Chapter 14: Bonds Forged in Fire and Stars
The Hogwarts Express was a comforting sight, gleaming red under the pale winter sun as it billowed steam across the snowy platform. For Harrison Strange Potter, this wasn't just a journey back to King's Cross Station—it was a pause, a breath between wars. The second year had concluded with relative peace, but his intuition whispered that darkness merely slept.
As he climbed aboard, flanked by Harry and Daphne, Harrison made his way to the same compartment they always used—third from the rear, charmed for privacy and ambient comfort. Snowflakes melted harmlessly against the windows, and the warmth inside was a welcome contrast to the frigid morning air.
Harrison stowed their trunks with a wave of his hand, his wand flicking as the enchanted luggage clicked into place. The compartment glowed softly with candlelight conjured from runes etched into the ceiling. It was more than just a carriage—it was their sanctum.
Harry flopped onto the seat beside Daphne, eyes gleaming with joy. "We actually made it through a whole year without being almost killed."
Harrison chuckled, ruffling his brother's messy black hair. "Small victories, Harry. Celebrate them."
A knock sounded on the compartment door.
"Come in," Harrison called, already knowing who it was.
The door slid open to reveal Neville Longbottom and Ronald Weasley. Neville looked nervous, clutching his wand too tightly, while Ron appeared his usual grumpy but curious self.
"Hey," Ron said, rubbing the back of his neck. "You said we could join you?"
"Of course," Harrison said with a smile, waving them in. "This compartment has space and enchantments that keep nosy ears away."
Neville stepped in slowly, wide-eyed at the comfortable setup. "It's... cozy."
"Custom runes," Daphne said. "Harrison's idea."
They settled in, the hum of the train beginning to vibrate beneath their feet as the journey home commenced.
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Family Bonds
With the train steadily moving, Harrison pulled out a deck of enchanted cards. They shimmered with ancient glyphs and constellations. He laid them out on the table, motioning for the others to join.
"This isn't just for games," Harrison explained. "Each card represents a principle of magical harmony. It helps me assess your magical aura and even your aptitude in specific disciplines."
Ron blinked. "You mean these can tell the future?"
"More like potential," Harrison said. "I already know mine. But I wanted to see where you two stand."
With some hesitation, Ron and Neville placed their palms on the deck. Light flared—Ron's aura was a blazing orange with streaks of green: impulsive, passionate, with hidden strategy. Neville's was soft gold, quietly pulsing: resilient and deeply connected to nature.
"You both have untapped strengths," Harrison said, smiling. "With training, you'll do more than hold your own."
Harry leaned forward. "Are we going to train together next year?"
"If you want," Harrison replied. "The world won't wait for you to be ready. So, we prepare."
There was a silence, not heavy but contemplative.
"I think," Neville said quietly, "that I want to be ready. For whatever's coming."
Ron nodded. "Me too."
Harrison looked at them both, pride swelling in his chest. His circle was growing. And so too was the family he had chosen.
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A Glimpse of Power
The group returned to Potter Castle days after their arrival from King's Cross. Nestled within magical wards and surrounded by enchanted forests, the ancient estate was a sanctuary of power and history. The siblings and close friends had gathered in the main courtyard, which Harrison had specially prepared for something special.
Under the twilight sky, the air tingled with anticipation. The floor of the courtyard had been inscribed with glowing runes, and floating lanterns orbited gently above like curious stars.
Present were Harry, Daphne, Neville, Ron, Hermione, and even the twins Fred and George, who had been invited for the bonding weekend.
Harrison stood in the center, barefoot, the tips of his fingers glowing faintly. "I want you all to see this," he said quietly. "Not just as a show of strength, but so you understand what we're preparing for."
With a deep breath, he extended both arms to the heavens and uttered the words: "Khaibit Horus."
The sky itself seemed to respond. Stars brightened as if in reverence. Harrison's form lifted slightly from the ground, and the space around him rippled. A vast silhouette took shape behind him—wings unfurled like nebulas stretching across the cosmos.
The Combat Avatar of Horus rose in its full, cosmic glory. Unlike any avatar of ancient myth, this one was draped in constellations. Its form was not flesh and bone, but galaxies swirling in the shape of a divine falcon. Its eyes were twin supernovae, glowing with judgment and celestial fire. The wings shimmered with the colors of the aurora, and the blade it wielded sang with the hum of starlight.
Gasps filled the courtyard. Harry was stunned silent. Daphne stood frozen, mouth agape. Hermione muttered something in awe-struck Latin. Ron had dropped his pumpkin juice.
Neville's voice trembled. "It's beautiful. And terrifying."
"Exactly," Harrison said, his voice merged with the resonance of the cosmos. "It is the protector of order and balance. But it only comes to those it deems worthy."
The avatar lowered its weapon, folding its wings slowly. Then, like a collapsing star, it vanished, drawing itself back into Harrison's body. He fell softly to the ground, eyes still glowing faintly.
A reverent silence followed.
Then Fred clapped. "Mate. That was wicked."
"Beyond wicked," George added. "That was divine."
"I wanted you to see it," Harrison said, now sounding like himself again. "Because the power we're building together—it's meant to protect. Not dominate."
They gathered afterward inside the great hall of Potter Castle. Laughter echoed off ancient walls, warm food flowed endlessly, and magical fireworks danced above their heads. They played games, shared embarrassing stories, and for one night, let go of the weight of the world.
They were not just students or warriors in training—they were siblings in every way that mattered.
And as the embers of the fireplace glowed deep into the night, Harrison looked around at his family, forged not just in blood, but in choice.
Together, they would face whatever came next.
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Return to Hogwarts
When summer ended, and September came once more, Harrison stood at Platform 9¾ ready to return.
This time, Harry, Daphne, Neville, Ron, and Hermione joined him from the beginning. They boarded the train as one.
The journey was filled with training discussions, spell theory, and a few raucous moments of laughter from Ron's card tricks gone wrong.
When the train pulled into Hogsmeade, the cold wind didn't deter their enthusiasm. Harrison led them off, his Gryffindor robes lined with celestial thread, the badge on his chest gleaming like fire.
The carriages pulled by Thestrals waited silently. Harrison helped Daphne up, then Harry, and then turned to the castle in the distance.
Hogwarts loomed under the night sky, stars reflected in the lake, torches flickering along the battlements.
"I'm ready," Harrison whispered to himself.
The others looked at him.
"For what?" Harry asked.
"For whatever the world throws next," he replied.
As the carriage moved forward, the castle gates opened—and the next chapter of their journey began.