Harry Potter - Tales of The Phoenix Incarnate

The start of our tale begins in a rather strange corner of reality (well, stranger than your used to at any rate). You see, to the ordinary few (those otherwise known as Muggles/No-Mag’s/Can’t Spells/etc, for a certain breed of humans) it would appear as though nothing was amiss. Or even there for that matter, hidden as well as it was to keep the peace between these two very different societies of the humanity. 

And even to those ‘special’ enough to be aware of what really lies behind this intricate veil; known as the Wizarding populace of England, will look upon this day and time as just your average busy marketplace on the usual back to school rush for the aspiring young Witches and Wizards of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! And any who recognise this tale soo far, would be forgiven for thinking this was simply a retelling of an age-old story, but that is where your assumptions would be misplaced! 

We turn our gaze now to a well-travelled and, currently busy, bookstore, many crowding the store being of the female persuasion, all of whom were clamouring to catch a glimpse of the critically acclaimed Gilderoy Lockhart. Winner of the Witch-Weekly best smile, blah blah blah…. We’ll eventually have to get back to him later on but for the sake of sanity we take our attention to the entrance of the store, where a group of young children could all be seen glaring at another child, standing in their way. 

These children were far from friends with this blond haired boy, and were trying to make an exit after Lockhart had dragged one of their group; a scrawny, thin young man with Jet black hair and Piercing Emerald Green eyes; known as one Harry James Potter, to the front of the store simply to grab a photo with this living legend of a young man (As I said we’ll get back to that idjit later….). Why you may ask, was a young boy, moving swiftly into his 12th year of life, seen as a legend, and whose name is spoken by many around the world and in many a household?? To those who do not know of his tale, honestly what rock have you been living under?? 

To give a brief recap of the important details get everybody on the same page; a Dark and sadistic man, who (unfortunately for many) had a vast knowledge and control of the Dark-Arts of Magic, known and spoken by the greater populace as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (or by those brave enough to not give in to fear; Lord Voldemort) went to the Home of the Potter family; James Potter (devoted husband, loving father to his new born son and retired [only partially] prankster) and Lily Potter nee’ Evans (beautiful wife, adoring mother and, to all those who knew her, all around saint to put up with James and his friends as well as she did, as well as one of few that could put the fear of god into each and every one of them on more than one occasion) and the newly 1 year old Harry to kill the child. The reason why, many do not know, but what is known is he succeeded with the parents, but failed with the child, ending up vanishing for good, or so many believe/hoped…. 

Since that day Harry was left in the ‘care’ of his Mother's Muggle sister, Petunia Dursley, and her Whale of a Husband, Vernon, with their own son Dudley. Needless to say, with Vernon’s fear of all things unknown and strange, Petunia’s jealousy of her sister's Magic, and their desire to have a perfectly normal life (“Thank you very much!!”), and Dudley’s habit of ‘Harry Hunting’ (don’t ask you’ll just want to strangle a child!!)… to say Harry has had a less than pleasant upbringing would be the understatement of the Century, and that was before his previous year at Hogwarts; once again defeating Voldemort for a Magical stone. (Again, don’t ask!!)

Returning our focus back to Harry and the Weasley children; these being Percy; the eldest in this group (who came over from reading a book he looked to purchase once he spotted trouble brewing), Fred and George; resident twin pranksters, but as fiercely loyal as any in their family, Ronald (Ron), best and first friend to Harry last year, Ginevra (if you value your safety, for the love of Merlin call her Ginny only) youngest and only girl of the Weasley Clan and something of a secret (not so secret because of her git brothers and her own shyness and nerves. Give her a break she’s only just turning 11 for Petes sake!!) ‘Admirer’ of Harry’s since she was little, and even more so since they locked eyes at the train station a year ago (we’ll address this soon enough), and one Hermione Granger; Harry’s second ever and also best friend, were all facing, and admittedly quite annoyed with, one Draco Malfoy; member of an old Wizarding family, with views that are less than pleasant for anyone with non-magical blood coursing through their veins, and ‘Former’ followers of The Dark Lord. 

Basically, your all around self-entitled aristocratic Arse-holes with views in line with certain Nazi stereo-types, but the less said there the better.

We join the confrontation with the youngest Malfoy leering at them all and berating young Harry for the (clearly unwanted) attention he has just received because of Lockhart, and the coming of his defence by young Ginny.  

“What’s this Potter, got yourself a little girlfriend? Couldn’t find a more appealing option at all could you? Or have you agreed to let her have some money for her obviously pathetically poor family?” Sneered the young Malfoy heir, either oblivious to the murderous looks from all the red head males, or simply thought it didn’t matter. (Or perhaps through a lack of self-preservation, I’ll let you be the judge.) 

But Harry’s attention, whilst admittedly divided between his all-to-familiar anger at Draco, found his eyes were drawn instantly to Ginny. And even though she was in front of him, just moments before defending him from hassle about attention she could clearly see made him extremely uncomfortable, was now hunched over and seemed smaller than ever before, her brilliant red hair, that appeared to be made of liquid fire to Harry (and has repeatably drawn his eyes since he first met her family), now covering her face. Though the slight shake of her shoulders belied her hurt feelings and the fear of Harrys reaction to this nasty boy's statement.

Harry found himself, inexplicably, wanting to protect her and make the fowl-mouthed little git take back his words this instant. So that’s what he did. 

"Say one more word about her, or any of her family again and I won’t need magic, a fancy spell or some stupid legend about my name or past that I don’t even know! I’ll shut your mouth permanently and make you regret the day you were born!” exclaimed Harry, bringing Ginny behind him, his arm shielding her from any more of Draco’s bile and advancing to within a few feet of the other. 

Draco, visibly paler and shocked at this reaction, was about to retort with another remark when he caught a look in Potters eyes. They’ve always been a vivid green, that much was obvious at a passing glance, with many girls their age, or even some in the years above have exclaimed how dreamy they seemed to be (much to other boys’ confusion and/or jealousy). But this time they seemed to glow with an almost ethereal power to them, and that was not the only thing that stopped Draco cold. 

Raw magic, almost like static and Golden in colour, was coursing through the air around Harry, whilst the shelves near them were shaking enough to topple multiple books to the ground whilst pushing back many people around them, including Malfoy, the Weasleys and Hermione by a couple of feet.

Curiously though, little Ginny was unaffected by the magical outburst, something that caught many of the growing group of on-lookers by surprise. 

For her part, young Ginny had no idea what had come over Harry, who until now had seemingly not shown her any favouritism at all other than being his best friends' younger sister. She was also confused as to why she was not pushed back like the others or kept away like her parents and a man with similar platinum blond hair to this fowl boy in front of them, but she did know that she was no longer feeling the sting, the hurt or insecurities welling up within her from the Malfoy's words. 

Instead, she was feeling protected and safe behind Harry's arm (seemingly by his very Magic somehow) but knew if he didn’t stop soon then he may get into serious trouble with the Ministry for under-aged magic. So, she did the only thing that came to mind and, screwing up whatever Gryffindor courage her family are meant to have (and she hoped to prove she too had when she got to school) stepped forward and took a firm hold of Harry’s hand. 

The instant her hand touched his there was an even larger pulse of magic that knocked over many more people and cracked the wood of several shelves, as though his magic was a wild animal lashing out at whatever came near him, before instantly settling upon feeling her own, and upon him recognising who it was that stepped up to him, looking directly into her eyes as she spoke. 

“Harry, you need to calm down, anymore of this and you may get into trouble with the Ministry for Underaged magic, and I don’t think dad will be able to explain most of this away if you tear down the entire store. Please, just calm down, okay?” Ginny spoke softly, for only him to hear and remarkably he appeared to be listening to every single word she spoke as though it were Gospel, something she would be privately ecstatic about later on. 

“Okay” Harry whispered, taking in a deep breath and calming his nerves, surprising himself with how quickly he regained control and wondering why he felt calmer with her hand in his, before that thought registered in his young mind and took his hand back with a deep blush that would have put any Weasley to shame.

“Are you alright? I'm sorry if I frightened you at all, but I saw how upset he made you and I kinda’ lost control a bit.” He explained through his embarrassment, whilst scratching the back of his head. She simply smiled softly at him and shook her head, blushing almost as much as he was and not trusting her voice, secretly glad he seemed to finally be noticing her. 

Though with his hand no longer in hers they both felt an emptiness neither had ever noticed before return, and privately wished they could hold hands again, though their shyness prevented that for now. Along with this though Harry also felt slightly drained now that the moment had past, but simply put it down to expelling so much magic just now. 

After their quiet conversation was over and everyone else had picked themselves up off the floor, they were joined by both the Weasley parents as well as the Grangers; Jack and Jean (both muggles) and all were wondering what exactly had just happened. 

“Harry, Ginny, what was that just now? Are you both alright? Were either of you hurt by whatever that was!??” Molly Weasley exclaimed upon reaching them, fussing over them both as any dotting and loving mother would, which poor Harry was still struggling to understand why she was including him in this as he was not one of her brood, but felt immensely grateful for her care towards him regardless. 

“We’re fine thanks mum, don’t worry, Harry kept me safe!” Ginny said to try and placate her mother, giving a small, weary smile, which Harry noticed and suspected she was still feeling down about what Malfoy had said to her, which instantly brought back some of his protective anger. 

“We’re fine Mrs. Weasley, and I’m sorry about all of that.” Harry said next, surprising Mrs. Weasley and Ginny both. As Mr. Weasley, who had just joined them after checking on the others, heard Harry’s last statement he became as confused as his Wife. 

“Why on earth would you be sorry Harry!? I don’t think I understand?” Arthur asked, with Molly nodding along whilst looking over them both and then the other child only just picking himself up off the ground, and upon recognising the resemblance to their family's basic polar opposite in every possible way, began to have an idea as to what had caused this mess to begin with, but not what that Magic was.

This was soon answered however as Harry spoke. “Malfoy over there started trying to insult me and the others because of Lockhart dragging me in front of the cameras! Ginny stepped in then, telling him to back off.” Here he looked at Ginny and gave her a grateful smile, making her smile in return with a small blush of her own, something both her parents noticed and lightly smiled with pride for her finding her courage and defending Harry like that. 

This was quickly replaced with their own anger as Harry went on. “He then insulted her; I won’t repeat any of it as that’s Ginny’s choice.” His concerned eyes finding her grateful ones for a moment. “After that, well... I um…” here Harry began to falter slightly as his nerves and fear of being sent away began to creep up on him. Before he could continue, he was interrupted. 

“He attacked me for no reason, and all that dribble he’s spewing is utter lies, he’s just trying to paint himself as the hero. Again!!” Exclaimed an, admittedly, ashen coloured Draco, trying to regain some dignity in front of his father who he noticed was now back on his own feet and standing behind him, an already displeased look upon his face at today's events. 

“Now, now Draco, no need to scream and shout like any of these lower families. We are Malfoy’s and we do not lower our standards, is that Clear!?” The clear warning in his voice evident even for a deaf man to hear loud and clear, and enough to have the young Malfoy heir backing down instantly. 

Mr. Weasley quickly moved to block Harry and Ginny from Malfoy Sr.’s view, “I thank you for stopping any further interruption, Lucious, but I think I’d rather like to hear the rest of what Harry has to say and what else your son has said to my daughter!” He said, turning back around to look at Harry so he could continue, before they were interrupted again by the advancing Malfoy Lord. 

“Come now Weasley, you won’t take the credibility of a pair of young Wizard’s and Witch having a silly, infantile squabble in a book store as anything more than that will you!? Your family are already considered by many to be an embarrassment to the name of Wizards, there’s no need to lower yourselves any further, surely!?!” Drawled the Senior Malfoy, instantly making many, including a fair few of the onlookers who heard what the man's son had said, quite angry at the poorly hidden insult. 

Before Mr. Weasley could retort Malfoy Sr. moved to just in front of Harry, who chose that unfortunate moment to peek around Arthur's shoulder. “Lucious Malfoy” he said, holding out his gloved hand. Harry, attempting to make up for his earlier temper and keep the Weasleys out of any trouble because of him, chose to try and do the polite thing and at least shake the man's hand. 

What he didn’t foresee was the man was planning on dragging him to him by that hand and using the fangs on his snake-head cane to pull his fringe out of the way, revealing the Scar left upon Harry’s forehead from Voldemort’s attempt at killing him, and the mark for which all know him from his tale.

“Forgive me, your scar of course is legend. As of course is the wizard wh…” before the Malfoy Lord could continue, or the Weasley parents could intervene (who by this time were seconds away from drawing their wands and hexing the man for daring to touch Harry in such a way), the Pureblood found the arm restraining Harry’s hand gripped in an impossibly iron clad hold a second after a sudden, strong gust of wind blew through the store, ruffling several pages of the fallen and opened books still on the floor, accompanied by what sounded like a sudden boom coming from somewhere in the distance (as though there was a sudden clap of Thunder or something moving EXTREMELY fast had just momentarily broken the sound barrier similar to what jets could accomplish). 

Now, normally a few things would enter your mind upon witnessing this strange scene, one of which being that it was quite strange to feel such a sudden gust of wind inside a store, even if they were standing by the entrance, even for the Wizarding world!? Also, that a strong grip upon a person’s arm would normally only bring slight discomfort, but from what Harry could tell from the sheer expression of pain on the Elder Wizards face was that the new Man, that had suddenly appeared out of seemingly nowhere and was gripping the Wizards arm was so tightly that Malfoy soon felt the bones in his arm begin the crack and splinter like kindling. If you were to ask Harry later, he would swear he could almost hear the cracking bones as well!

With an exclamation of pain, Malfoy released Harry to Mrs. Weasley’s and Ginny’s protective arms (who till now had not been allowed any closer due to her Mother’s restraining arm). As Harry backed away, he looked up to his would-be saviour and became even more curious, for all he could make out was a dark Emerald, mid- calve length coat with accents of a Fiery-Orange/Gold along the cuffs of the arms and the tail end of his coat, something he found an oddity even among the Wizarding World.

Odder still was that this stranger had not been spotted till after that sudden gust of wind was felt (did this man have something to do with that? And how?), with a Leather-cuff bracelet on the right arm holding Mr. Malfoy’s, and what appeared to be a black buttoned-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up (if the bracelet being visible was anything to go by), with blue jeans and black boots showing in the opening of the coat. This in-of-itself was a strange sight compared to the other Witches and Wizards milling about today! The Man was dressed more like a Muggle than a Wizard in Robes.

Upon looking up at the man’s head (all 6ft tall, lean and semi-broad shouldered, and yet standing more imposing than even Hagrid; his giant of a friend and Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, or Albus Dumbledore; the current Headmaster of his School and the most powerful Wizard currently alive, combined) all Harry could make out from where the man stood, glaring straight at Malfoy (who was turning a nice shade of white and red simultaneously, Harry noted) was the shadows of his hood and a rather vibrant pair of almost Amber coloured eyes, which seemed to burn with their own inner-fire and struck what appeared to be a deep, deep fear into Mr. Malfoy’s very heart and soul. 

This mystery man drew slightly closer to Malfoy (no too much, as though the very idea of being close to this man repulsed the stranger) and said in a voice like steel. “I see you still have not learned to use any of those so called ‘High-born manners’ Lucy, so I’ll just give you a piece of free advice! Laying your hands upon, or acting as you just have, to a minor is HIGHLY frowned upon, no matter which side, Muggle or magical, or what corner of the Planet you happen to be from!” The Man said.  

Then, in a lower, far darker tone that seemed to put even more fear into Malfoy, added. “And that goes double if you act, in any way, threateningly to a child, OR friend of mine, in front of me!!!” He finally took pity on Malfoy and released him, causing the Senior to stumble back and drop to his knee cradling his arm to his chest, with his son coming over and worrying over his father.

Turning away from them, as though they weren’t even there, this mystery man ended his discussion with the Malfoy’s by adding. “And unfortunately for you and your spawn, Mr. Potter here happens to fall under both of those categories!” All the while looking right at Harry, past the pale and shocked faces of the Weasley parents and the protective and fiery gaze of Ginny, who had once again jumped in front of Harry, bringing a slight smile to his face when he noticed, before looking to the stranger.

“Um, thank you for that Sir, but I’m afraid I don’t really know who you are!?” He said, slightly weary from the last time he tried to be polite with a stranger, mere moments ago. 

The man gave something of an amused and, if one were paying attention, sad chuckle before kneeling to Harry and Ginny’s eye level. “Well, whilst that is technically true, I DID, however, have the honour of being the Third man to be allowed to hold you after your parents, a little around 12 years ago now. And had the great joy of knowing both of your parents for a time. So, I think we can just call it a technicality for now, don’t you!?” Harry’s eyes widened at this revelation, and was about to reply when they were interrupted, yet again, by the Malfoy’s.

“HOW DARE YOU!! YOU’VE BROKEN MY ARM, YOU FILTHY INGRATE!!!!” Roared Lucious, currently in the motion of trying to draw his wand from the hidden compartment in his cane, when he suddenly found himself lifted and suspended in the air with an aura of what appeared to be Fire surrounding his entire body. Try as Malfoy might, he could not move a muscle other than his head, which thrashed around constantly, trying to escape. 

This, Malfoy will learn, was a mistake, as the stranger once more stood and turned to face him again, only to be greeted by those same Amber eyes glowing with the same Ethereal-like Flames that danced over his body, and had begun to lick at the outer frame of this mystery man's own coat and person, showing him to be to source of the Elder Wizards current state. Unbidden, a memory surfaced in his mind, bringing with it a fear and panic he had not felt in many years, not since before his Lord had fallen. 

In the same, insulting and drawling voice that he had used on the Weasley’s before, the man spoke up once more. “Come, Come now Malfoy. I know we just discussed your deplorable manners and all, but I’m clearly in a conversation with an old friend. Kindly keep your mouth shut till I’m finished, please!?” The Man finished with his open mockery with a severe-commanding tone, which had all in attendance paying attention. 

The Man then turned back around again, with nary a change to his face from before their interruption, and addressed Harry again. “Now Harry” Drawing Harry’s and everyone else’s attention back to himself, shocking many of the onlookers with the man's apparent 180 attitude shift.  

“Before we were all rudely interrupted by the attention-seeking Ponce. Oops, sorry about that Molly!” Which earned a light-hearted chuckle from all the kids, a smile from Mr. Weasley and a light scowl from Mrs. Weasley, even though she was fighting a smirk of her own.

“I believe you were explaining what happened a moment ago that upset your pretty little friend here?!” He said, seeming unbothered by the flames lightly licking off of his person, or the fiery glow to his eyes, as though either were a simple matter for this man, whilst directing his last statement to Ginny, making Harry smile as she instantly blushed and looked down in embarrassment, before she glanced at him quickly and lightly pushing his arm, making him chuckle. 

The mood significantly lighter for the moment, Harry looked up and began feeling the nerves from before on explaining what happened and being sent away, but before it went too far he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. Looking up into the man's warm and comforting gaze, Harry heard him speak again. “Take your time Harry! You will NOT be in trouble for this, I can promise you that! And before you start, neither will the Weasley’s, and they will certainly not want to send you away for any trouble you ‘think’ you may have caused.”

This brought a few different reactions from the various onlookers. Shock from Harry as that was EXACTLY what was on his mind! Shock mixed with great concern from all the Weasley’s and Grangers, with the Wizarding parents second guessing themselves for brushing off their youngest son’s claims of bars on Harry’s bedroom windows, whilst making a silent decision to sit them down later to ask about it more in depth. 

Harry looked down for a moment, thinking things over. For whatever reason he trusted this man. Even after only just meeting him, he does have a very vague sense of familiarity about him that confuses Harry greatly. Ultimately his mind was made up for him by a small hand once again taking his own, and looking into Ginny’s warm, chocolate brown eyes, reminded him of why he was speaking in the first place. So, with a deep breath, and pulling on his Gryffindor courage, spoke. 

“After Malfoy said what he said to Ginny, I told him to back off or I wouldn’t need any Magic or spell or stupid fame to make him shut his mouth for him, AND that I’d make him regret the day he was born! And yes, I stand by that statement!!” Harry explained, gaining in confidence as he did, something that surprised himself slightly, but he forged on regardless.

“After everything their family has done for me, from helping me onto the train, to my first ever Christmas presents.” This earned more shocked and concerned looks from the Weasley parents, which Harry didn’t see as his focus was on the man in front of him, who simply had an encouraging smile and warm look in his eyes that gave him more confidence to continue. 

“To the Twins and Ron getting me from my Aunt and Uncle’s, to them welcoming me into their home without a second thought, and Ginny defending me like no one ever has before! I wasn’t about to stand back and let her be hurt in my place or let that git belittle her family in front of me!” Harry finished, breathing a little heavily from getting slightly worked up from his impromptu speech, glancing down shyly as he finished.

That was before he was engulfed in a sea of red and tiny arms giving him a hug very familiar to those that Mrs. Weasley had given him before. Looking down he saw it was Ginny and noticed her hair smelled rather sweet, like some sort of wild-flower he couldn’t quite place, which worked wonders to calm the rest of his nerves. 

Pulling away Ginny gave Harry a shy little smile and said a quiet “Thank you!” before he was dragged, not unkindly but still rather forcibly, into yet another hug from Mrs. Weasley, which Harry accepted readily this time, though couldn’t stop himself from comparing it to how Ginny’s made him feel (and silently preferring hers, to his private embarrassment!). 

Once Molly had released him, he looked back to the man and finding him standing again, that strange fire still emanating from his body slightly (and truthfully not having stopped at all though-out Harry’s little speech) looking at him with warmth and a semblance of pride. Turning around he called out “I’m assuming you got all that bub!?”

To the shock of many, the photographer from before came back into the store holding up his camera again, which had been silently taking many, many pictures of everything (including Harry’s magical out-burst) along with a self-writing quill on a long piece of Parchment; obviously catching every word spoken, causing everyone present to question just how long he was there, and how much had he heard. 

The Mystery man walked over, past the still suspended Malfoy and his wide-eyed spawn and nodded to the Photographer, the flames finally dying away slightly from his own body, but his eyes still glowing.

“Now, as we already arranged, I give you this exclusive story of the Malfoy heir and Lord instigating a confrontation with the Last surviving member of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter; ‘The-Boy-Who-Lived’! And in exchange you write and print everything. No lies, no inserted fables and nonsense, no slander or made-up gossip! Every little detail of what happened here! And MOST importantly, No. Rita. Skeeter!!! Am I Perfectly Clear!?” All the while staring into the photographers very soul, making the man gulp and hastily agree with a nice, quiet. “Crystal Sir”. 

“Good” the Man exclaimed, suddenly sounding as chipper as the Twins after a successful prank. “And be sure to show your boss at the Prophet this memory and ask him to pay attention to the emblem on my shoulder here!” He said, showing said emblem of some Golden, Majestic Bird surrounded by Flames and Gold. “He’ll, hopefully, recognise it and will give you the green light, along with the credit for the story. I advise heading straight to him now and not your Department head. Say there was a man who gave you a memory, and his paper an exclusive story if he does what’s been agreed, are we clear!?”

By this time the man for the Daily Prophet was practically salivating at the mouth at the pay bump he’d possibly get from this story, hastily agreed again. He turned to leave before the Mystery man stopped him with a parting message.

“Oh, and one more thing! If your boss is stupid enough to go behind my back or you write your own story, or he allows Skeeter anywhere near this with her gossip and vitriol…. Well, let’s just say this will be a teaser of what will happen to you both!!”

Here the man merely raised his arm, flames once more visible for all to see, and pointed back towards Malfoy, who was still struggling to free himself. The Man’s eyes once again took on that mystical glow, never leaving the photographer’s and with a simple, almost lazy flick of his finger in the opposite direction to the bookstore, Malfoy Sr. was flung at great speed to the opposite building, crashing through the door and into many of the displays within. 

With a shit eating grin, the Mystery Man promptly turned around and headed back towards Harry and the Weasley’s, who were in various states of amazement, shock and/or laughing themselves silly at the plight of the Malfoy Family. 

Walking straight back to Harry and Ginny, who hadn’t moved much other than to get a better look at the state of the Malfoy’s, and letting the flames finally die down all together (the glow in his eyes vanishing as well), knelt in front of them again and looked straight at Harry with a warm smile. 

“I imagine you are, undoubtably, tired of people comparing you to them in certain lights, Harry.” He begun, and Harry prepared himself to be compared to how alike he looks to his parents and how he has his mother's eyes, something that, undoubtably, brings him joy at hearing he has something in common with the parents he never knew, but also sadness that he won’t know if he is anything like them other than looks. 

However, he looks up sharply as the man carried on. “But you, young man, are the perfect blend of both your parents! Your father's loyalty to his friends and those closest to him, and your mother's large heart and compassion. Never forget or abandon those traits Young Man, understand?!” The man finished, with a seemingly, knowing look in his eyes.

Shocked as Harry was that this man had seemed to almost read his very thoughts yet again, he almost missed Ginny smiling warmly at him again, one he returned, and the man rising to address the Weasley parents. 

“My apologies for barging in like that Weasleys, but I figured Arthur was about 3 seconds away from jumping Good ‘Auld Lucy’, so I figured I’d save him the trouble and uh….” he stopped a moment to look across the street, where the Malfoy’s where once more on their feet and now rapidly fleeing the scene. The Man turned back continuing. “Show him the door, so to speak.” Much to the amusement of many of those still watching.

Just when the Weasley parents were about to reply, Lockhart chose that moment to try and grab some attention for himself. “Well, what’s happening here then?! Come now Harry, you really shouldn’t let your fame make you act out like this. I see I’m going to have to help you learn a thing or two other than just Defence Against the Dark Arts this year.” 

Many in the store, with FAR less than half their braincells working, clapped and applauded at this. The others however bristled at the implication that Harry did any of this simply for attention. 

Mrs. Weasley and Hermione in particular were finding their earlier opinions of the man take a severe hit from his comment and tone, whilst Ginny began to develop a fiery look in her eyes as her temper sky-rocketed. And before anything else was said and done, Lockhart found himself the victim of an immensely powerful Bat-Bogey Hex from a pissed off Red-Head (Never a good thing, even without magic!). 

As Gilderoy fell, and before Molly could round on Ginny for what she had clearly done, a Loud thundering laugh filled the shop as the Mystery Man had doubled over, belly laughing at the fool. “HAHAHAHA, ooohh, I see your still as impressive with the ladies as ever Lockhart, would’ve thought you’d learned your lesson after you tried to impress that Seventh Year Red-head back when you were a Fourth year yourself. Hahahahahaha, this is almost as good as the black eye Bones gave you that lasted for weeks.” 

As he laughed his hood fell away revealing an altogether friendly, almost youthful appearance with nearly Black/Dark hair tied back into a small pontail, hanging near the crown of the back of his head, fair skin and a low cut and trimmed beard hair, as though he simply hadn’t shaved in many months, but still attempting to keep it neat.

With a wave of his hand, he cancelled and reversed Ginny’s accidental magic, which added yet another shock for the Weasley Children, because as far as they were aware there was no Counter for that Spell (generally having to wait till its run its course), let alone with a simple wave of one’s hand! As Lockhart, slowly, got off the ground, he all but glared at the man before trying to save face for the crowd. 

“Yes well, good show and all, would’ve been all too easy to move out of the way of a blatant spell such as that, but with the tension in the air from earlier I figured I’d let the silly little spell take effect, having known it was obviously not a lethal one.” Lockhart pandered, obviously trying to paint the man in a negative light and not as though he’d been taken down by a barely 11-year-old girl.

Not many people seemed to believe him this time, so he attempted to change topic. “You Sir, however seem to have popped out of literal nowhere. Just who, may I ask, are you!?” All eyes looked to the man and they realised their own curiosity for who this man was. All except for Molly and Arthur who wore smug grins. 

“Huh... what d’ya know, you actually can ask a decently intelligent question when you put your mind to it. Well-done Lockhart, here’s a cookie.” The Man replied, tossing him a cookie he produced from seemingly nowhere, forcing Lockhart to catch it with a bewildered expression. “Though you have reminded me that I have forgotten my own manners, and for that, Harry.” Turning to face the boy “I must apologies.” He said with a sincere look on his face. 

“That’s alright sir, quite a lot was going on that kinda got in the way of the proper etiquette, eh!?” Harry replied with a small smile on his face. The Man chuckled before replying. 

“Ohh, you’re gonna have Lily’s dry wit, I can already tell!” Causing a larger smile to appear on Harry’s face on the comparison with his Mother. “However right you may be though, does not apply now. John ‘Logan’ McCloud; at your service, Heir Potter.” 

The now named Mr. McCloud introduced himself, with an overly exaggerated bow, causing many a chuckle from the kids, but causing a few people still present to note the, admittedly semi-formal, greeting to an Ancient House, interesting many. Funnily enough, some, including Harry and the kids noticed that Lockhart had gone very pale as he stared at the man. 

As the now named Mr. McCloud righted himself, and before he could continue, he was practically smothered in the biggest of Weasley Hugs any of the kids had ever seen. (And they had been on the receiving end of those their whole lives!) 

“OH, I just knew it was you. From those eyes and powers to the way you spoke and carried on. It really is you!! How can this be, we thought you were gone for good sometime before James and Lily went into hiding!??” Exclaimed an obviously emotional Molly, bringing with it another round of shock, as what she said registered with the kids. Harry in particular at the mention of his parents.

“Y-Yes… it’s me Mo... OLLY…. would you mind, terribly…. Letting me breathe now…PLEASE!???” Mr. McCloud exclaimed, sounding like he was struggling for the very breath to get his desperate plea out. When he was finally released, he doubled over gasping for breath, with an apologetic Molly hovering close-by, looking sheepish. Recovering enough, he exclaimed. 

“Celestials above woman, how are you able to hug me hard enough to lose my breath!? I’ve been in the grip of everything from Giants to Leviathan-class monsters that had less strength to them than your bleeding hugs do!!” All the while with a bright smile on his face. 

As Arthur came over and shook his hand, Lockhart stammered out “Y-you c-can't be him, y-you s-s-simply can’t, y-y-you were s-s-upposed to h-h-ave di-died!?” Having finished shaking Arthur's hand he turned to Lockhart and simply replied. 

“Huh?? Oh, you still here Lockhart? Uh-huh whatever you just said is great and all, but if you’ll excuse us, I’d like a, well a less observed word with the Weasley’s, Harry and… I believe the Grangers correct!??” Turning to face Hermione’s very confused looking parents and referring to the now stunned and gawking crowd currently staring at them, or more specifically him, in shock and amazement, and some with a slight tendril of fear. 

Having walked the small distance from the bookstore to the Ice cream store just down the street, everyone stopped and got comfortable as they ordered some treats for themselves, with a noticeable change in the form that Harry and Ginny were sitting much closer than they would have before, with Ginny on one side of Harry and Ron and Hermione of his other, and giving each other little looks and small smiles from time to time. Eventually, once everyone had their treats in front of them, Harry felt brave enough to ask something that had been on his mind. 

“Um…. Excuse me Mr. McCloud…” only to stop when said man looked at him and raised his hand. “Nope! Please Harry, no Mister’s or Sir’s just yet, and never when we are in private like this. Although you are unfortunately gonna have to call me Sir in your next year at Hogwarts.” This surprised many of them whilst he simply carried on. “However, when we’re in private or outside of school you can feel free to call me Logan!” This got a confused look from a couple of the kids, which was voiced by Hermione, ever the one to let her curiosity speak for her.  

“I’m sorry, sir.” Only to be interrupted by Logan saying. “Ah ah, I was including yourself and everyone at this table Miss Granger! And if you’ll allow, I’ll use your first names too, to make things fair, how’s that sound!?” Blushing from the slight correction, though feeling braver at his words of encouragement and the inclusion, she continued. “Alright, Logan. If you don’t mind my asking, why would you like us to address you with your middle name rather than your first!?” She asked, getting looks of agreement from the kids and the Grangers, but strangely a chuckle from the Weasley parents.

Logan merely smiled as he replied, whilst shooting a knowing look to Arthur and Molly. “Well Hermione, that’s because it’s not my middle name.” Earning more confused looks as he continued. 

“John is what I allow those I’m closet to, to call me! Which eventually I would like everyone here to do as well, but as I have only just met many of you, I figured we’d start at the beginning and see where we work up to. As for those that I either don’t trust or have just met, (and sometimes even those I do trust and they simply still call me it anyway), I ask to be referred to as Logan, for various reasons that I’ll keep to myself, for now!” He looked around as he finished, seeing some people were accepting his answer, for now. Turning back to Harry he motioned with his hand for the boy to continue. 

“Okay, Logan, well…… I was just wondering if what you said back there was true!?” Harry eventually asked. Logan leaned forward, leaning his elbows on the table, tenting his hands, one fist in the other before resting his chin on his extended thumbs. 

“Well, that depends on what you’re referring to Harry, as I seem to remember saying quite a lot with that mess back there.” He chuckled, with a few people chuckling as well, but Harry kept his gaze on the man in front of him. 

“Sorry I meant when you said…” Only for Logan to interrupt him again, his gaze now turning sharp and expression serious, simultaneously sobered many around the tables. “I know what you meant Harry. Sorry, I was just trying to keep things light, but I can see this means a lot to you so I will reply in kind.”  

Logan took a breath before continuing, with a melancholy smile. “Yes, I knew your parents! They were some of the absolute bravest, and often times, craziest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I also knew both of their individual sets of parents as well, including your Aunt, who I have met a fair few times, unfortunately.”

His face and tone darkened slightly at the thought of what Petunia has put her sisters only son through, before taking a calming breath and continuing. “As well as many of their friends, including your fathers closest, who he considered brothers in all but blood and were the ones to hold you before myself. Remus Lupin, who much like your mother, and of course Hermione here, was the brains and moral compass of their group.” 

He gave a quick wink and smile to the bushy haired girl which earned a blush from said young Witch and more smiles from her parents at the praise of their daughter’s intelligence, as well as from Harry and Ron. “And a man known as Sirius Black.” 

The mention of this name brought a variety of responses from around the tables. Interest and confusion in Harry’s and Grangers case, to matching, almost angry frowns from the Weasley parents and slight fear from the Weasley kids.

Logan, upon noticing the looks from the Red-head parents jumped straight in. “I thought I taught you two better than to believe idle gossip, rumours or Government propaganda!?! It’s the exact same thing that happens to you and your family and I would’ve thought you would set better examples than that for your own children! Fact check, double check, question what you hear yourselves and draw your own conclusions from any evidence you see first-hand then proceed from there. And if all else fails, go with what your Gut tells you! Mad-Eye may have taken somethings a little too much to heart but that doesn’t mean he’s entirely wrong!”  

He sounded very much like a parent scolding a child as he dressed down the Weasley parents, and what shocked their children the most was that they seemed to just be taking the telling off as any child would, despite this man appearing for all the world quite a few years their junior. Shocking the Weasley children the most was that their mothers infamous temper wasn’t even sparking a little, if anything she looked downright crestfallen. 

“Um… may I ask who exactly Sirius Black is and why you're glaring at Mr and Mrs. Weasley over it!?” Harry asked, followed by his own little glare, not liking the people who took him in being blamed for something he does not understand.  

After giving them both one last pointed glance, making sure he got his point across, he turned to address Harry once more. “Sirius was your fathers best and closets friend Harry, much in the way Ron and Hermione are to you, and was named, shortly after you were born, and still considered to this day from what I can tell, to be your Godfather Harry!” 

He paused here and allowed the boy to work through his shock, along with giving his friends a moment to offer him their silent comfort and support at this new information before he pressed on. “Many in this world believe, however, that he sold your parents out to Voldemort.” Here many of the witches and wizards flinched at the name, causing Logan to glare again. 

“Fear of the name only increases the fear within oneself! To reject that fear is to take back that power from it!” As everyone processed this Harry asked, in a voice sounding very hollow and unsure of itself. “D-Did he? … Did he sell out my parents? Is he the reason they're….?”

Before he could continue, he felt a small hand take his own for the third time that day, looking at Ginny and seeing how she was shyly trying to offer him whatever support she could, he vaguely felt Ron place his hand on his shoulder and Hermione grip his other hand whilst fighting the tears in her eyes, and was thankful for them all helping him find the strength to hear this.

Logan was piercing him with that Amber gaze once more, though this time a touch warmer as he replied evenly. “Before I answer that Harry let me ask you a question. The people sitting around you, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, or anyone else you can think of as close to or important to you. Do you think ANY of them could possibly turn on you like that!?” Harry made to answer immediately, but before he could Logan held up a hand to stop him for a moment. “And before you answer, take into consideration a few things, and these are gonna be some heavy topics to think about, but I want you to try for me please!?” 

At receiving a hesitant nod, he went on. “What if they were tortured? What if you have a falling out or argument? What if they are under some influence, magical or otherwise and say or do something that makes you disgusted initially with that person but deep down you know in your BONES, that they would never WILLINGLY betray you or those you hold dear!?? Would you believe that that person has betrayed you without seeing the evidence for yourself, without questioning them yourself and getting a truthful answer? And for those who aren’t in the know, i.e., the younger kids or non-magical’s, there exists a Truth Serum of sorts that will force the drinker to reveal any truth to a question asked! Take some time and think before you answer Harry, really think this through.” 

And think young Harry did, and all the while the others at the table all had thoughtful looks on their faces to match. Notably though was that Arthur and Molly appeared to be coming to a similar conclusion based on what they remember from that time. Logan, upon seeing the thoughtful and dread filled ideas forming behind their eyes raises his finger to his lips, silently asking them to hold off till Harry gave his answer. 

It took a few more minutes but eventually Harry looks up with a shockingly determined look in his eyes for one so young that impressed many, and merely made Logan smile widen, already guessing what his answer will be.

“No, I don’t! Even if they were influenced by some magic, even if we’ve argued or for some other reason, I’d never think that anyone here or anyone I’m close to would ever sell me out like that. They’re not like that and I don’t care what’s said or done I’d never suspect any of them.”

Harry looked as though he wanted to say more, and from the encouraging nod from Logan (which was strange for Harry as he barely knew the man, yet it gave him the courage to continue) added. “Dursley’s aside, Hermione’s like the sister I never got to have, and the Weasleys are the closest thing I have to family at this point.”

This earned many a warm look from around the table and a watery smile from Hermione and Molly, who would’ve ran over to hug the young man she considered another son had Logan not taken over the conversation from there by slapping his hand down on the table, startling many. 

“EXACTLY Harry! And barely any hesitation in your answer at all, just what I’d expect from the son of James and Lily Potter!” He all but BEAMED at Harry, making the young man blush more than he already was from all the looks everyone was giving him.

“And that was your parents’ opinion as well. Unfortunately, they were wrong in this regard.” Earning a sad and confused looks from around the table, along with a fierce glare from Ginny for making Harry feel worse, until she noticed Logan’s smile. 

“At least that is what most of the Wizarding community believe. I however do not! And I happen to have some information that might help us prove it!” Surprising everyone again, Logan merely glanced around the tables where everyone sat and saw that everyone’s treats were either finished or forgotten about during the course of their conversation. 

“Well, seeing as everyone has finished, I think we’ll move onto what I originally came to Diagon Alley for.” Logan said suddenly, much to everyone’s shock. 

“But, what about Mr. Black, and all that we’ve just discussed!? You can’t seriously leave it there!?” Exclaimed one Percy Weasley, surprising himself and his family with how invested in this supposed mystery he seemed to be. Logan however saw differently. It was his faith in the Ministry and the implications from this stranger that the Ministry may have failed a member of their society that spurred the younger Weasley on just now, and nothing more sadly! Logan made a mental note to try changing that mindset, of such high belief in the Power and authority of the Ministry, at a later time. 

For now, however. “Ah, but that Mr. Weasley ties in nicely with what we just discussed!” Shock after shock was apparently this man’s specialty, as everyone appeared to be struggling to keep up with his rapid change of topics. Arthur and Molly, however, took notice of Logan addressing Percy by his Title, rather than his name. After another quick, shared glance, they knew there was an issue there that they were going to have to address further down the line. Or have it addressed for them by Logan. And they honestly didn’t want to know which would be better or worse sadly!

Standing from his seat, Logan addressed the Weasley parents. “Molly, Arthur. I realise I’ve somewhat hijacked your shopping trip today, but if I could impose a little more, I’d like for everyone; yourselves, the kids and especially Harry to join me in Gringotts please!?” Molly and Arthur exchanged another glance before looking back and as one nodded, starting to get everyone organised to head to the bank. 

Mr and Mrs. Granger stood next and said. “I think we should be on our way, this is obviously something rather delicate and private to your family and Mr. Potter’s, Mr and Mrs. Weasley, so we’ll get out of your hair. Though I must say this has been a rather eventful and exciting day, and we’re soo glad to meet Hermione’s friends. Say your goodbyes dear, it’s time we go.” 

Before Hermione could even draw breath to protest Mr. Weasley moved forward. “I’m terribly sorry Mr and Mrs. Granger but when Logan mentioned he wanted everyone to join him at the bank he was including yourselves as well. And I’m afraid he wouldn’t have done so if it weren’t vitally important that you and your daughter do so.”

The Grangers were understandably perturbed and confused by this. “Are you sure that’s alright, I mean this is clearly something magical related and we really are out of our depth here. What reason would he have to include us other than that nice young man is Hermione’s friend!?” Queried an understandably confused Jean Granger.  

Mr. Weasley gave an understanding and sympathetic look, whilst he attempted explained. “I can understand your confusion and reluctance, really I can. Logan tends to have that affect on people unfortunately. But you’ve heard it with your own ears that Harry considers Hermione to be something of a sister for himself, and I dare say the feelings mutual for your daughter as well?!” 

At the Grangers confirming nod and light smiles he continued, in a much quieter voice meant only for the Grangers to hear. “Molly and I are worried about what Logan has brought to light, and if it leads where we think it will, Harry will need the comfort of as much family as he has available. And the very fact Logan included you and your daughter in this makes me fear that he suspects, or rather knows the same! And in all honesty, look to your daughter now and tell me, truthfully, if you’re not about to have some resistance to leaving Harry and returning home with you after these ideas have been put in all of our heads!?” 

The Grangers did as Arthur suggested and looked to their daughter and saw her in a quiet conversation of her own with Harry, and the red haired children, most notably the two youngest of their brood. They saw the concern in her gaze for her friend, but beyond that (and what made up their minds for them) was that curious and inquisitive hunger in their daughter’s eyes that told them that she wanted to see this through till the end, and that they would indeed have a fight on their hands trying to separate her from this mystery, especially since it involves one of her friend. Looking at each other they silently agreed to go along with whatever this was. For now!

As they looked back to Mr. McCloud he merely grinned as though he heard their conversation and knew what their decision was going to be from the start. And vaguely, all the adults had the feeling that he most likely arranged for it to be that way from the start! With a deep sigh they finally got their large group moving, all those present wondering in the back of their minds just what they’d gotten themselves into this time.