Return of the Lion

"He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 25:8

Chapter 11: The Rider on the Stag

For a moment, everybody was absolutely silent. It seems as if people were in complete shock of the timely arrival of the rider on the stag.

"Is it just me, or does that rider's voice sound very familiar?" whispered Remus.

"I personally can't believe who that stag looks like," whispered Sirius.

"Sorry, I'm late," said the rider, "but it took some time to get here from London, we should've never gone there. And you can't Apparate on Hogwarts grounds."

Ron was speechless, as he sat there on the ground in front of the rider. "W-who are you?" he finally managed to splutter out.

The rider didn't need to answer, for at that moment, due to the blow of the club on the shield charm, the rider's helmet cracked in half and fell to the ground. Long, wavy, dark red hair flowed out and a pair of very familiar emerald green eyes shone warmly toward Ron. The rider gasped and brought her hand to her mouth as she realized that her helmet had fallen off. She muttered, "Oops," and looked a little red.

Everybody present gasped as they recognized the rider, and Sirius and Remus looked particularly shocked. "Its not possible!" screamed Sirius. "It can't be her!" It was. The rider was none other than Lily Evans Potter!

Lily looked around and shrugged. "Well, I suppose the cat's out of the bag," she said. The stag nodded. As soon as Lily dismounted the stag, the stag transformed into a man who was wearing the exact same armor and cape as Lily, but looked identical to Harry, except that he had brown eyes and no scar. It was James Potter!

By then, absolutely everybody on the battlefield was speechless. Sirius and Remus looked at Lily and James with shock and disbelief in their eyes while Snape looked horrified.

James looked around. "Well, as much as I'd love loved to catch up with everybody, I think we need to take care of this giant," he said. James made a gentleman like bow toward Lily and gestured toward Fanir. "Would you do the honors, Lily?"

"Why Prongs, I would love to," said Lily. She slowly walked up to the giant and pulled a wand out of her armor. She looked up at Wormtail and said, "Peter."

Wormtail, who had been speechless up till then, suddenly started screaming hysterically with terror. "Lily?! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! NO, IT CANNOT BE!!!" He started shaking his head fiercely in a gesture that could only be described as extreme guilt.

Feeling Pettigrew's hysteria, the giant seemingly panicked and swung his club down toward the ground in a single powerful blow, leaving a crater about the size of a car. Lily however, used a burst of magic to propel herself forty feet into the air, thus avoiding the club. She landed on top of the giant's head, pointed her wand at the top of the head and shouted, "Maximus Stupefy!" The giant fell over unconscious with a mighty crash.

Wormtail was pinned under the giant's right arm. He tried to struggle out when he suddenly saw a shadow over him. He wearily looked up to see James standing over him looking menacing.

"Why hello, Peter," said James with a grin on his face, yet strong malice dipping in his voice. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"J-James?" mumbled Pettigrew, looking terrified.

"Tell me, Peter. What were your words again when you agreed to become our secret keeper? That we could trust you with our lives?"

"James, I-I..."

"I trusted you with my life, Pettigrew!" yelled James. He rammed his fist as hard as he could into Pettigrew's face. Wormtail was promptly knocked out. James walked over to Lily and said, "Do you know how long I've waited to do that?" with a grin.

Lily grinned and nodded. She turned to all the resistance fighters who were still speechless and said, "I think we owe them an explanation." James nodded. They made their way to Sirius and Remus.

"Hey, Padfoot, Moony," said James. Sirius and Remus simply stared at them, still shocked.

Finally, Sirius managed to splutter, "J-James...? L-Lily...?"

"Is...is it really you?" asked Remus.

Lily nodded and smiled. "Trust me, Remus. Its really us."

Remus and Sirius looked over James and Lily for a moment. They both appeared to be in their early twenties, the age they were when Voldemort murdered them, 17 years previously. Suddenly, Remus and Sirius smiled widely, and they pulled Lily and James into fierce hugs, laughing with pear mirth while tears of joy streamed down their eyes. As if on cue, all of the resistance fighters, except Snape who had a neutral look, ran forward and either pulled Lily and James into hugs or shook their hands.

Snape walked up to James. James turned to him and put up a neutral look on his face.

"Potter," said Snape in a neutral tone.

"Snape," said James in a similar tone. He brought his hand out, and Snape slowly shook it, both still wearing neutral expressions.

"But James, Lily, how is this possible?" asked Sirius.

"I believe I can answer that," said a voice coming from the castle. The resistance fighters all whirled around and gasped to see none other than Albus Dumbledore walking toward them.

"Headmaster?" asked McGonagall with slight hesitation.

"Professor?" asked Hagrid. Dumbledore nodded with a merry twinkle in his eye. In a matter of seconds, all of the resistance fighters were gathered around Dumbledore, either showering him with questions or shaking his hand and welcoming him back.

"Please, please, one at a time," said Dumbledore, still smiling. "As many of you know, I was over seeing Harry Potter's training in the Battle Wizard training facility in the Himalayas these past two years. I myself have just completed my own battle preparations there and was finally able to return. Now about Lily and James..." Dumbledore smiled at them. "Do any of you know what is one of the most amazing abilities of a Battle Wizard?"

Ron shrugged an said, "Uh, no. That would be something Hermione would know."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "Although it is not fully known to other people, the most amazing ability of a Battle Wizard is the ability to temporarily resurrect the dead for a month for a specific purpose. Harry raised Lily and James to help us in our fight against Voldemort."

Sirius and Remus turned to James and Lily who nodded. "So, you haven't really come back, have you?"

Lily sighed and said, "No, we'll fade away again after the month is up."

"But that's not going to happen for some time," said James with a grin. "So all of you are stuck with us for a while."

At that moment, there was a strong gust of wind. The resistance fighters all looked up to see someone flying toward them on a broomstick. The resistance fighters all held their breaths but released them when they saw it was Harry Potter with what looked like a large bundle on his back.

Harry landed about couple of meters away from the resistance members. He looked around at the bodies of all of the Dark Forces before he caught sight of James, Lily, and Dumbledore. "You were attacked?" he asked.

"I am afraid so," said Dumbledore. "But the members of the resistance were able to fight them off."

"With a little help from your parents," said Ron looking excited.

"Oh come now, we didn't really do anything," said James. "Just knocked out a giant. And it was Lily who did that." James beamed at Lily who smiled back at him. They kissed each other briefly.

"So, Harry," said Ron walking up to him, "where did you go?"

"Well I was looking for someone," said Harry as he gently nudged the "bundle" on his back. The "bundle" timidly lifted up a full head of long bushy brown hair.

Ron gasped and asked, "Hermione?"

"Hello, Ron," said Hermione a little shyly. She glanced at Harry unsurely who smiled and briefly kissed her.

At that moment, all of the resistance members dashed up to Harry and Hermione, all highly overjoyed for what had suddenly turned into the happiest day of their lives.

* * * * * * * * * *

A few days later, Hermione was in a new wheelchair, in the stands of the Quidditch pitch. She was watching Harry and James, playing a mini-game of Quidditch with just the Seeker and Chaser. The idea was that James had to score at least sixteen goals before Harry could catch the snitch. The bludgers were flying around trying to knock them off their brooms as they flew around each other, James trying to get the Quaffle through the hoops while Harry searched for the snitch.

Hermione glanced up at Harry who was zooming around on his Firebolt, chasing the snitch around. She had never seen Harry so happy and joyful as he zoomed around playing Quidditch with his father.

"They're so much like children," said a voice next to her. Hermione looked up to see Lily sit next to her. "Hello Hermione, how are you doing?"

"Feeling a little worried," said Hermione as she glanced up at Harry. She winced when a bludger nearly hit him.

"I know exactly what you mean," said Lily. "There were so many times back in school when I just worried myself to death whenever I saw James out on the Quidditch Pitch." She also winced as James dodged a stray bludger. He and Harry were laughing as they continued zooming around in the air.

"I've never seen Harry so happy before," said Hermione. It brought so much joy to Hermione to see Harry so happy to finally be with his parents, however brief that time might be.

Lily sighed sadly. "Harry's missed so much," she said. "He never deserved growing up without us. James and I should've been there with him." She turned toward Hermione and asked, "What is he like from your point of view."

"Harry is the most amazing person I ever met," said Hermione. "He's selfless, kind hearted, and never asks anything for his fame. He always thinks about others first, but its sometimes so amazing that he grew up that way when he could've grown up to be cold and cynical because of his upbringing, or maybe arrogant because of his fame."

Lily smiled and said, "You love him, don't you?"

Hermione looked up at Lily in mild surprise to hear this coming from Harry's mother, but she smiled and nodded, a faint blush settling on her cheeks.

"James and I have always been looking over Harry, even when we couldn't be with him," said Lily. "I've seen the way you look at Harry, it's the same way I used to look at James when we were in school." She suddenly stood up, walked over and kneeled in front of Hermione. She placed her hands on Hermione's shoulders and looked intensely into Hermione's eyes, her green ones gazing into her brown.

"Lily?" asked Hermione a little timidly.

"Hermione Granger," said Lily with a smile on her face. "I would be honored if you became out daughter in law."

Hermione gasped and spluttered, "W...what? I...I...I..." She wasn't able to continue for at that moment, Harry and James touched down right next to them.

"Hey, beautiful," said Harry with a smile. He leaned in toward Hermione but Hermione backed away a little, blushing furiously.

"Harry, we're in front of your parents."

Harry glanced up at Lily and James. Lily winked at Harry while James wrapped his arms around Lily and grinned at his son.

Harry grinned and said, "Who cares," He leaned forward and kissed her passionately. Hermione smiled and kissed him back, equally as strong.

"For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

Exodus 20:11

Chapter 12: A Time of Rest

The full moon shone over the Hogwarts grounds and the snow in the Forbidden Forest glittered in the moonlight. The howl of a wolf was heard and a mighty wolf leapt into between the trees, running around as if he were home. As the wolf prowled around the snow, a large black bounded forward and pounced on the wolf with a joyful yip. The two started pouncing on each other playful when a stag charged them, its antlers lowered. The dog and the wolf broke apart and started to chase after the stag in a playful manner. However, the next animal to come was one that made the scene so much more different than the one that was often scene decades ago.

For what had followed was not a cowardly rat, but rather, a majestic lion. The lion pounced after the other three animals. The lion especially seemed to enjoy chasing after the stag and the wolf and dog were often inclined to watch the other two animals play around.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ron and Margaret were walking around the corridors of the castle, looking for a good place to make out.

"Well, since we've used up every single broom closet in the castle, where should we go next?" asked Margaret, a glint in her eye that suggested something.

"The library?" said Ron with a raised eyebrow. Margaret grinned and the two made their way to the library. They made their way to the back of the library where they could get some privacy. Unfortunately, when they got there, they found Hermione there with her head buried in a large book. There was also a whole lot other books on the desk nearby. Hermione looked up at the couple and smiled.

"Hi Ron, Margaret," she said. "You know, the library isn't the place you want to go for a make out session. Try the Astronomy Tower, that's where Harry and I go." She blushed red as she said the last part.

Ron and Margaret blushed furiously. "So where is Harry?" asked Ron. Hermione pointed out the window at the full moon. Ron nodded in understanding. Ever since the end of their third year, Harry had often wished that he could go on one of the full moon escapades the Marauders' had gone on during their school days. This was his only chance to do so with his father as well. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity for Harry to get to know James better.

"I guess it makes sense," said Ron. "This month is the only time Harry ever gets to spend with his parents."

"What? Why?" asked Margaret, "Can't Harry bring them back any time he likes?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, a Battle Wizard can resurrect a dead person only once and once only. This one time is the only time Lily and James can come back."

Ron glanced at Hermione who had her face buried in her book again. Sure she was in a wheelchair with no legs, but the sight of her with a book in the library was so familiar that Ron couldn't help but chuckle. Margaret elbowed Ron in the ribs as Hermione looked up at him, a scowl on her face.

"What's so funny, Ron?" she asked with a warning tone.

"Oh its just that this sight is so familiar," said Ron. "Seeing you here in the library, reading books about..." he picked up one of the books, but his eyes went wide in surprise and confusion as he realized what subject they were on. "Battle Wizards?"

Hermione nodded and said, "Ron, do you know anything about Battle Wizards?"

"Er, no."

"Well you should read more. It would've helped with your grades back in school."

Ron scowled as Margaret chuckled and said, "That's what I always tell him."

"My grades were fine," said Ron.

"Because of my help," pointed out Hermione. Ron grumbled but didn't say anything since it was true.

"So what does the great bookworm have to say about Battle Wizards?" said Ron. Hermione chose to ignore the comment.

"You've heard about Atlantis, right?" asked Hermione. When Ron and Margaret nodded, Hermione continued, "It's the great continent in the Atlantic that sank below the sea thousands of years ago. Muggles have legends about Atlantis as well. What muggles don't know is that Atlantis was the ancestral home of the magical community. Virtually all wizards and witches of the ancient world lived on Atlantis."

"I know all this," hissed Ron. Margaret glared at him as Hermione continued.

"What a lot of people don't know about are the ancient guardians of Atlantis, the Battle Wizards."

"What?" asked Ron.

"The Battle Wizards: ancient warriors of the lost continent with immense powers and abilities. Battle Wizards were supposed to be the guardians of peace on Atlantis and they were just that for thousands of years. However, things weren't always peaceful on the continent as dark wizards started to rise among the population. Soon Civil War erupted and the continent was ultimately destroyed by the battles between the Battle Wizards. The surviving wizards and witches escaped to the main land and mingled amongst the Muggle Community."

"So let me get this straight," said Ron with a skeptical look. "An entire continent was destroyed in a magical battle. There's no way something like that can ever happen."

"Ron, you know just how powerful Harry is right?" asked Hermione. Ron nodded and Hermione continued, "Now, imagine thousands of wizards with the exact same power fighting against each other. Also add into that the power to temporarily resurrect the dead, meaning that fallen soldiers would get up again and continue fighting. Tell me now, Ron Weasley, how is it not possible for a continent to be destroyed."

Ron gulped and said, "I see your point."

Hermione went back to her history lesson. "Since then, it was decided that there would only be one Battle Wizard per generation. They're trained in a secret training facility in the Himalayas for two years and become the sole Battle Wizard of his or her generation. Godric Gryffindor was the official Battle Wizard of his generation, although there was an unconfirmed rumor that Salazar Slytherin was one as well. Most likely not true. So that was the way it was for centuries, until fifty years ago when a slip up occurred." Hermione paused, waiting for Ron to finish her sentence. He seemed to be completely clueless however. Hermione sighed and said, "Tom Marvolo Riddle became the Battle Wizard of his generation."

"What?!" shouted Ron. "You-know-who is a Battle Wizard?!"

"That's right," said Hermione. "If people had known what Riddle would become, they would've never made him into a Battle Wizard. As luck would have it, Riddle used his powers as a Battle Wizard to become the greatest dark wizard ever to exist. Its almost ironic how the supposed guardian of peace ended up becoming a megalomaniac tyrant."

Hermione took a deep breath before she continued. "It also explains why You-know-who fears Dumbledore: because Dumbledore is a Battle Wizard of a previous generation."

"And it also explains why he wanted to kill Harry," said Ron. "He was eliminating all future Battle Wizards."

Hermione nodded as she shut her book. "Well, I'm going to bed. Good night," she said as she wheeled her wheelchair out of the library.

Ron glanced at Margaret and said, "Astronomy Tower?" Margaret grinned, and the two left the library.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione woke up when she felt a slight weight on her bed. She opened her eyes and saw Harry sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Oh sorry. Did I wake you?" he asked, a tired smile on his face.

Hermione smiled and said, "Yes, but that's OK." She glanced out of the window and saw that it was dawn. "Did you just come back?"

Harry nodded and yawned. He looked very exhausted. "Yeah, I'm beat. But it was worth it. Dad, Sirius, and Remus are completely exhausted as well, but I needed to see you first."

Hermione smiled as Harry lifted her head up into a sweet kiss. The kiss started to get steamy as their hands started roaming around. Harry and Hermione's bodies were so close together as they started to lose themselves in the kiss. Unfortunately, there was an interruption.

"Hi Harry, I was wondering if..." Lily barged into the room and stopped short when she saw Harry and Hermione spring apart blushing very red. "Oh, did I interrupt something?"

"Uh, no Mum. Y-You didn't i-interupt anything," spluttered Harry blushing fiercely. Hermione couldn't help but giggle.

"Lily? What's going on?" asked James from behind Lily as he stifled a yawn.

"I think we just interrupted our son's snog session," said Lily with a grin. "Want to give Harry some lessons?" James grinned and pulled Lily into a passionate kiss.

Hermione laughed as Harry said, "Mum, Dad, I don't need a lesson," looking very embarrassed.

"Why Harry, don't you want to see how much your Mum and Dad love each other?" said Lily looking smug while James had a huge grin on his face. They both still had their arms wrapped around each other.

"If you don't mind, we'd like some privacy," said Harry looking a little annoyed. He started to usher his parents out of the room. Lily and James left with huge grins on their faces.

"Come on Lily, let's leave Harry behind and go have some time to ourselves," said James with a grin that suggested just what he meant. Lily playfully smacked James though she still had a grin on her face. Harry rolled his eyes as Lily and James waved goodbye and disappeared down the corridor.

"Can you believe them?" said Harry still looking annoyed.

"Oh I don't know," said Hermione with a smile. "I think it's very sweet to see how much your parents are in love with each other."

"Not as much as I love you," said Harry with a large grin. Hermione blushed red but she smiled as Harry sat next to her on the bed.

"You know, I love you too," said Hermione. Harry smiled but he also yawned as the exhaustion of his night out with the Marauders started to catch up with him.

"I should probably go back to my room and get some sleep," said Harry.

Hermione shook her head and said, "You can stay here for a few hours." Harry smiled and lied down next to her on the bed. Hermione pulled the covers over them and wrapped her arms around Harry. They gently pulled each other into a sweet kiss that started to get more and more passionate. Finally, they broke apart for the lack of oxygen. Hermione gently laid her head against Harry's chest as Harry pulled her closer to him.

Hermione thought back to everything that had happened since Harry had disappeared. She remembered the time when Harry had first disappeared and she had realized how much she loved him and she had cried herself to sleep. Back then, there was no way she could've imagined that she would be lying in Harry's arms two years later. Tears of joy brimmed up in her eyes.

"Harry, when you left two years ago, I was devastated. It was only after you had gone that I realized what I felt for you, and I constantly cursed myself for not acting on my feelings while you were here. I missed you every night while you were gone and I often wondered if you missed me. But I never lost hope that you would be back. That was my anchor, even when everything around me fell apart. And now, you're back, and I think I love you even more than when you were gone. I love you so much, Harry."

Harry did not answer, his steady breathing indicating that he had fallen asleep. Hermione smiled and thought, 'He looks so peaceful when he's asleep.' She snuggled closer to him and slowly fell asleep.