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39.62% Harry Potter and the Price of Being Noble by DriftWood1965 / Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Mr Black I Presume

บท 21: Chapter 21 Mr Black I Presume

Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 21

"I weakened one of the steps on the stairs," Fleur said. Then she said over the bond to Harry and her bond sisters, "It was the step right over the cupboard," She saw Harry smile a little knowing he remembered his cousin often waking him by stomping on that step.

"I don't know what to tell you Mr. Dursley," The electrician said. "I've spent two days trying to track down that short and I still can't find it," He took off his hat and scratched his head. "About the only thing I can suggest is a complete home rewiring. I had the office put together the numbers last night," He handed Vernon a sheet of paper.

Vernon looked at the paper and at the number at the bottom. "This...this is outrageous. A bit a wiring and you want this much?"

The electrician shrugged. "Feel free to get a second and third opinion. I doubt you'll come close to that number. I told them give you a twenty percent discount on the wire and other items and subtract my two days' worth of labor I've already put in the job."

"I'll do that. I'm sure I'll find an honest person somewhere in this city."

"Good luck then," The electrician replied. "The quote is good for a week. If we haven't heard from you by then we'll bill these two days out to you."

"BILL ME?" Vernon yelled. "YOU DIDN'T FIX ANYTHING."

Six days later an irritable Vernon Dursley picked up the phone to call the electrician to agree to the quote. He'd called three other electricians. One had dealt with him in the past and hung up immediately, another left after fifteen minutes of Vernon ranting about electricians ripping off their customers. The final one submitted a quote that was more than twice as much as the original bid.

"THERE!" Vernon snarled as he signed the work contract given to him by the electrician. He knew the amount would clean out their savings and most of the money they'd saved for a vacation over the summer. "Now I'm going to have to spend two more weeks with that freak," He thought.

"We'll get right on it gov'ner," The electrician said cheerfully. "We should be finished in a week."

Vernon only nodded. Five minutes later the electrician had departed and Vernon Dursley stomped up the steps. He was half way up them when one of the steps splintered and his leg sunk into the staircase. Coincidentally it was the step right above the cupboard under the stair. The step his son Dudley liked to jump up and down on to wake his cousin in earlier days. "All those years of jumping up and down on it, probably caused it to weaken," Vernon thought and then as the nerves in his leg reported to the proper location in his minuscule brain that his leg was seriously hurt, intense pain cascaded throughout the leg.

"PETUNIA!"

Removing Vernon from the step was much easier thought than done. His weight and no leverage on the steps for his wife to help him, finally forced her to call for an emergency team to pull him loose. They finally freed Vernon but only after cutting away two more steps and giving several suggestions to Vernon that he might consider a diet. They spent several minutes removing splinters and bandaging his leg. Once they were gone, Vernon had to call a carpenter to repair the destroyed steps and check for weaknesses in the others. As he picked up the phone to make the call he found the line was dead. After his anger and frustration had passed Vernon realized that before he could make that call to the carpenter he would have to replace the phone he just destroyed and the window he had thrown the phone through in his frustration. Not to mention the wiring that pulled out of the wall when he yanked the phone loose.

%%%%%% %%%%%%%

"Who's with Fleur?" Harry thought as he entered the Chamber. "And why is she here?" He'd just left Divinations and was joining Fleur and Hermione to study some. Fleur was currently sitting with her back to him along with another female who had straight brown hair.

"Like it?" Hermione asked.

"Like what and who's with Fleur?" Harry asked.

"I am," The person with the long straight brown hair said out loud as she got up and turned around. Fleur turned as well.

"Hermione?" Harry gulped as he saw who the stranger was. Hermione's hair was perfectly straight. He just stood and stared, unsure what to say.

"Do you like it?" Hermione asked. "Or do you prefer it with curls?" She closed her eyes and her hair glowed and curls now cascaded down the length of her hair.

"But…but…how?" Harry asked. He saw she didn't have her wand.

Hermione walked over to Harry and put her arms around his neck. "It seems I am picking up something of the Veela magic from the bond."

"Veela magic?" Harry looked over at Fleur who smiled and nodded. She closed her eyes and her hair changed to match Hermione's curls. Harry kept glancing between the two ladies, his mouth agape.

Both of them started laughing. "I think we broke him," Hermione said. She caught Harry's lips with her own and gave him a welcoming kiss. "So do you like it this way?"

"I…uh of course…but you're beautiful no matter what your hair looks like," Harry replied still staring wide eyed at her curls.

Fleur had walked over by then and she looked at Hermione. "We do 'ave a good boyfriend. 'E always says ze right things."

"Give him time, I'm sure he'll put his foot in his mouth eventually."

That snapped Harry from his mesmerized stupor and he pulled Hermione closer, catching her a little off guard, "Oh really? Well maybe I'll just have to take the appropriate measures to prevent my being able to do that."

"And what might that be?" Hermione asked from only inches away.

"Oh, something like this," He replied and started demonstrating that if his mouth was covering hers, it would be impossible for a foot to get in there. When the kiss ended, and Hermione was staring unfocused, he continued, "I meant it when I said I think you're beautiful no matter what your hair looks like, but I like the curls. It makes it easier to kiss here," His lips touched lightly on her neck below her ear, "and here," Slightly lower his lips touched. "And especially here," This time right at the spot her neck curved into her shoulder. Hermione's eyes were closed as her entire being was centered on the spots Harry's lips touched. Only his arms holding her kept her legs from buckling.

Up in the second floor transfiguration classroom, Professor McGonagall was concerned for young Miss Delacour.

"Miss Delacour, is there a problem? You seemed distracted," The young witch had seemed to lose her focus for a few seconds.

"Non, My apologies Professor. I just thought of something…pleasant," Gabrielle replied with a blush. Ginny was giving her a strange look.

"Are you suggesting my class is less than pleasant?"

"Non Professor. Eet was a personal thought. May I discuss it after class?"

"Certainly," McGonagall replied, her Scottish burr rolling in the reply.

After class when Ginny offered to stay Gabrielle insisted that she go on alone. "I'll be fine," she told her friend.

"Miss Delacour, I've noticed on several occasions you seemed to lose your concentration in class," McGonagall said to Gabrielle once class ended. "Is there a particular reason why?"

"Professor, zis 'as something to do with 'Arry. Can I ask you to put a privacy charm up please?"

"Of course it would have something to do with Harry Potter," Minerva muttered to herself as she picked up her wand and with a flick the appropriate charm was set. Though no sound could go out, sound could still come in and Gabrielle smiled as she heard several footsteps start immediately moving away from the class. "So what is causing you to lose your concentration?"

Gabrielle blushed as she tried to figure out what to say. After a quick word to her bondmates it was decided to be honest and explain the problem. "Your class is at a time when 'Arry, Fleur and 'Ermione are all out of class," She explained.

"And why is that a problem? Are you saying you would prefer to be with them instead of being in class?"

"Non…oui of course I also want to be with my bondmate…but zat's not ze reason I get distracted," Gabrielle looked around the classroom before explaining. "We share many things over our bond Professor, emotions and especially ze more powerful feelings."

McGonagall suddenly had a feeling of her own, one where she guessed she was going to regret this conversation.

"So when 'arry and Fleur or 'Ermione 'ave a more…more," Gabrielle searched for an appropriate word, "exuberant kiss, I feel it."

McGonagall definitely knew she wished this conversation had never happened. She knew it was going to be difficult for her to concentrate in class the next time she saw the young witch lose focus again. "Yes, well…hmmm…yes well tell Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger and your sister to please refrain from such…such exuberance during this class time if you please."

"Oui, it's done and zey say zey're sorry. 'Ermione is very embarrassed."

%%%% Mid April 1995 %%%%%

Homework was piling up as the days led into Easter holidays. Harry was amazed at Hermione as she not only did her work and kept him on track but continued to research what a horcrux was and never relented on her personal vendetta against Rita Skeeter. Being inside his bond mate's mind help him see how focused she could stay on a topic. Fleur was helping her as she could. Especially trying to determine any way Skeeter might be magically listening to conversations. Gabrielle was spending more time with Ginny and Luna who they had started inviting to their study groups when they were in the Library.

"Hi girl," Harry said to the snowy owl that had just landed next to him with a package. "Did you have a good trip to France? What did Mr. Delacour send back?" He untied the package and opened it. There were several Chocolate eggs, two the size of Dragon eggs while another one was much smaller. Each egg had a label attached to it that said who it should go to. Harry instantly recognized the writing.

"Did you stop at the Burrow?" He asked Hedwig, who gave an affectionate response.

Harry lifted out the first dragon-sized egg and saw it was for Ron. He looked down at his former best friend. He'd given up on approaching him again knowing that even if he fixed things up now, he'd only have to deal with it again during the summer. He kept hoping that Ron would come around and see that Gabrielle wasn't doing what he predicted. Currently he could see Ron shoveling mouthfuls of food into his mouth. He turned to Ginny and handed the egg to her.

"Can you give this to Ron?" He asked.

"Sure Harry," She replied.

The other Dragon-sized egg was for him and he set it aside. The final one was smaller than a chicken egg. It was addressed to Hermione. Harry passed it over to her and shrugged when she looked at it and at his.

"Why do you think mine is smaller?"

"She read the article in Witch Weekly about you breaking Harry's heart and now blames you for his current love interest," Ginny replied as she rolled her eyes. "She mentioned it in a letter a few days ago and I've been hesitant to bring it up. I didn't think she would do something like that though," Nodding at the egg in front of Hermione.

Harry immediately started wrapping his egg back up. "No, this is too much. I can't and won't accept this," He said. "She hurt you Hermione, and still hasn't apologized to Gabrielle, but she still sends me this like everything is just fine."

"Eets not a problem 'Arry," Gabrielle said. "Keep ze egg. Eet doesn't bother me."

Harry looked at her and smiled. "It bothers me Angel, and yes it is a problem, but it's her problem not mine. Besides, I think if I send this back to her, it might hopefully make her think about what she's doing."

Hermione quickly pushed her own egg back to Harry. "Then send this one back to her as well."

"I'm sorry that she's now taking it out on you too," Harry said.

"Hopefully she will come around," Hermione replied. "But if not, there's not much we can do."

"I love you," Harry said as he looked at her, his emerald green eyes again mesmerizing her.

Hermione had to turn away before they stared at each other too long but not before she replied, "I love you too."

Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and quickly jotted down a note.

Mrs. Weasley,

Thank you for thinking of Hermione and me on this holiday, but we are both uncomfortable accepting the eggs you sent and are returning them with this note. You and your family have been wonderful to me over the years and I hope to always remember those thoughts when I think of the Weasley family. Unfortunately until you can accept that I have a relationship with Gabrielle and apologize for the rudeness you showed in your letter and howler, it will always be just that, memories. I am also disappointed that you now are trying to blame Hermione because of the article in the Witch Weekly. The writer of the article was badly misinformed because at no time has Hermione ever broken my heart. Even if the size of the egg you sent Hermione hadn't been an issue, she would still have joined me in this endeavor as she has grown close to Gabrielle and Fleur as well. Unfortunately we have had a falling-out with Ron since he seems to share your views when it concerns my girlfriend's heritage.

Please reconsider your attitude toward Gabrielle and Veelas in general. Only an apology will allow me to look upon you as family as I once did.

Harry

He sat down his quill and then remembered something. He picked back up his quill and added.

PS. Please do not send another Howler. It will be destroyed before it has a chance to speak.

"I didn't want to single out our relationship with Ginny, Fred and George and cause their mother to be angry with them if she has issues with my response," Harry said as he showed the letter to Hermione who agreed with the content. Harry put it in with the eggs being returned and turned to his owl.

"Can you make it back to the Burrow, or do you need a rest?"

Hedwig gave him a look of disgust and promptly stuck her foot out.

"Rest at the Burrow when you get there. I'm sure Mrs. Weasley will take care of you," Harry said stroking the snowy owl and then fed her a couple pieces of bacon. "We'll see you when you get back."

"I'm sorry 'Arry," Gabrielle said.

Harry could feel the distress she was feeling and he put his arm around her and gave her a small kiss. "Don't be. You, my angel, are not the cause of this problem."

"Thank you," She replied. "I just wished it wasn't a problem."

"So do I," Harry replied. "The Weasleys have been like my family and I would like nothing more than for them to welcome you like your family welcomed me. But you," Harry looked from Gabrielle to Fleur, "and you are my family, and no one will insult either of you."

All of Harry's bond mates could feel the protectiveness and caring radiating from Harry. Fleur found herself smiling as she tried not to think about what she also felt in the bond.

"What's wrong Hedwig?" Molly asked when the snowy owl flew back into the kitchen with the same package she'd sent attached to her leg. "Why'd you come back?"

Hedwig held out her leg.

"Was it too heavy?" Molly asked as she untied the package. "You've never had trouble before."

Hedwig's response was less than flattering.

Mrs. Weasley opened the packaged and noticed one of the larger eggs was missing. Confused, she pulled out the note that was sticking up between the two remaining eggs and read it and then re-read it several more times. She thought of the eleven year old Harry Potter looking for the magical platform to get on the Hogwarts Express.

"Doesn't he understand that I know what's best for him?" She thought. "The poor child is only fourteen and obviously confused," Molly kept thinking about the letter as she fixed herself a lunch. Finally sitting back down and reading the letter one more time as she ate, she thought, "I'll wait until this summer when he's here at the Burrow. Once he's away from that girl for a while, I'm sure he'll realize that Ginny or Hermione would be a much better choice for him."

%%%% April 21st 1995 %%%%

A few days later an Owl landed in front of Fleur. They all recognized the owl as being one of the Delacour Family owls.

"It's a reply from Papa," She said and after reading it herself, she then read it to the other over the bond so no one around could hear.

Ma Petite,

It took a while but Bernard, my most trusted researcher, found the information you are looking for. Unfortunately it is not something I feel comfortable putting in a letter. The word you gave me to look up represents the very depth of dark magic to achieve immortality. Can you tell me why you need to know this information? Something tells me it is not a research project for a class. I am concerned about this knowledge becoming more readily known so even though I trust Bernard with my life I did require him to take a vow of secrecy once I found what the information was concerning. I will be in London next month and can personally bring the book for you to read if you so desire though I must strongly suggest you do not pursue the subject further. Just having this book in my possession makes me feel uneasy.

Papa

"Immortality?" Hermione gasped. "Could this be how…"

"How he survived that night?" Harry asked. "Guess it could be."

"Well at least we can stop looking," Fleur said. "I will tell Papa to bring ze book and we will 'ave ze answers."

"You're going to ask him to bring it?" Hermione asked. Though she wanted to know, she didn't want to ask Fleur's father to do something he wasn't comfortable doing.

"Of course. I 'ave ze same curiosity as you," Fleur replied. "I'll send a reply to 'im tomorrow along wiz letters to Maman," She turned to the owl "Nerval, wait in ze Owlery and I'll 'ave letters by tomorrow for ze family," She gave the owl a piece of bacon and it flew away.

"Nerval? After Gérard De Nerval?" Hermione asked excitedly. "The French Poet?"

"Oui," Fleur answered. "Did you know 'e supposedly kept finding out about ze wizarding world and 'is obliviations is what caused 'im to slip into insanity? We studied 'im as an example of ze negative impact of ze International Code of Wizarding Secrecy in Government class. Papa, of course, 'ad already studied him, and named Nerval zat name to always remind him zat Non Magicals 'ave rights too," Fleur shrugged. "Sometimes eet is necessary to obliviate someone, but Papa always says it should be ze last resort, not ze first."

The two women started talking about the poet, government and the secrecy codes. Harry lost interest pretty quickly until he heard a sentence that didn't make sense.

"Wait, did you say this guy had a pet lobster that he took for walks on the streets of Paris?" He asked.

"Oui," Fleur replied.

Harry started wondering about the poor Mr. Roberts from the campground who was getting obliviated ten times a day. "I wonder if he's walking a lobster or some other strange creature around London now?"

%%%% April 30th 1995 %%%%

The bondmates had stopped spending too much time in the Chamber because of the gruesome sight of the basilisk being carved up. Even when Remus had conjured a screen to hide it, just knowing what was going on behind it made them queasy. Jars of blood and venom along with stacks of skins and teeth were being stored in the tunnel leading into the Chamber. The reason it hadn't been sold became apparent one evening when they were escorting Remus back into the Chamber when he returned from a visit to Hogsmeade.

"Harry," He started, "we need a different person to sell the Basilisk parts if you don't want to get ripped off."

"What's the problem?"

"Mundungus Fletcher is the problem," Remus growled. "I know Albus likes him for some reason, but he's trying to rip you off on top of the seven percent you were going to pay him. I asked him what the going rate of venom was and he told me it's a hundred galleons an ounce. As I told you, the book said it was one fifty two years ago, so I became suspicious. I owled the author of the book to see if he knew what the current prices were and I just got his reply. He says it's a hundred seventy-five an ounce right now. Fletcher is trying to rip you off."

"Wasn't that dangerous?" Harry asked. "Didn't he want to know where you were getting Basilisk venom from?"

"I'm using a werewolf friend to make contact. As I told you, werewolves have a tendency to keep a foot in the not so legal world so he knows what to say and what not to say."

"Can your friend be trusted? And can ze author suggest a more 'onest purchaser?" Fleur asked.

"The author included the name of the buyer he got his price from in his owl. Said he was very reputable," Remus replied. "Of course reputable is a very subjective term. I didn't want to contact him until I cleared it with you. As for my friend, he's not a friend of the Ministry and if we give him something like a percent, he'd be a good go between to buffer the sell."

Harry looked at Fleur, "What do you think?"

"Contact ze buyer zrough your friend," She said to Remus. "See what 'e can do, especially on prices and percentages. Someone probably should talk to Professor Dumbledore. If we go around 'is recommendation, 'e will want to know why. Maybe we can still use zis Fletcher person but get ze current prices from zis other buyer to keep 'im in line. If we do stay with 'im, we reduce 'is commission to five percent for ze dishonesty. If 'e 'as a problem with eet, I'll be glad to discuss it with 'im."

Remus raised an eyebrow at the no nonsense directions from Fleur. He turned to Harry. "Got to love a woman who can take charge."

"Paws off Moony," Harry replied smiling. "That's my lady and she is quite special."

"She…in fact all of the young ladies remind me a lot of your mother Harry," Remus said. "She was lady who could take a bull by the horns and make it whimper if she got in temper. Though she was a force to be reckoned with she still had a heart of gold."

Harry smiled at Fleur and Hermione then looking at Remus again he asked. "Can you tell me more about my mother Remus? I mean I know some things about my father but I don't know too much about mom."

Remus face softened as a look of sadness appeared on it. "Sure," He said, and then he composed his thoughts for a few seconds before continuing. "Lily was red-headed tempest with a heart unmatched. Smart, beautiful and a temper that even Merlin would have feared," Remus looked away as he fought the tears trying to materialize in his eyes. "She knew about my condition; one of the few who figured it out and it never bothered her. I will tell you the single most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life was the first time I saw her holding you Harry. She lit up the room with her glow of happiness. It was only a couple days after a full moon and just that sight of her made all the pains I felt go away. Your mother really loved you. I should say she loves you, since I'm sure they are there watching you."

Hermione and Fleur moved to sit on either side of Harry as they felt his sadness. Gabrielle was currently in Transfiguration but she also felt the sadness.

"What's wrong love," Gabrielle asked.

"Nothing Angel. Remus is just telling me about my mother."

"Fleur and 'Ermione zere?"

"Yes."

"Zey'll take care of you. I'll see you soon as class is over," Gabrielle said. "I love you."

Remus gave a little laugh as the tears still threaten to fall, then he continued, "Your mother hated your father you know," At the questioning look Harry gave him, he continued, "I mean at the beginning, they didn't get together until their seventh year. Your father had a bit of arrogance about him when he got here. He was a natural leader who was very good at everything he did and he thought your mother would swoon over him like all the other girls did."

"Mum didn't like that?" Harry asked.

"That is an understatement. She despised him, especially since her best friend at the time was your father's favorite target to bully."

"Bully? My father was a bully?"

Remus sighed and looked down as he contemplated what to tell Harry. "Maybe I shouldn't have said that, but yes, sometimes your father was a bit…immature. At times we all were a bit immature."

"But Snivellus deserved it," Sirius spoke up. "Mostly anyway."

"Snivellus? Severus?" Harry asked incredulously. "Snape was my mother's best friend?"

"Yes. They were best friends up until the fifth year or so," Sirius said. "They grew up together. Friends before they ever came to Hogwarts. I remember seeing them on the train for the first time. It was instant dislike between your father, me and Severus."

Harry whole belief in what he knew about his parents was disappearing fast. His father was an arrogant bully and his mother was best friends with someone who hated Harry's guts. "What…What happened in the fifth year? You said they were friends until then."

Remus looked at Sirius and both studied the ground for a while before Remus finally spoke up. "James…well we had just finished our OWLs and well…" His voice trailed off as he found it hard to tell the tale. He glanced over at Sirius.

"James and I started picking on Severus. Pretty severely actually," Sirius continued the story. "Lily came to Severus' defense and Snape, embarrassed by his predicament, called her a mudblood."

"Her best friend called her a mudblood?" Hermione asked. She'd been called that name too many times for it to bother her too much, but could not imagine someone like Harry or Ron using the vile word.

"They'd probably started growing apart before then," Remus replied. "Severus had a group of Slytherins he kept with while Lily had her own friends. But yes, he did call her that name and she never really forgave him after that."

"So if my mother hated my father so much how did…"

"James changed," Remus replied. "He became the man who your mother grew to love. As I said, whatever your father wanted to do, he did well. When he decided he wanted to be a better man, he made himself the best man anyone could ask for. He wanted to prove to your moth…no that's not a right; he wanted to be the man worthy of your mother," Remus wiped an eye clear with a sleeve of his shabby robe. "You know Harry; you are the best of both of your parents. You have your mother's heart and your father's determination."

"I…I'm not anyone special," Harry said.

"Harry, you're talking to the man who watched you as third year conquer a charm that a lot of adult witches and wizards can't do just so he wouldn't let his Quidditch team down," Remus replied. "You then used that charm to dispatch over a hundred Dementors. I can't even do that Harry. Trust me, when you truly want to do something, you have it in you to do it. That is James' determination in you. When you develop his confidence, you will be a force to reckon with."

"I.." was all Harry could say so he just nodded at his father's friend.

"You are special Harry," Hermione said.

"I promised Gabrielle I would take her flying tonight," Harry said finally to change the subject. "It's a new moon and it's going to be nothing but stars in the sky."

"I want to go with you sometime soon 'Arry," Fleur said and then she looked at Hermione.

"I don't really like brooms," She said, "But maybe with you Harry, if you promise none of the wild flying you do."

"Do I really have to promise love? The broom just likes to fly."

"We'll see, but you do have to promise to stop if I ask you too," Hermione insisted.

"That I will promise."

"How does that Firebolt fly Harry?" Sirius asked.

"Like a dream Sirius," Harry replied. "Best present ever."

"You know that's the second broom I bought for you," Sirius asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I bought you your first broom as well. A toy one for your first birthday," Sirius replied. "Lily sent me a picture of you flying on it. She said you almost killed the cat."

Again Harry felt the sadness wash over him as he thought of a childhood that he could have had. He remembered the children flying their toy brooms at the World Cup campground and he visualized himself as a toddler flying one as well with his parents keeping a close eye on him and a cat running around either chasing or being chased.

Later that evening when the sun had set and the stars were out, Harry and Gabrielle were soaring slightly above the waters of Black Lake with Gabrielle seated in front of Harry. Harry kept one hand on the broom and another around her waist. The air had a slight damp chill to it but the warming spell Fleur had taught them quickly dissipated the cold. The stars flooded the sky over their heads as the only external lights came from the castle and the Durmstrang ship. As Harry glanced at the ship once while passing he thought he could see Krum watching them from the bow of the ship.

Harry did a few lazy slow laps around the lake and just as Gabrielle was relaxing into Harry, he pushed his Firebolt to full speed sending Gabrielle back against his chest. Her shrieks of surprise quickly turned into laughter as she enjoyed the rush of emotions Harry was experiencing being on his broom and being with her. He sent his broom through twists and turns enjoying the rush of excitement. A little later he slowed the broom back down to a leisurely pace. It was sometime later when they landed on the shores of the lake and Harry conjured the bluebell flames Hermione had taught him. In the dancing flame light Harry and Gabrielle enjoyed some quiet time together lying next to each other staring at the stars.

Once a week Harry would take one of his bond mates up flying and then spend the rest of the evening just with that lady. Even Hermione started enjoying flying when she was being held by Harry. It did take her quite some time to finally open her eyes the first time.

%%%%%%%%%%

April gave way to May and Remus finally started selling the parts of the Basilisk. They were selling the skin through Fletcher (at a fair price) and everything else through Remus' friend. Fleur asked that some of parts be stored in the potions lab in the secret chamber just in case they needed it in the future.

It had now been over two months and no one had come up with a plan to get the map from Moody. His office was protected by some very nasty wards which prevented anyone from looking in there even when they knew he was gone.

"I'm sorry Sirius," Harry said one evening. "I wish I'd never let him have the map. You're stuck down here because of it."

"I'm fine Harry," Sirius replied. "I'm getting to spend more time with my godson than I ever thought possible and this place is a lot better than that cave I was in earlier. The end of the school year is less than two months away and he'll have to give it to you then."

"Where will you go this summer?"

"Not sure. I might head back to the sandy beaches of a southern shore to stretch my legs for a bit. If Mr. Delacour has any luck then I'll come back and hopefully spend some time with you. Maybe you, I and your girlfriends can travel a bit at the end of the summer. We might even take the mangy werewolf with us," The last said with a grin at his old friend.

"I'll show you mangy, you overgrown puppy," Remus shot back.

"I'd like that Sirius," Harry replied.

As the month continued on Harry remembered that Gabrielle's birthday would be at the end of the month and realized a problem of the bond. He couldn't buy something and surprise her with it. Then he remembered that Mr. Delacour was arriving soon. He realized he could ask him since he would have had the same problem.

%%%% May 15th 1995 %%%%

Mr. Delacour arrived on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. After giving his daughters a hug including Hermione he shook Harry's hand.

"Zis information I 'ave for you. We need somewhere private. Should we go to your 'eadmaster's office?"

A uniformed cry of 'no' and 'non' erupted from the four students. When Mr. Delacour looked puzzled, Fleur explained. "Papa, 'e is ze reason we are asking about zis subject. We 'ave somewhere to go and we'll explain when we get zere."

"I'll go warn Sirius," Hermione said. She started toward Myrtle's bathroom at a rapid pace.

"Sir, if you'll follow us we'll show you the way," Harry said. They walked slowly to allow Hermione time to get well ahead of them, but finally they arrived at Myrtle's bathroom.

"My turn," Gabrielle said excitedly. She wanted to surprise her father. "§Open Up§" She hissed and the wall disappeared. She looked over at her father and laughed at the look on his face.

"Children, what is going on?" Alain asked.

"You were told of the Chamber of Secrets, and now you get to see what it looks like," Harry explained. "We've been using it as sort of a place to get together."

"But 'ow did Gabrielle do zat? It sounded like parseltongue."

"It was," Harry replied. "Guess I shouldn't mention you have a talented tongue to your father?" He thought to Gabrielle who instantly blushed.

"Yours isn't so bad either love, but no, maybe it would not be ze best thing to say to Papa."

"It's something we learned we could do with ze bond," Fleur explained. "You and Maman don't learn from each other things with ze bond? We've been using it to teach each other spells."

"We never thought to do it," Mr. Delacour said, "But I can see zat it works. You mother and I will discuss zis when I get back 'ome.

"Eet works very well," Fleur replied. "When we get to ze Chamber I will show you ze first thing I learned from 'Arry."

"What ees all zis stuff?" Mr. Delacour asked when he saw the skins and bottles of venom and blood lining the walls of the tunnel.

"Basilisk parts," Harry replied. "Professor Dumbledore gave me the rights to the Basilisk and we are selling them."

Alain looked at the stack of meter section skins, piles of teeth, more of bones as well as bottle after bottle of venom and blood and let out a soft whistle.

"Papa we are 'oping you can 'elp us find someone to invest ze money for us," Fleur said.

"Us?"

"'Arry insisted Gabrielle, 'ermione and I share ze money. We tried to tell 'im no but…"

"Ow much money is it?"

Fleur pulled out a little book and opened it. At Remus's insistence, she had been keeping track of the current prices and the amounts sold and to be sold. "It will probably end up being a little over four million galleons when it's finished but we'll need to pay about ten percent for ze rendering and ze selling."

Mr. Delacour stopped walking and looked at his daughter. "Four million?" He turned to Harry, "And you just shared wiz my daughters?"

"No sir, I am sharing it with my family who just happened to be your daughters," Harry replied. "I want to give some of it to a couple of other people, but most of it will be ours to share."

They entered the Chamber and Hermione and Remus were waiting for them. Remus looked extremely peaked. That evening was going to be a full moon.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir," Remus said when introductions had been made. "I've been looking forward to it ever since I found out who you were."

"My daughters 'ave written 'igh praise of you Mr. Lupin."

"Remus or Moony please. I'm just happy to be of help."

"Moo…ah…I presume a play on your Lycanthropy?"

"Yes sir. Harry's father gave me that nickname. We were good friends when we went here."

"I'm glad you were willing to see me today. I know it's a tough day for you."

"I wouldn't miss the opportunity. Fortunately, I am able to take the Wolfsbane potion while I'm here."

"So you and James Potter were friends? So you are familiar with Mr. Brown zen," Mr. Delacour said with a smile, especially when he saw the confused look cross Remus' face. "I thought so, but zat just proves my conclusions I believe," He looked over at Padfoot. "Mr. Black I presume? I am 'ere as my daughter's father not in any official capacity. Even if I was, I would 'ave no issue with you."

Everyone in the Chamber was staring at Mr. Delacour. He turned to Fleur as said. "Your mother might be smarter zan I am, but I didn't get to where I am by missing many things; though I admit I didn't make ze connection until I was back 'ome. Mr. Brown mentioned 'e was a good friend of 'Arry's father, in fact 'e made it seem like 'e was James Potter's best friend. But when I did a little research on Mr. Black, I found 'e also was a very good friend of Monsieur Potter including best man at 'is wedding. But nowhere was there anything about a Mr. Brown," At the startled look on Harry's face Mr. Delacour explained. "I mentioned to you zat everything will be discovered when I ask for a full investigation. Zis was only a preliminary one done by my staff, but my staff is very good," He turned back to the black dog still staring at him. "I also realized just how well your dog behaved, almost like 'e knew exactly what was being said. I put ze things together and realized Mr. Brown was most likely Mr. Black and 'e was ze dog as well, an unregistered animagus?" He turned to his eldest daughter. "Ma petite, I swear I mean Mr. Black no 'arm. I know you believe 'e is innocent and zat is good enough for me."

"E won't tell 'Arry," Fleur said.

"Sirius, I believe him," Harry said and at that Padfoot became Sirius Black. Harry turned to Mr. Delacour. "Sir, I would like for you to meet my Godfather."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Black, as Mr. Black that is."

"Sirius please. I hope you understand my alias before."

"Alain. Of course I understand."

"Thank you sir for being willing to help me this summer."

Mr. Delacour shrugged. "I would 'ope I would be willing to 'elp any innocent man, but zis is a special case. Your godson is now a member of my family. You think I would stand a chance against my daughters if I did not 'elp?" The last he asked with a smile.

Sirius chuckled. "I guess not. I've had the opportunity to get to know them over the last couple of months. They are very special young women who I wouldn't want to be on their wrong side either."

Alain smiled as any proud father would. "Yes zey are. Just like zeir mother. 'Opefully you'll be able to meet 'er zis summer as yourself. Once we push for your trial, you are more zan welcome to come stay at our 'ome. I will be able to grant you asylum until ze trial starts. Zat should give you time to work with a solicitor on preparing your defense and still spend time with your godson."

Sirius appeared speechless until he was able to get out. "Thank you again sir."

"Don't thank me until you are free," Alain said. "You still 'ave a large 'ill to climb. Your family name isn't going to 'elp you at your trial. Speaking of your family," He reached into his robes and pulled out several sheets of parchment. "I wasn't sure if I would 'ave a chance to meet you today, but in case I did, I thought zis might 'elp you. As you can see, your family fortune is still mostly intact and you are ze legal 'eir as soon as you can appear publicly and claim it. Zat will be as soon as your ministry admits you 'aven't 'ad a trial. Zat will allow you to access funds to 'ire your solicitor."

"How did you get these? The goblins are notorious about not giving out information."

Again Mr. Delacour shrugged, "Ze Veela are on much better terms with ze Goblins zan wizards are. So with a few galleons 'ere and zere from ze right person, information can be obtained. It's not something I would normally do, but I was sure you wouldn't mind."

"Why did you do all of this?" Sirius asked. "Not that I am complaining."

"As I said, 'Arry is family now and zat means you're family Mr. Black," Mr. Delacour said. "Besides it makes my daughters 'appy. Someday may you 'ave ze joy...and ze terror of 'aving a daughter."

Sirius got a wistful look on his face and shrugged. "Yeah maybe.."

Alain had turned to Remus. "Mr. Lupin…Remus. As I said earlier, my eldest 'as written 'igh praise of you. She also made a request…"

"I just want to say, I am not looking for any charity sir."

"So my daughter tells me. I do 'ave something in mind zat I think you would be perfect for. Let me tell you about it and you tell me if you are interested. Of course I would still need to interview you in depth and verify your background but zis is a start," When Lupin nodded, he continued. "As you know we repealed several restrictive legislations on werewolves over ze last couple of years," Again Lupin nodded. "Ever since zen many British Lycanthropy sufferers 'ave wanted to immigrate to France. Ze problem we're 'aving is determining who is a good fit for our country and who isn't."

"And you're thinking of me to help in that process?"

"Yes. I need someone who is familiar with ze British werewolf population, someone who knows who wants to live peacefully and who wants to afflict others with ze disease," Mr. Delacour said. "I would expect ze person also to work with ze people who do immigrate to 'elp zem settle in. I can keep 'elping ze werewolves as long as zere are not any problems. But if we get a rash of aggressive werewolves immigrating into ze country afflicting witches and wizards, ze laws will be back in place very quickly."

"It sounds like a great opportunity sir," Remus said.

"Excellent; though I would like you to think on it. When you are confident you are truly interested, forward your CV via my daughter and I will personally set up the formal interview."

"I'll do that sir."

"Zen I 'ope we meet again real soon," Mr. Delacour said holding out his hand to Remus who shook it. He then turned to Harry and his three daughters. "Now do you want to discuss what I came 'ere for, or is zere some place better?"

"In a few minutes Papa," Fleur replied. "First I want to you show you what 'Arry taught me using ze bond," She brought her wand up and cast the Patronus charm and in a second her silvery Osprey was flying high. A silver Otter joined it also immediately. When the two Patronuses disappeared, Gabrielle showed her father the white mist she could conjure.

"Excellent, very well done," Alain said. He looked at Harry. "And you?"

The stag that emerged from Harry's wand made Mr. Delacour take a step back and shield his eyes. "Zat 'as to be ze brightest one I've ever seen."

Harry blushed as he said. "I only have to think about the love they give me," Harry nodded to his bondmates.

Alain Delacour smiled at the young man but decided not to embarrass him further. "Well 'ow about ze information you wanted?"

They showed him into Slytherin's personal library. When they got there he immediately asked. "Ees zere a reason you do not wish ze 'Eadmaster to know what I'm 'ere for?"

"Yes sir," Hermione replied. "He's the one that started our search of this information to begin with," She started explaining about the journal and the books Professor Dumbledore took with him.

"Well anyone who's taught young people should know better zan to tell one zat zey can't know something without explaining further," Alain replied. He pulled a small blood-red book out of his pocket. "I would prefer to not leave zis. If someone else reads it I would feel responsible."

"If you do want to leave it, we can put it in here," Hermione replied. "There are now only five people who can get in here, and four of them are us and the other is Tom Riddle who we think already knows about what the book covers anyway."

Mr. Delacour looked around the library. "Zis might be a better option. I'll leave it with you. Just please do not share ze book with anyone."

"We won't," Fleur promised.

"Mr. Delacour?" Harry said. "Can I speak to you in private?" He turned to his bond mates. "No listening or you'll be waking up to aragog tomorrow," It was an empty threat because all of his bondmates knew he would never do that to them; but they gave him his privacy.

"Sir, how do you buy presents for your wife?" Harry asked. "I mean surprising her. Gabrielle's birthday is in a couple of weeks and..."

"Son, you're a fine man who I'm glad my daughters found. Very thoughtful," Alain said. "My first time buying Apolline a present after ze bonding was a disaster. I thought I could 'ide it from 'er but she got it out of me very quickly and I never realized it until too late."

"That's what I'm afraid of. I mean I want to surprise her but..." Harry shrugged. "I thought about having someone else buy it for me."

"Non, I tried zat as well and it didn't work so well. I 'ad a friend buy ze present. I told 'im what I generally was looking for and 'e did 'is best but it wasn't what I would have got her. It didn't have the feel of it coming personally from me."

"So it's hopeless?" Harry asked somewhat dejectedly.

"Non, my father-in-law gave me this," Alain replied as he reached into his robed and brought out a small vial of purplish liquid. "Drink zis and for one 'our your bondmate will not be able to read your thoughts, and when it's over you won't remember ze time either. Though ze whole time it's in effect you are still you. You can pick out ze present you want and zen forget what you got 'er."

"Wow. That sounds perfect sir," Harry exclaimed as he stared at the small bottle.

"Just make sure zere is someone you trust with you," Mr. Delacour said. "You might need to know what 'appened if you get into any kind of trouble."

"Any other advice?"

"Only one; don't buy ze presents too early. I once bought my wife 'er birthday present and zen bought 'er anniversary gift a week later. I ended up buying 'er ze exact same pair of earrings for both," Mr. Delacour's eyes twinkled as he continued. "She still reminds me of zat to zis day," He handed Harry the vial and promised to give him more during the summer before Fleur's birthday in August.

After a while longer Mr. Delacour departed Hogwarts and the bondmates all returned to the Chamber library. They soon all discovered exactly what a Horcrux was and how one is made. It was only Sirius yelling that they needed to head upstairs before the moon came out that forced them to leave the library.


ความคิดของผู้สร้าง
H3llhound2dea1h H3llhound2dea1h

Once again this is not my work. Original work is written by DriftWood1965 on fanfic.net

บท 22: Chapter 22 Scars and Horcruxes

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I have used direct verbiage from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in this chapter. Both of those books are the works of JK Rowling.

Chapter 22

"The soul is split by the act of murder…."

"A complex and powerful spell afterwards is used to take a part of the soul and place it…."

"While a horcrux exists the soul fragment anchors…."

"A Horcrux should be stored where it will never be found, as it can affect those people who…"

These are some of the phrases that were read and mentally repeated between the bond mates as they discussed horcruxes over the next few days. Now that they knew what a Horcrux was and what they were used for, the bond mates understood why Professor Dumbledore was trying to contain the information. The promise of immortality was too much of an enticement for some. Even the wizards who didn't have enough magical power to create a Horcrux, might commit the murders just to try.

The bond mates did speculate on several things such as when Riddle might have created a Horcrux and what he might have put his in. It was several days later when Harry was entering the Chamber with the three young women that a fragment of memory came back to him. As he gazed at that giant statue of Salazar Slytherin, he remembered Ginny lying between the feet. The words a young Tom Riddle spoke came back to him...

"Ginny poured out her soul to me, and her soul happened to be exactly what I wanted…."

Powerful enough to start feeding Miss Weasley a few of my secrets, to start pouring a little of my soul back into her. . ."

"His soul!" Harry thought. "Riddle's soul!" The mental shout made each of his bond mates stop in their tracks and look at him. "Sorry, but I think I know what Riddle's Horcrux is or I mean was," Harry said. "The diary."

"The dia… oh you mean Riddle's diary?" Hermione asked. Suddenly she felt as if her hands were dirty as she remembered holding the book in question when Harry showed it to her after he found it in Myrtle's bathroom. She found herself unconsciously wiping them on her robes.

"Yes! Remember the memory of him talking to me. When he was saying how he possessed Ginny he said he started pouring his soul back into her. Books don't have souls do they?"

"But can a 'orcrux do zat?" Gabrielle asked.

"The book said it can influence those who come in contact with it," Hermione reminded the young witch.

"But if zat's ze case, zen 'e is gone for good?" Fleur asked. "'E 'as no soul anchor so 'is soul should be gone now?"

"I…I don't know," Harry replied. "My scar..." Harry's hand rose to his forehead where the scar that made him famous rested. He could still imagine the pain that had awoken him that summer morning.

"It hurt during the past summer didn't it?" Hermione questioned.

"What is zis about 'is scar 'urting and why is it important?" Fleur asked. She was reminded once again how much Hermione has been a part of Harry's life for so many years. She knew so much about the man, their bond mate they both loved. It wasn't she was jealous of their relationship but only that she couldn't wait for the day she knew just as much about Harry as her bond sister did.

"It sometimes hurts when Voldemort is near me," Harry explained, "but not always. It hurt the first time he was facing me through Quirrell's turban, but when he faced me when I had the philosopher's stone it didn't hurt until Quirrell actually touched me."

"Ow does your scar know when Voldemort is around? And are you saying 'e was around you zis summer? 'Ow? Where?" Fleur was confused. Though Harry had told her of his adventures, and she had relived some of the memories, it was the details like this get left out; and some of these details confused her.

"I don't know. It just does," Harry replied. "As for this summer, I had a dream or something where I saw him and Wormtail. At least that's what I thought I saw and they were plotting to kill…" He looked at Hermione knowing he didn't tell her the whole truth the last time he mentioned it but this time she picked up the thought instantly.

"YOU! You told Ron and me it was just someone! You didn't say it was you they were plotting to kill," She exclaimed as she glared at him. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?"

"I didn't tell you because you were already upset and I didn't want to upset you more," Harry replied honestly.

"Did you ever mention it to Professor Dumbledore especially in light of the fact that someone entered you into this tournament?"

"I can't tell Professor Dumbledore, what if it was just a dream? I can't go running to the Headmas…"

"He already knows your scar hurt during the summer," The voice of Harry's godfather interrupted. "I told him when you told me Harry. Though he doesn't know about the dream since you didn't bother telling me that part either," At the look on his Godson's face, Sirius continued, "You can be pissed at me all you want Harry, but my first concern is for your safety. I failed you thirteen years ago. I'll be damned if I let anything else happen to you if I can help it."

"But what if it was just a dream?"

"Then it was just a dream but Dumbledore would want to know the details surrounding the pain in your scar. I am surprised he didn't ask you already," Sirius said. "You need to tell him about what you saw Harry."

The statement by Sirius was immediately echoed by his bond mates and Harry reluctantly agreed.

Fleur was still puzzled about the pain in the scar. "Did ze 'eadmaster explain why 'Arry's scar might 'urt around Voldemort?" she asked Sirius.

"No he didn't."

"Maybe you should ask your Madam Pomfrey," She suggested to Harry. "Or 'ave you already asked 'er?"

"No, this past summer was the first time it hurt since the end of the first year so I really didn't think about it," Harry replied. "I...I really don't want to talk to anyone about my scar. I don't like it. I know you are concerned but understand that when I look in a mirror and see it, it reminds me of my parents dying. It reminds me that people look at it, before they look at me," His voice lowered to only a whisper, "It reminds me of everything that hurts in my life," He sat down at the table and pulled out one of his books and quickly opened it. Not even looking at what page he was on or even what book it was, he started reading.

All three Bondmates looked at each other and all of them had looks of sadness cross their faces. They all had started thinking of the scar as a separate entity and not what it meant to Harry. As they talked silently to themselves, they reminded themselves even though they had had a couple of wonderful months; Harry still had scars that they couldn't see. They hoped that time and love would eventually heal them.

"I'm sorry Harry," Hermione said as she walked over to him. "You're right. We...well we were just thinking of the scar and not what it means to you," She sat down beside him and with a gentle touch turned his face to look at her. "We are sorry love. We won't talk about it anymore; just promise us that you'll tell Dumbledore about the dream and if the scar hurts again."

Harry just nodded then turned back to his book.

The talk about his scar, Voldemort and Horcruxes stopped at that time. Harry withdrew into himself and the women gave him space for a while. Though he never turned the page of his book, he never looked up from it either. As each of his bond mates peeked in his thoughts they could see various things as they ran through Harry's mind. Everything that scar meant to him, the sight of his parents in the Mirror of Erised and in the photo album Hagrid gave to him, the voice of his mother begging for his life, the green light of the killing curse bright in his eyes as an infant, and the people gawking at him. His bondmates sent their love of him and waited. Harry finally looked up as he realized the scar might represent what he had lost, but the love he felt from the three women who were there with him represented what life was giving him. "Thank you," He thought gently to his bond mates. They joined him at the table, each with a hug for him and a small tender kiss.

%%% May 22 1995 %%%

Harry didn't go right away to see the Headmaster as his bond mates wanted. He just wanted to forget about the scar again. So for the next few days he always found a reason to not go. The days slipped by until it was the weekend before Gabrielle's birthday. It was also a Hogsmeade weekend. Harry knew this was the time to get Gabrielle's present.

"Moony, can you do me a favor?" Harry asked.

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I need to get Gabrielle her present and the only way I can surprise her is to take this potion," He showed Moony the vial with the purple potion in it. "Mr. Delacour said it would not allow her to read my thoughts for an hour and I'd forget the hour later," Harry explained. "He said I need someone I can trust to be with me so they could let me know what happened if I get into trouble and well though I do trust you, I really don't have anyone else I could ask."

"Sure, let me clean up a little and we'll head into Hogsmeade."

"Thanks Moony."

An hour later as they entered Hogsmeade, Harry reached into his robes and pulled out the potion. He first told his bonded what was happening and then lifted the small vial. "Here goes," He thought and downed the contents in one gulp. He was pleasantly surprised to find it did not have a bad taste.

The next moment Harry found himself in the Headmaster's office. He shook his head in confusion. He was sitting across from Professor Dumbledore and he was surrounded by Fleur, Gabrielle and Hermione all with looks of concern on their faces. Remus was in a chair off to the side.

"Now Harry can you tell me one more time what you saw?" Dumbledore was saying.

"Saw? What do you mean?" Harry replied shaking his head in confusion once more. "When? What? I was just going to get Gabrielle's present...with Moony."

"Ze potion Papa gave 'im as worn off 'eadmaster," Fleur said seeing the look of confusion in Harry's eyes.

"What's going on? What happened?" Harry asked very confused as he looked around the room. His eyes fell on Remus. "Did I do something wrong?"

"According to Remus and what you told us before the potion wore off," Dumbledore started explaining. "You had some kind of vision of Voldemort."

"We were coming out of...of a store where you bought a gift," Remus said and Harry started patting his pockets of his robes. "I have the bag safely tucked away," Remus said then continued. "You suddenly started clutching your scar and collapsed as you started saying something about Wormtail. It was several minutes before you were lucid again. After you started telling me what you had seen, I realized it was something the Headmaster should know and I brought you here immediately. We came across the young women along the way and they, of course accompanied us."

"What did I say?" Harry asked as his hand felt the scar on his forehead. Now that Remus had mentioned it, he could still feel a slight burning coming from it but the pain was fading quickly.

"You told me you saw Wormtail and Voldemort," Dumbledore said. "That Tom was punishing Peter with the Cruciatus Curse for letting something escape and he was threatening to feed Peter to Nagini."

"Nagini? Voldemort's snake?" Harry asked as the name came back from the earlier summer dream. "Please tell me Wormtail is snake food."

"You remember the snake's name? I was under the impression that you wouldn't remember anything."

"From my…an earlier dream that I had in the summer," Harry replied hesitantly as he looked at his bond mates.

Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair and stared at Harry over his half-moon glasses. "When your scar hurt? When you wrote Sirius? There was another one of these visions then?"

"Yes sir."

"Tell him Harry," Hermione pleaded. "He needs to know."

Harry looked at her and shrugged, turning back to Dumbledore he said. "In the dream I had in the summer, Wormtail and Voldemort were discussing some kind of plan to kill…kill me and there was an old man there, a muggle at least I think it was a muggle that was murdered."

Dumbledore's gaze sharpened on Harry. "To kill you Harry? Are you certain?"

"I think so sir, but it was only a dream or do you believe these things are real?"

Dumbledore face was a mask of concentration as he looked at Harry then at every other person in the room before he finally answered the question. "It is possible," said Dumbledore. "I would say - probable. You see there was an old muggle who disappeared from a village that Tom Riddle's father lived in. I can't guarantee it was the same person but it is quite possible," He sat back and reflected for a couple of minutes before he addressed the people around his desk again. "There is something that is really troubling me though."

"What is that sir?"

"You said in this latest vision he was performing the Cruicatus curse on Wormtail."

"Why does that bother you?"

"How did he do it without a body for he had to hold a wand to perform that curse?"

"But how?"

"How?" muttered Dumbledore. "How indeed is the question."

"But why am I getting these dreams or whatever they are now? Is he getting stronger?"

"Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked giving Harry the piercing gaze that made Harry feel he could see right through him. "I can only give you my suspicions for I have no proof Harry, but yes I do believe he is," The Headmaster sighed and looked much older, and wearier, than ever.

"The years of Voldemort's ascent to power," he said as he looked again at Harry and the women around him, "were marked with disappearances. Bertha Jorkins, an employee with the Ministry.."

"I remember the Weasleys talking about her," Hermione said then realized she had just interrupted the Headmaster. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"That's quite alright Miss Granger, but as I was saying Ms. Jorkins has vanished without a trace in the place where Voldemort was certainly known to be last and then the muggle I just mentioned. His name was Frank Bryce, he lived in the village where Voldemort's father grew up, and he has not been seen since last August. That's about the same time you had that dream wasn't it?"

"Yes sir."

"Two disappearances in places associated with Voldemort. They could be a coincidence but I think not especially now that I know you saw Voldemort kill a muggle about the same time Bryce was last seen. Again could be a coincidence, but very unlikely."

Then, because of mental nudge from Fleur, Harry asked. "And do you know why my scar hurts?"

"I have a theory, no more than that," The Headmaster answered after another contemplative look. "It is my belief that your scar hurts both when Lord Voldemort is near you, and when he is feeling a particularly strong surge of hatred."

"But. . . why?"

"Because when the curse failed on that night many years ago, I think it left a connection between you and Tom," explained Dumbledore. "That is no ordinary scar."

Harry's hand again went immediately to his forehead. "Connection to Voldemort?" He looked at his bondmates, expecting to see and feel horror at what they were themselves connected to, but only saw three ladies with looks of concern and love. "So you think because something escaped Voldemort was angry enough for me to feel it?" Harry asked finally.

"Yes." Dumbledore replied. He was silent for a couple of moments and then continued. "I had hoped and still do hope that your bond will protect you from the connection with Tom in some fashion. From what little Miss Delacour said about the potion her father gave you, I would hazard a guess that not only did it prevent the bond from protecting you but might have actually made your mind more susceptible to the emotions of Voldemort."

"How...he wouldn't do anything like that."

"Oh don't think I am suggesting he gave it to you with that intent. I apologize if it seemed that way. No, Alain Delacour is a very good man," Dumbledore smiled at the two Delacours. "Again I must say that I am guessing, but the way Professor Berceau described how your bond would protect your mind I would presume it has taken over the protections your mind had already formed to protect you from Voldemort as well. So when the potion interfered with the Veela bond and the protection it offers, it probably left you very susceptible to that connection," Dumbledore looked at Harry over his half-moon glasses. "I highly recommend you not take that potion again. For Mr. Delacour it does what he needs it to do, but for you Harry, it could be very very dangerous."

"Yes sir," Harry replied softly though he was having a hard time swallowing the lump in his throat. "I just wanted to get you a present Angel."

"And I'm sure you did a wonderful job of eet," Gabrielle replied and he felt a surge of love over the bond.

"Well if that is all…" Dumbledore started as an obvious dismissal.

"Should we ask about ze 'orcrux while we are here?" Fleur asked Harry and her Bond Sisters.

"He obviously didn't want us to know, but we know now," Hermione responded. "Would it get your father in trouble for giving us the book?"

"We don't 'ave to tell 'im where we got ze information. 'E already knows about zem so zat's not a problem."

Harry could feel Hermione's reluctance and was about to suggest just leaving when he felt her resolve strengthen and she replied. "Okay, let's ask."

"Sir, may we ask a question? We 'ave been researching what a 'orcrux..." Fleur started but that was as far as she got as Dumbledore's eyes sharpened and he had his wand up far more quickly than someone his age should be able to react.

Harry bolted out of his chair with reflexes that spoke of his seeker abilities, placing himself directly between Fleur and Dumbledore and was reaching for his own wand. A second later he relaxed as he heard the familiar clicks as the door to the office was being locked. Once he saw the Headmaster put the wand back on his desk, he returned to his seat.

Fleur had been startled as the Headmaster had lifted his wand and had made no effort to defend herself. She looked over at her bond mate as she realized he had instinctively defended her by putting himself between the Headmaster and her. She couldn't help but feel happy at the thought.

Dumbledore's eyes had lost their weariness as he focused on the group of youngsters in front of him with a gaze that was almost cold from his now ice blue eyes. "Where did you hear that word?" He asked curtly. All pleasantries had left his voice. He then remembered the Chamber and he looked at Hermione. "I presume you were the one? You needed to know?"

Near panic was coursing through Hermione as the Headmaster stern gaze was locked on her. "What do we do?"

"We've done nothing wrong sister," Fleur said to Hermione and then to Dumbledore. "Sir, you 'ave no right to take zat tone with 'Ermione. We researched a term zat we 'eard. We are students zat is what we are supposed to do."

Dumbledore's eyes turned to Fleur, all grandfatherly twinkles missing from his blue eyes. "Who else knows about this? Have you told anyone else?"

Fleur held the gaze of the Headmaster. "Why do you need to know sir?" She asked and then was out of her chair in an instant. "And if zat is legilimency I sense, you better 'ave a good reason, or my next destination is Madam Maxime and an owl or floo call to my father."

Two sets of blue eyes were locked on each other; Dumbledore's against Fleur's. Harry had to admire his older bond mate. She wasn't afraid of the Headmaster. He thought it must be because she had so much experience dealing with high ranking government people her father worked with.

To Harry's surprise Dumbledore caved first. The Headmaster finally leaned back in his chair again. "My apologies Miss Delacour. Please sit back down. I had no right to do what I did, but your mind is very much closed to my attempts anyway as are all of you. The protection provided by your bond makes Legilimency impossible, at least passively. It was instinctive on my part to do it and again I apologize," Dumbledore's face returned to the look of weariness it had had before. Then he let out a sigh before continuing. "That is a term I've been trying to research for some time now while at the same time remove as much knowledge of them as possible. Understand my concern when four," his eyes flicked over to Remus as he realized he didn't look surprised, "or five people now know about them."

Harry put his hand on Fleur's arm. "It's alright. Sit down please my flower."

"E's still 'iding something," Fleur thought but sat back down and gave Harry a small smile.

"Sir," Harry said to the Headmaster, "We've discussed it only in the Chamber or over our bond. We four, Remus and Sirius are the only ones who know what we know," He decided that Mr. Delacour wasn't about to mention it to anyone and the Headmaster didn't need to know about him anyway.

Dumbledore gazed at the four young people in front of him. They had unraveled a secret that he had tried to bury from the world. He wondered how they knew what they knew. "Did I miss a book in Slytherin's library?" He wondered. He continued to look at them. They all looked so very young, and for them to have that knowledge put them in extreme danger. His mind raced over several possibilities of what to do. "If I dismiss them outright, they will continue to research it I am sure," He momentarily looked at his wand, "I'm not sure what an oblivation spell would do with their bond. It might not work at all or cause issues I'm not aware of," As he looked up he saw Remus's eyes locked on him as if he knew what he was thinking. "And if it failed or if they found out, I would lose all of Harry's trust and never get it back," Dumbledore realized he had very few options at the moment. He brought his fingers up and put them together as he continued to think of the possibilities.

"He's not eleven anymore," That's what Lupin had said while sitting in the same chair he sat in now. "No he's not," Dumbledore's gaze wandered to the young man before continuing his contemplations, "But he isn't ready for the prophecy. That's too much of a burden. Next year or the next will be better, when he's better prepared mentally for it," Finally Dumbledore realized his best course of action was honesty but not necessarily the whole truth. His gazed moved from person to person before he continued. "Please make sure you do not tell anyone else. As I said, I've been trying to remove as much knowledge of Horcruxes as I can."

"Sir we understand your desire to remove the knowledge," Hermione replied as her mind started calming down. "It started out by us only wanting to know what a Horcrux was. Then when we found out, we realized it was possibly the way Voldemort survived that night against Harry. I hope you can understand that anything that concerns Harry now concerns us."

"I can understand your academic curiosity and the need to know for the personal reasons," Dumbledore said as his blue eyes regained their warmth. "At your age I would have pursued the academic challenge as well I'm sure. No, in this case I should blame myself. I should have realized what might occur and done something besides just ignoring your question that day in the Chamber. I should've attempted to dissuade you at that time from pursuing the topic, but alas that is water under the bridge as you might say."

"Yes sir, so we are right in that it was a Horcrux that kept him alive?"

"Yes. It definitely appears that is how he stayed alive that night."

"Do you know if the Horcrux was the diary that Ginny had?" Hermione asked.

Dumbledore had to give them credit. He had immediately suspected the object to be a Horcrux after Harry had described what had happened, but he had been studying Horcruxes for several years. The young people before him had done the same thing in just a few weeks. "What makes you think it was?" He asked wanting to know what had led to their conclusion.

"Riddle mentioned that he gave some of his soul back to Ginny," Harry explained. "He used the word soul and since we were talking about storing part of Riddle's soul, it only made sense."

"Very well reasoned and yes that diary was a Horcrux," Dumbledore replied.

"So why isn't 'e dead?" Fleur asked. "If 'is orcrux was destroyed, why isn't 'e dead?"

"You've done a very good job so far in your reasoning, why would you think he's not dead?" Dumbledore questioned.

They sat and thought for a few minutes before Hermione murmured "He couldn't do that."

"He couldn't do what Miss Granger? Remember that this is Tom Riddle who is capable of doing most anything."

"Well sir, I thought for a second considering all the people he has murdered, what if he made more than one Horcrux, but that would...I mean it can't be."

"I recently came across something that makes me think that is exactly what he did. How many he might have created is still the question."

"But…but it can't be that many can it?"

"I do not know how many parts a soul can be divided into," Dumbledore replied. "But even if he only made two Horcruxes it means his soul is in three parts already."

"No sir. That's not right," Hermione replied and her eyes flew open wide and she blushed as she realized she had just corrected the Headmaster.

Dumbledore looked at the witch for a second before. "Please explain what you mean by that."

Hermione looked embarrassed but explained what she had thought. "Sir, the…I mean our source said when you murdered someone it splits your soul into two pieces. Left alone they will eventually bind back together, but someone intent on making a horcrux would perform the magic required to remove half of the soul and place it in the container they had prepared."

"Yes that is how it works," Dumbledore said.

Hermione thought her next statement was obvious but she said it anyway. "Sir, if you split your soul into two pieces; then in your first horcrux you would have half of your soul, but in your second one you would put only a fourth of your soul. So I guess technically if you made two horcruxes it would be in three parts, but three unequal parts. He would only have a quarter of his soul left to him."

Dumbledore eyes never gave away the inner thoughts that now started growing exponentially. Now that she had said it, it made obvious sense but not something he had considered before. He immediately started thinking of the transformation of the handsome young man Tom Riddle had been into the 'thing' he had become later in life, becoming more snake than man. Dumbledore had presumed Riddle's appearance change had occurred because of the dark arts he had delved into, but now it was possible if not probable that he became what he was or is because he had so little of his soul left. He then looked up from his musings and realized there were five sets of eyes looking at him.

"I think you may be right Miss Granger," Professor Dumbledore replied. "It is something I had not considered."

Hermione blushed at the praise but had an answer to why the Headmaster hadn't considered it. "Sir, I think it's because advanced arithmetic isn't taught in the wizarding world. Fractions are used in potions but only to represent a portion of an ingredient. How they are used in mathematics is never taught as far as I can tell. If I were to ask most of the students in this school who were not taught in muggle schools, what a half of a half is, most of them would answer incorrectly or ask 'half of what?' as if what you were dividing would make a difference. The only mathematics taught here is Arithmancy, and it's the study of whole numbers and the magic they imply whereas…" Her eyes widen as the question that had popped in her mind came flooding out. "Would Riddle have purposely split his soul into…into a magically significant number of pieces?"

Dumbledore internally smiled at the brilliance of Miss Granger, both in her analysis of fraction usage in the magical world and in the deducing what Riddle might have done, but enough information had been shared. "That's an interesting concept Miss Granger," He stood as if to dismiss the others. "As much as I would like to continue this discussion, I have many things to do. Harry if you have any more of these visions please let me know," His eyes moved from person to person, "Remember what we just discussed cannot be shared with anyone. No friends, no relatives, no one."

A chorus of "Yes sir" responded.

"And again Harry," Dumbledore said. "Please refrain from that potion. I think the protection the bond offers is something you really need to have."

"Yes sir."

With that acknowledgment, Harry, Remus and Harry's bond mates left the Headmaster's office. Many questions had been answered but with those answers came many more questions.

The next morning they were all back in the Great Hall eating breakfast when Hermione received her Daily Prophet. She had just unfolded it and looked at the front page when she spat pumpkin juice all over. Then Harry felt a wave of disgust and anger washed over the bond. Before Harry could look over at the paper, Draco Malfoy shouted across the Great Hall from the Slytherin table.

"Hey, Potter! Potter! How's your head? You feeling all right? Sure you're not going to go berserk on us?"

Malfoy was holding a copy of the Daily Prophet too. Slytherins up and down the table were sniggering, twisting in their seats to see Harry's reaction.

Hermione reluctantly handed the paper over to Harry. He found himself staring at his own picture, beneath the banner headline:

HARRY POTTER "DISTURBED AND DANGEROUS"

The boy who defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is unstable and possibly dangerous, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Alarming evidence has recently come to light about Harry Potter's strange behavior, which casts doubts upon his suitability to compete in a demanding competition like the Triwizard Tournament, or even to attend Hogwarts School. Potter, the Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal, regularly collapses at school, and is often heard to complain of pain in the scar on his forehead (relic of the curse with which You-Know-Who attempted to kill him). Yesterday in the middle of Hogsmeade, your Daily Prophet reporter witnessed Potter collapse in the middle of the street, saying his scar hurt and he started rambling about You-Know-Who. He was in the company of the Werewolf Remus Lupin at the time.

It is possible, say top experts at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, that Potter's brain was affected by the attack inflicted upon him by You-Know-Who, and that his insistence that the scar is still hurting and having visions of You-Know-Who is an expression of his deep-seated confusion.

"He might even be pretending," said one specialist. "This could be a plea for attention."

The Daily Prophet, however, has unearthed worrying facts about Harry Potter that Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, has carefully concealed from the wizarding public.

"Potter can speak Parseltongue," reveals Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts fourth year. "There were a lot of attacks on students a couple of years ago, and most people thought Potter was behind them after they saw him lose his temper at a dueling club and set a snake on another boy. It was all hushed up, though. But he's made friends with werewolves and giants too. We think he'd do anything for a bit of power."

Young Malfoy's statement was very much proven since as earlier indicated, the boy in question was in the company of a werewolf at the time of the incident and I can personally attest the relationship appeared to be one of friendship. As for the Parseltongue, the ability to converse with snakes, has long been considered a Dark Art. Indeed, the most famous Parselmouth of our times is none other than You-Know-Who himself. A member of the Dark Force Defense League, who wished to remain unnamed, stated that he would regard any wizard who could speak Parseltongue "as worthy of investigation. Personally, I would be highly suspicious of anybody who could converse with snakes, as serpents are often used in the worst kinds of Dark Magic, and are historically associated with evildoers." Similarly, "anyone who seeks out the company of such vicious creatures as werewolves and giants would appear to have a fondness for violence."

Albus Dumbledore should surely consider whether a boy such as this should be allowed to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. Some fear that Potter might resort to the Dark Arts in his desperation to win the tournament, the third task of which takes place next month.

"Gone off me a bit, hasn't she?" said Harry lightly, folding up the paper.

Over at the Slytherin table, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were laughing at him, tapping their heads with their fingers, pulling grotesquely mad faces, and waggling their tongues like snakes.

It was later when they were in the Chamber of Secrets that Hermione vented her frustration at Rita Skeeter, but now Fleur and Gabrielle's ire at the reporter had risen to match their bond sister.

"Why did it have to happen in front of her?" Hermione cried out in frustration. "She just had to be in that spot at that time."

"She wasn't," Remus replied. "After how she attacked me last year after it was revealed I was a werewolf, I go to extremes to avoid her. When Harry first collapsed I looked around for help and she was nowhere around. Of that I am very certain. In fact no one really stopped, well outside of that stupid bug that kept buzzing around us. Every time I tried to swat it away, it'd just return."

Hermione stopped pacing abruptly. She stood frozen for several seconds and then a dreamy expression came over her face. She raised her hand and ran it through her hair.

"Hermione? Are you okay?"

"I think I am more than okay," She turned to Remus. "What type of bug was it? The one that was around you at the time, possibly a beetle?"

"Yes," Lupin replied in puzzlement. "I think so. Why?"

"Because I think I know how Skeeter is getting her stories," Hermione replied. "We just need to do some bug hunting."

"Bug hunting?" Harry asked.

"Beetle hunting to be exact," Hermione replied. "I think Rita Skeeter is an unregistered animagus. Remember when she overheard Krum talking to me? He pulled a beetle from my hair. It was February; beetles are either dormant or dead during the winter months. So how could a beetle have been in my hair then? It had to have been her. That's how she is getting her stories."

Not for the first time, Harry really wished he had the Marauder's map. It would make finding Skeeter much easier.


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Once again this is not my work. Original work is written by DriftWood1965 on fanfic.net

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