The Phoenix Rises

A/N: Just to let some of you know, who are concerned about the way I have portrayed Hermione in the first chapter, she will not be a bad girl in this story…well, she will, but not in the way you are all thinking. She and Harry will definitely remain close, and what you saw was a year’s worth of worrying about her friend, surrounded by the stress of exams…you all know how Hermione gets when it comes to studying….any way, just thought I’d let you know. Also, I’ll be taking some liberties with book five…there will be spoilers, but I’ll be twisting the events to fit my story.

This chapter will cover part of Harry’s fifth year, starting when he left the Great Hall right after Dumbledore tried to read his mind up through the conversation with Lucius and Bill. I will finish the year in the following chapter. Hope you enjoy, and please do review. To those of you who already have…bravo and thanks! JKR owns all but this plot…and any original character’s I create! ENJOY!

I’d also like to thank desolate03 at ffnet for allowing me to use and expound on his idea of the Ancient and Draconian Vampires, if this is the way I take this story, from his story Wicked. It’s a very good read….take a look at it!

Getting From There to Here

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After Harry left the Great Hall, he headed to the owlery, where Hedwig and the black phoenix were waiting. Giving each bird some attention, Harry scribbled off a quick note to Bill Weasley, that read:

Dear Bill,

We have to meet, and soon. Can you meet me tomorrow in the Shrieking Shack at 11am? It’s a Hogsmeade weekend, and it may be a while before we could meet later on. If you can come tomorrow, don’t reply, just show up and I’ll be there. Also, please bring your letter.

Thanks,
Harry

Turning to Hedwig, Harry asked, “Hey, girl…do you feel up to taking a flight tonight? I need you to take Bill Weasley a note.” With a soft hoot, Hedwig stuck out her leg, letting Harry attach it to her, and finished by saying, “Bill should be at The Burrow…he’s home visiting. Be safe, Hedwig.” Giving one more hoot, signifying her understanding, Hedwig took to the night sky.

Watching Hedwig fly off from his seat on one of the many window ledges, Harry pulled out the scroll and read it again, still feeling anxious and confused by its sender, and overwhelmed by the information it contained. Harry thought, 'Could all this be true, or is this just an attempt to lure me into a trap. Lucius Malfoy!!! How could he possible want to help Bill and I…he’s evil and loyal to Voldemort, right? But he offered to help clear Sirius’s name and told me the visions are all to lure me into being captured or killed…should I believe him enough to hear him out…I guess I’ll just wait till after I talk with Bill and see how he feels about all this.' How long he sat there was anyone‘s guess, his thoughts rolling around like a bunch of marbles in a bag, but eventually the cool October winds kicked up, chilling him to the bone.

Looking over to the phoenix, who was intently watching him, Harry, in turn, studied the bird for a few moments, then stood and said, “You’re a beautiful creature, that’s for sure. I’m going back to the common room, do you want to stay here, or come with?” In answer, the bird flew to Harry’s shoulder, perching herself for the journey to Gryffindor Tower. Harry chuckled and said, “Obviously, your coming with then.” Most people found it strange the way Harry talked to animals, but he knew they understood on some level, and never let anyone deter him from doing so…Hedwig was proof enough how much an animal could understand words and feelings.

When he got back to the common room, he realized how late it was when no one was up, not even Ron and Hermione, who would surely be waiting if it wasn’t an ungodly hour. Stoking the fire back to life, in an attempt to warm his chilled body, Harry sat down on one of the overstuffed chairs, the phoenix relocating to the arm rest, and once again pulled the letter out of his pocket and just stared at it, looking for the many answers he sought to the questions running rampant in his head. Stuffing the scroll back into his jeans, he leaned his head back, enjoying the feel of the fire, and closed his eyes. Not realizing he’d dozed off, it was the gentle shaking from Hermione that roused him early the next morning.

“‘Mione? What timzit?” said a still sleepy Harry.

“It’s almost 6:30 in the morning.” she said quietly, letting him wake slowly.

“Uhhgg…it’s to early to be up, ‘Mione.”

“I’m sorry for waking you, I was just so worried about you last night. I finally went to bed around 2am and you still weren’t back yet. Are you okay? You seemed pretty shaken after you read that note and by whatever Dumbledore did to you. By the way, what did he do?”

Rubbing his face to finish waking up, he replied, “Remember how I told you Snape’s teaching me to protect my mind because of the visions? Well that’s called Occlemency, and Dumbledore used Legilimency on me, which is how you read someone else’s mind. He was looking for what the letter said when I wouldn’t tell him. Needless to say, I’m pretty pissed off that he did that.”

“Merlin….I never thought he’d do something like that, especially to you, Harry. He always comes off as so trusting, and yet he completely disregarded your privacy and your trust…its actually kinda scary when you think about it. I can’t believe he did that in front of the whole school, too.” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

With a cynical look, Harry said, “You want to know what the kicker is? Since the trial, Dumbledore hasn’t once looked me directly in the eye, and then when he finally does, he pulls this stunt. I want to strangle that old man right about now.”

“I’m sorry, Harry. You shouldn’t have to keep going through everything that you do. The Fates seem to like playing with you, don’t they?” Hermione asked, chuckling at her last comment.

Smiling a tired smile, Harry mumbled, “You have no idea how true that statement is.”

“What was that? I didn’t quite catch what you said…you were mumbling.”

“Oh, um…I said that I agree, Fate has it out for me.” Harry responded, hoping she would believe him.

“Harry, I don’t want to pry, but did you want to talk about what the letter said?” she asked tentatively.

“No, Hermione…at least not yet. I’ll tell you as soon as I can, okay?” he said, his eyes pleading for her not to push him on this issue.

“That’s fine, Harry. Just know, whenever your ready to talk, I’m here for you. Why don’t you go shower, and then we’ll head down to breakfast and get an early start on Hogsmeade. The book store should’ve received their new shipment and I’m dieing to see if they’ve gotten in the books I requested.”

“That’s my ‘Mione…knowledge before fun!” Harry teased.

“Oh, Harry…knock it off and go get ready. Who knows, they may even have a new Quidditch book or magazine that could peak your interest…as varied and vast as it is.” she sarcastically said.

“Good comeback…I think Ron and I are having a wicked effect on you!” he said, then vanished up the stairs, followed by the sound of Hermione’s laugh.

After breakfast, on the walk into town, Harry asked Hermione why they didn’t wait for Ron, and chewing her lip nervously, she said, “Oh, um…he said he wanted to sleep in and would meet us in town later.”

“Hermione….” Harry said questioningly, drawling out her name, knowing something was going on.

“It’s nothing, Harry…just let it be. You know how Ron is.”

“Yeah, I do, but what’s that got to do with anything?”

“Harry, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly pleased with you storming out of the Great Hall after chewing out Dumbledore. Then he blew up because you didn’t tell us what the letter said, and ignored us the whole night…his words, not mine. I tried to explain that you just needed a little time and space, but you know his temper. He said you should’ve told Dumbledore what that letter said, as he is the greatest wizard ever and was only showing his concerned. I’m sure you can fill in the blanks…knowing how his rants usually tend to go.”

“I don’t understand why every piece of mail I receive, Ron seems to think should be made public knowledge and that I’m not entitled to a little privacy. It’s not like I go delving into his business.” said a frustrated Harry.

With a sigh, she replied, “I know…trust me, I know. Let’s just enjoy our morning, okay?”

“Sounds good.” Harry said, then letting his mood lift, he continued, “I don’t want anyone to beat me to that new Quidditch book….so get you but in gear, woman! The store opens at 9am…that‘s only 5 minutes from now, so chop, chop!” teased Harry.

They did indeed get to the book store first, and Hermione almost wet herself laughing when Harry actually bought the latest Quidditch strategy book out on the market. Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the morning going from shop to shop, picking up what they needed, ranging from quills to chocolate frogs.

At 10:45, Harry said, “‘Mione, I need to go. I’m meeting someone at 11am that I can’t be late for. Do you mind if I leave you alone for a little while?”

“Does this have anything to do with the letter you got?” she asked.

“Yeah, but I can’t go into detail about it right now. You know I would if I could. Look, I gotta go….don’t say anything to anyone about this. ” Harry responded.

“I know…and I won’t say a word. Be careful, Harry.” she said.

Giving his best friend a nod, Harry left Hermione, heading off to his destination. Once there, he entered the Shrieking Shack and shortly thereafter, Bill showed up. The looked at each other for a few short moments, then, with a sigh, Bill said, “Hey, Harry. Obviously, I got your note. As a matter of fact, when Hedwig arrived last night I was just finishing up a similar note to you. So…what do you think about all this? I‘m not sure how I feel.”

“To be honest, everything about this situation scares me to death…from the info to the sender, if you know what I mean? Do you mind if I read your letter? You can read mine if you’d like.” said Harry.

“I would like to read your letter, and I know what you mean…Lucius Malfoy! He’s always had it out for my family….but he did offer some information, showing his good faith, I just don’t know whether or not to believe it.” stated Bill, then the two exchanged letters.

Scanning through Bill’s letter, Harry came to the part he was looking for, and read:

Mr. Weasley, to show you my sincerity, I will tell you that Voldemort is planning, sometime in December, to attack your father, who will be guarding a prophecy concerning Voldemort and Mr. Potter. I do not know at this point what or how he plans on accomplishing this, but the intent is to kill or at the very least, permanently injure your father. His ultimate goal is to trick Mr. Potter into coming to the Department of Mysteries, luring him there by using Sirius Black, Mr. Potter’s godfather, in some way. I have also informed Mr. Potter about this plot, and have offered to help clear Sirius Black’s name, as I can assure you, I do indeed know the facts of what happened that night between Mr. Black and Peter Pettigrew.


Rolling the scroll back up, handing it back to Bill, who did the same to his, Harry said, “Well, it’s pretty much the same information, with the exception of the bit about your Dad. How can he possibly want to help you and I, Bill? I just can’t wrap myself around that concept…he’s always treated us with the utmost contempt, and he’s even tried to kill me before. How does he expect us to trust him enough to even meet with him?”

“I don’t know, but if he’s telling the truth, having gone through an epiphany of some sort, how can we not agree to meet him?” Bill said, then after a long pause, he continued, “Look, I have an idea. What if we send him a note, right now, containing a portkey, using one of our phoenix’s…that wouldn’t give him enough time to gather his forces if this is a trick, and we can be ready for him.”

Taking a moment to ponder the idea, Harry responded, “You know, Bill…that could work. Let’s do it before I lose my nerve…some Gryffindor, huh?”

“Harry, I was a Gryffindor, and trust me when I say that I, too, am scared right now.” Bill said reassuringly. Harry pulled out a new quill, ink, and some parchment from his shopping bag, and the two sat a one of the rickety tables and wrote:

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

We are requesting your presence immediately, via the portkey enclosed. You will bring this proof you have offered to share, and if in five minutes time, you have not shown up, we will no longer be waiting, considering everything a trap. Do not bring anyone with you, or the consequences will be severe.

Harry Potter
Bill Weasley

With out having to wait, Harry’s black phoenix showed up, sticking out her leg, talon’s opened in offer to take the note and deliver it for them. Bill gasped at the site of this rare and beautiful phoenix, inspecting it as quickly as possible before it disappeared in an icy fire.

“That bird is incredible.” said Bill, still looking at the place the phoenix disappeared.

“She disappears in fire that looks like ice…she’s definitely unique?” chuckled Harry.

Bill smiled at Harry and said, “You can say that again. My phoenix is very similar to Dumbledore’s. I wonder why he still has Fawkes, if he didn’t accept the job of Light Lord?”

Shrugging, Harry said, “Don’t know. Hopefully, if all is proven true, we can find out the story behind it. How long has it been since my phoenix left?”

“About three minutes. Get your wand out, and be ready for anything…as a matter of fact, you go behind that door over there, and I’ll take that dark corner.” stated Bill.

As soon as they were in position, Lucius Malfoy showed up, carrying a stunning chest that radiated magic so heavily, the room groaned under its weight. Lucius looked around the room when he didn’t immediately see Bill or Harry, then said, “I’ve come alone, as you asked. I know you’re here…I can sense your magic….” he trailed off, unsure what to do next.

Bill stepped out, wand raised and ready to cures should Lucius so much as twitch in a threatening manner, then said menacingly, “Give us the oath you promised, then we will talk.”

“Very well. I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, do swear upon my life and magic, that I will never harm or allow any others to harm Harry James Potter and William Arthur Weasley. I also swear to provide the information promised, and to answer any questions they have with truthfulness and sincerity, passing on any knowledge that will aid them in anyway. So mote it be!”

“So mote it be!” said Bill followed quickly by Harry coming out from behind the door, saying, “So mote it be!” The three just stared at each other, unsure how to proceed when Lucius finally set down the chest, and said, “Gentlemen, I’m glad you’ve given me an opportunity to talk to you both. In this chest, are three orbs, each containing an invitation to take up the offered positions of Dark Lord, Light Lord, and Magic’s Governor. I am Magic’s Governor, and will gladly let you see what she had to offer me, in hopes of putting your hesitance and fear to rest.”

“Why are you doing this, Mr. Malfoy?” asked Harry.

“Mr. Potter, I know you have absolutely no reason to trust me, and that is why I think you and Mr. Weasley should start with my orb first. It will explain why I am here.”

“What do we have to do, and how do we know that these orbs aren’t actually portkey’s?” asked a skeptical Bill.

“My oath guarantee’s that I won’t harm you, so I will assure you that we will remain in this…building…until our talk is finished. Exactly where are we?” Lucius said, looking around, distaste showing on his face.

“We’re in the Shrieking Shack just outside of Hogsmeade. How do the orbs work?” asked Bill, again.

Giving one last look around, Lucius turned his attention back to the two would be Lords, and said, “It requires nothing from either of you, except that you touch it to view the contents. I was sent mine just after I arrived home from Voldemort’s rebirth, the night of the third task during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I finally accepted the position about two weeks ago, after learning some of Voldemort’s current plans regarding our world. It has not been an easy journey to get to this point, but since accepting, I have not regretted it for one minute.”

“Mr. Malfoy, if you would give us a moment?” said Bill, pulling Harry over to the other side of the room.

“Do you think it’s safe, Bill?” asked Harry.

“I feel okay with it…he did give us an oath, and that’s the only reason I’m willing to try.” stated Bill.

“Then let’s see what this is all about.” finished Harry, and the two made their way back to Lucius. Receiving their agreement to listen, Lucius bent down and opened the dark, ebony wood chest, and pulled out one of the orbs, easily fitting into the palm of his hand. Looking into Harry and Bill’s eyes he said, “If you are ready to learn about your future, please touch the orb, gentlemen.”

Both Bill and Harry tentatively reached out, and when they connected to the orb, they were lifted into an otherworldly plane, where an ethereal voice surrounded them, saying:

“Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, I, Hecate, Goddess of Magic do hereby request your aid in restoring Magic’s balance. For 53 years, I have been without my Lords of Darkness and Light, as none among you have been born worthy enough to hold these titles. I have now chosen two individuals who will right the flow and secure the balance that is essential in my allowing the human race to use my gift. Within a years time, the youngest of the Lords will reach his sixteenth year, therefore you will contact both of my chosen to train and guide them in accordance to my rules and beliefs. Be assured, I will not allow the use my gift to continue as is, left unchecked and unguided by the humans of your world. My Chosen will lead over Magic, teaching, guiding and insuring proper order is maintained. Your role, as Magic’s Governor, is to assist your Lords in fulfilling their duties, beginning with their training and education. This will not be an easy task, but it is your destiny to follow the path I have asked you to journey. When you leave this plane, there will be a tome that explains, in detail, what is expected from you, the Dark Lord, and the Light Lord. I will reveal their identities to you upon your acceptance of my offer. You must choose the true way of Magic, or be assured I will cease to let it flow any longer. The choice is yours, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, but be aware that time is of the essence and I require an answer soon……..” the voice trailed off as if floating away on the wind, then moments later, the three were standing back in the dingy room they had started from.

Running a hand through his hair, Bill let his jumbled thoughts out in a breathy voice saying, “Merlin…that was….did you feel the purity and intensity of the magic, Harry…like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

“Yeah, Bill, I know what you mean. I felt like, somehow, I was home…and…it felt completely right. Does that make any sense? I can’t seem to find the words to describe it.” said an equally awed and overwhelmed Harry.

Giving a nod in agreement, Bill said, “Mr. Malfoy, what’s next?” asked Bill.

“You each need to listen to your own orb’s and learn from Hecate what it is she expects from you. Hecate, in the book she left me, suggests each of you go alone, as it will be a very moving and personal experience, so much more than what you just felt by going into mine.” said Lucius, then opening the chest, replacing his orb, he pulled out Harry’s and said, “Mr. Potter, you are to go first.”

Giving a nervous nod, Harry stepped forward and took the orb from Lucius, immediately re-entering the otherworldly plane. The same voice from before began:

“Harry James Potter, I, Hecate, Goddess of Magic, have deemed you worthy of holding the title, Dark Lord of Magic. By now you have witnessed my Governor’s orb, explaining my wish to rectify the imbalance that has form over the last 53 years. You may be wondering why this is so important to me, so important in maintaining my gift to the human race.” she paused, and as Harry looked around, wondering what had happened, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen came out of the nothingness that surrounded him. She stood about 5’ 8”, and wore white gauzy robes, trimmed in what looked to be pure gold, blowing around her in a wind that was non-existent; long, wavy black hair, falling well beyond her waist, curtaining the exposed areas of her body that the sheerness of her attire did not; deep, earthy green eyes, like that of a pastoral field on a midsummer’s day, shined with knowledge and life that came from immortality, as only the Gods and Goddesses could know.

After coming closer, she gave Harry a comforting smile, then continued, “Hello, Harry. Let me explain in person what it is you need to know. Throughout the passage of time, there have been periods where peace has prospered, which can be directly linked to the times when a Light and Dark Lord have presided over Magic. There have also been times of plague and opulence, and these era’s are a direct result of magic being used by the humans without guidance. I sense your question, Harry…‘What’s wrong with opulence?’ I’m sure you have heard the saying, ‘To much of a good thing isn’t good for you’, well, this is true. It creates envy, greed, and an unquenchable desire within a society, leading to wars and fighting amongst those who should be enjoying the splendor that opulence can bring. Equally, on the reverse, plague can tear societies apart, through war and disease, casting upon it despair and death. Do you not see why balance is such a necessity? Without it, I will not continue to offer my gift to humans, only to have it used to either destroy the world by evil blackness, or superfluous indulgence. The flow of magic, which in its stability brings peace, requires perfect balance…there is no light without darkness, and no darkness without light. Do you understand so far?” Hecate pause, giving Harry a chance to respond.

“Yes, I do. But why have you chosen me to be the Dark Lord? I don’t want people to fear me.” said Harry.

“I understand your concern, but you will be no more fearsome than your counterpart once the world learns what your true roles are. Bill will be just as harsh in his discipline and guidance of the Light as you will be towards the Dark, although punishments will differ, being as varied in nature as Light and Dark magic are. Do you not believe cruelty can come from someone who uses the Light side of magic? Is your worlds current problems not the result of a Light Potion…a Love Potion? Merope Gaunt gave her muggle husband, Thomas Riddle a love potion, tricking him into falling in love with her, then marrying her, and once she confessed to being a witch, he left her, pregnant and alone, where she died while giving birth to Thomas Marvolo Riddle, leaving him an orphan who grew up unloved in a cruel muggle orphanage. I believe you know of who I speak…..this is the life of Lord Voldemort. Now, let’s look at it from your side, the Dark side. Your world has decided that the curse, Avada Kedarva, is never to be used, and has classified it as unforgivable. Do you know the curse was first invented as a way of putting down injured or sick animals that would otherwise suffer a long a painful death. Harry, as Lucius wrote in his letter to you…being the Dark or Light Lord will not make you good or evil, only intent can do that.”

“Okay, I think I see your point. I do have a couple of questions, though. The first is, why must I give up being human to be a creature of the Dark? The second, how did you deem us worthy?” asked Harry.

“To answer you, I will start with your second question, as it will help answer the first. Your birth signaled a renewed hope to your world through a prophecy that has not yet been revealed to you. Let me first state what that is: The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. This prophecy that Lucius spoke of, is what Voldemort will try and lure you to the Department of Mysteries to retrieve, for he does not know it’s full contents. This prophecy, combined with your pure and righteous desire to see your world made right once again, despite your harsh and unfair upbringing, is why I have chosen you, Harry. It is very hard to find people who will not abuse their titles and roles, and I believe that in you and William, I have chosen well. Now, in answer to your first question, the training and education it takes to become a good Lord of either the Light or the Dark, takes years of constant work, and even if I find someone to be a Lord, I may not always be able to find an adequate Governor to teach and assist their Lords in the manner I require. By requiring you to give up your humanity, for immortality, although you can be killed, it’s just very hard to do so, I ensure, most of the time, that my Chosen will rule for a long period of time. I know it is a high price, but by sacrificing your mortality, I am also assured that you will take this proposal seriously. Have I answered your questions?”

“Yes, thank you. Out of curiosity, can I ask why I’m not the Light Lord, and why I have to chose between a vampire or werewolf? Can’t I be a Dark Elf, or something like that?”

“Once again, it is because you have suffered during your life, and there is a natural darkness to your soul. Anyone who has been through what you have would be darker, however, that does not mean you are in anyway unfair or unjust. You are a good person, Harry Potter, and will make an excellent Lord. Harry, you can be whatever dark, humanlike creature you want, but usually the Chosen Dark Lord picks to be a vampire because it is the strongest, most ancient dark creature there is, although a werewolf and Dark Elf are almost as powerful. It is your choice, my Chosen. I have given you much to think about, and you should take some time to read the tomes I have left with Lucius and consider everything before making your decision. Understand that what I ask of you will not be easy. You will still have to defeat Voldemort, still have to deal with the dangerous and rampant dark creatures running amuck, and you, along with William, will have to fight your Ministry and teach your world, that which has been forgotten for over half a century. If and when you decide to take this position, there will be others who remember the old ways, and will help you rebuild your world in accordance to Magic, but never will this be easy. It is truly a life long position, no matter how many years you will live.”

May I asked just one more question? Will I be able to have a family…children, more specifically? I am the last of the Potter line, and this is something that is very important to me.”

“Unfortunately, not once you’ve been turned, unless you choose to be a Dark Elf, but even then, it will be difficult. There is a reason why they are almost extinct. I would suggest that if you want to father children, you do so before your sixteenth birthday. This will be another very hard choice for you, but if it is important to you, you may want to consider it. I will leave you now, my Chosen, Harry James Potter. Choose wisely, young one, for you can not change your mind once you decide.”

And with that, she disappeared at the same time Harry returned to the Shrieking Shack, where he sat on the dusty sofa, not saying a word. Putting his elbows on his knees, leaning over, Harry sighed then said, “Bill, I have no doubt that Mr. Malfoy was sincere with regards to his letter and intentions to help. Before you go into your orb, I want you to know that if you want children, make sure to ask Hecate about your options…” he trailed off, feeling very overwhelmed by the information he’d received, but in an odd way, very relieved at the same time. He at least had some of his questions answered.

“I’ll be sure to do that, Harry. Are you okay?” asked a concerned Bill.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just go into your orb so we can discuss what needs to be done.” said Harry.

Moments later, Bill was gone, and Harry looked up to Lucius and said, “Mr. Malfoy, if I do take this position, what is it I’ll need to do during this coming year. Obviously, I’ll need to leave Hogwarts after this year, but then what?”

Lucius responded, “I will be hiring a private tutor, along with myself, so that by the time OWL’s come around, you’ll be ready to test out for your NEWT’s. This will be accomplished by the use of a time-turner that I have already procured, and will require a great deal of work on your part. Don’t worry about the Ministry side of this, I will have it all arranged. Once school ends, I’ll begin educating you and Mr. Weasley in the ways of Magic. The day before your birthday, we will leave this plane, joining Hecate and several others to begin your training and turn you to whichever dark being you choose. You will spend a number of years there, but in reality, only about 3 - 4 months will have passed here. Do you have any other questions, Mr. Potter?”

“So many that I don’t even know where to start. Please call me Harry, sir. I know this is going to sound like an odd question, especially considering our past, but Hecate said if I wanted to have children, to carry on the Potter line, that I should do so before I’m turned on my birthday. Sir, I’m only 15 years old…I don’t know if I’m ready to be a father yet, but if I don’t, I may never have any. I feel I owe it to my father, who gave his life for mine, to at least carry on the Potter name. I’d appreciate another opinion, if you wouldn’t mind?” said Harry, feeling like an unbearable weight was sitting upon his shoulder’s.

“If you are willing to let me call you Harry, then you must call me Lucius. I do understand your dilemma, more than you think. As I was the last Malfoy in our long lineage, I was under a lot of pressure to secure the line by having a son. I can’t tell you what to do, but if you really want children some day, your going to have to take care of this soon. Let me do a little research and see if there is any other way…I’ll even look into the muggle world for a solution. Give me a couple of weeks to get any information. I know this isn’t much help, but you really need to figure this one out on your own, however, I will say that your father always boasted about the Potter line being secure, once you were born.”

“Thank you, Lucius. I’ll appreciate any help. By the way, how long was I gone?”

“About five minutes, but when your there it’s much longer. Harry, now that we are alone, I would like to again apologize for my past actions concerning you. I’ve done a lot sole searching lately, and from what I’ve been able learned from Hecate, I am rightly ashamed of my past.”

“Apology accepted, Lucius. You can’t change the past, but you can better your future, and that of Draco’s. Speaking of Draco, what have you told him, and when will I be able to talk to my godfather about all this. I would really like his input.”

“I’ve not spoken to Draco about Hecate, Mr. Weasley, yourself, or this situation, but I have started talking to him about how wrong I’ve been…it’s slow going, as I have 15 years of propaganda, of my own making, to undo. I do hold out hope that he will come around, and feel free, now that we’ve talked, to talk to Sirius whenever you wish, just get an oath of secrecy. Once you‘ve done that, I’ll start working on clearing his name.”

“Good, and if there’s anything I can do to help with Draco, let me know. One less Voldemort supporter in this world is a good thing.” finished Harry.

“I’ll take you up on your offer, if the need arises…thank you, Harry.” said Lucius.

They waited a few more minutes, when Bill suddenly reappeared, just as out of it as Harry had been. Taking a seat, Bill said, “She certainly doesn’t beat around the bush, does she? Mr. Malfoy, I agree with Harry, and believe you are here to aid us in this wild road ahead. What do we need to do now?”

Lucius responded, “Mr. Weasley, please call me Lucius, and I believe the next thing we must do is have you two read the required books from Hecate. I’ve also just finished explaining to Harry that we are going to have him tutored this year to be ready to test out of Hogwarts in June.”

Over the next 10 minutes, Lucius detail his and Harry’s earlier conversation, then said, “Bill, if you and Harry decide to take the Lordships, would you be willing to leave Gringotts, to become a fulltime tutor to Harry. I need one more person, with a strong magical background to teach him, and with your vast knowledge due to your curse breaker experience, and the fact that you received some of the highest scores seen in many years when you tested out, you would make an excellent tutor. I, myself will be instructing him in Potions and Transfiguration, and I was hoping you’d take Charms and DADA. I believe between the both of us, we can teach Herbology. Harry, I suggest you only test the five core classes as that will be all you’ll need until we leave the day before your birthday.”

“That’s fine by me…the fewer classes the better. Bill, I’d be more than willing to pay you your current salary, if it’ll help convince you to become my other tutor. The fewer people involved, the better…or at least that’s how I feel.” Harry said, giving a small smile at the end.

“Harry, Lucius, providing I agree to do this, I would be more than willing to tutor you, and you don’t need to worry about paying me, I’ve managed to save quite a bit over the years.” said Bill.

“Bill, you will get paid, but not by Harry. Hecate has given me access to a vault in Gringotts that has all the money we need to get through this year and beyond. So don’t worry about a thing. My biggest concern is location. Harry, we need to figure out a place that you can go, that no one knows about, and that Bill and I can access. While there, we all will be under the time turner, so we need to be well hidden, so we don’t distort the present or past in anyway.” said Lucius.

Harry leaned forward and said, “How about the Chamber of Secrets? With a little clean-up, it could really work well. I can access it from within the school, and I’m sure there’s an exit leading away from the school, outside. I’ll look into it this week. If we can’t use the Chamber, we may be stuck using this place, but it will be harder for me to sneak out as often as I’ll need to.”

“Sounds like a plan, Harry, and get back to me soon. The more time we waste, the harder it will be on you in the long run.” finished Lucius. They all agreed to get things lined up this week, and at 2:30pm, they parted, Harry heading back to Hogsmeade to meet up with Hermione.

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Okay, everyone….the much awaited 2nd chapter. Let me know what you think. Also, let me know if you’d rather Harry be a vampire or a Dark Elf….I have great options for both!
Haymak/Volleygirl