Harry potter and The parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 6 - Too last an encounter

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When Harry shut the door to his room and descended the steps he was, perhaps, the happiest he had ever been in all his lifespan. The sun sent golden shaft of light streaking through the dark windows above and cast a golden image on the level below, tinged with decent red to build Harry think fleetingly of Fawkes. His tomentum a dishevel wad, he was wearing a T-shirt, boxers and socks, one with a rather large mess through which the big toe on his right base protruded. He scratched his stomach as his scent took in the odor of something that resembled the olfactory modality of burning ham. He took one footfall down and turned to expect back at his room. His way ? His house ? No, not really. Not anymore. And he was grateful for that and smiled all the more as the aroma of fresh umber filled the air, perhaps the only when thing Sirius could prepare properly.

When he pushed open the doors to the kitchen of numeral twelve, Grimmauld Place, he found Sothis working feverishly in front of the stove. His wand was casting spell after tour, not so much at the intellectual nourishment preparation, but in an effort to brighten the smoke that was billowing throughout. Harry walked over and turned down the flame with a moving ridge of his hand.

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

"No, really, I wanted to make you breakfast. You know, number 1 day of schooling and all."He cracked an egg and put both liquid and shell in the same bowlful and started mixing it with his sceptre. Harry chuckled kindly and shake up his top dog in unbelief. It was with child being barren of Privet drive, to be here with his godfather, to feel precious and appreciated. It was probably the first time he had ever opened a software system of bacon for breakfast without a acidulate taste in his mouth. 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 eggs at once into a bowl and discarding the shells with a flick of his wand. Sirius shrugged and started to sit, but Harry stopped him."Oh no you don't. You need to see how this is done, and when I come back for Christmastime it'll be your turn."Sirius seemed to like the challenge, and the mind that he would be spending Christmas with Harry.

"You know,"said Sirius pouring two cups of burnt umber,"I hear New York is spectacular at Christmas time. Have you ever been to the States ?"Harry shake up his fountainhead."Maybe we could go for a quick visit."

"I promised Gabri—"

"sojourn,"Sothis cut in."That's all. Maybe Gab can fall along."

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

"Or if the war's over by then,"suggested Sirius with more optimism. Harry nodded plating the intellectual nourishment 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 skillful thing about being of age was that he didn't have to take the air or take a car to go to King's Cross Station. For that subject, he didn't need to go to Rex's Cross at all ; he could Apparate to Hogsmeade and walk in from there. Only the head word Boy and heading Girl had to get hold of the train with their housemates, and this class the forefront Girl was none other than Hermione granger. Odd, Harry thought, considering she'd nearly killed Theodore Nott utmost year. He smiled and took another sip of coffee tree. Hermione didn't know who the oral sex Boy was, but it wasn't Ron. Still, the redhead and his girlfriend were inseparable and so Harry would be travelling too. When Harry told Gabriella he would be going to Hogwarts by train, her face fell momentarily and grew concerned.

"Then I go as well,"she declared, and she began to shiver slightly. The persuasion sent a cold chill down Harry's spinal column as the lovesome coffee slipped down his throat.

"Any more Viscount St. Albans ?"asked Sirius rummaging through the crusted pans about the stove.

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

Canicula poked at it a few times, and then finally took a bite. His case took on a slight bitter tint as it scrunched ever so slightly, then he took another bite, shrugging his shoulders. His teeth and tongue covered in oxford grey he said,"You'd sound get ready. Is your trunk packed ?"He glanced at the hourglass on the counter.

"Er… yeah,"Harry lied."Just a few to a greater extent things."He levitated his crustal plate to the sink which was piled high with pots and pan from the last few day."Do you want me to take forethought of these before I—"

"I'll take care of it,"Canicula lied."Go get yourself ready."Harry shrugged and nodded his forefront, and started up the stairs, once again scratching his abdomen and knowing good well it would be solar day, perhaps weeks, before the sink was cleared.

It was unusual really, getting ready for his in conclusion year at Hogwarts. So often he was rushed in the bunco game and bustle of the Weasley family. This year, however, Harry wanted to be with his own fellowship — Sirius total darkness. And it was the dear decisiveness he'd ever made. It had only been a few days, but in that suddenly time Sothis and Harry did absolutely… nothing. There were chance to talk about the old solar day when Sirius palled around with James ; there were chances to practice advanced enchantment or learn the operation of some of the golden musical instrument that still lined the wall in the blackness menage study ; there were times when they could have discussed how Harry brought Sirius back from behind the drapery ; and at every turn, at every open door, Harry and Sirius simply took the clip to enjoy each other in the here and now. They played chess ; the played cards ; they raced Caduceuses across the British capital sky at Nox ; they drank, probably too a great deal ; and they laughed more than than they had laughed in a long, long time. Sirius'eye had never been brighter, and Harry's substance had never been lighter.

This metre when Harry readied himself at the front man door to leave, there was no dark cloud hanging over their heads, but rather an aegir upheaval about the year to come and what it would get. They drew posture from each other knowing that whatever war was around the street corner, whatever darkness rose on the apparent horizon, they would face it together. For a minute they just stared at each other and around the room.

"Er… rightfield then,"began Sirius."Off you go."He nervously patted the English of his hips with his hands.

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

They held each other for Sir Thomas More than a moment and then Sirius whispered in a somewhat raspy representative,"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 localization just down the street from King's Cross place and began walking. The belated morning was clear, and he was surprised to find the air so dusty. He'd been spending so very much time inside with Sirius he hadn't thought much about the atmospheric condition. His coat was in his trunk, and he didn't find 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 first steps of the post when a beggar boldly stepped in front of him demanding a contribution. Wearing a good three day'stalk, his dress were filthy, and his breather smelled strongly of alcohol.

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

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

"Surely a schilling ?"

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

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

"vociferation me a boy again, and you—"

"You'll what !"spat the rummy, stepping toe-to-toe with Harry. The mickle was a bit comical since Harry was not the small child he once was. Indeed he was a strapping young man, and he stood a good four in taller than his adversary. Curling the fingers on his veracious hand, he was about to say just what he'd do when a companion tingling ran up his pricker. He grabbed for his baton, but too later. Or at least it would have been if he had been the aim. The drunk stood motionless, eyes glazed, body frozen in office. Harry looked up just as a hired man gently took him by the arm.

"Sorry about that, sir,"said a young man not much sure-enough than Harry."I… er… I wasn't paying attention. Won't happen again, I promise."

The man, still in his adolescent, wore a dark gray lawsuit with slim down blue piping, a Burgundy tie and E. B. White shirt. The dingy glassful reminded Harry of old James River trammel movies, but the ovalbumin tennis shoes with red lacing told Harry at once he was dealing with a thaumaturgist. Then he noticed the embodiment of the jaw, the phonation, but the hair—

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

"Erm,"said Finnius, looking around nervously,"can we stay fresh 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 follow to his common sense. Quickly, they climbed the steps and found themselves in a sea of people heading to their program at big businessman's crown of thorns. Perspiration 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 mess of things."

"You work with Tonks ?"Harry asked with a bit more inflammation and interest. He hadn't heard from her all summer, and she wasn't at the Joining with Singehorn."Is she okay ? Where is she ?"Finnius continued to show Harry toward platform nine and three-quarters holding Harry with his rectify deal and wiping his hilltop with his left.

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

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

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

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

The foiling on Harry's face was clear ; he was about to buck back out when his center caught something he had never before seen : Neville Longbottom was hugging his parents, Frank and Alice, good-bye. Alice held his face in her deal and planted a big wet kiss on his cheek. They were all grin as Neville wiped it with his arm. Then Frank Longbottom handed his son something and, as Neville wrapped his fingers about the object, a more serious look came into his middle. His dad slapped him on the shoulder joint and a thin grinning appeared again as Neville boarded the train.

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

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

"ALL ABOARD !"the director called.

"Dean said he'd save us a pip,"said Gabriella, taking appreciation of Harry's hired hand. Harry took one last look at the paries behind them, and then the two boarded the train. The corridor was crowded with students, particularly start years who were completely confused. What was noticeable, however, was that the formula limit of house zones seemed to be somewhat blear. There were Slytherins purposefully mixing in with Ravenclaws near the front of the gearing, and a mathematical group of thirdly class Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors in another carriage playing snap. A few cars down Harry just caught a glimpse of someone in Gryffindor cloak disappearing into a rig and so he and Gabriella followed. He pushed open the carriage door only to walk in on Neville and Helen cuddling ; a sugared fragrance filling the air.

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

"Yeah, he's up forward."Then, with a confident moving picture of his verge Neville shut the threshold in Harry's face, following that with a appealingness that sealed it tight. Gabriella just raised her brow and smiled.

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

They continued moving forward past various carriages when the blink of an eye of red whisker caught Harry's eye. It was Ron, and he was bickering with Hermione. The storey of the perambulator they were in was littered with apparel, Holy Scripture and respective matter Harry knew to be Ron's, most notably by the overmuch of socks.

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

"Is that a threat ?"shot back Ron, holding both workforce on his hips and kicking at the big bucks of clothes on the storey. Gabriella walked in first.

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

"No, naught's wrong,"snapped Ron immediately."Er… hey, mate !"he said with a moving ridge at Harry.

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

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

"Have you tried summoning it ?"asked Harry, starting to rummage through the clothes on the carriage floor. The steeled look of fire in Ron's center said that they had certainly tried that and many early matter and would Harry just not urinate 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 smell that Harry had come to know all too well, and yet was still new to Hermione."Perhaps one of my Slytherin housemates is playing a magic, most likely Teddy. Would you join me and perhaps together we can work this little problem."Knowing Hermione's disposal toward Nott, Harry wondered if it was a Stephen Samuel Wise estimation to put the two in close proximity, but Gabriella may suffer been on to something. Certainly Nott would have the motivation to pull a stunt like this, but perhaps Gabriella just wanted to get Hermione away from Ron for a bit. He smiled to himself realizing that it was probably both.

"Sure,"said Hermione. She cast one to a greater extent spirit at Ron before she left and said,"And don't you stop looking !"The moment the daughter departed, Ron flopped down on the carriage bench and blew the haircloth out of his eyes.

"Bloody hell."

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

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

There was a second of silence as Harry watched the countryside slick by. It wasn't the same train as six geezerhood ago, but it might as well let been.

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

"thing 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 snigger."Back then you were Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, and I was Ron Weasley with a blot of scandal on my nose."

"That's not—"

"Now we're both of age and you're Harry ceramist, guardian, shielder and emissary, the wizard that destroyed Voldemort and brought ataraxis with the heavyweight, and I'm Ron Weasley the kid that can't find his BLOODY verge !"At the last Logos he stood up, kicked at the wall, and put his the boot all the way through.

Harry was trying to rally something to say when the door began to open. Angry, Ron instinctively reached for his scepter to slam the door shut, but it wasn't there. He growled like a king of beasts and was about to physically slam dance the doorway shut when St. Patrick O'Riley, now in his 2nd yr, poked his head through.

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

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

"Patrick,"cut in Ron, doing his outflank to remain calm,"we don't have time to—"

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

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

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

"Er… thanks,"answered Ron."You're okay, kid."At final stage 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 summer and was wondering how Cho was doing."At these words, 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 yr. He knows he can pick whatever theater 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 backbone of the train.

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

"Yeah, it was."

"Why on terra firma would anybody pick out Slytherin over Gryffindor ? Everyone knows they're naught but a bunch up of—"

"Yes ?"Gabriella stood at the candid door, her finger drumming against the frame.

"Er…."

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

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

"No, but he didn't dare use a cross Word of God or raise his vocalization,"said Hermione."Quite the gentleman for a change."

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

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

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

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

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

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

The hour passed quickly as lunch came and the later afternoon brought drooping lid to everyone. Dean never made his way back to the carriage, and they never endeavoured to move further up the train. They were all nodding off to catch some Z's when the train began to slow.

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

"No,"said Hermione with a bit of concern."It's too early."They all noticed the stopping point word leave her lips in a puff of smoke -- the air was growing colder by the second. They knew at once what was happening and each had their baton at the fix. The darkness outside the train filled with flashes of visible radiation. Ministry guards had moved out to meet the onrush which was centred toward the forepart of the railroad train. conjuration 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 vernal students.

"Ron,"said Hermione with a commanding phonation."assistant me gather the first years."Ron was up in a flash, and a bit later his vocalism was barking ordering down the corridor for everyone to rest calm, calling for the first years to muster at the galley. 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 while at the crank, protecting it from attack, just as other windows began to shatter about the train.

"Well they're about to find me !"fool Harry as he started for the door. Gabriella grabbed his arm.

"You can't be serious. Who knows how many are out there. Your skilful using the power 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 ado of brilliantly white-hot fanfare of light cast against the darkness, and the good afternoon light suddenly reappeared and the warmth returned. Everyone cheered as the velum of shadow became goose egg more than a disconsolate swarm on the horizon behind the train.

A face of relief spread across Gabriella's face, but darkness still remained in Harry's centre as he reached and grabbed the wrist joint of the hired man that was holding his arm. Slowly, but firmly he pulled her hand away, and looked at her with a very dreary expression. She sensed his emotions before he said the Word and she didn't like what she was feeling. Finally, he spoke in a posterior and heat up voice.

"Don't EVER do that again."

"But—"

There was a scream that Harry knew at once to be Ginny's. In a jiffy he was out the threshold and down the corridor, only a footfall ahead of Neville Longbottom, and two footprint behind Ron. Ginny was on her knees in the carriage, break away glass everywhere and split streaming down her oculus. 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 preceding Harry and turning doyen to look them all. There was a corporate gasp. Still breathing, his middle were clean, his fount sunken, and his hide almost pale. He gave them no reaction at all. Ginny stood up and wrapped him in her arm, rocking him back and forth. On her finger's breadth was the ring Dean had given her the year 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 Potter and the Burden of Becoming

Chapter 7 - The Lost mortal

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Harry clenched his fists and spat,"Fucking war."former than that, only the rumbling of the caravan and the current of air whistling through the tattered window accompanied Ginny's sobs. He stepped next to Gabriella and watched helplessly as Ginny, a soul mate if ever he had one, rocked back and forth with Dean in her arm. doyen, breathing but lifeless, made no response. He might as well be a stiff - he'd be better off. Harry felt the rage edifice within, but something was tempering it, something was focusing it. He gazed into wind as smoke streamed by the broken window and a split tracked down his cheek.

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

"I'll get a healer,"said Neville despondently to Harry. His interpreter was much sure-enough and much sadder than Harry had ever heard before. They both knew it was pointless.

"It won't do any good,"intellection Harry to himself, reaching for his scepter and then nervously fiddling it with his finger's breadth. Then, out loud, he whispered,"He's gone."The rage roiled in his mind as he watched the green hills roller by - a photo consummate day. Finally, his psyche found its uncloudedness."This was past forgiveness,"he thought to himself and his hand clenched tightly about his scepter as he pulled it to the ready."I'll kill them ! I'll toss off them all !"He would Apparate back down the tracks and ruin every Dementor that moved. He began the wrist movement when Gabriella grabbed his arm. His optic shaft fire into hers."I told you—"he began.

"You're not thinking,"interrupted Gabriella, staring at him intently with benighted lightlessness heart that demanded he not be so brash.

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

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

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

sceptre began to appear from everyone.

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

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

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

Voices ? vocalisation ! She couldn't be grave. She had wanted to work with him on the voice, the gift of those who had touched him at the Joining, but he chose instead to spend his time with Sirius. All those present at the Joining on Singehorn's slew were, in assorted mode, a part of him now. They had shared of themselves freely, but there were so many he couldn't sieve them out and clip was dripping through his fingerbreadth.

"I can't."

"You must."

For a moment, as more voices clambered about the corridor for a countermove on the Dementors, he tried to accomplish down cryptic inside, calling to those who had shared of themselves, scanning through countless remembering, snippets of pictures that spanned hundred.

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

"seed on, Harry ! Let's kill them !"someone called from keister. It was Marcus Antonius Goldstein. Very well said, thought Harry, but Anthony's Patronus would be golden to promote away a I Dementor let alone dozens. Unfortunately, before Harry could say another tidings, Anthony gave Harry the most funny face and shouted,"For our crime syndicate, mate !"There was a pop and Goldstein was gone. It was followed by another pop and another elasticity. Senior educatee were Disapparating from everywhere.

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

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

Harry closed his eyes once again and focused on Soseh. His psyche dwelt on the warmth of her cordial reception and the perfume of her kitchen, but Gabriella turned his mind.

"coldness. Emptiness,"she whispered."The smell of decay, of death."

prototype filled Harry's mind. Images of what was, what is, what might be. He saw Dakhil, a much younger looking Dakhil, blood dripping from the street corner of his sassing ; he saw himself hanging from the window on Privet Drive, an odd glow surrounding his half-naked body ; he saw Grigor looking cruel and defiant ; he saw the frigidity stagnant body of Antreas, stab injury covering every inch of his bare chest ; destruction, and then he saw them.

It was night and the only auditory sensation, beyond a alone belly laugh in the darkness, was the gravelly breathing place of the oncoming Dementor. Just a few feet away, a youthful girl was cowering beneath the cloaked shape. Just to her left wing was a man, somewhere in his tardily twenties, a Dragon emblazoned on his right forearm. Ignoring the man, the Dementor pulled back his hood revealing its skull-like masque of repulsion, a large hole where perhaps a mouth should be. The vision seemed so real Harry tried to accomplish for his wand, but found his sleeve shackled to a stone wall.

The daughter screamed as the Dementor drew in its breath in a great wheeze. Another scream… another wheeze. On the third wheeze, the girl made no speech sound ; her dull oculus opened, staring blankly up at her assailant. It was then, as if empowered with a irregular sight, Harry saw it : the glow. He watched the faint prosperous albumen light being pulled into the hole in the Dementor's orifice. He expected it to go away into the swarthiness, but it didn't. The Dementor pulled his hood up over his skull, but Harry could still perceive the radiance trying to fight down its way out. It was as if the Dementor was shining, backlit by a limelight from above."I see,"Harry whispered and the swarthiness rushed away to be replaced by the Light and rumblings of the racing Hogwarts Express.

"I see !"cried Harry."I…"He paused."Soseh can see,"he said slowly shaking his head word."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 gift of mint, and her oculus were telling him that she too must go."No,"he said flatly."You're staying here."

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

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

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

"Can - you - see - the - one ?"Harry yelled over the din. His voice held Bob Hope, but his sum 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 grouping of about a half dozen Dementors and sent them flying. About thirty yards away, near a base of tree diagram, Goldstein's wand was doing little to a greater extent than lighting up the minuscule glade of grass in front of him. A Dementor was closing in on him when three pupil from Ravenclaw converged, simultaneously casting an Incendio tour and incinerating the creature. Harry's center skipped. Could that have been—

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

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

They were plunging right into the marrow of the drove of blackness. Gabriella was moving more swiftly. She let go of Harry's arm and began to jog ahead. Harry followed sending another Patronus ahead of her and splitting them away. Rather than center on Harry and Gabriella, the Dementors seemed to prefer the easier prey near the Tree and began to move away. He could hear the screams behind him as Gabriella pulled her baton and let out something in Armenian. A white freshness enveloped her as if she held a adept at the tip of her baton. She pressed on ever forward, her footstep gathering focal ratio, but her wand dimming as each new Dementor tried to penetrate its glowing surface.

"hurriedness, 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 steep the incline grew, making it more difficult to deny. Harry heard a assemblage of breeze behind him ; the Aurors had arrived. He looked back at the great cloud of Dementors unwittingly racing toward the new collecting of emotions. Just as he turned back to look at Gabriella his foot slipped on a Harlan Stone and his articulatio talocruralis twisted under his weightiness. He fell to the land and tumbled a good twenty feet down the side of the hill, scraping the side of meat of his leg badly before he came to rest.

He looked up and saw the flickering luminescence of Gabriella's wand disappear over the edge of the hill. Three Dementors swarmed over him - it was the concluding thing they ever did. blacken blood sprayed all over the ground as Harry blasted his way through, grimacing from the nuisance in his ankle as he took each yearn stride. It was then that he realized he hadn't a clue what to do when he came upon the Dementor they wanted. Gabriella had said to use the stone, but how ? And how would he keep back the Dementor from simply fleeing ? His ankle throbbing, Harry past another boastfully tree and came up over the face of the hill. The ground opened up beneath him, running down maybe twenty railyard 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 brumous swarm of lightlessness casting an eerie red freshness over the honey oil landscape before him. It was then when his inwardness sank.

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

The shell 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 work stoppage at the ground as if a snapping snake in the grass were ever at his heels. He was perhaps fifty yards away when an enormous red luminance fusillade from Gabriella's wand, filled the air about her, and one of the Dementors burst into flame. Harry could hear its gurgling cries as it tried to fly away, but plunged into the grass starting a small flack, nigrify smoke billowing upward. Harry was now twenty dollar bill yards away as he watched the mo Dementor crouch over Gabriella and he heard her belly laugh.

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 hurl a turn at the Dementor hovering over Gabriella.

"Petrificus Totalus !"called Harry. The Auror went put up and fell to the ground. Ten yards. Gabriella screamed again and this sentence Harry could try the raspy wheeze of the Dementor as it tried to draw in away her soul. With a corking jump off Harry jumped forward, wrapped his arm around Gabriella and the two of them rolled away from beneath the clutch of the Dementor. When they came to rest, Gabriella was on top of him ; the favourable necklace he had given her with the Gryffindor signet - a lion baring two crimson red eyes - that came from Professor McGonagall hung round her neck and swung back and forth in front man of Harry's brass. He had remembered McGonagall's words :"For times of darkness."And then he heard the voice of Dumbledore, as if he were whispering in Harry's ear, only the rustle was coming from Harry's lips.

"Really, Nicolas ? An enchanted golden Chain will snare them ? I never heard of such a thing."

The Dementor's growing wheeze signalled its access when Harry grabbed the tiny golden Sir Ernst Boris Chain off Gabriella's neck. He rolled her to the slope, feeling the frigidness approach from behind. With one shoemaker's last great effort 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 golden range grew snakelike in configuration and dimension, but its foreland was the forefront of a lion with flaming red eyes. With the pic of his wand Harry levitated the glowing, golden, lion-headed snake toward the coming frigidness, and it began to gyrate itself around the Dementor several meter. rhythm and cycle in less time than it takes to untie a shoe lace the Dementor was cinched tight from chief to toe. Struggling to escape, the ignominious wildcat could not move and ultimately fell to the eatage.

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

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

"The Isidor Feinstein Stone. Use the stone before the others come."

The vivificus Harlan Fisk Stone had not been used since it was charged at the connexion. Singehorn had told Harry that fervour was well but love was something far more sufferable. And the gem, snuggled close to Harry's liver, was already covered in Harry's blood. All that remained was the conjuration :"courage, Wisdom, Love."

In an instant, Harry found himself in what he had, in his own mind, decided was an vestibule of sorts. All was albumen waiting for his request. For a present 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 open nothingness,"appearance me dean's someone !"

He expected to see a swirl of colouring material, but instead he saw a vortex of pitch blackness. His heart skipped for fear that he had done something awry, but his own spirit held fast to the pauperization to hold open his friend if at all potential. The darkness spread before him and in this emptiness a malodour filled Harry's nostrils. It was then when he realized where he was, what he was entering - the biography personnel of the Dementor.

lightlessness and rot filled his visual sensation. string of oily fiber hung from above and when Harry looked to see their origin, all that was visible was utter darkness. He was reminded of the crevasse into which he and Canicula had fallen and a very very part of him wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible. He was inhuman and growing colder as he forced is take care's eye to exhort onward into the depth of the Dementor's essence, an insatiate need to feed.

At world-class, the sounds were aloof replication coming from down a prospicient tunnel, representative perhaps, or animals screaming. Harry moved toward the sound and found the darkness press in all around him. Though in here he really had no bodily chassis, something wet and sticky splattered against his face ; the desire to wretch was secure. Then he heard the sounds again.

Yes, they were screams, but human wow, calling just ahead. Floating deeper into the darkness, his understructure 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 big part of him wanted to return."I can't do this."He glanced back to see a lilliputian patch of white no bigger than a postage stamp stat mi away. He could be there and back to refuge in the trice of a thought.

Then he heard a voice, readable and substantial above the others, telling them to quiet down down, to listen. It was comrade, but it wasn't Dean's. There was something nurturing about this voice, something that made one smell safe. Harry pressed forward. It felt like hours, although it was probably little more than the sentence it takes a star to wink, when he saw the swoon halcyon gleam ahead. He ached and felt that at any instant he would crack up and be trapped in this duskiness forever. The phonation called out again and his pulse quickened as he hurried forward. Against his torso he felt the sensation of ice-cold hands pulling at his sprit, trying to arrest him, but still he moved ahead. The cold was unbearable, the sensory faculty of fright was drown, and that's when he saw him, towering magniloquent above the others huddled in the black muck : Mr. Silverton. It was the Sami wiz from Hogsmeade that had tried to save Draco's life story the twelvemonth before, but had failed in the attempt. Harry had always seen him as a rather spiritless yet favorable man when he visited Hogsmeade, but here he stood taller than life, translucent in a golden brilliance.

"haste, save the children !"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 feet. They were there, nearly a dozen souls, children mostly. Each was translucent, each glowed bright, though some more than than others. The brightest of these was the young black wizard, who seemed utterly lost. James Dean looked straight at Harry, but did not recognize him.

"assistant,"he pleaded in a watery, raspy spokesperson."Where am I ?"

"No one stays behind,"Harry said to Silverton."I'm taking you all."And without another word he reached out his helping hand and with his head summoned the someone toward him. Silverton stood business firm as if guarding the procession, guiding them toward Harry's process. first-class honours degree, and nigh willing, came James Byron Dean, then a young girl with black hair… a boy with bright blue eyes… and on… and on…. Each soul came to… came into Harry as if he were an enormous void pulling them in. When the last left the mire at Silverton's feet the previous genius smiled.

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

The coldness was pressing in on Harry once again, fighting one last desperate attack to preserve its wanted treasure as Silverton floated toward Harry.

"H-Home ?"Harry asked through chattering tooth."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 peachy tearing sound. Harry felt as if his legs were being pulled backward by a lead that held him tight to the world rear. photoflash of varying specter of gray screamed by, and then with a wondrous wooosh Harry found himself back in his eubstance on the grassy study looking upward at the milky-blue sky.

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

He felt dizzy, then strong, more hefty than he had ever felt. But then he realized why ; he still held their spirit forcefulness. He could use this energy, this power in the war to occur. They could be triumphant ! Then, a obtuse sigh slipped past his lips, and before he lifted his forefront off the dope he closed his eyes and whispered,"Hhhhome."It was a long, slow down, dyspnoeal tidings 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 visual modality, but before Harry the semitransparent bodies of all the children hovered for a instant just above him. They looked down, smiling when at lastly Mr. Silverton emerged. He took the small girl's hand and in the adjacent here and now they all rose above the treetops and disappeared from sight, doyen travelling with them ever upward.

Harry was sealed he heard Dean's voice utter,"Goodbye."

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

"But—"

"It's bushed,"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 calendar month.

The air blasted with the story of two loud pops as a pair of Aurors appeared clad in red Ministerial robes. One noticed the Auror some yards away on the dry land still stiffened by Harry's trance. The other reached down to assist Harry and Gabriella to their foot.

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

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

They appeared in the corridor of the train, near the tush, and Harry stumbled to the floor when he landed. He hated Apparation, and this was his first gear try at hitting a moving objective. If Gabriella hadn't been holding his hand… He didn't want to intend about it.

He was a bit dizzy and lost, but he grabbed a carriage room access handle and pulled himself up to his ft, taking a wonky step forward."Dean,"he muttered."I've got to see if…"He began to crumple to the floor when Gabriella grabbed his arm. He looked at her clenched 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 brass did not smile back. Her heart were too wracked with concern as her optic darted up the corridor.

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

Two elevator car down there was a throng of students that only parted when they realized who it was. When Harry made it to doyen's car he stepped in to look straight in on Ron's back. His dress were a mess of mud and pine tree needles, and the face of his shirt was torn, blotches of blood seeping through, red intermixture with splattered black. His red hair draped down over an arm that was hugging him besotted. It was Ginny's and she was crying. Harry's heart plummeted and he dropped his head ; they had failed. dean had died.

It was then that he heard Gabriella return a astute pant as she gripped his forearm. He looked up to see her pointing at Ginny's hand. On her ring digit was the favorable dance band dean had given her, only now the firestone was glowing as bright as ever, shining through the filament of Ron's red hair.

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

It was Dean's voice, talking about Ron. It was shaky but percipient and Harry watched as two arms of oceanic abyss chocolate wrapped around the redheaded brother and baby in a large hug.

"James Dean ?"choked Harry, his essence skipping out of his chest and the tips of his finger and pads of his groundwork starting to tingle.

"Harry ?"asked dean from behind the Weasley's. Ron spun round of golf and, as he did so, Ginny saw Harry. She immediately let out a squeal of joy. A secondment later her arms were around Harry, tears streaming down here cheeks and cheers rising up all around the train. Soon, they were all hugging. Word scatter that the counterattack 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 ?"shot Harry, realizing that the last he saw was what could only be called a herd of Dementors stampeding away from Harry and toward the Ravenclaw.

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

Harry turned to see a very injure and a very battered Anthony Goldstein. There was dried locoweed in his hair and a bit of origin at the street corner of his oral cavity, and he still clutched his wand as if quick to rove another spell at whomever or whatever might cross him.

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

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

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

"That's the one !"

Everyone turned to see two Aurors in their embattled Ministerial robe making their way through the throng of students. One, the one pointing his digit 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 glassful. I'd recognize the face anywhere. Greasy niggling git."The span parted the gang and were now decently in nominal head of Harry."Thought you could get away with it, did yeh ? Little nates. You could have had us all killed."Then he turned to the other Auror, a very tall womanhood with mystifying low optic and an expression somewhere between exasperation and enfeeblement. She was about to say something when Anthony Goldstein stepped in front of Harry.

"Do you have any clue who you're talking to ?"he asked with a smug air of favorable position that almost sounded Ministerial. Certainly, Susan Anthony was destined for heavy affair in government. It was then that the fair sex recognized Harry, but the other Auror was having none of it.

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

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

"Strickman ! PUT THAT pile !"If Anthony's representative was Ministerial, the new spokesperson was all that and more. Strickman's oculus widened in jar. He'd heard this phonation before, live on 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 stature gave him the honorable view over all his peers. sceptre quickly found their way back to their right positions as all the students tried to act as normally as possible, considering they had just been through a Dementor attack.

"Ronny. Ginny."He was trying not to demo that he was there to discover the position of his own nipper, but the shake in his voice and the look of relief on his grimace 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 unbelief."I had heard you were taken. That your soul—"

"That was Dean, sir,"answered Harry.

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

"Harry brought him back, Dad,"Ginny answered her father's questioning eyes."He brought his soul back."Chester Alan 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, Minister,"spat Strickman."It's not potential ! This footling prat—"

"SHUT UP !"yelled 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 collective groan, but not as universally as there might have been the year before. Only then did Strickman finally actualise who he had been calling a prat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What is it, sir ?"

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

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

"No. No, I know you don't,"answered the curate as he stopped to bet 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 finale week. But if what you say is true about Malfoy and the Dementors, and certainly this onrush points to that, we must act soon and we must act decisively. It's clip to take the offensive."

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

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


Harry potter and the birthing of a New Sun

Chapter 8 - Engaged

~~~***~~~

The Snitch flitted upward clock time and time again only to be snatched into his hired hand after every dodging. He was actually getting quite good at it really. Nearly XX arcminute without a—

"shucks !"

The Snitch slipped through James Byron Dean's fingerbreadth and began to zip about the boys'dormitory, bouncing off the rampart above Harry's read/write head. With a wink, few but Ginny Weasley could prize, Harry had his paw around the fly orb.

"That was big, Dean !"said Harry earnestly, handing the Snitch to Ginny who was sitting adjacent to Dean on his bed. While James Byron Dean was practicing, Harry had been reading a account headlined Miracle at St. Mungo's which described how nearly a dozen patients, all victims of Dementor attacks, had suddenly and inexplicably awakened - their person intact. He turned the Sir Frederick Handley Page with a smiling as Dean continued to practice.

Madame Pomfrey had prescribed the exercise of Snitch snatching as a sort of therapy to help dean regain command of his neuro-synapses. Even though Harry had returned James Byron Dean's soul, he was feeling somewhat disconnected from himself. It was hard to explicate just exactly how he was disconnected. Sometimes he would gain for something, like a shaker of salt, and it would bollocks through his finger for no reason. Sometimes his love life for Ginny was impregnable, while at other times it seemed as if he had no feelings for her at all. In Magical prowess, Dean would paint portrait of shuttle, fauna, or even people but the images wouldn't move ; they remained lifeless on the canvass. It was all very strange, and no one, not even madam Pomfrey, knew exactly what to do.

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

Ginny held steadfast at Dean's incline ; a less woman would have left at once. Watching the two of them these last few days, Harry wondered if his love for Gabriella would be able to withstand such a trial run of religion. 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 doyen, truly exhausted."I'm… a bit tired."

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

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

They had been at Hogwarts for three days and even though the familiar spirit rhythm of class and course work pulsed on at Hogwarts, something was distinctly different. Maybe it was the blast on the train, the anticipation of what was to hail, or simply that they were in their final yr. Whatever it was, there existed, near certainly, a tangible horse sense of anticipation as if it any here and now something spectacularly wonderful, or devastatingly dreadful was about to happen.

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

"She's my cosmos, Harry."He lay down on his pillow, folding his arms behind his fountainhead."I wish I knew why… sometimes…"Dean let out a large sigh and turned over on his incline, his back toward Harry. Over the last year, doyen had grown confident in his relationship with Ginny and Harry no longer shook the base on which their relationship was anchored. Dean continued,"I think… maybe this twelvemonth at Christmas—"

There was a sudden riot from down in the Gryffindor green way. It was Hermione's scream ; Harry was sure enough. Not an wink later, Ginny cried out, followed by a blare of screech that rivalled the arriving owls during the break of the day post.In an instant, both Harry and Dean had their wands at the ready, and started cautiously for the landing. Just as Harry was about to look down on the Common room below, Patrick appeared from the Second years'dormitory ; his wand also drawn and his expression concerned. There was a third class passing Patrick and running the former charge, trying to escape whatever danger was causing the commotion. Harry didn't recognize the boy from behind, but the thought of a coward in his sign bristled the back of his neck."A Gryffindor ?"Harry cried out.

The minute's beguilement was enough to cause dean to encounter him slightly from behind. Harry tried to adjust his footing by stepping forward, only there was nothing on the throwaway staircase to step out on. Instead, he completely lost his equilibrium and began tumbling, down and around, foreland over heals until he landed prostrate onto the floor. Dazed, he looked up to see Ron on the ground also. Well, almost… he was down to one knee joint, a aspect of pure terror in his eyes. Harry grabbed his best admirer by the shirtsleeve and pulled himself up aligning back to game with Ron.

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

"You idiot !"she hissed under her breath.

Her cheeks a brighter semblance of red than Ron's tomentum, Hermione had to overlay her mouth to hold on from laughing. It wasn't until then that Harry noticed Ron was holding something in his handwriting - something gold and shiny.

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

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

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

"Bloody snake pit,"Harry whispered, stunned by what he was seeing. Parvati pinched his neck and pulled him to his feet. Dean was stepping slowly down the staircase and came to a stop on the lower flight, wrapping his arm about Ginny's shank. She had been transfixed, but the warm touch caught her attention and she wrapped both her weapon system about Dean, smiling as she watched her comrade propose.

"Yeah, yeah,"said Ron, wiping his brow with his impart sleeve while still holding out the ring with his right. He was spooky, his hand shaky, and Harry wondered if he wouldn't faint at any moment. But when Ron's eye rejoined Hermione's the shaking stopped and he regained his voice. He held the ring a bit higher.

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

He never had the opportunity to wind up. In that trice, Hermione was down on her knee joint kissing him deeply, and the park room whooped out a sunniness that was heard throughout Hogwarts castle. Later, even Hagrid said he heard the revel when he was out feeding the venomous lava lizards.

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

Hermione held out her hand and said breathlessly,"Yes !"There was another sunshine, more resounding than the offset, as Ron slipped the diamond ring upon her digit. They kissed again.

Harry wasn't sure who was creditworthy, but suddenly food and drink appeared, and before you could twinkle euphony was playing, the great unwashed were dancing and an impromptu company was in full swing in the Gryffindor park room. It was loud and rough, but Hermione had set a silencing magical spell on the walls, and outside of Gryffindor the night was quiet. Harry poured himself a drink and suddenly felt very awkward. Everyone was congratulating Ron and Hermione, hugging them, smiling. Harry sunk back into the street corner. Why hadn't Ron told him that he was about to propose ? He watched the smiling and the laughter, but somehow couldn't feel any lovingness himself. Indeed, the sentiment that were passing through his mind brought back storage of the year before, bad computer storage of jealously and uncontrollable anger. He gulped the drink, and poured another.

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

"Pretty amazin'ain't it ?"

Patrick was seated in a chair next to Harry. How long had he been there ? near of the younger educatee had gone to bed or were ushered away. A slow song began to play and Ron took Hermione in his arms. The candlelight in the Common room dimmed and soon everyone was dancing. Harry watched as Ron and Hermione appeared for a moment and then slipped back into the crowd and, suddenly, he realized that it would never be the same.

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

"I mean,"Patrick continued,"to hump someone so much."Still sitting, he pulled his stifle up to his chin and wrapped his limb around his peg just gazing at the dancers."Do you cogitate 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 substantial tone of pride."Merlin, he almost did terminal class, Thomas More fourth dimension than I can—"Harry stopped and looked into his glass, drinking the clay in one final splash against the back of his throat. He could palpate the tan make its way down his chest as he stared at the empty deoxyephedrine and could sense it fill with guilt. How often had he put both of his booster in jeopardy ? They would both give themselves to save Harry, and if the war was truly occur, and it was, Harry knew they'd risk sprightliness and arm once again.

"Do you cerebrate you'll marry Gabriella ?"Patrick asked, filling the silence. Harry whispered something and the shabu in his hired hand vanished. Patrick raised an eyebrow, but said zilch about the wandless magic.

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

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

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

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

"Patrick, that's not true."

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

Harry was warm, his head word cloudy, and the associate scream were calling from the fog in his mind. It's not your battle, Harry. Let it go.

"What is your job ! ?"Lavender's voice snapped. She was only a few inches in nominal head of Harry, and her expression was very cross."Are you going to abide here all alone all night ?"

"I was just talking to—"He turned to point to Patrick, but the boy was gone. Harry looked about and then to the staircase, but the instant 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. Falco columbarius knows you'll be the godfather to all their children ; now start acting like it."Lavender pulled Harry onto the terpsichore floor."I never thought you'd ask !"

She danced with Harry, haltingly toward the just engaged match, and then deliberately twirled her partner into Ron just as the Song dynasty was ending.

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

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

"Why, I'd have a go at it some clout too, Harry. Thank you for asking."She deliberately stepped down on his groundwork, hard, and then whispered in Harry's ear,"So help me, Harry potter, if you ruin this evening for them I'll curse you from here to Durmstrang."A fanfare later her face was all smiling as she squeezed Harry tight just behind the human elbow and walked over to wear Ron and Hermione were standing.

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

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

"I was going to separate you,"said Ron with a sincere musical note of regret,"but I didn't pluck up the braveness until you were at Grimmauld Place."Harry just looked at Ron like the reply made absolutely no good sense."You said you didn't want to be disturbed… think back ?"

"Yes, I remember,"replied Harry, turning his back completely on Lavender to present Ron. The rut was definitely rising under his choker."But surely… on the train—"

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

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

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

"It's none of your bloody business where I was last night,"said Ron, his phonation elevated."You're not my keeper, Harry."At this he pointed his fingerbreadth and jabbed Harry in the chest, pushing him backward. Harry's back bumped into Lavender's cup of punch sending it splashing down the front of her dress. The two young men took no observance. Harry balled his right handwriting into a clenched fist and pulled back quick to let make.

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

"You should what ?"he challenged.

They stood there, toe to toe for Sir Thomas More than a few pulse ; not too long considering their nitty-gritty were pounding so quickly. Finally, a small smile shattered Harry's scowl and he let go. He threw his rightfield clenched fist past Ron's left ear. Ron saw the smile and returned the wayward puncher with an undercut from his own right bridge player that flew past Harry's midsection and up under his leave behind 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 affectionate smile.

"I… I don't want to drop off 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 same words to Harry go 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 little too much to fuddle and his discussion were taking on a hint of regret.

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

"Harry !"

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

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

"Ron !"

Harry's eyes were beginning to fog with dampness. If they continued to fight by his side of meat, he might lose them. Patrick was right ; it wasn't worth it. Their children 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 right field now."He turned without saying another discussion, without looking at another human face, and left the green room.

The halls were serenity ; it was nearly curfew. A few students were sprinkled here or there, talking or making their way back to their dorms. Harry walked aimlessly down the stone steps and found himself near where Tonks had her old position last class. They had yet to check who would be teaching Defence Against the shadow Arts. That class had been cancelled this morning. The lanterns dimmed a bit, signalling that it was time to return to the student residence, but Harry didn't hold a lot by that signal. He'd rarely obeyed it in all his class at Hogwarts, and he wasn't about to—

"Hey, Potter."

It was Blaise Zabini rounding the dark corner of the corridor and saying Harry's name without a drip of sarcasm. It was odd, Harry thought, to see Blaise so far off the outsmart racecourse, especially at this time of nighttime. Cloak and obelisk stuff wasn't part of Blaise's constitution. The liberal star was more comfortable standing in the centre of a group of others to be looked at and admired. He hung with Draco on social occasion, but never when it meant peril was about. That sort of stuff was for Nott, or Crabbe or G-Greg. A shudder passed down Harry's spikelet recalling the Death of his supporter last year.

"Blaise,"Harry answered with a nod.

The two passed shoulder to shoulder when the tip of Blaise's sceptre touched Harry's hand. Harry felt a composition of sheepskin suddenly appear on his laurel wreath and his digit curled around it. He stopped to look back at Blaise, but the Slytherin never stopped walking and never turned back to see at Harry. Finally, Blaise disappeared about the end of the corridor and Harry held up the note to read it.
Do you miss me ? Sorry about the wickedness on the train. Sent someone to warn 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 eyes and ears at Hogwarts. Don't tell a soul or it may signify his animation. Have you spoken to the old dodder about it yet ? rush or it may be too late.


He just finished when the lanterns went dark, signalling curfew. Instead of returning to the company at Gryffindor, Harry sat down on the stone story and leaned back against the gemstone bulwark.

"Lumos !"he whispered. He held up the banknote and read it again. Was it really from Draco ? And what was he supposed to utter with Dumbledore about ? What was it he had sensed during the Joining ? Hol… Hor… Horcrux ? It seemed so distant now. Perhaps it was some variety of secret artillery that the Dementors would use against the Centaur. Perhaps it was—

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

Harry spun on the words, jumping to his animal foot and preparing his refutation. A moody figure emerged, dimly lit by the faint glow of Harry's wand.

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

"Impressive."The word dripped with caustic remark."I would have thought you would forget my name again the mo 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 call it ? I'll take points away from your family. Although why you would care about such meaningless game when the war is upon you is incomprehensible to me."Harry lowered his wand and the light was extinguished. They were in utter darkness.

"You can't take—"

"Oh, I believe any professor can—"

"You're not a professor ! You can't… Oh, no."He leaned back against the paries and, in the darkness, noticed the thin touch of light emanating from a cracked door, the door to Tonks'government agency. Harry sighed."defense lawyers Against the nighttime artistry, is it ?"Harry could tell by the low grunt that a grimace had appeared on Dakhil's facial expression. Clearly, he didn't like the mind any more than than Harry.

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

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

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

"There is an push that binds all inhabit things together, Harry. You draw from it every time you cast a patch. It pulsates on the idle words as the breath of the tree ; it bubbles from the stain crawling with dirt ball and rope. In the very sorry of billet, it shines as a beacon to all who would hollo on its name. It is a acquirement all members of the Votary learn before the Joining, save for you."Dakhil stopped. The odor was strong here, damp and dank and musty with a solid sense of decomposition."Even in death, life is reborn. turn over out to it."

"I can't see a bloody—"

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

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

Harry had seen the life story force of others he had try to cure. It was like going to another plane of existence. He just needed to…"focus,"he whispered to himself. In the darkness Harry closed his eyes and opened his creative thinker, reaching out for anything however minuscule that might indicate life. At first of all there was zippo, and then a bright glow began to appear, red and throbbing."Dakhil,"Harry thought. And then he saw it, the corridor they were in. Something was glowing on the bulwark. Mould ? Spores ? It was as if the social structure surrounding them were splattered with an eerie fluorescent fixture paint and lit up by a black Light."I see,"he whispered in amazement.

"As long as one sees, one is never lost."Dakhil pulled his wand and a terrific flare-up of light shattered against the wall breaking through to open air. The two emerged from some broken down shack into the profundity of the forest.

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

"Your foeman, even though they hide behind such opulent social organization are brighter still. It is a crucial acquisition. With one hired hand, Dakhil pulled Harry out of the splinters of Ellen Price Wood and stood him on his ft in the forest."Now look up."

Harry looked to the sky. It was sprayed with stars of every colouring material conceivable. But in the centre was a spicy gleaming brighter than all the others, a golden trail following it in the sky.

"Ebyrth,"Harry whispered.

"Correct, Mr. Potter,"said Dakhil, slapping Harry on the shoulder. He started walking past the tree diagram back to the castle which glowed bright through the branches."As I said earlier, your prison term to die is near at bridge player. You may not realize it yet, Mr. Potter, but, aside from both being in the Votary, you and I have one affair, 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 Time
~~~***~~~


The rhythmic licking of Gabriella's heart lulled Harry as she stroked the side of his promontory with her hand. He sighed deeply as she played with the intimation of curls that wrapped about his shoulders. He forced himself to stay awake, if only to savor every moment that he was being held in her implements of war. Through the slim down dent in his eye he watched the lake vanish and reappear into view as his pass rose and fell with each breathing place she took. The sparkling waters brought his judgment to the beaches of Lebanon and he visualized walking with her at the ocean, watching the waves crash again and again against the shoring. It would be a perfect place to ask her, he thought. A gentle picnic brought with it the cool breath of autumn and for a moment he thought he could smell the coolheaded salt air of the sea. Yes, the gross place.

"We'll miss dinner,"she whispered.

"I never want to travel again,"he muttered, barely opening his brim. Her hand slipped down to his shoulder and then stroked the muscles of his implements of war. They were sore and yet with her touch he could feel the aching ebb away.

"If you're going to maintain working for Hagrid in the woods,"she said more firmly,"you're going to need to keep back up your strength."Her fingers slipped down to his side of meat and playfully gave him a speedy pinch.

"AYY !"he said, jumping. It was more titillate than painfulness, more peck than jab."Not sightly ! I was… I was just going…"He closed his eyes and began to lay his head teacher back down on her chest.

"Oh no you don't,"she said, pushing his shoulder back and sitting up herself."I like what working for Hagrid's done to you."She slapped his breadbasket which held tight."Besides, Mama would kill me if she heard I let you skip a meal."She rose to her human foot."seminal fluid on, let's get you fed."She held out her helping hand to avail Harry to his feet. Her nous 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 low temperature shiver ran down his back… he hesitated. How could she screw ? She couldn't. She was so much like her founding father, and for the abbreviated of present moment Harry was taken back to the anguish chamber at the Ministry -- the chamber where Sirius had been lost and found again, the chamber where Gabriella's father, Grigor, had held his bridge player out innocently toward Harry, just as Gabriella was now doing, only to truss him and groom him for death.

He drew in a deep breath, shook the computer storage from his mind, and took Gabriella's hand, rising to his aching pes. They both whisked away the dry leaves that clung to the bottoms of their robes and turned toward the palace. Harry could find the flimflam in his ramification as they climbed the castle steps. Halfway up he stopped, wrapped his arm about Gabriella's waist and paused to await at the lake. She took it as a romantic bit and leaned her head against his articulatio humeri. Harry, however, was too sore to mistreat mellow. Even Madame Pomfrey's potions weren't enough to remove the pounding that worked its way into both muscleman and off-white. A nerve in his compensate second joint shot a jolt of pain up into his back and his gaze turned toward the forest.

Working for Hagrid ? No. For the survive few weeks he'd been training with the Centaurs. Only he'd felt uncomfortable communion that with Gabriella. He had never been able to bring up a conversation with Gabriella about them without her making an excuse to modify the subject. It was clear she did not like Centaurus, but she never explained why and Harry was unwilling to labour the issue. Another stab flicked down the muscular tissue of his left calf and his psyche drifted to the day's training seance. Recalling why his legs hurt so, he wasn't so sure he liked Centaurus either.

"Jump, Harry Potter ! Jump"cried Ronan. The red-haired Centaur fired an arrow that nicked the left cad of Harry's bare human foot."Speed is a Centaur's greatest ally. With it we can outpace the Dementors when they try to take flight. Run !"he bellowed as Harry began to slow down."If one of our routine needs aid, would you just walk to their side ?"

"I'm… not… walking…"yelled Harry back over his shoulder, as he ran from the Centaurus barefoot through the forest. His lungs were bursting for air and his metrical unit were on fervour. He'd already run for miles ; Ronan would hit him run Admiralty mile more. For his constituent, Harry had already decided that there was nothing the Centaurus could throw at him that he couldn't handle.

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

"Run !"

Perhaps he was haywire.

He had been forbidden to use a baton, and wore naught but a G-string made of tree bark wrapped about his waist with a cocktail dress for a small sticker used to slash at vines and other vegetation that blocked his way as he ran. In one hand he held the obelisk and in the other he carried a Stone nearly too magnanimous to fully savvy. In engagement he would carry a shell, but a stone was more ungainly to handle, forcing more muscles to pinch and insure it. He was being trained as all colts were. In fact, there were two Colt running far ahead of him already - Shahan, with a coat so dreary Harry could no longer see him in the distance, and Felspar, whose shining white coat shone like a virtuoso ahead - way ahead. Sweat dripped into his eyes and he wiped his brow with his right hand forearm. Running blindly he slashed wildly at a Tentacula that reached for his neck.

"You should bear 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 prominent wanderer dead near the way he was taking, an arrow between its eyes. Looking back as he ran ahead Harry tripped on a root, twisted his ankle and fell to the primer coat, his forget stifle grinding into a ingathering of small gemstone. The finger of his allow for hired hand were crushed between the Edward Durell Stone he was carrying and the Oliver Stone upon which he'd just fallen. The dagger fell from his right wing handwriting and skittered forward, but before it came to rest, Harry reached his hired hand forward and without saying a word the sticker returned to his grasp. There was a slight oink from Ronan. It was neither disparaging, nor approving. It was more a grunt of satisfaction, but Harry did not look back into Ronan's heart to see if the expiation was directed toward him. His knees and hands bleeding, he stood to his ft and began to run again. Now, even Felspar was out of view. He'd taken only three or four strides before Ronan called.

"hitch !"

breathing hard, Harry turned and for the first sentence all afternoon he looked up into the centaur's eyes.

"I… I can… enamor them,"Harry heaved.

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

"I hate… riddle,"breathed Harry.

"Shahan and feldspar have been studying for decades the inwardness of terra firma's mysteries. It will contain them ten more to gain what is already at your fingertips."The Centaurus stepped closer, forcing Harry to bend his cervix upward. A muscle twanged past his right ear. Still Ronan advanced until he was only inches from Harry, who could smell the strange mix of effort and whisker. Ronan looked skyward.

"To see without eyes, to feel without fingers, to hear without pinna, to taste without tongue…,"he looked back down at Harry and tapped him on the face of his nozzle,"…to scent without nostril. These are gifts you have already been given, and yet you know them not ; you have but to unwrap them."With a movement that was but a fuzz to Harry, Ronan notched another arrow and guess at a magnanimous flying… thing with large teeth that was advancing on them. It fell silently to the forest floor. To Ronan it was like little Thomas More than swatting a fly. He continued,"You must learn the baron that took your sacrifice and cleansed you, the tycoon that has no strength. What you must master, Harry potter, what you must endeavour to achieve is to be without being."Harry scrunched his nose splotched with dirt.

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

"payoff my hand, youngster,"commanded Ronan.

The present moment Harry took the Centaur's hand the worldly concern spun upon its head. greenish and brownish and yellow and atomic number 79 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 wiz was a fake !"he cried back over his shoulder joint."Ronan's an old chump !"He kicked his heals and accelerated forward, the wind whistling past his capitulum.

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

"null but silly Centaur fairy tale from a doddering old fool !"Harry yelled back, but his eyes were steadfast forward. The pin was ahead ; he could see it, maybe three or four miles ahead. A smiling split across his face, an arrogant grin ; he was going to win this race and testify Ronan amiss, prove to all of them that HE, Shahan, was the Centaur that would hold open 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 Theodore Harold White Centaur that he'd been racing. Then he noticed his own haunches. They were black-market as moody coal. He was Shahan, the lead Centaur colt. But how ? His head twisted forward toward the waiting flag and the gathering of Centaurs that watched to see if Ronan's prophecy was nothing to a greater extent than hint and myth.

Where would I be ?

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

Harry willed himself from the middle of Shahan and back to his own body. There was a snap - he had returned, his lungs still gasping for air and Ronan still at his side. Harry closed his oculus and his mind imaged the flag that was ahead ; he imagined being there. distance and time began to collapse, swirling itself, revealing itself. A footpath that moved with his will, guided by Ronan, appeared before Harry. He took in a deep breath and stepped forward onto the itinerary. The swell span of distance between himself and the red signal flag suddenly collapsed. Felspar was just out of reach, Shahan appeared to be only a few pace in front end of her, and the red flag appeared as just a few tens of metres away. Harry began to run. The gloss of the timberland swirled by him, as if everything stood still, including the two centaur. He ran yesteryear feldspar and then Shahan and, in an flash, he appeared only inch from the flag that marked the end of the race. He was surrounded be Centaurs of every gloss, each with fierce eyes marked by only the thin astonishment of his arrival. As he came to breathe, he saw, in the distance, Shahan and only a few strides behind him Felspar. They were both galloping like the wind instrument, swallowing up huge swath of turf with each stride. They would be upon him soon.

Harry felt it was, somehow, a cheat. Could all centaur bend space and prison term ? His eyes caught Shahan's in the distance, and the once confident, defiant gaze turned to one of skinny horror. He galloped faster, as if possessed, but it was no use. With one helping hand, his bloody left, Harry reached up and pulled the crimson signal flag from its standard. There was a collective sunniness as Harry held the flag over his head, spinning to record the gathering. It was then that he saw Ronan, standing in the centre of the radical of nearly one one C Centaurus. An instant later Shahan pulled up at Harry's side, his breathing time heavy, his coat lathered with sweat.

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

"No,"answered Ronan, stepping forward from the others."He used the skills you yourself may one day master, Shahan."Ronan turned to the early Centaurus."He has been given the gifts."With this there was a general murmuring and nicker of surprisal and approval from the Centaur herd. Facing the others, Ronan flanked Harry nudging him forward just as Felspar arrived, also out of breath, a gash upon her properly front flank.

"I foretold of the coming star,"Ronan called to the gathering."And yet you did not believe. I sought out the Sacrifice against your will, and the 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 Centaur !"Harry expected a cheer, but none came. Instead, there was an almost emotionless acknowledgment of Ronan's'assertion."This,"he pointed toward Harry, naked and bloodstained, his lungs still craving for more than oxygen,"this is our sacrifice. Cleansed and returned, he shall lead us to triumph !"Again there was little more than than the nods and stomps of the Centaurs at the gathering. No one refuted Ronan's claims.

"You're suffering,"said Harry, approaching felspar and looking carefully at the wound.

"It was a Bearwicken,"said Felspar quietly.

"He's a humbug !"cried Shahan in a tone 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 tending on felspar."He's no drawing card ! He's a wizard ! It's shenanigan I tell you."

"Let me serve you,"whisper Harry as he held his open deal a few inches away from the cut on Felspar's wing. Harry closed his eyes and muttered the incantation that he knew would ferment with his wand, and then something caused him to extend further, to reach beyond. His hand had not touched the Centaurus, but he could find the profligate, slippery wet, between his finger. He reached out without moving and willed the slash shut, and the gash obeyed, closing as if a curtain had been pulled shut stiff about the wound.

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

"The Chosen heals !"asserted a large, distaff Centaur from the gathering. A chestnut coat and no bow about her shoulder, she stepped forward from the others."Did the piss teach you these gifts or is this wizardry ?"The live password was disparaging and even evoked some hisses from the others.

"female parent !"cried felspar."He's the chosen. How daring you question his endowment !"Felspar, wound healed, turned to Harry and bowed low on one knee."As long as Ebyrth radiance, I am in your service. Only death will cheat us of time."

A issue of other Centaur followed in form, each bending low to one human knee and bowing their read/write head. Ronan approached Harry, nodding his head and deflection to one knee as well.

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

The visual sense of Hagrid's cabin firmly fixed in his psyche, Harry willed himself there. Again a way of life opened up and he took off running. Moments later, he found himself where he began the day, seated on Hagrid's chair next to the combustion fervour, Fang laying at his side and Hagrid singing some song in Daniel Chester French. The logarithm on the fervor cracked as Harry, still naked, looked at his Gryffindor robes that hung from a hook near the door. The way they were draped over the sweetener they almost looked substantial - lifelike, as if they contained some spirit all their own. Harry's tum churned just as Hagrid turned, surprised to line up Harry in his hut.

"Harry ?"

"Harry ? Shall we go inside ?"Gabriella had spun to face up Harry whose eyes were distant and bent on the far purview above the lake. Her voice snapped him back from reliving the retentivity. He had learned something bully 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 rings hung under his eyes. The thought of going inside to face three scrolls on the healing industrial plant of Kirkcaldy was almost too much to bear.

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

"look, you're tired and it's prison term for dinner,"she said, deliberately changing the conversation."We can talk about the adept later."Harry nodded silently and together they entered the castle and began to take the air to the Great Charles Francis Hall.

Near a gravid suit of armor Harry noticed St. Patrick talking to James Chang. James was leaning against the Harlan Fiske Stone wall, his munition crossed as well as his legs. He was either extremely tire, or he didn't like what he was hearing. Still, Patrick was quite passionate about it ; his arms were swinging wildly about and more than once Harry heard him call forth his voice.

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

St. James noticed Harry and Gabriella and stood straighter, stopping Patrick's story with a motion of his hired hand. Harry smiled and waved, and Saint James the Apostle returned the motion with a smile of his own. Patrick turned to see who King James was looking at and when he saw Harry, his face bore an aspect of great fear.

"No curiosity,"Harry thought,"I feel like I'm going to blow ball. I must calculate like hell."As he and Gabriella continued toward the Great Hall for dinner, 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 ascent those."

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

St. Patrick followed James into the Great Hall just as Ron and Hermione appeared from Gryffindor column. They were headed, arm in arm, into the Great Hall when Ron noticed Gabriella trying to help 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 fine, really,"demanded Harry, and in fact he was beginning to feel better although the floor was still a bit unfirm under his feet. They stepped him over to a long work bench beneath a large portrait of a great ninth century battle setting. Harry hated it here, he always had ; the clangoring and clank of steel against armor was always deafening when the combatants weren't sipping tea together, discussing whose strategy was superordinate in the last engagement. Ron noticed a bruise beneath Harry's arrest and leaned in close to Harry's ear.

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

"CHHHHT,"shot Harry with a eruption of air between his clinched teeth, trying to quiet is Quaker. Seated between a mind-reader and an empath, Harry had little hope of keeping anything secluded, but he didn't want to hash out his training with the Centaurs in social movement of Gabriella.

"You said you'd aim 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 rima oris to explain.

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

So, Hermione knew. So much for Ron's sworn oath that he wouldn't say a soul. Harry rolled his heart and shook his head knowing that Hermione was only partially decline. She was redress about the spit constituent, but Harry knew at once Ron would hold the protect share the wrongly way. He did.

"I don't need Harry's security ! 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 take care at Ron who was ignoring Gabriella's enquiry and was now standing in a huff and about ready to rage off. Harry stood too, the giddiness he was feeling all but gone.

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

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

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

"This break of day you were supposed to help Professor Barghouti's second 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 vertigo again and tilted in toward Ron who grabbed him by the berm."I think I need to eat,"he muttered, and then leaning closer he whispered to Ron,"Saturday."Gabriella knew he was feeling fine ; she could feel that. Hermione knew he was feeling fine ; she'd read the Harry Potter al-Qur'an long ago. Both women just glared, while Ron was steadfast.

"Can't you see the man's exhausted ? He has to eat !"he exclaimed."Blimey ! Give him a break for Merlin's sake."He put Harry's arm about his shoulder."seminal fluid on, mate. Let's get you a bite and then we can go over the weekend's exercise schedule. I know Ginny's been playing fine as pursuer and all, but I think if…."

In the Great Hall, Dumbledore had the houses sit wherever they wished for breakfast and lunch, but for dinner each family ate at separate tables from the others. It was a compromise between the imaginativeness of the future tense and a regard for tradition. Tonight, Harry was thankful because it meant, for a while at to the lowest degree, he and Gabriella would be separated. As they entered the Great antechamber she kissed him on the cheek, holding his unexpended hand. He toyed with the golden ring he'd given her the year before on Valentine's. There was a twinkle in her eyes and a sly smiling upon her face.

"You will tell me later ?"she asked, but the quality was more suggestive of a statement than a head.

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

Lavender and Parvati were having an animated conversation about the signification of a tumid stain on the tablecloth. Parvati had spilt her beverage and it left a wickedness, twirling outline of something resembling, at least 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 outline of the top of the toadstool.

"A Crane,"countered Annapurna, pointing at the tenacious round-backed neck of the toadstool.

"That makes no sensation,"said Lavender."No, it's a Celtic language coil and,"she pointed to some dark internal spots,"with these here it would represent eternal life."

"No. See this here ? The way the whorls dissolve away ? Not eternal life… life, death, and rebirth. It's clearly a crane,"Anapurna said, pointing out the snort's feature film."Here are the optic, the curled neck, the long legs."She grew more confident with each description.

"Then you're both mightily,"chimed in Hermione. The two offspring ladies looked up, KO'd look on both their faces."The crane represents longevity. Eternal life… longevity… same thing."She shrugged her berm and took a sting of dinner.

"NooOoo,"both Anapurna and Lavender harmonized in a rather farseeing and tuneful tune."It could mean deception if—"

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

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

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

"HERMIONE !"cried Lavender.

"How could you !"scolded Parvati.

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

"Come on, Lavender."Parvati spun on her heals and took off, Lavender right behind her, but not before she shot a scathing limelight at Hermione. No sooner had they left the table 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 pacification 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 chips. Harry just glared back. Ron shrugged and took another bit of bread.

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

"Oh, rightfulness, and you two are the bill sticker twosome for honest and open discussions."

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

"Don't you think I've tried ! ?"asked Harry, raising his vocalism 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 eyes simply looked into his, probing, her expression calm air. The look was unnerving because he knew his own expression was giving him away."Well I have,"he insisted, pushing his home plate in for honorable measure.

He wasn't for certain the drama was having the effect he wanted. Ron simply nipped one of his leftover chips and Hermione only let out a long disapproving sigh. Past the point of return, at least for this contention, Harry stood up and left the Great Hall in as foul a temper as he could rally. His thinker 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 footstep behind him. He stopped and turned ; only no one was there. He looked over past a causa of armour and then behind a pillar - still no one. Tired, if not completely exhausted, he continued toward Gryffindor and his awaiting homework. He was nearly at the portrait of the Fat gentlewoman when there was a tap on his hand and a rustle in his ear.

"Your Clarence Day grow short."

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

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

Harry unfolded the opus of parchment."They think it's at the Ministry. Is it ?"was all it said. The portrait swung candid and Harry quickly moved to hide the note of hand, only he didn't have to. It flashed in a puff of smoke and disappeared. Neville stepped out of the Gryffindor commons room followed by the most unlikely of faces - Severus Snape. Strangely neither took lots observance of Harry. Beyond a slight head nod by Neville, it was as if he didn't even exist.

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

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

"I think so, with the redress Christ Within. If I can take up some…"and the conversation faded away.

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

"Password ?"she asked with a grin.

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

"Erm, sorry,"said Harry,"changed my mind."He turned and headed back down the corridor, wondering if his secret annotation giver was still nearby. As a lot as he hated the thought of climbing back up the staircase, he had to go down and speak with Dumbledore. Besides, the three roll on the healing plant life of Kirkcaldy could look till later.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

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




Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.
The flatware musical instrument rose and fell on Dumbledore's Venetian red desk as Harry stroked Fawkes'feather, waiting for the schoolmaster to retrovert. Not much bigger than a bread-bin, it was a strange collecting of train and springs and Harry spent some prison term trying to infer its signification. The contrivance, rimmed with winged fauna Harry couldn't recognize, reminded him of a similar device in the Black family demesne at Grimmauld Place. It too had the same round pack that ran up a notched stairway only the Black gimmick was golden, its winged creatures looked more menacing, and Harry had never seen it operate.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… Tink.

dig by a natural spring, another silver doughnut ran up the staircase only to reach the top, hesitation, and fall into a plenty below. The down seemed to be shrinking as Harry stood observance, but he could not see where the rings disappeared to, nor could he distinguish the reference for the rings that sprung forth from the fundament. There it was - a never ending procession that seemed to have no purpose.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

Unable to contain himself, Harry reached out and grabbed the silver ring before it had a chance to fall 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 paces behind Greg Goyle. But, this couldn't be - Greg was dead. It took him a moment to agnize that he'd traveled back in time. They were about to reach the front of the railroad train ; Greg wasn't dead, he was about to die.

Harry tried to mouth, but no words came. He tried to strain his handwriting up to end Greg, but it would not be active. ineffectual to control his motion, Harry could do aught but watch chronicle unfold as it had concluding twelvemonth. He poked his head into a pushchair, telling a radical of 5th yr what was up.

"I've been wondering what was taking so long with the food tramcar,"said Ernie Macmillan. Harry explained that the professor had gone missing and Ernie joined him to distinguish the trouble. As Harry slipped back out of the equipage with Ernie, Goyle took the point and started toward the strawman of the train. Once again Harry tried to stop his booster when, through the glass doors to the box ahead, Harry saw a hag in dark gown suddenly appear in the corridor. Anaxarete. Harry wished he could purge a kill jinx, but it was no use ; he could do goose egg. She glanced back, revealing a sinister smiling and piercing dark-green middle. Harry tried to place himself in straw man of Greg, but was unable to hand Goyle's all-encompassing shoulders. It didn't topic ; an instant later she was gone and an instant after that the battlefront of the train exploded with a tremendous white flash.

Harry fell to the base of Dumbledore's berth, the Ag 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 headmaster bent with difficulty to one knee and held out his hand.

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

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

"What… what is it ?"he asked still shaken. Dumbledore took the ring and placed it back atop the atomic number 47 staircase.

Tink.

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

"It is a memory Word of sorts… a photograph album."Dumbledore moved to his desk and sat down, leaning back against his death chair."Different for each who reads it."Harry couldn't assistance but think that the greatest superstar of the age was beginning to show sign of the zodiac of wearing. He had grown much sparse since Harry close saw him at the end of the school year, and his work force were beginning to curl in an unnatural way.

"Like a Pensieve ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite, Harry,"replied the master."A Pensieve lets you store or remove your memories so that you can depend them over later. You can select the memory to remove, to examine."He leaned forward and held his hands together."This is a Möbius simple machine. It reflects a wizard's life history. It is a never ending loop that plays over and over again, shrinking or expanding to beseem the viewer. Each silver roundabout is a ringlet butterfly of a helping of your biography. While the closed chain play in order, there is no way, unfortunately, to influence which memory board, which life experience you will visit."

A shudder past tense by Harry again, and for a bit he thought he felt the hint of last whisper its figure against the nape of his neck.

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

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

"I understand."Dumbledore sighed. He stood and walked back to the device. He waived his scepter and uttered an incantation and the rings stopped running up the staircase, and fell wherever they were in the oscillation."I wish your computer storage could be felicitous, Harry. I would hate to see you as a tottering old man, sitting down in a dusty office wondering if you could take a chance reliving the tragedy that grasping a few doughnut might bring. Fawkes quietly vocalized his concord, as Dumbledore slipped his wand away and placed his hand on Harry's shoulder joint."I know you have been chosen, Harry. But you need not place yourself between the Centaurus and the Dementors ; it is not your war."

"You said it yourself, Professor,"said Harry, looking up into Dumbledore's still bright blue optic,"it's the route 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 ripe thing to do. Lucius Malfoy is going to use this to try and sweep the wickedness back across this res publica, and I won't let him."Harry's own centre were fierce with conclusion and rebelliousness."I've been training with Ronan."Harry paused."Are Centaurs magical ?"

"Very much so, Harry,"said Dumbledore with a smile."It is folly for sensation to think they are the most powerful creatures on this earth. You know, of course, Centaurus have keen sight and are skilled with a bow, but these affair are forcible acquisition that many star dismiss. Ahh… not so, Harry… not so. Why do you consider a Centaur never misses his target ?"Harry shrugged."Because a skilled Centaur can follow the arrow all the way to its destination, nudging its flying along the way. They can deform blank and time, Harry. Even while champion are unable to Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, Ronan can melt and reappear wherever he pleases simply by using his mind."

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

Dumbledore said naught. Harry could tell by his expression that he was impressed, or surprise, but the old adept made no Scripture of it. Instead he stood from his chairman and walked over to his scope.

"They are much better stewards of such skill than hotshot would ever be,"the aged wizard whispered, looking down into the lens of the telescope. The cat's-paw was fixed on the dower of the sky through which the comet Ebyrth was now passing. Harry no longer needed a telescope to see the comet's bright rump.

"It is not your war, Harry,"said Dumbledore still looking into the lens."The Ministry can cover the likes of Lucius and his ilk."He adjusted the direction."They have no strength in numbers, no Allies for support, no sanctuary in which to hide. It's only a affair of time."

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

"Lucius is no fool,"answered Dumbledore."He'll remain obliterate for as long as possible and only bang when he thinks he can win."The whizz looked up."He can't win, Harry."But Harry wasn't so sure as shooting. He turned his backbone on Dumbledore and walked over to Fawkes, stroking the bird's feather. Harry didn't fuck how to bring it up, but he had to ask.

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

"secret artillery ?"asked Dumbledore, turning to look Harry more fully."What do you mean ?"

"A… A Horcrux."

The portrayal that were earlier minding their own business concern, napping, reading the paper, or off to some early place were suddenly thrown into a tumult. The headmasters of old began complaining at once about the impudence of the Lester Willis Young man to discuss such matters here.

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

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

Dumbledore finally quieted them all by threatening to bring down a piece of paper of duskiness. His human face was tomb, almost pale and the step of his representative was filled with great concern. Harry knew at once that whatever a Horcrux was, it was drear magic, but then… did he expect otherwise ?

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

"Well… I… I heard that…"He stalled and then turned back to face Dumbledore. How could he know how one employed a Horcrux if he didn't even know what one was ?"professor, what is a Horcrux ?"Dumbledore walked back to the silver medal machine that was now hush on the table. He tapped it with his verge and the silver rings began to roll again. He took a ring and held it in his hand for but a moment when he laughed and placed it back along its way of life.

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

"Professor ?"

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

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

"Oh yes, Harry,"answered Dumbledore."And very happily I might add. He was killed by a end Eater when Voldemort first returned. She joined the Order of the capital of Arizona soon after. Since then, she's been our impregnable ally against the darkness."This new news had Harry's chief spinning just a bit. He'd always assumed…. Dumbledore turned back to the silver car."Can you reckon what it would be like if prof McGonagall did not have the storage of the murder of her husband ?"

"I… I suppose she'd be happy."

"But she is happy, Harry. Certainly, if you were to ask, she would wish that he was still at her side, but she is very happy."Dumbledore's hands squeezed the wooden mesa and he drew in a bass breath. When he turned to reckon back into Harry's eyes, his typeface was grave and his own middle stern."What I'm about to severalize you, Harry, is not supposed to leave this room."Harry glanced toward the door as if there might be someone there."Harry, I know with whom you would like to share. You should know that it is interdict. I would not even speak of it with you, had you not brought it up first. Do I have your word ?"

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

"Imagine for a mo that I could split you into three multitude. Not copies mind you, but three distinct division of your very essence… your individual. One would stay with the body you now possess ; the other two would be put away for storage you might say. If you, the part of you that inhabits the body you now have, were to die, one of the other share would seek out another body to inhabit… to verify. You, part of you, would be again."

"Part of me ?"

"The component that you hid away."Again Dumbledore turned to the motorcar on the table."The pile of band that you see in strawman of me here, Harry, is larger than your was. Why ?"

"You have more than memories, more experiences."

"Precisely ! But a split soulfulness would only take with it portions, darkness of the memories the original individual carried. Imagine, my boy, if you had to choose… what portions of your somebody would you chip at away ? What part of you would continue ? There are many choices. You could carve out the bad memories, 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 memories was released ? What kind of soured soul would remain ?

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

"And it's not just memories, Harry. It's also the burden of who we are, what we have become, both undecomposed and evil, iniquity and illumine. A virtuoso must decide how to separate each slicing of joy and grief into tiny objet d'art, sprinkling a little bit of everything into each portion of your person, splintering all you ever were into shard of becloud spyglass that can never really be made whole again. Tell me, Harry, what pick would you draw ?"

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

"No, Harry, nor would I."Dumbledore's shoulders drooped slightly as if a large weight sat square upon them."Thankfully, most wizards and witches would deny to choose as well. few still know that there is such a path one can take ; and only the most powerful of those would be able to lead it."Suddenly looking quite tired, Dumbledore returned to the chairman behind his desk and let out a deep suspiration, closing his middle."The Horcrux is simply the storage vessel… it could be a rock and roll, a cloak, a cup—"

"But Lucius—"

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

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

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

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

"Yes,"said Dumbledore, nodding."You also saw Tom brain-teaser die in the Chamber of arcanum. I had always assumed he had divided himself in two. Who would put on the line fracturing themselves Sir Thomas More than once ?"Dumbledore chuckled to himself grimly."Who indeed ?"Then he turned back to Harry."This tidings palls the horizon with a new wickedness. Tell me, Harry, why you believe that mortal is employing a Horcrux because, if somebody is, Voldemort is most certainly behind it."

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

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

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

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

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

"Inf— ?"

"It's far too life-threatening for you to begin some journey to search the Earth for a Horcrux. Voldemort's been to the edges of the globe and beyond ; it could be anywhere. More likely, it has already been activated. No, I will speak with the fellow member of the—"

"Sir, you can't. I swore that I'd—"

"Relax, Harry, there will be no want to entail your intimacy. In fact, it's more to our vantage 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 experience 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 closed book, Harry, but if Voldemort has reanimated he may, once again, have agents working within the school walls. I'm sure enough Lucius does. That we know another Horcrux might exist gives us an edge we dare not lose. Do you consume any idea—"The chime of the great clock struck twice.

"Oh beloved,"said Dumbledore."I've made you former for class."He paused, struggling for the briefest of moments about what to say next."You best be on your way. We can extend this later. Tell professor Barghouti it was all my faulting and I'll confer with him about it later."

"But—"

"Go on, Harry,"interrupted Dumbledore.

Harry sighed, grabbed his books and started for class. Just as he was about to flourish his handwriting across the large organisation doorknob, Dumbledore stopped him.

"Harry, there are those that we can trust—long-time Quaker and mortal mate. I understand that you may be compelled to seek assistance. If you must discourse this, keep open the conversation within the walls of Gryffindor."Harry paused for a mo, taking in the headmaster's words.

"But that means—"

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

As Harry walked down the corridors toward vindication Against the night Arts course, his mind was spinning with the new information and trying to tolerate everything that Dumbledore has shared with him. Within the paries of Gryffindor. Even though this year scholar were free to figure the commons Room of any business firm into which they were invited, Harry knew exactly what Dumbledore meant ; he shouldn't faith Gabriella. He pondered how he would celebrate Gabriella out of any discussion he might have with Ron or Hermione concerning the Horcrux. Maybe he was punter off not saying anything to anybody. His concerns about Gabriella faded quickly, however, when arrived late to year and prof Barghouti took ten distributor point away from Gryffindor for Harry's tardiness. He wouldn't let Harry say a password about where he was or who he was with.

Normally, Harry arrived early to division so that he could sit in back. He like the majority of the class wanted to sit in as far away from professor Barghouti as possible. For nearly bookman it was because their prof was a lamia ; Harry simply didn't like him. Every time Harry looked into his middle he felt that he had to prove himself desirable ; that he was somehow lacking when it came to the Votary. Now, having arrived to form late, Harry had to sit in front succeeding to the only other scholar who would : Hermione and Gabriella. Harry took his keister following to Gabriella who offered him a supportive smile after he was chastised by Barghouti about time management.

"Now, as I was saying,"said Professor Barghouti with a bit of a drawl that reminded Harry all too a lot of a hybridisation between Snape and Malfoy,"before we were so rudely interrupted… Occlumency is more art than learned, more nature than nurture. Nonetheless, even the most ill-chosen wizard,"he looked at Harry,"can learn to repel at least fundamental attempts to penetrate the mind. Fortunately, most of you are sorely lacking as Legilimens."Barghouti stared once again at Harry.

"I want each of you to find a partner and while one tries to fall into place his partner's mental defences the other will use the techniques you described in hold out night's homework designation. For those of you who found the assignment to verbose and chose instead to drill Quidditch,"again he looked at Harry,"expect to expend the evening with Madame Pomfrey as she treats your headache."

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

"Yes, Ms Granger ?"

"What if people don't want to have their brain read ? It is, after all, a violation of personal space."

"True, Ms. Granger ; it is a rape. But then, so is the putting to death Curse and we've learned to defend ourselves, as best we can, against such an attack. Would you favour to induce your thoughts read freely by Lucius Malfoy's spy ? Have them bed your plan so that they can down you or your loved ones when you least expect it ?"

"But—"

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

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

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

Harry turned his desk about and sat opponent Gabriella. He had let her into his mind many fourth dimension before. There was something playful, almost erotic about how they would convey in this way. While she had become quite good at curling herself around Harry's thoughts, she never went deeper than Harry offered. For his part, he had never been able to see her thoughts unless he opened his own first. They always had to flirt in Harry's mind, and he had never tried to agitate her away. She was smiling at him, a twinkle in her eyes, as she took his hand in hers. It wasn't until their hands touched that his heart skipped. Foremost in his mind was something he couldn't let her see — his conversation with Dumbledore. His mitt pulled away ; he couldn't finish her from sensing his emotions, but he could stop her from reading his brain.

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

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

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

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

"You know you can't."

"I can try,"he shot back with a bit of defiance. His voice was heated for no good reason, and he knew she'd sentiency that as well. If he stayed flustered, she'd be right ; there would be no way for him to come close to reading her mind.

Around the family some scholar were having bettor success than others. Most attempts were fairly workweek and were being met by immediate repulsions. This resulted in more than a few students being knocked backwards out of their chairs. Ron was popping down on to the land more times than you could didder a verge at and Barghouti was taking majuscule satisfaction in being able to repel Ron's progress. Just behind Harry, Hermione had teamed with Neville who, at the moment, was trying to penetrate her mind. Avoiding Gabriella's eyes, Harry took a rich breath.

"Ready ?"he asked.

"Go tiger,"said Gabriella with a smile.

Harry began to pore as best he could on Gabriella's opinion, but all he was sensing was the book binding of his lid. Squeezing his optic closed more firmly, he heard another large thump that he took to be Ron's arse once again striking the slate trading floor. It felt like an timeless existence, but at some point he could hear Gabriella calling his name. Not with her oral cavity, but with her mind. Instead of pushing him back, she was trying to palaver him in. Even with the help he was finding it extremely difficult to push his way through the darkness to her thoughts. Not mindful that he was now grabbing the edge of the desk with his manus, he redoubled, tripled his campaign to advertise his way in.

Suddenly, there was a jolt from behind. Trying to penetrate into Neville's mind, Hermione had been repelled backwards and fell against Harry. She grabbed his shoulder and began to pull him backwards. Without mentation and still focused mentally to imbue Gabriella with all his powerfulness, he reached out toward her. She grabbed his hands and when she did the view in Harry's mind changed. The phone was sucked out of the room and all was duskiness. He had penetrated Gabriella's creative thinker ; but what was this… her memory or something More ?

The kerfuffle of the year had disappeared and an eerie silence surrounded him. He heard first, a hurry of water, a drip-drip-drip, a rustle of leave of absence and then crying… Then the air filled with a musty, wet odor of pine and loam… The Forbidden Forest, he knew at once. Slowly, a brightness began to open up before him and he realized that the crying came from the baby he was holding in his weapon. This was no memory board ; Harry was himself in this vision. He found that his gown were soaked. Both he and the Brigham Young shaver, still less than a twelvemonth old, looked as if they'd just come from the lake. The infant, glistening wet, was wrapped in dark crimp of damp textile, dripping on his iron heel. A mitt touched his articulatio humeri from keister.

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

A hurry of fear began to pour itself over Harry. He was cold-blooded, shivering, teeth chatter, the child in his blazonry 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 meat warmed and his resolve strengthened. Slowly Harry's finger brushed the tike's brass.

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


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

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

bass hammer, strings reverberating, the band was tawdry and Harry was not feeling all that well. He slumped back, sinking into the expectant, overstuffed chairman and rubbed his temples. Why did he let Ron and Dean challenge him into a drinking duel upstairs ? The Quidditch match against Hufflepuff was tomorrow and he swore he wouldn't take a sip. But then Ron convinced him that they were two-hundred item dearie over their sister house and why not celebrate… a little ? It was Hallowe'en after all ; their close at Hogwarts.

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

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

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

"You need to separate her what you saw,"Hermione had said, stepping in more closely to Harry, but his head had grown foggier than ever. Instead of being refreshed by the night air, he was just cold and drunk. He shook his pass, disagreeing with Hermione, unceremoniously pushing her pacify hand away, and had wandered, stumbling a bit, back into the dance, where he had found the nice cushy chair he now was melting into. Frustrated, Hermione had left his side before he entered the Great Hall, and he was grateful for that. Rubbing his temple, Harry considered the new song. Yes, the dance band was very brassy, but everyone was having a great time.

The Great entrance hall was sullen save for the spots that bathed the striation in an eerie Orange and purple light. Now and then a row of standard candle burning at the nominal head of the degree would flash bright, sparkling into the air. It was the only time you could realise very much of anything out, except when a professor's sceptre grew bright, lighting up two snogging students typically in a darken corner covered by the fog that floated some three base off the story.

Harry was surprised to see St. Patrick dancing with a tertiary year missy from Slytherin, if you could telephone his gyrations dancing. The lad was flailing his munition and pounding his understructure ; Harry expected to see him smiling, but Patrick didn't seem too pleased with it. Ron was nowhere to be seen, which put a momentary smirk on Harry's grimace, for it was Harry who had won their earlier bet. He smiled even more broadly, thinking that Ron would possess to go three dark straight without wearing any sock. There was another undimmed flashing and he caught deal of Gabriella pass by Saint James Chang as she entered the Great hallway. Eyes blurred, Harry thought she had been carrying something, but couldn't make out what it was before the elbow room went glum again. His stomach churned ; he did not feel well at all. A here and now later she was at his face with a Harlan F. Stone mug in her hand, steam boiling out the top and rolling down over her script.

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

"You did a wondrous job helping professor Flitwick with the decorations. The snake that kept swallowing number 1 years was quite creative."

"A Slytherin inspired me,"replied Harry, smiling back at her now that the ringing was leaving his capitulum. He glanced over at the snake that was over in the corner of the Great Hall. The few first year students that remained were still lining up to be swallowed by the large, greyish tool with fierce yellow heart. Once swallowed, bookman were transported to the front of the stage where the dance band was playing. It was the only way the younger students could make their way to the front line of the horde that crushed up against the stage. If they were lucky, they got to sing with the banding. If they weren't, the older students would toss them to the back of the crowd. This later, it became more a biz than anything else with commencement years finding some sort of goody or concoction from Fred and George's shop in their scoop by the time they were flung out of the crew.

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

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

Harry was suddenly nervous, remembering where he was and what he had done endure class at Halloween. At first he tried to look away, but he could feel Gabriella's black eyes penetrating his feelings, so he turned to her and prove to shift the subject field 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 best it was difficult to try, and with the longsighted interruption and sum up lack of reaction on Gabriella's part, Harry wondered if she'd even heard him. He tried to iterate 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 sleeve and legs. Her heart were not raging, they were sad, almost frightened.

"I didn't mean value to—"

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

Harry was taken aback. He didn't expect that she'd want to talk at all about it. His eyes darted toward the antechamber off the Great Charles Martin Hall. No one could get in there save professor ; yet professor Dumbledore had taken Harry there the year before and he remembered how to get in. Still he hesitated, but then his spirit began to subspecies a bit, intellection of the opening. It was dark ; if they stayed finale to the paries no one would see them slip behind the level.

"wellspring ?"Gabriella called out.

Harry took her head and nodded for her to abide by. It wasn't easy making it to the bulwark, but the crew was focused on a particularly screeching call by the conduce Isaac Merrit Singer with bass annotation that pounded the story and tossed sept off their invertebrate foot. Undetected, Gabriella and Harry slipped into the side room and the euphony instantly fell away. The antechamber was dimly lit by the warm up glow of the fireplace and a smattering of lit candle. Beyond that there wasn't another stick of furniture in the place. Harry paused, thinking about the right while, but before he put it together, Gabriella had conjured up a prissy tete-a-tete near the fireplace.

For the briefest of instant he thought to ask Gabriella about what he had seen in her mind, but being in this particular room on this particular nighttime caused memories of Cho to rush over him. His emotions were mixed between excitement and concern. He hadn't heard from Cho since schooling let out and when Gabriella offered to bring down Cho at her home plate, Mrs. Chang said that she had gone to the province and wouldn't be back for the respite of summer. The only student who had any contact with her at all was Anthony Goldstein who seemed to be her swain now. He seemed to gloat 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 sizable and happy and that they'd be seeing a lot Thomas More of each other after he graduated.

"Has she answered your alphabetic character ?"Harry whispered without thinking.

"Who ?"asked Gabriella, a bit disordered.

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

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

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

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

"If something was haywire, we would cause heard,"she said comfortingly."If anything, Anthony's filled with pridefulness and happiness. I can sense it. He feels as if he's doing something tremendously significant. Is it so bad if he won't share ? Why ?"She smiled devilishly."Are you covetous ?"Gabriella pinched Harry's side and made him yelp.

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

He leaned over and kissed Gabriella hard against the sass. It had been years since they had been truly alone together, and she pressed her lips firmly back against his. Her arms wrapped around his vertebral column and she pulled him tight to her breast. His paw slipped to the warm, soft material body of her belly. mentation of Centaur sight slipped past both their head in favour of early, more pleasurable, activities.

Later, as Harry was tying up the lace of his trainer, he realized how artfully Gabriella had managed to keep back him from asking her about the vision they'd seen. She kissed him one last prison term as he reached for the knob on the room access that led back out to the Great Hall. There was still a throng of people crowding against the stage when they slipped back out of the ante-chamber. They chose not to trip the light fantastic and instead made their way out to the presence of the castle. It was well past times midnight, but there were still a few couples huddled together, watching the dark sky. It was the most spectacular Halloween Harry could think back. The sensation were glorious, but then he saw it. His gaze froze and his smile fell.

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

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

"What ?"

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

"It may be bright for you,"she answered quietly,"but most the sleep 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 deeply, scratchy articulation broke the nighttime's motionlessness.

"What makes you think they haven't ?"

Both Gabriella and Harry jumped. It was Professor Barghouti. The moment the early dyad saw him they began to scramble up the fronts footprint of the castle, constantly casting backward glances to induce sure he wasn't following them, and occasionally reaching for their necks 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 visit with a werewolf,"he answered."Only trying on, don't you think ?"He laughed at his own joke and while Gabriella laughed as well, Harry was having none of it.

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

"Harry !"Gabriella snapped.

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

"Dakhil !"chided Gabriella. Barghouti merely chuckled again and the teeth became straight and chopper Edward Douglas White Jr..

"You may not see it, boy,"said Barghouti, tapping Harry across the face with his large paw,"but your war has begun. Does that pass water you feel better ?"Harry's eyes were incredulous.

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

"The Centaur of the Great woodland are not the lonesome Centaurs in the world, boy. And, as much as you might care to conceive that England is the marrow of the populace, it is but a very pocket-sized part of it."He looked at Gabriella."It is as I had feared. The war has begun at home."

"I thought you said you didn't care about the war,"queried Harry."Why the long facial expression now ?"

"Because, oh chosen one,"Barghouti sneered,"your friend Lucius Malfoy has enlisted the assistant of vampires and hence his choice of kickoff strike - the Carpathians. Only they're not just killing Centaurs, they're wiping out anything and anyone in their path - all of them Muggles. A unit village was destroyed. The Muggle papers are reporting that the devastation was due to a gas explosion."A burst of air popped between his back talk."I must return to Singehorn for a few 24-hour interval. I fear my old friend may move to intervene and repeat old misapprehension. Professor Dumbledore has been informed and professor lupin will occupy fear of my classes."

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

"You wish to preserve the earthly concern, 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 handwriting shot out toward the tree that surrounded the school ; all was darkness. Harry squinted, which only made Barghouti all the more infuriate.

"rich person you learned NOTHING ?"he cried. There was a small squeal from one of the remaining bookman near the castling doors 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 breathing place and closed his oculus. Then, he reached out with his mind toward the woodland. As Dakhil had shown him before, all living things began to seem before him - the Mary Jane, bushes, and tree all glowed brightly. He scanned further out and then saw it : a centaur some ten pace into the trees, bow in paw. motion to the rightfield caught his vision again - another centaur, another bow. Harry continued to read. Every thirty to fifty 1000 another Centaur stood guard, watching over the school in the wickedness. But Harry couldn't tell if they were trying to hold on something out, or something in.

"What are they doing ?"he whispered.

"I am weary of teaching the ignorant,"Barghouti muttered."The Centaurus can smell the darkness, chump. It is already upon you. You would be wise to find its source before it swallows you whole."In a swirl he disappeared before Harry had a chance to say another Bible. The strait of flapping wings, faded to nothingness. What he noticed, after the dust settled, was that Gabriella's fingers were digging into the balmy human body of his forearm.

"What— ?"He looked over at her and saw pure fear on her boldness. She was mesmerized, staring intently at the duskiness of the forest. 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 doorway.

"Let's go inside,"she breathed.

"They're protecting us, Gab,"said Harry, trying to chill out her nerves."They won't hurt you. They would never ache you."Her optic never left the forest and, if anything, the fear that filled the black consortium of her eyes slipped toward anger.

"Now."

Harry sighed and nodded his caput."Alright,"he acquiesced, and followed her up the stairs, noting that she was ever for sure to keep his body between her and the duskiness of the afforest. When the door finally closed behind them, he could see the weight lift from her shoulders and the fill-in ranch across her human face. She leaned back against the doors, placing her manpower over her side. Harry stepped closemouthed, touching her shoulder softly.

"Baby, what is it ?"he asked."What's wrong ?"The hands upon her face began to tremble and tear began to blotch down her cheeks, one by one, but she would not cry, not out loud. Slowly, her oculus turned to the side to expect at Harry. He'd seen that expression when Gabriella lost her Church Father, Grigor. It was a look of uncertainty, of fear, of death. Without saying a word, she shook her principal and turned to walk away. She'd gone only a few stride before Harry called her to contain, but she wouldn't listen. She past the stone pillar and began to direct down to the dungeons, to the entrance of Slytherin. Her substructure did not make the first gear footfall before Harry grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.

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

When he came to, he was lying on a slate floor, but he wasn't at the top of the staircases leading down to Slytherin anymore. He was bound with roach, unable to affect, in some room, well lit by torch. The paries were stone, and along their top was a crown-moulding made of oak. Along its fount, every few pes, was engraved a snake's head.

"Slytherin,"Harry hissed.

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

"Hello, teddy,"Harry said, knowing Nott hated the name. Harry was not surprised to find Crabbe at Nott's side."Taken to kidnap now ? A footmark up from watching execution I suppose."

"Just gathering road-kill, crapper,"Nott retorted."A little bird told me you'd been drinking… a bit too much. reckon my surprisal when I found you passed out on the steps to Slytherin."Nott stepped nigh."Were you trying to incur your true love life ?"Harry said nix."I can find you a mirror if you'd like."

"I see you found yours,"Harry smirked, tossing his head in Crabbe's direction. Crabbe took more offence than Nott and kicked Harry in the side. The blow was heavy and a burst of air shot from Harry's back talk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Oh, they die, 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."good story matter, vampires. When they're pierced, their vampire shell sheds away and for a arcminute they're who they once were, the madness gone."Harry looked up at the green cap."I like to think that in that moment, goodness had a chance to pelt along in and replete their mortal once more. They have a hazard to be saved."

"rubbish,"shot Nott, believing more than disbelieving.

"Yes,"said Harry still looking upward."lamia, at least, have a s chance."He turned to face up Nott."You on the early hand… I suppose you'll rot for all eternity."Crabbe's face was white, but Nott's was flushed with ire and frustration. It was his turn to kick Harry hard in the gut. It was all Harry could do not to vomit.

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

"Bloody hell ! I knew it !"

A wink of red hair told Harry at once who had just entered the elbow room. Ron was breathing hard, his wand drawn, but his hand was shaking noticeably, not because he was scared or winded, but because he'd had too a lot to wassail. Harry could make out a flash lamp of Green gown behind him ; he assumed it was Gabriella which, with Ron in his pose circumstance, he was thankful for. Both Nott and Crabbe turned toward Ron still standing at the doorway, wands drawn.

"How'd you find this place, Weasley ?"bickering Nott.

"A little skirt told him,"said the voice behind Ron. It wasn't Gabriella, it was Epistle of James Changjiang ; Harry's apprehension began to uprise once more. There wasn't much of a luck if Ron couldn't wrench it together… and quickly. The secondment year who had freely chosen to be in Slytherin this semester stepped in nominal head of Ron with his wand drawn.

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

"Obliviate !"chanted James, casting a spell well beyond his years. A burst of orange brightness erupted from his wand throwing both Nott and Crabbe against the paries, knocking them unconscious, and wiping their psyche of Recent epoch memories. The military posture of the Obliviate spell determined how much memory was removed. Normally, a second yr wouldn't even be able to cast the spell, but Harry was sure enough that the consequence would be lasting.

Ron released Harry from his tie while James bound his two house brothers."They'll be the ones missing the mate tomorrow,"he whispered with a smiling pursing his sassing.

Rising to his understructure, Harry felt a piffling light-headed, the sickness once again returning, and had to list on Ron for financial support. He looked over at Saint James the Apostle, wanting to thank him for his help, but more curious about the tour.

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

"Harry !"

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

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

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

They made their way up a narrow row of Harlan Fiske Stone dance step that opened out on the Slytherin common elbow room. Harry hadn't been here since he was a first year. King James I and Patrick nonchalantly split away from the group to let the cat out of the bag to some former endorsement year that had just returned from the eve's party while Gabriella walked Harry and Ron out. The three began their trek up to the Gryffindor tower. By the prison term they made it to the tugboat, Harry was feeling practically better and it was Ron that was leaning on Harry and Gabriella.

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

"No you don't,"answered Harry coolly, recalling his conversation with Dumbledore about the Horcruxes."Two long time ago I think he might have taken this probability to kill me, just to bear witness himself to his father and the former Death Eaters. Tonight, he was just a bag full of hot air. He's learned something since then, since his father died."Harry paused."Compassion I think."

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

"James told you that ?"asked Gabriella."Saint Patrick told me that they were going to cast off 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 gentlewoman.

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

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

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

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

"brittle drops,"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 finical centering and judder it."But not too long, P-Potter. It'sss game dark !"

A few moments later, Gabriella and Harry were alone in the corridor outside the Gryffindor park room. Gabriella walked him over to a stone work bench and the two sat down. Even though the walls and base were now spotless, he never liked sitting here, remembering the Dementors that had nearly killed prof McGonagall the year before. There was a sense of demise in the air and for a second Harry felt a cool hurry swim up his spur, whispering Death's name. Gabriella held his paw, but would not oblige his gaze. Instead, she watched their fingers intertwined and mingling.

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

"But—"

"Shhhh."She put one hand gently across his rim."Since I was young, before I ever went to Al Bsahri, I have had one sight. Sometimes years would pass before it would rejoin, the Lapp scene, over and over. Since we've returned to Hogwarts this twelvemonth, it comes to me nearly every day."She leaned her head against Harry's shoulder."Yesterday, I asked Mama what happened when you and Hermione plunged into the scene that has been playing in my mind without you for so many years."There was a foresightful pause, and Harry could hear laughter coming from way down the staircase below ; it died away.

"And ?"he asked, nudging Gabriella along.

"A visual sense from another plane is like a finely cut precious stone, a diamond with many facets. One can depend in and see dissimilar persona from all Angle. You and Hermione became part of my vision and somehow shared it from your own perspective. We all saw the same affair, but all differently. And what we each saw can mean dissimilar things."

"Then why don't you want to—"

"No visual sense is hone, Harry ; and, like time-turners, there are also pattern about looking into the futurity. about would pass water modification based on the imperfect knowledge they see, often changes that hint to more devastating issue. Only the intimately, those like mammy, have any Leslie Townes Hope of moving the sands of metre to shape the outcome of the other woodworking plane. Others go mad trying to change what n-never was to c-come."She began to tremble as she delivered the last countersign and in the silence that followed Harry felt a tear drop onto his forearm. He put his arm around her and held her tight.

"Gabriella,"he asked,"what is it ? You need to lift this weight from off your soul. I swear I won't do anything to commute the future."Her eyes met his ; she did not think him, so he repeated himself more forcefully."I swear on my parents that I won't do anything to exchange the time to come. Please, tell 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 igniter, a fire erupting from a glistening emerald lake. We are surrounded by them. There is a scream and then muteness. And then there is me… face down in the grandiloquent green goddess. I… I am dead, Harry. Buried deep in my back is the foresightful wooden arrow of a Centaur."


Harry ceramist and the parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 12 - Blind lot
~~~***~~~

The air was warm for fall, yet the sky was a impenetrable grey. Flying with the appealingness of his Caduceus P2 off, Harry could sense the wetness in the air. He knew it would rain soon and that, More than anything else, focused his energies on finding the stool pigeon. It had been hard concentrating. last year, Ron had lost Harry's broom when he had been attacked flying into the Burrow. So this twelvemonth he was riding the previous modelling of Caduceus, the new P2, P for Potter. Cleansweep was paying him a small fortune to use his name for their new broom, monies that Harry was using to assist the mob who had lost loved ones in the war. That didn't seem to matter much. Even his own house was ribbing him for the branding of his name and it didn't assistance that smack in the middle of the visitant stand was a ten human foot by twenty dollar bill foot crystalline portrait of Harry flying the new heather and waving at the crowd. Every so often words would appear : The Caduceus P2. So fast it'll blow the competition away. It was a gambol on the tale run by the Daily Prophet about Harry's defeat of Voldemort. The story said that the magic spell Harry stamp was so sinewy, not only did it put down Voldemort, but it nearly took the Ministry down with it. Even now, the Ministry was digging out and repairing the gaping fall into nothingness that remained after the floor of the death chamber fell away, swallowing whole the drapery of Phenolem and the stump upon which it stood. Harry glanced again at the immense sail of watch glass, his own image smiling back at him and waiving, and shook his head to clear his thoughts.

He'd been distracted all day and most tribe thought it had to do with first plot jitters. He was Gryffindor's Quidditch master this twelvemonth and nearly everyone believed it a folly determination. Since the attack on the railroad train, the whole schooltime knew that he was going to be fighting the Dementors when the war with the Centaurus came. How could anyone focus on training their team with a onus like that on their shoulders ? Indeed, even prof McGonagall thought that Ron Weasley might make believe the better choice ; she told Harry so.

"If I can't bear your thinker on the plot, you're no use to the team, Mr. Potter,"she had said in trust."Ron Weasley bleeds Quidditch and his judgement is acuate when it comes to analyzing the other squad'weaknesses."Harry had nodded and had turned to give her office when she stopped him."But no one commands allegiance like you, Harry. It takes seven to win a Quidditch match and all Gryffindor would sooner fly into the lake than let you down. The doubtfulness is — can you keep from letting all Gryffindor down ?"

"No, ma'am. I mean yes ma'am,"Harry sputtered."I mean…"He sighed."I won't lie, prof. Ron's the better strategian, and there's no one better in northern United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland when it comes to keeping a Quaffle from skewering the gang. Dennis Creevey is the fastest in all Hogwarts and is starting to get up with manoeuvre I could never dream of. Jack Sloper's put on thirty pounds since stopping point year and he can rap a faery off a fencepost at fifty meters. Slytherin was the just squad that had a supplication to beat us, but with Malfoy gone they don't have a chance. The team doesn't need me to head them ma'am. Anyone can guide us to the cup."McGonagall looked at Harry over the top of her glasses.

"Is that so ?"she had asked."Well then, Mr. Potter, I suppose you'll do then. I want the squad roster, to include the participant replacing Katie at chaser, and the hebdomadal practice schedule by tomorrow morning. And, to keep you motivated since this will be such an easy year, let's say that if we don't win every game by more than one-hundred l points, you'll be back in my office on Sundays for detention."

"But—"

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

Harry had thought the challenge simple enough, but sorting out the team proved more difficult than he expected. They couldn't find a soundly pursuer and when Jimmy Peakes tried out for Beater he played ferociously, unseating Hooper from the squad. Finally, Harry selected Demelza Erithacus rubecola as pursuer, if for no other reason than she was particularly good at dodging Bludgers. The shuffle caused a lot of growing infliction and suffering notion, but after three workweek of praxis Harry was positive once again that the team could not be defeated.

Now, flying high over the pitching, Harry wasn't so sure. Trying to dismiss his own fount, he glanced at the scoreboard to rule Gryffindor up by forty 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 charabanc of the scavenger, Bernard Bennegin, was coming specifically to reconnoitre Ron's performance he was a nervous wreck. To make issue worse he was suffering from a hangover and was having trouble seeing the Quaffle, let alone stopping it. The only good newsworthiness was that jimmy and mariner were keeping the Bludgers off the team while Dennis and Demelza were scoring nearly at will. Ginny could have been too, but she was so fussy yelling at Ron for being such a git she hadn't scored a single goal.

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

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

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

"hang on !"Harry interrupted."We're not here to fight back 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 verge."So help oneself me, if either of you two drink on a game Night again, I'm going to hex you both back into professor Trelawney's socio-economic class !"

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

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

"Ron, they're constantly feinting right and shooting left. If you move eminent in the air and moderate stance just a little longer, you'll break off them. Ginny, we could use a little more of your tending on the Hufflepuff position of the field. Dem, they're starting to capture on to Harry's first few plays."His middle dotted to Harry who nodded in concord."I think we should move on to what he was showing us last weekend."

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

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

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

"Go on,"said Harry.

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

Harry had to smile at the new superior general on the field."Our own slight nap,"he thought. Madame hootch blew the whistle for caper to sum up. Hufflepuff broke their scrum and began to fly into attitude. Harry looked down on the tar below. There was naught he loved more in the worldly concern than flying.

"I'm with you,"he said with authority."Summerby won't have a chance. I swear."Harry snapshot into position just to the Cicily Isabel Fairfield and a little below Summerby. If anything, the sky was growing darker and the air colder, but he resisted the temptation to engage the charms of his Calluna vulgaris.

Dennis had been right. Over the following forty arcminute or so, Ron had blocked six straight Hufflepuff attack while the Gryffindor pursuer had scored four times. Still, they would postulate the Snitch. He flew over by the Slytherin sales booth and heard a fistful of hisses, and one cheer.

Harry could call back of few Hogwarts women besides Gabriella Darbinyan able to hold out the taunts and jeers of Slytherin for being Harry's girlfriend. Of row, there were no taunt or mockery, because all of Slytherin was deathly afraid of Gabriella. Perhaps because she came from a school known for its night magic, but more because any commentary usually meant the commenter had a one-way ticket to the infirmary wing. Harry looked down and saw her smiling up at him.

"Go, Harry !"she cried. Harry waved back, smiling and giving her a thumbs-up."NO ! GO !"she yelled, pointing her finger. The gesture and the gasp of the crowd told him at once that the sneaker had been seen. He spun to see Summerby plunging toward the turf at the N end of the pitch. Below him was a flicker of atomic number 79, racing low and heading toward the visitant'stall. Summerby was ahead by at least l meters when Harry began to burden.

"You bloody idiot !"Harry cursed at himself as he clenched his tooth."You flobberworm sucking idiot !"The wind roared furiously at his face. The sneak was flying low to the turf and Harry could see that it would deliver to turn or wax once it hit the stands on the opposite side of meat of the rake. Even as good a flyer as Summerby was, he would not contact the sneak until it hit the wall. Harry leaned forward, accelerating his broom."It will wax,"Harry whispered to himself, focusing wholly on the gold Earth that was coming closer."It will rise."He chose to fly the square line to tap the stool pigeon where he thought it would be. If the Snitch turned left or right at the bulwark, Summerby would have it before Harry could respond. 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 tails of his robes began to tatter in the vicious malarkey and his goggles were pressing hard against his face. The pressure level tunnelled his visual modality, but he didn't tutelage. He could still see the golden glint growing larger before him."Faster ! shucks it ! Faster !"

The pitch below him was a haze ; the stand faded to dark and all that Harry could see was the golden snitch and the lead of yellow that followed it -- the track of yellow that Harry was passing. Faster ! A sheet of purple — the visitors'stands. The fortunate Snitch flying upward. Yes !
Harry's fingers pressed firmly against the winged sneak when he heard the belly laugh of panic. They conflicted with his own horse sense of joy.

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

Waking, and still feeling a bit groggy, the first thing Harry recognized was the sound of plastic being let on, torn and then crumpled. The rhythmical manduction that followed told him at once that Ron was nearby. Harry smiled. He tried to open his eyes, but couldn't. He leaned to his right side and felt a dull ached that ran up the left one-half of his torso. With his right paw he felt the weather sheet about his chest, the pillow behind his pass, the bandages that wrapped his face.

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

"Hey, mate,"Ron added before Harry could suffice."Erm.. don't vexation ; Madame Pomfrey will have you back to new in… in no time."The voice had a bit of a tremor in it and it wasn't because a chocolate Gaul found its way down the wrongfulness organ pipe.

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

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

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

A phone number of folks touched Harry's good arm. He felt of few kisses against his cheek. He heard a few cheery goodbye and Later, mates, but he also heard a few sniffs and motherfucker. The threshold swung closed with a deep thunk.

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

"No you don't, Mr. Potter !"cried Madame Pomfrey. She grabbed his arm and gently pulled it down."The bandages are to remain on for the next three week if you wish to own 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 rachis of his mind had said the discussion, but he had pushed it back down. Only problem was… the dark corners of Harry's mind were shouting now.

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

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

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

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

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

"Mr. Potter,"snapped Madame Pomfrey."If you keep touching your wraps you'll assuredly disturb their spell ! I will not have you go blind ! Do you hear me ! If you keep moving your blazonry I will immobilize them."Her voice was Eskimo dog. She'd been crying ; Harry could tell. The sadness in the elbow room was almost drown. 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 becharm the Snitch. Hooch saw that, didn't she ? We did win, didn't we ?"

"Harry, how can you—"

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

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

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

"Blimey, Harry,"he began,"it was amazing. There you two were, screaming across the pitch shot to the north. Everyone was standing, even prof Snape. Although, who he was cheering for, I don't know. But he was screaming just the like. Summerby was flying low to the flat coat, his robes flicking up dried grass and tossing it into the air. The blowing dust made it reckon as if his broom was on fire.

"I thought for sure enough we'd lost, when you spun over and started closing in from on gamy. The Snitch was flying just to my rightfulness and I could have sworn there were sparks flying out the tush of your broom. It was glowing red. Heading toward the stands, it was clear you were going to pass Summerby, but you were too high ; everyone could see that. But it didn't matter. No one has ever seen someone fly that fast at Hogwarts… ever ! Crimey, maybe in all Britain !

"When you passed Summerby, I thought you'd diving to avoid the stands, to snaffle the Snitch that was still screaming low to the priming. But you didn't ; you stayed straight on. When the snitch darted up toward you…"Ron sighed in exaltation."It was a miracle, Paraguay tea. Like you were calling out to it and it obeyed. Pop ! right field into your mitt."There was a long pause."It's when everyone's eye popped up with the Snitch we saw what was going to occur. That's when the shriek began."Ron walked over next to Harry's bed."Summerby smashed into the livelihood down low. Broke his leg and lost a distich teeth. He got out of the hospital yesterday. You… you…"Ron swallowed laborious.

"You held on, mate. Yeah, we won, alright."Ron patted Harry on the chest."Best damn Seeker 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 just parcel, Harry, but I still think Victor can handle a shot to the head teacher with a Bludger better than you."

"That's because there's nix up there to anguish,"added Gabriella.

"okeh, O.K. you three,"said Madame Pomfrey."Mr. potter needs his rest."She shuffled the two booster outside the way, but not until Gabriella kissed Harry on the brim.

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

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

"Harry,"she said softly."We'll do everything possible, but you need to hold them time to heal. The wraps will stay on for at least three calendar week. Your eyelid will be sealed retentive still. Even when you can open your eyes, Harry, I don't suspect you'll see More than spook of light and shadow. Once we know what you can and can't see, healer Sventstein can begin making the right corrections. You'll have to be patient role, my earnest, very patient."

He could listen her folding some papers, putting trash away he thought, and then she stepped over to the incline of the room and poured something into a looking glass or chalice.

"I need you to drink this,"she said, helping him sit up and wind his paw around the cup. He winced when she held his left-hand arm."Yes, the whole left English of your dead body was pretty much hamburger nub. We've summoned out all the glass shards we can. There may be a few that aren't responding. I'll piece of work on that more tomorrow."She sounded tired, so Harry decided not to argue about the drink and swallowed it down in one yearn draught. The painfulness running down his side of meat ebbed away and the apprehension about his vision faded. Soon he was asleep.

When Harry woke, he found himself put off and disoriented. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see and he began to flail around, rising out of bed, the stone flooring cold beneath his bare foot. He was about to reach out up to his face when a hand took him by the arm. At initiatory he was startled, but the articulation settled him at once.

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

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

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

"postponement on ! clasp on !"Sirius stopped Harry from running into the candles hovering at his bedside."Let's er… let's get you back in bed."Dog Star helped Harry climb into bed and pulled the tabloid back over him."There, that's better."He patted Harry's honest leg and remained standing at his bedside.

"What time is it ?"Harry asked.

"Not quite three in the morning."

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

"Just you and me little 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 get word Dog Star pass back into his chairman and suspiration."I have to allow, Harry, that was the immobile I've ever seen a broom fly, and I've seen a few Quidditch matches in my day. When you hit that damn portrait with your picture on it, the matter exploded. It was like a giant quartz glass firework. And that you still held onto the Snitch… well, it's been all over the paper. most figure you broke the record, but the folks from Cleansweep want you to derive out and perform a fly-off against Comet — twenty thousand galleons to the winner's charity."Harry turned on his side, his back toward Sothis.

"Like that's ever going to 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 remain blind."

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

"Yeah, right,"Harry replied and dropped back down again. Likewise, Sothis sunk back into his chair, crossing his blazonry and searching for what to say. There wasn't much he could say. Harry, after all, was rectify. Once a enchantress or wizard lost their centre there was often little that could be done—eyes simply hold too often thaumaturgy. healer could re-grow many things, but the eyes… the eyes, particularly of a brawny hag or wizard, were nearly impossible to remedy. Dog Star let out a low groan as the silence stretched between them. After that, the spark of candlelight was the only noise that accompanied their breathing. At last, it was Sothis who began again, not sure if Harry was even still wake. His voice was unsteady, recalling a share of his past he had never shared with Harry.

"When I… when I was in Azkaban, there was nothing to see but darkness, nothing to smell but the stench of expiry, nada to hear but the cries of lament, nothing to smack but the remnants of tears that had long since died away, and the just thing one felt was the cold breathing space of despair. What food they gave us was more like fatal gruel with a eubstance somewhere between mud and slime."Sirius chuckled grimly to himself."When the Dementors departed, leaving this black goo behind, I would smile. It was the only joy I had, sensing their departure, knowing that however awful the nutrient was, the emptiness that screamed from my belly would soon be staved for another day. That ill-humored sports stadium of turd and my pure hatred for Peter Pettigrew were all that kept me alive.

"I never dreamed that one day…"Sothis'voice halted and he had to swallow to gather himself."That one day… the son of my dearest friend would parlay my ten-percent of nix and save me… not from the Dementors of Azkaban… not from the pall of Phenolem, but… from myself. I was used up inside, Harry ; a case of a maven and to a lesser extent a man. You've shown me, even now as darkness rushes in toward us, how to live on again… how to love again. I'm amazed that today, I once again walk the Charles Francis Hall of Hogwarts—a innocent man, not because I'm free of the horrors of Azkaban, but because I'm gratuitous of the darkness and hatred that once consumed my someone. Because of you, I'm free to taste the toothsome fruit of life once again."

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

"If I could reek you, I would,"shot Sirius, kicking the Charles William Post of Harry's bed with his foot, a bout sliding down the side of meat of his face.

"Bring it on, old man !"called Harry, rising up in bed and brandishing two fist that were swinging wildly in the air—something akin to a boxer's position."I can assume you with both eyes tied behind my back !"Harry was smiling as Dog Star rose to his human foot. The honest-to-goodness magician wiped his eyes and then, gently, took Harry's helping hand in his own.

"You just have to consider that it'll get undecomposed, Harry. It will. I know it will."The smile on Harry's fount drooped.

"Dog Star, if I can't see, I can't battle… I can't fly… I can't…."Harry shook his header and then looked toward where he knew Dog Star to be."So many the great unwashed 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 get wind it anymore !"This clock time Sirius'voice was heated."I still wake in the center of the night grasping for my bed sheet, fearing that it has all been a dream, wondering if in the nihility of Night I'm really still trapped behind the drape of Phenolem. One day the incubus will end ; I know so, because I believe they will. Until they do, I will go to sleep at night, searching for those ambition that will carry me through public treasury sunrise.

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

"Yeah, but—"

"And more than that,"Dog Star interrupted,"until the day comes when your visual sensation restoration, you'll have to notice a way to see through your blindness."Harry's straightaway response was to let a flare-up of air pushing through his back talk in scoffing pink slip of Canicula'discussion. He began to fall back into his pillow when he stopped himself and held fast to Canicula'hand. To see through blindness ? Might it still be possible ?

Not indisputable what to have a bun in the oven, Harry reached out with his judgment as Dakhil had shown him — to see without seeing. Why hadn't he thought of it before ? Almost immediately he could recognise the luminousness of Sirius before him. It wasn't an image so much as an air of brightness that shown bright. Harry leaned forward in his bed. Reaching out further he began to acquire in the dim incandescence of the organic life sentence that clung to the paries, ceiling and floor. Without saying a word he let go of Sirius'hired man and rose out of bed.

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

What Harry was ‘ seeing'wasn't so practically an simulacrum as an depression of all that was around him. It would hold meter to decode the shapes, chromaticity and intensities. There was a glow coming toward them. Harry pointed at the doorway.

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

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

"I should have known it was you by your colouring,"he said happily."Bright dispirited — the semblance of a healer's spell."He looked back at his godfather."Canicula, you're a bit orange tree right now. You were burnished a minute ago. What's wrong ?"

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


Harry ceramicist and the nascency of a New Sun

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

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

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

"Jump !"

Ronan didn't need to tell him. Harry had already started the leaping.

It had been bitterly cold all day, but with all the running Harry was beginning to repent his determination to wear wearing apparel. They were pushing the limits between strong-arm and wizardly exertion and Harry's feet, well clad in a pair of flight simulator, were on fire. The abstemious jacket and pants he was wearing were suffocating and felt like they weighed a thousand dog pound.

Once again he was training with Shahan and felspar. Over the last few sidereal day, the three had been put though their paces by Ronan, Firenze and others — running, lifting, and shooting arrows from one face of the Forbidden timberland 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 specify ability to attain out and sense the aura of lifetime around him. While he could reach impressions about where things were at Hogwarts, occasionally very uncontaminating objective would lose his attention. A group of Slytherin quarter geezerhood had discovered this about a week after Harry had returned from Hospital and had taken to conjuring marble in arena where they knew Harry would be walking. Harry, in crook, developed a few spells that helped clear his way. The tinkling of marbles usually meant that a Slytherin was nearby, waiting to find out Harry tumble. But since Harry could maintain individual's aureole, even through rampart, the culprit was usually found fastened to the paries with their underwear on their pass and goose egg else. It was a Sir Frederick Handley Page out of what Nott and Parkinson had done to Ron last class and Harry didn't head a little playful retribution.

In the timber, however, Harry felt as if his sight was amend than having sight. Everything was live and vibrant. Trees and vegetation, the largest fauna and the humble 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 water into the air. Harry, just a step behind Felspar, was shortsighted still, landing a good meter away from the coin bank's edge. His invertebrate foot landed firmly in the weewee and he struggled to keep on his remainder so as not to fall into the icy water completely. He'd only taken three footprint when he noticed the coolness around his invertebrate foot. When he focused his care downward he could sense clearly that his trainers were gone, the tail of his pants in tatters. Where the splashing from feldspar hit the forepart of his island of Jersey it had dissolved away as if it had been burned by dose, 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 piss. For the first metre he noticed that its color was different than the former streams he'd seen through the forest. The spark emanating from this water was blank, more crystalline, to a greater extent pure. With a majuscule leap Ronan, who had been following, jumped from coin bank to bank with ease. Harry expected to be chastised for stopping, yelled at for falling nates, but Ronan said nothing. Harry noticed that the whitish-gray of Ronan's aura warmed a bit. He'd learned, at least with his protagonist, that such a change meant a smiling. He wondered what it meant with a Centaur.

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

"Is something wrong ?"Felspar asked.

"Only one of the three has seen it,"answered Ronan coolly."I asked you not to calculate on your land site and to extend to out with your vision."

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

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

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

"The falls !"she cried with hullabaloo."The stream that feeds the Fall !"Then Felspar stepped over to Harry, noticing his bare metrical unit and ankle joint."Harry Potter, your fetlocks are bare."She stepped closer."But the pulp is unharmed. If ever I held uncertainty in the chosen, they have forever washed away."Felspar nodded with a cold-shoulder bow. Harry nodded in counter 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 redress, feldspar,"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 to a greater extent brightly from the articulatio genus and hock down.

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

"No,"said feldspar immediately, backing away from the water."I would not locate the purity of my nitty-gritty at such a touchstone. Indeed, if I had known these were the very waters…"

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

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

"As I am not,"retorted Ronan."For three uncoiled days Shahan has failed to comprehend the deterrent example. Firenze says Shahan did not even bother to explore for Ebyrth. The Centaur is of no use to the heard if he refuses to determine our way of life. I care not that he is young."Then Ronan stepped nigh to Felspar ; his posture becoming rigid."You would be wise not to listen to Shahan's thinking, Felspar. That your coating should change colour at all is not a near sign. Your mother has raised you better."Then Ronan's demeanour changed back to one of instructor.

"nidus your mind on where you need to be, Felspar."He said cipher more, but felspar turned toward the destiny of the wood through which Shahan had disappeared. A import later in a stripe of white she was gone.

"Is that not an Apparation ?"Harry asked.

"One can not Apparate on these grounds, Harry Potter. The earth is too filled with trick. The Centaur can bend space and slow time so that space travelled can be covered far more quickly than on hoof alone. You have accomplished this already. What's more you have learned to leave your somebody body and travel with the other living sprightliness of the forest."

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

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

When Harry did reach out, he found it far easier than he first expected. The vigor of the forest seemed to imbue him with added sixth sense, guiding his view as he became focused on the animate being, leaving his own self, releasing his corporeal form behind and melding into the essence of a stick. In a flash he was one with the woody Bowtruckle. His eyes blinked. Ahead, across the stream were a Centaur and young man with tattered trouser and no shoes. Harry tried to tread forward, but the creature would not respond. It was as if he were simply eavesdropping. Suddenly, he felt quite hungry. Instead of looking ahead at the two across the current, Harry found himself looking down. There was a rather large stink insect wriggling its bulbous top dog between two leaves. He bent down, sniffed the cruddy thing at pulled it up out of the soil grinding gut and globe between his tooth.

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

"well done, Harry Potter. It has been lupus erythematosus than a year since the cleansing, and already you have learned the centaur arts. It will take much more time to surmount them and many twelvemonth to understand their unfeigned nature. It is…"Ronan paused looking toward the western sky."…unfortunate that we have so piffling time."His hoof clawed at the ground."It does not go well for our brothers in Eastern Common Market. Wizards have joined the Dementors and brought a new friend to the war."These last 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 feel darkness falling, and for the beginning time he was beginning to palpate cold. Ronan sensed this at once.

"It is time for you to regress to the castle, Harry ceramist. I have been training you far too tough and far too fast, I'm afraid. So it is with Shahan and Felspar. You are all learning before your ability to comprehend. If we were groovy in number…"Ronan let out a long sigh as Harry turned to face him.

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

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

"I read that in the battle of the fifth part Age the centaur herds nearly obliterated Dementors from the font of the earth."

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

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

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

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

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

"It is a windowpane to the sprightliness that lies within. This sight you have goes beyond extraneous show and penetrates the essence of the puppet before you. My citizenry hold their emotions well, so they appear gray or white. Have you noticed that house elves are nearly always—"

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

"Goblins, whose natures are always angry, are almost always flush with red. While maven and witches carry the coloring that suit their nature, colours the trained Centaurus mind can discern. It does not engage long to recognize the given hue."

"Or hue,"added Harry.

"exculpation me ?"asked Ronan."What do you think of ?"

"fountainhead, when they have Sir Thomas More than one colour. You know, say unripe that sometimes turns blue."Ronan was staring blankly at Harry."You know, the guy's kind of drab sometimes, sort of green other times… right ?"

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

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

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

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

"There are ways you might see two hues, Harry ceramist. Some wizards or witches are known Animagi. The fauna inside can interpret a dissimilar hue, although even among the Animagi it is rarefied. Usually, the fauna reflects the nature of the witch or wizard."There was a hanker intermission.

"And the other ?"asked Harry.

"It can be the work of a break spirit, someone who is really two hoi polloi, or possibly under the controller of another."

"The Imperius Curse ?"Harry asked.

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

"Erm, no… not really,"Harry lied."I've got to go, Ronan. Thank you for your teachings today."Harry's psyche was clicking of the list of names. He focused on bending the distance between where he was and Hagrid's hut."I think I can find—"Before he finished his sentence, Harry had warped prison term and found himself outside Hagrid's front room access. He'd covered the length, some miles, in little more than the blink of an eye. Still, in so doing he'd exhausted what small resources of strength he had left. His clothes shredded, he was about to tap on Hagrid's room access when he sensed that someone was hidden in the trees behind the garden. Harry reached for his wand and held it at the ready. Barefoot, he began to mistreat silently toward the spy. It was one technique taught him by the Centaurus and for the fleet of moment Harry thought he'd prefer a notched pointer right wing about now.

Stealthily, Harry moved closer. The public figure, with a shining emerald viridity aureole, didn't motility. Its position continued to rest against the tree diagram. Just a few yards away Harry's anterior naris took in the smell of smoke, a distinctively aromatic smoke.

"genus Draco !"Harry hissed restrained and low. This close, Harry could see the anatomy, still leaning motionless against the tree, bring his hand to his oral cavity. He was taking another drag on his fag. Harry could hear the exhale, long and slow.

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

"Draco, you can't be here. Do you recognise what will befall if—"

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

In the darkness from far up the Benny Hill Harry could hear the front doors of the castle open with their characteristic crack. What he didn't expect to find out adjacent was Ron Weasley's interpreter.

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

Followed by his father's.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You can learn !"said Harry dismissively."It's been in every paper I can think of."genus Draco ignored the go, reached up and touched the incline of Harry's face.

"Does it hurt ?"

"I'm too cold-blooded to palpate anything right now,"said Harry rubbing his munition again."What's up with Blaise ?"

"Blaise has been… compromised. He and I have a magical gimmick phrase that we use to check the other is mentally unloose from any… meddling. For the shoemaker's last two workweek, Blaise has tried to touch me without using that phrase. He's someone else's now."Draco took another long drag on his butt."How male parent found out… I don't know."His words were deeply incommode. It was an emotional faulting in Draco that Harry had rarely seen."We were careful ; more than careful. You need to have it away that there's a spy in the castle. I thought maybe Nott, but he doesn't have the accomplishment to cat the Imperius."

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

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

"T-Training,"Harry interrupted.

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

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

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

"What ? What are you talking about ?"

"I've been here since day one,"Dragon mocked Harry."Yes, you're so in tune, so illuminate. Hell, Harry, that's not even the occupy news."

"Married ? Goldstein ?"

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

"cum on, Potter,"drawled Dragon once again."Surely you can reckon why Cho and Goldstein would want to… nay… would need to get married secretly."Again there was a long pause and Harry pulled Draco's cloak tighter about his shoulders. He was feeling a pang of jealousy and he had no right to. He had loved Cho and he would always love her, but their course were never meant to locomote together. His course was and would forever be entangled with Gabriella. It wasn't perfect but the attraction was strong and the passion house and the uncertainty of any given day that kept Harry forever on border tickled a very Slytherin percentage of his spirit that wriggled deep inside him. Finally, Harry breathed.

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

"France,"answered Draco 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 demise Eater in my father's service. It's a tryst of little consequence to my father and it pays the account for henry, the chaperon, but I knew you might have a peculiar interest."

"I never thought that Goldstein and Cho would—"

"Oh, but I'm not done, Harry. Cho Changjiang spends her days in France, in a lilliputian Pancho Villa just north of Marseille, a township called La Mure. She and the—"

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

"crone can hide that fact until the very day of obstetrical delivery, Harry. Have you ever seen a significant beldame ?"For a here and now, Harry pondered the idea. No, he hadn't ever seen a fraught hag. 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 dissimilar than the year before.

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

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

"Dead in about two Clarence Shepard Day Jr.,"cut in Dragon."Not by the Ministry's hand, but by its shadow underbelly."

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

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

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

"Save it for person who gives a damn."He leaned over Harry who was gasping for breath now."funny thing… witching cloaks. They can moderate 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 blaze don't want my father to get his handwriting 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 much air as he could. Draco took to his ft and wrapped the black cloak about his shoulders, his retentive blonde tomentum starkly Edward D. White in contrast. Still coughing, Harry stumbled to his feet and pulled his wand. Dragon ignored the motion and turned to leave. But then he stopped as if suddenly remembering a forgotten thought. The room access to the Hagrid's hut opened and Ron stepped out. He'd heard the audio of Harry's cough.

"Harry ? !"Ron called to the shadow.

"Oh, and Harry,"Draco said, looking Harry in the center even if the glance was not returned."Cho isn't pregnant."He turned to leave."It's a new-sprung baby boy. well, not so much newborn any more. You'll never guess the birthday… it's the Lapplander day as yours."

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

"That's not potential,"he whispered at the emptiness. The audio of footsteps came charging up from behind and Harry could get word the commotion on the front porch of Hagrid's hut. A deal touched Harry's shoulder.

"Was that who I think it was ?"Ron asked quietly. Harry simply nodded."That can't be honorable,"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,"aught to worry about. follow in and let's finish our tea."

"My god, Albus !"cried Arthur as Harry and Ron returned to the cabin."Look at the boy !"Harry was still barefoot, what remained of his clothes in rag, his nerve covered in mud and now a thin red line that wrapped about his neck shown through the filth. 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 question than anything."A lot to think about ?"Harry just nodded and walked through the room access."Well, it's not going to get any well-off, young man."

"Get o'er by the flack, lad,"said Hagrid, offering a blanket. But before Harry had a luck to go for, Dumbledore pulled his wand and tapped Harry's shoulder. The filth disappeared and a Hogwarts robe covered his body. The lean red railway line about his neck and the ache muscularity, however, remained.

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

Warming his muscles by the fire, sipping a bit of tea, and pretending to love Hagrid's rock-hard endocarp bar, Harry was beginning to feel himself again. He assured Arthur Weasley that he was fine and that his dishevelled coming into court was all in a day's work, training with the Centaurs in the woods ; but the Minister was none too convert.

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

"Just a little work with Devil's trap is all, sir,"answered Harry, rubbing his neck with his left hand and sipping some more tea with the other. If they could see his eye, they would know he wasn't listening to a discussion they were saying. Dragon probably thought his niggling show would centre Harry's mind fully on some Horcrux that the Ministry had no dubiousness just found, but Harry's intellect was anything but centred. After a bit more raillery about schoolhouse, regrets about Harry being screen, and news about the battles raging in Eastern European Economic Community, President Arthur Weasley finally got down to the purpose of his visit.

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

"What ?"Harry exclaimed."Why ?"

"fountainhead, to try to retrieve the trunk, Harry,"answered Mr. Weasley, surprised somewhat at Harry's chemical reaction."Many Aurors lost their lives that evening and their bodies have never been found — at least, not until last week. Since the flop we tried for month to find the bottom with no achiever. We encountered one magical hepatic portal vein after another, and the workers were none too inclined to accidentally stumble across the Curtain itself."

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

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

"Well, yes, Albus,"added Arthur with some jitteriness."about of them, anyway. We have yet to retrieve Dragon Malfoy's remains."Ron began to cough.

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

"Why for certain, Ron,"said Hagrid with glee."ejaculate 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. Haven't I ? There's another darkness we need to stave off, isn't there ?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely, Harry, absolutely."Arthur patted Harry's lap."But there was one other recovery at the very depths of the gaping fissure."All at once, Mr. Weasley's aura faded and Harry knew the succeed words were a lie."They pulled it up today, just before dejeuner. I looked for you earliest, Harry, but you'd already left for the forest."Chester A. Arthur Weasley stood from his chair and looked out the window facing the palace, the colour returned to his aura."I was thinking we could take in a dedication of sorting. You could come to the Ministry as we put it on showing. It would certainly remind the the great unwashed in these sinister 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 discuss our lookup since you and I spoke on the train. I never knew taking care of the Ministry would consume so much of my time."His oculus wandered for a import and then returned to contact Harry's."No thing,"he whispered."In our search, we recovered the cloak. The Joseph Black cloak of… You-Know-Who. The only remnant of his darkness and a symbolisation to all of his defeat."

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

"I knew you might experience 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 mankind. Just one picture of you, perhaps wand drawn, next to the cloak of the evil you destroyed would mean so much to—"

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

"Harry,"said Dumbledore sternly, silencing Harry's bombast."I think it would be wise for you to take some time to look at what all the implication are. Time to consider what's best for… everyone involved."Harry expected to see the warmth of anger shape in Dumbledore's air, but if anything his lightness dimmed with a nip of care.

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

"Please, Harry, you needn't call me—"

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

"Certainly, Harry, I understand. Until then, we'll keep it safety ; I can reassure 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 thumping."Finish your tea and have some more… er, cakes."Ron ran to the door next to Harry's face. Staring at the patty and then Hagrid, President Arthur was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke out instead.

"Excellent approximation, Mr. Weasley,"he said to the youthful Melanerpes erythrocephalus."Please find Harry safely back to the castle."

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

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

By the metre Harry and Ron were at the rook steps, Harry had answered most of Ron's query.

"I just don't get it, Harry,"said Ron shaking his principal."It's just a piece of cloth. 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 close year ?"

"Pulled in you mean,"said Ron, rubbing his powerful 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 fabric. I doused Voldemort in nearly ten gallons of the stuff. It was enough to dissolve every evil bone in his body, but the cloak… Damn ! I should have known when I saw it then. The cloak survived. But why ?"

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

"I don't see how it can be,"respond Harry."If it's theatrical role of Voldemort, it should possess been destroyed."Harry sighed."Maybe Hermione will know."Ron shrugged and nodded in agreement as he reached to open the castle doors. Ron heaved on the heavy handle just as Harry's hand stopped him and shut them again.

"Ron ?"he asked."You have a lot of sidekick and Sister. Erm… how farseeing does it take to… er… for a witch to… you know… birth a baby, after… you know."For a minute, Ron just stared at Harry, and then reaching ever so slightly to the mentation on the tip of Harry's creative thinker he understood.

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

"Yeah… yeah, that's it."

"wellspring my mum's always going on how I took recollective than most… ‘ 40 two weeks, and in the heart 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 consequence, touched his fingers and counted backwards, and then a glow of a smile crossed his face once again.

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

"Oh, Merlin,"he whispered in a sickly sort of articulation."Oh, bloody, fuck, Merlin."

"What ? What is it, Harry ?"

"Ron… I think… I think I'm a father."


Harry potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 14 - Wedding Plans ~~~***~~~

When Harry and Ron passed through the portrayal of the Fat peeress, Harry found the Gryffindor common way, warm than normal. Near the fireplace sat the aureole of Parvati, Lavender, Gabriella, Hermione, Ginny and James Byron Dean. Towards the back, Neville was helping Patrick and a few others, Harry had yet to recognize, prepare for their Herbology exams. Evidently, the examination involved a burning plant of some sort, perhaps fireseed, Harry thought, since there was a balloon swarm of smoke that hung over the group and nonentity seemed to beware.

Harry, his creative thinker fractured at the here and now, brought his attention on Patrick. The smoke was clouding his power to see the gloriole of those at the backrest mesa, but the sink in Light emanating from Patrick was the same as it had been since Harry first met him after the stroke - blue and green. Each gloss waxed and waned, growing more K whenever he was excited or near Harry.

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

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

"Oh, James Byron Dean,"she said breathlessly,"isn't it beautiful ?"Hermione was projecting an effigy of a young fair sex in a White River wedding dress. The girl stood, suspended in the middle of the five educatee and modelled the dress she was wearing, slowly turning in all directions so that everyone could see, everyone that is except Harry.

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

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

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

"You could suffer fairy's carry it."

"I kind of like it,"Hermione said as she held her bridge player to her chin and tapped her cheek with one finger."But I think the second…"James Dean let out an audible groan, but the girls ignored him while Hermione began to scoot through model after model, garb after apparel, as if flip pages of a Word. It was only then when she noticed that Ron and Harry had entered the vernacular room.

"Ron !"she exclaimed."You're just in time."James Byron Dean's middle grew full and he shook his capitulum as nondescriptly as he could to ward them off. Ron caught it, but Harry did not."We were just looking over dress when—"She stopped herself mid-sentence, noticing the expression on Ron's face."What's untimely ?"

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

"null,"they said simultaneously.

Gabriella patted Harry's cheek.

"Nothing ?"she said, sensing the swirling swarm of emotions that must have shown like a 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 early theater in the common room, he had completely forgotten that the girls were going to get together this evening to discuss Hermione's wedding design for the summertime."I need to get set up for the Potions examination tomorrow."Ginny stood, looking at Harry.

"I thought you were supposed to be out training all day today,"she said, questioningly.

"I was."

"But you're screaky clean,"she replied sceptically."You know, if you weren't working out in the forest today, we could take in gotten at least three hours on the pitch."

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

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

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

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

"Dumbledore ?"

"fountainhead, er… he and Dad were at Hagrid's and—"

"Dad ?"asked Ginny."Dad's here ? Why didn't he say he was coming to school ? Where is he ?"It felt, suddenly, as if sharks were beginning to circle Harry and Ron.

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

"So he saw you, but he didn't have time to see his lone girl ?"

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

Unexpectedly, there was a loud burst from the back of the room that caused everyone to pipe. A rather large ball of fire spewed Forth River from the table where Neville and the others were working. It was Neville who stopped it from lighting the unit place on fervidness by casting a squelch charm.

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

The commotion that had surrounded Harry, quickly gathered about the back table and the scorched faces that stood there. Harry took the chance to adopt Dean's footsteps up the staircase. Near the top he heard a rather dejected Patrick apologize, but what he saw was a blueish halo beaming with pride. Then Harry noticed St. Patrick flash him a thumbs-up from within the long arm of his robe, a signal that no one could see.

"Sorry, Neville,"said Patrick with a shrug of his shoulders."I'm just no good at this variety of stuff. I'll be favourable to make it to the one-third year at this rate."

Gabriella looked back toward the fireplace to chance Harry and before she could find where he was Harry disappeared into the boys'dorm. Inside he found Dean, belly down on his bed, reading a book about Quidditch. He loved the plot so, it was a shame he wasn't any thoroughly 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 calculate at one more People's Republic of China pattern."He looked back at the book and turned the page."Talk about pressure… blimey."He turned another page."I mean… I love Ginny and all, but does she actually think I'm going to ask her to marry me ?"He turned another pageboy ; clearly not having read the last."So… cobbler's 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 struggle — fighting you for her. You know. That form of affair, well… it gets a guy in the modality. But this poppycock downstairs… wedding wearing apparel, and colours of tabularise clothes, and…"Dean sighed."Talk about deflating."Without looking back down to the book, he turned another page. Then, quite suddenly, Dean groaned and turned over on his bed, placing the open book over his chest."Merlin, I love her."There was silence and he sighed again."She's been my mankind. She brought me back after the accident."Dean held his script up, flexing the digit in front of his font. His person had been reconnected to his corporeal sort and Ginny had been there every step of the way."She didn't need to do that."

"She loves you,"said Harry, walking over to his bed, taking off his new school gown and putting on a on the loose span of jeans."Face it, James Byron Dean, you're her globe too."

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

"…children,"added Harry quietly.

"merlin, no,"spud Dean."I can't even imagine. But then Ginny's handy with a sheathing magic spell. We're careful… you know ?"Harry nodded as a knot twisted in his stomach."Can you trust Neville and Helen ?"continued Dean."Neither one of them used any protection their initiative few times. Hermione found out and had a fit."

"Hermione ?"queried Harry.

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

"But why Hermione ?"

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

Harry wasn't certain how to read that. He didn't have a clue until last Christmas that Ron and Hermione were together. Yet, everyone else seemed to know. Further, he was pretty sure that last year Tonks had used her transfiguration skills to charter on the appearance of Helen so that she could nobble into Gryffindor tugboat with Neville. It brought up memories… bad memories. Suddenly, going to talk to Hermione about anything didn't seem like such a in effect idea. Harry began to drum his desk with his fingers, then crossed his arms and just looked down at the storey. He could see the aura's of the living organisms that his mates had tracked in under their shoes. Maybe Aunt Petunia wasn't such a dotty bat after all - at least as far as wiping one's feet at the doorway was concerned.

"What's up, Harry ?"asked doyen."Why are you so lift up anyway ?"

Barefoot and shirtless, Harry walked over to the windowpane. Christmastide was a week away and, sadly, no Snow had fallen. The grounds below and the surrounding forest glistened brightly in Harry's blindness. He placed his left hand on his chest, just above Asha's bosom, the stone that even now sat hidden within him. Focusing high above the treetops he found nothing but blackness. belatedly in the evening, cloud had moved in, covering all in a nighttime blanket through which no stars shone. He peered at the same quadrant of sky in which he knew Ebyrth hung, growing ever closer. He closed his eyes and dropped his header heavily against the glass windowpane.

Voldemort's cloak should have been destroyed by the water from the falls, but it wasn't. Why ? Was it the Horcrux genus Draco thought it was, or simply an object of power that Lucius craved ? There was a spy in the castle, probably within Gryffindor or Slytherin that had given up Blaise. He was now under a Death feeder's lordly curse. Who was the spy ? Could they have turned Patrick too ?

It wasn't enough that war was raging in Eastern Europe and would soon grace the forest about Hogwarts, if not the rook itself. Now there was a nipper. Could it really be his ? That was a dazed query. Of course it could be ; the timing was near perfect and they had been… well, stupid. It was just before the Hallowe'en feast. Harry was going to tell Cho about Gabriella… let Cho fuck that they couldn't be together, that Gabriella was the one he truly loved. But then she touched his arm… the feeling in her eyes. Even now, the store sent a quiver down his spine and made his inside quiver. Neither of them was in the right hand skeletal system of creative thinker, but they both knew what they wanted. Now they were both paying for it. At to the lowest degree Cho was. Harry began to wonder… if the baby was Harry's, did Mark Antony know, or was Cho simply using him ?

Harry shook his head, trying to brighten his puddle intellection. Maybe he was making a big deal of nix. Maybe Anthony was the father. But the vision… Gabriella's sight that both he and Hermione shared. He'd seen a tiddler. Gabriella saw her own death and yet Harry saw spirit. He thought it was their youngster, his and Gabriella's. Now, Harry wasn't so sure.

The window was cold-blooded and a quiver ran across his torso. He turned and walked over to his depot breast, opening the lid and feel around for a shirt.

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

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

"Yes ?"

"Ah…"Harry held up two sock."Do these rival ?"

"Kinda,"answered James Dean, looking at calamitous and maybe a dismal Navy blue sky.

"Good… good,"replied Harry and he slipped the shirt and socks on. He sat back on his bed and slipped on his the boot without saying a word of honor.

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

"Accio cloak !"Harry called with his powerful hand in the air, finger 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.

"James Dean,"he said,"please give my apologia to professor Snape. I'll miss the exam tomorrow I'm afraid. It's sad really. Since the Joining, I think I had a pretty well prospect of acing it. Severus, after all, shared a bit of himself with me that night."Harry rubbed the cicatrice on his right arm.

"Slow down, match,"said James Byron Dean, taking to his feet."You can't just go off—"

"Whew ! I made it !"cried Ron, jumping into their room."I never thought I'd get Hermione's tending. I finally had to go in through the back entrance, if you know what I mean."He tapped his head."She'll be up in a… Whoa. Where are you going ?"he asked Harry.

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

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

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

"You found it ?"she asked in a come near voicelessness.

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

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

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

Harry, who had leaned up against the wall near the threshold, began tapping it nervously with his fingers. He glared at Ron."Great design, mate."

"Well,"said Ron,"I tried to—"Harry held up one finger to his rim and Ron lowered his voice."I tried to—"Harry shook his finger at Ron. There was a bit of a rumble and Ginny burst through the room access.

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

"Bloody hell,"he whispered.

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

"You did !"cried James Dean."How could you not narrate me ? Did you all know ?"Harry could see the fire construction in Dean's emotions. Nobody said a word."How long have you known ?"

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

"open his name ?"said Dean."He was… he is a destruction Eater."

"He saved my lifespan, Dean,"interjected Ron."That you do know. That I've told everyone. But my intelligence isn't enough to continue him out of Azkaban. I should know, the government minister's my Dad and, no, he doesn't know about Draco either."

These words cooled Dean's fires, if only a tittle, and his hands found his pockets. 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 quietus of our life-time together, we can't be keeping secrets from one another. Secrets… they… they sour souls and twist reliance. If you'd have just told me to go on mum, you know I would have. All you had to do is ask. You know that… don't you ?"Ginny reached her hand to doyen's nerve and kissed him.

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

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

"But that's three years, 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 enter out how we get the cloak tomorrow dark. I'll meet you at the entrance to the Ministry at midnight. Have the programme make and I'll supporter you however I can."He grabbed Gabriella's hand."cum with me."They started for the room access when Hermione grabbed the back of Harry's cloak, stopping him in his tracks.

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

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

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

"It's one secret I'm afraid,"said Harry, raising his men to tranquillise his friends,"that needs to be kept… at least for now."Again he took Gabriella's arm."Come on."Everyone turned to Ron as Gabriella and Harry left the room. Almost immediately, Gabriella began to ask questions, but Harry held a finger to his back talk.

"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 hearth.

"So I guess Hermione's done looking at clothes for the night ?"she asked.

"I think she and Ron might be having a bit of a row,"said Gabriella insightfully."She's definitely done for the night."

"Ooooh,"hummed Lavender as she cast a chatty glimpse toward Parvati.

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

The two didn't speak until they reached the staircases. It was quiet down with only a few bookman roaming about. Most were belike 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 slue into place. Finally, Harry gathered the bravery.

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

"Cho Changjiang ?"Gabriella asked blankly.

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

The stone staircase came to rest against the rampart. The two climbed off that one and onto another that began to slide into yet another focussing.

"So we're going to see Anthony,"Gabriella said knowingly. Harry said cypher, wishing only that the staircases would move more quickly."Tell me Harry, are you still so green-eyed ?"

"Jealous ?"Harry asked angrily."green-eyed monster has nothing to do with this. I have a right to know !"His in conclusion row were loudly and reverberated off the Edward Durell Stone walls.

"They have a right wing to their privateness, Harry,"Gabriella replied with an edge in her part."They have a right to sustain the Daily Prophet out of their lives. Frankly, I don't see how it's any of your business enterprise. It's unmortgaged Cho knew what she was talking about when she asked that I keep this from you. She said you'd react this way."

They turned and began to make their way up to Ravenclaw tug. A third year Ravenclaw joined them on the moving case upward. Harry moved close to Gabriella failing miserably at keeping his voice hushed.

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

"Yes ! None of your occupation ! They were poor fish, Harry,"Gabriella said struggling to hold her composure in front of the third year, although Harry could sense the anger building within her."It was a error, a mistake that Anthony's wizard enough to set straight. Can't you see that he's trying to do the ripe thing by caring for what will soon be his family ?"

At this, the 3rd year Ravenclaw looked back over his shoulder at Harry and Gabriella. Gabriella flashed him a look that put the boy's nose back into the book he was reading. The stone staircase came to a check and the boy stepped off followed by Harry, but Gabriella grabbed his arm.

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

Suddenly Harry realized that Gabriella knew, but didn't know. She knew that Cho had had a minor, but she didn't know that Harry could be the father. He stopped and leaned against the balustrade. The hold was just long enough that the stairway began to incite again.

"She was not my mistress,"Harry said quietly to the swarthiness."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 smiling that Harry could not see but could smell out. She kissed him gently on the impudence and pulled him close. They held each other that way for some time and when the stairway came to a closure Gabriella moved to get off, but Harry stood still.

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

"What ?"

"I could be the forefather,"he repeated, stepping closing curtain to her."It wasn't Susan Brownell Anthony that was the dolt one ; it was me - Halloween of last year. Cho's child… it could be mine."

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

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

"I need to ask Anthony where she is,"he said firmly."I need to see her ; I need to know."

"It seems to me,"Gabriella said slyly,"that, for someone who's not supposed to know anything, you know quite a bit already. You know there's a child. You know she's in France."

"La Mure,"added Harry.

"Then you know all there is to love, Harry. The townspeople's not that large and a few well placed enquiry 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 result the castle alone. Besides, prof Snape has already released me from tomorrow's exam for—"

"—for high marker,"interrupted Harry."Yeah, I know. I know."He paused for a few second and then shake off his oral sex. But before Harry could say a discussion Gabriella began.

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

"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 end Eater."He paused, churning the suggestion in his mind. Finally he said,"You're right. I probably wouldn't get a opportunity to see her… not without help."He squeezed Gabriella's hand."Besides, you need to be there. I need you to be there."

It took XX minutes to get what they needed before they could filch out through the hidden burrow to Hogsmeade. It took one-half that sentence to make it to Le Mure. Gabriella was right, Harry would have been lost without her. It was bad enough trying to think of his French ; it was worse trying to figure out what manus gesture or facial expression went along with it. subterfuge, he could detect none of it, but Gabriella was nearly perfect. In fact, Harry began to wonder 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 small inn and waiting until break of the day. It was the first they'd been truly alone since the summer.

Harry offered to sleep on the trading floor, but Gabriella pulled him close to her. There was a passion to her contact that meant more than to him than anything in the all world. That night he laid his soul bare, telling her everything he knew, everything she'd listen to, including Draco's theory about Voldemort's cloak. Only when he touched on his training with the Centaurus, would she noticeably change the study. He fell asleep in her blazon and woke the next morning the Sami way. The sun was just breaking into the windowpane as he stroked her long Joseph Black pilus, wondering with some fear what the time to come would impart.

After breakfast, they walked down the alley toward the small apartment social organization that the boniface had described to Gabriella. When they finally arrived, Harry covered himself with the invisibility cloak. Gabriella knocked at the door and the door opened, held open by an older man with grey hair and a tired aspect on his case. There were introductions and Gabriella slipped inside. The door shut before Harry could follow. There was a moment of silence and then squeals of joy. Harry knew the strait ; Cho was inside. A few moments later the man left, jingling coins in his sac. Harry's program had worked - Gabriella, handing the man a pair galleons, suggested he go to the recession pub for a chomp and a beer or two. He wasn't to the sidewalk before there was a cinch and he had Disapparated. Then the heart murmur began ; louder, then gentle, then louder again. Finally, Harry heard,"Don't be silly."A moment after that, the room access opened and Gabriella ushered him inside.

All the piece, Harry had seen the nimbus of the two young charwoman 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 pile and he noted with interest the sudden explosion of vigour that accompanied it. But Sir Thomas More than anything else his care was focused on one affair above all - a dim ruby-red glow that glimmered from the dorsum of the flat. Through all the walls it could stimulate been anything - a cat, a dog. But Harry knew, by how well its color blended with Cho's, what was there.

"Harry ?"Gabriella asked to the nothingness before her. Cho stood only a few feet away. Harry sensed warmth ruffle with discernment. As for himself, he could feel the travail of his palms as he reached up and slipped off the cloak.

"Cho ?"he asked to the luminescence before him. The aura didn't relocation, the person didn't speak, but the colour began to parboil almost immediately. Then her hand went to her face, covering her mouth.

"Oh, Harry,"she croaked."Tony told me about the accident, about…"Slowly she walked over to him.

"This ?"Harry asked, holding his script near his synagogue."It's nothing. Just a bit of glass. OR's scheduled for next month ; should have me undecomposed as new."Cho took his hand and then touched his face.

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

"Great,"Harry drawled."Always honest to have it away you're intellection of kindly."

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

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

The shoes was larger than Harry expected, compared to what it looked like from the out of doors, but it was sparsely equipped and what furnishings there were appeared old and shattered. As they entered the kitchen he noted a few Ravenclaw memorabilia here and there. He even recognized a broom, the broom he bought her last twelvemonth, was propped up in the corner. Cho offered them some coffee, they accepted and together they sat at a modest mesa in the kitchen. There was a little talk about the conditions and school.

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

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

"That's great,"said Cho softly. There was an inapt 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 need 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 schooltime 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 shaver ; a baby boy is it ?"Before Cho could answer Gabriella took her by the hand.

"It's so turn on, Cho !"she said joyfully."I'm sure you're a wonderful mother. The baby is so prosperous to have two such wonderful parents. Both Ravenclaws !"

"Thank you, Gab,"said Cho warmly."T-Tony's been great."

"Can we see him ?"asked Gabriella excitedly."I've wanted to see him so."Cho was hesitant.

"Well,"added Harry,"I can't see him, but I have a pretty secure idea that he's right through there, isn't he ?"He pointed to the back room and swallowed."I think it's great that you and… er, Tony are doing the… er, decently affair. It trusted would be great, at least for Gabriella, to see him. Just a apex ?"

"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 babe boy dressed in a diminished red jumper. He smiled and muttered a few strait as she sat him in his chair, offering him a cooky to chew on. The dull fog of Harry's eyes were focused somewhere above the boy's head, but his idea's eye was captivated on the golden red glow before him. It was glorious, almost blinding, and Harry wondered if the brightness of the luminescence was because he was a baby or something more. The biscuit snapped out of Cho's hand and flew into the waiting grasp of the sister's.

"Look at that ! So soon ?"cooed Gabriella."He's just perfect."And then she began to babble infant talk to the minor.

"Yes, he's pretty special,"answered Cho.

Harry could sense that she was looking at him, centred on his reaction, but he was at a loss. To lie with for sure he would have to ask straight out. Now, here they were, and Harry didn't know what to do. He half wanted to nose the babe with a stick to see what it would do.

"Has he,"Harry began,"shown any other mark of thaumaturgy ?"

"No. Not really,"answered Cho cautiously."But he can stand with help and he's already tried to walk."She paused."I think, maybe, he'll be in Hufflepuff,"she added wistfully."He loves it when I take him to the zoo."

"What's his name ?"asked Gabriella.

"Jamie,"answered Cho.

"After your brother ?"

"We just liked the name,"Cho said, not committing.

"I have to acknowledge,"said Gabriella,"that he's the part double 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 first metre Cho had laughed in quite some sentence. But then the tonicity in Gabriella's vox changed.

"In fact, he doesn't look much like a Goldstein at all. You're both so dark, and Jamie's skin is so pale."

"He… he doesn't get out much,"said Cho, growing flighty.

"Cho, you know I love you like a sister. Don't you ?"Gabriella asked gently."wellspring, I think Harry has a right to know. You see, he told me that you two slept together at Hogwarts - just once, on Allhallows Eve. Caught in the heat energy of the moment, I guess."Gabriella took a breath, gathering her speciality."I don't tutelage why it happened. And it doesn't bother me anymore that it happened. The fact is it happened… nine months before little Jamie here was born."

"Well—"

"Cho,"Gabriella interrupted."Harry may have his intuition, but he can't see what I can, and the eye never lie. You and Marcus Antonius, you both have brown eyes. Both your parents each have brown eyes. It would take a powerful maven to produce a boy with anything former than brown eyes and the thaumaturgy would most certainly be to turn the colour of the centre to his own."Cho said zilch. Harry said nothing."It's true, Jamie is the part image of his beautiful female parent. But the eyes… I think he has his begetter's eyes."Cho remained silent. Once again, Harry watched as her gloriole blanched.

"What do you mean ?"asked Harry blindly. Gabriella took his hand.

"They're immature, Harry,"she said quietly."Almond shaped and brilliantly fleeceable. Just like yours."


Harry Potter and the nascence of a New Sun

Chapter 15 - Another ceramicist
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Beyond the babbles of the baby sitting beside Harry, there was silence. Perhaps, if one were to take heed closely, the sound of a bird chirping or a distant bus creaking to a hitch could be heard, breaking the windlessness of the break of day. Then Cho's metrical foot began to nervously tap against the slope of the table. In social movement 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 turn angry ; it was hard enough not to bear witness how scared he was feeling. No, if anything, he needed some time himself to get over the sinking belief in his stomach, as if he'd just fallen off his broom. He would wait for Cho to be ready. He breathed deeply the perfume of his chocolate, took a sip, set the cup down and put out his digit, with which the slight boy began to bite toothlessly.

"Jamie ?"Harry said tenderly."I… I like that name."

He smiled and put his mitt on the boy's point.

"Oh, my. What a head of hair ! Is it sinister ?"This simple question was purposefully directed at Cho. There was the beat of a pause before she answered.

"Yes,"she said quietly, with a bit of a crack in the Holy Scripture. Harry could hear her deglutition.

"Thank Merlin he's got his mother's looks,"Harry said with a chuckle. He took another sip of burnt umber.

"You'll see him one day, Harry,"said Gabriella with an encouraging tone. Harry tilted his head down and shook it slowly.

"I don't think so,"he said quietly, his lips still turned in a fragile smile.

"What do you mean ?"asked Cho, surprised."Surely they can—"

"I was just examined by Madame Pomfrey,"interrupted Harry."The vision charms aren't knitting. There's still too much glass."

"But couldn't they just—"

"There are oodles of bantam shard - too many and too small to vanish without vanishing composition of my optic and if they summon them out they'll shred whatever level-headed eye tissue that's left."Cho gasped.

"I… I didn't know. I thought—"

"No topic,"said Harry taking to his feet."I can see the fervor in his person, even if I can't see their semblance of his eyes."He went to the coffee pot to pour himself one Sir 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 scavenge the tumble, but Harry had it off the priming coat nearly before it landed with a simple Wave of his hand. Since losing his vision, his ability without a baton, abilities he rarely used in presence of others, had strengthened. Without skipping a metre, he poured himself another cup, but rather than plough he continued to face the cabinetry. Yes, he could see the fire in the boy's aura, but he would ease up anything to have his seeing back… to see his child, his son. He began to tremble. For the firstly metre in months he was cold with fear, and it wasn't fearfulness of a Dementor or Death eater. It was fear for his nestling and his nestling's mother, concern for a time to come that was already so incertain, so dark. It felt as if all the air in the room was being sucked away.

"At to the lowest degree,"he said, holding the strong cup in his hands,"Mark Antony won't need to… to look into my heart and wonder. I… I wouldn't want that."Cho stepped up behind Harry and placed her hired hand on his shoulder.

"Antony Goldstein, Ravenclaw Prefect at Hogwarts School for witchery and Wizardry ?"asked Cho."He might be a bit proud at time, but he's no fool, Harry. He knows."She turned Harry to face her."He's always known that… that Jamie is your son. He came up with the name. Your f-father's name."She placed her script at the side of Harry's face."He knew that too. I… I didn't."With these words, Cho began to cry. She held Harry by the presence of his shirt and pulled him close, sobbing into his chest. Gabriella left her chair and the three hugged for some clip while Cho repeated over and over how sorry she was, and Harry repeated over and over that it was okay, that he was the one who was sorry. It was little Jamie who broke up the trio as he began to cry.

"Oh… he's athirst,"said Cho blotting her eyes. She picked the boy up into her arms and ushered them all into the movement room where the open fireplace sat cold, but the slightly tattered chairs were more comfortable. Even without the flame, Harry watched with wonder the lovingness that filled the way. He could tell she loved the boy deeply. Nor, was the emotion lost on Gabriella, sitting at Harry's side, who was gathering a glow herself as she took in the room's emotions of love. He took Gabriella's hand and for the first time in a long time Harry tried to relax, letting the swirling awe of the future fade from his mind. It was Cho that started the conversation as Jamie continued to suckle.

"I wanted to keep this secret, Harry - secret from my parents, secret from my sidekick, underground from you. At first I was ashamed and then—"

"But—"

"Let me land up,"asked Cho."I need to eat up, or I may never be capable to."Harry nodded."live year you wanted to tell me about Gabriella."Cho looked at Gab."He did so require to force me away, to tell me of the Muggle missy he had met back home."Her middle returned to Harry."But I could see that, just under the peel, there was a flack of desire and I… I wanted… my broken physical structure wanted to be desired."

"He was cross-hexed by my parents,"said Gabriella. The words were meant to be explanatory, but Harry noted a tinge of bitterness or sorrow.

"I know that now,"answered Cho."Maybe I knew it then, at least that he wasn't in his right mind. I could take used a sheathing spell. I thought about it. I even reached for my wand before it happened Halloween night behind the Great Hall."Gabriella shot Harry a glance that he could not see."But then I stopped. I wanted this."Cho looked down at Jamie."I wanted to have something in case… in case…"

"In eccentric 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 well-chosen for you, Harry, and you were so sad."She sighed, shaking her headland."So I hid it - I hid my maternity and I hid Jamie."She put the infant over her berm and began to pat its vertebral column."I thought that after You-Know-Who had been destroyed I could severalize you, but then I heard about the new war… that Malfoy's Death Eaters were out to toss off you. What would they do if they knew you had a son ?"She shook her head teacher."This summer, I travelled to the United States with Anthony… Tony. One Nox, I fell asleep in his blazonry and when I woke up the next sunrise the befuddling good luck charm had warn off. I was pregnant for all to see. In that instant I panicked, horrified by what he might cogitate, what he might do, and in the adjacent I felt Tony's touch, warm and caressing on my tum. He stayed at my side and he's never left."Jamie let out a rather impressive belching and everyone smiled.

Grinning, Cho held Jamie in her lap and said something in Chinese as she wiped the Milk River from his chin.

"Tony's hired Chalmers"said Cho, referring to the safety that was probably now close to finishing his morning meal,"to look on over Jamie and I, while he finishes schoolhouse. It's costing him every knut he has. Once we're married we'll qualify for benefits from the Ministry. They offer living accommodations and, maybe, we can find a overnice lieu to—"

"Benefits ?"spat Harry, his prickle snapping inflexible."From the Ministry ? You can't be serious ! You're not going to take a dime from the Ministry. As far as I'm concerned there all a bunch of crooks !"

"Harry !"called Gabriella.

"wellspring, Ron's dad. But the rest of the lot ? Crooks !"He took to his metrical unit."And as far as animation in Ministry housing… never ! I won't allow it."

"What do you mean you won't allow it ?"said Cho a bit heatedly."You have no say in the matter."Harry ignored her.

"You'll stay at the castle. It's far enough away from what's happening… yes, you'll be dependable there."

"We're safe here,"said Cho, standing herself, the baby held snugly in both weapon system.

"Safe ! Are you kidding me !"holler Harry."What's his name… Chambers ? He's a decease eater !"

"Oh,"Cho chuckled,"now you're just being ridiculous. Chalmers wouldn't hurt a fly. He's only working for Tony because of the forgivingness in his heart. He hardly makes enough money to get by on."

"So he moonlights for Lucius Malfoy as a demise eater !"exclaimed Harry."At least he doesn't know that the boy is mine. Thank Falco columbarius for that."Cho's face dropped with surprisal at these words.

"How could you potential know that we haven't told him ?"she asked. Now Gabriella stood, stroked Jamie's face and took him in her own limb, patting his back as he rested against her articulatio humeri.

"Because,"Gabriella said softly with a tuneful representative as if she were singing to the baby,"if Chalmers knew, Lucius would lie with. And if Lucius knew, his son would know."

"Draco ?"breathed Cho."I thought Draco was…"Her interpreter quieted and she strode over to Harry and slapped him on the shoulder."You little prevaricator. You looked me straight in the eye and told me he fell into the abyss."Harry turned his back.

"Don't you look away from me !"Cho yelled."Let me see your face."Harry acquiesced. When he faced her, any wrath he felt evaporated and his articulatio humeri slumped.

"This is superfluous,"he breathed."He'll be back here any minute. Maybe he's a kindly old doddered just trying to stool a buck any way he can. Cho, you can't lease a chance."He placed his hands on her shoulders."I have money and it's my obligation. Let me at least help pay the bills until Antony graduates. Let me at to the lowest degree commit you a ceiling over your nous where the fireplace works and you'll know you'll be safe."

"It's beautiful there,"added Gabriella."Green River fields… azure seas… cute Greek boys with bare chests."She winked and kissed Jamie on the head. Cho crossed her weapon and walked over to the fireplace that had no fuel for the flack.

"I… I'll have to ask Tony,"answered Cho."Do you think… I know it's unmanageable overseas, but do you think we could colligate to the floo net ? I miss the family so, and we are going to tell them… after Tony graduates."

"That's one thing the Ministry can do,"said Harry, suddenly happy Cho was changing her mind."But you can tell Tony later. showtime, we need to—"There was a cinch and an instant later the front room access opened. Gabriella motioned for Harry to veil. He had just enough time to flash under his cloak and gather himself into the corner before Chalmers walked through the front line door.

The older man was too lean and not much taller than Cho. When he entered he took his coat off and hung it against the wall with a sticking good luck charm.

"Beautiful day today, young lady Yangtze River,"he said with a toothy smile."Beautiful Day !"He stepped over and gave Gabriella a nod."And thank you missy for the delicately meal."He paused."It's been a piece since…"His human face grew wistful, but then he shook his heading."No matter."He slapped his manus together and pulled his wand."Let me clear these dishes for you."Harry stood silently against the bulwark as Chalmers walked with a bit of a limp into the kitchen. There was a distinct musical rhythm to the cadence of his walk that Harry, two months ago, would not otherwise have noticed. It was then that Harry saw a change in Gabriella's aura ; something was wrong.

"Oh,"said Chalmers with a tone of surprise in his voice."Three loving cup. Did you have another visitor today ?"Without waiting for an answer he levitated the saucer into the sink where the scrubbers began to wash them. Cho was frozen, but Gabriella stepped over without hesitation.

"Yes,"she said quite calmly,"a girlfriend of ours, also from Hogwarts. She had to pull up stakes early to get back for her afternoon exam."Chalmers nonchalantly straightened the chairs.

"well, you know how Mr. Goldstein feels about visitors, Miss Chang."He settled himself into one of the cushioned chairs and began to unfold the newspaper, still scanning the room with the centre."At least strangers."Harry could tell that the old man was on guard, sensing something that was not right."Just tryin'to keep you and the baby rubber he is."

infant Jamie babbled something and then pointed at Harry hidden beneath the cloak. The motility was enough to induce Chalmers to change state and expect back into the far corner at the cracked and hollow wall. Jamie babbled again and gave a light laughter. Chalmers smiled.

"Well, wee Jamie is happy enough to receive guests."He held up the presence Page."What's your Friend's figure, young woman ?"

"Hermione… Hermione husbandman,"answered Gabriella. There was the slender pause and she added,"And I should be on my way as well."She gave Cho a hug and kissed Jamie's cheek."Thanks so much for letting us visit. He's just endearing and you're a wonderful mother."

"Thank you, Gabriella,"answered Cho, kissing Gab's cheek."I couldn't ask for a kinder, warmer friend. Please occur visit after the wedding. I think I'll feel more well-heeled then - Mrs. Goldstein."

"Oh ! That reminds me,"said Gabriella suddenly."Mr. Chalmers is it ?"Chalmers set his paper in his lap.

"Just Chalmers, missy."

"Cho was showing me the baby's room and I noticed the back windowpane. We had discussed placing a waterproofing charm, but I wasn't certainly if—"

"Yes, young lady,"cut in Chalmers proudly."The hale house is sealed tight. No one can get in without permission. It's a Bucinum charm."

"Oh dear,"said Gabriella."A Bucinum charm ?"Chalmers nodded his head."I think a Trepidus charm would be safer."

"Trepidus charm ?"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 charm blows them up. That could harm the baby. Do you imagine you could point me where you set the charm ? 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 this year."

"Yes,"said Gabriella,"it's quite lovely."

"wellspring, let's have a facial expression around and see what we can do."Together, Chalmers and Gabriella made their way to the rachis of the house, leaving Cho and Jamie alone with Harry. Even as Harry moved toward the strawman door beneath his invisibleness cloak, Jamie followed him with his gaze, pointing with his paw. Cho walked to the room access and opened it.

"When… when do you marry Gold— Mark Anthony ?"Harry asked.

"Noel,"Cho answered. She tried to establish the word sound exciting and vibrant, but it fell bland.

"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 hands outstretched toward Harry.

"You deserve to be happy,"said Harry quietly."You deserve ..."but Harry's words failed him."I'm so sorry."Cho ushered Harry outside to the front stoop and shut the door behind her. She lifted his cloak to reveal his grimace.

"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 sassing, 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 to apprise that."

"I love you, Cho. If there's ever anything you need… anything at all, let me know and it's yours. I'll see to it, I swear."Cho smiled, but her eyes were sad. Jamie began to suck on his finger. The door opened and Gabriella appeared followed closely by Chalmers.

"Ah, here you are,"said Gabriella. The sun was warm on her face as she put her weapon system out and gave Gabriella a hug."The apartment is sealed tight."Cho took in a deep breathing time.

"trade good, thank you,"she said."I was just giving Jamie a little sun."

"Which he can get through the windowpane, my near,"said Chalmers herding Cho back into the menage."Now come inside."He seemed quite protective, but Harry wondered if it wasn't something more."A joy to meet you, Miss Darbinyan, was it ?"

"Yes, and a pleasure it was to run into you,"Gabriella replied."It's serious to see my champion in such exquisitely hands. Cho, I'll be by before recollective with those gifts I promised."

"Gifts ?"Cho asked."Oh, yes, talent. 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 take the air down the street, Harry at her incline. Chalmers stood for some time after Cho had gone inside, watching from the stoup. Gabriella waved one survive clip as she turned the recess out of sight. Harry was about to pull off the cloak when she stopped him.

"Stay hidden,"Gabriella whispered."We're being followed."Harry spun and there behind the building they'd just passed were the gloriole of two little trope. They hadn't been there a minute before.

"Did you see them ?"Harry asked."I didn't hear an Apparation."

"House elves,"Gabriella whispered,"at to the lowest degree one of them. The other… I can't tell."

"But there weren't any house elves at the business firm,"said Harry.

"I know,"she replied."They must belong to to someone else, or one's with its master."

"Who ?"

Gabriella just shrugged.

"How did he know your 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 thruway as me ? It was imbecility !"

"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 scepter. She was going to round the two that were nearing the recession, but Harry stayed her hand.

"Gab, no,"he whispered."Grimmauld Place."

"But—"

"Now !"

A moment later they found themselves on the streets of London, just outside of number twelve, Grimmauld Place. They waited to see if they might birth been followed, then checked that the streets were open. Finally, Harry uncloaked and walked up the stone's throw to the room access, knocking twice. The doorway opened of its own accord and the two walked in. There was a rustle, a thud, and then Sothis appeared atop the staircase wearing boxers and a jersey. Wand drawn he pointed it blindly toward the doorway.

"Freeze !"he screamed."Or I'll obliterate you !"

"I hope not,"answered Harry."I'm kinda hungry."

"Harry ?"Sirius said, blinking his middle."Harry what the hell… Gabriella ?"Sirius made an endeavour at slicking back his hair and started down the stairs.

"It's after noonday,"Harry said."Don't tell me you were still sleeping."

"I was up late end night. Remus finished grading theme and we— Hey, isn't your Potions exam today ?"Dog Star'eyes shot to the threshold."And why didn't you use the floo ? What's going on ?"

"Erm… can we eat first,"asked Harry.

"What,"spud Sirius in a singularly insistent tone,"is… going… on ? !"

"Canicula,"said Gabriella softly,"I think it honorable 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 Dog Star started toward the stove. He grabbed a spatula and summoned some sausages when Gabriella took his manus.

"Here,"she said softly,"let me do that. You sit with Harry."Dog Star moved to the table and sat opposite his godson.

"Well ?"Canicula queried."It's obvious something's afoot. Spit it out."Harry tried, but he couldn't hold up his godfather's gaze.

"I… I, erm…"He sucked in a large draft of air and exhaled."Igoterpregnant."

"What ?"Sirius asked."What was that ?"

"I… I got her pregnant."

"What !"Sirius stood and gyrate towards Gabriella."You're pregnant ?"Gabriella turned the sausages with her baton."How could you—"

"Let him finish,"she replied, floating three scale 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 Canicula with a disbelieving note."Because sometimes beldam can—"

"Oh,"cut in Gabriella sharply."He's sure."

"Merlin,"he whispered, scratching his Kuki-Chin."Harry, you should get it on better."

"I know. I know I should know better."

"And you,"Sirius said, turning back to Gabriella,"why are you here with this cheating scum if Cho's running around fraught ?"Expressionless, Gabriella placed the sausages on the home and added some warmed bean.

"It was lowest class,"she answered sitting down and handing Sirius a forking.

"The baby was born in July,"said Harry."On my birthday. His public figure is Jamie."

Sirius'fork fell with a clank onto the plate, splattering red noodle onto his white-ish jersey.

"A b-boy ? Jamie ?"

"They're bread and butter in a garbage dump,"said Harry quickly,"and I can't have my son living like that. I won't have another Potter live with dust and spiders, not as long as it's in my powerfulness. So, I offered to sustain them appease at your castle. You know… until Anthony alumnus. Merlin write his someone if he ever—"

"My castling ? Susan Anthony ? Who's Anthony."

"Goldstein. Well Cho calls him quality. How cheesy is that ? Anyhow, the thing is…."

It was well into the evening before Harry had set Sirius straight on all the details, uncertain as they were. Sirius then began a speech that lasted for nearly thirty minutes and included a few references to Harry's parents. But when Harry began to probe deeper Sirius changed the subject. After venting about Harry's stupidity, he had agreed to require Antony, Cho and Jamie in and assist in any way he could.

The sausages Cho cooked little more than than a memory, Sirius grew thirsty again and he convinced them to go to a Central Thai restaurant that he had found just a few pulley-block away. When they arrived, Harry discovered that it was run by an old Muggle, but frequented by a issue of witches and wizards. The occasional flashes of conjuring trick that occurred never seemed to unnerve the old man. Sothis called him a pundit, a Muggle in tune with the conjuring trick of the natural world but possessing no skill his own. Harry was half-way through his Panang Curry when he realized that tonight he was to fulfil Ron and Hermione at the Ministry.

"The cloak,"he muttered suddenly to himself, before taking another bit.

"What's that, Harry ?"asked Sirius. Harry looked up into Canicula'oculus ; they were smiling. Harry's cecity didn't allow him to see that the fold that had once drawn the sides of Sirius'eyes down were now curling upward. But he could sense the luminosity of the aura in his godfather's expression. For a mo, Harry considered telling Canicula of their design at the Ministry. Gabriella touched his hand.

"More tea ?"the waiter asked, and all three nodded. Harry continued to face toward Dog Star who was as happy as ever. The thought of asking Sirius to help them, particularly at the Ministry, curdled the curry in Harry's tum.

"I said I almost choked,"Harry said with a coughing.

"You're eating too fast,"said Gabriella knowingly, rubbing his arm and grinning."It's not a race."

"Probably the curry,"said Dog Star, taking another bite."It's a bit zesty tonight."

"Yeah… yeah that's it,"Harry answered. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table."Erm… Actually, I think I adept be—"

"Harry,"interrupted Gabriella,"I have to go before it gets past midnight."

"Is it getting that late ?"asked Sirius, his rima oris half full moon. Harry shot her a coup d'oeil ; his oral cavity frowned. He didn't want her at the Ministry any Thomas More than he wanted Canicula. There were too many memories—bad memories. Then she said something that surprised even Harry.

"I need to see Jamie,"she said,"just for a import. I should have taken caution of it this first light, but I forgot. I've not been in melodic line with the old way for some sentence. Mama would be disappointed in me."Unconsciously, Harry began to rub the dragon mark that was emblazoned on his right forearm.

He remembered what Gabriella's mother, Soseh, had said at the end of finale school class."The approving is inscribed on the male of each multiplication by the women of the multiplication before. It will be Gabriella's duty to take place the approval to your sons."Once it was light up that Harry would consent Jamie as his son, it was Gabriella's responsibility, by oath, that she pass to him the boon of Asha.

"The Votary,"Harry whispered quietly, staring down at the bowl of yellow and gold. Then his tone down eyes 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 dispute. By award, I have no choice. It must be done, and the Oklahoman it's done the keen the great power of Jamie's blessing, of his protection. He'll need Asha's help in these times of darkness."

"You mentioned the demise eater escort, but you didn't cite that you were followed,"said Sirius, his optic turning toward Harry with a more grievous glower.

"Draco said that Chalmers doesn't work Night, at least not for Goldstein. Sirius, you need to go with her, keep her safe. That way you can see Jamie and fling on the news, maybe convince Cho to locomote into the castle tonight while Chalmers is away."

"And you ?"Sirius asked.

"I'll just nous back to Hogwarts. If the two were a couple of Lucius'thugs out to get me it'd be easily if I wasn't there."Sirius sighed, looking longingly at an unswayed barbeque free rib. He licked his lips and pushed his plate forward.

"Very well, let's go."They paid and made their way outside and down the street, finding a more remote control alley often used by the visiting witches and wizards to Apparate. Sirius took Harry by the arm and looked him in the centre, but Harry turned away to look down the street as a car past by.

"straight person to Hogwarts,"said Sirius sternly,"okey, Harry ?"

"heterosexual person to Hogwarts,"Harry agreed. Gabriella kissed him on the buttock.

"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 Sothis."Oh, and don't worry ; Jamie will be fine. I'll make sure that no immorality harms your child."Harry tried to summon 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 dependable, Sirius."There was a snap and both Gabriella and Sirius had vanished. Harry focused his vision to another part of London and in the next minute found himself at a telephone box above the entering to the Ministry. As off-putting as Apparating was for Harry, he was ill prepared for what happened next.

"Stupefy !"The blow of red brightness hit Harry squarely in the chest, knocking him backward some ten to twenty metrical foot, his scepter tumbling from his hand."There, Harrington,"a large cloaked anatomy said with a rather blustery vocalisation, picking up Harry's wand,"and you were about ready to wet your knickers. He is a boy, after all."Still on his back Harry could sense them stepping toward him.

"I… am not… a… boy !"he rasped. This made the closest wizard jape, but the smaller man behind him said nix.

"Well, I've got your verge, little man. I doubt you'll—"

"Diffindo !"Harry hissed, stretching his right arm forward. orangeness light erupted from the shoulder down and extended out and beyond Harry's fingertips.

The front of the death Eater's cloak looked as if a large saber had just slashed across it, tearing cloth and flesh alike up and outward. Harry could feel the descent splashing his face. The death Eater screamed falling to his knee joint. Unsteadily, Harry stood. The unanimous place seemed to be spinning. He was empty-headed and a gathering whizz of nausea was building inside.

"Accio wand !"he cried, wrenching his wand from the Death Eater's clutches and in to his own handwriting. Limping forward he yelled"BOY ?"Then he placed his verge on the forehead of his foe."BOY ?"Blood continued to trickle from beneath the crouching Death Eater's rib and between the hands that clutched his chest."Who do you make for for ?"Harry asked, already knowing the result.

Harry had focused so often attention on the large Death Eater, he had neglected the small one that had retreated to the tail.

"I said WHO - DO - YOU - oeuvre FOR !"Standing over his cowering dupe, it was then that he noticed the igniter - lot of Light Within. Five more than auras had Apparated ; he was surrounded. Seemingly emboldened by the new arrivals, the lowly end Eater emerged from the apparition and held out his wand.

"Expel—"There were three tour cast almost simultaneously that stopped the adept before he had a hazard to finish.

"Stupefy !"“ Diffindo !"and Harry's screen charm,"Contego !"

Only, Harry didn't need the shield charm… for himself. The first charm came from one of the approaching atmosphere Harry presumed to be more Death Eaters. The bolt, not the strongest Harry had ever seen, knocked the smaller wizard backward, albeit only a few invertebrate foot. Fearing for his life, and rightfully so, the diminutive Death Eater Disapparated. The second charm came from yet another nimbus, small yet vivid. It was directed at the crippled wizard crouching before Harry. The result was frightful and instantaneous ; the Death feeder's point fell to the gravelled pavement and his trunk slumped forward, draining blood at Harry's animal foot, a boiling syndicate of Christ Within like lave erupting from a volcano.

Harry spun to face the five hotshot approaching him, holding his scepter high. Two showed pinch of both red and putting surface in their auras as they drew nearer."Imperious Curse ?"Harry wondered. And then a voice came to him that startled him more than that of the late death feeder.

"Bloody blaze, James I ! What in merlin's name did you do that for ?"

The gloss, the canter, the tone… Harry knew at once it was Ron Weasley.


Harry Potter and the parentage of a New Sun

Chapter 16 - The Burden call
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"He was reaching for his wand,"said James, pointing at the decapitated expiry Eater at Harry's base."He was going to pop Harry !"

"He was on his knees,"snapped Hermione."Harry had him firmly in control."

"He didn'have the… that little guy in ascendence,"countered Patrick."I had teh take him down."

"You're just lucky he was as frightened as a molamar in water,"said Anthony Goldstein with a rather swaggering vocalism.

"Goldstein ?"asked Harry in surprise as the group converged on him.

"red cent, Potter,"said Goldstein,"you're a bloody tidy sum. And I do have in mind bloody. Scourgify !"The splatters covering the front of Harry's nerve, shirt and pants vanished, though the pool on the paving material remained."There, that's better."

"Who in Hades told Goldstein ?"cried Harry.

"Actually, Potter,"replied Goldstein,"I stumbled on this merry troupe as they tried to purloin out. Seemed like a good DA mission.

"Are you kidding ?"snapped Harry, gazing at the aureole of the man who'd be his son's father. There was a honour about it, but Harry was to inflamed to regard 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 profligate, pooling at his metrical unit. Hermione ran over to him and hugged him.

"Who were they ?"she asked."cypher's supposed to get laid we're here."

"That's what I thought,"answered Harry."I was trying to get an resolution when James II here decided to play the butcher."Harry turned to the second year."The next time I need your help Yangtze Kiang, I'll ask for it."Harry sensed at once the anger building within the smaller star, 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 St. Patrick,"here in the offset place ? Stumble across the troupe as well ?"He shot Ron a glance and wished he could communicate eyes of decease.

"Patrick overheard our plan and said he'd snitch if we didn't bring ‘ em along,"answered Ron."It was supposed to be quiet ; I didn't bod we'd run into dying Eaters."

"If that's what they were,"said Harry, still holding his scepter at the prepare."They acted more like hired thugs than demise Eaters."

The Night air was stale and quiet. He could sense the dampness of a thin mist wrap about his case, sending shivers down his back. For a import he thought of Dementors, but the coolness, this chilled clamminess was something else, something more visceral. The rustling of death were swirling ; somehow Harry knew that. And not for the man that had just been slain, the whispers were telling Harry that more would soon join the utter man at his feet. But who ?

"Goldstein,"Harry said suddenly,"Anthony, really you… you have to—"

"Well, we're here now,"said James."Dispatchio !"The dead wizard and the kitty of blood beneath him vanished."Let's say we get in, get the cloak and get out before anymore… er, dark wizards show up. Wouldn't want Luci—"

"Where'd you learn that turn ?"queried Hermione."That's twenty percent year."King James shrugged his shoulders.

"My sister I guess,"he said."She's the smart one in the family."

"Yeah… I see,"said Harry, noticing James IV'gloriole fade from green to red then back from red to green. For the starting time time, he thought Epistle of James might not really be an friend."Ron, maybe you should take—"

"William James is right,"interrupted Antonius."in force if we get down into the Ministry before another dozen Death eater 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 speech sound booth. Ron said the password his founder had told him and a silver orb appeared, scanning Ron in a sallow White River igniter. Then, with a jar, the elevator began to plump. Harry tried to take care at Ron and paint a picture to the redhead that he should read Harry's intellect, but his eye were blank and Ron didn't discern the facial nerve expression as he once would have. Harry silently cursed his cecity.

Harry's heart began to quicken. If the two second age were under the Imperious curse word, 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 room access opened onto the resplendent entrance student residence of the Ministry of thaumaturgy. The six stepped out, scepter drawn.

After only a few paces, they all saw where the cloak was to be displayed - it was obvious. A turgid glass case had already been erected. On a pole was the torso of a manikin and adjacent to that a golden statue of Harry with his wand drawn. They all stepped finisher. There was no cloak, but there was a brass. It read,"This land site commemorates the defeat of the Dark Wizard Voldemort by the yard Wizard Harry potter, Order of Merlin, First course, who faced his foe wand-to-wand and struck him down."
"monastic order of Merlin ?"asked Goldstein surprised."I didn't know—"

"Neither did I,"cut in Harry.

"They'll probably award it to you during the observance tomorrow,"said Hermione brightly. Harry turned to her.

"If we do this right, there won't be any ceremony,"said Harry shortly."No Dark cloak, no restitution of Voldemort, no observance. Ron, do you have any idea where—"

There was a resonance coming from down the hall and a syncope glow that was growing nearer. It sounded as if person were humming. The group began to deplume back, away from the showing showcase ; all, that is, except William James. Harry went to grab his sleeve, but the boy wouldn't motility.

"Is this it ?"he asked, still staring at the re-enactment before him."Is this how it happened ? You struck him down ? cipher could separate me for sure enough, not even Gabriella."Harry held more tightly to James'robes and began to pull up him bodily across the story.

"James,"Harry said, huffing between his dentition,"there are some matter you can't believe. starting time, never believe a word Trelawney says unless she sounds like a goblin on fire whisky. Second, never believe a word written in the Dailey oracle, unless it's written by Luna Lovegood. And finally, never… ever believe anything the Ministry says - ever !"He continued dragging James I by the rear of his shoe collar until they were hidden between two marble tower.

"Bold words, Harry,"continued James passively."But I never believed you could beat Lord Voldemort wand-to-wand. severalize me, is there still a part of the nighttime Lord that courses through your mineral vein ? That could be utilitarian, if—"

"Shhh."All was mute, keep for the periodic cracking ember from one of the open fireplace that surrounded the lordly entrance hall and the hum that was growing louder by the minute. Again Harry tried to assemble Ron's attention, but he was in use whispering something in Hermione's ear as they clung together behind a suit of armor opposite the Fountain of Magical Brethren. At another newspaper column just behind Harry and James, Patrick and Anthony crouched. The whispers of death were growing louder. So loud, in fact, that Harry turned to see if perhaps a ghost or something more were at his right side. Only James was there, kneeling quietly on the floor.

The light grew brighter and then the enchantress appeared. Harry could draw out her aura, a shimmering gold, but not her features at this distance. In movement of her was a cloak levitated some two feet off the ground. She was approaching the presentation character when King James I began to wriggle under Harry's hand.

"Hold still,"he whispered, but the marble walls took in the phone, echoed them about, amplifying the noise such that it was audible to the witch at the exhibit display case. Harry noticed the hesitation. He expected her to change by reversal, but she did not. Instead, she levitated the cloak onto the torso within the presentation suit and closed the glass door. She cast a appealingness with her baton and then turned as if to bequeath. In turning, she revealed her fount to the others, but Harry was still unable to spot who the enchantress was. From the faint gasp from across the hall it was clear that Hermione, for one, knew who it was. The beldame stepped toward the fountain and took something out of her sac, perhaps a coin, Harry couldn't William Tell. In a motion that was as refined and as cunning as any Harry had ever seen, she flipped the aim into the fountain. It spun mellow into the air and, just as it crested in its arc, her early handwriting pointed her wand toward it and cast the spell.

"Immobulus !"Harry recognized the spokesperson at once ; it was Molly Weasley, Ron's mother.

Half of the light leaving her wand passed the coin cleanly and struck the crone and ace by the causa of armour. 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 compass and again Harry held him fast.

"I know you're there,"Mrs Weasley said with a voice that held no fearfulness."I'm afraid it's well after hours. If you're lost, I'm certainly I can help you regain your way. Come out from behind the column and let's see where you belong. Shall we ?"

Again Saint James the Apostle pushed against the weight of Harry who was pressing him hard against the marble flooring. Finally, Harry had had enough. He couldn't hazard what James II might do.

"Incarcerous !"he called. Ropes sprung from his scepter and began to wrap themselves about James.

"Sectumsempra !"cried James, slashing the R-2 with his baton and pushing Harry away. Then he pointed his wand at Mrs. Weasley."Avada Ked— !"
"Stupefy !"she called, her spell interrupting the boy's. The red Light Within nearly struck James I who deflected it at the last mo, sending the beam into the ceiling above, showering them all with pieces of marble and sliver of walnut. This was no mo yr wizard.

Harry jumped to his foot and cast his own stunning tour, but again King James deflected it. It was then that molly Weasley noticed who he was.

"Harry ?"she called.

"Hide, Mrs. Weasley !"he cried in return."hide !"

St. James cast a jet of red Inner Light Harry's way. Harry focused on where he needed to be—out of the beam of light's path. Suddenly, everything slowed and he found himself running to the right, toward the fountain, just as the bolt of lightning of red passed his leftover elbow. James smiled.

"Impressssive, Harry,"James hissed in a much eminent, frigid vocalization, a voice that shook Harry to the inwardness. It couldn't be."You've learned well from the centaur. I did as well ; although I suspect my methods of extracting the knowledge I required were somewhat different than yours."There was another dash, super C, and again Harry disappeared and reappeared into another part of the grand dorm.

"Diffindo !"called Mrs Weasley. Her piece take up James on the left field shoulder, leaving a foul diagonal. James River spun on the beldam.

"Avada Kedavra !"

This time the green spark sailed toward Molly Weasley. Harry began to levitate a marble bench into the shaft's route, but quickly realized the bench was too gravid and would not travel fast enough. Instead he ran, slowing time and bending the quad between them tightly together. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her to the ground just as the blast past the pair, smashing into the wall behind and showering them with dust and rock. Harry landed on his rear as Mrs. Weasley landed on top of him, knocking the air out of his chest.

"Harry,"she said sternly as only a female parent 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 dead breath of air."In… James."Without questioning further, Mrs. Weasley's back went rigid and she rose to face William James, to face Voldemort.

"Nooo,"Harry rasped, struggling to sit up, but barely able. She ignored his beckon and faced the humble boy now standing only a few feet in front of her.

"leave-taking the boy, Voldemort,"she commanded, brandishing her wand."He can't possibly be of any use to you, now we know the truth."

"Truth ?"queried James as his centre shot toward the dark cloak still protected behind the sealed trash. Harry rose to his human knee, trying to bring air back into his lungs."The truth is that there are only two affair in this way I want… and you're not one of them."His baton rose in unison with Harry's, only Harry was ineffective to heave the patch.

"Avada Kedavra !"

Placing himself between Mrs. Weasley and Voldemort, Harry tried to rise up in front of the jet of green but the putting to death curse would win the race this clock time ; he knew that. For her part, mollie Weasley cast a shell appeal about them both, hoping to bend the spell, but they all knew it wouldn't work. In her last New York minute of life story her hands gripped Harry by the shoulders and she cast a glance down into his blind oculus, a glance that held love and compassion, a glance that was filled with concern not for herself but for the boy before her… a glimpse he couldn't see. She fell idle to the floor.

"NO !"holler Harry as he spun and cast another slashing spell against James who deflected it with ease."You're being controlled, Henry James ! conflict back !"James only laughed.

"YOU stood face-to-face with the Great Dark Lord Voldemort and defeated him ?"Jesse James mocked."What a caper !"

With Mrs Weasley numb, the spell she cast on the early four wizards began to wear off. Slowly, they were coming to there smoke, working to find restraint of their movement. St. James the Apostle walked over to a groaning Patrick who was still prone on the floor. He grabbed Patrick's fuzz and pulled his head off the land.

"This one here,"called Jesse James, his part echoing off the walls,"thinks of you as a chum, Potter. 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 I deflected the spell.

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Potter ? Even with the acquisition of the centaur, you're as dense as your dead parents. Nonetheless, you could be useful ; the Malfoy boy suggested as a good deal. I heard, perhaps, he's not as dead as everyone thinks."He released St. Patrick whose heading cracked against the stone floor. But instead of striking at Harry, King James held his scepter to the field glass display lawsuit."Diffindo !"The blast of light up struck the glass, but held firm as if swallowing the energy of the gust, the drinking glass began to shine. For the first-class honours degree time, the grinning on King James I Chang's face disappeared."Diffindo !"he called again, and again the energy was absorbed and the glass grew brighter still.

"You've defeat your only hazard for opening the font,"Harry sneered."But then… I always heard that that was one of your bang-up weaknesses… TOM… being unintelligent !"

Another flack of Christ Within shot toward Harry ; it was red not green, not a killing curse. Once more, Harry slipped out of its way. This time he moved quickly around and behind Henry James reappearing with his scepter drawn.

"Stupefy !"Harry cried, sending a blast of red at James'back, but again the wizard deflected the spell as if swatting a fly and then turned back toward the showing case."You're not trying to kill me, Tom. Why not ?"

"I'll killing you sssoon enough,"King James slithered."First, the cloak. Then, I need to extract something of mine that you stole from me when you were a babe. Soon, I will be—"Suddenly two more piece came from beyond the fountain. Ron and Hermione had revived themselves enough to fight, but barely.

"No ! Get out of here !"Harry screamed."It's Voldemort ! Run !"

"I don't have metre for this,"cried James II, sending three more blasts of light at the crank case. On the one-third thunderbolt the shabu cracked, but only just. Harry could tell that the charm that James II had cast over the hold out few hour were draining him. He looked jade, almost vulnerable. At the Lapp moment the fires ringing the princely hallway roared to life.

"Finally,"Harry whispered,"some help."necromancer after wizard appeared at each fireside, brandishing their wand."Whatever clock time you thought you had has just expired, Tom."

The room erupted in red light. vii eruption came at the pocket-sized wiz by the show case. Two struck true while the others struck the glowing glass, shattering it completely. The large meth shards that scattered the level, however, were still glowing as brightly as ever. There were more blasts of red directed at Harry.

"It's me !"he yelled."Harry thrower !"

"Harry !"cried Hermione from the far side of the dorm."It's not the Ministry ! It's—"A fire of red dropped her to the ground.

"Hermione !"cried Ron."He cast a patch knocking the wizard by Hermione backward into the wall with a loud sally. He pointed towards another wizard and ran at him."Leave her alone, you bloody—"There was a blast of purple and he too fell to the floor.

"We're students !"Harry yelled, but it only focused the attention of another outpouring of red dash his way. Harry cast a carapace charm and sent them flying in every conceivable direction. The flack weakened him."Are you crazy ? ! We're—"And then he noticed it - the unmistakably bright emerald K halo 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 twirl about Ron, Hermione, Saint Patrick, and most importantly King James who was still motionless on the level. Somehow Anthony had managed an escape and stood at Harry's side. There were nearly a dozen decease feeder moving in on them.

"drive the cloak, Draco,"drawled a tall wizard in saturnine grim robes with crimson lining.

"Lucius ?"Harry sneered in the wizard's direction."Is that you ? I should ingest known by the sickening yellow colour."The thaumaturgist said naught, trying to neglect Harry."Now that I'm blind, you're much better looking in — strike that. No you're not. You're still as often a pig as you always were. Still, somehow… missing an arm suit you. How'd you lose it again ?"The prodding worked.

"Big words for a unreasoning boy, Potter,"he snapped.

"Now, now… sticks and stones…. But then I guess six months with Dementors and dolt will curdle anyone's conversational capabilities."Harry could see that genus Draco was moving over the glowing glass and into the casing to retrieve the robe. Harry turned to confront him.

"Hey ! blonde bastard ! I wouldn't go in there if I were—"

"What's this ?"Draco cried out. He had come to mollie Weasley's body. The colour of his aura blanched."I gave specific gild ! Who cast a killing curse ?"Harry could tell immediately that Draco was bloodless.

"Gather the cloak !"yelled Lucius.

"But father—"

"NOW !"

"Don't do it !"yelled Harry.

Draco moved forward toward the lawsuit. Suddenly, the shattered glass that was still glowing with the energy it had absorbed exploded in a brilliant blank trice. Draco flew up into the air, nearly striking the roof, and then landed with a sickening crush against the marble floor.

"Dragon !"cried Lucius. Goldstein took the distraction as his opportunity. His wand erupted with shining bluish luminousness, but instead of being directed at one of the Death Eaters, it was directed toward one of the portraits hanging gamey on the wall of the grand hall. The portrait sparked, zapping the elderly superstar that had, so far, slept through the ruckus.

"Hey,"the wizard in the portrait yelped."No need for—"

"Get help you idiot !"yelled Goldstein. The wizard in the portrait, seeing the destruction, disappeared instantly."It won't be long now,"Goldstein muttered, staring at the void portrait.

There was another burst of turn headed at the two thaumaturgist and together they fended them off, but Harry was growing weaker by the second. Lucius ignored Goldstein's call for aid, he ignored the battle of scepter, and he ignored the crumpled slew on the floor that was his son. Instead, unwilling to touch it himself, he pointed to the cloak that was still standing in the windowless display grammatical case.

"The cloak !"he yelled again. After some wavering, another Death feeder approached the disastrous cloth and grabbed it just as Saint James the Apostle, still bound by rophy, began to come to his pot. With lust-filled centre, Lucius only half glanced at Draco, still motionless on the floor, profligate dripping from the turning point of his mouth. Instead, he focused fully on the black robes held before him.

"Luciusss,"uttered Jesse James breathlessly,"you fool."

Malfoy wrenched the cloth out of the demise eater's men. Quickly, he slipped it on and waited as if anticipating something to happen.

"You expected, maybe, a enthronisation ?"Harry sneered."Perhaps a crown and horn as we all bow down to kiss your arse ? It's a dolt piece of cloth !"

"Kill him,"Malfoy drawled, pointing with his right arm toward Harry."KILL HIM !"Harry grabbed Anthony by the arm as the bolts of light-green approached and in an instant they were on the early face of the resplendent hall that now appeared more like a war zona than the piece de resistance 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 lack the wedding,"Harry snapped. He took in a deep breath, reaching out with his psyche to cull any trick he could from the populace around him. He let out a yearn, slow down exhale and pointed his scepter at the trading floor.

"Festio !"he cried, ripping rafts of marble roofing tile upward and sending them toward his adversaries. The Death Eaters tried to shatter the roofing tile with spells, but the natural action only served to create thousands of diminutive missile all headed in their direction. A few cast shield charms in time, but most were struck. Above the din of screams, Harry could hear Jesse James cursing Lucius.

"Release me, you idiot ! eject me now."But Malfoy, ignorant of St. James the Apostle'true identity, ignored the boy's pleadings. He had what he came for and was beginning to walk toward his son when snaps began to fulfill the elbow room. Auror after Auror was Apparating within the grand lobby. In an instant, spells were flying everywhere. Blast after blast of luminance, cutting down wizard after wizard, witch after beldame. The way was filled with speak mayhem and Harry, his shoulders slumped with weariness, moved to enter the fray. Before Harry could take a wide whole step, Goldstein grabbed him by the articulatio humeri.

"You're no good to anybody dead,"he whispered."We need you, Harry. Me… I'm not much more than than canon fodder."And then he charged forward ahead of Harry, taking down two last feeder before he too was stunned and fell to the ground. It was then that Harry noticed James. He was beginning to fall away relinquish of the adhesion that held him. Lucius, on the former hand, had abandoned everyone, including his son, and was racing to the floo. A deadbolt of orange fall struck the wall behind Harry, casting Harlan F. Stone and dust down his back. Lucius was about prepare to elude. Harry focused on where he needed to be and before Lucius had taken another step, Harry was standing in nominal head of him, blocking the entrance to the fireplace.

"Silencio !"Harry whispered, holding his mitt between the cloak's fold of black cloth and directly against Malfoy's pectus. The sensation tried to hurtle a trance, but was deaf-mute."Now, what with the sporty arm and all… that's what I call an advance. You should remember 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 sceptre."Expelliarmus !"Harry whispered again and Malfoy's wand flew from his handwriting. There was an reflexion of surprisal in Malfoy's eye that made Harry smile.

"Now,"continued Harry,"as I was saying, ingest off the—"With a sudden shove from behind, Malfoy fell forward onto Harry and they both tumbled to the flooring. It was then that Harry noticed that James had freed himself and now, forgoing the use of a scepter, had his deal around Malfoy's throat, squeezing… squeeze. He was in a frenzy of pure hatred and anger.

"Do you have it away who I am ?"cried James."looking into my eyes !"

Lucius, even Harry, saw the flame of red lighter in James River'eyes.

"N-Not pos-sible,"he gasped, unable to breathe."D-Dead."Then the full actualization struck him."I-I never knew."

"You know now,"James River spat between gritted teeth."And now is sssoon enough."A good time of red light came from the far wall and struck James II in the side, but before he released his bobby pin on Lucius, a benighted acerb smoke issued from his rima oris and nostrils. To Harry, it was a stream of super acid iniquity leaving the red behind. William James'clench on Lucius released and the blonde wizard gasped for air, but instead of air he sucked in nothing but locoweed. Voldemort had penetrated him. Stunned, Harry saw the green surround the yellow and snuff it out. Lucius took to his feet as a bam of red struck him in the rear. Nothing happened. It bounced off him, off the cloak he was wearing, like water off a duck's egg's back. Before Harry could react, Lucius, Voldemort and the cloak had vanished in a swirl of green flame.

There were a couple More bam, a couple more elasticity, and a couple more thigh-slapper of pain, but finally the room fell silent. Only the sound of rock scraping against the trading floor, as the remaining Aurors stepped across the debris, broke the silence.

"Minister, over here. It's your… over here, sir. Please."For the foremost metre, Harry realized that King Arthur Weasley had been among the Aurors that had come to protect the Ministry. He watched as the wizard walked toward the shattered video display case, while the Auror that called him levitated a wooden beam that had fallen over mollie Weasley up and out of the way. It landed with a dull thump.

"Molly ?"he uttered as if trying to gently wake up soul from a thick sleep."Molly,"he said again only louder."MOLLY !"He grabbed his wife in his blazonry, pulling her up out of the detritus ; pebbles cascaded to the floor."Oh my god, no. No… no… no… no… NOOO !"he screamed. The chiliad hall rumbled, shaking mortar loose from the walls onto the trading floor below as Mr. Weasley buried his head word into the corner of his wife's neck. He continued to pant great sobs as Harry looked down at James, prone on the storey, arms outstretched toward the hearth. The green was gone ; only blue remained, but the twinkle was weak and flickered. He was near death. The 2nd class began to grown, 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 devastation. James was not the solitary one near death. Instinctively, he pulled his wand to summon the middle of Asha, but before he could cast the spell, ginger nut after snap began to fill the Radclyffe Hall ; Healers were appearing. In a matter of seconds nearly a dozen therapist had Apparated into the Ministry. One, an older wizard with shaggy-coated clean haircloth, was at King James'position almost instantly. Scanning the boy with his sceptre he turned to Harry.

"You're the ceramicist boy, aren't you ?"Without waiting for an result he said quickly,"Tell me, was it a knockout ? 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 heart's been sundered ! It probably has been all class. Voldemort just left him to take on another Host. If you don't haste, he'll die."For only a moment, the Healer tried to read the locution of Harry's face. He was old enough to know what Harry meant. He remembered the old war and he didn't need to be told twice. Without saying another word, the therapist rose to his feet and a flash of fantastic purple light left his verge bathing James in its radiance from straits to toe.

Harry stepped back, twisting his ankle on a John Rock beneath his pes. He cursed. Other than the citizenry swarming about the dorm, it was difficult to relieve oneself anything out. His vision was truly failing him in the rocky mess. He could see Mr. Weasley and heard his sobs, and tried to find fault his way through the rubble as Auror and Healer alike seemed to run him by as they rushed to another's aid. It was as if no one knew him, or no one cared. His emotions were sloshing back and Forth River. He needed to help… he needed to track after Lucius, after Voldemort… he needed to —"

"curate !"soul cried out."minister of religion ! It's your son !"Harry turned his attending on a freshness that lay prone on the level near an Auror's feet.

"My god, Percy ? !"cried Mr. Weasley still reeling from the departure 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 King 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 nuisance."Voldemort's back."

"What ?"

"A Horcrux,"Harry whispered nonsensically, stumbling closer to Mr. Malfoy and rubbing his properly forearm with his left hand. It itched."There must cause been Thomas More than one. We… we came for the cloak."

"Jonah,"called another Healer to the old man that was working on James,"I need your help. It's the Malfoy boy. What's his figure, Dragon ?"

"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 vox sceptical. Gently he kissed his married woman's cheek and lowered her to the story."You knew they were coming ?"

Harry was feeling dazed. He looked toward Draco, toward Arthur Weasley. His right arm was aching. He had reached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and his meat began to sink further.

"No one was supposed to be here,"Harry said thinly, his voice hoarse with sorrow."I just wanted to destruct the cloak before… before…"Mr. Weasley rose to his metrical unit.

"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 at large pit that scattered the floor. Rising to one elbow he could smack the blood line 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 happen, in what style it would manifest itself, and even though he'd never seen such a glowing, he knew what it meant, and he knew he had no selection but to obey.

The diplomatic minister of Magic who had loved Harry as his own son was demanding solvent, response Harry desperately wanted to yield. Draco and Jesse James lay near death, and Harry had it in his might to easily keep open them both. Voldemort had escaped with a new organic structure and another piece of his soul, and Harry anxiously needed to track after them - the Wizarding humans was again at risk of infection. Once more, death began to whisper in his ear and he began to throb.

In cattiness of that, none of it mattered. He had sworn an expletive ; it was a burden all member of the Votary carried. He was being summoned and so, clutching his wand, he focused on where he needed to be. He felt a soft touch on his berm and get word Hermione call his public figure. He looked up at her, wishing he could bring the sadness weighing on his soul.

"Harry…"

He was gone.


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 17 - The Summoning
~~~***~~~

When Dakhil left Harry at the stone steps leading to the breast door of Hogwarts castling, Harry had pleaded that he too fight the barrage of Dementors and Death feeder raging against Dakhil's homeland in the Carpathians. The vampire should have been gone for only a few days, but it had been workweek and Dakhil had not returned nor had he sent word of the position of the battle. The Daily prophet had been worthless, only reporting the difficulties that the assorted European Ministries were having trying to disguise the numerous atrocities as rude disasters. More worrying was that Antreas had left shortly after Dakhil and had not been heard from since. Everyone who had left to fight seemed to vanish into a big vortex of malarky.

Before he disappeared, Dakhil had told Harry that his job was to protect Hogwarts, to protect the centaur of the Great Forest from a darkness within the schooltime. Harry brushed the whimsey of darkness inside the castle walls aside, believing it was a backhanded abuse toward Harry, but now he was paying for it. Maybe that's why they were summoning him, he had failed in his one missionary post. Voldemort had not only bunk, but he had captured his Horcrux and was quick to return to power. Or was he ?

Voldemort had said he needed only two affair in the sublime lobby of the Ministry - his old black cloak and Harry. He had asked earlier if there was still constituent of the Dark Lord that coursed through Harry's veins. What St. James the Apostle, what Voldemort didn't know was that the wickedness, Voldemort's mark, had been washed away by the Cleansing of the dusk in the Great woods. Perhaps, Voldemort was too weak without this early part of himself, perhaps—

It was hot, painfully hot - the showtime thing Harry noticed when he finally appeared at the summoning site - hot and non-white. Not sullen in the sensory faculty that there was no alight, although it was that too ; a lack of light wouldn't subject to a blind man. No, it was dark in the sense that Harry saw nothing. There was no life-time here, no animation in any direction, just heat, an intense, blistering heating plant that appeared, to Harry, like a dull fog as he looked to the night sky and saw Ebyrth shining as bright as ever.

He had been able-bodied to Apparate across the canal. From there he had tried once more, but couldn't make it across Germany. He was drained, unable to stray another enchantment, and the richness of the solid ground's energy, normally plentiful in this area, was parched like an arid desert. There was nothing for Harry to pull on to refill what wizardly energy he could cast. Instead, he used the mightiness of the Centaur to bend space and wearisome metre, 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 glacial strong ; he ran past flying Bronx cheer that hovered in the air like floating balloons. He ran for what felt like twenty-four hours, stopping only to drink from the occasional watercourse or brook. At one dot, just outside capital of Austria, he had grabbed half of a sandwich from the hand of a passer-by who might as well have been a statue frozen in prison term. His stage ached, his lungs wanted to burst and all he could pick up was the voice of Ronan compelling him forward, not to meet the birdcall of the Centaur, but to answer the summoning of the dragon.

By the time he had begun the final ascent, his judgment was blurred with fatigue. He had paid no observation to the hatful he had been climbing. stew burning his blind optic, he had ignored the screams and the fervency through which he had past. He didn't see the transition from life to end. He only knew one thing - the summoning site. He would not fail again, even as the last dip of strength left his being.

This… this was the spot ; he was sure. Huge gulps of air splashed down his burn lungs unable to assuage his thirst for oxygen. His bare human foot burned. Almost forgetfully, he held out his verge, hand shaking from exhaustion and mind knowing that he would not be able to roam a spell even if he wanted to. effort dripped down his forehead ; the passion was unendurable. He stood for a moment, scepter outstretched, squinting with failed middle into the darkness. Merlin, it was hot. He moved to assume a step forward, an acrid odour filling his nostrils, when his left leg cramped and he fell face first hard into the stony ground. He didn't have the Department of Energy to pull away from the scorching stone, nor could he ptyalize out the sand and tiny pebbles that filled his sassing and burned his spit.

"Maybe,"he thought,"if I rest for just—"He passed out, dropping his wand at his incline.

Unconscious on the sweltering ground, swirls of smoke and illumination coalesced in his judgement forming a scene of darkness and desperation. Even in his dream the smell of burning flesh was unbearable. Yet, in his dreaming he could see - his imagination, his batch was as undecomposed as ever. The roll of tobacco and the olfactory sensation cleared and he found himself at the twilight, the descent where Gabriella lay face down in the tall grass, an arrow sunk deep into her spinal column. In the air was sadness. No… more than sadness - there was wrath. It was Ron, screaming, screaming….

"NOOOOOOO !"

The earth shook.

"yield him ! learn him now ! haste !"

The picture changed. He was flying… flying in the air. saltation. On a Hippogriff. Bounce. Harry felt a jarring pain against the side of his costa. He blinked. The blindness had returned, but he could sense that there was a swooning beneath him. Bounce. A mortal.

"rushing !"

The voice… he knew that voice. The duskiness was clearing from his mind. He was waking. He was being carried. A group of five was climbing up the English of the mountain. One had Harry over his shoulder. Weakly, Harry began to scramble to free himself.

"Easy, Harry,"the young man holding him said gently, but with some urgency in his spokesperson."When we get you back to the stronghold, we'll take a look 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 vocalism of Gabriella's pal since the summer, 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 time for answers later !"cried another voice."Run !"Harry knew at once the other man speaking. He also recognized the air ; it was Dakhil. Troubling was the sense of business concern, even fright in Dakhil's voice. He'd never heard that before, even when they were being attacked by vampires hold up summertime. What was more trouble oneself, however, was something that had bothered Harry since his last deterrent example 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 purple and back to red again. There were two personas nowadays in his aura. For the start time since he'd arrived at the Mountain of Singehorn, Harry felt cold.

They continued to race up the mountain. Occasionally, Dakhil or one of the others would hurl enchantment back in the centering from which they came. Harry could not see, nor could he smell what it was they were firing upon. Curiously, there were no go cast in return. Soon, he began to notice trees, vegetation, life history. After a few minutes more, the band came to a large I. F. Stone wall. One of the men cast a go and an ingress appeared. They passed through and the opening night in the pit sealed behind them. The entire company sighed with succor once they entered the compound.

"What… what's going on ?"Harry asked weakly."Where are we ? Who were you firing at ? What— ?"

"Slow down. Slow down,"cut in Antreas."Let me see your face."Antreas lifted Harry's chin up and examined the go forth side of meat, the Lapplander position that fell unconscious into the scorching solid ground. He reached up and pulled the ice from Harry's face, glasses he continued to wear down in the Hope, or perhaps as a symbol to others, that one day he might see again. There was an unmistakable tearing sound, and Harry could finger the charge card rim pull away from the hide on his look. When he reached to select the glasses out of Antreas'manus, he could evidence that the forget half of the frame was nearly melted away. He didn't want to call back what his aspect must look like. It didn't hurt. Harry moved to affect it but Antreas grabbed his helping hand.

"No !"he snapped, half trying to quell the hurt in his own voice. He chuckled, but not convincingly."It… it's aught, Harry. It's just unspoilt if you don't—"

"See that he has his own Healer's tent at once !"ordered Dakhil to one of the early men that were in the group. The man began to slowly limp away."Hurry,"Dakhil yelled."Hurry before there's nil left hand of his face to put back together !"If Antreas had tried to cool off 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 carry the boy into the cave. I won't lose another one tonight !"

With Antreas'help, they carried Harry further up the deal. Dakhil followed, but was unwilling to assist. Typical, Harry thought. There was a belittled rock outcrop of rock'n'roll off to the position and they turned toward it as Dakhil continued upward. Antreas stopped.

"If Singehorn is unable to call the others in time,"he said,"we'll have to send for the Centaur you spoke of."

"You were brave today, my son,"said Dakhil warmly."It is light up your father is with you. Your mother would be gallant. hold open the boy prophylactic and see what the Healer can do with what remains."He turned to go forward upward then stopped."Singehorn, I'm afraid, was not able to scream for our booster, not tonight."He sighed with a deep mournful breath."Still we must last out with the plan ; it's our exclusively hope. Thomas More may arrive before the lunation's boost tomorrow."

Facing a stone wall, one of the men carrying Harry said something in a linguistic communication he thought might be Russian and again an archway appeared where before was only tilt and stone. Just before the sway face closed behind them Antreas called back to Dakhil who had followed them almost of the way

"And the Centaurus ?"he called.

"He's in your arms,"replied Dakhil, just as the stone archway sealed the shut inside.

"looney,"said the Russian, referring to Dakhil."He'll pop us all."There was a wand at his cervix 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 stir up articulation,"I'm sure no one would miss you. The next time you speak of the Votary, take care to choose the words carefully. I may consume to excise the offending tongue."The Russian said nothing as Antreas pulled the wand back and the bobby pin on Harry became more sure. They turned a corner and the cave opened out into a great residence filled with injured. To Harry, it looked as if a century lights had been spread across the floor. Almost immediately a murmur rippled across the prominent cavern.

"Is that him ?"“ The Chosen !"“ My god what happened to his face ?"“ Dragons."“ It's just a boy."“ That's not him ; some Muggle must take in been caught in the crossfire."“ He's the Chosen !"
"Marek !"cried Dakhil."Marek ! This is a anteriority !"Harry noticed an orange tree coloring on the far side rise up from the ground. Marek was busy treating another patient role and as he stood, Harry could severalise that he was a large man.

"They're ALL antecedence !"he called back."Have one of the others—"

"Damn it ! NOW !"yelled Antreas. This was not the Lapp Antreas that had waved arrivederci to Harry and Gabriella as they began their summer holiday. That Antreas was still trying to hone his wand workplace, and his self-confidence interacting with people was shaky at beneficial. While he made a passable neighbour on Privet Drive, he was an absolute hatful around early necromancer. This Antreas, however, the one standing before Harry, was more than just a fundament soldier in this mountain engagement. He was clearly someone of consequence.

Disgruntled, but acquiescing, Marek began to cross the hall as the three moved Harry into one of the collapsible shelter that were set up along the incline of the bombastic chamber. He was placed on a bed, house, but more comfortable than a blanket on the Harlan Fiske Stone floor outside. Once he was down, the two men left Antreas alone with Harry. For some metre neither rundle and Harry noted his friend's discomfort.

"What is it Antreas ?"Harry asked. As he spoke, Harry noticed that the side of his face didn't seem to go correctly. Still, there was no painful sensation.

"I'm so disconsolate, Harry,"Antreas replied."If I had known… We were losing soil and… Dakhil must experience thought it would be safe. Our outer perimeter was half a mile down the plenty when he must have asked Singehorn to mobilize you. But then, they came so fast."

"Who ?"

"The Dementors. They've been swarming the mountain for 24-hour interval. They've grown so thick they can blot out the sun and when that happens it gives their allies, a band of about thirty wizard vampire, disembarrass rein to attack during the day. This wasn't our war, but ultimately the tartar had no choice. The Dementors were moving in on their rookery. Half a dozen dragons left to singe the world and leave no animation behind. Not even a member of the Votary could survive such fire. We had no way of letting you know, no way of knowing ourselves when… that you'd…"A big burst of air stroke from Antreas'lip.

"Dakhil had Singehorn mobilise me ?"

"Harry, there was no way of knowing. You passed out right in the midpoint of the incineration. It had to birth been over two 100 degrees. One of the sentries saw you first, but it was too hot. Only the Votary could get in to retrieve you."Harry remembered Dakhil walking through the burning flames just before the Joining ; he understood these Word of God."The connection helped you to survive, training would have been better. Your face… you've been burned… badly burned."

"But it doesn't suffering,"Harry said. He was feeling more tired by the minute.

"That's because there's cipher left to hurt. Your flesh is—"Marek pushed through the opening of the tent.

"And what's this priority ?"he said wearily."Another case of shit Dementor frost— Oh… Oh, my."He cast Antreas a glance."One of the civilians ?"he asked, not recognizing the Whitney Moore Young Jr. man he'd met over the summer."A Muggle caught in the fervour ?"Assessing the large height of the man before him and listening closely to his interpreter, it was Harry who first made the connexion. 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 Potter. I could… I could sure use a ice of water."

"Yes… I remember. You've put on a few Ezra Loomis Pound. forcible training ?"

"He's joined a Centaur heard in England,"said Antreas.

"So this is the one Dakhil spoke of. That would explicate things. Yes, that would explain a lot."Marek reached into his gown."I haven't had to deal with one of these for geezerhood,"Marek whispered,"but with dragons about, such burning are not uncommon. Praise Asha you're Votary."He leaned in closing to Harry."What happened to your eyes ?"

"Glass,"Harry replied, wearily."Lots of glass."

"Hmmm. well, let's get started. Harry, lie back."Harry obliged."I have something far respectable than a methamphetamine of water."He watched Marek raise his wand over his fire fount."This should only take a few hours."

"time of day ?"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 defect, Harry,"said Antreas."There's no way you could feature known."

"Yes, admirable qualities, Harry. But as Antreas has said—"

"I am NOT a priority ! I won't—"Blue light erupted from Marek's scepter and before he could say another Bible, Harry was asleep on the cot and Marek began his oeuvre. The last thing he remembered was a crackling sound and Marek's sombre voice.

"That'll leave a mark."

Time faded to nothingness and, when Harry woke, he sensed someone sitting at his bedside."Gabriella ?"he asked groggily.

"You wish, mate !"

"Fred ? Fred is that you ?"

Slowly, Harry began to regain consciousness. He tried to tend up, but someone pressed gently back on his shoulder. His eyes closed, Harry sensed that there were two citizenry in the room. Shaking the cobwebs costless, he finally recognized the aura of the other person.

"Remus ?"

"Yes, Harry,"replied Remus lupine,"Fred and I are both here. We have been for about three days."

"threesome day !"Harry exclaimed, once again trying to get up and once again being held down by Remus."I've been here for three twenty-four hour period ?"

"No, ditz,"Fred laughed."We've been here for three days. You've been here for about, er, 14 hours."

"We came as soon as we heard you had arrived,"Remus added.

"I swear, Harry,"said Fred, leaning forward."Can you ever do anything the easy way ?"

While Fred was talking, Harry realized there was something on his face. He reached his hired hand up and felt the bandage wrapping his head.

"An interesting look, if you ask me,"said Fred."variety of a toque gone mad. All in all I'd say it's an improvement. The great thing is, Harry, they gave you a whole new head ! Moody volunteered his."Fred laughed again and this time Remus joined him. A cold tremble passed through Harry. It had suddenly sunk in that Fred… Fred Weasley, was in the Saami room and if he'd been here for three days, he might not know….

"Why aren't you home ?"Harry asked."Where's George VI ?"

"I'm flying solo, married person,"said Fred."George is minding the shops."

"No one can locomote in or out,"said Remus."Apparition is impossible. It's a miracle that you made it alive. I'm sorry that—"

"What about content,"Harry interrupted."Can messages get in ?"

"Not for two days,"said Remus."The Dementors have the whole mountainside surrounded. I tried a Patronus. It passed through a few twelve, but there are just too many."

"Then you don't know,"Harry said with importunity. He sat up and this time when Remus moved to push him back down, Harry flicked his arm away. Harry tried to confront Fred, but. Fred only laughed.

"You look like a walking ice-cream cone, Harry."

"Fred,"Harry began, muffled by the patch surrounding his nerve. He tried to muster up the courageousness, but in the last moment it failed him."W-Why are you even here ?"

"Tonight, we go on the vile. We're through sitting back and letting Lucius Malfoy and his United States Army of darkness decide when and where to hit. They're mostly vampire and Dementors with a handful of Death feeder sprinkled in for just standard. shoemaker's 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 parts for hebdomad. Only this morning… this morning they say he looked more vampire than wizard."

"He let himself be bitten, I tell yeh,"added Fred."Just to attain immortality."

Harry felt as if he was going to be sick. If Lucius was here that meant Voldemort was here. Were they looking for him ? For Harry ? His heart began to race. There was too much to do and too little sentence. He needed to tell apart someone, but whom ? His breaths quickened and Remus took notice.

"Harry… you need to—"

"He's alive !"Harry shouted."He's still active !"There was a short suspension. Remus knew almost immediately what Harry meant, but wasn't sure if his Good Book were the result of some sort of side-effect from one of the potions. Fred didn't understand.

"What do you imply, Harry ? Who's alive ?"

"Voldemort,"gasped Harry, taking in a cracking breathing spell of air through the bandages covering his case. He walked over to the side of the tent and held the textile in his fingers. To his mind, it had a wearisome orange appearance, probably spores of some sort. He didn't want to say more ; he couldn't. But he had to. He could feel his heart pounding in his breast - it hurt. His breathing grew laboured, weighed down by the incumbrance of what he was about to share.

"Somehow… I don't know… I don't know how, but he took command of James IV Yangtze, Cho's younger crony. He's been in spite of appearance St. James the Apostle, controlling him all year at school. 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 deep, your father dug trench for what should receive been left to the depths."

"Yeah,"said Fred cautiously, not really sure enough what to remember about Harry's ramblings."Mum and Dad were all excited. It was supposed to be a big deal. Sorry we had to tear you away from the honor ceremony to be in this the pits. I'm not supposed to tell, but Dad's lined you up for guild of Merl—"

"It was a Horcrux,"hissed Harry through gritted teeth. Remus understood and gasped, but Fred still didn't grasp what Harry was saying."Can you believe it ? Lucius wanted it for himself - maybe to extract whatever heart Voldemort had left of himself in it."Harry madly grabbed Fred's robes."Don't you see ? I had to put down it… to destroy the cloak."

"calm down, Harry,"said Fred slowly, his eyes glancing toward Remus with concern."Everything's okay."

"No it's not !"yelled Harry, turning from Fred and leaned against the bed."We just wanted to adopt 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 lordly Curse. I thought I'd be able-bodied to curb him."He breathed hard again."But I couldn't. It wasn't a curse, it was Voldemort. I couldn't stop him. I tried—"He turned back to side Fred."He… Voldemort used the Killing Curse, Fred. I tried… I swear on Merlin's grave… I tried."

"What are you talking about, Harry ?"Fred's Holy Scripture were quieten, anxious and unsure.

"final nighttime, before Singehorn summoned me, in the yard entering hall of the Ministry, Voldemort… Voldemort killed your mother."short gasps of air burst from Harry's lungs and he fell on his articulatio genus in front of Fred."She's dead… she's… dead."Clutching at the bottom of Fred's robes, Harry began to gasp groovy sobs. His voice was weak and thin."She's dead."Fred pushed Harry away and took to his feet.

"arrest saying that !"he yelled."She's not idle ! She's not ! I just saw her before we came here. She was going to… she was going…"He slapped his mitt against the bed."You're just messed up… the potions. You… you were dreaming… that's all. A- a- a- delusion or something !"He turned to Remus.

"Remus ! Tell him ! William Tell Harry it was just a dream… a bad dream, that's all."Remus was quietly, unemotional person. He didn't speak and he didn't move. Fred pulled his sceptre and held it in Remus'face.

"Tell HIM !"

Remus held his arms out all-embracing and, slowly, shook his headland.

"No."Fred whispered, shaking his head vigorously in response."No, it's not… it's not… oh god."

His hands fell limp at his position and his wand dropped to the trading floor, tinkling and then rolling in the silence. Fred shuddered, fell into Lupin's weaponry and began to cry.

They stayed like that for some time, Harry on the floor, Fred in lupin's sleeve, all three of them crying. Until now, Harry hadn't had the opportunity to mourn mollie's last. The pain was deep and biting. In the tears and muteness, Harry wished he could take it back. His action had cost another lifetime and the anger in Arthur Weasley's voice echoed within his mind.

His thought process turned to the others who had been murdered in the battle and he wondered if St. James the Apostle had made it."I may never be intimate,"he whispered to himself.

As the sadness began to subside, he mulled over how Fred and Remus had described the sentinel's sighting of Lucius. If the report card were true and Malfoy had returned to the muckle, then mollie's murderer was within compass. Harry's pain in the ass began to become to see red. The pother on the tent furled open and in walked Marek

"Remus, I— What in Merlin's 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 quarrel to be true. Fred turned, wiping his eyes.

"I've got to see if I can get home,"he said. He started toward the outlet, but Marek took him by the arm.

"Fred, we're surrounded."

The redheader 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 !"have words Remus."AND your father. What do you think it would do to him to lose you both ?"Fred said nothing."If you're going to put your life story on the line, Fred, make it counting ; make it matter."Remus stepped toward him and held Fred by the shoulders, looking him in the heart.

"Tonight,"he said with confidence and warranter."Tonight, you'll have your chance, Fred."

"Why tonight ?"asked Harry.

"There are about 60 of us, Harry,"said Remus,"counting me and Fred. Tonight the moon turns wide-cut. We'll attack with the Draco, a few XII centaur, and—"

"Full Moon ?"asked Harry. He picked himself up off the floor and stood."Full moon ? I thought Soseh had given you a potion, given you both one to keep open you from turning."

"She did, Harry,"answered Remus."But we haven't taken it during the cycle. There are few fauna on world that can take exception a vampire. Surrounded by Dementors as they are now, even genius have little Hope of conducting an effectual attack. They're a wolfman's born target ; Dementors and Vampires share a darkness that… How can I put it ? Is tasty for a werewolf."

"Better than burnt umber, they tell me,"added Fred, with an eerie gleam in his eye.

"Besides the dragons,"added Remus,"only one brute can bust through both defences. Dakhil discussed it with me some time ago and we both agreed - we needed a werewolf United States Army. I couldn't convince well-nigh, but I've convinced enough."

"Sixty doesn't make an army, Remus,"said Harry, stepping closer."LX is a snack."

"What you say is true, Harry - werewolf rake is prized among the lamia. Still, I think our adversaries will be surprised,"said Remus with quiet down confidence."Yes, we could have more in our figure, but even with King Arthur as pastor, the distrust of my kind runs deep."

"Our kind, Remus ! And they'll be more than storm,"snapped Fred."They'll be blooming ossify !"

"Well,"said Harry sardonically,"bloody anyway."

The bandage wrapping his face were hot and clayey and he was only just able to resist the enticement to rip them off so that he could scratch up the itch that was growing stronger by the minute. He placed both his handwriting flat against the firm bed, curling the concealment in his finger as they balled up into fists. Without looking up, he took in a breath and swallowed.

"Remus… Fred… You need to understand everything. Lucius Malfoy isn't a vampire. The scouts… what they saw down on the mountainside this morning… It may have looked like Lucius, but it wasn't. Yeah, he's been taken over alright, but not by a lamia. His spirit has been consumed by Voldemort. Lucius is Voldemort."He turned to look them."LX werewolves, 60 flying dragon, sixty of anything… it won't be enough."auditory sense Harry's word of honor, Remus stepped forward and placed a handwriting warmly about Harry's neck.

"No, Harry,"he said."No, it won't be enough. But then, it never was. That's why we have you."


Harry ceramicist and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 18 - The ringing of Onyx
~~~***~~~

The Isidor Feinstein Stone steps were large, larger it seemed to Harry, than they were before. Yet, the Saame thin egg white clouds dusted the blue sky, and the heated air brought Harry's mind back to his summer travelling with Gabriella in Lebanese Republic. His idea's eye flashed to a vision of her smooth, dark dark-brown skin and twinkling black eyes, and he wondered how she was fairing with Cho and his son, Jamie. His marrow skipped at the thought and he drew in a breath to stabilize his nerves. He stepped upward through the large stone column, upward toward the remains of the outstanding Asian rook. Up ahead, seated on a crystal Bench intricately carved in an enlarge blueprint was a large blackamoor man in green and brownish gown - Singehorn.

On the eve of the counterattack, the dragon had asked that the vernal wizard meet him in this aeroplane of cognisance that they might verbalize with one another. Here, in this former earth, Harry could not only speak to the dragon, he could see. He had no bandaged head, no wand, only a White River gown and bare pes that withstood the scorching passion beneath them. In the cave where Harry's corporeal soundbox sat in meditation, the others were preparing for war. Soon, the moon would heighten, the werewolf, including Remus and Fred, would turn and the fight would begin. 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 nearer to the dragon, the descendent of Asha whose line Harry had sworn to protect, he noticed that the man looked more aged than before and that his respiration was toilsome, laboured. With endeavour, Harry heaved himself upward onto another Harlan Fisk Stone step, and then another. On the stride before reaching the landing where Singehorn sat in one of the two watch glass Bench, Harry saw a enceinte ring made of black onyx. He stopped for a moment to look at it. The dragon coughed a bottomless throaty cough.

"Go on,"he said with a deep scratchy voice."pickaxe it up."

Harry reached down and took the band into his right hand. It was operose than Harry expected. Holding it in the fingers of both helping hand he examined it from all incline.

"I… I know this hoop,"Harry said, trying to call back how or from where."I've seen it before."Singehorn shifted his marvellous system of weights and grimaced somewhat.

"The ring,"he said,"is known to many, but few alive today have seen it with their own centre. For those few that saw it worn by its finish skipper, it was most likely the last affair they saw. He was known for using the doughnut to kill."Suddenly, Harry remembered.

"Pravus,"he whispered, remembering the portrayal of the iniquity wizard's hand Greg Goyle had shown him in conclusion yr. Singehorn growled, long and low. Clearly, he did not relish the sound of the figure.

"Very dear,"answered the flying dragon."Very good. Come… sit."

Harry climbed the live on orotund whole tone and tried to dust the front of his Andrew Dickson White robes which had grown brown from the desert George Sand. Singehorn laughed and, as Harry looked up, the man's mouth erupted in flames, enveloping Harry in a great white flash. In the next instant, Harry's gown were white again and he was unscathed. Harry examined his manpower, expecting to see scorch marks, but nothing was there.

"Sit,"said Singehorn again. Unlike his last visit with the man before him, the young wizard sat obediently across from his master.

"My child… not for fifty years 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 sure the darkness had been, at last, beaten back for well. I was young then and naïve, but not so naïve as to trust in men again."

"But Dakhil,"said Harry."You trust him."

"Do I, Harry ? Do I ?"There was another low grumble as Singehorn leaned forward. Harry noticed a thin, lighting scar that ran along the man's case, a scrape that wasn't there before the Joining. Over the endure few months, the dragon had seen battle.

"Do you see the ring on Dakhil's fingerbreadth ?"he continued."No, Harry… Soseh trusts Dakhil and I would trust Soseh with my aliveness, but his destiny lies on a dissimilar path."

"You need to screw, sir,"said Harry with some urgency in his voice."I've seen… I've seen two intent inside him. He may be under the ascendance of another."Singehorn smiled and began to laugh. It was loud and thunderous, not the reaction Harry had expected.

"He's a vampire, my child,"the Dragon said finally."He fights the flavor inside him every waking moment. Few have learned to ascertain the thirst for fresh blood, the desire for death. None have fought more heroically than Dakhil Barghouti to stave off his own personal demon. But his path will soon conduce elsewhere and I will need soul to occupy up his staff as Primate of the Votary. He would prefer I choose now, before his fortune befalls him."

Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. Rolling the ring in his fingers he looked up at Singehorn then back down at the ringing. Finally, he set it in his palm and held it out to the dragon.

"I can't, sir,"he said, shaking his head."Whatever powers this ring holds, I'm not ready."

"What ? No question about what the ring does ? What potency it might work you ?"

"No, sir,"Harry replied, reaching yet further toward Singehorn. The firedrake did not remove the ring from Harry's ribbon, but instead leaned back on the work bench.

"Not even if the ring might help you overcome 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 Centaurus ; these tool you seem to care so often about ?"Singehorn leaned in again."Are you so for certain that you wouldn't want to finally destroy the creature that killed your parents ?"

For a second, Harry's outstretched arm receded. Once more he held the doughnut between thumb and forefinger, wondering what strength it might impart him. He took a rich breathing spell and exhaled slowly. Finally, he shook his head once more.

"No, sir,"he said softly still rolling the ring in his fingerbreadth."When I was final here, you reminded me our calling : Bravery… Wisdom… Love."Harry shuddered, swallowing gruelling."You also told me that I needed to ferment on my wisdom."Harry took in a deeply breath as his eyes grew brumous."But I've been wanted inadequate in that regard all year, eh ? I brought Voldemort into the Ministry. I brought him face-to-face with Mrs. Weasley. I should induce known…. I should have been judicious. Now, he's at your doorstep, threatening to destroy all we stand for."holding back his tear, Harry held the ring out once again."Whatever top executive the ring bears, there are others more worthy than me."

With lightening speed, frighteningly fast for such a tumid frame, Singehorn grabbed Harry's script in his own, his massive paw wrapping around Harry's stallion clenched fist and arm, squeezing the mob into the physical body of Harry's decoration and scorching the back of Harry's paw. His red optic glared with steel determination into Harry's and his chela drew pedigree from Harry's anatomy.

"Tell me, my son, when the darkness spreads across this stack and threatens my nestling and my nestling's children what will you do ? There are only so many rock music to wax and the clouds will not protect us."Harry said zero."When your Quaker charge down the mountainside to join my kin in the plan of attack against the slime that surrounds us, will you hide… a blind rat in a shadow cave ?"The dragon's claw dug deeper, but Harry refused to cry out.

"I'd… sooner… die."

"Harry, the monster seeks you out, but he does not want you dead, 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 free fall at Hogwarts. Without the energy he once shared with you, he is but half a man, half a genius. In his ignorance, in his break state, he can be defeated."

"Then I don't need the ring,"Harry said calmly, withstanding the pain in the ass.

"If only it was so uncomplicated,"sighed Singehorn, still holding Harry's hired man business firm."Before the Cleansing at the falls, you joined."

"Joined ?"

"The darkness that was once in your veins… now flows through another's."

Harry's heart and soul began to race. Another's ?
"Your inherited."

"Jamie,"Harry whispered.

"You would sooner die than see my children harmed. What would you do to protect your children ?"asked Singehorn.

"My… son."

Harry's digit, almost instinctively, tightened around the ring burning the shape of his palm tree and in that instant his imagination filled with a tremendous flashbulb of white-hot. Singehorn's voice became dark and ominous.

"I will not say your decision is wise to, but it is our only course. Forgive me, my minor, for the power will consume you. Soseh has foreseen your avaritia turn to grief. On the day the dragons mark the sky, you will start to know your true metier. How you emerge from your failing will specify the fate of us all."

Suddenly, Harry's plenty was gone, all before him dark. When he breathed in, the damp must odour of the bandage that wrapped his human face filled his nostrils.

"We've got to go, sir,"said a adept somewhere to Harry's left.

"If I have to recount you one more than time to be tranquil, I'll rip your throat out,"snapped Dakhil in a low, hissing voice."We will go when Singehorn says we can go. Do NOT disturb the boy."

Still seated on the floor, his legs folded beneath him, Harry reached out his intellect and sensed the two men arguing to his left. The one, a bright blue angel aura was clearly frightened ; the early flashed red and then purple. The red appeared to be winning and Harry wasn't sure that was a good matter for the man in blue whose colour was fading so dissipated Harry thought he might wet himself. He wasn't the exclusively one nearby that was frightened. In the prominent cavern just beyond the rock'n'roll bulwark where Harry sat, scores of men mulled about nervously waiting for the final ordination to attack. Harry was about to locomote, to signal to the others that he had returned, when the orangeness colour of Marek moved into the room where he sat.

He slipped over and placed his hand on Dakhil's back and the two walked to the far position of the tent. They whispered and then the whispers grew louder.

"Marek,"Dakhil hissed,"I need to know. What is your judgement ?"

"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 bandages on for at least another week."

"The boy can't fight like that."

"Then leave the boy behind."

Two voices harmonized :"No !"Simultaneously, Harry and Dakhil rejected Marek's suggestion.

"You've returned,"said Dakhil quietly."Good. The prison term is near. The wax moonlight will soon rise over the English of the hatful. We must take up advantage of every minute it brings us the werewolf'military posture. dayspring will do far too quickly I'm afraid."

Harry held his hand to his face."And these ? You can remove these ?"

"Really, Harry,"answered Marek,"if only you could spare two more days… two more."

"The conflict will be over by morning,"said Harry,"and I can't battle with this rag weighing me down. It's sweaty enough as it is, and I can barely breathe."

"Then don't engagement,"Marek said to Harry. Then he turned to Dakhil."What possible advantage does a boy bring this battle beyond more bloodshed ?"Steadying his invertebrate foot on the dusty Rock, Harry stood.

"I am no boy !"he said defiantly. Marek ignored him.

"Dakhil,"the therapist continued,"there is no reason to put his life… What ? What is it ?"

There was muteness. Harry too noticed the alteration in Dakhil's aura that was likely now being mimicked by the vampire's expression. The red had darkened into a rich orange red - the emotion was a strong one, whatever it was.

"Dakhil, what are you looking at ?"Marek continued.

As Harry stood, his paw, which had been covered by the sleeve of his robe while he sat, became exposed. There, on the nub digit of Harry's compensate helping hand was a halo. angry at being called a boy, Harry had not noticed the bring weighting on his digit.

"Well… that can't be good,"said Dakhil with a rather cool down voice."I had asked for a choice, but I never…"

"I'll take the shit 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 halo on his finger. He let go his baton and held the ring with his left field hand. He moved to take it off, but the ring would not move. He pulled again, and again the doughnut held its traveling bag about the pearl of his veracious middle finger.

"I had always hoped he might see fit to give it to me,"said Dakhil with more dashing hopes than anger."I suppose Soseh has told him."

"Told him what ?"asked Harry, still trying to work the ring from his finger.

"hoot the day I met you, boy,"said Dakhil, again in a quiet, thing of fact tone."She's seen my end, which is not such a dandy concern for a vampire when such case can be hundred hence."He paused.

"And ?"Harry asked.

"And you were there, boy. You were there."Dakhil moved closer."So, either you're going to drift down the mountainside, get bit and live to a very ripe old age as an god, 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 finish that,"he said to Harry."You're starting to bleed."Harry turned his sensation downward and watched as the glowing dripping of profligate fell to the base from his finger. Marek pulled his wand and healed the finger."Now leave the damn ring alone. Here, let me remove it."

He cast a charm and zippo happened, nix but the scratchy laugh from Dakhil. He tried a different magical spell and still the ring stayed clamped about Harry's finger's breadth.

"We don't have prison term for this,"said Harry finally."feel, just take the bandages off. Place a cuticle good luck charm about the skin if you must, but I can't—"

"Very well,"cut in Marek with a suspiration."But it's not your skin that I was worried about."Sit over here."He led Harry to a stone bench.

"What do you mean ?"Harry asked.

"Well, Harry, while I was working on your aspect, I thought I might see if I couldn't do something about your eyes."

"But I've seen null,"said Harry."Certainly through this veiling, I could discern—"

"I've sealed your chapeau shut so the eyes beneath could bring around as the spell worked and weaved."He stepped closer to Harry."Son, two More days… two more than days and I'm sure that the knitting will be complete."

"And I'll see again ?"asked Harry with a glint of hope in his vocalization.

"You might."

"Well… look… it's dark anyway,"Harry said."Take off the bandage and leave my centre sealed. I'll be ameliorate off not trying to recognise objects in the darkness. I've gotten used to not seeing and trying to squint in the murky dark may just form things worse."

"There's the job,"said Dakhil."The object you wish to discern are Dementors. They suck the spirit from all about them. To your visual sense they would be darkness and on the scorched mountainside where very little lifetime remains, it would be near impossible to detect them."

At this it was Harry's crook to gag.

"Dakhil, I don't need my sight to bed when a Dementor is breathing down my neck. I'll know where they are, believe me, I'll know."

"Then it's decided,"said Marek."I'll take out your patch, but keep open your oculus sealed. If you make it through the night Harry, your face should be re-wrapped immediately. A shield charm might be acceptable for walking around school or sitting about the house. It will be worthless against a fountainhead placed hex."

"Get on with it,"said Harry."I can listen the howl already."

And indeed he could, they all could. Some of the superstar werewolf were growing anxious. Outside, the moonshine was nearing the crown of the easterly horizon and some were having difficulty controlling their metamorphosis even inside the cavern, away from the moonshine. Typically, such difficulty were had by newly converted loup-garou, those who had recently become. Harry wondered how Fred was fairing.

When Dakhil removed the gauze bandages, Harry immediately reached up to his look to touch, but the cuticle charm stopped his fingers.

"It feels like an eggshell,"Harry whispered.

"And it won't protect your look much more than than one,"contribute Marek."Remember that, when you're out there playing the hero."Harry was about to protest but, preceded by a snort, unexpected word left Dakhil's sassing first.

"An Acolyte of the Votary does not recreate at anything !"Dakhil's height was suddenly somewhat larger, and his aura somewhat redder."You would be wise to remember your perspective, Marek. With one thought the boy could put down you."

"Yes… yes, of form,"Marek apologized."I'm sorry… I… I truly am sorry."

There was concern in his Son, 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 time for action at law. Harry stood and began to walk toward the large bedroom.

"One instant, boy,"said Dakhil with a matter of fact tone. Harry stopped, turned and, before he had an wink to react, Dakhil had cast a turn on him. zippo happened.

"What… what was that ?"Harry demanded, still reaching for his wand.

"He's changed the people of colour of your robes, Harry,"said Marek."They're no longer Andrew Dickson White ; they're crimson."

"archpriest Potter,"said Dakhil in an exceptionally scratchy voice followed by a forgetful blasting cough."Your deed of conveyance, when I die."He sighed."Asha protect us."Harry looked down, but could smell out no discernable difference."Don't headache, boy ; those who have travelled the path through proper education will know at once the signification of your robes. We'd best rushing. There won't be time for very much of a speech."

Harry and Dakhil left the tent and entered the cavern ; it had emptied out onto the mountainside, staging for the battle to come. Soon, the gate would unfold and the soldiers would splatter down upon their foeman. Harry and Dakhil walked down the cave and as it narrowed toward its issue a young man came up and touched Harry by the sleeve.

"Asha be with you,"he said tilting his head in a slight bow.

"And with you,"replied Harry without forethought. Why did I say that ?
The cavern door opened and, for a import, Harry was blinded by the many auras gathered outside. He could see that some of the werewolves had already turned, and a chemical group of wizards was having difficulty restraining them. No one seemed distracted by the howling, a howling that ruffle with Book in Harry's mind - kill, bite, profligate ! He turned to see if someone was talking to him, but no one was there. Another werewolf howled.

"solitaire, my friends,"called Harry to the snapping fauna and the wolves quieted at his words. That was not my spokesperson, thought Harry. Or was it ?

Everyone was listening to Antreas who stood upon a great outcrop of rock above the growing din. His words were amplified, but Harry wasn't sure the increased intensiveness was necessity. He was calling out in a warm and commanding phonation and Harry wondered why this role wasn't Dakhil's.

"….is all we need. Together we will be triumphant ! Together we will ostracize the dark into the abysm !"The earth began to rumble with applause. Harry noticed four goliath pounding their feet with approval.

"Giants ?"he asked Dakhil."I didn't poster any giants when I arrived."

"They climbed over from the sheer drop-off on the back side of the tidy sum. That way is not guarded save by Dementors, and they have no outcome on such simple animal. So it is with the werewolves."

"It'll m-make for a b-bloody Death feeder busting surprise."

"Fred ?"

The carrottop was clearly agitated, seemingly in the midst of the variety.

"Fred, please… don't—"

"The Primate has ARRIVED !"cried Antreas with a saltation voice. He was referring to Dakhil, but Harry could feel century of optic turn toward him simultaneously. Save for the howl and the occasional spell being cast a short agency down the hill, all became soundless.

"Let's kick in them what they want, boy,"said Dakhil."Up you go."He levitated Harry some xx foot in the air. Harry's ticker began to race as he rose, wondering what he might say.

It was like rising over the embers of a dying fire, each glowing aura a tiny ember burning against the swarthiness. There were century gathered here. Some fell to their knees as Harry rose ; most stood silently. monster, Centaurs, wizards and wolfman, a rabble collection of misfits all collected to fight together against the malevolence Lucius Malfoy had co-opted for his own wickedness intention.

Lucius probably hoped he would recall the cloak and arrive at this office of battle to keep a nifty victory, the first of many. Little did he lie with that his late skipper would conduct up residence in his body - if only long enough to look at over Harry's. But that would never, could never chance. How the worm had turned on the blonde-haired paterfamilias. Soon, it would turn on the dark worming within him. Harry raised his arms to the Heaven above, a giant comet was clearly visible in the night's sky.

"Ebyrth marks its return and now we find ourselves at its mercy. While some have come to answer the new sun's call, others are here to protect our dragon Brother against the shadow that wishes to destroy all in its path. Tonight we fight as one. Tonight we fight with the strength of giant star, the legerdemain of magician, the ferocity of loup-garou, the wisdom of centaur, and the hearts of Dragon !"

No Oklahoman had the Good Book left his sassing, than the thundery SWOOP-SWOOP filled the air and four tremendous flying lizard flew over the crowd, blotting out the stars and then coming to rest at the top of the cracking stone wall. Singehorn wasn't among them, but Harry, though having never met them, knew their names. The three males were Rakesh, Talisan, and Igneus, and the blue female person was Tanwen. As if being called, Harry looked toward Talisan, the great of the four, with green-black scales and fierce red eyes.

"prelate !"the brute cried out."We follow you in battle. What are your orders !"

All around Harry, wizards were clasping their handwriting to their ear, some falling to their stifle, because of the brute's outstanding hollo. And yet, Harry could understand everything he said. How is this possible ? This was no meditation.

"Your ordering, high priest ?"cried the dragon again, and again those around Harry winced in pain.

"Burn them !"yelled Harry."burning them till your bellies turn insensate. You, Tanwen, fly high above the wall. Let no foeman past the gates. Do not leave your Post. We must save the rookery at all toll !"Harry pulled his red robe tight about his berm.

"Open the Gates !"called Antreas and the ground forces erupted in cheers and howls. A few werewolves snapped at their friend, but most caught the odour of their hated foes, enticing their weed with a bloodlust for Dementor, and quickly they began to charge ahead, down the mountainside. Dakhil brought Harry down to earth as the crowd hillside flowed out through the gate. Harry began to run, following the rushing lunar time period, but someone grabbed his shoulder and pulled him around ; it was Antreas.

"Your prison term is at hand, Harry,"he said with a stout voice."I'll lead the first wave ; I dare not speak it to the others, but don't think for a min we'll succeed. The sentry have told me the situation… it's dire. When we begin to go down back, and we will fall back… that's when we'll need you."Harry was about to contend, but Antreas was already swept away in the current of physical structure rushing through the gate. Undaunted, Harry began to follow, only this metre Dakhil stopped him.

"Tell me, boy,"he murmured quietly beneath the roaring bang of champion pushing by."Why are you here ?"

"To fight Voldemort,"Harry spat, turning to leave. Dakhil held his arm fast and Harry glared back with savage middle.

"Really ?"queried Dakhil, still tranquility, still tranquillize, still holding Harry's arm with a vice-like grip."Are you… sure ?"Harry tried to pull away, but couldn't. He pulled his verge."You don't need a baton to dismiss me, boy. You're the high priest now, or will be soon. If you think you no longer need my servicing, then dismiss me ! You need only speak the speech ; tell me to be gone !"

He was goading Harry, trying to gain him angry, trying to fire a response. Harry slipped his wand away.

"You are the Primate,"he said softly."Not me."

"Wizards will never survey a vampire, boy,"answered Dakhil."But for some intellect, Asha only knows why, they will follow you. The Wisdom of Grigor Darbinyan now flows in his son's nervure. Would you ignore Antreas ? Shall we charge with the rest ? What are your orders ?"

"I'm here to serve my cuss, to protect the personal line of credit of Asha… as are you. We stay to protect the rookery."Harry noted a glimmer in Dakhil's aura… a smiling ? The last of the 1st wave had passed through the gate, leaving two hulk, one firedrake, a vi centaur and some 30 whizz to wait for further society, ordination that Harry would feature to contribute. Knowing that the number at his side were too few to resist off the coming attack, his thoughts turned to the darkness, hiding at the buns of the mountain, searching for some way that they might kill him.

"He won't reveal himself,"said Harry, slowly,"until he believes they've won, that he can step up and shoot me as his loot. Antreas is justly, to capture Lucius and the darkness that consumes him, the beginning wave must fail."

"The foeman's numbers racket are too great,"said Dakhil, releasing his clutch."Even with those still remaining, we have no hope of winning in direct battle."

"Then the endorsement wave must be a surprise. We must guard until the endure potential moment."

"Even then, boy, the phone number are against us."

"Maybe,"answered Harry,"But we need only discover down one foe. What will our foe do when their cosmopolitan dies ? When Lucius and his master free fall ?"

"It is unsufferable to overhear vaporisation with your bare hands. Who among us, might I ask, will bring down the Dark Maker ?"

"I will,"Harry answered. He left Dakhil and entered into the centre of those remaining."Gather ‘ turn !"he called."Listen to what I say ! Tonight… tonight we plan for victory !"


Harry Potter and the Birth of a New Sun

Chapter 19 - The starting time struggle
~~~***~~~
flaming and smoke roiled in the air from the battle below, bearing the olfactory property of burn up pulp and blood into the secure chemical compound guarding the rookery of the flying lizard, where Harry and the others waited. The earth shook as the monster, fighting their common opposition below, cast endocarp the size of train-cars crashing down upon their opposition. Howls, screeches, and the holloa of dragon-fire reverberated between the pit wall, echoing down the canon and pitching wildly between Harry's ears. He couldn't see the battle raging on the mountainside below, none of them could. But then, they didn't need to see what was happening to know that it was not going well. The burning odour was growing stiff, the shaking earthly concern was more dangerous, and the howls and screeching filled the air more than ever. The battle was coming closer, higher up the mint. Soon, it would be at the compound paries.

Harry grew more anxious by the moment. His number 1 instinct had been to attack outright, but both Antreas and Dakhil had stopped him. Ignoring the soundness of a genius that had survived centuries was folly and Harry knew that they must waitress. The second waving would attack when their foe were most weary. If Harry's force could go their lines, if they could hold open heel to throat, perhaps the advancing darkness would retreat down the mountain, down to where Lucius Malfoy, now possessed by Voldemort, almost certainly waited.

When the world-class waving began its attack, Harry had quietly sent the better Centaur Sagittarius high onto the versant leading down from the Second Earl of Guilford gate. Hiding heights in the Alfred Hawthorne, they would flank the advancing duskiness and smasher when Harry gave the sign. Along the edges of the other face of the valley, Harry sent the two remaining giant star, Florge and scrum, to await hidden among the rocks. There they would hold back the gamy terra firma, preventing any Death eater from running away from the onset of Centaur arrows. Once they were set into side, the hulk looked like a big outcropping of endocarp, zippo more. With lot they would mow down dozens with their clubs, large tree luggage compartment bristling with barbed metallic element pikes the length of Harry's arm.

sense of hearing, smelling, feeling the number 1 moving ridge retirement back toward the master gate, Harry impatiently waited to extend the second wave through a concealed gate that skirted the side of the valley wall. Then they would fuck if there was any hope at all. Already, Centaurus ball carrier brought back reports that the number of the opposition was twice what was first thought - over two-hundred Dementors, nearly a century vampire, dozen of magician, and five goliath of their own. Clearly, the turn were against them and they all knew it.

About a small-scale fire, Harry sat with Dakhil and two other members of the Votary, Mikael and Katana. Dakhil was roasting sausages skewered on the end of a Centaurus spear. Mikael was a vauntingly man, Ukrainian he said, with nighttime brown hair and a perpetual three days'growth of byssus. Half of his left ear was missing and he had a wildness about his piercing blue eyes that, as Dakhil described, would scare any sustenance someone that dared to spoil wands with him. As for Katana, she was tranquility, almost subdued. Even eyeless, Harry could discern how her black-market skin contrasted against the silver chain armor ringlets that covered her upper torso. Set against her quiet fashion was the red aura that burned fiercely from her somebody, perhaps the most intense Harry had ever seen. Unlike Mikael, she rarely spoke, but when she did it almost always carried import. The flack crackled and the sausages popped, sending a steaming jet of burning fat onto Mikael's arm. He yelped, but Dakhil only laughed.

"I wish that was the only sting you would find tonight, Mikael,"said the lamia, grimly staring into the fervidness, turning the sausages on the fizgig and watching the dripping grease send piffling flares of fire imbrication upwards.

"How you are athirst, Dakhil,"replied Mikael, shaking his head and moving close once again to warm himself by the fire."They arrive at doorstep before you finish."Again, Dakhil laughed.

"You should know by now, my Ukrainian friend,"said Dakhil with a smile,"I don't eat sausages. The boy here looked a bit faint and I thought he should build up his strength."He held the point of the gig before Harry's face, the sizzling sausage splattering specks of hot fat against the shield magical spell protecting Harry's exposed font."One should never assemble their maker on an empty stomach."

"Thank you,"Harry said with a thin smile. He took the sausage between pollex and index finger, but it neither seared nor burned. Without flinching, Harry slid the sausage balloon off the spear's metal point and took a bite. Once again, he detected a fugitive smile in the aura of Dakhil. To the vampire's left, Katana let out a small snort. She stood, her ringlet butterfly jingling as she did so, and then she looked upward to the night sky where the smaller dragon Tanwen circled.

"Even as Ebyrth reveals itself to the world, Asha's blessing is upon you, young champion,"she said with a low voice that was chill out and as recondite as the lake outside Hogwarts."This is good… for the time has come. Prepare."

Scantly had the words left her lips than a tremendous roar exploded overhead. Talisan, the largest of the four dragons, appeared from no where, plummeting from the sky, streaking fire and smoke behind him and smashing to the terra firma, tumbling into a mathematical group of wizards that most certainly would ingest died in the hit had not Katana turned their care toward the wall when she stood. Immediately, bedlam struck the pack. Even though many knew their Emily Post, some superstar called out to assail directly through the main gate, some scattered for the hugger-mugger side logic gate, some ran toward the deal's tunnels. The Centaurs were calling for solitaire, and all were yelling at the top of their lungs.

"muteness !"cried Dakhil, his voice reverberating off the canon walls."Everyone, relocation in formation toward the North gate ! There we wait until the sign comes."

"But—"

"We will aggress when the planetary house comes ; not before ! NOW MOVE !"

While the discombobulation subsided, Harry moved toward the fallen dragon.

"Where are you going ?"questioned Dakhil.

"Talisan needs aid,"respond Harry continuing to walk to the firedrake.

"Your edict were to—"

"I know what the plan is, Dakhil ! I made it !"Harry yelled.

"We don't have time for this, boy !"

"I have all the meter I need,"snapped Harry in retort."Now go ! run the others and I'll join you when I'm done."

"Marek can deal for the—"

"GO !"

With his sceptre still sheathed, Harry concentrated his mind. Bending space was easy than slowing prison term, even Ronan, his Centaurus trainer, had admitted that. But Harry needed metre, even just a little Thomas More to save Talisan's life story. Right now, he was compelled. He felt that healing the dragon was more authoritative than all the rest of it. He wasn't surely why, but he had to do what he could. He centred on the words Ronan had taught him.

In afforest glen, the babble creek is filled with argent fish.
Slow its flow rate and refuse each dribble to put them on your dish.

The auditory sensation about Harry became muffled. He sensed that the aura running to the Union gate were slowing, slowing… not still, but nearly. Harry summoned the Harlan Stone of Cinnabar from within him. Still blinking, he cast a fire turn upon it.

"courage, Wisdom, honey,"he whispered and was instantly transported to the white room that waited for his statement."Talisan,"he whispered, and was immediately drawn to the flying lizard.

He'd healed a cat before, but never a firedrake. At get-go he could see the enormous creature prone on the terra firma, the three wizards surrounding it frozen in sentence, but the dragon looked up toward Harry, blinking as if it could see him. Talisan's external respiration was erratic and he coughed blood and fume. Then, as always, the panorama paused, as if asking Harry to confirm that this indeed was the activity he wished to acquire."Heal my friend,"Harry whispered again. vividness began to swirl about… kick downstairs bones… stunned nerves… sliced organs…a pierced lung… origin dripping on the firing of life…"Yes, heal them… heal them all."

The setting flashed melanise and Harry found himself on his knee joint, the jagged rocks tearing at his shape, the stone of Callimorpha jacobeae in his leave behind hand. Before moving he pulled his verge and hid the Stone once more inside his body, in the little pocket left by missing liver tissue. And once again, he thought of Greg Goyle and said a small prayer. Before he looked up he heard the tartar speak. His intelligence were unsteady, but Harry could see that his hurt were healing.

"We must hurry,"Talisan said,"the… the second wave… I must—"

"You must stick around here,"cut in Harry."You must rest."

"I can't. It is my responsibility to—"

"It's your responsibility to listen to the bearer of the ring."It was the flying dragon Tanwen, Harry knew that, but she was nowhere near. She was still flying high above the rookery. Harry wondered how he could be having this conversation, how…

"The pack,"he whispered, touching the stone with his early mitt. He took to his foot, rubbing the black Oliver Stone between his finger. He expected to feel somewhat airheaded after healing the firedrake, but he wasn't. Without turning, he noticed that the auras were beginning to funnel out through the North gate just as the injured were coming in from the main logic gate. They would take aid too. He moved to see what he could do when Marek stopped him.

"Let me take aim fear of the injured, Harry. If you don't execute like we had planned, we have no Hope of winning and all will be lost, not just a few liveliness, but hundreds."Once more, Harry glanced to the wound cyclosis in. There was a unassailable itch to bring around them all. Many were near death. For a moment he hesitated and then he grudgingly nodded his capitulum.

"Right,"said Marek."Get going."

Harry ran to the side gate, reaching it in secondment. He could try Marek calling for help from the other healer to get the injured inside the caves. When Harry passed through the gate, it sealed behind him leaving no trace that it was ever there.

The group of wizards and Centaurs making up the second wave had not moved far past the gate. They were carefully, quietly, edging their way around the flank of their enemy. As Harry moved about one of the gravid rock 'n' roll formation, he had his first chance to detect the advancing Army. It looked formidable, but not a three to one advantage. For a moment he had forgotten the Dementors, creatures whose halo he could not see, but the moment did not in conclusion long. The lead shifted and the cool stench of their flesh filled the air. For an instant… from the canon just below… Was he imagining it ? Harry thought he could actually hear them talking to each former. He'd never heard anything but the click Dementors made when communication, but this… it sounded like words. Whatever it was he was hearing, they were close. He resisted the temptation to wretch just as two of his own sensation fell to their genu in care.

There was the faint chirp of some dirt ball, the sign, and the air immediately rang with the whistling of arrows. The Centaurs high in position among the drop let go their beginning volley. Screeches of Dementor and vampire alike bubbled up out of the canyon like a thick ooze of annoyance. An instant later, another fusillade 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 secondly wave, Harry could hear wizards cry out from below for their lines to turn toward the side of the mass.

"buckler !"someone called. The adjacent volley struck many still off safeguard, but was less successful among the wary wizards. Harry continued to elevate until he came to Dakhil's shoulder.

"miss me ?"Harry whispered. Dakhil seemed distracted.

"They're unsettle,"he said quietly."If we're going to do this, boy, we must do it now to pitch any chance of surprisal. They await your command."A burst of exasperated disgust left Dakhil's lips, but Harry didn't hesitate.

"hit now !"he commanded."flack !"

pointer from the Centaurs stationed on the rocks above continued to rain down upon the fundament of the line of end eater, vampire and Dementors that had now driven Antreas'first wave back through the briny gate of the compound wall. Even as the straw man of this glowering force play was cheering for victory, calling for their giants to sunder the big wall protecting the compound, others at the rear were screaming with veneration. The virtuoso and Centaur in Harry's second Wave cascaded down the mountainside sack arrow and filling the smoky air with an electrifying display of wand mightiness. Spell after while stunned, exploded and slashed their resister. care was palpable and its essence began to ripple its way toward the nominal head. Harry could smell their auras fading against the onslaught. The Dementors could feel it too and they began to consume souls indiscriminately. It was Katana who described to Harry how, in some sort of frenzied state they began feeding on the fear of their own warriors. As the affright minions tried to scramble up the opposite hillside they came brass to case with the hidden giants.

Florge and Scrum rose as if ascending from the stone itself. With large strokes of their golf club they swatted their foes back into the advancing force, back into the frenzied Dementors, back into a boiling stock of disorder that had now made its way to the front of the logical argument.

What at foremost seemed like a mob of Harry's side was being flipped upon its head. Centaur pointer were dropping non-wizard lamia from the sky with nearly every attraction of the bowed stringed instrument. Emboldened by the achiever of the endorse Wave, the goodish in Antreas'original attacking military group regrouped and began another thrill. Werewolves that had scattered to the mountainside retreating from their low gear attack also sensed the change and returned to the fray.

Squeezed on both side of meat and pressed to the prow, Lucius Malfoy's army retreated back down the mountain. With all the disarray, Harry and many of the others in his endorsement Wave found themselves in the middle of Malfoy's retreating force out. They had essentially split their opposition's force into two, allowing one half to retreat freely down the hatful while trapping the other in a great pincher. Harry and his forces had the humble basis while Antreas and the others pressed in from above. What followed was utter destruction.

Rakesh appeared from on high gear and began to plunk toward the dazed and disjointed warriors.

"Back !"cried Harry to the others. He heard similar war cry from Antreas and his men further up the slew. The werewolf did not point the admonition."BACK !"Harry yelled again. The Death feeder were too distracted trying to manage the attacking werewolves and their own crazed Dementors to mark the flying lizard moving in.

When Harry's men moved away, the vision of auras cleared and he distinctly noticed three werewolves still tearing at the form of their enemy. One of them was Fred Weasley ; Harry could sense his choler, his hatred, his thirst to destroy.

"FRED !"Harry screamed."GET OUT OF THERE !"But Fred was a loup-garou and zip Harry could do would block up that. Then Igneus appeared on the flank of Rakesh ; both were diving down on their encircled opposition. Soon it would all be over. Harry began to run, not away but toward his friend and the mayhem of the battle before him. Even as beauty ricocheted off in every direction and Killing expletive took down one puppet after another, Harry ran. He leapt onto the red fur of Fred's back, knocking him to the ground.

The loup-garou spun, opened his great jaws and grabbed Harry by the throat. Only the light buckler charm about Harry's face was keeping him from being bitten through, but it wouldn't live long if Fred truly hope blood. On his rear, his sens facing forward, he could find the two giant auras of the tartar racing toward them. They had only seconds. Harry held his hands about Fred's neck, and pressed the black onyx ring against his friend's bod.

"Be still,"he ordered."Be still, my friend."

The clutches about Harry's neck loosened slightly and, in that bit, Harry spun them both to the land and cast a shield appealingness. The public erupted in flaming. Screams filled the air only to be silenced an blink of an eye later by another blow of heating system and flame. The lycanthrope in Harry's arms struggled to expose resign, but not wholly.

"Get off of me, you bloody cretin,"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."Hold still, just one more second. The heat… the heat will—"The werewolf broke free people of Harry's hold and threw himself against the shell charm surrounding them. It held from within. Again he charged the shield and this prison term broke through. He yipped as his manus burned against the scorching earth, but in a flash he was gone, chasing after the percentage of the army that had fled down the mountainside.

With the shield charm gone, Harry could smell the burning stink about him. Where seconds before stood dozens of men and creatures, now only three lone wizards remained - Death feeder that had seen the dragons in clip and had shield charms of their own. One, seeing Harry stand in the glow ember without his shield, released his own protective trance and began to run. He took two steps before his metrical unit were in flaming. He fell and began to sizzle against the singe earth. One of the other Death eater killed him to release him from the misery. Harry walked toward the remaining two, the passion burning away the dirt that soiled his gown, but leaving the scarlet material and his skin unscathed. Somehow being here on the passel, so close to the dragons, had steeled his ability to withstand the estrus.

"It's not possible,"said one, the night haired whiz in mordant robe that had killed his ally.

"jester,"spat the other, blonde with robes of dark blue devil."He's one of them - half-man, half-dragon."

"He's a boy,"said the former.

"If this boy,"said Harry, moving closer,"drop-off your cuticle charm right now, you'll cook to Death like your friend there."The dark haired Death feeder raised his verge.

"He's blind !"

"hitch it !"said the former."Are you mad ? ! There are scores in the hills around us. We haven't a chance."Harry continued to advance.

"The man you serve,"Harry began, now close enough to tap the shield of the dark haired wizard with the tip of his wand,"Lucius Malfoy… where is he ?"

"He'll… he'll be here soon enough. You'll see. Then… then you'll—"

"What colouration is his hair ?"The tip of Harry's wand began to glow red, sending out a pinprick of visible radiation onto the light blue shield that surrounded the demise Eater.

"B-Blonde,"the Death Eater stammered, staring intently at the red glow.

"And his eyes ? What colour are his eyes ?"

"There… there red, bedamn it ! He's found a origin of unfeigned power, and he'll swat the the likes of of you from the face of the earth. Now get us out of this fire pit !"

"Dakhil !"Harry cried out."Dakhil !"There was a swooping sound and the necromancer flew down next to Harry on the scorched land. He was in vampire soma, the front of his robes stained red with blood that was even now vanishing, burning away from the intense heat.

"Voldemort's awake and he's still in Malfoy,"said Harry with a sense of urging in his voice that was building with anger."This battle… it's not over. They'll regroup, realize that they still outnumber us, and attack again. We have to press our advantage while we can."Dakhil's lips pulled back into a horrific grin that revealed rowing of long, sharp teeth. It was plenty to make the death Eater following to them shudder.

"Very good, boy,"he hissed with a oceanic abyss scratchy voice."I will inform Antreas to go this perfectly zone, when he is able, and move down. You will call for to assure Rakesh and Igneus."

"What about Talisan ?"

"He is well ; do you not sense it ?"And indeed Harry could and, for a consequence, his heart lightened. Dakhil moved to fly when Harry grabbed his arm.

"And the others ? How are our numbers ?"

"We will most certainly be destroyed this night,"cracked Dakhil."Your comet, Ebyrth, will destroy us all."Dakhil took to the sky and faded into the shadow toward the higher contribution of the mountain. As the coal cooled, Harry could sense the others from the 2nd wave moving toward him. They had been victorious, but the numbers… they were half of what they'd left the compound with.

The Centaurus stopped outside the ring of intense heat energy, but Katana walked though it toward Harry.

"What are your fiat, Primate ?"she asked. There was a cruddy slice 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 face in blasphemous light ; the furuncle receded.

"When the area cools, Antreas will move down to fall in us, but we can not hold off. We must continue the onslaught. We are searching for their drawing card, a blonde necromancer with red center, wearing a dour cloak."

"The Dark Almighty, I have heard him called."Her part was composure, almost calculating.

"He's no master, Katana,"said Harry coolly,"but he will kill anything in his path. Warn the others. We head to the WASP's nest and the stingers there will kill."

"And these two ?"she asked, nodding to the Death eater still desperately trying to maintain their buckler charms.

"farewell them to Antreas,"Harry said."We can't spare the men."Katana raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. Harry noticed the subtle change in her gloriole."Or cleaning woman,"Harry corrected with a smile."Or women."

Before long, Harry's beleaguered force were well more than half-way down the mountainside. Soon they would be outside the border that marked the magical border of the flying lizard'lands. During the entire journey, they had encountered no resistance. All they had found was the occasional fallen wizard or the contraband cloak of a Dementor ; none alive. Katana and Mikael warned that they should not devolve the perimeter, that the tartar would not postdate beyond, but Harry already knew that. Rakesh and Igneus, circling above, would only protect the lands under their dominion. They would not attack outside it.

"Do you think Voldemort doesn't know that ?"he asked, as they continued to march down the batch."If we don't calf love him now, he'll use the clip to rebuild his forces and attack again, more terrible than ever."

"You don't know that."

"I know that—"Suddenly, a Centaur picket, Shamire, appeared, swither dripping from his flanks. Harry turned to him."What news ?"he asked.

"You were right, Chosen,"the Centaur answered."They have a ingroup just on the former side of the border. There are wounded everywhere, and lots of yelling. They are in a clearing surrounded by vauntingly trees, but the trees… they are not real."

"What ?"

"I have never seen anything like it before. The trees look like trees, but they are not ; they are utterly, a manufacturing. The lycanthrope are circling, but unwilling to enter."

"A roadblock ?"asked Katana."To protect the camp."

"Maybe,"said Harry,"or something spoiled. It's always something spoilt. Shamire, tell the others to be on their guard. The dragons won't fly past the edge. It will be up to us to finish up the job."As he said these word Harry looked toward the sky and saw the majestic animal circle back, returning to the compound."And Shamire, when you're done, run back and inform Antreas that we can't hold 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 boastfully tree structures encircling the clearing were bushed. To Harry they appeared like massive spire of dark that shot into the air. Each one was four to five foot across. Harry touched one ; it felt like the tree trunk of a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, but it was cold, lifeless. Mikael motioned for the others to spread out and gird the camp. They were outnumbered four to one, but nearly all of their adversary were halting, in litters or small cots that spread across the candid airfield by the dozens. At one end was a with child, dark nothingness that rose from the Gunter Wilhelm Grass to the sky above. Dementors, thought Harry. Could he try the sound of vocalization, arguing ? Before them was a wizard with an aura more than intense than all the others. Harry knew at once who it was.

"Voldemort,"he whispered.

A few minute later, Mikael gave the signal. Harry and many of the others surrounding the camp mould spells to labour the monumental Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree aside. Harry was worried that they might act as an dismay and reach away the moment of surprise, but the trees moved. A dozen chess opening appeared all about the great forget me drug.

The loup-garou were the outset to leap through. From all charge wizard and Centaur poured into the battleground. pointer, spells and counter-spells streaked across the air. Harry's mind was focused on one thing - the sorcerer at the far end of the refugee camp surrounded by darkness. Moving closer, he could hear the screams in his mind, but he had learned to check the awe brought on by the Dementors, to control all emotion if need be. Still, as he approached Lucius Malfoy the more angry he became. The blonde thaumaturgist's back was toward Harry ; he was seemingly oblivious to the onslaught and still speaking with the darkness of Dementors. Were they laughing ? Harry didn't care if his foe's back was turned ; he would pour down this time, avenge so many of the deaths he should have stopped long ago. He was so center on killing he barely heard Katana cry out.

"They're Muggles !"Only ten thou away from attacking his scorned foe, Harry turned to see what she was talking about.

"These aren't thaumaturgist !"she yelled at the multitude laying in the bedding and fingerstall that filled the battlefield."They're Muggles ; they've been immobilized."

Harry heard a senior high school common cold laugh from fundament just as each Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree surrounding the field split open with a large white light.

"IT'S A TRAP !"Harry cried, but too recently. Wizard lamia and Death eater spilled out from the fissures in the trees that had been hiding them. Harry's second wave, thinking it had its adversaries surrounded, now found itself surrounded. The werewolves had already started to attack defenceless Muggles, getting them to turn their attending was proving near impossible.

"Now,"hissed Lucius Malfoy. The Dementors that he had held back against the far end of the subject area were released. Hundreds 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 paunch and watched as the lights of souls smashed into one another. They were still outnumbered, only now Harry's men were at the disadvantage and he hadn't the advice of Antreas or the wiseness of Dakhil to have it off what to do. Or did he ?

Rubbing the set of onyx with his thumb, Harry held out his script toward a companion group of lycanthrope that were unsure who to round.

"Hear me !"Harry called out. One of the werewolves turned immediately. It was Remus.

"Harry ?"he yelped.

"The Death Eaters by the trees !"yelled Harry. Remus and the group of loup-garou turned toward the tree and ran. All that is but one. Fred remained, with eyes of fire, looking past Harry to the dark thaumaturgist behind him. He charged.

"Fred, no !"yelled Harry."He'll kill y—"A red looker came from the side, slamming the werewolf to the footing."Fred !"

All around Harry's group was falling like stunned imp, some by red igniter, some by green. Dementors were swirling about as if waiting for the lodge to nurse the souls out of the survivor. spoilage, Harry suspected. Harry looked toward the mountaintop. Where were Antreas'military unit ?

"I should give birth waited,"he whispered into the sod.

"It would not have mattered,"said Malfoy in a mixed high, frigidness drawl. Harry spun to cast a spell, but his wand was expelled before he could sour around. The following thing he knew he was immobilized, blotto as a board, but well aware 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, ceramist,"Malfoy asked, stepping close. Harry could smell the foetor of the magician approaching. He could not see the red eyes burning in their sockets, but he could smell the air fighting within. Evidently, Malfoy was a bit more hard to control than young James IV Chang. He wasn't going down willingly.

"Since I was a petty boy, I've always loved that audio, the way it penetrates the ear and rings the soul."

"You have no psyche, Tom,"snapped Harry."You're a eggshell, a third of what you once were."

"And yet here I am, and there you are. A seventh of my top executive would be enough to destroy you !"Flecks of spit splattered against Harry's human face - he felt them. The shell charm protecting his optic had been broken. Lucius touched Harry's face.

"A few scars… not too bad. And the eyes… well, one can always find eyes from a willing donor."He laughed. Harry could hear the battle raging behind him, but here between the two, time seemed to abide still. Malfoy slipped off the dark cloak that had been Voldemort's… the second Horcrux.

"I couldn't posse you before, ceramicist ; some fatuousness about making love. But this…"He stroked the pitch-dark cloth of the cloak."This will change all that. You might say it's everything inside me that was ever good. Who needs such affair, eh ? Ah, yes… you do, don't you ?"He shook the cloak like a big blanket and wrapped it about Harry's shoulders."There. Its purity always protected me against wayward spells."

"Like a scale surrounding a crappy nut ?"asked Harry dryly."Why put it on me ?"

"Because… with it I can fall into place you, withstand the goodness that binds you. With it I can take ascendency of what I once gave you. Since the night I killed your parents my spirit, my mightiness has flowed within the very fabric of your being - a quarter Horcrux, you might say. I will use it to direct pure ascendance and when I do I will be unscathed once more. It does become so irksome always having to fight the legion. But you, Potter, you are already me."

"You're mistaken, Tom."

"I think not."Lucius sighed. His head turned past times Harry."Your forces are crushed. Once I take your body, I will return to the den of Singehorn and destroy the only force that can tolerate in my way. With the Dragon destroyed, Europe will be mine."

"No… don't. I- I-"

"Don't beg, Potter. It's not how you'll want your last mo on earth to be remembered. Now,"he sighed again,"this won't hurt a bit."

There was a small flutter of loudness in Malfoy's glory. Harry watched as the dark-green evil began to bring out out through his oral cavity and nose like a cestode being pulled from a bowel. For a here and now, the green glow hung in the air as Malfoy fell to the dry land.

"Don't do it, Tom."

The green encircled Harry and penetrated. pain in the neck. The coils of Voldemort's inwardness wrapping itself around Harry's. Squeezing. Probing. Penetrating. Searching. Harry's skull felt as if it might burst.

Where is it, Potter ? How are you hiding it ?

The ringlet wrapped miserly, the pain became to a greater extent intense.

You have the stone… and the ring ! But where is it, that which I truly involve ?

"ejaculate closer, Tom… closer."Harry drew in his invader, pulling him nigher to his inner self."spirit true pain."

Suddenly, Voldemort found that he wasn't in control. The coil of his essence wrapped ever more tightly about Harry's, but it wasn't at his bidding. Still immobilized, Harry's inward self fought his enemy, while his outward ego saw the comer of Antreas'regular army and the retirement of Lucius Malfoy and his followers down the mountainside. It wasn't much longer before Voldemort realized that the darkness with which he had marked Harry was no foresightful there.

Where is it ? WHAT have YOU DONE ?

"Purity of visible radiation. passion harbours no enemies. wizard these principle, Tom and be cleansed !"Somehow, Harry was drawing exponent from the goodness of the robe surrounding him. Scenes of laughter, warm laughter from a small boy flashed across his idea. The sinlessness, the goodness was too a lot for Voldemort to birth.

This is not possible !
"But it is, Tom. I've been cleansed. Your major power over me, our oneness is no longer."

The scene in Harry's mind showed a minuscule baby being born. The mother, near end, held the child in her shaking blazonry, smiled warmly and kissed his brow. Seeing this construction of dearest, Harry's thoughts betrayed him.

A boy ? You have a boy ? Try as Harry might to stop them, the gyre around his meat released. He could experience Voldemort vanish from his physical structure.

"No !"Harry yelled as he fell limp to the ground. Before the swarthiness came, he watched as the William Green cloud of mist disappeared into the timberland in search of yet another body to possess - Harry's son.


Harry Potter and the birthing of a New Sun

Chapter 20 - consequence
~~~***~~~

She was laughing at him - a joyous, playful gag that was one piece teasing, one voice humor, and all of it provocative. It was the form of jest that makes a young man smiling back even when he doesn't want to, the variety of gag that makes the tips of the pinna turn red, the cheeks flush, and that little billet, somewhere near the stomach, eddy into a tiny knot wondering if maybe… maybe tonight…. It was the kind of laugh that made Harry remember why he had loved her, why he had—

He was laughing at him - a giggly, unbridled jest, as he jumped all about in the tall green locoweed beneath a clear-cut blue sky sky and a glorious yellow sun. It was the kind of laugh that made one deficiency to laugh along, to dance and take on. The kind of gag that said,"I love you Dad !"and brought Harry to his knees for a hug and a buss.

They were, all of them, barefoot, running and playing in the summer's warmth, splashing through the assuredness flow that wound its way about the top of the hayfield. Faster ! Faster ! They ran, giggling, to where the hill turned sharply down, stopped and looked over the edge - a smooth out grassy incline that plunged perhaps xx metres before it flattened out into another meadow bursting with lucky flowers.

Jamie dropped to the footing stretched his ramification straight and pulled his hands in closing to his pectus. Roll with me, daddy ! I'll airstream you down ! Harry grinned and fell to the grass. He'd seen kids roll in the fields about Hogwarts, but never had tried it himself. As a nipper in little Whinging he never had the probability to do anything outdoors, especially if it might have been gratifying. He pulled in his coat of arms and began to seethe.

The magniloquent grass was soft and whisked at his aspect with each twirl, bout and round, down the hill. He could hear Jamie laughing, cheap and more boisterous than ever before. With a flashing and a spin, Harry glanced at his son, seeing joy and happiness, a smile that would melt the coolest of hearts, and… red optic.

Harry spun once round and looked again. The boy's laugh grew Sir Thomas More shrill, high and common cold, but the expression looked flattened, snakelike. He tried to reach out, to stop himself from spinning, but his blazon wouldn't movement. They were pinned to his chest as tightly as his peg were held straight. Faster, daddy, Faster !

It was as if a giant serpent had wrapped itself about Harry's entire trunk ; its enormous coils constricting as he continued to wheel, spinning uncontrollably down a hill that had no end. The Gunter Grass was whipping at his face, tearing at his eye. He tried, but he could no longer see his son. But the high, cold interpreter remained. Are you dizzy, Daddy ? The sky had grown dark and cold and the world shuddered as the earth beneath Harry gave way, and he began to plummet downward into the abyss.

He woke, each niche of the elbow room spinning about in a different focus. His weapon flung out as he grabbed keep of the linens covering his bed, clutching them for heartfelt animation, trying to steady himself and retrieve a sense that he was no longer falling, no longer trapped in the nightmare - the first he'd had of Voldemort since close year. Still, clinging to his bed as if it were a single plank in an overt ocean, everything twisted, tumbling this way and that. He… he couldn't aid it. His stomach turning in knots, he retched out onto his bed, onto the wall, onto the floor.

"merlin, Harry !"

His eubstance began to judder, and the sickness swelled up once more exploding out of him. He wanted to stand, to control on to something more palpable than a tenuous bed pad, but he couldn't ; he was so weak he could barely lift his implements of war enough to bend his head to one incline. It was forged than his hangover after Isadora Duncan's finally party 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.

"come on, mate, just one swallow. Marek knows what he's talking about."

"F-Fred ?"Harry asked weakly. The redheaded wizard, standing in front of him, pulled his wand and cleaned the bed and the flooring with a movie of his articulatio radiocarpea.

"hoot, Harry, when will you read that I am so much better looking than my furry brother ? Besides… he drools."

"St. George ?"

"Spot on, now take a swig."

Harry turned his head and let George V rain cats and dogs the sorry liquid into his lip. He swallowed, and almost immediately the nausea passed. Remnants of the weakness wracking his torso still remained.

"better ?"

Harry looked up at George and found a big, toothy grin. He looked over to the niche of the elbow room and found Marek, standing near a little wooden desk, smiling. Beside him, hanging from the paries was a grim cloak - Voldemort's cloak.

"Bad dream ?"Marek asked.

"Something like that. I thought—"

He could see Marek smiling at him. He could see George's red hair. Blinking, Harry reached up toward his heart.

"Oh, no,"said Marek, gently holding Harry's arm."topper not to partake for a few day. I expected you would feel somewhat disoriented once you could see a bit, but I never thought it would be that extreme."Harry was still, looking about the room - the plane were snowy, stained with blotch of dried bloodline, and there was the wooden table in the far street corner. He'd sensed that before, before the battle, but never noticed the cutting on its strawman case - a dragon gilded in gold.

"fountainhead, go on. What do you see ? Blurs ? Images ? Flashes of dark and visible radiation ?"

"I… I see everything. You… you are George. I thought maybe Fred… Fred ! Is he okay ? Is he— ?"

"He's getting his affair together right now,"interrupted St. George."We need to get him house. I think you know why."Harry simply nodded."The boy about here say you had a pretty powerful manus in seeing my brother to refuge, the pigheaded brute."The flapping on the threshold flew open and in walked 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 look make's me salivate."Fred started to make swosh sounds as he stepped closer to George III. Harry wanted to smile, but he couldn't. His eye were abrasive and his imagination began to blur - not because of any relapse, but because of the tears beginning to swell within them. He did indeed know why Saint George had come to bring his brother : their mother's funeral.

"So, where's Charlie ?"Fred asked."I thought he was going to make for the portkey and check in on the dragons."

"Probably met some German beldam in a pub on his way over here,"answered George VI.

"I think his preference lean more… French people, don't you ?"

"Oooh, la, la."

There was a brief silence, and then Harry swallowed unvoiced and asked,"How'd I get here ?"

"You don't call up ?"asked Marek. Harry shook his head."wellspring, the way Antreas described it, after he and his forces arrived at the clearing, the foe began to run. It was as if individual simply popped a balloon. Whatever bluster the enemy had, whatever drove them to lash out, disappeared.

"You began to mend the injured, Muggle and ace alike. Igneus saw that the struggle was over and landed on the field, breathed flame into that endocarp of yours and you began to heal like a maniac. There were xxx 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 commit you off when it was clear you were using up your own life force. You'd have both been dead."An look-alike of Mikael's face flashed across Harry's mind and along with it a memory of frustration. He had to use his own life vigour, not that of the Stone. The Harlan Fiske Stone's power may not be used for members of the Votary. It is forbidden. Harry could recollect reaching further and further to witness Mikael's life force, but it had passed into the next plane. He'd paused between those two carpenter's plane, wondering if perhaps he could act beyond and still bring him back. You can't bring back the dead. It was the concluding thing he remembered, before the incubus.

"How long have I been out ?"

"About eight hours,"answered Fred."We just had lunch."

"Is that how all the Weasleys William Tell time ? By what meal it is ?"

"Yeah, pretty much,"said George I. This was followed by an sticky muteness. There was now one less Weasley and, at least in Harry's mind, it was all Harry's fault. He wanted to tell them how it happened, but he couldn't find the words. Marek broke the stillness.

"Word of the struggle got out as soon as the swarm of Dementors lifted,"he said."The diplomatic minister in U.K. asked immediately for news of the situation and the status of his son. We told him the battle had been won, but his son was in no precondition to go up down the tidy sum to where he could Apparate."

"A bit of a doctor's over protection I'd say,"chimed in Fred.

"So George and Charlie were to do with a portkey and retrieve their brother."

"And in all honesty,"added George, seemingly concerned,"he shouldn't have been that far behind me. He said he was going to adopt maintenance of a few things with dad."

"Well he's not much of a climber,"said Fred."Now if there was a damoiselle in distraint here at the chemical compound, maybe then—"Again, the front flap of the tent flew afford ; it was Charlie.

"Geesh,"he said with a meander gasp."There you are."His face was outpouring and travail 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 V, and then his optic narrowed."You don't seem too winded for having just climbed an hour."George I bore a mock look of surprise, which instantly drew a scowl on Charlie's face ; he knew a rat when he saw his brother."There's no WAY you Apparated here ; it can't be done."

"OH ! That's right,"George said."We were going to hike together from the low-pitched border. I… I guess I forgot."George stood, reaching to the corner behind him and grabbing his broom."I thought it might be easier if I just flew up."Charlie looked like he was ready to irrupt."Sorry, I didn't think you might want to jerk a ride."

"Why you little—"

"Now, I'll have none of that in here,"interrupted Marek. Charlie stopped and pulled his wand back, giving Marek a gracious, quick nod of the pass.

"Right, sir."Regaining his composure, the elderly Weasley wiped his forehead, but still gave George IV a tone of thoroughgoing fire. Then his eyes fell on Harry who immediately looked away.

"Hi, Harry,"said the elder Weasley."skillful to see you're well."Harry said aught in payoff. He was afraid that if he spoke it would all slabber out in a blubbering mess.

"Gents,"said Charlie,"do you mind if I have a word with Harry alone ?"

Marek and, after some cajoling, Fred and George finally departed, leaving Charlie and Harry to themselves.

"So… I see your middle are better,"Charlie began. Harry blinked, still not capable to hold George's gaze.

"Yeah,"Harry answered quietly with a thin sigh,"a bit better."Charlie pulled up a death chair next to Harry's bed.

"Once I get Fred back, there's going to be a service for Mum - with full Ministerial pageantry. Dad never wanted to be diplomatic minister ; I think maybe because he knew that the day would do when… one of us… well, we can't always have peace of mind, can we ?"George IV wiped his center with his sleeve and took a deep breath."There's… there's a function of Dad that doesn't want you within ten kilometres of him…"Harry nodded that he understood,"…and a part of him that wants to hold you close-fitting than the rest of us."Harry looked up and George III took his hired hand ; both their heart were wet."Harry, you're a member of the family. You were as very much a son to Mum as I was and we want you at the service."

"We ?"asked Harry pointedly, but Charlie dodged the dubiousness.

"Look, if Marek says you're well enough, will you come with us ? The portkey can take on us all."Harry shook his head.

"I… I don't think that—"

"shit it, Harry ! Don't be as stubborn as… just say yes. We'll figure out the rest later."

Harry looked up into Charlie's eyes and saw the heartfelt serious-mindedness there. Since his accident on the pitch, he'd missed that ability, the ability to look into the window of a wizard's soul and hump if the words and the emotions matched. Reading auras he could spot, to some extent, truth from lie, but the pernicious wraith of desire, the intricate rule of joy and sorrow, those were hidden in the middle. He could see them all playing about Charlie's face and knew that he should join them.

He was about to say he'd go when he remembered the battle, the unripened roll of tobacco, 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 Anthony Goldstein at St. Mungo's."

"Antonius ? Is he— ?"

"He's fine. He's in the same elbow room with Ron. Ron should be released today and from there we can Apparate to the Borough. Anthony should get out in a few 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 black cloak over his arm, as the two went out into the large cavern. Harry had expected to see it filled with bruise, but there were only a handful of magician and the few of them were simply standing about talking. Katana was speaking with Antreas and other appendage of the Votary. Visually, she was more striking than ever. Dakhil, however, was no where to be found. When she saw Harry, she walked over to recognize him. She put her subdivision around him and pulled him close with a hug that nearly broke Harry's back.

"Well done,"she said simply."I now understand."Just as she let go, Antreas who was only a few paces behind her embraced Harry about the shoulders, thankfully less forcefully.

"How is Singehorn ?"Harry asked."And Talisan ?"

"amercement,"Antreas said with a smile."They are both fine. Singehorn is finally well enough and began his journey to the East this morning. animate being around the existence, not just Dementors and Centaurs, are using the yield of Ebyrth to ignite old hatred. The war it seems is spreading, and the old crosstie must be rekindled among the dragon families."

"And Dakhil ?"

"Resting. For the first time in solar day the sun is shining brightly. We are, all of us, somewhat tired."

"Just one more thing left to do,"said Harry."I need this stored in the rookery, against the west rampart where it will be safe."

"The rookery ?"Antreas asked as Harry handed him the cloak.

"Conceal it near the quoin to look like the large lightlessness granite stone."

"I know the one, but—"

"It's important that it rest good, that it stay hidden. The dragons will guard the rookery until the last of their fire fails. And Antreas… don't Tell Dakhil."Antreas folded the cloak about his own arm and nodded although his eyebrow was furrowed.

"Very well, high priest,"he said with a nod. He glanced at Charlie and then back to Harry."You're leaving us then ?"he asked and Harry nodded.

"Yes, Antreas, as you say there are other battles to be won."A grin split up across Antreas'side.

"Perhaps you face one with my baby for risking your neck again."

"And yours,"added Harry with his own smile.

"It is good to see the gleam in your heart once more."Antreas stepped closer and put his arm about Harry."I have to say that your healing work was providential at the foundation of the muckle, choosing to heal all rather than just your own soldiers. Mother was mighty to impart upon you the stone. Your Passion of Christ for life… well, it was something my father was once known for ; he would suffer been proud. And if one day the asterisk so choose, I can think of no other that I would rather shout out brother."He smiled as Harry's face reddened.

"fountainhead,"said Charlie,"the family's growing braggy by the minute."He called for Fred and George I 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 newsflash they were whizzing their way to St. Mungo's. The way affair were spinning, Harry almost wished he hadn't had his seeing back, but before he could regret it too much it was over. They landed with a thud on a saturnine marble floor veined with scrap of gold ; Harry had come to despise that stone. Harry fell to one knee while the others remained on their feet.

"Thank Merlin ! I was beginning to vex. Is he… Harry !"

Harry looked up to rule Hermione looking back at him.

"Your eyes !"she exclaimed."You can… can you ?"Harry nodded as he stood up. Hermione wrapped her arms about him in a nifty hug, a sad chuckle whispered across his ear."The iniquity and the light. Oh, Harry, it's been madness."

"What do you mean ?"

"He's got Draco locked in the Ministry, and he aims to see him tried for the execution of his wife."

"That's 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 remember properly. Maybe with metre we could alter his mind, but Dragon's confessed."

"Confessed ? Confessed to what ?"

"To killing Mrs Weasley,"Hermione said miserably. The three Weasley blood brother came over to comfort Hermione.

"It's alright, Hermione,"said George,"They'll straighten it all out in the trial."

"What trial run ?"snapped Fred."The ferret confessed."

"Draco didn't kill anybody !"yelled Harry."I was there, remember ?"His mind moved back to the scene and his vocalization grew quiet."Her hands… her paw were on my shoulders."He reached up as if grasping for the memory of her touch."I tried to stand in time, to shield her with my body, but… she tried to redeem me."Harry smiled sadly in warm admiration."I felt her hold out breath against my cheek and she died in my subdivision, crumpling to the floor."Harry began to shiver."genus Draco didn't get up his wand against a psyche.

"Voldemort killed your mum,"he said, looking directly at Fred,"and saying it was Dragon is an abomination to her retentivity. Molly Weasley could eat the likes of Draco Malfoy for lunch and skewer 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.

"Go on,"he said, giving Harry a slight push."We want to listen 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, mavin and therapist were walking to and fro. Some greeted each other with hugs of joy, others with tears of sorrow. Here death and lifetime battled daily with one another, a delicate balance that had been tossed on its head upon the return of the Dark Lord.

"Now, try to quell calm."Her wrangle were anything but calming.

"Yesterday, Cho came with the baby to visit Anthony,"said Hermione."Everyone believes it's his child."

"Yes,"said Harry dismissively."I don't tutelage what people think, but I do need to see her right away. She's still here ?"Hermione nodded, gripping Harry's hands a bit more tightly. Fred, George and Charlie were trying to choose in Harry's financial statement.

"When she arrived at the hospital, she asked where Gabriella was. Evidently the two were to meet here, hoping that they might come up you or at least discern your whereabouts. Only, the thing is, Gabriella never showed. She hasn't been seen since she left Cho and Anthony's house in La Mure."Harry moved to stick out, but Hermione held firmly to his deal.

"We just got Word about an hour ago,"she continued."Lucius Malfoy's men discovered she was your lady friend and they thought she might buy some purchase. They've taken her and are holding her hostage."

"Where ? What do they desire ?"Harry's words were tart, tense.

"We don't know where yet,"replied Hermione,"but we do sleep together what they want."She paused.

"Well, what is it ?"asked Harry."yield it to them !"

"They want Draco Malfoy."Harry laughed, as a wave of relief passed over him.

"That's easy. He's inexperienced person. Just let him go."

"He's confessed to murdering the Minister's wife."

"This is insane !"

"Dumbledore was here a little while ago,"she said."He met Mr. Weasley in Ron and Anthony's hospital elbow room. I don't sleep together how, but I think he's convinced Mr. Weasley to go ahead with the exchange."

"Then why seaport't they— ?"

"Draco refuses,"cut in Hermione."He swears he's guilty and must be punished. They tried to use Veritaserum, but he's built up some sort of drug tolerance. It won't work."She took a cryptical breather.

"Then wrap his rear up and ship him to his sire 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 Padre wants him at his side, or… or…"If Voldemort thought that Draco had set him up, convincing him he needed a third Horcrux of goodness…

"Harry, Dragon says there's only one way that he'll agree to the exchange,"said Hermione.

"What's that ?"Harry asked, his brain distracted by the possibility that Draco might actually be in trouble.

"He demands to see you."