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Author: melkior Story: Meddle Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: WIP Warning: None Reviews: 10 Words: 24,182
Author's note: A thank you to Ilovecats, jedge1 and Comet Moon. With that action he has sealed his fate. Fate would laugh if It could understand this little phrase. How presumptuous it is of Humans to use it. If someone's fate could indeed be sealed then the action itself would be part of it, for fate would have to bedecided prior to the birth of the individual who bears it. And after all, not everyone has their lives set in stone by the Adults. The mere implications are ridiculous. Imagine all the beings in this world following a set of unknown dogmas wrought by an unseen puppet-master. A situation like that couldn't happen and the reason is quite simple. As it was said before, Fate likes to play, and the aforementioned scenario is all work and no play. Another phrase woven with absurdity is, Don't play with fate. You simply cannot. How can you play if you do not know the rules of the game?
The Fidelius Charm is one of the most complex charms to perform. It is ridiculously hard and attempts at casting it by less than prepared wizards could result in severe magical draining. The charm itself is based on the fact that human perception is easily fooled. In this case, the caster uses his magical power to transfer the information about the location of the property/object which is to be hidden, to the soul of the Secret Keeper. The situation is more complicated than this, for the information cannot really be hidden in one's soul but is actually encased by it. Once the information becomes a secret, two things happen simultaneously: while a magic ripple alters the perception of all people who are familiar with the secret, making them forget it, a wall of magic surrounds it, making it virtually non-existent for those around it, except for the Secret Keeper. Even the caster of the charm forgets the object of the magic he just performed. The actual telling of the location by the Secret Keeper is a means of leaving a magical imprint on the person receiving the information. This imprint allows to find the object, but not to share the secret, the actual information being still hidden by the Secret Keeper's soul. Upon their death, the Secret Keeper's soul releases this information, which then seeks all existing imprints to enter them, creating new Secret Keepers. The mechanisms of this transfer still elude us." Excerpt from Charms for the Charmed by Rowena Ravenclaw "Come on Harry! It's time to get out of bed. Arthur will be here any minute!" Remus shouted from downstairs. Harry stretched one more time before he slowly got himself out of bed. Ginny was still sleeping, but he knew she would wake up soon. Neither could stay asleep for long if the other was awake. He did not really have any problems with Remus waking him up. Ever since he moved to the Manor he slept for longer periods of time and not only was he better rested, but he was slowly gaining weight. Since his guardian was a bachelor, his cooking was pretty good and, well, a whole lot better than Aunt Petunia's. He quickly changed to his day clothes after visiting his bathroom. His bathroom. That thought brought a smile to his face. It was a great joy to finally have something of his own. Just the new clothes would have been enough, but this was unbelievable. Don't be silly, Harry! came Ginny's groggy voice. All those things are really nice, but what you needed was someone to love you. And now you have Remus. So are you trying to say that you don't love me? asked Harry mischievously. Prat! But I have to admit, I never really told you I did. You do? his voice was shocked. Boys! Of course I do. What did you think? I... Well, I hoped you might... like me or something. I like you Harry, but I also love you, her voice softened. Wow! I... I think- Ginny cut him off, I know, Harry. Don't worry. I guess I knew you didn't realise it. You'll tell me when you feel ready. Now go on, Daddy is coming there any minute now. I'd hug you if I could, he replied. You already did, a few minutes ago. Harry smiled. I guess I did. "It's good to see you, too. You look good, being a surrogate-father obviously suits you," replied Arthur smiling warmly. "And how could I decline you? Even if I had wanted to, Molly would have killed me." Remus laughed. "Please, come in. We're still waiting for Albus." The two men passed through the atrium to enter the living room, and both of them settled in. "Where's Harry?" Arthur asked after a moment. "He should be down any minute now." Hearing the footsteps coming from above Remus continued, "In fact, there he is." Harry nervously rounded the staircase to approach his guardian and their guest. Even though he did not want to admit it to Ginny, he was more than nervous about meeting her father. Deep down he knew he would spend his life with Ginny, and one day he would need the man's understanding. Whenever she could feel him thinking about this, Ginny would flush with pleasure. But she was also a little bit scared; they could not hide their connection forever, but telling her parents about it now could be devastating. She didn't need to think hard to guess her mother's reaction, and it wouldn't be pleasant. Entering the living room, Harry saw Remus sitting in an armchair and a red-headed man occupying the couch across from his guardian. Harry knew very well what Arthur Weasley looked like, as he had seen him in Ginny's memories. "Hello!" Harry said, approaching the sitting area. "Good morning, Harry! Did you sleep well?" Remus greeted him. "Yes I did," the boy answered. Arthur got up to meet the legend of the wizarding world. "Hello, Harry! I'm Arthur Weasley. Nice to meet you," he said, offering his hand to the boy, his eyes lingering only a short moment on the scar on his forehead. Harry shook the offered hand, although somewhat hesitantly. "N-nice to meet you too, sir," he stammered nervously. "There's no need to be shy, son," Arthur told, him mistaking the boy's nervousness. Harry smiled slightly, trying to relax a little bit more. "Tell me, Harry, are you looking forward to going to Hogwarts?" "Yes, very much!" he replied, his smile getting more genuine. "You know, this year four of my children will be attending Hogwarts. No, wait, five of them." "You have too many children, Arthur, if you can't remember them all," Remus said with a smile. Arthur laughed. "There are never too many. It's just that my youngest son is starting this year, but my daughter also got a Hogwarts letter. One year early, and I'm still getting used to that." The werewolf leaned forward in his armchair. "She was accepted a year early? I've never heard of anything like that happening before. She must truly be exceptional to get such an honour." You have no idea how special she is, Harry thought, which got him the mental equivalent of a kiss on a cheek. "She's the seventh child, first girl in seven generations of Weasleys. But she was already special in my eyes," Arthur answered with pride. He turned to the boy in front of him. "You'll probably meet her and my son Ron on the Hogwarts Express." "I can't wait to meet Ginny and Ron," said Harry truthfully. Harry! He never told you my name! Ginny shouted. Oops! I told you to be careful and not let anything slip. Arthur was too caught in the reminiscence to notice, but Remus gave him a strange look. "Harry, how did you-" he started, but was cut off by the bell announcing the arrival of Albus Dumbledore. The boy's guardian got up to open the door, still looking thoughtful. "Remus, we surely see each other a lot in the last couple of days," the old man dressed in purple robes said as he entered. "Both of us know I am not the reason for that, and neither is Harry." Remus smiled as he said that, but it didn't reach his eyes. The Headmaster ignored the comment. "I presume Arthur is already here." "Yes, he is." "Then before we begin, may I check up on young Harry?" "Albus, for nine and a half years, not once have you tried to check upon him. If anything, he is in better hands now. Or don't you trust me?" "You have earned my trust long ago and I believe you shall never lose it. I failed to check on the boy because I couldn't explain my presence before. Now that I can, I wish to see him," the old man replied. "Very well, Albus. Just don't play with the boy's fate," Remus said in a quiet voice. "I am not playing with it. I'm merely trying to keep him from sealing it," the Headmaster replied. "What is that supposed to mean?" Remus asked with a hard edge evident in his voice. "If I could explain it, rest assured I would do so." "Fine. Check up on him if you feel inclined to do so." Harry heard the greetings and the start of the conversation, but then they continued in hushed tones so it was impossible to know the topic of the exchange. Yet he felt he was the theme of it. Why else would they be whispering? "Hello, Harry!" said a voice he remembered from the fireplace. The boy turned around to see the newcomer. His long white hair and beard triggered memories he didn't know he had. Not so much memories, as a colour. It was bright green. Harry didn't think it meant anything special, but then he heard Ginny gasp. I'll explain it later, Harry. "Um… Hello, sir," he replied somewhat slowly due to Ginny's unease. "There is no reason for introduction as you probably know that I'm the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Tell me, Harry, are you happy?" "I am now," Harry replied immediately. "Would you care to explain that?" He looked down. "I… I wasn't happy before, when I lived with my aunt and uncle." He was not happy with sharing this, but Ginny reassured him that it was necessary. "They made me do all the work around the house, they didn't feed me, I slept in a cupboard and my cousin beat me up whenever he could," he half-mumbled. "Those people should be happy I didn't know about that when I went to get Harry," Remus interjected. "Ever since Remus brought me to Potter Manor, I've been happy. I don't think I've ever felt like this in my life," the boy finished. The old wizard quickly hid the pained expression that threatened to appear on his face. "I see. May I inquire why you felt obliged to ask for the reading of your parents' Will?" "I just… I never had anything from my parents. My aunt told me they were drunks who died in a car crash. I guess I thought if they left me something, anything, I could feel closer to them." Albus tried to catch the boy's eye while he was speaking and what he saw obviously surprised him, though none of the other occupants of the room noticed. He paused for a moment, deep in thought, and then turned to the other men. "Very well, let us begin. If you would follow me, we shall proceed with the casting of the charm." Why magic exists, and where it comes from, are questions that have been asked every generation, but they have yet to be answered. The discovery that it lies in the blood of the wizards and witches brought only more questions, but no real answers. It cannot be completely explained by genetics, since that theory fails to explain the occurrence of Squibs and Muggle-borns. But if we take a look on the whole situation from a different point of view, we might find some answers. Population statistics show there are far fewer wizards and Witches than Muggles. That does not necessarily mean that magical people are overpowered by Muggles, as each of them is far more powerful than any of them. If we turn it into a question of power, the answer is quite simple — balance. Still, this answer brings new questions. Why should there even be a balance of power? If all people had, or lacked magical power, would the balance not be present as well? It would, and it would be simple. What we have to understand is that simple does not always mean easy. That might sound confusing to us, yet it is always the matter of perspective. The very same perspective we lack, as was said before. Magic is not really the universal name for the Power that was given to a part of Humanity. The name depends on the culture that created it. Not even all of the practitioners of Power use the same means of controlling it, as diversity only created more ways of harnessing it. All creatures in this world have the potential to use the Power, to use Magic. What stops them is a little trigger that can block or allow access. It is almost poetic, that this trigger is located in one's soul. Harry had seen a fair share of Magic through Ginny and her memories, and through his own eyes ever since Hagrid brought him to Diagon Alley. Still, seeing a huge house disappear in front of his eyes was strange, at least. Ginny was interested in the situation as well, but her concentration was directed at the wand movements and incantations, not their results. Arthur quickly wrote something on a piece of paper and showed it to Remus and Dumbledore. When it was Harry's turn he looked at the paper: Potter Manor is located at 72 Tallewyn Road, Aberhosan, Wales. As soon as he read the information he looked up to see the Manor re-appear. Arthur quickly burned the paper, muttering Incendio under his breath. Dumbledore was the first one to speak. "All is done. I have some business to attend so I will leave you now. Goodbye, gentlemen. And I will see you at the start of term," he said turning to Harry. He immediately Disapparated with a pop. Remus turned towards Arthur. "Again, I cannot say how much this means to the both of us. Would you like to stay for lunch?" "Don't mention it, Remus. Let's just hope this level of protection was just a precaution and by no means necessary. As for lunch, Molly and I need to take Ginevra to Diagon Alley, so I'll have to take a pass this time. But we'll stay in touch." Harry could feel Ginny's silent protest at the use of her full name. "Of course. Take care!" "Goodbye, Mr Weasley," Harry said. "Goodbye, both of you!" the red-haired man said as he disappeared. "Let's get back into the house," said Remus to his charge. "Now, I am sure you know we need to keep the identity of the Secret-Keeper to ourselves. I know the Headmaster already explained it all, but you can never be too careful," Remus said after dinner. "I don't have anyone to tell. And even if I did, I know this is important," Harry replied. He did not even feel like he was lying. Although he did tell Ginny that her father would be the Secret-Keeper, she could have easily seen it through his eyes, or just retrieve it from his memory. Harry didn't mind at all. It felt wrong not to share something with her. "Good. Now, I have a question for you. You don't really need to answer if you don't want to, but I would appreciate it if you did." Harry tried not to fidget nervously in his chair. He knew what was coming and it was his entire fault. He just nodded. "Mr Weasley never told you his daughter's nickname. How did you know that it's Ginny?" You heard my name when you were in Diagon Alley. You remember because it's hard to miss so many red-heads. What if he checks that? Harry asked. He won't. It's not like he's an Auror. The whole exchange took only a fraction of a second so Remus never noticed it. "When Hagrid took me to Diagon Alley, I saw a bunch of red-heads. I caught the name Ginny. I've seen them but never met them." "I thought you looked at Arthur like you knew him. Well, that explains it. I was concerned you might be a natural Legilimens or something similar. It's a good thing that you aren't. It's a hard gift to deal with." Remus sent the dishes to the sink with his wand and charmed them to clean themselves. "On another matter, Dumbledore did us a favour in a way. You have almost three weeks before the start of school. There is a nice side effect to the Fidelius Charm. The Ministry can't track underage magic where the charm was performed. I feel that it is my duty as your guardian to see that Little Prongs learns some magic before going to Hogwarts. After all, you are a son of a fellow Marauder," he finished with a smile. Harry quickly warmed to the nickname Remus started using. It made him feel closer to his father. "That's great! I would love to learn some!" he exclaimed happily. "I thought you might. Go get your wand, and meet me in the training room." "Gin, I have two questions for you," Harry said after they had spent a relaxing time at the lake. "Ask away," she replied. Harry was sitting with his back against the tree, his knees up to his chest, and Ginny leaned back against them. "What was that green stuff that I remembered?" "Oh. Well, I can't be sure, but because of who you are…" she sighed. "I once heard Dad telling Bill about the Killing Curse. He said it produces a bright green light." "And you think it was when…" "When he tried to kill you? Yes. I'm sorry." "No, there's nothing you should feel sorry about. I asked you that after all. And, I guess you're right," he said. "I think you should talk to Remus about that. He might tell you more about it." "I will." "Next?" she asked after a moment. "What?" "Next question silly. You said you have two of them," she said breaking the tension with a laugh. "Oh, right. I was wondering… Why don't you like when people use your full name?" She smiled. "I just don't like it. That's all. Why?" "I think it's pretty," Harry said. "No, it isn't," her answer was fierce but Harry didn't back down. "I think it's pretty and it suits you." She turned around to look at him while she rebuked him, but then she caught what he said. "Are you trying to say you think I'm pretty?" "No. I know you're pretty. I'm trying to say that the name suits you." She blushed. She did not want to, but still, she did. After all, Harry Potter had told her she was pretty. The fact that she had spent the last five years in his head did not matter to her at all. She just loved this boy. On impulse she kissed his cheek lingering for a moment. "Thank you," she said softly. Harry was not really sure what she was thanking him for since they could not read each other's thoughts while they were dreaming so he just returned the kiss. "If that's what you really feel, then you can call me Ginevra." "I'd like that," Harry told her sincerely. "But only in private!" she warned. "OK, Ginevra." Ginny felt all warm inside. Instead of thinking how she did not like the name, now when hearing it she would remember Harry telling her she was pretty. "How was Diagon Alley?" Harry asked her after a tickling match. "It was OK. I didn't need to buy most of my books since I got them from the twins. Dad bought me completely new clothes, though. It was a gift for getting accepted a year early. The only thing I didn't like is they didn't buy me my own wand. I think they gave me my grandmother's, but I'm not sure." "Well, maybe I could get Remus to buy you one." "You can't. The wand chooses the wizard, remember?" "Oh, right. Well, maybe next year. For your birthday?" Harry offered. "Maybe."
Harry, on the other hand, was not sure if it really was talent or the fact that he just looked at Ginny's memories of stealing her brothers' brooms at night and flying on them, but he was pleased either way. There was nothing better than flying, and Ginny shared his joy. Lessons with Remus were basic first-year spells, but he also taught Harry some hexes and a basic shield. He explained that he didn't want Harry to attack his fellow students, but if someone ever attacked him, he could protect himself. Harry was not the only one attending these lessons; Ginny followed them closely and she learned everything he did. In fact, sometimes she helped him. She even shared her Bat-Bogey Hex with him. It made Harry very happy since he knew she had never showed that hex to anyone. Soon it was time for Remus to take Harry to King's Cross station and send him off to Hogwarts. The first of September was a bright, sunny day. Remus shrunk all of Harry's possessions and put them in his pocket so they only needed to carry Hedwig in her cage. They Flooed from Wales to the Leaky Cauldron and took a cab for King's Cross. As they approached the platforms, Remus explained to Harry how to get on Platform 9¾. Harry already knew all of this as Ginny had told him, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. After ten minutes of walking they reached the junction between platforms nine and ten. As soon as the Muggles cleared a bit, they walked through the barrier. Harry was amazed by the sight in front of him. The Hogwarts Express was really a sight to behold and all of the memories he had seen from Ginny did not do it justice at all. Remus enlarged Harry's truck and helped him to get it on the train. "Go and settle in, find a compartment. Soon there won't be any empty ones left." Harry quickly found one that was empty and left his belongings there together with Hedwig's cage. He returned to say goodbye to his guardian. "I'm all set," he said happily. "Good. Remember, you might get some weird looks and comments, but don't let them bother you. Don't worry about the Sorting; it's quite easy. Don't mind the weird stories you might hear from older students about that. Whatever House you get sorted into will be OK. Even Slytherin, although I haven't seen any Slytherin traits you might have. It's my feeling you should be sorted into Gryffindor, but if you aren't, it doesn't matter. I'll be proud either way. Your parents would have been proud, too." "Thank you, Remus!" Harry said hugging him tightly. "You don't need to thank me, Harry. Taking care of you is a pleasure and a gift I never expected to receive. No go on before you make this old wolf cry," he replied with a soft smile. "OK. Bye, Remus!" "Goodbye, Harry! And don't forget to write!" "I won't! I'll write the first one tonight!" Harry said and with a wave of his hand he re-entered the train car. He returned to his compartment and made himself comfortable. He still had twenty minutes before the train started its journey. He knew that Ginny and her family were running late, and his best friend's memories informed him that it was almost a tradition for them. Harry mentally informed her where on the train his compartment was so she could join him. And then, it finally hit him. He was going to meet Ginny in person very soon! He was not completely sure why he was suddenly getting nervous, but he could not help himself. She opened the door to find Harry looking through the window. He quickly turned to face her. Seeing her finally, all nervousness left Harry. This was nothing to be nervous about. He had waited for this for over five years, at least five years that he was aware of. He got up as Ginny stepped inside the compartment, her bright brown eyes never leaving his. If they had walked towards each other, they had not been aware of it. In years to come, all they would remember about their first meeting was the strong pull, the need for physical contact. In a second, arms rounded bodies, and each was pulling the other closer. All they could feel was each other in their arms. Harry could smell flowers, and he knew it was Ginny. It was his Ginny. Ginny was holding tightly onto Harry and after what could have easily been hours she realized that neither of them had spoken. "Hi," she spoke into his shoulder. "Hi," Harry immediately responded. This feels so good! Yes it does! It feels right. I never expected that this could make such a difference. I don't think I ever want to let go, Harry said, kissing the top of her head. Me neither. This blissful scene of love and innocence was suddenly interrupted by a voice that Ginny recognized as Ron's. "Oi! What do you think you're doing?"
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