Ch: 32-35
Chapter Thirty Two
"I am curious on how you got past the wards." Albus said as he drew his long, slender oak wand. Harry drew his wand as well, the Ebony wand that he used in the nightclub. He didn't want to draw attention to himself by causing the reverse wand effect unless he absolutely needed to.
Lord Voldemort smirked. "Crouch, my unwilling servant bought them down when he entered. You trust people to much Albus."
"And you don't trust people enough Tom." Albus retorted. Harry flipped his wand from one hand to another. This little verbal sparring was not good for his stress reduction.
"Well Albus, preparing to see the next greatest Adventure?" Lord Voldemort chuckled. "You know as soon as you had left me after telling me that, I laughed harder than I had in years of the sheer idiocy of that statement. Death is the end to everything. Whoever conquers Death never ends and they will remain eternal."
"You know what's sad?" Harry said. "That anyone else who was offered Immortality for themselves would probably refuse once they realize that everybody they love, they cherish would die as they lived on. But you have no one to love. And for that, I pity you."
"You pity me?" Lord Voldemort asked incredulously. "My dear boy, I pity you! For you will face my wrath in all its glory."
"Ooh, I'm scared. Just because I pity you doesn't mean I'm not going to kill you." Harry retorted. He layered his mental defenses and bought his power to bear with it tingling underneath his skin, wanting to be released.
"I thought that there were worst things than death." Lord Voldemort asked. His red eyes gleamed as he drew his yew wand.
"There are. But for you Death is the worst thing that could happen." Harry said and leveled his wand. Next to him Albus did the same.
Lord Voldemort sighed. "Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to kill you."
Alastor Moody stared at the huge numbers of Death Eaters. There had to be at least 150 of them, all lined up and ready to duel.
"Alastor Moody!" A voice shouted. Alastor perked up. He knew that voice.
"Wellington!" He barked out. Neal smiled grimly and spoke up.
"Surrender your forces or we will be forced to kill you."
"Never." Alastor shouted. "We will crush you like the pathetic scum you are."
"So be it." Neal said and turned to his platoon leader, a Death Eater in a blue mask.
"Attack"
James Potter led the entire school population to the statue. Tapping it and muttering the password, it opened up.
"Okay, listen up. Everybody's going to take this passage. It leads to Hogsmeade, where you can find a place to Floo home. If you don't have a place to Floo, then simply shout 'The Ministry' and you'll Floo to the Ministry of magic. I'm staying back and fighting. Anyone 5th year or up who wishes to do so, then stay."
Slowly, the students began to file into the tunnel. Snape, Zabini, Sirius, Remus, Frank, Alice, Lily, Peter, Narcissa, Bellatrix and six other 7th years stayed behind.
"Okay. Our job is to make sure no Death Eater gets in the castle. We can't go to the battle outside, we'd be slaughtered. So we'll pick them off one by one." James ordered. Everyone nodded and James looked at the map.
"Wow. Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry are dueling." He said excitedly.
Lily gave an annoyed glare as they crowed around the map. "Don't we have a job to do?" she asked.
"Hey, we've never seen a duel like this before, unlike you." Sirius retorted. Lily rolled her eyes, and then braced herself as an explosion rocked the grounds. The Battle had started.
Voldemort smirked and raised his wand "Avada Kedavra!" He sneered, and an immensely powerful beam of green death buckled from his wand, glowing brightly.
Harry sidestepped and Albus summoned a table, which exploded on impact of the curse.
"Stupefy!" Albus muttered.
"Crucio!" Harry muttered. A crimson beam of power zapped from Albus' wand and lanced at Voldemort's torso while the Crucio curse sped towards Voldemort's head. Voldemort flicked his wand and the Stunner rebounded off a bronze shield, creating a metallic noise that echoed throughout the hall. He flicked his wand at Harry's curse and the Crucio exploded in mid-flight, dark magic evaporating in the air.
Voldemort disappeared with a small pop and Harry realized with a jolt that the Apparition wards were down. He apparated as well, just as Voldemort sent a wave of grey streaks of iron that clanged on the ground, the conjured iron missing.
Albus whipped his wand around and a large circle of magenta surrounded him. He whispered something, and a blinding flash filled the air as a bolt of power danced over Albus. He kept whispering while Harry kept Voldemort distracted.
"Oblivirato!" Harry said and jerked his wand forward before apparating away. Voldemort raised his wand and flicked it, a yellowish mist coming out and surrounding the curse before he spun around and shot a red-spear like curse at Harry, who had apparated around the other side and sent off a curse. The curses met in midair and exploded in a shower of sparks.
Albus thrust his wand forward, and the magenta Aura surrounding him exploded from his wand and into a surprised Voldemort, who cried in pain as the magic surrounded him, cackling over his skin. Albus looked briefly triumphant before Voldemort stood and laughing, thrust his hands outwards. The magic fled from his body, pushed away by an invisible force.
"You'll have to do better than that." Voldemort drawled.
Harry slashed his wand and ice bolts the size of broomsticks conjured, speeding towards Voldemort who threw up a ward in which they shattered on.
Albus wiggled his wand and pointed downwards and Voldemort jumped as the ground beneath him cracked open in an attempt to swallow him whole.
Voldemort floated back down and with a sweep of his arm conjured a swarm of vipers. They hissed angrily and Voldemort issued a curt order in Parseltongue for them to attack Albus. Albus gave a sweep of his arm and they were blown away by a huge gust of wind.
Harry waved his wand and muttered. "Ampteo!" A purple beam left his wand with the sound of an Apparation and zoomed through Voldemort's shield. Voldemort apparated and the beam exploded into a wall, sending debris everywhere.
Voldemort reappeared and weaved a complex incantation. A large yellow mist flood from his wand and Harry had to apparate as it homed in on his location. As he reappeared, the mist turned black and disappeared, leaving rotting food form the spilled feast and scorched floors.
Albus leveled his wand and muttered. "Fotia Poli!" A jet of fire shot out from his wand and at Voldemort, who swirled his cloak, the flames banishing on the dark material. Voldemort laughed mockingly.
Albus gaze grey stony and with a jab, he muttered. "Deletrius!" Voldemort ceased laughing and apparated as the charm flew past his position and hit a chair. The chair seemed to warp then disintegrated into thin air.
Harry waved his wand and muttered Paxiramonius!"
Voldemort disapparated again and the curse smashed into the wall. This was the other way of paralyzing somebody instead of using a Basilisk.
Voldemort reappeared and cast. Syre pil!" A large torrent of acid splattered across the room, bouncing off Harry's shield and missing Albus as he apparated. The Acid started eating through the shield when Albus reappeared and Voldemort cancelled the spell.
"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort hissed.
"Avis!" Albus said and a flock of birds burst into song as they flew out of Albus' wand. The birds intercepted the killing curse and Voldemort growled. The ground rumbled again and all three duelers had to regain his footing. The battle was raging outside as well. Albus glanced at Harry and they both reset into their dueling positions.
Alastor flicked his wand and a Death Eater cried in pain as there legs snapped. Alastor grinned and moved onto the next Death Eater. Re-enforcements had arrived and the Death Eaters were slowly being pushed back into Hogwarts, where Voldemort was. Alastor only hoped that Albus was okay.
James put a finger to his lips as three more Death Eaters ran down the hallway. When they got close enough, he jerked his head.
"STUPEFY!" Shouted 17 voices at once and the Death Eaters were pinned down under the heavy spells. Once the spells resided, James looked down to see three now unconscious Death Eaters.
"YES!" Sirius said and pumped the air with his fist.
"Grow up Sirius!" Bellatrix muttered.
"Okay, let's put these bodies with the rest snap their wands as well." Lily said. James opened a secret passageway that was over a mirror. It was caved in, but there was plenty of room to store Death Eaters, and three more were added to the ever growing pile of fourteen now seventeen Death Eaters captured.
"Abolesco!" Voldemort cast. Harry weaved a golden shield together, the dark curse slamming into it. Albus sent a large torrent of water that was deflected and he was forced to block as a large spear was conjured for him.
"Novus Incendio!" Harry said and Voldemort swore before apparating. The fireball hit the now empty part of the hall and everything within 4 meters was consumed in wall of flames.
Voldemort reappeared and jabbed his wand at Harry. "Batoak!"
Harry dodged to the left, but was a little slow and he felt a great weight pounding into the side of his face. He apparated away and reappeared with a great bruise on his cheek.
Albus swept his wand and Voldemort jerked as he was flung into a wall. He jumped right back up, as if getting slammed into walls was an everyday occurrence and flicked his wand.
"Stien Skulptor!" Voldemort said and Albus swept his wand again. The Curse was flung into a table, and the table turned a stone like color before hardening and turning to stone.
"Multiplicus Stupefy!" Albus shouted and Voldemort apparated as red beams of magic streamed to where he just was. He reappeared and was about to send a curse when a voice behind him made him quickly whirl.
"Impliation!" Harry cast and Voldemort screamed as a large spike was jammed through his torso. Screeching he apparated to the other side of the room and looked down. His black robes were stained with blood and Harry shared a grim smile with Albus.
"DAMN YOU!" Voldemort yelled. He jabbed his wand forcibly in Harry's direction and screamed. "Ocular Reducto!" Harry weaved a shield but the curse broke through it and it was Harry's turn to scream as one of his eyeballs exploded in a shower of blood and Mucus. Voldemort flipped his wand behind his shoulders and aimed it at Albus.
"Siagrus!" Voldemort yelled in triumph and the ground exploded in a ball of flames under Albus.
Albus managed to apparate but was hit by the fire. When he reappeared his beard scorched and his glasses melted with large burns on the side of his face.
Voldemort gasped in pain as he took a step forward. Albus was panting and Harry was trying not to cry out in pain. At the same time all three cast. "Curage!"
The pain for all wounds faded into nothingness. This was not a very recommended spell as the pain had to come back eventually and when it did it would hurt even worse.
Harry stood and glared out of his good eye.
"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort muttered and Harry apparated away and reappeared to see Voldemort throw down Albus with a spell.
"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort said in glee and Albus looked up from the ground as he tried to move. Harry tried to summon a table but even as he did he knew it would not make it on time. Then, in a burst of flame, Fawkes appeared and opened his beak. He swallowed the curse then gave a feeble chirp before exploding.
Voldemort cursed and raised his wand again. Harry quickly banished the table he was summoning at Voldemort, who raised his arms to protect his face and Harry raised his wand.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" he shouted and Voldemort spun around startled. The curse was a millimeter away before Voldemort's body turned into smoke and the curse went straight through it. Voldemort's body reformed, but it looked exhausted.
"Electisilisi!" Harry shouted and lightning arced over the ground and connected with Voldemort.
"AHHH!" Voldemort screamed and apparated away. He reappeared and glared at Harry.
"Well, as much as I've enjoyed this little duel, I think I need to be going." Voldemort said smoothly, as if there wasn't a hole the size of a basketball in his stomach.
"In other words, you're running away." Harry said flatly. Voldemort smirked.
"I prefer a Strategic retreat. I must admit I wasn't aware that your knowledge of the Darks Arts were so great."
"Well, not many do." Harry muttered.
"But before I go…a little present." Voldemort said and raised his wand. "Corpsi Multiplicus!"
Albus, who had just managed to stand, gasped as Voldemort apparated away for good, leaving behind the walking remains of the dead. Twelve zombies ran forward, flesh rotting from their limbs and bones creaking. Harry spun around and pointed his wand at himself.
"Flammere Protego!" He shouted and he was enveloped in blue flames. Three Skeletons threw themselves on him and shrieked as they hit the flames. Harry quickly turned on the spot and searched the professor.
"How do we kill them?" He shouted. Albus, who was banishing them away, shouted back.
"Curses that destroy bones of people."
Harry nodded and aimed his wand at a skeleton. "Osum Crema!" The Skeleton shrieked as its bones turned to molten lava. Harry grinned and repeated the spell on two others. Behind him Albus was muttering. "Morendo!" and each time it hit, the skeletons bones would snap in three different places. Soon, they were alone.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked. Albus nodded.
"Poppy will have me up and running, though I daresay that I will get an ear lashing of a life time." Albus chuckled and picked up Fawkes. He crooned to the bird, which was ugly and shrunken. He looked over to Harry and saw the destroyed eye.
"That will be hard to fix but it should be alright with some Occulpase Potion." Albus said as he limped towards the door. The battle sounded like it was finishing outside and soon a tremendous cheer came up as the last of the Death Eaters retreated.
Harry followed him and conjured a cane for Albus. "Better this or Madame Pomfrey will kill you."
Albus smiled and stopped. "I wish to thank you Harry. You saved my life today."
"And you saved mine." Harry retorted.
Albus chuckled, the twinkle coming back into his eyes. "But you saved mine. So I'm going to grant you a prestigious honor I have never granted anyone else though I have tried." Harry had a look of horror on his mangled face.
"I will…let you have a Lemon Drop." Albus said and dived into his pocket, pulling out the boiled sweet. Harry sighed in relief. "Sure." He said and took one while placing it in his mouth. As they neared the doors, they were blown open and several Hit Wizards and Aurors stepped in with Moody and the Minister of Magic, Jeremy Downs.
"Albus!" Moody exclaimed as he limped over. His leg was very badly damaged and Harry knew he would need a wooden leg very soon. He still had two normal eyes though, dark and beady.
"I am fine Alastor." Albus said, trying to placate his old friend.
"You don't look it." Jeremy remarked. He took a glance at Harry and shivered.
"Good Merlin! What happened to your eye!" he gasped. Moody examined it while Harry shrugged.
"Voldemort did." Harry said in a neutral tone. Jeremy winced and turned to Albus.
"Is he…?"Jeremy trailed off.
"Unfortunately no." Albus said. "Harry and I barely managed to beat him back. He has grown stronger, and it was Harry here who continued the fight after I had fallen. Voldemort will be wary in attacking here again though."
"He fought off Voldemort?" Alastor growled. He looked at Harry with new respect. "Good for you kid!"
"HARRY!" Someone screamed. Harry was attacked by a red blur followed by a black and a gold blur as three figures latched onto him.
"I'm fine, really." Harry said to the sobbing redhead, the crying black-hair and the upset blonde.
Narcissa pulled back first. "What happened to your eye?" She gasped. Bellatrix and Lily back off and gasped at the wound with Lily looking like she was going to cry.
"It'll be fine after a potion or two." Harry reassured them.
"We have a present for you though." Bellatrix said and smirked. "17 Death Eaters, alive and stunned."
Alastor grinned. "Excellent!" he growled. Limping towards Frank, he walked out the door. "Show me where they are Laddie."
Lily hugged Harry again and Harry relaxed into her. He put an arm around her and drew her close. She smelled like the sweetest candies and slowly Harry pressed his mouth against hers, holding it for a gentle kiss. He pulled back and smiled. Lily gazed up at him with a twinkle in her emerald eyes. And for once, Harry was happy.
James walked over to the fallen bodies and saw his parents. Edward, his father was missing a head and James sobbed as he fell to his mother's side and hugged her. A hand on his shoulder made him look up and he saw Bellatrix gazing at him with sympathy. He just cried while Bellatrix watched.
And as the sun came up, the blood of the innocents and the guilty flowed through the ground of Hogwarts. Ministry workers came and collected the bodies, and the students were let back in, having Flooed to safety. But there was much mourning in the castle as the paper was delivered saying that 56 Aurors were killed and 98 Death Eaters were killed in the battle.
And there was much sorrow in the Death Castle, as family comforted each other and Lord Voldemort shed tears for his fallen friend and adoptive son, Neal. And both sides mourned yet they knew that there would be another battle and more deaths would stain the grass.
Chapter Thirty Three
Harry woke to light streaming in his eyes. He closed them and groaned, while rolling over. Then suddenly he shot up and started touching his face. There were no bruises, and he had his eyes back. He vaguely remembered being hauled off after his pain relieving charm broke and could still taste the bitter aftertaste of the potion. He turned to the other side of the room and looked into a mirror. Aside from a small curved scar about 2cm, he was fine. His eyes were just the same as well.
"Ah, awake already are we?" Madame Pomfrey said as she bustled over. She pushed Harry down on the bed and looked at his charts.
"Will it live?" Harry asked. Madame Pomfrey gave an annoyed glare.
"Yes, you will live." Madame Pomfrey snapped. "I can't believe young children these days."
"Hey! I am not young!" Harry protested. Madame Pomfrey ignored him and continued.
"All this fighting, much to dangerous for someone to do everyday. And I hear you had a trip to Saint Mungo's a few days ago. I think that you are…"
A figure from the nearby bed groaned and rolled over. It was Albus, who looked as good as new with no burns on his face and his beard restored to its former glory.
"Ah, Headmaster." Madame Pomfrey called. She moved over as Albus opened his eyes and sat up.
"Good Morning Poppy!" He said cheerfully, as if he hadn't just been hit with a very powerful dark curse.
"Don't you good morning me!" Madame Pomfrey snapped. "What do you think you were doing? And it's Evening, not morning!"
"Ah my dear. I wish that I never had to fight but someone must defend the castle." Albus said and tried to stand. Madame Pomfrey pushed him down.
"Rest, both of you!" she growled and walked to her office, slamming the door.
"How are you?" Harry asked from his spot. Albus jerked and scanned the room, his eyes finally resting on Harry.
"I could use a Lemon Drop." Albus said and beamed. "But I will live. And how are you?"
"I'll be fine." Harry said and sat back. "How many died?"
Albus looked sorrowful. "Too many. Over 56 Aurors killed as well as Bartemius Crouch. We did kill over 90 Death Eaters and captured 26, 17 captured by your friend Lily."
"Shit. 56 Aurors dead…" Harry trailed off. Though, if he could remember his history he remembered that Voldemort attacked the castle in the other universe and killed over 130 Aurors before he was driven back with losing only 31Death Eaters.
"Well, it could have been worse." Harry muttered. Albus looked over.
"How? Many people have died today Harry and I get the feeling that you are omitting something from me." Albus said and stared at Harry. The man, while looking old still had his twinkle.
Harry hesitated and it must have shown because Albus spoke again.
"Trust me Harry." Albus said firmly.
"Fine. I will tell you what I told Lily." Harry said. Albus leaned forward in anticipation.
"I…" Harry started, and then frowned. Looking at the door, he waved his hand absently and they swing open with four bodies piling on one another.
"Hello Sirius, James, Remus, Peter. You wouldn't be eavesdropping would you?" Albus asked nicely.
"N-No Professor. We were just leaving." Peter said and after a quick glance at each other, the Marauders bolted from the room. Albus made a gesture with his hand and the doors slammed shut, and locked.
"As I was saying." Harry said as he quickly cast a silencing ward over the two beds. "Only Lily knows this and she only knows the basics, which is all you are going to get if not less." Albus nodded solemnly. "Go on."
Harry took a deep breath. "I am from the Future, 25 years actually to be exact."
Albus drew in a breath then released it. His twinkling eyes had dimmed and he looked as old as he was. "This is a very serious matter Harry. By being here you can cause unpredicted events to happen and even kill yourself."
"I've already changed things. This battle was meant to be a disaster for us. We were meant to lose over 130 Aurors and Voldemort was meant to lose only 31 Death Eaters." Harry said.
Albus looked speculatively over at Harry. "Then you have changed the future as you know it,"
"No kidding." Harry muttered.
"So what about that excuse you told me in my office about the transfer of memories?" Albus asked.
"That's true. Partly. A little bit." Harry said and trailed off. He grinned a wicked grin. "Except that the person didn't give me his knowledge, it was taken from him. I believe you know him well. Tall chap, red eyes and a body odor to put sour milk to shame."
Albus was silent. Harry grinned triumphantly. He had shocked the Great Albus Dumbledore to silence.
"So that is how you know Advanced Dark Arts." Albus spoke finally. "That does not explain why you are so powerful. No body in their teens should have access to their magical core as you do."
"Ah, see that's a little tricky." Harry said. "A prophecy was made claiming I would be the Dark Lords equal. So…" he trailed off.
Albus nodded thoughtfully and put up a hand. "No need to explain. Prophecies can be tricky things. One of the reasons why I defeated Lord Grindelwald is because a prophecy said that Grindelwald would be weak on a full moon. So on the battle, I was able to gain the advantage and win."
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Yes Harry, Really." Albus said and chuckled. "This explains practically everything I had worries of. Who were your parents? And how can you speak Parseltongue. The Muggles at the nightclub reported you hissing to a snake and it stopping."
"I'm not telling you my parents." Harry said firmly. "No one will ever know that secret."
Albus smiled. "Well, we are all entitled to our little tidbits of secrets."
"And I can speak Parseltongue because Voldemort can." Harry finished off. He leaned back and snuggled into his pillows. "Oh, and Lily you can come out now."
"No need to hide Ms Evans. We have known you were here for quite some time." Albus said cheerfully and popped a lemon drop into his mouth. How he had got it, no one knew.
Lily came out from behind a bed, looking abashed. "Uh, Hi?" she offered weakly. Harry smiled at her.
"You okay?" he asked gently. Lily smiled back and nodded. She got up and plopped herself next to Harry, who put an arm around her. She rested her head in the crook of his shoulders.
"Interesting conversation by the way." She said. Harry laughed and twirled a strand of crimson hair around his finger.
"Little sneak." He said fondly. Lily giggled.
"You know you like me." She drawled.
"Unfortunately." Harry muttered. Lily frowned and playfully whacked him on the shoulder.
"Arsehole." She said.
"Oh, I am so hurt by that statement. You know I'm Grouchy Bastard. Not an Arsehole." Harry said seriously. Lily sighed.
"Never can win with you, can I?" she muttered. Harry laughed and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
"But you never want to win, do you?" he asked. Lily didn't answer but just snuggled into him, breathing in his scent and kissed his neck.
Albus watched the scene with a small smile. Harry looked happy, truly happy with Lily. His eyes were sparkling and he had a small smile on his lips as he bantered. Albus was happy that Harry could still feel such things even after absorbing memories from Voldemort. He, unlike Voldemort, still had a great chance for love.
"So Harry. Do you still wish to remain as Harry Riddle?" Albus asked. Harry hesitated then shook his head.
"I'll have no name. Just call me the Harry from Slytherin." Harry said. Albus' twinkle dimmed.
Harry noticed and sighed. "Shit. More bad news I presume?" he asked.
Albus nodded sagely. "It may be tomorrow or it may be in months but soon the Ministry will question your Guardianship- or lack of it and they will make you a ward of the Ministry."
"WHAT!" Lily shrieked. Her eyes glinted in anger. "They can't do that, can they?"
"I'm afraid they can Ms Evans. The Ministry is not what it used to be. Jeremy is a good man and a Great minister of magic but he is overruled by some of the more corrupt members of Wardrobe." Albus explained.
"Wardrobe?" Lily asked clueless. Albus smiled, his eyes twinkling.
"It is the equivalent of the Muggle Cabinet, or Congress. It is the group that runs the Ministry with the Minister of Magic. All Department Heads or their as well as Senior Ministry officials." Albus said. "For years I have tried to get the name changed as I am a member, the Supreme Advisor to the Minister of Magic. They are considering to changing to Mugwump, which I believe is a much better name, though being called a Supreme Mugwump does sound insulting to the common ear, it is much better than being called the Senior Wardrobe Advisor."
"If you ask me both names suck." Lily murmured to Harry, who stifled a grin.
"Back to the topic on hand, if you become a ward of the Ministry, some of the corrupt members will surely use you like a tool to gain popularity and favor with the people." Albus reminded seriously.
"I'll refuse." Harry said adamantly. He refused to be anyone's tool.
"They won't let you." Albus said. "You either can become a ward of the Ministry, or be adopted by someone."
Harry was silent. Lily wasn't.
"Who would adopt him?" She asked curiously. "I'd offer my Grandparents but…" she trailed off.
"But you would find that it would be a little awkward to date your Foster Brother." Albus finished. Lily blushed, red splattering her creamy cheeks.
"Date?" Harry asked curiously. "We're dating?"
Lily was aghast. "You better be kidding Harry, or I will curse you! Of course we're dating! Unless you don't want to."
"NO!" Harry shouted. "No, I'd like to have you as my girlfriend." He said. Lily rolled her eyes. "I was just curious because I…don't exactly have a lot of dating experience." He said awkwardly.
"Either do I." Lily admitted and smiled softly. "But who cares?" She and Harry shared a look of affection.
"It is amazing in what one week can do to ones perspective." Albus said. Harry and Lily jumped, forgetting he was actually here.
"Tell me about it." Harry grumbled. "I've used more magic in the last week than the last 5 years. And I've dueled more this week than my entire life."
"Yes, as I said, One week can change a lot in somebody's life." Albus said wisely. The three remained silent as birds chirped outside the hospital wing as the sun went down.
"Sir?" Lily said after a prolonged silence. "Will Voldemort return?"
Albus sighed wearily. "Most likely."
"But you can have Harry fight him off, right?" Lily questioned uncertainly.
"No." Harry said. "We barely held him off this time. We got lucky because he made a mistake. It won't happen again."
"So…we're doomed?"
"Never." Albus said firmly. "There is always hope. We just have to find it. With more training, Harry could rival Voldemort. He is, after all, meant to be his equal."
"But we don't have that long." Harry finished. "Voldemort has performed a lot of rituals and the latest has tripled his strength."
"Can't we perform these rituals as well?" Lily asked.
"I have never touched the Dark Arts as long as I have lived. I fear the power will make me into the things I fight." Albus said tiredly.
"I, however, have no such objections and plan on performing some very soon." Harry commented.
"I do not approve of such things happening." Albus said.
"You don't have to improve. I'm going to do it anyway." Harry retorted. "We don't have a choice."
Albus nodded and stood. "I think we should take the chance to escape." He took a step forward and struggled.
"Professor!" Lily exclaimed. Albus braced himself and stood, this time firmly.
"I am quite alright my child." He said and walked to the door. Harry stood as well, helping Lily up and walked with him to the Great Hall.
As they walked down the cool halls of Hogwarts, Albus looked around wistfully.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"This is what I fear most. That these halls will become silent and the laughter will vanish." Albus answered.
"Hogwarts will never fall." Lily said and slipped her hand into Harry's.
"She's right. I will make sure of it." Harry promised.
Albus smiled. "Ah, the exuberance of youth."
"We will win this war Albus." Harry said firmly. "By October 31st, 1981, the war will be over, one way or another."
"Why that year?" Lily asked.
"Because I will make sure it is finished by then, or die trying." Harry said. Lily was silent along with Albus but Harry could see that they didn't understand and just as well. He didn't want them to.
Narcissa Black was having a bad day. After the attack, it came public news that she as well as Bellatrix had captured 17 Deaths along with others. Severus had already received a Howler, disowning him. He had sat stunned as the howler shouted obscenities at him, berating him for allying himself to a Mudblood lover then had publicly disowned him. He had frozen afterwards and Louise had patted his back and led him away.
Louise hadn't been spared from the horror either. Her husband, a 32 year old man promised by his family to her lay among the dead. He had been a Death Eater, and Louise was stunned to say the least. There were tear marks as she cried as she comforted Severus.
Narcissa counted herself lucky. She had gotten a carefully worded letter from her family requesting her presence over the holidays where they would have a serious choice in her actions. She was not looking forward for it. As she sat at the Slytherin table, she noticed Rodolphus looking smug. He had no doubt informed her parents of her 'betrayal'. She gave him an icy glare and he smirked.
The doors opened and in walked in Harry, Lily and Professor Dumbledore, looking tired but happy.
All mutterings stopped as the three walked in. From the Gryffindor table James looked up. He looked terrible, with large bags under his puffy eyes and a stained look on his taught cheeks. He had mourned his parents all day. Glancing at the Slytherin table he caught Bellatrix's eye, and looked away. He glanced at Harry and Lily, who were holding hands. Once that would have made him jealous but that was before his parents deaths. There seemed to be a huge stretch in time, one before and one after his parent's murders.
Harry ignored the mutterings and walked to the Slytherin Table, with Lily's hand in his own. He sat next to Narcissa and Bellatrix, both who looked tense and Snape and Zabini.
"What's wrong?" Lily asked Narcissa. Narcissa smiled bitterly.
"Our parents are pissed, Severus has been disowned and Louise has lost her husband who was a Death Eater. All in all, a normal day." Narcissa replied bitterly.
"I'm sorry Louise." Harry said softly. Louise looked up. She wasn't crying, no, she was pissed.
"How could that bastard join Him? He was meant to stay neutral!" She snapped. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"You don't sound like you miss him." He said blandly. Louise smirked.
"Arranged marriage. He was 30. Trust me, I won't. Especially now. So call me Louise Bell."
"Okay." Harry said. Severus was silent and looked quite pale.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked. Severus shrugged weakly.
"It's not like I'll miss them, but…disowned? Father is nothing but a pawn. Something I refuse to become." Severus sneered.
"Good to see you're still your snarly self." Lily commented. Severus glared and looked away.
At this time Albus stood at the Head Table. "Good Evening everyone." He said quietly. Everybody ceased talking.
"Yesterday we suffered a great loss when Lord Voldemort launched a raid on the school. Both sides suffered many casualties. Let us toast them." He raised his goblet.
"To the Fallen." He intoned. Everybody stood.
"To the Fallen." They echoed, the voices rumbling throughout the Great Hall. Harry saw Rodolphus and his gang sit defiantly down.
"Bastards!" Lily whispered. Harry inclined his head in agreement. As everybody sat down Albus rose again.
"In the times of Darkness, few have the courage to stand up for the Light. However, select students in this school did. So I award 20 points each to James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Alice Soon to be Longbottom, Frank Longbottom, David Hicks, Adam Franks, Melanie Adams, Elizabeth white, Narcissa Black, Severus Snape, Louise Bell Zabini, Bellatrix Black and Lily Evans for the successful capture of Seventeen Death Eaters."
The hall applauded wildly as people clapped those who participated on the back. Albus cleared his throat and the noise died down.
"I also have more points to give to a loyal friend. He stood by me and dueled with me against Lord Voldemort himself. He was brave, quick and I daresay he saved my life. So I award Harry from Slytherin 100 points."
The Hall rose to their feat and clapped and cheered. Harry remained Stoic and tipped his glass at Albus, who returned the gesture. Things were going to be all right. Maybe not now, but they will soon.
Chapter Thirty Four
The rest of the week went slower than Harry remembered being at Hogwarts. There was still a lot of mourning going on and it wasn't a rare occurrence when a student burst out into tears and was led away by a comforting Professor or friend. The Professors were also showing a lot of leeway and emotion, which was very different from their cold stern masks that they usually wore. Yesterday in Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall had given 50 points to James Potter for his spectacular work, even though he hadn't started his work yet and had been looking out the window and at the lake. As the weekend approached, so did the first Hogsmeade weekend,
"So, what are you doing at Hogsmeade?" Severus asked as Harry and he left from another Potions class. Professor Moon had been extremely cold to the Slytherin House and had taken points for the tiniest of infractions. Harry believed she was still pissed over the little incident in the common room and voiced that to Severus.
"Of course she is. Here I was thinking that my Potions partner had a little common sense." Snape had muttered and sneered. Harry had rolled his eyes. While most people around him were being extremely cautious, Snape and a few were just the same.
"Nothing much." Harry said. He wasn't a good friend with Snape, but they got along all right. That didn't stop Harry from thinking that he was greasy git though.
"Really? What about Evans?" Snape asked as they walked towards their next class. Harry raised an eyebrow. "What about her?" he asked defensively.
Snape chuckled deeply. "You can fight the Dark Lord yet you have no idea how to keep a girl."
"So?" Harry scowled. "It's not like I have much experience with girls except…" he trailed off and shivered in disgust as he thought of the whiny girl he had taken out in his 5th year.
"Except what?" Snape asked, his coal black eye glinting with interest.
"Except for Cho, a girl at my last school. Real bitch as well." Harry muttered.
"So? All girls are bitches from time to time." Snape replied.
"And you're the major expert on that subject." Harry teased. Snape glared.
"Fuck off!" he growled. Harry laughed.
"Yeah, Yeah. I see the way you look at Louise Zabini." He said and dodged a hand trying to whack him on the head.
"Shut up!" Snape hissed and glanced around. Luckily for Harry, they were alone or Snape would have to really hurt him. "Don't tell her that!"
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"Because she just lost her husband you imbecile." Snape said and shook his head in disbelief. "Sometimes you can be dumb as a Gryffindor."
"And everyday you come up with the same lame ways to insult me." Harry shot back. "Not very Slytherin-like, is it? Using the same insults? Ever heard of originality?"
"Yes I have. I believe it left it in the Common room, along with your intelligence and common sense." Snape said scathingly.
"Boys." Came a voice behind them. Harry and Severus turned sharply, wands ready. Narcissa raised a pale eyebrow. "That's not a very nice reception." She drawled.
"Bloody Hell Black!" Severus growled. "Are you trying to get killed?"
"I won't be dying anytime soon, so you don't need to worry Severus," Narcissa said and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"Why do you always do that?" Harry asked. "Flip your hair over you shoulder, I mean."
"Because it gets in my way." Narcissa said slowly.
"Really? I always thought that it was your trademark move." Severus said sarcastically.
"Oh shut up." Narcissa said and folded her arms. "We better hurry, we have DADA next." She walked off in a huff while Harry snickered as he followed on.
"Hey Harry." Lily said as she sat next to him. DADA class was a bit boring as Professor Green had somehow managed to get himself turned into a 70 year old woman in the Battle. He had been with the re-enforcements that had stormed the castle and had been hit at the end by a Death Eater with a broken wand.
"Class!" Professor Green said, or tried to say. A quivering quail was all that came out of his…her mouth. Nobody listened anyway as they were all talking or stuffing about.
"Class!" He/She tried again. Harry sniggered as Professor Green glared. It was funny to see a 70-year-old woman's body with a man's face.
BANG!!
Half the class screamed and the other half was on their feat with their wands out as the sound echoed around the classroom.
"Better." Green said and smirked. "Now sit down."
Harry sat slowly and re-holstered his wand. Next to him, Lily did the same thing.
"Today we will be learning about your unique and special talents and what jobs or careers you could benefit from having these skills." Professor Green lectured. "Everybody has a different way in where their magic is amplified. For instance, Professor McGonagall is talented in field of Transfiguration, while Professor Flitwick is talented in field of Charms. I am talented in the field of Light Arts, or Defense Against the Dark Arts. That means that the Light curses I perform are more powerful. Take in mind that this has nothing to do with power whatsoever. It just tells me that my light curses would be more powerful and easier to cast than someone with the same power who doesn't have an affinity in it."
Most of the class looked interested and Harry could see that many were anxious to start.
"By holding a Seeing Stone, then it will reveal your talents with the right incantation." Professor Green said and held up a pale green glowing stone, the size of a tennis ball. "Now, who wants to go first?"
Instantly there was a clamoring of hands. Professor Green smiled and picked out one. "Okay Mr. Black, how about you try."
Sirius smirked and jumped out of his seat. "So, what do I do?" he said excitedly.
"Just place your hands on the stone." Professor Green said. Sirius did as he was instructed, and nothing happened.
"I think it's a dud." Sirius said, but gasped as the stone glowed brighter and smoky letters began forming on a piece of parchment. The Stone dulled back to its original glow, leaving Sirius with a parchment piece.
"What does it say?" James asked.
Sirius grinned. "It says…Transfiguration, 94, Defence against the Dark Arts 89. Charms is 80 and… Dark Arts 60."
Professor Green smiled. "That's a good listing. The stone will only reveal your four strongest fields."
"But Dark Arts! 60! I'd never use Dark Arts!" Sirius protested.
"It doesn't matter. It just tells you what you could achieve and you would do Average in Dark Arts." Professor Green explained. He sent Sirius back to his seat and started talking.
"Anyone with 90-99 would be considered a natural. If you have above 96, you could apply for a Masters degree in that branch. 100 is very rare and only three hundred people in the last two centuries have ever had it. Professor Dumbledore had 100 in three subjects, while Lord Voldemort had 100 in three as well.
80-89 would be considered exceptionally good at the subject. 70-79 is considered to be above Average. 60-69 would be considered Average and anything below 50 is not suited for you. It works like a grading system for school. I'll be getting each of you to take the test and read out your talents and we'll start with…Black, Narcissa."
Narcissa walked up, her pale face showing no emotion. She grabbed the stone and held it. The procedure repeated and she picked up her parchment when she was done and read it out loud.
"Rune magic 97, Dark Arts 70, Charms 69, Transfiguration 65," she read in a monotone voice.
"97! We have a potential rune master in the class. Congratulations!" Professor Green said happily. Narcissa flushed and walked back to her seat.
Soon members of the class went up, one at a time until Evans, Lily was called. Lily rose, looking slightly nervous and Harry gave look of encouragement. She walked up and held the stone. It glowed, and Lily picked up the parchment. She scanned it, her eyes growing wide "Charms 99, Defence Against the Dark Arts 90, Healing 90, Dark Arts 88," she read out in surprise.
Professor Green clapped enthusiastically. "Wonderful! Natural talent in 3 subjects! And a 99 on Charms. Professor Flitwick himself only received a 98."
Lily blushed and practically ran back to her seat. When she was seated Harry leaned over.
"Told you that you were special." He whispered. Lily beamed.
The list went on, mostly average but with a few exceptions. Remus Lupin had a 95 in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Peter Pettigrew had a surprisingly high affinity of 90 in healing, and a very low score of Potions of 14. James Potter had 97 in transfiguration and 87 on Defence against the Dark Arts. Nott had the lowest start off in the whole class, his highest a 67 in Dark Arts. Soon, it was Harry's turn.
He placed his hands on the stone, and felt a tingle as magic ran through his body. It retreated and the Parchment glowed. He picked it up and read.
"100 in Dark Arts, 100 in Battle Magic, 97 in Defence against the Dark Arts and 87 in Transfiguration." He said, stunned. He knew he was good but 100?
Professor Green stared, as did the rest of the class. "Very good Harry." He said slowly. "Good stats to become a Hit Wizard or Auror."
"Sir?" Someone said. "What is Battle magic?"
Professor Green rubbed his hands thoughtfully. "Battle magic is magic that is used for warfare. It isn't your standard killing curse, but magic designed for destruction. If one is truly talented and powerful enough in Battle Magic, they could wipe out a small army with some of the curses that fall under this range."
Many of the class shivered at the prospect. Harry walked back down and sat. Soon Severus went up. His highest was 100 in Potions. Louise went up as well and she had a 91 in Divination.
"Now we know our specialties, it's time to find our special abilities. We may not even know we have them. It works the same as finding our specialties but we clasp the blue stone instead." Here Professor Green lifted a stone identical to the first, except it was blue. Sirius was once again chosen to come first. He held it and it glowed blue, before the parchment glowed and Sirius picked it up.
"It says…Animagus, Apparition, Aura Reader (54), Elemental Abilities in Earth (80), Wandless Magic skills (49)" Sirius said and frowned. "What's an Aura reader?"
"An Aura reader is someone who can read the type of magic and abilities people have." Professor Green. "But yours only works at a 54 of the level so once trained you should be able to tell what magic people use the most."
"Cool!" Sirius said.
Narcissa was next. She said that she could Apparate and Create runes as well as Elemental Abilities in Ice (80)
"Professor Green, can't anyone create runes?" Somebody asked. Professor Green shook his head.
"We can replicate them, but to create an entirely new rune is a different matter. You could do well at the Department of Mysteries. They have a section on Runes and several developers." Professor Green said to Narcissa. Narcissa looked briefly interested before sitting down.
Members of the class went up, most only having the ability to Apparate or slight Wandless Magic skills but nothing too special so far. It was Lily's turn and she read it out loud.
"Occlumency Abilities (79), Animagus skills, Elemental Abilities in Holy (91), Empathy (92), Poldumency abilities (70), Apparition abilities and Healing abilities (97)." She read out.
"What the hell is Poldumency? What kind of crap is that?" Nott yelled out.
"It tells her if someone is trustworthy. Which is why she doesn't go near you." Harry jeered. The Slytherin blushed as the class snickered.
"Very Good Mr. Ri…Harry. 5 points." Professor Green said. "Very interesting skills. Occlumency is defense of the mind. It stops Legilimency users getting in. It's also very good for an Auror because you can hide your secrets. Occlumency helps in battle as well as classroom. If you know your own mind, then you can control fear. Also, to a certain extent, you can control pain. With your healing abilities, you would make a fine Healer. There is a research team at Saint Mungo's trying to find the cure for Prolonged Cruciatus Curse and knowing Occlumency would help."
Lily beamed, and skipped back to her seat.
When Remus went up, he paled before handing the parchment to Professor Green. Professor Green had looked at it and said. "You have the abilities of Apparition and a slight Telekinesis ability as well as slight Elemental Abilities in Fire (76)"
Harry knew that Remus worried because the parchment had Werewolf on it.
When Nott went up, he had only Apparition as his ability. Soon James went up with a swagger.
"I have Animagus skills, Apparition skills, Elemental Abilities in Air, Slight Telepathy skills and magical tracking skills and Wandless magic skills (51) " James said arrogantly.
Professor Green nodded thoughtfully. "Telepathy skills eh? Useful. Magical tracking skills could be useful as a Hit wizard, tracking down the magical signatures of your opponents. You Wandless magic skills are quite high too." James was smug when he sat down.
Harry was next. He glanced the list and shook his head in disbelief. No way he was going to read THAT out. However, Professor Green snatched the list and started reading.
"Harry has skills in Apparition, Animagus, Elemental Magic in Lightning (83) and Shadow 93), Empathy (56) Legilimency (87), Occlumency (100), Parseltongue, Wandless Magic (70)," Professor Green said.
"Shit." Severus mumbled. Everyone looked at Harry in astonishment or fear.
"A Parselmouth!" Sirius cried out. "He's nothing but a little Death Eater!"
"Hello? Wake up! He fought off Voldemort with Dumbledore." Lily snapped.
"So! Maybe he wants to take His place." James said and stared at Harry with hatred.
"Silence!" Professor Green thundered. He turned back to Harry. "Well, You elemental abilities would be very useful in Auror or Hit wizard missions. You control over Occlumency would make you a good researcher. You Legilimency abilities are remarkably high as well. You Parseltongue abilities would be useful if you decided something in the area of Care of Magical Creatures in dealing with reptiles. And your wandless magic is quite high! Only Voldemort got higher than that at 72. Headmaster Dumbledore achieved a 68 when he was tested. You would be perfect for the Old Goblin wars with your abilities."
Harry sat back down; aware of the glares and looks of fear he was getting from other classmates. Severus went up (Apparition, Occlumency 100, Legilimency 80, Potion Inventor 70) and Louise (Apparition, True Seer.).
The bell went and Professor Green spoke up. "Everybody, next lesson we will be learning about the elements. Class Dismissed."
Chapter Thirty Five
OCTOBER 1st
"Did you hear? That Harry kid from Slytherin's a Parseltongue."
Harry ignored the whispers as he walked out of the Great Hall. He had spent an entire Care of Magical creature's lesson putting up with the rumors and worse off, they had been learning about snakes so everybody had been casting sideways glances to Harry as if he would set them on the class. Narcissa and Lily seemed to be the only people supporting him by not acting as if he was evil.
"Don't worry, it'll past." Lily encouraged as they walked away and to the room of requirement,
"Once they find something new to gawk out, no-one will care." Narcissa commented.
"Bullshit." Harry said.
Narcissa sighed. "Yeah. But it was comforting bullshit."
Harry rolled his eyes as they made their way into the Room of Requirement. Apart from the Marauders, Harry didn't think that anyone knew of it except for the Marauders and they were…occupied.
MEANWHILE, IN THE 6th CORRDIOR HALLWAY
Harry's plan had worked perfectly and the Marauders were currently talking upon themselves as they tried to solve there little mishap.
"This is just a mishap." James said.
"MISHAP! WE'RE HANGING FROM THE BLOODY CEIELING IN A NET!" Sirius snarled.
"No need to be so hostile Padfoot." Remus said mildly.
"OW!" Sirius yelled. "Watch it Peter!"
"Sorry." Peter squeaked.
"Stop it!" James muttered as Sirius began rocking the net, making it sway back and forth. If only they had their wands…but they were on the ground, stuck by a strong sticking charm.
"I hate heights." Peter squeaked.
"Somehow, I get the feeling that this is all your faults." Remus said casually.
And the four Marauders hung from the ceiling for two hours until upon chance a Ravenclaw third year came upon them and sent for Professor McGonagall.
BACK TO THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT
"So, why are we here?" Narcissa asked. Harry smiled thinly.
"I just wanted some space. We have study so we don't need to get to class." He said. Harry thought of a nice, comfortable couch and a thought later, a couch materialized and he jumped on it.
"How did you do that?" Narcissa asked in surprise.
"This is called the Room of Requirement. Just think what you want and it will provide it for you." Lily explained as she conjured her own chair and sat. Narcissa frowned and a throne-like chair appeared. She sat down.
"So…hear any good jokes?" Lily said casually.
"What?" Narcissa asked.
"Just trying to break the ice." Lily said.
"Break the ice?" Narcissa asked again.
"Muggle expression." Harry said.
Narcissa's eyes darkened. "Oh." She said.
"I know you don't like Muggles but come on!" Lily said. "They're not that bad."
"Ever heard of the Witch Burnings?" Narcissa questioned sarcastically.
"Of course I have! That doesn't mean all Muggles are bad though. Ever heard of Death Eaters?" Lily shot back.
"Of course I've heard of Death Eaters. My whole family practically worships them." Narcissa snapped.
"If I went by your line of reasoning then I could say that all Wizard and Witches are Death Eaters." Lily retorted, her green eyes flashing. Harry just sat back in the background and watched, looking highly pleased with himself.
"Are you calling me a Death Eater?" Narcissa asked softly, her pale blue eyes glinting.
"Are you?" Lily shot back.
"How dare you!" Narcissa yelled. Harry quickly constructed a woven net of silencing wards around the door. Better to keep this little conversation in private.
"How dare you say that all Muggles are evil?" Lily yelled back. Narcissa growled…yes growled and leapt from her seat.
"I am not a Death Eater!" she said, her platinum hair swaying angrily.
"You seem to hold the views of them!" Lily said furiously.
"I AM NOT AND NEVER WILL BE A DEATH EATER!" Narcissa shouted loudly. There was silence, Narcissa standing furious with flushed cheeks and Lily standing gob smacked with an open mouth.
"Well, that was interesting." Harry drawled, startling both girls.
"Oh…" Narcissa uttered weakly and collapsed on the couch, leaning on the armrest. Lily sat down next to her.
"Hey. You all right?" she asked, anger now replaced with concern.
"Just fine. I've doomed myself." Narcissa said, near tears. Gone was the sharp-tongued Slytherin, now replaced by this young teen with a bleak look on her future.
"You'll be fine." Lily said reassuringly, patting her shoulder.
"Fine? I'll be killed. Sirius said that he wanted no part in the Death Eaters and he had to flee for his life! He has friends that can protect him. What do I have?" Narcissa snapped.
"They don't have to know." Harry said as he moved the other side of Narcissa.
"Oh yes they do! The Black Family Manor at Grimma…" Narcissa cut short.
"At Number 12 Grimmauld Place." Harry finished. At Narcissa's startled looked he smirked. "Yes, I know about the manor. I also know that the Malfoy Manor has a secret room under the Dining room and where Lord Voldemort's father lived. I know a lot about my enemy."
"As I was saying." Narcissa started off again. "At the entrance to the manor, there is a portrait of someone."
"Your Aunt, Sirius's Mum." Harry said. "Go on."
"How the fuck do you know all these things?" Narcissa burst out.
"Oh my God! You swore!" Lily said.
"No I didn't!" Narcissa frowned.
"Yes you did. You said Fuck." Lily said triumphantly.
"I did not." Narcissa protested.
"Yes you did." Lily was even more gleeful.
"I didn't swear…did I?" Narcissa asked.
"Enough!" Harry said. "What about the portrait?"
"It has a loyalty charm built into it for my bloodline. Very powerful so I won't be able to break it. When I walk in, the alarm will go off as soon as the Portrait sees me and then she'll start hurling insults at me." Narcissa described.
"What about Occlumency?" Lily asked.
"Won't work." Harry muttered. "She doesn't have the temperate for it."
"What do you think will happen when you go back for Christmas?" Harry asked.
"I don't know." Came the quiet reply.
"Guess." He pressed on.
"Well, they'll either have two reactions. One, they'll disown me on the spot and try to kill me. Two, they'll use me to spy on you." Narcissa answered.
"What about Bellatrix?" Lily asked. "I know you two are close."
"She would have no choice but to side with the family." Narcissa said and smiled bitterly at Harry. "This is all your fault, you know"
"Really?" Harry asked, mildly curious.
"If I hadn't met you then I wouldn't be holding such thoughts as I do now." Narcissa said firmly, trying to glare but failing.
"Repressing your thoughts wouldn't be wise. You would destroy who you would be if you allow yourself to be controlled." Harry said softly.
There was silence until Lily snickered.
"What?" Harry asked.
"You just sounded like Dumbledore." She said, humor laced into her voice.
"Yeah but I'm much better looking." Harry said in an arrogant tone.
"Get over yourself." Lily scoffed.
"How does one get over themselves?" Harry said in a mock old and wise voice. "For one to get over themselves then they would need to alter the fabric of reality or use a simple tool such as a steak knife and slice there legs off and place them on there head."
"Right." Narcissa said slowly. "It's official. You. Are. Insane."
"I am not." Harry said gruffly.
"She's right." Lily said.
"Hey! You're meant to be on my side!" Harry protested.
"Women stick together." Narcissa said smugly.
"Traitors." Harry mumbled.
½ hour later, Harry was reading a book while Lily and Narcissa were talking about everything from makeup, spells to dating.
"So, who do you think is the most attractive boy in Hogwarts?" Lily asked mischievously. Narcissa frowned in thought and was about to answer when the door opened and Bellatrix walked in.
"Bellatrix?" Narcissa said in confusion. Bellatrix looked up and started.
"Cissa?" she said. Her eyes traveled from her sister, to Lily, to Harry who looked up from his book.
"Hi Bella." Harry said absently.
"How did you know about this Cissa?" Bellatrix said as she walked in and jumped on the couch where Narcissa and Lily were.
"Harry told me." She said absently.
"What about you?" Bellatrix said as she turned to Lily.
"Harry."
"Then how the hell did Harry know? I found this place after three years, he's only been here a week." Bellatrix said and turned to Harry.
Harry looked at the 7th year. "I know because…" Bellatrix leaned forward. "I made it my business to know."
"Oh very Funny!" Bellatrix snapped. She huffed and turned to the girls.
"So, watcha talking about?" Bellatrix said in a singsong voice.
"Boys." Harry said from across the room.
"Thanks Harry." Narcissa said sarcastically.
"Actually, we need to talk to you." Harry said seriously and rose up. He seated himself on the couch, on the armrest. Bellatrix, sensing the seriousness dropped her usually playful mask.
"What's wrong?" she asked in concern.
Narcissa sighed and spoke up. "I broke the Loyalty of Blood." She admitted. Bellatrix remained silent until…
"YOU IDIOT!" she screeched. Harry winced in sympathy.
Bellatrix collapsed onto the couch. "Shit. Now you're screwed. How?"
"I told Lily that I never would become a Death Eater." Narcissa said again.
"How does that work?" Lily said.
"Honestly Evans!" Bellatrix snapped. When she was in a bad mood she wasn't a nice person. "Our family expects us to become loyal Death Eaters. We had promised them our word. Narcissa broke it because while she could still become a Death Eater, she wouldn't be loyal."
"Calm Down Bella." Harry said sternly, noticing the hurt look on Lily's face.
Bellatrix hugged Narcissa, both sisters knowing the truth.
"You can't go back." Bellatrix said softly.
"I know." Narcissa replied.
"Do you want to become a Death Eater as well?" Lily asked curiously. Bellatrix glared and opened her mouth then stopped. If she said no, the Loyalty of Blood will know and she would be in the same position as her sister. If she said yes, then she would be shunned from the group. She closed her eyes and when she opened them, they were hard and determined. Harry opened his mouth to tell her to ignore that question when Bellatrix cut in.
"No." She said. She felt a freezing sensation in her blood before it nullified, leaving her oddly peaceful. She had chosen.
"WHAT!" Narcissa shrieked. "You idiot! Don't make yourself a target!"
"Shut up Cissa." Bellatrix said fondly. "You're my sister and practically the only person I love. Of course I'm going to stick with you."
Lily looked quite guilty. "I'm sorry." She cried out.
"No Matter." Bellatrix said. "You just helped us with our choice anyway. So, what's this about boys?"
Lily giggled. "We were discussing who was the most appealing boy at school."
Narcissa smiled. "We either think it's Remus Lupin, James Potter, Sirius Black," There Lily made a noise of disgust. "Frank Longbottom, Edgar Bones or Harry."
Harry was reading when he heard his name and he bolted up like a rabbit hitting an electric fence. "What?" he asked, a perplexed frown between his eyes. The girls ignored him.
"So, who wins?" Bellatrix questioned.
"Well, Frank Longbottom is sort of sexy but he's engaged to Alice Prewett." Lily giggled.
"Potter's not bad, but his attitude is horrible." Narcissa commented. "So he's out."
"Sirius Black isn't bad." Bellatrix said thoughtfully. "
"Eww! Incest." Lily moaned.
"What's Incest?" Narcissa asked. Lily stared in disbelief.
"It's having relations of a sexual kind with your family." She said.
Bellatrix shrugged. "Well, every pureblood family would be Incest then. Everybody has cross-bred with each other at least once."
"That's true." Narcissa nodded. "Sirius is my cousin but also my Half brother. Mother married his father, her brother."
"That's sick." Lily said.
"Welcome to the world of Purebloods." Bellatrix intoned.
"Anyway, who's next?" Narcissa asked.
"Lupin. He's okay, but he could do much better if he went away from Potter." Lily said.
"Edgar? A Hufflepuff. Too nice in my opinion." Bellatrix scoffed.
"So Harry's the winner." Lily asked.
"Yep!" Bellatrix said brightly. They turned to look at Harry, who had a bemused expression on his face.
"Bull." He said.
"Oblivious men." Bellatrix sighed.
"I am not oblivious!" Harry argued.
"Yes you are." Bellatrix shot back.
"You are Harry." Narcissa said calmly. "You are quite the catch, not bad for someone who's been here two weeks."
"Me?" Harry asked weakly.
"Let's see, you're brave, cunning, very cold towards others but passionate when you get to know them. You're strong, especially magical but physical as well. Not a bad body." Narcissa said.
"The epitome of Slytherin. Rare and powerful talents. Able to duel the Dark Lord to a stand stop. Dark, Mysterious since no one knows where the hell you came from." Bellatrix continued.
"Quirky, sarcastic, weird sense of humor. Looks out for others." Lily finished. Harry looked stunned, before pooling his features together.
"Well, when you put it that way…" He said. Three pillows promptly hit him in the head.
A/N- I'll be reviewing my old chapters so expect a lot of replaced Chapters for grammar mistakes.