Through the parade of fire
Author: tinyscribbles80
Title: Through the parade of fire
Pairing:Draco/Harry
Rating: PG for now
Summary: When the Potters found out that Voldermort was targeting them, they invoked the King of the Elven Gods. Harry was spirited away to another world and he returns thirteen years later only to be embroiled in another war.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K.Rowling and those affiliated to the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The Dark Elves belongs to Games workshop’s Warhammer fantasy fictional universe.
A/N: Introducing Audric Gilbert Dumbledore. OC, taking the role of Albus Dumbledore twin brother.
Chapter 4: Fork Road
Eternally together was the thought which flitted in his mind when he saw his parents’ graves. They had been together in life and had been together in death. Wistfulness stole through him. He should have died along with them and maybe he wouldn’t feel so wretched.
“Why isn’t my name marked on the stones if they assumed I’m dead?” Harry questioned. “Because your body weren’t found.” Audric answered swishing his wand lightly and a wreath grew on the graves. “The ministry has categorized your disappearance as a cold case.”
“Cold case?” He frowned turning to the old wizard who smiled humourlessly. “Unsolved mystery.” Harry mirrored the smile. It looked as though that it would remain that way.
“Can I go see where they lived?” Harry asked. He sniffed the bouquet of lily in his hands wondering briefly if his mother had smelt the same and placed it on their graves. Audric assented quietly and they walked in silence to the end of the street where an old house stood. Abandoned and dilapidated. The smell of old death clung to the air as he stood beyond the gates but he could see that it had been beautiful once. He could almost imagine the warmth of a home and he stepped through with Audric following closely behind. He explored the house; the thickness of dust carpeting the floor muffled his footsteps as he went from one room to the other. A sense of familiarity was all he could grasp. No images had followed to replace that sense.
He stepped into the living room again. It was the only thing he remembered. Even then, the memory wasn’t his and he stood where his parents had stood the night they had given him away. He looked to the floor, his trainers clad foot swiping at the dust. There should have been a rune carved deep, stained with his father’s blood but the floor was unmarred as though it had been wiped clean like a blank slate.
The arguments between Audric and a wizard named Albus resurfaced quite unbidden in his mind. He shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans that Audric had bought for him. His fingers met with the coldness of the broken gem he had stuffed them into when they left the inn a few days ago.
Their harsh whispers had awoken him that night. This Albus didn’t want him here. The wizard had express his wish of banishing him back to Naggaroth because of what Malekith had made him into. His heart twinge painfully. He wasn’t welcome here either.
Why was he always the source of discontent and discord? Will he be a cause for another war? Will he make this Tom an apparent enemy and the murderer of his parents stronger if he lingered in this world which he had just gotten back to? He looked at Audric who had taken care of him the last few weeks. He was the closest thing right now whom he felt akin to and he smiled ruefully to him. The old wizard frowned watching him fished out a piece of the gem from his pocket.
“Harry!” he said sharply when he sketched the air with the rune. He held his breath and so did Audric who was frozen on the spot. The atmosphere fluctuated for a scant moment before it fell flat and nothing happened. He felt the gem being snatched from him and he was being shaken quite roughly. “What is the meaning of this? Is this why you had wanted to come here?”
“Shall I fashion another name for myself since I can’t leave?” Harry said. He should have known that it wouldn’t work for a second time. He really was a curse. Audric stopped shaking him and stepped back. His eyes shone with regret behind those round glasses. “You heard us.”
“Yes I did.” Harry admitted. “Am I still a liability now that I can’t open a passage? Do I live among the muggles and stay away from the wizarding world?”
“My dear boy - Harry.” The old wizard sighed clasping his shoulders again but they didn’t shake him like before. “I cannot apologize enough that you heard us and I believe that you will still be a danger even if you cannot cross the worlds. The knowledge you hold is incomplete but it doesn’t mean they cannot be recovered.” Harry opened his mouth to interrupt but fell quiet by a single raised hand. “Even if Tom doesn’t know of it, you still have that dark piece of magic born out of Malekith’s blood.”
And they could use him however they want, like how Malekith had intended to use his birth magic to breach the worlds. So where did that leave him? “What will you have me do Audric?” He asked him again.
“Believe me when I say that I will not leave you on your own Harry.” Audric said resolutely. If Harry had felt bogged down before, the boulder in his stomach disappeared completely at the assurance. He trusted this man. “As you’ve said, we will integrate into muggle society and you can only learn about the wizarding world through me but not actually experiencing it.” The wizard studied him for half a second. “I hope that would be enough for you.”
“But will you still teach me magic?” Harry asked. Audric deliberated for a moment before speaking. “You’re magically strong enough to accomplish anything.”
“Surely there are theories.” Harry shrugged. He knew that if he were to live in the muggle world he’d have to go to a muggle school and magic were hardly relevant. But he just couldn’t imagine not applying something he was born with and for once he could have a proper tutor.
“Theories.” Audric chuckled. “So what theories do you have in failing to open a doorway?” The wizard asked, eyes sparkling amused. He wanted to say that he was cursed but he didn’t think Audric would take kindly to that. He didn’t want to sadden the old man by making him think that he was still offended by it.
“I’m not sure if there’s any sense in it.” Harry answered, pulling the white cloth from a couch spreading little motes of dust in the air and settled in it. Audric did the same too. He conjured some tea and biscuits letting the tray float before them. “That is why they are theories my boy. It might be true or it might proof false.” He took a biscuit from the plate and handed him those. “It’s a learning process.”
“You have to understand that when I perform magic, they are mostly instinctual.” He began and took a bite savouring the sweet orange cream in his mouth for a moment before continuing. “Malekith recalls the magic my parents called upon to summon the King of the Elven gods. The essence of it anyway or maybe shadow would be more apt. I think the only reason I could pierce the world at all was because of the gem.”
“The gem which was converted from the memory you tore.” Audric mused. He sipped his tea and Harry waited to see if the wizard would expand the theory. But he didn’t. “I remembered my magic reacting to the echo of their invoking. That was how I created the gem which enabled me to escape because it was already equipped with the necessary elements.”
“So the reason why you couldn’t earlier was because of the broken gem?” The wizard asked. Harry shook his head. “I’m not sure. But I think I’ve used up the functionality or the gem would have still been whole.”
“Then it shouldn’t have produced anything at all.” Audric disagreed looking rather puzzled. Harry mulled over it polishing the last of the biscuits off. There was that too. He thought back on what he said. His instinct told him that he was right. He just needed to get around the blind-spot to the full reason.
He dug out the other piece from his pocket and stared at it, his thumb caressing the gem. A feeble charge thrummed up his fingers and his core stirred lightly before slumbering again. “Oh. I think I understand. Can I have that gem back please?”
Audric narrowed his eyes behind the round glasses but handed it back to him wordlessly. The old man gave a sharp intake of breath when he sketched the rune but this time nothing happened. “That had been my residual magic at work earlier. I didn’t know exactly what my parents did to start the ritual but in the memory, the rune has already been activated so I had to add my own magic to boost the opening of the doorway. That’s why the passage had been on fire.”
“And why is that?”Audric who had been listening closely asked with a frown. “I think my element is fire.” He replied. “Something to do with the month I was born? I can’t remember. I read it from a muggle tome a few days back.”
The wizard didn’t comment on the part about him believing the words written by a non-magical person. All he did was stared at the other gem contemplatively and said, “Only one way to find out if the theory really holds.”
Harry licked his lips and finished his already cold tea. The gem in his right hand was still thrumming weakly and he sketched the rune. It produced a gossamer hint before them accompanied with a frail tremble. It didn’t last long. Harry sketched again and his theory held. The gems in his hands disintegrated into sparkling powder.
“I have to say that this is quite a relief my boy. I cannot deny my worries about that peridot.” Audric smiled waving his wand and the tray disappeared. He stood and Harry got up from the couch too recovering the furniture once more with the white cloth. There was nothing more to do here.
“Are we leaving for the muggle world now then?” Harry asked. He wasn’t sure what to feel about it. Audric smiled which seemed rather gleeful as they walked out the door. “Not today.” He said and offered him his arm. “Since I do not know how long the match will last. We’re going to watch the Quidditch World Cup Final.”
Harry had no idea what that means having no proper introduction to the wizarding world, but took the old wizards arm anyway and they apparated out of Godric’s Hollow.
⌘ ⌘ ⌘
Harry winced from the apparition, his mind imagining the aches in his body. His stomach felt like wanting to hurl out its contents. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to apparating. It took a moment for him to recompose himself and realized that they had reappeared in a wood which was suffused in a mix of purple and orange glow. The sun was going to set soon. Right when he was about to ask where they were, a gruff male voice shouted to them.
“Albus! I didn’t think you’d be free enough to come watch the finals!” An oddly attired middle aged man approached them. Harry tried not to stare at the man wearing a pinstriped shirt tucked into a green track pants closely. “Oh my mistake.” The man grinned. “Audric, I didn’t think you’d be free enough to watch the finals and they say that tickets had been sold out months before.”
“I have my resources.” Audric said eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “Skiving are you Dominique?” The man waved a dismissive hand. Harry only noticed Dominique’s red eyes like he hadn’t been sleeping for quite a while. They landed on him, curiosity lighting them. “And who is this young lad?”
He glanced at Audric. They hadn’t thought on devising a story of who Harry was. A bony arm wound around his shoulders and he was drawn closer. “His name is Harry Evans. He missed the portkey so I took the liberty of taking him with me.” That was brilliant, taking on his mother’s name. Harry smiled politely to the man inclining his head in a bow. “Good evening sir.”
“Good evening to you to my boy.” Dominique returned and stared at him some more. “I’ve got the feeling that I have seen you before… But never mind that.” He shook his head rather vigorously. “You lot better go if you want to get an early dinner before the match starts.”
“A splendid idea indeed.” Audric smiled and steered Harry away hearing Dominique shouting after them. If anyone were to ask about him, they were to say that they didn’t see him. Audric chuckled as they stepped out into the open and Harry asked. “Is Albus your brother?”
“Twin brother to be exact.” He replied sparing a brief glance to him. “He won’t be here.” He correctly predicted his anxiety and they passed by more wizards and witches in strange clothing. An old wizard wearing a nightgown past them by muttering and glaring at the black pants he was holding. He couldn’t help the grin blossoming on his face at the funny sight. “Yes. Wizards and witches aren’t accustomed to wearing muggle clothing. We’re supposed to go incognito since we are on muggle land.”
Harry wasn’t sure if it was working. They were attracting too much attention to themselves by wearing inappropriately. There were also too many people with rows and rows of tents dotting the field. Surely camping didn’t attract too much interest and that purple fire was definitely magical as he watched the wizards surrounding it roasting what looked like lamb. It smelled glorious, his stomach rumbling from the stimulation and someone called out to them.
“Audric!” They both looked to the caller. Another middle aged man with thinning red hair stood by two shabby tents. A few younger red heads turned to them. It was obvious they were all related except for the other girl and boy who had joined in watching them as they approached.
“The Weasleys.” Audric intoned to him and hugged the man in greeting. “How are you Arthur?” Arthur clapped the old man’s back enthusiastically. “I’m fine. I never thought I’d see you here. Albus said that you were somewhere out there in the wilderness.” He said with a good natured smile.
“Indeed I was and the adventures I had.” Audric replied in jest but Harry knew that he meant it literally. Arthur laughed a bit and looked at him. He choked on his laughter and his smiles froze on his freckled face. “Merlin’s beard. If the boy wears glasses, he’d be the spitting image of James only with Lily’s eyes.” He said eyeing Harry from the top of his messy black hair to the ends of his trainers.
“So I’ve been told.” Audric replied easily. “Come, let me introduce you.” The wizard guided him forward, planting him between him and Arthur and squeezed his shoulders gently. “This is Harry Evans and is currently my ward.”
“Good evening sir.” Harry greeted politely holding out his hand. Arthur gripped and shook it in a most absent minded way while he appraised him with open interest. So much that he wanted to squirm under the scrutiny. Audric cleared his throat and the red haired man released him looking thoroughly embarrassed.
“Nice meeting you Harry. I’m Arthur Weasley.” He said and beckoned them towards the crowd around the fire. “I’ll introduce you to the family and we can all eat dinner before we head to the stadium.”
Now that was something he wanted to hear as his stomach growled in response. Audric chuckled behind him and pushed him forward. They settled down amongst them and the bushy haired girl he had seen ladling soups into the bowls gave one to Audric.
“Thank you Miss Granger.” The wizard said with a smile. Apparently Audric didn’t need any introduction. She returned it revealing rather large front teeth and Harry received the other bowl which he thanked her with a polite nod.
“Right, everyone.” Arthur said after swallowing a mouthful of soup. “This is Harry Evans.” There was a chorus of ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’ and another round of introduction began. It started with the oldest.
Bill Weasley, a handsome and lanky curse breaker (he wasn’t sure what this means) for the wizarding bank was in his early twenties. His long red hair was tied in a ponytail with what looked like a fang dangling from one ear. He looked like a muggle rock star from the posters he’d seen. Charlie Weasley was also in his early twenties; very tanned from working with dragons and a little stockier than Bill was. The twins, George and Fred Weasley were built a lot like him. They’re identical to the quirk of their cheeky smiles. They’re almost seventeen and went to Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Percy Weasley was the opposite of Bill even though they have the same lanky built. He gave him the impression of a very pompous git with him looking at Harry’s hair disapprovingly from the end of his rather sharp nose. He just began working at the Ministry. Ronald Weasley was a cross between Bill and Charlie. He had Charlie’s smile and Bill’s tall form. They’re the same age and was about to enter his fourth year at school. So was Hermione Granger, the bushy haired girl who had served them soup. The last of the Weasleys and the only girl in the family was Ginevra or Ginny as she’d like to be called. She’s a year younger and a pretty little thing who only had eyes for Neville Longbottom, a brunette who was a bit on the plump side. The boy fiddled with his hair surreptitiously over his forehead which only drew his attention to the lightning bolt scar before it disappeared behind the curtain of fringe. It made him shudder.
None of them tried to rope him into any conversation which he was rather grateful for. He was quite certain that he would never see them again and to be introduced to so many at once, he wasn’t sure if he’d even remember them. So he ate quietly in between Audric and Arthur, he was aware however of Neville, Ronald and Hermione whispering and looking at him when they thought he didn’t notice. A lifetime of living in Naggaroth had made him tense and wary. His magic was itching to lash out with defence.
“It’s fine Harry.” Audric must had felt him. “They’re harmless.” He relaxed and loosened his grip on the spoon and forced himself to feed, bending his head low so that he wouldn’t be able to see them. Thankfully, the meal hadn’t taken long and Audric had declined their invitation to roam the grounds together.
The ministry seemed to have given up in controlling the masses as blatant magic were bursting everywhere. Salesmen were apparating every few feet carrying extraordinary merchandises but they didn’t hold his interest for long as he caught sight of Neville with his two friends.
“That boy… Neville Longbottom, he’s been mark by evil.” Harry said nodding to the already disappearing boy swallowed by the crowd.
“Tom gave him that scar the night he tried to kill him.” Audric said easily fending off another overzealous salesman shoving what looked like miniature players on broomsticks under their noses. “He killed Frank, Neville’s father first before he got to his wife Alice. She died trying to protect him but Neville survived the killing curse. The curse rebounded back to him and he fell.”
“You mean Tom died?” Harry asked. Audric shook his head regretfully. “He’s still alive contrary to what the wizarding world believes. He’s just not as he was.”
“Any theories?” He asked. The question brought a smile to that wizen face. “The theory my boy is that Alice had casted an old spell, sacrificial protection which enabled Neville to live on. A life for a life, the spell could only be aroused by those purely willing.”
Purely willing he thought. It’s a dog eat dog world. How was anyone willing to die for another? Morathi didn’t have any qualms in trying to get him to kill Malekith. He’d experienced nothing but hatred back in his old world. “You’re saying that Tom was defeated by love?”
“You sound sceptic my boy.” Pity laced those words making him wonder what he had missed out on. “You’re parents gave you up out of love.”
“Yes, and they died because I wasn’t there to take their place.” Harry mumbled to himself. Audric seized his shoulders looking down sternly at him. “It wasn’t your fault Harry. They would have still died protecting you even if they didn’t give you away.”
Somewhere a gong sounded loudly and red and green lanterns lit up a path. The noise around them rose up in volumes as they excitedly moved as one jostling past them. “Someday, you will learn how powerful love can be Harry.” Audric smiled gently and held his hand tight so as not to lose him.
They followed the throngs into the wood and found themselves in the shadow of a gigantic stadium. “Are there charms that keep the muggles away?” Harry asked noticing the golden walls because no muggles would miss something this huge.
“Muggle repelling charm. Anytime one of them comes near they’d see something different or were reminded of an appointment.” Audric replied leading him to a refreshment stand near the entrance. “I’m not sure about you but I have to munch whenever I watch a match.” Harry laughed at those twinkling eyes and began choosing the assortments before them.
Chapter Index
TBC… Hope you’ve enjoyed this and comments would be appreciated even if it’s tough love ^^
Title: Through the parade of fire
Pairing:Draco/Harry
Rating: PG for now
Summary: When the Potters found out that Voldermort was targeting them, they invoked the King of the Elven Gods. Harry was spirited away to another world and he returns thirteen years later only to be embroiled in another war.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K.Rowling and those affiliated to the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The Dark Elves belongs to Games workshop’s Warhammer fantasy fictional universe.
A/N: Introducing Audric Gilbert Dumbledore. OC, taking the role of Albus Dumbledore twin brother.
Chapter 4: Fork Road
Eternally together was the thought which flitted in his mind when he saw his parents’ graves. They had been together in life and had been together in death. Wistfulness stole through him. He should have died along with them and maybe he wouldn’t feel so wretched.
“Why isn’t my name marked on the stones if they assumed I’m dead?” Harry questioned. “Because your body weren’t found.” Audric answered swishing his wand lightly and a wreath grew on the graves. “The ministry has categorized your disappearance as a cold case.”
“Cold case?” He frowned turning to the old wizard who smiled humourlessly. “Unsolved mystery.” Harry mirrored the smile. It looked as though that it would remain that way.
“Can I go see where they lived?” Harry asked. He sniffed the bouquet of lily in his hands wondering briefly if his mother had smelt the same and placed it on their graves. Audric assented quietly and they walked in silence to the end of the street where an old house stood. Abandoned and dilapidated. The smell of old death clung to the air as he stood beyond the gates but he could see that it had been beautiful once. He could almost imagine the warmth of a home and he stepped through with Audric following closely behind. He explored the house; the thickness of dust carpeting the floor muffled his footsteps as he went from one room to the other. A sense of familiarity was all he could grasp. No images had followed to replace that sense.
He stepped into the living room again. It was the only thing he remembered. Even then, the memory wasn’t his and he stood where his parents had stood the night they had given him away. He looked to the floor, his trainers clad foot swiping at the dust. There should have been a rune carved deep, stained with his father’s blood but the floor was unmarred as though it had been wiped clean like a blank slate.
The arguments between Audric and a wizard named Albus resurfaced quite unbidden in his mind. He shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans that Audric had bought for him. His fingers met with the coldness of the broken gem he had stuffed them into when they left the inn a few days ago.
Their harsh whispers had awoken him that night. This Albus didn’t want him here. The wizard had express his wish of banishing him back to Naggaroth because of what Malekith had made him into. His heart twinge painfully. He wasn’t welcome here either.
Why was he always the source of discontent and discord? Will he be a cause for another war? Will he make this Tom an apparent enemy and the murderer of his parents stronger if he lingered in this world which he had just gotten back to? He looked at Audric who had taken care of him the last few weeks. He was the closest thing right now whom he felt akin to and he smiled ruefully to him. The old wizard frowned watching him fished out a piece of the gem from his pocket.
“Harry!” he said sharply when he sketched the air with the rune. He held his breath and so did Audric who was frozen on the spot. The atmosphere fluctuated for a scant moment before it fell flat and nothing happened. He felt the gem being snatched from him and he was being shaken quite roughly. “What is the meaning of this? Is this why you had wanted to come here?”
“Shall I fashion another name for myself since I can’t leave?” Harry said. He should have known that it wouldn’t work for a second time. He really was a curse. Audric stopped shaking him and stepped back. His eyes shone with regret behind those round glasses. “You heard us.”
“Yes I did.” Harry admitted. “Am I still a liability now that I can’t open a passage? Do I live among the muggles and stay away from the wizarding world?”
“My dear boy - Harry.” The old wizard sighed clasping his shoulders again but they didn’t shake him like before. “I cannot apologize enough that you heard us and I believe that you will still be a danger even if you cannot cross the worlds. The knowledge you hold is incomplete but it doesn’t mean they cannot be recovered.” Harry opened his mouth to interrupt but fell quiet by a single raised hand. “Even if Tom doesn’t know of it, you still have that dark piece of magic born out of Malekith’s blood.”
And they could use him however they want, like how Malekith had intended to use his birth magic to breach the worlds. So where did that leave him? “What will you have me do Audric?” He asked him again.
“Believe me when I say that I will not leave you on your own Harry.” Audric said resolutely. If Harry had felt bogged down before, the boulder in his stomach disappeared completely at the assurance. He trusted this man. “As you’ve said, we will integrate into muggle society and you can only learn about the wizarding world through me but not actually experiencing it.” The wizard studied him for half a second. “I hope that would be enough for you.”
“But will you still teach me magic?” Harry asked. Audric deliberated for a moment before speaking. “You’re magically strong enough to accomplish anything.”
“Surely there are theories.” Harry shrugged. He knew that if he were to live in the muggle world he’d have to go to a muggle school and magic were hardly relevant. But he just couldn’t imagine not applying something he was born with and for once he could have a proper tutor.
“Theories.” Audric chuckled. “So what theories do you have in failing to open a doorway?” The wizard asked, eyes sparkling amused. He wanted to say that he was cursed but he didn’t think Audric would take kindly to that. He didn’t want to sadden the old man by making him think that he was still offended by it.
“I’m not sure if there’s any sense in it.” Harry answered, pulling the white cloth from a couch spreading little motes of dust in the air and settled in it. Audric did the same too. He conjured some tea and biscuits letting the tray float before them. “That is why they are theories my boy. It might be true or it might proof false.” He took a biscuit from the plate and handed him those. “It’s a learning process.”
“You have to understand that when I perform magic, they are mostly instinctual.” He began and took a bite savouring the sweet orange cream in his mouth for a moment before continuing. “Malekith recalls the magic my parents called upon to summon the King of the Elven gods. The essence of it anyway or maybe shadow would be more apt. I think the only reason I could pierce the world at all was because of the gem.”
“The gem which was converted from the memory you tore.” Audric mused. He sipped his tea and Harry waited to see if the wizard would expand the theory. But he didn’t. “I remembered my magic reacting to the echo of their invoking. That was how I created the gem which enabled me to escape because it was already equipped with the necessary elements.”
“So the reason why you couldn’t earlier was because of the broken gem?” The wizard asked. Harry shook his head. “I’m not sure. But I think I’ve used up the functionality or the gem would have still been whole.”
“Then it shouldn’t have produced anything at all.” Audric disagreed looking rather puzzled. Harry mulled over it polishing the last of the biscuits off. There was that too. He thought back on what he said. His instinct told him that he was right. He just needed to get around the blind-spot to the full reason.
He dug out the other piece from his pocket and stared at it, his thumb caressing the gem. A feeble charge thrummed up his fingers and his core stirred lightly before slumbering again. “Oh. I think I understand. Can I have that gem back please?”
Audric narrowed his eyes behind the round glasses but handed it back to him wordlessly. The old man gave a sharp intake of breath when he sketched the rune but this time nothing happened. “That had been my residual magic at work earlier. I didn’t know exactly what my parents did to start the ritual but in the memory, the rune has already been activated so I had to add my own magic to boost the opening of the doorway. That’s why the passage had been on fire.”
“And why is that?”Audric who had been listening closely asked with a frown. “I think my element is fire.” He replied. “Something to do with the month I was born? I can’t remember. I read it from a muggle tome a few days back.”
The wizard didn’t comment on the part about him believing the words written by a non-magical person. All he did was stared at the other gem contemplatively and said, “Only one way to find out if the theory really holds.”
Harry licked his lips and finished his already cold tea. The gem in his right hand was still thrumming weakly and he sketched the rune. It produced a gossamer hint before them accompanied with a frail tremble. It didn’t last long. Harry sketched again and his theory held. The gems in his hands disintegrated into sparkling powder.
“I have to say that this is quite a relief my boy. I cannot deny my worries about that peridot.” Audric smiled waving his wand and the tray disappeared. He stood and Harry got up from the couch too recovering the furniture once more with the white cloth. There was nothing more to do here.
“Are we leaving for the muggle world now then?” Harry asked. He wasn’t sure what to feel about it. Audric smiled which seemed rather gleeful as they walked out the door. “Not today.” He said and offered him his arm. “Since I do not know how long the match will last. We’re going to watch the Quidditch World Cup Final.”
Harry had no idea what that means having no proper introduction to the wizarding world, but took the old wizards arm anyway and they apparated out of Godric’s Hollow.
⌘ ⌘ ⌘
Harry winced from the apparition, his mind imagining the aches in his body. His stomach felt like wanting to hurl out its contents. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to apparating. It took a moment for him to recompose himself and realized that they had reappeared in a wood which was suffused in a mix of purple and orange glow. The sun was going to set soon. Right when he was about to ask where they were, a gruff male voice shouted to them.
“Albus! I didn’t think you’d be free enough to come watch the finals!” An oddly attired middle aged man approached them. Harry tried not to stare at the man wearing a pinstriped shirt tucked into a green track pants closely. “Oh my mistake.” The man grinned. “Audric, I didn’t think you’d be free enough to watch the finals and they say that tickets had been sold out months before.”
“I have my resources.” Audric said eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “Skiving are you Dominique?” The man waved a dismissive hand. Harry only noticed Dominique’s red eyes like he hadn’t been sleeping for quite a while. They landed on him, curiosity lighting them. “And who is this young lad?”
He glanced at Audric. They hadn’t thought on devising a story of who Harry was. A bony arm wound around his shoulders and he was drawn closer. “His name is Harry Evans. He missed the portkey so I took the liberty of taking him with me.” That was brilliant, taking on his mother’s name. Harry smiled politely to the man inclining his head in a bow. “Good evening sir.”
“Good evening to you to my boy.” Dominique returned and stared at him some more. “I’ve got the feeling that I have seen you before… But never mind that.” He shook his head rather vigorously. “You lot better go if you want to get an early dinner before the match starts.”
“A splendid idea indeed.” Audric smiled and steered Harry away hearing Dominique shouting after them. If anyone were to ask about him, they were to say that they didn’t see him. Audric chuckled as they stepped out into the open and Harry asked. “Is Albus your brother?”
“Twin brother to be exact.” He replied sparing a brief glance to him. “He won’t be here.” He correctly predicted his anxiety and they passed by more wizards and witches in strange clothing. An old wizard wearing a nightgown past them by muttering and glaring at the black pants he was holding. He couldn’t help the grin blossoming on his face at the funny sight. “Yes. Wizards and witches aren’t accustomed to wearing muggle clothing. We’re supposed to go incognito since we are on muggle land.”
Harry wasn’t sure if it was working. They were attracting too much attention to themselves by wearing inappropriately. There were also too many people with rows and rows of tents dotting the field. Surely camping didn’t attract too much interest and that purple fire was definitely magical as he watched the wizards surrounding it roasting what looked like lamb. It smelled glorious, his stomach rumbling from the stimulation and someone called out to them.
“Audric!” They both looked to the caller. Another middle aged man with thinning red hair stood by two shabby tents. A few younger red heads turned to them. It was obvious they were all related except for the other girl and boy who had joined in watching them as they approached.
“The Weasleys.” Audric intoned to him and hugged the man in greeting. “How are you Arthur?” Arthur clapped the old man’s back enthusiastically. “I’m fine. I never thought I’d see you here. Albus said that you were somewhere out there in the wilderness.” He said with a good natured smile.
“Indeed I was and the adventures I had.” Audric replied in jest but Harry knew that he meant it literally. Arthur laughed a bit and looked at him. He choked on his laughter and his smiles froze on his freckled face. “Merlin’s beard. If the boy wears glasses, he’d be the spitting image of James only with Lily’s eyes.” He said eyeing Harry from the top of his messy black hair to the ends of his trainers.
“So I’ve been told.” Audric replied easily. “Come, let me introduce you.” The wizard guided him forward, planting him between him and Arthur and squeezed his shoulders gently. “This is Harry Evans and is currently my ward.”
“Good evening sir.” Harry greeted politely holding out his hand. Arthur gripped and shook it in a most absent minded way while he appraised him with open interest. So much that he wanted to squirm under the scrutiny. Audric cleared his throat and the red haired man released him looking thoroughly embarrassed.
“Nice meeting you Harry. I’m Arthur Weasley.” He said and beckoned them towards the crowd around the fire. “I’ll introduce you to the family and we can all eat dinner before we head to the stadium.”
Now that was something he wanted to hear as his stomach growled in response. Audric chuckled behind him and pushed him forward. They settled down amongst them and the bushy haired girl he had seen ladling soups into the bowls gave one to Audric.
“Thank you Miss Granger.” The wizard said with a smile. Apparently Audric didn’t need any introduction. She returned it revealing rather large front teeth and Harry received the other bowl which he thanked her with a polite nod.
“Right, everyone.” Arthur said after swallowing a mouthful of soup. “This is Harry Evans.” There was a chorus of ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’ and another round of introduction began. It started with the oldest.
Bill Weasley, a handsome and lanky curse breaker (he wasn’t sure what this means) for the wizarding bank was in his early twenties. His long red hair was tied in a ponytail with what looked like a fang dangling from one ear. He looked like a muggle rock star from the posters he’d seen. Charlie Weasley was also in his early twenties; very tanned from working with dragons and a little stockier than Bill was. The twins, George and Fred Weasley were built a lot like him. They’re identical to the quirk of their cheeky smiles. They’re almost seventeen and went to Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Percy Weasley was the opposite of Bill even though they have the same lanky built. He gave him the impression of a very pompous git with him looking at Harry’s hair disapprovingly from the end of his rather sharp nose. He just began working at the Ministry. Ronald Weasley was a cross between Bill and Charlie. He had Charlie’s smile and Bill’s tall form. They’re the same age and was about to enter his fourth year at school. So was Hermione Granger, the bushy haired girl who had served them soup. The last of the Weasleys and the only girl in the family was Ginevra or Ginny as she’d like to be called. She’s a year younger and a pretty little thing who only had eyes for Neville Longbottom, a brunette who was a bit on the plump side. The boy fiddled with his hair surreptitiously over his forehead which only drew his attention to the lightning bolt scar before it disappeared behind the curtain of fringe. It made him shudder.
None of them tried to rope him into any conversation which he was rather grateful for. He was quite certain that he would never see them again and to be introduced to so many at once, he wasn’t sure if he’d even remember them. So he ate quietly in between Audric and Arthur, he was aware however of Neville, Ronald and Hermione whispering and looking at him when they thought he didn’t notice. A lifetime of living in Naggaroth had made him tense and wary. His magic was itching to lash out with defence.
“It’s fine Harry.” Audric must had felt him. “They’re harmless.” He relaxed and loosened his grip on the spoon and forced himself to feed, bending his head low so that he wouldn’t be able to see them. Thankfully, the meal hadn’t taken long and Audric had declined their invitation to roam the grounds together.
The ministry seemed to have given up in controlling the masses as blatant magic were bursting everywhere. Salesmen were apparating every few feet carrying extraordinary merchandises but they didn’t hold his interest for long as he caught sight of Neville with his two friends.
“That boy… Neville Longbottom, he’s been mark by evil.” Harry said nodding to the already disappearing boy swallowed by the crowd.
“Tom gave him that scar the night he tried to kill him.” Audric said easily fending off another overzealous salesman shoving what looked like miniature players on broomsticks under their noses. “He killed Frank, Neville’s father first before he got to his wife Alice. She died trying to protect him but Neville survived the killing curse. The curse rebounded back to him and he fell.”
“You mean Tom died?” Harry asked. Audric shook his head regretfully. “He’s still alive contrary to what the wizarding world believes. He’s just not as he was.”
“Any theories?” He asked. The question brought a smile to that wizen face. “The theory my boy is that Alice had casted an old spell, sacrificial protection which enabled Neville to live on. A life for a life, the spell could only be aroused by those purely willing.”
Purely willing he thought. It’s a dog eat dog world. How was anyone willing to die for another? Morathi didn’t have any qualms in trying to get him to kill Malekith. He’d experienced nothing but hatred back in his old world. “You’re saying that Tom was defeated by love?”
“You sound sceptic my boy.” Pity laced those words making him wonder what he had missed out on. “You’re parents gave you up out of love.”
“Yes, and they died because I wasn’t there to take their place.” Harry mumbled to himself. Audric seized his shoulders looking down sternly at him. “It wasn’t your fault Harry. They would have still died protecting you even if they didn’t give you away.”
Somewhere a gong sounded loudly and red and green lanterns lit up a path. The noise around them rose up in volumes as they excitedly moved as one jostling past them. “Someday, you will learn how powerful love can be Harry.” Audric smiled gently and held his hand tight so as not to lose him.
They followed the throngs into the wood and found themselves in the shadow of a gigantic stadium. “Are there charms that keep the muggles away?” Harry asked noticing the golden walls because no muggles would miss something this huge.
“Muggle repelling charm. Anytime one of them comes near they’d see something different or were reminded of an appointment.” Audric replied leading him to a refreshment stand near the entrance. “I’m not sure about you but I have to munch whenever I watch a match.” Harry laughed at those twinkling eyes and began choosing the assortments before them.
Chapter Index
TBC… Hope you’ve enjoyed this and comments would be appreciated even if it’s tough love ^^