Chapter 27:Returns and Goodbyes
Harry and Ron packed silently in their deserted dormitory room, tossing armfuls of trousers, shirts, and socks atop schoolbooks at last shut for the year. Dean, Seamus, and Neville had left them to their doings, having already finished stowing away their own items hours before. Maybe it was out of respect that they quickly departed, for the two boys had been uncharacteristically quiet and withdrawn since the event from two weeks prior. Now Harry and Ron moved about their chore undisturbed, only making enough effort in their sloppy packing to ensure that the lids of their trunks would close with little more help then a tap from a wand.
Outside the sky was brushed so vibrantly with light, it blazed a shocking blue. Owls nestled lazily, hidden in the high, shady boughs of the tall forest pines, while other birds, unaccustomed to nocturnal behavior, twittered about in pairs beneath the sun. Most of the students were outside, playing mildly monitored games of quidditch, sitting around the lake with their feet dipped in the icy water, or mingling in the shade of the castle walls all overlooking the repaired village of Hogsmeade. It lay, nearly back to its original prime, just through the ground's gates and down the path.
Up in Gryffindor tower, Harry's mind was somewhere else, as he was sure Ron's was. It had been that way for two weeks now—how either managed to pass the exams that had awaited them days after their return was beyond him.
It was the last full day of the term. Everything had returned to a relative norm, but two weeks ago Hogsmeade was attacked, the Minister of Magic was taken hostage and killed, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were transported by accident to a strange castle in an unknown land.
It wasn't until they were portkeyed to the French Ministry of Magic (after Harry's confrontation with Voldemort) did they discover that they had been in Lord Medraut's ancient fortress—the very place of the Jade Guardian's creation…and ultimate destruction. After word was sent of Dumbledore's successful putdown of the Death Eater's attack on Hogsmeade, they were sent home—Professor Snape accompanying them without a word, looking as if he was ashamed of not being able to do more.
There was a loud bang as Ron dropped his cauldron. He muttered a quick "sorry" before picking it up and tossing it back into his trunk. Harry turned around and faced his own trunk, feeling his throat go dry at the memory of their return to Hogwarts. Jade did not go with them—Snape had done what he could for her with a bit of torn robes turned compress—before he forced Harry, Ron, and Hermione to leave her to the French Aurors. There was so much blood…
They were told at the French Ministry in Paris that Jade was portkeyed to L'espoir de Magie, a notable hospital much like St. Mungo's—but they had received no news about her since. Had circumstances been different, Harry would have demanded to know how Jade was, even pestered Dumbledore about her, but the Headmaster was barely in the castle as he was caught up in the aftermath of Voldemort's strike. Harry felt a bit like Dumbledore's efforts were in vain as the Ministry had yet to announce to the Wizarding public that the attacks on Hogsmeade and the Minster were indeed led by the Dark Lord himself. However, they had admitted the Death Eaters' were growing dangerously active…but, to Harry, it seemed hardly a start.
But even with those pending matters infiltrating his head, Harry felt that they manageable with Ron and Hermione there with him—the very people who stood beside him as he eluded Voldemort once again (though he wondered who'd believe him), but even that wouldn't last. Mr. and Mrs. Granger had turned on the BBC news the night of the Death Eater attacks to hear of a peculiar happening in London—several masked figures in black cloaks had attacked unsuspecting citizens without leaving a trace of evidence other than their battered victims. There was also the two muggles crushed by a strangely dressed man who seemed to have fallen from nowhere right on top of them—it was Cornelius Fudge of course, having leaped from the third story window of his magically hidden flat somewhere over London. This coupled with the news about Hogsmeade from Dumbledore, drove Hermione's parents into a panic and they demanded their daughter return home as planned.
Harry and Ron had watched Hermione's train from the Hogsmeade Station platform leave the next morning. Neither had ever seen her cry with as much desperation as then: waving from the window of her compartment, hoping against hope that she'd be able to return.
There was no denying it—Hogwarts just wasn't the same without their best friend. And more then ever, Harry needed dreadfully to have his friends close to him. They had followed him straight into hell, as Darcy Dumont had said Snape would of Dumbledore. At the thought of Snape, Harry felt his throat grow drier. He remembered the discussion he, Ron, and Hermione had had under the eaves of Hogsmeade station as they awaited her train.
"It was Snape," Harry had said, pushing up the sleeves of his robes to welcome the cool breeze that blew through the fast-recovering village. He paused for a second, watching Hagrid (their chaperone as they were given special permission to accompany Hermione to Hogsmeade) who was speaking to the station master a few feet away. "He saved you two, didn't he? How'd he do it?"
Ron shook his head and looked down at Hermione, his being suddenly revealing a sort of maturity that was visible in both of them—an invisible bit of scar tissue that made it quite clear that the memories of their confrontation with the Dark Lord would be with them forever. Harry was very sorry about that.
"We thought we were goners," Ron admitted finally, shifting and turning to face Harry. "Hermione and me and Percy—we tried to get away to help you—I mean, you were there all alone with You-Know—with Voldemort. And Jade…"
"They took us into the front courtyard," Hermione added as he fell silent. "A few of the Death Eaters tied us up—and Percy tried to argue with them, but in the end, they just gagged him."
"If they didn't, I would of," Ron inserted. "His voice gets all squeaky when he whines—"
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him and blew a puff of air irritatedly between her teeth.
"Is it just me," she said, "or does anyone else feel like we're depriving a village somewhere of it's idiot?" Ron grinned proudly and Harry couldn't help the smile that crept upon his face. He turned to find Hermione with a smile too—but it was the drawn and lackluster sort.
"Anyway," she broke in quietly, tucking a bit of her hair behind her ear. "The Death Eaters—a few of them were getting ready to put the Cruciatus curse on us again"—she paused for a bit and both she and Ron shuddered visibly—"But before they could deal it," she continued shakily, "they were blasted away."
"One of them," Ron said, picking up where Hermione trailed off, "pushed forward—I was really scared—figured the bloke had cracked and was going to kill everyone. Anyway, he got Percy loose first and fought off the rest of the Death Eaters. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to fight off a dozen of them. He got Hermione and me free—but it looked like he was hurt something bad and we kept the hexes off of him until he could gather enough strength to fight them some more."
"When it looked like we stood a chance though, a swarm of Death Eaters poured out around us—that was when the French Aurors reached us. It was then, Snape took off his mask and we realized who he was. Apparently, he had notified authorities—"
"Voldemort's inner circle had already grown suspicious of him," Harry inserted thoughtfully. "That's what Dumont meant when she was arguing with Dumbledore a few weeks ago—Snape probably didn't know this was all going to happen in Medraut's fortress until that day, probably because the Death Eaters were keeping him as out of the loop as possible."
"That's what we figured," Hermione said. She sat down on her trunk and continued. "After that, Snape tried to get us to hide in the courtyard while the Aurors scattered the Death Eaters—but he was having a hard time getting up the stairs in the entrance hall alone. In the end, Percy offered to help him and we followed. When we reached the throne room—and we saw the mess…and Jade—Oh, Harry—we thought we were too late."
She looked up at him and her already red eyes were glistening again. Harry swallowed hard; he was suddenly overwhelmed with the same feeling that had made his lungs freeze when he watched her and Ron fall victim to the Cruciatus curse. He turned away from them and kicked at the worn floorboards of the platform.
"That wasn't s'pose to happen to you two," he thought, and some how the words slipped from his mouth.
"Now just wait one moment," Ron said sternly, punching Harry so hard in the arm he felt his muscles curl in protest. "None of this is your fault—none of it is in your control (and if it was, god help us). Besides we came along voluntarily—well, forcefully if you remember Hermione threatening you with her wand." Hermione shook her head and brushed his comment aside, though a curious blush appeared on her cheeks.
"You know, when I first saw—Voldemort—," she said vehemently, blinking the tears from her eyes, and struggling to force the crimson from her face. "I was scared witless—but mostly because I kept thinking of you having to face all of that alone, like last year—Harry if I could prevent it—if I had to see what we saw in France a hundred times and threatened you a thousand more with my wand—I would. To never have you face such a force on your own again."
"How could you think we'd stay behind?" Ron added, "D'you think we could live with ourselves if we did?"
Harry had been rendered speechless and even though he had been unable to verbalize his gratefulness, the firm nods from both Ron and Hermione signaled their silent acceptance. They made little verbal exchange from then on as they waited for the train—mostly they talked about Jade, each straying away from the possibility that she had become yet another dead casualty of Voldemort.
Harry went to his bedside bureau and swept the various figurines into his arms, taking care not to drop anything. Just as he was adding these trinkets to his trunk, the door to the fifth-year boys' dormitory was flung open. Ginny spilt into the room, breathing hard, eyes brighter then they had been in days.
"Ginny," Ron said surprised. "You're not s'pose to be in here—it's a boys—"
"Shut up and come down stairs!" she exclaimed, grinning broadly. "Oh Ron, you'll never guess!"
He shot an inquisitive look at Harry before shrugging his skinny shoulders and making for the door after his sister. Harry followed, wondering what was supposed to be so worthy of such haste. They took the stairs two at a time to match Ginny's break-neck speed, Ron groaning at his sister the whole time.
"Really, Ginny, could you just tell us what—" he's sentence died away as they reached the Gryffindor Common Room. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting in a sofa near a brightly lit window, conversing with the twins…and Albus Dumbledore.
"Professor Dumbledore," Harry said raising his eyebrows in shock. The last time he had seen the Headmaster in their common room was before Christmas, just after Jade had mastered speech. Dumbledore nodded at both boys, his eyes, which had been growing duller throughout the year, were now twinkling with a sort of fire rekindled. Ron made to greet the Headmaster respectfully, but in the shock of seeing his parents blurted out, "Mum…Dad" instead.
He and Ginny made towards them, Harry trailing behind, just as shocked as his best friend. Dumbledore looked hardly insulted.
"Oh, Ron," Mrs. Weasley gasped, clasping her hands together. She was trembling as she weakly got to her feet and reached up to give her son a hug. Ron had said he had to beg her not to storm Hogwarts to see him—it took at least twenty letters from him and his siblings, as well as one from McGonagall to convince her he had all his limbs in proper working order and needed not her worry.
"Mum," Ron gasped, his eyes bulging as his mother squeezed him tightly. "Mum—you're bruising my ribs." She released him and held him at arms length, her eyes misting, though she was looking at her son in admiration.
"Professor Dumbledore's told us everything," she said shaking her head. "If only you weren't so insistent on me not coming—" she paused and turned her face towards Harry. Suddenly, her misting eyes became full-on water works and she fought to dry them quickly. She reached out and beckoned to him. Concealing a smile, Harry walked towards her, secretly awaiting the motherly touch with baited breath.
"Hi, Mrs. Weasley," he said quietly and she squeezed him so hard, he felt his ears pop. She released him, swiped at yet more tears and turned to her husband.
"Ron," Mr. Weasley was saying, patting his son on the shoulder. He turned and nodded to Harry, a merry smile on his face, before reaching out and shaking his hand with what was undoubtedly, high regard and it made Harry blush.
"I think your mother and father have some very important news to share with you," Dumbledore spoke up, smiling warmly. He nodded to Ron and Harry as Fred and George squished together on an adjacent sofa to make room for them.
"Well," Mr. Weasley began, clapping his hands together. "I know you lot have heard about the charges of conspiracy pressed against me—" Before he could continue though, the twins leaped to their feet, looking as if they could barely contain themselves.
"Ron, Dad's been cleared—" George blurted out happily.
"He's a hero," Fred added. "And it wasn't even his department!"
"Boys!" Mrs. Weasley practically snarled, swiping at them with her handkerchief. Ron raised his eyebrow at Harry and they looked to Mr. Weasley for clarification. Dumbledore snorted amusedly into his hand as Ginny reached over and poked both twins hard enough in the ribs to make them sit back down.
"That's the news then," Mr. Weasley said, shaking his heads at his identical sons.
"Dad—" Ron breathed, a grin forming on his face. "That's fabulous! How'd—how'd that happen?"
"I guess it started off with that unfortunate attack on the Minister—you've heard about that…" Ron's dad trailed off, now looking a bit uncomfortably.
"What about it?" Harry pressed politely.
"Well, you know Arthur was given an order of mandatory suspension—" Mrs. Weasley spoke up, patting her husband reassuringly on the knee. "But when he heard of the unusual happenings in London—the ones that turned out to be attacks on muggles by Death Eaters—he left immediately, feeling he had to at least try to help."
"I was still the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office," Mr. Weasley explained. "I couldn't even fathom letting Perkins handle such a populated, muggle settlement like London alone."
"In any case, I apparated to London, realizing that most of the activity was occurring near Cornelius's hidden residence. It took quite awhile to convince the Magical Law Enforcement Squad to enter the Minister's private home—them not being my jurisdiction and all as well as being slightly fearful of the Minster's wrath as he made it quite clear he wanted no disruptions that weekend."
It was then Arthur Weasley shook his head solemnly, tightening his lips before bringing up the unfortunate event.
"I forced my way through the magical barrier alongside the Squad," he continued, "just as they got notice from their department at the Ministry that there was a hostage situation in the Minister's home mere yards from where we stood…You-Know-Who was there. At that point, everyone became hesitant—eventually, we mustered the nerve to force our way into the house—the Squad didn't even try to stop me from following. We were too late though—Cornelius panicked and threw himself out of the window. I acted immediately and tore back out into the street to shield the mishap from the muggles as best as I could—but two were already dead. I learned later that You-Know-Who apparted before the Squad got to him…but several Death Eaters were apprehended…one of them was Lucius Malfoy—he would have known the Minster had taken to his London home for a bit of a rest."
At that, Harry's jaw dropped…it shouldn't have been that surprising—he had known Malfoy's father was a Death Eater—but he just never expected the Ministry to catch him.
"That's how we felt," George said, noting Harry's impression of a goldfish out of water. "The little twit's lack of Harry Torment was a little hard not to notice—I guess now we know why. Probably dying of embarrassment."
Harry nodded, but thought Malfoy was suffering from more than just embarrassment. He remembered the uncanny, frightened, gray eyes of his nemesis the day Hogsmeade was attacked…and he wondered just how much Malfoy knew—or didn't know, for that matter."
"I feel dead sorry for his son," Mrs. Weasley admitted. "As dreadful as that boy is…no one should have to see their father in question." And her eyes flashed a bit as she took Mr. Weasley's hand, making it clear that she would always be a bit bitter he had been prosecuted for doing all he could for the sake of the wizarding community…and the non-magical one.
"Arthur risked his life for the Minister and the preservation of our way of living—despite every Ministry stronghold against him, he joined them to fight."
"Now Molly," Mr. Weasley said, blushing furiously. "Please…please don't make it sound more than it is…especially now, with Minister Fudge dead."
"Perhaps," Dumbledore broke in, looking from each Weasley child and Harry through his half-moon spectacles. "You should tell them the most promising news of all—let them know that at least something very wonderful has been born from this tragedy."
"Oh, yes," Mr. Weasley nodded. "Well, besides the charges being dropped on account of my—quote—'obvious display of loyalty', I've been promoted—to head of the Department of Accidental Magic Reversal."
"Dad, that's fantastic!" Ginny squealed leaping up to embrace her father. Harry had never seen her so openly spirited. Mr. Weasley laughed and smiled over Ginny's shoulder at Dumbledore who's face was placid and yet alit. Harry joined in with the chorus of congratulations and it took several moments for Mr. Weasley to quiet them enough to speak again.
"And there's something else," he said his face turning serious. "I've also been nominated and appointed junior Minister…"
All noise seemed to cease. Every face was turned towards Mr. Weasley in a sort of startled awe, with the exception of Mrs. Weasley and Dumbledore.
"That means," Mr. Weasley said a bit uneasily. "I'll be taking over Minister Fudge's duties until the next election."
"No," Ron choked.
"Yes, actually."
"You're going to be heading the Ministry, Dad?" Fred squeaked. Slowly, smiles broke out on everyone's faces. Before Harry had fully comprehended the meaning of the news, he found himself cheering along with the rest of the Weasley children. Mrs. Weasley was beaming at them as they crowded Mr. Weasley excitedly, Ron whooping loudly. It occurred to Harry that for once, Dumbledore's cause would now have a firm foothold within the government—that now, maybe an army that could challenge Voldemort competently could be built. Harry suddenly understood that he had someone in the Ministry with a position of power who believed him.
Dumbledore stood, straightening his long body. He reached out and grasped Mr. Weasley's hand, his head nodding so vigorously his long beard became a silver wave.
"At long last, you are beginning to get the recognition and respect you deserve," he said warmly. "And as you have stood behind me, I will stand behind you." With that he paused thoughtfully before adding, "Though, that may not be the best offering…considering my reputation for being off my plot."
Mr. Weasley chortled and thanked him as Mrs. Weasley grasped Ginny's hand.
"Oh, isn't it all wonderful?" she said dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. "It'll be all over the papers by tomorrow, I can vouch for that!"
At the mention of newspapers, Harry grew painfully nostalgic. He thought of how often he and Ron had crowded around Hermione as she read from her morning issue of the Daily Prophet, and wondered if they would be practicing that tradition next year.
"Haven't read the papers much lately," he mumbled under his breath.
"No," Ron said turning to face him, the cheer suddenly gone from his voice, his tone revealing he was thinking the same thing. "Not since Hermione left."
The room was silent again, and Mrs. Weasley looked at Ron and Harry sadly. Finally, Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Perhaps you would all like to discuss Mr. Weasley's new duties in detail?" he said. He turned to Harry, nodding warmly. "Would you walk me to my office, Harry?"
Harry knew it was hardly a question and he obliged, knowing that Dumbledore had provided him a time for some answers. He congratulated Mr. Weasley once more, shrugged at Ron and trailed after Dumbledore through the portrait hole.
The Fat Lady nodded appreciatively when Dumbledore thanked her, sliding shut behind them, as was her duty. As soon as they were out of her earshot, Harry turned to Dumbledore.
"Professor, is Jade all right?" he blurted out, anxious for the answer. The Headmaster faced him as they walked as if taking in his every detail. A small smile crept onto his aged lips.
"It wasn't right keeping you, Ron, and Hermione in the dark about her condition," Dumbledore said. "But yes, I have last heard that she is recovering." Harry let out a breath he realized he had been holding painfully. They continued on in silence for a bit, Dumbledore allowing Harry to savor the relief.
"We must talk about Jade," the Headmaster spoke up several minutes later. "But first, I apologize for not meeting with you sooner after your, Ron, Hermione, and Jade's confrontation with Voldemort. You must understand there were many duties I've had to attend to in these past two weeks that could not be postponed—but again, I apologize for not being here to answer the many questions you undoubtedly have."
Harry answered with contemplative silence and Dumbledore walked beside him, patiently awaiting his response. The truth was, though Harry had many questions, he didn't know where to start.
He cast a quick glance at the headmaster again, seeing very clearly the age and wisdom of the elderly man—and for once, the bemused smile upon the weathered face and the weary, yet bright eyes, revealed the truth that Dumbledore was indeed, a mortal—as fallible a creature as any other man that walked the earth. Dumbledore turned and winked at him, and Harry thought perhaps the old man wanted him to see that.
"Did you know about Jade?" Harry finally asked, stopping on a terrace that connected the east tower with the south. "Did you let her into Hogwarts knowing what—who she was?" Dumbledore turned and rested an elbow on the stone grating, peering at the courtyard below where many of his students basked in the young summer heat, speaking about the recent Death Eater attacks…unaware that Harry, Ron, and Hermione had seen first hand, the Dark Lord's wrath—unaware that Voldemort had nearly succeeded, once more, in taking control.
"If," Dumbledore said, pushing back the embroidered sleeves of his midnight colored robes, "by that you mean, whether or not I knew Jade was indeed the Jade Guardian—the answer is yes." Harry looked at the Headmaster, dumbfounded.
"Then—then why did you allow her to stay at Hogwarts?" he choked. "If you knew what she was—what she was capable of—"
"I wasn't always certain of her true identity," Dumbledore replied calmly. "You must understand it is hardly plausible—her existence. It was sometime before I was absolutely sure she was the Guardian of that curious pendant. But before I answer your question, Harry—would you allow me to ask one of mine?" Harry nodded, staring straight into those lucid blue eyes framed by half-moon spectacles. The Headmaster smiled and lowered his voice. "Did you know what she was? What she really was?"
Harry blew a quiet breath through his teeth and turned from the wizened form, staring out into the courtyard, knowing that the headmaster meant not the obvious answer. Jade was the Jade Guardian—the confrontation with Voldemort had proved that…but what was she really?
"She was a girl," Harry said slowly. "She was our friend—and she was someone who cared very much for us." He turned to find Dumbledore smiling faintly. He nodded once.
"The first reason I sheltered her in Hogwarts," the Headmaster proceeded to explain, satisfied with Harry's answer, "was to keep her possible identity a secret from both the Ministry, who would inadvertently grow corrupt with such a large amount of singular power, and Voldemort, who undoubtedly was in search of it.
"The second reason—the most important reason—was that if she was the Jade Guardian, by some miraculous series of events, she had been given the chance to live. I couldn't take that away from her—instead, I allowed her to stay in an environment where she could thrive. Admittedly though, I was uncertain of just how human she had become—I felt that Lord Medraut's malicious spell still held her and she must be convinced of her cognito in order to suppress the Jade Guardian. Do you remember, Harry, when Logan Price, Dr. McCourt, and Percy came to take Jade under the care of the Ministry?"
"Yes, Professor," Harry said knitting his brow, shifting as a ray of light glared across one of his lenses. Jade had grown strangely impassive and impartial that December evening at the news that they would be taking her—it wasn't for very long—but it was long enough to chill Harry straight to the bone. It was as if she had slipped away, leaving only a shell—it was ten times as chilling watching her lose to the bounds of Medraut's spell before Voldemort.
"That was when I was certain that the best way to keep her away from the hands of the Ministry and Voldemort," Dumbledore explained, "was to keep her human—there was no foundation that could prove a person of flesh could be this manifested power."
"So a lie was created for her to live," Harry said slightly bitter at Fate, whom had destined one girl to spend 1,500 years in will-less servitude.
"It was not a lie, Harry," the Headmaster replied, his bemused smile turning down at the corners slightly. "It was a chance—a chance that had been stripped away from her in her first, natural existence with Medraut. But precautions were taken—the staff didn't press her too much to remember, she was kept away from the Sorting Hat, which could reveal her identity, and she was created a new past. Do you understand, Harry?"
Harry nodded, truly understanding that Jade deserved this turn—the very thought had run through his head as he watched Voldemort try to turn her into the Guardian.
"Shall we continue?" Dumbledore spoke up and Harry followed him away from the terrace.
"And Logan Price was suspicious of who she was, too," Harry said quietly, unable to decide whether or not he was angry with the man for putting the life of his friends in danger.
"Logan is a brilliant man," Dumbledore replied. "He had steadily studied Dark charms and powers since he was released from St. Mungo's eleven years ago—even the Ministry recognized his brilliance and ignored his history."
"What's going to happen to him?" Harry couldn't help asking.
"He is currently at St. Mungo's where he will await a trial—but he has already pleaded guilty—it may have saved him from a sentence in Azkaban." Dumbledore's eyes turned away and he grew quiet. "I thought maybe they could be saved from their parents' past—I had no idea they knew."
Harry's heart quickened at the thought of Darcy Dumont, as he remembered her last attempts at redemption—and Logan Price, who searched for his own brand of release—and in the end, found no cause to right his life by…and then, Harry thought himself lucky. Maybe it was a blessing that if his parents had to die, they passed on before he could know them—before their passing could be so detrimental to him. And yet, there was a dull ache in his heart—and he honestly wished he could miss his parents, but he had not been left any memories to miss them by…except those dreams that had stopped the night he returned to Hogwarts two weeks ago.
He shook his head and forced his thoughts on other things—in particular, the new bits of information that filled in the holes. There was still more to ask—there was still that unshakable feeling of connection with Jade…
"Professor," Harry said as they reached the stone gargoyle that hid the staircase to Dumbledore's study. "How did Jade get here? Was it somehow—it sounds a bit unreasonable—but was it somehow my parents'—my mum's doing?"
"Fizzing Whizbees," Dumbledore said to the gargoyle and it sprang aside. "When we get upstairs—I will share what I know."
They were whirled speedily up the spiraling staircase. When they reached the handsome oak door, Dumbledore turned the knob and pushed it open.
"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, pleasantly surprised. Sitting in one of the winged-back armchairs before the Headmaster's desk was Harry's godfather.
Sirius stood and met his godson, reaching out and gripping his shoulder.
"I thought I told you to stay away from seriously evil wizards," Black managed with a weak smile, though it was clear that he could hardly stand the idea of Harry stumbling across such danger yet again. Harry smiled and before he realized what he was doing, his arms were around his godfather. It was an awkward hug—as neither party had had much practice—but it was like coming home.
They quickly pushed away and grinned at each other. Dumbledore smiled at both of them as he proceeded to his desk. A flutter of wings found Fawkes gliding onto the Headmaster's shoulder, welcoming both his master and Harry with a wink of his black, bead-like eyes.
"Now I will answer your question, Harry," Dumbledore said, "as I feel that Sirius needs to know as well, the secret that Peter Pettigrew kept." Harry and Sirius looked at each other, each face seriously quizzical, as Dumbledore began to speak.
"Your mother, Harry, possessed the Jade Guardian for nearly a year—she waited patiently for the Order to decide what to do with it. We staged its destruction, to throw the Ministry and Voldemort off the scent. We knew that it had already corrupted Voldemort's inner circle with the mere knowledge of its existence—we did not want the same to happen to the Ministry…or the Order, but it took months to come to that decision. When it was finally agreed that the Guardian should be destroyed, Lily Potter would not hear of it."
"But why?" Harry asked, and Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him.
"She explained to me that the Guardian had become more and more like a free-will being within her, who observed her life with much reverence. Both Lily and James did not know the full history of the Jade Guardian—they had no idea that she was once a real girl who had been bound in death to that vessel of dark magic."
"But I managed to convince her, though she was stubborn—your mother was very much like you, Harry. She knew the importance of giving a soul a chance—in fact, I think she understood then, more then myself, the existence of the Jade Guardian."
"James and I debated with her for days—and it wasn't until we brought up the fact that the Guardian put their lives in danger did Lily agree to destroy it—she did it for you, Harry."
"However, it was unclear as to how the manifested power could be destroyed—as very few records could be found on the actually existence of the pendant. In the end, Lily broke the jade into several pieces and buried them on Hogwarts grounds—in the Forbidden Forest, so that our charms may guard them."
"But after you were born, Lily confessed to me that she still felt the Guardian's presence—as if the spirit of Medraut's heir somehow managed to separate itself from the pendant and stay with her, but it was at a cost, and the spirit nearly faded. Lily also said that the Guardian had seemed to become very attached to you—as it loved what Lily loved. And so Sirius was asked to be the Secret Keeper…and then that duty was passed on to Pettigrew, who in turn, betrayed us all and told Voldemort that the source of power of his days of youthful desires, still existed…in Lily Potter."
"Voldemort came for it a year later—James fought valiantly, knowing that the life of his wife and child were on the line. After the Dark Lord killed you father, he went after your mother—I'm sure the Guardian understood the danger and wanted desperately to save her, but its powers were limited. Lily then died to save you—and somehow holding that link with your mother, I believe the Guardian resided in you, combining its powers with her sacrifice. That joining of magic saved you, crippled Voldemort, and strengthened the invisible armor your mother had left upon you by her death."
"As to why the Guardian has never shown herself before that day she somehow became human—I believe that she used every bit of her power to intensify your mother's gift, and in doing so, knocked herself into a dormant state within you. When was it you started having those dreams?"
It took Harry a second to answer, as he was nearly overwhelmed with all the information.
"The beginning of summer…" he answered. "The dreams started off really faint…and got more vivid."
"I think," Duimbledore said thoughtfully, "that the image of your parents—of Lily—when the Incantem Priori spell was initiated last year during your duel with Voldemort reawakened the Guardian…but it was weak, and as it grew stronger, it poured the memories it shared with Lily into you, Harry—so that when she was released into flesh, she had no knowledge of her past."
"And when you returned to Hogwarts, your dreams grew even stronger—and by some twist of fate—the storm that day, her growing strength, Lily's desire—the Jade Guardian became flesh—joining the pieces of the pendant she guarded…although, I do not know how that was possible…and I think, no one ever will."
Sirius let out a low breath and turned to look at Harry. Harry tore his gaze from Dumbledore, and his eyes wandered to Fawkes and he watched the bird groom itself delicately.
"But how, then," Harry managed quietly, thinking of the stone Jade had shattered. "How did Jade overcome the binds of Medraut in France—how did she destroy the pendant and become flesh again?" Dumbledore looked at his guest thoughtfully, pressing the tips of his fingers together so that they formed a steeple before him.
"You cannot just break that which binds a manifested power and it's vessel—it seems, that you must destroy the source entirely. However—Jade has somehow managed to destroy the key that unlocks that power…the bind will always live in her, but she has grown bigger than it."
"Then she's still dangerous," Sirius broke in, his body stiffening in his chair.
"She was never dangerous," Dumbledore corrected. "And Lily knew that—the Guardian is only dangerous in the dark hands that had wielded her power, and Lily knew the best way to break the cycle was to save her. However, if you mean whether or not she is susceptible to Medraut's curse—the answer is no. Insured by her flesh and her acceptance of her soul and existence, she may bare the scar—just as Harry bares one from Voldemort—but she can never fall under those chains again."
* * *
Harry would have nearly felt wholly restored had the end of the interview not meant the end of Sirius's visit. Dumbledore politely excused himself to his private study so that they could say goodbye.
"What's next?" Harry asked his godfather as they stood. "I mean, for you—"
"The Dark Lord is still out there," he replied simply. "And now—his trail has grown cold. I'll be out there tracking him again."
"You don't s'pose maybe he suffered a significant blow with Price stabbing him and Jade kind of…blowing up in his face, do you?"
Sirius tried to suppress his smile, but didn't succeed. He shook his head and pushed a hand through his dark hair.
"I think he has grown strong enough so that such set backs don't have much effect on him," and at Harry's slightly drawn look added, "but I'd be a hippogriff's uncle if his pride isn't significantly bruised—and you know, that's half his power."
"Yeah," Harry agreed just as a knock came from the door. Arabella Figg stepped in and greeted them, her youthful face pleasantly intense. Her presence was like a signal to Dumbledore, as he too, stepped into the room. Figg reached out and shook his hand respectfully before turning her attention back to Sirius and Harry.
"I'm sorry," she said and she truly looked it, "but Black—we need to go—Mundungus is waiting for us."
Sirius nodded and turned to Harry, the beginnings of an apology on his lips. But Harry quickly shook it off, finding he didn't need it. He knew something of duty—he had learned young—and he knew what both he and Sirius had to do, respectively.
"Don't forget to write, okay?" he said and Sirius smiled gratefully, readily agreeing.
"Same to you," he replied. "You better have gotten twenty O.W.Ls, secured a girlfriend, and managed to blow up at least one toilet the next I hear from you."
"I can learn to write fiction," Harry returned and at a strained look from Sirius, added mildly, "just kidding?"
There was a funny click and gasp, and all three visitors turned to find Dumbledore staring at a pocket watch.
"According to the time, Harry" he said. "I believe you'll be finding a very pleasant surprise waiting for you downstairs." Sirius grinned at him, and he returned a curious raised eyebrow before his godfather melted into the form of a familiar black dog.
With a little urging from Arabella and Dumbledore, Harry led the way through the oak door and down the whirling spiral steps. At the bottom, the Gargoyle leapt aside, and he was flung forward—right into Ron.
"Are you a center of gravity, or what?" Harry muttered, pushing his glasses back to the bridge of his nose, glaring at his friend. Ron brushed aside his comment and clamored to his feet, leaning over to better match Harry's height.
"It's bloody fantastic," he said, his eyes bright, a grin wide on his face. "You'll never guess."
"I grew?" Harry asked amusedly.
"I said it's fantastic, not a miracle," Ron said before grabbing Harry's arm and dragged him down two floors towards the grand staircase.
"Ron—what?" he insisted, yanking his arm from Ron's grasp. But before he could say anymore, his green eyes trailed to the Entrance hall below.
"Hermione!"
Both boys raced down to meet her.
"Ron! Harry!" she exclaimed happily, her brown eyes bright. "Oh, I missed you two!" and she threw her arms around both of them, successfully slamming their heads together. Ignoring there groans and winces, she managed to plant a kiss on each of their cheeks before pulling away, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
"You're back!" Ron was exclaiming, rubbing his head. "How? D'you run away from home?" Hermione raised her eyebrows at him and turned to Harry with a quizzical look before ultimately deciding not to comment.
"Well," she started, "Dumbledore sent out a letter to all our families explaining that Voldemort was behind the muggle attacks in London. It also had an account of the Death Eater putdown in Hogsmeade—and well, my parents came to the conclusion that no matter where I was, there would always be a risk. And the cost of not taking that risk was my happiness and future. They couldn't deny me that—and besides, they were impressed with just how efficiently Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff defended not just Hogwarts—but Hogsmeade too."
"So you're going to be here for sixth year," Harry said grinning so wide it was beginning to hurt his cheeks. "But why are you here now? It's the last day of term."
"It was Dumbledore—the students who were requested to come home were sent their end-of-term exams (charmed for anti-cheating, of course)—and a ticket for the Hogwarts Express so that we may turn them in personally and come to the end-of-year feast."
They fell into a flurry of conversation, filling in the past two weeks they spent apart, as the Weasleys and Dumbledore filed into the Entrance Hall around them.
"And wait until you see who was in my train compartment," Hermione said with a smile, suddenly looking over both Ron and Harry's shoulders. Harry slowly turned his head to find McGonagall leading three people, one a very familiar girl, out of one of the side chambers.
"Jade?" he said, his eyes wide. Beside him, Ron's jaw dropped.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione!"
She turned from McGonagall and raced towards the three. She looked different now—a little too pale, and her hair was cut short, but there she was. Harry and Ron hardly recognized her.
"You're okay!" Harry exclaimed grinning at her. She nodded exuberantly, thumbing her chest rather proudly.
"And I've got a scar," she said. "Had to con that nice French doctor in L'Espoir de Magie to let me keep it…you want to see?"
"Jade," Hermione said wearily just as Ron exclaimed "yeah!" "You'd think scar tissue was fashionable," she added, elbowing Ron in the ribs.
"—AND I've got the scar for the exit wound, too," Jade was hissing to the boys excitedly, pulling up her shirt to reveal a puckered strip of skin on her stomach.
"Wicked!" Ron breathed, just as Harry muttered "Er…nice?" Hermione rolled her eyes and pressed her hand to her forehead.
"Jade!" a graceful, dark-haired woman strode up to them followed closely by a cheery-faced man. "Not again," she sighed much like a weary mother.
"Sorry," Jade muttered sheepishly, straightening her shirt. At the surprised looks on Ron and Harry's faces she grinned.
"Ron, Harry," Jade said proudly. "These are my parents—Jacqueline and Marius Cordonnier." And seeing that the dumbfounded looks had yet to fade from their faces added, "Respectively, of course." Harry recovered first and reached out to shake their hands.
"A pleasure," he said forcing a smile as he cast Hermione a curious glance.
"And you know Hermione," Jade was saying to the couple. "We sat with her on the train."
"Honor to meet you, Harry Potter," Mr. Cordonnier was saying, and turned to shake Ron's hand. Mrs. Cordonnier beamed at all three of their faces, her eyes glistening with tears.
"I'm so happy I get to thank you three in person," she breathed, resting an arm around Jade's shoulder. "What you all did for Jade—"
Hermione's face went crimson and Harry and Ron attempted to brush away the thanks.
"Ah, Marius, Jacqueline."
Dumbledore appeared behind them, taking time to shake the Cordonnier's hands. He looked at Jade and smiled warmly.
"What a pleasure to see you back," he said genuinely. She grinned
"Thank you, professor."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley turned to greet Mr. and Mrs. Cordonnier, and in the swarm of familiar faces, Lupin appeared, Arabella, accompanied by a big, black dog, right behind him. Mr. Weasley turned and did a double take when he saw the dog. Harry knew that he knew of Sirius—but just as the twins had been initially shocked, so now, was Mr. Weasley, who paled obviously.
"Is this—?" he asked Professor Lupin quietly. Lupin nodded and Mr. Weasley turned and looked down at the dog.
"I don't know how much leeway I'm going to have now that I'm junior Minister," he said quietly at the intently staring dog. "You understand that I am still hardly popular at the Ministry—but I will try to the extent of my capabilities to right things for you."
Snuffles blinked his dark eyes at the balding man, and Harry saw that that simple act was filled with respect and gratitude. He looked over at Ron's father and smiled gratefully himself.
Sirius cuffed softly and turned away, allowing Hermione, Ron, Harry, and even Jade to pat him before he trailed after Arabella out the front doors. As they shut, Harry couldn't help feeling a little hopeful again.
"Hermione! Jade!" Mrs. Weasley was now parting through her children towards the girls. When she reached them, she wrapped each in a hug. "So nice to see both of you—"
She turned and looked at Hermione with twinkling eyes, resting one plump hand on her forearm.
"And to hear that you're back for good," she said shaking her head. "Hogwart's most clever witch—You know Ron has been moping around since you left—said things just weren't right without you here."
Ron's face went purple and suddenly his long body hunched down so that he was shorter then Harry.
"I did not!" he whined as Hermione cast him a surprised look. Mrs. Weasley continued, furthering Ron's torment, and soon everyone in the entrance hall seemed involved in a conversation except Jade and Harry.
"D'you want to go for a walk?" she asked him quietly, easing back towards the front doors.
"Yeah," he said and followed her. They slipped onto the grounds unnoticed.
For a while, they didn't say anything—instead, they concentrated on finding a path that avoided the other milling students.
"So, those are your parents," Harry said awkwardly as they circled the edge of the forest. He wasn't sure how much she remembered or knew and he wasn't about to tweak her psychosis anymore then it was already bound to be.
"Aren't they great?" she said dreamily. "And ever so careful to avoid the subject of my past"
Harry nearly tripped over his own feet. He looked at her in shock. Jade grinned back at him triumphantly.
"So you remember—you know," he said.
"Being 1500 years old and bound to a green rock isn't exactly something you forget—"
"That's not what I meant," Harry said, shaking his head. "I meant—that even after everything—you're going to be okay with who you are." Jade's face turned serious and she kicked at a stone. It flew into a low shrub, sending some rodent or another scampering away. She started walking again and Harry followed, awaiting her answer.
"I spent a lot of time the past two weeks, thinking," she admitted. "It took so many people giving so much effort. Dumbledore's refusal to turn me in, your, Hermione, and Ron's friendship, Marius and Jaqueline's ready acceptance of me…Dumbldore told me they volunteered to be my parents in attempts to keep me from the Ministry—and now, they've become the only true parents I've ever known. It's because of all these people I'm living—really living. I've got free will, a Cognito, I'm sure of that now. It'd be stupid of me to use it to…well, make a stupid decision…even if I've been jaded (no pun intended) by my existence. So I chose to ignore my past and concentrate on the present, rather then dwell on something I've been saved from."
Jade looked up from the ground and turned to look at Harry.
"I also remember your mother," she added quietly. Harry found that he couldn't say anything, even though he knew those images of his parents in their youthful prime that had haunted him in his sleep were from her.
"She showed me love, compassion, and life through her eyes," Jade continued to explain difficultly. "And when she made the greatest sacrifice for you—she saved me too."
And it was then the connection he had felt with Jade grew clear. She had known his mother intimately—and passed those moments on to him, building a bridge between he and his parents.
"Thank you," Harry finally said, smiling rather sadly at her. If he had been someone else, he would have been bitter with Jade—after all, if not for her, maybe his parents would have been alive. But he knew too well of the disillusions of the "what if?" game…he had learned that lesson well last year with Cedric Diggory.
"There you two are," Hermione said. "I wanted to tell you who else was on our train—" Jade and Harry looked up at her, a bit surprised, as they now found themselves near the west courtyard. Ron cleared his throat from his place next to Hermione, grinning slyly.
"Look who we found," he said.
"Hi, Harry," Cho Chang stepped forward, smiling.
"Cho!" Harry exclaimed surprised, his voice jumping up an octave. Blushing furiously, he cleared his throat. "You're back—I mean…hi!"
Jade, Hermione, and Ron grinned amusedly and began to walk away, leaving Harry to conquer his vocalization skills alone.
"I missed you—er…and you missed a great game—that Mckennett of Hufflepuff—" Harry was babbling now, and what's worse was he knew it. It was just that Cho was blushing nearly as much as he was…
"So how are you?" they blurted out at the same time. They laughed it off a bit nervously, but soon found themselves in a bit of an awkward silence.
"You missed me?" Cho spoke up, a bit uncertainly. It took all his will power not to choke.
"Well—yes."
Cho smiled, adverting her eyes, but Harry could see that they were glistening. She swallowed hard and stuffed her hands into the pockets of her jeans. Harry knew that the thought of Cedric was on her mind—how could it not with the new wave of Voldemort activity in the air? He was considering walking away when Cho suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek.
"You're a good friend, Harry," she said quickly, before starting away. "I just wanted you to know that."
Harry watched her go, slowly raising a hand to touch his face. He could live with that, he thought, smiling at her back as she slipped into the castle joining a group of her friends.
"Harry!"
He sighed and turned to find Hagrid was waving to him from several yards away, Hermione, Ron, and Jade sniggering around him. "You don't want to miss the feast, do yeh?"
* * *
The Great Hall had been splendidly decorated in black and yellow for the end-of-year-feast where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the Cordonniers had been guests. Hufflepuff, after over fifty years, had at last won the house cup. After a small moment of silence for Cedric Diggory, cheers went up all around for Dina McKennett, the talented Hufflepuff seeker who had caught the snitch seconds before Hogsmeade was attacked. Harry never thought he cheered louder.
The Weasley twins had managed to charm the floating candles so that just as dessert appeared, they erupted like flaming Filibuster Fireworks. The flickering lights spelt out "Cheers to the best years of our marauding lives," and left both Flitwick and McGonagall so impressed by their handy work, the stern Headmistress let them alone, heads and all.
Afterward, Harry, Ron, Hermione, the twins and Ginny stayed in the Entrance Hall as the other students retreated to their last-minute packing.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley said good-bye to them all and shook hands with Dumbledore and Mr. and Mrs. Cordonnier before departing to Hogsmeade so that they could apparate home. After they left, Ginny and the twins excused themselves, wishing the others a goodnight as they climbed the stairs.
"Time to go, sweetheart," Mrs. Cordonnier said to Jade as she finished her conversation with Dumbledore. Jade nodded and turned to Hermione, Ron, and Harry.
"I guess I'm off," she said.
"Where are you off to?" Hermione asked, clearly not wishing to say goodbye.
"We're going to Beacon Square in Glasgow," she answered. "Then my parents and I are flying in a 'air-plane' to Bulgaria. Not very keen on Portkey travel now, you know. They have some business with their work they need to take care of before we can move back to our home in Sussex. But first, we're going to France to visit my grandparents." She sighed, and behind her, the man who was now her father chuckled.
"Are you coming back to Hogwarts next year?" Harry asked. Jade shrugged her shoulders and flashed a bittersweet smile.
"I think I want to spend a little time with my family next year," she said. "And there's so much I need to learn and so many places I need to visit if I want to be a Historian of muggle-wizard relationships…" she paused and fiddled with the hem of her shirt. Harry couldn't expect anything else from her—after all, she had a lot of making up to do for all the years she spent in lifelessness, and she looked so excited about all the new adventures she would be embarking on.
"So…" Jade spoke up into the awkward silence, "You three better write—and visit"—she choked a bit—"a lot." She looked like she wanted to say more, but in the end she simply hugged each of them. "I'm going to miss you so much—thank you. For everything."
Mr. and Mrs. Cordonnier shook hands with Ron, Harry, and Hermione and they and Dumbledore watched the Cordonnier's carriage pull away from Hogwarts and through the massive gates.
The next morning, Harry awoke with the rest of the school. He, Ron, and Hermione (who only participated to inflict revenge on the boys for slipping a Big Bottom Bon Bon onto her plate at breakfast) spent the first part of the morning using up the last of Fred and George's joke items as they had strewn loads around the Gryffindor Common Room. Before they knew it, everyone was clamoring down the stairs and out of the castle towards the carriages that awaited them.
They arrived at Hogsmeade station to find the village around them bustling now at it's normal pace.
Hagrid came to see them off, giving each a bear hug that, almost certainly, cracked a rib or two. Harry knew no other who could injure someone with as much sincerity and genuine affection as the gentle half-giant.
"And Harry?" Hagrid said before Harry could climb up the steps onto the Hogwarts Express. "I knew yeh choose right 'bout, Jade. That's why you're stronger then You-Know-Who. You've got a bigger magic—you've got compassion…and faith in your fellows, you do—like your parents."
Harry grinned gratefully at his friend, feeling the blood rush to his cheeks.
"Thanks, Hagrid," he replied simply, stepping onto the train after Ron and Hermione.
The ride was like any other trip home—or rather, in Harry's case—every trip away from home. The first few hours were filled with people filing in and out of their compartment and after the lunch trolley came and went, the flow of people ebbed away.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were left to talk about everything—catching up for the last two weeks, talking (excitedly, in Hermione's case) about the results of the O.W.Ls, which would be arriving at their doorsteps within a few weeks, and the past year. And when they had run out of things to say, they sat comfortably in their mutual silence, watching the afternoon grow rich with orange hues.
Before they knew it, they had reached King's Cross Station. Hermione helped Ron and Harry by carrying both Pigwidgeon and Hedwig in their respective cages as they dragged their overstuffed trunks off the train and onto platform 9 ¾ .
They waved to Dean and Seamus as they disappeared through the barrier, and Mandy Brocklehurst and Cho made their way over to say goodbye before falling back amongst the crowd.
As soon as they could, they slipped through the barrier and found themselves on a crowded platform ten.
"Ron, there's mum!" Ginny called from several feet away and started forcing her way towards her mother with the help of the twins.
"Remember us, little tykes!" Fred and George called into the crowd, Lee Jordan and Angelina whooping their agreement.
"And now," Fred was adding, "we are free to waste our insane amounts of talent on jokes."
"And inflict our humorous disease on the Internet!" George added, plowing through the muggles who stared at the identical figures with raised eyebrows.
"Can they do that?" Hermione asked Ron curiously.
"They've developed some muggle-safe items," he answered. "I feel really sorry for that Intra-net bloke, though."
Harry and Hermione exchanged smiles. Hedwig let out a quiet cluck and Harry looked up to find Uncle Vernon standing red-faced and impatient near the newsstand. He nearly did a double take when he caught sight of the refrigerator-size boy next to him—it was Dudley! Except now, instead of looking like a beached whale, he appeared brawny and solid—as if all his fat had hardened into muscle—he looked like he could have taken out all the wrestlers in the World Wrestling Federation with one hand tied behind his back.
Harry gulped.
"What's wrong—?" Hermione started to ask, until she caught sight of Dudley. "Oh." Ron craned his neck and raised his eyebrow catching a glimpse of the rhinoceros boy.
"Don't worry, Harry," he said. "You've got a wand and a murderous Godfather—he's got nothing on you."
"Expect 200 pounds of solid muscle mass," Harry returned, laughing despite the predicament. He looked at Ron and Hermione thoughtfully, and for a moment, none of them spoke.
Another year was over, they had nearly lost their lives, and in the end Harry was returning to the Dursleys—happy, no less, with the loyalty of his friends and the memories of his parents to keep him company over the lonely summer months. Voldemort would have to try much harder to take those away from him.
"You gonna be okay?" Ron spoke up, nodding his head in the direction of Harry's relatives.
"Perfectly fine," Harry replied with a grin. "You said it yourself, Dudley's got nothing on me." And it was true—Dudley didn't have Ron and Hermione for friends…or a murderous Godfather for that matter.
*
A/N: You made it! Pat yourself on the back weary reader, for you have reached the end. I honestly hope reading the thing wasn't painful and maybe even a little enjoyable. Well, I guess the first thing in order is to say 'thank you'. I resorted to writing this fanfiction not only in attempts to sooth my need for the real book 5, but also to escape my current 'road', as it was unexpectedly mundane and not befitting of my goals…frankly, a lot of people would have hanged had I not had this little 'holiday' waiting for me after 12 hours stuck in a University I didn't want to be at (long story—not that dramatic really—just a result of my bad choices). I hardly expected 20 reviews, much less 290, and every one has honestly made my day—so thank you for giving this little monster a chance, for reviewing, for offering constructive criticism, and especially for the very random acts of hilarity.
As for a sequel—I can pretty much say that there won't be one. I'm having quite a time with school, work (Highlander Commons, here I come…), working on art, and a LOT of stupid issues involving transferring, and I don't want to start something I'm not sure I can finish. Also, I didn't design Jade Guardian to be continued—and I don't want to build another story on an already weak foundation. However, I do plan to attempt other HP fanfics someday, if the muses are willing…and if I do write a sequel, it will be after JKR's book 5 comes out.
But anyway, on top of being a much-needed escape, this fic has also allowed me to meet a load of awesome people, as well as introduced me to some incredible stories by fellow authors, three of which are listed bellow. If you want something else to read, then I command you to check out the following.
HP and the Golden Serpent by Camille: A big favorite here on ff.net, and I know I've already told a lot of you out there to go and check it out, but if you haven't heard, it's absolutely wonderful. It's also currently being revised by the author (though how she can make the thing any better then it already is, is beyond me…), but is COMPLETED. Definitely my inspiration, and certainly worth every hour spent reading it rather than studying for AP chem. and English or sleeping.
HP and the Affair of the American by Jade: Fabulously fast paced fic with a darker twist on the traditional characters. Not hideously long like mine—perfect length, multi-chaptered with wonderful character play—a great action/adventure that stays true to the book. I nearly soiled myself TWICE reading the thing. COMPLETED
Padded Cell For One by Veronica Lupin: This one's not done yet, but let me tell you: it's fantastic. Very fun, the humor is as quick-witted and clever as the cannon, and the HP characterizations are down PAT. And come on, look at the premise: Harry…nuttier than squirrel poop…oh yeah, it screams good. So, can't say it enough times—it's very exciting *please go and pester her to update*
--*Special Thanks*--
Erin "Damn You, Salazar!"—dude, she's my best friend and she's also the reason why I developed this healthy obsession with our bespectacled boy wizard. You're the best—thanx for putting up with the horrible first drafts of this fic and for beating the spell check into my thick skull, and for being so frank. You've honestly helped me through the crappiest times as well as keeping me sane (hey! Stop laughing!) enough to go after my goals. I've laughed more this summer chilling with you then I have all year. By the way, you owe me a scarf *All Ye tremble in envy! I'm getting a Gryffindor one, just like in the movie!* God bless our twisted minds and may they forever confuse others. This fic's dedicated to you, my friend.
Annie/Camille—thank you, thank you, thank you for writing your fic. If it weren't for you, I'd never attempt to beat the creativity out of me, which ultimately resulted in my finding of enjoyment through writing. Also, thank you for the fabulous reviews and emails, which are not only insane and famously entertaining, but wonderfully helpful. By the way, because of you, I put aside 30 dollars to buy the rest of the Mary Russell books…it's a conspiracy, I tell you—I bet you're B&N's head honcho with a plan to get us poor unsuspecting, starving, students to pour our already meager funds into your stores! Oh well, you're fun to talk to, I forgive you.
Deb/Jade—you're effin' crazy—and I love you! It's good to know we've got a potential psycho out there who can adhere competently to the definition of "Lunatic". Write your fics!
Jen/Veronica L—do you know how flattered I was when you randomly tried out my fic…and liked it? I was totally taken by padded cell, so naturally when it's author just showed up in my neck of the woods I was pretty stoked. Thank you for being such an avid reviewer and also for the wonderful advice on major-choosing/goal-setting, etc. I've ultimately decided on a double major of Computer Science and Art—and a transfer…hopefully, I'll be able to get into a grad school afterward (preferable UCLA's Workshop or NYU or U. of B.C's animation programs) for my MFA. That's the plan—scared shitless to take such a competitive road, but yeah, your advice totally encourage me to step up to the challenge. Cheers, my friend, I better hear you're having a good junior year and are writing P.Cell feverishly.
Lucas/Lukias—It's done, it's done, it's done! Happy? Yeah, that's right, you do your happy dance…I finished and I did it for you!…okay, not really, I honestly finished because it would have drove me nuts had I not…but anywho, I hope you liked it. Sorry about the "no sequel" thing, but that means you'll be more apt to writing your own fic (which even unwritten, is highly anticipated) than checking mine every two hours for updates *blushes furiously, muttering 'aw shucks'* . You, my friend, are very funny—a little insane, but that just makes you more interesting. I hope the HSC's down chip away at you too much—but just think, in a few months, they'll be totally done. Fin. So you'll have gray hair then, and your hands will have a permanent quiver as a direct result of the stress, but it'll be over and you'll be in U of Sydney (where my cousin went, incidentally—she's finishing her last year as a International Business major and hops to come to UC davis *my school next year hopefully* for her masters) having the time of your life. Ok, straight to the point now…I thank you, and Jade thanks you.
Pete Bowman—Pete, thanks so much for giving my fic a go, and thank you ten times more for taking the time to give your always much appreciated reviews. They have helped me ten fold, and have undoubtedly helped shape the last series of events of this fic. Anywho, last I heard, things were going really well for you, and I honestly hope that continues. Hey, hasn't school started? Let me know how your new job is going, I bet you're the new "favorite teacher":) If by chance you and your son are getting a bit anxious for the next harry potter installment, maybe you could check out a few of these books if you haven't already: "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeline L'Engle (it's a series with 4 books) and "BFG", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", and "Matilda" by Ronald Dahl. All are fabulous children's novels and highly appropriate. You can check out my profile for other books too. I hoped you enjoyed this fic, and once again thank you and take care!
And once again thank you to all you wonderful people who have not only taken the time to read my little fic, but also for reviewing and emailing/IM-ing. I've had loads of fun getting chance talking to some of you, and reading your comments. Please take a moment to leave me one last note (it's the last chapter!). See you all around!