HPNSA - BOOK ONE

CHAPTER NINE
THE TREATY OF 1855

TIMELINE: AUGUST 1997 (4 DAYS AFTER INCUBUS ATTACK)



Harry lay on the bed quietly as Professor Snape examined him. The witch from Saint Mungos has had her memory modified after Dumbledore deemed her services unnecessary.

“Does this hurt?” Professor Snape asked pushing down gently on Harry’s lower abdomen.

“No.” Harry answered.

Professor Snape moved his hand to the right of his navel and pushed gently. “Here?”

Harry shook his head. “No.”

Professor Snape felt Harry’s lower abdomen gently as if trying to measure something. His face was disturbed and Harry wondered if he was going to tell him about it. But Professor Snape pulled his shirt down, stood and said, “The wounds have healed fully. However that swelling needs to go down, be sure not to do any strenuous movements yet or you may bleed again.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Harry said.

When Professor Snape left, Harry sat up and stood and tried to walk around the room. He found it a nice change to finally be able to move more freely around the house. He has been feeling rather restless for the past days seeing as how everyone was busy making sure he was cared for. Harry was not used to all the fuss - no one fussed over him before and though this was a welcome change from the cold treatment he got from the Dursleys still he could not bring himself to enjoy this fully. The Weasleys were his family now and he felt rather responsible for them as they are for him. He wanted to do more for them.

The pain from the attack was but a fleeting memory now; another horrible patch of his past that he would rather forget. But he knows that the coming days will wash the thoughts from his mind completely – Ron was there and that was enough. Then he walked to the mirror and looked at himself – though blurry he could see that his nose was still swollen and wrapped with gauze, his upper lip had a tear but both were healing well and no longer bother him. Then he saw through the neckline of his shirt the hand marks that Lars left when he forced him down. He took off his shirt and more signs of the attack could be seen – large black and blue handprints like rain clouds in a clear sky. He has seen himself like this before, many times though the image was younger and more confused than what he saw now. He wondered then when it will all end if it will end. He could feel the chunks rise to his throat as he traced the bruises left by Lars’ grip; at long last, because of Ron, it was possible that this was the last time he’ll see this picture, the last time he’ll feel the pain – or is it?

All this time Lars knew about the Iranna, all this time he was trying to get it, reaching for it. He wondered now if the Dursleys ever saw him as an Incubus. Then he asked himself, if they knew what he really was, would they have done anything to help him? ‘Probably not’, he thought.

Then he remembered what Dumbledore told him before summer began; why he left him to his aunt and uncle in the first place and not entrust his care to the Weasleys or other wizarding family who would have loved him more. The ancient magic that protected him from Voldemort was only in effect while he was there. It did not protect him from the Curse brought about by the Iranna though, in truth it brought him closer to the culmination of it. He was caught between two evils – Voldemort and the Curse – he could not make up his mind which was worse.

“What a life!” Harry said shaking his head.

Just then Ron came in and when he saw what Harry was doing he frowned. He gently closed the door and stood behind Harry staring at the reflection in the mirror.

“I will pass judgment on him on the tenth.” Ron said.

Harry turned around to face Ron. “Really? The Wizengamot will allow that?”

“Apparently. Dad said all the charges against me have been dropped.” Ron said.

“Charges?” Harry said.

“Yes, well, I got carried away when I saw that monster on top of you,” Ron said smiling.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows; he never really got a complete picture of what had happened that night and to know that Ron actually got charged by the Wizard court meant that the story was not as simple as they made it sound. “What did you do anyway?”

“Well, your aunt and uncle would not open that little Azkaban they kept you in so I used a spell to open the door, charge number one. Then I used another spell to get that beast off of you, charge number two. Then, I used the cruciatus curse against him and mangled his face.” Ron said laughing proudly. His coughed aloud before saying, “Charge number three.”

“You used an unforgivable curse?” Harry said.

”Yes, I did. Now don’t you preach to me about the use of unforgivable curses, I’ve had loads of that from dad and Charlie.” Ron said. “Besides, you used one against Bellatrix too, so we’re even.”

Harry smiled but wondered if this change in Ron was good. Ron was not the kind who would risk using an unforgivable curse knowing what it does to the conjurer. Then again Ron was known to be aggressive when defending those that he loves to the extent of sacrificing himself.

“Well, be sure to send him to Azkaban for life.” Harry said.

“Azkaban? No, I want the death sentence for him. In fact if they allow me,” Ron said placing his arms around Harry’s waist pulling him closer. “I want to kill him myself.” Then he kissed Harry – a long, deep kiss. Ron nuzzled Harry’s head against his cheek wrapping him with his arms. Harry runs his fingers through his hair and kisses him back just as deep. The kiss was broken by a knock on the door – it was Molly calling them over downstairs for dinner.

“Coming mum!” Ron said biting his lower lip. “Too bad we don’t have a room or requirement here.”

“Well, it’s almost September.” Harry said and he then put on his shirt. “Besides Professor Snape told me no strenuous movements yet. I can’t ride the tide, so we have to wait.”


***

“Headmaster, I think Harry is heavy with child.” Professor Snape said. Dumbledore stopped reading the parchment he held in his hand and looked at Severus. “The swelling of his belly did not go down, though the wounds inside have healed. I tried to measure the swell and it appears to be about the size of a three-month old fetus.”

Dumbledore nodded. “Have you told Harry?”

“No, Headmaster. I need to do a test on him, perhaps tomorrow.” Professor Snape said.

Dumbledore then handed the parchment to Professor Snape and said, “We may have to invoke this treaty.”

Professor Snape scanned the parchment and disturbed by it, he said, “The Bureau may not agree to it.” Professor Snape said after a while. “You know how much they hate the Ministry and all it’s regulations.”

“We need to convince them, Severus, we cannot handle this alone. If you are right and Harry is carrying a child, we may have to deal with more than two Incubi in this area. Be sure to come to the hearing on the tenth.” Dumbledore said.

“You know there is a danger that they will require the Defender to join them.” Professor Snape said.

Dumbledore fell silent looking at Fawkes. “That will be the Defender’s choice to make.” The old wizard suddenly closed his eyes in deep contemplation seeming to ask for guidance from an unseen source. “Severus, if Harry is carrying a child see to it that Ron does not know. It may affect his choice.”

“I don’t think Harry will be able to keep something like this from him.” Professor Snape said.

“He must.” Dumbledore turned and slowly approached the Potions master. “Tell him the consequences if he doesn’t.”

***

“Harry! Harry!” It was Sirius; he was calling for me from beyond the veil. “Harry!” He is closer now almost there…beyond that archway is peace... There is a calming light all around.

“How many times must I watch you die?” Said a voice, another voice. A voice from behind…”How many times must my heart be torn?”


Harry woke up suddenly feeling cold and clammy; he was drenched with sweat and he felt really thirsty. Ron was sleeping soundly beside him and he leaned over to kiss his hair. Ron stirred but did not wake though his breathing staggered. Harry stood and went to the window and opened it fully letting in a soft breeze. He looked outside squinting his eyes – his glasses were never recovered from Privet drive. He inhaled deeply as the wind caressed him; the scent of summer flowers and dew-wet grass filled his lungs and it refreshed him. Then he felt a soft patter in his abdomen just below his navel. There it is again. He placed his hand over his belly to feel it more carefully. But it stopped; he wondered if it was something he ate last night. Reminded of food he suddenly felt hungry and he groped his way downstairs to get something to eat.

Harry went to the cupboards and took out a bowl filling it with milk and then took some bread and dipping the bread in the milk he indulged himself in what seemed a feast. This wasn’t the first time he ate bread soaked in milk but he could swear that it tasted so much better now than it ever did. Then the patter came back. This time it was stronger and more pronounced than before. He could swear it was like someone was thumping a miniature drum inside his belly. *Tap-tap-tap* it went. He touched it and it stops when his hand moves over the small mound beneath his navel. Shrugging he went back to his soaked bread and drank the last drop of milk from the bowl. He washed the bowl and returned the milk in the cupboard then headed back upstairs in a slow toe-stubbing process.

***

The next morning was an exciting one in the Burrow; Molly and Ginny nervously prepared breakfast – Harry insisted in helping them set the table and he would always bump into something or someone and accidentally drop something on the floor. Ron helped in cleaning the house and tried to convince Harry to just let them go about the chores but Harry would not listen. When he took the plates and glasses from the cupboard Molly signaled Fred to help him.

“Careful Harry.” Fred said helping him with some dishes.

“I got it! Don’t worry.” Harry said squinting his eyes. He was holding about five plates and two glasses. He stubbed his toe again and nearly dropped the glasses had it not been for Ron who caught them just in time.

“I think you should just sit down and let us handle this.” Ron said taking the plates and glasses from him. “It’s alright.” Then he snuck a kiss when nobody was looking.

“Alright.” Harry said finally giving up setting the table, Molly and Ginny sighed loudly and Ron scowled at them. “Maybe I can just help George clean the yard.”

“I got it!” George shouted from outside.

Harry sighed. “I need my glasses.” Suddenly he heard a car park outside and knew that it was Arthur who had just finished doing raids all night long. “I’ll get it!” He said excited to be doing something to help out. He opened the door and welcomed them in. “Hello Mr. Weasley, erm…Dad, Charlie, Bill.”

“Hello, son.” Arthur said then he went over to Molly and kissed her.

“Hello Harry, nice to see you up and about.” Charlie said brushing his head.

“Hallo Harry! And how are you feeling today?” Bill said.

“Much better, thanks.” Harry said smiling and squinting at the same time. Harry was about to close the door but then someone else was there, “Oh sorry, erm…” he strained his eyes to see who it is.

“Mr. Potter,” Professor Snape said.

“Oh, Professor Snape. Sorry, didn’t know you were there.” Harry said.

“Severus is here to examine you Harry.” Arthur said.

“Again? But you just examined me yesterday.” Harry said.

“Is there anything wrong?” Ron asked.

“No, there’s nothing wrong, Mr. Weasley.” Professor Snape said smirking. “Dumbledore’s orders.”

“Oh.” Ron nodded then helped Harry to the table.

“Come Severus, join us for breakfast.” Molly said.

***

“Harry hold out your hand.” Professor Snape then took out a thin vial that was filled with liquid and then he felt Harry’s pulse. After a while he let go of Harry’s wrist then said, “Have you noticed any change in yourself?”

“Change?” Harry said.

“Yes, before the attack. Is there anything unusual that you’ve experienced somehow?” Professor Snape said.

“No.” Harry answered.

“No unusual craving for food?” Professor Snape asked.

“Umm…” Harry thought hard for a while then remembered the strawberries. “I’ve developed a liking for strawberries for the past month.”

“I see. Hmmm…all right, I need you to pee in this,” Professor Snape said, handing over a container. “Then come back here.”

Harry took the container then went to the bathroom and a few minutes later came back with a container that was half full of urine. He handed it to Professor Snape who took a sample of his urine and mixed it with the liquid in the vial. He waved his wand and conjured a cleaning spell and the container was clean as though it had never been used. The liquid in the vial turned blue.

“Right.” Professor Snape said.

“What?” Harry asked.

“Well, sit down and listen carefully.” Professor Snape said, and then he waved his wand and conjured a spell to lock the door and block out all hearing devices. George was heard shouting downstairs. “You are pregnant.”

The news barely made sense to Harry. “What?”

“You are carrying a child. Yours and hopefully Ron’s” Professor Snape said.

Only then did it hit him; the cravings, the pitter-patter in his belly, the mood swings. He was pregnant – a sudden surge of self-awareness inundated him and he was caught between denial and great joy. “What do you mean hopefully Ron’s?”

“The Incubus, Lars, did he touch you?” Professor Snape asked.

“No.” Harry said a bit bothered by the question.

“I mean before he went for the Iranna, did he ever touch you?” Professor Snape said.

“No! He never did. He would molest me but we never had sex.” Harry said repulsed by the implied situation.

“No need to shout, Potter.” Professor Snape said. “Now, I need you to drink this from now on. One before breakfast and another before you sleep.” Harry took the bottle and was already planning how to tell Ron the news when Professor Snape turned to him and said, “You can’t tell Ron about this yet.”

“Why not? He’s the father he should know.” Harry said.

“Just do as I say.” Professor Snape said.

“Not until I get a reason. I think I’m entitled to it.” Harry said.

Professor Snape looked at him and said, “Potter, did Ron agree to marry you freely? Does he know what he got himself into when he said ‘I do’?”

“Of course he does!” Harry snapped. “But what has that got to do with this?”

“Did he know that you are a magnet for demons and dark wizards?” Professor Snape said. “That he would be faced with challenges far beyond his capabilities because of the vows he took?”

“He was able to handle Lars. I’m pretty sure…” Harry said.

“Lars is a petty criminal in the Incubi world. There are more of them and they are lethal, and because of you they will come here. Our shores have been protected by a society that will require Ron to join them or they will not help us defend you against these demons.” Professor Snape said. “We have never bothered with them before, because there has never been a Nymphrodite here to protect in over four thousand years. They have defected from the Confederation leaving only a treaty as our bargaining chip. And now because of you, we need to invoke this treaty. This pregnancy is like a neon light inviting every Incubus to come and get you. Do you think he can handle that?”

Harry’s mind was beginning to feel like a sponge squeezed thoroughly of thought. He knew that this was more than the two of them but exactly how big the span was remained unclear till Lars attacked him. Now it seemed that the expanse of this went farther and deeper and he could no longer see the edges.

“If Ron finds out there are now two of you he needs to protect, he will join them without question.” Professor Snape said.

“Of course, it’s only natural…” Harry said weakly.

“What arrogance!” Professor Snape said stamping his foot on the floor. “The society I speak of fights not only the Incubi, but vampires and werewolves as well. And because Ron is a wizard he will also need to fight dark wizards too. ” Professor Snape said.

Harry found it hard to swallow. He now understood why the announcement might bring more problems and he could not help but agree with it. Ron was not prepared for this – neither was he. Both of them embarked on a trip that went only one way. He is barely prepared to be a wizard, much less a knight, now he has to be both. Harry knew he would take the risk, he always did.

“I think he will be faced with this adversity whether we tell him or not but Dumbledore thought we should give him a chance to change his mind. After all he’s only sixteen.” Professor Snape said. “Remember to take those vitamins and be sure to get lots of sleep.”

Professor Snape unlocked the door and headed out. Harry sat on the bed and thought of what Ron said before they went in to the Temple. He closed his eyes tight remembering how he forced Ron into agreeing to this. He was right, there were so many unknowns in this situation and slowly they found themselves caught in a whirlpool that has been spinning since the dawn of time. He blamed himself for the turn of events. Ron must never join the society at all, he thought. But then, knowing Ron, the odds of him turning his back from an opportunity to fight more effectively to preserve his life was very few. That was the reason why he agreed to the marriage – he thought it would erase the curse. He would do anything for him, and Harry knew it. What more if he found out that they have a child?

“So, what did he say?” Ron said.

Harry shook his head, “Wh-what?”

“What did he say? Are you all right? Is there anything wrong?” Ron said.

“Yes. Yes I’m fine. He gave me vitamins.” Harry said showing Ron the bottle of orange tablets.

“Oh, that’s good. Yeah you need to eat more.” Ron said. “I’ve got good news too, Fred and George have agreed to let me do some part-time job with them during weekends so we can earn a bit of money.”

“I still got some money with me.” Harry said.

“No! You’re parents gave you that for your education.” Ron said.

“Yes, but I’m part of this family now, aren’t I? I should share in the expenses. So far all I do is cause your family more money.” Harry said.

“Mum and dad don’t mind that.” Ron said.

“Yes, but I do.” Harry said.

“Mum and Dad won’t agree to it.” Ron said.

“Well, who says they need to agree to it?” Harry said.

“What are you planning?” Ron said.

“Why don’t we go to Gringotts and get some money then buy some food and stuff for the house.” Harry said. “I’m pretty sure they can’t say anything when we’ve already purchased them.”

“No.”

“Why not? Please, let me do this. I want to help out? I hate feeling like I’m a burden to your family.” Harry said.

“My family?” Ron said raising his eyebrows.

“Our family.” Harry said.

Ron thought for a while. “Alright. But not too much.”

“Plus I need new glasses.” Harry said.

“Oh no, we’ve got your glasses right here.” Fred said. He and George went in with Ginny.

“Dad went to your aunt and uncle’s house last night to get all your things. He recovered your glasses and here they are good as new.” George said handing the spectacles over to Harry.

Harry put them on and the world became clearer. “That’s more like it.”

“Now, mum can stop worrying about you clearing our cupboards of plates and bowls.” Fred said. They all laughed.

“Harry, what is this?” Ginny said holding the vial used for the pregnancy test in her hand.

“Oh nothing.” Harry said grabbing the vial, and with a wave of his wand cleaned it of the blue liquid. “It’s a test to see if I was ok or not.”

“Oh.” Ginny nodded.

“Well, who’s up for Quidditch?” Fred said.

“I can’t play, I’m still not completely recovered.” Harry said. “I’ll watch.”

Then all of them headed outside.

***

It was the ninth of August and Dumbledore was holding a debate in #12 Grimauld place with Severus, Remus, Arthur, and Nymphadora at around 10:00 pm. Tomorrow was the hearing for the Incubus known as Lars and Ron was to pass judgment over him in front of the Wizengamot.

“The Bureau has agreed to send some of the Knights over to observe the hearing.” Severus said.

“The Bureau? Albus we have had no relation with them for over a century. We no longer share the same principles and beliefs.” Arthur said. “They would also be interested in getting Ron to join them. I cannot let my youngest son enter that Society.”

“Yes, I am aware of that Arthur. Their embrace for weapons and violence is rather hard to accept but you must understand their enemies do not cower at the sight of a wand. They barely have beings there that know how to conjure a decent spell, but are deadlier than those who do here.” Dumbledore said.

“Also, there is another matter that you need to know, Arthur.” Severus said. “Harry is pregnant.”

“What?” Arthur said.

“Are you sure?” Remus said.

“Yes. I did a test on him yesterday and it is positive and based on the size of the swell in his belly, I’d say it’s about three months.” Professor Snape said.

“Is that why the Court has asked Ron to pass judgment over Lars?” Arthur said.

“No. He was asked to pass judgment as husband to the bearer.” Severus said. “But we had to inform them about the child because the creature begged for mercy to ease judgment, knowing Amelia she would have settled for life in Azkaban; we could not risk the court giving him anything lower than a death sentence. When Amelia found out she immediately made a move to change the charges. We tried to convince her to go on with the sentence without the need for Ron to pass judgment but she would not allow it stating the law of paternal rights.”

“Ron will be shocked by this news. Have you told him yet?” Arthur asked.

“No. I advised Potter not to tell him.” Severus said.

“I don’t understand.” Arthur said.

“This is why we have this debate, we have very little understanding of what we are dealing with. This new threat has increased the danger we face exponentially. Voldemort needs only the Iranna to complete his quest for immortality. The irony of it is that the bearer is he who robbed him of power and is destined to end his reign. If he gets his hands on Harry his conquest will be triumphant – the Iranna will be his and the Prophecy ends in his favor.” Dumbledore said. “Harry is at an age where the Iranna’s attraction is at its peak. His pregnancy will increase it even more.”

“Aveddon will not risk open war with us.” Remus said.

“But it is he who sent Uriel to seek Harry in the first place.” Severus said. “He just might.”

“Voldemort and Aveddon in one war against us…” Arthur said shaking his head. “We’re not prepared for that.”

“Now you see the need to get the Bureau to help us?” Dumbledore said. “There is no record of it, but the last time I was with a Nymphrodite he told me that an Iranna follows a successful birth. Of course they kill the child afterwards.”

“They will not get their hands on my grandchild!” Arthur said.

“No. And I am sure Ron will not allow that to come to pass.” Dumbledore said, “Which is why we have to ask you, how is he with handling news of this sort?”

Arthur fell silent then stood and looked at the hearth. The fire was crackling merrily though it did not lighten the burden he felt. “Ron has changed. I fear he may be prone to fall into darkness if nothing stopped him from doing so. He is not ready to be a knight.”

“He’s aggressive, always has been. His love for Harry has increased that tenfold. He is not one to step back and wait for the other shoe to drop.” Remus said.

“Yes, but he’s not one to enjoy seeing another suffer, yet he does now. The innocence in his eyes has died, Remus.” Arthur said. “I’m afraid for him. He’s been put through too much, I mean, I know he loves Harry, and I am happy for them both, but…” He took a deep breath, “Sometimes I just feel like, he’s a child.”

“They both are.” Remus said. “Harry is also going through too much since he was born. Had I known what he has been put through for many years…Sirius knew, at least I think he knew. That’s why he passed by Privet drive before heading off to Hogwarts after his escape. He wanted to find Harry and save him.”

“I feel sorry for them.” Tonks said. “Marriage is hard enough without these added aggravations.”

“Arthur do you think he should know about the child?” Dumbledore said.

Arthur sat and rubbing his head he sighed then said, “I don’t have the answers, Albus. But he has a right to know. He has to go about this with both eyes opened wide.”

“You do understand that this will affect his choice should he be faced with it. The Bureau will require the Defender to join, but since he’s too young, they will give him the freedom to choose.” Severus said. “He will join them if he finds out about the child.”

Arthur closed his eyes tightly and looked at the fire again. “If that is his fate.”

The night wore on but the debate ceased and at midnight they all left with their hearts heavy with despair. Arthur looked at the moon as he passed it by with his flying thunderbird and he saw a ring around it and it was red as blood.