Chapter 9: Swords and Surprises
Making his way up to the apartment, Harry knocked twice on the door, and then whistled twice, before the door opened and Hermione took him into her arms, her body shaking as she held onto him. The twice-used knock and whistle method was something they had designed to recognise each other; only those of the Order, Dan, Emma or Amelia really needed to use it as Hermione would be able to tell her Harry from an impostor due to their bond and vice versa.
"Where is he Mione?" asked Harry, holding onto his girlfriend as she seemed a little more nervous than before.
"The…the Leaky Cauldron," Hermione replied, before she turned and gestured to a parchment lying on the table in the main room; walking through to the room, Harry picked up the parchment and, almost immediately, he saw why Hermione was so scared:
Lord Potter,
I, Ronald Bilius Weasley have had time to think about what we discussed when last we saw one another and, if you can spare me a moment of your busy time, I will freely and willingly apologise to your…girlfriend, Hermione Jane Granger and ask for her forgiveness.
I hope that our past faults do not spoil the bountiful relationship that we have forged over the past two years and that, despite your being a Holy Knight, we can still be considered brothers-in-arms;
If you consent to this arrangement, I would be honoured to meet with you in the Leaky Cauldron on August 24th for a meeting between you and I;
Hoping you are well,
Master R.B. Weasley
Harry held the letter in his hand, Hermione with her arms around him as he read and re-read the letter, his hand shaking with each reading: however, when Hermione looked up, she saw that he wasn't angry or near tears for some unknown reason: no, he was, in actual fact…laughing! His eyes were filled with a sense of disbelief and, as Hermione sought him out through the bond, she only felt a sense of amusement and incredulous bewilderment rather than a sense of forgiveness.
'What's so funny love?' asked Hermione, calming her boyfriend as she led him into the living room of their apartment, Harry now scrunching the letter up in one hand as he sat down, still laughing.
'Oh,' he chuckled, even his mental voice sounded amused, 'Sorry Hermione, but if Ronald Weasley wrote that, then Draco Malfoy is really a fan of Muggles and Gryffindors.'
'What do you mean?' asked Hermione, looking back to the letter, 'He signed it and…'
'And since when do we know that Dead Man Walking to write with such a fanciful tone or language?' asked Harry, now holding his girlfriend in his arms, 'You've been the one to look over enough of his homework to know that he's no scholar: if I had to guess, I'd bet the Bighead Boy Percival wrote this and Mummy dearest had Ron say he wrote it.'
'I see what you mean,' Hermione replied, before she looked back at Harry and asked, 'But why would Molly want Ron to think…'
'Because she doesn't get it,' Harry replied, now resigning himself to stroking Hermione's soft dark hair, his face losing its amusement, his silver eye almost glowing as he explained, 'She still wishes to believe that Ginny and I have a future: you saw what happened in Dumbledore's office; hell, if I went there, then I'd have her probably biting my ear off about insulting a GREAT MAN like Dumbledork. Heaven forbid if she tries to hug me or drag me away from you, Mum and Dad; which is why…' he then stood up, brushed down his robe and, turning to Hermione, he held out his hand, which she gladly accepted.
"I'm going to accept their summons," He explained, "But I won't be going alone: I'll have the Order escort me and see if I speak with Tonks about watching from afar."
"What about Mum and Dad?" asked Hermione, "You know that they'll want to be there."
"And they will be," Harry told her, "Besides, we both know that the Weasleys can't really harm me anyway: as my vassal house, their fate is in my hands and so, with the exception of the Dead Man, none of them can do anything without damaging their family's future and I think that insulting, or Merlin forbid, harming my guardians would count towards damaging their future."
"I guess you're right," Hermione agreed, watching as Harry seemed to straighten his robes, before he made sure that his eyes were clear enough for the Weasleys to understand his meaning and, reaching into his pocket, Harry clasped hold of his Holy Knight's identification, just in case of any danger.
"Show time," he remarked, noticing Hermione slipping her Holy Knight ID into her pocket as he shook his head, "Don't worry Hermione: I'll make sure nothing happens."
When she was about to ask what he meant by that remark, Hermione caught sight of the weapon hanging from his waist and, with a nod of understanding, she smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.
"I trust you Harry," she whispered, "It's him I'm worried about."
HPHG
Harry, arriving in the pub not half-an-hour later, flanked by Sebastian and Elora, Hermione, Dan and Emma with them, looked around once before he walked over to the bar and, in as much of a friendly voice as he could muster, asked, "Pardon me Tom, could you tell me where I might find the Weasleys?"
"Of course Lord Potter," Tom replied, seeing the golden-coloured crest on Harry's shoulder, "Last I saw them, they were all up in rooms 9, 10 and 11: shall I inform them of your arrival?"
"No thank you," Harry replied, before he pulled out his ID and added, "As Holy Knight of Thunder, I would like to offer a full repayment for any damages that may be suffered as a result of this meeting: I would also appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else I was here."
"Oh," Tom gasped, seeing the age-old ID, "Of…of course my Lord: have a nice day."
"Thank you," Harry replied, walking up the stairs towards the rooms, his eyes catching sight of one of the patrons giving him a warm, but wary look: Tonks was already here and, as Harry turned his head slightly, he smirked at her and nodded, using his left hand to tug at his collar, as if assuring her that things were going to be all right.
When they reached the upstairs landing, Emma finally asked, "Harry, how did you know…"
"Tonks is a Metamorphmagus," Harry answered, "She can change her appearance to suit any look she chooses: it's why Amelia volunteered her as the assistant to the Vassal; her skills make her the perfect eyes and ears of the group. Now, I hope I can rely on you all not to do anything unless I strike first, okay?"
"As long as they don't try and upset my daughter," Dan explained, stepping up next to his ward, "Then I have no problems son."
"Dad," Harry reassured him, before he lifted his hand to his waist and removed Excalibur from its sheath, "If they dare to try anything, the only one who'll do anything is me. I won't let them get anywhere near Hermione and, if I have to injure them to get the message across, then so be it."
Stopping outside room eleven, Harry then turned to Sebastian as he added, "You and Elora wait out here: any trouble and you will let me know: if I call you, then come in."
"Yes Harry," Sebastian replied, knowing full well that Harry probably wouldn't need any help with Excalibur in his hands, but he was a Warrior of Pendragon and he was honour-bound to obey.
Reaching out with his hand, Harry calmly knocked on the door and waited for a reply; when none came, he gently tapped Excalibur's tip against the door, the blade suddenly humming with magic as it seemed to try and warn Harry of something. Pulling both his hand and weapon back, Harry smirked before he asked, "Elora, would you mind touching the door handle and then tell me what you feel?"
Obeying her lord's instruction, Elora extended her hand and, no sooner had she touched the door handle, than a warm glow began to spread up her hand, her eyes glazing over as she whispered, "We need to trust the Weasleys: what they choose to do is for the Greater Good; as long as you have your friends, Harry, you can't be attacked and Professor Dumbledore will do his best to…"
"Finite Maxima!" Harry commanded, his wand in his hand as soon as Elora had started speaking, a beam of silver light striking the door as Harry then pushed out with the power of the wind and unlocked the door, opening the entrance and, turning to Elora, asked, "Feel better?"
"I apologise for what I said," Elora replied, bowing to Harry, "I could not control myself."
"We're dealing with a professional here," Harry reminded her, before he retracted the winds around them and opened the door, noticing almost immediately that the Weasleys were all sat there, Ron looking close to triumphant while Ginny, Fred and George looked scared. Stepping into the room, Harry closed the door with the tip of his sword, before he turned and, taking a deep breath, asked, "So Ron, where's that apology?"
"What?" laughed Ron, "Don't you want to hear about my summer holiday or ask about what's going on with Sirius Black?"
"You mean my godfather who allegedly betrayed my parents to Voldemort and went to Azkaban for it?" asked Harry, his eyes narrowed as he added, "Not really no."
Ron's eyes widened with shock at Harry's information, as well as how calm he was speaking, before the Holy Knight of Thunder asked, "Now, where's that apology and who's bright idea was it to lace your door with a compulsion charm that you should have known was something I could fight off?"
"You did what?" asked Arthur, now stepping up next to Harry, "My Lord Harry, are you sure?"
"Perfectly sure," Harry replied, "If it wasn't for my defending guard checking the door, I would have been forced into a one-way trust with your family and been forced back to Dumbledore."
"Now Harry dear," Mrs Weasley piped up, "We heard all about how you received Professor…"
"Silence bitch!" Harry snapped, his silver eye glowing with raw energy as he added, "I only want to hear the words of Lord Weasley, my ally and confidant to House Potter: now, Arthur, who told Dumbledore where I was staying?"
"Whatever do you mean my Lord?" asked Arthur, slightly intimidated by Harry's new heterochromic eye-colours.
"Albus Dumbledore," Harry explained, "Turned up on the doorstep of my villa not ten days ago and I want to know which one of you told him of my location. Now, the reason I suspect you had a hand in this is because of the fact that only those who were present at my party knew where I was going and so, minus my good friend and future Trio member, Neville Longbottom and the mysterious girl Luna Lovegood, the only one that Dumbledore would go after would be you. So, Arthur, as Lord of your Family's service House, I ask you, I order you to tell me who it was that revealed my location?"
"I did," Mrs Weasley gasped out, her face pale with shock as she looked to Harry, slightly disgraced as to her being called a bitch. "Harry, Sirius Black is a dangerous man and you need to…"
"I don't need to do anything," Harry explained, looking to Mrs Weasley, "You, on the other hand, need to be more careful as to what you decide to tell that senile old fool: until such a time as you learn that lesson, I, Lord Potter, hereby remove you from the vassal and protections of my family and forbid you from spending any of my familial allowance on anything except your children's' educational needs!"
Molly felt like screaming as the Crest of House Potter was removed from her robe, while Ginny, Fred and George remained untouched; walking over to them, Harry then added, "You three did well in keeping quiet: I am proud to see my family's inventors and warrior know where their loyalties lie: now," he rounded on Ron, Excalibur leaping into his hand as he held it out before him, "Are you going to apologise or not?"
"Not," Ron scowled, using his mouth before his brain – as usual.
"Very well," Harry swung Excalibur over his head, sheathing the sword as he added, "For now, and so as to avoid any trouble before September First, I, Lord Potter, wish to offer Fred, George, Ginny and Arthur Weasley protection in some apartments that I currently posses. Only," he added, as Ron opened his mouth to argue, almost as if were going to ask what about me? "Only when you decide to apologise will I reconsider what level of trust you posses in my eyes Ronald; for now, I think I owe Ginny a birthday present and I'd like to speak to Fred and George about a little business proposition."
"As you wish Harry," the three replied, before Harry turned, seemed to scrape his shoes across the rug where Ron was standing and, with a sneer, left the room, the four invited Weasleys in tow.
What he didn't see however was the look of pure vengeance and greed springing up on Ron's face and he was making a plan as to get that sword away from Harry and then, with a little outside help, he could have Hermione in his bed within the year.
The poor, sick-minded, delusional, Dead Man Walking bastard…
HPHG
"So what would you like?" asked Harry, walking down Diagon Alley with Ginny; Hermione on his right and Sebastian escorting them in case of trouble, "You can ask for anything you need or want."
"I'd like my own wand," Ginny remarked, earning a look of agreement from Harry as if he had expected her to ask for that. "I mean, if you think it'll be too much then…"
"Ginny," Harry sighed, "You owe me your life and I am Lord of your Family's Protectors: I don't mind spending a bit of money on those who need it: in fact, I also think you could use some new robes and maybe even an owl of your own."
"I can't," Ginny began, but stopped when she saw Harry's sly smile, "You didn't…"
"I only said I thought you could use an owl," Harry explained, "If you want, you can borrow Hedwig at any time; I mean, if I bought your friendship Ginny, then who would that make me seem like? Malfoy!"
Ginny chuckled at the mention of Harry's hated rival, before she looked up into his eyes and, with a smile, added, "Harry, what happened with your eyes?"
"It's not just me Ginny," Harry replied, gesturing to Hermione, "My Hermione also has a new colour to her, but, if you really want to know, then I'll tell you: do you remember when I first told your Father about who I really was?"
"You mean that you were a Holy Knight of Thunder?" asked Ginny, before she laughed as she added, "I still remember the pale look on Bill and Charlie's faces when we told them; did you know that both of them bear crests in the same places as the twins?"
"They should," Hermione commented, walking up next to Harry, "Harry read his family Codex and discovered that your elder brothers are now considered in service to the House: Bill as a Goblin Liaison and Financier and Charlie as the family's Dragon Master."
"Wow!" gasped Ginny, "Do you think I should write to Charlie and tell him?"
"You won't need to," Harry replied, "I have a feeling I'll be meeting him before the year is out with regards to his new position; now, before we get too side-tracked, I need to explain. As the Holy Knight that I am, I have the archaic ability to command the power of the storms and, not long after Hermione and I went away, we performed a ritual that allowed us to fully grasp the potential of our elemental bloodlines: there is more to the story, but the short version is this: Hermione and I are now bound to one another, can both command the elements at ease and, as a side-effect of the ritual, our eyes changed colour. My right eye is now lightning-bolt silver while Hermione's is now the same colour as the sea: I don't know why this happened and neither does Sebastian, but it doesn't matter."
"Why not?" asked Ginny, looking to the warrior that stood at Harry's left-hand side.
"Because it gets the point across," Harry answered, "That I have more power than ever and I am a whole new Harry: ah," he added, stopping before a familiar store, "We're here."
Ginny gasped when she looked up and saw that Harry had indeed brought her straight to Ollivander's, the wandmaker's store making Harry smile with a reminiscent look in his eyes as he nudged his young friend inside, gesturing to Sebastian to wait outside in case of trouble.
"Good afternoon Lord Potter," Ollivander spoke up, appearing from the stacks as soon as Harry had entered, "Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches: nice and supple."
"You never forget a wand Ollivander," Harry smiled, before he indicated Ginny as he explained, "We're actually here to purchase a wand for Ginny here; price is no object as I intend to pay for it."
"As you wish," Ollivander remarked, before he began to fuss over Ginny in the same manner that he had done with Harry not too long before, the Holy Knight of Thunder smiling as he heard the wand chooses the wizard speech as well as the I remember every wand I ever sold lecture, before Ollivander disappeared into the stacks and the tests began.
To Harry's surprise, Ginny actually took less time than he originally thought; when she swished her chosen wand, Ollivander smiled and Harry nodded once before his eyes widened in confusion as to the concoction, "Elm and Basilisk fang, ten and a half inches: strong, but a noble wand for defence and general duelling: truly an unusual blend of ingredients Miss Weasley, but not an uncommon one, not like yours, Lord Potter."
"Thank you Ollivander," Harry replied, watching as Hermione and Ginny began to leave the shop, "How much?"
"5 Galleons and 2 Sickles," Ollivander explained, before his eyes narrowed as he added, "Lord Potter, before you go, would you mind if I saw your wand?"
"Of course," Harry answered, withdrawing his holly and phoenix-feather wand, the magic feeling stronger as it rushed through his body; however, when he handed it to Ollivander, Harry then gasped as the old man seemed to take the wand in both hands, his eyes narrowed as he looked to Harry. "What are you doing?"
"I thought I sensed a stronger magical presence here," Ollivander explained, before he pointed at Harry, "Lord Potter, while you may have been using this wand since your rather unique transformation, I'm afraid that I may have been slightly mistaken when I said that this wand has chosen you. In fact, it would seem to be quite the reverse: your wand, this wand, has not chosen you, but rather intends to expel your magic: I do apologise for this, but I am going to have to insist that you allow me to re-take your test and provide you with a new wand."
'There's only one reason this would happen,' thought Harry, 'And it rhymes with Malice Muddlesnore.'
"Very well," he nodded, before a smile crossed his lips as he asked, "When my wand chooses me, Ollivander, would you allow me to use some of my own magic and bind it to me?"
"A magical binding is rare," Ollivander answered, "But it would require the authority of the Ministry or an equally high-ranking member of the community."
"Oh," Harry gasped, before he retrieved his identification, "You mean like a Knight of the Holy Elemental Order?"
"Merlin's beard!" gasped Ollivander, "Lord Potter…my Lord," he bowed to Harry as he added, "Yes, I daresay that will do it; tell me, my Lord, what will you use to bind your wand?"
"My ancestor's ancient sword," Harry replied, unsheathing Excalibur from its scabbard as he added, "And a drop of my own blood."
"Then we'd best get started," Ollivander remarked, still in shock as to the truth about the curious Lord that had seemed so different not two summers before. "But, regardless of which wand chooses you, my Lord of Thunder, it is still clear to me that we can expect great things: after all, your ancestors themselves did great things, noble, oh yes, but great."
HPHG
When Harry left the wandmakers' store, his eyes were shining brightly and he was holding a brand new wand that, to Ollivander's shock, was actually made of a rare form of wood known as White Mountain Birchwood – "A truly rare magical substance that will truly keep your wand and your magic safe and strong" – as well as being infused with phoenix tears and the feather from a Black Unicorn. Once Harry had been chosen by this wand, Ollivander had guided him through the binding ritual, using both the blade of Excalibur and a drop of his blood, before a bolt of lightning had struck the wand and truly fused it to Harry's magical core.
According to Ollivander, this was actually a good thing as it meant that, no matter what anyone tried, his magical core would only get stronger and, no matter what was tried on Harry, there would be no real way to dampen or limit his powers. In fact, according to the wandmaker, if his theories were correct then it was possible that Harry would even go through his magical maturity on his next birthday, which, as the Holy Knight of Thunder, would reward him with more power than most fourteen-year-olds.
Wandering back down Diagon Alley, Excalibur now sheathed under his robe once again, Harry caught sight of Hermione and Ginny waiting for him outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, Ginny close to tears and, when he approached them, Harry saw why: Hermione had apparently shared her boyfriend's wish to help Ginny and had bought her a whole new set of school books as well as some new robes marked with the family crest.
As Harry approached, he overheard Hermione talking, "I've still got ten Galleons," she said, checking her purse. "It's my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present."
"How about a nice book? Joked Ginny, still shocked as to the kindness of her family's new lord and lady.
"No, I don't think so," said Hermione composedly. "I really want an owl. I mean, Harry's got Hedwig and you've got Errol…"
"I haven't," said Ginny. "Errol's a family owl, but Ron's got Scabbers and Percy has Hermes."
"Then why don't you get an owl or something?" asked Harry, startling the two girls as Hermione shared a glance with him, "I told you Ginny that I want you to feel like the proud family member that you are and, given that I see you as a sister, what kind of brother would I be if I said no?"
"Harry," Ginny smiled, giving him a warm hug as Harry smiled and looked to Hermione.
'We need to talk later,' he sent to her, 'Sorry I was so long back there.'
'I know love,' Hermione replied, 'I heard everything through the link: how do you like your new wand?'
'It seemed to call to me,' Harry explained, 'Apparently, it came from Ollivander's special contents, which he said he hadn't had to touch in nearly sixty years.'
Pulling away from Ginny, Harry nodded across the street, "There's a magical creature shop just over there," said Harry, who knew Diagon Alley very well by now. "You could see if they've got any pet that takes your fancy and Hermione can get her owl."
So they paid for their ice cream and crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie. There wasn't much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was smelly and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering, or hissing. The witch behind the counter was already advising a wizard on the care of double-ended newts, so Harry, Ginny, and Hermione waited, examining the cages.
A pair of enormous purple toads sat gulping wetly and feasting on dead blowflies. A gigantic tortoise with a jewel-encrusted shell was glittering near the window. Poisonous orange snails were oozing slowly up the side of their glass tank, and a fat white rabbit kept changing into a silk top hat and back again with a loud popping noise. Then there were cats of every colour, a noisy cage of ravens, a basket of funny custard-coloured fur balls that were humming loudly, and on the counter, a vast cage of sleek black rats that were playing some sort of skipping game using their long, bald tails.
However, while Harry was waiting, he felt the breeze blow from behind him and, without turning, knew the owner of the newcomer's voice as they asked, "Ginny, where the bloody hell did you get those new clothes? Mum will do her nut when she sees you've been begging again; in fact, maybe you should…"
"Maybe you should shut your mouth," Harry snapped, rounding on Ronald Weasley, who he saw to be holding that stupid rat of his; the whiskers on Scabbers were looking slightly droopy; holding onto Ginny, Harry continued, "As Lord of her family, I provided Ginny with new materials for school so that she didn't have to seem out of place and, before you ask Weasley, you're not getting a thing until Hermione gets her apology."
"Come on Hermione," Ginny remarked, wandering around the store, "You can help me pick out a brand-new owl or maybe something else that I can take to Hogwarts that Harry is going to pay for me."
Her emphasis on the two phrases had the desired effects: Ron went green with envy and, as he looked at Harry, he scoffed as he asked, "So that's your game is it Harry? To stoop so low that you make Malfoy seem like some kind of Samaritan? Honestly, I never thought you would have to bribe anyone else to be friends with you, but, by looking at…"
His words were cut off when Harry unsheathed Excalibur, his eyes shining with magic; all around him, the creatures in the shop fell silent as Harry stood there, his sword almost glowing in the reflective light.
"One more word Ron and I'll carve Scabbers to pieces," he hissed, before something he hadn't noticed – or really paid much attention to – before caught his eyes; Excalibur's blade didn't appear to be glowing; it was glowing and, from the way that its silvery edge was shining in the light, Harry wondered what could cause such a reaction.
"Harry!" called Hermione, making the Holy Knight turn as he saw the two of his girls walking back towards him, Ginny holding onto a cage that bore a Great Horned Owl with white feathers, the tips of his wings almost misty grey and a pair of deep bronze-coloured eyes staring at Harry. Hermione, on the other hand, was holding onto what appeared to be a baggy amount of fur, but, at a closer look, Harry saw it to be a cat: the cat's ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bowlegged and its face looked grumpy and oddly squashed, as though it had run headlong into a brick wall. It was purring contentedly in Hermione's arms and, when Harry looked closer, he actually saw that the cat was almost glowing with a sea-blue sheen that matched Hermione's heterochromic eyes.
"My word," gasped the assistant, the double-ended newt customer having left, "Miss, can you tell me what you did to make Crookshanks act so calm?"
"I don't know," Hermione replied, "He seemed to like me and, as I was walking with my friend here, he began rubbing his head against my leg, purring; when I picked him up, there was this glow and now he's so calm."
"Then he has become your familiar," the assistant explained, looking to Harry: when he saw the Crest, he inclined his head as he asked, "My Lord, I must tell you that such a bonding has never happened in here and so…"
"Price is no object," Harry explained.
"Oh no," the assistant countered, "You see my Lord; when an animal becomes a familiar as quickly as Crookshanks did, I cannot charge for the animal any longer. I simply wish the name of my Lord so that I may register the animal with the Ministry."
"Harry Potter," Harry answered calmly, "Lord of House Potter and Holy Knight of Thunder: the one who bound with Crookshanks is my girlfriend, Lady Hermione Jane Granger, Holy Knight of Ocean."
"Then I hope that you have a nice day my Lord and Lady," the assistant replied, before he informed Harry of the 6 Galleons cost for Ginny's owl and watched as Harry left the shop, before he had the unfortunate duty of dealing with the walking cotton-brains known as Ronald Weasley.
HPHG
Back at the apartments, Harry sat down with Sebastian, Padfoot at his heels, Excalibur lying across his lap as he looked to the Head Warrior, his voice trying its hardest to remain calm as he asked, "Sebastian, what do you know about the magical prowess of Excalibur?"
"Your weapon is the most powerful sword in all the world Harry," Sebastian answered, "The blade was forged in dragon's fire and burnished with solid steel and a silver-tipped edge, before it was blessed by those beyond even Merlin's capabilities. Why do you ask?"
"Something happened in the Magical Menagerie," Harry answered, looking down to Padfoot as the earlier suspicions about his young pet came back to him. "You remember Ronald 'No Subtlety' Weasley, don't you?"
"The Dead Man Walking?" asked Sebastian, earning a look of incredulous amusement from Harry; he had never known the warrior to act so calmly around him: things had changed for all of them over the summer.
"That's him," Harry explained, indicating Excalibur as he continued, "Well, while we were looking for an owl for Hermione and Ginny, Ron came into the shop and had Scabbers in his hands; he started bad-mouthing my honour and so I unsheathed the sword; it shut him up, but then, the sword began to glow and it only stopped when we left the shop."
"Then it's possible," Sebastian explained, "That the sword sensed a magical presence hidden nearby and, given how it reacted when we last met the Weasleys, it's safe to assume that it has some kind of ability within its design that senses magical threats to its wielder…almost…like," he looked down at Harry's lap, a sudden familiar ringing echoing through the room as Sebastian added, "Almost…like…it's…doing…now." He leaned closer and tapped a finger against the blade, before he looked from Harry to his feet and added, "Harry, I think it's somehow reacting to Padfoot."
"What?" asked Harry, watching as he lifted the sword away from his pet, the silver glow fading; then he hovered it over Padfoot's head and, with a gasp, Harry managed to ask, "What's going on?"
Excalibur's blade was now shining with a pure silver aura, Padfoot looking at Harry with an expression that could only be described as sorrow, before the dog stepped back, shook his shaggy mane and, as Harry watched, the dog began to change…into Sirius Black!
Uh Oh: Chapter 9 and Harry and Sirius meet, but what does this mean for the POA adventure and why didn't Sirius reveal things sooner?
Also, what will Harry do now that he knows the full truth about his so-called loyal pet?
Keep Reading to Find Out;
Next Chapter: Sirius has a story to tell, but it seems that Harry doesn't want to hear it: can Sirius try to explain or will he be forced to run? Also, Harry speaks with Neville about becoming an Anointed, but Neville has an offer of his own; plus, the return to Hogwarts doesn't go as smoothly as Harry had hoped, but a new friend saves the day;
Chapter 10: The Prisoner Of Azkaban
"You," Harry gasped, pointing at Sirius in shock, his eyes wide with a mixed sense of confusion, betrayal and anger as he looked to the man that he had heard so much about, "How the hell did you…"
"Harry," Sirius whispered, keeping his voice low as he looked between Harry and Sebastian, "Please calm down: I don't want to hurt you…"
"But you will if you have to," Harry finished, Excalibur now in his hands as he pointed its tip at Sirius, "Well to hurt me Black, you'll have to get through this and don't think I won't use it."
"I know you will," Sirius remarked, his voice calm as he shared a glance with Harry, despite the sharp sword at his throat, "But I won't hurt you even if I have to: you're my godson and, on my life and honour, I can swear to you that I will never harm a hair on your head."
"Then…" gasped Harry, "What…are you doing here and…why did you try and hide as Padfoot?"
"All for you pup," Sirius replied, his voice still calm as he looked at Harry, "I wanted to protect you from the lies and manipulations that people would have you believe: you see, I know that you're a Holy Knight and I know that you have power and, to be honest, the one thing I'm not is afraid of this power. I know and understand that you could call on every storm possible and fry me to a crisp or drown me in rain, but I didn't expect you to discover my secret so soon."
"What are you doing here though?" asked Harry, "Why are you here? How did you escape from Azkaban and why did you come after me if not to hurt me?"
"I'm here to prove my innocence and to clear my name; I escaped from Azkaban through pure chance and taking a risk and I came after you, as you so bluntly put it, not to harm you, but to protect you and be in the one place that I should have been since Halloween night: at your side: is that all of them?" Harry was about to answer when he saw a playful look in Sirius' eyes; with an amused laugh, Harry realised he had just been the victim of a verbally-charged remark. Sirius was many things, he realised, but he wasn't a man who lied or wanted anything to do with harming Harry; no, what Sirius wanted was what Amelia had told Harry: he wanted a chance to clear his name.
"Stay there," Harry commanded, earning a bark from Sirius as if he were Padfoot; stepping back, Excalibur still in his hand, Harry nodded to Sebastian, who walked over and stood by his lord. "You knew?"
"I did," Sebastian replied, "I knew Sirius back when your Father was charged with my ascension and knew that he was an Animagus: someone who can change into an animal at will," he added at Harry's confused look. "I didn't reveal his secret to you because I felt that it was your right to learn of it, but, if there's one thing I know about that man, it's this: you, Harry Potter, are the one thing in his life that means more to him than his own life."
"Keep an eye on him," Harry commanded, turning away from Sebastian, his face staring out of the window as he opened the bond between he and Hermione. 'Can you hear me love?'
'I can,' Hermione replied, her voice filled with shock as she added, 'I can't believe it: our pet, your protector: it's him!'
'I know,' Harry remarked, 'But what do I do? If he stays with me, then there's a chance I may have to reveal him to Dumbledore or worse, to Amelia, just to allow him a place at Hogwarts with us.'
'Do you know why he escaped?'
'No,' Harry looked over his shoulder to where Sebastian was watching Sirius warily, Harry now holding Excalibur downwards as he spoke with Hermione, 'But I don't really want to betray him Hermione: he is my godfather after all.'
'Then do what anyone who can't bring themselves to betray someone they care about would do,' Hermione told him, her voice soft and her very presence within Harry's mind soothing the doubts and fears of the Knight of Thunder, 'Tell him to run!'
'I understand,' Harry replied, severing the bond for a while as he turned back to Sirius, his face showing regret as he explained, "I've spoken with Hermione and she thinks that you're perfectly legit in your claim of safety towards me."
"I am," Sirius replied, "Harry, if you want me to stay as Padfoot, then I will: at least until I have the chance to…"
"I want you to go," Harry told him, cutting Sirius off as he explained, "I do trust you Sirius, but I can't risk others finding out about you; so, I want you to go and do what you're meant to be doing."
"What?" asked Sirius, "You mean?"
"Yes," Harry answered, "Run: I didn't see you; I don't know you're really an Animagus and we didn't speak to one another today."
"Harry," Sirius whispered, striding across the room and kneeling before his godson; taking Harry into his arms, Sirius continued, "Thank you: you are certainly James' son: we will see each other again pup. I promise you that much…"
"Promise me this," whispered Harry, "When next we appear to meet, you will tell me everything and allow me to help you: promise me that Sirius."
"I promise," Sirius replied, patting Harry on the back as he explained, "Your status will be enough to help with that and, once I am freed and cleared, I will repay you by swearing my allegiance: you have my word, my little Storm Knight."
"Wait for nightfall," Harry whispered, watching as Sirius pulled back, "Then run."
As Sirius nodded, Harry watched as the flesh and blood became shaggy fur and sorrowful eyes; running his hand along Padfoot's fur, Harry then smiled as he added, "For what it's worth: I do believe that you're innocent."
Padfoot licked Harry's face in response, the Holy Knight of Thunder smiling sadly as he stood up and walked past Sebastian, making for the bathroom where, as soon as he was safe, Harry doubled over and wept tears of loss for what he had been forced to do.
'Harry,' Hermione whispered mentally.
'Talk later,' Harry replied, 'I need to be alone.'
'All right,' Hermione replied, 'Later.'
HPHG
Harry was silent for most of the week, a startling change within the Holy Knight that bothered not only Hermione, but Dan, Emma and the Order; when Amelia had questioned Harry about this, he had just shrugged and replied that he supposed it was the fact that his parents' betrayer was also his godfather was finally settling in. He then assured her that he would be all right come September first and so Amelia left him alone, which gave Harry more time to concentrate on his tasks at hand, which varied from elemental training with Sebastian to swordsmanship training with Dante and Tyler; he was so occupied that he didn't notice just how quickly time had gone by until the last day of the holidays when Hermione arrived at the apartment with an unexpected guest.
After giving Harry the pass-code, Hermione stepped inside and, with a soft smile, asked, "How are you feeling Harry?"
"A little on edge," Harry replied, Hermione noticing Excalibur at his side, "Tomorrow we return to Hogwarts and I have to make a choice."
"What choice?" asked Hermione.
With a sigh, Harry handed Hermione a parchment from inside his robe; when she saw that it bore the Crest of Gringotts and was addressed to Lord Gryfifndor, she seemed to understand as she opened the parchment and began to read:
To the Honourable Lord Harry James Potter, H.K.T and Lord of Gryffindor,
After extensive research and planning into ways to keep you out of the games of one Albus Dumbledore, we of Gringotts came across a way that you can be safe and Hogwarts herself can protect you. Said method involves your Lordship accepting his mantle of Lord Gryffindor and taking up new residence in the Lion's Wing of Hogwarts, a privately accessed area of the school designed for the care and comfort of Lord Gryffindor.
Should you wish to accept this mantle, then I give you my word on my honour that I shall assist you with any and all means of completing the ascension to your Lordship and officially emancipate you as Lord Gryffindor, which would put you in the rank of an adult to the witches and wizards. Be warned that, due to your bond, both you and Lady Potter shall be affected by this ascension and she too will be emancipated, marking you both as betrothed and close to married.
I await your response by midnight on September First at the latest;
May your swords stay sharp and your fortunes flow;
Ragnok Silverbane;
High Master of Gringotts
"Wow," gasped Hermione, looking from the letter to Harry as she asked, "I thought that the ritual betrothed us already?"
"Not quite," Harry replied, "For now, we're simply known as boyfriend and girlfriend, but, what Ragnok fails to notice is that our bond has been strengthened thanks to my ties to the four Founders and, on top of all that, we now know that Hogwarts is ours and, even without the emancipation, I have this feeling that the school won't allow her master and mistress to be harmed."
"How can you be so sure?" asked Hermione, watching as Harry sheathed Excalibur and moved across the room to her, giving her a soft kiss on the lips as he gave her his answer.
"Fawkes," he whispered, "Something, I don't know what, but something happened when you and I were bound back in the Hospital Wing: here," he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before Hermione gasped as she felt Harry opening the bond between them even further than before as he added, "Let me show you."
With a gasp, Hermione let herself fall into her Harry's embrace as his memories washed over her…
Flashback
'Harry…Potter…'
Harry turned over in his sleep as a musical voice sang within his mind, a feeling of strength and euphoria filling his body as he knew he was still being held by the love of his life; however, as he tried to block it out, the voice returned. 'You must listen to me Harry Potter, for there is much for you to learn.'
"What…what do you mean?" mumbled Harry sleepily, a bright warmth filling him as he listened, "Who…who are you?"
'I am an old friend,' the voice answered, 'Come to aid his true master in the destiny that has been set for you; while I cannot tell you more yet, I can tell you this. A warning: no matter what you choose to do, Harry Potter, you must not return to Number Four Privet Drive this summer; I will send a friend to help protect you from the old one, but it is essential that you do not return to Privet Drive nor do you allow yourself to lock eyes with the old one.'
"The…Old One?" asked Harry, his eyes cracking open, a sliver of light in front of him, "You mean…Professor Dumbledore?"
'I do,' the light answered, 'You have gifts that you will discover over the summer, but to learn them and use them to their fullest extent, you must remain with your Lady at all times. Do whatever is necessary to escape the old one and do not allow yourself to be forced back to that place you called home. I can and will help you, my friend, but first, you must allow me into your mind so that my plan for your freedom can be put into motion.'
"Do what you need to," Harry replied, "No matter what…I have to do…I'll never go…back."
A sense of warmth and magic rolled over Harry before the voice, almost pleased with itself, spoke to him once more, 'Thank you Harry Potter; rest assured that I will be swift with my works. Now, when you and your Lady discover your powers, you must not fear them or they shall corrupt you; I will return to you soon, but, for now, take one last gift.'
Before Harry could ask anything more, there was a soft, stunningly beautiful sound ringing in his ears, his magic almost reacting to the noise as Harry found sleep welcoming him once more, a single tear falling from his eyes as he listened.
A tear filled with an even brighter silver spark than before;
As sleep grabbed onto him, Harry finally knew the name of his mysterious benefactor, "Fawkes."
By the time he had said the word, the phoenix had flamed out of the Hospital Wing, his plans set in motion:
Flashback End
Hermione felt the bond's strength decreasing as Harry pulled out of the memories, his eyes filled with a sense of determination as he told her, "Fawkes explained that he could and would help me and then he did something to my magic that, if I could guess, must have unlocked my ties to the Founders and through that, Fawkes must have unlocked something within me that Hogwarts herself would recognise."
"Perhaps," whispered Hermione, "But we can't really know until tomorrow can we?"
"Who knows?" sighed Harry, smiling sadly as he asked, "By the way, what did you want? You told me to meet you back here because you had something to tell me, so, what is it?"
"There's an old friend downstairs with Tonks," explained Hermione, "He says he'll be coming with us tomorrow morning, but wanted to speak to you first."
Nodding in response, Harry followed his girlfriend downstairs into Tonks' apartment, which was almost as grand as their own, save for the lesser noticeable presence of their Crests. When Harry walked in, he saw Tonks was sat talking with a very familiar dark-haired Gryffindor, said wizard noticing Harry walk in with Hermione in his arms.
"Hiya Harry," Neville smiled, "I was just speaking with Tonks here about you: how have you been?"
"I've had better days," Harry remarked, rubbing a rather tender spot on his neck as he asked, "What can I do for you Neville?"
"You mean other than everything you've done already?" laughed Neville, counting off the deeds on one hand, "You regained my friendship, allowed me to stand with you and Hermione when no-one else would, namely the Dead Man Walking; you also allowed me to come to your birthday party and entrusted me with your friendship, not to mention simply the fact that I know all about your being the Holy Knight of Thunder," as Harry laughed, Neville then bowed with respect and added, "To which I am honoured to see you again, my Lord."
"Well," Harry pointed out, "If you hadn't told me about the Potter family Codex, I would never have become the Holy Knight of Thunder in the first place."
"Perhaps," Neville agreed, "But I'm not here about that: I'm here because I have something I need to show you and a personal favour I would like to ask you."
"Oh?" asked Harry, "And what is that?"
"Perhaps it would be better if I showed you," Neville explained, nodding to Tonks, who pulled out a stone basin and set it between them, "This is a Pensieve; it allows a person to show their memories to another; now, I promise I'll explain everything afterwards, but, if you can trust me, then there's something you should know about us two."
"Show me," Harry remarked, watching as Neville put his wand to his temple and withdrew a silvery strand from seemingly inside his mind; with a flick of his wand, Neville then dropped the strand into the basin, Harry watching as Tonks then added a watery surface to the bowl, which mixed with the silvery strand, creating a scene before them.
"Take a look," Neville replied, watching as Harry and Hermione neared the Pensieve, "Though I warn you, I couldn't believe it either."
Harry, sharing a glance with his girlfriend, heaved a sigh and, with a smile, placed his head into the Pensieve, Neville and Hermione joining him as they watched the memories unfolding…
Flashback
Neville Longbottom was having an unusual summer: first, his fellow Gryffindors, Harry and Hermione are divided from the infamous Golden Trio; then, Harry becomes a Lord and is recognised as a Holy Knight, which is big enough. But then, he gains the allegiance of the Weasley Family as a means to pay off a life-debt owed from Ginny.
So why was it that Neville actually felt like the spare wheel in Harry's little gang of friends?
It was true that he and Harry had not been real friends like Ron had pretended to be and Hermione had allowed herself to become; however, Neville did know that his family had a history with the Potters and that Harry's mother – rest her soul – had been named as Neville's godmother. But, on the other hand, Neville had wanted to rekindle the friendship that his Father had held with James Potter and, despite what his sense of duty was telling him, he wasn't doing this simply because Harry had revealed himself to be a Holy Knight.
He wasn't called Ronald Weasley; he was Neville Longbottom and he was a boy who prided himself on the company he kept as well as those who deserved respect and, after what had been done at the party, it was clear to Neville that Harry was someone who deserved respect.
"Something wrong Neville?" asked his grandmother, distracting the boy's train of thought as Neville looked up from his seat in the dining hall of Longbottom Manor, his summer reading tasks open before him.
"No Gran," Neville replied, his face shifting into a smile as he looked out of the window, "Just thinking."
"About Harry and Hermione?" she asked, Neville nodding almost subconsciously as he looked across the rolling meadows and the valley of Snowdonia that his family's home was located within.
"I'm not jealous," he explained, "But I just can't trust that the Weasleys will keep their vow to Harry and, now that he's a Holy Knight, it makes me feel further away from my family's kinship with him than ever."
"Why don't you tell him that?" asked Augusta Longbottom, her hand on her grandson's shoulder, "He is your friend, isn't he?"
"I suppose," Neville smiled, "But what do I say?"
"You stopped him from making a big mistake, didn't you?"
"Yeah," answered the thirteen-year-old, "So?"
"Are you truly that dense?" laughed Augusta, earning a look of sorrow from Neville as she shook her head, "Tell him that you wish to confirm your position as his friend and, in the name of your family's kinship with House Potter, simply wish to act as a warrior and/or friend to him. In fact, you could offer to undergo a blood pact with him: after all, you're both born on the same day."
"We are?" asked Neville, slightly shocked at this new piece of information, "But my birthday is always the day before Harry, isn't it?"
"No," Augusta replied, pulling a chair out as she sat down with Neville, "That's the strange thing: you see, both Alice and Lily went into labour at exactly the same time and had both you and Harry at the same moment. Now, you may say that it is a mere coincidence, but, before their…unfortunate deaths, Lily and James were always round here with Harry and, when the two of you were together, you were truly inseparable. It was like the two of you were real brothers and, though it was rare, but there were times when Harry was only happy if you were happy."
"Wow," Neville gasped, "I never knew that."
"Frank didn't want me to tell you," Augusta explained, "Because of the threats posed between you, Harry and Dumbledore; you see Neville, I never told anyone this personally, but, as Harry has recently proven, I don't think I can trust Albus Dumbledore any longer either."
"So what do I do?" asked Neville, returning his attention to the window.
"Write him a letter," Augusta suggested, "And ask him to meet you in Diagon Alley: if you want to tell him about this, then do, but let him make the last decision, all right?"
"All right," Neville smiled, before he joked, "Anything for my brother."
"That's more like it," Augusta smiled, ruffling Neville's hair as she left him to his homework;
End Flashback
As they pulled out of the Pensieve, Neville saw Harry make a face that showed confusion and a sense of deep thought that he had only seen on few occasions; he then looked from Neville to Hermione and finally to Tonks, before he asked, "So this is what you wanted to talk about?"
"You don't have to accept it," Neville informed him, "But I know that our parents were very good friends and this little revelation just makes it that bit more personal for both of us. I won't mind if you say no, but I just want a chance to prove that I'm not the dense Squib-wannabe that those idiots at school keep calling me."
'What do you think?' asked Harry, pacing past Neville and moving through the living room as he spoke with Hermione.
'Well,' she replied, 'You did say that you were considering another for an Anointed; maybe Neville's meant to be the one you choose; however, as your proverbial blood-brother, he would have a share in the power we gained from the ritual that, if everything goes as I've read about in these pacts, would probably grant him an Elemental power.'
'And it wouldn't bother you?' asked Harry, toying with the hilt of Excalibur as if to calm his questioning nerves.
'Nope,' Hermione replied, 'Neville has shown nothing but loyalty towards us, so, for him, this could be his reward: he only wants to help.'
'I guess you're right love,' Harry remarked, walking back across the room where he took Hermione in his arms and kissed her, before he turned to Neville, Hermione's head resting on his shoulder.
"If we do this," Harry explained, "Then you'll have to understand that there may be some changes within you: as you can see," he lifted his hand to his eye and tapped it gently, Neville noticing the silvery edge to Harry's eye as well as the ocean blue to Hermione. "Our bond has done this to us and there may be things done to you; however, with some careful persuasion from my beloved Hermione Granger, I have decided to say…yes."
"I won't disgrace the family, Harry," Neville replied, inclining his head as he asked, "How do we do this?"
"Well," Hermione replied, "You have to share your blood with Harry with assistance from a magical artefact."
"I think Excalibur should suffice," Harry reasoned, Neville gasping as the Knight of Thunder revealed the weapon.
"Right," Hermione nodded, "Second, we need a witness: Tonks, would you mind?"
"Not at all," Tonks replied, before she jumped as Harry seemed to round on her.
"You'll need support," he informed her, before calling out, "Sebastian!"
The lead warrior arrived in an instant, bowing as he always did to Harry, before the Holy Knight explained the situation, the Pendragon Commander acknowledging every word as he added, "I will be honoured to support the building of your family, Harry."
"Good," Harry remarked, before he grew serious as he asked, "Should this bond affect Neville in any way?"
"As you guessed," Sebastian explained, "There is a slight possibility of an elemental power being grafted to him, but, other than that, there shouldn't be a problem."
"Do you accept that Neville?" asked Harry, looking to his soon-to-be brother.
"I do," Neville replied, still in surprise as to the arrival of the Warrior of Pendragon.
"Then," Sebastian spoke up, "Kneel Harry; Kneel Master Longbottom."
"Neville," insisted the young Gryffindor.
"Neville," Sebastian remarked, before he watched as Harry pulled Excalibur from its sheath, Sebastian continuing to address the two kneeling wizards. "Now Harry, make an incision with Excalibur in your palms and then Neville will need to do the same: you'll feel a slight tingle, similar to what occurred with Hermione, but other than that, you'll feel no pain."
"Very well," Harry replied, making the incisions, his eyes catching sight of Hermione wincing slightly as her side of the bond came alive with the use of the Holy Sword; placing the sword in front of him, Harry asked, "Neville?"
"Right," Neville answered, making the incisions himself before the two Gryffindors linked their hands, Harry feeling the expected tingle as Sebastian cleared his throat.
"I call upon those here present to witness the adoption through blood and magic of Neville Longbottom into the House of Potter: through this bond, both Neville and Lord Harry Potter shall be classed as brothers. Neville, do you swear to obey the rules and customs of the family and uphold the honour of your Lord until the day you die?"
"I swear," Neville replied, not even flinching as a strange coldness suddenly filled his chest.
"Lord Potter," Sebastian continued, "Do you trust Neville with his word and allegiance?"
"I do," Harry replied, aware of a sudden static burning at his fingertips.
"Will you see him as your brother and treat him as a Potter should be treated?"
"I will."
Sebastian turned to Neville, "Do you accept the title of Lord Regent to the Houses marked by House Potter?"
"I do."
"Then," Sebastian remarked, "By the witnessing of Lady Hermione Jane Potter nee Granger, Nymphadora Tonks and I, Sebastian McDale, Commander of the Warriors of Pendragon, I ask my lord to complete the bond."
"Very well," Harry nodded, his silver eye shining as he exclaimed, "By blood, you are kin; by magic, you are my brother and by your word, you are my friend; I, Harry James Potter, Holy Knight of Thunder, accept you, Neville Thomas Longbottom as my blood-brother and am proud to call you such."
Neville then raised his head and watched as Harry looked right into his dark eyes, before the Lord of the Founders and Holy Knight hissed in Parseltongue, {Let the pact be sealed!}
A powerful wind blew all around them as Neville gasped, his blood rushing with raw magic, his eyes shining brightly with a deep, but pulsing shade of blue that made him look like a living embodiment of light; when the magic was done, Harry removed his hands from his new brother and, picking up Excalibur, he asked, "Well Sebastian?"
"He is an Anointed Harry," Sebastian answered, watching as Harry and Hermione helped Neville to his feet, "But not what I sensed in him."
"What's that mean?" asked Harry.
"Well," Sebastian explained, "As you have told me about him, he has a knack for the Earth and so, I expected his power to be based around that, but, it would appear that your heritage as Lord Gryffindor has bled into him."
"But then," Harry gasped, "That would make him…"
"Yes," Sebastian nodded, "The Holy Knight of Fire!"
'Holy shit!' exclaimed Harry and Hermione in unison, Neville sharing their shocked expressions with his own wide-eyed, jaw-dropped look.
'Well,' thought Harry, watching as Tonks and Sebastian looked over Neville, 'Things have just gotten interesting.'
Chapter 10 and Harry has gained a new ally and a new member of his Holy Order, but what will he do when he reaches Hogwarts? What will his decision be for his emancipation?
Keep Reading to Find Out;
Next Chapter: The return to Hogwarts doesn't go as smoothly as Harry had hoped, but a new friend saves the day and Harry and Hermione have barely gotten through the door when the DMW and the MOB try their trickery on the Holy Knights, but a surprise defender saves their hides and Harry makes his decision regarding the Lion's Wing;