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Dreams of Home Chapter 26
🕑 Added 2023-06-20 16:14:11 +0000 UTCChapter 26
Getting his spot on the Slytherin Quidditch Team was easier than expected. Harry waited to catch Regulus at breakfast in front of the entirety of Slytherin house, and in front of Professor Slughorn himself as he walked by. He told him his broom situation was taken care of, and before the youngest Black could respond Professor Slughorn was clapping his hands in delight saying how excited he was at the talent Slytherin house held this year. Needless to say, Regulus had little choice but to accept Harry’s position on the team.
Harry was grateful James had kept his word about not saying anything to anyone about it. He was more than a little embarrassed about how he handled the whole thing, and was grateful when a much newer cleansweep was delivered by James personally one evening after classes ended. The two discussed an upcoming training session, but he wanted to keep it between them at first. He was open to Sirius and the others joining, but Harry wanted a chance to also teach James some of the Potter family magic he had learned over the summer, something James latched onto in a heartbeat. The end of September was rapidly approaching, however, and James only asked that they wait until the first Quidditch match was finished. After all, as Head Boy and Quiddich Captain, his schedule was quite packed, something Harry easily accepted in stride.
The next few weeks of school passed in a hurry. The older Slytherins had not attempted to bother Harry, which was a welcome change. He wondered if it was due to his warning of a possible blood feud or his status on the Quidditch team. He knew that Fleamont had warned the Wizengamot of what would happen if another member of his house came under attack in any situation, and ever since even the snide comments had died down in the common room.
Harry and Elaina had continued training on nights when there was a dueling club session in the castle. The girl was truly a magical marvel. She picked up on things Harry taught her with incredible speed, and he could imagine what she would’ve been capable of had someone like his father been teaching her since birth. He had to admit that the more time they spent together, the more he believed the girl had dabbled into ritualistic magic. His mother was right, her talent did not seem to be natural.
Elaina was progressing magically at a rate faster than he would have believed possible. She was becoming a phenomenal training partner for him, and seemed to become much better every passing week.
Harry and Lily were also getting along well. She continued to impress him with her knowledge in charms as she carried on through the year, but what he really enjoyed was teaching the girl the basics of warding. Lily had confronted him one day and asked if they could work on some stuff in the library together, and when they arrived at their study spot she had a list of basic wards that she was certain he could cast, and demanded that he teach her. Not wanting to deprive himself of a chance to get to know the girl better he accepted without question. Something that seemed to bother Marlene to no end.
It was mid-October when the second Hogsmeade weekend had arrived at the castle. Harry knew he owed it to Marlene to give her a proper public date this time, so he made sure to make a small spectacle of giving the girl a flower in the hall while asking her to accompany him to Hogsmeade. To no one's surprise, Marlene accepted, but perhaps to everyone’s surprise he planted a soft kiss on her cheek and returned to the Slytherin table as though nothing had happened.
He was questioned by Andi and Pandora extensively, but he merely smiled at them saying it was a long time coming. When asked if they were planning another group outing he had the foresight to say that this was going to be a date with Marlene, and they might join everyone at the Three Broomsticks that evening. Some mistakes you don’t have to make twice, Harry thought with a chuckle.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Marlene Mckinnon and I are going on a date to Hogsmeade this weekend. She is from a good family, and I admit this is a long time coming. I will tell you both all about how I botched my first chance with her over Halloween, but I am grateful she is giving me another chance. Despite the occasion, I am really looking forward to being home at Potter Manor on Halloween, and spending the day with the two of you, my family. I miss you both terribly, and wish we could just have another day at the Three Broomsticks with my friends and catch up. Maybe next month?
Classes are going well, and my training partner is progressing exponentially. I admit that I am starting to suspect mum was right about some things, but I have yet to address the topic with her. It is something I have put a lot of thought into, and perhaps someday soon I will ask, but I don’t think the time is quite right. I know some parties would frown on such things, but she seems like a perfectly normal girl, and if there are any side effects to our suspicions they are extremely subtle. I want her to feel comfortable sharing with me what she had to do to protect herself, because I know that had the options been there to me when I was most desperate, I likely would have taken a similar path to protect myself and those I love.
James, Lily, and the other Gryffindors are all doing quite well. They often ask about you both, and I promised we would be around for the upcoming holidays, and possibly sooner during another Hogsmeade weekend. Andi sends her love, and I trust you both know that you have mine as well.
Looking forward to our Halloween together,
Harry.
Harry smiled, satisfied with his letter as he folded it up and passed it off to a post owl that would be bound for Potter Manor. It would soon be time for Harry to meet Marlene at the Entrance Hall, and with his letter sent he quickly made his way back to the castle with no further delays.
When he arrived at the front doors he easily spotted the familiar golden blonde hair looking around anxiously for her date. When the two made eye contact the girl beamed, and Harry flicked his wrist conjuring a red rose bud for the girl as she approached him. Marlene offered him a wide smile and a peck on the lips as she placed the flower behind her ear with a faint blush of pink on her cheeks as she seemed quite satisfied with how their date was starting, “I was afraid you were going to be late.”
Offering his arm to the girl he shook his head, “No, I was just sending a letter home. I meant to do it yesterday, but was a little busy. Anyway, shall we go?”
Nodding her head shyly, Marlene allowed Harry to guide her back into the courtyard where Filch eyed them contemptuously.Ignoring the grumpy squib, Harry glanced around at the other happy couples and others heading towards the thestrals with adventure on their minds.
Elaina would be heading down to the village by now. She had asked him the night before if he had planned on escorting her again, but he told she would be on her own this time. She seemed disappointed, but he promised if she was uncomfortable going without him he would take her on the next one, no questions asked. He would have to make excuses with Marlene if that were the case.
Arriving at the carriages they caught a ride with some of Marlene’s housemates that were maybe a year younger than them, and very interested in the gossip between the young couple. Typically, Harry would deflect such things, but Marlene seemed to relish in it, “Harry and I have been seeing each other for over a month now. Nothing too serious, but we find ourselves in an occasional broom closet.”
This caused the girls in the carriage to giggle, and Harry had to swallow the heat that was building around his cheeks, making the girls just giggle more. He tried to pretend to be put out with Marlene, but she kissed him on the cheek, and whispered her teases in his ear making him less bothered for now.
There wasn’t any snow on the ground yet in Hogsmeade, but Harry was still content to be in the village that was only disturbed by the students of Hogwarts invading the streets. Each of the shops were as packed as the next, and Harry basked in the atmosphere that brought nothing but good feelings.
Marlene had held Harry’s hand throughout most of the day, and the two seemed to visit nearly every major shop in the area. They had lunch at a small cafe in a side alley, and it went wonderfully as they talked about what they both planned to do after Hogwarts. Marlene had confided in Harry that she wanted to work for the Ministry, which sounded boring to him, but he understood the witch had priorities that were being pushed onto her by her family, so tried to remain open-minded. Marlene was fascinated with his hope to travel the world and delve deeper into magic, but he couldn’t help feeling she thought his dreams were merely a fantasy.
The day wound down faster than he could’ve imagined, and when they ran out of places to explore Marlene pushed him into an alley that was seemingly empty, and began snogging the daylights out of him. Harry had quickly reversed the situation on the girl however when he pinned her to the wall and raised her arms above her head moving his lips down to her neckline made the girl moan. When he stopped she offered him a sultry smile, “I say we grab a few drinks with our friends and head up to the castle to find somewhere private to end this date.”
Harry had been thinking about showing her the room of requirements for a while, but for some reason, he had resisted the temptation thus far. With how well the date had gone though he could hardly resist it any longer, “I like the sound of that.”
In agreement, the two headed off towards the pub where upon arrival they were greeted with cheers. James, who was looking slightly drunk, came to embrace his cousin tightly, making him chuckle as he called out, “A firewhiskey shot for my cousin and his pretty date here, Rosie! They have some catching up to do.”
Harry grinned at the teenager hugging him back as he observed the Marauders, Alice, Lily, and Frank huddled around the table. He could see his Slytherin friends huddled together in the back trying to keep a low profile. He made eye contact with Andi and offered her a wave as he took a seat at the table with the Gryffindors. Lily offered the couple a smile, “How did your day go?”
Marlene flicked her hair over her shoulder offering her best friend a wink, “Better than I could’ve hoped for. Harry has been almost a perfect gentleman.”
She said the word almost in such a sultry, possessive way that Alice let out a snort in amusement, while Lily blushed a bit at her friend's suggestive tone. The boys however all laughed, pounding Harry on the back in approval. Marlene gave a brief breakdown of their day, and Harry merely leaned back accepting his butterbeer from Rosmerta while observing his friend’s reactions.
Sirius elbowed him in the ribs speaking quietly to him, “I know a great abandoned classroom if you need some suggestions for tonight.”
“I got it covered, Pads, thank though.” Harry said with a wink towards the man making him pound the table in laughter drawing the attention of everyone.
It was immediately clear that while James may have been slightly intoxicated, Padfoot was all the way there. Lily offered her best friend a smile as she finished the recall of her date saying, “That’s really great guys! I thought you both would be good together. Harry, Hogsmeade was the first date. Where will the second be?”
Marlene and the others seemed interested in his answer, and he thought for a moment before grinning, “Well, I can’t be boring now can I. I think the next date will be something-”
Suddenly, Harry sensed a familiar magical presence and he ceased talking immediately as he tensed in his seat in alarm. Why would Charlus be here? Instead of the man himself however, a lion with a full mane came swooping into the room. Unlike the last Patronus Harry encountered, this one did not go around the room protectively; instead, it went straight to Harry speaking in his father’s voice, “Harry, we need you. They are attacking Godric's Hollow!”
Harry immediately stood to his feet, knocking his chair over in his hurry. The entire bar was looking at him, but his wand dropped into his hand as his magic thrummed in anticipation. James, trying to look very sober, came to his side, “Let’s go.”
Shaking his head, Harry immediately put a hand on his shoulder, “No. Get the others back to the castle. I won’t be able to escort Marlene to safety, so I am relying on you to do that.”
James immediately looked angry, “They are attacking my home, and you expect me to sit here.”
“You can’t apparate, you haven’t been trained for this, and you have been drinking. So, yes, that is exactly what I expect of you.” Harry said sharply, “My parents and I will handle this, and we will keep our family safe, I promise.”
“Harry ple-”
“NO, JAMES!” Harry roared out.
The young man flinched at his tone, and Harry felt remorse immediately, “I’m sorry. You aren’t ready for this. I promise I will be back with news when I can. Please, just get Marlene and the others back to the castle.”
Harry offered an apologetic look, but Marlene looked bewildered by what was happening. Harry supposed not many parents would call for their seventeen-year-old son to aid them in battle. Regardless, this is what Harry trained for. If Charlus and Dorea had been able to handle this one on their own they would not have called for him, so time was of the essence.
Making his way towards the door he felt a grip on his arm and he turned to see Elaina in her red-haired form had sprung to his side, “Let me go with you.”
Shaking loose of the girl he shook his head, “Forget it. This fight has nothing to do with you. I can’t be responsible for what happens.”
“I am seventeen, Harry!” Elaina protested, and she cried, “This is what you’ve been training me for. You said it was all for a day we may have to fight under the mark together. This could be it.”
Knowing that others had likely heard their exchange he swore under his breath. There was one cat out of the bag. He was wasting time though, and he was confident in her abilities. As long as the attack wasn’t being led by Voldemort or Bellatrix he could keep her safe. As he looked into the fake brown eyes of the girl, he growled, “Fuck. I don’t know what we are walking into. This could be a bloodbath.”
“Then they will get what they deserve for attacking my hometown.” Elaina said back sharply.
Taking a deep breath Harry finally nodded, “Alright, we are wasting time. Let’s go.”
Before Harry could consider the options further he commanded her to grab his arm, and he apparated them to western UK.
Arriving in Godric's Hollow it was quickly deduced that half the village was on fire. Without hesitation, Harry began firing powerful water charms into the areas where the fire was spreading the fastest. To Elaina’s credit she merely followed his lead as they crossed the street listening for the sounds of fighting. Harry gently swished his wand creating a patronus, and ordered Prongs to find his mum and dad.
It took no time at all for Prongs to track them down. Elaina and Harry entered the fire fight from the alleyway where Charlus, Dorea, Fleamont, and a few unfamiliar wizards were switching between fighting off the incoming Death Eaters and trying to protect the village from further destruction. It was clear the balance was becoming too much for the group, so Harry wasted no time in taking aim at the attackers, “BOMBARDA!”
A blast of power launched itself down the street knocking three out of the fight in an instant. Elaina ripped a nearby fence out of the ground and hurled it at two other fighters wearing Death Eater garb that were hurling fire charms with reckless abandon. A green curse came sailing towards them and Harry yanked Elaina out of the way, but before he could respond she fired a reducto curse over his shoulder, undoubtedly blasting her would-be killer into the wards of the nearby church making the man bounce off the defenses hard.
Dorea, Monty, and another half a dozen witches and wizards turned their attention to minimizing the damage, while Charlus was engaging four death eaters at once in a deadly dance. Harry didn’t hesitate. Breaking into a run he transfigured the rubble into a large metal slab and banished it at two of his father’s attackers, likely killing both of them on impact. Elaina even managed to stun one, while Charlus dismembered the other with a cutting curse.
In no time at all the attackers on the street were subdued, and Harry rushed to greet his father with a hug, “I came as soon as I could.”
Charlus embraced the boy and shook his head, “I’m sorry I called. We received a call from Monty and arrived only a few minutes before you did. There are attacks all across the village right now.”
Dorea came to steal an embrace with her son, and when they separated her eyes widened, “Miss Essex, what are you doing here? Harry, what is she doing here?”
The woman went from asking the young teenage girl in bewilderment to anger at her son for bringing an untrained fighter into a firefight. Harry held his hands up in defense, “She made a compelling case, and I had no idea what we would be up against. She has been training with me for over a month. I felt confident she could at least protect my back while I hunted you two down.”
Elaina was quick to defend Harry in this situation, “He’s right, Mrs Potter. I demanded he bring me. These bastards attacked my home. I am also under the protection of House Potter. It is my understanding this is the ancestral home of the Potters, and protection in my book goes both ways.”
Dorea’s jaw dropped, and Charlus quickly put a hand under it to close it, “We will take all the help we can get. Stay close to Harry. He will keep you safe. Protect his back, and he will do the same for you. We will make these cowards regret attacking the village that has been under our protection for four centuries.”
Harry nodded in determination while Charlus motioned for them to follow. Monty at their backs commanded the other local witches and wizards instructing them how to minimize damage. The plan quickly began to be for Harry, Charlus, and Dorea to lead the attack, while the others would prevent the spread of the fire that was attempting to consume the village.
It quickly became clear the plan was effective too. The small attack force decimated their way through the enemy. Harry had to give it to Elaina. She hardly batted an eyelash at what they had done to some of the enemies, yet Harry, Charlus, and Dorea were playing for keeps.
The battle lasted for nearly an hour, but the attackers retreated probably fifteen minutes in. Clearly, they were not expecting an organized resistance. All the fires had been put out and Elaina was heaving for breath looking like she wanted to throw up as she was hunched over. Charlus, Dorea, and Monty were offering comfort to the others, while Harry stood over the girl holding her hair back just in case, “The adrenaline dump can be crazy sometimes. You’ll be okay. You're not hurt are you?”
“No.” She said through heaved breaths, “I just…I can’t believe I am here. Fighting against these…”
“Bastards?” Harry helped with a grin.
“Yeah.” she said breathlessly.
“You protected my back once. Now you helped protect my ancestors' home. I think I owe you one again.” Harry said wryly.
“No more of that, Potter. We are more than even.” She said immediately, “We are friends after all. This is what we are training for.”
Before he could comment further a dozen pops were heard across the street. The presence Harry sensed immediately sent every instinct he had into overdrive and he protectively stood in front of Elaina without hesitation as he called out, “Dad!”
Charlus was at his side in a moment. As were Dorea and Monty. It took a moment, but Elaina had her wand at her side looking determined at the attackers across from her. She had no idea what they were up against, but Harry did, “He’s here.”
Growling Charlus said, “Good. Let’s end this madness.”
Stepping forward the man rose to his impressive height and called out, “Death Eaters. You have lost tonight. Go back to your master, and tell him that Godric's Hollow is under the protection of House Potter. If he wants it, he will have to come to take it himself.”
A hollow laugh echoed throughout the village as if a sonorus charm had been cast, as a Death Eater stepped out removing his mask with a gentle flick of his wrist, “Charlus Potter. We meet again.”
In rage, Charlus roared out, “Lord Voldemort, I presume?”
The handsome featured man bowed his head showing off his head full of brown hair. A far contrast to what Harry remembered of the snake-like man from his own time, “The very same.”
“You have made an enemy of House Potter today.” Charlus said confidently, “A mistake you will one day regret.”
“Make me regret it now, Potter.” Voldemort called out with his wand lazily held at his side, “If you are so confident. Make me regret it.”
Charlus raised his wand as if to start a fight, but Harry stopped the man in an instant. They were outnumbered. Harry had no doubt the people at his side were not your casual pureblood either. This was the makings of Voldemort's Inner Circle. Each as talented as the next. This fight would be a bloodbath that they could not all hope to survive.
Charlus seemed surprised at Harry’s intervention, but Voldemort merely laughed, “Listen to your son, Potter. He knows not to attack his betters.”
A spark of anger ignited in both Potter men, but Harry shook his head, “The Aurors and Dumbledore will arrive any minute. Today is not our day to fight.”
All the death eaters laughed at this while Voldemort merely offered a cruel smile, “Attaboy Harry. Oh, yes. I’ve heard about the trouble you are starting in my ancestor’s common room. Tut-tut. I can’t say I approve.”
“I don’t give a damn what you approve of Voldy.” Harry said with rage in his voice, “Keep your little snakes on a leash before I decide to start sending them back to you in pieces.”
Voldemort smirked while the other death eaters shouted indignantly at his words, “Oh, how fascinating you are. I have no doubt the loss of some of my followers tonight is attributed to your skills. It makes me wonder what your parents taught you to be so callous about taking a life at your age.”
“One-on-one, and I will show you exactly what my parents taught me.” Harry growled out.
Dorea immediately put a hand on his shoulder, “Harry, no!”
Before Voldemort could take up his challenge, however, pops were heard around the village signaling the arrival of the Aurors. Voldemort offered Harry an amused look while shrugging, “You were right, little Potter. Today is not our day to fight, but you have made it clear that it will come one day. Let me perhaps offer you a reminder of what happens to those that cross Lord Voldemort.”
A sickly green spell came sailing towards him with lightning speed, but Charlus had already raised the ground up in the middle of the field causing it to explode on impact. Dorea shielded them from the debris, but Harry was already attempting to fire spells back knowing that he had the manpower to take this fight to them now. Before he could manage it however a silver spell flew into the air that exploded into a massive head with a snake coming out of its mouth. The Dark Mark was hanging over Godric's Hollow, and the sight made Harry shake with rage.
Pops were heard signaling the disapparation of the Death Eaters and Harry swore in rage. Before Harry could do anything further Charlus placed a hand on his shoulder, “You did well tonight, son.”
Harry embraced the man momentarily before turning to his mother who had tears in her eyes as she scooped him in for a tight embrace, “You did incredibly well tonight, Harry. We are so proud of you.”
As the two separated Harry caught the words between his father and Elaina, “I don’t even begin to know how we can thank you. We are in your debt for your assistance tonight, Miss Essex.”
Monty offered his hand to the girl as Harry separated from Dorea, “Essex? The very same witch who protected my nephew in the Slytherin common room?”
“Yes, Lord Potter.” Elaina said with a blush as the man offered her a warm smile.
“In your debt, we are indeed.” Monty said as he cupped her hand gently between his own, “Something that will be discussed in a more appropriate setting. I fear the Ministry will have quite the inquiry about all this.”
Harry grimaced as the lead Aurors came storming toward the defenders of Godric’s Hollow. This was going to be a long night.
.o.
As Andi watched Harry and Elaina disappear, she could hardly believe what had happened before her eyes. The Patronus of Charlus Potter arrived calling for Harry’s assistance, and then he leaped to answer the call, taking Elaina with him.
Andi went straight to Sirius and Remus who were consoling a furious James, “Harry can handle himself, mate. He is going to help your parents, and if Charlus and Aunt Dorea are already there I am sure everything is going to be fine.”
“I just don’t understand why he took her and not me.” James said in a low frustrated voice.
“Did anyone know he had been training her?” Andi asked as she came in on the conversation.
Remus shook his head, “No, but I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised. We are all at the dueling club while they are left to their own devices.”
“Mckinnon sure doesn’t look too amused by the news.” Sirius said, glancing over at a red-faced Marlene arguing with Lily and Alice.
Andi couldn’t blame the witch. If her boyfriend was seeing some other witch while she was at the dueling club she wouldn’t be thrilled either. James sighed, “What do we do?”
“We should trust Harry and return to the castle.” Remus said, “He tasked you with protecting Marlene and the rest of us. Besides, when they return they are likely to go straight back to the castle. If we want news, that is where we will need to be.”
James nodded while grumbling. Going back to the others James settled his tab, and convinced everyone to return to the castle with him. As they walked back, Lily was at his side attempting to speak quietly, “We should tell Dumbledore that Harry and Elaina left the castle. He will understand, and may even be able to help.”
Grimacing James sighed, “I don’t know, Lils. I don’t think Harry would thank us for telling Dumbledore about Potter family business. If his father and mine needed help he was within his rights to leave.”
“What about Elaina?” Lily asked in a whisper, “If she gets hurt, and we knew about it…this is serious, James.”
In the past, James would make a dumb comment about his best friend's name, but his mood was far from joking, “I know. Lily, I just…my family home is under attack. My parents, aunt, uncle, and Harry, are all going to be fighting for their lives. If Elaina and Harry aren’t back tonight I will personally go tell Dumbledore, but until then I think we have other concerns. Besides, she was in disguise, and as far as I am concerned it’s not our business!”
Lily was surprised by the irritation in her counterpart's words. He had never spoken to her in such a way before, but she knew he was worried about his family, and wrapped her hand around his arm, “James, they are going to be okay. With Harry and his parents there I think Godric's Hollow is in good hands.”
James didn’t know what to say but took comfort in his long-time crush’s hand. He was grateful she didn’t remove her hand from his arm as they returned to the castle. Glancing towards Marlene who was quiet in the back of the group, James did not envy his cousin when he had to come back and explain himself to the beautiful Ravenclaw girl.
Comments
Beau Brown
Hogwarts predates the laws of the Ministry. Being of age means nothing to the school. So no permission slip means no entry.
David Van Fleet
I too had had this thought when they first mentioned her needing a permission form signed. She’s a legal adult now.
Steele Armstrong
I’m confused about why she needs to sneak into Hogsmead, if she’s seventeen. As an adult, she shouldn’t need parental permission.
Jacob Laflamme
Then he would just find better places to hide them. Right now he is arrogant about their hiding places because no one knows he made horcruxes.
I am lord dems
So Harry's first confrontation with Voldermort in this time line. Excellent. Now just hoping Harry raunts him with information next time maybe his real name, info about his childhood, maybe saying something like "it's not yet time to kill you Tom. We still need to destroy your little fragments Tom. How many of them are there right now anyway 5 or 6 Tom."
Beau Brown
Very well said! 👏
Robert
Great chapter! It’s really interesting how you are framing the interactions with Harry and Marlene and Harry and Elaina. It appears that Marlene is the woman Harry would be with in a normal world without Voldemort and the coming war. She represents the normality Harry always craved. But she doesn’t quite understand Harry and can’t relate to what is Harrys life. Elaina represents the reality of Harry’s life. Someone Harry can see parts of his old self in. Someone who doesn’t know the definition of quit. They have been building a friendship and are forging a bond through adversity that only those involved can truly understand. This chapter was really well done from interactions to the battle. The aftermath is surely going to be quite interesting. Looking forward to what comes next! Cheers!
