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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry looked at himself in the mirror and sighed before flattening his robes one last time. They were a beautiful mixture of dark forest green, dark wood brown, and black. They accented his slender figure and almost made him seem taller. His hair was pulled back in the customary braid and his ears held the small rubies. He made sure his wand was tucked away safely and his glasses were straight before finally stepping out of the tent.
Valentine was dressed in some robes a few shades lighter then his rust colored hair while Harold was wearing his suit and top hat from the eighteenth century. Dudley was dressed in some blue robes and looked slightly uncomfortable. Xi-Wong was dressed in plain black pants and a white button up shirt, his hair in the same ponytail and his shades still on.
"The Weasely family said they would meet us later." Harold said adjusting his hat.
"Let's set off then." Harry smiled, leading the way towards the stadium.
It only took them twenty minutes to get to the stadium. They only stopped to buy a few things from the vendors, mostly for Dudley who was fascinated. It took another ten minutes to make their way to the top box which was mostly empty except a nervous house elf sitting next to a seat that had a strong magical signature. Harry eyed the seat before taking a seat in the labelled seats. Xi-Wong stood behind him silently, not having or wanting a seat. It wasn't long before the minister bumbled in. He launched into a speech with the man following behind him, not even noticing Harry's group. Harry noted the man he was talking to looked important. The few people that followed behind them also looked to be varying degrees of importance.
When the minister did see them he frowned, first seeing Valentine who was lazily lounging on his seat. But then the man caught sight of Harry, or more importantly Harry's scar. Harry doubted the man would have recognized him if not for the scar. Harry had changed enough over the summer he doubted very many people would recognize him.
"Harry, my dear boy!" Fudge bumbled with a large smile.
"Good Evening Minister Fudge." Harry said. "And I would prefer it if you used my title."
Fudge's eyes fell to his ring finger and caught sight of the rings. He stared for a long moment then awkwardly coughed.
"Of course Lord Potter-Black. Would you do me the pleasure of introducing your friends?"
"This is Valentine Cross, a family Friend." Harry said courtesy. "Harold Van Den a close friend and tutor. Xi-Wong my guard. And last but not least my blood relative Dudley Dursely."
Fudge gave hurried greetings.
"And who is your friend minister?" Harry asked.
"Ah, this is the Bulgarian Minster. I've been showing him around but he can't understand a lick of English." Fudge bustled, dismissing the man.
Harry caught a spark in the man's eye.
"Hello Minister." Harry said fluently in Bulgarian.
The man's smile widened.
"Lord Potter-Black. We have heard of your power even in Bulgaria. Surviving a known death curse as a child is news that spreads."
"I must give much of that … praise to my mother." Harry said softly. "As she was the one to sacrifice herself for me."
"Ah." The minister said, "But you are powerful in your own right. A Necromancer that is strong in the Demon Arts and a magically and politically powerful person."
Harry bowed his head in acceptance, completely unsure of how he knew he was a necromancer, and the man turned to Fudge as he tried to take control of the conversation once again.
"I didn't know you knew Bulgarian Lord Potter-Black."
"I understand many languages." Harry said with a faint smirk.
Any further words were interrupted as the Weasely family piled in. Somehow the ticket seating was oddly done and Harry ended up with Percy Weasely on his left with an empty seat on his right.
"Percy." Harry greeted cordially.
"Lord Potter-Black." Percy said politely.
"Ah. Noticed my rings." Harry sighed. "You may call me Harry, Percy."
"Thank you." Percy said simply.
The next and final group to enter the top box was the Malfoy Family. Greetings followed down the line which Harry was at the end of. When the blonde family passed by him Lucius paused.
"Lord Potter-Black." He greeted with a smirk.
Harry shot a frown at his mocking tone but stood.
"Lord Malfoy."
They clasped hands and Harry noticed the man's hands linger.
"Lord Potter-Black." Draco said through clenched teeth obviously using all his pureblood training not scowl.
"Heir Malfoy." Harry greeted easily but did not shake his hand.
Narcissa curtseyed slightly and politely.
"Lord Potter Black."
"Lady Malfoy." He murmured, kissing her hand delicately.
She swept off to her seat as soon as she could, Draco followed. The fates must have been messing with him when they sat Lucius in the seat to his right. The blonde gave him a slight smirk that could be taken as polite if Harry hadn't seen the taunting in his eyes. Then the lights above them dimmed and the announcer stepped up to start the world cup. Harry relaxed into his seat to enjoy.
.-.
"Go ahead of me." Harry said softly.
Harold nodded and led the blabbering Dudley from the top box into the crowds of cheering or sulking people who filed from the stadium. Valentine sent him a fleeting look then followed. Xi-Wong frowned and looked reluctant.
"Can you please watch over the Weaselys and Dudley? I'll be fine." Harry said.
The demon glanced at the leaving family of red heads and then gave a curt nod.
"So all the guard dogs are gone?"
Harry rolled his eyes as he turned to face Lucius.
"Malfoy." He greeted.
"Harry." He smirked back.
Harry sent him a glare but said nothing.
"It was an entertaining match." Lucius spoke easily, changing the subject as they both watched the stadium ever so slowly drain of people.
"Yes." Harry agreed. "I believe the Weasely Twins won a large amount of money for their prediction of the outcome."
Lucius gave a chuckle.
"Did you bet anything yourself?" He inquired.
"No." Harry said easily. "You?"
"No. I did not see the point."
Harry, seeing as the stairwell was much clearer, as most had left, headed for the stairs. Lucius walked beside him easily and Harry noted he and Lucius were the only ones in the area. He didn't bat a lash at this observation.
"I always pictured the 'boy-who-lived' becoming an auror for a living." Lucius remarked flippantly gaining Harry's attention. "Not opening a café."
Harry shrugged off the remark.
"I am not the 'boy-who-lived'. I am Harry." He said simply. "And I love to bake."
"You have a talent for it." Lucius said easily.
Harry tilted his head at the compliment. As they reached the exit of the stadium they both paused. For a moment they stayed in the shadows of the exit looking out at the crowded and loud camp. Half were celebrating their teams win and the other half was just partying for the hell of it.
"I see you got the collar removed." Lucius finally said softly.
Harry saw the man's eyes linger on his bare neck were the collar once sat. Harry reached up and felt his throat.
"Yes." He said. "I did."
"And you are sure you do not want the services of my solicitor?"
"…No." Harry shook his head. "The man who put it on me was ignorant of how much damage it could and did do. He did it with my best interests I believe."
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Lucius quoted dryly.
"…Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." Harry returned softly.
"I do not believe I have heard that before." Lucius said idly. "And are you implying that you should just forget the wrongs done to you and forgive the man who committed them?"
"It was a muggle author who said it. And no, I'm not implying I should forgive and forget. I'm saying he meant no harm by it and it was a mistake. It is much easier on myself to forget the mistake then have it brought up and dragged out. I shall confront him on it at another date, but for now, I am enjoying the present."
Lucius sighed. Then he held out a hand. Harry took it and the man gave a firm shake.
"I will trust you on this then. For now, I must return to my family."
"And I to mine." Harry smiled.
Lucius paused at the soft smile. Slowly he kissed Harry's hand.
"I should hope you will become an ally and friend of mine Harry."
Harry blushed slightly at the kiss but smiled.
"It seems that hope is becoming much more of a possibility the more I come to understand you Malfoy."
Lucius smiled and then gently let his hand drop before turning and vanishing into the crowd. Harry watched him go before heading for his own camp.
.-.
"Whooo!" Fred grinned widely spinning in a circle.
Harry laughed as the dizzy boy crashed into his twin brother and dragged Ron down with them resulting in a quick tussle. Percy, who sat beside Harry, made an odd expression that on the outside showed disapproval but the sparkle in his eye said longing.
"You could join in if you wanted Percy." Harry said softly.
Percy jerked startled. Then he shook his head.
"It is not befitting of someone my age, or even theirs." He sniffed.
"Live life to its fullest." Harry responded.
Percy just shook his head.
"What book are you reading?" Harry asked seeing he wanted to drop the subject.
"A Guide to the Ministry Of Magic." He said proudly. "I have been given a job there."
"Congratulations."
Percy stilled and looked away. Harry could read the message as plain as day though. No one else had congratulated him.
"You'll do well." Harry continued. "You've got the drive and a good head on your shoulders."
"Thank you." Percy said softly.
Harry pulled a piece of paper over to him and wrote out his cafe's address.
"Stop by there one day." He smiled. "It's a small café that has very good tea. You could even sit there and do paperwork."
Percy examined the address then slipped the paper in his robes.
"Thank you." He repeated.
Harry just offered a smile and stood.
"I think I'll be turning in for the night now." He announced loudly.
'Boo's came from the twins while Ginny gave an odd frown. Arthur nodded with a smile and Percy bid him goodnight. Ron and Hermione gave him soft smiles. Harry headed for his tent and stepped in. Xi-Wong followed and headed for the cot set up in the living room. Harry yawned tiredly and quickly brushed his teeth and changed into some plain black sleeping pants and a white t-shirt. He turned the lamp off and made sure Xi-Wong was fine before moving into his own room.
He practically collapsed on his bed, exhausted from the day's activities. He smothered his face into his pillow and breathed deeply, letting himself relax into the soft mattress. Before he could find sleep though a rustle of cloth signified his door opening. Silence dominated for a moment before his blankets were lifted and a body slid into bed with him. Strong arms circled his waist and pulled him into a strong chest.
Harry buried his face in Valentine's night shirt and smiled softly at the comfort.
"You worried me terribly for a while there poppet." The vampire whispered softly. "I have grown attached to you."
Harry smiled and found consciousness start becoming quite elusive when surrounded by warmth and the familiar presence of Valentine.
.-.
Harry woke to Valentine shifting next to him. He opened his eyes blearily and gazed up confused at the heavily frowning vampire. At that moment Xi-Wong slid into the room. He took a bare second to frown at Valentine then met both their eyes.
"We have a problem."
Harry had his clothes on and his bag over his shoulder in record time. Valentine followed as he sprinted from the tent.
"What's happened?!" He yelled at Arthur Weasely who was running from his tent, the group following him.
"We don't know!" He returned, panicked.
The two eldest Weasely boys, who had arrived late, ran off into the crowd now running about to find out what was going on. Then there was a scream.
"Death Eaters!"
Harry had never seen anyone pale as fast as Arthur Weasely.
"To the forest kids." He said in a strained calm tone.
Harry wiped a summoning tag from his bag and flared it up gaining attention from the Weasely family. A huge clan of Hell Hounds appeared, growling at the smell of blood in the distance and the sound of screaming. They looked to his order though.
"One to each Weasely member." He barked his order. "You will protect them with your lives. Follow any of their orders unless it is directly against protecting them. Go!"
They quickly realized who the 'Weasely' family was and split up to stand by their sides, two hurrying off after the other two Weasely Boys. Everyone was smarty enough not ask questions at the moment. The last three hounds whined their question.
"Protect Dudley and Harold and Hermione." He said pointing to the three.
"Too the forest?" Harold asked calmly.
"Yes. Please watch over Dudley."
Harold nodded and dragged the scared boy off, leading the Weasely children with him.
"Xi-Wong." Harry barked turning to the man. "Protect the Weaselys'!"
He didn't hesitate at the order and was gone in a flash after the Redheads. Harry paused another second to pull out a tag. This time he wrote one instruction in the rune circle. Warrior. He pumped his magic into it and in a soundless bang a tall willowy woman appeared. She had thick blonde hair and feral brown eyes. Purple markings swirled over all visible skin. She wore an outfit made of spotted fur that was tight but modest. She gazed at him questioningly and confused, a long knife made of white bone in her hand.
"I'm a Demon Summoner." He said briskly. "You are in my realm. I need you help."
She nodded at his curt attitude and strong will.
"As you wish." She said with a thick accent.
"Target any and all that wear dark clothing with masks of white on their face. Do not kill, but make sure they stay down."
She nodded and leapt over the stream of running people.
"Valentine." Harry said softly, turning to the vampire.
During the distraction of orders he'd packed up both Harry's tents and the Weasely ones.
"You're going ahead." The redhead sighed.
"Yes. Please find the others."
"Be careful Poppet." He warned before leaping into the surging crowd.
Harry leapt for the air and transformed into a raven taking to the night air.
.-.
Harry looked down on the large camp from above. It had been thrown into panic. There were actually very few Death Eaters. So few it couldn't be an attack. They were just playing with the muggle family and chasing some muggle borns but they did so in a way they yelled drunk.
It wasn't an attack but so much fear was left over from the last war that even just their costumes were throwing over a thousand people into panic. Most tents had been trampled and everyone was running for apparation points and portkeys. Everyone who couldn't ran into the forest to hide. A large group of smarter ones had barricaded themselves in the stadium.
Harry's summon, the woman, was systematically hunting down the Death Eaters at least.
Harry cursed to himself as he saw one of the cloaked men go after a younger child who was separated from her parents. Harry dived from the air, transforming in time to tackle the man to the ground. The little girl was swept up by a man who hugged her close and ran. Harry made sure the man under him was out before transforming this time into his grim form and weaving through the wreckage of the camp, the few fires lighting his way as he ran.
He leaped over a tent in time to see a man shoot a stunning spell at one of the Death Eaters. This Death Eater obviously wasn't as drunk as his companions as he managed to fire a severing charm back. It nicked the other man who downed the Death Eater seconds later with a barrage of spells.
As the man fell back to his knees, hands pressing to his wound, Harry recognized him. Harry hurried over. Lucius spotted him hurrying and must have thought he was attacking as he fumbled for his wand again. Harry quickly transformed and came to a stop next to him. Lucius Malfoy stared in shock as he changed
"Are you okay? We should move." Harry said checking the wound.
It was deep enough to need stitches and it was bleeding quite a lot.
"We need to get you to someone proficient in healing spells." Harry cursed.
Lucius attempted to stand and tripped.
"I think I twisted my ankle," He said blandly, "Against a drunken fool in a costume."
Harry couldn't help but laugh. Then he changed. Lucius stared in obvious shock at the tall black stallion. Harry tossed his head impatiently and laid next to him. Lucius shook from his shock and slid on, gripping Harry's mane. Harry got back to his feet as smoothly as possible and cast a mild wandless sticking charm. Then he took off at a gallop.
He felt Lucius cling to him as he headed for the trees expertly jumping over anything in his way and avoiding anyone still left in the open. Once in the safety of the trees he slowed his gallop to walk, picking his way through the darkness easily.
He heard voices a ways off and headed straight for them. As he stepped into the clearing he found ten wands aimed at him. They all lowered as they realized he was a horse and not an attack. The group appeared to be a group of older teens, most in their early twenties.
"Hey, dude, there's a man with the horse." One piped up.
Lucius let out an exasperated sigh already. Harry gave a whinny of amusement.
"Is there a healer around?" Lucius drawled.
"I know a few spells." A girl said stepping forwards. "I'm still an apprentice but you don't look to hurt."
"My shoulder is cut and my ankle is twisted." Lucius said blandly.
"Easy." The girl snorted.
Harry lowered Lucius to the ground and stood by as he waited for the girl to finish.
"This your trained pet or something?" One of the other guys asked holding a hand up for Harry to smell.
Harry snorted at him. Lucius glanced at him. Harry shook his head in a way that Lucius took to be an 'okay'.
"He's an animagus." Lucius said shortly, wincing as the wound on his shoulder slowly closed.
"Cool!" The boy said more eagerly, looking at Harry.
Harry threw his head as if to say he wouldn't be changing back at the moment.
When Lucius was fully healed he offered his thanks and the two headed off again, this time Lucius walking with a hand to his back instead of riding. Once out of view Harry shifted seamlessly to his grim form and sniffed the air. He turned slightly and led Lucius off to where he smelled Narcissa and Draco. As they reached the area where the other two Malfoys were waiting Lucius caught on.
Harry stopped when Lucius understood his family now waited just behind a few trees. Lucius paused with him. For a long moment Lucius was silent.
"You're not returning to Hogwarts are you." Lucius stated.
Harry shook his head in agreement.
"I will be taking my OWLS as soon as possible." Harry said, changing his voice box back to human.
"If you run into any problems, contact me." Lucius said. "I'll get you in within an hour of a call."
Harry smiled, though it looked more like a dark grin in his Grim form.
"Thank you Lucius."
Lucius paused.
"That's the first time you've called me by my first name." He said.
Harry raised a brow at him. The blonde smirked then nodded once. He then straightened, brushing his robe smooth.
"Wait," Harry called as he took a step.
Lucius raised a brow at him but paused all the same.
"Next time you come to my café, could you bring Snape?"
"Severus?" Lucius asked, a slight frown tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Yes. I have to talk to him, but knowing Snape he won't come just because of that."
Lucius's lips twitched at the description but he nodded all the same. And then he was through the trees and meeting a relieved Narcissa and Draco. Harry watched as they vanished with a crack.
The demon woman he had summoned appeared with nary a sound not even a second later.
"All the men are dealt with." She said in a soft voice. "They have been restrained and left for your people to retrieve."
"Thank you." Harry said, still in Grim form.
He lips twitched into a smirk.
"It was fun, call me again should you need any assistance in battle."
Then she grabbed his left paw and nicked it with her finger. He felt the familiar spark of magic and then she vanished with a puff of smoke. Harry knew when he changed back to human he would have another tattooed band on his left wrists.
He breathed out in a rush and looked to the sky. He'd have to go find the others before they started to worry
Loving the story so far? There's a whole world of magic and mystery waiting for you with over 85+ chapters still to come! By supporting my Patreon.
You not only get early access to new chapters but also exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special perks just for fans like you.
Join us on this enchanted journey and help shape the future of the tale. Your support makes all the difference—discover more and become part of the adventure today!
http//patreon.com/BLAKE025
(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~