Journey to a New Start chapter 8

Chapter 8

Glathrock had been called to the lobby because of a disturbance. Somehow several bound wizards accompanied by one that was not, had port keyed directly through the wards into the lobby.


This had serious connotations for their security if wizards had found a hole in their wards and could exploit it.


Entering the lobby he walked across the floor to the side alcove where the wizards were being held for questioning.


Entering the alcove the first thing he noticed was how agitated his guards were. Listening to the questioning being done to young wizard he paled hearing the answer.


“Dozens of these pointy eared people were the ones to bring Marcus and the others over to me. But it was the young looking one that sent us here.” Thomas answered the Goblins questions. “Told me that next time I accepted a job to make sure I check them out properly.”


Inspecting the three bound wizards Glathrock noticed the word Oath Breaker burned on the forehead of the one and a note pinned to the front of his robe with his name on it.


Reaching gingerly out and plucking the note Glathrock unfolded and read the contents.


Hands shaking at the implications of the wizards arriving the way they did, sent by a simple port key programmed by one of the High Ones, and it could so easily breach their wards without warning.


The second fact that unsettled him was the fact that the High One knew so much about their business practices, as revealed in the note telling him to activate the penalty clauses in the sales contract, which in a sense would make the drooling broken man in front of him destitute.


“Release that one and call the Aurors for those three.” Glathrock commanded as he clutched the paper in his hand and left the room.


Walking quickly to one of the teller stations he wrote an order to empty the vault of the Oath Breaker and placed it in the out basket so it would be acted on before the ministry brought them an order to freeze the vault.


Knowing the other Horde Leaders would have already assembled in the chamber Glathrock made his way down the tunnel towards his office intent on the tunnel that opened up behind his desk to the meeting chamber.


Walking around his desk and touching the diamond inlay in the wall the tunnel spiraled open and Glathrock walked the short distance to the chamber itself.


Stopping when he reached the center of the chamber he looked around at the other Horde Leaders along the circular wall and said. “You have all been informed of what transpired this morning.”


“Beyond the fact that the High Ones can cross our wards like they do not exist, is the fact that they can do so with a port key that can take any number of people with it even if they are NOT touching each other.” Glathrock told them.


“Not to mention that this meeting is more than likely being watched as I know for a fact that the High One this morning did not look at the contracts and Oaths we had submitted for his review. But he knew of the penalty clauses we add to all contracts that are printed so small one needs to magnify them to read them.” Glathrock told them.


The Goblins along the walls fidgeted as Glathrock asked before stepping out of the center and taking his place along the wall. “The question remains of what we do?”


No one stepped forward for the longest time as a collective the Horde Leaders had no clue of what they could do.


Finally one did speak out. “There is nothing we can do, other than to do nothing at all to make the High Ones look closer at us, our very existence as a race hinges on this simple fact we must not insult them in any way.”


“Look what has happened with the slave seller in the ally and what the High One is doing to him for an insult to one he calls an employee.” One of the other Goblins said.


“Or what the High One did to the wizard that forswore his oath. That wizard has no mind or magic.” Another one said in fear.


A rhythmic tapping stopped anyone else from feeding the fears as an extremely elderly Goblin walked into the center of the chamber dressed in blood red leathers and carrying a book in one hand while walking with a cane. “You are all making the same mistake the other races are about to.”


“You are talking about the young High One and discussing him as if he was the only one walking among us once again. You have forgotten the wizard’s words.” The old Goblin rasped out. “Dozens of pointy eared taller ones.”


“Dozens.” He once again rasped out followed by a deep racking cough of age.


Turning to face one of the Horde Leaders the elderly Goblin said. “You are right we will do nothing to antagonize the High One.”


Facing one of the others that spoke out he told them. “You are also right that the race must be protected at all costs.”


Turning to face Glathrock he coughed once more before saying. “And you are tasked with doing everything in your power to see that the Goblin Race is no threat to the High Ones and do everything in your power to be helpful.”


Bowing to the priest as he started to walk back into the darkness the Horde Leaders looked to each other and started to disperse. The message was clear their survival lay not in war or discord but in cooperation and peace when it came to the High Ones.


XX


Harold Potter had sleepless nights before, but ever since meeting the young lad who turned out to be a High One his nights seemed endless as he reexamined his beliefs and his allegiance to those he held in high regard as being of the light.


Two days ago a being of legend asked his opinion, an opinion at one time he would have been quick to give, an opinion he would have been wrong to give it seemed.


Sighing as he walked down the ally as he scanned the crowds going about their business, perhaps Miriam was right Harold thought, but if she was then when did it all start to go wrong.


That was running through his mind as he walked up the steps of Gringotts intent on a ride down to his ancestral vault and the old history books housed in the back section. He and his wife planned to make a detailed accounting of how the histories had been manipulated over the years before they could even begin to give an informed opinion the High One asked for, as it stood now if pressed they would have to advise against working with any witch or wizard connected to Hogwarts or the Ministry.


Waiting in line for an available teller Harold fingered his vault key as he thought of the future and his possible answer.


Hearing the call of “Next.” Broke Harold out of his thought as he walked up to the open teller and handed his key over and to the Goblin. “I would like to go to my ancestral vault please.”


Looking at the magic embedded in the key Watchblock ran his finger down the ledger in front of him only to stop on the name the key led him to, Potter, current head Harold.


Glancing up to see that the man in front of him was indeed Harold Potter Watchblock cleared his throat. “Mr. Potter I have a message to pass along that Glathrock, one of our senior managers would like a moment of your time.”


Sighing, Harold thought great just what I need now before asking. “Do you know why?”


There was no way he was about to have this conversation, let alone here in the lobby so Watchblock just told him. “I believe it is should not take to much of your time, may I suggest that you go to your vault to do what is needed and I have Glathrock meet you there?”


Watchblock turned “Griphook do escort Mr. Potter down to his vault.”


Griphook motioned with his finger. “Follow me.” And started towards the tunnel leading to the tracks that held the mine carts.


Harold’s mind was spinning with thoughts as he tried to figure out why the Goblins would want to talk to him, not only that they were making an effort to accommodate him as well, it was unheard of.



Harold did not even notice the long ride down to his ancestral vault so caught up in his musings as he was. It was only after Griphook jumped out of the cart and called his name twice that he noticed where he was.


Placing his hand on the vault door he allowed it to sample some of his blood and stepped back as it slowly opened.


Walking inside he made his way back to the far side of the vault towards an alcove that houses shelves full of journals. These were the Potter family histories, what he had come looking for and hopefully what would give him the needed knowledge to answer some of his questions.


Deciding to only go back four hundred years in his search Harold started to cast the charm that would make temporary copies of the journals, they would last a couple of weeks before they would fade away, more than enough time for what they needed to do. This little bit of family magic that ensured that the original journals were never lost or destroyed.


Finishing up Harold turned to leave and as he walked past the bins full of Galleons he stopped and filled up his money pouch while he was here, no sense of going up to his vault when there was plenty of gold right here.


Noticing several Goblins standing on the platform outside the vault Harold walked over to the threshold without crossing it to see what they wanted.


Glathrock approved of the wizards caution. He had made it look so natural that he had just stopped on the other side of the barrier safeguarding his vault and naturally his own self at the same time. “Greeting Mr. Potter.”


Eyeing the Goblin warily Harold answered in kind. “Greeting to you also, was there something you needed to see me about that could not have been done by owl?”


Glathrock looked at the wizard shrewdly, indeed this is one to watch out for, the control he has over his facial features leave him almost unreadable. “Mr. Potter I shall get straight to the point. The High One has told us that any correspondence that needs to reach him in a timely matter can be done so through you.”


Holding up a sealed scroll Glathrock told him. “We have a need to do so now. We have a need of the High One to clarify his orders on the purchases he had us make and have also included a list of transactions needing his approval.”


Sneering in disbelief Glathrock told him. “The muggle one is the most pressing as this so called software company, whatever that is, he has invested heavily in, has sent a request for him to sit in on the board of directors meeting in a weeks time.”


Holding back his shock Harold’s mind raced back to two days ago when he held the conversation with the lad just inside the forbidden forest and how he had been told he could meet with him by saying…His thoughts trailed off as he realized he had been given the means to enter one of the High Ones lands, a feat many had tried for over the thousands of years, attempting to prove or disprove the existence of the High Ones still.


Nodding his head slowly Harold said. “Yes I have the honor of knowing how to enter the Lands of the High Ones and I can deliver your message.”


Quickly adding to his statement. “The knowledge that I can enter the High Ones lands is not to get out, I fear what the repercussions could be if the ministry or others found out.” Harold told him as he stared at the two other Goblins on the platform.


Glathrock looked over his shoulder then assured the wizard of their confidentiality. “Griphook has had the most dealings with the High One and will not divulge your words, and as far as Watchblock is concerned he also will hold your secret as he is involved in the day to day handling of the High Ones account here at the bank.”


Nodding his head so as not to show his shock at the fact a High One would open an account at Gringotts, Harold had to wonder just what was going on and wondered how he could word his questions so they did not seem impertinent when he saw the High One once again.


Stepping out of the vault with the small chest in tow behind him Harold moved away from the doors so they could close. “How time sensitive is the message you wish me to pass on?”


Glathrock handed over the scroll and told him with relief. “If you can get this to the High One today, he should have enough time to pick out a representative to send to the board of directors meeting.”


Taking the scroll Harold nodded his head and told him. “I shall get this to him before dark.”


Nodding his head Glathrock and Watchblock moved to the second cart they had arrived in and left to go back to wherever they had come from while Harold and Griphook entered their own cart and headed back to the surface.


XXX


Being very surprised after finding out from the Centaur watching near the gate that no one had come into the forest looking for a missing student Harry thanked the Centaur for his news and started walking towards the area that once he exited the woods would find him on the Quidditch pitch

Harry was torn as he looked up at Hogwarts from the edge of the Quidditch pitch as he came out of the forest.


Not really sure if he wanted to do this, or even to give this version of Albus a chance Harry straightened up and walked forward, after all he was not coming here for himself he needed to contact Remus’s parents after all.


Walking across the pitch and past the changing rooms Harry’s head swiveled side to side as he took in everything he was seeing and he compared it to what he remembered from his time at Hogwarts in his old world.


Moving pat the greenhouses and hearing young voices come from inside Harry noticed that classes were in session and hoped it would make his errand that much easier, not having to see his father or godfather, this worlds versions at least.


Standing in front of the doors Harry really did not want to be here and double checked his belt compartments including the one that held his war crystals.


Bolstering his mental defenses Harry strode through the open doors chiding himself for wasting time on feelings and daydreams from another world, he stepped aside as the students started rushing past him in their haste to get to their next class, as he missed the bell sounding the end of period in his musings.


Great Harry thought, the students were not rushing around to go to the next class but to head off to lunch.


Standing out from the crowd because of the way he was dressed, Harry moved off to one side as the students rushed past him on their way to the most important thing on their minds right now, food.


Sirius and James coming back from yet another trip to the hospital wing to check to see if Remus had shown up were the first to notice the strangely dressed person in their midst.


Sneaking closer for a better look by using the shadows they stared in awe as the looked onto the face from several days ago, the face of the High One.


XXX


Harold Potter had left the journals with his wife after giving her a brief explanation of what had happened while at Gringotts and holding the scroll up he was supposed to deliver so she could see it, he left the manor and apparated to the edge of Hogsmeade.


Walking passed the shrieking shack and into the forest Harold felt that someone was watching him, scanning the surrounding area he saw no one, but the feeling remained.


Stopping outside the stone circle Harold read the inscription written along the side of the pillar before hesitating a step or two and finally entering inside the circle.


Seeing more words along the inner top ring of stones that capped the pillars, Harold read them before smiling, so simple yet most would over think the words trying to find deeper meaning he thought.


“Sanctuary.” Harold said out loud with a smile, disappearing from sight.


Appearing in a strange location Harold looked around and noticed he was in what looked like a barn.


Itsy seeing a wizard appear at the array walked over and asked him. ”Is you bleeding? Or hurt in any way?”


Startled Harold looked down to where the voice was coming from and was surprised to see the person addressing him was a house elf dressed in a white vest with a crest he had never seen before on the left breast.


“No, at least not the last time I checked.” Harold answered the strangely attired house elf.


“Then you must be here for the Remus Lupin, he is this way.” Itsy made the assumption for why the wizard was here.


Shaking his head in shock Harold stammered out, “Remus is here?”


Following the retreating back of the house elf Harold passed through a shimmering in the air he walking into a bright and cheery hospital wing.


Remus looked up from the book he was reading to see James dad walk in. Surprised he called out in greeting. “My. Potter…what are you doing here?”


“Remus, what happened? Why are you here? And in the hospital even, were you badly hurt?” Harold asked in concern remembering how often Remus and Sirius spent the night at the manor.


“He was close to death actually.” Amathal told him as she entered the room to check on her young patient. “Between the poisoning and crossbow bolt he is lucky to have survived.”


Remus cringed in fear away from the man standing near the edge of his bed now that his secret was out, fearing like all those others he would be shunned and forbidden from seeing his first true friends.


Taking in the fearful cringe on the sometimes to timid lad and the book with a picture of a wolf howling a the moon on the cover he was reading, and adding in that last night was a full moon and that silver tipped bolts from crossbows was the favored hunting device of werewolf hunters Harold had a pretty good idea why Remus was here now.


“Remus…here now lad there is no reason to be frightened by me.” Harold tried to reassure him.


Turning to see who the woman was that had entered and spoke was Harold was shocked to see an elegant High One and quickly fell to his knees and bowed his head in respect.


Remus was so gripped with fear he failed to notice who walked in, his mind providing ever increasing horrors and rejections now that his secret was out.


Seeing that her patient was working himself into a state of hysteria Amathal went over to calm him down.


Rubbing Remus’s back in soothing circles while channeling her magic into her hand and softly singing to him Remus soon calmed down.


Settling Remus back in bed as she tucked the sleepy teen in as she used her magic to make sure he went to sleep and turned to the kneeling man next to the bed.


“Mr. Potter, I think my Lord said it best. A bow of respect starts when one is standing and bends at the waist and pauses when bent and then ends when the person is back upright once again. A bow of fear on the other hand is one that is complete when the person ends and holds the bow at the halfway point.” Amathal told him as she placed a bookmark in the book Remus was reading and set it on the nightstand.


Standing before the kneeling man Amathal and questioned him amused. “One has to wonder then which you are doing now?”


Slowly looking up Harold decided that she was telling him that what he was doing was not the way she wanted him to show respect to her. Standing up slowly he winced slightly as his knees gave a small protest from kneeling on the hard floor.


‘This might sound strange but I have a message from the Goblins to deliver to the High One I met in Hogsmeade two days ago. The thing is I never did get his name so can only give you a description, and the Goblins did say this message was time sensitive.” Harold rambled. “I really never expected to meet other High Ones when I followed his directions on how to get here.”


Her laugh sounded like wind chimes on a breezy day as Amathal told him. “There is no need to give a description as there is only one of us at the moment that interacts with your world and that would be the lord of these lands.


Harold was a little shocked at hearing the young lad was the lord of these people and stammered out. “Can you point me in his direction, so I can deliver this message.”


Looking the man over she thought for a moment and then saw no harm in giving him the information. “He is not here at the moment, in fact he is going to that Hogwarts place in an attempt to contact Remus’s parents. You may wait for him to return of course.”


“He really did not want to go to that place and from what I have overheard from his explanations with Lord Saero of the Hidden Valley I don’t blame him.” Amathal told him as she moved around the room rearranging things more to her liking.


Harold Potter winced when he heard the High One had gone up to the castle, this was not good, as Albus had been after him to divulge every last bit of information he could remember about his mystery lad. He had even felt the brush of a legilimency probe against his mind once or twice.


‘Would it help If I Floo’d the Lupin’s and brought them here, Remus after all is best friends with my son, well he and another lad that is.” Harold shook his head, he was still rambling. “I do know where he lives as Remus travels back and forth to our house quite often during the summer break.”


Looking back at the man Amathal sounded out the word as she questioned what it meant. “Floo?”


Looking along the walls for a fireplace Harold told her. “Floo, is the main way witches and wizards communicate over long distances, we throw Floo powder into a fireplace that is connected to the floo network and call out our destination and it connects the two fireplaces, we then can talk back and forth, even pass things along or travel through the fire.”


“Interesting. Unfortunately we do not use anything like that, and do not have fireplaces in our healing halls.” Amathal told him.


Well the easy way is out Harold thought. Holding the scroll out he asked. “Could you hold onto this and show me how to go back the way I came? I can run into Hogsmeade and contact the Lupin’s and bring them back after they Floo in.”


“And what do you wish me to do with this?” Amathal pointed at the offered scroll.


“If you can hold on to it to give to the Lord High One or until I get back. I don’t want to take the chance of loosing or damaging it.” Harold told her hopeful.


Nodding her head in acceptance at his logic Amathal lead him back towards the array.


“This way, I will send you back and I do believe you know how to return.” She told him with a raised eyebrow.


Nodding his head Harold walked into the circle of stones and thanked her. “Thank you I shall do my best to get the Lupin’s back here as quickly as I can. Um…Out of curiosity the Lord High One does have a way to make a quick exit from Hogwarts if needed correct?”


Looking at the man strangely Amathal replied with conviction. “Do not worry yourself so, there is nothing that would dare harm one of us, even your headmaster would not be so foolish.”


Harold was not sure anymore when it came to Albus, and knowing what he would do in any given situation, but nodded his head anyway hoping she was correct.


XXX


Minerva was in a foul mood as she walked towards the great hall for lunch, her fourth year transfiguration class was a student short, and it was one of her lions, and to make matters worse no one had seen him since dinner last night and the other two thirds of the terrible trio were unusually subdued during class.


Spotting a student standing near the front doors she scowled as she noticed he was out of uniform. She would see about that she thought as she made her way over to the student.


“What’s this then, ten points for being out of uniform from…Just what house do you belong to?” Minerva scolded him.


Harry’s flashed over in anger briefly before replying stiffly. “I am not one of your students and do not belong to any of your so called houses. I am here to deliver a message nothing further.”


Minerva straightened up ready to really give the boy in front of her a real lashing and then she heard Albus speak up from behind her.


“Ah Minerva, shall we sit down for lunch, I have heard the house elves have prepared your favorite….” Albus trailed off as he noticed the boy from Diagon Ally the other day.


Eyes twinkling in merriment Albus told him. “Ah, my boy I see you have decided to take me up on my offer to come visit Hogwarts and sit in some of our classes.”


Harry had enough, whatever pleasure he had once gained from sparring with the man in the beginning had long since died.


“Albus Dumbledore are we related?” Harry asked allowing some of his anger to come through.


Falling into the guise of a grandfatherly persona Albus replied. “It would be hard to tell as I do not know your name. Though you have to admit we are all related in some way, hmmm”


Harry truly looked angry and spat out. “I know for a fact we are not related in anyway. And I find your continued use of calling me ‘my boy’ to be highly insulting to me and my family.”


“I have come here only to deliver a message and want no part of your school, or world and only wish to be left alone.” Harry saw that Minerva was bristling at his words.


Rounding on her he told her softly and carefully. “Do not say what you are about to, you do not know what this insufferable old man has done in our meetings, in fact everything he has done so far would be considered stalking, and if he does not cease immediately I will press charges.”


Minerva’s stood there in shock and looked sideways to see how Albus was taking the boys words and noticed the slight tick around his eyes. Having known him for so long she realized that the boy was right.


Facing the headmaster once again Harry said. “Now I have come for one reason only, to pass along this message, one of your students is being treated at our hospital for injures sustained some time this morning. As his life is no longer in danger we need you to contact his parents so that further treatment can be authorized.”


Smiling once more Albus tried to placate the boy in front of him, while thinking this might be a good way to find out more about the boy and where he lived. “That’s alright, as headmaster of this school I can give the permission needed, so if you will take me to your medi-witch we can get this taken care of easily.”


Harry stared at the old wizard not believing what he was hearing. “Seeing as your name is Dumbledore and not Lupin I really don’t see how you can give permission for treatment.”


James and Sirius almost gave themselves away when they heard it was Remus that had been hurt.


“Remus.” Minerva gasped as she looked at the headmaster.


“Now my boy there really is no need to work yourself up, just let me get my things and we can be off.” Albus smiled his best grandfatherly smile down at the boy.


Albus started to move away but was stopped by the boy’s next words.


“Is he your apprentice?” Harry asked through gritted teeth as he counted backwards from one hundred so he would not hex the man as he so wanted to do right now.


Turning back around replacing the confused expression on his face with a gentle smile, as he had no idea what that question the boy asked meant. “No, as headmaster of this school I do not have time to take on apprentices, though maybe if you were interested we could work something out.”


Sighing more in frustration than anger at this point Harry asked. “Please show me your masters mark before we go any further.”


Confusion really showing now Albus looked at Minerva and seeing her confused look replied slowly. “Masters Mark, I am afraid I do not know what you are talking about. Master is a title graced upon a person when the reach a certain level of learning and have passed the appropriate tests showing they have a firm master’s level grasp on the subject.”


Shaking his head Harry had to wonder once again the difference between his world and this one, in his world very few had a masters mark even the ones called masters, though everyone knew what it meant to carry one.


“Then by our laws you can not give permission for treatment as you are not the boys master, and not his parent, so do not waste any more time and please make the call informing Remus Lupin’s parents they are needed.” Harry told him exasperated with the mans attitude.


“Now see here I don’t know what gives you the right to come in here and decide…” Minerva started before Harry interrupted her.


“Madam and I use that loosely, I have every right as the student in question is not on school grounds and our ways must be followed not yours. I have been more than patient with you and your accusations in the beginning so kindly butt out of matters that do not concern you.” Harry told her firmly before looking back at the headmaster.


Minerva could not believe what she was hearing, how dare this boy come in here and tell her off in this fashion.


“Are you going to cooperate and make the call or should I return and inform the healers that no further treatment is to be given.” Harry asked coldly.


“Surely we can come to an understanding about treatment without involving Remus’s parents, perhaps it would be best if I came along and collected him and brought him back to the infirmary here for treatment.” Albus smiled once more as he was thinking how stubborn this boy was being.


James and Sirius hearing the conversation so far carefully melted further back into the shadows, intent on making a break for Hogsmeade and the nearest floo.


Shaking his head and turning away to walk out Harry told them. “That will not be possible.”


“Is he that seriously injured then?” Minerva asked showing her concern.


Stopping and looking over his shoulder as he made it to the doors Harry looked at her sadly. “That should have been your very first question you asked. It saddens me to think that your games are more important than the well being of one of the children under your supervision.”


Back facing them as he stood on the top step Harry told them shaking his head sadly. “It saddens me to know that even with a student missing there were no search parties out. It makes one wonder if you even knew he was missing in the first place.”


Minerva felt thoroughly chastised by the young man walking down the path, he was right in a way there were no search parties out looking for Remus, in fact she knew he was not usually the type to skip class even though he was sickly.


“Albus we had best floo the Lupin’s and let them know that Remus was hurt and bring them here as soon as we can.” Minerva told her boss.


“No need Minerva I will floo the Aurors and we will stop this nonsense once and for all, we will inform Remus’s parents after he is back safe here at Hogwarts once again.” Albus told her as he strode away quickly for his office.


“Why do I feel you are making a big mistake Albus, one that will cost us to much with your obsession with knowing everything about that boy.” Minerva said to the empty hall.


XXX


Sneaking out of Honeydukes James and Sirius started to run towards the Three Broomsticks intent on reaching the Floo there.


About to reach for the door James slammed to a stop when the door started to open on its own.


To his shock then intense relief his dad was the one stepping out of the door.


Harold was assaulted by verbal cries of relief and for help by his son and best friend. Eyes narrowing he held up a hand to stop the verbal onslaught and sternly told them. “James, Sirius there had better be a very good reason you are not in school right now, no matter that your end of year exams are over, you still have to stay up at the castle.”


Seeing his best friend’s mouth moving but no words coming our Sirius started. “Mr. Potter that person we all met the other day, you remember the one? Well he showed up at Hogwarts looking to pass on a message and retrieve Remus’s parents for permission to be given for further treatment of Remus’s injuries.”


“He refused dad.” James broke in. “He was more concerned with interrogating the person than Remus’s injuries, or trying to weasel his way back to where he comes from.”


“Who are you talking about? Who refused?” Harold asked confused by his sons disjointed explanation.


“The Headmaster, MR. Potter. The Headmaster was not interested in hearing about Remus or getting in touch with his parents.” Sirius told him.


“Please dad, we need to floo the Lupin’s and bring them here so we can take them to Remus, they need their permission to fix Remus up again.” James pleaded


Moving aside so they could see who was behind him Harold heard James and Sirius let out a sigh of relief when they saw Mr. and Mrs. Lupin


Harold was slightly worried over Albus’s behavior, it worried him more so than being on the board of governors, making a decision he looked at the two boys and told them. “James floo your mother and have her come through, Sirius get both your parents if you can, then meet up with us in the clearing from the other day, don’t dawdle.”


James nodded his head while Sirius said. “Yes Mr. Potter.”


Leaving the boys to follow his directions Harold escorted the Lupin’s down the street toward the shrieking shack and the forest beyond.


Stepping out of the fireplace his wife right behind him Orion Black, Patriarch of the Black family noticed the way Miriam Potter was nervously scanning the crowd to see who was watching them and stared at his oldest son before saying. “What have you done now Sirius? More to the point why are you not in school?”


“Orion, Walburga so good of you to come so quickly. We must be quick if we want to meet up with Harold before…” Miriam Potter stopped her explanation with a worried frown afraid she would say too much.


Now that they were out of the pub and in the street Orion asked his son. “Sirius what is going on? Where are you taking us?”


“Mother…Father I gave my word to keep this persons identity secret and this is not a person you would ever break your word to.” Sirius said uncomfortably, not wanting to get on his parents bad side.


“Sirius I don’t care who you made a promise too, you will tell your father…” Walburga scolded her son before being cut off by Sirius.


“Mother remember those bed time stories you used to read to us when we were small, the ones were you told us of the gift of magic, and those that gave us the gift. That is who I am talking about, or at least one like in the story. I am not going to break my word to him, not after watching what Dumbledore did to him when he came to get in contact with Remus’s parents.” Sirius told her before walking away not about to break his word and deciding that the farther away he was the less chance his parents had to work on him.


Looking at her son strangely Walburga said before trailing off. “But the only stories I told them when they were growing up about the gift of magic had to do with….”


Eyes widening she grabbed her husbands arm and softly hissed out. “Orion we have to move quickly before they get out of sight, we must not be left behind.”


Not liking being pulled like his wife was doing Orion hissed. “What are you doing, this is not dignified. A black should not be seen running like this.”


“Merlin, I swear were you not listening to our son, and to who he gave his word to, the ones that gave the gift of magic to witches and wizards.” Walburga whispered frantically afraid of being overheard.


Looking to Miriam questioning his eyes showed his shock when she nodded her head confirming his wife’s guess.


Picking up his pace they quickly moved past the edge of the village and entered the clearing near the haunted building known as the shrieking shack.


Noticing his son and the Potter boy enter the forest Orion started to worry, but after glancing towards Miriam he relaxed slightly.


Ten minutes later they met up with the somewhat confused and anxious parents of Remus.


Allowing himself to be herded along with the others inside a circle, which looked suspiciously like stone hedge Orion looked in surprise to see the stones covered in writing and runes.


“Before we go any further I need to explain something I was told not more than an hour ago. A bow of respect begins and ends with you standing facing the person with a pause as you bend in the middle. Anything else is considered a bow of fear and under no circumstances do you want to do that.” Harold confused them with his explanation


Making sure that everyone was well inside the circle Harold spoke up clearly. “We eight seek entry to Sanctuary.”


A brief flash of light heralded the arrival of the eight of them into the array stationed at one end of the barn.


Misty being the one closest walked over and gave the wizards a quick look, seeking injuries that would need to be treated.


Stepping gout of the circle Harold looked down to see a different house elf, though this one also wore the strange white vest with the colorful crest on it and told her. “We are neither injured or hurt in any way, we bring the parents of Remus Lupin with us.”


Nodding her head she motioned for them to follow her as she called out as she neared the shimmering across the hall. “Mistress High One, the parents you is being waiting for is here.”


The Lupin’s and Blacks froze briefly as they heard the words of the house elf. Looking back and forth between them with wonder and to see if the other heard what they did, they shook themselves out of their stupor when they noticed Miriam and Harold had already passed through the shimmering across the hall.


Quickly catching up they stared in shock at the tall regal High One that was busy directing other high Ones in rearranging the beds and cupboards.


“Who did you say was here Misty?” Amathal asked as she turned around and noticed the group of eight standing just inside the room.


Very mindful of the words Harold spoke a few moments before as a group the bowed in respect while the adults murmured out. “High One.”


James and Sirius had quickly stepped over to the side of the bed and looked down at their friend in worry.


“He’s going to be ok isn’t he?” James asked.


Looking at he two young men that were obviously very worried over their friend’s health, Amathal told them. “He is going to be fine. We healed up his injuries without a problem.”


Facing the adults once again she asked. “Which of you are Remus’s parents?”


Edward and Lucia Lupin stepped forward while Edward spoke out hesitantly. “We are.”


“Good, then we can discus…” Amathal broke off as she turned to the loud voice of her lord.


“Of all the manipulative scatterbrained….That old coot…How DARE he.” Harry ranted, his voice becoming louder the closer he came to the hospital.


“If its war Dumbledore wants then I will give him one.” Harry spat out as he walked in the room and stooped when he noticed the beds had been moved.


Stopping and scanning the room taking in how much it had changed in the short time he had been gone Harry eventually ended up with his gaze on those standing near Remus’s bed.


Visibly calming himself Harry walked over to where the group was clustered around the bed. Looking over the group and comparing the youngsters to the adults Harry quickly paired them up. “So it seems I could have avoided so much unpleasantness if I had just waited. It seems Remus’s parents made their way here without the help of that old fool.”


“My Lord, Mr. Potter came bearing a message from the Goblins this morning and volunteered to gather up the boys parents so they could approve of the treatment …” Amathal stopped as both she and Harry turned their heads and faced back towards the array with intense expressions on their faces.


Taking a step to go back the way he had come Harry was stopped by Amathal’s voice and the rolled scroll she shoved his way. “My Lord, there are enough of us in the healing hall to be able to handle the injured that show up without you having to stop what you are doing every time a new patient shows up.”


Harry stared a the retreating back of Amathal the healer that Saero brought the other day, by the looks of how she had rearranged his hospital she was planning on staying.


Shaking his head slightly Harry turned back to the group of parents and noticed that Remus was just stirring and waking.


Placing the scroll under his belt so he would not lose it Harry asked. “Remus how far along in the book I left with you?”


Blinking back the sleep in his eyes Remus looked around to see James and Sirius sitting on the end of his bed and his parents next to him. “Mum…Dad what are you doing here?”


Looking around Remus’s eyes widened as he saw Both James and Sirius parents in the room and then his eyes fell to the end of the bed and the young man standing there, the same young man that he now remembered talking to earlier, the same face that now had very pointed ears showing through his long hair.


Remus mouthed out High One before whimpering slightly as he continued to stare at the young man, no High One.


Pointing to the book he noticed on the side table Harry asked again. “Remus how far along in the book are you?”


Not able to speak properly Remus grabbed the book as fast as he could and showed the end to Harry showing the bookmark halfway through the pages as his mouth tried to work without sound.


“Well since I would have to give your parents some back ground information I might as well give you the short version.” Harry told Remus before facing the group of adults.


“Eighteen hundred years ago more or less a wizard was experimenting trying to discover a way to become a shape shifter. He came up with these complex theories, one more outlandish than the other, until he finally hit on one that worked.

A series of runes were magically inscribed on his bones that allowed him to turn into a giant wolf.

The problem is he never took into account what would happen if the runes were broken through damage to his bones.

It was the night of the full moon when he had an accident that broke his arm while in wolf form, this in turn destroyed several of the runes on his arm and when morning came he transformed back into a human shape painfully.

After healing his arm he started to plan the next set of runes and their placement to allow him to transform into an equine form.

It was during this time that the night of the blue moon happened, this is the rare occurrence where two full moons happen during the same month.

As the first rays of the moon touched his arm that had the partially destroyed runic inscriptions on it he transformed into a huge feral wolf, bent on destruction from the pain of the transformation.

The next morning he awoke in a clearing some miles away from his house and after making his way back to partially destroyed house he set about making things right.

Finally a week later he found the cause of his uncontrolled transformation, the runes he had inscribed had been broken, not only broken but corrupted into something else.


After inscribing the runes on his other arm he banished the bones in his arm and re-grew them to start over, all the while oblivious to the fact he had injured and bitten several villagers while transformed.” Harry told the story.


“Werewolves.” Edward whispered out as he stole a glance at his son.


Orion was not a slow man, he caught out of the corner of his eye Remus getting paler as the story went on and how Edward looked horrified.


“Last nigh was a full moon, and Remus was injured and found his way here. You are telling us he has been infected.” Orion said stiffly not sure what to do about his sons friendship with the boy now.


Not correcting the man Harry told him. “Yes and to tell him of the treatment that would for the lack of a better word cure him, though other places that are not so easily broken will be used to inscribe the runes on.”


‘That’s why I went to see that meddling stalker up at Hogwarts. I wanted to advise Remus’s parents of his sons healed injuries and get their permission to inscribe the runic combinations on Remus’s bones so that he would become a shifter and not suffer the uncontrolled changes and dementia of the disease as it is now.” Harry told them softly, hoping they understood what he was offering and would let him go through with it.


“A CURE.” James yelled out in glee.


“Hear that Remus there is a cure.” Sirius was just as excited.


Edward gathered up his wife who had gone weak kneed at the mention of a cure.


“Not to burst any ones dreams here.” Orion said as he stepped forward before asking. “What is to keep the same thing that happened to the wizard that developed the curse from happening to Remus if he would happen to be injured again?”


Nodding his head Harry told him. “That is a very good question and the answer is simple, so simple I do not know why the wizard of the time did not think of it, We will inscribe the runes on a set of bones that if they were to break would leave Remus dead anyways so there would not be a chance that he could turn feral and infect any others.”


Seeing their confusion Harry pointed to the back of Sirius’s neck. “The first vertebrae where the neck and the head meet. We will inscribe the runic sets here. Any force hard enough to break the bone will leave him dead anyway.”


Lucia stepped forward eagerly and cried out. “Yes, please do it, I don’t want my son to suffer any more.”


Giving her a slight nod of his head in acknowledgement Harry told her. “Then we will do so tonight, though he will have to remain here for several weeks to learn to control his shifting ability.”


Remus through all this was staring in shock as he held onto the book while sitting on the bed the only thing going through his mind was he would be cured.


“The only problem I foresee is when the ministry casts a revealing charm on Remus it will show he is infected with lycanthropy.” Orion said sadly.


Shaking his head Harry answered. “Not really, I understand the charm causes a person that is infected to glow blue, after the treatment he will glow purple, showing that he is a shifter.”


“Is there any other disadvantages, which werewolves normally have that will carry over to Remus after treatment?” Harold asked.


Placing his hands on the rail at the end of the bed Harry spoke directly to Remus as he answered Mr. Potter’s question. “There will be no allergy to silver, there will be no lunar initiated transformation. He will have increased strength and senses, and be slightly faster than someone that is not a shifter. I do believe he would also be able to communicate mentally with canines.”


Remus was grinning at this, as he noticed James and Sirius had been working hard on the Animagus transformation and were close to succeeding, he would be able to talk mind to mind with Sirius.


“As I said before we would require Remus to spend some time learning how to control his new abilities and handle the new strength without injuring someone by mistake. So if we do this he would have to stay and be schooled by some of our scholars until he learned control.” Harry told the very eager boy. “You of course are welcome to visit as much as you would like, we would not want to get between a parent and their child.”


Amathal had come back at this point and grinned. “So I take it permission has been granted?”


Seeing Remus practically bouncing in the bed clutching the book with a smile on his face that looked like it split it in two she chuckled as he told her. “Oh yes, and I get to study here while I learn to control being a shifter.”


Suddenly remembering Remus cried out in dismay. “My wand, I left my wand in the castle, how am I going to learn without my wand.”


Looking at Remus with a scolding expression. “You are well past the age where you should be using a wand.”


Orion was disturbed by this news, looking over at Harold he noticed he was also disturbed and mulling the words over in his mind.


“As long back as I can remember witches and wizards have needed a wand to use our magic.” Orion said slowly.


Amathal was confused, she said. “But that is not how we designed the gift of magic when we gave it to the race of man.”


Harry spoke up knowing what the problem was, he had read about soon after finding the outpost in his old world. “The problem is they no longer have any true masters to pass along the knowledge on how to access their magic the way they are supposed to.”


“WHAT.” Amathal yelled as she turned quickly to face Harry.


“But what of this Headmaster you were just ready to declare war on?” Amathal asked.


Shrugging his shoulder Harry told her. “He is not a true marked master, and while he probably has some small ability to do things without a wand, he can not access his magic without one.”


Smirking Harry finished by saying. “I proved that after he and the others tried to stun me and I summoned their wands and turned them to ash.”


The Potters and Blacks were horrified that the headmaster would attack the High One, and remembering his earlier words about war they were worried.


“Regardless I can not in good conscious let my patient go back to that sham of a school. If you even suggest it I shall claim healers Rights over Remus.” Amathal said in a huff.


”Are you suggesting that we allow them to attend school here then?” Harry asked already knowing the answer.


“You do realize that would include his two friends sitting right there.” Harry pointed at James and Sirius.


‘It matters not they need to learn to properly control their magic.” Amathal told him.


“Your claim only extends to Remus, so if you plan to do this you will need the permission of all three sets of parents.” Harry reminded her.


“Tell you what, I will have Trisky make sure there is enough for dinner so that you can answer all their questions. It is only fair that they make an informed decision about their son’s future.” Harry offered to meet her halfway.


Stiffly she bowed he head slightly as she thanked him. “Thank you my Lord that is kind of you to offer the hospitality of your table. Please do not forget to read your correspondence.” Amathal told him as she turned back to the confused parents and slightly hyper young men.