Note: I do not own Harry Potter, nor unfortunately any of the associated
films, tapes or characters from the stories. This story is set after my
story "Harry Potter and the Chasm of Life." Reading that first is vital!
This contains spoilers – sorry! Apart from the general concept and
characters, the story line for this sequel and for its prequel is my own. I
have also corrected one mistake in the first story, ("the Chasm of Life"),
as it should be Harry's sixteenth birthday at the beginning, not
seventeenth.
Harry Potter and the Next Realm Chapter 1 – The Visitors
Hogsmeade basked itself in the early summer warmth. Dawn's pale fingers filtered through the outstretched limbs of the tree to find a tall, dark-haired boy sitting in a chair in his garden.
Harry Potter sat back in his chair. His garden now looked immaculate. He had toiled day after day to get the garden back to some form of order from the rubble that was the chasm of life. For last year, Harry had moved into his new house in Godric's Hollow and found a secret door in his garden, a door that had led down to the chasm of life.
The chasm of life was a huge, gaping underground hole that Godric Gryffindor himself had created to increase his powers. In that place Harry had an opportunity to visit the past and his long lost parents, but he had had to leave that time to return to the present, and rescue Ginny from a Chimaera. After leaving the chasm of life Harry had realised how much Ginny had meant to him, and they had become boyfriend and girlfriend, and still were. Harry didn't think he knew himself just how important Ginny was to him, but he felt very strongly for her deep in his heart. She had also been there for him since the death of one of his best friends, Hermione Granger.
Hermione had died the previous year at Hogwarts, during a huge battle with the Aurors, Order Members and members of the D.A fighting off the advances of Voldemort and his followers. Hermione had been knocked off some stairs several flights up, and Harry had seen her fall and hit the floor. He had also been there when she had died, bravely speaking of her love for him and for Ron, and of her bravery until the last second.
And so Harry found himself outside for the early parts of the summer, working in the garden. His refusal to let his two little house elves work with him was not because he felt sorry for them, but because he knew he needed to keep himself occupied. He could not dwell on her death, (with her dying breaths Hermione had told them to get on with life), but Harry could not let go; certainly not that quickly. He had spent his nights in restlessness, constantly fighting off dreams of Hermione's fall, and his desperate grab for her. His recurring dream was of being on a broomstick, and her falling off hers and his diving to catch her, but he always woke up shaking just before she hit the ground.
Harry sat now though, with his head leaning lightly on his hand, with his elbow perched next to him on a small table on the patio. He had successfully managed to keep himself busy during the days since leaving Hogwarts, but now looking out at his own garden, he did not feel a sense of pride at all. He was now a bit disappointed that he had already finished it, and he knew he needed to find something else to do.
He would have loved to take a few steps out into Hogsmeade, just to walk down its calm streets and see if the buildings had been rebuilt. Hogsmeade had been left in absolute ruin by the Death Eaters, but none of the inhabitants had been killed, although one had been wounded and was still in St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies. But, with not being allowed out, Harry had even had to receive his food via owl post from Ginny and Ron.
Harry would also have transformed into one of his animagus forms, (a skill he had been taught privately the previous year), but he would not be able to do that for a few more weeks, when he was due to be seventeen. For a wizard, the seventeenth birthday was a very exciting time, and it was called "coming of age." This meant that Harry would be allowed to do magic out of school, and also he would be able to take his apparition test.
Amongst all his other emotions Harry had to admit he was very much looking forward to learning to apparate. He had briefly studied the theory behind it with Professor Flitwick in Charms the previous year, and was now fairly eager to study it and learn how to do it properly. It would also be a useful safety net in times of trouble.
Harry sat back again in his chair, but soon a small house elf tottered out of the kitchen. "Good morning Winky!" Harry said with false cheeriness.
"Good morning master!" Winky replied with no falseness in her cheery voice. "Master is up early this morning, would he like some breakfast?"
"Yes he would," Harry laughed, "and how many times must I tell you to call me Harry? That is an order Winky!"
Winky bowed her head. "If that is Master's... Harry's wish, then I will call him Harry." Harry nodded gratefully as she returned to the kitchen, soon emerging with Dobby, Harry's other house elf, bearing a tray of bacon and eggs.
"Thank you," Harry said to the house elves, who bowed delightedly and respectfully retreating back to the kitchen. Harry sat and munched away in silence. He really was not sure what he would do now. Dobby and Winky would clean the house, he no longer needed to tend the garden all day every day, and he was not allowed to do magic. He could write to Ron and Ginny, but that wouldn't take too long. He decided he would do that anyway, and he composed the two letters as he finished his breakfast.
He had already received several letters over the summer. A few of these had been from Ron which sounded as though he was depressed but was also determined to stop being so. Many of the other letters had been from Ginny which had soft words of comfort for him and always spoke of how much she missed him, and even one from Malfoy.
That letter had been short, but had begun "Dear Harry," and had gone on to apologise for all the things that Malfoy had ever done. Harry had been truly touched by this, and was glad to have another friend on board. Ron had not sounded too chuffed when Harry had told him though.
Harry had also, more recently, had a letter from Remus Lupin, who had just got out of hospital after the battle last year. Remus also spoke of his sadness at Hermione's death, and had promised to speak to Harry whenever Harry needed him.
Standing up with his two letters in his hand, he took the tray to the kitchen where Dobby took it off him, and Harry went to his room. This room was Harry's favourite in the house, as it had a portrait of Harry's parents in it, whom Harry could talk to. Harry had been overwhelmed when he had first seen this portrait, and now spoke to his mum and his dad daily, for advice, support, or funny stories about his parents and their friends.
"Morning dear!" Lily, Harry's mother, said brightly. "Did you finish the garden?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I just cleared away the last bit of rubble." His voice betrayed the deeper emotion behind this simple statement. At James' quizzical expression, Harry continued. "But now I don't know what to do..."
His parents stayed quiet for a minute, but then James spoke. "Why don't you invite Remus here? I'm sure you'd both appreciate the company." Harry perked up.
"That's a great idea! Thanks Dad!" Harry quickly exited the room, before returning with a blank bit of paper. Scribbling an invitation to Remus, Harry crossed the room again to where Hedwig's cage was.
"Take Remus' one first, ok?" Hedwig hooted softly, which Harry assumed meant yes. Harry carried her to the window and watched her fly off, and he was suddenly happier.
He had not invited people already because he had needed time to grieve by himself, but now he thought he was ready for some company, and the thought of Remus coming to stay cheered him greatly. He called for Dobby and asked if he could prepare a guestroom, before Harry retired to the sitting room to wait by the floo fire, which had been installed, where Harry expected Remus to arrive from.
Harry heard the doorbell ring within a few hours of Hedwig departing. Slightly surprised, he got up and looked out of the small eyehole in the door. He opened it quickly and beamed at the two people standing there.
"Harry!" It was Remus Lupin who spoke first, and he stepped forward and hugged Harry. Harry knew that Remus was trying to keep his own sadness to himself, and he appreciated this. Harry embraced Remus before turning his attention to the other person waiting, who extended his hand.
"Good morning Harry," Professor Dumbledore spoke softly but warmly, and the sudden feeling of safety Harry felt overwhelmed him. Harry smiled at him.
"Good morning Professor!" he replied enthusiastically, before stepping back to allow them into the house. Dobby and Winky scurried forward from behind Harry to pick up Remus' and Albus luggage. "Are you staying too?" Harry said to Dumbledore, as he spotted his headmaster's small suitcase.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled lightly in the summer sun. "If it is not too much of a bother for you?" Harry laughed before beckoning them both inside. He led them straight through the house and out to the chairs and table on the patio.
Remus looked around admiringly. "You've done a good job, Harry."
"Have you spent every day out here?" Dumbledore asked Harry, eyes narrowed slightly. Harry nodded and Dumbledore sighed, but did not press the matter.
"I expect you are keen to know of any developments since the battle?" Remus asked lightly, and Harry nodded emphatically, sitting up straighter in his chair. The battle at Hogwarts last year, and the deaths of several of his friends had given him new resolve in his battle against Voldemort, and he was determined now with every fibre of his being to defeat this person who caused so much misery.
Remus turned himself to face Harry. "After the battle Voldemort was forced to retreat to Azkaban. He is currently there, regrouping, but even though he suffered a major set back in losing the battle that year, he still is calling to him lots of followers. He has indeed, already amassed a larger army then he had, and he has recruited even more creatures to him. He has already recruited mermen to protect the waters around Azkaban, which is off the coast of Ireland. The Aurors have set up a border along the Irish coast and have indeed built their own fortress nearby. But many more arrive to Azkaban from the sea each day, and he also has all those Dementors still in his service, as they were merely warded off last time."
"Is there no way of killing them?" Harry asked dejectedly.
Dumbledore looked up at Harry, and then he looked at Lupin too. He smiled slightly. "My dear Harry, what brilliance that would be! Alas, no one has tried to work out how to do that before, as they were always on our side... but I will suggest it to Arthur. Maybe the Ministry can look into it." Dumbledore was smiling at Harry. "Amazing how a child's mind works."
Harry looked up sharply. "I'm not a child!" he said loudly. "I become of age in a week!"
Dumbledore put up a hand apologetically. "I am sorry Harry," he said softly, "I know you are seventeen soon. That is, in part, why we came."
Harry looked up. "So you didn't come because I invited you?" he asked, puzzled.
"Ah, that was just the thing we were waiting for. We were ready to come though as soon as you asked. We need to talk to you." Harry looked up into Dumbledore's lined face, trying to fathom what he meant.
"Oh," Harry said, "err... what about?" He knew that was a bit blunt, but he couldn't really think of any other way of saying it.
Remus nodded at Dumbledore, who sighed slightly. "We came to tell you that you will not be attending Hogwarts this year."
Harry choked on his drink. "What?"
"Or at least, not for the entire year." Dumbledore said gravely. Above his feelings of anger and distress, Harry could detect a note in Dumbledore's voice that told him quite plainly that Dumbledore was just as unhappy about this decision as Harry was.
"Why?" Harry said, his voice shaking slightly. "Why can't I stay at Hogwarts?"
Dumbledore sighed sadly. "For two reasons," he said slowly. "The first, being that your presence at Hogwarts endangers others. I know this is not your fault but it is a simple fact. I am sure you of all people would not want a repeat of last terms events." Harry nodded, numbly aware that he had not even considered this fact. Dumbledore continued. "The second reason I cannot tell you now, but rest assured you will know as soon as it is right."
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but closed it abruptly. He knew to argue with Dumbledore on a statement like that would be fruitless. Dumbledore nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you for your co-operation in this difficult time Harry. Rest assured that the second reason you will enjoy far more than the first." Dumbledore's eyes had regained some of their sparkle and Harry eased up slightly. "Oh, and Mr Weasley will certainly be able to accompany you when you do leave."
At this Harry perked up a lot, at least he would have a friend with him. Harry didn't press as to where he would be going, or when, merely settling back in his chair. Soon after this discussion Remus and Albus went to settle into their new rooms in the loft, leaving Harry to think about what they had said, and where he might be going.
Harry Potter and the Next Realm Chapter 1 – The Visitors
Hogsmeade basked itself in the early summer warmth. Dawn's pale fingers filtered through the outstretched limbs of the tree to find a tall, dark-haired boy sitting in a chair in his garden.
Harry Potter sat back in his chair. His garden now looked immaculate. He had toiled day after day to get the garden back to some form of order from the rubble that was the chasm of life. For last year, Harry had moved into his new house in Godric's Hollow and found a secret door in his garden, a door that had led down to the chasm of life.
The chasm of life was a huge, gaping underground hole that Godric Gryffindor himself had created to increase his powers. In that place Harry had an opportunity to visit the past and his long lost parents, but he had had to leave that time to return to the present, and rescue Ginny from a Chimaera. After leaving the chasm of life Harry had realised how much Ginny had meant to him, and they had become boyfriend and girlfriend, and still were. Harry didn't think he knew himself just how important Ginny was to him, but he felt very strongly for her deep in his heart. She had also been there for him since the death of one of his best friends, Hermione Granger.
Hermione had died the previous year at Hogwarts, during a huge battle with the Aurors, Order Members and members of the D.A fighting off the advances of Voldemort and his followers. Hermione had been knocked off some stairs several flights up, and Harry had seen her fall and hit the floor. He had also been there when she had died, bravely speaking of her love for him and for Ron, and of her bravery until the last second.
And so Harry found himself outside for the early parts of the summer, working in the garden. His refusal to let his two little house elves work with him was not because he felt sorry for them, but because he knew he needed to keep himself occupied. He could not dwell on her death, (with her dying breaths Hermione had told them to get on with life), but Harry could not let go; certainly not that quickly. He had spent his nights in restlessness, constantly fighting off dreams of Hermione's fall, and his desperate grab for her. His recurring dream was of being on a broomstick, and her falling off hers and his diving to catch her, but he always woke up shaking just before she hit the ground.
Harry sat now though, with his head leaning lightly on his hand, with his elbow perched next to him on a small table on the patio. He had successfully managed to keep himself busy during the days since leaving Hogwarts, but now looking out at his own garden, he did not feel a sense of pride at all. He was now a bit disappointed that he had already finished it, and he knew he needed to find something else to do.
He would have loved to take a few steps out into Hogsmeade, just to walk down its calm streets and see if the buildings had been rebuilt. Hogsmeade had been left in absolute ruin by the Death Eaters, but none of the inhabitants had been killed, although one had been wounded and was still in St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies. But, with not being allowed out, Harry had even had to receive his food via owl post from Ginny and Ron.
Harry would also have transformed into one of his animagus forms, (a skill he had been taught privately the previous year), but he would not be able to do that for a few more weeks, when he was due to be seventeen. For a wizard, the seventeenth birthday was a very exciting time, and it was called "coming of age." This meant that Harry would be allowed to do magic out of school, and also he would be able to take his apparition test.
Amongst all his other emotions Harry had to admit he was very much looking forward to learning to apparate. He had briefly studied the theory behind it with Professor Flitwick in Charms the previous year, and was now fairly eager to study it and learn how to do it properly. It would also be a useful safety net in times of trouble.
Harry sat back again in his chair, but soon a small house elf tottered out of the kitchen. "Good morning Winky!" Harry said with false cheeriness.
"Good morning master!" Winky replied with no falseness in her cheery voice. "Master is up early this morning, would he like some breakfast?"
"Yes he would," Harry laughed, "and how many times must I tell you to call me Harry? That is an order Winky!"
Winky bowed her head. "If that is Master's... Harry's wish, then I will call him Harry." Harry nodded gratefully as she returned to the kitchen, soon emerging with Dobby, Harry's other house elf, bearing a tray of bacon and eggs.
"Thank you," Harry said to the house elves, who bowed delightedly and respectfully retreating back to the kitchen. Harry sat and munched away in silence. He really was not sure what he would do now. Dobby and Winky would clean the house, he no longer needed to tend the garden all day every day, and he was not allowed to do magic. He could write to Ron and Ginny, but that wouldn't take too long. He decided he would do that anyway, and he composed the two letters as he finished his breakfast.
He had already received several letters over the summer. A few of these had been from Ron which sounded as though he was depressed but was also determined to stop being so. Many of the other letters had been from Ginny which had soft words of comfort for him and always spoke of how much she missed him, and even one from Malfoy.
That letter had been short, but had begun "Dear Harry," and had gone on to apologise for all the things that Malfoy had ever done. Harry had been truly touched by this, and was glad to have another friend on board. Ron had not sounded too chuffed when Harry had told him though.
Harry had also, more recently, had a letter from Remus Lupin, who had just got out of hospital after the battle last year. Remus also spoke of his sadness at Hermione's death, and had promised to speak to Harry whenever Harry needed him.
Standing up with his two letters in his hand, he took the tray to the kitchen where Dobby took it off him, and Harry went to his room. This room was Harry's favourite in the house, as it had a portrait of Harry's parents in it, whom Harry could talk to. Harry had been overwhelmed when he had first seen this portrait, and now spoke to his mum and his dad daily, for advice, support, or funny stories about his parents and their friends.
"Morning dear!" Lily, Harry's mother, said brightly. "Did you finish the garden?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I just cleared away the last bit of rubble." His voice betrayed the deeper emotion behind this simple statement. At James' quizzical expression, Harry continued. "But now I don't know what to do..."
His parents stayed quiet for a minute, but then James spoke. "Why don't you invite Remus here? I'm sure you'd both appreciate the company." Harry perked up.
"That's a great idea! Thanks Dad!" Harry quickly exited the room, before returning with a blank bit of paper. Scribbling an invitation to Remus, Harry crossed the room again to where Hedwig's cage was.
"Take Remus' one first, ok?" Hedwig hooted softly, which Harry assumed meant yes. Harry carried her to the window and watched her fly off, and he was suddenly happier.
He had not invited people already because he had needed time to grieve by himself, but now he thought he was ready for some company, and the thought of Remus coming to stay cheered him greatly. He called for Dobby and asked if he could prepare a guestroom, before Harry retired to the sitting room to wait by the floo fire, which had been installed, where Harry expected Remus to arrive from.
Harry heard the doorbell ring within a few hours of Hedwig departing. Slightly surprised, he got up and looked out of the small eyehole in the door. He opened it quickly and beamed at the two people standing there.
"Harry!" It was Remus Lupin who spoke first, and he stepped forward and hugged Harry. Harry knew that Remus was trying to keep his own sadness to himself, and he appreciated this. Harry embraced Remus before turning his attention to the other person waiting, who extended his hand.
"Good morning Harry," Professor Dumbledore spoke softly but warmly, and the sudden feeling of safety Harry felt overwhelmed him. Harry smiled at him.
"Good morning Professor!" he replied enthusiastically, before stepping back to allow them into the house. Dobby and Winky scurried forward from behind Harry to pick up Remus' and Albus luggage. "Are you staying too?" Harry said to Dumbledore, as he spotted his headmaster's small suitcase.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled lightly in the summer sun. "If it is not too much of a bother for you?" Harry laughed before beckoning them both inside. He led them straight through the house and out to the chairs and table on the patio.
Remus looked around admiringly. "You've done a good job, Harry."
"Have you spent every day out here?" Dumbledore asked Harry, eyes narrowed slightly. Harry nodded and Dumbledore sighed, but did not press the matter.
"I expect you are keen to know of any developments since the battle?" Remus asked lightly, and Harry nodded emphatically, sitting up straighter in his chair. The battle at Hogwarts last year, and the deaths of several of his friends had given him new resolve in his battle against Voldemort, and he was determined now with every fibre of his being to defeat this person who caused so much misery.
Remus turned himself to face Harry. "After the battle Voldemort was forced to retreat to Azkaban. He is currently there, regrouping, but even though he suffered a major set back in losing the battle that year, he still is calling to him lots of followers. He has indeed, already amassed a larger army then he had, and he has recruited even more creatures to him. He has already recruited mermen to protect the waters around Azkaban, which is off the coast of Ireland. The Aurors have set up a border along the Irish coast and have indeed built their own fortress nearby. But many more arrive to Azkaban from the sea each day, and he also has all those Dementors still in his service, as they were merely warded off last time."
"Is there no way of killing them?" Harry asked dejectedly.
Dumbledore looked up at Harry, and then he looked at Lupin too. He smiled slightly. "My dear Harry, what brilliance that would be! Alas, no one has tried to work out how to do that before, as they were always on our side... but I will suggest it to Arthur. Maybe the Ministry can look into it." Dumbledore was smiling at Harry. "Amazing how a child's mind works."
Harry looked up sharply. "I'm not a child!" he said loudly. "I become of age in a week!"
Dumbledore put up a hand apologetically. "I am sorry Harry," he said softly, "I know you are seventeen soon. That is, in part, why we came."
Harry looked up. "So you didn't come because I invited you?" he asked, puzzled.
"Ah, that was just the thing we were waiting for. We were ready to come though as soon as you asked. We need to talk to you." Harry looked up into Dumbledore's lined face, trying to fathom what he meant.
"Oh," Harry said, "err... what about?" He knew that was a bit blunt, but he couldn't really think of any other way of saying it.
Remus nodded at Dumbledore, who sighed slightly. "We came to tell you that you will not be attending Hogwarts this year."
Harry choked on his drink. "What?"
"Or at least, not for the entire year." Dumbledore said gravely. Above his feelings of anger and distress, Harry could detect a note in Dumbledore's voice that told him quite plainly that Dumbledore was just as unhappy about this decision as Harry was.
"Why?" Harry said, his voice shaking slightly. "Why can't I stay at Hogwarts?"
Dumbledore sighed sadly. "For two reasons," he said slowly. "The first, being that your presence at Hogwarts endangers others. I know this is not your fault but it is a simple fact. I am sure you of all people would not want a repeat of last terms events." Harry nodded, numbly aware that he had not even considered this fact. Dumbledore continued. "The second reason I cannot tell you now, but rest assured you will know as soon as it is right."
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but closed it abruptly. He knew to argue with Dumbledore on a statement like that would be fruitless. Dumbledore nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you for your co-operation in this difficult time Harry. Rest assured that the second reason you will enjoy far more than the first." Dumbledore's eyes had regained some of their sparkle and Harry eased up slightly. "Oh, and Mr Weasley will certainly be able to accompany you when you do leave."
At this Harry perked up a lot, at least he would have a friend with him. Harry didn't press as to where he would be going, or when, merely settling back in his chair. Soon after this discussion Remus and Albus went to settle into their new rooms in the loft, leaving Harry to think about what they had said, and where he might be going.