Title: Rushing, Forever. (Prologue)
Author: P.L.S
Contact: [email protected]
Summery: VALOR challenge response. Harry seems to finally find a peace as a vampire, until the public finds out. . . running, hiding, helping others who are in need; his life is suddenly filled by hate and fear when the Ministry takes down the protections and declare Open Season on all Dark creatures, with a hefty bounty for the supposedly strongest vampire ever created, Harry Potter.
Rating: (Changes with the chapter)- Ten years and up.
Disclaimer: Is this even needed? Is it? I own very little in this thing. What I do own is fair game for the rest of you. Don't sue me, I won't sue you.
Note: This is three years after Voldemort is killed. Before that day, Harry was trained as an Auror by Moody and Tonks, Dark wizard by Snape, and many other things by many other people, watched as Dumbledore died of old age and one final spell, fought in the war actively four years after Hogwarts, and has given up on love and ever being happy. Wonderful and overly humble guy, right cheerful too. Dark and Light are not the only types of magic, and the Killing Curse originally was a Light spell (A jet of green light. . . An that's Dark?) I'll add more to my Handbook To Magic later on.
Harry laughed quietly to himself. This was the most insane thing he had ever done, aside from trying to kill himself in the fight against Voldemort. The worst part was, that it was just like all the other stupid stunts in his life, it started with a stupid remark that Hermione dwelled upon, then talked Harry into acting upon it.
He was not an Auror, like he wanted to be in the fifth year. He was in the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and now the acting lesion for Dark Creatures. This was due to his friendship with Rubeus Hagrid, a beloved half-giant, and Remus Lupin, a well known and mostly liked werewolf, not really because of any other talents. Unfortunately, Hermione got it into her head that there needed to be a congress of sorts just to patch things up between wizards and non-humans, a way to be sure that none of the same mistakes were ever made again.
She was his superior in this case, as the deputy-head of the Committee for Reconstruction, Restoration, and Prevention, she had the right to force Harry to call a congress of creatures who would love to kill him and serve him up as the appetizer of a three or four course dinner. But being the thumping great friend she was, she talked Harry into thinking it was an excellent idea. And it was, until Harry had to take it from idea stage, to action stage.
This is stupid. This is going to be like the Polyjuise in second year, or worse the Troll in first year. God. Why in the world haven't I learned not to listen to that witch? Harry flopped down on a low wall in the middle of rural Germany. It was well past midnight, and he was wandering around the Black Forest, hoping that he'd find that damned faery he saw here just two nights ago.
Harry was tired, he just wanted to go home and sleep, maybe catch the latest picture at the cinema, and relax. Didn't he earn it? No, not according to the rest of the world. He was a young supposedly powerful wizard (even if Harry doubted that in the extreme) and as such he was to work for the good of the world, for little to no pay.
Slavery! That's all it is, the same slavery that Hermione tried to fight. Now she and the rest of those fools think I need to try to stop every damned wizard who claims to be the next Voldemort. Harry grumbled to himself as he moved to the pine needle covered ground and laid down on his thick woolen traveling cape. He was going to take a nap, let the fae folk find out later. At least the vampires should be easier to find.
Oh, forget it. I'm quitting, I'm going to find a real paying job. Harry complained over an ale in a small Austrian wizards' pub to Hermione. She smirked, reminding Harry of the vampiric Snape of old.
You can't quit, Harry James Potter. She said calmly as she sipped her rum and cola. Harry fixed his heated glare on her.
Give me one good reason why not! he thundered. Hermione had the gall to laugh.
It's a lost cause.
Harry was now very puzzled. The clever witch was going to trap him again, he could feel it.
Just like a few first years managing to stop a mountain troll, get past a hellhound, and manage to stop Lord Voldemort from rising. Just like a second year killing a basilisk with a hat and a bird, or a couple of third years saving the life of an innocent convict and a doomed hippogryff with a time-turner and a bit of luck, just like. . .
Okay! Okay, I get it. Fine, I'll do it if only to get you to stop harping on my past. Geez, you still play me like a violin. Hermione smiled and bid Harry good luck. He was to find a few vampires before next weekend.
Wandering in the dark again, and this time in the Italian alps. Harry was cold, not even the Ever-Warm charms on his cloak was doing any real good. The fur-lined boots and gloves worked well enough though, muggles sure knew how to keep warm.
Of course I do as well, by staying inside. muttered Harry as he rubbed his clean-shaven face. He saw a light ahead, hoping on his broom, Harry flew low and slow to it. It was a small inn that was open. Harry shrunk his broom and entered. The innkeeper ushered him to a chair by the fire, and Harry nearly slept as he thawed out. It was so nice and warm.
Ah. I am really going to have to kill her for putting me in this position. Harry thought out-loud.
asked the previously unnoticed man in the chair next to him. Harry laughed.
My supposed best-friend. She is also my boss in the British MM. Harry said as he peeled off his gloves. The man nodded.
I quit the Department of Experimental Spellworks, got sick of the politics. Harry turned to look at the man, pale, but rather normal looking. Too normal, I smell a glamour.' spoke up that Mad-Eye Moody in the back of his head.
I just might take a leaf out of your book. But I have this horrid disease called Duty, with the nasty ailments called Fame, and Expectations of the World. The man laughed and called over the innkeeper and asked for something in Italian. He received a vigorous nod and in Harry's hand was a small loaf of French bread and a pint of good ale. Harry thanked the stranger.
No need, you are paying. Ah, well then, you might just need to quit more than I ever did. So why are you tramping around the mountains in the dead of morning, in October? Asked the blond haired man with a grin.
My boss for this fool's errand, Hermione, says that as Dark creature lesion it is my job to hunt up the Dark and deadly of the world and hand deliver invitations to a congress of all magical creatures. Right now, I have to find a Vampire in three days. After that I have to go and play peacekeeper between people who would as soon as eat me as share a few beers with me. Harry complained and received a nod of understanding.
Wretched luck. commiserated the man as he sat back and watched the fire. Harry grunted.
The story of my life. he quipped before taking a bite of the very fresh bread. It practically melted in his mouth.
Well, I do believe a few of your biographers disagree there, Potter. said the man with a small smile. Harry shook his head, for some odd reason he liked this man.
You know me, but I still have no name for you. he said without a trace of the usual annoyance. The man smiled at Harry.
Theodore Tamilin. Call me Theo, please.
Just Harry. Harry thought over the name. He had heard it somewhere. Harry quickly back tracked through the conversation, picking out clues, placing them in the slots where they fit until he recalled the information. Tamilin of the ESW was a top bounty in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures- Dark Creature Division. He was the last known vampire that had a large bounty on his head still, because he was bitten and turned just before he quit the Ministry of Magic. It was in the days just as Voldemort was staring to kill and fear was quite high. He was the one Harry was hoping to run into. Tamilin. . . oh. That explains the glamour. Harry grinned as if it was nothing more than an embarrassing scar or missing nose. Theo gave him a stunned, then grateful look.
Thank you for your unobtrusiveness. Most are not that sensitive. He whispered. Harry laughed.
I fully understand. Consider us even, for not totally gushing over me and telling me that I'm ungrateful for wanting to runaway. He took another long drink of his ale, Good stuff.
How did you know about the glamour, it is supposed to be undetectable. Theo was curious, and Harry really felt like telling someone the truth, someone who wasn't about to go spill it to the masses.
Oh. Well, I was almost a fully trained Auror before Hermione convinced me to do DCL duty. Your face is utterly unremarkable, and after I started looking I saw the fuzzy edges of magic, and felt that pull to the spell. Easy as breathing now. Theo looked worried at that, Harry smiled reassuringly, Don't panic, only wizards taught by Mad-Eye ever learned how to look for spells like that. Most think it's foolish, they are muggle tricks, after all. Harry explained.
You are much more fascinating than the gossip collumns make you out to be. Theo's gaze seemed to be digging into him looking for something. Harry brushed off the feeling, and summoned the appropriate humor.
Like I talk to reporters? The last thing I need is a greater following of wannabe soul mates, and then higher expectations. As long as they all think that I'm a marginally skilled wrangler of dementors with out an ounce of wit or intelligence I think I'll survive. Some times I wish I was hated by the public again. Harry sighed as he leaned back into the warm chair and finished his meal. At some point Harry fell asleep under Theo's watch. He trusted Theo, and forgot about the vampiric gift of suggestion.
Harry woke up with a pounding migraine, pain wracked body, and it felt like every bone and muscle was ready to shatter. He drew in a breath, it felt like breathing in glass. Harry gasped in surprise. No matter how badly he had ever been hurt, it had never been that bad. He wasn't totally sure if the room was black or if he was blind yet, and he defiantly had ruined every bloody nerve, or else they all were on fire.
L-lum- m -osss. Harry hissed. A tiny orb of light appeared above his head. He could still control his magic, it was a skill beat into him by that sadistic troupe of teachers Dumbledore set him up with in the seventh year. It still hurt, everything hurt. He thought he heard a laugh, but wasn't sure, he really couldn't hear his own voice. Give up. Stop fighting to live and you will be freed. Let go.' said a voice in his mind. It wasn't one of his little mental demons, unless he had just picked up a new one to torment him.
It was that voice that was laughing, Clever. And you are very skilled, and even if you don't know it, powerful. Let go, and you will be freed from the pain.' Harry nearly shouted as a strong wave of knives crashed into him, intensifying the fire that was consuming him. He just wanted to know what was going on, but some part of him knew he wasn't going to get a straight answer from the new voice. Not unless he did let go of life, a thing he was trained against sense infancy. Finally he did. It was the most reasonable choice. He whispered, and closed his eyes to the world. Something inside cut the life strings that held onto his life for so long. He wasn't surprised to find that incredibly easy. The strings were weak and frayed, all they ever needed was for him to want to stop living.
The pain was gone, but so was everything else.
Wake up. We have to get going. sneered a familiar voice. Harry rolled over, he wanted to sleep, something that had been denied to him far too much.
Go way, m dead. Harry muttered and buried his head under the pillow.
Yeah so? I'm dead too, but we still have things to do. You have to get to that congress so your boss doesn't kill you. said the voice, it was getting annoyed.
Let er deal wi' th' em. He's th' one who wan's ta'. Harry let out a yelp when the bed was over turned. In shock he jumped up and instantly cast an Impediment Jinx over the whole room. He laughed when he saw Theo stopped mid-jump and scowling at him. Don't wake me up. Ever. Harry said as he waved away the jinx. Theo fell to the floor with a great thump.
Ouch, so wandless magic? I wish I had that talent. You do know that takes a lot of power, right? asked the other man, something like respect was in his voice.
I never felt a drain, it can't take that much power. Harry waved it off as he found his boots that were now dry and the rest of his outerwear.
What's the strongest spell you can do wandless? asked Theo from behind Harry.
What classification?
All four.
Just don't freak out on me, almost everyone else does. Light, that would be the Firewall Commanding Wards. Dark, I've stopped at the Shadow Demon Summons. Neoteric, I think Ever-See Charm, but maybe the long distance Summoning Spells. Antediluvian, I've broken down quite a few of the Lady Luck Cursed Wards. Harry smiled as he saw the stunned look on Theo's face. Then it all came back, what Theo was, and what Harry was now.
It finally hit you? asked Theo, his voice wasn't condescending, it was just kindness and understanding. Harry felt a cold hand on his shoulder.
Harry asked.
You were all but asking for it. Don't you feel like this is natural? Harry had to admit, it was as easy as flying.
Okay. I think I understand.
You know, you are taking this almost too well. I threw a tantrum and nearly burned down the house. Theo said, getting a chuckle from Harry.
I'm used to things like this happening. Harry sat the bed back on the floor right ways. He was a little bit stronger than before. It wasn't that bad, vampires usually were the more civilized of the Dark creatures he usually had to deal with. Sure they had that nasty habit of killing, but Harry was over his moral dilemma with killing in the sixth year. It was okay, it wasn't the greatest thing in the world, but it was necessary. Everything died, if he killed it wasn't as if he was doing something that nature wasn't going to do. As long as he never had to feel that soul searing pain of using the Killing Curse again, Harry was sure he could survive. Maybe he could learn to enjoy it.
We need to get going or that Granger woman will ruin all my hard work. said Theo, interrupting Harry's thoughts.
Okay, you are right. Apparating? asked the youngest vampire. Theo nodded.
Harry went to a pay phone as soon as he and Theo apparated into London. Hermione's home number was second nature to him, but he dialed it with speed that he had never possessed before. Three rings and then she or her husband would pick up.
It was Jeff.
Hey, Jeff. It's Harry. Is Hermy there? asked Harry, using the nickname that she had received so that Gwrap would talk to her. She hated it like poison.
Yeah, just a second. Hermy! Harry's on line one! he shouted Harry pulled the phone away from his ear, it seemed his ears were more sensitive now.
Harry? Harry Potter, have you called to tell me that you found a vampire yet? Or are you calling to tender your resignation? she asked. Harry laughed, recalling their last chat.
Er. . . I need to see you. Hog's Head in fifteen? Harry said with a nervous undertone. Hermione sighed.
The bar on Grimmwald in five. she said, I can tell by the number you're on a London pay phone.
Fine, just please don't freak when you see me and my guest. Harry asked. Hermione sighed on her end.
and she hung up. Theo was reading a tabloid he had just picked up and waiting for Harry about ten feet away.
Why do muggles care about the crown prince's love life? he asked as Harry jogged over.
Why do wizards and witches care about mine? Harry asked back. Theo laughed.
Good point. But you have to admit, you are cuter than Prince Chuck here. Theo pointed to a grainy photo of Prince Charles.
I certainly hope so. No human should have ears like those. Harry chuckled. Theo nodded.
So where is boss lady going to meet us? asked the elder vampire with a smiled at Harry's sigh.
Grimmwald. Come on. It's not that far. Harry lead Theo down a few back alleys and they came out in front of a run down pub that looked like it should be condemned. Theo grinned when he saw it and saw the short but very commanding woman standing in front of it. He seemed to rush past Harry and greet the surprised witch. He quickly had her flattered, and she really didn't like that.
Harry get him on a leash and muzzle. she commanded in a teasing tone. Harry laughed at Theo's crestfallen face.
Harry greeted her. Hermione gasped when she saw him.
Harry, you. . . you're. . . oh, man. I need something strong. She entered the bar followed by the two vampires. She ordered a glass of bourbon on the rocks and soon the three were in a quiet corner, where everyone would assume they were drug dealers or the like.
So, when did this happen? she asked, You didn't seek to become a vampire, did you? Harry shook his head.
No, but it does feel right. I don't know. Tamilin here helped me crossover. Harry said, giving her just enough of a hint. Hermione got it and ran with it.
Oh, so that's why everything went on the blink a day ago. All over Europe magic was out of control for a few minutes, an excess or something. That must have been when you let go. she said. Harry was elbowed in the ribs.
Told you so. No one has ever had such a pool of magic. said Theo. Harry groaned.
It's not me. It the combined magic of my mum, Dumbledore, and Voldemort. I'm just a vessel. Harry said, and this shocked both vampire and witch.
What? How? asked Theo.
Harry, you never told me that! Hermione exclaimed.
It's true. My mum somehow put some of her magic in me with that love thing, then when before Dumbledore died, you remember how he asked to see me alone? Harry asked, getting a nod from the witch he went on, He did something, made me his heir or something. He opened this channel in me that he dumped all but a small bit of hs power into. Then Voldemort and I have been sharing the same pool of magic for a long time. When he died, I received every last drop there. It's not me, it's all them. Harry said and Theo snorted.
You are a blockhead. Anyone else would be killed by just the act of having new magic fused into him, if not by that then the sheer power. You, my idiotic little fledgling, are powerful on your own merit, and that will only grow. Every time you feed your magic and life powers will grow. I just created the future's strongest vampire in history. Theo grinned. Hermione smiled as well.
You do realize that I am going to want to study you both. she said. Harry buried his head in his arms, I do hope you realize that most of the world is going to be calling for your death soon too. Theo is right, you will be the strongest vampire in less than a decade, I think. It was hard enough to convince the Committee that vampires were on par with stronger wizards, I emphasized your power as a protection. Now, they will want you gone for good because you will become uncontrollable in their eyes. Theo growled at her warning.
I'll help. We'll hide it for as long as that congress. Then we will both vanish. I'm good at that. he offered. Hermione sighed. Harry lifted his head.
I'll use a few glamours and cosmetics, my ragged look is due to all the hard work I've put in to make the congress work. The extra boosts my vampirism gives me should help me keep it all in order. Harry said. Hermione nodded.
Yes. And the congress is at night, you won't be able to stand daylight for a little less than a year. Hermione said. Theo nodded.
Correct. You do realize vampires are the top tier of Dark magic, werewolves and Dark wizards are even with us. You are going to be well respected for being a vampire and a once-Dark wizard. I never was any good with Dark magic, so I guess I'm a bit lower than you.
Bugger it! I was respected before, just because of Moony. Harry said throwing his hands in the air in frustration, Can't I ever be just normal! Or even lower?
Theo and Hermione shared a smile. Harry knew he was doomed.
The meeting was chaos. Harry stepped into the room with the humans chosen to represent the world's wizards. Remus was shouting at a faery and goblins were playing tricks on the trolls. Harry stopped trying to count the acts of horrendous behavior. He noted, to his pleasure, the dementors and lethifolds were being good and not hurting anyone. He growled in frustration, which caught the attention of everyone in the room.
Sit down now. We have work to do. he spat out. The less intelligent creatures sat first, in groups as Harry wanted, Theo and Moony just stared at him trying to figure out something. The three other werewolves pulled Remus to his seat and a goblin told Theo to sit down. Harry was stunned, did he do something?
You used the oldest of Dark commands, only Imperial vampiric or werewolf wizards knew them. Totally wordless, but you are now the recognized leader of everyone in the room. Only Lupin could challenge you, but he isn't strong enough to win.' spoke Theo's mind-voice. Harry took a seat near the door, the position of a guard, as the wizards and witches sat and the meeting started.
Harry stopped caring about the laws of the Ministry a long time ago. He knew he could get out of almost any trouble if he ever did break a law, but as long as what he did was for the good of all then he wouldn't regret it. He saw Hermione's concerned gaze as the goblins asked for more freedoms in the trade with wizards, it was dangerous grounds to be treading on so early on in the congress. Harry wanted this to succeed, he knew a great deal of the non-humans here personally, had dinner with more than fifty percent of them. Then it occurred to him, the laws passed by this congress would effect him, as a Dark creatures lesion, and as a vampire.
Harry started listening again, helping to ease the goblins back and in Gobbledegook, making a meeting at Gringotts just after this one finished. There was one thing Harry was grateful for, he was the only wizard in the room who knew Gobbledegook, Yetish, Troll, and the Dark Sign Language that was used by any other creature that wasn't able to speak. The rest of the wizarding world saw those as evil and bad languages to learn, but they sure did fawn on those that did speak even one of those languages when there was trouble. It was the same for the rest of the Dark languages and magic users, like Harry. They were shunned but beloved at the same time. The meeting ended with little progress made, the wizards and witches left first, with Hermione and Harry staying behind. The door shut, Hermione locked it and then set up some quick wards and charms.
Take off the glamour, Harry. She whispered. Harry closed his eyes and mentally asked the spell to go to sleep. He heard gasps from most of the beings in the room.
So, how do you like the new me? Harry said with a lazy smile as he opened his now jade eyes. His skin was still tanner than most vampires', but he was a size or two thinner and there was no mistaking the slightly longer ears and pointed nose. And his teeth, they were translucent and clearly sharp as knives. The goblin's recovered first.
*So Harry Potter, strong part Dark wizard, is now Harry Potter, very strong Imperial vampire fledgling? Not un-ironic, you are a good choice. I said that at dinner the other night didn't I, Hackclaw?* said one goblin in gobbledegook. His friend laughed and nodded.
*Yeah, so you did, Bladesweeper. You been breathing in those fumes the humans think helps See?* Hackclaw joked. Harry laughed.
*Everyone knows that Bladesweeper would rather go swimming than consort with humans.* Harry interjected, *I had to bind him up like a top just to get him to listen to me.* Hackclaw laughed and Bladesweeper grinned.
*The only human I'd have ever supped with too. My wife almost made you an official goblin-kin.* Harry bowed.
*I am greatly honored that Pikedig thought that much of me. I really don't deserve it.*
*By the Coins! Proper manners, Potter, you don't deserve Pikedig's kind thoughts.* said Hackclaw, You deserve to be an honorary Hobgoblin. he finished in English.
But that's the greatest honor your culture has! exclaimed Hermione.
And he earned it. Thumping good of him, already not abusing his status and power. He could have bent all of our wills today and convinced you humans to eat out of his hand. But this idiot did nothing of the sort, the worst he did was order us to calm down and act rational with you. Bladesweeper said with a scowl.
He didn't even have a say on anything we did other than telling us all to take it easy with demands. If anything he should have been our acting Emperor, but he obviously could careless about ruling over Darkness like most Imperial vampires or wolves do. informed a faery who was sitting on the shoulder of a mountain troll.
Yess, this young vampire or thisss werewolf. Both were Dark wissardss at one point, the vampire isss sstronger. Both could claim the title of Imperial Wissard, both don't want it. It isss very odd. But we likess the freedom they givess usss all. said a Naga that Harry knew was a guest of Slysta, the chief of a tribe of Naga in the fens of England. Harry gave a humble salute to him and blushed at the kind words that all the attendees were now giving him. Was it that impressive that the Dark creatures lesion know and was sensitive to the many cultures? He thought that it was his job to know as much as he could about them all.
Seeing as how my talk with the goblins really does concern everyone, would anyone object to a continuation of the meeting? Harry asked over the dull roar. Most sat down and waited for Harry to talk, even Remus and Theo. Hermione took his seat as guard and Harry cleared his throat.
Now, I really want this congress to go well. We all know that wizards are well known for hurting and killing what they don't understand, all humans do it. Hermione is here because she called this congress together, she has always been working for fair treatment of every being. As a fourth and fifth year she campaigned for House Elf Rights while I was worried about catching a snitch or sneaking around Hogwarts. We can trust her as if she is one of us. I just wanted to make that clear before we go on. As he spoke he translated his words into Dark Signs which was almost universal in this crowd. Nods and smiles were directed at the witch. Harry smiled proudly. He really did have a soft spot in his heart for the outcasts of the magical world.
So what were you going to say to the goblins? asked Remus. Harry grinned at his father's old friend and his old teacher.
We need a game plan. A uniform agenda and goals. The wizards you talked to today were the most open minded of the lot and that is saying something, if you want to be taken seriously we all need to figure out the best way to present your ideas and argue for them. Nothing is ever going to get done if we act like I found you guys this morning. Harry frowned at that memory, it was rather embarrassing for him to see them all like that.
Most apologized or had the courtesy to look sorry. As the meeting continued with Harry as mediator they slowly worked out a plan and picked spokespeople and scribes. They created the framework for a few good laws and then made a pact, the first Dark Congress was not to be the last, they magically bound themselves into something of a governing body for all the Darkness of the magical world. They vowed to meet every year, changing places every year, but never losing contact with each other. It was the most constructive thing Harry had ever had the joy to be a part of.
And it would soon be the last hope of this mixed group.
Three days of success. Three days of cooperation and agreements between all the creatures of the congress and especially close camaraderie among the new Dark Creatures Council members. The feeling of promise was strong and Harry was pleased.
In just four more days the new proposed laws and treaties would go on a fast track through the Wizard's Counsel and hopefully they would be approved. Hermione was working on convincing the heads and most influential wizards to seriously read the proposals and Harry was meeting with humans and Dark creatures alike from sunset to dawn just to be sure that everything was going as smoothly as he could hope.
He was just waking up as the sun vanished from the sky when his door burst open with Theo, Moony, Hermione, her husband Jeff, and a half-giant called Francis.
Harry! You have to get out of here! shouted Moony as Hermione started emptying drawers into his trunk and Jeff was shrinking everything he could. Theo handed him a newspaper, the Daily Prophet.
Beware! The Boy-Who-Lived, a vampire!
It has been confirmed that when the Dark Creatures Lesion, Harry Potter, returned from organizing the Dark creatures half of the all magical creatures congress on Monday night he was seen in the company of known vampire and traitor Theodore Tamliln, he was seen the night before at a London pub with Hermione Granger, deputy head of the RR&CC without a disguise, showing him to be a vampire.
You can' mistake them teeths and that scar. It was Harry Potter, I swore it under veritaserum. said the bartender of the pub, They was also talkin' bout him being turned and how happy he was as one o' them. He was very creepy, but I wasn't about to make him mad, he's Harry Potter, ya know.
Harry Potter was a skilled Parselmouth and an admitted Dark wizard before this information came to light, and when a Dark wizard is turned into a vampire or werewolf, they receive greater powers and are automatically the ruler of all things Dark. If it is indeed proven that Harry Potter is a vampire he will be the strongest documented vampire since the infamous Morgana.
With the sudden formation of the Dark Creatures Counsel and it's rise to a position of trust and influence in the Ministry, should we be worried? With the birth of the most powerful ruler of Darkness and the cooperation of the most dangerous animals of the world, I would panic. They just need a little more room and then it is possible the magical world's balance of power will tip.
There is an emergency Wizard's Counsel meeting called for this afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the topic of discussion. says Under secretary Frank Deacons, This a very troubling development, one has to wonder at the reasons You-Know-Who was so scared of this young man.
Harry Potter was just twenty-one when he single handily killed the most feared Dark wizard since the great Grindelwald with a curse so ancient that no researcher can find it. You-Know-Who's death sheltered this young but too powerful wizard. He was trained in the four types of magic, including Dark magic, while still a student at Hogwarts. It is rumored that he was banned from the Auror training program for endangering others and harming innocents in the field.
As a Dark creatures lesion, his coworkers have noted that he treats all Dark creatures as equals and with incredible knowledge of the Dark languages and cultures. He has been fighting for equal rights for his kind for three years. Was he trying to prepare for the day his secret came out? Or was he getting ready for something bigger?
Harry blanched,
, Theo shook his head, Harry, the bans on killing Dark creatures has been lifted. Lupin, Granger, you, and I all have bounties on our heads. Any wizard caught using Dark magic is sentenced with anything from twenty years to death, no trial. You are declared public enemy number one. We are getting you out of this country as soon as possible, if you die now the magical fallout will kill.
But has someone sent word to Hogwarts? Malfoy and Snape and the rest of the ex-Death Eaters need protection as well. They are just as Dark as I ever was. Harry said as he started to help pack everything away.
I flooed Snape, he has already moved all Dark wizards to a hiding place, or village. He is just giving up his headmaster's chair as we speak. The whole community of Dark wizards has already requested they be added to the Dark Counsel. Hermione said as she started transfiguring a crate into another trunk.
Oh this is stupid. I'll just shrink the house! Harry snarled and apparated the group to his front lawn of the small two room house. Reduci Godric's Hollow! Harry commanded and the house almost instantly shrank to the size of a shoe box. Harry dug up the cellar and cradled the house under his arm. Now, I think we have work to do.
Ten years and sixty-seven days later:
It was a lovely bright day in the small modern village in Paraguay. Harry tossed his honorary nephew up onto his shoulders laughing. Travis was a cute and powerful wizard for a kid his age. He was just six years old and levitating everything he saw. Harry had to admit he thought it was hilarious that Hermione's trademark spell in the first year was her son's as well. But he was growing up quickly. The wizard's school in Peacebrook, the small Dark village Hermione and Jeff had a house in was starting students at age six. Harry felt bad for missing his first day at school but Travis understood and was happy that his Uncle Harry was always helping protect others. That day had been awful, and Harry would have really loved to skip his duties for his pleasure.
It was the day the Aurors found the naga camp in the English fens. Harry had to distract the three hundred wizards from the two-fifty naga and thirty orphans of at least twenty species. Harry had probably killed a hundred wizards, after all his bite was poisonous as basilisk venom and coupling that with his physical combat skills, they really didn't stand much of a chance if Harry wasn't so compassionate. Luckily, only seventy of the naga warriors lost their lives and those that lived were all transferred to a portable swamp in Romania, the only country in Europe that turned a blind eye to the Darkness. There were more countries in Africa, east Asia, and South America that not only didn't care about the war on Darkness, but encouraged the Darkness.
The goblins were the saving point. Where ever they went money poured in and even with embargoes and the like, the countries that allowed the Dark peoples to take refuge always ended up the richer for it. Everyone pitched in and helped to protect those who protected them, even muggles. Harry was responsible for the networks between the scattered colonies, but he was always amazed at how everyone helped everyone else. They all understood that if just one village fell all the villages could fall.
The vampires, werewolves, and humans created and maintained all the magical protections with energy that bordered on fanaticism. The faefolk, incubus people, and demons acted as early warning and spies, they also found it useful to drive the most aggressive or dangerous anti-Dark people to madness with the hallucinations, dreams, and ghostly voices they were famous for. Trolls, giants, dementors, lethifolds, and the yeti were bodyguards and the defense of many villages, they also helped to control the dragons, acromantulae, ghouls, griffins, hippogriffs, chimaeras, augureys, kelpies, manicores, and whatever other Dark creatures or just supposedly deadly creatures the various villages protected. The goblins of course operated the trade system that had to be developed.
Travis laughed and waved at a witch and a ten foot tall spider who were talking about the weather. Hey Miss Haruna, Mr. Freckodd! Have you met my Uncle Harry? Harry walked over to them when they answered in the negative.
Ah, sso the boy wassn't pulling my legss. You are Harry Potter. clicked the acromantula. Harry smiled and nodded.
Yes, and who might you be, sir, madam? Harry asked. The witch, no, banshee,' Harry mentally corrected, smiled.
Kiki Haruna, and this is Freckodd, we are writing a book on the history and culture of his people, for humans and non-humans. So is it true about you escaping the great Aragog in your second year at Hogwarts? the witch grinned at him, that was another thing that Harry was amazed by. Everyone seemed so used to the mix of peoples, only in a few isolated parts was there still segregation, but even that was vanishing among the Dark.
Yes, I'm afraid that is true in a way. My friend Ron Weasley and I managed to get saved by a wild car just before Aragog's children would have eaten us. I'm just glad we could get him and the rest of the forest's Dark people to safety before Hogwarts was taken over. We lost a lot of good witches, wizards, and spirits to them that battle. Harry said with a remorseful sigh. The banshee's cold arms wrapped around him.
You always do your best, Harry. That's all any of us can do. You weren't even a day-walker that battle but you managed to fight at noon, it was far more of a sacrifice than we would dream of asking for. Kiki spoke softly.
You lossst a lot of your power and you have to wait longer now for many thingsss that you ssshould have been granted by now. clicked Fleckodd.
Just like Mum tells you, Uncle. You are a great Imperial, and no one really blames you for anything but helping to save us all. Headmaster Snape says the same thing with his eyes. Travis hugged the top of Harry's head.
Thanks. I've got to get this monster home so his mum has less of an excuse to maim me. Harry pulled away and gave them one last smile and ran to Lion's Den, the house that was also the most extensive library anywhere but the national libraries of the muggle world.
Jeff was a muggle who was studying library science when he fell in love with Hermione, and then found the magical world. Now he and Hermione collected Dark texts before they could be destroyed and they nearly cleared out the Hogwarts library before it was taken over by the Ministry. Ron, who was a top Auror and a spy for Harry, owled her the lists of places about to be hit by the book burning squads then she would send someone to collect every book they could find. This left them with a lot of muggle texts as well, which Hermione insisted were as important as any magical text. She then sited Harry's collection of Quidditch Weekly and Which Broomstick as her case making point.
So how was your first and second days of school? asked Harry. Travis sighed.
Bore-ring! I already know lots more than they are gonna teach us this year. My Casting teacher was going over wand strokes and my Potions teacher would make Headmaster Snape cringe. Draco, I mean, Mr. Malfoy was great though! He launched right in on Grims and tomorrow we get to help him with a bunch of Kappas and Grindlelows. I thought his class would be so dull, I mean I read about them all the time, but he just knows so many facts and practical things that the books don't mention. He teased me for being just like my mum in school, but I teased him back about the time I snuck a few worms into his pasta, but no one else understood what we were talking about. Travis rattled on and on about the high points, the low points, and everything under the sun, and finished as they found Hermione and Jeff talking to Draco.
Hi everyone. Harry announced before Travis could hear the topic of the conversation.
Hi Harry, Travis. Mr. Malfoy was telling us what a troublemaker you were today. said Jeff. Harry handed the kid over to his father and grinned.
I wasn't bad! Never! I was just releasing pent up frustration, cause my other teachers are idiots or think my class is dumb. Travis denied. Draco laughed.
Understood. Where did you hear that phrase, releasing pent up frustration'? asked the blond teacher.
Uncle Harry says that when he starts to do his yoga or whatever it is. You know when he seems to be fighting with thin air with those funny daggers and sword. Travis said.
Okay, enough tattling on your uncle. Come on, Big T, lets go catalogue the new shipment. Jeff carried Travis away and Hermione and Draco started to look very serious.
Jeff was speaking in Gobbledegook to me today, he didn't realize it, still doesn't. Draco said.
Harry, I should have told you before, but Travis is a polytalker. That's how we really knew he was an Antediluvian wizard, as opposed to a Neoteric or Light, like I am. Harry, you know that Antediluvians are spontaneous and dangerous unless trained by other Antediluvians, and you are one of the last.
When he is twelve I'll take him as an apprentice. Until then, I'll try to give him a few lessons in control every time I visit. Don't worry, the powers won't fully become uncontrollable until he is fifteen. Draco, don't try to hide his gifts, because they are gifts. That's what makes our villages far better places to grow up in than the nicest wizarding town, no one hides. Lord knows a polytalker is important these days. If he shows anymore gifts, write me. Hermione smiled and Draco sighed dramatically.
And once again the great leader rears his ever-hopful head, making all our worries seem petty. drawled the man. Harry sighed and smiled.
They were. This isn't Hogwarts, where Parseltounges are labeled as the next Dark Lords. Harry said. Hermione and Draco both laughed.
Hate to break it to you, old friend. Hermione grinned at him.
But you are the Dark Lord in all but name. finished Draco. Harry mock-growled and scowled.
I know, but you don't have to remind me. Janus, he was rather angry with me about my habits of, what did he call it, ah, yes, Acting like an immature teenaged front line cannon fodder, instead of the Imperial vampire I am.' Never mind that when I allowed them to give me that title I made it clear front line protection was my first priority. He was also angry that I haven't turned anyone into a vampire yet. Harry crossed his legs and hovered mid air like a yogi.
Harry, you are the strongest of them, but you are not immortal. warned Hermione, Janus may have a right to be angry with you, if you die without an heir, well. . . Hermione fell silent and watched the floor. Draco scowled.
What she is trying to say is that without an heir to your power, some vampire you turn, the magical world will be devastated. Why do you think Dumbledore gave you his power? It's the oldest cycle in the world, but until now there were two sides to it, so that if one of the keepers did die sans heir the other keeper could stabilize it. You know how when Voldemort was expelled from his body, there was a dramatic rise in muggleborns and far less squibs than ever before? Most were natural Neoteric users. Voldemort and Dumbledore were the two keepers, but somehow by some cruel joke of fate's, you were the heir of both. I would even suggest two heirs, Dumbledore was the keeper of Light and Antediluvian, Voldemort of Dark and Neoteric. I would even suggest you take Travis as one of your heirs, he's bright, capable, has a inclination for Dark and Antediluvian magics, and he loves you. But you would have to ask him for full consent once he is of age. Harry frowned at Draco's words.
I was raised to fulfill a chore, I refuse to allow it to happen to him. Harry said. Hermione looked torn. Harry gave her a look that asked her to speak.
It's just when I look at it all logically, Draco is right, Travis is the perfect candidate and you do need two heirs if you continue to fight like you do. All it takes is for one lucky shot, Harry. But as Travis's mother, I don't want my son to have to bear that responsibility, I would love him to stay my little Big T forever. I am willing to wait until he is sixteen and let him choose, but Harry, Draco and I will be teaching him everything we can about being a keeper. He's already so powerful. Hermione had tears in her eyes but was resolute. Harry nodded but he wasn't happy. He wanted for Travis to be free, unlike he was.
Harry was with Jeff and Draco watching the village team, the Peacebrook Hawks, play against the Sweet Beach Sharks from an Argentinean Dark village. It was rare he got to attend a quidditch match, let alone one as thrilling as this one. It had been going on for eight hours now and was showing no signs of slowing down.
Both Harry and Draco teased each other and joked about their days of playing opposite each other in school, Jeff laughed and cheered his son on, who surprised Harry by becoming a seeker on the adult team at the age of ten. Of course, Belinda Malfoy, who was two years his junior became a chaser for the same team once she was eleven. They were great friends and both were far too skilled on a broom for children at that age.
Annd, a spectacular save by keeper, Anglican. Wonderful Starfish move by him. The Sharks are in possession with chaser and team captain Solums in the head, oh! A bludger hits her in the back of the head and the Hawks chaser, Malfoy snatching up the quaffle and darting around the field.
Harry watched his nephew soar above the game, and then cheered as Draco's daughter started for the goal. She was just such a brilliant chaser, Harry was sure that she could win a world cup.
She better score soon because Shark seeker, Smithfield is darting down after that snitch. Oh my!
Harry nearly died of fear as Travis plummeted to the earth at top speed then righted himself and skimmed the field without loosing speed. He grabbed the snitch while the other seeker was still diving. It was a move Harry would have pulled at Hogwarts.
The game is over! In a brilliant move by seeker, Travis Dervish, the Hawks have won! the announcer yelled. Harry was in a stupor. Unfortunately for him Draco voiced his thoughts.
Hermione and I have been doing tests. It seems there are signs of future keepers. Both Travis and Belinda fit them, just like you used to. I'm already pulling them out of school for more intense training. he said in a cool voice. Harry started to shake, he liked them both.
Fine, I will take both on when I feel they are ready. Harry said resigning himself to this. He now understood just how Dumbledore felt when he had to tell Harry about the prophesy and then why he was so sad when he told Harry that her was the headmaster's magical heir. It hurt like dying all over again.
--End of Prologue.