Cherreads

Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Ghostfire

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Reality: Potter Verse

Johnathan Grey

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"Waaaaah! Waaaah!"

It was odd watching a centuries-old man cry, I couldn't help the grimace that found its way to my face as Nickolas' face twisted in an exaggerated ugly cry, holding one of the Philosopher's Stones I created. He had spent a good few minutes inspecting it to find flaws or faults and saw nothing but perfection, but apparently knowing there was little he could teach his new apprentice was too much for him.

"Waaaaah!"

Perenell rolled at her husband's theatrics while regally taking a sip of her tea, then gently placed a hand on his back with an amused smile. "There there, darling. I'm sure there is plenty to teach your new apprentice — tips and tricks you've picked up over the years, maybe even other subjects aside from alchemy," she said, while giving me a suggestive look.

With an understanding smile to indicate I understood the assignment, I added my two cents. "Yeah, there are loads of things I don't know. This is only something I figured out thanks to the prototype you provided. There is much to learn and much to be taught."

"But-" The alchemist sniffled, wiping the fake tears from his eyes and he turned to his wife. "But he recreated my magnum opus in just a few days! I worked decades to accomplish that, and he went and did it in days!" He whined, animatedly pointing directly at my amused smile like a tattling child.

His wife let out a resigned sigh as she continued consoling the deceptively old man, once again rubbing his back. "There there honey. I'm sure it was technically more than a few days — he did say something about time dilation after all. So a few days must have really been a few weeks in reality."

Not wanting to hear the man cry again, I decided to keep the fact that it was a few days even after considering the time dilation. I was a little surprised they didn't start raving on about how messing with time was bad for me when I mentioned time dilation after they commented on my physical growth, but considering their age and all the things they must have seen in those centuries, I had concluded that living that long makes people super weird. 

"Well, if it's any consolation, I've also mastered the creation of portals," I informed the married couple, demonstrating by taking my wand from its holster and opening a foot-wide portal from my hand to the biscuits in the middle of the table. For good measure, I grabbed a few and placed them on the saucer in front of me.

They were both frozen, completely focused on my actions, until a large Cheshire grim started making its way onto the Alchemist's face as I closed the portal.

Grin still in place, he slowly turned to his wife and I could see her bottom lip quivering much like Nickolas's did before he started crying. "Perry dear, he can open portals too." He noted helpfully, with amusement dancing in his tone as he tilted his head in thought. "Aren't space enchantments your expertise? I can't believe he learned that in just a few days. Not even you have found a way to do it without even using runes."

His wife's lip-quivering intensified as he continued to speak, and I had already seen where this was going.

"Waaaaah!"

It was Nickola's turn to console his spouse, gently rubbing her back. "There-there darling," he said, not even trying to sound like he felt bad for her. "I'm sure there is some time dilation to consider and what not, it's not like you spent decades perfecting your portals."

And wasn't that a surprise? Portals exist in the Potterverse, well, sort of. Much like her husband, Perenell didn't give her technique out to the public, not that they needed it when people could just [Apparate]. But they did exist. According to the ancient married couple, even the Department of Mysteries had come close to perfecting their version thanks to their study of the Veil.

With a rueful smile, I poured some tea into my own cup and started stuffing my face, letting the couple wallow in their emotional turmoil. It didn't take long for them to calm themselves down and for us to talk about other things, like the bank and if I was planning on getting an actual Healers Licence instead of the licence I was given that only allowed for healing Meladictus. It was definitely on my list of things to do, if only to stop people irritating me when I wanted to go around healing others.

"So," Nick rubbed his hands together with an expectant expression, wiggling his eyebrows. "What else have you been up to? I want to hear the scoop as the kids say nowadays. Were you at least able to reverse time like a time turner?"

"Well, not really," I shrugged. "I just worked on a few things like the armour you saw earlier, improving my knowledge and skills. I've been told I spend too much time indoors, so I think it's about time I went on a world tour after our apprenticeship — see the world."

"We'll be right there with you," Nick nodded excitedly. "It's about time we got out some more — stretched our legs a little. Who knows how the world could have changed in the decades we had been tucked away, meeting and parties for political gatherings notwithstanding of course."

"Sure," I shrugged, not really sure if it was a Dumbledore plan or their own, but also not entirely bothered by the suggestion. "You should know, it's not like we would be getting into trouble or anything, I'm not the type to travel to a place and get mixed up in any drama. I actually really like my peace and quiet. But if it makes you feel better, you guys can tag along."

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Flashback

Reality: Star Wars

Johnathan Grey

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[Free Anakin and Shmi Skywalker from slavery: +20,000 SP]

Nice. It was always good to be rewarded for a good day's work.

While it did earn me a few side glances, getting around Curosant's planetary sensors was child's play with the Gauntlet's upgraded tech. They could neither see us visibly nor technologically as we flew down to the planet, which was almost entirely made of metal. It felt dark, and I wasn't even talking about the Sith. Tatooine felt dark and it was obvious why, but the rich on Curosant actually dared to act like it wasn't also infested with crime to its core, what a joke.

I landed the ship in a Jedi landing bay and ushered everyone off the ship before handing Padme a data pad containing information she could use to sway the Senate, along with a reminder to confirm I could keep the blockade ships and droids, seeing that it was an illegal blockade to begin with. For the Skywalker family, I handed Shmi a data pad containing all of Watto's holdings — his shop, home, bank account, everything. And for the Jedi, I just told Qui-Gon that if the Jedi come to my ship to cause trouble, I would take away their connection to the Force.

While his apprentice frowned in disapproval, Qui-Gon simply nodded respectfully and said he would relay the message while suggesting it would be best for me to speak with them to avoid mistranslation. I declined, telling them all I would be waiting in the ship for their ride back, before immediately walking back into the ship. 

They were off, the Skywalkers with the Jedi heading to the Temple and the Naboo group to the Senate, I immediately summoned the likes of Noomi Sunrider, Kreia, among other Force users with the [Resurrection Stone] first to learn how to cut people off from the force permanently. I wasn't joking when I said I would cut off their connection to the Force, and I would be ready if Palpy considered it a good idea to pay a visit.

Knowing the Senate would take an unnecessary amount of time to get the farce of a hearing sorted, I moved to learning other Force abilities from other Force users for a few hours before getting bored and getting started on a lightsabre of my own. I used a portion of the SP earned from freeing the Skywalkers to purchase all the components I needed, including a ghostfire kyber crystal for stealth purposes. The end result was a silent, Beskar lightsabre with a translucent blade, with a handle shaped unsurprisingly like Revan's.

[Gohstfire Lightsabre - Magical Item]

[Description: A lightsaber created and enchanted by Johnathan Grey housing a kyber crystal typically found on Christophis — the Ghostfire kyber crystal. It was created by a master blacksmith and technician, by applying the Dragon Silver method — which was adapted from the process of creating Goblin Silver of the Potter Verse — onto Beskar from the Star Wars universe. The lightsabre produced significantly reduced sound compared to other lightsabres while also having a translucent.]

[+Self Repair] [+Absorbs that which strengthens it]

[+Highly durable] [+Repels mundane dirt] [+Retains its lustre]

[+Withstand lightsabre strikes] [+Withstand blaster bolts]

While I knew my use of the Force to put the saber together could allow others to sense my location, I kept it to the bare minimum, so small it could easily be confused as a Padawan. It was only a few minutes into waving around the laser sword that I sensed the spike in sadness from the Queen of Naboo and a silent, sinister laughter within the Dark Side. Then, a little while later, I sense two groups approaching the ship. 

I calmly walked toward the lowering ramp of the ship where the small gathering awaited, lightsabre now clipped to my waist and almost disappointed when I didn't feel old man Palpy. Among them stood several Jedi Council members, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, the Skywalkers, and a visibly saddened Queen Amidala flanked by her entourage of handmaidens and guards.

As I stepped off the ramp, Grandmaster Yoda took a few steps forward with his three-fingered hand resting on his cane, preparing to speak. But before he could utter a word, I held up a hand, signalling him to wait, before shifting my attention toward Queen Amidala. "What was the outcome in the Senate?"

The Queen's expression darkened slightly with a heavy look of disappointment crossing her delicate features. "Unfortunately, you were right, the petition to the Senate was refused," she said softly as she indicated to the datapad I gave her earlier. "Even after they were presented with physical proof of the invasion. There was also a vote of no confidence in Supreme Chancellor Valorum." Her tone remained measured, but it was clear she was deeply troubled by the political turmoil. "A native of Naboo has taken his place as the new Supreme Chancellor—one who I hope will bring great change during his tenure."

I shook my head in disappointment, letting out a slow breath. I didn't need her to tell me who the 'native of Naboo' was, I heard his distinct laughter within the Force earlier. "And what did they say about confiscating the ships and droids from the blockade?"

The Queen hesitated for a moment before answering, "The Senate saw no problem with it." She exhaled lightly. "It is seen as self-defence, but… they seemed uninterested in aiding Naboo's freedom themselves."

That didn't surprise me. It was basically like slavery on Tatooine. It was against the law, but they would find a way to make it not their problem so they wouldn't have to lose resources to help, probably stating that the planet wasn't part of the Republic. I let out a low hum of thought before nodding slightly. "That's enough for me," I said at last. Then, gesturing toward the entrance to the ship behind me, I added, "Get on. We leave immediately after I've talked with the other lot."

With that, the Queen bowed gratefully before her and her entourage began moving toward the ship. I then turned his attention to Qui-Gon, once again holding up a hand just as Yoda was about to attempt speaking a second time. The Jedi Grandmaster's large ears twitched, but he remained silent, observing our interaction while using the Force along with the other council members to get a good feel for me and Gauntlet. I knew they were looking for any Dark Side elements as a whole, which I didn't mind, but what was irritating me was the constant attempts to try to delve into my mind.

"Qui-Gon, what was the Council's decision?"

The Jedi master sighed slightly as he flicked his eyes toward Anakin, who stood beside his mother with a surprisingly calm look on his face, neither sad nor happy with the result. Then, the Jedi master's expression turned more neutral as he spoke, tone laced with disapproval in the council's decision. "After testing the boy and deliberating on the matter, the Council has refused his training. They deemed him too old according to the Jedi Code while also expressing concern with the amount of fear in him. That, along with his clouded future, means he will not be trained to be Jedi in the traditional way."

A heavy silence fell between them and I already knew what was coming next. Though, there was still a chance the council would change its mind after Naboo was saved, like they did in canon.

"I have relinquished my role in the Jedi Order, or rather, I soon will," Qui-Gon added as his gaze flickered to Anakin and his mother for a moment before returning to focus on me. "After this final mission, I will train the boy. I have also recommended Obi-Wan for promotion—I believe him ready."

By the looks of it, the child of the Force was more comfortable in this timeline due to his mother also being freed with him. He lacked the disappointment of not joining the Jedi as I would have expected, and like usual, the Force was doing backflips like it was on a sugar high and giddy out of its mind. There was even some childish giggling I could hear in the Force that reminded me of a literal baby's giggle.

Seriously, relax. You're supposed to be the father here, not the child.

"That won't be a problem. Keep him out of politics and conflicts of all kinds until he is older and we won't have a problem," I shrugged, gaining a nod of agreement from Shmi as she tightened her hold of her son ever so slightly. Then, with a slow, deliberate shift, I finally turned to the patiently waiting Yoda. "The use of Shatterpoint or sensing for Dark Side elements is fine. But if anyone tries to get in my mind again, this meeting will end in combat."

His voice was blunt, leaving no room for discussion as I started releasing my meticulous hold of my magic into the surroundings. "And the result of that fight—" I continued, knowing full well they would be able to sense that I had immense power of some sort but that it was distinctly different to the Dark Side. "—Will be your loss of access to the Force."

Windu frowned at the perceived threat, ignoring his side's wrongdoing, while Yoda's calm demeanour shifted instantly. His ears twitched before his expression darkened, gaze snapping toward Ki-Adi-Mundi, along with other Council members. The Cerean immediately stopped his attempt to delve into my mind, but his features remained unapologetic, as if nothing had even happened.

Yoda's eyes lingered on his fellow Council Master for several tense seconds — probably asking the same question I was, 'how can a person with so many brains be so stupid?' — before he turned back to me. With a slow, apologetic nod, the Grand Master spoke in a measured tone. "Apologise, I must, for the behaviour of my Council member. A conversation about it, we will have, once we have returned. Happen again, it will not."

"What do you want?" I asked, ignoring what could very well have been an action conducted in a manner that would provide the Grand Master with plausible deniability.

"Hm," the little green troll grunted as he exhaled before answering. "Heard of an interesting use of the Force, the Council has. To form an alliance with your Order, we seek. Learn more of the Force, hrm."The Grand Master nodded with a light tap of his cane.

My gaze swept across the few Council members who could make it here before shaking my head in genuine disappointment, not even bothering to hide the emotion in the Force. "There's a planet currently being blockaded, corruption in the Senate, and a ridiculous amount of crime happening beneath your feet — on the planet your Order has called home for thousands of years, with little to no Jedi presences there to stop it."

I tilted my head in confusion, blaming nostalgia and childishness as to why I used to think the little goblin was wise and all knowing. "And the only reason the Jedi Council left their literal ivory tower was because they heard about someone's abilities being different to theirs?"

While some thinned their lips and others frowned, none of the Council members immediately answered. At that point, even Shmi and Anakin gave them a frowning side glance when an immediate response didn't come, seeing it as the confirmation they needed. I turned away from them, willing my 'robes' to change to my usual grey, and gestured toward Qui-Gon, his apprentice, and the Skywalker family. "Get on the ship. We're leaving. Places to be, things to do."

As they began walking up the ramp, one last voice called out. "There are other Jedi Masters willing to accompany you to help Naboo," Windu said, indicating the Council members standing beside him, some of whom I had yet to place, possibly due to having never actually been Council members to begin with – I would be checking with Cortanna later. "If that is what concerns you most, then we can assist in liberating the planet."

Having already seen a few people getting a Jedi ship ready in my peripheral vision, I knew they would be sending someone to keep an eye on the proceedings on Naboo, or more specifically, me, regardless of what I said. So this was just posturing, and it was quite frankly disgusting.

"Using a planet in peril as little more than an opportunity to study another Force user's capabilities," I paused, letting the disdain drip into my voice, "instead of just helping them to the best of your abilities like a Jedi should, with the added benefit of seeing said abilities in use. Even now, I know there are countless active Jedi currently in the Temple just waiting for their next task, not including children and those teaching." I let out a slow breath, shaking my head. "It seems the Jedi Order is far more sinister than I had realised."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and ascended the ramp, disappearing into the ship as the ramp sealed shut behind me. I would be seeing them in a few hours when their ship lands on Naboo, but for now I had other things to do — there was a Zabrack I had to slap some sense into and return to his mother. And while I was at it, I'd be getting myself another heart with [Firm Handshake].

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We arrived in Naboo space the same way we left, mere moments after leaving the Jedi hangar, and I effortlessly piloted the down to the planet, heading to the same spot we had previously taken off from. Padme had already mentioned her desire to speak with the Gungans so it would suit her well, provided there were no interruptions. A quick scan through the Force let me know Maul had yet to arrive, so they at least had some time.

"I don't see a fleet waiting to aid us," Obi-Wan said sceptically with his arms crossed and brows furrowed. While Qui-Gon glanced at him, he didn't do much else but turn toward me, patiently waiting for an answer with rapt attention, like the other passengers. "What's your plan to confiscate the ships and droids… Master?"

I wasn't sure, but I got the feeling he may have had a conversation with the Council before they left the temple to get as much information from me as he could, because he didn't speak this much earlier. Either way, I shook off those thoughts for now, tilted my head slightly, then casually gestured toward Cortana, who materialised beside me.

"I'm already inside the blockade's systems," Cortana explained, changing her hologram to have Jedi robes when she glimpses Shmi covering Anakin's eyes, sending the mother an apologetic look before continuing. "Currently, I'm remotely controlling the droid armies via their central computer." She made a gesture, and a display of the blockade's fleet shimmered into view. "Nute Gunray and his organic subordinates will then be escorted to the surface soon, if all variables remain the same."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened slightly, matching those of the others as they all saw a live feed of the droids freeing people from their confinement on the planet.

"After that," I continued for the AI, "the blockade ships will jump to hyperspace and head for Tatooine with the task of freeing more slaves." I then turned to the Queen. "It would still be wise to converse with the Gungans. In case there are any unforeseen issues with my side of things."

While I knew Cortanna had it all in the bag, the Sith Lords' expertise in combat and warfare was telling me that having a backup plan for my backupplan's backup plan was always a good idea. It was a shame Cortanna couldn't find anything on Curosant regarding the Sith aside from call log times, but I had already tasked her to stay in their systems to find as much proof or dirt for when I truly came after them.

With the levels of mental gymnastics happening in my head thanks to Revan, I was starting to realise more and more that turning Palpy to my side with an unbreakable vow might be the best possible outcome. While I was still creating plans for now, the thought of having Sidious as my political puppet, or just an Enforcer, did bring a smile to my face.

"I'll do my part to the best of my ability." The 'Queen' nodded in agreement. 

When the ship descended and gently landed in the forested area, the 'Queen' and her entourage stepped off, heading to negotiate with the Gungans, leaving the Skywalkers and I on the ship. Seeing the bored little boy just looking around with nothing to do as his mother looked through Watto's recently confiscated holdings, I handed the chosen one a datapad with some basic Padawan-level Force knowledge to pass the time while we waited. I would have created a full-on Holocron for him, but I was too busy with other things at the time.

"It's done." Cortana's holographic form flickered to life an hour later with a smirk. "Nute Gunray and his cohorts have been deposited in the palace and are being held prisoner by some of the now freed guards, the other prisoners have all been released as well, and all droids are now back in the Lucrehulk-class Battleships. Blockade ships are jumping to hyperspace in T-minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."

A moment later, the entire fleet of captured ships disappeared, leaping toward Tatooine to carry out the liberation, with a copy of Cortanna on their main computers to make sure everything goes according to plan. For now, the Hutts would be kept alive as mouthpieces to make sure the transfer of power, before later going 'missing' with the help of his own soon to be freed slaves. While I initially wanted to get my hands on them myself, I thought it fitting to hand them over to those they enslaved and mistreated like objects.

"Good work," I praised, giving the blue AI an approving nod. 

"No problem boss," Cortana flickered out with an smile, and I turned my attention to Shmi, who had been silently watching everything unfold, while her son focused on his datapad with headphones.

"Shmi Skywalker," I addressed the relieved looking mother with a smirk she couldn't see due to my mask. "Have you ever heard of magic?"

An Unbreakable Vow needed a third person to initiate after all, and for the first time, the energetic living Force started dancing around the mother more than her son.

Plans upon plans.

It was a shame I didn't meet the Zabrak here. I would have liked to test out my new lightsabre.

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"He deserves better than a slave's life."

—Shmi Skywalker.

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Hello There

John's back in the Potter Verse, he'll be back in Star Wars in a few chapters.

I originally thought about having some of Episode 1 play out a little and end with a Maul fight, but it didn't sit right with me if he's trying to save people as a priority. He'll definitely be returning him to his mother on Dathomir with some bruises at some point though, so there's that to look forward to. There's no way Palpy finds out about John without trying to get his hands on him for his skills or to just remove him from the board.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC and original ideas. All credit goes to their respective owners.

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Thank you for reading.

Special thanks to my patrons.

As always, stay awesome.

Until next time, Light's out.

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