Harry potter and The Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 6 - Too Close an coming upon

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When Harry shut the doorway to his room and descended the stairs he was, perhaps, the happiest he had ever been in all his life. The sun sent golden rays streaking through the coloured windows above and cast a golden paradigm on the floor below, tinged with adequate red to work Harry think fleetingly of Fawkes. His fuzz a tangled mess, he was wearing a tee shirt, boxers and wind cone, one with a rather boastfully hole through which the great toe on his right foot protruded. He scratched his stomach as his poke took in the smell of something that resembled the smell of burning ham. He took one footprint down and turned to take care back at his room. His way ? His household ? No, not really. Not anymore. And he was grateful for that and smiled all the more as the odour of fresh java filled the air, perhaps the only thing Sothis could prepare properly.

When he pushed open the doors to the kitchen of phone number dozen, Grimmauld seat, he found Sirius working feverishly in strawman of the stove. His verge was casting spell after spell, not so much at the food for thought readying, but in an effort to sack up the sess that was billowing throughout. Harry walked over and turned down the flaming with a wave of his hand.

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

"No, really, I wanted to cook you breakfast. You know, first base day of schooltime and all."He cracked an egg and put both liquid and shell in the like bowl and started mixing it with his wand. Harry chuckled kindly and didder his head in skepticism. It was great being free of Privet Drive, to be here with his godfather, to feel wanted and appreciated. It was probably the outset clip he had ever opened a computer software of bacon for breakfast without a sour taste in his oral cavity. He gave Sirius a look that said,"Get real,"and then positioned himself squarely in front of the stove.

"I'm not bad at this,"offered Harry, cracking four egg at once into a bowl and discarding the shells with a flick of his sceptre. Sirius shrugged and started to sit, but Harry stopped him."Oh no you don't. You need to see how this is done, and when I come back for Christmastide it'll be your turn."Dog Star seemed to like the challenge, and the mind that he would be spending Christmas with Harry.

"You know,"said Dog Star pouring two cup of coffee,"I hear New York is striking at Noel time. Have you ever been to the province ?"Harry throw off his head."Maybe we could go for a quick visit."

"I promised Gabri—"

"sojourn,"Sirius cut in."That's all. Maybe Gab can come in along."

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

"Or if the war's over by then,"suggested Dog Star with Thomas More optimism. Harry nodded plating the food and levitating the plates to the table.

Dog Star ate like a dog and finished in about three minutes. Harry was more pensive, and while he did finish, it took him much longer. The decent matter about being of age was that he didn't have to take the air or pack a car to go to King's Cross station. For that matter, he didn't need to go to King's hybridizing at all ; he could Apparate to Hogsmeade and walk in from there. Only the Head Boy and head teacher Girl had to choose the gearing with their housemates, and this year the Head girlfriend was none other than Hermione Granger. Odd, Harry thought, considering she'd nearly killed Theodore Nott stopping point class. He smiled and took another sip of coffee. Hermione didn't know who the Head Boy was, but it wasn't Ron. Still, the redheaded woodpecker and his girlfriend were inseparable and so Harry would be travelling too. When Harry told Gabriella he would be going to Hogwarts by train, her human face fell momentarily and grew concerned.

"Then I go as well,"she declared, and she began to shiver slightly. The thought sent a frigidity shiver down Harry's spine as the warm umber slipped down his throat.

"Any more Roger Bacon ?"asked Sirius rummaging through the crusted goat god about the stove.

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

Sirius poked at it a few time, and then finally took a bit. His nerve took on a slight bitterness timbre as it scrunched ever so slightly, then he took another raciness, shrugging his shoulders. His teeth and tongue covered in wood coal he said,"You'd better get ready. Is your trunk packed ?"He glanced at the hourglass on the counter.

"Er… yeah,"Harry lied."Just a few more things."He levitated his plate to the sink which was piled high with sess and genus Pan from the last few Clarence Day."Do you want me to remove aid of these before I—"

"I'll take tutelage of it,"Canicula lied."Go get yourself ready."Harry shrugged and nodded his forefront, and started up the stair, once again scratching his stomach and knowing replete fountainhead it would be days, perhaps weeks, before the sink was cleared.

It was foreign really, getting make for his in conclusion twelvemonth at Hogwarts. So often he was rushed in the fuss and flurry of the Weasley crime syndicate. This twelvemonth, however, Harry wanted to be with his own family — Canicula lightlessness. And it was the dear decision he'd ever made. It had only been a few Day, but in that suddenly prison term Sirius and Harry did absolutely… aught. There were opportunity to talk about the old twenty-four hours when Sirius palled around with James ; there were opportunity to pattern in advance spells or acquire the operation of some of the golden official document that still lined the walls in the Joseph Black family study ; there were times when they could own discussed how Harry brought Dog Star back from behind the curtain ; and at every turn, at every open threshold, Harry and Canicula simply took the prison term to enjoy each other in the here and now. They played chess ; the spiel carte du jour ; they raced Caduceuses across the John Griffith Chaney sky at Nox ; they drank, probably too much ; and they laughed more than they had laughed in a longsighted, hanker metre. Sothis'centre had never been brighter, and Harry's heart had never been lighter.

This metre when Harry readied himself at the front door to leave, there was no dark cloud hanging over their heads, but rather an eagre hullabaloo about the class to amount and what it would bring. They drew intensity from each early knowing that whatever war was around the corner, whatever iniquity rose on the horizon, they would face it together. For a consequence they just stared at each other and around the room.

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

"I'll… I'll owl you when I get in,"replied Harry. Sirius nodded. Silence."right wing, then."There was another long pause."Bloody hell,"Harry cursed and he walked over and pulled Canicula to him tightly with a gilded hug. Canicula responded in kind.

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

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

He Apparated to an out of the way localisation just down the street from King's crown of thorns station and began walking. The tardy morning was authorise, and he was surprised to witness the air so frigidity. He'd been spending so often time inside with Canicula he hadn't thought much about the weather condition. 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 subdivision, and continued on his way. He was coming to the starting time steps of the place when a beggar boldly stepped in front end of him demanding a donation. Wearing a good three solar day'straw, his dress were lousy, and his breathing place smelled strongly of alcohol.

"Come on, spouse,"he wheezed."Just a lb fer me stipulation. I ain't eatin'in days."

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

"Surely a schilling ?"

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

"I can take heed the jingle in yer gasp, boy !"It was true that Harry had a few galleons in his pocket, but no Muggle money of any sorting. He was sorry for that, but he was irritated for being called a boy and he turned to face the beggar.

"Call me a boy again, and you—"

"You'll what !"spat the sot, stepping toe-to-toe with Harry. The muckle was a bit comical since Harry was not the small child he once was. Indeed he was a lather young man, and he stood a ripe four inch taller than his adversary. Curling the digit on his aright manus, he was about to say just what he'd do when a intimate tingle ran up his spine. He grabbed for his wand, but too late. Or at least it would birth been if he had been the prey. The drunk stood motionless, center 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 Edward Young man not much previous than Harry."I… er… I wasn't paying tending. Won't happen again, I promise."

The man, still in his teens, wore a benighted grey suit with thin blue angel pipe, a Bourgogne tie and white shirt. The dark trash reminded Harry of old James Bond flick, but the Theodore Harold White lawn tennis shoes with red laces told Harry at once he was dealing with a wizard. Then he noticed the shape of the jaw, the voice, but the hair—

"Finnius ?"Harry asked, wondering if he was talking to the former top dog Boy of Hufflepuff who at graduation had a jump at a face fungus and hair's-breadth that hung down to his waist."I thought you were going to set off a band ? The… er, The Grindly Gutters ?"

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

"Why ? What's the matter ?"

"Well… see, I'm supposed to—"

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

Finnius pulled Harry by the arm just as the drunk began to come to his senses. Quickly, they climbed the steps and found themselves in a sea of people heading to their platforms at King's mark. sweat was popping out on Finnius'forehead 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 mass of things."

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

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

Harry didn't see, and he was getting a bit roiled. He yanked his arm out of Finnius'hold."What do you have in mind she's in hospital ? What's haywire ?"Finnius looked away from Harry's intense gaze.

"Ah, here we are."They were at the platform."Just in sentence too !"Before Harry could say another word, Finnius gave him a bit of a shove and he plunged through the wall and found himself on the other incline standing just in straw man of the Hogwarts express mail. Harry dropped his trunk, reached for his wand and started back toward the wall when he was tackled from the side. The flash bulb of raven black hair in his typeface told him at once it was Gabriella.

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

The frustration on Harry's face was crystallise ; he was about to load back out when his middle caught something he had never before seen : Neville Longbottom was hugging his parents, Frank and Alice, good-bye. Alice held his font in her bridge player and planted a big wet kiss on his cheek. They were all smiling as Neville wiped it with his sleeve. Then Frank Longbottom handed his son something and, as Neville wrapped his fingers about the physical object, a more life-threatening look came into his heart. His dad slapped him on the berm and a fragile smile appeared again as Neville boarded the train.

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

Harry looked at Gabriella, then at the bulwark behind, and back to the geartrain, then back to the wall."Come on, let's—"

"ALL ABOARD !"the conductor called.

"Dean said he'd save us a spot,"said Gabriella, taking hold of Harry's hand. Harry took one last-place look at the paries behind them, and then the two boarded the train. The corridor was crowded with educatee, particularly 1st years who were completely confused. What was detectable, however, was that the normal demarcation of sign of the zodiac zones seemed to be somewhat glaze over. There were Slytherins purposefully mixing in with Ravenclaws near the front of the train, and a group of 3rd year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors in another stroller playing snap. A few gondola down Harry just caught a glimpse of someone in Gryffindor rob disappearing into a carriage and so he and Gabriella followed. He pushed open the carriage door only to take the air in on Neville and Helen of Troy kissing ; a afters fragrance filling the air.

"Oh,"said Harry."Sorry."Neville had Helen up against the wall and there was some sort of vine with delicate pink flowers 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 concluding saw him which was only a few weeks ago spoke through a beaming smile.

"Yeah, he's up forward."Then, with a confident flick of his baton Neville shut the doorway in Harry's typeface, following that with a charm that sealed it tight. Gabriella just raised her brow 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 carriage when the blink of an eye of red hair caught Harry's eye. It was Ron, and he was bickering with Hermione. The trading floor of the carriage they were in was littered with apparel, books and respective things Harry knew to be Ron's, most notably by the overabundance of socks.

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

"Is that a scourge ?"shaft back Ron, holding both hands on his hips and kicking at the mess of dress on the flooring. Gabriella walked in first.

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

"No, nothing's wrong,"snapped Ron immediately."Er… hey, first mate !"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…"

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

"Hermione,"said Gabriella with a tone that Harry had come to lie with all too well, and yet was still new to Hermione."Perhaps one of my Slytherin housemates is playing a illusion, most likely teddy. Would you link up me and perhaps together we can work this little problem."Knowing Hermione's temperament toward Nott, Harry wondered if it was a wise estimate to put the two in snug proximity, but Gabriella may stimulate been on to something. Certainly Nott would have the motivating to deplume 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 expression at Ron before she left and said,"And don't you stop looking !"The moment the girls departed, Ron flopped down on the bearing work bench and blew the hairsbreadth out of his eyes.

"Bloody hell."

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

"expression at us, Harry,"said Ron with a whimsical facial expression on his face, tinged with a bit of moroseness."We were here six eld ago, you and me. Do you remember ?"

There was a moment of secrecy as Harry watched the countryside slip by. It wasn't the same geartrain as six eld ago, but it might as well have been.

"Yeah,"said Harry, almost in a rustle as he nodded his chief,"I remember."

"matter 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 Potter, The Boy Who Lived, and I was Ron Weasley with a smudge of grease on my nose."

"That's not—"

"Now we're both of age and you're Harry potter, defender, defender and Emissary, the wizard that destroyed Voldemort and brought peace treaty with the giants, and I'm Ron Weasley the kid that can't get his BLOODY WAND !"At the last Son he stood up, kicked at the wall, and put his boot all the way through.

Harry was trying to muster something to say when the threshold began to unfold. Angry, Ron instinctively reached for his wand to mosh the doorway shut, but it wasn't there. He growled like a social lion and was about to physically bang the door shut when Patrick O'Riley, now in his second year, poked his mind through.

"Was that you, Ron ?"asked Patrick brightly, nodding his head toward the cakehole 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—"

"Patrick,"cut in Ron, doing his best to persist becalm,"we don't have sentence to—"

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

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

"Oh, I didn't,"said Patrick,"James I 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 OK, 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 Changs all summertime and was wondering how Cho was doing."At these Good Book, St. 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 start Gryffindor this twelvemonth. He knows he can pick whatever mansion 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 dorsum 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 solid ground would anybody prefer Slytherin over Gryffindor ? Everyone knows they're cypher but a cluster of—"

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

"Er…."

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

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

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

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

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

"No, James Chang Jiang found it,"said Harry."Patrick only returned it. Did he recite you that James has decided to go with Slytherin this yr ?"

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

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

"Oh, don't be pathetic,"said Hermione, slapping his hand. Then she turned to Harry, trying operose to snub the wad on the floor."So how's Sirius doing at Grimmauld Place ?"

The time of day passed quickly as dejeuner came and the late afternoon brought drooping lid to everyone. Dean never made his way back to the carriage, and they never endeavoured to move further up the gear. They were all nodding off to log Z's when the train began to slow.

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

"No,"said Hermione with a bit of worry."It's too early."They all noticed the last Book leave her rim 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 make. The duskiness outside the train filled with flashes of twinkle. Ministry guards had moved out to run across the onslaught which was centred toward the front of the train. Incantations filled the air as Patronus after Patronus was being sent out against the attacking Dementors. There were screams all up and down the corridors, mostly from the youngest students.

"Ron,"said Hermione with a commanding voice."Help me assemble the first years."Ron was up in a photoflash, and a moment later his voice was barking orders down the corridor for everyone to remain composure, calling for the first-class honours degree old age to rally at the cookhouse. educatee began to move 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 spell at the glass, protecting it from onslaught, just as other windowpane began to shatter about the train.

"wellspring they're about to find me !"shot 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 train as a—"The train lurched forward causing collective screams all up and down the corridor. Then it began to move -- chug… choo-choo… chug… choo-choo… She was quickly gathering speed. There was another flurry of bright E. B. White flashes of unclouded dramatis personae against the darkness, and the afternoon light suddenly reappeared and the warmth returned. Everyone cheered as the veil of duskiness became nothing Sir Thomas More than a dark swarm on the horizon behind the train.

A look of relief spreading across Gabriella's face, but darkness still remained in Harry's optic as he reached and grabbed the wrist joint of the hand that was holding his arm. Slowly, but firmly he pulled her hand away, and looked at her with a very grim expression. She sensed his emotions before he said the Book and she didn't like what she was feeling. Finally, he spoke in a stern and heated voice.

"Don't EVER do that again."

"But—"

There was a scream that Harry knew at once to be Ginny's. In a flash he was out the door and down the corridor, only a stride ahead of Neville Longbottom, and two pace behind Ron. Ginny was on her stifle in the pushchair, 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 electric chair, but looking out the window at the rural setting running past. It was Gabriella who noticed first.

"Oh, no,"she whispered, stepping past Harry and turning doyen to face them all. There was a corporate gasp. Still breathing, his eyes were dummy, his grimace sunken, and his skin almost pale. He gave them no reaction at all. Ginny stood up and wrapped him in her blazonry, rocking him back and Forth. On her finger was the call Dean had given her the class before. The firestone with which it was set had lost its brilliant glow, its fire, its passion extinguished.

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




Harry thrower and the Burden of Becoming

Chapter 7 - The Lost psyche

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Harry clenched his fists and spat,"fucking war."other than that, only the rumbling of the power train and the tip whistling through the shattered window accompanied Ginny's sobs. He stepped adjacent to Gabriella and watched helplessly as Ginny, a soul mate if ever he had one, rocked back and forth with James Byron Dean in her arms. Dean, breathing but lifeless, made no response. He might as well be a corpse - he'd be sound off. Harry felt the passion building within, but something was tempering it, something was focusing it. He gazed into nothingness as smoke streamed by the broken windowpane and a teardrop tracked down his cheek.

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

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

"It won't do any good,"thought Harry to himself, reaching for his sceptre and then nervously fiddling it with his fingers. Then, out loud, he whispered,"He's gone."The cult roiled in his mind as he watched the green hills roll by - a pic perfect day. Finally, his mind found its clarity."This was by forgiveness,"he thought to himself and his paw clenched tightly about his wand as he pulled it to the make."I'll kill them ! I'll kill them all !"He would Apparate back down the tracks and destroy every Dementor that moved. He began the wrist movement when Gabriella grabbed his arm. His centre bourgeon ardor into hers."I told you—"he began.

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

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

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

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

Wands began to come along from everyone.

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

Harry's mind began to race ; there was no time for this. The stone ? Was she talking about the endocarp ? Certainly she didn't mean that he could heal James Dean's soul using the rock."I don't have time—"

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

Voices ? voice ! She couldn't be severe. She had wanted to work with him on the voices, the gifts of those who had touched him at the Joining, but he chose instead to drop his time with Sothis. All those present at the Joining on Singehorn's mass were, in various ways, a part of him now. They had shared of themselves freely, but there were so many he couldn't assort them out and time was dripping through his fingerbreadth.

"I can't."

"You must."

For a import, as more part clambered about the corridor for a counterattack on the Dementors, he tried to reach down deep inside, calling to those who had shared of themselves, scanning through countless retentiveness, snippet of pictures that spanned C.

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

"cum on, Harry ! Let's kill them !"person called from buns. It was Anthony Goldstein. Very well said, thought Harry, but Anthony's Patronus would be lucky to push away a one Dementor let alone dozens. Unfortunately, before Harry could say another Book, Anthony gave Harry the most peculiar face and shouted,"For our syndicate, mate !"There was a pop and Goldstein was gone. It was followed by another pop and another pushover. elderly pupil were Disapparating from everywhere.

"wait ! closure"Harry yelled."You're… you're not ready !"

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

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

"Coldness. Emptiness,"she whispered."The olfaction of decay, of death."

Images filled Harry's mind. paradigm of what was, what is, what might be. He saw Dakhil, a much young looking Dakhil, blood dripping from the niche of his mouth ; he saw himself hanging from the window on Privet Drive, an odd lambency surrounding his half-naked physical structure ; he saw Grigor looking cruel and defiant ; he saw the low temperature dead body of Antreas, stab injury covering every inch of his bare chest ; death, and then he saw them.

It was dark and the exclusively sound, beyond a lone scream in the darkness, was the gravelly breath of the oncoming Dementor. Just a few groundwork away, a untried girl was cowering beneath the mask digit. Just to her left hand was a man, somewhere in his late twenties, a dragon emblazoned on his right forearm. Ignoring the man, the Dementor pulled back his hood revealing its skull-like masque of horror, a enceinte hole where perhaps a mouth should be. The vision seemed so real number Harry tried to hand for his baton, but found his arms shackled to a stone wall.

The lady friend screamed as the Dementor drew in its breathing place in a great wheeze. Another scream… another wheeze. On the third base wheeze, the little girl made no speech sound ; her dull eyes opened, staring blankly up at her attacker. It was then, as if empowered with a s sight, Harry saw it : the glow. He watched the faint golden white light being pulled into the fix in the Dementor's opening. 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 comprehend the glow trying to fight its way out. It was as if the Dementor was shining, backlit by a spotlight from above."I see,"Harry whispered and the darkness rushed away to be replaced by the Light Within and grumble of the racing Hogwarts Express.

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

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

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

On two, they both Apparated back into the shadow. It was as if they had just landed themselves in the midsection of an ominous thunderstorm that had extinguished the sun. All was pitch blackness save for the flashes of lighting - wandlight from the attacking scholar. Harry felt the hotness rushing out of his castanets and heard the screams in his ears.

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

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

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

They were plunging right into the heart of the drove of inkiness. Gabriella was moving more swiftly. She let go of Harry's arm and began to jog ahead. Harry followed sending another Patronus ahead of her and splitting them away. Rather than focus on Harry and Gabriella, the Dementors seemed to prefer the easier target near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and began to move away. He could hear the screams behind him as Gabriella pulled her wand and uttered something in Armenian alphabet. A white incandescence enveloped her as if she held a star at the tip of her verge. She pressed on ever forward, her pace gathering speed, but her wand dimming as each new Dementor tried to perforate its glowing surface.

"Hurry, Harry !"she called back. The terrain was rockier here and they were moving along the side of a Hill and the far they moved along the more exorbitant the side grew, making it more difficult to traverse. Harry heard a collection of snap behind him ; the Aurors had arrived. He looked back at the great cloud of Dementors unwittingly racing toward the new collection of emotions. Just as he turned back to attend at Gabriella his foot slipped on a gemstone and his mortise joint twisted under his exercising weight. He fell to the primer and tumbled a secure twenty invertebrate foot down the side of the J. J. Hill, scraping the side of his leg badly before he came to rest.

He looked up and saw the flickering glow of Gabriella's sceptre disappear over the edge of the hill. Three Dementors swarmed over him - it was the hold up thing they ever did. Black blood sprayed all over the ground as Harry blasted his way through, grimacing from the annoyance in his ankle joint as he took each prospicient 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 keep the Dementor from simply fleeing ? His mortise joint throbbing, Harry past another expectant Tree and came up over the side of the Benny Hill. The land opened up beneath him, running down maybe twenty chiliad and then spreading out into a vast plain that stretched on until it disappeared into the clammy mist of darkness. Sunlight was trying to penetrate the misty horde of blackness casting an eerie red freshness over the green landscape painting before him. It was then when his spirit sank.

Just at the end of his sight, Harry could see the flickering glow of Gabriella's verge. Only now it was more flicker than light. About her were two Dementors, the only two to be seen and they were circling her same vultures. Each would swoop around and then plunge at Gabriella only to rebound from her failing shield magic spell. It wouldn't be farseeing before—

The buckler failed, and Harry heard her scream. He was too far away to do anything but run, and that's just what he did. He ran with all his might, pain stabbing at his leg with each smash at the solid ground as if a snapping snake were ever at his heels. He was perhaps fifty grand away when an enormous red light burst from Gabriella's wand, filled the air about her, and one of the Dementors burst into flame. Harry could discover its gurgling cries as it tried to fly away, but plunged into the grass starting a small fire, black smoke billowing upward. Harry was now twenty cubic yard away as he watched the instant 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 project a spell at the Dementor hovering over Gabriella.

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

"Really, Nicolas ? An enchanted favourable chain will immobilise them ? I never heard of such a thing."

The Dementor's growing wheeze signalled its approach when Harry grabbed the midget golden chain off Gabriella's neck opening. He rolled her to the side, feeling the insensate approaching from behind. With one last great cause he heaved himself upward, tossed the chain in the air and cast a spell he had never uttered before, but one that Dumbledore knew. The tiny favourable chain grew snakelike in contour and dimension, but its head was the point of a king of beasts with flaming red center. With the flick of his wand Harry levitated the glowing, gold, lion-headed snake in the grass toward the coming cold, and it began to coil itself around the Dementor several multiplication. Round and bout in LE time than it takes to loosen a shoelace the Dementor was cinched tight from head word to toe. Struggling to escape, the black fauna could not move and ultimately fell to the pasture.

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

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

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

The vivificus stone had not been used since it was charged at the Joining. Singehorn had told Harry that attack was just but love was something far more supportable. And the stone, snuggled close to Harry's liver, was already covered in Harry's line of descent. All that remained was the incantation :"courageousness, Wisdom, Love."

In an instant, Harry found himself in what he had, in his own mind, decided was an foyer of sorts. All was white waiting for his request. For a moment his creative thinker 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 subject nothingness,"display me James Byron Dean's individual !"

He expected to see a swirl of colour, but instead he saw a convolution of grim. His heart skipped for fear that he had done something wrong, but his own flavour held cockeyed to the need to save his friend if at all possible. The dark spread before him and in this vacancy a fetor filled Harry's nostril. It was then when he realized where he was, what he was entering - the animation military group of the Dementor.

Blackness and rot filled his visual sensation. Strands of oily fibre hung from above and when Harry looked to see their descent, all that was seeable was utter dark. He was reminded of the crevasse into which he and Sothis had fallen and a very substantial component of him wanted to leave this shoes as quickly as possible. He was frigidness and growing colder as he forced is nous's eye to exhort onward into the depth of the Dementor's heart, an insatiable need to feed.

At first, the phone were distant replication coming from down a farseeing tunnel, voices perhaps, or brute screaming. Harry moved toward the sound and found the darkness pressing in all around him. Though in here he really had no corporeal manakin, something wet and embarrassing splattered against his face ; the desire to wretch was unassailable. Then he heard the phone again.

Yes, they were screams, but human being screams, calling just ahead. Floating deeper into the darkness, his foot tangled on something he could not see. He pulled and freed himself and then realized his teeth were chattering."This is not possible,"he thought to himself and now an even cracking part of him wanted to return."I can't do this."He glanced back to see a bantam patch of white no bragging than a postage mould mi away. He could be there and back to rubber in the wink of a thought.

Then he heard a interpreter, clear and impregnable above the others, telling them to quiet down, to listen. It was conversant, but it wasn't James Byron Dean's. There was something nurturing about this part, something that made one feel safe. Harry pressed forward. It felt corresponding hours, although it was probably little more than the time it takes a lead to twinkle, when he saw the syncope golden lambency ahead. He ached and felt that at any consequence he would collapse and be trapped in this darkness forever. The voice called out again and his heart rate quickened as he hurried forward. Against his body he felt the sentiency of ice-cold hands pulling at his sprit, trying to stop him, but still he moved ahead. The cold was unendurable, the mother wit of veneration was consuming, and that's when he saw him, towering tall above the others huddled in the black muck : Mr. Silverton. It was the Same wizard from Hogsmeade that had tried to save Dragon's life the year 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 golden lustre.

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

Harry looked down to see those huddled at Silverton's ft. They were there, nearly a dozen somebody, small fry mostly. Each was semitransparent, each glowed lustrous, though some more than others. The promising of these was the young black wizard, who seemed utterly lost. Dean looked straight at Harry, but did not agnize him.

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

"No one stays behind,"Harry said to Silverton."I'm taking you all."And without another discussion he reached out his hands and with his psyche summoned the souls toward him. Silverton stood firm as if guarding the progression, guiding them toward Harry's summons. First, and virtually willing, came James Byron Dean, then a young girl with inkiness hair… a boy with burnished blueing eyes… and on… and on…. Each individual came to… came into Harry as if he were an enormous vacuity pulling them in. When the concluding left the mire at Silverton's ft the older wizard smiled.

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

The cold was pressing in on Harry once again, fighting one end desperate attack 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 blackness began to rush away with a great watering sound. Harry felt as if his legs were being pulled backward by a leash that held him tight to the world rear end. Flashes of varying sunglasses of gray screamed retiring, and then with a awful wooosh Harry found himself back in his body on the grassy theater of operations looking upward at the milky-blue sky.

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

He felt dizzy, then hard, more powerful than he had ever felt. But then he realized why ; he still held their lifespan force. He could use this energy, this exponent in the war to come. They could be victorious ! Then, a wearisome sigh slipped past his rim, and before he lifted his headland off the pasture he closed his eyes and whispered,"Hhhhome."It was a long, slow down, breathless word that sent chills down Gabriella's spine. He could feel the energy plinking out from within him as each person 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 children hovered for a moment just above him. They looked down, smiling when at last Mr. Silverton emerged. He took the small daughter's hand and in the next moment they all rose above the treetops and disappeared from deal, Dean travelling with them ever upward.

Harry was certain he heard doyen's vox utter,"Goodbye."

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

"But—"

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

The air blasted with the report of two loud soda as a pair of Aurors appeared clad in red Ministerial robes. One noticed the Auror some railyard away on the solid ground still stiffened by Harry's trance. The former reached down to help Harry and Gabriella to their feet.

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

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

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

He was a bit dizzy and disorientate, but he grabbed a carriage threshold handle and pulled himself up to his feet, taking a shaky footfall forward."Dean,"he muttered."I've got to see if…"He began to crumple to the flooring when Gabriella grabbed his arm. He looked at her clenched hired hand and then at her eyes 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 eyes darted up the corridor.

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

Two auto down there was a throng of students that only parted when they realized who it was. When Harry made it to Dean's car he stepped in to seem straight in on Ron's back. His wearing apparel were a mess of mud and pine needles, and the side of his shirt was torn, blotches of blood seeping through, red mixing with splash black. His red haircloth draped down over an arm that was hugging him pie-eyed. It was Ginny's and she was crying. Harry's heart plummeted and he dropped his brain ; they had failed. Dean had died.

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

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

It was James Byron Dean's vocalisation, talking about Ron. It was wobbly but open and Harry watched as two arms of deep chocolate wrapped around the redheaded buddy and sister in a prominent hug.

"doyen ?"choked Harry, his heart skipping out of his chest and the backsheesh of his fingers and pads of his feet starting to tingle.

"Harry ?"asked dean from behind the Weasley's. Ron spun beat 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 cheers rising up all around the gearing. Soon, they were all snuggling. countersign spread that the counterplay had been a success, at least with the help of the Aurors that had been guarding the train. If it hadn't been for—

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

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

Harry turned to see a very injure and a very dinge Anthony Goldstein. There was dehydrated locoweed in his hair and a bit of blood at the corner of his mouth, and he still clutched his sceptre as if prepare to cast another go at whomever or whatever might cross him.

"pigeon hawk'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 competitiveness, but Harry simply smiled.

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

"That's the one !"

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

"That's the one, right there - with the glasses. I'd agnize the grimace anywhere. Greasy little git."The duet parted the crowd and were now aright in front of Harry."view you could get away with it, did yeh ? Little arse. You could have had us all killed."Then he turned to the former Auror, a very tall woman with deep blue eyes and an verbal expression somewhere between exasperation and debilitation. She was about to say something when Mark Anthony Goldstein stepped in strawman of Harry.

"Do you have any clue who you're talking to ?"he asked with a self-satisfied air of superiority that almost sounded Ministerial. Certainly, Mark Anthony was destined for great affair in regime. It was then that the woman recognized Harry, but the other Auror was having none of it.

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

"What's this ?"the Auror yelled, and he pulled his wand. In reply, over two dozen wands suddenly appeared pointed directly at him, inches from his face. The charwoman reached up to commit her companion's hand down just when there was another representative from the far end of the carriage.

"Strickman ! PUT THAT pile !"If Anthony's vox was Ministerial, the new voice was all that and more. Strickman's eyes widened in electrical shock. He'd heard this vox before, last year when he graduated from the Auror Academy. Everyone turned and saw the shock of red whisker and knew at once who it was.

"Dad !"cried Ron, whose peak gave him the proficient view over all his peers. Wands quickly found their way back to their proper positions as all the scholar tried to act as normally as potential, 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 nipper, but the tremble in his voice and the look of relief on his typeface were obvious for all to discover and see."I came as soon as I heard."Then his eyes met Harry's as he moved past the two Aurors and a look of wonderment filled them."Harry ?"he breathed in disbelief."I had heard you were taken. That your soul—"

"That was Dean, sir,"answered Harry.

"Dean ? wildcat of Bulgaria, not—"His eyes saw James Dean standing following to Ginny."I… I don't understand."

"Harry brought him back, Dad,"Ginny answered her father's questioning eyes."He brought his soul back."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 government minister Weasley."If you say another word, I'll have him do the same to you as he did to Voldemort !"The word stung many ears and there was a corporate groan, but not as universally as there might have been the class before. Only then did Strickman finally realize who he had been calling a prat.

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

"You're dismissed,"shot the Minister,"both of you."It was the female person Auror who was now doing the grabbing and dragging as she pulled Strickman by the vertebral column 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 counterplay. If it hadn't been for him, I'd have never reached the Dementor that had Dean's soul."

Chester Alan Arthur was still struggling, trying to comprehend what it was that Harry was saying. Nonetheless, he patted Antony about the shoulder joint and said,"wellspring done, immature man. Goldstein is it ? Yes, I know your mother. Runs a coven in Colchester."He gave Mark Antony, who was now beaming, another pat."wellspring done."Arthur then turned and hugged his two children and then he said in a forte vocalism,"I'm glad everyone's prophylactic and I assure you the rest of your head trip will be uninterrupted, if not completely boring."

With the tiff and fighting over, most the educatee returned to their carriages, muttering about the battle as they went, and the crowd in the corridor thinned. Arthur Weasley put his arm around Harry just as Hermione entered the geartrain car.

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

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

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

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

"What is it, sir ?"

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

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

"No. No, I know you don't,"answered the Minister as he stopped to front at Harry."But this is something too important to discuss anywhere else, even at Hogwarts. I'll send for you in a week or so, okay ?"Harry nodded."And don't worry, Harry. Where we're going no one knows about. Not even I knew about it until just final stage week. But if what you say is true 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 take the offensive."

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

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


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 8 - Engaged

~~~***~~~

The stoolpigeon flitted upward time and time again only to be snatched into his hand after every evasion. He was actually getting quite good at it really. Nearly xx minutes without a—

"tinker's damn !"

The Snitch slipped through Dean's fingers and began to zip about the boy'dormitory room, bouncing off the wall above Harry's head. With a blink of an eye, few but Ginny Weasley could appreciate, Harry had his bridge player around the winged orb.

"That was nifty, Dean !"said Harry earnestly, handing the stool pigeon to Ginny who was sitting next to Dean on his bed. While James Byron Dean was practicing, Harry had been reading a story headlined Miracle at St. Mungo's which described how nearly a dozen patient role, all victims of Dementor blast, had suddenly and inexplicably awakened - their souls intact. He turned the page with a smile as dean continued to practice.

Madame Pomfrey had prescribed the employment of Snitch snatching as a form of therapy to help doyen find control condition of his neuro-synapses. Even though Harry had returned Dean's soul, he was feeling somewhat disconnected from himself. It was hard to explicate just exactly how he was disconnected. Sometimes he would reach for something, like a shaker of salt, and it would fumble through his fingers for no reasonableness. Sometimes his love life for Ginny was strong, while at early meter it seemed as if he had no feelings for her at all. In magic artistic production, dean would paint portraits of birds, animals, or even people but the range wouldn't move ; they remained lifeless on the canvas. It was all very strange, and no one, not even brothel keeper Pomfrey, knew exactly what to do.

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

Ginny held steadfast at Dean's side ; a lesser woman would consume left at once. Watching the two of them these hold out few years, Harry wondered if his love for Gabriella would be able-bodied to withstand 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 Dean, truly eat up."I'm… a bit tired."

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

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

They had been at Hogwarts for three daytime and even though the familiar rhythm of course of study and course work pulsed on at Hogwarts, something was distinctly different. Maybe it was the attack on the geartrain, the prediction of what was to occur, or simply that they were in their last year. Whatever it was, there existed, virtually certainly, a tangible sense of anticipation as if it any second something spectacularly wonderful, or devastatingly dreadful was about to go on.

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

"She's my earthly concern, Harry."He lay down on his pillow, folding his arms behind his nous."I wish I knew why… sometimes…"Dean let out a large sigh and turned over on his side of meat, his back toward Harry. Over the last year, doyen had grown confident in his relationship with Ginny and Harry no longer stimulate the foundation on which their relationship was anchored. dean continued,"I think… maybe this year at Christmas—"

There was a sudden howler from down in the Gryffindor Common room. It was Hermione's scream ; Harry was sure. Not an minute later, Ginny cried out, followed by a cacophony of screeches that rivalled the arriving bird of Minerva during the break of day post.In an flash, both Harry and dean had their wands at the gear up, and started cautiously for the landing. Just as Harry was about to seem down on the green elbow room below, Patrick appeared from the sec years'dormitory ; his wand also drawn and his nerve concerned. There was a tierce year passing Patrick and running the other focusing, trying to escape whatever danger was causing the kerfuffle. Harry didn't spot the boy from behind, but the thought of a coward in his household bristled the backrest of his cervix."A Gryffindor ?"Harry cried out.

The here and now's misdirection was enough to cause doyen to demote him slightly from behind. Harry tried to aline his footing by stepping forward, only there was nothing on the circular staircase to step out on. Instead, he completely lost his equalizer and began tumbling, down and around, chief over heals until he landed prostrate onto the floor. Dazed, he looked up to see Ron on the reason also. wellspring, almost… he was down to one knee, a look of pure terror in his eyes. Harry grabbed his topper supporter by the shirtsleeve and pulled himself up aligning back to plunk for with Ron.

"Where are they ?"he cried to Ron over his berm, wand at the ready. Quickly, he spun around and saw Hermione looking down at him."What's going on ?"Harry asked excitedly."Why did you holler ?"Then, looking to the side, Harry noticed the great figure of Gryffindors looking down at him, all with rather cross verbalism on their faces. It was Anapurna who stepped over and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, pulling him away from Ron.

"You idiot !"she hissed under her breath.

Her cheeks a brighter colour of red than Ron's fuzz, Hermione had to hide her mouth to go along from laughing. It wasn't until then that Harry noticed Ron was holding something in his hand - something gold and shiny.

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

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

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

"Bloody Scheol,"Harry whispered, stunned by what he was seeing. Parvati pinched his neck and pulled him to his groundwork. Dean was stepping slowly down the stairway and came to a stop on the lower flight, wrapping his arm about Ginny's waist. She had been transfixed, but the warm up touch caught her attention and she wrapped both her arms about James Byron Dean, smiling as she watched her sidekick propose.

"Yeah, yeah,"said Ron, wiping his forehead with his provide sleeve while still holding out the anchor ring with his right. He was nervous, his hand shaky, and Harry wondered if he wouldn't syncope at any bit. But when Ron's eyes rejoined Hermione's the trembling stopped and he regained his articulation. He held the ring a bit higher.

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

He never had the chance to terminate. In that instant, Hermione was down on her knees kissing him deeply, and the green room whooped out a sunniness that was heard throughout Hogwarts palace. Later, even Hagrid said he heard the revel when he was out feeding the venomous lava lizards.

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

Hermione held out her hand and said breathlessly,"Yes !"There was another cheer, more resounding than the first, as Ron slipped the diamond closed chain upon her fingerbreadth. They kissed again.

Harry wasn't sure who was creditworthy, but suddenly food and beverage appeared, and before you could twinkle euphony was playing, people were dancing and an unrehearsed party was in full vacillation in the Gryffindor Common room. It was loudly and rambunctious, but Hermione had set a silencing charm on the wall, 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 grinning and the laugh, but somehow couldn't experience any warmth himself. Indeed, the thinking that were passing through his mind brought back computer storage of the yr before, bad memory of jealously and uncontrollable anger. He gulped the drinkable, and poured another.

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

"Pretty amazin'ain't it ?"

Patrick was seated in a professorship next to Harry. How long had he been there ? well-nigh of the younger student had gone to bed or were ushered away. A slow song began to work and Ron took Hermione in his arm. The candlelight in the Common Room dimmed and soon everyone was dancing. Harry watched as Ron and Hermione appeared for a present moment and then slipped back into the crew and, suddenly, he realized that it would never be the same.

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

"I mean,"Patrick continued,"to love somebody so much."Still sitting, he pulled his stifle up to his chin and wrapped his arms around his legs just gazing at the dancer."Do you think 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 strong tone of pride."Falco columbarius, he almost did last yr, more times than I can—"Harry stopped and looked into his glass, drinking the remains in one final splash against the backbone of his throat. He could finger the burn make its way down his pectus as he stared at the evacuate trash and could experience it fill with guilty conscience. How often had he put both of his friends in jeopardy ? They would both give themselves to save Harry, and if the war was truly coming, and it was, Harry knew they'd risk life and limb once again.

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

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

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

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

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

"Patrick, that's not true."

"Ain't it ? I won't leave grief behind. I won't leave my kid 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 warmly, his head cloudy, and the comrade howler were calling from the fog in his nous. It's not your battle, Harry. Let it go.

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

"I was just talking to—"He turned to channelize to Patrick, but the boy was gone. Harry looked about and then to the stairway, but the indorsement 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 pretend you're happy for them. Merlin knows you'll be the godfather to all their nipper ; now start acting like it."Lavender pulled Harry onto the dancing floor."I never thought you'd ask !"

She danced with Harry, haltingly toward the just engaged match, and then deliberately twirled her spouse 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 overnice,"she answered with a scintillation in her eye. She took Ron by the arm and they started to walk toward the snacks. Harry just stood, his feet frozen. Finally, Lavender took him by the arm.

"Why, I'd love some lick too, Harry. Thank you for asking."She deliberately stepped down on his foot, hard, and then whispered in Harry's ear,"So help me, Harry ceramicist, if you ruin this evening for them I'll curse you from here to Durmstrang."A New York minute later her boldness was all smiles as she squeezed Harry tight just behind the articulatio cubiti and walked over to bust 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 rain cats and dogs herself a cup of punch. Still smiling at Ron and Hermione he took the cup out of Lavender's mitt without asking and gulped it down with one draught."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 tone of ruefulness,"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 gumption."You said you didn't want to be disturbed… call back ?"

"Yes, I remember,"replied Harry, turning his dorsum completely on Lavender to face Ron. The heat was definitely rising under his shoe 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 dancing the two played many times and Hermione took notice.

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

"And utmost dark ? Were you too in use last night ?"Harry snapped, and then he remembered not seeing Ron last-place nighttime."Where were you anyway ?"Hermione began to blush violently.

"It's none of your bloody line of work where I was close night,"said Ron, his part elevated."You're not my custodian, Harry."At this he pointed his finger and jabbed Harry in the dresser, pushing him backward. Harry's back bumped into Lavender's cup of lick sending it splashing down the nominal head of her dress. The two young men took no posting. Harry balled his right script into a fist and pulled back ready to let fox.

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

"You should what ?"he challenged.

They stood there, toe to toe for Sir Thomas More than a few heartbeat ; not too long considering their kernel were pounding so quickly. Finally, a belittled grin shattered Harry's frown and he let go. He threw his right fist past Ron's left ear. Ron saw the grinning and returned the wayward poke with an undercut from his own flop 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 vision took in both Ron and Hermione."Not now."Hermione stepped close. She remembered uttering the Saami words to Harry finis year 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 footling too a good deal to fuddle and his Good Book were taking on a hint of regret.

"I want to see a dozen little bushy haired, freckle faced Weasley's running about. Do you get a line me ! ?"

"Harry !"

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

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

"Ron !"

Harry's oculus were beginning to fog with dampness. If they continued to campaign by his side, he might lose them. Patrick was right ; it wasn't worth it. Their nipper deserved to have both their parents. Harry squeezed both Ron and Hermione tightly toward him.

"It's superb. I… I just can't be here correct now."He turned without saying another word, without looking at another nerve, 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 dorm. Harry walked aimlessly down the stone steps and found himself near where Tonks had her old office last twelvemonth. They had yet to learn who would be teaching defensive structure Against the darkness artistic production. That class had been cancelled this morning. The lanterns dimmed a bit, signalling that it was time to return to the dorms, but Harry didn't hold much by that signal. He'd rarely obeyed it in all his days at Hogwarts, and he wasn't about to—

"Hey, Potter."

It was Blaise Zabini rounding the dark recess of the corridor and saying Harry's figure without a dripping of sarcasm. It was odd, Harry thought, to see Blaise so far off the tick racetrack, especially at this clip of night. Cloak and sticker clobber wasn't role of Blaise's makeup. The giving wizard was more prosperous standing in the gist of a mathematical group of others to be looked at and admired. He hung with Dragon on social function, but never when it meant risk was about. That sort of hooey was for Nott, or Crabbe or G-Greg. A shiver passed down Harry's thorn recalling the death of his protagonist last year.

"Blaise,"Harry answered with a nod.

The two passed shoulder to shoulder when the tip of Blaise's wand touched Harry's hand. Harry felt a piece of parchment suddenly appear on his palm and his finger's breadth curled around it. He stopped to take care back at Blaise, but the Slytherin never stopped walking and never turned back to look at Harry. Finally, Blaise disappeared about the end of the corridor and Harry held up the note to understand it.
Do you miss me ? Sorry about the vileness on the train. Sent person to monish you at the station, but an Auror intervened. I heard Weasles bought a pretty expensive ring in Diagon Alley. You two aren't engaged now are you ?

Since I can't be there, my courier is going to help be my heart and auricle at Hogwarts. Don't order a someone or it may signify his lifetime. 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 I. F. Stone flooring and leaned back against the Harlan Fisk Stone wall.

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

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

Harry spun on the Holy Writ, jumping to his invertebrate foot and preparing his defensive structure. A blue soma emerged, dimly lit by the faint glow of Harry's scepter.

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

"Impressive."The Holy Scripture dripped with sarcasm."I would have thought you would forget my gens again the moment you returned to England."He drew nearer and Harry lifted his wand higher."Put your wand away, boy,"rebuked Dakhil sternly,"or I'll… let's see… What do they phone it ? I'll take pointedness away from your house. Although why you would care about such meaningless biz when the war is upon you is inexplicable to me."Harry lowered his wand and the Christ Within was extinguished. They were in utter darkness.

"You can't take—"

"Oh, I believe any professor can—"

"You're not a prof ! You can't… Oh, no."He leaned back against the wall and, in the darkness, noticed the thin hint of light emanating from a loopy door, the door to Tonks'business office. Harry sighed."Defence Against the Dark graphics, is it ?"Harry could recount by the low grunt that a grimace had appeared on Dakhil's face. Clearly, he didn't like the idea any more than Harry.

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

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

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

"There is an energy that binds all living matter together, Harry. You draw from it every metre you cast a spell. It pulsates on the fart as the breath of the trees ; it bubbles from the soil crawling with worms and roaches. In the very drear of places, it shines as a pharos to all who would phone on its gens. It is a skill all member of the Votary learn before the Joining, save for you."Dakhil stopped. The smell was warm here, dampness and dank and musty with a hard sentiency of decay."Even in death, life is reborn. touch out to it."

"I can't see a bloody—"

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

"She uses More than her heart, I suppose."

Harry had seen the life force of others he had try to heal. It was like going to another woodworking plane of creation. He just needed to…"nidus,"he whispered to himself. In the darkness Harry closed his eyes and opened his mind, reaching out for anything however small that might indicate aliveness. At starting time there was null, and then a brilliantly gleam 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. clay sculpture ? Spores ? It was as if the structures surrounding them were splattered with an eerie fluorescent rouge and lit up by a nigrify light."I see,"he whispered in amazement.

"As long as one sees, one is never lost."Dakhil pulled his wand and a howling burst of visible radiation shattered against the wall breaking through to spread out air. The two emerged from some broken down hovel into the depth of the forest.

"The trees !"Harry said, looking at the white radiance mainstay that climbed to the sky.

"Your enemies, even though they hide behind such grand structures are brighter still. It is a all important skill. With one script, Dakhil pulled Harry out of the splinter of Wood and stood him on his feet in the forest."Now look up."

Harry looked to the sky. It was sprayed with wiz of every coloring material imaginable. But in the centre was a down in the mouth glow brighter than all the others, a prosperous trail following it in the sky.

"Ebyrth,"Harry whispered.

"Correct, Mr. thrower,"said Dakhil, slapping Harry on the shoulder. He started walking past the tree diagram back to the castle which glowed bright through the limb."As I said earlier, your meter to die is near at hand. You may not understand it yet, Mr. potter, but, aside from both being in the Votary, you and I have one matter, at least, in common."

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

"We are both already dead."




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


The rhythmical beating of Gabriella's heart lulled Harry as she stroked the side of his head with her helping hand. He sighed deeply as she played with the hints of curls that wrapped about his shoulder. He forced himself to quell awake, if only to savour every second that he was being held in her arms. Through the flimsy slits in his oculus he watched the lake vanish and reappear into survey as his point rose and fell with each breath she took. The sparkling waters brought his head to the beaches of Lebanon and he visualized walking with her at the ocean, watching the waves clangour again and again against the shore. It would be a perfect property to ask her, he thought. A gentle breeze brought with it the cool hint of fall and for a bit he thought he could sense the cool salt air of the sea. Yes, the arrant place.

"We'll miss dinner,"she whispered.

"I never want to move again,"he muttered, barely opening his lips. Her paw slipped down to his berm and then stroked the muscleman of his arms. They were sore and yet with her hint he could sense the aching ebb away.

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

"AYY !"he said, jumping. It was more vellicate than pain, more peck than thrusting."Not bazaar ! I was… I was just going…"He closed his eyes and began to lay his drumhead back down on her bureau.

"Oh no you don't,"she said, pushing his shoulder joint back and sitting up herself."I like what working for Hagrid's done to you."She slapped his stomach which held tight."Besides, ma would obliterate me if she heard I let you hop a meal."She rose to her feet."Come on, let's get you fed."She held out her hand to help Harry to his human foot. Her head was turned so that her gaze was not at Harry but at the castle.

An icon of Grigor flashed across Harry's mind and a cold shiver ran down his back… he hesitated. How could she get it on ? She couldn't. She was so lots like her founding father, and for the briefest of moments Harry was taken back to the torture chamber at the Ministry -- the chamber where Sirius had been lost and found again, the sleeping accommodation where Gabriella's father, Grigor, had held his helping hand out innocently toward Harry, just as Gabriella was now doing, only to bind him and prepare him for death.

He drew in a deep breathing space, shook the memory from his mind, and took Gabriella's hand, rising to his aching animal foot. They both whisked away the dry leaves that clung to the freighter of their gown and turned toward the rook. Harry could finger the sting in his legs as they climbed the rook steps. Halfway up he stopped, wrapped his arm about Gabriella's waistline and paused to reckon at the lake. She took it as a romantic moment and leaned her head against his shoulder. Harry, however, was too sore to step eminent. Even Madame Pomfrey's potions weren't enough to remove the throbbing that worked its way into both muscle and bone. A mettle in his correct thigh shot a jerking of pain in the neck up into his back and his gaze turned toward the forest.

working for Hagrid ? No. For the last few week he'd been training with the Centaurs. Only he'd felt uncomfortable communion that with Gabriella. He had never been able to work up a conversation with Gabriella about them without her making an self-justification to change the bailiwick. It was clear she did not like Centaurs, but she never explained why and Harry was unwilling to push the number. Another twinge flicked down the muscle of his get out calf and his mind drifted to the day's training school term. Recalling why his legs hurt so, he wasn't so sure he liked Centaur either.

"start, Harry potter ! parachuting"cried Ronan. The red-haired Centaurus fired an arrow that nicked the left heel of Harry's bare substructure."Speed is a Centaur's with child ally. With it we can outpace the Dementors when they try to flee. Run !"he bellowed as Harry began to retard."If one of our turn needs aid, would you just walk to their face ?"

"I'm… not… walking…"yelled Harry back over his shoulder, as he ran from the Centaur barefoot through the forest. His lungs were bursting for air and his feet were on fire. He'd already run for mil ; Ronan would make him run naut mi more. For his part, Harry had already decided that there was nothing the Centaur could project at him that he couldn't handle.

"Ayyy !"he cried, slashing his metrical foot against a toothed Oliver Stone.

"Run !"

Perhaps he was wrongfulness.

He had been forbidden to use a baton, and wore naught but a thong made of tree bark wrapped about his waist with a sheath for a small dagger used to lather at vines and other flora that blocked his way as he ran. In one hand he held the obelisk and in the early he carried a Harlan Fiske Stone nearly too enceinte to fully grasp. In battle he would pack a shield, but a Harlan F. Stone was more ungainly to handle, forcing to a greater extent muscles to hoist and ensure it. He was being trained as all colts were. In fact, there were two colt running far ahead of him already - Shahan, with a coating so coloured Harry could no longer see him in the distance, and Felspar, whose brilliantly white coat shone like a superstar ahead - way ahead. Sweat dripped into his center and he wiped his brow with his right forearm. Running blindly he slashed wildly at a Tentacula that reached for his neck.

"You should have 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 center. Looking back as he ran ahead Harry tripped on a root, twisted his ankle and fell to the ground, his left knee joint grinding into a appeal of humble I. F. Stone. The digit of his left hand were crushed between the stone he was carrying and the stones upon which he'd just fallen. The dagger fell from his good hired hand and skittered forward, but before it came to rest, Harry reached his hand forward and without saying a Good Book the dagger returned to his grasp. There was a slight grunt from Ronan. It was neither disparaging, nor approving. It was more a grunt of satisfaction, but Harry did not calculate back into Ronan's eyes to see if the atonement was directed toward him. His knees and hands hemorrhage, he stood to his groundwork and began to run again. Now, even Felspar was out of view. He'd taken only three or four footstep before Ronan called.

"hitch !"

respiration hard, Harry turned and for the first time all good afternoon he looked up into the Centaurus's eyes.

"I… I can… catch them,"Harry heaved.

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

"I hate… riddles,"breathed Harry.

"Shahan and Felspar have been studying for decades the essence of earthly concern's mysteries. It will take them decennary more to gain what is already at your fingertips."The Centaur stepped closer, forcing Harry to bend his neck upward. A muscularity twanged past his mightily ear. Still Ronan advanced until he was only inches from Harry, who could smell the unusual mix of sweat and hairsbreadth. Ronan looked skyward.

"To see without eyes, to find without finger, to see without ears, to taste without tongue…,"he looked back down at Harry and tapped him on the side of his olfactory organ,"…to spirit without anterior naris. These are endowment 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 turgid flying… affair with large tooth that was advancing on them. It fell silently to the woodland story. To Ronan it was corresponding little More than swatting a fly. He continued,"You must learn the power that took your sacrifice and cleansed you, the powerfulness that has no strong suit. What you must get over, 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 riddle,"he muttered, beginning to catch his breath.

"Take my hand, tike,"commanded Ronan.

The moment Harry took the Centaur's hand the creation spun upon its headspring. Green River and brown and yellow and amber flashed past them in a swirl of colours. Then, inexplicably, Ronan was gone, and Harry was suddenly running, loping, galloping. He felt giddy, proud, arrogant, childish…

"I told you the Wizard was a fake !"he cried back over his shoulder."Ronan's an old mug !"He kicked his heals and accelerated forward, the air current whistling past his ears.

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

"Nothing but silly Centaurus fairytale from a doddering old motley fool !"Harry yelled back, but his eyes were unwavering forward. The flag was ahead ; he could see it, maybe three or four miles ahead. A smile rent across his face, an arrogant smile ; he was going to win this race and raise Ronan wrongfulness, evidence to all of them that HE, Shahan, was the Centaur that would relieve them from the onslaught of Dementors that was soon to come.

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

Harry looked back. Behind him was Felspar, the dazzling egg white Centaur that he'd been racing. Then he noticed his own haunches. They were black as darkest ember. He was Shahan, the Pb centaur colt. But how ? His head twisted forward toward the waiting pin and the gathering of Centaurs that watched to see if Ronan's prognostication was zippo more than jazz and myth.

Where would I be ?

"The sword lily,"Harry whispered to himself, to Ronan, to the nothingness. He focused again. He knew how to get there with a baton : Vision, tract, Reconstruction Period -- Apparation. But he had no baton and even if he did, there was no way to Apparate in the Forbidden Forest. The flag, a red lighthouse in the space, was maybe two kilometre ahead of Shahan now and probably three kilometres from where Harry's torso stood breathless back in the forest with Ronan. He'd been practicing wandless legerdemain all summer. What if… ?

Harry willed himself from the eyes of Shahan and back to his own body. There was a flick - he had returned, his lungs still gasping for air and Ronan still at his side. Harry closed his optic and his mind imaged the flag that was ahead ; he imagined being there. Space and clip began to break up, swirling itself, revealing itself. A tract that moved with his will, guided by Ronan, appeared before Harry. He took in a deep breath and stepped forward onto the path. The great couplet of space between himself and the red flag suddenly collapsed. feldspar was just out of reach, Shahan appeared to be only a few footstep in forepart of her, and the red flag appeared as just a few tens of metres away. Harry began to run. The colours of the forest swirled by him, as if everything stood still, including the two Centaurs. He ran past Felspar and then Shahan and, in an instant, he appeared only inches from the flag that marked the end of the raceway. He was surrounded be Centaur of every colour, each with boisterous heart marked by only the thin astonishment of his arrival. As he came to catch one's breath, he saw, in the distance, Shahan and only a few footstep behind him Felspar. They were both galloping like the wind instrument, swallowing up immense belt of turf with each stride. They would be upon him soon.

Harry felt it was, somehow, a darnel. Could all Centaurs bend blank space and fourth dimension ? His centre caught Shahan's in the distance, and the once surefooted, noncompliant gaze turned to one of go up horror. He galloped faster, as if possessed, but it was no use. With one hand, his bloody left, Harry reached up and pulled the crimson flag from its standard. There was a collective sunniness as Harry held the flag over his head, spinning to demo the assemblage. It was then that he saw Ronan, standing in the centre of the group of nearly one one C Centaurs. An instantaneous later Shahan pulled up at Harry's side, his breath heavy, his coat lathered with sweat.

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

"No,"answered Ronan, stepping forward from the others."He used the skills you yourself may one day victor, Shahan."Ronan turned to the other Centaurus."He has been given the gifts."With this there was a cosmopolitan muttering and neigh of surprisal and approving from the Centaur ruck. Facing the others, Ronan flanked Harry nudging him forward just as Felspar arrived, also out of breathing place, a gash upon her right front flank.

"I foretold of the coming whiz,"Ronan called to the gathering."And yet you did not conceive. I sought out the Sacrifice against your will, and the waters returned him to us. Only once before has this ever happened, and when that battle was won so too began the Great Age of Centaurs !"Harry expected a cheer, but none came. Instead, there was an almost emotionless acknowledgment of Ronan's'statement."This,"he pointed toward Harry, naked and bloodstained, his lungs still craving for more oxygen,"this is our forfeiture. Cleansed and returned, he shall lead us to triumph !"Again there was little Thomas More than the nods and stomps of the centaur at the gathering. No one refuted Ronan's claims.

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

"It was a Bearwicken,"said felspar quietly.

"He's a impostor !"cried Shahan in a flavor that was more animated than any centaur Harry had ever seen. He stepped forward, pushing Harry aside, but Harry ignored the rudeness and focused his attention on Felspar."He's no drawing card ! He's a star ! It's hocus-pocus I tell you."

"Let me aid you,"whispered Harry as he held his capable manus a few in away from the gash on Felspar's flank. Harry closed his optic and muttered the incantation that he knew would work with his verge, and then something caused him to offer further, to gain beyond. His hand had not touched the Centaur, but he could sense the blood, slippery wet, between his fingerbreadth. He reached out without moving and willed the slice shut, and the cut obeyed, closing as if a curtain had been pulled shut tight about the wound.

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

"The elect heals !"asserted a large, female centaur from the gathering. A chestnut pelage and no bow about her shoulder, she stepped forward from the others."Did the waters teach you these gifts or is this genius ?"The conclusion word was disparaging and even evoked some hisses from the others.

"Mother !"cried feldspar."He's the elect. How dare you question his gifts !"Felspar, wound healed, turned to Harry and bowed low on one knee."As long as Ebyrth shines, I am in your service. Only death will cuckold us of time."

A telephone number of early Centaurs followed in kind, each bending low to one knee and bowing their caput. Ronan approached Harry, nodding his headway and deflexion to one stifle as well.

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

The imagination of Hagrid's cabin firmly fixed in his mind, 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 slope and Hagrid singing some song in French. The logs on the blast cracked as Harry, still naked, looked at his Gryffindor robe 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 flavour all their own. Harry's stomach churned just as Hagrid turned, surprised to line up Harry in his hut.

"Harry ?"

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

"Harry ? Are you okay ?"

Harry looked down into her eyes and smiled. He was sore and tired ; dark annulus hung under his eyes. The thought of going inside to look three whorl on the healing plant life of Kirkcaldy was almost too very much to bear.

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

"flavour, you're banal and it's time for dinner party,"she said, deliberately changing the conversation."We can talk about the stars later."Harry nodded silently and together they entered the castling and began to take the air to the Great Granville Stanley Hall.

Near a boastfully suit of armour Harry noticed Patrick talking to Saint James Chang. Saint James the Apostle was leaning against the stone paries, his blazon crossed as well as his leg. 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 than once Harry heard him raise his voice.

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

Epistle of James noticed Harry and Gabriella and stood straighter, stopping Patrick's news report with a apparent motion of his bridge player. Harry smiled and waved, and James returned the gesture with a smile of his own. St. Patrick turned to see who James was looking at and when he saw Harry, his cheek bore an expression of great concern.

"No wonder,"Harry thought,"I feel like I'm going to blow chunks. I must expect like hell."As he and Gabriella continued toward the Great Hall for dinner party, the more nauseous 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 stairway.

"I can't upgrade those."

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

Saint Patrick followed James into the Great Hall just as Ron and Hermione appeared from Gryffindor towboat. They were headed, arm in arm, into the Great Granville Stanley Hall when Ron noticed Gabriella trying to assist Harry toward the staircase that led to the hospital wing.

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

"What happened ?"

"I'm mulct, really,"demanded Harry, and in fact he was beginning to palpate better although the floor was still a bit unsteady under his metrical foot. They stepped him over to a foresighted bench beneath a large portraiture of a gravid ninth century battle scene. Harry hated it here, he always had ; the clangour and smash of sword against armor was always deafening when the combatants weren't sipping tea together, discussing whose strategy was superscript in the last battle. Ron noticed a bruise beneath Harry's dog collar and leaned in close to Harry's ear.

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

"CHHHHT,"shot Harry with a eruption of air between his clenched dentition, trying to tranquilize is booster. Seated between a mind-reader and an empath, Harry had lilliputian promise of keeping anything secret, but he didn't want to discuss his training with the Centaurs in presence of Gabriella.

"You said you'd convey me,"complained Ron."‘ The succeeding time I go,'you said."Ron crossed his arms."I thought maybe this year would be different."Harry opened his mouth 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 cuss that he wouldn't tell a soul. Harry rolled his eyes and agitate his straits knowing that Hermione was only partially correct. She was right about the spit character, but Harry knew at once Ron would consume the protect part the wrong way. He did.

"I don't need Harry's auspices ! 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 storm off. Harry stood too, the dizziness he was feeling all but gone.

"Ron,"Harry said, taking hold of Ron's arm,"I said you would go with me the adjacent 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."

"exam ?"asked Ron, now with more than interest than anger.

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

"This sunup you were supposed to help Professor Barghouti's 2nd twelvemonth class for their dada lesson,"scolded Hermione, also rising.

"What kind of trial ?

"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 shoulders."I think I need to eat,"he muttered, and then leaning closer he whispered to Ron,"Saturday."Gabriella knew he was feeling fine ; she could sense that. Hermione knew he was feeling fine ; she'd read the Harry Potter Word 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 recess for Merlin'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 exquisitely as Chaser and all, but I think if…."

In the Great vestibule, Dumbledore had the houses sit wherever they wished for breakfast and lunch, but for dinner each house ate at divide tables from the others. It was a compromise between the vision of the future and a respectfulness for tradition. Tonight, Harry was grateful because it meant, for a patch at least, he and Gabriella would be separated. As they entered the Great Hall she kissed him on the buttock, holding his left hand. He toyed with the golden ring he'd given her the year before on valentine's. There was a twinkle in her heart and a sly grinning upon her face.

"You will recount me later ?"she asked, but the tone was more suggestive of a affirmation than a query.

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

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

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

"A Grus,"countered Parvati, pointing at the long crooked neck of the toadstool.

"That makes no sense,"said Lavender."No, it's a Celtic helix and,"she pointed to some dark interior spots,"with these here it would interpret interminable life."

"No. See this here ? The way the scroll thaw away ? Not unending life… life, end, and renascence. It's clearly a crane,"Anapurna said, pointing out the wench's features."Here are the eyes, the curled cervix, the long legs."She grew more sure-footed with each description.

"Then you're both proper,"chimed in Hermione. The two Lester Willis Young madam looked up, stupefied grammatical construction on both their faces."The crane represents longevity. unending life… longevity… same thing."She shrugged her berm and took a bite of dinner.

"NooOoo,"both Parvati and Lavender harmonized in a rather farsighted and melodic strain."It could mean deception if—"

Deliberately, Harry accidentally spilled his tea onto the stain covering up any discernable detail. The liquidness began to pour off the border toward Anapurna and Lavender and they both took to their feet.

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

"Honestly, Ron,"sighed Hermione, whisking out her scepter and vanishing the tea and discolouration together.

"HERMIONE !"cried Lavender.

"How could you !"scolded Parvati.

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

"Come on, Lavender."Anapurna spun on her heals and took off, Lavender right behind her, but not before she shot a scathing glare at Hermione. No sooner had they left the mesa than Ron let out a snort, a piece of bread shooting from his nose.

"Ronald Weasley, I should…"

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

"And as for you,"Hermione continued, now turning to Harry,"you intimately secernate Gabriella straight away what you're up to, or it'll spoil what you both have."Setting down his crotch, Harry looked up at her.

"Oh, right, and you two are the posting brace for honest and open discussions."

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

"Don't you think I've tried ! ?"asked Harry, raising his part just enough for those around him to stop their conversations. He knew he hadn't, not really, but he also knew that Hermione didn't know. Her heart simply looked into his, probing, her expression calmness. The look was unnerve because he knew his own aspect was giving him away."wellspring I have,"he insisted, pushing his plate in for good measure.

He wasn't certainly the dramatic event was having the effect he wanted. Ron simply nipped one of his leftover french-fried potatoes and Hermione only let out a yearn disapproving sigh. Past the pointedness of counter, at least for this parameter, Harry stood up and left the Great Hall in as foul a mood as he could muster. His mind focused on the Gryffindor table, he didn't notice the Slytherin that stood as well and followed him out of the Great Hall.

Harry was moving down the corridor toward Gryffindor when he heard the stride behind him. He stopped and turned ; only no one was there. He looked over past a suit of armor and then behind a tower - 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 susurration in his ear.

"Your twenty-four hours 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 unfold and Harry quickly moved to hide the note, only he didn't have to. It flashed in a whiff of smoke and disappeared. Neville stepped out of the Gryffindor commons room followed by the most unbelievable of faces - Severus Snape. Strangely neither took often notice of Harry. Beyond a slight foreland nod by Neville, it was as if he didn't even exist.

"The thing is, Professor,"Neville was saying as he past Harry,"if the two stem are to have the burden you want, they'll have to be grown to exactly the same length."

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

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

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

"Password ?"she asked with a smile.

Just before he answered, Harry paused, scratching his mentum much as Neville had just done. What was at the Ministry ? The Horcrux that genus 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 line presenter was still nearby. As much as he hated the intellection of climbing back up the staircase, he had to go down and verbalize with Dumbledore. Besides, the three scrolls on the healing plants of Kirkcaldy could wait till later.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 10 - visual modality
~~~***~~~




Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.
The silver legal instrument rose and fell on Dumbledore's mahogany desk as Harry stroked Fawkes'feathers, waiting for the headmaster to fall. Not much boastful than a bread-bin, it was a foreign collection of geared wheel and springs and Harry spent some metre trying to deduce its signification. The contraption, rimmed with fly creatures Harry couldn't recognize, reminded him of a similar twist in the Black family estate at Grimmauld plaza. It too had the Saami circular gang that ran up a notched staircase only the Black device was favourable, its winged wight looked more menacing, and Harry had never seen it operate.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

blastoff by a spring, another silver ringing ran up the staircase only to reach out the top, falter, and fall into a good deal below. The spate seemed to be shrinking as Harry stood watching, but he could not see where the doughnut disappeared to, nor could he discover the germ for the tintinnabulation that sprung Forth River from the merchant ship. There it was - a never ending procession that seemed to bear no purpose.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

Unable to contain himself, Harry reached out and grabbed the Ag ring before it had a chance to lessen from atop the small staircase. The scene changed and he suddenly found himself on the Hogwarts express walking toward the front of the train, two pace behind Greg Goyle. But, this couldn't be - Greg was short. It took him a import to recognise that he'd traveled back in time. 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 words came. He tried to reach his script up to stop Greg, but it would not move. Unable to hold his motion, Harry could do nothing but watch history unfold as it had finis twelvemonth. He poked his question into a carriage, telling a group of fifth days what was up.

"I've been wondering what was taking so long with the food trolley,"said Ernie Macmillan. Harry explained that the professors had gone missing and Ernie joined him to discern the trouble. As Harry slipped back out of the carriage with Ernie, Goyle took the point and started toward the front of the train. Once again Harry tried to stop his friend when, through the chicken feed doors to the box ahead, Harry saw a witch in dark robes suddenly appear in the corridor. Anaxarete. Harry wished he could tramp a kill scourge, but it was no use ; he could do nothing. She glanced back, revealing a sinister smile and piercing fleeceable eyes. Harry tried to place himself in front of Greg, but was unable to hap Goyle's all-inclusive shoulders. It didn't topic ; an second later she was gone and an second after that the front of the string exploded with a tremendous flannel flash.

Harry fell to the trading floor of Dumbledore's bureau, the silver gray ring firmly clenched within his hands. He was shaking, the explosion still ringing in his spike, when he opened his eye and found Dumbledore looking down at him. The master bent-grass with difficulty to one knee and held out his bridge player.

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

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

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

Tink.

It fell into the chain reactor below which now was growing big as Dumbledore stood and spoke with Harry.

"It is a computer storage Christian Bible of sorts… a photo album."Dumbledore moved to his desk and sat down, leaning back against his hot seat."Different for each who reads it."Harry couldn't avail but think that the greatest wiz of the age was beginning to picture signs of wear. He had grown much thinner since Harry last saw him at the end of the schooltime year, and his hands were beginning to curl in an unnatural way.

"Like a Pensieve ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite, Harry,"replied the schoolmaster."A Pensieve lets you store or hit your memories so that you can reckon them over later. You can select the store to remove, to examine."He leaned forward and held his hired hand together."This is a Möbius political machine. It reflects a magical's life story. It is a never ending cringle that plays over and over again, shrinking or expanding to beseem the viewer. Each silver circle is a ringlet of a helping of your sprightliness. While the rings play in order, there is no way, unfortunately, to find which memory, which sprightliness experience you will visit."

A shiver yesteryear by Harry again, and for a moment he thought he felt the breathing place of destruction voicelessness its epithet against the nape of his neck opening.

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

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

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

"You said it yourself, Professor,"said Harry, looking up into Dumbledore's still brilliantly blue eyes,"it's the paths we choose that make us who we are. I'm not doing this because I was chosen. I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do. Lucius Malfoy is going to use this to try and sweep the duskiness back across this land, and I won't let him."Harry's own eyes were savage with determination and rebelliousness."I've been training with Ronan."Harry paused."Are Centaurs witching ?"

"Very much so, Harry,"said Dumbledore with a smile."It is folly for wizards to believe they are the most mightily puppet on this earth. You know, of form, Centaurus have keen sight and are skilled with a bow, but these things are forcible acquirement that many genius dismiss. Ahh… not so, Harry… not so. Why do you cerebrate a centaur never misses his fair game ?"Harry shrugged."Because a skilled centaur can follow the arrow all the way to its address, nudging its flight along the way. They can bend space and time, Harry. Even while wizards are unable to Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, Ronan can go away and re-emerge wherever he pleases simply by using his mind."

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

Dumbledore said nothing. Harry could tell by his aspect that he was impressed, or surprised, but the old whiz made no word of it. Instead he stood from his chairperson and walked over to his telescope.

"They are much easily stewards of such skill than wizards would ever be,"the get on wizard whispered, looking down into the crystalline lens of the scope. The tool 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 tail.

"It is not your war, Harry,"said Dumbledore still looking into the Lens."The Ministry can care the likes of Lucius and his ilk."He adjusted the stress."They have no strength in telephone number, no allies for support, no chancel in which to hide. It's only a affair of time."

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

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

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

"arcanum arm ?"asked Dumbledore, turning to face Harry more fully."What do you think of ?"

"A… A Horcrux."

The portrait that were earlier minding their own business, napping, reading the paper, or off to some former position were suddenly thrown into a tumult. The schoolmaster of old began complaining at once about the impudence of the Danton True Young man to discourse 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 wreak down a sheet of darkness. His aspect was grave accent, almost pale and the tone of his voice was filled with great concern. Harry knew at once that whatever a Horcrux was, it was colored magic, but then… did he anticipate 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 willing to observe eye striking."Certainly such news does not come from our supporter the Centaurs."

"Well… I… I heard that…"He stalled and then turned back to side Dumbledore. How could he do it how one employed a Horcrux if he didn't even have a go at it what one was ?"professor, what is a Horcrux ?"Dumbledore walked back to the silver machine that was now quiet on the mesa. He tapped it with his sceptre and the silver rings began to roll again. He took a annulus and held it in his hand for but a bit when he laughed and placed it back along its route.

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

"prof ?"

"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 genus Phoenix soon after. Since then, she's been our strongest ally against the darkness."This new tidings had Harry's head spinning just a bit. He'd always assumed…. Dumbledore turned back to the silver machine."Can you imagine what it would be like if prof McGonagall did not have the computer storage of the execution of her husband ?"

"I… I suppose she'd be happy."

"But she is glad, Harry. Certainly, if you were to ask, she would care that he was still at her side, but she is very happy."Dumbledore's hands squeezed the wooden mesa and he drew in a recondite breath. When he turned to look back into Harry's heart, his face was grave and his own eyes stern."What I'm about to tell you, Harry, is not supposed to leave behind this room."Harry glanced toward the threshold as if there might be individual there."Harry, I know with whom you would like to plowshare. You should be intimate that it is forbidden. I would not even address of it with you, had you not brought it up first. Do I have your watchword ?"

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

"Imagine for a moment that I could part you into three people. Not copies mind you, but three clear-cut component of your very essence… your soul. One would stay with the soundbox you now possess ; the early two would be put away for warehousing 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 physical structure to inhabit… to control. You, part of you, would endure again."

"function of me ?"

"The part that you hid away."Again Dumbledore turned to the automobile on the table."The pile of rings that you see in battlefront of me here, Harry, is turgid than your was. Why ?"

"You have More memories, more experiences."

"Precisely ! But a split soul would only take with it component part, shadow of the remembering the original person carried. Imagine, my boy, if you had to choose… what circumstances of your psyche would you cut up away ? What part of you would continue ? There are many pick. You could carve out the bad memory, perhaps the death of Greg Goyle, and go on believing that he had never died ? But then, what would happen if you were to die, and the Horcrux storing only the bad computer memory was released ? What sort of turn soul would remain ?

"Then there are those wizards who believe that it is the tragedy of a virtuoso's life that drives him forward ? Such a superstar might keep the tragical retentiveness at the ready erasing all joy and felicity, perhaps the day you first arrived at Hogwarts ?.

"And it's not just memory board, Harry. It's also the substance of who we are, what we have become, both honest and evil, wickedness and light. A wizard must decide how to break up each slice of joy and sorrow into tiny bit, sprinkling a short bit of everything into each portion of your soul, splintering all you ever were into shards of fogged drinking glass that can never really be made whole again. Tell me, Harry, what choice would you make ?"

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

"No, Harry, nor would I."Dumbledore's shoulder joint drooped slightly as if a tumid free weight sat square upon them."Thankfully, most wiz and witches would refuse to pick out as well. fewer still know that there is such a track one can look at ; and only the most hefty of those would be able to engage it."Suddenly looking quite tired, Dumbledore returned to the chair behind his desk and let out a deep sigh, 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 farseeing interruption. Harry could hear a number of the portrayal on the bulwark mumbling to themselves. Clearly they were unhappy with the direction of the conversation, particularly Phineas.

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

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

"But I saw Voldemort die,"said Harry."There was nothing left."

"Yes,"said Dumbledore, nodding."You also saw Tom Riddle die in the sleeping accommodation of closed book. I had always assumed he had divided himself in two. Who would adventure fracturing themselves more than than once ?"Dumbledore chuckled to himself grimly."Who indeed ?"Then he turned back to Harry."This news program palls the horizon with a new duskiness. secernate me, Harry, why you believe that someone is employing a Horcrux because, if person is, Voldemort is most certainly behind it."

Again, Harry found himself turning away. He didn't want this news. He thought it had something to do with Lucius, with the war that would soon be upon them. He didn't want to 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 middle sincere, looked back at Dumbledore.

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

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

"If it does live,"Harry said anxiously,"we have to come up it before it's too late."

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

"Inf— ?"

"It's far too dangerous for you to get down some journey to search the man for a Horcrux. Voldemort's been to the edges of the orb and beyond ; it could be anywhere. More likely, it has already been activated. No, I will address with the fellow member of the—"

"Sir, you can't. I swore that I'd—"

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

Dumbledore breathed in deeply and closed his eyes as he slowly let out his breath."Yes, I think I understand. He didn't just split himself in two. He may not have stopped at three. There's no telling."He walked over and stroked 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 agent working within the school walls. I'm sure Lucius does. That we know another Horcrux might exist gives us an sharpness we dare not lose. Do you have any idea—"The chimes of the great clock struck twice.

"Oh dear,"said Dumbledore."I've made you late for class."He paused, struggling for the briefest of moment about what to say next."You best be on your way. We can continue this later. William 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 Word of God and started for course of study. Just as he was about to wave his hand across the large governing body doorhandle, Dumbledore stopped him.

"Harry, there are those that we can trust—long-time friends and soul mates. I understand that you may be compelled to look for assistance. If you must discourse this, keep the conversation within the wall of Gryffindor."Harry paused for a present moment, taking in the headmaster's parole.

"But that means—"

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

As Harry walked down the corridors toward Defence Against the nighttime liberal arts year, his mind was spinning with the new information and trying to stick out everything that Dumbledore has shared with him. Within the walls of Gryffindor. Even though this year pupil were free to recruit the park way of any house into which they were invited, Harry knew exactly what Dumbledore meant ; he shouldn't trustfulness Gabriella. He pondered how he would save Gabriella out of any discussion he might receive with Ron or Hermione concerning the Horcrux. Maybe he was break off not saying anything to anybody. His fear 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 Logos about where he was or who he was with.

Normally, Harry arrived early to class so that he could sit in back. He like the majority of the course of instruction wanted to sit in as far away from Professor Barghouti as possible. For most students it was because their prof was a lamia ; Harry simply didn't like him. Every time Harry looked into his eyes he felt that he had to raise himself suitable ; that he was somehow lacking when it came to the Votary. Now, having arrived to class late, Harry had to sit in front next to the only other scholar who would : Hermione and Gabriella. Harry took his backside following to Gabriella who offered him a supportive grinning after he was chastised by Barghouti about sentence management.

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

"I want each of you to get hold a partner and while one tries to dawn his partner's mental defences the other will use the techniques you described in last night's prep assignment. For those of you who found the assignment to slow and pick out 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 have their idea read ? It is, after all, a ravishment of personal space."

"True, Ms. Granger ; it is a violation. But then, so is the killing Curse and we've learned to fend for ourselves, as best we can, against such an attack. Would you prefer to have your thinking read freely by Lucius Malfoy's spy ? Have them know your design so that they can kill you or your loved ones when you least await it ?"

"But—"

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

Hermione's lips pursed as she crossed her arms. Harry knew that tone 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 surface area. Today, you can be my partner."Barghouti offered a rare smile and both Ron and Harry expected to see his fangs, but all that appeared was a straight row of bright, pearly tooth.

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

"Harry,"she asked, sensing immediately his aroused 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 cypher, trying to put his Bible in alignment with the flavor she was sensing."That's okay, isn't it ?"he asked.

"Sure,"she said slowly. She reached out her helping hand 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 pip back with a bit of defiance. His voice was heated for no good reason, and he knew she'd sense that as well. If he stayed flustered, she'd be right ; there would be no way for him to descend close to reading her brain.

Around the course some students were having better succeeder than others. Most endeavor were fairly workweek and were being met by immediate standoff. This resulted in more than a few students being knocked backwards out of their chairs. Ron was popping down on to the ground More times than you could shake a wand at and Barghouti was taking great expiation in being capable to repel Ron's improvement. Just behind Harry, Hermione had teamed with Neville who, at the here and now, was trying to penetrate her mind. Avoiding Gabriella's eyes, Harry took a deep breathing time.

"Ready ?"he asked.

"Go Panthera tigris,"said Gabriella with a smiling.

Harry began to concentre as best he could on Gabriella's thoughts, but all he was sensing was the binding of his eyelids. Squeezing his center closed more firmly, he heard another magnanimous thump that he took to be Ron's arse once again striking the slating story. It felt like an eternity, but at some period he could hear Gabriella calling his name. Not with her mouth, but with her mind. Instead of pushing him back, she was trying to cajole him in. Even with the help he was finding it extremely difficult to bear on his way through the darkness to her persuasion. Not aware that he was now grabbing the edge of the desk with his hired hand, he redoubled, tripled his efforts to agitate his way in.

Suddenly, there was a jerking from butt. Trying to bottom into Neville's intellect, Hermione had been repelled backwards and fell against Harry. She grabbed his shoulder joint and began to get out him backwards. Without thinking and still focused mentally to get through Gabriella with all his power, he reached out toward her. She grabbed his hands and when she did the scene in Harry's mind changed. The strait was sucked out of the room and all was darkness. He had penetrated Gabriella's head ; but what was this… her memory or something more ?

The ruction of the class had disappeared and an eery secrecy surrounded him. He heard first, a rushing of water, a drip-drip-drip, a rustle of leaves and then crying… Then the air filled with a musty, wet aroma of pine tree and loam… The Forbidden Forest, he knew at once. Slowly, a brightness began to unfold up before him and he realized that the watchword came from the baby he was holding in his arms. This was no memory ; Harry was himself in this imaginativeness. He found that his robes were soaked. Both he and the Cy Young child, still less than a year old, looked as if they'd just come from the lake. The child, glistening wet, was wrapped in glowering folds of muffle fabric, dripping on his bang. A hired hand touched his berm from fundament.

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

A flush of fear began to rain buckets itself over Harry. He was insensate, shivering, teeth chatter, the child in his arms continued to cry out for its mother, but Harry knew that it was a cry that would never be answered. He wanted to holler, to run, but when the child looked at him his kernel warmed and his resolve strengthened. Slowly Harry's finger brushed the child's boldness.

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


Harry potter and the Birth of a New Sun

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

Bass throb, strings reverberating, the dance orchestra was gaudy and Harry was not feeling all that well. He slumped back, sinking into the large, overstuff chairperson and rubbed his temple. Why did he let Ron and James Dean challenge him into a boozing duel upstairs ? The Quidditch friction match against Hufflepuff was tomorrow and he swore he wouldn't take a sip. But then Ron convinced him that they were two-hundred distributor point favourites over their sis house and why not celebrate… a little ? It was Halloween after all ; their finally at Hogwarts.

Feeling a bit drunk, he then had let Neville convince him to eat far too very much during the feast. Why not ? It was, after all, their last Halloween together. And then when he had stepped outside for some sassy air, Hermione started in on him again.

"I saw it. You saw it. By the way she's playing, all three of us saw it, Harry."Her voice was more good-hearted than chiding as she set her hired hand upon his articulatio humeri. 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 make out. That was just what Hermione did. She wanted to lick a problem that she didn't understand and not knowing the solution was driving her mad. Nonetheless, after her protestation, Harry had simply rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulder.

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

"You need to severalise 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 wino. He shook his head, disagreeing with Hermione, unceremoniously pushing her placate hand away, and had wandered, stumbling a bit, back into the dance, where he had found the prissy cushy chair he now was melting into. Frustrated, Hermione had left his incline before he entered the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, and he was thankful for that. Rubbing his temple, Harry considered the new Sung dynasty. Yes, the dance band was very loud, but everyone was having a great time.

The Great Hall was dark save for the maculation that bathed the stripe in an eery orange and purple light. Now and then a row of taper burning at the front of the stage would flash bright, sparkling into the air. It was the only time you could reach much of anything out, except when a prof's wand grew brilliantly, lighting up two snogging students typically in a darkened corner covered by the fog that floated some three feet off the floor.

Harry was surprised to see St. Patrick dancing with a third yr missy from Slytherin, if you could call his gyrations dancing. The lad was flailing his arms and pounding his feet ; Harry expected to see him smiling, but Patrick didn't seem too proud of with it. Ron was nowhere to be seen, which put a momentaneous smirk on Harry's fount, for it was Harry who had won their earlier bet. He smiled even more broadly, thinking that Ron would sustain to go three nights straight without wearing any socks. There was another smart flash and he caught sight of Gabriella qualifying by James Chang as she entered the Great Hall. oculus blurred, Harry thought she had been carrying something, but couldn't make out what it was before the way went coloured again. His stomach churned ; he did not finger well at all. A moment later she was at his slope with a endocarp 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 head even though he couldn't make out a single intelligence she was saying, and squished in adjacent to him on the oversized cushion. Harry took a probationary sip. Feeling her warmth next to his, Harry was sure she had been praising him for drinking Ron and dean under the mesa. There was another flash of sparks and he noticed a few of the vernal educatee including James and Patrick were leaving. He looked back down into his mug, mustered up the courage and swallowed down the respite. The effect was nearly immediate. The sickness 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 workforce.

"You did a wonderful job helping Professor Flitwick with the decoration. The Snake that kept swallowing showtime old age was quite creative."

"A Slytherin inspired me,"replied Harry, smiling back at her now that the sonorousness was leaving his capitulum. He glanced over at the snake in the grass that was over in the recession of the Great Hall. The few first year students that remained were still lining up to be swallowed by the large, gray animate being with trigger-happy jaundiced eyes. Once swallowed, educatee were transported to the straw man of the stage where the band was playing. It was the only if way the young students could stimulate their way to the front man of the host that crushed up against the stage. If they were lucky, they got to sing with the band. If they weren't, the honest-to-god students would toss them to the back of the crowd. This late, it became more a game than anything else with first long time finding some sort of treat or intermixture from Fred and George VI's shop in their pockets by the meter they were flung out of the crowd.

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

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

Harry was suddenly queasy, remembering where he was and what he had done last yr at Halloween. At first he tried to seem away, but he could feel Gabriella's black optic penetrating his feelings, so he turned to her and tried to change the subject to something he knew she wouldn't want to talk about, especially not here.

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

At respectable it was difficult to discover, and with the long pause and total deficiency of reaction on Gabriella's percentage, Harry wondered if she'd even heard him. He tried to duplicate himself.

"I said, Hermione thinks—"

"I know what Hermione thinks,"Gabriella snapped."AND I know what YOU think."She let go of Harry's hands and crossed her weapon and leg. Her center were not tempestuous, 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 stage and be thrown to the back of the Great Hall, disappearing into the swirling fog that hung low on the base. Without looking at Harry, she yelled,"Is there somewhere we can go so we're not screaming at each former ! ?"

Harry was taken aback. He didn't expect that she'd want to talk at all about it. His eyes darted toward the vestibule off the Great foyer. No one could get in there economise professors ; yet prof Dumbledore had taken Harry there the year before and he remembered how to get in. Still he hesitated, but then his affectionateness began to airstream a bit, thinking of the possibilities. It was dark ; if they stayed close to the wall no one would see them slip behind the stage.

"wellspring ?"Gabriella called out.

Harry took her head and nodded for her to fall out. It wasn't slowly making it to the wall, but the crowd was focused on a particularly screeching Sung dynasty by the top Isaac Bashevis Singer with freshwater bass notes that pounded the story and tossed folks off their feet. Undetected, Gabriella and Harry slipped into the position room and the euphony instantly fell away. The anteroom was dimly lit by the warm glow of the fireplace and a smattering of lit cd. Beyond that there wasn't another stick of furniture in the place. Harry paused, thinking about the right wing spell, but before he put it together, Gabriella had conjured up a nice loveseat near the fireplace.

For the briefest of moments he thought to ask Gabriella about what he had seen in her nous, but being in this particular way on this special Night caused computer storage of Cho to hotfoot over him. His emotions were flux between excitement and concern. He hadn't heard from Cho since schooling let out and when Gabriella offered to visit Cho at her dwelling house, Mrs Chang said that she had gone to the commonwealth and wouldn't be back for the relief of summertime. The merely bookman who had any inter-group communication with her at all was Anthony Goldstein who seemed to be her boyfriend now. He seemed to triumph that he knew something that Harry didn't and he wouldn't say a word about what Cho was up to ; only that she was sound and well-chosen and that they'd be seeing a lot more of each former after he graduated.

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

"Who ?"asked Gabriella, a bit confused.

"Cho. Only Mark 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 business organization.

To Gabriella, Harry's sudden business organisation for Cho was odd, out of seat. 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 wrong, we would have heard,"she said comfortingly."If anything, Anthony's filled with pridefulness and happiness. I can smell it. He feels as if he's doing something tremendously important. Is it so bad if he won't share ? Why ?"She smiled devilishly."Are you envious ?"Gabriella pinched Harry's side and made him yelp.

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

He leaned over and kissed Gabriella hard against the lips. It had been old age since they had been truly alone together, and she pressed her lips firmly back against his. Her arms wrapped around his spine and she pulled him tight to her breast. His helping hand slipped to the warm, soft figure of her paunch. Thoughts of Centaur visions slipped past both their idea in party favour of other, more enjoyable, activeness.

Later, as Harry was tying up the lace of his trainer, he realized how artfully Gabriella had managed to keep him from asking her about the vision they'd seen. She kissed him one last time as he reached for the knob on the door that led back out to the Great Hall. There was still a multitude of people crowding against the point when they slipped back out of the ante-chamber. They chose not to dance and instead made their way out to the front of the castle. It was well past times midnight, but there were still a few couples huddled together, watching the nighttime sky. It was the most spectacular Halloween Harry could remember. The genius were bright, but then he saw it. His regard froze and his grin fell.

"What ? What's the matter, Harry ?"Gabriella placed her paw against the side of meat of Harry's font and then looked to the heavens above her shoulder."What's wrong ? What do you see ?"

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

"What ?"

"I don't see how it can spring up practically brighter. I see it during the day now."

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

"Where's the war ? I don't know why things haven't started already,"said Harry, but then a late, scratchy vox broke the night's stillness.

"What makes you think they haven't ?"

Both Gabriella and Harry jumped. It was Professor Barghouti. The moment the former duad saw him they began to scramble up the nominal head footstep of the castle, constantly casting backward glance to make trusted he wasn't following them, and occasionally reaching for their neck opening as if to reassure themselves that they hadn't been bitten. Harry forced himself to regain his composure, but Gabriella had beaten him to it.

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

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

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

"Harry !"Gabriella snapped.

"Yes, boy,"said Barghouti unimpressed,"as a matter of fact…,"he ran his knife across his dentition, 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 chopper white.

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

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

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

"I thought you said you didn't forethought about the war,"queried Harry."Why the long aspect now ?"

"Because, oh chosen one,"Barghouti sneered,"your admirer Lucius Malfoy has enlisted the help of vampires and hence his choice of foremost rap - the Carpathians. Only they're not just killing Centaurs, they're wiping out anything and anyone in their path - all of them Muggles. A solid village was destroyed. The Muggle papers are reporting that the ravaging was due to a gas explosion."A burst of air popped between his back talk."I must fall to Singehorn for a few days. I fear my old supporter may move to intervene and reprize old mistakes. Professor Dumbledore has been informed and prof Lupin will take guardianship of my classes."

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

"You wish to save the world, boy ?"Barghouti snapped, spinning back upon Harry. He was clearly angry, as if Harry had started the whole matter ; as if Harry had placed the comet in the heavens himself."Why don't you try saving this school first ? Why don't you try saving THEM ?"His hand shot out toward the tree that surrounded the schooltime ; all was duskiness. 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 castling doorway who quickly ran inside, slamming the door behind her."Can you not SEE ?"

Harry looked again into the darkness, squinting. Then he remembered. He took a deep intimation and closed his eyes. Then, he reached out with his idea toward the wood. As Dakhil had shown him before, all living things began to appear before him - the skunk, President George W. Bush, and tree diagram all glowed brightly. He scanned further out and then saw it : a Centaur some ten curtilage into the tree diagram, bow in mitt. apparent motion to the rightfield caught his vision again - another Centaur, another bow. Harry continued to scan. Every thirty to fifty grand another centaur stood sentry go, watching over the school day in the shadow. But Harry couldn't Tell if they were trying to keep something out, or something in.

"What are they doing ?"he whispered.

"I am fatigue of teaching the ignorant,"Barghouti muttered."The Centaurus can smack the darkness, soft touch. It is already upon you. You would be wise to recover its root before it swallows you whole."In a convolution he disappeared before Harry had a luck to say another word. The auditory sensation of flapping wings, faded to nothingness. What he noticed, after the dust settled, was that Gabriella's finger's breadth were digging into the gentle anatomy of his forearm.

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

"Let's go inside,"she breathed.

"They're protecting us, Gab,"said Harry, trying to sedate her nerves."They won't trauma you. They would never hurt you."Her eyes never left the forest and, if anything, the awe that filled the black pond of her eyes slipped toward anger.

"Now."

Harry sighed and nodded his head."Alright,"he acquiesced, and followed her up the step, noting that she was ever indisputable to keep his physical structure between her and the darkness of the forest. When the doorway finally closed behind them, he could see the weight lift from her shoulder joint and the relief scatter across her face. She leaned back against the doors, placing her hands over her nerve. Harry stepped closemouthed, touching her articulatio humeri softly.

"Baby, what is it ?"he asked."What's wrong ?"The paw upon her font began to tremble and bout began to streak down her cheeks, one by one, but she would not cry, not out flash. Slowly, her center turned to the incline to calculate at Harry. He'd seen that look when Gabriella lost her Father-God, Grigor. It was a look of dubiety, of fear, of death. Without saying a word, she shook her headland and turned to walk away. She'd gone only a few step before Harry called her to barricade, but she wouldn't listen. She past the stone column and began to head up down to the dungeon, to the entrance of Slytherin. Her fundament did not make the first gear step before Harry grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.

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

When he came to, he was lying on a slate level, but he wasn't at the top of the staircases leading down to Slytherin anymore. He was bound with forget me drug, ineffective to impress, in some elbow room, well lit by torches. The bulwark were stone, and along their top was a crown-moulding made of oak. Along its face, every few feet, was engraved a Hydra's head.

"Slytherin,"Harry hissed.

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

"Hello, chemise,"Harry said, knowing Nott hated the name. Harry was not surprised to come up Crabbe at Nott's slope."Taken to abduct now ? A step up from watching execution I suppose."

"Just gathering road-kill, pot,"Nott retorted."A little snort told me you'd been drinking… a bit too very much. Imagine my surprise when I found you passed out on the stairs to Slytherin."Nott stepped closer."Were you trying to notice your on-key passion ?"Harry said nothing."I can obtain you a mirror if you'd like."

"I see you found yours,"Harry smirked, tossing his head in Crabbe's direction. Crabbe took Thomas More umbrage than Nott and kicked Harry in the side. The coke was hard and a burst of air shot from Harry's mouth.

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

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

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

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

"Dead ?"he muttered under his breath. Evidently, he was not in on Nott's wax program.

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

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

"Oh, they die, slip. 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."shady thing, vampires. When they're pierced, their lamia shell sheds away and for a second they're who they once were, the fury gone."Harry looked up at the green cap."I like to think that in that moment, goodness had a luck to rush along in and fill their souls once more. They have a chance to be saved."

"Rubbish,"shot Nott, believing to a greater extent than disbelieving.

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

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

"Bloody hell ! I knew it !"

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

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

"A little boo told him,"said the voice behind Ron. It wasn't Gabriella, it was King James Chang ; Harry's savvy began to spring up once more. There wasn't much of a probability if Ron couldn't pull it together… and quickly. The bit yr who had freely chosen to be in Slytherin this semester stepped in front of Ron with his wand drawn.

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

"Obliviate !"chanted William James, casting a spell well beyond his age. A burst of Orange Christ Within erupted from his wand throwing both Nott and Crabbe against the wall, knocking them unconscious mind, and wiping their minds of Recent memories. The intensity level of the Obliviate enchantment determined how a good deal computer memory was removed. Normally, a second year wouldn't even be able to cast the spell, but Harry was trusted that the outcome would be lasting.

Ron released Harry from his association while Jesse James bound his two house crony."They'll be the one missing the friction match tomorrow,"he whispered with a smile pursing his lips.

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

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

"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 and impertinence, and then looked into his eyes."Can you forgive me ?"Harry looked over at the two Slytherins on the flooring and back at Saint James the Apostle.

"Let's go,"he said, a sang-froid sweat beading on his brow ; the potion Gabriella had given him earlier was obviously beginning to wear off."This stead gives me the creeps."

They made their way up a narrow row of stone step that opened out on the Slytherin coarse room. Harry hadn't been here since he was a first year. James IV and St. Patrick nonchalantly split away from the group to blab to some other second yr 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 tower. By the clip they made it to the tower, Harry was feeling a good deal unspoiled and it was Ron that was leaning on Harry and Gabriella.

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

"No you don't,"answered Harry coolly, recalling his conversation with Dumbledore about the Horcruxes."Two geezerhood ago I think he might hold taken this chance to bolt down me, just to leaven himself to his father and the other Death Eaters. Tonight, he was just a bag replete of hot air. He's learned something since then, since his father died."Harry paused."compassionateness I think."

"Oh, p-lease !"cried Ron."Nott ? Compasshhhionate ? King James said he was goin'to turn you over to them… to the decease feeder. He might not throw delivered the setback, Harry, but he still would have been dancin'on your grave."

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

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

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

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

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

"Ron,"she said,"you go on in. I need to address 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, mate ?"

"toffee cliff,"said Harry and the painting swung open and Ron stumbled through. Before it shut, he looked back at the two, pointing his fingerbreadth in no particular direction and shake up 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 room. Gabriella walked him over to a stone bench and the two sat down. Even though the walls and flooring were now speckless, he never liked sitting here, remembering the Dementors that had nearly killed professor McGonagall the twelvemonth before. There was a sense of decease in the air and for a secondment Harry felt a coolheaded kick swim up his spine, whispering last's name. Gabriella held his script, but would not hold his gaze. 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 doorway and windowpane that open on to the other planes."

"But—"

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

"And ?"he asked, nudging Gabriella along.

"A vision from another woodworking plane is like a finely cut jewel, a diamond with many facet. One can bet in and see different image from all angle. You and Hermione became contribution of my visual modality and somehow shared it from your own position. We all saw the same thing, but all differently. And what we each saw can stand for different things."

"Then why don't you want to—"

"No imaginativeness is perfect, Harry ; and, like time-turners, there are also rules about looking into the future. Most would seduce change based on the continuous tense knowledge they see, often changes that lead to more annihilative outcomes. Only the Best, those like Mama, have any Bob Hope of moving the sands of fourth dimension to shape the outcome of the early planes. Others go mad trying to transfer what n-never was to c-come."She began to tremble as she delivered the last words and in the quiet that followed Harry felt a tear drop onto his forearm. He put his arm around her and held her compressed.

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

"It begins with a flash of light, a fervor erupting from a glistening emerald lake. We are surrounded by them. There is a scream and then silence. And then there is me… cheek down in the tall Grass. I… I am dead, Harry. Buried oceanic abyss in my rear is the retentive wooden arrow of a Centaur."


Harry Potter and the parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 12 - subterfuge portion
~~~***~~~

The air was quick for fall, yet the sky was a profound grey. Flying with the magic spell of his Caduceus P2 off, Harry could find the wetness in the air. He knew it would rain soon and that, to a greater extent than anything else, focused his energies on finding the Snitch. It had been hard concentrating. last class, Ron had lost Harry's broom when he had been attacked flying into the Burrow. So this yr he was riding the up-to-the-minute model of Caduceus, the new P2, P for Potter. Cleansweep was paying him a low fortune to use his name for their new broom, monies that Harry was using to assist the families who had lost loved ones in the war. That didn't seem to weigh much. Even his own theatre was ribbing him for the stigmatization of his name and it didn't service that smack in the middle of the visitant stand was a ten ft by twenty foot crystalline portrait of Harry flying the new Calluna vulgaris and waving at the crew. Every so often words would come along : The Caduceus P2. So fast it'll blow the competition away. It was a play on the story run by the Daily prophesier about Harry's defeat of Voldemort. The storey said that the spell Harry cast was so powerful, not only did it destroy Voldemort, but it nearly took the Ministry down with it. Even now, the Ministry was digging out and repairing the gaping fall into malarky that remained after the floor of the death chamber fell away, swallowing unanimous the Curtain of Phenolem and the stump upon which it stood. Harry glanced again at the Brobdingnagian sheet of crystal, his own image smiling back at him and waiving, and shook his head word to illuminate his thoughts.

He'd been distracted all day and most sept thought it had to do with showtime game jitters. He was Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain this year and nearly everyone believed it a folly conclusion. Since the onset on the railroad train, the whole schooling knew that he was going to be fighting the Dementors when the war with the Centaurs came. How could anyone pore on training their squad with a burden like that on their berm ? Indeed, even Professor McGonagall thought that Ron Weasley might make the skilful pick ; she told Harry so.

"If I can't sustain your mind on the game, you're no use to the squad, Mr. Potter,"she had said in confidence."Ron Weasley bleeds Quidditch and his intellect is knifelike when it comes to analyzing the former squad'weaknesses."Harry had nodded and had turned to leave her agency when she stopped him."But no one commands commitment like you, Harry. It takes seven to win a Quidditch peer and all Gryffindor would sooner fly into the lake than let you down. The interrogative sentence is — can you hold open from letting all Gryffindor down ?"

"No, ma'am. I mean yes ma'am,"Harry sputtered."I mean…"He sighed."I won't lie, professor. Ron's the well strategist, and there's no one better in northerly United Kingdom when it comes to keeping a Quaffle from skewering the rings. Dennis Creevey is the degenerate in all Hogwarts and is starting to arrive up with plays I could never woolgather of. Jack Sloper's put on thirty British pound since last yr and he can ping 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 chance. The team doesn't need me to lead them ma'am. Anyone can guide us to the cup."McGonagall looked at Harry over the top of her methamphetamine hydrochloride.

"Is that so ?"she had asked."Well then, Mr. Potter, I suppose you'll do then. I want the squad roll, to include the actor replacing Katie at Chaser, and the hebdomadary exercise schedule by tomorrow morning. And, to keep you motivated since this will be such an loose year, let's say that if we don't win every plot by more than one-hundred fifty points, you'll be back in my part on Sundays for detention."

"But—"

"triplet hours, each workweek. 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 good chaser and when Jimmy Peakes tried out for Beater he played ferociously, unseating Hooper from the team. Finally, Harry selected Demelza American robin as chaser, if for no other reason than she was particularly respectable at dodging Bludgers. The shuffle caused a lot of growing pain sensation and distress feelings, but after three workweek of practice Harry was confident once again that the team could not be defeated.

Now, flying high over the pitch, Harry wasn't so for certain. Trying to ignore his own face, he glanced at the scoreboard to retrieve 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 coach of the chatterbox, Bernard Bennegin, was coming specifically to scout Ron's performance he was a uneasy wreck. To fix matters worse he was suffering from a hangover and was having fuss seeing the Quaffle, let alone stopping it. The only good news was that Jimmy and diddlysquat were keeping the Bludgers off the squad while Dennis and Demelza were scoring nearly at will. Ginny could have been too, but she was so interfering yelling at Ron for being such a git she hadn't scored a unmarried goal.

Harry scanned the skies once more, searching for the sneaker. The Hufflepuff Seeker, Summerby, had seen it about an hour earlier. Harry had been well out of position, and if it hadn't been for a well placed Bludger by Sloper, Gryffindor would bear lost. It was then Harry turned off the charms of his broom, hoping that he might better sense the Snitch's location. Suddenly, the yellow position of the pitch erupted in sunshine ; Hufflepuff had scored. Harry forced himself not to look at the scoreboard. He had to stay on alert, but before you could say snicklfritz the crowd erupted again - another account for Hufflepuff. Finally, Harry called timeout.

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

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

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

"You could be looking for the Snitch !"snapped Ginny as she pulled out her wand."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 stratum !"

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

"stop consonant it !"yelled Dennis above the fray. With a no-nonsense representative that commanded attention, Dennis Creevey, who was still the smallest on the team, began to taper out what needed to be done.

"Ron, they're constantly feinting right and shooting left. If you move higher in the air and view as side just a slight foresighted, you'll stop them. Ginny, we could use a piffling more of your attention on the Hufflepuff side of the sphere. Dem, they're starting to catch on to Harry's first few plays."His eyes dotted to Harry who nodded in agreement."I think we should proceed on to what he was showing us in conclusion weekend."

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

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

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

"Go on,"said Harry.

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

Harry had to smile at the new general on the field."Our own little Napoleon,"he thought. Madame Hooch blew the whistle for play to resume. Hufflepuff broke their scrummage and began to fly into position. Harry looked down on the slant below. There was cipher he loved more in the earthly concern than flying.

"I'm with you,"he said with self-confidence."Summerby won't have a opportunity. I swear."Harry shot into billet just to the W and a little below Summerby. If anything, the sky was growing darker and the air colder, but he resisted the enticement to prosecute the charms of his broom.

Dennis had been right. Over the next forty minutes or so, Ron had blocked six straight Hufflepuff attempts while the Gryffindor pursuer had scored four sentence. Still, they would need the sneaker. He flew over by the Slytherin stands and get word a handful of hisses, and one cheer.

Harry could think of few Hogwarts cleaning woman besides Gabriella Darbinyan able to withstand the taunts and jeering of Slytherin for being Harry's girlfriend. Of course of instruction, there were no taunts or jeers, because all of Slytherin was deathly afraid of Gabriella. Perhaps because she came from a schoolhouse known for its dark illusion, but more because any scuttlebutt usually meant the commenter had a one-way ticket to the infirmary flank. 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 fingerbreadth. The gesture and the gasp of the crowd told him at once that the fink had been seen. He spun to see Summerby plunging toward the sod at the north end of the pitch. Below him was a glint of atomic number 79, racing low and heading toward the visitors'standpoint. Summerby was ahead by at least fifty m when Harry began to charge.

"You bloody idiot !"Harry cursed at himself as he clenched his tooth."You flobberworm sucking imbecile !"The confidential information roared furiously at his face. The Snitch was flying low to the sward and Harry could see that it would have to turn or ascend once it hit the stands on the opposite position of the pitch. Even as effective a flyer as Summerby was, he would not reach the Snitch until it hit the wall. Harry leaned forward, accelerating his broom."It will come up,"Harry whispered to himself, focusing wholly on the amber globe that was coming closer."It will rise."He chose to fly the heterosexual person line to intercept 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 Snitch flew up… Harry groaned. At this speed it was still impossible. Harry poured all his energy into making his broom accelerate. The ass of his robe began to tatter in the vicious idle words and his goggles were pressing hard against his aspect. The pressure tunnelled his vision, but he didn't fear. He could still see the golden spark growing gravid before him."Faster ! Damn it ! Faster !"

The pitch below him was a haze ; the standpoint faded to dark and all that Harry could see was the golden Snitch and the trail of yellowness that followed it -- the trail of yellow that Harry was passing. Faster ! A tack of regal — the visitors'bandstand. The aureate stoolie flying upward. Yes !
Harry's fingers pressed firmly against the winged canary when he heard the sidesplitter of terror. They conflicted with his own sense of joy.

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

Waking, and still feeling a bit foggy, the outset thing Harry recognized was the sound of charge plate being give away, torn and then crumpled. The rhythmic mastication that followed told him at once that Ron was nearby. Harry smiled. He tried to open his oculus, but couldn't. He leaned to his right slope and felt a dull ached that ran up the left half of his trunk. With his right script he felt the sheets about his chest, the pillow behind his school principal, the bandage that wrapped his brass.

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

"Hey, checkmate,"Ron added before Harry could resolve."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 toad found its way down the wrong tobacco pipe.

"That's right,"added Hermione with a remains and unnatural tone. And then vox, dozens of representative it seemed to Harry, added their agreement.

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

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

A number of folks touched Harry's salutary arm. He felt of few kisses against his cheek. He heard a few cheery good day and Later, mates, but he also heard a few snuff and sobs. The door swung closed with a deep thunk.

"I'm still here,"whispered Gabriella and she took his manus once more. With his sore arm Harry reached up to pry off the bandages that wrapped about his typeface, just to have a heyday.

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

Okay. So he had been growing more and more apprehensive since he first became conscious. And the bandages were starting to freak him out… just a bit. Something in the back of his psyche had said the word, but he had pushed it back down. Only problem was… the sorry corner of Harry's mind were shouting now.

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

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

"It was the crystallization portrayal, Harry,"Gabriella said sadly."You slammed right through it, sending splinter of chicken feed everywhere. They shattered your goggles and your… your…"

"Your middle were shredded, Mr. ceramicist,"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 Professor Dumbledore insisted that you remain within the castle."

"You've b-been out for two days, Harry,"said Gabriella, another shudder of sadness cracked her voice. Harry reached up and touched the bandage wrapping his face.

"Mr. thrower,"snapped Madame Pomfrey."If you keep touching your wrapping you'll assuredly disturb their charms ! I will not feature you go blind ! Do you listen me ! If you keep moving your sleeve I will immobilize them."Her voice was husky. She'd been crying ; Harry could severalise. The unhappiness in the room was almost overmaster. Finally, he turned his head in the direction of Gabriella.

"Did we win ?"he asked.

"What ?"she replied, still dazed.

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

"Harry, how can you—"

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

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

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

"Blimey, Harry,"he began,"it was amazing. There you two were, screaming across the sales talk to the Second Earl of Guilford. Everyone was standing, even Professor Snape. Although, who he was cheering for, I don't know. But he was screaming just the same. Summerby was flying low to the dry land, his robe flicking up dried grass and tossing it into the air. The blowing dust made it attend as if his broom was on flak.

"I thought for certainly we'd lost, when you spun over and started closing in from on luxuriously. The canary was flying just to my rightfulness and I could possess sworn there were arc flying out the tail end of your Scots heather. It was glowing red. Heading toward the stands, it was elucidate you were going to pass Summerby, but you were too high up ; 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 UK !

"When you passed Summerby, I thought you'd honkytonk to avoid the stands, to grab the Snitch that was still screaming low to the primer coat. But you didn't ; you stayed straight on. When the sneak darted up toward you…"Ron sighed in ecstasy."It was a miracle, mate. Like you were calling out to it and it obeyed. Pop ! right into your mitt."There was a foresightful suspension."It's when everyone's center popped up with the Snitch we saw what was going to find. That's when the screams began."Ron walked over adjacent to Harry's bed."Summerby smashed into the documentation down low. Broke his leg and lost a couple tooth. He got out of the hospital yesterday. You… you…"Ron swallowed punishing.

"You held on, checkmate. Yeah, we won, alright."Ron patted Harry on the thorax."Charles Herbert Best damn quester in all Britain."

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

"Well, now,"Ron answered,"I know you've had your fair portion, Harry, but I still think winner can plow a shot to the psyche with a Bludger bettor than you."

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

"OK, okay you three,"said Madame Pomfrey."Mr. Potter needs his rest."She shuffled the two friends outside the elbow room, but not until Gabriella kissed Harry on the backtalk.

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

When the room access 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 time to mend. The wrap will stay on for at least three hebdomad. Your lids will be sealed longer still. Even when you can open your eyes, Harry, I don't suspect you'll see more than tone of ignitor and dark. Once we know what you can and can't see, Healer Sventstein can lead off making the proper rectification. You'll have to be patient, my dear, very patient."

He could find out her folding some composition, putting crank away he thought, and then she stepped over to the side of the room and poured something into a glass or goblet.

"I need you to drink this,"she said, helping him sit up and wrap his hands around the cup. He winced when she held his left arm."Yes, the totally left field side of your body was pretty much burger meat. We've summoned out all the chicken feed 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 fence about the drink and swallowed it down in one long potation. The hurting running down his side ebbed away and the apprehension about his visual modality faded. Soon he was asleep.

When Harry woke, he found himself jumble and disorientate. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see and he began to flail around, rising out of bed, the Harlan Fisk Stone floor cold beneath his publicise human foot. He was about to pass on up to his face when a paw took him by the arm. At beginning he was startled, but the voice settled him at once.

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

"Sirius ?"Harry asked to the shadow, reaching out and touching Sirius'face.

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

"wait on ! Hold on !"Sothis stopped Harry from running into the candles hovering at his bedside."Let's er… let's get you back in bed."Sirius helped Harry climb 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 time is it ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite three in the morning."

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

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

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

"Yeah,"agreed Sirius smartly."That's what I hear."Harry could hear Sirius sink back into his chairperson and sigh."I have to admit, Harry, that was the flying I've ever seen a broom fly, and I've seen a few Quidditch couple in my day. When you hit that damn portrait with your picture on it, the thing exploded. It was like a hulk crystallization firework. And that you still held onto the Snitch… well, it's been all over the papers. Most anatomy you broke the platter, but the folks from Cleansweep want you to occur out and perform a fly-off against Comet — XX thousand galleons to the victor's charity."Harry turned on his face, his back toward Sothis.

"Like that's ever going to happen,"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 face he was getting right now. He sighed."Ten percent is not zilch percent,"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 correct. Once a witch or wizard lost their centre there was often little that could be done—eyes simply maintain too practically magic. healer could re-grow many thing, but the eyes… the eyes, particularly of a potent Wiccan or wizard, were nearly impossible to remedy. Sirius let out a low groan as the secrecy stretched between them. After that, the flicker of candlelight was the entirely noise that accompanied their breathing. At last, it was Sirius who began again, not sure as shooting if Harry was even still waken. His voice was unsteady, recalling a role of his past times he had never shared with Harry.

"When I… when I was in Azkaban, there was nothing to see but darkness, aught to smell but the foetor of death, zero to hear but the cries of lament, nothing to savor but the remnant of bout that had prospicient since died away, and the sole thing one felt was the cold breathing space of despair. What intellectual nourishment they gave us was more like black gruel with a body somewhere between mud and slime."Sothis chuckled grimly to himself."When the Dementors departed, leaving this black gunk behind, I would smile. It was the only joy I had, sensing their departure, knowing that however awful the intellectual nourishment was, the vacancy that screamed from my belly would soon be staved for another day. That crusty stadium of crap and my pure hatred for prick Pettigrew were all that kept me awake.

"I never dreamed that one day…"Sirius'voice halted and he had to swallow to tuck himself."That one day… the son of my dearest Quaker would parlay my ten-percent of nothing and save me… not from the Dementors of Azkaban… not from the drapery of Phenolem, but… from myself. I was used up inside, Harry ; a racing shell of a wizard and less a man. You've shown me, even now as darkness rushes in toward us, how to survive again… how to make out again. I'm amazed that today, I once again walk the halls of Hogwarts—a gratuitous man, not because I'm free of the horrors of Azkaban, but because I'm free of the darkness and hatred that once consumed my person. Because of you, I'm liberate to smack the delicious yield of life sentence once again."

"Erm, surely you're not referring to your cooking ?"asked Harry, turning back to face Sirius. Because I think you could initiate your own restaurant for Black sludge."

"If I could smack you, I would,"blast Canicula, kicking the post of Harry's bed with his pes, a tear sliding down the slope 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 berth."I can take you with both eyes tied behind my cover !"Harry was smiling as Sothis rose to his feet. The older wizard wiped his eyes and then, gently, took Harry's hands in his own.

"You just have to believe that it'll get good, 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 word 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 ! Stop 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 middle of the nighttime grasping for my sheets, fearing that it has all been a pipe dream, wondering if in the nothingness of Nox 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 pipe dream that will carry me through till break of the day.

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

"Yeah, but—"

"And to a greater extent than that,"Sirius interrupted,"until the day comes when your vision replication, you'll have to encounter a way to see through your blindness."Harry's prompt chemical reaction was to let a fusillade of air get-up-and-go through his lips in scoffing dismissal of Sirius'Christian Bible. He began to fall back into his pillow when he stopped himself and held fast to Sirius'hand. To see through blindness ? Might it still be potential ?

Not sure 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 brightness of Sirius before him. It wasn't an image so much as an nimbus of lighting that shown bright. Harry leaned forward in his bed. Reaching out further he began to contain in the dim glowing of the organic sprightliness that clung to the walls, cap and trading floor. Without saying a Holy Writ he let go of Canicula'hand and rose out of bed.

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

What Harry was ‘ seeing'wasn't so much an image as an depression of all that was around him. It would take prison term to decipher the shapes, chromaticity and intensity level. There was a luminescence coming toward them. Harry pointed at the threshold.

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

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

"I should have known it was you by your people of color,"he said happily."Bright patrician — the colour of a therapist's spell."He looked back at his godfather."Dog Star, you're a bit orange right now. You were brighter a second ago. What's wrong ?"

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


Harry ceramicist and the birth of a New Sun

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

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

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

"Jump !"

Ronan didn't need to differentiate him. Harry had already started the leap.

It had been bitterly cold all day, but with all the running Harry was beginning to regret his decision to assume clothes. They were pushing the demarcation line between physical and magical travail and Harry's metrical foot, well clad in a brace of trainer, were on flak. The light cap and pants he was wearing were suffocating and felt like they weighed a thousand pounds.

Once again he was training with Shahan and felspar. Over the live few days, the three had been put though their paces by Ronan, Firenze and others — running, lifting, and shooting arrow from one side of the Forbidden forest to the other. Harry was exhausted — a feeling he was beginning to enjoy. If anything, he preferred to be out in nature.

Still blind, he was developing his limited power to get through out and sense the aura of biography around him. While he could make impressions about where matter were at Hogwarts, occasionally very clean objects would omit his tending. A chemical group of Slytherin fourth years had discovered this about a week after Harry had returned from Hospital and had taken to conjuring marbles in domain where they knew Harry would be walking. Harry, in turn, developed a few spells that helped realise his way. The tinkling of marbles usually meant that a Slytherin was nearby, waiting to look on Harry tumble. But since Harry could observe person's gloriole, even through rampart, the perpetrator was usually found fastened to the wall with their underclothing on their heads and nothing else. It was a pageboy out of what Nott and Parkinson had done to Ron final year and Harry didn't mind a little playful retribution.

In the forest, however, Harry felt as if his vision was advantageously than having sight. Everything was animated and vibrant. Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and vegetation, the heavy animals and the smallest spores, Harry could see it all as if he'd never been blind.

Shahan had cleared the stream ahead and was already pulling away. felspar came a bit short and she splashed weewee into the air. Harry, just a footprint behind feldspar, was unforesightful still, landing a full meter away from the camber's edge. His base landed firmly in the weewee and he struggled to keep his balance so as not to fall into the icy water completely. He'd only taken three footstep when he noticed the imperturbableness around his feet. When he focused his attending downward he could sense clearly that his flight simulator were gone, the bottoms of his drawers in tatters. Where the spattering from Felspar hit the figurehead of his Garden State it had dissolved away as if it had been burned by acid, the aura of his bare skin underneath beaming through.

Stepping backward as he moved out of and away from the stream, Harry focused at the running weewee. For the world-class fourth dimension he noticed that its colour was dissimilar than the other streams he'd seen through the forest. The light emanating from this H2O was clean, more crystalline, more pure. With a great leap Ronan, who had been following, jumped from banking company to bank with ease. Harry expected to be chastised for stopping, yelled at for falling behind, but Ronan said zilch. Harry noticed that the whitish-gray of Ronan's aura warmed a bit. He'd learned, at least with his friends, that such a variety meant a smiling. He wondered what it meant with a centaur.

Shahan had long disappeared in the underwood ahead, but felspar stopped inadequate of the thickening trees 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 situation and to reach out with your vision."

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

"You are your own Centaur, Felspar ! You have passed these water supply so often, and yet you still can not see ?"Felspar stepped closer to the stream, staring down at its ripples.

"Not with your eyes, goosy one !"snapped Ronan. Felspar stepped back and closed her eyes. A second passed before she rose up on her rear legs and spun toward them.

"The decline !"she cried with fervor."The stream that feeds the surrender !"Then feldspar stepped over to Harry, noticing his bare feet and ankles."Harry Potter, your fetlock joint are bare."She stepped closer."But the flesh is unharmed. If ever I held dubiousness in the Chosen, they have forever washed away."felspar nodded with a slight bow. Harry nodded in replication and the smiled as he saw Felspar own fetlock joint.

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

"The boy is correctly, 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 than brightly from the human knee and hock down.

"Perhaps you should startle in wholly,"suggested Harry.

"No,"said felspar immediately, backing away from the weewee."I would not place the purity of my heart at such a criterion. Indeed, if I had known these were the very waters…"

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

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

"As I am not,"retorted Ronan."For three straight twenty-four hours Shahan has failed to comprehend the lesson. Firenze says Shahan did not even incommode to search for Ebyrth. The centaur is of no use to the heard if he refuses to read our ways. I care not that he is young."Then Ronan stepped closer to feldspar ; his military capability becoming rigid."You would be wise not to listen to Shahan's cerebration, Felspar. That your coat should change colour at all is not a beneficial preindication. Your mother has raised you better."Then Ronan's behaviour changed back to one of teacher.

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

"Is that not an Apparation ?"Harry asked.

"One can not Apparate on these primer coat, Harry ceramicist. The earth is too filled with illusion. The Centaur can bend place and wearisome prison term so that length 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 travel with the other living emotional state of the forest."

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

"Yes,"answered Ronan."But I need not bear witness you again ; these science are yours to control. Do you smell the Bowtruckle staring at us from across the stream ? Perhaps he can help you see what you've thirsted for. Reach out to the brute's mind."

When Harry did reach out, he found it far easier than he first expected. The energy of the forest seemed to imbue him with added insight, guiding his thought process as he became focused on the creature, leaving his own self, releasing his corporeal bod behind and melding into the sum of a reefer. In a flash he was one with the woody Bowtruckle. His eyes blinked. Ahead, across the stream were a Centaurus and young man with tattered gasp and no shoe. Harry tried to maltreat forward, but the creature would not respond. It was as if he were simply eavesdropping. Suddenly, he felt quite athirst. Instead of looking ahead at the two across the stream, Harry found himself looking down. There was a rather large stink worm wriggling its bulgy head between two leafage. He bent down, sniffed the foul thing at pulled it up out of the soil grinding gut and earth between his teeth.

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

"Well done, Harry Potter. It has been less than a year since the cleanup, and already you have learned the Centaur artistic creation. It will take much More time to master them and many old age to understand their straight nature. It is…"Ronan paused looking toward the western sky."…unfortunate that we have so little time."His hoof clawed at the ground."It does not go well for our buddy in Eastern Europe. whizz have joined the Dementors and brought a new friend to the war."These final words were spoken with the most emotion Harry had ever heard from a Centaur—contempt.

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

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

Harry could palpate shadow falling, and for the first fourth dimension he was beginning to feel inhuman. Ronan sensed this at once.

"It is fourth dimension for you to deliver to the castling, Harry potter. I have been training you far too voiceless and far too fast, I'm afraid. So it is with Shahan and Felspar. You are all learning before your ability to grasp. If we were greater in number…"Ronan let out a long 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 question for the Centaur, 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 ruck that are destroying the villages of Eastern EU. That is the work of the Dementors and their ilk. They are the ones swayed by Ebyrth's paying back ; we are simply defending ourselves."

"I read that in the fight of the Fifth Age the Centaurus herds nearly obliterated Dementors from the look of the earth."

"Would that we had,"said Ronan coolly."Their darkness has no purpose other than devastation. Near the end of that war, only a handful escaped into the swamps and bog through which we could not travel. It was there they learned to fly ; it was there they developed their hunger for soul. Now, from a unconnected few, their progeny have multiplied. They outnumber the Centaurs two to one. For that we can thank the Wizarding existence and the world of man whose avarice has consumed the earth and produced sustenance on which the Dementors feed.

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

"It doesn't helper that I'll never see again,"said Harry, rubbing his arms with his hands to bring some warmth to them.

"It is the will of Ebyrth. There is a reasonableness and you will disclose it. Already your cecity 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 century I might be able-bodied to recognize everyone's fussy hue."

"It is a window to the spirit that lies within. This vision you have goes beyond extraneous appearance and penetrates the inwardness of the creature before you. My mass hold their emotions well, so they appear gray or white. Have you noticed that house gremlin are nearly always—"

"special K. Er… greenish. Yeah, I noticed."

"hobgoblin, whose natures are always angry, are almost always kick with red. While wizards and crone carry the colours that suit their nature, colours the trained Centaur nous can tell apart. It does not take long to pick out the given hue."

"Or hues,"added Harry.

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

"Well, when they have to a greater extent than one colour. You know, say green that sometimes turns blue."Ronan was staring blankly at Harry."You know, the guy's form of disconsolate sometimes, form of green other times… right ?"

"Unless there is a phenomenal transformation, a heart carries but one hue, Harry ceramist. It may clear or darken, but the hue remains the Lapplander. Unless…"

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

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

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

"There are path you might see two hue, Harry potter. Some wizards or witches are known Animagi. The creature inside can lay out a dissimilar hue, although even among the Animagi it is rare. Usually, the wight reflects the nature of the witch or wizard."There was a long pause.

"And the former ?"asked Harry.

"It can be the study of a break heart, someone who is really two people, or possibly under the mastery of another."

"The Imperius execration ?"Harry asked.

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

"Erm, no… not really,"Harry lied."I've got to go, Ronan. Thank you for your teachings today."Harry's creative thinker was clicking of the inclination of name calling. He focused on bending the space between where he was and Hagrid's hut."I think I can find—"Before he finished his judgment of conviction, Harry had warped time and found himself outside Hagrid's breast threshold. He'd covered the distance, some Admiralty mile, in little more than the blinking of an eye. Still, in so doing he'd exhausted what little resources of strength he had left. His apparel shredded, he was about to knock on Hagrid's door when he sensed that soul was hidden in the trees behind the garden. Harry reached for his wand and held it at the set. Barefoot, he began to step silently toward the spy. It was one proficiency taught him by the Centaurs and for the swift of moments Harry thought he'd prefer a notched arrow right about now.

Stealthily, Harry moved closer. The name, with a lustrous emerald commons aureole, didn't move. Its position continued to remain against the tree. Just a few yards away Harry's anterior naris took in the smelling of smoke, a distinctively aromatic skunk.

"genus Draco !"Harry hissed quiet down and low. This ending, Harry could see the figure, still leaning motionless against the tree, bring his hand to his mouthpiece. He was taking another drag on his cigarette. Harry could hear the exhale, long and slow down.

"shucks, ceramicist,"Draco said, pulling himself away from the tree and turning to face Harry."I thought you'd never get here."Dragon took a step closer."Merlin, what the hell happened to you ?"

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

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

In the darkness from far up the hill Harry could try the social movement doors of the castle open with their characteristic crack. What he didn't expect to get word next was Ron Weasley's voice.

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

Followed by his beginner's.

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

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

"I thought the old man would be dead by now,"said Dragon with a matter of fact tincture as he pulled what was left of Harry's jersey toward some thicker undergrowth. 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 whang 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. 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 metre with the Centaurs ?"A moment later and the door shut leaving Harry alone with Draco once again.

"What's going on, genus Draco ?"said Harry not holding the proper seam of sight with Draco's eyes."I thought you were going to use Blaise to—"

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

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

"Does it hurt ?"

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

"Blaise has been… compromised. He and I have a magical snatch phrase that we use to check the other is mentally free from any… meddling. For the last two hebdomad, Blaise has tried to contact me without using that idiomatic expression. He's soul else's now."Draco took another recollective drag on his cigarette."How Fatherhood found out… I don't know."His words were deeply troubled. It was an emotional fracture in Dragon that Harry had rarely seen."We were careful ; more than careful. You need to know that there's a spy in the castle. I thought maybe Nott, but he doesn't have the skill to swan the Imperius."

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

"And you're supposed to be our Deliverer ? We're screwed."Dragon flicked his cigarette into the air and it vanished."Here."He passed Harry his cloak and wrapped it around his shoulders."You know, aside from being scratched bloody, having essentially no apparel, and looking like you were just run over by the Hogwarts Express, you're in pretty estimable shape. Maybe if you stopped running around the forest butt naked—"

"T-Training,"Harry interrupted.

"Right, like that's going to bring through your lamentable ass. I don't know what potions you've been taking, but you unspoiled inflame up and see what's going on around here."

"I don't know where the Hades 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 mysterious wedding."

"What ? What are you talking about ?"

"I've been here since day one,"Draco mocked Harry."Yes, you're so in tune, so shed light on. Hell, Harry, that's not even the interesting news."

"Married ? Goldstein ?"

"Not even her picayune Brother knows they're getting married. Quite scandalous."Draco chuckled to himself and then sat cross-legged on the solid ground."But I suppose you, all knowing oracle of the blind have insight to that."Harry said nothing, but sat down succeeding to Draco crossing his arms and peg under Draco's cloak.

"ejaculate on, thrower,"drawled Draco once again."Surely you can guess why Cho and Goldstein would want to… nay… would require to get married secretly."Again there was a long pause and Harry pulled Draco's cloak tighter about his articulatio humeri. He was feeling a stab of jealousy and he had no right to. He had loved Cho and he would always love her, but their path were never meant to locomote together. His path was and would forever be entangled with Gabriella. It wasn't perfect but the drawing card was unattackable and the love firm and the uncertainty of any given day that kept Harry forever on sharpness tickled a very Slytherin constituent of his look that wriggled deep inside him. Finally, Harry breathed.

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

"France,"answered Dragon with a sly smile."Don't Tell anyone, Harry, but Goldstein's guardian may be their chaperon by day, but at Night he's a destruction Eater in my Father-God's service. It's a tryst of trivial consequence to my Father-God and it pays the bills for H, the chaperone, but I knew you might birth a particular interest."

"I never thought that Goldstein and Cho would—"

"Oh, but I'm not done, Harry. Cho Chang Jiang spends her Day in French Republic, in a small Doroteo Arango just north of Marseille, a Ithiel Town called La Mure. She and the—"

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

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

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

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

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

"Then why are you risking your spirit right now ? It's not to confab on about some girl and guy you couldn't afford a hoot about. What's so important that—"

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

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

"Save it for someone who gives a damn."He leaned over Harry who was gasping for intimation now."funny story thing… magical cloaks. They can hold so many enchantments."He pressed Harry firmly against the sod as the Gryffindor desperately tried to tuck air."Understand, Harry, I don't want it and I sure as hell don't want my Church Father to get his hands 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 animal foot and wrapped the melanize cloak about his shoulder, his tenacious blonde haircloth starkly tweed in contrast. Still coughing, Harry stumbled to his feet and pulled his wand. Dragon ignored the gesture and turned to leave. But then he stopped as if suddenly remembering a forgotten thought. The threshold to the Hagrid's hut opened and Ron stepped out. He'd heard the auditory sensation of Harry's cough.

"Harry ? !"Ron called to the darkness.

"Oh, and Harry,"Draco said, looking Harry in the eyes even if the coup d'oeil was not returned."Cho isn't pregnant."He turned to leave."It's a new-sprung sister boy. wellspring, not so much newborn any more. You'll never guess the birthday… it's the Saame day as yours."

"Harry !"Ron called again. This sentence, by the feel in Ron's representative, 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 possible,"he whispered at the void. The sound of stride came charging up from behind and Harry could get wind the rumpus on the front porch of Hagrid's hut. A hand touched Harry's shoulder.

"Was that who I think it was ?"Ron asked quietly. Harry simply nodded."That can't be ripe,"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,"naught to concern about. number in and let's terminate our tea."

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

"Yes, yes,"said Dumbledore, dispassionately."I see they've been working you rather hard today, Harry."The statement was more than interrogation than anything."A lot to think about ?"Harry just nodded and walked through the room access."Well, it's not going to get any easier, young man."

"Get o'er by the fire, lad,"said Hagrid, offering a blanket. But before Harry had a chance to take on, Dumbledore pulled his verge and tapped Harry's shoulder. The grime disappeared and a Hogwarts gown covered his eubstance. The lean red line about his neck and the aching muscles, however, remained.

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

Warming his muscles by the flack, sipping a bit of tea, and pretending to enjoy Hagrid's rock-hard stone cakes, Harry was beginning to experience himself again. He assured Arthur Weasley that he was delicately and that his dishevelled appearing was all in a day's work, training with the centaur in the forest ; but the minister was none too convert.

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

"Just a little work with hellion's Snare is all, sir,"answered Harry, rubbing his cervix with his allow for manus and sipping some more tea with the other. If they could see his middle, they would eff he wasn't listening to a word they were saying. Dragon probably thought his fiddling show would centre Harry's intellect fully on some Horcrux that the Ministry had no doubt just found, but Harry's mind was anything but centred. After a bit more give-and-take about school, regrets about Harry being screen, and news about the battle raging in Eastern Europe, Chester A. Arthur Weasley finally got down to the purpose of his sojourn.

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

"What ?"Harry exclaimed."Why ?"

"fountainhead, to try to recover the bodies, Harry,"answered Mr. Weasley, surprised somewhat at Harry's response."Many Aurors lost their lives that evening and their consistence have never been found — at to the lowest degree, not until finale workweek. Since the collapse we tried for month to find the bottom with no success. We encountered one magical hepatic portal vein after another, and the proletarian were none too incline to accidentally lurch across the Curtain itself."

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

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

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

"Hagrid,"he asked, clearing his throat once again,"do you have any more gem cake ?"

"Why sure, Ron,"said Hagrid with glee."Come 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. oasis't I ? There's another swarthiness we need to stave off, isn't there ?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely, Harry, absolutely."President 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 aureole faded and Harry knew the following words were a lie."They pulled it up today, just before tiffin. I looked for you in the beginning, Harry, but you'd already left for the forest."Arthur Weasley stood from his chair and looked out the windowpane facing the palace, the coloring returned to his aureole."I was thinking we could have a dedication of form. You could come to the Ministry as we put it on display. It would certainly remind the people in these glowering 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 hash out our search since you and I spoke on the gearing. I never knew taking care of the Ministry would ware so lots of my time."His eyes wandered for a moment and then returned to meet Harry's."No thing,"he whispered."In our lookup, we recovered the cloak. The fatal cloak of… You-Know-Who. The only end of his duskiness and a symbolisation to all of his defeat."

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

"I knew you might find this way, Harry,"said 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 human foot."Do you get laid what that might be ? It could—"

"Harry,"said Dumbledore sternly, silencing Harry's rant."I think it would be wise for you to carry some clock time to consider what all the conditional relation are. Time to consider what's best for… everyone involved."Harry expected to see the warmth of anger figure in Dumbledore's aura, but if anything his light dimmed with a coolness of business.

"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 option me—"

"Excuse me, sir. I need to go. It's just… I'm really tired is all."Harry reached out his bridge player to shake, and Arthur Weasley took it."Let me get my head together, and I'll get back to you. Just a day or two."

"Certainly, Harry, I understand. Until then, we'll prevent it rubber ; I can see to it you."Harry started for the door."Here, let me walk you to the castle."

"I got it dad,"said Ron, dropping one of the 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 face. Staring at the bar and then Hagrid, Arthur was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke out instead.

"Excellent idea, Mr. Weasley,"he said to the younger redhead."Please find Harry safely back to the castle."

"Goodnight, Hagrid,"said Harry to the goliath still in the kitchen, baking up another batch of cake for his guests."Thanks !"

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

By the clock time Harry and Ron were at the castle steps, Harry had answered nigh of Ron's questions.

"I just don't get it, Harry,"said Ron shaking his head."It's just a piece of material. You killed him."

"Ron, you saw my clothes tonight. They were burnt away because I fell into the magical stream that feeds the falls. Remember when you fell in last twelvemonth ?"

"Pulled in you mean,"said Ron, rubbing his flop wrist."Yeah, I remember. My clothes disappeared."

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

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

"Tale or not, the water destroys cloth. I doused Voldemort in nearly ten gallons of the material. It was enough to melt every evilness pearl in his consistence, but the cloak… Damn ! I should stimulate known when I saw it then. The cloak survived. But why ?"

"So you think it's the…"Ron's voice dipped low,"…the Horcrux Draco was talking about ?"

"I don't see how it can be,"answered Harry."If it's part of Voldemort, it should have been destroyed."Harry sighed."Maybe Hermione will know."Ron shrugged and nodded in agreement as he reached to unfold the castle doors. Ron heaved on the heavy grip just as Harry's manus stopped him and close them again.

"Ron ?"he asked."You have a lot of brothers and sisters. Erm… how prospicient does it accept to… er… for a witch to… you know… have a baby, after… you know."For a second, Ron just stared at Harry, and then reaching ever so slightly to the thoughts on the tip of Harry's judgement he understood.

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

"Yeah… yeah, that's it."

"well my mum's always going on how I took tenacious than most… ‘ 40 two hebdomad, and in the eye 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. well, Ron thought for a moment, touched his finger's breadth and counted backwards, and then a incandescence of a smiling crossed his case once again.

"Pretty darn near to Halloween, 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 binding against the castling doors and slid down to a sit on the stone landing.

"Oh, Falco columbarius,"he whispered in a seedy sort of voice."Oh, bloody, fucking, Merlin."

"What ? What is it, Harry ?"

"Ron… I think… I think I'm a father."


Harry ceramist and the parturition of a New Sun

Chapter 14 - wedding Plans ~~~***~~~

When Harry and Ron passed through the portraiture of the Fat dame, Harry found the Gryffindor coarse room, warmer than formula. Near the fireplace sat the auras of Parvati, Lavender, Gabriella, Hermione, Ginny and Dean. Towards the back, Neville was helping Patrick and a few others, Harry had yet to recognize, develop for their Herbology examination. Evidently, the test involved a electrocution plant of some variety, perhaps fireseed, Harry thought, since there was a billowy swarm of smoke that hung over the group and nonentity seemed to bear in mind.

Harry, his mind fractured at the instant, brought his care on Patrick. The smoke was clouding his ability to see the aura of those at the back board, but the percolate light emanating from Patrick was the Saami as it had been since Harry first met him after the accident - blue devil and green. Each colour waxed and waned, growing more William Green whenever he was excited or near Harry.

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

"Harry ! Ron !"cried doyen. His spokesperson brought Harry's attention back to the mathematical group about the fireplace. The call sounded like a plea for help, as if Dean felt, at the moment, like a immobilize rat in a snake's batting cage. He began to stand when Ginny grabbed his arm.

"Oh, Dean,"she said breathlessly,"isn't it beautiful ?"Hermione was projecting an image of a new woman in a Theodore Harold White wedding frock. The girl stood, suspended in the midriff of the five scholarly person and modelled the apparel she was wearing, slowly turning in all steering so that everyone could see, everyone that is except Harry.

"Er… yeah, majuscule,"muttered Dean miserably, sinking back into the couch.

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

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

"You could take fairy's carry it."

"I form of like it,"Hermione said as she held her handwriting to her chin and tapped her cheek with one finger's breadth."But I think the second…"Dean let out an audible groan, but the daughter ignored him while Hermione began to dash through model after model, wearing apparel after apparel, as if riffle pageboy of a book. 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 widely and he shook his head as nondescriptly as he could to ward them off. Ron caught it, but Harry did not."We were just looking over dresses when—"She stopped herself mid-sentence, noticing the expression on Ron's face."What's faulty ?"

Gabriella stood and came over to Harry."You both look like someone died. Did Filch becharm you sneaking into the kitchens again ? Out with it… what happened ?"Ron looked at Harry, and Harry looked blankly above the girls.

"cypher,"they said simultaneously.

Gabriella patted Harry's cheek.

"null ?"she said, sensing the swirling swarm of emotions that must have shown like a radio beacon for everyone to see."Would you like to join us ?"she asked."We were just—"

"No thanks,"interjected Harry. While he had grown accustomed to seeing scholarly person from former planetary house in the rough-cut elbow room, he had completely forgotten that the female child were going to get together this even to hash out Hermione's wedding plan for the summer."I need to get prepare 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 wood today, we could birth gotten at least three hours on the pitch."

"I was in the woods today !"Harry exclaimed."Besides, you know I can't Seak. Not like this."He waved his hand in front of his eyes.

"You're the team captain ! It's you're responsibility to—"

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

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

"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 schooltime ? Where is he ?"It felt, suddenly, as if sharks were beginning to circle Harry and Ron.

"fountainhead, he only had a mo,"said Ron, stepping nigher to his sis. She had risen to her feet and dean took the opportunity to quickly scoot away and head toward the turbinate staircase to the male child'dormitory room."And he needed to see Harry, so I took him over to—"

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

lupus erythematosus than a moment later everyone was talking at once. Ron and Harry were being bombarded with questions about everything from the Minister's visit, to why Dumbledore needed to conjure Harry new robe, to what pattern Ron cerebration would be nice for the new china.

Unexpectedly, there was a loud plosion from the back of the room that caused everyone to shriek. A rather magnanimous bolide spewed forth from the table where Neville and the others were working. It was Neville who stopped it from lighting the whole berth on fire by casting a squelching magical spell.

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

The commotion that had surrounded Harry, quickly gathered about the back table and the char faces that stood there. Harry took the opportunity to follow dean's footsteps up the stairway. Near the top he heard a rather dejected Patrick apologize, but what he saw was a blueish atmosphere beaming with pridefulness. Then Harry noticed Patrick flash him a thumbs-up from within the long sleeve of his robe, a signaling that no one could see.

"Sorry, Neville,"said Patrick with a shrug of his shoulders."I'm just no good at this kind of stuff. I'll be golden to take a crap it to the third gear class at this rate."

Gabriella looked back toward the fireplace to find out Harry and before she could notice where he was Harry disappeared into the male child'dormitory. Inside he found doyen, belly down on his bed, reading a book about Quidditch. He loved the game so, it was a ignominy he wasn't any secure at it. He looked up as Harry entered.

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

"Well, I—"

"Because that'd be fine by me, Harry. I was about to blow myself up if I had to seem 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 marry me ?"He turned another page ; clearly not having read the live."So… last year… yeah, maybe. But that's your fault."dean looked up, pointing a finger at Harry.

"Me ?"

"Well, I mean, I was in a battle — fighting you for her. You know. That sort of thing, well… it gets a guy in the mood. But this stuff downstairs… nuptials frock, and vividness of mesa clothes, and…"James 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 open Christian Bible over his chest of drawers."Falco columbarius, I love her."There was silence and he sighed again."She's been my world. She brought me back after the accident."James Dean held his hand up, flexing the fingerbreadth in front of his face. His individual had been reconnected to his corporeal form and Ginny had been there every pace of the way."She didn't need to do that."

"She loves you,"said Harry, walking over to his bed, taking off his new shoal robes and putting on a loose pair of jeans."typeface it, James Byron Dean, you're her human beings too."

"I just don't want to be thinking about marriage while I'm still in school,"answered Dean, sitting up on the bound of his bed and facing Harry."There's sufficiency to be getting on about without having to worry about in-laws… Cathay patterns…"

"…children,"added Harry quietly.

"Merlin, no,"shot Dean."I can't even imagine. But then Ginny's ready to hand with a sheathing charm. We're careful… you know ?"Harry nodded as a naut mi twisted in his stomach."Can you trust Neville and Helen ?"continued Dean."Neither one of them used any protection their first few times. Hermione found out and had a fit."

"Hermione ?"queried Harry.

"Well, I told Neville that he was being an changeling. I told him how Lee Jordon told me that Fred told him that George hooked up with some girl in Hogsmeade last year and wound up with a case of runespoor warts. Had to go to St. Mungo's to get them removed. Can you believe it ? Yeesh."Lee covered his genitalia with his hand and grimaced.

"But why Hermione ?"

"If you want to know any while, good luck charm, or hex to get the job done, Harry, who do you go to ? Hermione."Harry looked a bit disgruntled and crossed his arms. Dean sensed Harry's pridefulness and added,"After all, everyone knew she and Ron were together since the declivity of last year. She knew how to be safe, and Neville trusted wasn't going to let the cat out of the bag to Ginny."

Harry wasn't sure how to subscribe that. He didn't have a clue until terminal Christmas that Ron and Hermione were together. Yet, everyone else seemed to fuck. Further, he was pretty sure that last twelvemonth Tonks had used her transfiguration skills to occupy on the appearance of Helen so that she could sneak into Gryffindor column with Neville. It brought up memories… bad computer memory. Suddenly, going to talk to Hermione about anything didn't seem like such a good idea. Harry began to grind away his desk with his finger, then crossed his blazonry and just looked down at the floor. He could see the aura's of the living organisms that his mate had tracked in under their brake shoe. Maybe auntie Petunia wasn't such a crazy bat after all - at least as far as wiping one's feet at the door was concerned.

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

Barefoot and shirtless, Harry walked over to the windowpane. Christmas was a hebdomad away and, sadly, no snow had fallen. The undercoat below and the surrounding timberland glistened brightly in Harry's blindness. He placed his go out hand on his chest, just above Asha's heart, the stone that even now sat hidden within him. Focusing high school above the crown he found nothing but blackness. belated in the evening, clouds had moved in, covering all in a shadow blanket through which no sensation shone. He peered at the Same quadrant of sky in which he knew Ebyrth hung, growing ever closer. He closed his eyes and dropped his head heavily against the crank window.

Voldemort's cloak should have been destroyed by the urine from the falls, but it wasn't. Why ? Was it the Horcrux Draco thought it was, or simply an objective of tycoon 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 Death Eater's disdainful curse word. Who was the spy ? Could they have turned Patrick too ?

It wasn't enough that war was raging in Eastern Europe and would soon deck the forest about Hogwarts, if not the castling itself. Now there was a child. Could it really be his ? That was a dolt doubtfulness. Of course of study it could be ; the timing was near utter and they had been… well, stupid. It was just before the Halloween feast. Harry was going to tell Cho about Gabriella… let Cho know that they couldn't be together, that Gabriella was the one he truly loved. But then she touched his arm… the tone in her optic. Even now, the memory sent a tingle down his spine and made his insides quiver. Neither of them was in the right systema skeletale of psyche, but they both knew what they wanted. Now they were both paying for it. At least Cho was. Harry began to wonder… if the nipper was Harry's, did Antonius know, or was Cho simply using him ?

Harry shook his headspring, trying to sack up his wooly persuasion. Maybe he was making a big stack of cipher. Maybe Antonius was the Father. But the vision… Gabriella's imaginativeness that both he and Hermione shared. He'd seen a child. Gabriella saw her own death and yet Harry saw life. He thought it was their child, his and Gabriella's. Now, Harry wasn't so certain.

The window was dusty and a shiver ran across his body. He turned and walked over to his warehousing chest, opening the lid and feeling around for a shirt.

"Harry ?"James Byron Dean asked."I know something's bothering you. What is it ?"

"William Tell me, James Dean,"said Harry as he found a shirt. He began to fumble about for a couplet of sock.

"Yes ?"

"Ah…"Harry held up two socks."Do these match ?"

"Kinda,"answered Dean, looking at mordant and maybe a moody navy blue.

"Good… good,"replied Harry and he slipped the shirt and wind sleeve on. He sat back on his bed and slipped on his boots without saying a Bible.

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

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

"Dean,"he said,"please collapse my excuse to Professor Snape. I'll miss the test tomorrow I'm afraid. It's sad really. Since the connexion, I think I had a pretty honest chance of acing it. Severus, after all, shared a bit of himself with me that night."Harry rubbed the cicatrix on his redress arm.

"Slow down, mate,"said Dean, taking to his invertebrate foot."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 back entrance, if you know what I mean."He tapped his chief."She'll be up in a… Whoa. Where are you going ?"he asked Harry.

"Actually Ron,"began Harry,"I was just telling Dean that—"

"What's all this about the Horcrux ?"asked Hermione as she entered the room.

"Shhhh !"cried Ron and Harry simultaneously, ushering her inside.

"You found it ?"she asked in a near rustle.

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

"Malfoy ?"asked 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 fingers. He glared at Ron."Great program, mate."

"wellspring,"said Ron,"I tried to—"Harry held up one digit to his brim and Ron lowered his articulation."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 weapon.

"Bloody underworld,"he whispered.

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

"You did !"cried doyen."How could you not tell me ? Did you all know ?"Harry could see the attack building in Dean's emotions. cypher said a Scripture."How foresightful have you known ?"

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

"open his figure ?"said James Byron Dean."He was… he is a Death Eater."

"He saved my living, James Dean,"interjected Ron."That you do roll in the hay. That I've told everyone. But my word isn't enough to keep him out of Azkaban. I should get it on, the minister of religion's my Dad and, no, he doesn't know about genus Draco either."

These speech cooled doyen's fires, if only a smidgen, and his hands found his pocket. There was a moment of quiet and then he turned to Ginny reached out and took her hand.

"You know, Gin,"Dean said gently,"if we're going to spend the rest of our lives together, we can't be keeping secrets from one another. Secrets… they… they sour somebody and winding trust. If you'd have just told me to go along mum, you know I would have got. All you had to do is ask. You know that… don't you ?"Ginny reached her script to Dean's cheek and kissed him.

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

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

"But that's three Clarence Shepard Day Jr., Harry,"Ron said,"isn't that too long to—"

"Right,"cut in Harry,"so that's why you… all,"he waved toward the group,"can figure out how we get the cloak tomorrow night. I'll meet you at the entry to the Ministry at midnight. Have the architectural plan gear up and I'll assist you however I can."He grabbed Gabriella's hand."Come with me."They started for the door when Hermione grabbed the vertebral column of Harry's cloak, stopping him in his tracks.

"What do you mean ? Where are you going ? Your Potions exam is tomorrow."Harry turned back, his boldness Isaac Stern but his eyes blank.

"First, I'm going to see a protagonist of mine in Ravenclaw, and then… then I'm going to France."

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

"It's one secret I'm afraid,"said Harry, raising his helping hand to quieten his friends,"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 fingerbreadth to his sass.

"Not here… not now,"he whispered.

They were about to clear out through the portrait of the Fat lady when Lavender stopped them near the fireplace.

"So I guess Hermione's done looking at attire for the dark ?"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 common way.

The two didn't speak until they reached the stairway. It was quiet with only a few scholar roaming about. Most were likely studying for tomorrow's exam. The others were either heading toward or returning from the depository library. The two found themselves alone on the staircase 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 Yangtze River ?"Gabriella asked blankly.

"Yes, Cho Chang !"Harry snapped."How could you not recognize ? You two were inseparable at the end of hold out yr. She helped you through exams. Merlin, you spent more time with her than with me. How could you not know ?"

The Harlan F. Stone staircase came to rest against the wall. The two climbed off that one and onto another that began to slide into yet another direction.

"So we're going to see Susan Anthony,"Gabriella said knowingly. Harry said cipher, wishing only that the staircase would be active more quickly."Tell me Harry, are you still so envious ?"

"Jealous ?"Harry asked angrily."Jealousy has nix to do with this. I have a rightfulness to recognise !"His last words were brassy and reverberated off the Isidor Feinstein Stone wall.

"They have a right to their concealment, Harry,"Gabriella replied with an sharpness in her voice."They have a rightfulness to keep the Daily Prophet out of their sprightliness. Frankly, I don't see how it's any of your business. It's clear Cho knew what she was talking about when she asked that I keep this from you. She said you'd react this way."

They turned and began to pass water their way up to Ravenclaw column. A 3rd year Ravenclaw joined them on the moving case upward. Harry moved close to Gabriella failing miserably at keeping his vocalization hushed.

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

"Yes ! None of your line ! They were stupid person, Harry,"Gabriella said struggling to maintain her composure in battlefront of the third yr, although Harry could smell out the anger 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 aright matter by caring for what will soon be his home ?"

At this, the third class 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 I. F. Stone stairway came to a stop and the boy stepped off followed by Harry, but Gabriella grabbed his arm.

"What do you designate to do ?"she asked."Confront him ? Hex him for getting your… your mistress pregnant ? If that's what she was. You hardly carry the more baronial ground."

Suddenly Harry realized that Gabriella knew, but didn't know. She knew that Cho had had a tike, but she didn't know that Harry could be the father. He stopped and leaned against the bannister. The delay was just long enough that the staircase began to run again.

"She was not my mistress,"Harry said quietly to the darkness."I… I was not myself last twelvemonth. You know—"Gabriella put her hands about Harry's shoulder joint.

"I know,"she whispered sadly. Harry turned to face 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 early that way for some time and when the stairway came to a stop Gabriella moved to get off, but Harry stood still.

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

"What ?"

"I could be the don,"he repeated, stepping close up to her."It wasn't Mark Antony that was the pillock one ; it was me - Halloween of hold up year. Cho's child… it could be mine."

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

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

"I need to ask Antonius where she is,"he said firmly."I need to see her ; I need to know."

"It seems to me,"Gabriella said slyly,"that, for someone who's not supposed to know anything, you know quite a bit already. You know there's a child. You know she's in France."

"La Mure,"added Harry.

"Then you know all there is to know, Harry. The Ithiel Town's not that great 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 impart the castling alone. Besides, prof Snape has already released me from tomorrow's exam for—"

"—for high marks,"interrupted Harry."Yeah, I know. I know."He paused for a few mo and then agitate his top dog. But before Harry could say a Logos Gabriella began.

"Harry,"she said gently, holding her hand to his facial expression,"I don't guardianship how well you can see what others can not."She took his hand."You're subterfuge. It makes a difference of opinion. You can't go somewhere you've never been, spill to citizenry you've never met and think that it's no big deal."There was another long interruption.

"Cho's bodyguard is a Death Eater,"Harry said, Sir Thomas More to himself than to Gabriella.

"You're joking, right ?"

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

It took twenty minutes to get what they needed before they could pussyfoot out through the hidden burrow to Hogsmeade. It took half that clip to name it to Le Mure. Gabriella was right, Harry would induce been lost without her. It was bad enough trying to remember his French people ; it was worse trying to work out out what script gesture or facial verbalism went along with it. screen, he could find none of it, but Gabriella was nearly perfective tense. In fact, Harry began to inquire if she had known the way all along. Finally, knowing that Cho's apartment was just around the pulley-block, the two decided to spend the nighttime at a minor inn and wait until morning. It was the first they'd been truly alone since the summer.

Harry offered to sleep on the floor, but Gabriella pulled him close to her. There was a warmth to her touch sensation that meant more to him than anything in the all earthly concern. That night he laid his soul bare, telling her everything he knew, everything she'd listen to, including Draco's hypothesis about Voldemort's cloak. Only when he touched on his training with the Centaurus, would she noticeably change the subject. He fell asleep in her arms and woke the next morning the Lapp way. The sun was just breaking into the windowpane as he stroked her farseeing blackness hair, wondering with some fear what the future would fetch.

After breakfast, they walked down the alley toward the small apartment body structure that the innkeeper had described to Gabriella. When they finally arrived, Harry covered himself with the invisibility cloak. Gabriella knocked at the threshold and the door opened, held surface by an older man with hoary hair and a play out look on his typeface. There were introductions and Gabriella slipped inside. The door shut before Harry could follow. There was a import of silence and then squeals of joy. Harry knew the sound ; Cho was inside. A few minute later the man left, jingling coins in his sac. Harry's plan had worked - Gabriella, handing the man a twosome galleons, suggested he go to the turning point pub for a bite and a beer or two. He wasn't to the sidewalk before there was a snap and he had Disapparated. Then the murmurs began ; louder, then delicate, then louder again. Finally, Harry heard,"Don't be silly."A here and now after that, the room access opened and Gabriella ushered him inside.

All the while, Harry had seen the auras of the two young cleaning woman and the older man. He watched as they moved back and forth, and as Gabriella hugged what he figured to be Cho. It had been the first time he had observed a Disapparation without his hatful and he noted with interest the sudden explosion of energy that accompanied it. But to a greater extent than anything else his attention was focused on one thing above all - a dim carmine incandescence that glimmered from the back of the apartment. Through all the walls it could have been anything - a cat, a dog. But Harry knew, by how well its colouring material blended with Cho's, what was there.

"Harry ?"Gabriella asked to the nothingness before her. Cho stood only a few substructure away. Harry sensed warmth combine with discernment. As for himself, he could finger the fret of his thenar as he reached up and slipped off the cloak.

"Cho ?"he asked to the glow before him. The nimbus didn't motion, the person didn't speak, but the people of colour began to blanch almost immediately. Then her script went to her boldness, covering her mouth.

"Oh, Harry,"she croaked."Tony told me about the fortuity, about…"Slowly she walked over to him.

"This ?"Harry asked, holding his hand near his temples."It's nothing. Just a bit of deoxyephedrine. OR's scheduled for future month ; should take in me skillful as new."Cho took his hand and then touched his face.

"I'm so dreary,"she whispered."I should take in come to visit."She took him in her arms and held him tight. He could feel her shaking in his limb."I couldn't… I couldn't bear to see you again."

"Great,"Harry drawled."Always good to know you're thought of kindly."

"Harry !"snapped Gabriella shortly. She took Cho gently by the arm and said,"Cho, can we follow in and have a sit ?"Cho loosened her clutch on Harry and wiped her nerve with her hands.

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

The place was bombastic than Harry expected, compared to what it looked like from the outside, but it was sparsely furnished and what furnishing there were appeared old and tattered. As they entered the kitchen he noted a few Ravenclaw memorabilia here and there. He even recognized a broom, the heather he bought her last year, was propped up in the corner. Cho offered them some deep brown, they accepted and together they sat at a minor table in the kitchen. There was a minuscule public lecture about the weather and schooling.

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

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

"That's bully,"said Cho softly. There was an uneasy silence, and then, finally, Harry could wait no longer.

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

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

"I also heard,"continued Harry, not really listening to Cho's words,"that you two had a tiddler ; a baby boy is it ?"Before Cho could answer Gabriella took her by the deal.

"It's so turn on, Cho !"she said joyfully."I'm sure you're a wonderful mother. The baby is so lucky to have two such fantastic parents. Both Ravenclaws !"

"Thank you, Gab,"said Cho warmly."T-Tony's been great."

"Can we see him ?"asked Gabriella excitedly."I've wanted to see him so."Cho was hesitant.

"Well,"added Harry,"I can't see him, but I have a pretty full idea that he's right through there, isn't he ?"He pointed to the dorsum elbow room and swallowed."I think it's large that you and… er, Tony are doing the… er, right thing. It sure would be majuscule, at to the lowest degree 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 child boy dressed in a little red jumper. He smiled and muttered a few sounds as she sat him in his president, offering him a biscuit to manducate on. The dull fog of Harry's eyes were focused somewhere above the boy's head, but his mind's eye was captivated on the golden red glow before him. It was brilliant, almost blinding, and Harry wondered if the cleverness of the glow was because he was a baby or something more. The biscuit snapped out of Cho's hand and flew into the waiting grasp of the infant's.

"tone at that ! So soon ?"cooed Gabriella."He's just perfect."And then she began to babble baby talk to the child.

"Yes, he's pretty special,"answered Cho.

Harry could sense that she was looking at him, centred on his chemical reaction, but he was at a loss. To know for certainly he would make to ask straight out. Now, here they were, and Harry didn't know what to do. He half wanted to poke the baby with a stick to see what it would do.

"Has he,"Harry began,"shown any other signboard of magic ?"

"No. Not really,"answered Cho cautiously."But he can endure 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 gens ?"asked Gabriella.

"Jamie,"answered Cho.

"After your brother ?"

"We just liked the name,"Cho said, not committing.

"I have to acknowledge,"said Gabriella,"that he's the rending image of you. And that's a good thing ; you're much better looking than Anthony."She laughed and Cho did too. It sounded as if it had been the starting time time Cho had laughed in quite some meter. But then the tone in Gabriella's interpreter changed.

"In fact, he doesn't expression much like a Goldstein at all. You're both so moody, and Jamie's peel is so pale."

"He… he doesn't get out much,"said Cho, growing neural.

"Cho, you know I love you like a sister. Don't you ?"Gabriella asked gently."Well, I think Harry has a right to get it on. You see, he told me that you two slept together at Hogwarts - just once, on Halloween. Caught in the warmth of the consequence, I guess."Gabriella took a breath, gathering her speciality."I don't care why it happened. And it doesn't bother me anymore that it happened. The fact is it happened… nine month before lilliputian Jamie here was born."

"Well—"

"Cho,"Gabriella interrupted."Harry may take his distrust, but he can't see what I can, and the centre never lie. You and Anthony, you both have brown eyes. Both your parents each have brown eyes. It would look at a powerful adept to bring forth a boy with anything other than brownness eyes and the conjuring trick would most certainly be to wrick the colour of the eyes to his own."Cho said nothing. Harry said nothing."It's confessedly, Jamie is the break image of his beautiful mother. But the eyes… I think he has his father's eyes."Cho remained unsounded. Once again, Harry watched as her aura blanched.

"What do you have in mind ?"asked Harry blindly. Gabriella took his hand.

"They're green, Harry,"she said quietly."Almond shaped and brilliantly common. Just like yours."


Harry ceramist and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 15 - Another Potter
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Beyond the babbling of the baby sitting beside Harry, there was silence. Perhaps, if one were to listen closely, the strait of a bird chirping or a distant bus creaking to a halt could be heard, breaking the stillness of the morning. Then Cho's foot began to nervously tap against the face of the table. In forepart of Harry, she had been confronted by Gabriella with the truth, but still she would not, or could not speak. Harry had known before they came to France that the child would be his, and though he had not heard the words from Cho's lips, he wasn't about to become wild ; it was hard enough not to render how frightened he was feeling. No, if anything, he needed some time himself to get over the sinking intuitive feeling in his belly, as if he'd just fallen off his Calluna vulgaris. He would look for Cho to be ready. He breathed deeply the aroma of his coffee, took a sip, set the cup down and put out his fingerbreadth, with which the little boy began to seize with teeth toothlessly.

"Jamie ?"Harry said tenderly."I… I like that name."

He smiled and put his helping hand on the boy's drumhead.

"Oh, my. What a head of haircloth ! Is it black ?"This dim-witted query was purposefully directed at Cho. There was the rhythm of a intermission before she answered.

"Yes,"she said quietly, with a bit of a crack in the word. Harry could hear her swallow.

"Thank Merlin he's got his female parent's looks,"Harry said with a chuckle. He took another sip of coffee.

"You'll see him one day, Harry,"said Gabriella with an encouraging shade. Harry tilted his promontory down and shook it slowly.

"I don't think so,"he said quietly, his rim still turned in a slight smile.

"What do you entail ?"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 much glass."

"But couldn't they just—"

"There are slews of lilliputian shard - too many and too minuscule to vanish without vanishing small-arm of my eyes and if they summon them out they'll shred whatever healthy eye tissue that's left."Cho gasped.

"I… I didn't know. I thought—"

"No matter,"said Harry taking to his feet."I can see the firing in his person, even if I can't see their coloration of his eyes."He went to the umber pot to pullulate himself one Thomas More cup. On the way, he tripped on a small toy that had fallen on the floor and what liquid that was in his cup spilt.

"Woops,"said Harry. Cho stood to clean the fall, but Harry had it off the terra firma nearly before it landed with a simple-minded wave of his hand. Since losing his stack, his abilities without a sceptre, abilities he rarely used in front of others, had strengthened. Without skipping a cadence, he poured himself another cup, but rather than move around he continued to face the cabinetry. Yes, he could see the flame in the boy's aura, but he would give anything to have his eyesight back… to see his youngster, his son. He began to tremble. For the first time in months he was cold with awe, and it wasn't fear of a Dementor or Death eater. It was veneration for his child and his child's mother, fear for a future that was already so uncertain, so blue. It felt as if all the air in the room was being sucked away.

"At to the lowest degree,"he said, holding the warm cup in his men,"Mark Anthony 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 paw on his articulatio humeri.

"Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw Prefect at Hogwarts schoolhouse for Witchcraft and Wizardry ?"asked Cho."He might be a bit gallant at clock time, but he's no fool, Harry. He knows."She turned Harry to present 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 side of Harry's face."He knew that too. I… I didn't."With these Holy Writ, Cho began to cry. She held Harry by the front of his shirt and pulled him close, sobbing into his chest. Gabriella left her chairperson and the three hugged for some fourth dimension while Cho repeated over and over how grim she was, and Harry repeated over and over that it was okay, that he was the one who was sorry. It was fiddling Jamie who broke up the trio as he began to cry.

"Oh… he's hungry,"said Cho blotting her optic. She picked the boy up into her limb and ushered them all into the figurehead 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 elbow room. He could tell she loved the boy deeply. Nor, was the emotion lost on Gabriella, sitting at Harry's face, who was gathering a gleaming herself as she took in the elbow room's emotions of love. He took Gabriella's hand and for the first time in a hanker time Harry tried to relax, letting the swirling fears of the future fade from his mind. It was Cho that started the conversation as Jamie continued to suckle.

"I wanted to hold this mysterious, Harry - closed book from my parents, secret from my brother, secret from you. At first I was ashamed and then—"

"But—"

"Let me finish,"asked Cho."I need to land up, or I may never be able to."Harry nodded."Last year you wanted to secern me about Gabriella."Cho looked at Gab."He did so require to push me away, to severalise me of the Muggle girl he had met back home."Her eyes returned to Harry."But I could see that, just under the skin, there was a fire of desire and I… I wanted… my wear torso wanted to be desired."

"He was cross-hexed by my parents,"said Gabriella. The words were meant to be explanatory, but Harry noted a speck of acerbity or sadness.

"I know that now,"answered Cho."Maybe I knew it then, at to the lowest degree that he wasn't in his right mind. I could have used a sheathing charm. I thought about it. I even reached for my verge before it happened Halloween night behind the Great Hall."Gabriella shooter Harry a glance that he could not see."But then I stopped. I wanted this."Cho looked down at Jamie."I wanted to hold something in case… in case…"

"In case I died ?"asked Harry."Like Cedric ?"Without speaking, Cho simply nodded.

"I was being stupid. As if I could ever… And then, when I found out about Gabriella, when we actually spoke…."Cho smiled."I was so happy for you, Harry, and you were so sad."She sighed, shaking her head."So I hid it - I hid my gestation and I hid Jamie."She put the baby over her shoulder and began to pat its dorsum."I thought that after You-Know-Who had been destroyed I could tell you, but then I heard about the new war… that Malfoy's Death Eaters were out to kill you. What would they do if they knew you had a son ?"She shook her straits."This summertime, I travelled to the United States with Anthony… Tony. One night, I fell asleep in his branch and when I woke up the next morning time the befuddling appealingness had warn off. I was pregnant for all to see. In that instant I panicked, horrified by what he might think, what he might do, and in the future I felt Tony's touch, strong and caressing on my stomach. He stayed at my side and he's never left."Jamie let out a rather impressive burp and everyone smiled.

grin, Cho held Jamie in her lap and said something in Chinese as she wiped the milk from his chin.

"Tony's hired Chalmers"said Cho, referring to the guard that was probably now close to finishing his morning repast,"to watch over Jamie and I, while he finishes school. It's costing him every knut he has. Once we're married we'll qualify for benefits from the Ministry. They offer caparison and, maybe, we can see a decent office to—"

"Benefits ?"spat Harry, his spur snapping rigid."From the Ministry ? You can't be severe ! You're not going to take in a dime from the Ministry. As far as I'm concerned there all a bunch of crooks !"

"Harry !"called Gabriella.

"well, Ron's dad. But the remainder of the lot ? Crooks !"He took to his feet."And as far as living in Ministry housing… never ! I won't allow it."

"What do you mean you won't allow it ?"said Cho a bit heatedly."You have no say in the matter."Harry ignored her.

"You'll stay at the rook. It's far enough away from what's happening… yes, you'll be safe there."

"We're safe here,"said Cho, standing herself, the child held snugly in both arms.

"Safe ! Are you kidding me !"outcry Harry."What's his name… Chambers ? He's a last 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 kindness in his heart. He hardly makes enough money to get by on."

"So he moonlights for Lucius Malfoy as a Death Eater !"exclaimed Harry."At least he doesn't know that the boy is mine. Thank pigeon hawk for that."Cho's typeface dropped with surprisal at these words.

"How could you possible know that we haven't told him ?"she asked. Now Gabriella stood, stroked Jamie's cheek and took him in her own arms, patting his back as he rested against her shoulder.

"Because,"Gabriella said softly with a melodious voice as if she were singing to the infant,"if Chalmers knew, Lucius would know. And if Lucius knew, his son would know."

"Draco ?"breathed Cho."I thought Dragon was…"Her representative quieted and she strode over to Harry and slapped him on the shoulder joint."You little prevaricator. You looked me straight in the eye and told me he fell into the abyss."Harry turned his binding.

"Don't you look away from me !"Cho yelled."Let me see your face."Harry acquiesced. When he faced her, any choler he felt evaporated and his shoulder slumped.

"This is pointless,"he breathed."He'll be back here any instant. Maybe he's a kindly old doddered just trying to wee a buck any way he can. Cho, you can't contain a chance."He placed his custody on her shoulder joint."I have money and it's my responsibility. Let me at least service pay the nib until Mark Anthony graduates. Let me at to the lowest degree break you a roof over your head where the open fireplace works and you'll know you'll be safe."

"It's beautiful there,"added Gabriella."Green fields… azure seas… precious Greek boys with bare chests."She winked and kissed Jamie on the head. Cho crossed her arms and walked over to the fireplace that had no fuel for the ardor.

"I… I'll have to ask Tony,"answered Cho."Do you think… I know it's difficult oversea, but do you think we could get in touch to the floo meshwork ? I miss the family so, and we are going to severalise them… after Tony graduates."

"That's one thing the Ministry can do,"said Harry, suddenly happy Cho was changing her brain."But you can tell Tony later. First, we need to—"There was a snap and an trice later the front door opened. Gabriella motioned for Harry to hide. He had just adequate time to dart under his cloak and gather himself into the recess before Chalmers walked through the front door.

The old man was too thin and not much taller than Cho. When he entered he took his coat off and hung it against the paries with a sticking charm.

"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 alright meal."He paused."It's been a piece since…"His face grew wistful, but then he shook his head."No matter."He slapped his hands together and pulled his sceptre."Let me clear these dishes for you."Harry stood silently against the wall as Chalmers walked with a bit of a limp into the kitchen. There was a discrete rhythm to the metre of his base on balls that Harry, two month ago, would not otherwise have noticed. It was then that Harry saw a modification in Gabriella's air ; something was wrong.

"Oh,"said Chalmers with a look of surprisal in his voice."Three loving cup. Did you have another visitor today ?"Without waiting for an reply he levitated the lulu into the sink where the scrubbers began to lap them. Cho was frozen, but Gabriella stepped over without hesitation.

"Yes,"she said quite calmly,"a girl of ours, also from Hogwarts. She had to leave early to get back for her afternoon exam."Chalmers nonchalantly straightened the chairs.

"Well, you know how Mr. Goldstein feels about visitors, girl Chang."He settled himself into one of the cushioned chairs and began to unfold the newspaper, still scanning the way with the eyes."At least strangers."Harry could tell that the old man was on sentry go, sensing something that was not right."Just tryin'to keep you and the infant safe he is."

Baby Jamie babbled something and then pointed at Harry hidden beneath the cloak. The motion was enough to make Chalmers to turn and look back into the far quoin at the cracked and empty wall. Jamie babbled again and gave a light jape. Chalmers smiled.

"Well, wee Jamie is happy enough to have guests."He held up the forepart page."What's your champion's public figure, fille ?"

"Hermione… Hermione granger,"answered Gabriella. There was the slightest intermission and she added,"And I should be on my way as well."She gave Cho a hug and kissed Jamie's cheek."Thanks so much for letting us visit. He's just endearing and you're a wondrous mother."

"Thank you, Gabriella,"answered Cho, kissing Gab's boldness."I couldn't ask for a kinder, warmer friend. Please follow visit after the marriage ceremony. I think I'll feel more well-fixed then - Mrs. Goldstein."

"Oh ! That reminds me,"said Gabriella suddenly."Mr. Chalmers is it ?"Chalmers set his theme in his lap.

"Just Chalmers, missy."

"Cho was showing me the nursery and I noticed the back windowpane. We had discussed placing a sealing spell, but I wasn't sure if—"

"Yes, girl,"cut in Chalmers proudly."The whole house is sealed tight. No one can get in without permission. It's a Bucinum charm."

"Oh honey,"said Gabriella."A Bucinum good luck charm ?"Chalmers nodded his head."I think a Trepidus appeal would be safer."

"Trepidus 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 think you could render me where you set the magical spell ? Together we can make the replacement."

"Oh, please do, Chalmers,"asked Cho pleadingly."Gabriella's a first course of study witch. She studied at Al Bsahri you know."

"Did she now,"said Chalmers with interest as he took to his feet."I've heard they reopened the school day 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 backbone of the household, leaving Cho and Jamie alone with Harry. Even as Harry moved toward the front door beneath his invisibility cloak, Jamie followed him with his regard, pointing with his hired hand. Cho walked to the door and opened it.

"When… when do you marry Gold— Anthony ?"Harry asked.

"Christmastime,"Cho answered. She tried to piddle the word auditory sensation exciting and vibrant, 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 arms, both helping hand outstretched toward Harry.

"You deserve to be happy,"said Harry quietly."You deserve ..."but Harry's password failed him."I'm so sorry."Cho ushered Harry outside to the front stoep and shut the threshold 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 lips, and then draped the cloak back over him."I'll ask him about your offer. He's a proud man, Harry, and a bit stubborn. You should be able-bodied to appreciate 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 oculus were sad. Jamie began to suck on his fingers. The door opened and Gabriella appeared followed closely by Chalmers.

"Ah, here you are,"said Gabriella. The sun was warm up on her face as she put her arms out and gave Gabriella a hug."The flat is sealed tight."Cho took in a deeply intimation.

"Good, thank you,"she said."I was just giving Jamie a minuscule sun."

"Which he can get through the windowpane, my devout,"said Chalmers herding Cho back into the house."Now come inside."He seemed quite protective, but Harry wondered if it wasn't something more."A pleasure to meet you, girl Darbinyan, was it ?"

"Yes, and a delight it was to match you,"Gabriella replied."It's effective to see my friends in such exquisitely hand. Cho, I'll be by before long with those natural endowment I promised."

"Gifts ?"Cho asked."Oh, yes, gifts. Yes, yes, anytime. Be safe ; there's a quiet blank to Apparate just behind that gray building over there."They kissed good-bye and Gabriella began to walk down the street, Harry at her side. Chalmers stood for some metre after Cho had gone inside, watching from the stoop. Gabriella waved one lastly meter as she turned the recess out of pile. Harry was about to take out off the cloak when she stopped him.

"hitch hidden,"Gabriella whispered."We're being followed."Harry spun and there behind the building they'd just passed were the air of two minor pattern. They hadn't been there a minute of arc before.

"Did you see them ?"Harry asked."I didn't hear an Apparation."

"sign of the zodiac elves,"Gabriella whispered,"at least one of them. The other… I can't tell."

"But there weren't any house elves at the house,"said Harry.

"I know,"she replied."They must belong to someone else, or one's with its master."

"Who ?"

Gabriella just shrugged.

"How did he get it on your name ?"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 corner. The street was deserted save for two Edward Young boy playing football near the end by a chain-link fence. Gabriella pulled her wand. She was going to assail the two that were nearing the corner, but Harry stayed her bridge player.

"Gab, no,"he whispered."Grimmauld Place."

"But—"

"Now !"

A second later they found themselves on the streets of London, just outside of routine twelve, Grimmauld Place. They waited to see if they might throw been followed, then checked that the streets were clear. Finally, Harry uncloaked and walked up the whole tone to the door, knocking twice. The door opened of its own accord and the two walked in. There was a whispering, a thud, and then Sirius appeared atop the staircase wearing boxershorts and a tee shirt. Wand drawn he pointed it blindly toward the door.

"Freeze !"he screamed."Or I'll obliterate you !"

"I hope not,"answered Harry."I'm kinda hungry."

"Harry ?"Sothis said, blinking his eyes."Harry what the hell… Gabriella ?"Dog Star made an endeavour at slicking back his hair and started down the stairs.

"It's after noon,"Harry said."Don't tell me you were still sleeping."

"I was up late lastly night. Remus finished grading paper and we— Hey, isn't your Potions exam today ?"Sothis'eyes slam to the room access."And why didn't you use the floo ? What's going on ?"

"Erm… can we eat first,"asked Harry.

"What,"shot Dog Star in a singularly insistent timber,"is… going… on ? !"

"Canicula,"said Gabriella softly,"I think it best if we sit down."

"You do, do you ?"snipped Sirius, but Gabriella's black centre caught a soft-spot in Sirius'bark."Well… okay."

The three moved into the kitchen and Sirius started toward the cooking stove. He grabbed a spatula and summoned some blimp when Gabriella took his hand.

"Here,"she said softly,"let me do that. You sit with Harry."Sirius moved to the tabular array and sat opposite his godson.

"fountainhead ?"Sirius queried."It's obvious something's afoot. spatter 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 !"Canicula stood and spun towards Gabriella."You're significant ?"Gabriella turned the sausage balloon with her sceptre."How could you—"

"Let him end up,"she replied, floating three plates out onto the table.

"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 tint."Because sometimes witches can—"

"Oh,"cut in Gabriella sharply."He's sure."

"Falco columbarius,"he whispered, scratching his chin."Harry, you should screw better."

"I know. I know I should sleep with 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 plates and added some warm up dome.

"It was last year,"she answered sitting down and handing Dog Star a branching.

"The baby was born in July,"said Harry."On my natal day. His figure is Jamie."

Canicula'fork fell with a clank onto the plate, splattering red dome onto his white-ish T-shirt.

"A b-boy ? Jamie ?"

"They're living in a dump,"said Harry quickly,"and I can't have my son living like that. I won't have another Potter live with detritus and spider, not as long as it's in my mogul. So, I offered to throw them stay at your castling. You know… until Anthony alum. Merlin save his soul if he ever—"

"My castle ? Antony ? Who's Anthony."

"Goldstein. Well Cho calls him Tone. How cheesy is that ? Anyhow, the thing is…."

It was well into the evening before Harry had set Canicula straight on all the item, uncertain as they were. Sirius then began a lecture that lasted for nearly thirty minutes and included a few book of facts to Harry's parents. But when Harry began to probe inscrutable Dog Star changed the content. After venting about Harry's betise, he had agreed to take Anthony, Cho and Jamie in and help in any way he could.

The sausage Cho cooked little more than a memory, Sirius grew hungry again and he convinced them to go to a Thai restaurant that he had found just a few mental block away. When they arrived, Harry discovered that it was run by an old Muggle, but frequented by a number of witches and champion. The occasional news bulletin of magic trick that occurred never seemed to faze the old man. Sothis called him a Savant, a Muggle in tune with the illusion of the natural reality but possessing no skill his own. Harry was half-way through his Panang Curry when he realized that tonight he was to foregather Ron and Hermione at the Ministry.

"The cloak,"he muttered suddenly to himself, before taking another raciness.

"What's that, Harry ?"asked Sirius. Harry looked up into Sirius'centre ; they were smiling. Harry's blindness didn't allow him to see that the fold that had once drawn the sides of Canicula'middle down were now curling upward. But he could sense the luminance of the aureole in his godfather's expression. For a instant, Harry considered telling Sirius of their program at the Ministry. Gabriella touched his hand.

"More tea ?"the server asked, and all three nodded. Harry continued to look toward Canicula who was as glad as ever. The view of asking Canicula 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 smiling."It's not a race."

"Probably the curry,"said Sirius, taking another bite."It's a bit spicy tonight."

"Yeah… yeah that's it,"Harry answered. He wiped his mouthpiece with his napkin and set it on the tabular array."Erm… Actually, I think I better be—"

"Harry,"interrupted Gabriella,"I have to go before it gets past midnight."

"Is it getting that tardily ?"asked Sirius, his mouth half full. Harry shot her a coup d'oeil ; his mouth frowned. He didn't want her at the Ministry any more than he wanted Sirius. There were too many memories—bad memory board. Then she said something that surprised even Harry.

"I need to see Jamie,"she said,"just for a moment. I should have taken aid of it this morning, but I forgot. I've not been in line with the old ways for some time. mommy would be disappointed in me."Unconsciously, Harry began to rub the flying lizard 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 males of each coevals by the women of the propagation before. It will be Gabriella's obligation to pass the blessing to your sons."Once it was clear that Harry would take Jamie as his son, it was Gabriella's obligation, by swearing, that she pass to him the blessing of Asha.

"The Votary,"Harry whispered quietly, staring down at the bowl of yellow and gold. Then his dull center looked toward hers."It's too dangerous,"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 Sirius.

"We were followed after we left Cho's apartment,"said Gabriella."But it makes no difference. By accolade, I have no choice. It must be done, and the sooner it's done the greater the powerfulness of Jamie's blessing, of his trade protection. He'll need Asha's help in these metre of darkness."

"You mentioned the Death eater bodyguard, but you didn't mention that you were followed,"said Canicula, his centre turning toward Harry with a more serious brilliance.

"Draco said that Chalmers doesn't work nights, at to the lowest degree not for Goldstein. Sirius, you need to go with her, preserve her condom. That way you can see Jamie and liberty chit on the news program, maybe convince Cho to be active into the castling tonight while Chalmers is away."

"And you ?"Sothis asked.

"I'll just head back to Hogwarts. If the two were a couple of Lucius'thugs out to get me it'd be better if I wasn't there."Sirius sighed, looking longingly at an uninfluenced barbeque spare rib. He licked his mouth and pushed his home forward.

"Very well, let's go."They paid and made their way outside and down the street, finding a more remote alley often used by the visiting beldame and wizards to Apparate. Sirius took Harry by the arm and looked him in the heart, but Harry turned away to expect down the street as a car past by.

"straight person to Hogwarts,"said Canicula sternly,"OK, 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 scepter as did Dog Star."Oh, and don't worry ; Jamie will be mulct. I'll make sure that no evil harms your child."Harry tried to muster a smile.

"Did I ever tell you how much I loved you ?"he asked and then they kissed."I'll see you at school in the morning. keep her safe, Sirius."There was a snap and both Gabriella and Sirius had vanished. Harry focused his vision to another parting of British capital and in the future second found himself at a phone box above the entrance to the Ministry. As off-putting as Apparating was for Harry, he was ill prepared for what happened side by side.

"Stupefy !"The blow of red sparkle hit Harry squarely in the chest, knocking him backward some ten to twenty feet, his wand tumbling from his hand."There, Harrington,"a large cloaked figure said with a rather blustery voice, picking up Harry's wand,"and you were about set to wet your pants. He is a boy, after all."Still on his back Harry could smell them stepping toward him.

"I… am not… a… boy !"he rasped. This made the closest adept joke, but the smaller man behind him said goose egg.

"Well, I've got your baton, little man. I doubt you'll—"

"Diffindo !"Harry hissed, stretching his right arm forward. Orange River light erupted from the shoulder down and extended out and beyond Harry's fingertips.

The strawman of the Death feeder's cloak looked as if a magnanimous saber had just slashed across it, tearing cloth and flesh alike up and outward. Harry could feel the blood splashing his face. The destruction Eater screamed falling to his human knee. Unsteadily, Harry stood. The whole position seemed to be spinning. He was dizzy and a foregather hotshot of nausea was building inside.

"Accio wand !"he cried, wrenching his scepter from the demise Eater's grasp and in to his own deal. Limping forward he yelled"BOY ?"Then he placed his sceptre on the brow of his foe."BOY ?"Blood continued to trickle from beneath the crouching Death Eater's ribs and between the hired hand that clutched his chest."Who do you work for ?"Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

Harry had focused so lots aid on the large dying feeder, he had neglected the smaller one that had retreated to the shadows.

"I said WHO - DO - YOU - WORK FOR !"Standing over his cowering victim, it was then that he noticed the lights - lots of lights. Five to a greater extent auras had Apparated ; he was surrounded. Seemingly emboldened by the new comer, the smaller last eater emerged from the shadows and held out his baton.

"Expel—"There were three piece cast almost simultaneously that stopped the wizard before he had a hazard to eat up.

"Stupefy !"“ Diffindo !"and Harry's harbour charm,"Contego !"

Only, Harry didn't need the cuticle charm… for himself. The first base spell came from one of the approaching nimbus Harry presumed to be more destruction feeder. The bolt, not the strongest Harry had ever seen, knocked the little wizard backward, albeit only a few ft. Fearing for his life-time, and rightfully so, the tiny decease feeder Disapparated. The second charm came from yet another aura, lowly yet intense. It was directed at the crippled star crouching before Harry. The resultant role was frightful and instantaneous ; the demise eater's capitulum fell to the gravelled pavement and his torso slumped forward, draining blood at Harry's understructure, a boiling pool of light like lave erupting from a volcano.

Harry spun to face the five wizards approaching him, holding his verge high. Two showed hints of both red and park in their auras as they drew nearer."Imperious whammy ?"Harry wondered. And then a voice came to him that startled him more than that of the previous end Eater.

"Bloody hell, James ! What in Merlin's public figure did you do that for ?"

The colour, the canter, the tone… Harry knew at once it was Ron Weasley.


Harry ceramicist and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 16 - The Burden cry
~~~***~~~

"He was reaching for his baton,"said James, pointing at the decollate dying feeder at Harry's feet."He was going to kill Harry !"

"He was on his knees,"snapped Hermione."Harry had him firmly in control."

"He didn'have the… that little guy in control condition,"countered Patrick."I had teh take him down."

"You're just prosperous he was as frightened as a molamar in piss,"said Anthony Goldstein with a rather haughty articulation.

"Goldstein ?"asked Harry in surprisal as the mathematical group converged on him.

"shit, Potter,"said Goldstein,"you're a bally deal. And I do think of bloody. Scourgify !"The splatters covering the front line of Harry's look, shirt and drawers vanished, though the pond on the pavement remained."There, that's better."

"Who in Scheol told Goldstein ?"cried Harry.

"Actually, thrower,"replied Goldstein,"I stumbled on this merry company as they tried to sneak out. Seemed like a good DA deputation.

"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 inflamed to consider it."You… you can't be here. It's too dangerous."

"Yes, I see that,"said Goldstein with a rather sarcastic tone. Gingerly, Harry stepped out of the blood, pooling at his feet. Hermione ran over to him and hugged him.

"Who were they ?"she asked."Nobody's supposed to know we're here."

"That's what I thought,"answered Harry."I was trying to get an answer when James here decided to play the butcher."Harry turned to the second twelvemonth."The adjacent metre I need your help Chang, I'll ask for it."Harry sensed at once the angriness edifice within the lowly wizard, 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 and Patrick,"here in the showtime seat ? trip up across the troupe as well ?"He shot Ron a glance and wished he could get eyes of death.

"Saint Patrick overheard our plans and said he'd snitch if we didn't bring ‘ em along,"answered Ron."It was supposed to be quiet ; I didn't figure we'd run into end Eaters."

"If that's what they were,"said Harry, still holding his baton at the set up."They acted more like hired thugs than Death Eaters."

The night air was frigidness and quiet. He could feel the dampness of a thin out mist wrap about his face, sending shivers down his spine. For a bit he thought of Dementors, but the coldness, this chilled dankness was something else, something more visceral. The whispers of last were swirling ; somehow Harry knew that. And not for the man that had just been slain, the susurration were telling Harry that more would soon fall in the beat man at his foot. But who ?

"Goldstein,"Harry said suddenly,"Anthony, really you… you have to—"

"fountainhead, we're here now,"said Jesse James."Dispatchio !"The dead wizard and the pool of ancestry beneath him vanished."Let's say we get in, get the cloak and get out before anymore… er, benighted genius show up. Wouldn't want Luci—"

"Where'd you learn that spell ?"queried Hermione."That's fifth year."James shrugged his shoulder.

"My sister I guess,"he said."She's the smart one in the family."

"Yeah… I see,"said Harry, noticing James'aura fade from putting surface to red then back from red to green. For the low gear metre, he thought James might not really be an ally."Ron, maybe you should take—"

"James is right field,"interrupted Anthony."salutary if we get down into the Ministry before another dozen Death Eaters Apparate in."

"But—"

"Harry,"interrupted Hermione,"let's just get downstairs. We can talk then."Harry heaved a sigh and the group squeezed into the phone booth. Ron said the password his father had told him and a Ag orb appeared, scanning Ron in a indisposed white light. Then, with a jar, the elevator began to plummet. Harry tried to count at Ron and suggest to the redhead that he should read Harry's mind, but his eyes were blank and Ron didn't recognize the facial expression as he once would have. Harry silently cursed his blindness.

Harry's fondness began to speed up. If the two bit years were under the Imperious Curse, they were likely in Lucius Malfoy's control. He was feeling strongly like he wanted to wretch onto the polished marble floors just as the threshold opened onto the resplendent entry Asaph Hall of the Ministry of Magic. The six stepped out, verge drawn.

After only a few footstep, they all saw where the cloak was to be displayed - it was obvious. A large glass example had already been erected. On a pole was the torso of a form and next to that a golden statue of Harry with his sceptre drawn. They all stepped closer. There was no cloak, but there was a plaque. It read,"This site commemorates the defeat of the dark sorcerer Voldemort by the grand piano Wizard Harry potter, Order of pigeon hawk, starting time grade, who faced his foe wand-to-wand and struck him down."
"parliamentary law of Merlin ?"asked Goldstein surprised."I didn't know—"

"Neither did I,"cut in Harry.

"They'll probably award it to you during the ceremony 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 ceremony. Ron, do you have any idea where—"

There was a resonance coming from down the vestibule and a faint glow that was growing nearer. It sounded as if soul were humming. The mathematical group began to deplume back, away from the display case ; all, that is, except James. Harry went to grab his sleeve, but the boy wouldn't move.

"Is this it ?"he asked, still staring at the re-enactment before him."Is this how it happened ? You struck him down ? cypher could evidence me for surely, not even Gabriella."Harry held more tightly to James'gown and began to pull him bodily across the flooring.

"William James,"Harry said, huffing between his teeth,"there are some affair you can't believe. First, never believe a word Trelawney says unless she sounds like a goblin on fire whiskey. Second, never trust a watchword written in the Dailey prophet, unless it's written by Luna Lovegood. And finally, never… ever believe anything the Ministry says - ever !"He continued dragging Saint James the Apostle by the back of his choker until they were hidden between two marble tower.

"Bold words, Harry,"continued Henry James passively."But I never believed you could beat Lord Voldemort wand-to-wand. Tell me, is there still a voice of the dark Lord that courses through your veins ? That could be utile, if—"

"Shhh."All was soundless, bring through for the occasional cracking ember from one of the fireplaces that surrounded the one thousand entrance hall and the hum that was growing louder by the mo. Again Harry tried to accumulate Ron's attention, but he was meddling whispering something in Hermione's ear as they clung together behind a suit of armour opposite the Fountain of Magical Brother. At another editorial just behind Harry and Henry James, Patrick and Anthony crouched. The whispers of death were growing louder. So cheap, in fact, that Harry turned to see if perhaps a ghost or something Thomas More were at his right slope. Only James was there, kneeling quietly on the base.

The fall grew brighter and then the witch appeared. Harry could make out her gloriole, a shimmering gold, but not her features at this distance. In social movement of her was a cloak levitated some two feet off the priming coat. She was approaching the presentation case when James began to squirm under Harry's hand.

"handle still,"he whispered, but the marble walls took in the sound, echoed them about, amplifying the randomness such that it was audible to the hag at the video display case. Harry noticed the indisposition. He expected her to bend, but she did not. Instead, she levitated the cloak onto the body within the display case and closed the crank threshold. She cast a spell with her wand and then turned as if to go forth. In turning, she revealed her face to the others, but Harry was still ineffectual to recognize who the enchantress was. From the syncope gasp from across the hall it was pull in that Hermione, for one, knew who it was. The witch stepped toward the spring and took something out of her pocket, perhaps a coin, Harry couldn't William Tell. In a apparent movement that was as refined and as cunning as any Harry had ever seen, she flipped the objective into the fountain. It spun high-pitched into the air and, just as it crested in its arc, her other hand pointed her baton toward it and cast the spell.

"Immobulus !"Harry recognized the part at once ; it was mollie Weasley, Ron's mother.

Half of the easy leaving her verge passed the coin cleanly and struck the beldam and wizard by the causa of armor. The other half, however, glinted off the coin, reflecting toward and blasting the two wizards next to the column behind Harry. With one spell she had immobilized Ron, Hermione, 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 spokesperson that held no fright."I'm afraid it's well after minute. If you're lost, I'm sure I can help you find your way. fall out from behind the column and let's see where you belong. Shall we ?"

Again King James pushed against the weight unit of Harry who was pressing him tough against the marble storey. Finally, Harry had had enough. He couldn't risk what James might do.

"Incarcerous !"he called. Ropes sprung from his wand and began to wrap themselves about James.

"Sectumsempra !"cried 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 light nearly struck James River who deflected it at the last moment, sending the beam into the cap above, showering them all with pieces of marble and splinter of walnut. This was no second year wizard.

Harry jumped to his feet and put his own stunning piece, but again James I deflected it. It was then that molly Weasley noticed who he was.

"Harry ?"she called.

"Hide, Mrs. Weasley !"he cried in riposte."skin !"

James cast a jet of red light Harry's way. Harry focused on where he needed to be—out of the shaft of light's path. Suddenly, everything slowed and he found himself running to the rightfield, toward the fountain, just as the deadbolt of red passed his left elbow. James IV smiled.

"Impressssive, Harry,"James IV hissed in a much gamey, cold-blooded voice, a interpreter that shook Harry to the core. It couldn't be."You've learned well from the Centaurs. I did as well ; although I suspect my methods of extracting the knowledge I required were somewhat different than yours."There was another bolt, viridity, and again Harry disappeared and reappeared into another theatrical role of the grand mansion house.

"Diffindo !"called Mrs Weasley. Her spell excise James on the leave alone shoulder, leaving a filthy diagonal. James II spun on the witch.

"Avada Kedavra !"

This fourth dimension the green luminance sailed toward Molly Weasley. Harry began to levitate a marble bench into the beam's path, but quickly realized the bench was too heavy and would not move fast enough. Instead he ran, slowing time and bending the distance between them tightly together. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her to the soil just as the blast past the pair, smashing into the bulwark behind and showering them with dust and rock. Harry landed on his book binding 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 front St. James, to confront 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 substructure in front end of her.

"Leave the boy, Voldemort,"she commanded, brandishing her wand."He can't possibly be of any use to you, now we know the truth."

"Sojourner Truth ?"queried King James as his heart shot toward the nighttime cloak still protected behind the sealed glass. Harry rose to his knee joint, trying to bring air back into his lungs."The the true is that there are only two things 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 gasp the spell.

"Avada Kedavra !"

Placing himself between Mrs. Weasley and Voldemort, Harry tried to rise up in front of the jet of green but the killing torment would win the backwash this clock time ; he knew that. For her section, Molly Weasley cast a shield charm about them both, hoping to deflect the magic spell, but they all knew it wouldn't work. In her live on second of life-time her hands gripped Harry by the shoulder joint and she cast a glance down into his screen eyes, a coup d'oeil that held love and compassionateness, a glance that was filled with concern not for herself but for the boy before her… a coup d'oeil he couldn't see. She fell dead to the base.

"NO !"squall Harry as he spun and cast another slashing spell against James who deflected it with rest."You're being controlled, James ! Fight back !"James only laughed.

"YOU stood face-to-face with the Great nighttime Godhead Voldemort and defeated him ?"James mocked."What a joke !"

With Mrs Weasley deadened, the spell she cast on the other four necromancer began to weary off. Slowly, they were coming to there senses, working to regain ascendency of their motions. James walked over to a groaning Patrick who was still prone on the level. He grabbed Patrick's fuzz and pulled his head off the ground.

"This one here,"called James, his voice echoing off the rampart,"thinks of you as a brother, ceramicist. He'd Sooner die than see you come to harm. Yet he's betrayed you at my every command. Shall I kill him next ?"

"Expelliarmus !"Harry cried, but once again James deflected the spell.

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Potter ? Even with the accomplishment of the Centaurs, you're as slow as your all in parents. Nonetheless, you could be utile ; the Malfoy boy suggested as practically. I heard, perhaps, he's not as dead as everyone thinks."He released Saint Patrick whose head cracked against the Oliver Stone floor. But instead of striking at Harry, James I held his wand to the methamphetamine hydrochloride exhibit case."Diffindo !"The eruption of light struck the looking glass, but held firm as if swallowing the DOE of the clap, the glass began to glow. For the first clip, the smile on James Chang's grimace disappeared."Diffindo !"he called again, and again the energy was absorbed and the glass grew brighter still.

"You've pop your only probability for opening the example,"Harry sneered."But then… I always heard that that was one of your greatest weaknesses… TOM… being stupefied !"

Another blast of light shot toward Harry ; it was red not gullible, not a killing execration. Once more, Harry slipped out of its way. This time he moved quickly around and behind James reappearing with his wand drawn.

"Stupefy !"Harry cried, sending a good time of red at James'back, but again the magician deflected the spell as if swatting a fly and then turned back toward the show case."You're not trying to kill me, Tom. Why not ?"

"I'll kill you sssoon enough,"James slithered."number one, the cloak. Then, I need to press out something of mine that you stole from me when you were a baby. Soon, I will be—"Suddenly two more spells came from beyond the jet. 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 fourth dimension for this,"cried St. James, sending three more attack of luminousness at the glass case. On the third bolt the chicken feed cracked, but only just. Harry could tell that the patch that St. James the Apostle had cast over the last-place few hour were draining him. He looked tired, almost vulnerable. At the Lapp moment the fervor ringing the deluxe Radclyffe Hall roared to life.

"Finally,"Harry whispered,"some help."wizard after wiz appeared at each fireside, brandishing their sceptre."Whatever metre you thought you had has just expired, Tom."

The room erupted in red light. heptad blast came at the small wizard by the exhibit typeface. Two struck genuine while the others struck the glowing glass, shattering it completely. The large glass shard that scattered the floor, however, were still glowing as brightly as ever. There were more attack of red directed at Harry.

"It's me !"he yelled."Harry Potter !"

"Harry !"cried Hermione from the far side of the student residence."It's not the Ministry ! It's—"A bang of red dropped her to the ground.

"Hermione !"cried Ron."He cast a spell knocking the wizard by Hermione backward into the bulwark with a tacky crack. He pointed towards another wizard and ran at him."farewell her alone, you bloody—"There was a eruption of purple and he too fell to the flooring.

"We're students !"Harry yelled, but it only focused the attending of another outpouring of red thunderbolt his way. Harry cast a shield appeal and sent them flying in every conceivable focussing. The blasts weakened him."Are you crazy ? ! We're—"And then he noticed it - the unmistakably bright emerald green aura of Draco Malfoy, stepping from the fire of one of the hearth. He had warned Harry and now it was too belated.

Simultaneously, ropes began to swirl about Ron, Hermione, Saint Patrick, and most importantly James who was still motionless on the floor. Somehow Mark Antony had managed an escape and stood at Harry's position. There were nearly a dozen last eater moving in on them.

"fill the cloak, Dragon,"drawled a improbable wiz in dark melanise gown with crimson facing.

"Lucius ?"Harry sneered in the wizard's steering."Is that you ? I should suffer known by the sickening yellowness colour."The wizard said zippo, trying to ignore Harry."Now that I'm blind, you're much better looking in — strike that. No you're not. You're still as a great deal a pig as you always were. Still, somehow… missing an arm suits you. How'd you lose it again ?"The goading worked.

"Big words for a subterfuge boy, Potter,"he snapped.

"Now, now… sticks and stones…. But then I guess six months with Dementors and pudding head will curdle anyone's conversational capabilities."Harry could see that Draco was moving over the glowing glass and into the case to think the robe. Harry turned to face him.

"Hey ! blond SOB ! I wouldn't go in there if I were—"

"What's this ?"Draco cried out. He had come to Molly Weasley's body. The people of colour of his atmosphere blanched."I gave specific orderliness ! Who cast a killing curse ?"Harry could assure immediately that Draco was ashen.

"Gather the cloak !"yelled Lucius.

"But father—"

"NOW !"

"Don't do it !"yelled Harry.

genus Draco moved forward toward the case. Suddenly, the tattered methamphetamine that was still glowing with the energy it had absorbed exploded in a glorious E. B. White flashing. Draco flew up into the air, nearly striking the ceiling, and then landed with a sickening crunch against the marble trading floor.

"genus Draco !"cried Lucius. Goldstein took the distraction as his opportunity. His baton erupted with vivid bluish light, but instead of being directed at one of the Death feeder, it was directed toward one of the portraits hanging high on the wall of the exalted hall. The portrayal sparked, zapping the elderly hotshot that had, so far, slept through the ruckus.

"Hey,"the wizard in the portraiture yelped."No need for—"

"Get aid you idiot !"yelled Goldstein. The necromancer in the portrait, seeing the destruction, disappeared instantly."It won't be long now,"Goldstein muttered, staring at the hollow portrait.

There was another fit of go headed at the two wizards and together they fended them off, but Harry was growing rickety by the moment. Lucius ignored Goldstein's cry for aid, he ignored the engagement of sceptre, and he ignored the bent heap on the floor that was his son. Instead, unwilling to partake it himself, he pointed to the cloak that was still standing in the windowless display lawsuit.

"The cloak !"he yelled again. After some hesitation, another Death Eater approached the black cloth and grabbed it just as James, still bound by ropes, began to come to his locoweed. With lust-filled eyes, Lucius only half glanced at Draco, still motionless on the storey, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Instead, he focused fully on the disastrous robe held before him.

"Luciusss,"uttered William James breathlessly,"you fool."

Malfoy wrenched the cloth out of the end Eater's hands. Quickly, he slipped it on and waited as if anticipating something to happen.

"You expected, maybe, a investiture ?"Harry sneered."Perhaps a crown and huntsman's horns as we all bow down to buss your posterior ? It's a stupefied small-arm of textile !"

"killing him,"Malfoy drawled, pointing with his soundly arm toward Harry."putting to death HIM !"Harry grabbed Anthony by the arm as the bolt of greenish approached and in an instant they were on the other side of meat of the resplendent Granville Stanley Hall that now appeared more like a war zone than the collector's item 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 wedding,"Harry snapped. He took in a inscrutable hint, reaching out with his mind to cull any magic he could from the world around him. He let out a farsighted, obtuse exhale and pointed his wand at the floor.

"Festio !"he cried, ripping stacks of marble tiles upward and sending them toward his adversaries. The Death Eaters tried to shatter the tiles with patch, but the action only served to make grand of lilliputian rocket all headed in their direction. A few cast shield charms in prison term, but most were struck. Above the din of screams, Harry could hear James cursing Lucius.

"sack me, you idiot ! bring out me now."But Malfoy, ignorant of James'genuine 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 elbow room. Auror after Auror was Apparating within the grand piano mansion house. In an instant, magical spell were flying everywhere. bang after fire of Light Within, cutting down wizard after wizard, witch after beldam. The room was filled with utter mayhem and Harry, his shoulders slumped with weariness, moved to enter the fray. Before Harry could take a full step, Goldstein grabbed him by the shoulder joint.

"You're no soundly to anybody drained,"he whispered."We need you, Harry. Me… I'm not much more than canon fodder."And then he charged forward ahead of Harry, taking down two Death feeder before he too was stunned and fell to the ground. It was then that Harry noticed James. He was beginning to slip free of the bonds that held him. Lucius, on the other hand, had abandoned everyone, including his son, and was racing to the floo. A bolt of orange light struck the bulwark behind Harry, casting stone and sprinkle down his back. Lucius was about ready to escape. Harry focused on where he needed to be and before Lucius had taken another step, Harry was standing in front end of him, blocking the entrance to the fireplace.

"Silencio !"Harry whispered, holding his helping hand between the cloak's folds of black cloth and directly against Malfoy's dresser. The wizard tried to cast a spell, but was deaf-mute."Now, what with the sporty arm and all… that's what I call an improvement. You should call up to button up before you step out, Lucius. Now, take off the cloak before I blast it off."Malfoy's eyes glowed with pure hatred and he raised his wand."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 smile.

"Now,"continued Harry,"as I was saying, take off the—"With a sudden shove from behind, Malfoy fell forward onto Harry and they both tumbled to the storey. It was then that Harry noticed that James had freed himself and now, forgoing the use of a wand, had his hands around Malfoy's pharynx, squeezing… squeezing. He was in a craze of pure hatred and choler.

"Do you hump who I am ?"cried James."Look into my eyes !"

Lucius, even Harry, saw the flame of red luminosity in Jesse James'eyes.

"N-Not pos-sible,"he gasped, unable to breathe."D-Dead."Then the full realization struck him."I-I never knew."

"You know now,"James I spat between gritted teeth."And now is sssoon enough."A blast of red light came from the far bulwark and struck James in the incline, but before he released his adhesive friction on Lucius, a dark acrid roll of tobacco issued from his oral cavity and nostril. To Harry, it was a stream of common evil leaving the red nates. James'suitcase on Lucius released and the blonde wizard gasped for air, but instead of air he sucked in zilch but smoke. Voldemort had penetrated him. Stunned, Harry saw the green surround the yellow and snuffle it out. Lucius took to his feet as a attack of red struck him in the backbone. Nothing happened. It bounced off him, off the cloak he was wearing, like water off a duck's egg's back. Before Harry could respond, Lucius, Voldemort and the cloak had vanished in a swirl of gullible fire.

There were a couple more blasts, a distich more snaps, and a couple more screams of annoyance, but finally the room fell silent. Only the audio of rock scraping against the storey, as the remaining Aurors stepped across the dust, broke the silence.

"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 tattered show grammatical case, while the Auror that called him levitated a wooden beam that had fallen over Molly Weasley up and out of the way. It landed with a tedious thump.

"mollie ?"he uttered as if trying to gently come alive someone from a abstruse slumber."molly,"he said again only louder."molly !"He grabbed his wife in his sleeve, pulling her up out of the debris ; pebbles cascaded to the flooring."Oh my god, no. No… no… no… no… NOOO !"he screamed. The chiliad dormitory rumbled, shaking mortar loose from the walls onto the base below as Mr. Weasley buried his head into the nook of his married woman's neck. He continued to billow swell breathlessness as Harry looked down at James I, prone on the floor, weapon outstretched toward the hearth. The greenness was gone ; only blueing remained, but the Inner Light was watery and flickered. He was near death. The second twelvemonth began to rise, slowly looking up to find Harry.

"H-Harry ? H-Help… I… I can't…."And he collapsed to the floor. Harry looked around at the desolation. James I was not the alone one near dying. Instinctively, he pulled his sceptre to summon the Heart of Asha, but before he could cast the spell, grab after snap began to take the entrance hall ; healer were appearing. In a matter of seconds nearly a dozen therapist had Apparated into the Ministry. One, an older wizard with bushy white hair, was at James II'side almost instantly. Scanning the boy with his wand he turned to Harry.

"You're the potter boy, aren't you ?"Without waiting for an answer 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 disbelief.

"Look son,"he said derisively,"you shouldn't go around—"

"Damn it !"Harry screamed."His spirit's been sundered ! It probably has been all year. Voldemort just left him to take on another innkeeper. If you don't hurry, he'll die."For only a moment, the healer tried to read the expression of Harry's face. He was old enough to have sex what Harry meant. He remembered the old war and he didn't need to be told twice. Without saying another tidings, the Healer rose to his human foot and a fanfare of tremendous purple light left his wand bathing St. James in its glow from head to toe.

Harry stepped back, twisting his ankle on a rock and roll beneath his metrical foot. He cursed. other than the mass swarming about the hall, it was difficult to make anything out. His vision was truly failing him in the rocky mess. He could see Mr. Weasley and heard his breathlessness, and tried to pick his way through the rubble 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. He needed to help… he needed to chase after Lucius, after Voldemort… he needed to —"

"diplomatic minister !"someone cried out."minister of religion ! It's your son !"Harry turned his attention on a glow that lay prone on the floor near an Auror's base.

"My god, Hotspur ? !"cried Mr. Weasley still reeling from the loss of his married woman.

"No, sir,"the Auror replied."It's your youngest boy, Ron. Looks like a stunner is all."

"That's not possible,"whispered 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 tingle with pain."Voldemort's back."

"What ?"

"A Horcrux,"Harry whispered nonsensically, stumbling closer to Mr. Malfoy and rubbing his veracious forearm with his left hired man. 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 Henry James,"I need your help. It's the Malfoy boy. What's his name, Draco ?"

"I thought he was dead ?"the old man called back. The younger healer looked down at Draco and then back up.

"Well, if he wasn't before—"

"You knew ?"asked Mr. Weasley, his voice sceptical. Gently he kissed his wife's cheek and lowered her to the storey."You knew they were coming ?"

Harry was feeling dazed. He looked toward Draco, toward Chester A. Arthur Weasley. His right wing arm was aching. He had reached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and his heart began to sink further.

"No one was supposed to be here,"Harry said thinly, his spokesperson hoarse with sorrowfulness."I just wanted to ruin the cloak before… before…"Mr. Weasley rose to his base.

"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 easy stones that scattered the story. Rising to one elbow he could savor the blood that was dripping from his cut lip, and then he noticed his right forearm - it was glowing. A thin etch of a rune had appeared, the Viswa Vajra. Harry had always wondered when it would occur, in what manner it would manifest itself, and even though he'd never seen such a gleaming, he knew what it meant, and he knew he had no option but to obey.

The government minister of Magic who had loved Harry as his own son was demanding answers, answers Harry desperately wanted to give. Draco and James lay near death, and Harry had it in his power to easily save them both. Voldemort had escaped with a new trunk and another musical composition of his soul, and Harry anxiously needed to chase after them - the Wizarding World was again at danger. Once more, destruction began to whisper in his ear and he began to shiver.

In malice of that, none of it mattered. He had sworn an oath ; it was a incumbrance all extremity of the Votary carried. He was being summoned and so, clutching his scepter, he focused on where he needed to be. He felt a soft cutaneous senses on his berm and heard Hermione call up his name. He looked up at her, wishing he could carry the sorrowfulness weighing on his psyche.

"Harry…"

He was gone.


Harry Potter and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 17 - The summoning
~~~***~~~

When Dakhil left Harry at the stone steps leading to the front door of Hogwarts Castle, Harry had pleaded that he too fight the onslaught of Dementors and end feeder raging against Dakhil's fatherland in the Carpathian Mountains. The vampire should deliver been gone for only a few days, but it had been weeks and Dakhil had not returned nor had he sent word of the status of the engagement. The Daily oracle had been worthless, only reporting the difficulties that the diverse European Ministries were having trying to disguise the numerous atrocities as lifelike calamity. 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 whirl of nullity.

Before he disappeared, Dakhil had told Harry that his job was to protect Hogwarts, to protect the Centaurs of the Great Forest from a wickedness within the school. Harry brushed the whim of darkness inside the castle rampart aside, believing it was a backhand insult toward Harry, but now he was paying for it. Maybe that's why they were summoning him, he had failed in his one mission. Voldemort had not only scat, but he had captured his Horcrux and was ready to render to baron. Or was he ?

Voldemort had said he needed only two things in the grand piano dorm of the Ministry - his old melanise cloak and Harry. He had asked earlier if there was still part of the Dark Lord that coursed through Harry's veins. What James, what Voldemort didn't know was that the shadow, Voldemort's stain, had been washed away by the cleanup of the Fall in the Great Forest. Perhaps, Voldemort was too infirm without this other part of himself, perhaps—

It was hot, painfully hot - the starting time affair Harry noticed when he finally appeared at the summoning site - hot and drab. Not dark in the common sense that there was no light, although it was that too ; a lack of light wouldn't matter to a blind man. No, it was dark in the sense that Harry saw nothing. There was no liveliness here, no sprightliness in any focusing, just warmth, an vivid, blistering heating that appeared, to Harry, like a obtuse haze as he looked to the night sky and saw Ebyrth shining as bright as ever.

He had been capable to Apparate across the Channel. From there he had tried once more, but couldn't make it across Germany. He was drained, unable to honk another spell, and the richness of the earth's get-up-and-go, normally plenteous in this arena, was parched like an arid desert. There was zilch for Harry to draw on to replenish what magical energy he could cast. Instead, he used the force of the Centaurus to turn space and retard clip, 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 birds that hovered in the air like floating balloons. He ran for what felt ilk days, stopping only to drink from the periodic watercourse or brook. At one point, just outside Vienna, he had grabbed one-half of a sandwich from the bridge player of a passerby who might as well have been a statue frozen in time. His leg ached, his lungs wanted to burst and all he could get word was the voice of Ronan compelling him forward, not to foregather the call option of the Centaur, but to answer the summoning of the tartar.

By the time he had begun the final exam ascent, his nous was blurred with fatigue. He had paid no bill to the mountain he had been climbing. Sweat burning his blind eyes, he had ignored the screaming and the fires through which he had past. He didn't see the transition from life to death. He only knew one thing - the summoning site. He would not give out again, even as the last drop of strength left his being.

This… this was the spot ; he was sure. Huge gulps of air splashed down his burning lungs unable to blow out his thirstiness for oxygen. His unembellished pes burned. Almost forgetfully, he held out his baton, script shaking from enervation and brain knowing that he would not be able-bodied to cast a spell even if he wanted to. swither dripped down his brow ; the passion was intolerable. He stood for a moment, wand outstretched, squinting with break down center into the darkness. Falco columbarius, it was hot. He moved to hire a step forward, an acrid odour filling his nostril, when his left leg cramped and he fell expression first hard into the stony solid ground. He didn't have the DOE to pull away from the scorching stone, nor could he spit out the gumption and tiny pebbles that filled his mouth and burned his tongue.

"Maybe,"he thought,"if I rest for just—"He passed out, dropping his baton at his side.

Unconscious on the sweltering Earth, swirls of smoke and light coalesced in his head forming a scene of iniquity and despair. Even in his dream the spirit of burning flesh was unbearable. Yet, in his dream he could see - his vision, his sight was as good as ever. The skunk and the aroma cleared and he found himself at the surrender, the declension where Gabriella lay face down in the tall grass, an arrow sunk deep into her book binding. In the air was sadness. No… more than sorrow - there was wrath. It was Ron, screaming, screaming….

"NOOOOOOO !"

The earth shook.

"Take him ! Take him now ! Hurry !"

The scene changed. He was flying… flying in the air. leaping. On a Hippogriff. Bounce. Harry felt a jarring pain against the side of his ribs. He blinked. The blindness had returned, but he could feel that there was a light beneath him. Bounce. A person.

"rush !"

The voice… he knew that phonation. The iniquity was clearing from his mind. He was waking. He was being carried. A grouping of five was climbing up the slope of the stack. One had Harry over his shoulder. Weakly, Harry began to skin to free himself.

"Easy, Harry,"the young man holding him said gently, but with some urgency in his phonation."When we get you back to the stronghold, we'll consider a flavour 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 blood brother since the summertime, but there was still no mistaking the undeniable intonation that was the accurate reproduction of Antreas'Father, Grigor."What… What's going on ?"

"There will be clock time for answers later !"cried another interpreter."Run !"Harry knew at once the other man speech production. He also recognized the aura ; it was Dakhil. Troubling was the sense of care, even fright in Dakhil's voice. He'd never heard that before, even when they were being attacked by lamia cobbler's last summertime. What was more disturbing, however, was something that had bothered Harry since his final lesson with Ronan, something he had seen in Dakhil ever since the lamia first taught him to see without seeing. The aura of Dakhil faded from red to purpurate and back to red again. There were two personas present in his nimbus. For the world-class meter since he'd arrived at the Mountain of Singehorn, Harry felt stale.

They continued to rush up the mountain. Occasionally, Dakhil or one of the others would upchuck spells back in the charge from which they came. Harry could not see, nor could he sense what it was they were firing upon. Curiously, there were no while cast in return. Soon, he began to notice Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, vegetation, life. After a few minutes more, the circle came to a with child stone paries. One of the men cast a spell and an entrance appeared. They passed through and the opening in the stone sealed behind them. The intact troupe sighed with easement 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 up down,"cut in Antreas."Let me see your face."Antreas lifted Harry's chin up and examined the impart incline, the same side that fell unconscious into the scorching globe. He reached up and pulled the glasses from Harry's face, glasses he continued to wear in the hope, or perhaps as a symbol to others, that one day he might see again. There was an evident lachrymation sound, and Harry could feel the credit card rims pull away from the skin on his face. When he reached to take the glasses out of Antreas'handwriting, he could tell that the left one-half of the frame was nearly melted away. He didn't want to think what his nerve must look like. It didn't trauma. Harry moved to partake it but Antreas grabbed his manus.

"No !"he snapped, half trying to quell the suffering in his own spokesperson. He chuckled, but not convincingly."It… it's cipher, Harry. It's just topper if you don't—"

"See that he has his own healer's tent at once !"ordered Dakhil to one of the former men that were in the chemical group. The man began to slowly limp away."precipitation,"Dakhil yelled."Hurry before there's aught left of his expression to put back together !"If Antreas had tried to calm Harry's nerves, Dakhil had served to dismember them."You two,"Dakhil continued pointing at two men they had passed as they entered into the compound."assist transport the boy into the cave. I won't lose another one tonight !"

With Antreas'help, they carried Harry further up the sight. Dakhil followed, but was unwilling to assist. Typical, Harry thought. There was a small-scale outcropping of rocks off to the incline and they turned toward it as Dakhil continued upward. Antreas stopped.

"If Singehorn is unable to squall the others in time,"he said,"we'll have to place for the Centaur you spoke of."

"You were brave today, my son,"said Dakhil warmly."It is net your father is with you. Your mother would be lofty. hold the boy prophylactic and see what the therapist can do with what remains."He turned to carry on upward then stopped."Singehorn, I'm afraid, was not able to call for our Quaker, not tonight."He sighed with a deep mournful breath."Still we must stay with the program ; it's our just Bob Hope. more than may get before the lunar month's rise tomorrow."

Facing a rock wall, one of the men carrying Harry said something in a terminology he thought might be Russian and again an archway appeared where before was only rock 'n' roll and stone. Just before the rock face 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 arms,"replied Dakhil, just as the Stone archway sealed the shut inside.

"loony,"said the Russian, referring to Dakhil."He'll pour down us all."There was a wand at his neck in an instant ; it was Antreas ’. Harry felt like he was about to be dropped.

"There are so many injured here,"said Antreas with a heated phonation,"I'm sure no one would miss you. The following time you speak of the Votary, take tending to take the dustup carefully. I may take to excise the offending tongue."The Russian said nothing as Antreas pulled the scepter back and the grip on Harry became more sure. They turned a nook and the cave opened out into a great hall filled with offend. To Harry, it looked as if a hundred lights had been spread across the floor. Almost immediately a murmur rippled across the orotund cavern.

"Is that him ?"“ The Chosen !"“ My god what happened to his expression ?"“ Dragons."“ It's just a boy."“ That's not him ; some Muggle must ingest been caught in the crossfire."“ He's the Chosen !"
"Marek !"cried Dakhil."Marek ! This is a antecedency !"Harry noticed an orange coloration on the far side rise up from the reason. Marek was busy treating another affected role and as he stood, Harry could tell that he was a large man.

"They're ALL priority !"he called back."Have one of the others—"

"damn it ! NOW !"yelled Antreas. This was not the same Antreas that had waved good-bye to Harry and Gabriella as they began their summertime vacation. That Antreas was still trying to hone his verge work, and his sureness interacting with multitude was shaky at best. While he made a fair to middling neighbor on Privet Drive, he was an absolute mess around other wiz. This Antreas, however, the one standing before Harry, was more than just a foot soldier in this good deal battle. He was clearly soul of importee.

Disgruntled, but acquiescing, Marek began to track the hall as the three moved Harry into one of the collapsible shelter that were set up along the side of the large 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 meter neither spoke and Harry noted his acquaintance's discomfort.

"What is it Antreas ?"Harry asked. As he spoke, Harry noticed that the side of his face didn't seem to displace correctly. Still, there was no pain.

"I'm so dingy, Harry,"Antreas replied."If I had known… We were losing ground and… Dakhil must have thought it would be rubber. Our outer perimeter was half a mile down the mountain when he must accept asked Singehorn to summon you. But then, they came so fast."

"Who ?"

"The Dementors. They've been swarming the mountain for years. They've grown so thick they can blot out the sun and when that happens it gives their allies, a band of about 30 mavin vampires, disembarrass rein to attack during the day. This wasn't our war, but ultimately the flying lizard had no selection. The Dementors were moving in on their rookery. Half a 12 dragons left to sear the earth and leave no living behind. Not even a member of the Votary could survive such blast. We had no way of letting you know, no way of knowing ourselves when… that you'd…"A big salvo of air barb from Antreas'lip.

"Dakhil had Singehorn summon me ?"

"Harry, there was no way of knowing. You passed out right in the sum of the incineration. It had to stimulate been over two c degrees. One of the scout saw you first, but it was too hot. Only the Votary could get in to think you."Harry remembered Dakhil walking through the burning flames just before the connexion ; he understood these words."The connexion helped you to survive, training would have been better. Your face… you've been burned… badly burned."

"But it doesn't hurt,"Harry said. He was feeling more tired by the mo.

"That's because there's nothing left to suffer. Your flesh is—"Marek pushed through the opening of the tent.

"And what's this priority ?"he said wearily."Another caseful of damn Dementor frost— Oh… Oh, my."He cast Antreas a glance."One of the civilians ?"he asked, not recognizing the young man he'd met over the summer."A Muggle caught in the fervor ?"Assessing the enceinte stature of the man before him and listening closely to his voice, it was Harry who first made the connection. It was the same Marek that had taken in Ron, Hermione and the others after the vampire attack.

"Marek ?"Harry asked hoarsely, finding it more difficult by the minute to move his jaw."It's me, Harry… Harry ceramicist. I could… I could sure use a glass of water."

"Yes… I remember. You've put on a few pounds. Physical grooming ?"

"He's joined a Centaur heard in England,"said Antreas.

"So this is the one Dakhil radius of. That would explain things. Yes, that would explain a lot."Marek reached into his robes."I haven't had to deal with one of these for class,"Marek whispered,"but with dragons about, such burns are not rare. Praise Asha you're Votary."He leaned in finish to Harry."What happened to your eye ?"

"drinking glass,"Harry replied, wearily."Lots of glass."

"Hmmm. Well, let's get started. Harry, lie back."Harry obliged."I have something far intimately than a spyglass of water."He watched Marek raise his scepter over his burn face."This should only take a few hours."

"minute ?"Harry said, bringing up his handwriting 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 fault, Harry,"said Antreas."There's no way you could have known."

"Yes, admirable qualities, Harry. But as Antreas has said—"

"I am NOT a precedency ! I won't—"Blue light erupted from Marek's wand and before he could say another intelligence, Harry was asleep on the cot and Marek began his work. The last matter he remembered was a crackle sound and Marek's drab articulation.

"That'll leave a mark."

Time faded to nothingness and, when Harry woke, he sensed someone sitting at his bedside."Gabriella ?"he asked groggily.

"You wish, mate !"

"Fred ? Fred is that you ?"

Slowly, Harry began to regain consciousness. He tried to slant up, but someone pressed gently back on his shoulder joint. His heart closed, Harry sensed that there were two people in the room. Shaking the gossamer unfreeze, he finally recognized the aura of the other somebody.

"Remus ?"

"Yes, Harry,"replied Remus lupin,"Fred and I are both here. We have been for about three days."

"Three days !"Harry exclaimed, once again trying to move up and once again being held down by Remus."I've been here for three day ?"

"No, ditz,"Fred laughed."We've been here for three days. You've been here for about, er, xiv 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 well-fixed way ?"

While Fred was talking, Harry realized there was something on his face. He reached his hands up and felt the bandages wrapping his psyche.

"An interesting spirit, if you ask me,"said Fred."Kind of a turban gone mad. All in all I'd say it's an betterment. The great thing is, Harry, they gave you a hale new head ! Moody volunteered his."Fred laughed again and this time Remus joined him. A cold chill passed through Harry. It had suddenly sunk in that Fred… Fred Weasley, was in the same elbow room and if he'd been here for three mean solar day, he might not know….

"Why aren't you home ?"Harry asked."Where's George ?"

"I'm flying solo, mate,"said Fred."George is minding the shops."

"No one can travel in or out,"said Remus."Apparition is unacceptable. It's a miracle that you made it alive. I'm sorry that—"

"What about messages,"Harry interrupted."Can messages get in ?"

"Not for two days,"said Remus."The Dementors have the unscathed 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 time when Remus moved to advertise him back down, Harry flicked his arm away. Harry tried to face Fred, but. Fred only laughed.

"You look like a walking ice-cream cone, Harry."

"Fred,"Harry began, muffled by the bandages surrounding his face. He tried to muster up the courageousness, but in the conclusion mo it failed him."W-Why are you even here ?"

"Tonight, we go on the unsavory. We're through sitting back and letting Lucius Malfoy and his Army of duskiness decide when and where to strike. They're mostly lamia and Dementors with a smattering of Death Eaters sprinkled in for good measure. Last we heard Lucius may have let himself get turned."

"Turned ?"Harry asked.

"The scouts were out early this morning, Harry,"said Remus, moving over and sitting succeeding to Fred."We've seen him off and on in these portion for hebdomad. Only this morning… this dawning they say he looked more lamia 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 disturbed. If Lucius was here that meant Voldemort was here. Were they looking for him ? For Harry ? His heart began to subspecies. There was too often to do and too little fourth dimension. He needed to say someone, but whom ? His breaths quickened and Remus took notice.

"Harry… you need to—"

"He's alive !"Harry shouted."He's still alert !"There was a unretentive intermission. Remus knew almost immediately what Harry meant, but wasn't sure if his row were the result of some sort of side-effect from one of the potions. Fred didn't understand.

"What do you have in mind, Harry ? Who's animated ?"

"Voldemort,"gasped Harry, taking in a great breath of air through the bandages covering his face. He walked over to the side of the collapsible shelter and held the fabric in his fingers. To his mind, it had a irksome orangeness visual aspect, probably spores of some sort. He didn't want to say more ; he couldn't. But he had to. He could feel his middle throb in his chest - it hurt. His breathing grew laboured, weighed down by the burden of what he was about to contribution.

"Somehow… I don't know… I don't know how, but he took control of James Changjiang, Cho's younger pal. He's been inside James, controlling him all year at schoolhouse. He was waiting for something… something important. Then I heard that they had discovered Voldemort's old cloak. It had survived even though he was destroyed. It was there… what he wanted… at the Ministry. They brought it back out of the ashes of his demise. They dug trench, your sire dug deep for what should give birth been left to the depths."

"Yeah,"said Fred cautiously, not really sure what to cerebrate about Harry's ramblings."Mum and Dad were all excited. It was supposed to be a big deal. Sorry we had to pull you away from the award ceremonial to be in this hellhole. I'm not supposed to tell, but Dad's lined you up for purchase 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 trust it ? Lucius wanted it for himself - maybe to draw out whatever inwardness Voldemort had left of himself in it."Harry madly grabbed Fred's gown."Don't you see ? I had to destroy it… to put down the cloak."

"Calm 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 command him."He breathed hard again."But I couldn't. It wasn't a bane, it was Voldemort. I couldn't full point him. I tried—"He turned back to face Fred."He… Voldemort used the kill whammy, Fred. I tried… I swear on Merlin's grave… I tried."

"What are you talking about, Harry ?"Fred's Good Book were quiet, nervous and diffident.

"conclusion night, before Singehorn summoned me, in the princely entrance hall of the Ministry, Voldemort… Voldemort killed your mother."Short pant of air outburst from Harry's lungs and he fell on his articulatio genus in movement of Fred."She's dead… she's… dead."Clutching at the bottom of Fred's robes, Harry began to heft up keen sobs. His articulation was weak and slim down."She's dead."Fred pushed Harry away and took to his groundwork.

"point saying that !"he yelled."She's not suddenly ! She's not ! I just saw her before we came here. She was going to… she was going…"He slapped his handwriting against the bed."You're just messed up… the potions. You… you were dreaming… that's all. A- a- a- hallucination or something !"He turned to Remus.

"Remus ! Tell him ! Tell Harry it was just a dream… a bad dream, that's all."Remus was tranquil, stoic. He didn't speak and he didn't move. Fred pulled his scepter and held it in Remus'human face.

"TELL HIM !"

Remus held his arms out extensive and, slowly, shook his head.

"No."Fred whispered, shaking his nous vigorously in reply."No, it's not… it's not… oh god."

His workforce fell limp at his sides and his verge dropped to the storey, tinkling and then rolling in the silence. Fred shuddered, fell into Lupin's arms and began to cry.

They stayed like that for some clock time, Harry on the floor, Fred in lupin's arms, all three of them crying. Until now, Harry hadn't had the probability to mourn molly's demise. The annoyance was deep and biting. In the tear and secrecy, Harry wished he could get it back. His action mechanism had cost another life and the anger in President Arthur Weasley's articulation echoed within his psyche.

His intellection turned to the others who had been murdered in the engagement and he wondered if St. James the Apostle had made it."I may never know,"he whispered to himself.

As the sadness began to subside, he mulled over how Fred and Remus had described the scout's sighting of Lucius. If the reports were dependable and Malfoy had returned to the mountain, then molly's murderer was within reaching. Harry's pain in the neck began to turn to anger. The flap on the tent furled exposed and in walked Marek

"Remus, I— What in merlin's public figure 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 possible,"said Marek, half believing the words to be lawful. Fred turned, wiping his eye.

"I've got to see if I can get rest home,"he said. He started toward the exit, but Marek took him by the arm.

"Fred, we're surrounded."

The redheaded woodpecker 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 male parent. What do you intend it would do to him to lose you both ?"Fred said aught."If you're going to put your life on the rail line, Fred, make it count ; make it matter."Remus stepped toward him and held Fred by the berm, looking him in the eye.

"Tonight,"he said with confidence and surety."Tonight, you'll have your chance, Fred."

"Why tonight ?"asked Harry.

"There are about sixty of us, Harry,"said Remus,"counting me and Fred. Tonight the lunation turns good. We'll attack with the flying lizard, a few dozen Centaurs, and—"

"full phase of the moon moon ?"asked Harry. He picked himself up off the floor and stood."full phase of the moon moon ? I thought Soseh had given you a potion, given you both one to continue you from turning."

"She did, Harry,"answered Remus."But we haven't taken it during the cycles/second. There are few creatures on earth that can take exception a vampire. Surrounded by Dementors as they are now, even wizards have trivial hope of conducting an effective flack. They're a werewolf's instinctive prey ; Dementors and Vampires share a darkness that… How can I put it ? Is tasty for a werewolf."

"wagerer 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 defences. Dakhil discussed it with me some time ago and we both agreed - we needed a loup-garou army. I couldn't convince well-nigh, but I've convince enough."

"Sixty doesn't make an army, Remus,"said Harry, stepping closer."60 is a snack."

"What you say is true, Harry - werewolf stemma is prized among the vampire. Still, I think our resister will be surprised,"said Remus with tranquil confidence."Yes, we could get more in our number, but even with Arthur as Minister, the suspicion of my form runs deep."

"Our kind, Remus ! And they'll be Thomas More than surprised,"snapped Fred."They'll be bloody petrified !"

"wellspring,"said Harry sardonically,"bloody anyway."

The bandage wrapping his face were hot and laborious and he was only just able to resist the temptation to rip them off so that he could scratch the itching that was growing unattackable by the moment. He placed both his manus mat against the house bed, curling the book binding in his fingers as they balled up into fists. Without looking up, he took in a breath and swallowed.

"Remus… Fred… You need to translate everything. Lucius Malfoy isn't a vampire. The scouts… what they saw down on the mountainside this morning… It may accept looked like Lucius, but it wasn't. Yeah, he's been taken over alright, but not by a vampire. His spirit has been consumed by Voldemort. Lucius is Voldemort."He turned to look them."LX werewolves, sixty dragons, LX of anything… it won't be enough."Hearing Harry's Bible, Remus stepped forward and placed a hand warmly about Harry's neck.

"No, Harry,"he said."No, it won't be decent. But then, it never was. That's why we have you."


Harry thrower and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 18 - The Ring of Onyx
~~~***~~~

The stone whole step were large, bombastic it seemed to Harry, than they were before. Yet, the same thin out white clouds dusted the blue sky, and the heated air brought Harry's mind back to his summertime change of location with Gabriella in Lebanon. His mind's eye flashed to a visual modality of her smooth, dark dark-brown skin and twinkling bleak oculus, and he wondered how she was fairing with Cho and his son, Jamie. His heart skipped at the thought and he drew in a intimation to steady his nerves. He stepped upward through the large gem pillars, upward toward the remains of the peachy Asian castle. Up ahead, seated on a crystal bench intricately carved in an elaborate pattern was a orotund black-market man in green and Brown robes - Singehorn.

On the eve of the counterattack, the dragon had asked that the Young whiz meet him in this plane of consciousness that they might address with one another. Here, in this other world, Harry could not only speak to the dragon, he could see. He had no bandaged head, no wand, only a blanched robe and denude fundament that withstood the scorching heat beneath them. In the cave where Harry's corporeal body sat in meditation, the others were preparing for war. Soon, the Sun Myung Moon would rise, the werewolf, including Remus and Fred, would wrick and the conflict would start. It had taken Harry quite some time to close out all the misdirection that were happening about him, but finally he made it.

As he drew cheeseparing to the flying lizard, the descendent of Asha whose line Harry had sworn to protect, he noticed that the man looked more ripened than before and that his breathing was sonorous, laboured. With effort, Harry heaved himself upward onto another stone step, and then another. On the step before reaching the landing place where Singehorn sat in one of the two vitreous silica benches, Harry saw a large halo made of black onyx. He stopped for a moment to look at it. The Draco coughed a bottomless throaty cough.

"Go on,"he said with a thick scratchy part."picking it up."

Harry reached down and took the anchor ring into his proper manus. It was heavier than Harry expected. Holding it in the digit of both hired man he examined it from all slope.

"I… I know this ring,"Harry said, trying to remember how or from where."I've seen it before."Singehorn shifted his tremendous weight and grimaced somewhat.

"The closed chain,"he said,"is known to many, but few alive today have seen it with their own eyes. For those few that saw it worn by its last captain, it was most likely the terminal affair they saw. He was known for using the ring to kill."Suddenly, Harry remembered.

"Pravus,"he whispered, remembering the portrait of the dreary wizard's manus Greg Goyle had shown him live on year. Singehorn growled, long and low. Clearly, he did not enjoy the sound of the epithet.

"Very good,"answered the dragon."Very good. Come… sit."

Harry climbed the go big step and tried to disperse the front of his white gown which had grown brown from the desert sand. Singehorn laughed and, as Harry looked up, the man's mouth erupted in flame, enveloping Harry in a great white flashgun. In the next minute, Harry's robes were whitened again and he was unscathed. Harry examined his hands, expecting to see scorch stain, but nothing was there.

"Sit,"said Singehorn again. Unlike his lowest sojourn with the man before him, the young wizard sat obediently across from his master.

"My child… not for fifty year has that ring been held by human hands, not since I tore off the arm of the wizard that betrayed us all. When Pravus was destroyed and Grindelwald defeated, I thought for certain the darkness had been, at hold up, beaten back for goodness. I was Whitney Young then and naïve, but not so naïve as to bank in men again."

"But Dakhil,"said Harry."You trust him."

"Do I, Harry ? Do I ?"There was another low muttering as Singehorn leaned forward. Harry noticed a thin, abstemious mark that ran along the man's font, a cicatrix that wasn't there before the Joining. Over the last few months, the flying lizard had seen battle.

"Do you see the closed chain on Dakhil's fingers ?"he continued."No, Harry… Soseh trusts Dakhil and I would trust Soseh with my life, but his fortune lies on a unlike path."

"You need to be intimate, sir,"said Harry with some urgency in his voice."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 brassy and thunderous, not the reaction Harry had expected.

"He's a vampire, my child,"the tartar said finally."He fights the feeling inside him every waking moment. Few have learned to control the hungriness for fresh blood, the desire for decease. None have fought more heroically than Dakhil Barghouti to stave off his own personal ogre. But his path will soon lead elsewhere and I will postulate soul to take up his faculty as Primate of the Votary. He would prefer I choose now, before his fate befalls him."

Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. Rolling the ring in his fingerbreadth he looked up at Singehorn then back down at the gang. Finally, he set it in his palm tree and held it out to the dragon.

"I can't, sir,"he said, shaking his capitulum."Whatever top executive this annulus holds, I'm not ready."

"What ? No head about what the ring does ? What forcefulness it might work you ?"

"No, sir,"Harry replied, reaching yet further toward Singehorn. The dragon did not off the ring from Harry's palm, but instead leaned back on the workbench.

"Not even if the pack might help you defeat 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 countless Centaurs ; these creatures you seem to like so much about ?"Singehorn leaned in again."Are you so sure that you wouldn't regard to finally destroy the animate being that killed your parents ?"

For a moment, Harry's outstretched arm receded. Once more he held the annulus between thumb and forefinger, wondering what metier it might bring him. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Finally, he shook his head once more.

"No, sir,"he said softly still rolling the ring in his fingers."When I was live here, you reminded me our calling : Bravery… Wisdom… Love."Harry shuddered, swallowing laborious."You also told me that I needed to work on my wisdom."Harry took in a mysterious breath as his eyes grew misty."But I've been cute short-circuit in that regard all class, eh ? I brought Voldemort into the Ministry. I brought him face-to-face with Mrs. Weasley. I should induce known…. I should have been saucy. Now, he's at your doorstep, threatening to ruin all we stand for."holding back his rent, Harry held the ring out once again."Whatever might the ring bears, there are others more worthy than me."

With lightening speed, frighteningly fast for such a large frame, Singehorn grabbed Harry's mitt in his own, his massive paw wrapping around Harry's stallion clenched fist and arm, squeezing the ring into the physique of Harry's palm tree and scorching the book binding of Harry's hand. His red centre glared with steel determination into Harry's and his claws drew blood from Harry's frame.

"Tell me, my son, when the darkness spreads across this hatful and threatens my minor and my youngster's children what will you do ? There are only so many rocks to wax and the cloud will not protect us."Harry said zilch."When your Friend charge down the mountainside to join my kin in the attack against the slime that surrounds us, will you hide… a subterfuge rat in a dark cave ?"The firedrake's pincer dug deeper, but Harry refused to cry out.

"I'd… sooner… die."

"Harry, the monster seeks you out, but he does not want you all in, not yet. He thinks he needs you alive, but he doesn't know that what he seeks is no longer there, washed away by the falls at Hogwarts. Without the energy he once shared with you, he is but half a man, half a wizard. In his ignorance, in his undermine state, he can be defeated."

"Then I don't need the ring,"Harry said calmly, withstanding the pain.

"If only when it was so simple,"sighed Singehorn, still holding Harry's mitt business firm."Before the cleansing at the downfall, you joined."

"Joined ?"

"The iniquity that was once in your veins… now flows through another's."

Harry's kernel began to backwash. Another's ?
"Your inherited."

"Jamie,"Harry whispered.

"You would sooner die than see my minor harmed. What would you do to protect your children ?"asked Singehorn.

"My… son."

Harry's digit, almost instinctively, tightened around the ring burning the physique of his medal and in that inst his vision filled with a howling flash of Elwyn Brooks White. Singehorn's spokesperson became shadow and inauspicious.

"I will not say your determination is wise, but it is our only if course of instruction. Forgive me, my child, for the office will consume you. Soseh has foreseen your rapacity turn to grief. On the day the flying lizard mark the sky, you will begin to get laid your lawful strength. How you emerge from your weakness will shape the portion of us all."

Suddenly, Harry's lot was gone, all before him wickedness. When he breathed in, the damp must odour of the bandages that wrapped his face filled his anterior naris.

"We've got to go, sir,"said a wizard somewhere to Harry's left.

"If I have to tell you one Sir Thomas More time to be unruffled, I'll rip your throat out,"snapped Dakhil in a low, sibilate voice."We will go when Singehorn says we can go. Do NOT raise up the boy."

Still seated on the floor, his stage folded beneath him, Harry reached out his mind and sensed the two men arguing to his left. The one, a bright Amytal halo was clearly frightened ; the other blink red and then purpleness. The red appeared to be winning and Harry wasn't sure that was a good affair for the man in blue whose vividness was fading so fast Harry thought he might wet himself. He wasn't the only one nearby that was frightened. In the enceinte cavern just beyond the rock wall where Harry sat, gobs of men mulled about nervously waiting for the concluding rules of order to attack. Harry was about to move, to signal to the others that he had returned, when the orangeness coloration of Marek moved into the way where he sat.

He slipped over and placed his script on Dakhil's back and the two walked to the far side of the collapsible shelter. They whispered and then the rustling grew louder.

"Marek,"Dakhil hissed,"I need to make out. What is your opinion ?"

"As a Healer or a Warrior ?"the man that had worked on Harry's face 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 patch on for at least another week."

"The boy can't scrap 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."undecomposed. The time is near. The full moon will soon rise over the incline of the mountain. We must take advantage of every minute it brings us the wolfman'lastingness. Dawn will come far too quickly I'm afraid."

Harry held his helping hand to his face."And these ? You can remove these ?"

"Really, Harry,"answered Marek,"if only you could dispense with two more days… two more."

"The battle will be over by morning,"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 fight,"Marek said to Harry. Then he turned to Dakhil."What possible advantage does a boy bring this battle beyond more gore ?"Steadying his groundwork on the dusty rock, Harry stood.

"I am no boy !"he said defiantly. Marek ignored him.

"Dakhil,"the Healer continued,"there is no reason to put his life… What ? What is it ?"

There was silence. Harry too noticed the alteration in Dakhil's aura that was likely now being mimicked by the vampire's face. The red had darkened into a deep scarlet - the emotion was a warm 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 robe while he sat, became exposed. There, on the center of attention finger of Harry's right hand was a ring. tempestuous at being called a boy, Harry had not noticed the added weight on his fingerbreadth.

"Well… that can't be good,"said Dakhil with a rather cool down spokesperson."I had asked for a choice, but I never…"

"I'll take the damn bandages off myself if I have to,"cried Harry, reaching for his wand. It was then, when finger met wood, that he realized there was a anchor ring on his fingerbreadth. He let go his wand and held the annulus with his left hand. He moved to take it off, but the ring would not be active. He pulled again, and again the ring held its grip about the bone of his ripe middle digit.

"I had always hoped he might see fit to give it to me,"said Dakhil with more letdown than ira."I suppose Soseh has told him."

"Told him what ?"asked Harry, still trying to work the closed chain from his fingerbreadth.

"Damn the day I met you, boy,"said Dakhil, again in a placidity, subject of fact tone."She's seen my death, which is not such a great business for a vampire when such events can be C hence."He paused.

"And ?"Harry asked.

"And you were there, boy. You were there."Dakhil moved closer."So, either you're going to wander down the versant, get bit and live to a very ripe old age as an immortal, or I'm going to die before the summertime solstice. Curse you,"Dakhil said dryly,"I always wanted to make it to the millennium."

"You're both talking gibberish,"said Marek."Would you STOP that,"he said to Harry."You're starting to bleed."Harry turned his common sense downward and watched as the glowing drips of blood fell to the floor from his fingerbreadth. Marek pulled his sceptre and healed the finger."Now leave the damn ring alone. Here, let me remove it."

He cast a spell and nothing happened, nothing but the scratchy laughter from Dakhil. He tried a different spell and still the ring stayed clamped about Harry's finger's breadth.

"We don't have time for this,"said Harry finally."Look, just take the bandage off. station a shield charm about the skin if you must, but I can't—"

"Very well,"cut in Marek with a sigh."But it's not your skin that I was worried about."Sit over here."He led Harry to a Stone judiciary.

"What do you think of ?"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 nothing,"said Harry."Certainly through this gauze, I could discern—"

"I've sealed your lids shut so the eyes beneath could heal as the turn worked and weaved."He stepped tightlipped to Harry."Son, two more days… two more mean solar day 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 saturnine anyway,"Harry said."Take off the patch and leave my eyes sealed. I'll be wagerer off not trying to make out object in the iniquity. I've gotten used to not seeing and trying to squint in the murky night may just take in things worse."

"There's the problem,"said Dakhil."The objective you wish to discern are Dementors. They suck the life story from all about them. To your vision they would be darkness and on the scorched mountainside where very footling life remains, it would be near insufferable to detect them."

At this it was Harry's play to gag.

"Dakhil, I don't need my sight to have sex when a Dementor is breathing down my neck opening. I'll know where they are, believe me, I'll know."

"Then it's decided,"said Marek."I'll remove your patch, but keep open your eyes sealed. If you make it through the night Harry, your expression should be re-wrapped immediately. A shield spell 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 pick up the howling already."

And indeed he could, they all could. Some of the wizard wolfman were growing unquiet. Outside, the moon was nearing the top of the eastern horizon and some were having difficultness controlling their metamorphosis even inside the cavern, away from the moonshine. Typically, such difficulties were had by newly converted loup-garou, those who had recently become. Harry wondered how Fred was fairing.

When Dakhil removed the veiling bandage, Harry immediately reached up to his face to touch, but the shield charm stopped his fingerbreadth.

"It feels like an eggshell,"Harry whispered.

"And it won't protect your face much Thomas More 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 Word of God left Dakhil's mouth first.

"An Acolyte of the Votary does not represent at anything !"Dakhil's stature was suddenly somewhat bombastic, and his aura somewhat redder."You would be wise to remember your locating, Marek. With one thought the boy could destroy you."

"Yes… yes, of line,"Marek apologized."I'm sorry… I… I truly am sorry."

There was fear in his words, far more fear than Harry thought the situation warranted. Part of him understood, something he remembered from the Joining, but there wasn't time to well for its source ; it was clip for action. Harry stood and began to walk toward the large bedroom.

"One bit, boy,"said Dakhil with a matter of fact tone. Harry stopped, turned and, before he had an instantaneous to react, Dakhil had cast a magic spell on him. cypher happened.

"What… what was that ?"Harry demanded, still reaching for his wand.

"He's changed the colour of your robes, Harry,"said Marek."They're no longer white ; they're crimson."

"prelate Potter,"said Dakhil in an exceptionally scratchy voice followed by a short blasting cough."Your rubric, when I die."He sighed."Asha protect us."Harry looked down, but could feel no discernible remainder."Don't worry, boy ; those who have travelled the path through right training will do it at once the significance of your gown. We'd best hurry. There won't be time for much of a speech."

Harry and Dakhil left the tent and entered the cavern ; it had emptied out onto the versant, staging for the battle to descend. Soon, the gate would open and the soldiers would slop down upon their opposition. Harry and Dakhil walked down the cave and as it narrowed toward its exit a young man came up and touched Harry by the arm.

"Asha be with you,"he said tilting his headland in a slight bow.

"And with you,"replied Harry without forethought. Why did I say that ?
The cavern door opened and, for a bit, Harry was blinded by the many gloriole gathered outside. He could see that some of the lycanthrope had already turned, and a mathematical group of sensation was having difficulty restraining them. No one seemed distracted by the howling, a howling that assorted with intelligence in Harry's mind - killing, bite, rip ! He turned to see if person was talking to him, but no one was there. Another lycanthrope howled.

"Patience, my friends,"called Harry to the snapping wight and the savage quieted at his words. That was not my voice, thought Harry. Or was it ?

Everyone was listening to Antreas who stood upon a gravid outcrop of rock above the growing din. His Son were amplified, but Harry wasn't sure the increase intensity was necessary. He was calling out in a strong and overtop vocalism and Harry wondered why this role wasn't Dakhil's.

"….is all we need. Together we will be victorious ! Together we will blackball the wickedness into the abysm !"The solid ground began to grumble with clapping. Harry noticed four behemoth pounding their feet with commendation.

"giant ?"he asked Dakhil."I didn't notice any giants when I arrived."

"They climbed over from the sheer drop-off on the back side of the quite a little. That way is not guarded save by Dementors, and they have no impression on such simple creatures. So it is with the werewolves."

"It'll m-make for a b-bloody Death eater busting surprise."

"Fred ?"

The red-header was clearly agitated, seemingly in the midst of the modification.

"Fred, please… don't—"

"The high priest has ARRIVED !"cried Antreas with a leaping spokesperson. He was referring to Dakhil, but Harry could feel hundred of eyes turn toward him simultaneously. Save for the howl and the episodic spell being cast a forgetful ways down the hill, all became silent.

"Let's pay them what they want, boy,"said Dakhil."Up you go."He levitated Harry some twenty feet in the air. Harry's heart began to slipstream as he rose, wondering what he might say.

It was like rising over the ember of a dying flame, each glowing aura a lilliputian coal burning against the darkness. There were hundreds gathered here. Some fell to their knee as Harry rose ; to the highest degree stood silently. giant, Centaur, wizards and werewolf, a ragtag collection of misfits all collected to fight together against the malevolence Lucius Malfoy had co-opted for his own evil use.

Lucius probably hoped he would retrieve the cloak and arrive at this piazza of struggle to celebrate a slap-up victory, the showtime of many. piddling did he know that his former master would ask up mansion in his body - if only long enough to take over Harry's. But that would never, could never happen. How the louse had turned on the blonde-haired patriarch. Soon, it would turn on the darkness worming within him. Harry raised his weapon to the heavens above, a behemoth comet was clearly visible in the night's sky.

"Ebyrth marks its reappearance and now we find ourselves at its mercy. While some have come to do the new sun's birdcall, others are here to protect our dragon sidekick against the shadow that wishes to destroy all in its path. Tonight we fight as one. Tonight we fight with the intensity of giants, the magic of wizards, the furiousness of wolfman, the Wisdom of centaur, and the hearts of flying dragon !"

No sooner had the words left his mouth, than the thundery SWOOP-SWOOP filled the air and four enormous Dragon flew over the crowd, blotting out the superstar and then coming to roost at the top of the great gem wall. Singehorn wasn't among them, but Harry, though having never met them, knew their gens. The three males were Rakesh, Talisan, and Igneus, and the blueness female was Tanwen. As if being called, Harry looked toward Talisan, the big of the four, with green-black plate and fierce red centre.

"primate !"the creature cried out."We follow you in battle. What are your orders !"

All around Harry, wizards were clasping their manpower to their ears, some falling to their knees, because of the creature's slap-up hollo. And yet, Harry could empathize everything he said. How is this potential ? This was no meditation.

"Your gild, primate ?"cried the dragon again, and again those around Harry winced in annoyance.

"burning them !"yelled Harry."Burn them till your bellies turn moth-eaten. You, Tanwen, fly high above the wall. Let no opposition past the gates. Do not leave alone your post. We must save the rookery at all costs !"Harry pulled his red robes tight about his shoulders.

"outdoors the gates !"called Antreas and the army erupted in sunshine and howls. A few werewolves snapped at their allies, but most caught the aroma of their hated opposition, enticing their senses 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 logic gate. Harry began to run, following the rushing lunar time period, but someone grabbed his shoulder and pulled him around ; it was Antreas.

"Your time is at hand, Harry,"he said with a stout voice."I'll lead the first waving ; I dare not speak it to the others, but don't think for a minute we'll come after. The scouts have told me the situation… it's dire. When we begin to return back, and we will return back… that's when we'll need you."Harry was about to indicate, but Antreas was already swept away in the current of bodies rushing through the gate. Undaunted, Harry began to comply, only this fourth dimension Dakhil stopped him.

"Tell me, boy,"he murmured quietly beneath the roaring spate of whizz pushing by."Why are you here ?"

"To fight Voldemort,"Harry spat, turning to leave. Dakhil held his arm fast and Harry glared back with infuriated oculus.

"Really ?"queried Dakhil, still tranquillity, 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 involve my service of process, then dismiss me ! You need only speak the Bible ; tell me to be gone !"

He was goading Harry, trying to make him angry, trying to provoke a response. Harry slipped his wand away.

"You are the Primate,"he said softly."Not me."

"adept will never be a vampire, boy,"answered Dakhil."But for some reasonableness, Asha only knows why, they will comply you. The wisdom of Grigor Darbinyan now flows in his son's veins. Would you neglect Antreas ? Shall we charge with the rest period ? What are your parliamentary procedure ?"

"I'm here to serve my curse word, to protect the line of Asha… as are you. We stay to protect the rookery."Harry noted a glimmer in Dakhil's aura… a grinning ? The last of the starting time wave had passed through the logic gate, leaving two giants, one dragon, a half-dozen Centaurs and some thirty wizards to hold off for further fiat, orders that Harry would take to give way. Knowing that the number at his side were too few to fend off the coming tone-beginning, his thinking turned to the darkness, hiding at the tooshie of the mountain, searching for some way that they might defeat him.

"He won't reveal himself,"said Harry, slowly,"until he believes they've won, that he can step up and study me as his prize. Antreas is right on, to enchant Lucius and the iniquity that consumes him, the first wave must fail."

"The enemy's routine are too great,"said Dakhil, releasing his grip."Even with those still remaining, we have no hope of winning in maneuver battle."

"Then the s moving ridge must be a surprise. We must hold until the last possible moment."

"Even then, boy, the numbers are against us."

"Maybe,"answered Harry,"But we need only attain down one foe. What will our enemy do when their oecumenical Dy ? When Lucius and his master spill ?"

"It is inconceivable to capture vapour with your bare hired man. Who among us, might I ask, will bring down the Dark Lord ?"

"I will,"Harry answered. He left Dakhil and entered into the centre of those remaining."gather ‘ round of golf !"he called."Listen to what I say ! Tonight… tonight we plan for triumph !"


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 19 - The number 1 battle
~~~***~~~
flame and smoke roiled in the air from the battle below, bearing the odour of burnt physical body and rakehell into the secure chemical compound guarding the rookery of the flying lizard, where Harry and the others waited. The land shook as the hulk, fighting their common enemies below, cast stones the size of it of train-cars crashing down upon their foes. Howls, screeches, and the roaring of dragon-fire reverberated between the stone wall, echoing down the canon and pitching wildly between Harry's ears. He couldn't see the fight raging on the mountainside below, none of them could. But then, they didn't need to see what was happening to know that it was not going well. The burning odour was growing strong, the shaking earth was more stern, and the howls and screeches filled the air more than ever. The struggle was coming closer, gamey up the muckle. Soon, it would be at the chemical compound walls.

Harry grew more anxious by the moment. His first instinct had been to attack outright, but both Antreas and Dakhil had stopped him. Ignoring the wisdom of a wizard that had survived C was folly and Harry knew that they must hold back. The second wave would attack when their enemies were most weary. If Harry's forcefulness could separate their channel, if they could keep hound to throat, perhaps the advancing darkness would retreat down the mint, down to where Lucius Malfoy, now possessed by Voldemort, most certainly waited.

When the first wave began its flak, Harry had quietly sent the best Centaurus Sagittarius the Archer high onto the mountainside leading down from the North gate. Hiding in high spirits in the mound, they would flank the advancing iniquity and strike when Harry gave the signal. Along the bound of the other position of the valley, Harry sent the two remaining behemoth, Florge and Scrum, to wait hidden among the rocks. There they would moderate the mellow ground, preventing any Death Eaters from running away from the onslaught of Centaur arrow. Once they were set into position, the goliath looked like a prominent outcropping of gemstone, zero more. With luck they would mow down scads with their clubs, large corner trunks bristling with burred metal pikes the length of Harry's arm.

Hearing, smelling, feeling the inaugural wafture retreat back toward the main logic gate, Harry impatiently waited to pass the second wave through a hidden gate that skirted the English of the vale rampart. Then they would know if there was any promise at all. Already, Centaur base runner brought back account that the number of the enemy was twice what was first conceive - over two-hundred Dementors, nearly a c lamia, dozens of wizards, and five giants of their own. Clearly, the numbers were against them and they all knew it.

About a small fire, Harry sat with Dakhil and two other members of the Votary, Mikael and Katana. Dakhil was roasting blimp skewered on the end of a Centaur spear. Mikael was a declamatory man, Ukrainian he said, with iniquity brownish hair and a eonian three daytime'growth of byssus. one-half of his will ear was missing and he had a fierceness about his piercing amobarbital sodium optic that, as Dakhil described, would scare any living soul that dared to cross verge with him. As for Katana, she was subdued, almost subdued. Even sightless, Harry could discern how her black skin contrasted against the silver ring mail ringlets that covered her speed torso. Set against her pipe down way was the red glory that burned fiercely from her soul, perhaps the most vivid Harry had ever seen. Unlike Mikael, she rarely spoke, but when she did it almost always carried import. The fervor crackled and the sausages popped, sending a steaming squirt of burning fat onto Mikael's arm. He yelped, but Dakhil only laughed.

"I wish that was the only sting you would experience tonight, Mikael,"said the lamia, grimly staring into the fervor, turning the sausage on the lance and watching the dripping grime send off picayune flash of flaming overlapping upwards.

"How you are hungry, Dakhil,"replied Mikael, shaking his head and moving close once again to warm himself by the flack."They arrive at threshold before you finish."Again, Dakhil laughed.

"You should know by now, my Ukrainian ally,"said Dakhil with a smile,"I don't eat sausage. The boy here looked a bit timid and I thought he should build up up his strength."He held the point of the gig before Harry's face, the sizzling sausage splattering specks of hot fat against the cuticle charm protecting Harry's exposed face."One should never meet their manufacturer on an empty stomach."

"Thank you,"Harry said with a thin smile. He took the sausage balloon between thumb and forefinger, but it neither seared nor burned. Without flinching, Harry slid the sausage off the lance's metal point in time and took a sharpness. Once again, he detected a momentaneous grinning in the aura of Dakhil. To the vampire's left, Katana let out a small snort. She stood, her ringlets jingling as she did so, and then she looked upward to the nighttime sky where the smaller dragon Tanwen circled.

"Even as Ebyrth reveals itself to the world, Asha's boon is upon you, Danton True Young wizard,"she said with a low vox that was quieten and as deep as the lake remote Hogwarts."This is good… for the time has come. Prepare."

Scantly had the Logos left her lips than a howling holloa exploded operating expense. Talisan, the expectant of the four dragons, appeared from no where, plummeting from the sky, streaking fire and roll of tobacco behind him and smashing to the basis, tumbling into a grouping of wizards that nigh certainly would deliver died in the collision had not Katana turned their care toward the wall when she stood. Immediately, bedlam struck the camp. Even though many knew their mail, some wizards called out to attack directly through the main gate, some scattered for the secret side gate, some ran toward the mount's tunnel. The Centaurus were calling for forbearance, and all were yelling at the top of their lungs.

"SILENCE !"cried Dakhil, his voice reverberating off the canyon bulwark."Everyone, move in formation toward the N logic gate ! There we wait until the mark comes."

"But—"

"We will attack when the signal comes ; not before ! NOW motility !"

While the disarray subsided, Harry moved toward the fallen flying dragon.

"Where are you going ?"questioned Dakhil.

"Talisan needs help,"reply Harry continuing to walk to the dragon.

"Your orders were to—"

"I know what the architectural plan is, Dakhil ! I made it !"Harry yelled.

"We don't have time for this, boy !"

"I have all the time I need,"snapped Harry in riposte."Now go ! Lead the others and I'll join you when I'm done."

"Marek can care for the—"

"GO !"

With his wand still sheathed, Harry concentrated his mind. Bending space was soft than slowing clip, even Ronan, his Centaur trainer, had admitted that. But Harry needed time, even just a little more to save Talisan's life. Right now, he was compelled. He felt that healing the tartar was more important than all the rest of it. He wasn't for sure why, but he had to do what he could. He centred on the Word Ronan had taught him.

In woods glen, the babbling brook is filled with silver fish.
Slow its flow and deny each drip to put them on your dish.

The sound about Harry became muffled. He sensed that the auras running to the magnetic north gate were slowing, slowing… not still, but nearly. Harry summoned the Stone of Callimorpha jacobeae from within him. Still crashing, he cast a fervour spell upon it.

"Bravery, Wisdom, Love,"he whispered and was instantly transported to the Elwyn Brooks White room that waited for his instruction."Talisan,"he whispered, and was immediately drawn to the flying lizard.

He'd healed a cat before, but never a dragon. At first he could see the enormous animal prone on the ground, the three magician surrounding it fixed in time, but the Dragon looked up toward Harry, blinking as if it could see him. Talisan's breathing was erratic and he coughed rake and sess. Then, as always, the conniption paused, as if asking Harry to support that this indeed was the action he wished to ask."Heal my friend,"Harry whispered again. coloring material began to swirl about… broken bones… stunned nerves… sliced organs…a pierced lung… origin dripping on the fires of life…"Yes, heal them… heal them all."

The scene flashed blackness and Harry found himself on his genu, the jagged rocks tearing at his physical body, the pit of Cinnabar in his left hand. Before moving he pulled his wand and hid the Stone once more inside his body, in the little sac left by missing liver tissue. And once again, he thought of Greg Goyle and said a small supplication. Before he looked up he heard the firedrake speak. His speech were unsteady, but Harry could see that his wound were healing.

"We must hasten,"Talisan said,"the… the secondly wave… I must—"

"You must delay here,"cut in Harry."You must rest."

"I can't. It is my duty to—"

"It's your tariff to listen to the holder of the ring."It was the flying lizard Tanwen, Harry knew that, but she was nowhere near. She was still flying high above the rookery. Harry wondered how he could be having this conversation, how…

"The halo,"he whispered, touching the stone with his early hand. He took to his feet, rubbing the black pit between his finger's breadth. He expected to finger somewhat woozy after healing the dragon, but he wasn't. Without turning, he noticed that the gloriole were beginning to funnel out through the magnetic north gate just as the bruise were coming in from the main gate. They would take help too. He moved to see what he could do when Marek stopped him.

"Let me take care of the injured, Harry. If you don't execute like we had planned, we have no Leslie Townes Hope of winning and all will be lost, not just a few living, but hundreds."Once more, Harry glanced to the injured streaming in. There was a substantial urge to bring around them all. Many were near death. For a moment he hesitated and then he grudgingly nodded his head.

"Right,"said Marek."Get going."

Harry ran to the side gate, reaching it in moment. He could hear Marek calling for help from the early Healers to get the offend inside the caves. When Harry passed through the logic gate, it sealed behind him leaving no trace that it was ever there.

The group of wizards and Centaur making up the moment wave had not moved far past the gate. They were carefully, quietly, edging their way around the flank of their opposition. As Harry moved about one of the with child rock establishment, he had his 1st chance to observe the advancing army. It looked formidable, but not a three to one vantage. For a minute he had forgotten the Dementors, creatures whose auras he could not see, but the present moment did not last long. The hint shifted and the cool off stench of their material body filled the air. For an instant… from the canyon just below… Was he imagining it ? Harry thought he could actually pick up them talking to each other. He'd never heard anything but the click Dementors made when communicating, but this… it sounded like Christian Bible. Whatever it was he was hearing, they were close. He resisted the temptation to wretch just as two of his own wizards fell to their human knee in fear.

There was the syncope chirp of some dirt ball, the sign, and the air immediately rang with the whistle of arrows. The Centaur high in emplacement among the drop-off let go their first volley. Screeches of Dementor and vampire alike bubbled up out of the canon like a thickheaded guck of nuisance. An instant later, another volley of pointer filled the air, followed by more screams ; then another… and another. Moving his way to the front of the contingent making up the attacking second wave, Harry could hear wizards cry out from below for their tune to turn toward the side of the muckle.

"Shields !"somebody called. The next volley struck many still off safeguard, but was less successful among the suspicious maven. Harry continued to advance until he came to Dakhil's articulatio humeri.

"Miss 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 shift any chance of surprise. They await your command."A salvo of exasperated disgust left Dakhil's lips, but Harry didn't hesitate.

"Strike now !"he commanded."attack !"

Arrows from the Centaurs stationed on the rocks above continued to rain down upon the bum of the line of merchandise of Death feeder, vampire and Dementors that had now driven Antreas'first wave back through the main gate of the chemical compound wall. Even as the front of this morose personnel was cheering for victory, calling for their hulk to sunder the great wall protecting the compound, others at the rear were screaming with fear. The wizards and Centaurs in Harry's second wave cascaded down the mountainside sacking pointer and filling the smoky air with an electrifying display of scepter exponent. turn after spell stunned, exploded and slashed their opposer. awe was tangible and its burden began to undulate its way toward the front. Harry could smell their halo fading against the onslaught. The Dementors could experience it too and they began to consume individual indiscriminately. It was Katana who described to Harry how, in some kind of frenzied state they began feeding on the awe of their own warriors. As the frightened minions tried to jumble up the opposite hillside they came side to brass with the obscure whale.

Florge and Scrum rose as if ascending from the stone itself. With great strokes of their clubs they swatted their opposition back into the advancing force, back into the frenzied Dementors, back into a boiling stock of disorderliness that had now made its way to the straw man of the wrinkle.

What at first seemed like a rout of Harry's side of meat was being flipped upon its head. Centaurus arrows were dropping non-wizard lamia from the sky with nearly every draw of the string. Emboldened by the success of the second wave, the goodly in Antreas'original attacking force regrouped and began another accusation. Werewolves that had scattered to the versant retreating from their first tone-beginning also sensed the change and returned to the fray.

Squeezed on both incline and pressed to the fore, Lucius Malfoy's army retreated back down the heap. With all the confusion, Harry and many of the others in his 2nd wave found themselves in the centre of Malfoy's retreating effect. They had essentially split their opposition's force into two, allowing one one-half to draw back freely down the muckle while trapping the other in a big pincher. Harry and his military force had the lower ground while Antreas and the others pressed in from above. What followed was mouth destruction.

Rakesh appeared from on high and began to dive toward the dazed and disordered warriors.

"Back !"cried Harry to the others. He heard similar shout from Antreas and his men further up the mountain. The lycanthrope did not direct the word of advice."BACK !"Harry yelled again. The demise Eaters were too distracted trying to handle the attacking werewolves and their own crazed Dementors to notice the Dragon moving in.

When Harry's men moved away, the vision of auras cleared and he distinctly noticed three lycanthrope still tearing at the physical body of their enemies. One of them was Fred Weasley ; Harry could smell out his anger, his hatred, his thirst to destroy.

"FRED !"Harry screamed."GET OUT OF THERE !"But Fred was a wolfman and nil Harry could do would give up that. Then Igneus appeared on the flank of Rakesh ; both were diving down on their gird enemies. Soon it would all be over. Harry began to run, not away but toward his acquaintance and the havoc of the battle before him. Even as stunners ricocheted off in every counseling and Killing Curses took down one creature after another, Harry ran. He leapt onto the red fur of Fred's back, knocking him to the ground.

The werewolf spun, opened his great jaws and grabbed Harry by the throat. Only the clean carapace charm about Harry's face was keeping him from being bitten through, but it wouldn't final stage farsighted if Fred truly desired roue. On his back, his sensation facing forward, he could observe the two behemoth gloriole of the dragons racing toward them. They had only instant. Harry held his hands about Fred's neck, and pressed the black onyx ring against his Quaker's flesh.

"Be still,"he ordered."Be still, my friend."

The adhesive friction about Harry's neck loosened slightly and, in that minute, Harry spun them both to the ground and cast a buckler charm. The world erupted in flame. Screams filled the air only to be silenced an twinkling later by another good time of heat and flaming. The werewolf in Harry's coat of arms struggled to check free, but not wholly.

"Get off of me, you bloody idiot,"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."time lag still, just one more than instant. The heat… the heat will—"The wolfman broke free of Harry's grasp and threw himself against the carapace spell surrounding them. It held from within. Again he charged the shield and this time broke through. He yipped as his paws burned against the scorching earth, but in a flash he was gone, chasing after the parting of the U. S. Army that had fled down the mountainside.

With the shield charm gone, Harry could smell the electrocution foetor about him. Where seconds before stood dozens of men and tool, now only three lone wizards remained - Death feeder that had seen the flying lizard in time and had shield magic spell of their own. One, seeing Harry standstill in the glowing embers without his shield, released his own protective spell and began to run. He took two steps before his feet were in flames. He fell and began to sizzle against the baked earthly concern. One of the other decease feeder killed him to let go him from the misery. Harry walked toward the remaining two, the heating plant burning away the dirt that soiled his gown, but leaving the scarlet textile and his skin unscathed. Somehow being here on the mountain, so close to the dragons, had steeled his power to stand firm the rut.

"It's not possible,"said one, the iniquity haired wizard in Negro robes that had killed his ally.

"saphead,"spat the former, blonde with robes of nighttime blue air."He's one of them - half-man, half-dragon."

"He's a boy,"said the other.

"If this boy,"said Harry, moving closer,"drops your buckler good luck charm rightfulness now, you'll cook to death like your friend there."The darkness haired end Eater raised his wand.

"He's blind !"

"Stop it !"said the former."Are you mad ? ! There are scores in the hills around us. We haven't a chance."Harry continued to kick upstairs.

"The man you serve,"Harry began, now close enough to tap the buckler of the dark haired wizard with the tip of his baton,"Lucius Malfoy… where is he ?"

"He'll… he'll be here soon enough. You'll see. Then… then you'll—"

"What coloring is his hair ?"The tip of Harry's wand began to glow red, sending out a pinprick of light onto the light bluing shield that surrounded the expiry Eater.

"B-Blonde,"the dying feeder stammered, staring intently at the red luminescence.

"And his eyes ? What colour are his eyes ?"

"There… there red, damn it ! He's found a source of true world power, and he'll swat the likes of you from the cheek of the Earth. Now get us out of this fire pit !"

"Dakhil !"Harry cried out."Dakhil !"There was a swoop up phone and the wizard flew down next to Harry on the scorched earth. He was in vampire material body, the front of his gown stained red with line that was even now vanishing, burning away from the intense high temperature.

"Voldemort's alive and he's still in Malfoy,"said Harry with a sensation of urgency in his voice that was building with ire."This battle… it's not over. They'll regroup, realize that they still outnumber us, and attempt again. We have to conjure our reward while we can."Dakhil's sass pulled back into a horrific smile that revealed quarrel of long, sharp teeth. It was adequate to make the end feeder succeeding to them shiver.

"Very skillful, boy,"he hissed with a mysterious scratchy voice."I will inform Antreas to pass this dead zone, when he is able, and prompt down. You will need to tell Rakesh and Igneus."

"What about Talisan ?"

"He is well ; do you not feel it ?"And indeed Harry could and, for a moment, his pump lightened. Dakhil moved to fly when Harry grabbed his arm.

"And the others ? How are our numbers ?"

"We will most certainly be destroyed this night,"cracked Dakhil."Your comet, Ebyrth, will destroy us all."Dakhil took to the sky and faded into the darkness toward the gamy persona of the mass. As the embers cooled, Harry could sense the others from the second wave moving toward him. They had been victorious, but the numbers… they were half of what they'd left the compound with.

The Centaurs stopped outside the ring of intense heat, but Katana walked though it toward Harry.

"What are your society, Primate ?"she asked. There was a nasty gash on the face of her arm and the side of her face looked like it had some hex. Harry moved toward her and bathed her expression in risque luminosity ; the furuncle receded.

"When the surface area cools, Antreas will move down to unite us, but we can not wait. We must continue the blast. We are searching for their leader, a blonde wiz with red eyes, wearing a dark cloak."

"The Dark Lord, I have heard him called."Her voice was calm, almost calculating.

"He's no noble, Katana,"said Harry coolly,"but he will vote down anything in his course. Warn the others. We head to the white Anglo-Saxon Protestant's nest and the stingers there will kill."

"And these two ?"she asked, nodding to the expiry eater still desperately trying to maintain their buckler charms.

"Leave them to Antreas,"Harry said."We can't save the men."Katana raised an supercilium and cleared her throat. Harry noticed the subtle change in her nimbus."Or womanhood,"Harry corrected with a grin."Or women."

Before long, Harry's beleaguered forces were well more than half-way down the mountainside. Soon they would be outside the perimeter that marked the magical borderline of the dragons'soil. During the full journey, they had encountered no impedance. All they had found was the episodic fallen virtuoso or the black cloak of a Dementor ; none alive. Katana and Mikael warned that they should not pass the border, that the dragon would not follow beyond, but Harry already knew that. Rakesh and Igneus, circling above, would only protect the terra firma under their dominion. They would not attack outside it.

"Do you think Voldemort doesn't know that ?"he asked, as they continued to border down the mountain."If we don't crush him now, he'll use the time to rebuild his forces and attack again, more tremendous than ever."

"You don't know that."

"I know that—"Suddenly, a Centaur pathfinder, Shamire, appeared, perspiration dripping from his flank. Harry turned to him."What tidings ?"he asked.

"You were right, Chosen,"the Centaurus answered."They have a camp just on the other side of the mete. There are wounded everywhere, and bunch of yelling. They are in a glade surrounded by large trees, but the trees… they are not real."

"What ?"

"I have never seen anything like it before. The trees look like Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, but they are not ; they are beat, a fabrication. The lycanthrope are circling, but unwilling to enter."

"A barrier ?"asked Katana."To protect the camp."

"Maybe,"said Harry,"or something unfit. It's always something worse. Shamire, tell the others to be on their guard. The dragons won't fly past the border. It will be up to us to end the job."As he said these words Harry looked toward the sky and saw the lofty fauna circle back, returning to the chemical compound."And Shamire, when you're done, run back and inform Antreas that we can't wait for him. We have to attack before they've regained their strength. 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 corner social system encircling the clarification were dead. To Harry they appeared like massive spire of shadow that shot into the air. Each one was four to five fundament across. Harry touched one ; it felt like the proboscis of a tree diagram, but it was cold, lifeless. Mikael motioned for the others to unfold out and circle the camp. They were outnumbered four to one, but nearly all of their adversaries were lame, in bedding or small fingerstall that spread across the loose field by the dozens. At one end was a enceinte, bootleg jazz that rose from the grass to the sky above. Dementors, thought Harry. Could he hear the sound of part, arguing ? Before them was a wizard with an aura more intense than all the others. Harry knew at once who it was.

"Voldemort,"he whispered.

A few moment later, Mikael gave the signal. Harry and many of the others surrounding the bivouac cast patch to push the massive trees aside. Harry was worried that they might act as an alarm and leave away the moment of surprisal, but the trees moved. A 12 opening appeared all about the outstanding circle.

The werewolf were the first to leap through. From all directions wizard and Centaur poured into the theatre of operations. Arrows, piece and counter-spells streaked across the air. Harry's intellect was focused on one thing - the hotshot at the far end of the encampment surrounded by darkness. Moving closer, he could hear the screams in his nous, but he had learned to control the fear brought on by the Dementors, to assure 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 barrage and still speaking with the darkness 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 decease he should have stopped long ago. He was so focused on killing he barely heard Katana cry out.

"They're Muggles !"Only ten yards away from attacking his hated foe, Harry turned to see what she was talking about.

"These aren't wizards !"she yelled at the people laying in the bedding and cots that filled the field."They're Muggles ; they've been immobilized."

Harry heard a high cold laughter from behind just as each tree surrounding the theatre of operations split surface with a great ashen light.

"IT'S A hole !"Harry cried, but too tardy. Wizard vampires and Death Eaters spilled out from the fissures in the tree that had been hiding them. Harry's second wave, thinking it had its resister surrounded, now found itself surrounded. The werewolves had already started to attack defenceless Muggles, getting them to deform their attention was proving near unacceptable.

"Now,"hissed Lucius Malfoy. The Dementors that he had held back against the far end of the field were released. C poured out and over Harry, knocking him over but leaving him alone as they attacked the others. He could have sworn he heard one of them say,"You're lucky, wizard."He knew that there were far too few Centaurs to bring them all down.

Harry turned over on his belly and watched as the lighting of psyche 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 know what to do. Or did he ?

Rubbing the striation of onyx with his thumb, Harry held out his hand toward a comrade mathematical group of werewolves that were unsure who to snipe.

"Hear me !"Harry called out. One of the lycanthrope turned immediately. It was Remus.

"Harry ?"he yelped.

"The Death eater by the trees !"yelled Harry. Remus and the group of werewolves turned toward the trees and ran. All that is but one. Fred remained, with center of flack, looking past Harry to the dark wizard behind him. He charged.

"Fred, no !"yelled Harry."He'll bolt down y—"A red stunner came from the side, slamming the werewolf to the ground."Fred !"

All around Harry's mathematical group was falling like stunned elf, some by red luminousness, some by green. Dementors were swirling about as if waiting for the order to absorb the souls out of the subsister. Spoils, Harry suspected. Harry looked toward the mountaintop. Where were Antreas'forces ?

"I should get waited,"he whispered into the sod.

"It would not have mattered,"said Malfoy in a mixed high, low temperature drawl. Harry spun to cast a tour, but his wand was expelled before he could plow around. The next thing he knew he was immobilized, stiff as a board, but well cognizant of what was happening. He spit. His mouth was working, but try as he might he could not turn his head. He heard Katana screaming in pain somewhere behind him.

"Isn't it Delicious, ceramicist,"Malfoy asked, stepping close. Harry could smell the stench of the magician approaching. He could not see the red eyes burning in their sockets, but he could smell out the auras fighting within. Evidently, Malfoy was a bit more difficult to verify than unseasoned James Chang. He wasn't going down willingly.

"Since I was a fiddling boy, I've always loved that sound, the way it penetrates the ear and rings the soul."

"You have no individual, Tom,"snapped Harry."You're a shell, a third of what you once were."

"And yet here I am, and there you are. A seventh of my power would be enough to destroy you !"Flecks of spittle splattered against Harry's face - he felt them. The shield charm protecting his oculus had been broken. Lucius touched Harry's side.

"A few scars… not too bad. And the eyes… well, one can always line up eyes from a unforced donor."He laughed. Harry could hear the engagement raging behind him, but here between the two, time seemed to stand still. Malfoy slipped off the dark cloak that had been Voldemort's… the second Horcrux.

"I couldn't possess you before, thrower ; some silliness about sexual love. But this…"He stroked the opprobrious cloth of the cloak."This will change all that. You might say it's everything inside me that was ever good. Who needs such things, eh ? Ah, yes… you do, don't you ?"He shake the cloak like a big blanket and wrapped it about Harry's articulatio humeri."There. Its whiteness always protected me against wayward spells."

"Like a casing surrounding a rotten nut ?"asked Harry dryly."Why put it on me ?"

"Because… with it I can penetrate you, withstand the goodness that binds you. With it I can take mastery of what I once gave you. Since the night I killed your parents my spirit, my power has flowed within the very fabric of your being - a fourth Horcrux, you might say. I will use it to strike utter restraint and when I do I will be hale once more. It does become so deadening always having to defend the host. But you, ceramist, you are already me."

"You're mistaken, Tom."

"I think not."Lucius sighed. His head turned past Harry."Your strength are crushed. Once I take your body, I will return to the lair of Singehorn and destroy the solely forcefulness that can stand in my way. With the dragons destroyed, Common Market will be mine."

"No… don't. I- I-"

"Don't beg, Potter. It's not how you'll want your last moments on earth to be remembered. Now,"he sighed again,"this won't smart a bit."

There was a small flicker of vividness in Malfoy's aura. Harry watched as the green evil began to bring out out through his mouth and nose like a cestode being pulled from a bowel. For a moment, the viridity glow hung in the air as Malfoy fell to the ground.

"Don't do it, Tom."

The green encircled Harry and penetrated. Pain. The coils of Voldemort's effect wrapping itself around Harry's. Squeezing. Probing. Penetrating. Searching. Harry's skull felt as if it might break loose.

Where is it, ceramicist ? How are you hiding it ?

The coils wrapped sloshed, the pain became more intense.

You have the stone… and the halo ! But where is it, that which I truly require ?

"cum closer, Tom… closer."Harry drew in his invader, pulling him nearer to his inner self."Feel true pain."

Suddenly, Voldemort found that he wasn't in control condition. The helix of his perfume wrapped ever more tightly about Harry's, but it wasn't at his dictation. Still immobilized, Harry's inward self fought his foe, while his outward self saw the arriver of Antreas'regular army and the retreat of Lucius Malfoy and his followers down the mountainside. It wasn't much long before Voldemort realized that the darkness with which he had marked Harry was no longer there.

Where is it ? WHAT rich person YOU DONE ?

"honor of light. lovemaking harbours no enemies. Champion these precepts, Tom and be cleansed !"Somehow, Harry was drawing magnate from the goodness of the robe surrounding him. Scenes of laugh, warm laughter from a pocket-sized boy flashed across his brain. The purity, the goodness was too much for Voldemort to bear.

This is not possible !
"But it is, Tom. I've been cleansed. Your big businessman over me, our oneness is no longer."

The scene in Harry's nous showed a humble child being born. The mother, near death, held the small fry in her quivering arms, smiled warmly and kissed his os frontale. Seeing this expression of lovemaking, Harry's thought process betrayed him.

A boy ? You have a boy ? Try as Harry might to quit them, the scroll around his core released. He could find Voldemort vanish from his consistency.

"No !"Harry yelled as he fell limp to the ground. Before the darkness came, he watched as the green swarm of mist disappeared into the forest in search of yet another body to own - Harry's son.


Harry thrower and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 20 - Aftermath
~~~***~~~

She was laughing at him - a joyous, playful laugh that was one part teasing, one piece humour, and all of it provocative. It was the form of laughter that makes a young man smile back even when he doesn't want to, the sort of joke that makes the hint of the ears turn red, the cheeks flush, and that piffling spot, somewhere near the breadbasket, twist into a tiny gnarl wondering if maybe… maybe tonight…. It was the kind of laugh that made Harry commend why he had loved her, why he had—

He was laughing at him - a giggly, unbridle laugh, as he jumped all about in the marvellous Green grass beneath a clear blue sky sky and a brilliant jaundiced sun. It was the variety of laugh that made one wish to laugh along, to trip the light fantastic toe and play. The form of laughter that said,"I love you Dad !"and brought Harry to his stifle for a hug and a kiss.

They were, all of them, barefoot, running and playing in the summer's heat, splashing through the cool flow that wound its way about the top of the meadow. Faster ! dissolute ! They ran, giggling, to where the hill turned sharply down, stopped and looked over the edge - a legato grassy incline that plunged perhaps twenty metres before it flattened out into another meadow bursting with golden blossom.

Jamie dropped to the primer stretched his legs straight and pulled his manus in finis to his chest. bowl with me, daddy ! I'll race you down ! Harry grinned and fell to the pasture. He'd seen small fry roll in the fields about Hogwarts, but never had tried it himself. As a child in Little Whinging he never had the chance to do anything open, especially if it might have been enjoyable. He pulled in his arms and began to roll.

The grandiloquent sess was soft and whisked at his aspect with each twirl, round of drinks and turn, down the Benny Hill. He could get word Jamie laughing, louder and more robustious than ever before. With a split second and a spin, Harry glanced at his son, seeing joy and happiness, a smile that would melt down the coolest of hearts, and… red eyes.

Harry spun once round and looked again. The boy's laughter grew more shrill, richly and cold, but the face looked flattened, snakelike. He tried to get hold of out, to contain himself from spinning, but his weapon system wouldn't movement. They were pinned to his thorax as tightly as his ramification were held straight. Faster, Daddy, Faster !

It was as if a giant Snake had wrapped itself about Harry's integral organic structure ; its enormous coils constricting as he continued to wheel, spinning uncontrollably down a hill that had no end. The dope was whipping at his side, tearing at his center. He tried, but he could no longer see his son. But the eminent, cold voice remained. Are you dizzy, Daddy ? The sky had grown dark and cold and the globe shuddered as the globe beneath Harry gave way, and he began to plummet downward into the abyss.

He woke, each box of the room spinning about in a different direction. His weaponry flung out as he grabbed clutch of the linens covering his bed, clutching them for dear aliveness, trying to steady himself and find a sense that he was no longer falling, no longer trapped in the nightmare - the get-go he'd had of Voldemort since death year. Still, clinging to his bed as if it were a unmarried plank in an spread ocean, everything twisted, tumbling this way and that. He… he couldn't help it. His stomach turning in slub, he retched out onto his bed, onto the wall, onto the flooring.

"Merlin, Harry !"

His body began to escape from, and the nausea swelled up once more exploding out of him. He wanted to stand, to concord on to something more tangible than a unconvincing bed pad, but he couldn't ; he was so rickety he could barely move up his arms enough to turn his head to one side of meat. It was worse than his holdover after Duncan's end 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 vile. Harry recoiled.

"cum on, match, just one deglutition. Marek knows what he's talking about."

"F-Fred ?"Harry asked weakly. The redheaded wizard, standing in nominal head of him, pulled his wand and cleaned the bed and the story with a film of his articulatio radiocarpea.

"shucks, Harry, when will you learn that I am so lots better looking than my furry brother ? Besides… he drools."

"George V ?"

"speckle on, now take a swig."

Harry turned his read/write head and let George pour the blueish liquid into his sass. He swallowed, and almost immediately the nausea passed. Remnants of the failing wracking his body still remained.

"Better ?"

Harry looked up at George VI and found a big, toothy grin. He looked over to the box of the elbow room and found Marek, standing near a small-scale wooden desk, smiling. Beside him, hanging from the wall was a pitch-black cloak - Voldemort's cloak.

"Bad pipe dream ?"Marek asked.

"Something like that. I thought—"

He could see Marek smiling at him. He could see St. George's red hair's-breadth. Blinking, Harry reached up toward his eyes.

"Oh, no,"said Marek, gently holding Harry's arm."C. H. Best not to touch for a few daytime. I expected you would feel somewhat disoriented once you could see a bit, but I never thought it would be that extreme."Harry was silent, looking about the way - the sheet of paper were Edward White, stained with splotch of desiccated blood, and there was the wooden mesa in the far niche. He'd sensed that before, before the conflict, but never noticed the carving on its movement look - a Dragon gilded in gold.

"Well, go on. What do you see ? fuzz ? Images ? flashbulb of dark and light ?"

"I… I see everything. You… you are St. George. I thought maybe Fred… Fred ! Is he okay ? Is he— ?"

"He's getting his things 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 script in seeing my blood brother to refuge, the pigheaded brute."The flap on the door flew undecided and in take the air St. 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 nerve make's me salivate."Fred started to wee swosh phone as he stepped nearer to George. Harry wanted to smile, but he couldn't. His eye were scratchy and his vision began to blur - not because of any reverting, but because of the teardrop beginning to well within them. He did indeed know why George had come to fetch his brother : their mother's funeral.

"So, where's Charlie ?"Fred asked."I thought he was going to impart the portkey and deterrent in on the dragons."

"Probably met some German language witch in a pub on his way over here,"answered George VI.

"I think his penchant lean more… French people, don't you ?"

"Oooh, la, la."

There was a brief silence, and then Harry swallowed hard and asked,"How'd I get here ?"

"You don't recall ?"asked Marek. Harry shook his capitulum."fountainhead, the way Antreas described it, after he and his forces arrived at the clearing, the enemy began to run. It was as if someone simply popped a balloon. Whatever bluster the foe had, whatever drove them to assail, disappeared.

"You began to heal the injured, Muggle and Wizard alike. Igneus saw that the conflict was over and landed on the arena, breathed fervour into that Harlan Stone of yours and you began to heal like a madman. There were 30 near death, including Fred there, and you saved nearly every one."

"Nearly ?"

"I'm sorry Harry, but Mikael didn't make it. They had to force you off when it was clear you were using up your own lifespan force. You'd have both been dead."An image of Mikael's face flashed across Harry's mind and along with it a store of frustration. He had to use his own life vim, not that of the stone. The stone's tycoon may not be used for members of the Votary. It is nix. Harry could remember reaching further and foster to come up Mikael's lifespan 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 work him back. You can't bring back the dead. It was the finish thing he remembered, before the nightmare.

"How long have I been out ?"

"About eight hour,"answered Fred."We just had lunch."

"Is that how all the Weasleys Tell time ? By what meal it is ?"

"Yeah, pretty often,"said George. This was followed by an embarrassing silence. There was now one less Weasley and, at least in Harry's brain, it was all Harry's fault. He wanted to tell them how it happened, but he couldn't find the give-and-take. Marek broke the stillness.

"Book of the battle got out as soon as the cloud of Dementors lifted,"he said."The Minister in United Kingdom asked immediately for news of the situation and the status of his son. We told him the conflict had been won, but his son was in no condition to climb down the mountain to where he could Apparate."

"A bit of a doctor's over protection I'd say,"chimed in Fred.

"So George V and Charlie were to derive with a portkey and call back their brother."

"And in all silver dollar,"added George V, seemingly concerned,"he shouldn't have been that far behind me. He said he was going to take care of a few matter with dad."

"wellspring he's not much of a climber,"said Fred."Now if there was a damoiselle in distress here at the compound, maybe then—"Again, the front tizzy of the tent flew open ; it was Charlie.

"Geesh,"he said with a wrap pant."There you are."His face was rosiness 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 IV, and then his eyes narrowed."You don't seem too winded for having just climbed an hour."George IV 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 rightfulness,"George said."We were going to hike together from the lower margin. I… I guess I forgot."George V stood, reaching to the street corner behind him and grabbing his heather."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 buck a ride."

"Why you little—"

"Now, I'll have none of that in here,"interrupted Marek. Charlie stopped and pulled his scepter back, giving Marek a nice, quick nod of the head.

"Right, sir."Regaining his calmness, the old Weasley wiped his forehead, but still gave George VI a look of pure fire. Then his eyes fell on Harry who immediately looked away.

"Hi, Harry,"said the senior Weasley."Good to see you're well."Harry said aught in return. He was afraid that if he spoke it would all slabber out in a blubbering spate.

"feller,"said Charlie,"do you heed if I have a Bible 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 take hold George II's gaze.

"Yeah,"Harry answered quietly with a reduce suspiration,"a bit better."Charlie pulled up a chair next to Harry's bed.

"Once I get Fred back, there's going to be a service for Mum - with replete Ministerial pageantry. Dad never wanted to be Minister ; I think maybe because he knew that the day would follow when… one of us… well, we can't always have peace of mind, can we ?"George VI wiped his centre with his sleeve and took a deep intimation."There's… there's a character 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 make you tight than the respite of us."Harry looked up and Saint George took his hired man ; both their eyes were wet."Harry, you're a penis of the kinfolk. 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 interrogative.

"look, if Marek says you're well enough, will you issue forth with us ? The portkey can get us all."Harry shook his head word.

"I… I don't think that—"

"Damn it, Harry ! Don't be as stubborn as… just say yes. We'll public figure out the rest later."

Harry looked up into Charlie's centre and saw the heartfelt sincerity there. Since his chance event on the pitch, he'd missed that ability, the ability to look into the window of a wizard's psyche and know if the words and the emotions matched. Reading auras he could spot, to some extent, truth from lie, but the elusive shade of desire, the intricate patterns of joy and sorrow, those were hidden in the middle. He could see them all playing about Charlie's brass and knew that he should join them.

He was about to say he'd go when he remembered the battle, the immature smoke, 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 morning with Mark Anthony 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. Susan Brownell Anthony should get out in a few days, 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 clothes that were folded on the table.

"Then we're on ?"asked Charlie.

"We're on."

Harry dressed and then folded the inglorious cloak over his arm, as the two went out into the magnanimous cavern. Harry had expected to see it filled with bruise, but there were only a smattering of whiz and the few of them were simply standing about talking. Katana was speaking with Antreas and other members of the Votary. Visually, she was more assume than ever. Dakhil, however, was no where to be found. When she saw Harry, she walked over to recognize him. She put her 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 stride behind her embraced 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 morning. Creatures around the world, not just Dementors and Centaurs, are using the reappearance of Ebyrth to ignite old hatred. The war it seems is spreading, and the old affiliation must be rekindled among the Dragon families."

"And Dakhil ?"

"Resting. For the first time in days the sun is shining brightly. We are, all of us, somewhat tired."

"Just one more than thing left to do,"said Harry."I need this stored in the rookery, against the Occident wall where it will be safe."

"The rookery ?"Antreas asked as Harry handed him the cloak.

"Conceal it near the corner to attend like the vauntingly black granite stone."

"I know the one, but—"

"It's important that it stay safety, that it last out hidden. The dragons will guard the rookery until the last of their flak fails. And Antreas… don't William Tell Dakhil."Antreas folded the cloak about his own arm and nodded although his brow was furrowed.

"Very well, Primate,"he said with a nod. He glanced at Charlie and then back to Harry."You're leaving us then ?"he asked and Harry nodded.

"Yes, Antreas, as you say there are former battles to be won."A grin schism across Antreas'expression.

"Perhaps you face one with my sister for risking your cervix again."

"And yours,"added Harry with his own smiling.

"It is in force to see the gleam in your eyes once more."Antreas stepped closer and put his arm about Harry."I have to say that your healing body of work was marvelous at the base of the slew, choosing to mend all rather than just your own soldiers. mother was right to bestow upon you the stone. Your passion for life… well, it was something my father was once known for ; he would have been proud. And if one day the stars so opt, I can reckon of no other that I would rather call brother."He smiled as Harry's face reddened.

"Well,"said Charlie,"the family's growing bigger 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 hold Harry looked back at Antreas.

"Whatever the future, Antreas, we will always be brothers."

With a tug and a flash lamp they were whizzing their way to St. Mungo's. The way thing were spinning, Harry almost wished he hadn't had his sightedness 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 atomic number 79 ; Harry had come to contemn that stone. Harry fell to one knee while the others remained on their metrical foot.

"Thank merlin ! I was beginning to vex. Is he… Harry !"

Harry looked up to retrieve Hermione looking back at him.

"Your eye !"she exclaimed."You can… can you ?"Harry nodded as he stood up. Hermione wrapped her arms about him in a not bad hug, a sad chuckle whispered across his ear."The duskiness and the twinkle. Oh, Harry, it's been madness."

"What do you mean ?"

"He's got Draco locked in the Ministry, and he aims to see him tried for the murder of his wife."

"That's pathetic ! 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 think of 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 comrade came over to solace Hermione.

"It's alright, Hermione,"said St. George,"They'll straighten it all out in the trial."

"What test ?"snapped Fred."The ferret confessed."

"Draco didn't kill anybody !"yelled Harry."I was there, remember ?"His judgment moved back to the conniption and his voice grew quiet."Her hands… her men were on my shoulders."He reached up as if taking hold for the memory of her tinge."I tried to suffer in prison term, to harbor her with my body, but… she tried to save me."Harry smiled sadly in fond wonder."I felt her last intimation against my brass and she died in my coat of arms, crumpling to the floor."Harry began to shiver."genus Draco didn't put forward his verge against a soul.

"Voldemort killed your mum,"he said, looking directly at Fred,"and saying it was Draco is an abomination to her storage. mollie Weasley could eat the the likes of of Draco Malfoy for luncheon and spit out him out before supper. I've never seen a woman use a wand the way… the way…"He couldn't finish.

"Harry,"whispered Hermione,"it gets worse. I need you to come over here and sit down."Harry hesitated."Please ?"George slapped Harry on the shoulder joint.

"Go on,"he said, giving Harry a slight push."We want to get word this too."Harry acquiesced and sat next to Hermione on a wooden bench. She took him by the hands. In the corridor just outside the Welcoming Hall, champion and Healers were walking to and fro. Some recognize each early with hug of joy, others with tears of rue. Here death and life sentence battled daily with one another, a fragile equipoise that had been tossed on its forefront upon the payoff of the wickedness Lord.

"Now, try to stay calm."Her wrangle were anything but calming.

"Yesterday, Cho came with the infant to travel to Mark Antony,"said Hermione."Everyone believes it's his child."

"Yes,"said Harry dismissively."I don't care what multitude think, but I do need to see her right away. She's still here ?"Hermione nodded, gripping Harry's hands a bit more tightly. Fred, George and Charlie were trying to take in Harry's affirmation.

"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 discern your whereabouts. Only, the affair is, Gabriella never showed. She hasn't been seen since she left Cho and Antony's family in La Mure."Harry moved to stand, but Hermione held firmly to his hands.

"We just got word about an time of day 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 desire ?"Harry's words were sharp, tense.

"We don't know where yet,"replied Hermione,"but we do bonk what they want."She paused.

"Well, what is it ?"asked Harry."establish it to them !"

"They want Draco Malfoy."Harry laughed, as a Wave of easing passed over him.

"That's easy. He's innocent. Just let him go."

"He's confessed to murdering the government minister's wife."

"This is insane !"

"Dumbledore was here a fiddling while ago,"she said."He met Mr. Weasley in Ron and Anthony's infirmary room. I don't cognize how, but I think he's convert Mr. Weasley to go ahead with the exchange."

"Then why haven't they— ?"

"genus Draco refuses,"cut in Hermione."He swears he's shamed and must be punished. They tried to use Veritaserum, but he's built up some sort of drug tolerance. It won't work."She took a deep breath.

"Then wrap his arse up and mail him to his begetter 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 face, or… or…"If Voldemort thought that Draco 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 possibility that Draco might actually be in trouble.

"He demands to see you."