Chapter 9
"Harry, wake up" A rich voice came from inside the red curtains.
"Grandfather? what's goin' on? Why are you waking me up at 5am" Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes moodily.
"The thief was about to send another dream your way. And I have a message for you" Ignotus said calmly, taking a seat next to his grandson's feet as the boy put on his glasses and blinked a few times to adjust his eyes.
"Who from this time?" Harry gave a huge yawn after his question.
"Your father and Death, who also has a message from Lady Magic"
"Lady Magic? It's been a while since she's had something I needed to know. Not that I'm not grateful. She's lovely. She just usually speaks primarily with Luna when her sister isn't influencing her too heavily" Harry cocked his head to the side curiously.
"You know how Lovegoods and Fate are. Lady Fate does send greetings, but you know she's always curious of what's going on with you. Anyways, Lady Magic wants you to know the copies are entirely new people now. Their blood will still read the same, but the ministry is incompetent and leaves checking such to the Goblins. Wise decision to speak to your account manager though. I applaud your forethought even when on a back foot. The message from your father is to mail a letter to Remus and Sirius and tell them all the challenges you have experienced here" Ignotus listed off before muttering under his breath about how the Council worked better in his first language.
"I don't want their pity" Harry insisted annoyed.
"It's not for pity, and if you thought about it for a second you'd realize that little lion. It's so they stop trusting Dumbledore with everything. Sirius especially. Jamie, Monty, and Charlie are all annoyed by how trusting he's being especially knowing that prior to this summer, Dumbledore held the power to get him a trial. Maybe not in Britain, but he also had power to put him in front of the ICW for proper trial" Ignotus gestured annoyed at the Black lord.
"Wait, Uncle Charlus was watching too?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yes. Apologies for not letting you know who was there for that meeting. I was obviously there since I'm your go-to for matters. So was your father, grandfather, great-uncle, great-aunt, and great-grandfather. Your mother was keeping an eye on the younger group. But no, Dorea, Henry, Fleamont, Charlus, and James were all there too" Ignotus sighed softly, rubbing his hands over his face a few times. "Harry, Charles, and Monty have been popping in more often since you took on your inheritance."
"Oh. That's terrifying. What if I mess up?" Harry looked small for a moment.
"You won't. You're already doing a great job Harry. Especially with Voldemort back. None of them expect you to be able to step up to the seat fully yet. You're 15, you have school. Just speaking with your godbrother and friends is enough. They just want to be on hand in case you need advice from previous lords since you never got even your father's influence. Nothing more than that. And they love you, so even if you struggle the first couple years they won't be angry. Hold your head high little lion, as you're learning quickly" Ignotus reached over and ran a hand over his grandson's wild hair. Harry leaned into it with a steadying sigh. For a while the pair were silent, Ignotus continuing to run his hand over his grandson's hair. Harry drifted off briefly before waking with a gasp.
"Harry?" His grandfather rumbled.
"Voldemort. He was angry that I slipped away from his dream. Merlin I hate being connected to him. There was no reason to force me down the corridor with anger thrumming in my veins. He's just being a spiteful bitch" Harry grumbled as he rubbed his scar. Ignotus looked to a corner for a moment, eyes narrowed before humming.
"Death wishes me to pass on his frustration over being unable to help. He says that maybe collecting Antioch's wand will be able to do something for you. And that he has a suspicion what is tying the creature to the living but he's unable to intervene unless you fulfill the requirements to connect fully with him. He's already meddling more than he should, though his counterparts are overlooking it for now due to what Fate has designated you for and Death blessing our line. But he's not pushing it" Ignotus passed on.
"My thanks to you Lord Death. I hope you can pass on my appreciation to the others as well. I understand that you are unable to help much more. But I should hopefully have more knowledge through the newcomers to aid in the quest for knowledge. I just hope we can cut him off early enough" Harry slumped slightly at the burden of the upcoming war.
"Just keep doing what you are already. Remember that war is not kind and second chances are not always possible."
"I know. I hate that Dumbledore is holding the adults back by insisting on it. I have no intention of doing the same. The more I can take out, the safer I make the world after" Harry's eyes glowed slightly as they hardened.
"I'm proud of you, and so is your family. Try and get some more rest" Ignotus kissed the top of Harry's head before phasing back to the plane of the dead. Harry took off his glasses and lay back down. He pushed up his shields as best as he could as he tried to return to sleep.
"Harry mate" Ron said quietly a few hours later, slipping through the raven-haired boy's curtains. The boy just grumbled nonsense and curled up tighter. Ron reached out his magic first before reaching out to shake his friend's shoulder. He winced slightly as Harry's magic zapped back before recognizing his best mate.
"Ron?" Harry opened his eyes slightly.
"Yeah mate, it's Ron. Breakfast has started, and you need to get a little bit of food in you for Umbridge later" Ron said gently.
"Hmm. Grandfather stopped by briefly and interrupted a Snake-face dream. Drifted off while Grandfather still was here and Voldy sent me down the corridor with a vengeance. Dad said I should send a letter to Sirius and Remus to get their heads out of their asses. And Lord Death passed on a message from Lady Magic that the younger people are entirely separate. And also Death is being cautious about helping right now as it overstepped slightly" Harry reached for his glasses as he talked.
"Ah. Well, better get that letter sent as soon as possible. Maybe get Parvati or Dean to send it out. They're innocuous enough" Ron advised, turning to leave his friend to change in peace. Harry just grunted before pulling out fresh clothes and changing. Once he was done he opened his satchel to slip the cloak and Marauder's map in the blood-bound pocket. Once they were settled, he opened the main area to place his quills, books, and parchment in. Then he strapped on his wand holder and opened his curtains.
"Morning Har" Seamus called from where he was styling Dean's hair.
"Morning Shay, Dean. Ready for Umbridge later?"
"Not at all. But we'll be behaving like good little babies, per her expectations" Dean rolled his eyes.
"Oof. Dean, I may ask you to run a letter up for me. It's to the older Sirius to maybe knock some sense into him. Just gotta write it" Harry asked.
"No problem. Just let me know when and give me some of Hedwig's favorite treats so she listens to me" Dean gave a thumbs-up.
"I will. Thanks a bunch Dean" Harry waved to the couple before heading down the stairs. Hermione looked up from her glamoured book to wave. Harry made a beeline over before flopping down next to Ron and pulling out a piece of parchment.
"Ron update you?" He asked lowly as he squinted at the blank roll in contemplation.
"He did. I find myself suspicious that your father is being sentimental but I will default to his experience for now" She wrinkled her nose, placing a bookmark in the book before sliding it into her own bag.
"Which was that one?" Harry asked, stalling.
"Secrets in Plain Sight, trying to pre-emptively work a system out while the toad is here. And I know exactly what you're doing Potter" Hermione narrowed her eyes. Harry groaned in acknowledgment.
"Least he's contemplating it" Ron chimed in supportively from where he was editing an essay. Hermione huffed softly in acquiescence.
"How much detail do I go into?" Harry asked after writing the greeting.
"I say go all the way. That way they can't brush off how dangerous it was" Ron said as he dried and rolled up his edited essay. Harry scribbled in silence for a while before presenting a draft. Hermione took it and read over it quickly before handing it off to Ron. As he was reading she gave her feedback.
"I say maybe take out some of the sarcastic quips, but otherwise I think it works. Maybe blame this James for why all of a sudden you're opening up."
"Agreed. Let's head down to breakfast first though" Ron added.
"Alright. I may only nibble though" Harry sighed. Ron threw an arm around his friend's shoulders.
"As long as we get some food in you, nibble all you like. But you're not leaving without eating at least three pieces of fruit and a piece of toast, deal?"
"I think I can do that... maybe a sausage link to satisfy Mione's desire to get me some protein" Harry gave a small half smile. The trio climbed through the portrait as the boys ribbed gently on their more health-conscious friend. She took it in stride, well used to them doing so while also listening to her. Harry led them through a few shortcuts (including one he knew was Hogwarts trying to be affectionate by making new passages. But he wasn't saying anything where it was so easily overheard).
"Hey Nev" Harry said happily, taking the free seat next to his godbrother. His best friends sat opposite him, each giving him a pointed look. He rolled his eyes but complied with his part of the agreement.
"Hey Har, Hey Ron, Hey Mione. Sleep well?" Neville asked, stirring some more brown sugar into his porridge.
"I did" Hermione took some eggs from the serving plate. Ron gave a thumbs up since he had taken a bite before being asked.
"Not really. Had a bit of a nightmare and was awake for a bit after" Harry sighed before tapping his ring finger subtly. Neville let out a little oh of understanding before acting like nothing had happened.
"Sorry to hear that. Luckily I think you'll have time for a nap between class and practice. When did Angelina get the field for again?"
"5:30" Fred said tiredly as he dropped on the seat on the opposite side of Harry. "So eat light you two, if you get in some food beforehand. Or, maybe not you Ron. You need to be a bit heavier."
"Says the beater" The younger Weasley snarked back.
"Are you saying we beaters are fat?" George appeared to lean against his little brother's back.
"No you oaf, I'm saying you lot need to have more sturdy base of support" Ron grunted, battling away the grabby hands.
"Speaking of, Fred you know if Lu's available today?" Hermione asked as the two brothers went at it.
"Hmm. GinGin is off by 4 but I believe Luna's got one more class" Fred rubbed his chin in thought.
"She's also going to drag someone to say hello to the thestrals" Ron added distractedly before pausing. "Oh for Merlin's sake. I hope it's James, because Harry and I are busy. Hang on. Luna!"
"Yes Ron?" The blonde girl turned around from her seat at the Ravenclaw table.
"Harry and I are busy. Take James or Sirius to feed the thestrals. Maybe even Peter, show him there's nothing to fear. But not us. We've got Quidditch tonight" He pointed a finger sternly at her.
"Perhaps it will be good for the little rat. Wrackspurts will be bothering him for a while, and the thestrals are always so helpful for that" The whimsical girl smiled serenely. "Plus it may prove he is not the scheming one. If he can't see them, we know they're not the same."
"I already got confirmation they wouldn't merge Lu. I appreciate your added assurance though" Harry gave her a smile. She nodded happily before turning back to her breakfast. Harry did the same, leaning slightly on Neville as a bit of frustration echoed down the connection. He hid his wince so no one but the other Gryffindor noticed.
"Is he prodding?" Neville asked lowly.
"No. He's frustrated. Probably a setback on a plan" Harry answered just as quietly. His godbrother gave a nod before staring at his half full bowl.
"Now I feel too on edge to eat more..." He sighed mournfully.
"Want to slip off to practice?" Harry asked, eating another piece of fruit.
"I'm headed to the Greenhouses. Professor Sprout wants me to prepare for one of the other year's classes" Neville shrugged apologetically with a proud smile.
"No problem Nev. I'm glad she's seeing how wonderful you are" Harry knocked their shoulders together. The taller wizard snorted, watching as George tried to feed him brother a sausage.
"George, if you keep trying to feed Ron I will demonstrate how strong my full body bind is nowadays" Hermione said pleasantly. The red-head stopped, rapidly paling at the threat. He hurried to stand by his twin and Harry, believing it to be the safer option. He was wrong, as Harry subtly put a color-changing charm on his shoes. Ron snorted softly at the smirk that flickered across his best friend's face.
"See you guys later. Don't get up to too much trouble" Neville stood with a wave.
"We're just practicing for charms after this, no need to worry about us" Harry assured. The trio stood up as one fifteen minutes later, headed for an empty classroom to work on banishing charms and summoning charms in the form of a weird game of catch. Harry revised his letter to Sirius before joining in. They drifted over to lunch around midday, Harry handing off his letter and the treats, before returning to the classroom to work on their Care homework. Then it came time for them to go to Defense. Harry found both his hands caught in his best friends'. They both gave him comforting squeezes and gentle looks.
"I'll be okay. Just...don't draw attention to yourselves? I will feel like I have to come to your defense" He said softly. "After all, I can handle the punishment after living with the Dursleys."
"We won't" Hermione promised just as soft. The three basked in each others presence for a few seconds more before breaking apart and heading for the classroom. They lined up behind Parvati and Lavender. Harry snapped his fingers once to get their attention.
Quiet he signed to them. Both nodded in acceptance and turned to face the door again.
"Hey you lot, haven't seen you all day!" Seamus called as he and Dean arrived.
"We were doing homework off in a classroom. Grubbly-Plank's essay was so different from Hagrid's usual stuff" Ron shrugged.
"Hagrid's assignments are 'how dangerous is this' so you're prepared" Harry muttered. His friends all chuckled at how true that was. Harry saw James approach with most of his friends out of the corner of his eyes. He elbowed the redhead next to him to whisper "Hey, Ron, I think you gave Lu an idea"
"Hm? Oh. I guess so. Does that make it a prediction if my intervention is why it may have occurred?" His friend mused out loud.
"It's still a prediction technically. Who's to say Luna would have taken anyone out today? We don't know for sure, but you predicted she would and then influenced who" Parvati said certainly. Ron shrugged in deference.
"James. Why did I not know of the thestrals?" Peter asked as he approached with sticks in his hair. "One pushed me into a bush because I couldn't see it."
"Oh. Uh. I didn't think it that important? I mean, most only hear of them in Care. So I assumed that was the only time that you'd encounter them" James shrugged apologetically.
"As important as this conversation may be, we need to warn you" Hermione cut in. "The professor requires you to greet her with 'good evening Professor Umbridge' and respond to questions with 'yes, Professor Umbridge' or 'no Professor Umbridge'."
"And keep your heads down. Read the book, nothing more" Parvati said seriously.
"The thestrals are sweethearts though, one of the only tamed herds in Britain" Harry prompted the previous conversation slightly.
"Really?" Peter asked.
"Yeah. I used to drag my friends out to visit. Though only Neville and I could see them back then" Harry glanced to his friend who gave a sad smile.
"Back then?"
"Harry may be the one with blood on his hands, but that doesn't mean we're innocent either" Hermione said coldly.
"Thestrals for all their association with death are gentle creatures" James soothed his friend.
"I know" Peter said softly, leaning against the steady presence of the stag animagus. The door opened a few seconds later, and all of the Gryffindors fell silent, filing into the classroom. None of the experienced group drew out their wands, simply getting out the required book alongside quills and parchment. Harry watched as James followed their lead and silently urged the rest of the time travelers to keep their wands away.
"Good afternoon class" Professor Umbridge tittered.
"Good afternoon Professor Umbridge" All of the students responded dutifully. She clapped her hands once in excitement.
"Now, wands away! We'll be starting Chapter 3, and there will be a quiz at the beginning of next class. You may begin" She sat down with a wide smile. Harry bit down on the sigh he wanted to release. He labelled the top of the parchment with the chapter number, ready to parrot back whatever the woman masquerading as a teacher wanted. For half the class period, the only noise was the turning of pages and scribbling of quills. Then a high pitched "Mr. Potter".
"Yes, Professor Umbridge?" Harry looked up, keeping his face politely confused.
"What are you writing?"
"Notes based on the chapter professor. Did you need to see them for something?" Harry curled his toes to keep his boiling anger down.
"Just to see that your attention isn't...wandering" She reached out a stubby hand, her wand out in her opposite hand.
"Of course, here you are professor" He placed his notes in her outstretched hand. He watched as she attempted to dispel common glamour spells.
"Hm. I suppose you're being diligent Mr. Potter. Keep working" She handed the paper back with a small huff.
"Thank you professor" He settled the sheet next to his book again, glancing over where he had left off his sentence. He tried to get back to his rhythm from before, but frowned softly when he couldn't. He mentally pictured pulling up a wall between parts of his mind. In front of the wall was a puppeteer, reading and writing notes. Behind the wall he tried to organize some more of his memories and shore up a bit of a tricky spot in his occlumency shield. It took several minutes for him to notice the stare down occurring around him. He blinked a few times before glancing between Lily and the professor. His heart sank as he realized it would be another instance of a righteous student challenging the teacher. He glanced over to Hermione and focused on slipping gently into the front of her shields.
'What?' She sent through the first layer where he waited patiently.
'Lily. Do I interfere?' He sent back. She sent a half glance back.
'No. Let her learn' She gently shoved him back out and he flicked his attention back to the professor and the book. He tried to pretend to not care about what was occurring around him.
"Miss Evans?" Professor Umbridge asked sweetly when Harry was one of the only two still focused to the best of their abilities. To his surprise, the other was James. The trust in Harry warmed him from the inside out.
"I had a question about the book. Why is Slinkhard so against the use of more higher level defensive spells that don't cause direct harm like petrificus totalus? It would end the fight quickly and give more time for Aurors to respond with less harm" Lily asked.
"That is a jinx Ms. Evans. It's best to find a hiding spot and maintain a shield after calling for help. The aurors will handle the rest" Umbridge told them all with a smile. Harry pushed down his automatic challenge about the dementors attacking him. The class knew about it so there was no need to challenge the toad.
"And what if they're throwing around Unforgiveables? Or blasting charms?" Lily continued undeterred.
"Then you find better cover" The professor ignored the spirit of the question. "Now, any other questions?"
"Yes, why are we learning this for our O.W.L year?"
"Because the ministry believes you need to return to the basics, since many of your classmates have had inconsistent instruction" Umbridge stressed, eyes glinting maliciously.
"Well this book isn't the one to do it. It's got so much misinformation that I'm surprised it went to print" Lily slammed her book closed. Harry could almost hear the shattering of his teacher's patience.
"20 points from Gryffindor, and you'll be doing detention with me tonight Ms. Evans" Umbridge purred, and Harry could feel the fear of his friends. He was glad that he had kept his head down. The bell rang out and all the students packed up quickly. Ron pushed Harry in front of him, while everyone else closed rank around the short boy. Neville taking the non-wand side, Hermione by his wand hand, and Lavender and Parvati in front of him. Seamus and Dean took over herding the time travelers.
"Mione, make sure Lily has the stuff if she decides not to or can't go to Madame Pomphrey. And make sure James goes to Snape, see if detention is still on and how angry he is. Nev, I need you to keep Leo, Peter, and Remus on their best behavior for the night with Shay and Dean. Lav, you and Parvati are on rumor and research duty. See if you can't find a way to protect us in there as well. You know the drill for the rumors" Harry instructed lowly as they got a staircase down from the classroom.
"I have enough for a single night" Hermione said, checking her bag.
"First thoughts are a silencing layout but that could interfere with detentions if she decides to hold them there. I'll let you know of any possibilities I come across" Parvati whispered back.
"Need me to tell Angie you'll be more vicious during practice?" Ron asked.
"That or distracted. Wait until we're on the field, just to be safe" Harry inclined his head.
"Want to head down early to just fly?"
"No. I need to eat something" Harry was proud of himself for choosing not to skip a meal over emotional stress.
"Proud of you" Neville echoed his thoughts. The group slipped into the Great Hall and sat down. Ron and Harry grabbed something they could eat quick while the rest loaded up their plates. Harry ate as slow as he could before standing up, Ron following a few seconds later.
"See you later" Harry waved, slinging his bag over his shoulder before hurrying towards the field. He got various goodbyes as he left. As he took to the skies after pulling on his gear, a medium sized brown owl was soaring towards Headquarters, a letter clutched in its talons. As he worked out his frustration, fear, and restlessness, the letter he had written that morning was being read.