Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Harry Potter and the Ashes of Hope ❯ Chapter 26: Awareness ( Chapter 26 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I do not own Harry Potter and I insist you read the note in Chapter 1

Jabarber69...- I thank you. I state that part mostly because there are a few who still insist that everything be perfect. I have received messages from 5 constant ones in particular; two are members who have gotten notices of me happily explaining my reasons. Funny thing is afterwards they pretty much never respond again concerning it....

The other three are essentially Anonymous with no way to contact. I just delete those comments about me correcting it because they choose to be ignorant and not read the fact from Chapter 1. THAT I already know....I have some issues with writing. Besides you are correct anyhow. I prefer to be a great storyteller then a great writer.

Trebsc...- I still agree with you one hundred percent about Harry. There was much he has been denied that we even the real world takes for granted. But as to his love interest, no you are not right. Fleur plays another role....

FrequencyQueen...- Of course it was a stand still for besides healing Harry. You know Remus is starting to heal as well....

Crackerjacknpez...- Nope that was him growing naturally. This is the first time he wanted to grow subconsciously and did so.

Anterrian...-to a point you are right....

Chapter 26

Awareness

It is those little oddities in life that makes us notice change. After Alexandre and Isabelle had left that night it would not be until the next morning, when Harry and Remus would realize that the youth had grown.

Especially when despite the fact all his clothes still fit him only the previous morning. They were now a couple inches to short in their fit. But of course it took going through half a dozen outfits that morning before they realized it.

“You grew Harry...it may have been only a couple of inches. But you grew...” Remus stated with a surprised and happy smile on his face. Harry just looked at himself in awe as Remus hurriedly cast a spell on the clothes he had on to fit him better.

“But how....how did I grow Remus?”

Thoughtful and silent for a few moments, the two look at one another with a puzzled expression on their features. It is Remus though who offers a theory. One that although hard pressed to believe on Harry's part is one he can not argue.

“The only thing I can think of Harry is that you wanted to grow.”

“I have wanted to for the last seven years Remus...”

“That's not what I am saying Harry.” The wolf chuckled amusedly. “It is so elementary I think I have forgotten about it.”

“About what?”

Bending down to look at Harry, Remus stares at bright green eyes. That same light from last night was a little bigger. Almost like a candle flicker now, it made Remus content knowing that what he believed now to be Harry's problem was truth.

“Magic Harry, remember your lessons from Hogwarts? What is the first thing about magic that you learned when it comes to its uses?”

Silent as he looks back, Harry's eyes widen and stare at Remus when it happens. “We have to want the magic to work for it to do so. But Remus! I have wanted it to work I have wanted to grow.”

Quiet, Remus takes a chair to look at Harry sadly. “Harry did you hear what you just said?”

“Remus?”

“You said you wanted to grow.”

“I don't get it....”

“Wanted Harry! Wanted to grow....not wanting to grow. Wanted...”

Finally as the words sink into the youth Harry's magic reacts wildly as if to deny what he was saying. Almost as if by instinct Remus grasps onto the youth and simply holds on tight. The werewolf inside him exuding its calming power upon the upset child it perceives as its cubling, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes for Harry to calm down.

The Animagus magic inside him reacting to the presence of one who seeks only to help him.

“That can't be right Remus,” The youth said softly. “It just can't be...I can't be doing this...to myself.”

“It is possible Harry; magic is as much of the heart, the soul, the body, and the mind as much as it is of nature itself.” The wolf stated quietly as he let the youth go. Bending down to look him square in the eye, he cups both cheeks in his hands, as the youth looks at him in confusion. “With all that has happened to you Harry, there could be things bugging you, making a part of you wish to stay as you were.”

Thoughtful at Remus's words, Harry finds he is unable to argue at all. For despite the impossibility of it, what Remus was saying makes sense.

“So last night....”

“Last night I saw something Harry, I saw something with Alexandre and Isabelle there that made me smile. Your eyes Harry, were so happy, so innocent you were like the child I once knew before long ago.”

“Before my parents were killed....”

“Right...” Remus responded. “You let yourself go Harry. You have spent so much of your life guarding yourself and others up until this point. Never have you let yourself go. Never have you let your magic flow naturally to your will....”

“And last night, I did....” Harry said with a smile. “I felt free Remus....wrestling with Alexandre reminded me so much of Padfoot....”

“For me as well.” Remus stated proudly. Part of him still bruised and battered from his match with Alexandre, the older man couldn't help but remember happier times with his youthful childhood friend. He had felt so free, so alive, that he had fought and played to his hardest against the man.

And although they had fought to a standstill, what was left of their clothes more on then off, Remus couldn't help but smile and laugh out loud with Alexandre's comment.

Talk about a stress reliever....

Almost all the wolves who had been watching grew silent at that remark. Remus on the other hand was the only one who had fallen to the floor in amusement and much to the delight of others, so did their leader.

Somehow everything was starting change. For despite all occurrences, it has been many years since the pride has heard their Alexandre laugh again.

From that moment on the two men had begun talking once they calmed down enough to speak. Their voices quiet and thoughtful, they had talked of the events of the past and the present. Things that were brought up, as they spoke, were pushed away and forgotten....

The way was making itself manifest at the time when both needed it.

Soon although they remembered their horrible pasts, they both found themselves accepting it and moving on. Their hearts although fragile were healing....

That moment as both finished getting ready Fleur had come. Looking as the blonde veela entered the small cabin. Harry can't help but share the news that he had grown. The blonde remembering that she had thought he had last night wisely says nothing in response to his happiness.

He deserves to be able to tell someone good news rather then bad after all. She sighs sadly. Harry has had so much pain, since she met him that year during the tournament. She is glad to be able to help him and call him her friend.

“I am glad for you Harry, but I wonder... what else is bothering you?”

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It is said that sometimes, when we think something is destroyed it is not. Although Albus has often used his fireplace since that night he had learned of Harry's death. He has not really had it cleaned in many years.

Having it done now, he does not notice something that catches the eyes of Dobby the house elf. A small scrap of paper, one that had escaped the fires many times by floating up as it burned to get stuck in a small crevice. One that shines brilliant green reminiscent of life....

Somehow Dobby knows this paper is related to his beloved Harry Potter as it reads of a connection to an aura, that his own inner nature could read. It was at the moment he was about to show Dumbledore, that Fakes trilled a song.

Although pretty it was a voice of warning to Dobby.

The little being listening as the phoenix spoke in his song; he nods his head in response to what he was being told. Placing the small scrap of paper within his small towel to hide it from sight, he turns back to the chimney to continue his work....

Harry had found himself another ally.

But all the time as this was happening those who watch cry out in joy, and in pain.

“So...Alexandre is he....”

“Going to replace you Sirius Black?” Nimue asked curiously. “I do not know. Fate does not allow me to see much nor does it pick and choose. You are here where I once imprisoned Merlin long ago....it was only through fate that he was released to help establish the beginnings of your Wizarding world.” She cried softly in remembrance. “It was then that fate had him simply move on.”

“What do you mean?”

“Unlike myself Sirius Black, who is immortal and can not age you can. Time is stopped here for you.... if you were to step out now. You would age...and the longer the time that you are here....”

“The closer I would be to dying....”

“Yes...I saw it happen with my beloved Merlin. Although he used his magic to prolong his life as long as he could. He grew so old within the space of a few months....he simply went to sleep looking like he was 60 and died at the age of 700, the next morning. His immense magic simply could not stop it forever.”

“And my magic I know is no where near his legends...and you can't let me out, because it was not you who put me in here.”

“Yes....and for that I am sorry that I can not help you my friend.” Nimue replied with a gentle smile. “It is simply up to fate. You may have gotten here by destiny Sirius Black, but it is your choice of what comes of it. Find a way out and soon if you can. You are missed and you are needed.”