HPNSA - BOOK ONE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE GATHERING CLOUDS


The Tower overlooked large cliffs covered in black mud; surrounded by a dark mass of water infested with flesh-eating creatures that have not seen the light of day. It has escaped many eyes that sought it even those that are trained to see the enchanted from the mortal. It reeked of the smell of burnt flesh and rotting corpse and in some of its dark crannies one can see remnants of unknown tortured souls that were left behind from the many rituals performed by its owner in the desire to conquer death – forever.

There was always a gloom within the boundaries of that little isle, as if the fog never lets up and to many muggles it never existed. Unmapped and sheltered with incredible magic, the Forbidden Tower can only be entered by those who are allowed within its walls.

Every now and then the wailing of death can be heard from within – somewhere down in the dungeons an unhappy soul finds its way through the veil and is no more. But for more than four months now, the dungeons have not spewed innocent blood, nor has any cry been heard from its accursed walls. There has been silence of a different kind, one that will remind you of a coming disaster – a sort of airless, tensed soundless threat that gives you more foreboding than the noise of distant war. It was deafening. But those that dwell inside endure it.

“Bella!” Cried a voice.

“My lord!” Bellatrix answered.

“What is taking you so long to get the bearer?” The voice said.

The woman knelt before him shaking in fear for the owner of the voice is merciless and cruel even to his most loyal subjects. “We could not find him, my lord. The Knights have kept the boundaries clean of new recruits, our allies dwindle and no one could penetrate Dumbledore’s castle.”

“Summon the Incubus,” The voice said.

“Aye, my lord!” Bellatrix said. In a few minutes Bellatrix returned with an Incubus of despicable appearance. “He’s here, my lord.”

“Incubus, I need you to go to the Northern shores of Ireland. There is a lighthouse there that contains a Portkey. I need you to use it, it will take you to Manhattan.” The voice said.

“What shall I do, in Manhattan?” Uriel said.

“Get as many demons as you can, and bring them here.” The voice said.

“They will be detected by the Knights. We will be slaughtered before we reach the isle.” Uriel said.

“Not if you travel by day, and only as muggles.” The voice said.

“That will take days to do!” Uriel said.

“And what is time to you, Incubus?” The voice said.

“It is everything, the body I inhabit is nearing its fifteenth year! I will die if I don’t get the Iranna!” Uriel said. A dark purple light spewed from the direction of the voice and it hit Uriel in the chest sending the demon flying across the room and twitching on the floor in great pain.

“You will die sooner than that, if you don’t do as I say!” The voice said.

“My lord! Mercy! I will do as you command, but it will fail!” Uriel said.

“Perhaps, you can use this.” The voice took a chalice and converted it into a Portkey. “Bring this with you. When you get to Manhattan you can use this to transport yourselves back to the tower.”

“Yes my lord.” Uriel said.

“I expect to see my tower infested by Yule.” The voice said. Uriel sped away from the room.

“Leave me, Bella. Send MacNair out to London. Harry Potter must be found.” The voice said.

“Yes my lord.”


***

Peter Petigrew shook in fear as he went near the castle. Knights surrounded it and they killed all those that attempted to go in. They were armed with a detection device that showed whether one is an animagus or not. He could not go in and no one was allowed to go out.

He stayed inside the forbidden forest for nearly two and a half months now. Nearly killed by those that dwell inside the forest, Peter tried to go nearer but the Knights vigilantly guarded the area and in many occasions very nearly caught him.

When Yule came, he decided to leave for the forest had turned to ice and not even in his rat form could he find a shelter from the cold. He was about to die of frost but then, just then, his luck turned.

In desperation he chanced the borders of the forest and found that it was now empty of Knights. He ran passed the Whomping Willow that nearly pounded him to a pulp and through the hills and high rock faces, through the graveyard and then there, looming before him was Hogwarts. There has been no news about Harry for many months. In fact no one knew where he was. Peter was sent to look for him at the Dursleys’ house and only then did he found out that the Weasleys took Harry to the Burrow. He tried to go back to his former home, but again, the Knights surrounded South Hampton like a fence. He waited and only when September began was he able to go in undetected. Harry was no longer in the Burrow and there was no mention of his name in that house.

When Peter decided to leave and face the fury of Voldemort over his failure he heard the news that he searched for from the most unlikely person – Percy had returned home and Molly excitedly told him about Harry and Ron. Suddenly it made sense – Ron was going back to Hogwarts and so Harry will be going back to Hogwarts. Now Peter is here in the last place he wanted to be in - undetected, and unsuspected.

He searched the castle desperately for days on end and sure enough he found his way to the Southern part of the castle, but no one goes to this part, not even ghosts, and Peter was now starting to feel anxious. Harry was not in Hogwarts.

However luck, it seems, was on his side tempting him. One evening, he saw someone going up the tower covered in a dark cloak; Peter did not see where he came from he had just appeared out of nowhere. Peter followed the figure up the tower and into a secluded room. “Goblins gold!” Said the young man – for it was a male voice that he heard. The door opened slowly and he went in. Peter scampered towards the opening very nearly crushed by closing walls. Inside he found out the young man was actually Harry Potter and he was carrying a bowl of food in his hand while a cloak in the other.

“Where did you go?”

Peter jumped in fright to find that there was another one inside the room. Another young man believed to be dead; his father had killed him and buried him under their kitchen floor. But here he was, alive and breathing.

“I got hungry, Draco.” Harry said.

“Why not wake up Weasley?” Draco said.

“He’s exhausted, you know that.” Harry said.

“Why didn’t you tell me then, you know how dangerous it is for you to step out and be seen.” Draco said.

“Well, I thought you were sleeping,” Harry said, he then sat down and began eating the food he brought up. “Besides, I know my way around the castle and I have my father’s invisibility cloak with me. No one saw me. Stop worrying already.”

“Who said I was worried?” Draco said.

“I know you’ve grown attached to me, Draco.” Harry said. “Don’t deny it.”

“What are you talking about?” Draco said. He sat beside Harry and got some of the food from the bowl. “I’m not attached to you, Potter. Don’t kid yourself.”

“Right. So what are you doing up this late then?” Harry said. “Counting books?”

“Is he moving?” Draco said, his voice changed tone.

“He is alive, Draco, of course he moves.” Harry said. Peter was now straining his ears for they were talking about another person. “You want to touch him?” To Peters surprise Draco placed his hand over Harry’s belly. “AHA!”

“Hey! Yeah, it’s me, Uncle Draco!” Draco laughed.

“That is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard!” Harry said.

Peter slowly backed away from the scene, the sound of laughter fading slowly behind him. His mind has been gnawed by the darkness of Voldemort’s spells and torture yet some part of his tattered persona was still clinging to a small piece of humanity and it choked him to have such a choice in his hands. Harry was pregnant. He held this baby in his arms once cuddling him with joy. Peter looked back and felt a pang of guilt stinging his insides. He knew that if he went back to Voldemort and told him of this, Harry will surely be found. Though they never really told him what they would do to Harry once they’ve captured him, and Bellatrix assured him that he would be kept alive – they needed him to stay alive in fact - somewhere in his tortured mind a voice kept telling him that it was a lie – the only reason for them to keep Harry alive was surely for some sadistic, perverse purpose. The child will surely die – he knew Voldemort had no mercy for children. Harry’s and the baby’s life was in his hands. Shall he turn them over to death and torture?

Peter stayed there in the southern tower for a time, thinking if he should return to the Dark Lord or ask for forgiveness from those he has betrayed more than once. Could he chance a return? Remus would not forgive him he will kill him at sight. Voldemort was his refuge – he promised him power over death. Yet when he closed his eyes, he saw the faces that were now shadows because of his treachery – they haunt him even when he’s awake. Shall he add Harry and his child to those faces?

Peter waited for the door to open and luck again aided him it seems for just before Ron got up, Ginny went inside bringing with her some sweets and pumpkin pie and Peter saw his exit. He ran for the door and very nearly bumped into Hermione. He trailed down the stairs and just when he thought he had a clean escape, a new threat emerged – Crookshanks was there. Of course Crookshanks remembered him and slowly approached him ready to pounce.

“Crookshanks!” Hermione called. The cat stopped and Peter decided to take the chance to run. “Where were you off to?” Luck, Peter thought, loved him that moment.

Peter was now out of the tower. He kept running until at last he was out of the castle. Still he would not stop until he was out of the premise and nearing the cliffs. He ran for the lake where at the edge there was a can of beans waiting for him. He touched it with his nose and it transported him to a harbor just across the isle of Drear. He could see the Forbidden Tower through his magic glass.

He tried to look inside himself if there was anything left to stop him from turning over James and Lily’s son to the Dark Lord. He has done this before and very nearly killed the boy, but Harry was able to escape. Now he was about to do it again - luck had cared for him till this moment there was nothing stopping him from doing it. But his feet would not carry him over to the boat that quietly waited for him. For the first time in his life there was doubt – not the kind where one questions if his actions are right or wrong because Peter knows it’s wrong. It’s the kind where one questions whether he should – was there nothing left in him to turn his back from committing this sin again? Perhaps that is why luck was kind to him, he thought. To give him time to think about what he was about to do and what it will bring forth.

***

Harry was standing inside the master bedroom of their little house. There was a bed in the middle of the room, some chairs and a large table. The window overlooked the pond in the middle of the garden and across it was the Burrow – no longer small and shabby, it was now enough for a classy wizarding family. Harry smiled remembering how Ron always dreamed of having enough money for the entire family. The Weasleys were no longer poor, Ron could now afford to buy himself a thunderbolt but instead he bought his family a house. He was a good son, Harry thought. He was going to be a good father.

“Alright, place is warm now.” Ron said coming in from fixing the fire in the hearth. He went to Harry and enveloped him with his arms.

“It never was cold.” Harry said.

“I’m glad you like the house. I didn’t want to have a big one, although if we need to add more rooms,” Ron said.

“Um, we should talk about that, Ron. I don’t think we should have another child.” Harry said.

“Oh?” Ron said. “Why not?”

“Well, it’s not an easy task.” Harry said. “I’m really not looking forward to the birth.”

Ron let go of him and sat on the bed. “Did mum talk to you about it?”

“Yes.” Harry said.

“Oh, well, I know why you’re scared now. She told Ginny about it the other day and if she told you what I heard her tell Ginny, I wouldn’t want to have children at all.” Ron said.

Harry looked him and decided to join him in the bed. He pushed him over and they lay on the bed with Harry leaning over Ron’s chest. “Do you want more children?”

“Yes. You grew up with no brother or sister. Tell me is it nice?” Ron said.

“No. I was lonely.” Harry said.

“Then that’s why I want to have at least two.” Ron said.

Harry sighed then lay on his back, “Two.”

“Yes, two…or three…seven…” Ron placed his arms around him and nuzzled Harry’s cheek with his nose. In a short while he and Harry fell asleep, humming softly.

The following morning, Ron woke up with a jerk. He had been dreaming of something that scared him but as soon as he opened his eyes it was gone, he could not remember what it was. Then he looked around and Harry was not there. Worried, he ran out of the room only to find Harry in the kitchen fixing breakfast.

“Good Morning!” Harry said. “What?”

“Oh nothing, I thought,” Ron said shaking his head. “Never mind. Good morning!” He bent over and kissed Harry. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, mum went over and gave some eggs and ham and bread. I cooked them.” Harry said.

“Are they good?” Ron said.

“Hey, I was the cook in the house for more than fifteen years, and they never complained about my cooking even though I did not like to do it.” Harry said. “But this is my house, and my kitchen, and I’m cooking for my family, so this has got to be the best!”

“Alright, alright! You’re so defensive.” Ron said. He then took a piece of the ham and scrambled eggs and put it in his mouth. “Umm! This is good!”

“Good. It’s the best!” Harry said going back to the simmering pan.

After breakfast the two of them went outside and sat on a table that had a chessboard on it. They spent the rest of the morning playing wizard’s chess then headed off to the Burrow for lunch – Molly insisted.

After dinner Harry and Ron sat on the couch by the fire and talked.

“Can you imagine a small person running around this house next year?” Ron said.

“Yeah, one with red hair,” Harry said.

“Yeah, with green eyes. I hope he has your eyes.” Ron said.

“What if he’s not magical, Ron?” Harry said.

“You mean if he turns out to be a muggle?” Ron said. “That can’t happen; I’m a wizard, you’re a great wizard,”

“Why do you keep putting yourself down? Ron, you are a great wizard yourself. I’m not much better than you. Plus you’re a knight!” Harry said.

“Not as good as you, Harry. And that’s ok I love knowing that you are a great wizard, Harry. In fact that’s one of the things I love about you.” Ron said.

“Well, we’ll never be better than Hermione. She’s really a bright witch.” Harry said.

“Yes, she is really.” Ron said.

“Do you think if I wasn’t a Nymphrodite, you’d gone off with her?” Harry said.

“Here we go again,” Ron sighed.

“No, no. I want to know, really. I mean if I was not half-female, you won’t be attracted to me.” Harry said.

“I don’t know. Because I was even though I didn’t know you were.” Ron said.

“But if I wasn’t would you have married her?” Harry said.

Ron fell silent. “Yes. I think so. Hermione is a wonderful person. I was genuinely attracted to her, Harry. And for a time, I could see myself with her, to have a life with her. Even though I know she’d probably boss me around.” Ron then looked at Harry. “But I could not hide the fact that there was something more to us. Even now, when I look back, I know somehow you’d always be part of any life I live, whether it was with her or not. So why complicate things?”

“She would be a good wife and mother. She will make any wizard happy.” Harry said.

“Why are you thinking about that?” Ron said.

“I don’t know, just curious.” Harry said.


***

There was a buzzing sound all over the tower. Outside it swarmed of wings - demons flew here and there and the place looked like a cave of bats.

“These confounded demons! Uriel!” Lucius cried.

“What is it Lucius?” Uriel asked.

“Tell those relatives of yours that they are not to fly around, one wing out of the tower will hail a storm of Knights over, and,” Lucius cried.

“You worry too much, Death Eater. They will not be seen, though they itch to spread their wings, they will not risk attracting the Knights. But they came here willing to sacrifice themselves for the Iranna. Are you certain that we can farm the Nymphrodite for more than one?” Uriel asked.

“Of course. The serum is ready once we have Harry Potter here you will see how great the Dark Lords’ magic is. There’ll be more than enough for each of you. But the Dark Lord gets it first, then us, then demons.” Lucius said.

Uriel hissed. “The ritual that you are to do, have you thought of it?”

“Yes,” Lucius said. “It’s the most effective one in the book. And no doubt the one we would enjoy the most.”


***

It was now January and the students have returned to Hogwarts after the holidays. The grounds were still laden with snow and though the mornings were bleak with dark clouds, still the feeling of merriment was thick in the air and here and there one will see first years huddled in a corner laughing at some prank done to each other.

Harry and Draco shared the Southern Tower again, this morning they were taking up lessons in Transfiguration – Professor McGonagall was teaching them how to transform an object into clothing.

On the other side of the castle, Ron and Hermione were taking Charms – and they were just discussing the repelling charm “Extundo” which was more powerful than “Expelliarmus”. The spell enabled them to repel many objects or people at once. Professor Flitwick thought it best not to do an example indoors.

“We will see it at work on our next meeting so be sure to learn the spell well, with the right wand movement, and the enunciation, `Ex-TUN-do’.”

“Ex-TUN-do!’”

“Excellent! Excellent! Now…” Professor Flitwick was unable to finish his sentence for outside the darkness came alive. A loud crashing noise was heard and the sound of a thousand wings flapped outside the castle. Then like the sound of rushing waters the castle was slowly inundated with fearsome screaming. The demons have come.