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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

-Harry's Point of View-

-Location: Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London-

-Date: Tuesday, December 29th, 1987 (3 years, 8 months, 2 Days remaining until August 30th, 1991)

The days were passing quickly, filled with training, planning, and deepening bonds among my mates and family. The holiday season added a touch of warmth and celebration to our intense routines. Today, we were gathered in one of the palace's grand sitting rooms, discussing our progress and plans for the coming year.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid entered, bringing with them the chill of the winter air. As they stepped inside, I noticed Minerva whisper something to Hagrid, who nodded seriously. They both looked around the room, their eyes widening in shock as they took in the sight before them.

"Blimey!" Hagrid exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out of his head as he saw Zeus and Hera standing there in their forms as James and Lily Potter. "James? Lily? Is that really yeh?"

Minerva's reaction was just as intense, though more controlled. "Artemis," she said, her gaze shifting to the goddess, recognizing the bond mark on her own hand and feeling the link they shared. "This... this is quite a surprise."

I stepped forward, sensing their confusion. "Minerva, Hagrid, there's a lot to explain. Zeus and Hera are indeed James and Lily. They lost their memories as gods and lived as my parents until they regained their identities. It's a long story."

Minerva nodded, her expression one of intense focus. "Please, Harry, explain everything."

I took a deep breath and began to recount the events, starting from James and Lily's lives as my parents, their loss of memories, and their eventual reawakening as Zeus and Hera. "When they regained their memories, it was a shock for all of us. We had to come to terms with their true identities and the implications it had for our lives."

Zeus, in his James form, stepped forward to help. "We never meant to deceive anyone. Our memories were blocked, and we lived as James and Lily Potter, loving and raising Harry. When the time came, our memories returned, and we had to reconcile our past and present."

Hera, as Lily, added, "We are still the same people you knew, but with a broader understanding of who we are. Our love for Harry and all of you hasn't changed."

Artemis joined in, her presence calming. "We are here to support Harry and prepare for the challenges ahead. Our bonds are stronger than ever, and we stand united."

Minerva looked at me, her eyes softening with understanding. "Harry, you've been through so much. And now, with all these revelations..."

I nodded. "It's a lot to take in, but together, we can handle it. We have to."

Hagrid, still processing everything, finally found his voice. "Well, I'll be. This is somethin' else. But if yeh say it's true, Harry, then I believe yeh. We're here to help however we can."

Minerva's eyes flickered to the bond marks on our hands, recognizing the symbols. "I see the bond marks. We're all connected now, through these bonds. It's a powerful thing."

Hermione stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Yes, Professor. We are all bound together, sharing memories and a link that strengthens us."

Fleur and Gabrielle nodded in agreement, while Bellatrix, still looking slightly nervous but determined, added, "We are a family now, united by these bonds."

Susan, standing beside me, gave a small smile. "It's a lot to take in, but we are stronger together."

Minerva took a deep breath, her resolve clear. "Then we shall move forward together. Harry, we are with you, all the way."

Date: Tuesday, January 5th, 1988 (3 years, 7 months, 26 days remaining until August 30th, 1991)

It had been three days since Dora returned to Hogwarts as a student, with Minerva and Hagrid going back as staff. Our training and planning continued, each day bringing new challenges and developments. This morning, I had just finished taking a shower and was standing in front of the mirror in my private bathroom, marveling at the changes in my body.

The reflection staring back at me was almost unrecognizable. My muscles had grown significantly, with a six-pack beginning to form. I could see the definition in my arms, chest, and shoulders. As I looked closer, I noticed something peculiar about my eyes...they were glowing faintly, tiny lightning bolts sparking out of them as if reacting to the adrenaline coursing through my system.

Closing my eyes, I took slow, deep breaths, focusing on calming myself. When I opened them again, the glow and the lightning bolts had vanished. Satisfied, I began to get dressed, pulling on my trousers but leaving my shirt off.

Just then, Fleur walked into the bathroom. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in my appearance. The question she had on her lips died as she stared at me.

"Harry... wow," she finally managed to say, her voice filled with awe.

I felt a mixture of embarrassment and pride as she walked around me, examining the changes in my physique. After a moment, she stepped up behind me, wrapping her arms around me in a loving hug and resting her head on my shoulder. The sudden intimacy made me stiffen slightly, but I quickly relaxed into her embrace.

"Fleur, how tall are you?" I asked, curious about something.

She lifted her head slightly, puzzled. "I'm 4 feet 9 inches. Why do you ask?"

"When we started training, I was only 3 feet 5 inches. I've not only gained muscle, but I've also grown taller," I explained.

Fleur's eyes widened in surprise. "That's incredible, Harry. You're transforming in more ways than one."

At that moment, Gabrielle, Susan, and Hermione entered the room, chatting among themselves. As soon as they saw me, they fell silent, their eyes widening in the same shock and admiration that Fleur had shown.

"Harry, you look amazing," Hermione said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Susan nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across her face. "You've changed so much in such a short time."

Gabrielle stepped closer, her eyes scanning my body. "This training is really paying off."

I smiled, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude. "Thanks, everyone. We've all been working hard, and it's showing."

Fleur, still standing close, added, "We're all in this together. And seeing you grow stronger gives us all hope."

-Date: Tuesday, February 23rd, 1988 (3 years, 6 months, 5 days remaining until August 30th, 1991)-

Harry, Fleur, Gabrielle, Susan, and Hermione had just finished their daily tutoring and a test administered by a female teacher from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. The group was gathered in one of the palace's spacious study rooms, listening intently as the teacher reviewed their performance.

"Fleur," the teacher began with a warm smile, "the test you completed will count towards your grades at Beauxbatons. I'll be updating the headmistress on your progress and the bond you share with your mates."

Fleur nodded, relieved and pleased. "Thank you, Professor. It's good to know that our bond is acknowledged and respected."

The teacher, a Veela herself, understood the significance of finding a mate. "When Gabrielle joins Beauxbatons in 1991, you will both receive special living quarters to accommodate your unique situation. This will ensure you can support each other during your time at school."

Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Merci, Professor. That will be wonderful."

The teacher's smile widened. "It's important for the students and staff to be aware of your bond. This understanding will help create a supportive environment for you."

As they stood to leave, the teacher gave them a hopeful look. "I wish you all the best. May Aphrodite bless you with happiness as a family."

Harry, who knew his connection to Aphrodite, couldn't help but smile at the irony. "Thank you, Professor. We appreciate your support."

With that, the group exited the study room, the atmosphere light and filled with a sense of accomplishment. Fleur was particularly relieved, knowing her academic progress was secure and her bond respected.

Outside the study room, the group gathered in the palace's elegant hallway, discussing their plans for the rest of the day.

"Can you believe how understanding she was?" Hermione said, her voice filled with admiration. "It's wonderful to have such supportive teachers."

Susan nodded. "It makes a big difference, especially with everything we're going through."

Harry smiled at his friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "We're lucky to have people who understand and support us. It makes everything a bit easier."

Gabrielle, holding Fleur's hand, added, "I'm so excited about Beauxbatons. Having Fleur there with me will make it even better."

Fleur squeezed her sister's hand. "We'll be together, and we'll have each other's backs. It'll be amazing."

As they continued down the hallway, their bond felt stronger than ever. The support from their teachers, the understanding from those around them, and the love they shared gave them the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Harry's thoughts drifted to the teacher's parting words. Knowing that Aphrodite, his sister, was watching over them filled him with a sense of comfort and hope. Together, they could achieve anything.

Buckingham Palace Gym

20 minutes Later

Twenty minutes into our workout, we sat down to catch our breath. The room echoed with the sound of weights being racked and water bottles being opened. Fleur, Gabrielle, Susan, and Hermione were glowing, their muscles starting to show the results of our daily training.

"These workouts are doing wonders," Hermione said, wiping sweat from her brow. "I swear I've gained a cup size." She chuckled, glancing down at her chest. Fleur and Gabrielle exchanged glances, laughing as well.

"It's not just the chest," Susan added, smirking. "Look at our butts! Toned and round. The muscles we've gained really show."

As they all started comparing their progress, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift. My mind wandered, imagining how they'd look at sixteen, their bodies fully grown, toned and shaped by all this work. My gaze became distant, and a grin spread across my face before I even realized it.

"Harry?" Gabrielle teased, waving a hand in front of my face. "You okay?"

I blinked and quickly wiped at the blood trickling from my nose, embarrassed. "Uh, yeah... fine," I mumbled, clearing my throat as they all giggled.

The moment broke when the door swung open, and six of the Queen's Guards marched into the room, their faces serious. The lead guard stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Prince Harry, ladies, we apologize for the interruption, but we have a security breach. An unknown man is inside the palace, wearing an oddly colored tuxedo, has a long white beard, and glasses."

My heart sank. There was only one person who fit that description.

"Dumbledore," I muttered under my breath, tension flooding my chest. The girls fell silent, their expressions shifting to worry as they sensed my concern.

We followed the guards through the halls of the palace, our feet echoing against the marble floor. My hand instinctively clenched, and without hesitation, I summoned my Colt Anaconda into my right hand. The stainless steel frame gleamed in the light, the engraved gold anaconda along the barrel shining like a warning.

Fleur, walking beside me, noticed the revolver appear and gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "Don't want a repeat of last time, do you?" she asked softly, her voice laced with memories of her near-death experience.

I shook my head, not looking at her. "No. I won't let that happen again," I replied, thinking back to September 8, 2023. The terror I felt then still haunted me, and I could tell by the way Fleur's grip tightened that it haunted her too.

Hermione glanced between us, eyes wide. "You mean…?" she trailed off, her voice filled with unease.

I nodded, keeping my focus on the path ahead as I carefully pulled out a single round from the revolver, examining it. A Full Metal Jacket. I slid it back in, closing the cylinder with a quiet click. The room where Dumbledore was being held was just ahead now.

As we entered, the air seemed to still. There, standing in the center of the room, was Dumbledore. His blue eyes twinkled behind those half-moon spectacles, but his expression was stern, almost disapproving.

I didn't hesitate. I raised the Colt Anaconda, aiming it at his right shoulder. If things went wrong, I wouldn't kill him...just incapacitate. Fleur, Gabrielle, Susan, and Hermione stood by me, and while they looked shocked, they understood. They knew the significance of the revolver, and why I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

"Harry," Dumbledore said, his voice calm but firm, "you are to return to the Dursleys at once. It's for your safety."

My grip tightened on the revolver. "I'm not going back there," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. I wasn't that scared child anymore. I wouldn't let him take me back to that hell.

The door behind us opened again, and my grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, entered, regal and composed. Beside her, Amy...one of Artemis's Huntresses and my daughter...ran over, her face filled with worry as she clutched my left arm.

"Dad," Amy said softly, looking up at me, her blue eyes wide, "you're not going back there, right? You promised."

I looked down at her, my heart aching as I saw the fear in her eyes. She was thinking of that nightmare of a house, the pain I'd endured there. "No, sweetheart. I'm not going back," I reassured her, ruffling her hair with my left hand. "Not now, not ever."

Amy sighed in relief, clinging to me. It was then that I realized how much I'd grown. I was now 5 feet 7 inches tall, not the small boy who had been at Dursley's mercy.

My grandmother approached, standing beside me without a word. She didn't even ask about the revolver; she remembered what I had told her the night I first arrived at the palace. The Dursleys had no place in my life anymore.

"Mr. Dumbledore," the Queen said, her voice cool and commanding, "you are to leave immediately. Prince Harry is under my protection, and he will not be returning to the Dursleys. He is a member of the royal family, and his connection to those people is no longer of concern."

Dumbledore opened his mouth as if to protest, but the stern look in my grandmother's eyes silenced him. He knew he was beaten, and with a heavy sigh, he nodded.

As the guards escorted him out, I lowered my Colt Anaconda. The tension slowly left my body, and I felt Amy squeeze my hand. We were safe...for now. But I knew this wasn't the last I'd see of Dumbledore.

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