A Second Life

A/N; This chapter may seem pointless to people but unfortunately I’m suffering on this story rather a lot. I might have to hold it for a time while I come up with ideas for it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated and I really mean that.

Chapter 17; Seeing a Nightmare.

Hogwarts

Harry woke first as always though he stayed in bed knowing that it was easily before seven and Jason wouldn’t be expected for breakfast on his first day of teaching until at least half-eight. Harry was curled up at Jason’s side and even though his Soulmate was asleep Harry’s hand came up so his fingers could play with the red streaked dyed into his brown hair.

A smile spread across Jason’s face even in his sleep and Harry hugged his with his free hand and kissed his exposed throat. He missed being free with Jason, they couldn’t walk hand in hand down the street, they couldn’t go out for a meal. They were together and they were Soulmates yet they were closed off from all the small things that made it a real relationship. The only thing they did together around other people was hang around at the pub out of opening times and have meals with the Halliwell family when they were invited.

They were lonely and it tore at them both. Harry sighed and laid his ear over Jason’s heart listening to his steady heart beat and feeling his chest rising and falling with each breath. Harry knew the exact moment his boyfriend woke up and let his mind brush against his own. Harry lifted his head and kissed Jason on the lips before slipping over him. Jason smiled up at him when he pulled away.

“Are you staying with me today?” Jason asked hopefully.

“Unless I get a call.” Harry assured him.

“Did you want me to invite Luna to dinner in our rooms tonight?” Jason asked. Harry had told him about Luna knowing who he was and inviting the Divination teacher to a private dinner wouldn’t be looked at as strange at all since it was well known that Luna had been one of Harry’s closest friends, especially after Ron was taken and killed and Hermione’s parent’s house had been hit and destroyed along with her family.

“Sure.” Harry nodded before sitting back on Jason’s lap. Jason sat up and drew him down for a kiss that lingered. Harry grinned at him before pressing down his hips. “We’ve got time.” He told Jason with a smirk.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Harry sat through three classes that day on a perch at the side of the room. He enjoyed Jason’s teaching style and wondered whether things would have gone better in the war if somebody like Jason had taught them throughout their seven years instead of the array of bad teachers they’d had. Remus was really the only exception to that rule.

His first class was a group of fifth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs which went smoothly. It was the second class that caused the problem. Seventh year Slytherins and Ravenclaws who barely let Jason start before interrupting. “We heard you were Harry Potter’s Soulmate. That true?” It was a Slytherin that asked.

“Would it matter to your ability to learn?” Jason asked without missing a beat.

“Are you sir?” One of the Ravenclaws asked.

“Soulmate bonds are touched on in your charms class this year. But if you must know now.” Jason shook his head slightly. “A Soulmate bond breaks at the moment of either precipitants’ death. I was his Soulmate, that bond was broken when he died.”

“And then reformed again.” Harry spoke across his Soulmate bond with a reassuring trill that was barely audible.

“Was that his?” The Slytherin asked.

“Was what his?” Jason asked.

“The Phoenix?” He asked. “Somebody like Harry Potter would have a Phoenix like that.”

“He was Harry Potters.” Jason told them. “He’s now mine, sometimes they do that. And his name is Aberro. No relation.”

A couple of the Ravenclaws chuckled at the small joke and Jason pulled the lesson back on track. Harry paid more attention to the next class which was first year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, namely Wyatt’s class. Wyatt seemed to know that Harry was watching since he paid close attention to everything that Jason taught them. He was obviously suppressing his more volatile side that enjoyed watching chaos and confusion. Harry doubted that his control would last long.

It was just as Wyatt’s class was filing out when he felt pain through his bond to Kevin and knew he was hurt in some way yet he didn’t hear a call. It could be that his charge had fallen down the stairs or something and with only a moment’s concentration he knew that his charge was alive.

“I need to check on Kevin.” Harry told Jason. “I felt pain but he hasn’t called me.”

“Go.” Jason nodded at him.

Harry glided over to him and nibbled on his ear affectionately before leaping into the middle of the room and bursting into a cloud of ice and lightning.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Harry tracked Kevin to the place he’d been when he’d received the pain since the signal was much stronger there. Harry was standing in the park where Harry took Kevin to train and where Kevin went to go running twice a week. The people milling around in the early morning light paid him no attention. He was wearing faded blue jeans and a dark green t-shirt but he was also invisible to them. Kevin’s trail came to here, where a copse of trees briefly overtook the path and then stopped. Harry frowned around at the scene taking it all in.

He stretched out his mind but no matter what he did he couldn’t track Kevin back to where he was. He could sense Kevin easily enough which meant he was on Earth rather than in the Underworld which was partly reassuring but something was blocking him which meant it had a lot of power.

Harry orbed away heading for Olympus and the Council of Elders. He found a few of them milling around the large chamber of clouds and pillars and his anxiety obviously attracted their attention.

“You have a problem?” One asked him. An older lady with a kind face.

“I can’t track one of my charges.” Harry told her. “Kevin, the fire elemental. I felt his pain from Hogwarts but even from where he was taken I can’t track him. I can feel his presence but nothing more.”

“He is still on Earth then.” She nodded. “We will bend our will to...”

Harry’s head twitched as he heard Piper and Chris’ voices in his mind in tandem. She stopped mid phrase as she recognised the gesture. “Piper and Chris are calling me. They sound anxious but not in danger.”

“Go.” She told him. “We will search for the Fire Elemental and call you if we find him.”

“Thank you.” Harry nodded before orbing from Olympus and down into Chris’ bedroom which he used to share with Wyatt. “I’m kind of busy guys. Is this important?”

Chris was sitting half under his covers illuminated only by his bedside lamp and the open door. It was still night on this side of the world. Piper was sitting at his side. She looked at him in concern for a moment but nodded to show it was important.

“Chris had a premonition.”

“Something I need to know?” Harry asked. “It’s just I’m missing one of my charges and I’m pretty sure he’s in danger.”

Piper nodded again. “Chris can’t recall it all but what he did see was bad.”

“Phoebe should be able to relive the premonition and provide extra details.” Harry knew he was being abrupt but he couldn’t help it.

“Harry.” Chris spoke. “I saw you die.”

“I can’t die, Chris.” Harry told him, his voice going soft and soothing in an instant. He sat opposite Piper at Chris’ side and ruffled his hair. “Unless you saw a Darklighter.”

Chris shook his head. “I saw somebody with a stick cast a green spell that made my head hurt.”

Harry winced. “And it hit me?”

Chris frowned. “I think it did. I only saw him cast one but it seemed to hit you and somebody else but not both of you. There was so much there and I couldn’t understand it.”

“Did you recognise the other person?” Harry asked. Chris shook his head. “Okay, how old was he?”

“He looked about Ryan’s age.” Chris told him and Piper.

Harry glanced at Piper in confusion. “Ryan’s the boy next door. He comes home from university and he’s babysat Chris and Wyatt a few times.”

“Ok.” Harry nodded. “About eighteen, nineteen. What did he look like?”

“He had brown hair to here.” Chris gestured at his shoulder. “He was wearing a blue hoody and had a chain and pendant around his neck.”

Harry grabbed Chris’ hands in his own. “A black circle with gold flames on it?”

Chris frowned but nodded. “Who is it?”

“My charge. The one that went missing.” Harry told them abruptly standing up. “He only just went missing. I thought it was a demon but he’s still on Earth but I can’t track him. Chris? What did the person holding the stick look like?”

“I don’t know. I don’t remember.” Chris almost sobbed. “I’m sorry, there was too much there. I couldn’t keep track of it. I’m sorry.”

Harry had him gathered up in his arms in an instant and rocked him even as he pressed a kiss into his hair. “Hush Chris. I don’t blame you.” Chris was a powerful Seer but he couldn’t absorb the premonitions fast enough to be of help most of the time.

“But I could have helped.” Chris sobbed.

“Harry? Is there anything we can do?” Piper asked. Harry shook his head. “What are you going to do?”

“A Wizard has my charge. I’ll tear apart the Wizarding World to find him even if I have to show who I am.”

“Can’t we help?” Chris asked.

Harry was about to say no when he suddenly had an idea about how to get more information from Chris. He pulled back and turned to Chris. “Get ready to go. I have an idea but I need to clear it with the Elders first.”

“What would you have to clear first?” She asked worriedly.

“Taking you to Hogwarts.” Harry told her before standing up and orbing from the room.

He arrived back where he’d been when he’d received the call to Piper and Chris and turned quickly to the gathered Elders. “Chris Halliwell saw a Wizard killing either me or my charge with a Killing Curse. He can’t remember anything from the premonition. There was too much and he isn’t old enough.”

“We have not been able to track your charge either.” The Elder from before told him.

“I want to take Chris to Luna Lovegood so she can take the premonition from him. She might be able to tell us more especially if she recognises the place.” Harry told them.

“The Seeress Luna?” She asked him before looking around her. “Do as you must to save your charge.”

Harry nodded gratefully and orbed out of Olympus only thirty seconds after he’d arrived.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Hogwarts

He’d called Jason through their bond to warn him that he was arriving with Piper and Chris in tow. They’d thought about bringing Leo but Harry hadn’t been sure how many people he could bring into the castle before the wards notified Minerva. Their rooms were empty but Harry knew that his Soulmate had already finished his last lesson of the day and would have gone in search of Luna. Harry told Chris and Piper to help themselves to a drink before he changed into Aberro and settled down on a perch near the window.

He had to share it with Freya but they got along ok. Chris was pale as he sat staring at the gently burning fire, too shell shocked by that premonition to even realise that he was at Hogwarts. Piper busied herself making a hot drink for him out of Jason’s cupboards and Harry simply watched. Chris was clearly upset about the snapshot of his premonition that he could remember even if Harry doubted that the Killing Curse could kill him anymore. Harry was more worried about Kevin right now.

Jason walked into the room leading Luna behind him. As soon as the door shut Harry glided down to the floor and rippled back into his normal form. “Harry! What are you doing?” Piper seemed more shocked than anything else.

“It’s rather hard to keep secrets from Luna.” Harry told her with a shrug before he found himself hugging the small witch tightly.

“Oh, Harry. It’s been so long.” Luna sighed. “The Wizarding World really needs your light again.”

“It’s not my fight anymore, Luna.” Harry told her. “I’m dead.”

“That’s not a nice thing to hear.” Luna told him in much the same tone of voice she used to declare that a Snorkack was behind him. “But you seem to be brighter now after you died and it was nice to see everyone all saying nice things about you after everything else they said. Interesting how they were careful about angering you after you were dead when they didn’t care when you could actually take revenge.”

“Uh...” Harry laughed slightly before turning to Piper. “Piper this is Luna Lovegood, she’s probably the best Seer in the world, demons included. Luna...”

“Piper Halliwell and Chris Halliwell, one of the boys you look after.” Luna smiled at them both. “I’ve seen it.”

“See what I mean?” Harry asked Piper who smiled.

“So why is the Wicca worlds Charmed One here with her son?” Luna asked before narrowing her eyes on Chris who hadn’t moved though he was staring at Harry again.

“Chris...”

“Had a premonition.” Luna finished again. “I can feel it in his aura. Not a nice one either.”

“Would you stop that?” Harry asked though he didn’t really mean it. “He saw a few things but didn’t grasp the rest of it. All we know is that is has to do with one of my other Charges and a wizard using the Killing Curse. The Charge is called Kevin and he was taken about an hour and a half ago.”

“You want me to try to see it?” Luna asked.

“Please Luna, you can handle it better and I really need to help my Charge.” Harry pleaded.

“You really don’t have plead.” Luna told him before turning to Chris. “Come here, Chris and give me your hand. You will see the vision again but you need not try to focus on it.”

Harry nodded at a rather nervous looking Chris and the boy hopped off of the sofa and walked towards Luna slowly. Luna sighed and slowly lifted the amulet off of her neck and handed it to Jason who took it rather reverently even though the protective charms on it were immense. She reached out her hands and took hold of Chris’ offered ones and frowned ever so slightly easily drawing the premonition from him. She gasped after only a moment and staggered backwards a few steps. Jason reached out to steady her even as Harry caught Chris.

Chris turned into Harry and sobbed, pressing his face into Harry’s stomach. Harry wrapped his arms around Chris’ head giving him the support and privacy he obviously wanted until Piper could come over and hold him gently. Chris still didn’t let go of Harry though.

“Luna?” Harry prompted.

“Nothing pleasant, Harry.” Luna told him. “The boy’s powers are strong for one his age. He’ll be as strong as me by the time he is fifteen or so. I’m sorry for that.”

“What about what you saw? Did you see anything about the Wizard you recognised?”

“The premonition takes place in a dungeon somewhere but I don’t know it, of that I am certain. Someplace I have never been or I would know it.” Luna explained. “I could see the magic of the Dark Mark on the two Wizards there but there was a creature there that I do not like. A demon I have seen many times in my premonitions.”

“Anything else?”

“You will die.” Luna told him bluntly. “The Killing Curse will strike for the burning boy but you will take it instead. The boy will end the battle in rage that will consume him.” She seemed to struggle there for a moment. “I am unsure of the rest, only that it isn’t the final wound for the demon though it will be for the Wizards.”

“Who were the Wizards?” Harry asked.

“One you know of, Lucius Malfoy.” She told him. “The other is just a minion, his fate matters not but it ends for him today. Lucius Malfoy will live to speak of this again and the dead shall rise.”

“Dead shall rise?” Harry frowned.

“He will speak of seeing you and the Wizarding world we thrown into confusion.” Her eyes snapped to Harry’s. “Do you save the boy or your anonymity?”

“The boy.” Harry told her with a frown.

A smile spread across her face. “It has forever been that way.”

“What was that?” Piper gasped out. “How did she get all of that?”

“I told you she was a powerful Seer.” Harry told Piper. “She can See more than just what the eyes take in and when she’s Seeing sometime you can pull more from her or she can discover knowledge to do with the premonition that wasn’t in the actually vision.”

“Like the reason behind the abduction.” Luna spoke up gently. “The boy is inconsequential to them, it is his Whitelighter they want.” She told Harry, again shocking them that she knew of Whitelighters.

“What do they want with me?”

“Nothing but another of your charges.” Luna told him. “The King of Magic, who’s powers are of all and with them they could take over the entirety of magic.”

“They want Wyatt?” Piper gasped. Harry squeezed Chris slightly to reassure him.

“They won’t get him, Piper.” Harry assured her, “They don’t know who I am yet and when they do...”

“We’re coming with you. I’ll call Paige and Phoebe.” Piper declared.

“No.” Luna shook her head. “Any else but Harry who go will die be it Jason or one of the Charmed Ones.”

“And we don’t even know where he is.” Harry shook his head sadly.

“Knowledge will come in time.” Luna told him before sighing out tiredly. “That’s it Harry. Sorry.”

“No, it’s ok Luna.” Harry smiled at her. “You’ve been a great help as usual.”

Luna made it half way to the counter for a glass of water when she gasped and staggered. She brought her hand up to her head with a wiry smile on her face before turning to Jason. “Could I?”

Jason smiled back and gave her the amulet which Luna quickly set over her head. Harry turned to Piper and Chris as the boy went to this mother. “I made that amulet for her and it takes the visions away from her and stores them to be looked at whenever she wants. It also filters out the ones that are nonsense. Before I made it she was getting one every few minutes.”

“I get a lot of visions of those nearby. That one was because a third year Hufflepuff is stuck outside of his common room because he forgot the password.” Luna told Piper with a shake of the head. “I don’t know what I’d do with this. I would not have a normal life.”

“I’ll remember that for next time Phoebe moans about getting a premonition.” Piper muttered in amusement. “Thank you again for your help, Miss Lovegood.”

“Luna please.” Luna told the woman. “And I suppose it will be Professor for you in a few years. I will have to see that I tutor you in your first year. Best to train you properly in divination before you get in over your head.”

“You know he’s coming here?” Piper asked.

“I have seen him and Wyatt a few times around the school.” Luna told her. “He’ll be one of my best students.”

Harry laughed and hugged Luna again tightly before he turned to Jason. “Piper and Chris can stay here and you’d best tell Minerva that Wyatt might be in danger. She can check the wards.”

“Is that wise?” Piper asked. “Telling them about Wyatt?”

“If Luna is right and she normally is, I’m about to be announced as alive to most of the world.” Harry told her dryly.

“And then die.” Chris sobbed.

Harry knelt in front of Chris who was now sitting on the sofa. “I doubt that curse can kill me Chris, I’m already dead. And even if it could, I’d die for anyone of my Charges.”

“I don’t want you to go.” Chris told him defiantly. Harry knew he meant dying rather than leaving.

“Don’t worry about me, Chris. If there’s one thing I’m good at its fighting Wizards.”

“And they won’t be expecting the most powerful Wizard in two hundred years to appear in front of them.” Jason told Chris confidently. “I’ll look over these two.”

“I shall go have a chat with Minerva.” Luna said airily. “I believe she should be warned.”

“Ok.” Harry nodded. “And I’m going to check on Wyatt. Just in case.” He assured Piper. “I’ll tell him you’re here and why.”

“Be careful love.” Jason told him and kissed him quickly earning a rather faked groan from Chris who pretended to be disgusted. Harry threw him a smile before changing into Aberro and flying out of the window.

He flew around the castle checking the boundaries briefly with his magic before gliding through the open window into the Gryffindor common room. There were cries of surprise from the students as Harry circled the room looking for Wyatt. He was sitting with two boys from his year and they were all staring up at him though Wyatt was staring at him in confusion. He’d known the whole time that Harry wouldn’t be visiting.

Harry settled down with a trill on Wyatt’s leg and looked around rather regally at his audience. “Uh...” Wyatt stammered.

“Just act like you’ve met me before.” Harry told him. Wyatt instantly started stroking him with a familiarity that told people just that. “We’ve got a problem that trumps you keeping your friendship with Jason a secret.”

Wyatt didn’t speak knowing full well that only the bonded could talk to a Phoenix. He couldn’t let it be known that he was linked the a Dark Phoenix. Harry continued at any rate. “One of my Charges was kidnapped earlier today. Chris had a premonition but couldn’t get details from it. I brought your mother and him here so that Professor Lovegood could take the premonition from him. She knows about you but she’s okay.” Harry paused and nudged at Wyatt’s hand to keep it moving since he’d gone really still. “I’m checking on you because according to Professor Lovegood they want to force his Whitelighter, me, to give you up in exchange for him.”

“What?” Wyatt hissed almost soundlessly.

“That’s not an option. We’re looking for him but we want you to be careful. Do you know where the Staff corridor is?” Harry asked. Wyatt nodded. “Your mom and brother are behind the portrait of a Dark Phoenix in that corridor. Jason’s room. Try and get there as soon as possible.”

“Where are you going?” Wyatt asked slightly louder knowing it was reasonable since Harry had spread his wings to leave.

“To try and search for my Charge.” Harry told him before leaning over to bite a lock of Wyatt’s blond hair. Wyatt nodded and let Harry take off with elegant strokes of his wings. He flew out of the window and headed high up into the sky spreading out the magic of the phoenix like he had when searching for Billie’s sister all that time ago. He heard the trill before he saw Fawkes but wasn’t surprised to see him. Neville taught Herbology at Hogwarts and even though he’d been at a conference for the Herbological society for the last few weeks this was still Fawkes’ home.

“Hello Fawkes.” Harry greeted.

“Harry.” Fawkes trilled warmly. “You are searching for someone?”

“One of my Charges. A Fire Elemental called Kevin Spencerfall.” Harry told him. “Wizards kidnapped him.”

“I don’t know him.” Fawkes told him sadly.

“Lucius Malfoy was in the vision.” Harry suggested.

“Him I can find.” Fawkes trilled determinately.

“Where’s Neville?” Harry asked before Fawkes could start his own search.

“On his way home. I sensed you searching so came earlier.” Fawkes told him. “I will try to find Lucius Malfoy while you try to find your Charge.”

“Thanks.” Harry trilled and stretched out his magic again resigning himself to flying and searching all night long.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The Morning

Harry was feeling only slightly tired when he arrived back at Hogwarts. He transported directly into the rafters in the ceiling of the Great Hall from where he’d been searching in Cornwall. The noise of his arrival, the crash of thunder and flash of ice that scattered amongst the student’s below, quickly alerted everyone to his arrival. Jason stood up from his seat beside Minerva at the head table and Harry winged his way down and settled on his arm. Talk burst across the hall as soon as Jason had sat down. They’d probably get used to his arriving like that given a few weeks.

Luna was sat at Jason’s other side and she turned to him and petted his head gently. “Any luck?” She asked.

Harry shook his head before turning to Jason. “It’s a no go. Even Fawkes couldn’t find Lucius Malfoy.”

“Fawkes helped but he couldn’t find Lucius Malfoy.” Jason sighed to both Minerva and Luna. Minerva didn’t looked surprised to hear that Harry had been out looking for somebody but Harry made no move to show his curiosity.

“How is it that Aberro knows the boy?” Minerva asked.

“I know his Whitelighter.” Jason hedged smoothly. Obviously Luna had explained the concept of Whitelighters to her.

“And Wyatt Halliwell’s mother and brother are safe in your rooms?” Minerva prompted.

“I’ve set some serious wards over that room, Minerva.” Jason told her kindly. “Wards that Harry taught me. I doubt even Albus Dumbledore could have broken them.”

“We’re going to have to wait...” Ironically it was then that the doors burst open and interrupted Harry’s mental thoughts. The man that strolled into the room kept up a regal air to his posture even though he was clearly in a hurry. The room went silent as they all recognised the head of the Malfoy family, Draco Malfoy, supposed ex-Death Eater that had hoodwinked even the harsh trials after Harry Potter’s death. In truth it had been Jason Aberro that had vouched for him. He had sworn that he had been Harry Potter’s friend even though the majority of the population felt that he must have tricked Harry into believing that.

You couldn’t lie to a Wizard like Harry Potter though, not when his animagus form could sense even the slightest trace of a lie. Even so, even his own father doubted Draco’s sincerity to Harry Potter and kept him in the fold, trusting his son rather foolishly. Harry had saved a lot of people with Draco’s help. Draco rushed down the aisle and Jason came to his feet as did Minerva and a few other teachers though they did it purely because they didn’t trust Draco.

Draco came to a stop and breathed in deeply. “We need to talk alone.” He told first Minerva and then Jason.

“I don’t think that’s a wise idea.” Professor Gulliver Monrone toyed with his wand.

“I trust Draco.” Jason told him bluntly and stepped out of his chair with Minerva and Luna behind him. “So did Harry.” He added to force the subject to be dropped. Nobody could argue with a dead saviour.

“I’m so glad I still have that effect.” Harry laughed into his Soulmate’s mind.

Jason followed Minerva into the Great Hall’s antechamber and as soon as the door closed behind Luna and Draco he turned to Draco. “What is it, Draco?”

“My father paid the Manor a visit this morning.” Draco told him with a worried. “I might just burn that place down and start somewhere he can’t get into but then I’d lose my credibility with the Death Eater factions.”

“You know Harry would rather your family were safe then you were his spy.” Jason restarted the old argument.

“Don’t worry.” Draco told him. “Harry’s old enchantments he placed on Helen and the girls are still running strong. Lucius couldn’t even see them.”

“You can’t doubt the man’s skill at charms and wards.” Minerva muttered.

“What’s he doing here, Jason?” Harry prompted. “If Lucius visited it has to be about Kevin.”

“What did he want, Draco?” Jason asked. “We’ve been looking for him all night. Even Fawkes and Aberro have been trying to find him.”

“He wanted me to come here and give you this.” Draco pulled out a vial of blood. Harry glided off of Jason’s shoulder and landed on Draco’s arm before tilting down to pull out the cork of the vial. He only needed a quick smell at the blood and the magic locked in it before he knew it was Kevin’s.

“It’s Kevin’s.” Harry told Jason with a quick look.

Jason turned to Minerva and Luna. “Aberro says it’s Kevin’s.”

“You know the kid they took?” Draco seemed surprised.

“If you didn’t think I knew him why were you sent here?” Jason asked.

“Lucius told me to tell Minerva to contact a boy’s parents. Wyatt Halliwell’s parents with an ultimatum. Either give up Wyatt or this boy they have would die.” Draco told him. “I tried to track him out of the Manor but something I don’t recognise was covering his tracks.”

Jason nodded. “Wyatt Halliwell is a Wicca Witch and a Wizard. They have guardians called Whitelighters.” Jason explained at Harry’s prompting. “Kevin Spencerfall is a Wicca Witch who’s Whitelighter is also Wyatt’s. He wants to make that Whitelighter give Wyatt up for Kevin.”

“Would a Whitelighter...this guardian...do that?” Draco frowned. “Trade one witch for another?”

“Whitelighters form very strong bonds with their Charges. A Whitelighter might make a mistake in this situation that they could exploit.” Jason explained. “I know this particular Whitelighter though and Lucius Malfoy will get his arse handed to him as soon as he’s found.”

“You’re certain?” Draco asked. “Because my father won’t think twice before killing this kid.”

“Trust me. If this Whitelighter finds your father you won’t have to worry about him around your family anymore.” Jason told him.

“Who is this Whitelighter?” Minerva asked.

“I can’t tell you that, there are rules.” Jason told her apologetically. “I ran into them when I met Wyatt’s family out in San Francisco when I was working for the Unspeakables.”

“Good cover.” Harry complimented. “I can use this though. They made a mistake.”

“What mistake?” Jason turned to look at Aberro.

“I can sense Lucius’ magic on that vial. He made it with magic.” Harry told him.

“What an idiot.” Jason laughed before turning to Malfoy. “Your father made that vial with magic. Aberro has his magical trace now. He should be able to follow it from your Manor. With any luck he’ll be able to punch through whatever is hiding it. Will you take him to the manor?”

“Of course.” Draco nodded.

“You can’t mean to send Aberro on his own!” Minerva gasped.

“Minerva.” Luna spoke up for the first time. “If anybody can rescue Kevin it is Aberro.”

“How can you be sure?” Minerva asked worriedly.

“He’s immortal for a start.” Luna laughed. “We are wasting time however. If Aberro must go then he must go now.”

Harry trilled and tightened his grip on Draco’s arm. Draco looked at him in confusion but Harry simply said a quick goodbye to Jason before taking Draco with him when he transported clear of the wards around Hogwarts. Draco shivered slightly as they reappeared on the path to Hogsmeade but didn’t say anything when he apparated across Britain.

The Manor they arrived at sat in the valley that Harry had blown up but there wasn’t a single mark of the explosion though the Manor was clearly different, built with Draco’s modesty rather than the Malfoy ancestors’ arrogance. It also had the muggle touch courtesy of his muggleborn wife. In front of the Manor was a decorative fountain almost fifteen feet tall that Draco had built in Harry’s memory right above the spot where his cell had been.

Harry trilled gratefully before flying up into the air searching for the most recent show of Lucius Malfoy’s magic, clear in his head from that vial. He found it like a beacon leading out of the wards. The wards were the same as the old ones though now they were in Draco’s hands and not Lucius’. It had angered Harry to discover that Lucius had been able to apparated out of the blast radius but it had made up for it slightly when Jason put his foot down, using his considerable political powers to force the Ministry, bribed as it was, to put Lucius on trial. He’d managed to escape with help but he was on the top of the Ministry wanted list.

His trail led down passed the front gates before there was a clear ripple of foreign magic that hid it. Harry managed to catch a faint scent of the Demonic magic but he was able to punch through it and find the ripple of magic that signalled his apparition. Harry studied it carefully memorising the signature of the transportation before flying up into the air and spreading out his magic again searching for the other half of that signature that would show where Lucius had dissapparated. He’d been the best at this as an Unspeakable and it was even easier when he was a Phoenix which would easily see the magic in the air rather than having to search for it.

Harry transported straight into the air above where Lucius had dissapparated and trilled angrily at the scent of Evil magic lingering in the air. Enough magic that it explained why Harry hadn’t been able to sense Kevin’s location through it. Harry flew straight into it regardless of the slimy feeling it left on him and instantly felt Kevin’s presence like a beacon of burning light in the middle of an oily lake.

Harry transported into the room that Kevin, a demon, Lucius and another Wizard were in and instantly had everyone’s attention. Kevin was propped up against the soaked wall on the dungeon cell they were in and Lucius had his wand aimed at him. They’d probably been about to send Harry a message through their link. Kevin hadn’t been hurt purely because Harry would have felt it and given enough pain from Kevin he’d have been able to track it down.

Harry didn’t bother trying to fight as a Phoenix knowing that he’d never be able to shield Kevin from two Wizards and a Demon with only his offensive magic. He needed his full powers even if that meant showing who he was. He’d give up more than his anonymity for one of this Charges and he’d save Kevin even if it meant getting hit by the Killing Curse.

He changed back into his human form even as he came to land and dropped the last few feet onto the floor. His enemies back pedalled in shock but Harry instantly had two wands pointing at him.

“You!” Lucius gasped. “It’s not possible! I was there!”

“I’m Harry Potter for a reason.” Harry snarled and drew up his magic. He slammed his right fist into the palm of his left hand. A ripple of magic exploded outwards and struck the demon and two Wizards in the chests. They came out unharmed yet they’d no longer be able to dissapparate or shimmer away.

Harry dodged the Cruciatus from Lucius but before the other Wizard could attack the Demon stepped forwards. Harry reached out with his magic, an Upper level Demon but not brilliantly powerful. Not even as powerful as the one trying to find and capture Alisa. “You are his Whitelighter?”

“I am.” Harry told him with a low hiss. “And you made a serious mistake in targeting him.”

“I offer you a trade.” The Demon continued arrogantly. “This boy for Wyatt Halliwell.”

Harry laughed but it wasn’t a nice laugh. “You’re insane, Demon.” Harry told him. “The very idea of trading for my Charge is laughable. Especially now that I’m here to take him myself.”

“How did you find this place?” Lucius snarled.

“You used magic to make that vial, Malfoy.” Harry laughed at his shocked face. “You forgot how powerful your enemies are, Malfoy. You forgot how powerful I am.”

“You’re supposed to be dead. You couldn’t have escaped that explosion.” Lucius’ eyes were wide but more than that, they were frightened.

“I’ll tell you something, Malfoy.” Harry hissed again. “I did die there.”

Harry moved into action before anything more could be said. His magic spun out from him without real direction blinding his three enemies even as one strand of his magic turned into burning fire and struck through the Demon’s chest. It seemed to flow straight through him but in reality it burned its way through. It retreated leaving a burning hole through his chest. The flames licked across his body before bursting into an inferno which left nothing more than ashes falling to the floor.

Harry’s magic spiralled back into him as a blood boiling curse lanced towards him and the waves of magic battered it aside. Lucius and the other Death Eater were backing away now but they weren’t firing that many spells. Most of the Death Eaters had seen him fight before when he was an Unspeakable and had defeated twelve Death Eaters singlehandedly in a fierce battle that had left hundreds of Death Eaters and an equal number of Aurors injured or dead. They were obviously waiting for an opening or trying to find a spell that Harry couldn’t knock aside like he was fighting two children.

It was the unknown Death Eater that reacted first. He turned his wand on Kevin who was on the floor a few metres to Harry’s left. His lips moved to say the Killing Curse but Harry was faster. The spell Harry sent formed a cone of solid air that shot across the dungeon with a crack of displaced air before driving straight through the Death Eater’s stomach pinning him up on the wall before the magic faded and let him drop to the ground.

Lucius used the distraction though and sent the same curse at Kevin. Harry couldn’t stop it from being cast but he had meant what he had said to Luna. He’d die for his charges. He opened a web portal and leapt through it, vanishing from one place and appearing in the path of the spell. The spell struck and Harry fell to the floor. His body silent and limp.

Kevin screamed out in shock even as Lucius jerked in surprise and turned his wand on the crying eighteen year old boy. Kevin felt anger welling up in him even as he scrambled up onto his knees and grabbed at Harry clutching his dead body even as flames licked around his hands and arms, burning at Harry’s clothing and burning into the skin. Kevin barely noticed the world around him as he lifted his head to glare at Lucius Malfoy. The man that had just killed the one person that, for the last five years, had filled in the whole in his heart meant for a father.

There were no words good enough for Kevin but his magic didn’t need words. A deep Panther’s roar echoed from around him even as the flames shimmered up around him sucking all the air from the room. Lucius gasped and dropped his wand, bringing his hands up to his throat as the air was pulled from his lungs. He wouldn’t die that way though. Flames spread from him like a bomb and the fire smashed through Lucius, led by the vague shape of a Panther.

Kevin cried out in shock when he looked back down at his Whitelighter only to see his clothing on fire and his skin blistering under the heat of his hands. Kevin sat back and tried not to collapsed under the weight of what he’d just done. Smoke and steam rose throughout the room in the wake of his attack but none of that got through to him as he stared at his Whitelighter’s body.

He actually screamed when Harry bolted upright with alert eyes that scanned the area with practiced ease. He gulped in a breath of air before wincing in pain. He turned to look at Kevin who crawled over to him and latched his arms around him. “You’re alive?”

“I’m already dead, Kevin.” Harry hugged him back with burnt arms. “We need to get out of here, you can explain what happened later.”

Harry forced himself up to standing and pulled Kevin up with him. He realised he had burns all across his skin, especially on his chest but knew he could heal it later with only a little bit of concentration. The most important thing right now was getting out of here and getting Kevin to safety.

He orbed them away and the trail vanished up into the roof of the dungeon.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

It was about half way through the first period of classes when Harry appeared in the middle of his and Jason’s rooms and the first thing he heard was a cry of surprise from Piper who staggered away from him, staring in shock, probably at his burnt appearance. Kevin sagged into him but Harry held him up firmly regardless of the shocked audience they had.

Luna was seated on the sofa but it was the two others there that caused most of the problem. As well as Chris and Piper there were two that hadn’t known Harry was alive. Minerva and Neville.

“What happened to you?” Piper gasped out.

Harry shuttered his eyes and the silver glow of his Whitelighter powers came to the fore completely obliterating any signs of his burns. His clothing also returned to its perfect condition. “Kevin got a little carried away when he killed Lucius Malfoy.”

“Harry?” Minerva gasped out in little more than a whisper. Luna reached over and placed a hand over her own. “We thought you were dead.”

Harry turned to her but didn’t let go of Kevin. “I am dead, Minerva. It’s just that my destiny didn’t end there. Whitelighters are people who have done good deeds during their lives. When they die they help to guide others. That is what I do.”

“But Jason?” Neville gasped. Harry knew that he and Fawkes had been instrumental in helping Jason with his grief in those first three weeks.

“He knows I’m what I am. How do you think he has coped like he has.” Harry spoke quietly. “He stayed in San Francisco because that’s where I was.”

“Oh, Harry.” Minerva made to stand but gave up when her legs wouldn’t hold her up. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I know.” Harry laughed. “But I’d rather you didn’t say anything to anybody. I don’t think the world can handle the idea of Harry Potter still being alive.”

“What about the Wizards?” Piper asked.

“They’re dead.” Harry told her bluntly before sketching the story for them as he knew it. “Don’t worry Piper, Wyatt is safe and if I’m right no Demon’s going to try the same thing again.”

“Piper?” Kevin gasped. “As in Piper Halliwell? The Charmed Ones! They’re your Charges and you didn’t tell me?”

“Actually it’s Chris and Wyatt that are my Charges.” Harry told him gently. “The Charmed Ones don’t really need a Whitelighter.”

“That’s so cool. My Whitelighter knows the Charmed Ones!” Kevin grinned, the life coming back to him in one solid blow.

“Charmed Ones?” Neville asked. “What are they?”

“Piper and her two younger sisters are the Charmed Ones.” Harry explained. “Kind of like the Boy-Who-Lived.”

Neville raised his eyebrows in surprise before turning to Piper. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“So Jason knows?” Minerva asked. Harry nodded. “So you are the Whitelighter he knew?”

“Yes.” Harry told her knowing it would be safer not to tell them he was Aberro as well.

“Did you know this?” Minerva rounded on Luna with narrowed eyes.

“I’ve Seen Harry around for several years and a few more from now.” She told her. “He seemed happy and I didn’t see any need to advertise it.”

“Unbelievable.” Minerva gasped.

“Even if I died that doesn’t mean I have to change.” Harry laughed at her. “You always liked saying that word around me.”

“This may take some getting used to.” She muttered. “I think I need a Fire Whisky.”

“Right,” Harry announced. “If I’ve driven Minerva to a bottle you two are coming with me.” He looked at Kevin and then Chris. “Both of you are too young to see this.”

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

End Chapter