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crossoverficTitle: The Soul Has Bandaged Moments
Author: serendu
Summary: Harry Potter was 18 when he first stepped into Atlantis
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K Rowling and Bloomsbury Publishing also Kawoosh! Productions and Gekko Film Corporation, and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Television. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Pairing: None
Notes: My coursework done (for the moment) – I suppose it is time for another chapter. I can’t see this getting finished in time for the next book – but, well, we’ll see.
Previous parts can be found here at my journal: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26
***
‘But Harry, we belong together!’
Harry grimaced as the Stunning spell one of the Order members had shot at him began to wear off after he had suggested he should leave and then come back later to see how Hermione was. He shook his head, trying to get rid of the fuzziness and then realised with resignation that Ginny was still going on with the conversation he had tried to escape by suggesting he leave. He inwardly sighed, before getting up from the chair the Order had dropped him in.
‘Ginny,’ Harry paused, wondering how to tell her what he thought. Oh, sod it He decided, she won’t get it unless you tell it to her straight - just say how you feel! ‘I have many things in my life, at the moment – but I don’t have an Oedipus complex.’ He inwardly smirked at the puzzled expression on her face. ‘Sorry – muggle thing.’ He said, not sounding remotely apologetic.
He paused again, this time trying to formulate a tactful reply, hoping to avoid another spell. ‘Look - Ginny – I’m just not interested in you. Please don’t take this personally – I’m not interested in anyone else either.’ He gave her a rueful smile, trying to diffuse the temper tantrum he could see heading his way. ‘I’ve got enough on my plate without making anyone else that I care about a target for death eaters or the ministry.’ Or the Order and Albus Dumbledore for that matter. He mentally added.
‘But...’
‘But nothing, Gin.’ He faked another smile. ‘If things were different’ very different, ‘then this conversation might be very different – but they are the way they are – and I won’t make anyone else a target or more of a target than they already are.’ He paused to gauge her response and decided to risk a joke. ‘Besides which – I’m only seventeen! I don’t think I’m quite ready to settle down yet!’
Ginny’s face showed how unconvincing his argument was. Harry inwardly groaned. ‘But what about Hermione?’ She demanded.
‘What about Hermione?’ Harry asked, sounding befuddled.
‘I saw the way you looked at her!’
‘What?’ Harry started laughing. ‘Me and Hermione? Seriously?’ He hiccupped, trying to regain control of himself, as he watched Ginny’s scowl deepen. ‘She’s like my sister!’ He declared.
Ginny’s face cleared of the storm clouds that threatened a serious temper tantrum, becoming full of smiles. ‘Really?’
‘Sure.’ Harry replied carefully, still watching her. I think there’s way more to this than just a crush. It’s weird.
Ginny’s eyes finally lost the disturbingly spiteful expression that had lurked in them since Harry has shown up with Hermione in his arms. ‘Oh look at me!’ She exclaimed in a totally different tone of voice. ‘I meant to offer you some refreshments! My mother would have something to say about my manners! Do you want some butterbeer?’
‘Sure.’ Harry answered warily.
‘I’ll only be a minute!’ She replied cheerily, walking out the door, before returning with two full drinks.
Harry took the one she gave him and sipped it cautiously, noting how her eyes gleamed as he put the drink to his lips. And suddenly I’m really grateful for all the training I had about drugged substances. And that week in Amsterdam. He thought, noting the slight hint of something else in his drink. More than a sip and I would never have noticed. Whatever it is – it’s pretty flipping strong. He took the bottle away from his lips and smiled at Ginny. ‘Thank you – it’s just what I needed.’ She smiled back in response. Just what I needed - or not. What I really need right now is somewhere to dump this without little Miss Obsessed Weasley noticing.
The door opened suddenly, making Ginny jump and look up guiltily. ‘Ah Harry – my dear boy. Could I have a word?’
Albus Dumbledore, resplendent in a pink outfit with what looked suspiciously like flying unicorns, stood in the doorway, framed by the light from the hall shining around him.
Enter the leader of the light stage left. Harry thought grimly, masking his true emotions about the headmaster. How ironic that the aforementioned leader appears to be blocking out the light streaming in from the hall. He inwardly snorted. ‘Of course headmaster.’ He replied politely. ‘Gin – thanks for the butterbeer.’ He handed her back the almost entirely full bottle. ‘It was great.’ He frowned as though in some deep thought. ‘Although I’m not fussed on the new recipe.’
Ginny smiled back, but the smile never reached her eyes amd her fingers gripped the bottle so tightly they turned white. ‘I don’t think they’ve changed the recipe.’ She said. ‘You should drink some more – just to check.’ She handed him back the bottle.
‘Cheers.’ Harry mumbled, taking it back off her and following the headmaster out of the room, closing the door and heading downstairs to the near the entrance, dumping the bottle on a windowsill.
‘You’ve left your drink.’ The headmaster gently reprimanded him.
‘Not thirsty.’ Harry abruptly answered. ‘You wanted to speak to me.’
Dumbledore smiled in reply.
Harry looked unimpressed. He leant against the wall, where the portrait of Mrs Black had once existed and defensively folded his arms against his body. ‘So talk.’
‘I am sorry for your loss of your friend. Alan I believe?’
Harry’s arms unfolded, and he stood up straight, eyeing the headmaster, and trying to stop himself from going for his wand and hexing the man before him. ‘And you know about that how?’
In reply, Dumbledore pulled out a piece of paper, obviously cut form a newspaper. ‘I am sent the muggle newspapers.’ He cleared his throat and began reading from the article. ‘This was in last week’s Times I believe. “Police are searching for two unknown assailants who attacked two members of the R.A.F. – killing one and severely injuring another. The police have stated that they have several leads, and that the incident may be linked to a group that has links with terror groups based here in the U.K. They have spoken to the injured airman, named as Harry James Potter, and have confirmed the dead man to be Alan…”’
‘Reporters.’ Harry scowled, interrupting Dumbledore.
‘Indeed.’ Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled, as though trying to express their sorrow for Harry’s loss. ‘And now – Miss Granger’s parents.’ He shook his head.
Harry raised an eyebrow and looked at Dumbledore. How to play this? He mused. Go for the stunned, disbelieving Harry I guess. ‘Yeah.’ He ran his hand through his hair, ‘I just can’t believe it you know – the death eaters…’ He trailed off.
‘Do you know… Who attacked… ?’ Dumbledore trailed off delicately.
‘Malfoys.’ Harry answered. ‘Senior and Junior.’
‘Ahh.’ Dumbledore nodded wearily. ‘It is as I suspected. The Malfoys are doing everything they can to weaken us – to ensure that when Lord Voldemort rises again – he will be unstoppable.’
‘Again?’ Harry queried, inserting disbelief into his tone. ‘But Hermione said he was dead!’
‘Ahh… Miss Granger told you that? I’m afraid she was somewhat … premature in her assessment.’ He shook his head. ‘Alas – if I had only known what Tom was planning…’
What a way to lead me to ask questions. Harry noted wryly. Well done headmaster! ‘Tom planned to return?’ Harry asked. Well, if you want to lead me to ask questions – I will. I’m guessing you won’t actually be giving me real answers though. Harry thought, watching the headmaster adopt a grandfatherly expression, as though he had been expecting Harry to respond exactly as he had.
‘Indeed. Tom was planning…’
‘I don’t care!’ A voice shrieked at the top of the stairs. ‘You can’t suddenly expect me to believe that you’re interested in my wellbeing now!’ A furious and bedraggled Hermione declared, aiming her wand in the general direction of the Order members.
‘My parents are dead! I begged and begged for my house to be warded – I was bound to be a target! I’m known to be Harry bloody Potter’s best friend! And not one of you could be bothered to spend an afternoon in making sure my parents were safe after I asked.’ She turned to Remus and glared. ‘How many times did I ask you if it was done? How many?’
‘Hermione... I… The Order…’ Remus stuttered.
‘You’re pathetic.’ She hissed. ‘Too busy with Tonks and the Order to worry about innocent people. And you!’ She rounded on Bill Weasley. ‘You’re supposed to ward ALL the houses. So why wasn’t mine done then?’
‘Hermione…’ Bill’s voice trailed off.
‘No excuses.’ She sniffed. ‘You couldn’t be bothered.’ Her eyes swept the entire Order, condemning them all. ‘There is nothing any of you could say to me to make up for what you didn’t do. I’m leaving here now. I’m not entirely sure I’ll ever come back.’ She turned her backs to them, presenting a clear target, as though she didn’t feel that any of them were worthy to be considered a threat, and moved down the stairs to the front door of the house.
She turned as she opened the door and looked across at Harry to where he stood with the headmaster. ‘Good luck Harry. You’re going to need it.’
She sailed regally out of the door and vanished with a pop, leaving the door wide open to the street outside, as though she wished to expose the Order for the world to see.
Harry watched her appreciatively, although he could tell how much such a show had cost her. An exit worthy of a queen. He noted, seeing the dumbfounded expressions on all of the Order’s faces, before turning back to Dumbledore. ‘So, headmaster… Tom… You were saying?’
***
‘The scans show you have the ATA gene, Agent Potter.’ Thor stated.
Harry, still fascinated by the horcrux’s form spinning mid-air in the Ancient device grunted in reply, before realising that both Thor and Jack were waiting for a decent response. ‘Really?’ He asked weakly.
‘Indeed.’
Harry waited for an explanation. When none was forthcoming he eventually asked. ‘Which means what exactly?’
‘It means,’ Jack drawled, ’the device I was meant to operate? You did instead.’
Harry had already turned back to the horcrux, half bent over the non-corporeal
horcrux, but on hearing this he shot back up and turned to Jack. ‘What?’ He yelped.
Jack nodded.
‘This machine,’ he gestured behind him, ‘that was meant to be operated by you, whilst it killed me – decided to…’ He trailed off. ‘Is that not the horcrux then?’ He half-whispered. If it isn’t – what the heck is going to happen now? I thought it would be close to being over. He closed his eyes and sighed. I wanted it finished for once and for all.
‘It is the horcrux.’ Thor replied.
‘So what happened then?’ Harry asked, opening his eyes, the relief shining in them.
Thor answered Harry’s question. ‘It seems that the device recognised the necessity of removing the horcrux on your entry into the chamber. Having the ATA gene signalled to the device that it should remove it.’
‘When you went in, you were thinking of it being gone weren’t you?’ Jack said suddenly.
‘Well... Yes… But…’
‘That’s how these things work. You touched it, thought about it being removed, and it did it – before I could.’ He stated shrewdly, eyeing the device, with respect and a little bit of fear.
‘It read my thoughts?’ Harry sounded disturbed at the concept.
‘Pretty much.’ Jack shrugged. ‘And we got our horcrux. So…’ He smirked. ‘Who’s up for offing the evil Dark Lord Voldemort again?’ He rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
Only if this time it’s permanent.’ Grumbled Harry.
***
‘We have another report regarding our nasty little mole and an update on the status of the Wizarding world in general.’ Smythe stated.
Harry leant forward in his chair, waiting for Smythe to reveal what the latest news was.
‘It appears whoever it is, is planning something big – with you. We still have no idea who they are – irrespective of all the details about the Order we now know. Whoever it is – they’re playing a very deep game.’ He looked over the top of the paper report he was holding to where Harry sat. ‘It seems that the Daily Prophet has decided that it is time for Dumbledore to bring back the saviour of the Wizarding world.’
Harry groaned. ‘Not again.’
‘Quite.’ Smythe said, glancing back at the report. ‘Hmm. The Malfoys are endowing Saint Mungo’s with a new spell ward for long term spell damage. Narcissa and Draco appeared together at the opening. No sign of Malfoy senior. According to the reporter – both his wife and son are attempting to distance themselves from the patriarch of the family.’
Harry swallowed before speaking. ‘I do hope that the Ministry is paying full attention to the actions of the Malfoys.’
‘I would imagine so.’ Smythe replied, turning the paper around to face Harry. ‘Considering how the new minister for magic is standing next to them at the opening.’
‘Another puppet in the ministry after all then?’
‘Not quite. Scrimgeour is a rather more formidable opponent in comparison to the inept Fudge. That being said it does make our job slightly harder to remain undetected.’ He snorted. ‘Not that it is much of a challenge now with the infighting between Dumbledore and the ministry.’
He looked over at Harry and smirked. ‘Scrimgeour doesn’t like playing second fiddle to anyone – least of all the headmaster of a school. He hasn’t gone on record stating how he feels, but it is pretty damn clear he wants Dumbledore to stop playing chess with the ministry’s departments. Rumour is – Weasley senior may be out of a job soon, and that Shacklebolt may be removed from our Prime Minister’s office.’ He snorted.
‘We’re against that as a matter of fact. Apparently the Prime Minister finds his mistakes highly entertaining.’ He chuckled. ‘Turns out old Tony likes playing them at their own game and winning. Says it keeps him entertained no end to play dumb about it.’ He leant forward. ‘Apparently Cherie is in on it now – and the two of them take turns to play up the stupidity level.’
Harry raised an eyebrow. ‘Seriously?’
‘Oh yes – seems our little spy in the Prime Minister’s office isn’t aware that Cherie happens to be incredibly well educated and a barrister to boot. Which reminds me… Have you given any thought to how you want to be represented after you leave?’
‘Legally? No. I’m still hoping I can go back to the Wizarding world at some point.’ He saws Smythe’s expression change to one of genuine regret. ‘But going on what I’ve heard, that isn’t going to happen is it?’
‘I’m afraid not.’ Smythe replied gently. ‘You’ll be a target for everyone and everything if you step back in there. Death eaters, the Order, the ministry…’ He trailed off.
Harry slowly nodded. He sipped his coffee and pondered what he would do next as Smythe went back to reading the reports he had.
‘Ahhh…’ Smythe suddenly breathed out. ‘Excellent news.’ He put down the papers and gave a vicious looking smile to Harry.
Harry set down his cup and looked inquiringly over at Smythe. ‘Something interesting?’
‘Just a report on something we’ve suspected for quite some time.’ Smythe answered, looking incredibly smug.
‘Which is…?’
Smythe leant back in his chair, and watched Harry carefully. ‘Tell me, Agent Potter…’ He said, his voice, conversational in tone, but with a hint of something that made Harry instantly go on alert. ‘How would you like your legal representative be Nicholas Flamel?’
***
‘You have the ATA gene.’ Luna said unexpectedly.
Jack stumbled, almost falling over as his head swung around look at Luna.
‘And you know this – how?’ Harry asked, not sounding remotely phased as Jack tried to regain his balance whilst trying to maintain his cool. ‘Give up Jack – we both saw you nearly fall over your feet.’ He said with a smirk to his friend.
Jack glared at him, before focussing his attention back to Luna.
‘Thor told me.’ Luna replied, blinking up at Harry. ‘He said the horcrux was removed by the Ancient device after you told it to.’
‘As a matter of fact it was.’
‘He also said you would be their contact in the Pegasus Galaxy.’
‘Well… Err…’ Harry frowned. ‘I haven’t actually accepted yet.’
‘Oh good.’ Luna said, still blinking up at him. ‘Can you be the contact for the Nox too?’
****
Thoughts, comments, queries?
Author: serendu
Summary: Harry Potter was 18 when he first stepped into Atlantis
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K Rowling and Bloomsbury Publishing also Kawoosh! Productions and Gekko Film Corporation, and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Television. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Pairing: None
Notes: My coursework done (for the moment) – I suppose it is time for another chapter. I can’t see this getting finished in time for the next book – but, well, we’ll see.
Previous parts can be found here at my journal: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26
***
‘But Harry, we belong together!’
Harry grimaced as the Stunning spell one of the Order members had shot at him began to wear off after he had suggested he should leave and then come back later to see how Hermione was. He shook his head, trying to get rid of the fuzziness and then realised with resignation that Ginny was still going on with the conversation he had tried to escape by suggesting he leave. He inwardly sighed, before getting up from the chair the Order had dropped him in.
‘Ginny,’ Harry paused, wondering how to tell her what he thought. Oh, sod it He decided, she won’t get it unless you tell it to her straight - just say how you feel! ‘I have many things in my life, at the moment – but I don’t have an Oedipus complex.’ He inwardly smirked at the puzzled expression on her face. ‘Sorry – muggle thing.’ He said, not sounding remotely apologetic.
He paused again, this time trying to formulate a tactful reply, hoping to avoid another spell. ‘Look - Ginny – I’m just not interested in you. Please don’t take this personally – I’m not interested in anyone else either.’ He gave her a rueful smile, trying to diffuse the temper tantrum he could see heading his way. ‘I’ve got enough on my plate without making anyone else that I care about a target for death eaters or the ministry.’ Or the Order and Albus Dumbledore for that matter. He mentally added.
‘But...’
‘But nothing, Gin.’ He faked another smile. ‘If things were different’ very different, ‘then this conversation might be very different – but they are the way they are – and I won’t make anyone else a target or more of a target than they already are.’ He paused to gauge her response and decided to risk a joke. ‘Besides which – I’m only seventeen! I don’t think I’m quite ready to settle down yet!’
Ginny’s face showed how unconvincing his argument was. Harry inwardly groaned. ‘But what about Hermione?’ She demanded.
‘What about Hermione?’ Harry asked, sounding befuddled.
‘I saw the way you looked at her!’
‘What?’ Harry started laughing. ‘Me and Hermione? Seriously?’ He hiccupped, trying to regain control of himself, as he watched Ginny’s scowl deepen. ‘She’s like my sister!’ He declared.
Ginny’s face cleared of the storm clouds that threatened a serious temper tantrum, becoming full of smiles. ‘Really?’
‘Sure.’ Harry replied carefully, still watching her. I think there’s way more to this than just a crush. It’s weird.
Ginny’s eyes finally lost the disturbingly spiteful expression that had lurked in them since Harry has shown up with Hermione in his arms. ‘Oh look at me!’ She exclaimed in a totally different tone of voice. ‘I meant to offer you some refreshments! My mother would have something to say about my manners! Do you want some butterbeer?’
‘Sure.’ Harry answered warily.
‘I’ll only be a minute!’ She replied cheerily, walking out the door, before returning with two full drinks.
Harry took the one she gave him and sipped it cautiously, noting how her eyes gleamed as he put the drink to his lips. And suddenly I’m really grateful for all the training I had about drugged substances. And that week in Amsterdam. He thought, noting the slight hint of something else in his drink. More than a sip and I would never have noticed. Whatever it is – it’s pretty flipping strong. He took the bottle away from his lips and smiled at Ginny. ‘Thank you – it’s just what I needed.’ She smiled back in response. Just what I needed - or not. What I really need right now is somewhere to dump this without little Miss Obsessed Weasley noticing.
The door opened suddenly, making Ginny jump and look up guiltily. ‘Ah Harry – my dear boy. Could I have a word?’
Albus Dumbledore, resplendent in a pink outfit with what looked suspiciously like flying unicorns, stood in the doorway, framed by the light from the hall shining around him.
Enter the leader of the light stage left. Harry thought grimly, masking his true emotions about the headmaster. How ironic that the aforementioned leader appears to be blocking out the light streaming in from the hall. He inwardly snorted. ‘Of course headmaster.’ He replied politely. ‘Gin – thanks for the butterbeer.’ He handed her back the almost entirely full bottle. ‘It was great.’ He frowned as though in some deep thought. ‘Although I’m not fussed on the new recipe.’
Ginny smiled back, but the smile never reached her eyes amd her fingers gripped the bottle so tightly they turned white. ‘I don’t think they’ve changed the recipe.’ She said. ‘You should drink some more – just to check.’ She handed him back the bottle.
‘Cheers.’ Harry mumbled, taking it back off her and following the headmaster out of the room, closing the door and heading downstairs to the near the entrance, dumping the bottle on a windowsill.
‘You’ve left your drink.’ The headmaster gently reprimanded him.
‘Not thirsty.’ Harry abruptly answered. ‘You wanted to speak to me.’
Dumbledore smiled in reply.
Harry looked unimpressed. He leant against the wall, where the portrait of Mrs Black had once existed and defensively folded his arms against his body. ‘So talk.’
‘I am sorry for your loss of your friend. Alan I believe?’
Harry’s arms unfolded, and he stood up straight, eyeing the headmaster, and trying to stop himself from going for his wand and hexing the man before him. ‘And you know about that how?’
In reply, Dumbledore pulled out a piece of paper, obviously cut form a newspaper. ‘I am sent the muggle newspapers.’ He cleared his throat and began reading from the article. ‘This was in last week’s Times I believe. “Police are searching for two unknown assailants who attacked two members of the R.A.F. – killing one and severely injuring another. The police have stated that they have several leads, and that the incident may be linked to a group that has links with terror groups based here in the U.K. They have spoken to the injured airman, named as Harry James Potter, and have confirmed the dead man to be Alan…”’
‘Reporters.’ Harry scowled, interrupting Dumbledore.
‘Indeed.’ Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled, as though trying to express their sorrow for Harry’s loss. ‘And now – Miss Granger’s parents.’ He shook his head.
Harry raised an eyebrow and looked at Dumbledore. How to play this? He mused. Go for the stunned, disbelieving Harry I guess. ‘Yeah.’ He ran his hand through his hair, ‘I just can’t believe it you know – the death eaters…’ He trailed off.
‘Do you know… Who attacked… ?’ Dumbledore trailed off delicately.
‘Malfoys.’ Harry answered. ‘Senior and Junior.’
‘Ahh.’ Dumbledore nodded wearily. ‘It is as I suspected. The Malfoys are doing everything they can to weaken us – to ensure that when Lord Voldemort rises again – he will be unstoppable.’
‘Again?’ Harry queried, inserting disbelief into his tone. ‘But Hermione said he was dead!’
‘Ahh… Miss Granger told you that? I’m afraid she was somewhat … premature in her assessment.’ He shook his head. ‘Alas – if I had only known what Tom was planning…’
What a way to lead me to ask questions. Harry noted wryly. Well done headmaster! ‘Tom planned to return?’ Harry asked. Well, if you want to lead me to ask questions – I will. I’m guessing you won’t actually be giving me real answers though. Harry thought, watching the headmaster adopt a grandfatherly expression, as though he had been expecting Harry to respond exactly as he had.
‘Indeed. Tom was planning…’
‘I don’t care!’ A voice shrieked at the top of the stairs. ‘You can’t suddenly expect me to believe that you’re interested in my wellbeing now!’ A furious and bedraggled Hermione declared, aiming her wand in the general direction of the Order members.
‘My parents are dead! I begged and begged for my house to be warded – I was bound to be a target! I’m known to be Harry bloody Potter’s best friend! And not one of you could be bothered to spend an afternoon in making sure my parents were safe after I asked.’ She turned to Remus and glared. ‘How many times did I ask you if it was done? How many?’
‘Hermione... I… The Order…’ Remus stuttered.
‘You’re pathetic.’ She hissed. ‘Too busy with Tonks and the Order to worry about innocent people. And you!’ She rounded on Bill Weasley. ‘You’re supposed to ward ALL the houses. So why wasn’t mine done then?’
‘Hermione…’ Bill’s voice trailed off.
‘No excuses.’ She sniffed. ‘You couldn’t be bothered.’ Her eyes swept the entire Order, condemning them all. ‘There is nothing any of you could say to me to make up for what you didn’t do. I’m leaving here now. I’m not entirely sure I’ll ever come back.’ She turned her backs to them, presenting a clear target, as though she didn’t feel that any of them were worthy to be considered a threat, and moved down the stairs to the front door of the house.
She turned as she opened the door and looked across at Harry to where he stood with the headmaster. ‘Good luck Harry. You’re going to need it.’
She sailed regally out of the door and vanished with a pop, leaving the door wide open to the street outside, as though she wished to expose the Order for the world to see.
Harry watched her appreciatively, although he could tell how much such a show had cost her. An exit worthy of a queen. He noted, seeing the dumbfounded expressions on all of the Order’s faces, before turning back to Dumbledore. ‘So, headmaster… Tom… You were saying?’
***
‘The scans show you have the ATA gene, Agent Potter.’ Thor stated.
Harry, still fascinated by the horcrux’s form spinning mid-air in the Ancient device grunted in reply, before realising that both Thor and Jack were waiting for a decent response. ‘Really?’ He asked weakly.
‘Indeed.’
Harry waited for an explanation. When none was forthcoming he eventually asked. ‘Which means what exactly?’
‘It means,’ Jack drawled, ’the device I was meant to operate? You did instead.’
Harry had already turned back to the horcrux, half bent over the non-corporeal
horcrux, but on hearing this he shot back up and turned to Jack. ‘What?’ He yelped.
Jack nodded.
‘This machine,’ he gestured behind him, ‘that was meant to be operated by you, whilst it killed me – decided to…’ He trailed off. ‘Is that not the horcrux then?’ He half-whispered. If it isn’t – what the heck is going to happen now? I thought it would be close to being over. He closed his eyes and sighed. I wanted it finished for once and for all.
‘It is the horcrux.’ Thor replied.
‘So what happened then?’ Harry asked, opening his eyes, the relief shining in them.
Thor answered Harry’s question. ‘It seems that the device recognised the necessity of removing the horcrux on your entry into the chamber. Having the ATA gene signalled to the device that it should remove it.’
‘When you went in, you were thinking of it being gone weren’t you?’ Jack said suddenly.
‘Well... Yes… But…’
‘That’s how these things work. You touched it, thought about it being removed, and it did it – before I could.’ He stated shrewdly, eyeing the device, with respect and a little bit of fear.
‘It read my thoughts?’ Harry sounded disturbed at the concept.
‘Pretty much.’ Jack shrugged. ‘And we got our horcrux. So…’ He smirked. ‘Who’s up for offing the evil Dark Lord Voldemort again?’ He rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
Only if this time it’s permanent.’ Grumbled Harry.
***
‘We have another report regarding our nasty little mole and an update on the status of the Wizarding world in general.’ Smythe stated.
Harry leant forward in his chair, waiting for Smythe to reveal what the latest news was.
‘It appears whoever it is, is planning something big – with you. We still have no idea who they are – irrespective of all the details about the Order we now know. Whoever it is – they’re playing a very deep game.’ He looked over the top of the paper report he was holding to where Harry sat. ‘It seems that the Daily Prophet has decided that it is time for Dumbledore to bring back the saviour of the Wizarding world.’
Harry groaned. ‘Not again.’
‘Quite.’ Smythe said, glancing back at the report. ‘Hmm. The Malfoys are endowing Saint Mungo’s with a new spell ward for long term spell damage. Narcissa and Draco appeared together at the opening. No sign of Malfoy senior. According to the reporter – both his wife and son are attempting to distance themselves from the patriarch of the family.’
Harry swallowed before speaking. ‘I do hope that the Ministry is paying full attention to the actions of the Malfoys.’
‘I would imagine so.’ Smythe replied, turning the paper around to face Harry. ‘Considering how the new minister for magic is standing next to them at the opening.’
‘Another puppet in the ministry after all then?’
‘Not quite. Scrimgeour is a rather more formidable opponent in comparison to the inept Fudge. That being said it does make our job slightly harder to remain undetected.’ He snorted. ‘Not that it is much of a challenge now with the infighting between Dumbledore and the ministry.’
He looked over at Harry and smirked. ‘Scrimgeour doesn’t like playing second fiddle to anyone – least of all the headmaster of a school. He hasn’t gone on record stating how he feels, but it is pretty damn clear he wants Dumbledore to stop playing chess with the ministry’s departments. Rumour is – Weasley senior may be out of a job soon, and that Shacklebolt may be removed from our Prime Minister’s office.’ He snorted.
‘We’re against that as a matter of fact. Apparently the Prime Minister finds his mistakes highly entertaining.’ He chuckled. ‘Turns out old Tony likes playing them at their own game and winning. Says it keeps him entertained no end to play dumb about it.’ He leant forward. ‘Apparently Cherie is in on it now – and the two of them take turns to play up the stupidity level.’
Harry raised an eyebrow. ‘Seriously?’
‘Oh yes – seems our little spy in the Prime Minister’s office isn’t aware that Cherie happens to be incredibly well educated and a barrister to boot. Which reminds me… Have you given any thought to how you want to be represented after you leave?’
‘Legally? No. I’m still hoping I can go back to the Wizarding world at some point.’ He saws Smythe’s expression change to one of genuine regret. ‘But going on what I’ve heard, that isn’t going to happen is it?’
‘I’m afraid not.’ Smythe replied gently. ‘You’ll be a target for everyone and everything if you step back in there. Death eaters, the Order, the ministry…’ He trailed off.
Harry slowly nodded. He sipped his coffee and pondered what he would do next as Smythe went back to reading the reports he had.
‘Ahhh…’ Smythe suddenly breathed out. ‘Excellent news.’ He put down the papers and gave a vicious looking smile to Harry.
Harry set down his cup and looked inquiringly over at Smythe. ‘Something interesting?’
‘Just a report on something we’ve suspected for quite some time.’ Smythe answered, looking incredibly smug.
‘Which is…?’
Smythe leant back in his chair, and watched Harry carefully. ‘Tell me, Agent Potter…’ He said, his voice, conversational in tone, but with a hint of something that made Harry instantly go on alert. ‘How would you like your legal representative be Nicholas Flamel?’
***
‘You have the ATA gene.’ Luna said unexpectedly.
Jack stumbled, almost falling over as his head swung around look at Luna.
‘And you know this – how?’ Harry asked, not sounding remotely phased as Jack tried to regain his balance whilst trying to maintain his cool. ‘Give up Jack – we both saw you nearly fall over your feet.’ He said with a smirk to his friend.
Jack glared at him, before focussing his attention back to Luna.
‘Thor told me.’ Luna replied, blinking up at Harry. ‘He said the horcrux was removed by the Ancient device after you told it to.’
‘As a matter of fact it was.’
‘He also said you would be their contact in the Pegasus Galaxy.’
‘Well… Err…’ Harry frowned. ‘I haven’t actually accepted yet.’
‘Oh good.’ Luna said, still blinking up at him. ‘Can you be the contact for the Nox too?’
****
Thoughts, comments, queries?
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Re: Really enjoying this
Date: 2007-07-05 08:57 pm (UTC)I'm very glad you gave it a chance and that you think it does indeed work as a crossover. And yes - you'll be reassured to know that I have promised the rest of the fic. I'm hoping to get some posted sometime over the weekend - barring anything unforeseen happening...
I think your interpretation of Luna is great, she, like the rest of your characters sound very authentic, considering how much you've turned the universe on its head.
I find Luna very... hmm... challenging to write - so you saying the characters sound authentic is a lovely compliment! When I started this originally it was meant to be focussed solely on Harry, so compliments on how the other characters appear are very gratefully received!
While it's been a little difficult following everything out of sequence, I already am looking forward to re-reading it after finishing the whole thing. I think it will be really interesting to see just how the various bits read differently after knowing how the whole thing works out.
I admit, I have to re-read it now to make sure everything fits in. When its completed I intend to reorder it as a separate story with a linear timeline. Part of me thinks it won't be as interesting, the other part of me is looking forward to writing a story which is much easier to follow!
Thanks for writing and sharing such an enjoyable and well-done fic. Looking forward to the rest.
And thank you for taking the time to tell me what you think. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
serendu