Zaid Hashim Normal Zaid Hashim 21 1130 2003-06-16T18:17:00Z 2003-07-06T07:55:00Z 8 4025 18856 352 160 22743 9.2720
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. We all bow down to her. I own nothing.
Author's Note: A big apology for a very, very late update. Also like to thank all of you who bothered to review. Well enough of that. On to the story!
Rating: R
Chapter Four
"Ugh. This is what a hangover must feel like."
Harry remained flat on his back, unwilling to move due to his throbbing head and aching muscles. Glancing at the window, he saw that it was nearly sunrise. Damn. He looked down at himself and shamefully discovered he had gone to bed still clad in his outdoor work clothes, which, unfortunately meant his sheets were dirty. That would eventually lead to an extra load of laundry and at least a five-minute nagging from his aunt. Not to mention I overslept. He groaned audibly, wondering why the day seemed to be doomed from the beginning. He closed his eyes once again in a lame attempt to get some rest before he sat up abruptly, his body moaning in protest, his mind finally remembering last night's events.
Snape. Death Eater meeting. Voldemort. Karkaroff. He flinched unconsciously when he remembered the curses rained on the Durmstang Professor; he had felt after effects from every one of them. His memory blurred after Karkaroff had collapsed. Suddenly he remembered the events that occurred before the vision. His unnerving encounter with the founder. He wondered if it was one of Voldemort's schemes; that he had managed to bring the legendary wizard back to life and they had joined forces to run ragged over the wizarding world. But then…why in soddin' hell am I in my room? I…I thought I was in a forest…
So did I apparently…
"Who said that?" Harry hastily rose from his bed, his eyes shifting all over his room in an attempt to find the source of the voice he had heard.
Calm down child. You don't need to shout. And stop thinking so loudly. Your random thoughts are very distracting.
"Oh? Is that so? Well I'm sorry mister but I don't give a bleeding fuck! Now where … Wait. …Did you say you were reading my mind?"
That would be correct. I don't think you need to speak out loud at all. I figure we can communicate telepathically…if that's what you call talking to someone who's residing in your head.
Wh… Why are you in my head?
~*~
Kingsley Shacklebolt surveyed the room from the corner where he was sitting. Severus was lounging near the back, glaring at anyone who dared to meet his gaze. Kingsley was still amazed at the development of his former Housemate. Granted he had only known him for a couple of years in school, the younger Slytherin had left a deep impression on him. He wasn't surprised when he learnt that that Snape had joined Voldemort. I'd bet it was that Malfoy git who led him astray. He was very pleased when he was informed by Albus that Snape had defected. Over the years, his friendship with the Potions Master had grown; Kingsley was especially amused by his extreme disposition towards the other Houses. His eyes met the lanky wizard, and they exchanged small smiles and nods.
He turned his attention to the others. Minerva and Pomfrey were discussing animatedly on the fates of the wizards
who had been attacked the previous night. Hah!
Women and their gossip. …Better not let them catch me saying that out loud. Author Weasley was bending over some
documents, Ministry no doubt. Kingsley didn't particular think much of the red-haired wizard. His gaze then turned
to Remus and his fellow Marauder. Studying the escaped prisoner, Kingsley noted that he seemed healthier then when he
had last saw him. Of course, during their first confrontation, Kingsley was too busy trying to hex the Gryffindor
rather then critique his appearance. Sitting near them was Arabella Figg. She seemed rather troubled, staring at Lupin,
or maybe it was Black. Kingsley faintly remembered she had fancied one of them.
Alastor was pacing round the room, his wooden leg creating dull thumps on the carpeting. He was muttering under his breath and often glanced nervously around the whole room. After his abduction the previous year, the former Auror had grown extremely paranoid. He managed to get himself together after a couple of weeks. When he found out of the events after his kidnapping, he had put aside all insecurities to fight the good fight. Alastor had been a significant figure to many of the Aurors who fought during the dark times, and now he was using that influence to spread the news among those he could trust, that the Dark Lord had risen again.
All this stopped when Albus Dumbledore entered the room. He motioned for the lot of them sit down but was content to allow Severus remain standing. He then made his way to his desk, busying about with the files cluttered on it. When his workspace seemed fairly in order, he addressed the crowd present.
"Welcome all. I trust everyone is well? All those present have gathered for the sole purpose to combat Voldemort and maintain peace in the wizarding world. Well then, let the meeting of the Order of Phoenix commence. I know all the members of the Order aren't present but I have been keeping in contact with them. I have received news of the negotiations involving the giants and am pleased to report that their reactions look positive. It seems they were very intrigued when we sent over Hagrid and Maxime as our representatives. Do we have anything to report from the Ministry, Author?"
The wizard stood up, glancing at the Order, nervous at being the center of attention of this group of powerful people. He cleared his throat.
"Um, it seems that the Ministry's stand remains. Fudge is adamant in his ignorance of Voldemort's return. He has convinced himself and many of the other influential wizards in the upper echelon of the Ministry that what occurred during the third task was due to a psychotic Death Eater, and thus the Dementor's Kiss to Crouch Jr. is all the punishment that he is willing to administer."
The mere mention of the Kiss sent shudders through the occupants of the room. Author took no notice to their discomfort, continuing with his report.
"In a bizarre twist, it seems that there have been calls for more justice for Cedric's death. And due to some persuasion from the Minister, the Ministry has plans to bring in Harry for questioning."
The revelation brought out a gasp from both Minerva and Pomfrey.
"Surely they don't expect to expose Harry to their dreadful techniques! He is still a boy!" Pomfrey was plainly livid by the thought of mistreatment of one of the students, especially Harry. He's so young, yet he has suffered so much. She grimly remembered that Harry had spent every year stuck in the infirmary.
Minerva was equally horrified. The Gryffindor Head was very protective of her students, even more so with the Boy-Who-Lived. But before she could voice her concerns, Author spoke up.
"I will try as best I can to prevent the questioning of course, but if it does come to it, the only thing I can do is to have myself present during his session to ensure that he is not abused in any manner."
Kingsley decided to offer his own query.
"Author, where's that boy of yours? Pierce or something? Shouldn't he be in these meetings? One more person in the Ministry wont hurt, would it?"
Author grimaced at the mention of his eldest by Kingsley. "Percy. And no, I don't think he will be joining us soon. He is resolute in his belief in the Ministry and has accepted all of Fudge's explanations. It didn't help that he was promoted to Barty Crouch's previous position."
Coming to the end of his report, Author returned to his seat. Albus gave him a reassuring smile before nodding at Severus. The Potions Master stepped up to give his own report.
"Last night, I successfully returned to one of the Death Eater meetings. Voldemort has planned nothing major, to my knowledge. The Dark Lord didn't initiate most of the attacks over the summer. They were mostly due to Lucious and his cronies out to garner favour with Voldemort. Lucious hints of Voldemort sending out Death Eaters on scouting missions. It seems he is searching for something or someone, for that matter. Fortunately for us, it seems the potion used in his resurrection, while succeeding in restoring him to his corporal form, has not returned his strength. In fact, Voldemort's health is deteriorating; he is becoming weaker. I suspect that he is looking for any means to regain his powers. He has also ordered me to search for any potion that might do the job. Rest assured that I will hold out as long as possible but in a manner that doesn't reveal my double status."
Snape returned to leaning on the wall, signaling the end of his report. He definitely did not want to inform them of Igor nor his torture. He groaned softly when he moved an aching muscle. He himself had not been spared the odd Cruciatus curse or two, even if he had proven his loyalty. Dumbledore's voice distracted him from his thoughts, as the Headmaster continued with his report.
"Very well Severus. May I remind the Order that Arabella Figg and Kingsley Shacklebolt have taken teaching positions at Hogwarts. They will be jointly taking our Defense Against the Dark Arts. I trust the both of you have completed planning the syllabus?"
Kingsley cringed at the Headmaster's query. When he had been asked to take a teaching position in Hogwarts, he had accepted, thinking it was important to have more capable wizards defending the one true base of the Light side. However all thoughts of defense left his head once he had been informed by a smirking Severus that he had to prepare the syllabus for his classes. Merlin! I'd actually have to teach the buggers! Unfortunately for the pair, teaching schedules had to start from scratch. Bella had been complaining non-stop about how lacking the standard of DADA was in Hogwarts. It didn't help that the previous Professors had left little in terms of their teaching schedules. He wondered if Lupin was free to help.
"Ah… Sure we have Albus. No worries." He answered, not after exchanging noted glances with Bella, who nodded sheepishly along with him.
Albus gave them an all-knowing smile, before turning to Remus and Sirius and giving them the go ahead.
"Sirius and I are lying low, sometimes mingling with the 'darker' crowd. We agree with Severus's statement on Voldemort's search. Many of the underworld have been gossiping on how valuable whatever he is looking for is. There have also been rumours of recruitment by Voldemort."
The reports continued around the room, each member giving his or her take on Voldemort's plan or anything involving Order business. After a particularly long rant about how incompetent and soft the current batch of Aurors were, which had led to some inane muttering about what Kingsley thought were some pink tongs… Kingsley was glad when Albus called the meeting to an end.
~*~
So you're not with Voldemort?
No.
And you're not going to kill me? Or do anything evil?
No
After a couple of minutes of confusion and panic, the pair had finally figured out that no evil plans were afoot. Harry had also managed to convince Salazar that the year was 1995 and that they were in his relatives' house. Harry had gone on to say that he was also a wizard and he attended Hogwarts. He'd given Salazar a brief history involving Voldemort, Death Eaters and his saviour status.
Well then excuse my ignorance…but aren't you taking things rather calmly?
If you mean I'm not running around like a headless chicken like you were, then yes I am rather calm. Doesn't mean that I'm not worried about why I am suddenly just a voice in a boy's head, a thousand years from where I was from. That and whether I can actually return to my time.
~*~
Albus had called back Remus, Sirius and Severus after the meeting; the remaining Marauders lounging in the seats in front of the Headmaster's desk, their Slytherin counterpart content to remain standing where he was. Severus had closed his eyes, trying to relax his aching body. Sirius was ignoring Remus's request of removing his cloak, adamant in covering his face, muttering something about annoying ancestors. Severus leaned closer, eager to gain any knowledge that discomforted Black, when Albus entered the office.
"Ah yes. I'm sorry to hold you back any longer then necessary." Albus made his way to his desk before offering the wizards Lemon Drops. After getting negative responses all around, he shrugged, popped one in his mouth himself, before addressing those present.
"It has come to my attention that it would be beneficial if Harry were to stay in the castle for the last couple of weeks or so. He could do with some extra training."
"Dumbledore, I'm telling you, remove Harry from those Muggles care. And why exactly are you isolating him? It would do a lot of good if he could write to his friends. I couldn't even send him his birthday present. "
"Sirius, his isolation is imperative to keep him safe. It wouldn't do if any Death Eaters were to follow any owls coming to and from his home."
"But he hates it there! Can't he at least stay at the castle? At least I could visit him then."
"Why would he hate his relatives?"
"Cos' they're absolute monsters! They're mean and treat him poorly."
"Utter nonsense. They are his family. Of course they love him. Besides, if Harry were really uncomfortable with them, he would have spoken up by now. Tell you what; I'll bring him over to stay here for the last few weeks of summer."
"Sure. Sure."
Dumbledore's flashback moment was interrupted by Severus's outburst at Harry's invite to Hogwarts.
"But Headmaster! Why should Potter come here? As if I need to see his pock-marked face so soon again!"
"Ah. Severus. Young Harry should start some extra training to prepare him for the upcoming struggle. I regret we had to isolate him during the summer, but it was best for his circumstances."
Severus snorted at the Headmaster's response and was treated with a growl from Sirius. Remus laid a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to pacify the Animagus. Albus was oblivious to the tension that filled his office, instead continuing with the discussion.
"Yes. I'm afraid Harry has a pivotal role in the war
"All this is fine and good, Headmaster, but I still have not seen any reason why I had to be present for this meeting."
"Oh but you do Severus. Your job is to collect Harry from Number Four Privet Drive. You might want to bring him Diagon Alley, of course, to get his school supplies."
All at once in the Headmaster's office, Hell broke loose.
~*~
But you're a Slytherin! Aren't you inherently evil?
Who in Merlin's name told you that?
Um…well I go to Hogwarts. Most of the Slytherins end up as Dark Wizards and Death Eaters. Then there's the whole Muggle-born philosophy. Oh and don't forget your heir and your Chamber of Secrets!
So?
What do you mean so? That's Evil!!!
You're one of those Muggle loving fools aren't you? Just like Godric.
There! What's wrong with Muggles?
You mean other then the witch-hunts?
Huh?
That was the main reason we created Hogwarts, as a sanctuary for gifted children.
But I read that you planned to ban all those who weren't Pureblood!
Well, I accepted those Halfbloods too. And what's your problem with that?
Muggle-borns deserve the chance to study at Hogwarts too.
You don't get it do you kid. Sure, Godric had his whole ideal vision where everyone got along. But that wasn't possible, especially then. Some Muggles had discovered us and there were attacks. They drove our people out of their homes, with torches and pitchforks and the works. Taking in a Muggle-born who had grown up in an environment hostile to magic would have created a lot of problems. He would look down on all of us, thinking himself better then the rest of us. Or be singled our by his peers, bullied. I don't condone violence in my school, and Muggle-borns would have created instability.
Huh… But you made the Chamber of Secrets! That thing nearly killed Ginny!
Then she must have done something to attack the castle. Vina doesn't just attack anyone.
Vina?
The Ballisk.
You named the Ballisk?
Yes.
And you named it Vina.
I don't see where you're going with this.
I'm trying to comprehend you naming a 50-foot snake Vina! …Forget that. Ginny wasn't attacking Hogwarts. Your Vina was attacking the students!
Impossible! Her main priority was to act as security! So if any of those idiot Muggles decided to storm the castle, she'd be our first line of defence. There is no way she would attack a student.
Aha! That's where you're wrong. Your precious heir, Tom Riddle, reopened the sodding thing and nearly cost the whole school to close!
My…my heir?
Yes! And he went on to create a generation of darkness under the name Lord Voldemort.
The wizard you defeated when you were a child. But, how could a Slytherin go evil?
That's just it. Your anti-Muggle stance remained constant all these years, even though the situation has improved greatly. Now, Slytherins think they're supposed to be dark, that it's a given to reject all except Purebloods.
Merlin…Surely they knew better!
~*~
"You're sending Snape? Of all the people you could send, you're sending that slimy git!"
"Me, Albus? Have you completely lost the plot? And don't think I didn't here that slimy insult, Black. I think Minister Fudge might receive a note with his breakfast tomorrow telling, in detail, where to find a certain escaped convict!"
"You here that, Dumbledore? He just threatened me! Sodding Death Eater! Let go, Remus!"
"Aha! Acquitted, Black, acquitted! Unlike you, I might add."
"He'll most probably take Harry right to Voldemort's doorstep! Snakes like him don't change their scales."
"You know what, Black? Now you've tempted me. I might do that just to spite you!"
"There! There! He said he was still with Voldemort! Lemme go, Remus! We have to stun the bloody Death Eater!"
"OW! You nearly poked my eye out! Sirius! Calm down! And you, Severus. Don't bait him."
"Haven't the faintest idea what you're saying, Lupin"
~*~
So these bright lights I've been seeing. They're weaves?
Yes.
So what do you do to make them, you know, not blind you?
They aren't really that bad. Other then some mild discomfort in the beginning, you'll soon get used to it.
Uh. I don't see how I'll get used to staring at the Sun.
You're exaggerating. Channel. Maybe then I'll be able to tell you what's wrong.
Channel?
You know, whatever is it you do to call the One Power.
Oh you mean that 'empty my mind' thingie? Ok.
That … is very bright.
You think? When you said I'd get used to it, did you mean it would be due to my lack of corneas?
But… What are you wearing?
Uh…Work clothes. I don't see why you're picking on my attire now. …And I only fell asleep in them 'cos I was too tired!
I don't mean that! I mean on your head!
You …you mean my glasses?
Yes. Take them off.
… Now that is definitely much more soothing.
Ah. Yes. That's how it's supposed to look like.
So what now? I'm supposed to take off my glasses whenever I want to use my superpower? Hey! I'll be like Superman!
Beat.
Who is Superman?
~*~
"Remus and Sirius can't fetch Harry personally because they'll be in Romania, carrying out an errand of mine. Minerva is following me to an important conference, which rules out the Head of Harry's house. Most of the other Professors have not returned to Hogwarts while our two new colleagues will be spending their time getting to know their syllabus and planning lessons. Both of which Severus has already finished for our Potions course. Thus he is the only one available to bring Harry here."
Silence greeted the end of his speech.
"Understood?"
None of the three responded.
"Nod your head if you do."
Nodding was reluctantly carried out.
Pleased, Albus returned to his seat, finished his cup of tea before returning his attention to the three wizards who were now suspended upside down in the middle of his office.
"Now. I will only release the Body Binds and Silent Charms only if you agree not to erupt into anymore fighting."
~*~
The One Power is drawn straight from the True Source, druid speak for natural magic. Very few people can channel though. Most of the time it shows up passively, like say a Seer or allowing a wizard to be an Animagus or something like that.
Harry was now kneeling in Aunt Petunia's garden, pulling up weeds. He had been interrupted from his earlier conversation with the Founder after Petunia had shouted at him to stop lazing about and get breakfast ready. After the house had emptied; Vernon left for work, Dudley was no doubt in the local playground bullying some small kid, Petunia had her weekly tea with her 'ladies'; Harry set about on his chores, relieved that he was exempt from having his aunt hovering about while he worked. Salazar was now educating him on his newfound gift.
So all the Founders could channel?
No, no. Only I could. And I couldn't find another like me. So I had to learn from scratch. Most of my knowledge of the One Power comes from years of research in Wales, tracking down past and present Druids, looking for appropriate tomes. It seems that most of the Druid High Lords were able to channel.
Wow. And how exactly do I use this One Power? Are there incantations and stuff like normal magic?
No, nothing of the sort. You weave the Five Powers.
I thought you said there was only one Power?
There are threads to the One Power named accordingly to the sorts of things that can be done using them - Earth, Air or Wind if you prefer, Fire, Water and Spirit - which are called the Five Powers.
So I can channel Earth and finish the rest of this damn garden?
I suggest caution whenever you are channeling, especially if you're experimenting.
Then how can I practice?
I think I can teach you some of the weaves that I figured out.
Salazar concentrated on said weave, willing Harry to be able to see it. The weave imprinted itself in Harry's mind and The Boy-Who-Lived instinctively channeled. Before his/their eyes, weeds were being pulled out the ground, roots and all, before burning to ash.
"Wow!" Wait! Can…um…can the Ministry track down magic down via channeling? That could get me in trouble.
I don't think so. That would be like them being alerted by grass growing or a baby being born. The Druids and their One Power were all very 'Mother Nature'.
Bloody hell! At this rate, I'll be able to finish all my chores in no time.
~*~
A/N: Seemed like an awful place to end the chapter. Sorry.
Read Book 5. Loved it. So you can see stuff from Book Five in the fic, esp. most of the new chars she introduced. Was gonna use Mundungus for Practical Defense but preferred JKR's portrayal. Figg's still a witch tho. So that left Kingsley getting the job…
The magic or channeling idea I'm using is from The Wheel Of Time series by Robert Jordan. [Haven't read the latest book yet though.] I won't be using his mythology or anything like that…just liked the whole idea of channeling.
Looking for a beta. Email if interested.