Harry Potter and the Alucinor Dicio

Disclaimer: Sigh, I am not the richest woman in Britain, or any other city , town, or country! I don't own him!

Chapter 5 – The Reds

Harry stared, shocked, at the woman in front of him, as Hermione and Ron looked at Harry perplexed. “ Dumbledore, sir, this... that is, she can't be Rowen sir!” Harry leveled a furtive look at Dumbledore as he hissed “ She is the woman who met with Voldemort, sir!”

Dumbledore leveled a serious look at Harry. “ Harry, I know that my word might not hold as much weight with you as it once did, but remember your mother also trusted Rowen implicitly, so please try to take the time to listen to her before deciding one way or the other.” Harry's face assumed a doubtful expression, meetings with Voldemort and a Slytherin? , but Harry nodded his head to Dumbledore, who smiled at him slightly and left the room.

For the first time since entering, all eyes turned to Rowen, who stood, looking slightly shy and determined all at once. Harry looked her over once again, in more detail this time, taking in her still all black clothing, her straight, long, dark red hair, and her eyes, which he realized were not just gray but almost silver. Her eyes gave Harry pause for they looked all at once both gentle and almost feral. She smiled at Harry and bid in a gentle tone, “ Might we sit down?” Harry nodded dumbly at her and they all took their seats. Harry and Hermione on the love seat, and Ron and Rowen in opposing arm chairs.

“ Well, “ Rowen said, visibly relaxing slightly, “ I have pictured this so many times in my head, and now that I am here, I have no idea where to start.” she laughed wryly at this.

“ The beginning is usually a good place to start,” stated Hermione fiercely, while glancing at Harry worriedly. Ron nodded in agreement. Harry's eyes widened at this obvious display of protection from Hermione, maybe.. but he brushed this thought aside before it had fully formed.

Rowen chuckled at this statement. “ All right, Miss Granger, but I warn you the beginning takes place before I was even born! Harry, Dumbledore has told me of your projection, that you saw my meeting with Voldemort, so my story will hopefully answer some lingering questions you have. It was a great surprise to my family, you know, when I got my Hogwart's letter. We did not really expect it because of my blood. I am a half blood you see, Harry.” Harry rolled his eyes a little at this, well, who isn't? “ Not like you Harry. My mother was a witch, a very good one, but my father was a lamia.” Hermione gasped at this statement. “clearly, Miss Granger already knows what I am about to tell you! Lamia Harry, are a form of vampires. The true form some would say.”

“ But ... vampires can't have kids!” Ron exclaimed, so closely echoing Harry's thoughts that it seemed eerie. Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron.

“ Don't you ever read our schoolbooks Ron? There are two forms of vampire, the lamia who are born and grow just as you or I would. They can have children, but are still immortal. And the made vampire, which are produced when a lamia change a human, or another made changes a human. Made vampires stop aging the instant they are changed, but lamia have the option after turning 18 to stop and start aging at any time they choose. It's really fascinating actually, wizards have been trying to study it for ages..” Harry cut Hermione off with a look here, before she could start. Hermione blushed, and apologized. They all turned expectantly to Rowen.

“ Don't apologize Miss Granger, you explained it all much more eloquently than I could have. So, where was I? Right, because I am a vampire we were not expecting my letter to arrive.” Seeing Harry about to ask another question, Rowen motioned with her hand to stop him. “ I know, Harry that you will have any number of questions for me during this tale. Please allow me to continue uninterrupted, and I will answer any question you have at the end, okay?” She looked into Harry's eyes, seriously, and Harry just knew that she would answer any question he put to her, no matter how outrageous. So he nodded to allow her to continue.

“I met your mother on the train, and it was one of the most fortunate things that has ever happened to me. I wasn't used to having friends, Harry, because the vampires shunned me for being half wizard. Besides which, vampires can tend to be cold and cruel, and I was never very comfortable with them. Lily was very nice to me on the train, but she was muggle born , so I felt it was my duty to inform her what I was. She just laughed and said that I seemed nice enough to her. We became instant friends, and she stayed my friend despite the fact that we were assorted into opposing houses. We called ourselves The Reds, because of our hair, obviously! Lily was one of the only friends I had at Hogwarts. Almost everyone else shunned me and never spoke to me unless necessary.” Rowen paused here to conjure up a container of juice and four glasses. She offered it to the teens, who accepted, and pored a glass for herself, taking a sip, before continuing.

“ We remained friends throughout our school days, even when she spent almost all of her time with James in seventh year, we still managed to stay close. I'll be honest here, Harry and tell you , your father and his friends, never liked me or trusted me. But then I never expected them to, it always disappointed Lily that they would not make more of an effort. Vampire has such an evil stigma attached to it, though, and combined with the fact that I was a Slytherin, one could hardly blame them. So I interacted with Lily only for the most part. When she joined the order, however, she encouraged me to do so as well. Being a vampire does have it's advantages in that I can get into some places that no one else can. So I joined, and was sent to obtain information. I was gone a lot of the time after that for the Order. However when your Mum owled me to say she was expecting you, I came home immediately to help her in whatever way I could. Her pregnancy with you was very difficult, Harry. It was at this point that Lily shared with me her abilities.” Rowen paused here, taking a deep breath and Harry glanced around taking in the reactions of his friends. Ron had a mild look of fascinated disgust on his face, whilst Hermione just looked totally absorbed by Rowen's story.

“ Lily had her first premonitions when she turned 17, Harry. That is when Seer's usually come into their power. At first she thought they were just dreams, and eventually she began to worry about it. She finally confided in James, who immediately urged Lily to speak to Dumbledore. After that Lily began training herself, so that she would be better able to handle her power. When Dumbledore approached Lily and James with the prophecy, she was already pregnant. James did what James did best, which was to plan and strategize with Sirius, Remus, Peter and Dumbledore to figure how to best keep you safe, should the need arise.” Rowen's eyes turned suspiciously bright at this point. “ Lily however, seemed to retreat into herself for a long while. Eventually she came to me one day, shortly after you were born, with this.” Rowen pulled out a old book, covered in a deep emerald leather, tied with a black ribbon. My mother's journal, Harry thought excitedly.

“ She told me that she had seen what was to come, and that you must be protected at all costs. She told me that it would be left to me, as your Godmother to protect you properly. She told me that you would come into your powers on your 16^th birthday, a year early so that you may properly train before the battle with Voldemort.” Harry started at the reveal of this information. My Godmother? But... “Harry, I know no one told you that I was your Godmother, but the only person who knew where I was was Dumbledore. Remus, indeed, even Sirius probably thought that I had vanished, and most likely felt you were better off not knowing. I wanted , so badly, to come see you when you found out about your heritage, but I knew that i would not be able to see you grow and struggle without telling you everything. Lily made me promise not to let you be hindered by this before you turned 16. It was no accident that you have Lily's eyes, Harry. She passed her powers on to you. And now, she'll pass this on to you as well.” Rowen handed Harry his mother's diary, and stood. “ I know that I told you I would answer any questions, but I felt you might like to read this first. I'll be here when you want to talk.”

With that Rowen turned and headed out the door, looking back at Harry one last time, before closing it behind her. Harry, Ron and Hermione let out a collective breath. Harry looked down , reverently, at the book in his hands.

“ Harry, would you like us to leave while you look at it?” Hermione questioned. Harry looked up, startled.

“No! I mean, I'm not going to read the whole thing now, just the passages to do with the predictions. They should be at the end, right?” Harry spoke as he slowly opened the book and began leafing through it, looking at his mother's hand transforming from childish scrawl, to a beautiful flowing script. Tears formed in eyes, as he knew he was touching what his Mum had touched, read words she has poured onto the page. Harry could barely see through the cloud of tears. He wiped furiously at his eyes and looked at Hermione pleadingly. “ Would you read it for me? I don't think I can read out loud and see very well right now.” Harry stated haltingly.

Hermione smiled at him gently and took the book from him slowly. She turned to the last entry and began to read softly,

August 14^th

My dearest Harry,

I am writing this for the saddest of reasons, my darling baby, but I did not want to get to that without first telling you how very much your father and I love you. When I was pregnant with you Harry, I thought I could not love a human more than I loved you. Upon giving birth to you, seeing and holding you for the first time, I discovered that what I thought was total love, was nothing compared to what I feel when I look at you now. You are sleeping here beside me on the bed, and I look at you and my chest hurts from trying to keep that love inside it. I know what the future holds for James and I, Harry. But know that I will gladly give my life to protect yours, and never feel that this was a waste. I long to see you grow up, walk, run, fly...go to school, fall in love. This might be made difficult for me had I not Seen you in my vision, on this very birthday, surrounded by true loving friends, and people who love you very much. You will inherit your powers, early, Harry. I have cast a very powerful spell to see that you do.

Prepare, Harry, for the fight with Voldemort is nearer than you realize. He will fall or rise during the year you come of age. I am frustrated that I cannot See the outcome, but that is another matter. You are a Seer as well, Harry. Yet, you are more than a Seer as well, I have Seen you controlling the Elements. You are most powerful, Harry. The amount of Magik in you is what made it so difficult to carry you. Now that Voldemort will mark you, that power will only increase, I fear.

I can only offer this: trust in yourself, you can be your own worst enemy at times, do not hold yourself back with guilt and fear. Secondly, trust your friends, they love you and will be a great source of strength through this. Also, believe in Rowen, Harry. I know I asked her to care for you, but now, i must ask you to care for her. She is alone except for you Harry. Despite what she may appear, she is on of the most good people I know. And last, but absolutely not least, find love Harry. Do not allow your background to make you think you don't deserve it. Recognize it and embrace it when you see it.

Remember, my love, that James and I are always with you. You carry us in your heart everyday of your life. We will be watching you, so try to be a good boy too! I love you, my Harry, my heart.

Live Well.

Love, Mom

Hermione looked up upon finishing, tears welling up and sliding down her cheeks. Ron sat neck to Harry clapping a hand on his back for support, Harry could not get the words out of his mind, his mother had written this as if she were in the room speaking to him, and for a glorious moment it had felt like she was. Harry stared at the fire, clutching the journal that Hermione had passed back to him.

“ Harry, we'll come back in an hour or so okay?” Hermione stated more than questioned. Harry glanced up gratefully, she understood his need to process all this alone. “ would you like us to bring Rowen back when we return?” she queried. Harry looked at her gratefully and nodded, turning back to the fire, where he lost himself in his thoughts so much, that he did not even hear them exit the room.

An hour later, Harry was no closer to being clear in his thoughts when Hermione knocked and entered with not only Ron and Rowen, but Dumbledore as well. They all sat down quietly staring at him, waiting for him to start the conversation. Harry stared at the fire for several minutes before he spoke, “ You said I can ask anything, and you'll answer?” he directed this at Rowen.

“Absolutely, Harry.” she stated clearly.

“ Why did Voldemort want to meet you as opposed to another vampire?” Harry asked the first question that popped into his head.

“ Well, Harry, I told you that when I was part of the Order I was seen in less than nice places. Once you were left with the Dursley's,” a glare was leveled at Dumbledore here, which told Harry that Rowen had not agreed with that decision, “ I knew he wasn't dead. I set out to find Voldemort, and I don't know, I knew I would never kill him, but perhaps delay his coming to power. I was in Albania tracking him, but I lost him when I let Quirrel go. Regardless, Voldemort summoned me, thinking, quite wrongly, that as a half wizard I would be more inclined to listen.” she stated.

“ The vampire he ran into, in the Black Forest, they said he was never the same after that...” Harry murmured remembering something Hagrid had told him once, shortly after meeting Quirrel the first time. Rowen nodded, acknowledging that the vampire, was indeed, her. Harry looked at his Godmother, feeling very curious about the woman he had heard nothing of until today. “ So how old are you? How much of a vampire are you, I mean are you more witch than vampire, or what? Who were your other friends at school, you said Mum was one of your only friends? Are you going to be able to help me with this power? Are you re joining the Order?” Harry felt these questions pour from him unbidden, as if he were a faucet that once turned on could not be turned off. Hermione and Ron stared at him, Hermione with some respect for the questions, and Ron with an amused expression. Dumbledore just observed.

Rowen looked startled by all these questions. She smiled ruefully, “ Just like your mother, Harry. Curious about everything. Alright well, let's see. I stopped aging myself around 32, no particular reason, just seemed like a good idea that day. I consider myself equally a witch and a vampire, but I suspect you wanted a more thorough answer than that. Do I drink blood? Yes.” Ron's face took on a horrified expression at this, “No need to fear for you neck, Mr Weasley, Vampires run several blood banks in the city, and we purchase blood from them. No biting or terrorizing involved. I need to drink blood to survive, Harry, I have no other option. I could get by on animal blood, of course, but human blood is far more powerful, and these are times when I need all the power I can get. It is a war.” She stated all this looking directly at Harry, who felt that she was not ashamed of this in any way. Harry felt not disgusted or scared by her at all, just oddly impressed by her self acceptance.

“ I'll answer you third question last, please.” she continued, “ I will be helping you with your power from my position as the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Dumbledore, the fool, thinks that I will be perfect for it, but we'll see how that goes, I guess. At any rate, I will be able to help you with your research and training if you wish. Yes, I have always remained a member of the Order, and I would like to see you join as well. I have discussed this with Albus, who feels that although you are under aged, you should join with your guardian's permission of course. I cannot speak for either Miss Granger or Mr Weasley, as they would also need parental permission to join.” Ron who had looked very excited about this, had audibly groaned at the mention of his Mother's consent. Harry glanced apologetically at Ron.

“S'alright, mate! It's not as if you won't tell us what's going on anyway, right?” Ron asked optimistically, looking into Harry's eyes for confirmation, which he received.

“Now Harry, as to your question about other friends. I only had one other friend at school, he was in my house with me, his name was Severus Snape.” Harry stiffened at these words, ready to shout at her for being friends with that, that git! “ Allow me to explain first, Harry, please. He and I were both loners in school, so we decided to be loners together. The year he called your mother that name, I didn't speak to him again until 7^th year. He apologized profusely, of course, he was more angered by the fact that he needed a girl to stand up for him, than at your mother herself. Lily had only done it because she knew that he and I were friends. I forgave him in the 7^th year, mainly because I was lonely. Your mother was with James all the time, and I was all alone. We remained in contact after school, however I haven't seen, spoken or heard of him since he took the mark. I don't pretend to know what possessed him, and I don't care anymore either.” Rowen looked at Harry, who looked back at her, thinking how difficult this year would be for his Godmother.

At this Dumbledore spoke up, “ Now, I believe it is very late and we should all retire. Early day tomorrow and whatnot. Rowen, please stay behind as I feel there are some... things we need to discuss before your start of term.” At this proclamation the teens stood and walked towards the door, Harry clutching his mother's diary. At the door he turned and looked back at Rowen, his mother's words ringing in his ears.

“ Thank you” Harry stated simply, before following Ron and Hermione up to his room.