out of the picture."

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

"Oh beloved,"said Dumbledore."I've made you late for class."He paused, struggling for the briefest of present moment about what to say next."You just be on your way. We can go along 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 course. Just as he was about to flourish his mitt across the tumid brass doorknob, Dumbledore stopped him.

"Harry, there are those that we can trust—long-time friends and soul checkmate. I understand that you may be compelled to seek aid. If you must talk about this, keep the conversation within the wall 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 defence reaction Against the iniquity Arts course of study, 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 class students were detached to get into the common Room of any house into which they were invited, Harry knew exactly what Dumbledore meant ; he shouldn't trust Gabriella. He pondered how he would keep Gabriella out of any discussion he might have got with Ron or Hermione concerning the Horcrux. Maybe he was serious off not saying anything to anybody. His vexation about Gabriella faded quickly, however, when arrived late to course of instruction 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 course of study so that he could sit in back. He like the majority of the class wanted to sit in as far away from professor Barghouti as possible. For near bookman it was because their professor was a lamia ; Harry simply didn't like him. Every time Harry looked into his optic he felt that he had to prove himself worthy ; that he was somehow lacking when it came to the Votary. Now, having arrived to class late, Harry had to sit in figurehead adjacent to the only other bookman who would : Hermione and Gabriella. Harry took his tooshie next to Gabriella who offered him a supportive grin after he was chastised by Barghouti about time management.

"Now, as I was saying,"said prof 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 bringing up. Nonetheless, even the most inept wizard,"he looked at Harry,"can discover to repel at least rudimentary attempts to riddle the mind. Fortunately, most of you are sorely lacking as Legilimens."Barghouti stared once again at Harry.

"I want each of you to find a partner and while one endeavour to penetrate his mate's mental defences the other will use the techniques you described in last night's preparation grant. For those of you who found the assignment to tedious and chose instead to practice Quidditch,"again he looked at Harry,"expect to spend the evening with Madame Pomfrey as she treats your headache."

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

"Yes, Ms Granger ?"

"What if mass don't want to receive their minds read ? It is, after all, a intrusion of personal space."

"True, Ms. Granger ; it is a violation. But then, so is the Killing Curse and we've learned to defend ourselves, as best we can, against such an attack. Would you prefer to receive your cerebration read freely by Lucius Malfoy's undercover agent ? Have them cognise your plans so that they can pour down you or your sleep together unity when you least expect it ?"

"But—"

"Pair with somebody you trust,"he interrupted."We'll talk of the town of this no more."

Hermione's lips pursed as she crossed her blazon. Harry knew that look 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 expanse. Today, you can be my partner."Barghouti offered a rare smile and both Ron and Harry expected to see his fang, but all that appeared was a flat row of bright, pearly tooth.

Harry turned his desk about and sat inverse Gabriella. He had let her into his mind 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 mystifying than Harry offered. For his share, he had never been able to see her thoughts unless he opened his own first. They always had to play in Harry's head, and he had never tried to push her away. She was smiling at him, a twinkle in her middle, as she took his hand in hers. It wasn't until their hands touched that his heart skipped. Foremost in his psyche was something he couldn't let her see — his conversation with Dumbledore. His hand pulled away ; he couldn't arrest her from sensing his emotions, but he could stop her from reading his judgement.

"Harry,"she asked, sensing immediately his emotional geological fault,"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 nothing, trying to put his language in alinement with the tactual sensation she was sensing."That's okay, isn't it ?"he asked.

"Sure,"she said slowly. She reached out her bridge player 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 shoot down back with a bit of defiance. His vocalisation was heated for no soundly reason, and he knew she'd sentiency that as well. If he stayed flustered, she'd be right ; there would be no way for him to arrive close to reading her mind.

Around the socio-economic class some student were having better success than others. about attempts were fairly week and were being met by quick standoff. This resulted in more than a few students being knocked backwards out of their chairman. Ron was popping down on to the priming coat more than times than you could shake off a wand at and Barghouti was taking great satisfaction in being capable to repel Ron's advances. Just behind Harry, Hermione had teamed with Neville who, at the present moment, was trying to permeate her mind. Avoiding Gabriella's center, Harry took a deep breath.

"Ready ?"he asked.

"Go tiger,"said Gabriella with a smile.

Harry began to focus as best he could on Gabriella's idea, but all he was sensing was the dorsum of his eyelids. Squeezing his eyes closed more firmly, he heard another large thump that he took to be Ron's arse once again striking the slate level. It felt like an eternity, but at some full point he could get a line Gabriella calling his name. Not with her rima oris, but with her judgement. Instead of pushing him back, she was trying to coax him in. Even with the help he was finding it extremely unmanageable to push his way through the shadow to her thoughts. Not cognizant that he was now grabbing the boundary of the desk with his hands, he redoubled, tripled his movement to bear on his way in.

Suddenly, there was a jerking from behind. Trying to perforate 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 perforate Gabriella with all his mightiness, he reached out toward her. She grabbed his mitt and when she did the setting in Harry's mind changed. The sound was sucked out of the room and all was darkness. He had penetrated Gabriella's psyche ; but what was this… her retentivity or something more ?

The din of the course of instruction had disappeared and an eery muteness surrounded him. He heard first, a rushing of pee, a drip-drip-drip, a rustle of leaves and then crying… Then the air filled with a musty, wet perfume of pine and loam… The Forbidden woods, he knew at once. Slowly, a luminance began to give up before him and he realized that the crying came from the babe he was holding in his arms. This was no store ; Harry was himself in this vision. He found that his robe were soaked. Both he and the young child, still to a lesser extent than a year old, looked as if they'd just come from the lake. The baby, glistening wet, was wrapped in dark plication of break fabric, dripping on his boots. A helping hand touched his shoulder from buns.

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

A rush of awe began to stream itself over Harry. He was low temperature, shivering, dentition chatter, the youngster in his coat of arms continued to cry out for its mother, but Harry knew that it was a cry that would never be answered. He wanted to cry, to run, but when the child looked at him his middle warmed and his resolve strengthened. Slowly Harry's digit brushed the child's cheek.

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


Harry ceramist and the Birth of a New Sun

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

basso pounding, train reverberating, the band was loud and Harry was not feeling all that well. He slumped back, sinking into the gravid, overstuffed president and rubbed his temples. Why did he let Ron and James Dean challenge him into a drinking duel 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 percentage point favourites over their sister theater and why not celebrate… a lilliputian ? It was Hallowe'en after all ; their last at Hogwarts.

Feeling a bit rummy, he then had let Neville convince him to eat far too much during the feast. Why not ? It was, after all, their final stage Allhallows Eve together. And then when he had stepped outside for some refreshful air, Hermione started in on him again.

"I saw it. You saw it. By the way she's performing, all three of us saw it, Harry."Her vocalization was more harmonic than chiding as she set her handwriting upon his shoulder. She had tried this attack once already ; it hadn't worked then either. Harry didn't know why she wouldn't just let it go. Okay, that was a lie - he did know. That was just what Hermione did. She wanted to solve a job that she didn't understand and not knowing the answer was driving her mad. Nonetheless, after her protestation, Harry had simply rolled his centre and shrugged his shoulders.

"If she doesn't want to spill the beans about it, then—"

"You need to secernate her what you saw,"Hermione had said, stepping in more closely to Harry, but his mind had grown foggier than ever. Instead of being refreshed by the Night air, he was just cold and drunkard. He shook his head, disagreeing with Hermione, unceremoniously pushing her gentle hand away, and had wandered, stumbling a bit, back into the dance, where he had found the nice cushy professorship he now was melting into. Frustrated, Hermione had left his side 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 loud, but everyone was having a great time.

The Great anteroom was iniquity save for the spots that bathed the band in an eerie Orange and purple luminosity. Now and then a row of taper burning at the front end of the degree would flash bright, sparkling into the air. It was the only clock time you could piddle much of anything out, except when a professor's wand grew smart, lighting up two snogging students typically in a darkened quoin covered by the fog that floated some three infantry off the level.

Harry was surprised to see Patrick dancing with a tierce year girl from Slytherin, if you could call his revolution dancing. The lad was flailing his arms and pounding his human foot ; Harry expected to see him smiling, but Patrick didn't seem too please with it. Ron was nowhere to be seen, which put a momentary smirk on Harry's face, for it was Harry who had won their earlier bet. He smiled even more broadly, thinking that Ron would have to go three nights straight without wearing any socks. There was another smart flashgun and he caught heap of Gabriella passing game by James Changjiang as she entered the Great entrance hall. oculus blurred, Harry thought she had been carrying something, but couldn't make out what it was before the room went coloured again. His stomach churned ; he did not feel well at all. A minute later she was at his English with a Stone mug in her hand, steam boiling out the top and rolling down over her manus.

"You owe me for this !"she called out over the raging euphony."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 mind even though he couldn't make out a single news she was saying, and squished in next to him on the oversized cushion. Harry took a tentative sip. Feeling her passion next to his, Harry was surely she had been praising him for drunkenness Ron and doyen under the table. There was another flash of Dame Muriel Spark and he noticed a few of the youthful students including James and Patrick were leaving. He looked back down into his mug, mustered up the courage and swallowed down the rest. The consequence 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 hired hand.

"You did a wonderful job helping prof Flitwick with the decorations. The Snake that kept swallowing first geezerhood was quite creative."

"A Slytherin inspired me,"replied Harry, smiling back at her now that the plangency was leaving his auricle. He glanced over at the snake that was over in the turning point of the Great Hall. The few offset year educatee that remained were still lining up to be swallowed by the large, greyish brute with fierce yellowed eyes. Once swallowed, educatee were transported to the front of the stage where the band was playing. It was the only way the younger bookman could make believe their way to the front of the horde that crushed up against the stage. If they were golden, they got to sing with the band. If they weren't, the honest-to-god scholar would toss them to the back of the bunch. This belatedly, it became more a game than anything else with first years finding some sort of dainty or intermixture from Fred and George's shop in their air pocket by the time they were flung out of the crowd.

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

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

Harry was suddenly neural, remembering where he was and what he had done finish year at Halloween. At first he tried to look away, but he could feel Gabriella's smuggled eyes penetrating his look, so he turned to her and tried to change the depicted object to something he knew she wouldn't want to talk about, especially not here.

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

At beneficial it was difficult to hear, and with the hanker pause and total want of reaction on Gabriella's contribution, Harry wondered if she'd even heard him. He tried to double himself.

"I said, Hermione thinks—"

"I know what Hermione thinks,"Gabriella snapped."AND I know what YOU think."She let go of Harry's hired hand and crossed her subdivision and ramification. Her eyes were not wild, 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 microscope stage and be thrown to the cover of the Great manse, disappearing into the swirling fog that hung low on the storey. 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 deficiency to mouth at all about it. His center 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 race a bit, thinking of the possibilities. It was dark ; if they stayed close to the wall no one would see them slip behind the point.

"Well ?"Gabriella called out.

Harry took her head and nodded for her to take after. It wasn't easy making it to the wall, but the crowd was focused on a particularly shrieking song by the direct Isaac Bashevis Singer with sea bass bank note that pounded the floor and tossed folks off their feet. Undetected, Gabriella and Harry slipped into the side elbow room and the music instantly fell away. The antechamber was dimly lit by the affectionate gleam of the fireplace and a smattering of lit candles. Beyond that there wasn't another stick of piece of furniture in the space. Harry paused, thinking about the right spell, but before he put it together, Gabriella had conjured up a nice tete-a-tete near the open fireplace.

For the briefest of instant he thought to ask Gabriella about what he had seen in her mind, but being in this particular proposition elbow room on this special night caused retentiveness of Cho to rush over him. His emotions were immix between excitement and business organization. He hadn't heard from Cho since school day let out and when Gabriella offered to visit Cho at her habitation, Mrs. Chang Jiang said that she had gone to the United States Department of State and wouldn't be back for the relief of summer. The solitary student who had any contact with her at all was Marcus Antonius 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 give-and-take about what Cho was up to ; only that she was good for you and happy and that they'd be seeing a lot more of each early after he graduated.

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

"Who ?"asked Gabriella, a bit confused.

"Cho. Only Antony 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 headache.

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

"If something was damage, we would have heard,"she said comfortingly."If anything, Susan Brownell Anthony's filled with superbia and happiness. I can sense it. He feels as if he's doing something tremendously crucial. Is it so bad if he won't share ? Why ?"She smiled devilishly."Are you covetous ?"Gabriella pinched Harry's face and made him yap.

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

He leaned over and kissed Gabriella hard against the lips. It had been historic period since they had been truly alone together, and she pressed her lips firmly back against his. Her arms wrapped around his back and she pulled him fuddled to her breast. His hands slipped to the warm, diffuse pulp of her belly. Thoughts of Centaur visions slipped past both their head in favour of former, more enjoyable, bodily function.

Later, as Harry was tying up the lace of his trainer, he realized how artfully Gabriella had managed to proceed him from asking her about the vision they'd seen. She kissed him one last clock time as he reached for the knob on the room access that led back out to the Great Hall. There was still a throng of mass crowding against the stage when they slipped back out of the ante-chamber. They chose not to dance and instead made their way out to the front end of the castle. It was well retiring midnight, but there were still a few mates huddled together, watching the night sky. It was the most spectacular Halloween Harry could remember. The champion were brilliant, but then he saw it. His gaze froze and his smile fell.

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

"Ebyrth,"said Harry flatly. Gabriella leaned her head against his shoulder and patted his dorsum, saying nothing. Harry sighed deeply."I… I just don't get it."

"What ?"

"I don't see how it can get a lot brighter. I see it during the day now."

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

"Where's the war ? I don't know why thing haven't started already,"said Harry, but then a abstruse, techy vox broke the night's motionlessness.

"What makes you think they haven't ?"

Both Gabriella and Harry jumped. It was professor Barghouti. The present moment the other pair saw him they began to scramble up the figurehead steps of the castling, constantly casting backward glances to make sure he wasn't following them, and occasionally reaching for their neck as if to assure themselves that they hadn't been bitten. Harry forced himself to regain his calm, 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 visit with a werewolf,"he answered."Only try-on, don't you think ?"He laughed at his own gag and while Gabriella laughed as well, Harry was having none of it.

"Just got back then, did you ? Wings a bit tired ? Slurp up a few tourists along the way ?"

"Harry !"Gabriella snapped.

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

"Dakhil !"chided Gabriella. Barghouti merely chuckled again and the teeth became straight and pearly-white white.

"You may not see it, boy,"said Barghouti, tapping Harry across the typeface with his bombastic hand,"but your war has begun. Does that do you experience better ?"Harry's optic were incredulous.

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

"The Centaur of the Great Forest are not the only Centaurs in the humankind, boy. And, as much as you might wish to think that England is the centre of the earth, 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 nerve now ?"

"Because, oh chosen one,"Barghouti sneered,"your friend Lucius Malfoy has enlisted the assist of lamia and hence his option of first strike - the Carpathians. Only they're not just killing Centaurs, they're wiping out anything and anyone in their itinerary - all of them Muggles. A whole village was destroyed. The Muggle document are reporting that the devastation was due to a gas explosion."A fusillade of air popped between his sass."I must return to Singehorn for a few days. I fear my old booster may move to intervene and retell old mistakes. Professor Dumbledore has been informed and Professor Lupin will choose care of my classes."

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

"You wish to save the man, boy ?"Barghouti snapped, spinning back upon Harry. He was clearly angry, as if Harry had started the wholly affair ; as if Harry had placed the comet in the celestial sphere himself."Why don't you try saving this school first ? Why don't you try saving THEM ?"His manus 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 NOTHING ?"he cried. There was a small squeal from one of the remaining students near the castle doors who quickly ran inside, slamming the door behind her."Can you not SEE ?"

Harry looked again into the iniquity, squinting. Then he remembered. He took a mysterious hint and closed his eyes. Then, he reached out with his mind toward the forest. As Dakhil had shown him before, all living things began to appear before him - the grass, bushes, and trees all glowed brightly. He scanned further out and then saw it : a centaur some ten yard into the trees, bow in hand. Motion to the right caught his visual sense again - another Centaur, another bow. Harry continued to read. Every 30 to fifty yards another Centaur stood guard, watching over the school in the darkness. But Harry couldn't William Tell if they were trying to keep something out, or something in.

"What are they doing ?"he whispered.

"I am fag out of teaching the ignorant,"Barghouti muttered."The Centaurs can smell the darkness, muggins. It is already upon you. You would be sassy to line up its reservoir before it swallows you whole."In a whirl he disappeared before Harry had a prospect to say another word. The audio of flapping annex, faded to nothingness. What he noticed, after the junk settled, was that Gabriella's fingers were digging into the soft flesh of his forearm.

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

"Let's go inside,"she breathed.

"They're protecting us, Gab,"said Harry, trying to calm her nerves."They won't hurt you. They would never pain you."Her eyes never left the forest and, if anything, the fear that filled the Shirley Temple pools of her eyes slipped toward ire.

"Now."

Harry sighed and nodded his oral sex."Alright,"he acquiesced, and followed her up the step, noting that she was ever for sure to preserve his physical structure between her and the darkness of the forest. When the room access finally closed behind them, he could see the weight elevator from her shoulder and the relief spread across her face. She leaned back against the room access, placing her hands over her brass. Harry stepped snug, touching her articulatio humeri softly.

"sister, what is it ?"he asked."What's wrong ?"The hands upon her face began to tremble and tear began to streak down her brass, one by one, but she would not cry, not out forte. Slowly, her eyes turned to the side to look at Harry. He'd seen that look when Gabriella lost her founder, Grigor. It was a spirit of uncertainty, of fear, of death. Without saying a word, she shook her psyche and turned to walk away. She'd gone only a few step before Harry called her to stop, but she wouldn't listen. She past the Lucy Stone chromatography column and began to head down to the dungeons, to the entree of Slytherin. Her foot did not make the first step before Harry grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.

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

When he came to, he was lying on a slate storey, but he wasn't at the top of the stairway leading down to Slytherin anymore. He was bound with Mexican valium, unable to move, in some room, well lit by flannel mullein. The bulwark were pit, and along their top was a crown-moulding made of oak. Along its face, every few feet, was engraved a snake's head.

"Slytherin,"Harry hissed.

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

"howdy, Teddy,"Harry said, knowing Nott hated the public figure. Harry was not surprised to determine Crabbe at Nott's slope."Taken to snatch now ? A step up from watching murder I suppose."

"Just gathering road-kill, Potty,"Nott retorted."A little birdie told me you'd been drinking… a bit too much. Imagine my surprise when I found you passed out on the stair to Slytherin."Nott stepped closer."Were you trying to ascertain your avowedly sexual love ?"Harry said nothing."I can find you a mirror if you'd like."

"I see you found yours,"Harry smirked, tossing his brain in Crabbe's commission. Crabbe took more offence than Nott and kicked Harry in the English. The gust was tough and a burst of air slam from Harry's oral cavity.

"Why don't you untie me Crabbe, and then let's see how brave you are ?"Harry's oculus were on ardor. 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 human race will do without its poor boy. How ever will we get on… once you're dead ?"Harry's oculus narrowed on Nott. Crabbe's eyes darted nervously toward Nott.

"Dead ?"he muttered under his breathing spell. Evidently, he was not in on Nott's full programme.

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

"Did you hump ?"asked Nott, ignoring Harry's question and Crabbe's fright."Malfoy's enlisted over two dozen lamia and more are joining every day. They're crushing everything in their itinerary, 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, lamia. When they're pierced, their vampire racing shell sheds away and for a minute they're who they once were, the madness gone."Harry looked up at the green ceiling."I like to think that in that moment, goodness had a chance to rush in and fill their souls once more. They have a chance to be saved."

"Rubbish,"stroke Nott, believing more than disbelieving.

"Yes,"said Harry still looking upward."vampire, at to the lowest degree, have a 2d chance."He turned to face Nott."You on the other hand… I suppose you'll rot for all eternity."Crabbe's fount was white, but Nott's was flushed with ira and frustration. It was his routine to kick Harry hard in the gut. It was all Harry could do not to chuck.

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

"Bloody hell ! I knew it !"

A flash of red hair told Harry at once who had just entered the way. Ron was breathing hard, his wand drawn, but his hired hand was shaking noticeably, not because he was scared or winded, but because he'd had too a good deal to fuddle. Harry could make out a flash of leafy vegetable gown behind him ; he assumed it was Gabriella which, with Ron in his confront shape, he was grateful for. Both Nott and Crabbe turned toward Ron still standing at the threshold, wands drawn.

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

"A little bird told him,"said the articulation behind Ron. It wasn't Gabriella, it was King James Chang ; Harry's apprehension began to grow once more. There wasn't much of a chance if Ron couldn't clout it together… and quickly. The minute year who had freely chosen to be in Slytherin this semester stepped in front of Ron with his baton drawn.

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

"Obliviate !"chanted Jesse James, casting a trance well beyond his years. A burst of orange light erupted from his wand throwing both Nott and Crabbe against the paries, knocking them unconscious, and wiping their minds of recent memories. The strength of the Obliviate spell determined how often computer memory was removed. Normally, a second year wouldn't even be able to sick the enchantment, but Harry was sure that the effect would be lasting.

Ron released Harry from his necktie while Epistle of James bound his two mansion crony."They'll be the ones missing the match tomorrow,"he whispered with a smile pursing his back talk.

Rising to his metrical foot, Harry felt a little silly, the nausea once again returning, and had to slant on Ron for keep. He looked over at Epistle of James, wanting to thank him for his help, but more curious about the spell.

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

"Harry !"

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

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sooo sorry."She kissed his neck opening and impudence, and then looked into his centre."Can you forgive me ?"Harry looked over at the two Slytherins on the trading floor and back at James.

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

They made their way up a narrow row of stone steps that opened out on the Slytherin common room. Harry hadn't been here since he was a world-class year. King James and Saint Patrick nonchalantly split away from the group to talk to some other s years that had just returned from the evening's party while Gabriella walked Harry and Ron out. The three began their trek up to the Gryffindor tugboat. By the clock time they made it to the tower, Harry was feeling much salutary and it was Ron that was leaning on Harry and Gabriella.

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

"No you don't,"answered Harry coolly, recalling his conversation with Dumbledore about the Horcruxes."Two age ago I think he might experience taken this chance to drink down me, just to prove himself to his Fatherhood and the other Death eater. Tonight, he was just a bag full 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 ? St. James the Apostle said he was goin'to change by reversal you over to them… to the decease feeder. He might not have delivered the blow, Harry, but he still would have been dancin'on your grave."

"William James told you that ?"asked Gabriella."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 portrayal of the Fat peeress.

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

"aplomb,"said Ron with a smile, rocking a bit on his own two legs. Harry didn't think it would take a lot to ping him over."I'd like to see Nott with an arrow up his arse."Gabriella tried to muster a grinning, but couldn't.

"Ron,"she said,"you go on in. I need to speak 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, Paraguay tea ?"

"Toffee drop cloth,"said Harry and the painting swung unfastened and Ron stumbled through. Before it shut, he looked back at the two, pointing his fingerbreadth in no particular direction and shook it."But not too long, P-Potter. It'sss game night !"

A few moments later, Gabriella and Harry were alone in the corridor outside the Gryffindor common way. Gabriella walked him over to a gem bench and the two sat down. Even though the paries and level were now speckless, he never liked sitting here, remembering the Dementors that had nearly killed Professor McGonagall the year before. There was a gumption of expiry in the air and for a second Harry felt a cool Benjamin Rush swim up his spine, whispering death's name. Gabriella held his hand, but would not hold his regard. Instead, she watched their fingers intertwined and mingling.

"mama has the sight,"she began."You know that, Harry. Me… I can only sense the emotions of others. I can't see the doors and windows that open on to the other planes."

"But—"

"Shhhh."She put one hand gently across his lips."Since I was Brigham Young, before I ever went to Al Bsahri, I have had one sight. Sometimes years would pass before it would return, the same scene, over and over. Since we've returned to Hogwarts this year, it comes to me nearly every day."She leaned her head against Harry's shoulder."Yesterday, I asked mama what happened when you and Hermione plunged into the setting that has been playing in my mind without you for so many years."There was a long pause, and Harry could take heed laughter coming from way down the staircases below ; it died away.

"And ?"he asked, nudging Gabriella along.

"A vision from another sheet is like a finely cut jewel, a diamond with many aspect. One can look in and see different epitome from all angle. You and Hermione became contribution of my vision and somehow shared it from your own perspectives. We all saw the same affair, but all differently. And what we each saw can mean dissimilar things."

"Then why don't you want to—"

"No sight is perfect, Harry ; and, like time-turners, there are also rules about looking into the hereafter. Most would realize alteration based on the imperfect noesis they see, often changes that confidential information to more devastating outcomes. Only the best, those like mum, have any hope of moving the sands of prison term to shape the event of the other plane. Others go mad trying to change what n-never was to c-come."She began to tremble as she delivered the in conclusion dustup and in the muteness 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 lift this weight from off your soul. I swear I won't do anything to change the future."Her eyes 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 transfer the future. Please, tell me what you saw."Again there was another silence, and then Gabriella squeezed Harry's hand. Finally, not looking into Harry's eyes, she began to whisper.

"It begins with a flash of twinkle, a fervor erupting from a glistening emerald lake. We are surrounded by them. There is a shriek and then silence. And then there is me… brass down in the marvelous sens. I… I am dead, Harry. Buried deep in my spine is the tenacious wooden pointer of a Centaur."


Harry potter and the nativity of a New Sun

Chapter 12 - subterfuge destiny
~~~***~~~

The air was ardent for twilight, yet the sky was a sonorous grey. Flying with the appeal of his Caduceus P2 off, Harry could feel the wetness in the air. He knew it would rain soon and that, more than anything else, focused his energies on finding the Snitch. It had been hard concentrating. Last year, Ron had lost Harry's heather when he had been attacked flying into the Burrow. So this year he was riding the latest model of Caduceus, the new P2, P for Potter. Cleansweep was paying him a low fate to use his epithet for their new broom, monies that Harry was using to assist the fellowship who had lost loved ones in the war. That didn't seem to count much. Even his own house was ribbing him for the stigmatization of his name and it didn't help that smack in the heart of the visitors stand was a ten foot by twenty 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 play on the story run by the Daily vaticinator about Harry's frustration of Voldemort. The storey said that the tour Harry cast was so powerful, not only did it demolish Voldemort, but it nearly took the Ministry down with it. Even now, the Ministry was digging out and repairing the gaping nightfall into nullity that remained after the base of the decease sleeping room fell away, swallowing all the curtain of Phenolem and the ambo upon which it stood. Harry glanced again at the huge sheet of paper of crystal, his own image smiling back at him and waiving, and shook his mind to clear his thoughts.

He'd been distracted all day and nearly family line thought it had to do with first biz jitter. He was Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain this year and nearly everyone believed it a folly decision. Since the onslaught on the train, the whole school day knew that he was going to be fighting the Dementors when the war with the Centaurs came. How could anyone rivet on training their team with a burden like that on their articulatio humeri ? Indeed, even Professor McGonagall thought that Ron Weasley might make the expert choice ; she told Harry so.

"If I can't experience your judgement on the game, you're no use to the team, Mr. Potter,"she had said in assurance."Ron Weasley bleeds Quidditch and his idea is sharp when it comes to analyzing the other teams'weaknesses."Harry had nodded and had turned to leave behind 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 question is — can you maintain from letting all Gryffindor down ?"

"No, ma'am. I mean yes ma'am,"Harry sputtered."I mean…"He sighed."I won't lie, professor. Ron's the better strategist, and there's no one better in northern Britain when it comes to keeping a Quaffle from skewering the gang. Dennis Creevey is the fastest in all Hogwarts and is starting to come up with bid I could never daydream of. old salt Sloper's put on thirty hammer since last year and he can knock a fairy off a fencepost at fifty meters. Slytherin was the only team that had a supplication to beat us, but with Malfoy gone they don't have a prospect. The squad doesn't need me to result them ma'am. Anyone can pass us to the cup."McGonagall looked at Harry over the top of her glasses.

"Is that so ?"she had asked."Well then, Mr. ceramicist, I suppose you'll do then. I want the team roster, to include the participant replacing Katie at pursuer, and the weekly pattern schedule by tomorrow morning. And, to go on you motivated since this will be such an leisurely year, let's say that if we don't win every game by more than one-hundred fifty power point, you'll be back in my office on William Ashley Sunday for detention."

"But—"

"three 60 minutes, each week. Good-day, Mr. Potter."

Harry had thought the challenge simple enough, but sorting out the team proved more difficult than he expected. They couldn't find a effective Chaser and when Jimmy Peakes tried out for Beater he played ferociously, unseating Hooper from the team. Finally, Harry selected Demelza Robins as pursuer, if for no other reason than she was particularly well at dodging Bludgers. The shuffle caused a lot of growing striving and hurt feelings, but after three calendar week of practice Harry was sure-footed once again that the squad could not be defeated.

Now, flying high over the pitch, Harry wasn't so sure. Trying to brush off his own face, he glanced at the scoreboard to find Gryffindor up by XL which, as far as Harry was concerned, was pathetic. They should have been clobbering Hufflepuff from the outset, but Ron was letting nearly every Quaffle through. Having heard that the motorbus of the chatterbox, Bernard Bennegin, was coming specifically to scout Ron's performance he was a nervous wreck. To make matters unsound he was suffering from a katzenjammer and was having difficulty seeing the Quaffle, let alone stopping it. The only good news was that jimmy and jackstones were keeping the Bludgers off the squad while Dennis and Demelza were scoring nearly at will. Ginny could make 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 fink. The Hufflepuff Seeker, Summerby, had seen it about an hr earlier. Harry had been well out of position, and if it hadn't been for a well placed Bludger by Sloper, Gryffindor would hold lost. It was then Harry turned off the charms of his heather, hoping that he might better feel the Snitch's emplacement. Suddenly, the yellow side of the pitch erupted in cheers ; Hufflepuff had scored. Harry forced himself not to seem at the scoreboard. He had to remain alarum, but before you could say snicklfritz the crowd erupted again - another grievance for Hufflepuff. Finally, Harry called timeout.

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

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

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

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

"You think you can threaten me ?"yelled Ron at his sis as he pulled his own wand, however shaky his hired hand was.

"catch it !"yelled Dennis above the ruffle. With a no-nonsense voice that commanded attention, Dennis Creevey, who was still the smallest on the team, began to show out what needed to be done.

"Ron, they're constantly feinting right and shooting left. If you move gamey in the air and hold view just a petty tenacious, you'll stop them. Ginny, we could use a little Sir Thomas More of your attention on the Hufflepuff face of the field. Dem, they're starting to catch on to Harry's first few plays."His optic dotted to Harry who nodded in agreement."I think we should motivate on to what he was showing us net weekend."

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

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

"Jack, jimmy, you guys have been flawless. Just keep the Bludgers off our rear 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.

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

Harry had to smile at the new worldwide on the field."Our own little Napoleon,"he thought. Madame Hooch blew the whistle for play to take up. Hufflepuff broke their scrum and began to fly into stance. Harry looked down on the sales pitch below. There was zero he loved more in the humanity than flying.

"I'm with you,"he said with sureness."Summerby won't have a probability. I swear."Harry shot into position just to the west and a footling below Summerby. If anything, the sky was growing darker and the air colder, but he resisted the enticement to engage the charms of his heather.

Dennis had been right. Over the following XL minutes or so, Ron had blocked six straight Hufflepuff attempts while the Gryffindor pursuer had scored four times. Still, they would necessitate the Snitch. He flew over by the Slytherin stands and heard a handful of hisses, and one sunniness.

Harry could reckon of few Hogwarts women besides Gabriella Darbinyan able to stand firm the taunts and jeer of Slytherin for being Harry's girlfriend. Of course, there were no taunt or jeers, because all of Slytherin was deathly afraid of Gabriella. Perhaps because she came from a schooltime known for its dark deception, but more because any comment 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's breadth. The motion and the gasp of the gang told him at once that the Snitch had been seen. He spun to see Summerby plunging toward the turf at the north end of the auction pitch. Below him was a spark of gold, racing low and heading toward the visitor'rack. Summerby was ahead by at least fifty measure when Harry began to charge.

"You bloody idiot !"Harry cursed at himself as he clenched his teeth."You flobberworm sucking idiot !"The hint roared furiously at his human face. The Snitch was flying low to the turf and Harry could see that it would give birth to become or rise once it hit the stands on the opposite side of the pitch. Even as goodness a flier as Summerby was, he would not reach the snitcher until it hit the bulwark. Harry leaned forward, accelerating his Calluna vulgaris."It will mount,"Harry whispered to himself, focusing wholly on the gold globe that was coming closer."It will rise."He chose to fly the heterosexual line to tap the snitcher where he thought it would be. If the snitch turned left or right at the wall, Summerby would have it before Harry could react. If the snitcher flew up… Harry groaned. At this speed it was still unimaginable. Harry poured all his energy into making his broom accelerate. The rear of his gown began to tatter in the poisonous wind and his goggles were pressing hard against his face. The pressure tunnelled his vision, but he didn't care. He could still see the favourable spark growing larger before him."Faster ! Damn it ! Faster !"

The pitch below him was a haze ; the stands faded to dark and all that Harry could see was the golden sneaker and the track of yellow that followed it -- the lead of yellow that Harry was passing. Faster ! A sheet of violet — the visitant'stands. The golden Snitch flying upward. Yes !
Harry's digit pressed firmly against the winged Snitch when he heard the screams of terror. They conflicted with his own sense of joy.

"We won !"thought Harry, feeling the laborious metal in his clutches."Why would anyone be— ?"
Then everything went violently red… just before he lost cognisance.

Waking, and still feeling a bit groggy, the firstly thing Harry recognized was the auditory sensation of charge plate being unwrapped, torn and then crumpled. The rhythmic manduction that followed told him at once that Ron was nearby. Harry smiled. He tried to spread out his eyes, but couldn't. He leaned to his right slope and felt a dull ached that ran up the left half of his organic structure. With his right hand he felt the sheet of paper about his chest, the pillow behind his head, the bandages that wrapped his cheek.

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

"Hey, mate,"Ron added before Harry could respond."Erm.. don't worry ; Madame Pomfrey will have 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 Gaul found its way down the ill-timed pipage.

"That's right,"added Hermione with a clay and unnatural shade. And then phonation, dozens of voices it seemed to Harry, added their concord.

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

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

A number of kinfolk touched Harry's good arm. He felt of few kisses against his buttock. He heard a few cheery Good-byes and Later, mates, but he also heard a few sniff and sobs. The door swung closed with a deep 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 patch that wrapped about his boldness, just to have a eyeshade.

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

okeh. So he had been growing more and more discerning since he first became conscious. And the patch were starting to freak him out… just a bit. Something in the spinal column of his judgment had said the word, but he had pushed it back down. Only trouble was… the wickedness corners of Harry's mind were shouting now.

"See again ?"he asked."What the hell does that entail ? I… I'm blind ?"he asked weakly. Madame Pomfrey let out a tremendous sigh.

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

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

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

"You've b-been out for two days, Harry,"said Gabriella, another chill of gloominess cracked her spokesperson. Harry reached up and touched the patch wrapping his nerve.

"Mr. ceramicist,"snapped Madame Pomfrey."If you keep touching your wrapper you'll assuredly disturb their good luck charm ! I will not bear you go blind ! Do you take heed me ! If you keep moving your arms I will block them."Her voice was strapping. She'd been crying ; Harry could tell. The sorrowfulness in the room was almost overwhelming. Finally, he turned his read/write head in the focal point of Gabriella.

"Did we win ?"he asked.

"What ?"she replied, still dazed.

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

"Harry, how can you—"

"RON !"Harry screamed. In a newsflash the door outburst open.

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

"Did we win ?"Harry asked. Without Harry saying another Book, Ron began an exhibition that was nearly poetical. 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 Sami. Summerby was flying low to the ground, his robes flicking up dried grass and tossing it into the air. The blowing detritus made it look as if his broom was on fire.

"I thought for sure as shooting we'd lost, when you spun over and started closing in from on high. The Snitch was flying just to my right and I could sustain sworn there were light flying out the tooshie of your ling. It was glowing red. Heading toward the stands, it was clean you were going to pass Summerby, but you were too high ; everyone could see that. But it didn't matter. No one has ever seen someone fly that fast at Hogwarts… ever ! Crimey, maybe in all United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland !

"When you passed Summerby, I thought you'd dive to avoid the standstill, to grab the Snitch that was still screaming low to the ground. But you didn't ; you stayed straight on. When the snitcher darted up toward you…"Ron sighed in rapture."It was a miracle, better half. Like you were calling out to it and it obeyed. Pop ! Right into your mitt."There was a long pause."It's when everyone's heart popped up with the canary we saw what was going to happen. That's when the screams began."Ron walked over succeeding to Harry's bed."Summerby smashed into the financial support down low. Broke his leg and lost a pair teeth. He got out of the hospital yesterday. You… you…"Ron swallowed severely.

"You held on, Ilex paraguariensis. Yeah, we won, alright."Ron patted Harry on the chest."Best damn quester in all Britain."

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

"Well, now,"Ron answered,"I know you've had your clean share, Harry, but I still think Victor can plow a barb to the head with a Bludger better than you."

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

"O.K., O.K. you three,"said Madame Pomfrey."Mr. ceramist needs his rest."She shuffled the two champion outside the room, but not until Gabriella kissed Harry on the sass.

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

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

"Harry,"she said softly."We'll do everything possible, but you need to give them sentence to heal. The wraps will detain on for at to the lowest degree three workweek. Your lids will be sealed foresighted still. Even when you can open your eyes, Harry, I don't suspect you'll see more than shades of light and dark. Once we know what you can and can't see, Healer Sventstein can begin making the proper corrections. You'll have to be patient, my lamb, very patient."

He could hear her folding some papers, putting crank away he thought, and then she stepped over to the side of the elbow room and swarm something into a chalk or goblet.

"I need you to drink this,"she said, helping him sit up and envelop his hands around the cup. He winced when she held his left arm."Yes, the whole left side of your eubstance was pretty practically burger inwardness. We've summoned out all the looking glass shards we can. There may be a few that aren't responding. I'll work on that more tomorrow."She sounded tired, so Harry decided not to indicate about the deglutition and swallowed it down in one long draught. The pain sensation running down his English ebbed away and the apprehension about his vision faded. Soon he was asleep.

When Harry woke, he found himself confused and disoriented. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see and he began to flail around, rising out of bed, the stone floor cold-blooded beneath his bare foot. He was about to reach up to his face when a hand 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 ?"

"Dog Star ?"Harry asked to the swarthiness, reaching out and touching Sirius'face.

"Afraid so,"Harry's godfather responded."I was in the surface area ; thought I'd diaphragm in."Harry began to act forward.

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

"What prison term is it ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite three in the morning."

"Three in the morning ?"He paused, rising up on his elbows and looking about the way."Anyone else here ?"

"Just you and me piffling brother. How are you feeling ?"

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

"Yeah,"agreed Dog Star smartly."That's what I hear."Harry could try Sirius slump back into his hot seat and sigh."I have to admit, Harry, that was the fastest I've ever seen a Scots heather fly, and I've seen a few Quidditch matches in my day. When you hit that damn portrait with your picture on it, the thing exploded. It was like a behemoth crystal firework. And that you still held onto the Snitch… well, it's been all over the newspaper. near build you broke the platter, but the folks from Cleansweep want you to come out and perform a fly-off against Comet — twenty thousand galleons to the winner's charity."Harry turned on his side, his back toward Sirius.

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

"What do you mean ?"

"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 persist blind."

"That's not true, Harry,"began Sirius."Madame Pomfrey—"Harry spun and faced Sirius. Sirius didn't need to see Harry's eyes to know the look he was getting right now. He sighed."Ten pct is not aught pct,"he whispered.

"Yeah, right,"Harry replied and dropped back down again. Likewise, Sirius sunk back into his chair, crossing his arms and searching for what to say. There wasn't much he could say. Harry, after all, was decline. Once a beldam or adept lost their center there was often little that could be done—eyes simply halt too much magic. Healers could re-grow many matter, but the eyes… the optic, particularly of a powerful enchantress or wizard, were nearly unsufferable to repair. Sirius let out a low moan as the silence stretched between them. After that, the flicker of candlelight was the only dissonance that accompanied their breathing. At last, it was Sirius who began again, not sure if Harry was even still come alive. His voice was unsteady, recalling a part of his past he had never shared with Harry.

"When I… when I was in Azkaban, there was cypher to see but darkness, cypher to smell but the stink of demise, nothing to get wind but the cries of lament, nix to taste but the remnants of weeping that had long since died away, and the only thing one felt was the cold breath of despair. What food they gave us was more like black gruel with a body somewhere between mud and slime."Sirius chuckled grimly to himself."When the Dementors departed, leaving this blackness sludge behind, I would smile. It was the only joy I had, sensing their release, knowing that however awful the food was, the vanity that screamed from my belly would soon be staved for another day. That crusty pipe bowl of shite and my pure hatred for Saint Peter Pettigrew were all that kept me alive.

"I never dreamed that one day…"Sothis'voice halted and he had to swallow up to accumulate himself."That one day… the son of my love supporter would parlay my ten-percent of zilch and save up me… not from the Dementors of Azkaban… not from the Curtain of Phenolem, but… from myself. I was used up inside, Harry ; a eggshell of a wizard and less a man. You've shown me, even now as shadow spate in toward us, how to survive again… how to have a go at it again. I'm amazed that today, I once again walk the dormitory of Hogwarts—a free man, not because I'm free of the repugnance of Azkaban, but because I'm free of the darkness and hatred that once consumed my soul. Because of you, I'm justify to try out the delicious fruits of life once again."

"Erm, surely you're not referring to your cooking ?"asked Harry, turning back to case Sirius. Because I think you could start your own eatery for Joseph Black sludge."

"If I could smack you, I would,"shot Sirius, kicking the post of Harry's bed with his foot, a tear sliding down the side of his face.

"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 post."I can demand you with both oculus tied behind my back !"Harry was smiling as Sirius rose to his feet. The older wizard wiped his eyes and then, gently, took Harry's work force in his own.

"You just have to believe that it'll get better, Harry. It will. I know it will."The grin 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 head and then looked toward where he knew Sirius to be."So many people are depending on me. I can't let them down. I can't—"

"Enough already ! layover telling me what you can't do ! I don't want to hear it anymore !"This time Sirius'voice was heated."I still wake in the midriff of the night grasping for my rag, fearing that it has all been a dream, wondering if in the wind of nighttime I'm really still trapped behind the Curtain 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 night, searching for those dreams that will impart me through boulder clay morning.

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

"Yeah, but—"

"And more than that,"Sirius interrupted,"until the day comes when your visual sense returns, you'll have to find a way to see through your blindness."Harry's immediate chemical reaction was to let a burst of air push through his lips in scoffing dismissal of Sirius'news. He began to devolve back into his pillow when he stopped himself and held fast to Sirius'helping hand. To see through blindness ? Might it still be potential ?

Not certain what to bear, 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 light of Canicula before him. It wasn't an image so much as an air of lighting that shown bright. Harry leaned forward in his bed. Reaching out further he began to take in the dim gleam of the organic fertiliser life that clung to the bulwark, ceiling and storey. Without saying a word he let go of Canicula'manus 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 double as an embossment of all that was around him. It would strike prison term to decipher the shapes, hue and intensities. There was a radiate coming toward them. Harry pointed at the door.

"individual's coming,"he said. Dog Star spun, confused. An twinkling later, Madame Pomfrey walked through the threshold.

"Harry ceramicist !"she cried."Get back in bed this instant !"Harry smiled as she reached over to help him, but he moved out of the way before she could hit him.

"I should consume known it was you by your colour,"he said happily."Bright down — the colouration of a healer's spell."He looked back at his godfather."Canicula, you're a bit orange right now. You were brighter a minute ago. What's wrong ?"

"My god,"whispered Dog Star."You can see."


Harry potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 13 - The New Addition
~~~***~~~

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

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

"Jump !"

Ronan didn't indigence to tell him. Harry had already started the leap.

It had been bitterly dusty all day, but with all the running Harry was beginning to regret his decision to hold out wearing apparel. They were pushing the limits between physical and charming sweat and Harry's feet, well clad in a brace of trainers, were on fire. 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 feldspar. Over the death few mean solar day, the three had been put though their footstep by Ronan, Firenze and others — running, lifting, and shooting pointer from one slope of the Forbidden forest to the former. Harry was exhausted — a look he was beginning to enjoy. If anything, he preferred to be out in nature.

Still blind, he was developing his limited power to hit out and smell out the nimbus of liveliness around him. While he could defecate feeling about where matter were at Hogwarts, occasionally very cleanse aim would neglect his tending. A group of Slytherin fourth old age had discovered this about a week after Harry had returned from Hospital and had taken to conjuring marbles in areas where they knew Harry would be walking. Harry, in crook, developed a few piece that helped clear his way. The tinkling of marbles usually meant that a Slytherin was nearby, waiting to watch Harry tumble. But since Harry could watch someone's aura, even through paries, the perpetrator was usually found fastened to the paries with their underclothes on their heads and nothing else. It was a Thomas Nelson Page out of what Nott and Parkinson had done to Ron finally year and Harry didn't creative thinker a little playful vengeance.

In the timberland, however, Harry felt as if his sight was bettor than having sight. Everything was alive and vibrant. Trees and flora, the great animals and the smallest spores, Harry could see it all as if he'd never been blind.

Shahan had cleared the current ahead and was already pulling away. Felspar came a bit forgetful and she splashed water system into the air. Harry, just a pace behind Felspar, was shorter still, landing a full-of-the-moon meter away from the bank's edge. His fundament landed firmly in the water and he struggled to maintain his symmetry so as not to shine into the icy water completely. He'd only taken three steps when he noticed the coolness around his pes. When he focused his attention downward he could sense clearly that his flight simulator were gone, the arse of his gasp in tatters. Where the splash from Felspar hit the front of his jersey it had dissolved away as if it had been burned by back breaker, the air of his bare skin underneath beaming through.

Stepping backward as he moved out of and away from the flow, Harry focused at the running weewee. For the first meter he noticed that its semblance was dissimilar than the early streams he'd seen through the forest. The luminousness emanating from this water was whiter, more crystalline, more pure. With a great bounce Ronan, who had been following, jumped from money box to bank with ease. Harry expected to be chastised for stopping, yelled at for falling behind, but Ronan said nothing. Harry noticed that the whitish-gray of Ronan's glory warmed a bit. He'd learned, at to the lowest degree with his friends, that such a modification meant a smile. He wondered what it meant with a Centaur.

Shahan had long disappeared in the underbrush ahead, but feldspar stopped brusk of the thickening Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and returned to Harry and Ronan.

"Is something wrong ?"Felspar asked.

"Only one of the three has seen it,"answered Ronan coolly."I asked you not to depend on your site 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 waters so often, and yet you still can not see ?"feldspar stepped faithful to the stream, staring down at its ripples.

"Not with your center, jerky one !"snapped Ronan. feldspar stepped back and closed her centre. A moment passed before she rose up on her rear wooden leg and spun toward them.

"The falls !"she cried with excitement."The watercourse that feeds the falls !"Then feldspar stepped over to Harry, noticing his bare animal foot and articulatio talocruralis."Harry Potter, your fetlocks are bare."She stepped finisher."But the flesh is unharmed. If ever I held doubt in the Chosen, they have forever washed away."felspar nodded with a slight bow. Harry nodded in return and the smiled as he saw feldspar own fetlocks.

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

"The boy is right hand, 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 white coat was glistening more brightly from the knee and hock down.

"Perhaps you should jump out in wholly,"suggested Harry.

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

"Felspar,"said Ronan,"catch up to Shahan if you can and order him that we are done for the day. He has, once again, failed the trial. You are fortunate that you stopped to repay. In these times we must commemorate to think of the herd before our own interests."feldspar bowed.

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

"As I am not,"retorted Ronan."For three straight person days Shahan has failed to embrace the 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 instruct our direction. I care not that he is young."Then Ronan stepped closer to Felspar ; his posture becoming rigid."You would be wise not to listen to Shahan's thoughts, Felspar. That your pelage should change semblance at all is not a estimable augury. Your mother has raised you better."Then Ronan's demeanour changed back to one of teacher.

"Focus your mind on where you need to be, Felspar."He said naught more, but Felspar turned toward the portion of the forest through which Shahan had disappeared. A here and now later in a streak of white she was gone.

"Is that not an Apparation ?"Harry asked.

"One can not Apparate on these priming coat, Harry Potter. The solid ground is too filled with magic. The centaur can bow space and slacken time so that distances travelled can be covered far more quickly than on hoof alone. You have accomplished this already. What's more you have learned to leave your mortal body and traveling with the early living feel of the forest."

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

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

When Harry did strive out, he found it far easier than he first expected. The energy of the timberland seemed to interpenetrate him with added insight, guiding his thoughts as he became focused on the animate being, leaving his own self, releasing his corporeal human body behind and melding into the essence of a stick. In a flash bulb he was one with the woody Bowtruckle. His eyes blinked. Ahead, across the stream were a Centaur and young man with tattered drawers and no shoes. Harry tried to step forward, but the puppet would not react. It was as if he were simply eavesdropping. Suddenly, he felt quite hungry. Instead of looking ahead at the two across the stream, Harry found himself looking down. There was a rather enceinte stink worm wriggling its bellied head between two leaves. He bent down, sniffed the clog up thing at pulled it up out of the filth grinding gut and earth between his teeth.

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

"fountainhead done, Harry Potter. It has been less than a yr since the Cleansing, and already you have learned the Centaur humanities. It will learn much More time to control them and many years to see their true nature. It is…"Ronan paused looking toward the western sandwich sky."…unfortunate that we have so picayune time."His hoof clawed at the ground."It does not go well for our brothers in Eastern Europe. wiz have joined the Dementors and brought a new ally to the war."These last Holy Scripture were spoken with the most emotion Harry had ever heard from a Centaur—contempt.

"lamia,"said Harry quietly."It's the employment of Lucius Malfoy."

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

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

"It is fourth dimension for you to retort to the rook, Harry thrower. I have been training you far too grueling and far too fast, I'm afraid. So it is with Shahan and Felspar. You are all learning before your ability to comprehend. If we were big in number…"Ronan let out a foresightful sigh as Harry turned to face him.

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

"That is not a dubiousness for the Centaurs, Harry thrower,"said Ronan defiantly."It is a question for the Dementors. It is not our war ; it is theirs. It is not the Centaur herds that are destroying the settlement of Eastern Europe. That is the workplace of the Dementors and their ilk. They are the ones swayed by Ebyrth's rejoinder ; we are simply defending ourselves."

"I read that in the engagement of the fifth part Age the Centaurus herds nearly obliterated Dementors from the face of the earth."

"Would that we had,"said Ronan coolly."Their dark has no purpose other than wipeout. Near the end of that war, only a handful escaped into the swamps and bogs through which we could not travel. It was there they learned to fly ; it was there they developed their thirst for souls. Now, from a scattered few, their issue have multiplied. They outnumber the Centaurs two to one. For that we can thank the Wizarding world and the world of man whose greed has consumed the ground and produced sustenance on which the Dementors feed.

"No, Harry potter, you fight on the face of righteousness, as the Centaur have for centuries. But, I am afraid, virtue alone will not be enough to lead us to triumph. We will require your durability and more."

"It doesn't service that I'll never see again,"said Harry, rubbing his implements of war with his men to bring some warmth to them.

"It is the will of Ebyrth. There is a reason and you will discover it. Already your sightlessness 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 100 I might be able to tell apart everyone's particular hue."

"It is a window to the liveliness that lies within. This vision you have goes beyond outside appearance and penetrates the essence of the brute before you. My the great unwashed hold their emotions well, so they appear Robert Gray or whitened. Have you noticed that house elves are nearly always—"

"Green. Er… greenish. Yeah, I noticed."

"goblin, whose natures are always angry, are almost always even out with red. While whiz and witches carry the coloration that suit their nature, colours the trained Centaur mind can distinguish. It does not get hold of long to realise the given hue."

"Or chromaticity,"added Harry.

"excuse me ?"asked Ronan."What do you signify ?"

"fountainhead, when they have to a greater extent than one semblance. You know, say greenish that sometimes turns blue."Ronan was staring blankly at Harry."You know, the guy's kind of dispirited sometimes, kind of super acid other times… right ?"

"Unless there is a phenomenal translation, a spirit carries but one hue, Harry potter. It may lighten up or darken, but the hue remains the same. Unless…"

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

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

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

"There are way of life you might see two hues, Harry Potter. Some whiz or witches are known Animagi. The creature inside can stand for a unlike hue, although even among the Animagi it is uncommon. Usually, the wight reflects the nature of the witch or wizard."There was a long suspension.

"And the early ?"asked Harry.

"It can be the study of a fractured spirit, someone who is really two people, or possibly under the control of another."

"The Imperius Curse ?"Harry asked.

"Perhaps. Such is the way of whizz and my knowledge falters there. I hope this is not someone close. Someone in your confidence ?"

"Erm, no… not really,"Harry lied."I've got to go, Ronan. Thank you for your education today."Harry's idea was clicking of the leaning of figure. He focused on bending the space between where he was and Hagrid's hut."I think I can find—"Before he finished his time, Harry had warped time and found himself outside Hagrid's front door. He'd covered the distance, some miles, in little more than the blink of an eye. Still, in so doing he'd exhausted what small resources of durability he had left. His dress shredded, he was about to pink on Hagrid's threshold when he sensed that mortal was hidden in the trees behind the garden. Harry reached for his sceptre and held it at the ready. Barefoot, he began to ill-treat silently toward the spy. It was one technique taught him by the Centaurus and for the fleetest of moments Harry thought he'd prefer a notched arrow right wing about now.

Stealthily, Harry moved closer. The figure, with a smart emerald dark-green aureole, didn't move. Its position continued to catch one's breath against the Tree. Just a few pace away Harry's nostril took in the spirit of bullet, a distinctively redolent smoke.

"Dragon !"Harry hissed quiet and low. This close, Harry could see the design, still leaning motionless against the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, bring his hand to his rima oris. He was taking another drag on his cigarette. Harry could learn the exhale, long and decelerate.

"Damn, Potter,"Draco said, pulling himself away from the tree and turning to look Harry."I thought you'd never get here."Dragon took a gradation closer."Merlin, what the nether region happened to you ?"

"Draco, you can't be here. Do you know what will materialise if—"

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

In the darkness from far up the J. J. Hill Harry could get word the front doors of the castle exposed with their characteristic crack. What he didn't expect to try 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 than fourth dimension and this is quite important."

Harry spun to see three physical body 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 dead by now,"said Draco with a matter 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 knock he was white.

"Yeh should have been here an minute ago !"he called from inside."I don't care what Ronan tells yeh ; the forest ain't safe after dar—. Er… prof Dumbledore, sir. Erm… minister of religion. 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 time with the Centaurs ?"A moment later and the room access shut leaving Harry alone with Draco once again.

"What's going on, Draco ?"said Harry not holding the proper cable of visual modality with Draco's eye."I thought you were going to use Blaise to—"

"So it's rightful,"said Draco, waving his script in front of Harry's side."You're blind."Able to see the lambency from the life-forms that clung there, Harry grabbed genus Draco's arm.

"You can read !"said Harry dismissively."It's been in every paper I can guess of."Dragon ignored the crack, reached up and touched the incline of Harry's typeface.

"Does it spite ?"

"I'm too insensate to feel anything right now,"said Harry rubbing his weapons system again."What's up with Blaise ?"

"Blaise has been… compromised. He and I have a charming catch idiomatic expression that we use to ensure the early is mentally rid from any… meddling. For the live on two workweek, Blaise has tried to contact me without using that idiom. He's individual else's now."Draco took another long drag on his cigarette."How Padre found out… I don't know."His Holy Writ were deeply troubled. It was an emotional shift in Dragon that Harry had rarely seen."We were heedful ; to a greater extent than careful. You need to screw that there's a spy in the castle. I thought maybe Nott, but he doesn't have the science to couch the Imperius."

"You're r-risking your biography to enjoin me there's a spy ?"asked Harry incredulously."There's p-probably a XII !"His teeth were beginning to chatter as the moth-eaten set in.

"And you're supposed to be our Jesus of Nazareth ? We're screwed."Dragon flicked his cigarette into the air and it vanished."Here."He passed Harry his cloak and wrapped it around his shoulder."You know, aside from being scratched bloody, having essentially no clothes, and looking like you were just run over by the Hogwarts expressage, you're in pretty thoroughly build. Maybe if you stopped running around the forest buttocks naked—"

"T-Training,"Harry interrupted.

"Right, like that's going to save your good-for-nothing ass. I don't know what potions you've been taking, but you better wake 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,"genus Draco mocked Harry."Yes, you're so in melodic phrase, so enlightened. Hell, Harry, that's not even the interesting news."

"Married ? Goldstein ?"

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

"Come on, Potter,"drawled genus Draco once again."Surely you can pretend why Cho and Goldstein would want to… nay… would require to get married secretly."Again there was a farsighted pause and Harry pulled Draco's cloak tighter about his berm. He was feeling a pang of jealousy and he had no right to. He had loved Cho and he would always love her, but their paths were never meant to travel together. His path was and would forever be entangled with Gabriella. It wasn't perfective tense but the attraction was strong and the love house and the uncertainty of any given day that kept Harry forever on edge tickled a very Slytherin part of his sprightliness 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."

"France,"answered Dragon with a sly smile."Don't Tell anyone, Harry, but Goldstein's protector may be their chaperone by day, but at night he's a Death Eater in my father's service. It's a rendezvous of little consequence to my father and it pays the note for Henry, the chaperon, but I knew you might have a particular interest."

"I never thought that Goldstein and Cho would—"

"Oh, but I'm not done, Harry. Cho Yangtze River spends her days in France, in a piffling villa just north of Marseille, a town called La Mure. She and the—"

"When's she due ?"Harry asked."Do you lie with how far along she is ?"At this Dragon smiled.

"Witches can hide that fact until the very day of legal transfer, Harry. Have you ever seen a pregnant witch ?"For a minute, Harry pondered the idea. No, he hadn't ever seen a pregnant enchantress. And then he remembered that he'd seen Geoffrey Hooper's mother just a few workweek before her baby was born and she looked no unlike than the year before.

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

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

"Dead in about two daytime,"cut in Draco."Not by the Ministry's hand, but by its night underbelly."

"Then why are you risking your life right now ? It's not to gossip on about some girl and guy you couldn't give a hoot about. What's so crucial that—"

"They've found it,"Draco interrupted."Months ago I asked you to come up it first, and you didn't even try. Now they have it."He flicked a twig into Harry's font."Blaise risked his life and you did zero. Now he's been found out."Draco leaned over and grabbed the cloak about Harry's neck. Harry could feel the textile tighten, not by Draco's deal, but another force."You're going to get it back, earnest, or I'll kill you myself."The fabric tightened further. Harry reached for his wand, but found the cloak held his hired man tight.

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

"Save it for mortal who gives a damn."He leaned over Harry who was gasping for breathing space now."Funny thing… magical cloaks. They can hold so many enchantments."He pressed Harry firmly against the sod as the Gryffindor desperately tried to gather air."Understand, Harry, I don't want it and I sure as infernal region don't want my father to get his work force 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 pes and wrapped the black cloak about his shoulders, his farseeing blond whisker starkly white in contrast. Still coughing, Harry stumbled to his ft and pulled his wand. Dragon ignored the gesture and turned to lead. But then he stopped as if suddenly remembering a forgotten thinking. The door to the Hagrid's hut opened and Ron stepped out. He'd heard the sound of Harry's coughing.

"Harry ? !"Ron called to the darkness.

"Oh, and Harry,"genus Draco said, looking Harry in the eyes even if the glance was not returned."Cho isn't pregnant."He turned to lead."It's a newborn baby boy. Well, not so often newborn any more. You'll never guess the birthday… it's the Saame day as yours."

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

"That's not potential,"he whispered at the vacuum. The strait of footsteps came charging up from behind and Harry could hear the hoo-ha on the front porch of Hagrid's hut. A hired man touched Harry's shoulder.

"Was that who I think it was ?"Ron asked quietly. Harry simply nodded."That can't be skillful,"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, Arthur,"Dumbledore said gently from within the hut,"nothing to worry about. come in in and let's conclusion our tea."

"My god, Albus !"cried Chester Alan Arthur as Harry and Ron returned to the cabin."Look at the boy !"Harry was still barefoot, what remained of his wearing apparel in shred, his side covered in mud and now a melt off red subscriber line that wrapped about his neck opening shown through the stain. As he climbed the steps with Ron's assistance his teeth once again began to confabulate.

"Yes, yes,"said Dumbledore, dispassionately."I see they've been working you rather hard today, Harry."The command was more doubtfulness than anything."A lot to recall about ?"Harry just nodded and walked through the door."Well, it's not going to get any light, Danton True Young man."

"Get o'er by the fervor, lad,"said Hagrid, offering a blanket. But before Harry had a chance to swallow, Dumbledore pulled his baton and tapped Harry's shoulder joint. The grease disappeared and a Hogwarts robe covered his trunk. The slim down red line about his neck and the aching brawniness, however, remained.

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

Warming his muscles by the fire, sipping a bit of tea, and pretending to delight Hagrid's rock-hard I. F. Stone cake, Harry was beginning to experience himself again. He assured Arthur Weasley that he was fine and that his rumpled appearing was all in a day's workplace, training with the Centaurus in the woodland ; but the rector 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 monster's snare drum is all, sir,"answered Harry, rubbing his neck with his pass on hired hand and sipping some more tea with the other. If they could see his eyes, they would know he wasn't listening to a tidings they were saying. Dragon probably thought his little appearance would centre Harry's judgement fully on some Horcrux that the Ministry had no doubt just found, but Harry's head was anything but centred. After a bit more banter about schoolhouse, rue about Harry being blind, and news about the battles raging in Eastern Europe, Chester Alan Arthur Weasley finally got down to the function of his visit.

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

"What ?"Harry exclaimed."Why ?"

"Well, to try to reclaim the bodies, Harry,"answered Mr. Weasley, surprised somewhat at Harry's reaction."Many Aurors lost their liveliness that evening and their torso have never been found — at to the lowest degree, not until last week. Since the prostration we tried for month to find the bottom with no success. We encountered one wizardly portal after another, and the workers were none too inclined to accidentally stumble across the pall itself."

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

"No, Ron,"interrupted Dumbledore,"the Curtain and the podium were destroyed in the gloaming. No, just the trunk, bodies from both sides, have been returned to their loved ones."

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

"Hagrid,"he asked, clearing his pharynx once again,"do you have any More gem cakes ?"

"Why sure, Ron,"said Hagrid with gloat."semen on in teh the kitchen."Ron stood and followed Hagrid, patting Harry's shoulder 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. seaport't I ? There's another darkness we need to stave off, isn't there ?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely, Harry, absolutely."Arthur patted Harry's lap."But there was one other recovery at the very depths of the gaping fissure."All at once, Mr. Weasley's aura faded and Harry knew the watch word were a lie."They pulled it up today, just before lunch. I looked for you earlier, Harry, but you'd already left for the forest."Chester A. Arthur Weasley stood from his death chair and looked out the windowpane facing the palace, the colour returned to his aura."I was thinking we could accept a dedication of kind. You could come to the Ministry as we put it on display. It would certainly remind the mass in these dark times that we can vanquish darkness."

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

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry, Harry,"answered Arthur."I've wanted to talk over our search since you and I spoke on the train. I never knew taking caution of the Ministry would wipe out so much of my time."His oculus wandered for a here and now and then returned to contact Harry's."No matter,"he whispered."In our search, we recovered the cloak. The black cloak of… You-Know-Who. The only end of his wickedness and a symbolization to all of his defeat."

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

"I knew you might palpate this way, Harry,"said Chester Alan Arthur with understanding."That's why I came myself. You must realize what an icon you've become in the Wizarding world. Just one photo of you, perhaps wand drawn, next to the cloak of the evil you destroyed would mean so much to—"

"It's insane !"said Harry, rising to his infantry."Do you know what that might be ? It could—"

"Harry,"said Dumbledore sternly, silencing Harry's fustian."I think it would be wise for you to take some time to turn over what all the conditional relation are. clip to study what's best for… everyone involved."Harry expected to see the warmth of choler build in Dumbledore's aura, but if anything his brightness dimmed with a coolness of concern.

"I… I'm sorry, sir,"said Harry, cooling his own temperament."Yes, that's what I need Minister… time."

"Please, Harry, you needn't call me—"

"excuse me, sir. I need to go. It's just… I'm really tired is all."Harry reached out his hand to excite, and King 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 maintain it safe ; I can check you."Harry started for the door."Here, let me walk you to the castle."

"I got it dad,"said Ron, dropping one of the Lucy Stone cakes on the table with a thud."Finish 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, Arthur was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke out instead.

"Excellent estimate, Mr. Weasley,"he said to the younger red-header."Please find Harry safely back to the castle."

"Goodnight, Hagrid,"said Harry to the giant still in the kitchen, baking up another batch of cakes for his invitee."Thanks !"

"Sure thing, Harry,"called Hagrid."Anytime."Then he turned to Mr. Weasley just as Harry began to shut the threshold."parson, try another one, hot out of the oven !"

By the sentence Harry and Ron were at the rook stone's throw, Harry had answered most of Ron's questions.

"I just don't get it, Harry,"said Ron shaking his straits."It's just a spell of cloth. You killed him."

"Ron, you saw my clothes tonight. They were burnt away because I fell into the magical flow that feeds the dusk. Remember when you fell in utmost year ?"

"Pulled in you mean,"said Ron, rubbing his right radiocarpal joint."Yeah, I remember. My apparel disappeared."

"They didn't disappear,"corrected Harry."They were burnt away. Clothes are unclean. They can't survive the whiteness of the water."

"That's a Centaur tale,"said Ron dismissively.

"Tale or not, the piddle destroys textile. I doused Voldemort in nearly ten gal of the stuff. It was enough to dissolve every evilness pearl in his body, but the cloak… Damn ! I should give birth 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,"respond Harry."If it's office 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 castle threshold. Ron heaved on the heavy handle just as Harry's hired man stopped him and keep out them again.

"Ron ?"he asked."You have a lot of sidekick and Sister. Erm… how foresightful does it lead to… er… for a witch to… you know… throw a sister, after… you know."For a second, Ron just stared at Harry, and then reaching ever so slightly to the opinion on the tip of Harry's mind he understood.

"Oh ! How long does it take for a baby to be born after conception ?"he asked.

"Yeah… yeah, that's it."

"well my mum's always going on how I took longer than most… ‘ Forty two weeks, and in the middle of the war !'she'd say.

"So… figurin'my birthday, what would you say… you know… for my folks to…er—"

"Do the nasty ?"said Ron with a smile. Harry simply nodded. fountainhead, Ron thought for a moment, touched his fingerbreadth and counted backwards, and then a luminescence of a smiling crossed his face once again.

"Pretty damn near to Allhallows Eve, Harry."He poked Harry in the ribs."Do you think they were wearing costumes ?"Harry didn't react in the way Ron expected. Instead, he leaned his book binding against the rook doorway and slid down to a sit on the stone landing.

"Oh, Merlin,"he whispered in a sickly sorting of voice."Oh, bloody, fucking, Merlin."

"What ? What is it, Harry ?"

"Ron… I think… I think I'm a father."


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 14 - marriage Plans ~~~***~~~

When Harry and Ron passed through the portraiture of the Fat Lady, Harry found the Gryffindor usual room, warmer than rule. Near the fireplace sat the aura of Annapurna, Lavender, Gabriella, Hermione, Ginny and Dean. Towards the back, Neville was helping Patrick and a few others, Harry had yet to realise, prepare for their Herbology exams. Evidently, the exam involved a burning plant of some sorting, perhaps fireseed, Harry thought, since there was a billowing cloud of smoke that hung over the group and nobody seemed to mind.

Harry, his mind fractured at the moment, brought his attention on Saint Patrick. The smoking was clouding his ability to see the auras of those at the backbone mesa, but the strain Inner Light emanating from Saint Patrick was the same as it had been since Harry first met him after the accident - blue air and unripe. Each colouring waxed and waned, growing more super acid whenever he was excited or near Harry.

"Patrick ?"Harry thought silently to himself, but the sentiment was dead lived.

"Harry ! Ron !"cried Dean. His voice brought Harry's aid back to the group about the fireplace. The call sounded like a plea for service, as if James Dean felt, at the moment, like a ensnare rat in a snake's cage. He began to suffer when Ginny grabbed his arm.

"Oh, Dean,"she said breathlessly,"isn't it beautiful ?"Hermione was projecting an image of a young cleaning lady in a white wedding wearing apparel. The female child stood, suspended in the heart of the five bookman and modelled the apparel she was wearing, slowly turning in all counseling so that everyone could see, everyone that is except Harry.

"Er… yeah, great,"muttered Dean miserably, sinking back into the lounge.

"I don't know, Gin,"said Lavender cautiously."I think the train's a little long."

"Lavender's right, Hermione,"added Parvati."You don't want to cover with all that dragging behind you even if it's levitated."

"You could make fairy's carry it."

"I kind of like it,"Hermione said as she held her paw to her Kuki and tapped her cheek with one finger."But I think the second…"James Dean let out an audible groan, but the missy ignored him while Hermione began to flash through model after model, dress after clothes, as if thumbing Sir Frederick Handley Page of a record. 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 eyes grew wide and he shook his oral sex as nondescriptly as he could to ward them off. Ron caught it, but Harry did not."We were just looking over attire 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 soul died. Did Filch grab you sneaking into the kitchens again ? Out with it… what happened ?"Ron looked at Harry, and Harry looked blankly above the miss.

"nada,"they said simultaneously.

Gabriella patted Harry's cheek.

"aught ?"she said, sensing the swirling swarm of emotions that must give birth shown like a beacon for everyone to see."Would you like to get together us ?"she asked."We were just—"

"No thanks,"interjected Harry. While he had grown accustomed to seeing bookman 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 plans for the summertime."I need to get set up 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 screechy clean,"she replied sceptically."You know, if you weren't working out in the forest today, we could receive 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 social movement of his eyes.

"You're the squad master ! It's you're obligation to—"

"These aren't your gown,"interrupted Gabriella, rubbing the cloth in her finger."These are new."

"Dumbledore cleaned him up,"offered Ron. This was followed by a refrain.

"Dumbledore ?"

"wellspring, 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 day ? Where is he ?"It felt, suddenly, as if sharks were beginning to encircle Harry and Ron.

"well, he only had a minute,"said Ron, stepping closer to his sis. She had risen to her feet and Dean took the opportunity to quickly scud away and head toward the spiral staircase to the son'dormitory."And he needed to see Harry, so I took him over to—"

"So he saw you, but he didn't have metre to see his lonesome daughter ?"

lupus erythematosus than a present moment later everyone was talking at once. Ron and Harry were being bombarded with questions about everything from the pastor's visit, to why Dumbledore needed to conjure Harry new robe, to what pattern Ron thought process would be courteous for the new Communist China.

Unexpectedly, there was a tacky explosion from the vertebral column of the room that caused everyone to pipe up. A rather vauntingly fireball spewed forth from the board where Neville and the others were working. It was Neville who stopped it from lighting the whole spot on ardor by casting a mash good luck charm.

"Damn it, Patrick,"Neville said irritably, while a few of the other students laughed,"I told you not to mix fireseeds with fraxinella powder ! If you do that in the test tomorrow, prof Sprout will fail you for sure."

The ruckus that had surrounded Harry, quickly gathered about the book binding table and the scorched faces that stood there. Harry took the opportunity to follow dean's footsteps up the staircase. Near the top he heard a rather dejected Patrick apologize, but what he saw was a bluish halo beaming with pride. Then Harry noticed Patrick flash him a thumbs-up from within the long 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 sort of stuff. I'll be lucky to make it to the third gear yr at this rate."

Gabriella looked back toward the fireplace to find Harry and before she could regain where he was Harry disappeared into the son'dorm room. Inside he found James Byron Dean, belly down on his bed, reading a rule book about Quidditch. He loved the plot so, it was a shame he wasn't any good at it. He looked up as Harry entered.

"Are they gone ?"he asked."Did you have to ball up them all up ?"

"Well, I—"

"Because that'd be fine by me, Harry. I was about to bollocks up myself up if I had to appear at one more china pattern."He looked back at the book and turned the Page."lecture 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 splice me ?"He turned another page ; clearly not having read the last."So… shoemaker's last year… yeah, maybe. But that's your fault."James Byron Dean looked up, pointing a finger at Harry.

"Me ?"

"Well, I mean, I was in a battle — fighting you for her. You know. That kind of matter, well… it gets a guy in the humour. But this hooey downstairs… wedding wearing apparel, and colours of put over dress, and…"Dean sighed."Talk 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 overt book over his chest."Merlin, I love her."There was silence and he sighed again."She's been my man. She brought me back after the accident."Dean held his hand up, flexing the digit in front of his case. His person had been reconnected to his corporal 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 robes and putting on a relax span of denim."Face it, dean, you're her world too."

"I just don't want to be thinking about wedlock while I'm still in school,"answered James Dean, sitting up on the edge of his bed and cladding Harry."There's enough to be getting on about without having to care about in-laws… Republic of China patterns…"

"…children,"added Harry quietly.

"Merlin, no,"charge Dean."I can't even imagine. But then Ginny's handy with a sheathing charm. We're careful… you know ?"Harry nodded as a knot twisted in his stomach."Can you believe Neville and Helen of Troy ?"continued Dean."Neither one of them used any auspices their inaugural few times. Hermione found out and had a fit."

"Hermione ?"queried Harry.

"wellspring, I told Neville that he was being an changeling. I told him how Lee Jordon told me that Fred told him that St. George hooked up with some miss in Hogsmeade lastly year and wound up with a face of runespoor verruca. Had to go to St. Mungo's to get them removed. Can you think it ? Yeesh."Lee covered his crotch with his hand and grimaced.

"But why Hermione ?"

"If you want to know any enchantment, charm, or hex to get the job done, Harry, who do you go to ? Hermione."Harry looked a bit disgruntle and crossed his limb. Dean sensed Harry's pride and added,"After all, everyone knew she and Ron were together since the autumn of last twelvemonth. She knew how to be prophylactic, and Neville sure wasn't going to talk to Ginny."

Harry wasn't certain how to rent that. He didn't have a clue until finish Yuletide that Ron and Hermione were together. Yet, everyone else seemed to know. Further, he was pretty for certain that last year Tonks had used her Metamorphosis skills to take on the show of Helen so that she could sneak into Gryffindor tower with Neville. It brought up memories… bad memory. Suddenly, going to let the cat out of the bag to Hermione about anything didn't seem like such a good idea. Harry began to drum his desk with his digit, then crossed his arms and just looked down at the floor. He could see the aura's of the living organisms that his teammate had tracked in under their horseshoe. Maybe Aunt Petunia wasn't such a dotty bat after all - at least as far as wiping one's human foot at the door was concerned.

"What's up, Harry ?"asked Dean."Why are you so wound up anyway ?"

Barefoot and shirtless, Harry walked over to the windowpane. Yule was a week away and, sadly, no C. P. Snow had fallen. The grounds below and the surrounding forest glistened brightly in Harry's blindness. He placed his leave behind paw on his chest, just above Asha's marrow, the stone that even now sat hidden within him. Focusing high above the treetop he found zero but blackness. Late in the eventide, cloud had moved in, covering all in a dark cover through which no stars shone. He peered at the same quadrant of sky in which he knew Ebyrth hung, growing ever closer. He closed his center and dropped his head heavily against the ice window.

Voldemort's cloak should birth been destroyed by the water from the gloaming, but it wasn't. Why ? Was it the Horcrux Draco 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 expiry feeder's Imperious curse. Who was the spy ? Could they have turned Saint Patrick too ?

It wasn't enough that war was raging in Eastern EC and would soon embellish the forest about Hogwarts, if not the castle itself. Now there was a minor. Could it really be his ? That was a dullard question. Of course it could be ; the timing was near perfect and they had been… well, stupe. It was just before the Allhallows Eve fiesta. Harry was going to distinguish Cho about Gabriella… let Cho love that they couldn't be together, that Gabriella was the one he truly loved. But then she touched his arm… the expression in her eyes. Even now, the computer memory sent a tingle down his sticker and made his insides quiver. Neither of them was in the flop frame of mind, but they both knew what they wanted. Now they were both paying for it. At least Cho was. Harry began to wonder… if the child was Harry's, did Anthony know, or was Cho simply using him ?

Harry shook his top dog, trying to light up his muddled idea. Maybe he was making a big deal of nada. Maybe Anthony was the father. But the vision… Gabriella's imagination that both he and Hermione shared. He'd seen a nestling. Gabriella saw her own demise and yet Harry saw life. He thought it was their tyke, his and Gabriella's. Now, Harry wasn't so sure.

The windowpane was cold-blooded and a shudder ran across his body. He turned and walked over to his storage chest, opening the lid and smell 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 duet of wind cone.

"Yes ?"

"Ah…"Harry held up two air-sleeve."Do these equate ?"

"Kinda,"answered Dean, looking at black and maybe a dark navy blue.

"Good… good,"replied Harry and he slipped the shirt and socks on. He sat back on his bed and slipped on his iron heel without saying a news.

"Harry ?"asked Dean probing."Where are you going ?"

"Accio cloak !"Harry called with his compensate paw in the air, fingers outstretched for a match. His cloak flew into his face."Almost,"Harry muttered. He stood and put on the cloak on and then slipped his verge into his sleeve and stepped toward the door.

"Dean,"he said,"please cave in my apologies to prof Snape. I'll miss the examination tomorrow I'm afraid. It's sad really. Since the Joining, I think I had a pretty upright probability of acing it. Severus, after all, shared a bit of himself with me that night."Harry rubbed the cicatrice on his the right way 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 room."I never thought I'd get Hermione's attention. I finally had to go in through the backdoor, 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 James Byron 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 come near whisper.

"Maybe… if you can consider Malfoy,"answered Ron.

"Malfoy ?"asked James Byron Dean."Not Draco ? I thought he was—"Gabriella entered the way.

"What's going on ?"she asked. Then looking at Harry she queried,"Where are you going ?"

Harry, who had leaned up against the paries near the door, began tapping it nervously with his fingerbreadth. He glared at Ron."Great plan, mate."

"fountainhead,"said Ron,"I tried to—"Harry held up one finger to his sassing and Ron lowered his voice."I tried to—"Harry shook his finger at Ron. There was a bit of a gang fight and Ginny burst through the door.

"What's up ?"she asked. Then she noticed Harry."What's with the cloak ?"Harry crossed his weapons system.

"Bloody infernal region,"he whispered.

"Is that what's got you so agitated Harry ?"Dean asked as Ginny slipped into his arms. Then he turned to her."Did you know Draco was alive ?"It was a question she didn't expect and it caught her off safety device. Her eyes shot immediately to Ron and the look gave her away at once.

"You did !"cried Dean."How could you not severalize me ? Did you all know ?"Harry could see the flame building in dean's emotions. cipher said a word."How long have you known ?"

"Get over it, doyen !"Harry snapped."Dragon wanted it secret and we're keeping it that way. We know because we were there. Ginny knows because her pal has a big fat mouth."Harry gestured at Ron without looking his way."Draco's heart is here at Hogwarts, James Dean. Until we can clear his name we can't make him out as a fugitive."

"open his name ?"said doyen."He was… he is a demise Eater."

"He saved my life, Dean,"interjected Ron."That you do love. That I've told everyone. But my word isn't enough to celebrate him out of Azkaban. I should cognize, the Minister's my Dad and, no, he doesn't know about Draco either."

These words cooled doyen's fervidness, if only a smidgeon, and his hands found his pockets. There was a mo of silence and then he turned to Ginny reached out and took her hand.

"You know, Gin,"dean said gently,"if we're going to drop the balance of our lives together, we can't be keeping secrets from one another. Secrets… they… they sour souls and twist trust. If you'd have just told me to stay fresh mum, you know I would have. All you had to do is ask. You know that… don't you ?"Ginny reached her hand to Dean's face and kissed him.

"I know,"she said softly. Then she held him tightly in her arms."I'm sorry."

"Well… estimable,"said Harry uncomfortably."Erm… Ron, recount your Dad that we can have the ceremonial with Voldemort's cloak this Saturday after exams."

"But that's three mean solar day, Harry,"Ron said,"isn't that too long to—"

"right hand,"cut in Harry,"so that's why you… all,"he waved toward the group,"can enter out how we get the cloak tomorrow night. I'll meet you at the entrance to the Ministry at midnight. Have the design cook and I'll avail you however I can."He grabbed Gabriella's hand."cum with me."They started for the threshold when Hermione grabbed the rear of Harry's cloak, stopping him in his rails.

"What do you have in mind ? Where are you going ? Your Potions exam is tomorrow."Harry turned back, his face stern but his eyes blank.

"first gear, I'm going to see a Friend of mine in Ravenclaw, and then… then I'm going to France."

There was a corporate,"What ! ?"from everyone but Ron.

"It's one closed book I'm afraid,"said Harry, raising his work force to quiet his champion,"that needs to be kept… at least for now."Again he took Gabriella's arm."cum 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 net out through the portrait of the Fat Lady when Lavender stopped them near the fireplace.

"So I guess Hermione's done looking at wearing apparel 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 gossipy glance toward Parvati.

"Men,"said Parvati flatly. Gabriella simply nodded, taking Harry by the arm and walking out of the Gryffindor commons elbow room.

The two didn't speak until they reached the stairway. It was tranquillise with only a few students roaming about. to the highest degree were belike studying for tomorrow's exams. The others were either heading toward or returning from the program library. The two found themselves alone on the stairway as it slowly began to slide into place. Finally, Harry gathered the courage.

"Did you know… ?"he began cautiously."Did you know about Cho ?"

"Cho Chang Jiang ?"Gabriella asked blankly.

"Yes, Cho Chang !"Harry snapped."How could you not have it off ? You two were inseparable at the end of last class. She helped you through exams. Merlin, you spent Sir Thomas More time with her than with me. How could you not recognize ?"

The pit staircase came to remain against the wall. The two climbed off that one and onto another that began to slew into yet another direction.

"So we're going to see Anthony,"Gabriella said knowingly. Harry said nothing, wishing only that the staircases would move more quickly."William Tell me Harry, are you still so green-eyed ?"

"Jealous ?"Harry asked angrily."jealousy has nothing to do with this. I have a right to know !"His last words were loud and reverberated off the Harlan F. Stone walls.

"They have a rightfield to their privacy, Harry,"Gabriella replied with an sharpness in her voice."They have a right wing to keep the Daily Prophet out of their lives. Frankly, I don't see how it's any of your business. It's crystalise 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 make their way up to Ravenclaw tower. A third base year Ravenclaw joined them on the moving typeface upward. Harry moved close to Gabriella failing miserably at keeping his interpreter hushed.

"None of my business ? None of my business ? !"

"Yes ! None of your business sector ! They were stupefied, Harry,"Gabriella said struggling to maintain her composure in front of the third year, although Harry could smell out the ira building within her."It was a mistake, a mistake that Anthony's wizard enough to set straight. Can't you see that he's trying to do the rectify thing by caring for what will soon be his family ?"

At this, the third yr Ravenclaw looked back over his shoulder at Harry and Gabriella. Gabriella flashed him a look that put the boy's nose back into the book he was reading. The stone stairway came to a halt 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 fancy woman pregnant ? If that's what she was. You hardly carry the more Lord 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 beginner. He stopped and leaned against the banister. The delay was just long enough that the stairway began to move again.

"She was not my kept woman,"Harry said quietly to the dark."I… I was not myself last year. You know—"Gabriella put her paw about Harry's shoulder.

"I know,"she whispered sadly. Harry turned to confront her.

"I've only ever loved you,"he said.

"I know that too,"she said with a smile that Harry could not see but could sense. She kissed him gently on the cheek and pulled him close. They held each other that way for some time and when the stairway came to a full point Gabriella moved to get off, but Harry stood still.

"I'm not overjealous because of Anthony,"spoke Harry to the clear air before him."It's just that… I could be the father,"he said softly.

"What ?"

"I could be the father,"he repeated, stepping finale to her."It wasn't Mark Antony that was the dullard one ; it was me - Halloween of last year. Cho's child… it could be mine."

Harry waited to see the reaction, but none came. The news had no effect on Gabriella's aura. Either she knew already, or had suspected all along, or the news simply didn't consequence her emotions.

"I see,"she finally whispered."That muddies things a bit, doesn't it ?"

"I need to ask Mark 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 soul who's not supposed to know anything, you know quite a bit already. You know there's a tiddler. You know she's in France."

"La Mure,"added Harry.

"Then you know all there is to know, Harry. The town's not that large and a few well placed questions will get us to where we need to go."

"Us ?"Harry asked.

"Don't be silly,"answered Gabriella."It's far too dangerous for you to leave the rook alone. Besides, prof Snape has already released me from tomorrow's examination for—"

"—for high gear brand,"interrupted Harry."Yeah, I know. I know."He paused for a few instant and then sway his head. But before Harry could say a Word Gabriella began.

"Harry,"she said gently, holding her script to his case,"I don't care how well you can see what others can not."She took his hand."You're screen. It makes a difference. You can't go somewhere you've never been, talk to people you've never met and think that it's no big deal."There was another long pause.

"Cho's bodyguard is a Death feeder,"Harry said, more than to himself than to Gabriella.

"You're joking, right ?"

"He's not much of one, but Cho's bodyguard is a decease Eater."He paused, churning the suggestion in his thinker. Finally he said,"You're right. I probably wouldn't get a luck to see her… not without help."He squeezed Gabriella's mitt."Besides, you need to be there. I need you to be there."

It took twenty instant to get what they needed before they could slip out through the hidden tunnel to Hogsmeade. It took one-half that time to take it to Le Mure. Gabriella was right, Harry would take been lost without her. It was bad enough trying to remember his French people ; it was worse trying to calculate out what script gesture or facial expression went along with it. blind, he could detect none of it, but Gabriella was nearly perfect. In fact, Harry began to inquire if she had known the way all along. Finally, knowing that Cho's apartment was just around the block, the two decided to drop the night at a small inn and hold until morning. It was the first they'd been truly alone since the summer.

Harry offered to sleep on the trading floor, but Gabriella pulled him close to her. There was a warmth to her feeling that meant more to him than anything in the whole world. That night he laid his someone bare, telling her everything he knew, everything she'd listen to, including genus Draco's theory about Voldemort's cloak. Only when he touched on his preparation with the Centaurs, would she noticeably change the national. He fell asleep in her arms and woke the next morning the Same way. The sun was just breaking into the windowpane as he stroked her farsighted black hair, wondering with some fear what the time to come would bring.

After breakfast, they walked down the back street toward the small apartment construction that the host had described to Gabriella. When they finally arrived, Harry covered himself with the invisibility cloak. Gabriella knocked at the doorway and the door opened, held open by an older man with gray-headed hair and a play out look on his cheek. There were introductions and Gabriella slipped inside. The door shut before Harry could stick with. There was a moment of silence and then squeals of joy. Harry knew the sound ; Cho was inside. A few moments later the man left, jingling coins in his air pocket. Harry's plan had worked - Gabriella, handing the man a couple galleons, suggested he go to the corner pub for a chomp and a beer or two. He wasn't to the pavement before there was a snatch and he had Disapparated. Then the cardiac murmur began ; louder, then soft, then louder again. Finally, Harry heard,"Don't be silly."A moment after that, the door opened and Gabriella ushered him inside.

All the while, Harry had seen the auras of the two young women and the one-time man. He watched as they moved back and Forth River, and as Gabriella hugged what he figured to be Cho. It had been the first time he had observed a Disapparation without his vision and he noted with interest the sudden burst of push that accompanied it. But more than anything else his attention was focused on one matter above all - a dim reddish lambency that glimmered from the backrest of the apartment. Through all the paries 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 idle words before her. Cho stood only a few fundament away. Harry sensed warmth mixed with apprehension. As for himself, he could feel the perspiration of his palms as he reached up and slipped off the cloak.

"Cho ?"he asked to the freshness before him. The halo didn't move, the person didn't speak, but the colour began to blench almost immediately. Then her deal went to her face, covering her mouth.

"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 temples."It's nothing. Just a bit of glass. surgical process's scheduled for side by side month ; should feature me good as new."Cho took his hand and then touched his face.

"I'm so blue,"she whispered."I should have come to visit."She took him in her arms and held him tight. He could sense her shaking in his weapon system."I couldn't… I couldn't bear to see you again."

"Great,"Harry drawled."Always good to recognise you're cerebration of kindly."

"Harry !"snapped Gabriella shortly. She took Cho gently by the arm and said,"Cho, can we come in and give a sit ?"Cho loosened her grip on Harry and wiped her face with her hands.

"Oh, yes,"she said, sniffing,"of course."

The place was larger than Harry expected, compared to what it looked like from the remote, but it was sparsely furnished and what trappings there were appeared old and shattered. 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 umber, they accepted and together they sat at a pocket-sized tabular array in the kitchen. There was a short public lecture about the weather condition and schoolhouse.

"Are your exams over ?"Cho asked."Tony has Arithmancy tomorrow."

"Tony,"muttered Harry through gritted teeth. Maybe he was a bit green-eyed of Anthony."Er… yeah. Gab and I are done for the semester."

"That's dandy,"said Cho softly. There was an ungainly silence, and then, finally, Harry could hold back no longer.

"I heard… I heard you and, er, Tony were going to tie the knot… get married. I told Gab we should add up by and find out when. Ask what you might involve to, erm…"He looked around at the ratty piece of furniture."… spruce the place up."

"Soon,"answered Cho without hesitating."But we're not telling anyone until after the school class. Not even my family. They think I'm here studying art."

"I also heard,"continued Harry, not really listening to Cho's word of honor,"that you two had a child ; a babe boy is it ?"Before Cho could answer Gabriella took her by the hand.

"It's so exciting, Cho !"she said joyfully."I'm sure you're a wonderful mother. The baby is so favourable to sustain two such wondrous 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.

"fountainhead,"added Harry,"I can't see him, but I have a pretty serious estimate that he's right through there, isn't he ?"He pointed to the back way and swallowed."I think it's great that you and… er, Tony are doing the… er, right thing. It sure would be great, at least for Gabriella, to see him. Just a peak ?"

"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 small red jump shot. He smiled and muttered a few auditory sensation as she sat him in his chair, offering him a cookie to chew on. The dull fog of Harry's eyes were focused somewhere above the boy's head, but his judgment's eye was captivated on the fortunate red incandescence before him. It was brilliant, almost blinding, and Harry wondered if the smartness of the luminescence was because he was a baby or something more. The biscuit snapped out of Cho's hand and flew into the waiting reach of the sister's.

"Look at that ! So soon ?"cooed Gabriella."He's just perfect."And then she began to spill the beans baby talk to the tike.

"Yes, he's pretty special,"answered Cho.

Harry could sense that she was looking at him, centred on his reaction, but he was at a red. To experience for sure he would have to ask straight out. Now, here they were, and Harry didn't know what to do. He half wanted to jab the baby with a peg to see what it would do.

"Has he,"Harry began,"shown any other sign of magic ?"

"No. Not really,"answered Cho cautiously."But he can stand 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 name ?"asked Gabriella.

"Jamie,"answered Cho.

"After your brother ?"

"We just liked the name,"Cho said, not committing.

"I have to admit,"said Gabriella,"that he's the break up 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 first meter 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 grim, and Jamie's skin is so pale."

"He… he doesn't get out much,"said Cho, growing uneasy.

"Cho, you know I love you like a sister. Don't you ?"Gabriella asked gently."fountainhead, I think Harry has a right hand to know. You see, he told me that you two sleep together at Hogwarts - just once, on Halloween. Caught in the heat energy of the moment, I guess."Gabriella took a breath, gathering her military capability."I don't attention why it happened. And it doesn't bother me anymore that it happened. The fact is it happened… nine months before lilliputian Jamie here was born."

"Well—"

"Cho,"Gabriella interrupted."Harry may have his intuition, but he can't see what I can, and the optic never lie. You and Antony, you both have brown oculus. Both your parents each have brown eyes. It would take a powerful thaumaturge to get a boy with anything other than brownish heart and the magic trick would most certainly be to work the colour of the eyes to his own."Cho said zippo. Harry said cypher."It's true, Jamie is the splitting epitome of his beautiful mother. But the eyes… I think he has his Church Father's eyes."Cho remained silent. Once again, Harry watched as her aura blanched.

"What do you signify ?"asked Harry blindly. Gabriella took his hand.

"They're commons, Harry,"she said quietly."almond shaped and brilliantly green. Just like yours."


Harry Potter and the parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 15 - Another potter
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Beyond the babbles of the baby sitting beside Harry, there was quiet. Perhaps, if one were to heed closely, the speech sound of a bird chirping or a upstage 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 table. In forepart of Harry, she had been confronted by Gabriella with the verity, but still she would not, or could not mouth. Harry had known before they came to France that the fry would be his, and though he had not heard the words from Cho's lips, he wasn't about to get furious ; it was hard enough not to demonstrate how panicky he was feeling. No, if anything, he needed some sentence himself to get over the sinking smell in his breadbasket, as if he'd just fallen off his broom. He would wait for Cho to be set. He breathed deeply the aroma of his umber, took a sip, set the cup down and put out his finger, with which the piffling boy began to sting toothlessly.

"Jamie ?"Harry said tenderly."I… I like that name."

He smiled and put his hand on the boy's head.

"Oh, my. What a head of tomentum ! Is it black ?"This simple interrogative was purposefully directed at Cho. There was the measure of a pause before she answered.

"Yes,"she said quietly, with a bit of a crevice in the word. Harry could take heed her swallow.

"Thank Merlin he's got his mother'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 tincture. Harry tilted his capitulum down and shook it slowly.

"I don't think so,"he said quietly, his mouth still turned in a slim smiling.

"What do you mean ?"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 lots glass."

"But couldn't they just—"

"There are heaps of flyspeck sherd - too many and too lowly to vanish without vanishing pieces of my center 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 human foot."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 pelt himself one to a greater extent cup. On the way, he tripped on a belittled toy that had fallen on the base and what liquid that was in his cup spilt.

"Woops,"said Harry. Cho stood to clean the spill, but Harry had it off the dry land nearly before it landed with a simple wave of his hand. Since losing his visual sense, his ability without a sceptre, abilities he rarely used in straw man of others, had strengthened. Without skipping a beat, he poured himself another cup, but rather than turn he continued to confront the cabinetry. Yes, he could see the fire in the boy's aura, but he would turn over anything to own his eyesight back… to see his nestling, his son. He began to tremble. For the first fourth dimension in calendar month he was cold with fear, and it wasn't awe of a Dementor or last Eater. It was fear for his baby and his tiddler's female parent, fear for a future that was already so uncertain, so dark. It felt as if all the air in the way was being sucked away.

"At least,"he said, holding the strong cup in his manus,"Antonius won't need to… to look into my eyes and admiration. I… I wouldn't want that."Cho stepped up behind Harry and placed her bridge player on his shoulder.

"Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw Prefect at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry ?"asked Cho."He might be a bit lofty at prison term, 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 name. Your f-father's name."She placed her hand at the English of Harry's face."He knew that too. I… I didn't."With these words, Cho began to cry. She held Harry by the front of his shirt and pulled him close, sobbing into his bureau. Gabriella left her chair and the three hugged for some fourth dimension 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 little Jamie who broke up the trio as he began to cry.

"Oh… he's hungry,"said Cho blotting her oculus. She picked the boy up into her weapons system and ushered them all into the front room where the fireplace sat cold, but the slightly tattered chairs were more comfortable. Even without the fire, Harry watched with wonder the warmness that filled the room. He could severalize she loved the boy deeply. Nor, was the emotion lost on Gabriella, sitting at Harry's incline, who was gathering a luminescence herself as she took in the room's emotions of lovemaking. He took Gabriella's hand and for the beginning sentence in a long metre Harry tried to loosen, letting the swirling fright of the hereafter fade from his head. It was Cho that started the conversation as Jamie continued to suckle.

"I wanted to keep this clandestine, Harry - secret from my parents, enigma from my brother, secret from you. At first I was ashamed and then—"

"But—"

"Let me fetch up,"asked Cho."I need to finish, or I may never be capable to."Harry nodded."go year you wanted to assure me about Gabriella."Cho looked at Gab."He did so want to tug me away, to tell me of the Muggle young woman he had met back home."Her eyes returned to Harry."But I could see that, just under the hide, there was a flack of desire and I… I wanted… my dampen body wanted to be desired."

"He was cross-hexed by my parents,"said Gabriella. The words were meant to be explanatory, but Harry noted a tinge of acrimony or sadness.

"I know that now,"answered Cho."Maybe I knew it then, at least that he wasn't in his aright mind. I could accept used a sheathing charm. I thought about it. I even reached for my verge before it happened Halloween night 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 font I died ?"asked Harry."Like Cedric ?"Without speech production, Cho simply nodded.

"I was being poor fish. 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 school principal."So I hid it - I hid my pregnancy and I hid Jamie."She put the baby over her shoulder and began to pat its spinal column."I thought that after You-Know-Who had been destroyed I could severalize you, but then I heard about the new war… that Malfoy's destruction eater were out to kill you. What would they do if they knew you had a son ?"She shook her school principal."This summer, I travelled to the United commonwealth with Anthony… Tony. One Night, I fell asleep in his arms and when I woke up the succeeding morning the befuddling appeal had warn off. I was pregnant for all to see. In that instant I panicked, horrified by what he might intend, what he might do, and in the next I felt Tony's mite, affectionate and caressing on my stomach. He stayed at my side of meat and he's never left."Jamie let out a rather telling eructation and everyone smiled.

smile, Cho held Jamie in her lap and said something in Chinese as she wiped the Milk from his Kuki.

"Tony's hired Chalmers"said Cho, referring to the guard that was probably now close to finishing his morn meal,"to watch over Jamie and I, while he finishes shoal. It's costing him every knut he has. Once we're married we'll qualify for benefits from the Ministry. They offer living accommodations and, maybe, we can detect a nicer topographic point to—"

"Benefits ?"spat Harry, his spine snapping inflexible."From the Ministry ? You can't be sober ! You're not going to get hold of a dime bag from the Ministry. As far as I'm concerned there all a bunch of outlaw !"

"Harry !"called Gabriella.

"fountainhead, Ron's dad. But the remainder of the lot ? Crooks !"He took to his fundament."And as far as living in Ministry housing… never ! I won't allow it."

"What do you imply 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 secure there."

"We're condom here,"said Cho, standing herself, the baby held snugly in both arms.

"Safe ! Are you kidding me !"cried Harry."What's his name… bedchamber ? 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 forgivingness in his pith. He hardly makes enough money to get by on."

"So he moonlights for Lucius Malfoy as a dying eater !"exclaimed Harry."At least he doesn't know that the boy is mine. Thank Merlin for that."Cho's face dropped with surprise at these give-and-take.

"How could you potential know that we haven't told him ?"she asked. Now Gabriella stood, stroked Jamie's boldness and took him in her own arms, patting his back as he rested against her articulatio humeri.

"Because,"Gabriella said softly with a melodic voice as if she were singing to the baby,"if Chalmers knew, Lucius would bed. And if Lucius knew, his son would know."

"Draco ?"breathed Cho."I thought Draco was…"Her voice quieted and she strode over to Harry and slapped him on the shoulder."You piddling liar. You looked me straight in the eye and told me he fell into the abyss."Harry turned his vertebral column.

"Don't you look away from me !"Cho yelled."Let me see your face."Harry acquiesced. When he faced her, any anger he felt evaporated and his shoulder slumped.

"This is wasted,"he breathed."He'll be back here any moment. Maybe he's a kindly old doddered just trying to piss a buck any way he can. Cho, you can't take a chance."He placed his manus on her berm."I have money and it's my responsibleness. Let me at least helper pay the banker's bill until Susan Brownell Anthony graduates. Let me at least give you a ceiling over your head where the fireplace works and you'll know you'll be safe."

"It's beautiful there,"added Gabriella."Green fields… azure seas… cute Greek son with bare chests."She winked and kissed Jamie on the caput. Cho crossed her blazon and walked over to the fireplace that had no fuel for the fervour.

"I… I'll have to ask Tony,"answered Cho."Do you think… I know it's difficult overseas, but do you think we could connect to the floo network ? I miss the family so, and we are going to tell them… after Tony graduates."

"That's one matter the Ministry can do,"said Harry, suddenly felicitous Cho was changing her mind."But you can tell Tony later. first base, we need to—"There was a snap and an instant later the front door opened. Gabriella motioned for Harry to hide out. He had just enough prison term to dart under his cloak and gather himself into the corner before Chalmers walked through the front door.

The older man was too thin and not much taller than Cho. When he entered he took his coat off and hung it against the wall with a sticking appealingness.

"Beautiful day today, Miss Chang,"he said with a toothy smile."Beautiful Day !"He stepped over and gave Gabriella a nod."And thank you missy for the fine meal."He paused."It's been a while since…"His face grew wistful, but then he shook his read/write head."No matter."He slapped his hands together and pulled his sceptre."Let me all the way these dishes for you."Harry stood silently against the paries as Chalmers walked with a bit of a limp into the kitchen. There was a distinct regular recurrence to the cadency of his walk 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 representative."Three loving cup. Did you have another visitor today ?"Without waiting for an answer he levitated the saucer into the sinkhole where the scrubbers began to wash them. Cho was frozen, but Gabriella stepped over without hesitation.

"Yes,"she said quite calmly,"a lady friend of ours, also from Hogwarts. She had to provide betimes to get back for her good afternoon exam."Chalmers nonchalantly straightened the chairwoman.

"well, you know how Mr. Goldstein feels about visitor, Miss Chang."He settled himself into one of the cushioned chairs and began to unfold the newspaper, still scanning the room with the center."At to the lowest degree strangers."Harry could distinguish that the old man was on guard, sensing something that was not properly."Just tryin'to keep you and the baby safe he is."

Baby Jamie babbled something and then pointed at Harry hidden beneath the cloak. The motility was enough to cause Chalmers to reverse and calculate back into the far niche at the cracked and empty paries. Jamie babbled again and gave a light laugh. Chalmers smiled.

"Well, wee Jamie is glad enough to take guests."He held up the front Sir Frederick Handley Page."What's your champion's gens, missy ?"

"Hermione… Hermione granger,"answered Gabriella. There was the slim suspension and she added,"And I should be on my way as well."She gave Cho a hug and kissed Jamie's impudence."Thanks so much for letting us visit. He's just endearing and you're a wonderful mother."

"Thank you, Gabriella,"answered Cho, kissing Gab's nerve."I couldn't ask for a kinder, quick champion. Please number visit after the wedding. I think I'll look more comfortable then - Mrs. Goldstein."

"Oh ! That reminds me,"said Gabriella suddenly."Mr. Chalmers is it ?"Chalmers set his paper in his lap.

"Just Chalmers, missy."

"Cho was showing me the baby's room and I noticed the back window. We had discussed placing a sealing charm, but I wasn't sure if—"

"Yes, missy,"cut in Chalmers proudly."The whole sign is sealed tight. No one can get in without permission. It's a Bucinum charm."

"Oh dearest,"said Gabriella."A Bucinum charm ?"Chalmers nodded his capitulum."I think a Trepidus good luck charm would be safer."

"Trepidus magical spell ?"asked Chalmers blankly.

"Oh yes,"added Cho."A Trepidus charm would be ideal."

"Certainly,"continued Gabriella,"I mean, if someone tries to break in the Bucinum spell blows them up. That could harm the baby. Do you mean you could show me where you set the charms ? Together we can hold the replacement."

"Oh, please do, Chalmers,"asked Cho pleadingly."Gabriella's a first stratum witch. She studied at Al Bsahri you know."

"Did she now,"said Chalmers with involvement as he took to his foundation."I've heard they reopened the schoolhouse this year."

"Yes,"said Gabriella,"it's quite lovely."

"fountainhead, let's have a look around and see what we can do."Together, Chalmers and Gabriella made their way to the back of the home, leaving Cho and Jamie alone with Harry. Even as Harry moved toward the straw man door beneath his invisibility cloak, Jamie followed him with his gaze, pointing with his hand. Cho walked to the door and opened it.

"When… when do you wed Gold— Anthony ?"Harry asked.

"Yuletide,"Cho answered. She tried to make the Good Book sound exciting and vivacious, but it fell flat.

"Cho, you don't have to—"

"Don't I ?"Cho snapped."Don't I ? Tony loves me for all the world. He'd risk his life to protect me… and your son. He's honest, hardworking, and… and… and I'm marrying him on Christmas."Jamie wriggled in her munition, both custody outstretched toward Harry.

"You deserve to be well-chosen,"said Harry quietly."You deserve ..."but Harry's words failed him."I'm so sorry."Cho ushered Harry outside to the nominal head stoop and shut the doorway behind her. She lifted his cloak to reveal his face.

"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 rim, and then draped the cloak back over him."I'll ask him about your pass. He's a proud man, Harry, and a bit obstinate. You should be able to prize that."

"I love you, Cho. If there's ever anything you need… anything at all, let me know and it's yours. I'll see to it, I swear."Cho smiled, but her eyes were sad. Jamie began to wet-nurse on his fingers. The door opened and Gabriella appeared followed closely by Chalmers.

"Ah, here you are,"said Gabriella. The sun was tender on her face as she put her arms out and gave Gabriella a hug."The apartment is sealed tight."Cho took in a abstruse breathing space.

"good, thank you,"she said."I was just giving Jamie a short sun."

"Which he can get through the windowpane, my costly,"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, Miss Darbinyan, was it ?"

"Yes, and a pleasure it was to take on you,"Gabriella replied."It's well to see my champion in such finely custody. Cho, I'll be by before long with those gifts I promised."

"Gifts ?"Cho asked."Oh, yes, gift. Yes, yes, anytime. Be good ; there's a hush quad to Apparate just behind that white-haired building over there."They kissed good-bye and Gabriella began to walk down the street, Harry at her side of meat. Chalmers stood for some clock time after Cho had gone inside, watching from the stoep. Gabriella waved one last sentence as she turned the corner out of ken. Harry was about to tear off the cloak when she stopped him.

"hitch hidden,"Gabriella whispered."We're being followed."Harry spun and there behind the edifice they'd just passed were the atmosphere of two small figures. They hadn't been there a hour 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 go to person else, or one's with its master."

"Who ?"

Gabriella just shrugged.

"How did he know your figure ?"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 pike as me ? It was foolishness !"

"He'd have found out soon enough,"said Gabriella with a sigh as the two turned another box. The street was deserted save for two Whitney Moore Young Jr. boys playing football near the end by a chain-link fence. Gabriella pulled her wand. She was going to attack the two that were nearing the recession, but Harry stayed her hand.

"Gab, no,"he whispered."Grimmauld Place."

"But—"

"Now !"

A present moment later they found themselves on the streets of London, just outside of numeral twelve, Grimmauld Place. They waited to see if they might sustain been followed, then checked that the streets were exculpate. Finally, Harry uncloaked and walked up the steps to the door, knocking twice. The doorway opened of its own treaty and the two walked in. There was a rustle, a clunk, and then Sirius appeared atop the staircase wearing bagger and a t-shirt. verge drawn he pointed it blindly toward the door.

"freezing !"he screamed."Or I'll obliterate you !"

"I hope not,"answered Harry."I'm kinda hungry."

"Harry ?"Sothis said, blinking his eyes."Harry what the hell… Gabriella ?"Sirius made an endeavor at slicking back his hair's-breadth and started down the stairs.

"It's after high noon,"Harry said."Don't secern me you were still sleeping."

"I was up late lastly night. Remus finished grading composition and we— Hey, isn't your Potions exam today ?"Sirius'middle jibe to the door."And why didn't you use the floo ? What's going on ?"

"Erm… can we eat first,"asked Harry.

"What,"fritter away Sirius in a singularly insistent tone,"is… going… on ? !"

"Sirius,"said Gabriella softly,"I think it estimable if we sit down."

"You do, do you ?"snipped Sirius, but Gabriella's smuggled eyes caught a soft-spot in Sirius'bark."Well… okay."

The three moved into the kitchen and Dog Star started toward the stove. He grabbed a spatula and summoned some sausages when Gabriella took his paw.

"Here,"she said softly,"let me do that. You sit with Harry."Sothis moved to the table and sat opposite his godson.

"wellspring ?"Sirius queried."It's obvious something's afoot. ptyalize it out."Harry tried, but he couldn't hold his godfather's gaze.

"I… I, erm…"He sucked in a large gulp of air and exhaled."Igoterpregnant."

"What ?"Sirius asked."What was that ?"

"I… I got her pregnant."

"What !"Sirius stood and spun towards Gabriella."You're significant ?"Gabriella turned the sausage with her wand."How could you—"

"Let him finish,"she replied, floating three plates out onto the tabular array.

"Not Gabriella,"Harry said. Sirius turned back to face Harry."Cho… Cho Chang."Sirius fell back into his chair.

"Are you sure ?"asked Sirius with a disbelieving tone."Because sometimes witches can—"

"Oh,"cut in Gabriella sharply."He's sure."

"Falco columbarius,"he whispered, scratching his Chin."Harry, you should live better."

"I know. I know I should eff better."

"And you,"Sirius said, turning back to Gabriella,"why are you here with this cheating scum if Cho's running around significant ?"Expressionless, Gabriella placed the sausages on the photographic plate and added some warmed beans.

"It was end yr,"she answered sitting down and handing Dog Star a branching.

"The baby was born in July,"said Harry."On my birthday. His gens is Jamie."

Sirius'fork fell with a clang onto the shell, splattering red attic onto his white-ish t-shirt.

"A b-boy ? Jamie ?"

"They're living in a waste-yard,"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 power. So, I offered to have them appease at your castle. You know… until Anthony alumnus. Merlin save his person if he ever—"

"My castle ? Anthony ? Who's Anthony."

"Goldstein. well Cho calls him pure tone. How cheesy is that ? Anyhow, the thing is…."

It was well into the eve before Harry had set Sirius straight on all the details, uncertain as they were. Canicula then began a manner of speaking that lasted for nearly thirty moment and included a few reference book to Harry's parents. But when Harry began to probe mysterious Sirius changed the subject. After venting about Harry's folly, he had agreed to pick out Marcus Antonius, Cho and Jamie in and facilitate in any way he could.

The sausages Cho cooked little more than a memory, Canicula grew hungry again and he convinced them to go to a Thai restaurant that he had found just a few pulley away. When they arrived, Harry discovered that it was run by an old Muggle, but frequented by a number of witch and thaumaturge. The episodic ostentation of conjuration that occurred never seemed to faze the old man. Sirius called him a savant, a Muggle in tune with the magic of the raw worldly concern but possessing no skill his own. Harry was half-way through his Panang Curry when he realized that tonight he was to suffer Ron and Hermione at the Ministry.

"The cloak,"he muttered suddenly to himself, before taking another morsel.

"What's that, Harry ?"asked Sirius. Harry looked up into Sirius'eyes ; they were smiling. Harry's sightlessness didn't allow him to see that the crinkle that had once drawn the sides of Sothis'eyes down were now curling upward. But he could sense the luminance of the aureole in his godfather's reflection. For a bit, Harry considered telling Sirius of their programme at the Ministry. Gabriella touched his hand.

"More tea ?"the waiter asked, and all three nodded. Harry continued to look toward Sirius who was as happy as ever. The thinking of asking Sirius to help them, particularly at the Ministry, curdled the curry in Harry's stomach.

"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 raciness."It's a bit risque tonight."

"Yeah… yeah that's it,"Harry answered. He wiped his mouthpiece with his serviette and set it on the table."Erm… Actually, I think I better be—"

"Harry,"interrupted Gabriella,"I have to go before it gets past tense midnight."

"Is it getting that late ?"asked Sirius, his lip one-half full. Harry shot her a glance ; his mouth frowned. He didn't want her at the Ministry any to a greater extent than he wanted Sirius. There were too many memories—bad memories. Then she said something that surprised even Harry.

"I need to see Jamie,"she said,"just for a instant. I should let taken precaution of it this dawn, but I forgot. I've not been in tune with the old ways for some time. mama would be disappointed in me."Unconsciously, Harry began to rub the flying dragon scar that was emblazoned on his rightfulness forearm.

He remembered what Gabriella's mother, Soseh, had said at the end of last school year."The blessing is inscribed on the male person of each generation by the cleaning woman of the coevals before. It will be Gabriella's duty to pass the blessing to your sons."Once it was crystalize that Harry would swallow Jamie as his son, it was Gabriella's responsibility, by expletive, that she pass to him the blessing of Asha.

"The Votary,"Harry whispered quietly, staring down at the bowl of yellowness and gold. Then his tone down eyes looked toward hers."It's too severe,"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 Sothis.

"We were followed after we left Cho's apartment,"said Gabriella."But it makes no remainder. By honor, I have no selection. It must be done, and the sooner it's done the corking the king of Jamie's blessing, of his tribute. He'll penury Asha's help in these fourth dimension of darkness."

"You mentioned the expiry Eater bodyguard, but you didn't mention that you were followed,"said Sirius, his center turning toward Harry with a more serious glare.

"Draco said that Chalmers doesn't oeuvre dark, at least not for Goldstein. Sirius, you need to go with her, observe her safe. That way you can see Jamie and pass on the newsworthiness, maybe convince Cho to travel into the rook tonight while Chalmers is away."

"And you ?"Sirius asked.

"I'll just top dog back to Hogwarts. If the two were a couplet of Lucius'thugs out to get me it'd be unspoiled if I wasn't there."Sirius sighed, looking longingly at an untouched barbeque scanty rib. He licked his lips and pushed his dental plate forward.

"Very well, let's go."They paid and made their way outside and down the street, finding a more remote control alley often used by the visiting beldame and wizards to Apparate. Sothis took Harry by the arm and looked him in the eyes, but Harry turned away to look down the street as a car past by.

"straight to Hogwarts,"said Sirius sternly,"O.K., Harry ?"

"Straight to Hogwarts,"Harry agreed. Gabriella kissed him on the cheek.

"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 verge as did Canicula."Oh, and don't worry ; Jamie will be OK. I'll make indisputable that no evil harms your child."Harry tried to muster a smile.

"Did I ever tell you how practically I loved you ?"he asked and then they kissed."I'll see you at shoal in the morning. Keep her safe, Sirius."There was a snap fastener and both Gabriella and Sirius had vanished. Harry focused his vision to another part of London and in the succeeding 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 next.

"Stupefy !"The attack of red light hit Harry squarely in the bureau, knocking him backward some ten to twenty feet, his sceptre tumbling from his hand."There, Harrington,"a large drape figure said with a rather blustering voice, picking up Harry's scepter,"and you were about cook to wet your pants. He is a boy, after all."Still on his back Harry could sense them stepping toward him.

"I… am not… a… boy !"he rasped. This made the closest wiz laugh, but the humble man behind him said nothing.

"fountainhead, 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 front of the Death Eater's cloak looked as if a large sabre had just slashed across it, tearing textile and anatomy alike up and outward. Harry could sense the pedigree spatter his face. The Death Eater screamed falling to his knees. Unsteadily, Harry stood. The wholly place seemed to be spinning. He was dizzy and a get together sensation of sickness was building inside.

"Accio wand !"he cried, wrenching his wand from the demise eater's clutch and in to his own hired hand. Limping forward he yelled"BOY ?"Then he placed his verge on the frontal bone of his foe."BOY ?"rake continued to trickle from beneath the crouching Death feeder's rib and between the workforce that clutched his dresser."Who do you form for ?"Harry asked, already knowing the solvent.

Harry had focused so practically attention on the large expiry Eater, he had neglected the smaller one that had retreated to the vestige.

"I said WHO - DO - YOU - work FOR !"Standing over his cowering victim, it was then that he noticed the lights - lots of lights. Five more gloriole had Apparated ; he was surrounded. Seemingly emboldened by the new arriver, the smaller Death eater emerged from the shadows and held out his verge.

"Expel—"There were three go cast almost simultaneously that stopped the whiz before he had a prospect to end.

"Stupefy !"“ Diffindo !"and Harry's harbour charm,"Contego !"

Only, Harry didn't need the shield charm… for himself. The first spell came from one of the approaching auras Harry presumed to be more than decease Eaters. The bolt, not the strongest Harry had ever seen, knocked the smaller wizard backward, albeit only a few feet. Fearing for his spirit, and rightfully so, the midget Death Eater Disapparated. The secondment spell came from yet another glory, small yet acute. It was directed at the gimpy wizard crouching before Harry. The solvent was frightful and instantaneous ; the destruction Eater's head fell to the gravelled pavement and his torso slumped forward, draining stock at Harry's feet, a boiling pool of sparkle like lave erupting from a volcano.

Harry spun to face the five genius approaching him, holding his wand high. Two showed clue of both red and green in their air as they drew nearer."supercilious condemnation ?"Harry wondered. And then a voice came to him that startled him more than that of the former Death eater.

"Bloody hell, James ! What in Merlin's figure did you do that for ?"

The gloss, the lope, the tone… Harry knew at once it was Ron Weasley.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 16 - The Burden shout
~~~***~~~

"He was reaching for his scepter,"said James, pointing at the decapitate demise eater at Harry's metrical foot."He was going to bolt down Harry !"

"He was on his knees,"snapped Hermione."Harry had him firmly in control."

"He didn'have the… that lilliputian guy in control,"countered Patrick."I had teh take him down."

"You're just lucky he was as frightened as a molamar in pee,"said Marcus Antonius Goldstein with a rather haughty voice.

"Goldstein ?"asked Harry in surprise as the group converged on him.

"Damn, Potter,"said Goldstein,"you're a bloody mountain. And I do intend bloody. Scourgify !"The splatters covering the front of Harry's face, shirt and pants vanished, though the pool on the paving material remained."There, that's better."

"Who in Hades told Goldstein ?"cried Harry.

"Actually, thrower,"replied Goldstein,"I stumbled on this merry troupe as they tried to snarf out. Seemed like a expert DA missionary station.

"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 wake to conceive it."You… you can't be here. It's too dangerous."

"Yes, I see that,"said Goldstein with a rather sarcastic whole step. Gingerly, Harry stepped out of the line, pooling at his feet. Hermione ran over to him and hugged him.

"Who were they ?"she asked."cipher's supposed to have intercourse we're here."

"That's what I thought,"answered Harry."I was trying to get an solution when King James I here decided to spiel the butcher."Harry turned to the second year."The next clip I need your help Chang, I'll ask for it."Harry sensed at once the wrath building within the small thaumaturgist, but then it subsided almost as quickly as it came.

"I… I was just trying too hard I guess,"answered James."It was scary."

"And why are you two,"Harry pointed to both James River and St. Patrick,"here in the first place ? trip up across the troupe as well ?"He shot Ron a glance and wished he could carry eyes of death.

"Patrick overheard our plans and said he'd tell on if we didn't bring ‘ em along,"answered Ron."It was supposed to be quiet ; I didn't figure we'd run into Death Eaters."

"If that's what they were,"said Harry, still holding his wand at the set up."They acted more like hired thugs than expiry Eaters."

The nighttime air was frigidity and quiet. He could sense the moistness of a dilute mist wrap about his brass, sending frisson down his sticker. For a mo he thought of Dementors, but the nervelessness, this chilled clamminess was something else, something more intuitive. The susurration of death 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 join the short man at his feet. But who ?

"Goldstein,"Harry said suddenly,"Antony, really you… you have to—"

"Well, we're here now,"said James."Dispatchio !"The utterly maven and the pool of blood beneath him vanished."Let's say we get in, get the cloak and get out before anymore… er, shadow whiz show up. Wouldn't want Luci—"

"Where'd you learn that spell ?"queried Hermione."That's fifth year."Epistle of James shrugged his shoulders.

"My sister I guess,"he said."She's the smart one in the family."

"Yeah… I see,"said Harry, noticing Henry James'aura fade from putting green to red then back from red to green. For the showtime meter, he thought James might not really be an ally."Ron, maybe you should take—"

"William James is ripe,"disrupt Antony."skillful if we get down into the Ministry before another dozen expiry eater Apparate in."

"But—"

"Harry,"interrupted Hermione,"let's just get downstairs. We can talk then."Harry heaved a sigh and the chemical group squeezed into the telephone set booth. Ron said the password his Padre had told him and a silver gray orb appeared, scanning Ron in a ailing white light. Then, with a jar, the elevator began to plummet. Harry tried to look at Ron and suggest to the Aythya americana that he should read Harry's judgment, but his middle were dummy and Ron didn't recognize the facial expression as he once would have. Harry silently cursed his blindness.

Harry's heart began to accelerate. If the two second years were under the Imperious swearing, they were potential in Lucius Malfoy's restraint. He was feeling strongly like he wanted to wretch onto the polish up marble story just as the threshold opened onto the splendiferous entrance hall of the Ministry of legerdemain. The six stepped out, wands drawn.

After only a few paces, they all saw where the cloak was to be displayed - it was obvious. A with child methamphetamine hydrochloride case had already been erected. On a pole was the trunk of a manakin and side by side to that a golden statue of Harry with his wand drawn. They all stepped closer. There was no cloak, but there was a brass. It read,"This website commemorates the licking of the night sorcerer Voldemort by the grand piano maven Harry Potter, Order of Merlin, First 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 observance tomorrow,"said Hermione brightly. Harry turned to her.

"If we do this right, there won't be any ceremony,"said Harry shortly."No dark cloak, no return of Voldemort, no ceremonial occasion. Ron, do you have any idea where—"

There was a resonance coming from down the Charles Francis Hall and a deliquium radiance that was growing nearer. It sounded as if somebody were humming. The group began to pull back, away from the presentation case ; all, that is, except King James. Harry went to grab his arm, 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 ? Nobody could evidence me for sure enough, not even Gabriella."Harry held more tightly to Saint James'robes and began to pull him bodily across the floor.

"James IV,"Harry said, huffing between his teeth,"there are some thing you can't believe. starting time, never conceive a Bible Trelawney says unless she sounds like a goblin on fire whiskey. indorsement, never believe a password written in the Dailey oracle, unless it's written by Luna Lovegood. And finally, never… ever believe anything the Ministry says - ever !"He continued dragging Saint James the Apostle by the back of his collar until they were hidden between two marble editorial.

"Bold words, Harry,"continued James passively."But I never believed you could beat Divine Voldemort wand-to-wand. Tell me, is there still a character of the iniquity Almighty that courses through your vein ? That could be useful, if—"

"Shhh."All was silent, relieve for the occasional cracking coal from one of the open fireplace that surrounded the grand entry Granville Stanley Hall and the hum that was growing louder by the second. Again Harry tried to gather Ron's attention, but he was meddlesome whispering something in Hermione's ear as they clung together behind a courting of armor opposite the Fountain of Magical brother. At another column just behind Harry and James, Patrick and Anthony crouched. The whispers of Death were growing louder. So aloud, in fact, that Harry turned to see if perhaps a trace or something more were at his right-hand side. Only St. James was there, kneeling quietly on the storey.

The lighting grew brighter and then the witch appeared. Harry could crap out her atmosphere, a shimmering gold, but not her features at this aloofness. In front of her was a cloak levitated some two feet off the dry land. She was approaching the display pillowcase when Saint James the Apostle began to wrestle under Harry's helping hand.

"Hold still,"he whispered, but the marble walls took in the sound, repeat them about, amplifying the noise such that it was audible to the enchantress at the display case. Harry noticed the waver. He expected her to turn, but she did not. Instead, she levitated the cloak onto the torso within the display case and closed the methamphetamine doorway. She cast a charm with her sceptre and then turned as if to leave. In turning, she revealed her aspect to the others, but Harry was still unable to make out who the crone was. From the syncope gasp from across the hall it was realise that Hermione, for one, knew who it was. The witch stepped toward the fountain and took something out of her scoop, perhaps a coin, Harry couldn't tell. In a apparent motion that was as graceful and as cunning as any Harry had ever seen, she flipped the objective into the fount. It spun high school into the air and, just as it crested in its arc, her former hand pointed her wand toward it and cast the spell.

"Immobulus !"Harry recognized the voice at once ; it was molly Weasley, Ron's mother.

Half of the visible radiation leaving her wand passed the coin cleanly and struck the witch and mavin by the courting of armour. The other half, however, glinted off the coin, reflecting toward and blasting the two hotshot next to the column behind Harry. With one spell she had immobilized Ron, Hermione, Susan Anthony and Patrick. Again, James 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 assist you detect your way. Come out from behind the column and let's see where you belong. Shall we ?"

Again King James I pushed against the weight of Harry who was pressing him grueling against the marble trading floor. Finally, Harry had had enough. He couldn't risk what James might do.

"Incarcerous !"he called. Mexican valium sprung from his verge and began to wrap themselves about Saint James.

"Sectumsempra !"cried King James, slashing the roofy with his wand and pushing Harry away. Then he pointed his baton at Mrs. Weasley."Avada Ked— !"
"Stupefy !"she called, her spell interrupting the boy's. The red lightness nearly walk out James River who deflected it at the hold out import, sending the beam into the ceiling above, showering them all with pieces of marble and splinters of walnut tree. This was no second year ace.

Harry jumped to his feet and cast 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 return."Hide !"

James cast a jet of red twinkle Harry's way. Harry focused on where he needed to be—out of the beam's route. Suddenly, everything slowed and he found himself running to the rightfield, toward the fountain, just as the bolt of red passed his left elbow. Jesse James smiled.

"Impressssive, Harry,"James hissed in a much eminent, dusty part, a voice that shook Harry to the core. It couldn't be."You've learned well from the Centaur. I did as well ; although I suspect my methods of extracting the knowledge I required were somewhat dissimilar than yours."There was another bolt, green, and again Harry disappeared and reappeared into another section of the grand hallway.

"Diffindo !"called Mrs. Weasley. Her spell impress James on the lead shoulder, leaving a filthy slash. James I spun on the Wiccan.

"Avada Kedavra !"

This time the green light sailed toward Molly Weasley. Harry began to levitate a marble work bench into the irradiation's track, but quickly realized the bench was too weighty and would not travel fast enough. Instead he ran, slowing time and bending the quad between them tightly together. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her to the primer coat just as the blast past the twain, smashing into the wall behind and showering them with dust and rock. Harry landed on his backrest 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 present James, to look Voldemort.

"Nooo,"Harry rasped, struggling to sit up, but barely able. She ignored his beckon and faced the small boy now standing only a few feet in front man of her.

"Leave the boy, Voldemort,"she commanded, brandishing her baton."He can't possibly be of any use to you, now we know the truth."

"Truth ?"queried James as his oculus shot toward the dark cloak still protected behind the certain methamphetamine. Harry rose to his knees, trying to bring air back into his lungs."The truth is that there are only two affair in this room I want… and you're not one of them."His wand rose in unison with Harry's, only Harry was unable to puff the spell.

"Avada Kedavra !"

Placing himself between Mrs. Weasley and Voldemort, Harry tried to surface up in front of the jet of putting green but the cleanup whammy would win the race this fourth dimension ; he knew that. For her percentage, Molly Weasley cast a shield charm about them both, hoping to stave off the spell, but they all knew it wouldn't workplace. In her close heartbeat of sprightliness her work force gripped Harry by the shoulder and she cast a glance down into his subterfuge oculus, a coup d'oeil that held love and compassionateness, a glance that was filled with business concern not for herself but for the boy before her… a glance he couldn't see. She fell dead to the floor.

"NO !"cry out Harry as he spun and cast another slashing spell against St. James who deflected it with ease."You're being controlled, James ! Fight back !"King James I only laughed.

"YOU stood face-to-face with the Great Dark Lord Voldemort and defeated him ?"James mocked."What a joke !"

With Mrs. Weasley dead, the spell she cast on the other four wizards began to wear off. Slowly, they were coming to there senses, working to recover ascendence of their motions. James walked over to a groaning Patrick who was still prone on the floor. He grabbed Patrick's hair and pulled his head off the ground.

"This one here,"called James, his voice echoing off the walls,"thinks of you as a buddy, Potter. He'd Oklahoman die than see you come to harm. Yet he's betrayed you at my every instruction. Shall I kill him future ?"

"Expelliarmus !"Harry cried, but once again James I deflected the enchantment.

"Haven't you figured it out yet, ceramist ? Even with the skill of the Centaurs, you're as irksome as your dead parents. Nonetheless, you could be useful ; the Malfoy boy suggested as much. I heard, perhaps, he's not as dead as everyone thinks."He released Patrick whose head cracked against the stone floor. But instead of striking at Harry, Saint James the Apostle held his sceptre to the deoxyephedrine video display instance."Diffindo !"The blast of light struck the glass, but held house as if swallowing the vigour of the blast, the drinking glass began to glow. For the number 1 time, the smiling on James II Chang Jiang's brass disappeared."Diffindo !"he called again, and again the vitality was absorbed and the glass grew brighter still.

"You've killed your only luck for opening the event,"Harry sneered."But then… I always heard that that was one of your capital weaknesses… TOM… being stupefied !"

Another blast of ignitor guesswork 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 I reappearing with his wand drawn.

"Stupefy !"Harry cried, sending a blast of red at James River'back, but again the wiz deflected the turn as if swatting a fly and then turned back toward the display fount."You're not trying to kill me, Tom. Why not ?"

"I'll kill you sssoon enough,"James II slithered."number one, the cloak. Then, I need to extract something of mine that you stole from me when you were a baby. Soon, I will be—"Suddenly two more while came from beyond the fountain. Ron and Hermione had revived themselves enough to fight, but barely.

"No ! Get out of here !"Harry screamed."It's Voldemort ! Run !"

"I don't have time for this,"cried James, sending three more blasts of lightness at the crank case. On the third bolt the glass cracked, but only just. Harry could distinguish that the turn that James had cast over the last few minutes were draining him. He looked tired, almost vulnerable. At the same present moment the flack ringing the sublime hall roared to life.

"Finally,"Harry whispered,"some help."Wizard after wizard appeared at each hearth, brandishing their baton."Whatever clock time you thought you had has just expired, Tom."

The elbow room erupted in red light. Seven blasts came at the low wizard by the display event. Two struck genuine while the others struck the glow glass, shattering it completely. The enceinte spyglass fragment that scattered the trading floor, however, were still glowing as brightly as ever. There were more blow 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 ground.

"Hermione !"cried Ron."He cast a spell knocking the wizard by Hermione backward into the wall with a loud crack. He pointed towards another star and ran at him."Leave her alone, you bloody—"There was a blast of purple and he too fell to the trading floor.

"We're students !"Harry yelled, but it only focused the attention of another barrage of red bolts his way. Harry cast a shield charm and sent them flying in every imaginable direction. The fire weakened him."Are you mad ? ! We're—"And then he noticed it - the unmistakably bright emerald green air of Draco Malfoy, stepping from the flame of one of the fireplaces. He had warned Harry and now it was too belated.

Simultaneously, ropes began to purl about Ron, Hermione, Patrick, and most importantly James II who was still motionless on the story. Somehow Anthony had managed an safety valve and stood at Harry's slope. There were nearly a dozen Death Eaters moving in on them.

"Take the cloak, Draco,"drawled a tall sensation in dark smutty robes with crimson facing.

"Lucius ?"Harry sneered in the wizard's direction."Is that you ? I should have known by the sickening yellow colour."The genius said naught, trying to discount Harry."Now that I'm blind, you're much better looking in — strike that. No you're not. You're still as often a pig as you always were. Still, somehow… missing an arm suit you. How'd you lose it again ?"The urging worked.

"Big row for a blind boy, Potter,"he snapped.

"Now, now… sticks and stones…. But then I guess six calendar month with Dementors and dullard will curdle anyone's colloquial capabilities."Harry could see that Dragon was moving over the glowing glass and into the case to retrieve the robe. Harry turned to face him.

"Hey ! blonde shit ! I wouldn't go in there if I were—"

"What's this ?"Dragon cried out. He had come to mollie Weasley's body. The colour of his aura blanched."I gave specific social club ! Who cast a killing curse ?"Harry could separate immediately that genus Draco was livid.

"gathering the cloak !"yelled Lucius.

"But father—"

"NOW !"

"Don't do it !"yelled Harry.

Dragon moved forward toward the shell. Suddenly, the shattered glass that was still glowing with the Energy Department it had absorbed exploded in a brilliant white flash bulb. Draco flew up into the air, nearly striking the ceiling, and then landed with a sickening crunch against the marble story.

"Draco !"cried Lucius. Goldstein took the distraction as his chance. His wand erupted with bright bluish light, but instead of being directed at one of the end eater, it was directed toward one of the portraits hanging high on the wall of the princely residence. The portrait sparked, zapping the senior whiz that had, so far, slept through the rumpus.

"Hey,"the wizard in the portrayal yelped."No need for—"

"Get help you idiot !"yelled Goldstein. The mavin in the portrayal, seeing the devastation, 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 weaker by the moment. Lucius ignored Goldstein's call option for aid, he ignored the battle of wand, and he ignored the crumple deal on the floor that was his son. Instead, unwilling to adjoin it himself, he pointed to the cloak that was still standing in the windowless showing case.

"The cloak !"he yelled again. After some hesitation, another Death eater approached the opprobrious material and grabbed it just as Saint James the Apostle, still bound by Mexican valium, began to issue forth to his good sense. With lust-filled eyes, Lucius only half glanced at Draco, still motionless on the floor, pedigree dripping from the nook of his lip. Instead, he focused fully on the black gown held before him.

"Luciusss,"uttered James breathlessly,"you fool."

Malfoy wrenched the cloth out of the demise 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 huntsman's horns as we all bow down to snog your nates ? It's a stunned piece of textile !"

"putting to death him,"Malfoy drawled, pointing with his good arm toward Harry."kill HIM !"Harry grabbed Antony by the arm as the bolts of green approached and in an heartbeat they were on the early position of the resplendent hall that now appeared more like a war geographical zone than the showpiece of the Ministry. Looking back, they saw that the spot 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 marriage,"Harry snapped. He took in a rich breath, reaching out with his judgement to pick any illusion he could from the world around him. He let out a hanker, slow down exhale and pointed his wand at the floor.

"Festio !"he cried, ripping dozens of marble tiles upward and sending them toward his adversaries. The last Eaters tried to shatter the tiles with spells, but the action mechanism only served to make K of flyspeck projectile all headed in their direction. A few cast shell spell in sentence, but almost were struck. Above the din of wow, Harry could find out James cursing Lucius.

"Release me, you idiot ! expel me now."But Malfoy, ignorant of William James'true identity, ignored the boy's pleadings. He had what he came for and was beginning to walk toward his son when snaps began to fill the way. Auror after Auror was Apparating within the sublime hall. In an wink, spells were flying everywhere. Blast after blast of light, cutting down wizard after sensation, witch after crone. The room was filled with complete mayhem and Harry, his shoulders slumped with weariness, moved to enter the fray. Before Harry could take a full measure, Goldstein grabbed him by the shoulder.

"You're no adept to anybody all in,"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 Death eater before he too was stunned and fell to the ground. It was then that Harry noticed James. He was beginning to steal gratis of the bonds that held him. Lucius, on the other deal, had abandoned everyone, including his son, and was racing to the floo. A bolt of orangeness wakeful struck the paries behind Harry, casting Harlan F. Stone and dot down his spinal column. Lucius was about set up to escape. Harry focused on where he needed to be and before Lucius had taken another step, Harry was standing in front of him, blocking the entree to the fireplace.

"Silencio !"Harry whispered, holding his hand between the cloak's faithful of bleak material and directly against Malfoy's thorax. The sensation tried to cast a magical spell, but was mute."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 center glowed with pure hatred and he raised his baton."Expelliarmus !"Harry whispered again and Malfoy's wand flew from his hand. There was an expression of surprisal in Malfoy's eyes that made Harry grinning.

"Now,"continued Harry,"as I was saying, take away off the—"With a sudden shove from behind, Malfoy fell forward onto Harry and they both tumbled to the base. It was then that Harry noticed that James had freed himself and now, forgoing the use of a sceptre, had his hands around Malfoy's throat, squeezing… squeezing. He was in a frenzy of pure hatred and choler.

"Do you know who I am ?"cried James II."Look into my eyes !"

Lucius, even Harry, saw the flame of red visible radiation in James'eyes.

"N-Not pos-sible,"he gasped, unable to breathe."D-Dead."Then the broad recognition struck him."I-I never knew."

"You know now,"James spat between gritted teeth."And now is sssoon enough."A blast of red ignitor came from the far rampart and struck James II in the side, but before he released his grip on Lucius, a dark acrid smoke issued from his mouth and nostrils. To Harry, it was a stream of park evil leaving the red derriere. Saint James'bobby pin on Lucius released and the blonde wiz gasped for air, but instead of air he sucked in nix but hummer. Voldemort had penetrated him. Stunned, Harry saw the green surround the yellowness and snuffle it out. Lucius took to his pes 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 oppose, Lucius, Voldemort and the cloak had vanished in a swirl of green flame.

There were a couple More eruption, a match more snaps, and a couple more screams of pain, but finally the room fell silent. Only the sound of sway scraping against the story, as the remaining Aurors stepped across the detritus, broke the secretiveness.

"rector, 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 display typesetter's case, while the Auror that called him levitated a wooden ray of light that had fallen over Molly Weasley up and out of the way. It landed with a dull thud.

"mollie ?"he uttered as if trying to gently wake mortal from a cryptical quietus."mollie,"he said again only louder."mollie !"He grabbed his wife in his arms, pulling her up out of the debris ; pebbles cascaded to the level."Oh my god, no. No… no… no… no… NOOO !"he screamed. The yard hall rumbled, shaking mortar loose from the paries onto the base below as Mr. Weasley buried his head into the nook of his married woman's neck. He continued to heave large motherfucker as Harry looked down at King James, prone on the floor, weapons system outstretched toward the hearth. The green was gone ; only wild blue yonder remained, but the light was weak and flickered. He was near demise. The sec year began to acquire, slowly looking up to retrieve Harry.

"H-Harry ? H-Help… I… I can't…."And he collapsed to the floor. Harry looked around at the destruction. James was not the only one near death. Instinctively, he pulled his wand to rally the spirit of Asha, but before he could tramp the enchantment, snap after grab began to fill the hall ; Healers were appearing. In a matter of seconds nearly a dozen Healers had Apparated into the Ministry. One, an older star with shaggy-coated White hair, was at James'side almost instantly. Scanning the boy with his sceptre he turned to Harry.

"You're the potter boy, aren't you ?"Without waiting for an reply he said quickly,"Tell me, was it a stunner ? Because I'm not detecting any—"

"He was possessed by Voldemort,"Harry cut in. The Healer cringed, looking up at Harry with mental rejection.

"Look son,"he said derisively,"you shouldn't go around—"

"shucks it !"Harry screamed."His spirit's been sundered ! It probably has been all year. Voldemort just left him to train on another Host. If you don't rush, he'll die."For only a second, the Healer tried to read the saying of Harry's fount. 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 Bible, the therapist rose to his feet and a New York minute of tremendous purpleness brightness left his wand bathing King James I in its gleaming from head to toe.

Harry stepped back, twisting his ankle on a John Rock beneath his foot. He cursed. early than the mass swarming about the Charles Martin Hall, it was difficult to make anything out. His visual modality was truly failing him in the rocky mess. He could see Mr. Weasley and heard his sobs, and tried to blame his way through the debris as Auror and healer alike seemed to pass 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 tail after Lucius, after Voldemort… he needed to —"

"rector !"someone cried out."rector ! It's your son !"Harry turned his attention on a glow that lay prone on the floor near an Auror's feet.

"My god, Percy ? !"cried Mr. Weasley still reeling from the red ink of his wife.

"No, sir,"the Auror replied."It's your youngest boy, Ron. Looks like a stunner is all."

"That's not possible,"whispered Chester Alan 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 right arm was starting to prick with hurting."Voldemort's back."

"What ?"

"A Horcrux,"Harry whispered nonsensically, stumbling closer to Mr. Malfoy and rubbing his powerful forearm with his left handwriting. It itched."There must have been More than one. We… we came for the cloak."

"Jonah,"called another healer to the old man that was working on James,"I need your help. It's the Malfoy boy. What's his gens, Draco ?"

"I thought he was perfectly ?"the old man called back. The younger Healer looked down at genus Draco and then back up.

"Well, if he wasn't before—"

"You knew ?"asked Mr. Weasley, his voice sceptical. Gently he kissed his married woman's brass and lowered her to the base."You knew they were coming ?"

Harry was feeling dazed. He looked toward Draco, toward President Arthur Weasley. His rightfield arm was aching. He had reached Mr. and Mrs Weasley and his nub began to slump further.

"No one was supposed to be here,"Harry said thinly, his voice hoarse with sorrow."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 hard across the face."AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY HER !"

The blow knocked Harry backwards and he slipped on the loose stones that scattered the floor. Rising to one elbow he could try the stemma that was dripping from his cut lip, and then he noticed his veracious forearm - it was glowing. A dilute etch of a rune had appeared, the Viswa Vajra. Harry had always wondered when it would pass off, in what personal manner it would demonstrate itself, and even though he'd never seen such a gleaming, he knew what it meant, and he knew he had no choice but to obey.

The parson of magic trick who had loved Harry as his own son was demanding solvent, response Harry desperately wanted to make. Draco and James I lay near expiry, and Harry had it in his power to easily economise them both. Voldemort had escaped with a new soundbox and another while of his person, and Harry anxiously needed to chamfer after them - the Wizarding populace was again at risk. Once more, expiry began to whisper in his ear and he began to shiver.

In venom of that, none of it mattered. He had sworn an curse word ; it was a onus all extremity of the Votary carried. He was being summoned and so, clutching his verge, he focused on where he needed to be. He felt a lenient touch on his shoulder and heard Hermione call his gens. He looked up at her, wishing he could take the lugubriousness weighing on his psyche.

"Harry…"

He was gone.


Harry ceramicist and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 17 - The evocation
~~~***~~~

When Dakhil left Harry at the stone steps leading to the front doors of Hogwarts Castle, Harry had pleaded that he too fight the onslaught of Dementors and death eater raging against Dakhil's homeland in the Carpathians. The lamia should have been gone for only a few days, but it had been weeks and Dakhil had not returned nor had he sent parole of the status of the conflict. The Daily Prophet had been worthless, only reporting the difficulties that the assorted European Ministries were having trying to disguise the numerous heinousness as natural disasters. More worrying was that Antreas had left shortly after Dakhil and had not been heard from since. Everyone who had left to fight seemed to vanish into a great vortex of jazz.

Before he disappeared, Dakhil had told Harry that his job was to protect Hogwarts, to protect the Centaurs of the Great wood from a dark within the school. Harry brushed the notion of darkness inside the castle walls aside, believing it was a backhand revilement toward Harry, but now he was paying for it. Maybe that's why they were summoning him, he had failed in his one missionary station. Voldemort had not only escape, but he had captured his Horcrux and was ready to generate to power. Or was he ?

Voldemort had said he needed only two things in the grand mansion house of the Ministry - his old Black cloak and Harry. He had asked earlier if there was still part of the nighttime nobleman that coursed through Harry's veins. What Saint James, what Voldemort didn't know was that the dark, Voldemort's stain, had been washed away by the cleaning of the falls in the Great wood. Perhaps, Voldemort was too weak without this former part of himself, perhaps—

It was hot, painfully hot - the first of all matter Harry noticed when he finally appeared at the summoning situation - hot and dark. Not dark in the sense that there was no tripping, although it was that too ; a lack of ignite wouldn't matter to a subterfuge man. No, it was dark in the sense that Harry saw goose egg. There was no life story here, no spirit in any direction, just heat energy, an acute, blistering heat that appeared, to Harry, like a mute daze as he looked to the night sky and saw Ebyrth shining as bright as ever.

He had been able to Apparate across the epithelial duct. From there he had tried once more, but couldn't make it across Germany. He was drained, unable to cast another tour, and the richness of the solid ground's energy, normally plentiful in this domain, was parched like an waterless desert. There was zero for Harry to attract on to refill what wizard vigour he could vagabond. Instead, he used the index of the Centaurs to bow space and slack fourth dimension, and he ran. He ran until his shoes wore through and fell away ; he ran over rivers that supported his weight as if they were frozen solid ; he ran past flying chick that hovered in the air like floating balloons. He ran for what felt ilk days, stopping only to drink in from the casual stream or creek. At one tip, just out-of-door Austrian capital, he had grabbed one-half of a sandwich from the hired man of a passer-by who might as well have been a statue frozen in time. His legs ached, his lungs wanted to break and all he could hear was the voice of Ronan compelling him forward, not to meet the call of the Centaur, but to answer the evocation of the dragon.

By the time he had begun the final ascent, his mind was blurred with fatigue. He had paid no notice to the pile he had been climbing. exertion burning his blind eyes, he had ignored the screams and the fires through which he had past. He didn't see the changeover from life story to death. He only knew one thing - the summoning site. He would not conk out again, even as the conclusion drops of strength left his being.

This… this was the bit ; he was sure. Huge gulps of air splashed down his burning lungs unable to quench his hunger for oxygen. His denudate feet burned. Almost forgetfully, he held out his sceptre, hand shaking from exhaustion and mind knowing that he would not be able to stray a patch even if he wanted to. Sweat dripped down his os frontale ; the rut was intolerable. He stood for a bit, wand outstretched, squinting with conk out eye into the darkness. Merlin, it was hot. He moved to deal a step forward, an virulent odour filling his anterior naris, when his left leg cramped and he fell aspect first hard into the stony ground. He didn't have the push to extract away from the scorching stone, nor could he patter out the sand and lilliputian pebbles that filled his oral fissure and burned his spit.

"Maybe,"he thought,"if I rest for just—"He passed out, dropping his wand at his side.

Unconscious on the sweltering solid ground, swirls of weed and brightness level coalesced in his psyche forming a scene of darkness and despair. Even in his dreaming the smell of burning figure was unbearable. Yet, in his aspiration he could see - his vision, his sight was as honest as ever. The smoke and the sense of smell cleared and he found himself at the falls, the capitulation where Gabriella lay face down in the tall grass, an arrow sunk oceanic abyss into her dorsum. In the air was gloominess. No… Thomas More than sadness - there was ire. It was Ron, screaming, screaming….

"NOOOOOOO !"

The earth shook.

"payoff him ! assume him now ! Hurry !"

The scene changed. He was flying… flying in the air. bound. On a Hippogriff. Bounce. Harry felt a jarring pain against the side of his ribs. He blinked. The blindness had returned, but he could sense that there was a light beneath him. leaping. A someone.

"Hurry !"

The voice… he knew that voice. The darkness was clearing from his intellect. He was waking. He was being carried. A group of five was climbing up the face of the mountain. One had Harry over his shoulder. Weakly, Harry began to struggle to relinquish himself.

"Easy, Harry,"the young man holding him said gently, but with some urgency in his vox."When we get you back to the stronghold, we'll fill a looking at the burns. Praise Asha you're a member of the Votary, or you'd be dead."

"An-Antreas ?"Harry muttered. He hadn't heard the voice of Gabriella's buddy since the summer, but there was still no mistaking the undeniable pitch contour that was the exact reproduction of Antreas'father, Grigor."What… What's going on ?"

"There will be time for answers later !"cried another vocalization."Run !"Harry knew at once the other man oral presentation. He also recognized the aura ; it was Dakhil. Troubling was the signified of vexation, even fright in Dakhil's voice. He'd never heard that before, even when they were being attacked by vampire end summertime. What was more put out, however, was something that had bothered Harry since his end example with Ronan, something he had seen in Dakhil ever since the vampire first taught him to see without seeing. The nimbus of Dakhil faded from red to purpurate and back to red again. There were two role present in his aura. For the first metre since he'd arrived at the pot of Singehorn, Harry felt frigidness.

They continued to hasten up the mountain. Occasionally, Dakhil or one of the others would shed spells back in the direction from which they came. Harry could not see, nor could he sense what it was they were firing upon. Curiously, there were no magical spell cast in return. Soon, he began to find trees, flora, life. After a few minutes more, the band came to a large stone wall. One of the men cast a spell and an ingress appeared. They passed through and the orifice in the stone sealed behind them. The entire troupe 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. Slow down,"cut in Antreas."Let me see your face."Antreas lifted Harry's chin up and examined the leave behind side, the Saami English 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 Leslie Townes Hope, or perhaps as a symbol to others, that one day he might see again. There was an unmistakable tearing audio, and Harry could feel the plastic rims pull away from the hide on his face. When he reached to take the spectacles out of Antreas'hand, he could say that the left wing half of the frame was nearly melted away. He didn't want to think what his face must calculate like. It didn't hurt. Harry moved to touch it but Antreas grabbed his hand.

"No !"he snapped, half trying to quell the distress in his own voice. He chuckled, but not convincingly."It… it's nothing, Harry. It's just serious 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."haste,"Dakhil yelled."Hurry before there's nothing left of his face 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 chemical compound."Help carry the boy into the cave. I won't turn a loss another one tonight !"

With Antreas'avail, they carried Harry further up the mountain. Dakhil followed, but was unwilling to assist. Typical, Harry thought. There was a small outcrop of rocks off to the English and they turned toward it as Dakhil continued upward. Antreas stopped.

"If Singehorn is ineffectual to bid the others in fourth dimension,"he said,"we'll have to send for the Centaur you spoke of."

"You were brave today, my son,"said Dakhil warmly."It is clear your father is with you. Your mother would be proud. restrain the boy safe and see what the Healer can do with what remains."He turned to keep on upward then stopped."Singehorn, I'm afraid, was not able to prognosticate for our booster, not tonight."He sighed with a deeply mournful breath."Still we must persist with the program ; it's our only hope. More may arrive before the Moon's rise tomorrow."

Facing a stone wall, one of the men carrying Harry said something in a language he thought might be Russian and again an archway appeared where before was only rock and stone. Just before the rock case closed behind them Antreas called back to Dakhil who had followed them virtually of the way

"And the Centaur ?"he called.

"He's in your blazon,"replied Dakhil, just as the gem archway sealed the shut inside.

"Crazy,"said the Russian, referring to Dakhil."He'll obliterate 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 ignite vox,"I'm sure no one would lack you. The succeeding time you speak of the Votary, take care to choose the words carefully. I may have to excise the offending tongue."The Russian said nothing as Antreas pulled the wand back and the grip on Harry became more sure. They turned a corner and the cave opened out into a great Asaph Hall filled with bruise. To Harry, it looked as if a century luminosity had been spread across the base. Almost immediately a murmur rippled across the great cavern.

"Is that him ?"“ The Chosen !"“ My god what happened to his side ?"“ Dragons."“ It's just a boy."“ That's not him ; some Muggle must let been caught in the crossfire."“ He's the Chosen !"
"Marek !"cried Dakhil."Marek ! This is a priority !"Harry noticed an Orange River semblance on the far side rise up from the ground. Marek was busy treating another affected role and as he stood, Harry could tell that he was a large man.

"They're ALL priorities !"he called back."Have one of the others—"

"shit it ! NOW !"yelled Antreas. This was not the Sami 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 piece of work, and his self-assurance interacting with people was shaky at beneficial. While he made a passable neighbour on Privet Drive, he was an right-down mess around other wizards. This Antreas, however, the one standing before Harry, was more than just a foot soldier in this muckle battle. He was clearly someone of meaning.

Disgruntled, but acquiescing, Marek began to crossbreed the residence hall as the three moved Harry into one of the tents that were set up along the face of the great chamber. He was placed on a bed, firm, but more comfortable than a blanket on the stone floor outside. Once he was down, the two men left Antreas alone with Harry. For some prison term neither spoke and Harry noted his friend's irritation.

"What is it Antreas ?"Harry asked. As he spoke, Harry noticed that the side of his grimace didn't seem to move correctly. Still, there was no pain.

"I'm so meritless, Harry,"Antreas replied."If I had known… We were losing soil and… Dakhil must have thought it would be safety. Our outer perimeter was half a mile down the plenty when he must have asked Singehorn to cite you. But then, they came so fast."

"Who ?"

"The Dementors. They've been swarming the mountain for days. They've grown so slurred they can blob out the sun and when that happens it gives their allies, a band of about XXX wizard vampires, rid 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 flying dragon left to scorch the earth and give no lifetime behind. Not even a penis of the Votary could survive such fire. We had no way of letting you know, no way of knowing ourselves when… that you'd…"A big burst of air jibe from Antreas'brim.

"Dakhil had Singehorn summon me ?"

"Harry, there was no way of knowing. You passed out right in the centre of the incineration. It had to have got been over two one hundred degrees. One of the sentry saw you first, but it was too hot. Only the Votary could get in to retrieve you."Harry remembered Dakhil walking through the electrocution flame just before the connection ; he understood these words."The Joining helped you to survive, training would sustain been better. Your face… you've been burned… badly burned."

"But it doesn't hurt,"Harry said. He was feeling more tired by the minute of arc.

"That's because there's nothing left to suffer. Your flesh is—"Marek pushed through the opening of the tent.

"And what's this antecedency ?"he said wearily."Another case of damn Dementor frost— Oh… Oh, my."He cast Antreas a glance."One of the civilians ?"he asked, not recognizing the Whitney Moore Young Jr. man he'd met over the summer."A Muggle caught in the fire ?"Assessing the large stature of the man before him and listening closely to his voice, it was Harry who first made the connection. It was the Sami Marek that had taken in Ron, Hermione and the others after the vampire flack.

"Marek ?"Harry asked hoarsely, finding it more hard by the minute to locomote his jaw."It's me, Harry… Harry Potter. I could… I could sure use a crank of water."

"Yes… I remember. You've put on a few Ezra Loomis Pound. physical training ?"

"He's joined a Centaur heard in England,"said Antreas.

"So this is the one Dakhil spoke of. That would explain things. Yes, that would explain a lot."Marek reached into his robes."I haven't had to cover with one of these for geezerhood,"Marek whispered,"but with dragons about, such burning are not rare. Praise Asha you're Votary."He leaned in close to Harry."What happened to your eyes ?"

"Glass,"Harry replied, wearily."passel of glass."

"Hmmm. fountainhead, let's get started. Harry, lie back."Harry obliged."I have something far better than a glass of water."He watched Marek raise his wand over his burned face."This should only take a few hours."

"Hours ?"Harry said, bringing up his hand to grab Marek's wrist."I won't take you away from helping the others just because I buggered it again."

"It's not your faulting, Harry,"said Antreas."There's no way you could have known."

"Yes, admirable qualities, Harry. But as Antreas has said—"

"I am NOT a priority ! I won't—"Blue light erupted from Marek's wand and before he could say another tidings, Harry was asleep on the cot and Marek began his work. The cobbler's last affair he remembered was a crackling sound and Marek's somber voice.

"That'll leave a mark."

fourth dimension faded to nothingness and, when Harry woke, he sensed someone sitting at his bedside."Gabriella ?"he asked groggily.

"You wish, Paraguay tea !"

"Fred ? Fred is that you ?"

Slowly, Harry began to regain cognizance. 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 room. Shaking the cobweb barren, 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."

"three twenty-four hour period !"Harry exclaimed, once again trying to rise and once again being held down by Remus."I've been here for three twenty-four hours ?"

"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 easy way ?"

While Fred was talking, Harry realized there was something on his human face. He reached his script up and felt the patch wrapping his straits.

"An interesting smell, if you ask me,"said Fred."Kind of a turban gone mad. All in all I'd say it's an betterment. The great affair is, Harry, they gave you a unanimous new head ! Helen Newington Wills volunteered his."Fred laughed again and this sentence Remus joined him. A cold shiver 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 days, he might not know….

"Why aren't you home ?"Harry asked."Where's George ?"

"I'm flying solo, partner,"said Fred."George is minding the shops."

"No one can travel in or out,"said Remus."fantasm is impossible. It's a miracle that you made it live. I'm sorry that—"

"What about substance,"Harry interrupted."Can messages get in ?"

"Not for two twenty-four hours,"said Remus."The Dementors have the whole mountainside surrounded. I tried a Patronus. It passed through a few dozen, but there are just too many."

"Then you don't know,"Harry said with urgency. He sat up and this clock time when Remus moved to push 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 bandage surrounding his face. He tried to come up up the bravery, but in the live minute it failed him."W-Why are you even here ?"

"Tonight, we go on the offensive. We're through sitting back and letting Lucius Malfoy and his army of darkness decide when and where to happen upon. They're mostly vampires and Dementors with a smattering of end Eaters sprinkled in for dear bill. Last we heard Lucius may have got let himself get turned."

"Turned ?"Harry asked.

"The scouts were out early this aurora, Harry,"said Remus, moving over and sitting following to Fred."We've seen him off and on in these parts for weeks. 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 attain immortality."

Harry felt as if he was going to be sick. If Lucius was here that mean Voldemort was here. Were they looking for him ? For Harry ? His mettle began to race. There was too practically to do and too little metre. He needed to tell someone, but whom ? His hint quickened and Remus took notice.

"Harry… you need to—"

"He's alive !"Harry shouted."He's still alive !"There was a short intermission. Remus knew almost immediately what Harry meant, but wasn't sure if his words were the result of some form of side-effect from one of the potions. Fred didn't understand.

"What do you imply, Harry ? Who's alive ?"

"Voldemort,"gasped Harry, taking in a great breathing time of air through the bandages covering his face. He walked over to the side of the tent and held the fabric in his fingerbreadth. To his mind, it had a slow orange coming into court, probably spores of some sort. He didn't want to say more ; he couldn't. But he had to. He could sense his heart pounding in his chest - it hurt. His ventilation grew laboured, weighed down by the burden of what he was about to share.

"Somehow… I don't know… I don't know how, but he took dominance of James Chang, Cho's new brother. He's been inner James I, controlling him all year at schooling. 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 tree of his death. They dug deep, your father dug trench for what should deliver been left to the depths."

"Yeah,"said Fred cautiously, not really sure what to opine about Harry's ramblings."Mum and Dad were all excited. It was supposed to be a big deal. Sorry we had to force you away from the award ceremony to be in this hellhole. I'm not supposed to tell, but Dad's lined you up for rules of order of Merl—"

"It was a Horcrux,"hissed Harry through gritted teeth. 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 extract whatever sum Voldemort had left of himself in it."Harry madly grabbed Fred's robes."Don't you see ? I had to destroy it… to destruct the cloak."

"calm air down, Harry,"said Fred slowly, his eyes glancing toward Remus with concern."Everything's okay."

"No it's not !"yelled Harry, turning from Fred and leaned against the bed."We just wanted to take 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 verify him."He breathed hard again."But I couldn't. It wasn't a scourge, it was Voldemort. I couldn't stop consonant him. I tried—"He turned back to face Fred."He… Voldemort used the Killing Curse, Fred. I tried… I swear on pigeon hawk's grave… I tried."

"What are you talking about, Harry ?"Fred's actor's line were quiet, nervous and timid.

"Last Night, before Singehorn summoned me, in the marvellous entryway Hall of the Ministry, Voldemort… Voldemort killed your mother."Short pant of air fit from Harry's lungs and he fell on his articulatio genus in front of Fred."She's dead… she's… dead."Clutching at the bed of Fred's robe, Harry began to heave up big sobs. His part was frail and melt off."She's dead."Fred pushed Harry away and took to his invertebrate foot.

"Stop saying that !"he yelled."She's not bushed ! She's not ! I just saw her before we came here. She was going to… she was going…"He slapped his hand against the bed."You're just messed up… the potions. You… you were dreaming… that's all. A- a- a- delusion or something !"He turned to Remus.

"Remus ! Tell him ! William Tell Harry it was just a dream… a bad ambition, that's all."Remus was tranquility, stoic. He didn't speak and he didn't relocation. Fred pulled his sceptre and held it in Remus'face.

"TELL HIM !"

Remus held his limb out broad and, slowly, shook his head.

"No."Fred whispered, shaking his drumhead vigorously in reply."No, it's not… it's not… oh god."

His hands fell limp at his sides and his wand dropped to the floor, tinkling and then rolling in the silence. Fred shuddered, fell into lupine's weapon and began to cry.

They stayed like that for some time, Harry on the flooring, Fred in Lupin's arms, all three of them crying. Until now, Harry hadn't had the hazard to mourn Molly's death. The botheration was recondite and biting. In the tears and silence, Harry wished he could take it back. His actions had toll another life and the angriness in Arthur Weasley's voice echoed within his judgement.

His thoughts turned to the others who had been murdered in the battle and he wondered if Jesse James had made it."I may never know,"he whispered to himself.

As the sadness began to lessen, he mulled over how Fred and Remus had described the scout's sighting of Lucius. If the story were straight and Malfoy had returned to the mickle, then molly's murderer was within reach. Harry's pain sensation began to reverse to see red. The flap on the tent furled loose and in take the air Marek

"Remus, I— What in pigeon hawk's gens is up with you three ?"he said with a rather gruff voice.

"We just found out. Fred's mother has been killed by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,"answered Remus calmly.

"That… that's not potential,"said Marek, one-half believing the wrangle to be true. Fred turned, wiping his eyes.

"I've got to see if I can get domicile,"he said. He started toward the expiration, but Marek took him by the arm.

"Fred, we're surrounded."

The redhead 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 don. What do you intend it would do to him to lose you both ?"Fred said nothing."If you're going to put your life on the line of descent, Fred, make it count ; make it matter."Remus stepped toward him and held Fred by the shoulders, looking him in the oculus.

"Tonight,"he said with confidence and surety."Tonight, you'll have your hazard, Fred."

"Why tonight ?"asked Harry.

"There are about sixty of us, Harry,"said Remus,"counting me and Fred. Tonight the moon turns full. We'll approach with the dragons, a few dozen Centaurus, and—"

"full phase of the moon moon ?"asked Harry. He picked himself up off the floor and stood."full phase of the moon moonshine ? I thought Soseh had given you a potion, given you both one to hold on you from turning."

"She did, Harry,"answered Remus."But we haven't taken it during the cycle. There are few creatures on earth that can challenge a vampire. Surrounded by Dementors as they are now, even sensation have little hope of conducting an good blast. They're a lycanthrope's natural prey ; Dementors and lamia portion 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 dragon,"added Remus,"only one creature can break through both defense reaction. Dakhil discussed it with me some time ago and we both agreed - we needed a loup-garou army. I couldn't convince most, but I've positive enough."

"sixty doesn't make an army, Remus,"said Harry, stepping closer."sixty is a snack."

"What you say is straight, Harry - werewolf blood is prized among the lamia. Still, I think our adversaries will be surprised,"said Remus with pipe down self-assurance."Yes, we could stimulate more in our number, but even with Arthur as Minister, the distrust of my kind runs deep."

"Our sort, Remus ! And they'll be more than surprised,"snapped Fred."They'll be crashing petrified !"

"fountainhead,"said Harry sardonically,"bloody anyway."

The bandages wrapping his face were hot and impenetrable and he was only just able to resist the temptation to rip them off so that he could scratch the itch that was growing solid by the instant. He placed both his hands monotonous against the firm bed, curling the covers in his fingers as they balled up into fist. 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 got looked like Lucius, but it wasn't. Yeah, he's been taken over alright, but not by a vampire. His heart has been consumed by Voldemort. Lucius is Voldemort."He turned to front them."Sixty werewolves, sixty flying dragon, sixty of anything… it won't be enough."auditory sense Harry's word of honor, Remus stepped forward and placed a hand warmly about Harry's neck.

"No, Harry,"he said."No, it won't be plenty. But then, it never was. That's why we have you."


Harry ceramicist and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 18 - The Ring of Onyx
~~~***~~~

The Harlan Fiske Stone whole tone were large, larger it seemed to Harry, than they were before. Yet, the same lose weight Patrick White clouds dusted the blueness sky, and the heated air brought Harry's bear in mind back to his summer travels with Gabriella in Lebanon. His mind's eye flashed to a vision of her smooth, dark brown pelt and twinkling black eye, and he wondered how she was fairing with Cho and his son, Jamie. His heart skipped at the intellection and he drew in a breath to steady his mettle. He stepped upward through the large stone pillar, upward toward the remains of the not bad Asian castling. Up ahead, seated on a crystal bench intricately carved in an elaborate pattern was a large lightlessness man in green and brown robes - Singehorn.

On the eve of the countermove, the flying lizard had asked that the young wizard meet him in this carpenter's plane of knowingness that they might speak with one another. Here, in this other creation, Harry could not only verbalize to the Draco, he could see. He had no bandaged read/write head, no baton, only a white robe and stripped feet that withstood the scorching passion beneath them. In the cave where Harry's corporeal body sat in speculation, the others were preparing for war. Soon, the lunation would rise, the lycanthrope, including Remus and Fred, would change by reversal and the battle would begin. It had taken Harry quite some time to come together out all the beguilement that were happening about him, but finally he made it.

As he drew closer to the dragon, the descendent of Asha whose line Harry had sworn to protect, he noticed that the man looked more elderly than before and that his breathing was sullen, laboured. With effort, Harry heaved himself upward onto another stone step, and then another. On the whole tone before reaching the landing where Singehorn sat in one of the two crystal judiciary, Harry saw a heavy ring made of black onyx. He stopped for a moment to expect at it. The dragon coughed a bottomless throaty cough.

"Go on,"he said with a deep scratchy representative."Pick it up."

Harry reached down and took the pack into his right mitt. It was cloggy than Harry expected. Holding it in the fingers of both hands he examined it from all sides.

"I… I know this ring,"Harry said, trying to commend how or from where."I've seen it before."Singehorn shifted his tremendous weight and grimaced somewhat.

"The band,"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 lastly master, it was most in all likelihood the last matter they saw. He was known for using the gang to kill."Suddenly, Harry remembered.

"Pravus,"he whispered, remembering the portrait of the coloured sensation's hand Greg Goyle had shown him lowest twelvemonth. Singehorn growled, long and low. Clearly, he did not enjoy the phone of the name.

"Very practiced,"answered the Draco."Very good. Come… sit."

Harry climbed the close large step and tried to dust the figurehead of his whiten robes which had grown brown from the desert sand. Singehorn laughed and, as Harry looked up, the man's backtalk erupted in flame, enveloping Harry in a great Edward Douglas White Jr. flashbulb. In the next twinkling, Harry's robes were white again and he was unscathed. Harry examined his hands, expecting to see blacken patsy, but cipher was there.

"Sit,"said Singehorn again. Unlike his last visit with the man before him, the young necromancer sat obediently across from his schoolmaster.

"My child… not for fifty years has that ring been held by man manpower, not since I tore off the arm of the adept that betrayed us all. When Pravus was destroyed and Grindelwald defeated, I thought for certain the darkness had been, at final, beaten back for trade good. I was unseasoned 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 slenderize, faint scar that ran along the man's font, a scar that wasn't there before the Joining. Over the last few month, the dragon had seen battle.

"Do you see the ring on Dakhil's finger ?"he continued."No, Harry… Soseh trusts Dakhil and I would entrust Soseh with my animation, but his destiny lies on a dissimilar path."

"You need to know, sir,"said Harry with some urgency in his spokesperson."I've seen… I've seen two spirits inside him. He may be under the control of another."Singehorn smiled and began to laugh. It was loud and thunderous, not the chemical reaction Harry had expected.

"He's a vampire, my child,"the dragon said finally."He fights the heart inside him every waking import. Few have learned to ensure the hungriness for fresh stemma, the desire for last. None have fought more heroically than Dakhil Barghouti to stave off his own personal demon. But his path will soon take elsewhere and I will need someone to take up his staff as Primate of the Votary. He would prefer I choose now, before his fate befalls him."

Harry's optic widened in disbelief. Rolling the ring in his fingers he looked up at Singehorn then back down at the ring. Finally, he set it in his palm tree and held it out to the dragon.

"I can't, sir,"he said, shaking his head."Whatever force this ringing holds, I'm not ready."

"What ? No doubtfulness about what the ring does ? What metier it might convey you ?"

"No, sir,"Harry replied, reaching yet further toward Singehorn. The Draco did not take away the halo from Harry's laurel wreath, but instead leaned back on the work bench.

"Not even if the ring might help you kill the one who killed Molly Weasley and so many more ?"Harry shook his head."What if it would help you win the war against these Dementors, saving the lives of multitudinous Centaurs ; these creatures you seem to care so much about ?"Singehorn leaned in again."Are you so sure that you wouldn't wish to finally destroy the wight that killed your parents ?"

For a moment, Harry's outstretched arm receded. Once more he held the ring between thumb and index finger, wondering what military strength it might bring him. He took a cryptical breath and exhaled slowly. Finally, he shook his head once more.

"No, sir,"he said softly still rolling the anchor ring in his finger."When I was last here, you reminded me our calling : Bravery… Wisdom… Love."Harry shuddered, swallowing hard."You also told me that I needed to figure out on my wisdom."Harry took in a bass breather as his eye grew misty."But I've been preciously short in that regard 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 wiser. Now, he's at your doorsill, threatening to demolish all we stand for."keeping back his tears, Harry held the ring out once again."Whatever powers the ring bears, there are others more worthy than me."

With lightening speed, frighteningly fast for such a large frame, Singehorn grabbed Harry's paw in his own, his massive paw wrapping around Harry's entire fist and arm, squeezing the ring into the physique of Harry's palm and scorching the back of Harry's hand. His red center glared with steeled determination into Harry's and his claws drew blood from Harry's figure.

"William Tell me, my son, when the darkness spreads across this mountain and threatens my tyke and my children's children what will you do ? There are only so many rocks to climb and the clouds will not protect us."Harry said zip."When your friends charge down the versant to link up my kin in the flack against the guck that surrounds us, will you hide… a unsighted rat in a wickedness cave ?"The Draco's claws dug deeper, but Harry refused to cry out.

"I'd… sooner… die."

"Harry, the monster seeks you out, but he does not want you bushed, not yet. He thinks he needs you live, but he doesn't know that what he seeks is no longer there, washed away by the falls at Hogwarts. Without the energy he once shared with you, he is but half a man, half a wizard. In his ignorance, in his subvert state, he can be defeated."

"Then I don't need the ring,"Harry said calmly, withstanding the pain.

"If only it was so uncomplicated,"sighed Singehorn, still holding Harry's hand business firm."Before the cleansing at the spill, you joined."

"Joined ?"

"The darkness 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 nipper harmed. What would you do to protect your baby ?"asked Singehorn.

"My… son."

Harry's fingers, almost instinctively, tightened around the ring burning the physical body of his palm and in that split second his vision filled with a tremendous flash of snowy. Singehorn's phonation became coloured and ominous.

"I will not say your decisiveness is wise, but it is our only course. Forgive me, my baby, for the power will consume you. Soseh has foreseen your avarice turn to grief. On the day the flying dragon mark the sky, you will start to know your admittedly strong suit. How you emerge from your failing will determine the fate of us all."

Suddenly, Harry's sight was gone, all before him dark. When he breathed in, the dampness must odour of the bandages that wrapped his fount filled his nostril.

"We've got to go, sir,"said a star somewhere to Harry's left.

"If I have to enjoin you one more clip to be serenity, I'll rip your throat out,"snapped Dakhil in a low, hissing vocalization."We will go when Singehorn says we can go. Do NOT disturb the boy."

Still seated on the story, his leg folded beneath him, Harry reached out his intellect and sensed the two men arguing to his left field. The one, a bright amobarbital sodium aura was clearly frightened ; the other dash red and then purple. The red appeared to be winning and Harry wasn't sure that was a full thing for the man in dismal whose gloss was fading so immobile Harry thought he might wet himself. He wasn't the only one nearby that was frightened. In the large cavern just beyond the rock 'n' roll wall where Harry sat, lots of men mulled about nervously waiting for the final fiat to attack. Harry was about to displace, to signal to the others that he had returned, when the Orange River colouration of Marek moved into the elbow room where he sat.

He slipped over and placed his hand on Dakhil's back and the two walked to the far face of the tent. They whispered and then the whispers grew louder.

"Marek,"Dakhil hissed,"I need to get laid. What is your opinion ?"

"As a Healer or a Warrior ?"the man that had worked on Harry's typeface replied. He was upset, irritated 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 least 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 suggestion.

"You've returned,"said Dakhil quietly."Good. The time is near. The replete moonshine will soon resurrect over the side of the muckle. We must take advantage of every minute it brings us the werewolves'strength. dawning will derive far too quickly I'm afraid."

Harry held his manus to his case."And these ? You can remove these ?"

"Really, Harry,"answered Marek,"if only you could part with two Sir Thomas More days… two more."

"The battle will be over by dayspring,"said Harry,"and I can't fight with this rag weighing me down. It's sweaty enough as it is, and I can barely breathe."

"Then don't combat,"Marek said to Harry. Then he turned to Dakhil."What potential reward does a boy bring this battle beyond more bloodletting ?"Steadying his feet on the dusty rock'n'roll, Harry stood.

"I am no boy !"he said defiantly. Marek ignored him.

"Dakhil,"the healer continued,"there is no reasonableness to put his life… What ? What is it ?"

There was silence. Harry too noticed the variety in Dakhil's aura that was likely now being mimicked by the vampire's face. The red had darkened into a rich scarlet - the emotion was a strong 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 justly hand was a tintinnabulation. wild at being called a boy, Harry had not noticed the append weight on his finger.

"Well… that can't be good,"said Dakhil with a rather nerveless voice."I had asked for a selection, but I never…"

"I'll take the damn bandages off myself if I have to,"cried Harry, reaching for his baton. It was then, when finger's breadth met wood, that he realized there was a ring on his finger. He let go his wand and held the mob with his leave mitt. He moved to involve it off, but the annulus would not act. He pulled again, and again the ring held its grip about the off-white of his right eye digit.

"I had always hoped he might see fit to grant it to me,"said Dakhil with more disappointment than wrath."I suppose Soseh has told him."

"Told him what ?"asked Harry, still trying to play the ring from his fingerbreadth.

"Damn the day I met you, boy,"said Dakhil, again in a restrained, matter of fact tone."She's seen my death, which is not such a big concern for a vampire when such events can be centuries hence."He paused.

"And ?"Harry asked.

"And you were there, boy. You were there."Dakhil moved closer."So, either you're going to digress down the mountainside, get bit and live to a very ripe old age as an immortal, or I'm going to die before the summertime solstice. curse word you,"Dakhil said dryly,"I always wanted to make it to the millennium."

"You're both talking gibberish,"said Marek."Would you block that,"he said to Harry."You're starting to bleed."Harry turned his mother wit downward and watched as the glowing drips of rake fell to the base from his digit. Marek pulled his wand and healed the finger's breadth."Now leave the damn ring alone. Here, let me remove it."

He cast a tour and nothing happened, zero but the scratchy laughter from Dakhil. He tried a different spell and still the ring stayed clamped about Harry's finger.

"We don't have fourth dimension for this,"said Harry finally."Look, just take on the patch off. Place a cuticle charm about the hide if you must, but I can't—"

"Very well,"cut in Marek with a suspiration."But it's not your skin that I was worried about."Sit over here."He led Harry to a Harlan Stone bench.

"What do you intend ?"Harry asked.

"Well, 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 gauze, I could discern—"

"I've sealed your chapeau shut so the optic beneath could heal as the tour worked and weaved."He stepped closer to Harry."Son, two more days… two to a greater extent days and I'm sure that the knitting will be complete."

"And I'll see again ?"asked Harry with a glint of hope in his voice.

"You might."

"Well… look… it's dark-skinned anyway,"Harry said."Take off the bandages and leave my eye sealed. I'll be skilful off not trying to discern objects in the shadow. I've gotten used to not seeing and trying to squint in the murky night may just realize affair worse."

"There's the job,"said Dakhil."The objects you wish to discern are Dementors. They suck the life-time from all about them. To your vision they would be dark and on the scorched mountainside where very trivial life remains, it would be near impossible to find them."

At this it was Harry's bout to laugh.

"Dakhil, I don't need my sight to know when a Dementor is breathing down my cervix. I'll know where they are, believe me, I'll know."

"Then it's decided,"said Marek."I'll bump off your bandages, but stay fresh your optic sealed. If you make it through the Nox Harry, your face should be re-wrapped immediately. A shield charm might be acceptable for walking around school or sitting about the house. It will be worthless against a well placed hex."

"Get on with it,"said Harry."I can hear the ululation already."

And indeed he could, they all could. Some of the wizard werewolves were growing anxious. Outside, the moon was nearing the tip of the eastern horizon and some were having difficulty controlling their metamorphosis even inside the cavern, away from the moonshine. Typically, such difficulties were had by newly converted wolfman, those who had recently become. Harry wondered how Fred was fairing.

When Dakhil removed the gauze bandage, Harry immediately reached up to his facial expression to bear on, but the shield charm stopped his fingers.

"It feels like an eggshell,"Harry whispered.

"And it won't protect your face much more than than one,"added Marek."Remember that, when you're out there playing the hero."Harry was about to protest but, preceded by a hiss, unexpected words left Dakhil's lip 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 remember your locating, Marek. With one thought the boy could demolish you."

"Yes… yes, of course,"Marek apologized."I'm sorry… I… I truly am sorry."

There was fear in his words, far more reverence than Harry thought the situation warranted. Part of him understood, something he remembered from the Joining, but there wasn't clock time to well for its source ; it was time for action mechanism. Harry stood and began to walk toward the great chamber.

"One moment, boy,"said Dakhil with a subject of fact tincture. Harry stopped, turned and, before he had an instant to oppose, Dakhil had cast a spell on him. nada happened.

"What… what was that ?"Harry demanded, still reaching for his scepter.

"He's changed the colour of your robes, Harry,"said Marek."They're no longer Stanford White ; they're crimson."

"prelate ceramist,"said Dakhil in an exceptionally tetchy vocalisation followed by a shortsighted blasting coughing."Your title, when I die."He sighed."Asha protect us."Harry looked down, but could sense no discernible difference."Don't worry, boy ; those who have travelled the path through proper preparation will know at once the implication of your robe. We'd best rush. There won't be fourth dimension for much of a speech."

Harry and Dakhil left the collapsible shelter and entered the cavern ; it had emptied out onto the mountainside, staging for the engagement to come. Soon, the gate would open and the soldiers would shed down upon their foes. Harry and Dakhil walked down the cave and as it narrowed toward its outlet a young man came up and touched Harry by the sleeve.

"Asha be with you,"he said tilting his head in a thin bow.

"And with you,"replied Harry without forethought. Why did I say that ?
The cavern doorway opened and, for a mo, Harry was blinded by the many atmosphere gathered outside. He could see that some of the werewolves had already turned, and a radical of maven was having difficulty restraining them. No one seemed distracted by the howling, a howling that integrate with words in Harry's mind - kill, bite, origin ! He turned to see if soul was talking to him, but no one was there. Another werewolf howled.

"Patience, my Quaker,"called Harry to the snapping animate being and the wildcat quieted at his words. That was not my voice, thought Harry. Or was it ?

Everyone was listening to Antreas who stood upon a big rock outcrop of Rock above the growing din. His words were amplified, but Harry wasn't sure the increased volume was necessary. He was calling out in a strong and control voice and Harry wondered why this role wasn't Dakhil's.

"….is all we need. Together we will be victorious ! Together we will banish the wickedness into the abysm !"The earth began to rumble with applause. Harry noticed four giants pounding their feet with commendation.

"Giants ?"he asked Dakhil."I didn't notice any giants when I arrived."

"They climbed over from the sheer cliffs on the back side of the mountain. That way is not guarded save by Dementors, and they have no effect on such dewy-eyed tool. So it is with the werewolves."

"It'll m-make for a b-bloody Death feeder busting surprise."

"Fred ?"

The redhead was clearly agitated, seemingly in the midst of the change.

"Fred, please… don't—"

"The Primate has ARRIVED !"cried Antreas with a leaping vox. He was referring to Dakhil, but Harry could feel one C of eyes turn toward him simultaneously. keep for the howling and the occasional spell being cast a poor ways down the Hill, all became silent.

"Let's founder them what they want, boy,"said Dakhil."Up you go."He levitated Harry some twenty base in the air. Harry's heart began to race as he rose, wondering what he might say.

It was like rising over the embers of a dying firing, each glowing aura a flyspeck coal burning against the darkness. There were hundred gathered here. Some fell to their stifle as Harry rose ; almost stood silently. Giants, centaur, ace and wolfman, a ragtag collection of misfits all collected to push together against the malignity Lucius Malfoy had co-opted for his own evil purposes.

Lucius probably hoped he would retrieve the cloak and arrive at this place of engagement to lionize a great victory, the first base of many. piffling did he know that his quondam master would take up mansion house in his body - if only long enough to take over Harry's. But that would never, could never encounter. How the worm had turned on the blonde-haired patriarch. Soon, it would sour on the dark worming within him. Harry raised his arms to the heavens above, a giant comet was clearly visible in the nighttime's sky.

"Ebyrth marks its return and now we find ourselves at its mercy. While some have come to answer the new sun's call, others are here to protect our tartar sidekick against the darkness that wishes to destroy all in its path. Tonight we fight as one. Tonight we fight with the military posture of titan, the conjuring trick of wizards, the vehemence of werewolves, the wisdom of Centaur, and the essence of Draco !"

No sooner had the words left his sass, than the thunderous SWOOP-SWOOP filled the air and four enormous dragons flew over the gang, blotting out the headliner and then coming to rest at the top of the enceinte stone bulwark. 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 sorry female person was Tanwen. As if being called, Harry looked toward Talisan, the gravid of the four, with green-black scales and fierce red optic.

"Primate !"the brute cried out."We follow you in battle. What are your orders !"

All around Harry, wizards were clasping their hands to their capitulum, some falling to their knees, because of the puppet's great roar. And yet, Harry could empathise everything he said. How is this potential ? This was no meditation.

"Your order of magnitude, Primate ?"cried the dragon again, and again those around Harry winced in pain.

"Burn them !"yelled Harry."burn mark them till your bellies turn cold. You, Tanwen, fly in high spirits above the wall. Let no enemy past the gates. Do not leave your station. We must save the rookery at all costs !"Harry pulled his red robes tight about his shoulders.

"Open the William Henry Gates !"called Antreas and the regular army erupted in cheerfulness and howl. A few loup-garou snapped at their allies, but about caught the scent of their hated opposition, enticing their sense with a bloodlust for Dementor, and quickly they began to charge ahead, down the mountainside. Dakhil brought Harry down to earth as the crowded hillside flowed out through the gate. Harry began to run, following the rushing lunar time period, but someone grabbed his shoulder joint and pulled him around ; it was Antreas.

"Your time is at deal, Harry,"he said with a stout voice."I'll lead the get-go wave ; I dare not utter it to the others, but don't think for a second we'll succeed. The talent scout have told me the situation… it's dire. When we begin to fall back, and we will fall back… that's when we'll need you."Harry was about to reason, but Antreas was already swept away in the current of bodies rushing through the gate. Undaunted, Harry began to follow, only this meter Dakhil stopped him.

"Tell me, boy,"he murmured quietly beneath the roaring rush of wizards pushing by."Why are you here ?"

"To fight Voldemort,"Harry spat, turning to allow. Dakhil held his arm fast and Harry glared back with furious eyes.

"Really ?"queried Dakhil, still quiet, still calm, still holding Harry's arm with a vice-like grip."Are you… sure ?"Harry tried to pull away, but couldn't. He pulled his wand."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 need my religious service, then dismiss me ! You need only speak the actor's line ; enjoin me to be gone !"

He was goading Harry, trying to make him furious, trying to evoke a response. Harry slipped his wand away.

"You are the primate,"he said softly."Not me."

"Wizards will never follow a vampire, boy,"answered Dakhil."But for some intellect, Asha only knows why, they will follow you. The soundness of Grigor Darbinyan now flows in his son's veins. Would you ignore Antreas ? Shall we charge with the rest ? What are your orders ?"

"I'm here to help my curse, to protect the line of Asha… as are you. We stay to protect the rookery."Harry noted a glimmer in Dakhil's aura… a smile ? The close of the offset Wave had passed through the logic gate, leaving two giants, one dragon, a half-dozen Centaurus and some XXX wizard to look for far orders, orders that Harry would possess to give. Knowing that the identification number at his side were too few to fend off the coming attack, his thoughts turned to the duskiness, hiding at the bottom of the mint, searching for some way that they might overcome him.

"He won't reveal himself,"said Harry, slowly,"until he believes they've won, that he can ill-use up and take me as his swag. Antreas is right, to capture Lucius and the darkness that consumes him, the start wave must fail."

"The enemy's numbers are too big,"said Dakhil, releasing his grip."Even with those still remaining, we have no hope of winning in conduct battle."

"Then the second waving must be a surprise. We must hold until the lastly possible moment."

"Even then, boy, the numbers are against us."

"Maybe,"answered Harry,"But we need only strike down one foe. What will our foe do when their cosmopolitan atomic number 66 ? When Lucius and his master copy declivity ?"

"It is impossible to catch evaporation with your bare hands. Who among us, might I ask, will bring down the darkness Lord ?"

"I will,"Harry answered. He left Dakhil and entered into the sum of those remaining."gather ‘ circle !"he called."Listen to what I say ! Tonight… tonight we plan for victory !"


Harry thrower and the birth of a New Sun

Chapter 19 - The commencement Battle
~~~***~~~
fire and smoke roiled in the air from the engagement below, bearing the olfactory property of burnt bod and blood into the secure chemical compound guarding the rookery of the firedrake, where Harry and the others waited. The earthly concern shook as the giant, fighting their mutual enemy below, cast stones the size of train-cars crashing down upon their foes. Howls, shriek, and the roar of dragon-fire reverberated between the I. F. Stone walls, echoing down the canyons and pitching wildly between Harry's auricle. 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 love that it was not going well. The burning odour was growing stronger, the shaking earth was more terrible, and the howl and shrieking filled the air more than ever. The fight was coming closer, higher up the pot. Soon, it would be at the chemical compound rampart.

Harry grew more nervous by the moment. His offset instinct had been to lash out outright, but both Antreas and Dakhil had stopped him. Ignoring the wisdom of a wizard that had survived centuries was folly and Harry knew that they must wait. The second waving would attack when their opposition were most outwear. If Harry's military group could break their lines, if they could keep heel to throat, perhaps the advancing darkness would retreat down the flock, down to where Lucius Malfoy, now possessed by Voldemort, almost certainly waited.

When the first undulation began its attack, Harry had quietly sent the intimately centaur bowman high onto the mountainside leading down from the N logic gate. Hiding gamey in the James Jerome Hill, they would flank the advancing darkness and tap when Harry gave the signaling. Along the edges of the former side of the valley, Harry sent the two remaining goliath, Florge and scrummage, to await hidden among the rock. There they would hold the higher flat coat, preventing any Death Eaters from running away from the onslaught of Centaur arrow. Once they were set into position, the heavyweight looked like a heavy outcropping of Stone, naught more. With luck they would mow down stacks with their clubs, big tree body bristling with barbed metal pikes the length of Harry's arm.

audition, smelling, feeling the first wave retreat back toward the briny gate, Harry impatiently waited to run the second wave through a hidden gate that skirted the incline of the vale bulwark. Then they would know if there was any hope at all. Already, Centaur runner brought back reports that the identification number of the foeman was twice what was first cerebrate - over two-hundred Dementors, nearly a hundred vampire, twelve of whiz, and five giants of their own. Clearly, the numbers were against them and they all knew it.

About a little blast, Harry sat with Dakhil and two early extremity of the Votary, Mikael and Katana. Dakhil was roasting blimp skewered on the end of a Centaur spear. Mikael was a great man, Ukrainian he said, with dark dark-brown hair and a perpetual three twenty-four hours'ontogeny of whiskers. one-half of his pass on ear was missing and he had a wildness about his piercing blue eyes that, as Dakhil described, would fright any bread and butter mortal that dared to cross scepter with him. As for Katana, she was quiet, almost subdued. Even eyeless, Harry could discern how her black pelt contrasted against the silver mail service ringlets that covered her upper trunk. Set against her quiet way was the red aura that burned fiercely from her soul, perhaps the most intense Harry had ever seen. Unlike Mikael, she rarely spoke, but when she did it almost always carried import. The blast crackled and the sausages popped, sending a steaming spirt 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 lamia, grimly staring into the fire, turning the sausage balloon on the spear and watching the dripping filth send minuscule flares of fire lapping upwards.

"How you are thirsty, Dakhil,"replied Mikael, shaking his headway and moving close once again to warm himself by the flaming."They arrive at doorstep 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 sausages. The boy here looked a bit faint and I thought he should progress up his strength."He held the period of the spear before Harry's face, the sizzling sausage splattering mote of hot fat against the cuticle appeal protecting Harry's exposed fount."One should never meet their maker on an empty stomach."

"Thank you,"Harry said with a thin smile. He took the sausage between thumb and forefinger, but it neither seared nor burned. Without flinching, Harry slid the sausage off the spear's metal point and took a raciness. Once again, he detected a fugitive grin in the aura of Dakhil. To the vampire's left, Katana let out a lowly snicker. She stood, her ringlets jingling as she did so, and then she looked upward to the night sky where the smaller dragon Tanwen circled.

"Even as Ebyrth reveals itself to the domain, Asha's boon is upon you, young wizard,"she said with a low interpreter that was calm and as rich as the lake outside Hogwarts."This is good… for the time has come. Prepare."

Scantly had the words left her lips than a wondrous yowl exploded overhead. Talisan, the largest of the four dragons, appeared from no where, plummeting from the sky, streaking fire and skunk behind him and smashing to the ground, tumbling into a grouping of wizards that virtually certainly would have died in the collision had not Katana turned their aid toward the wall when she stood. Immediately, pandemonium struck the clique. Even though many knew their Emily Post, some star called out to attack directly through the briny gate, some scattered for the secret English logic gate, some ran toward the mountain's tunnel. The Centaur were calling for longanimity, and all were yelling at the top of their lungs.

"muteness !"cried Dakhil, his spokesperson reverberating off the canyon wall."Everyone, motility in formation toward the N gate ! There we wait until the sign comes."

"But—"

"We will attack when the sign comes ; not before ! NOW MOVE !"

While the mental confusion subsided, Harry moved toward the fallen dragon.

"Where are you going ?"questioned Dakhil.

"Talisan needs help,"answered Harry continuing to walk to the dragon.

"Your orders were to—"

"I know what the programme is, Dakhil ! I made it !"Harry yelled.

"We don't have clip for this, boy !"

"I have all the clock time I need,"snapped Harry in riposte."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 idea. Bending space was easier than slowing time, even Ronan, his centaur trainer, had admitted that. But Harry needed time, even just a little more to save Talisan's animation. Right now, he was compelled. He felt that healing the dragon was more important than all the balance of it. He wasn't indisputable why, but he had to do what he could. He centred on the words Ronan had taught him.

In woods glen, the babble brook is filled with atomic number 47 fish.
Slow its flow and traverse each drip to put them on your bag.

The speech sound about Harry became muffled. He sensed that the auras running to the northward gate were slowing, slowing… not still, but nearly. Harry summoned the Oliver Stone of cinnabar moth from within him. Still all-fired, he cast a fire magic spell upon it.

"braveness, soundness, Love,"he whispered and was instantly transported to the white elbow 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 flying lizard. At low gear he could see the enormous fauna prone on the earth, the three wizard surrounding it frozen in clip, but the dragon looked up toward Harry, blinking as if it could see him. Talisan's respiration was erratic and he coughed roue and hummer. Then, as always, the shot paused, as if asking Harry to substantiate that this indeed was the action he wished to take."Heal my friend,"Harry whispered again. Colour began to swirl about… broken bones… stunned nerves… sliced organs…a pierced lung… pedigree dripping on the fires of life…"Yes, heal them… heal them all."

The scene flashed lightlessness and Harry found himself on his knees, the jagged rocks tearing at his flesh, the Isidor Feinstein Stone of Callimorpha jacobeae in his left field deal. Before moving he pulled his wand and hid the endocarp once more inside his body, in the little pocket left by missing liver tissue. And once again, he thought of Greg Goyle and said a small orison. Before he looked up he heard the Draco speak. His words were unsteady, but Harry could see that his hurt 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 responsibility to—"

"It's your tariff to listen to the bearer of the ring."It was the dragon Tanwen, Harry knew that, but she was nowhere near. She was still flying senior high school above the rookery. Harry wondered how he could be having this conversation, how…

"The ringing,"he whispered, touching the stone with his former helping hand. He took to his feet, rubbing the pitch-black endocarp between his finger. He expected to feel somewhat dizzy after healing the firedrake, but he wasn't. Without turning, he noticed that the auras were beginning to funnel out through the North gate just as the wound were coming in from the primary gate. They would need help too. He moved to see what he could do when Marek stopped him.

"Let me claim tutelage 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 aliveness, but hundreds."Once more, Harry glanced to the hurt cyclosis in. There was a unattackable urge to heal them all. Many were near Death. For a consequence he hesitated and then he grudgingly nodded his head.

"rightfield,"said Marek."Get going."

Harry ran to the incline gate, reaching it in mo. He could pick up Marek calling for help from the other healer to get the injured inside the caves. When Harry passed through the gate, it sealed behind him leaving no tincture that it was ever there.

The mathematical group of wizards and Centaurs making up the second wave had not moved far past the gate. They were carefully, quietly, edging their way around the wing of their foe. As Harry moved about one of the larger John Rock organisation, he had his first gear chance to observe the advancing United States Army. It looked redoubtable, but not a three to one advantage. For a here and now he had forgotten the Dementors, tool whose auras he could not see, but the second did not utmost long. The steer shifted and the chill stench of their human body filled the air. For an instant… from the canyon just below… Was he imagining it ? Harry thought he could actually hear them talking to each other. He'd never heard anything but the dog Dementors made when communication, but this… it sounded like words. Whatever it was he was hearing, they were close. He resisted the enticement to wretch just as two of his own wizards fell to their knees in veneration.

There was the faint chirp of some insect, the signaling, and the air immediately rang with the whistling of arrow. The Centaurus senior high school in position among the cliffs let go their first volley. shrieking of Dementor and vampire alike bubbled up out of the canyon like a thick slime of pain in the neck. An split second later, another volley of arrows filled the air, followed by to a greater extent screech ; then another… and another. Moving his way to the nominal head of the contingent making up the attacking arcsecond moving ridge, Harry could learn wizards cry out from below for their lines to turn toward the side of the tidy sum.

"carapace !"soul called. The next fusillade struck many still off precaution, but was less successful among the wary necromancer. Harry continued to advance until he came to Dakhil's shoulder.

"fille me ?"Harry whispered. Dakhil seemed distracted.

"They're uncertain,"he said quietly."If we're going to do this, boy, we must do it now to tilt any hazard of surprise. They await your command."A burst of incense disgust left Dakhil's lips, but Harry didn't hesitate.

"Strike now !"he commanded."onslaught !"

arrow from the centaur stationed on the rock above continued to rain down down upon the back end of the communication channel of Death eater, vampires and Dementors that had now driven Antreas'first wave back through the primary logic gate of the compound bulwark. Even as the front of this dark violence was cheering for victory, calling for their giants to sunder the great wall protecting the compound, others at the rear were screaming with veneration. The wizards and Centaurs in Harry's second gear undulation cascaded down the mountainside discharge arrows and filling the smoky air with an electrifying display of wand king. while after spell stunned, exploded and slashed their adversaries. Fear was palpable and its essence began to burble its way toward the front. Harry could sense their auras fading against the outpouring. The Dementors could feel it too and they began to have souls indiscriminately. It was Katana who described to Harry how, in some sort of frenzied state they began feeding on the fear of their own warriors. As the frightened minions tried to skin up the opposite word hillside they came face to nerve with the secret giants.

Florge and scrummage rose as if ascending from the stone itself. With nifty throw of their clubs they swatted their foes back into the advancing forcefulness, back into the frantic Dementors, back into a boiling broth of disorder that had now made its way to the presence of the lines.

What at first of all seemed like a rabble of Harry's incline was being flipped upon its question. Centaur arrow were dropping non-wizard vampires from the sky with nearly every attracter of the cosmic string. Emboldened by the winner of the minute undulation, the goodly in Antreas'master copy attacking effect regrouped and began another thrill. Werewolves that had scattered to the versant retreating from their first plan of attack also sensed the change and returned to the affray.

Squeezed on both position and pressed to the bow, Lucius Malfoy's regular army retreated back down the heap. With all the disarray, Harry and many of the others in his 2nd wave found themselves in the center of Malfoy's retreating force. They had essentially split their opposition's military force into two, allowing one half to retreat freely down the sight while trapping the other in a dandy pincher. Harry and his force-out had the humiliated soil while Antreas and the others pressed in from above. What followed was dead destruction.

Rakesh appeared from on high and began to plunk toward the dazed and disordered warriors.

"Back !"cried Harry to the others. He heard similar cries from Antreas and his men further up the mountain. The werewolves did not head the warning."BACK !"Harry yelled again. The decease eater were too distracted trying to palm the attacking lycanthrope and their own crazed Dementors to notice the dragon moving in.

When Harry's men moved away, the imagination of auras cleared and he distinctly noticed three werewolf still tearing at the flesh of their enemies. One of them was Fred Weasley ; Harry could sense his anger, his hatred, his hungriness to ruin.

"FRED !"Harry screamed."GET OUT OF THERE !"But Fred was a werewolf and nothing Harry could do would stop that. Then Igneus appeared on the flank of Rakesh ; both were diving down on their encircled opposition. Soon it would all be over. Harry began to run, not away but toward his Quaker and the havoc of the battle before him. Even as stunners ricocheted off in every direction and Killing nemesis took down one creature after another, Harry ran. He leapt onto the red fur of Fred's back, knocking him to the land.

The werewolf spun, opened his capital jaws and grabbed Harry by the throat. Only the light carapace good luck charm about Harry's face was keeping him from being bitten through, but it wouldn't last long if Fred truly desired profligate. On his spine, his good sense facing forward, he could detect the two behemoth atmosphere of the dragons racing toward them. They had only seconds. Harry held his hands about Fred's cervix, and pressed the inkiness onyx ring against his friend's anatomy.

"Be still,"he ordered."Be still, my friend."

The adhesive friction about Harry's neck loosened slightly and, in that here and now, Harry spun them both to the ground and cast a shield charm. The humans erupted in fire. Screams filled the air only to be silenced an instant later by another eruption of heat and flame. The lycanthrope in Harry's weaponry struggled to break free, but not wholly.

"Get off of me, you bloody half-wit,"Harry heard him howl."I swear I'll gut you !"

"The ring,"Harry thought."I hear him through the ring."
"Fred, listen…"said Harry sharply."detainment still, just one More moment. The heat… the heat will—"The werewolf broke free of Harry's hold and threw himself against the shield appealingness surrounding them. It held from within. Again he charged the shield and this prison term broke through. He yipped as his manus burned against the scorching terra firma, but in a flash he was gone, chasing after the component part of the Army that had fled down the mountainside.

With the shield charm gone, Harry could smell the burning at the stake stench about him. Where seconds before stood dozens of men and fauna, now only three lone sorcerer remained - Death feeder that had seen the dragons in clock time and had shield charms of their own. One, seeing Harry stand in the glowing embers without his shell, released his own protective spell and began to run. He took two whole tone before his feet were in flame. He fell and began to sizzle against the blacken dry land. One of the other end Eaters killed him to put out him from the misery. Harry walked toward the remaining two, the high temperature burning away the dirt that soiled his robes, but leaving the scarlet cloth and his skin unscathed. Somehow being here on the slew, so close to the dragon, had steeled his ability to withstand the heat.

"It's not possible,"said one, the night haired wizard in black robes that had killed his friend.

"motley fool,"spat the other, blonde with robes of glum amobarbital sodium."He's one of them - half-man, half-dragon."

"He's a boy,"said the other.

"If this boy,"said Harry, moving closer,"drib your screen charm right wing now, you'll cook to Death like your friend there."The dark haired Death Eater raised his wand.

"He's blind !"

"Stop it !"said the early."Are you mad ? ! There are scores in the Alfred Hawthorne around us. We haven't a chance."Harry continued to advance.

"The man you serve,"Harry began, now close plenty to tap the shell of the dark haired magician with the tip of his verge,"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 verge began to glow red, sending out a pinprick of light onto the unclouded blue-blooded buckler that surrounded the death eater.

"B-Blonde,"the Death eater stammered, staring intently at the red radiance.

"And his centre ? What colour are his eyes ?"

"There… there red, anathemise it ! He's found a informant of true power, and he'll swat the likes of you from the face of the solid ground. Now get us out of this firing pit !"

"Dakhil !"Harry cried out."Dakhil !"There was a pounce speech sound and the wizard flew down next to Harry on the scorched dry land. He was in lamia variety, the strawman of his robes stained red with blood line that was even now vanishing, burning away from the intense heat.

"Voldemort's awake and he's still in Malfoy,"said Harry with a sentience of importunity in his vocalization 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 wrangle of long, sharp teeth. It was enough to name the death eater next to them throb.

"Very unspoiled, boy,"he hissed with a cryptic scratchy phonation."I will inform Antreas to overstep this absolutely zone, when he is able, and move down. You will need to tell Rakesh and Igneus."

"What about Talisan ?"

"He is well ; do you not smell it ?"And indeed Harry could and, for a bit, 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 nighttime,"cracked Dakhil."Your comet, Ebyrth, will destroy us all."Dakhil took to the sky and faded into the darkness toward the higher parts of the mountain. As the ember cooled, Harry could sense the others from the endorsement wafture moving toward him. They had been victorious, but the numbers… they were one-half of what they'd left the compound with.

The Centaurs stopped outside the anchor ring of acute rut, but Katana walked though it toward Harry.

"What are your orders, Primate ?"she asked. There was a nasty gash on the side of her arm and the position of her aspect looked like it had some hex. Harry moved toward her and bathed her facial expression in blue brightness ; the boils receded.

"When the field cools, Antreas will act down to join us, but we can not wait. We must continue the attack. We are searching for their loss leader, a blonde wizard with red eyes, wearing a gloomy cloak."

"The Dark Lord, I have heard him called."Her voice was calm, almost calculating.

"He's no lord, Katana,"said Harry coolly,"but he will wipe out anything in his path. discourage the others. We head to the wasp's nest and the stinger there will kill."

"And these two ?"she asked, nodding to the expiry eater still desperately trying to maintain their shield charms.

"leave them to Antreas,"Harry said."We can't part with the men."Katana raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. Harry noticed the subtle alteration in her aura."Or women,"Harry corrected with a smiling."Or women."

Before long, Harry's beleaguered forces were well Thomas More than half-way down the mountainside. Soon they would be outside the margin that marked the magical edge of the tartar'ground. During the stallion journey, they had encountered no impedance. All they had found was the occasional fallen sensation or the black cloak of a Dementor ; none alive. Katana and Mikael warned that they should not pass off the margin, that the Dragon would not follow beyond, but Harry already knew that. Rakesh and Igneus, circling above, would only protect the land under their territorial dominion. They would not attack outside it.

"Do you think Voldemort doesn't know that ?"he asked, as they continued to butt down the mountain."If we don't infatuation him now, he'll use the time to rebuild his forces and blast again, more wicked 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 word ?"he asked.

"You were correctly, Chosen,"the Centaur answered."They have a camp just on the other English of the border. There are wounded everywhere, and slews of yelling. They are in a clearing surrounded by with child tree diagram, but the trees… they are not real."

"What ?"

"I have never seen anything like it before. The trees look like trees, but they are not ; they are short, a fabrication. The wolfman are circling, but unwilling to enter."

"A roadblock ?"asked Katana."To protect the camp."

"Maybe,"said Harry,"or something worse. It's always something worse. Shamire, tell the others to be on their safety. The dragons won't fly past the border. It will be up to us to finish the job."As he said these words Harry looked toward the sky and saw the purple puppet circle back, returning to the chemical compound."And Shamire, when you're done, run back and inform Antreas that we can't postponement for him. We have to attack before they've regained their military posture. There's still fear in the air, we have to press the advantage."Shamire nodded and vanished.

Harry and the others arrived outside the clearing. The Centaur had been right ; the large tree bodily structure encircling the clearing were dead. To Harry they appeared like massive steeple of duskiness that shot into the air. Each one was four to five feet across. Harry touched one ; it felt like the trunk of a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, but it was cold, lifeless. Mikael motioned for the others to overspread out and encircle the cantonment. They were outnumbered four to one, but nearly all of their opponent were lame, in litters or minor fingerstall that spread across the unfastened orbit by the oodles. At one end was a large, opprobrious idle words that rose from the Mary Jane to the sky above. Dementors, thought Harry. Could he try the sound of vox, arguing ? Before them was a wizard with an aura more vivid than all the others. Harry knew at once who it was.

"Voldemort,"he whispered.

A few minutes later, Mikael gave the signaling. Harry and many of the others surrounding the camp casting spells to push the massive tree aside. Harry was worried that they might act as an alarm and give away the moment of surprise, but the trees moved. A twelve openings appeared all about the great circle.

The werewolves were the first to leap through. From all directions wizard and centaur poured into the field. pointer, spells and counter-spells streaked across the air. Harry's intellect was focused on one matter - the wizard at the far end of the ingroup surrounded by darkness. Moving closer, he could hear the screams in his mind, but he had learned to control the reverence brought on by the Dementors, to see all emotion if need be. Still, as he approached Lucius Malfoy the more angry he became. The blonde wizard's back was toward Harry ; he was seemingly oblivious to the onrush and still speaking with the iniquity 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 destruction he should hold stopped long ago. He was so pore on killing he barely heard Katana cry out.

"They're Muggles !"Only ten yards away from attacking his detested foe, Harry turned to see what she was talking about.

"These aren't wizards !"she yelled at the people laying in the bedding and cot that filled the field."They're Muggles ; they've been immobilized."

Harry heard a high cold gag from behind just as each tree surrounding the landing field split open air with a great white Light.

"IT'S A TRAP !"Harry cried, but too late. Wizard lamia and Death eater spilled out from the cleft in the trees that had been hiding them. Harry's second Wave, thinking it had its opponent surrounded, now found itself surrounded. The lycanthrope had already started to attack defenceless Muggles, getting them to change by reversal their attention was proving near impossible.

"Now,"hissed Lucius Malfoy. The Dementors that he had held back against the far end of the field were released. Hundreds poured out and over Harry, knocking him over but leaving him alone as they attacked the others. He could accept sworn he heard one of them say,"You're lucky, wizard."He knew that there were far too few Centaur to get them all down.

Harry turned over on his belly and watched as the Light Within of mortal 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 wiseness of Dakhil to bed what to do. Or did he ?

Rubbing the stripe of onyx with his thumb, Harry held out his hand toward a familiar chemical group of werewolf that were unsure who to attack.

"Hear me !"Harry called out. One of the werewolves turned immediately. It was Remus.

"Harry ?"he yelped.

"The Death Eaters by the trees !"yelled Harry. Remus and the radical of lycanthrope turned toward the trees and ran. All that is but one. Fred remained, with middle of fire, looking past Harry to the shadow wizard behind him. He charged.

"Fred, no !"yelled Harry."He'll pop y—"A red stunner came from the slope, slamming the werewolf to the earth."Fred !"

All around Harry's group was falling like stunned pixies, some by red illumination, some by putting surface. Dementors were swirling about as if waiting for the order to suck the souls out of the survivor. Spoils, Harry suspected. Harry looked toward the mountaintop. Where were Antreas'force play ?

"I should sustain waited,"he whispered into the sod.

"It would not consume mattered,"said Malfoy in a mixed richly, stale drawl. Harry spun to drift a patch, but his sceptre was expelled before he could turn around. The next thing he knew he was immobilized, stiff as a board, but well aware of what was happening. He spit. His sassing was working, but try as he might he could not change state his header. He heard Katana screaming in pain in the neck somewhere behind him.

"Isn't it pleasant-tasting, Potter,"Malfoy asked, stepping close. Harry could smell the stench of the wizard approach. He could not see the red eyes burning in their sockets, but he could sense the auras fighting within. Evidently, Malfoy was a bit more difficult to ascertain than young James Chang. He wasn't going down willingly.

"Since I was a little boy, I've always loved that audio, the way it penetrates the ear and rings the soul."

"You have no person, Tom,"snapped Harry."You're a shell, a tierce of what you once were."

"And yet here I am, and there you are. A one-seventh of my power would be enough to destruct you !"spot of spit splattered against Harry's nerve - he felt them. The screen charm protecting his center had been broken. Lucius touched Harry's font.

"A few scars… not too bad. And the eyes… well, one can always find eyes from a will donor."He laughed. Harry could hear the battle raging behind him, but here between the two, sentence seemed to stand still. Malfoy slipped off the dark cloak that had been Voldemort's… the second Horcrux.

"I couldn't possess you before, ceramicist ; some silliness about erotic love. But this…"He stroked the grim material of the cloak."This will change all that. You might say it's everything inside me that was ever trade 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 rotten nut ?"asked Harry dryly."Why put it on me ?"

"Because… with it I can get through you, hold out the good that binds you. With it I can read control of what I once gave you. Since the night I killed your parents my feel, my power has flowed within the very fabric of your being - a one-quarter Horcrux, you might say. I will use it to take utter mastery and when I do I will be all once more. It does become so tiresome always having to agitate the innkeeper. But you, Potter, you are already me."

"You're mistaken, Tom."

"I think not."Lucius sighed. His head turned past tense Harry."Your force are crushed. Once I take your soundbox, I will generate to the lair of Singehorn and put down the only military force that can stand up in my way. With the Draco destroyed, EU will be mine."

"No… don't. I- I-"

"Don't beg, ceramist. It's not how you'll want your last moments on earth to be remembered. Now,"he sighed again,"this won't hurt a bit."

There was a small flutter of intensity in Malfoy's aura. Harry watched as the green evil began to issue out through his rima oris and nose like a cestode being pulled from a intestine. For a moment, the green glow hung in the air as Malfoy fell to the ground.

"Don't do it, Tom."

The jet encircled Harry and penetrated. botheration. The ringlet of Voldemort's essence wrapping itself around Harry's. Squeezing. Probing. Penetrating. Searching. Harry's skull felt as if it might detonate.

Where is it, thrower ? How are you hiding it ?

The curlicue wrapped tighter, the pain became more vivid.

You have the stone… and the ring ! But where is it, that which I truly need ?

"seed closer, Tom… closer."Harry drew in his invader, pulling him nearer to his inner self."tactile property true pain."

Suddenly, Voldemort found that he wasn't in control. The spiral of his essence wrapped ever more tightly about Harry's, but it wasn't at his bidding. Still immobilized, Harry's inward self fought his opposition, while his outward self saw the comer of Antreas'regular army and the retreat of Lucius Malfoy and his follower down the versant. It wasn't much retentive before Voldemort realized that the iniquity with which he had marked Harry was no longer there.

Where is it ? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE ?

"Purity of Light Within. honey harbours no enemy. wizard these teaching, Tom and be cleansed !"Somehow, Harry was drawing power from the good of the gown surrounding him. scenery of laughter, warm laughter from a little boy flashed across his mind. The purity, the good was too a lot for Voldemort to bear.

This is not possible !
"But it is, Tom. I've been cleansed. Your exponent over me, our oneness is no longer."

The scene in Harry's mind showed a low baby being born. The mother, near death, held the child in her shaking weaponry, smiled warmly and kissed his forehead. Seeing this expression of dear, Harry's thinking betrayed him.

A boy ? You have a boy ? Try as Harry might to stop them, the coils around his essence released. He could finger Voldemort vanish from his physical structure.

"No !"Harry yelled as he fell limp to the terra firma. Before the darkness came, he watched as the common cloud of mist disappeared into the forest in search of yet another torso to possess - Harry's son.


Harry potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 20 - consequence
~~~***~~~

She was laughing at him - a joyous, playful laugh that was one office teasing, one portion wittiness, and all of it provocative. It was the kind of joke that makes a untested man smile back even when he doesn't want to, the kind of laugh that makes the tips of the auricle turn red, the nerve flush, and that short spot, somewhere near the breadbasket, wrench into a tiny naut mi wondering if maybe… maybe tonight…. It was the kind of jest that made Harry remember why he had loved her, why he had—

He was laughing at him - a giggly, ungoverned jape, as he jumped all about in the marvellous green grass beneath a exonerate blue sky and a brilliant yellowness sun. It was the kind of laugh that made one lack to express mirth along, to dance and play. The variety of laugh that said,"I love you Dad !"and brought Harry to his knees for a hug and a buss.

They were, all of them, barefoot, running and playing in the summer's hotness, splashing through the cool watercourse that wound its way about the top of the meadow. Faster ! profligate ! They ran, giggling, to where the hill turned sharply down, stopped and looked over the sharpness - a smooth grassy incline that plunged perhaps 20 metre before it flattened out into another meadow bursting with golden flower.

Jamie dropped to the land stretched his branch heterosexual person and pulled his paw in last to his breast. curl with me, daddy ! I'll race you down ! Harry grinned and fell to the smoke. He'd seen nipper roll in the theater about Hogwarts, but never had tried it himself. As a child in Little Whinging he never had the chance to do anything open air, especially if it might consume been enjoyable. He pulled in his arms and began to roll up.

The tall grass was balmy and whisked at his face with each spin, round and unit of ammunition, down the hill. He could hear Jamie laughing, brassy and more unruly than ever before. With a newsflash and a spin, Harry glanced at his son, seeing joy and happiness, a smile that would melt the coolest of kernel, and… red eyes.

Harry spun once round and looked again. The boy's laughter grew to a greater extent shrill, gamey and frigid, but the human face looked flattened, snakelike. He tried to reach out, to stop himself from spinning, but his arms wouldn't move. They were pinned to his chest as tightly as his pegleg were held straight. Faster, papa, Faster !

It was as if a giant Hydra had wrapped itself about Harry's stallion body ; its enormous spiral constricting as he continued to roll, spinning uncontrollably down a hill that had no end. The gage was whipping at his face, tearing at his eye. He tried, but he could no longer see his son. But the high, coldness voice remained. Are you dizzy, Daddy ? The sky had grown iniquity and cold and the world shuddered as the earth beneath Harry gave way, and he began to plummet downward into the abyss.

He woke, each turning point of the way spinning about in a different direction. His sleeve flung out as he grabbed handle of the linen covering his bed, clutching them for dear life story, trying to steady himself and regain a sense that he was no longer falling, no longer trapped in the incubus - the foremost he'd had of Voldemort since finally year. Still, clinging to his bed as if it were a individual board in an out-of-doors ocean, everything twisted, tumbling this way and that. He… he couldn't assistant it. His venter turning in knots, he retched out onto his bed, onto the wall, onto the floor.

"Merlin, Harry !"

His body began to shake, and the nausea swelled up once more exploding out of him. He wanted to tolerate, to agree on to something more tangible than a thin bed pad, but he couldn't ; he was so weak he could barely lift his coat of arms enough to grow his head to one position. It was worse than his hangover after Duncan's final stage company in Little Whinging.

"The potion, by the bed, see if you can get him to take a swallow."

A hand reached out… a blue devil vile. Harry recoiled.

"ejaculate on, better half, just one deglutition. Marek knows what he's talking about."

"F-Fred ?"Harry asked weakly. The redheaded wizard, standing in presence of him, pulled his baton and cleaned the bed and the base with a moving-picture show of his wrist joint.

"Damn, Harry, when will you learn that I am so a lot better looking than my furry brother ? Besides… he drools."

"George ?"

"Spot on, now take a swig."

Harry turned his headway and let George IV pour the down in the mouth liquidness into his mouth. He swallowed, and almost immediately the nausea passed. Remnants of the weakness wracking his body still remained.

"punter ?"

Harry looked up at George and found a big, toothy smiling. He looked over to the corner of the way and found Marek, standing near a small wooden desk, smiling. Beside him, hanging from the bulwark was a black cloak - Voldemort's cloak.

"Bad dream ?"Marek asked.

"Something like that. I thought—"

He could see Marek smiling at him. He could see Saint George's red hair. blink, Harry reached up toward his eye.

"Oh, no,"said Marek, gently holding Harry's arm."Best not to touch for a few days. I expected you would experience somewhat disorient once you could see a bit, but I never thought it would be that extreme."Harry was silent, looking about the room - the sheets were white, stained with splotches of dried blood, and there was the wooden board in the far nook. He'd sensed that before, before the battle, but never noticed the carving on its forepart face - a Draco gilded in gold.

"well, go on. What do you see ? blur ? persona ? Flashes of nighttime and light ?"

"I… I see everything. You… you are George V. I thought maybe Fred… Fred ! Is he okay ? Is he— ?"

"He's getting his matter together right now,"interrupted George."We need to get him home. I think you know why."Harry simply nodded."The boys about here say you had a pretty hefty hand in seeing my crony to guard, the bullet-headed brute."The flap on the threshold flew open and in walk George's twin.

"Pigheaded ?"he squealed."I'm not pigheaded ! I eat pig-heads for snacks. Now you, dear brother… yes, just looking at your face make's me salivate."Fred started to lay down overlapping audio as he stepped airless to George. Harry wanted to smile, but he couldn't. His optic were scratchy and his vision began to blear - not because of any relapse, but because of the tears beginning to well within them. He did indeed cognize why George had come to fetch his blood brother : their female parent's funeral.

"So, where's Charlie ?"Fred asked."I thought he was going to convey the portkey and arrest in on the dragons."

"Probably met some German witch in a pub on his way over here,"answered George II.

"I think his tastes lean more… French, don't you ?"

"Oooh, la, la."

There was a brief silence, and then Harry swallowed strong and asked,"How'd I get here ?"

"You don't remember ?"asked Marek. Harry shook his head."Well, the way Antreas described it, after he and his military force arrived at the clearing, the foeman began to run. It was as if someone simply popped a balloon. Whatever bluster the foeman had, whatever drove them to snipe, disappeared.

"You began to heal the injured, Muggle and necromancer alike. Igneus saw that the battle was over and landed on the field, catch one's breath fire into that stone of yours and you began to heal like a madman. There were thirty near last, 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 clean you were using up your own life-time force. You'd have both been dead."An ikon of Mikael's side flashed across Harry's nous and along with it a computer memory of frustration. He had to use his own life get-up-and-go, not that of the stone. The gemstone's power may not be used for members of the Votary. It is forbidden. Harry could remember reaching further and further to find Mikael's sprightliness force, but it had passed into the next plane. He'd paused between those two planes, wondering if perhaps he could run beyond and still bring him back. You can't bring back the dead. It was the last affair 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 William Tell time ? By what meal it is ?"

"Yeah, pretty much,"said George. This was followed by an cumbersome silence. There was now one less Weasley and, at to the lowest degree in Harry's intellect, it was all Harry's fracture. He wanted to tell them how it happened, but he couldn't find the words. Marek broke the stillness.

"Word of the battle got out as soon as the cloud of Dementors lifted,"he said."The minister 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 condition to climb down the great deal to where he could Apparate."

"A bit of a doctor's over shelter I'd say,"chimed in Fred.

"So George V and Charlie were to come with a portkey and retrieve their brother."

"And in all money plant,"added George, seemingly concerned,"he shouldn't have been that far behind me. He said he was going to take concern of a few things with dad."

"fountainhead he's not much of a mounter,"said Fred."Now if there was a demoiselle in distress here at the chemical compound, maybe then—"Again, the front flapping of the tent flew open ; it was Charlie.

"Geesh,"he said with a winded pant."There you are."His font was flush and sweat was dripping from his brow."I didn't see you the whole way up. I was only a few minutes behind. Why didn't you wait ?"he asked George, and then his eyes narrowed."You don't seem too winded for having just climbed an hour."Saint George bore a mock look of surprise, which instantly drew a scowl on Charlie's facial expression ; he knew a rat when he saw his brother."There's no WAY you Apparated here ; it can't be done."

"OH ! That's right,"George said."We were going to boost together from the downhearted perimeter. I… I guess I forgot."St. George stood, reaching to the recess behind him and grabbing his broom."I thought it might be easier if I just flew up."Charlie looked like he was ready to explode."Sorry, I didn't think you might want to hitch a ride."

"Why you little—"

"Now, I'll have none of that in here,"interrupted Marek. Charlie stopped and pulled his wand back, giving Marek a courteous, flying nod of the school principal.

"Right, sir."Regaining his composure, the older Weasley wiped his forehead, but still gave George a facial expression of pure fervency. Then his heart fell on Harry who immediately looked away.

"Hi, Harry,"said the elder Weasley."Good to see you're well."Harry said nil in return. He was afraid that if he spoke it would all drip out in a blubbering mess.

"Ghent,"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's gaze.

"Yeah,"Harry answered quietly with a thin sigh,"a bit better."Charlie pulled up a death chair next to Harry's bed.

"Once I get Fred back, there's going to be a service for Mum - with full phase of the moon Ministerial pageantry. Dad never wanted to be Minister ; 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 I wiped his eye with his sleeve and took a deep breath."There's… there's a portion of Dad that doesn't want you within ten klick of him…"Harry nodded that he understood,"…and a part of him that wants to hold you closer than the rest of us."Harry looked up and George V took his hired man ; both their heart were wet."Harry, you're a extremity of the family. You were as much a son to Mum as I was and we want you at the service."

"We ?"asked Harry pointedly, but Charlie dodged the enquiry.

"feel, if Marek says you're well enough, will you come with us ? The portkey can call for us all."Harry shook his oral sex.

"I… I don't think that—"

"tinker's dam it, Harry ! Don't be as unregenerate as… just say yes. We'll material body out the rest later."

Harry looked up into Charlie's eyes and saw the heartfelt sincerity there. Since his chance event on the pitching, he'd missed that ability, the ability to appear into the Windows of a wizard's soul and know if the Holy Writ and the emotions matched. Reading auras he could discern, to some extent, truth from lie, but the pernicious subtlety of desire, the intricate convention of joy and sorrowfulness, those were hidden in the eyes. He could see them all playing about Charlie's expression and knew that he should join them.

He was about to say he'd go when he remembered the battle, the leafy vegetable fastball, 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 France ? Charlie continued.

"I just saw her this daybreak with Antonius Goldstein at St. Mungo's."

"Anthony ? Is he— ?"

"He's fine. He's in the same elbow room with Ron. Ron should be released today and from there we can Apparate to the Borough. Anthony should get out in a few years, hopefully before Christmas."Charlie continued to sit as Harry sat up with some urgency and put his peg over the edge of the bed. Charlie smiled."Cho was holding a baby boy. I guess the two of them… well, you know."

"Yeah, I know,"said Harry standing up and slowly walking over to his apparel that were folded on the mesa.

"Then we're on ?"asked Charlie.

"We're on."

Harry dressed and then folded the black cloak over his arm, as the two went out into the heavy cavern. Harry had expected to see it filled with injure, but there were only a handful of wizards and the few of them were simply standing about talking. Katana was speaking with Antreas and former fellow member of the Votary. Visually, she was more striking than ever. Dakhil, however, was no where to be found. When she saw Harry, she walked over to greet him. She put her coat of arms around him and pulled him close with a hug that nearly broke Harry's back.

"wellspring done,"she said simply."I now understand."Just as she let go, Antreas who was only a few paces behind her bosom Harry about the shoulder joint, thankfully less forcefully.

"How is Singehorn ?"Harry asked."And Talisan ?"

"fine,"Antreas said with a grin."They are both fine. Singehorn is finally well enough and began his journey to the East this dayspring. animal around the world, not just Dementors and centaur, are using the comeback of Ebyrth to stir up old hatreds. The war it seems is spreading, and the old tie-in must be rekindled among the Dragon families."

"And Dakhil ?"

"Resting. For the commencement time in days the sun is shining brightly. We are, all of us, somewhat tired."

"Just one to a greater extent thing left to do,"said Harry."I need this stored in the rookery, against the west bulwark where it will be safe."

"The rookery ?"Antreas asked as Harry handed him the cloak.

"Conceal it near the street corner to look like the enceinte shameful granite stone."

"I know the one, but—"

"It's crucial that it stay safe, that it ride out hidden. The dragons will guard the rookery until the end of their fire fails. And Antreas… don't Tell Dakhil."Antreas folded the cloak about his own arm and nodded although his eyebrow was furrowed.

"Very well, hierarch,"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 fight to be won."A grin split across Antreas'face.

"Perhaps you face one with my babe for risking your cervix again."

"And yours,"added Harry with his own smiling.

"It is good to see the gleaming in your eyes once more."Antreas stepped closer and put his arm about Harry."I have to say that your healing oeuvre was marvellous at the base of the mountain, choosing to heal all rather than just your own soldiers. female parent was correct to confer upon you the stone. Your passion for life… well, it was something my begetter was once known for ; he would have been proud. And if one day the whizz so take, I can think of no other that I would rather call brother."He smiled as Harry's face reddened.

"well,"said Charlie,"the family's growing enceinte by the minute."He called for Fred and George V to come over as he pulled out a bag that held the portkey, an old leather football that had deflated. Before they all took time lag 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 seeing back, but before he could regret it too practically it was over. They landed with a thud on a dark marble floor veined with flecks of gold ; Harry had come to disdain that Isidor Feinstein Stone. Harry fell to one stifle while the others remained on their feet.

"Thank Merlin ! I was beginning to worry. Is he… Harry !"

Harry looked up to find Hermione looking back at him.

"Your eyes !"she exclaimed."You can… can you ?"Harry nodded as he stood up. Hermione wrapped her arms about him in a capital hug, a sad chuckle whispered across his ear."The darkness and the light. Oh, Harry, it's been madness."

"What do you mean ?"

"He's got genus Draco locked in the Ministry, and he aims to see him tried for the murder of his wife."

"That's ridiculous ! 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 recall properly. Maybe with time we could change his mind, but Draco's confessed."

"Confessed ? Confessed to what ?"

"To killing Mrs. Weasley,"Hermione said miserably. The three Weasley brothers came over to console Hermione.

"It's alright, Hermione,"said George,"They'll straighten it all out in the trial."

"What trial ?"snapped Fred."The ferret out confessed."

"Dragon didn't kill anybody !"yelled Harry."I was there, remember ?"His mind moved back to the scene and his voice grew placidity."Her hands… her paw were on my shoulders."He reached up as if grasping for the remembering of her touch."I tried to remain firm in metre, to shield her with my body, but… she tried to save me."Harry smiled sadly in warm admiration."I felt her last breath against my cheek and she died in my subdivision, crumpling to the floor."Harry began to thrill."genus Draco didn't raise his wand against a soul.

"Voldemort killed your mum,"he said, looking directly at Fred,"and saying it was Dragon is an abomination to her retentivity. Molly Weasley could eat the the likes of of Draco Malfoy for lunch and spit him out before supper. I've never seen a woman use a wand the way… the way…"He couldn't last.

"Harry,"whispered Hermione,"it gets spoiled. I need you to do over here and sit down."Harry hesitated."Please ?"George slapped Harry on the shoulder.

"Go on,"he said, giving Harry a slim push button."We want to hear this too."Harry acquiesced and sat future to Hermione on a wooden bench. She took him by the hands. In the corridor just outside the Welcoming Hall, wizards and healer were walking to and fro. Some recognize each other with squeeze of joy, others with weeping of sorrow. Here death and animation battled daily with one another, a soft symmetry that had been tossed on its heading upon the return of the shadow lord.

"Now, try to stay calm."Her watchword were anything but calming.

"Yesterday, Cho came with the child 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 decently away. She's still here ?"Hermione nodded, gripping Harry's hands a bit more tightly. Fred, George and Charlie were trying to take 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 least recognize your whereabouts. Only, the matter is, Gabriella never showed. She hasn't been seen since she left Cho and Anthony's house in La Mure."Harry moved to remain firm, but Hermione held firmly to his hands.

"We just got word of honor about an hour ago,"she continued."Lucius Malfoy's men discovered she was your girlfriend and they thought she might buy some leverage. They've taken her and are holding her hostage."

"Where ? What do they require ?"Harry's words were acuate, tense.

"We don't know where yet,"replied Hermione,"but we do know what they want."She paused.

"wellspring, what is it ?"asked Harry."render it to them !"

"They want genus Draco Malfoy."Harry laughed, as a wave of relief passed over him.

"That's easy. He's inexperienced person. Just let him go."

"He's confessed to murdering the Minister's wife."

"This is insane !"

"Dumbledore was here a little patch ago,"she said."He met Mr. Weasley in Ron and Anthony's hospital room. I don't have it away how, but I think he's convinced Mr. Weasley to go ahead with the exchange."

"Then why haven't they— ?"

"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 kind of drug allowance. It won't work."She took a thick hint.

"Then wrap his derriere up and send 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 side, or… or…"If Voldemort thought that Dragon had set him up, convincing him he needed a third 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 opening that Draco might actually be in trouble.

"He demands to see you."