Three days later, Harry along with his mother joined the Jedi and Queen Amidala on the bridge of the ship as they began prepared to enter the atmosphere of Coruscant.

  "And welcome to the center of the Republic. Welcome to Coruscant, Anakin …" Qui-Gon said before shaking his head, " … sorry, I mean Harry."

  Smiling up at the Jedi Master, Harry nodded before looking out the giant viewport at the city that was quickly expanding, growing larger and gaining definition as they began their descent, thinking back to his discussion with Qui-Gon when he had woken up from the Force vision.

  He wasn't sure if it was because he was motivated by his conversation with Revan or if it was the fact that he finally decided that he felt a little bit like an imposter every time someone called him Anakin, but whatever the reason, when Obi-Wan had returned to the room with Qui-Gon, Harry had repeated what he had told Padme, letting the two of them know that he wanted to be called Harry

  Whatever it was that Qui-Gon had expected to see and discuss after he had been summoned by his padawan, who had refused to elaborate when he summoned him from his meeting with the Queen's head of security, it had certainly not been that.

  Flashback

  Harry was sitting cross-legged on his bunk, talking to Padme, the hum of the ship's engine providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation when the door slid open, revealing Qui-Gon Jinn.

  As the Jedi Master entered, Harry's eyes shot up, noticing for the first time a calming presence that came with him.

  "Anakin," Qui-Gon greeted with a gentle nod and warm smile on his face. "Obi-Wan came to fetch me as if there was some emergency, however he never elaborated simply saying I was needed. Are you alright if I enter? I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Is everything alright?"

  Harry looked to Padme before looking back to Qui-Gon and nodding, motioning to the chair alongside the wall in the room. "Of course, Master Qui-Gon. Everything is alright."

  The Jedi Master stepped into the room, only to suddenly freeze and look around. Eventually, his eyes settled onto Harry, allowing him to see the Jedi Master's raised eyebrows.

  Qui-Gon shook his head slightly as he moved closer, his gaze thoughtful as he observed Harry, a glint of understanding in his eyes as he sat. "I sense a disturbance in the Force, surprising that I did not feeling it when it happened, judging by its intensity, but certainly undeniable. I assume the reason my padawan cam to collect me was that you used the Force?"

  Harry hesitated before taking a deep breath and nodding slowly. "I … I didn't mean to, but I think so. I was meditating, trying to clear my mind and then started thinking about things …" Harry paused mid-sentence wondering if he should share about his vision of Revan, but just as he opened his mouth, he felt something that seemed to urge him not to share. After several seconds of silence, he tilted his head to pretend he was trying to recall the moment and then continued. " … I was thinking about my future and my past, who I am compared to who I was. And then it happened. I didn't even realize it was happening until Padme and Obi-Wan entered the room and woke me."

  Qui-Gon stared at Harry for several seconds as if waiting for more, before he finally nodded, his expression serious but not unkind. "The Force is strong with you, Anakin, that much is obvious. Stronger than I've seen in any your age, much less any who were yet untrained in the ways of the Force."

  "Really?" Harry asked as his eyes lit up. "Based on how Obi-Wan had reacted I was worried I was in trouble or had done something wrong."

  Chuckling Qui-Gon looked over to his padawan who stood just inside the door to the room and was sheepishly examining the wall beside him. "I believe Obi-Wan many have just encountered a situation he was not prepared to deal with, but I see no reason for concern. If anything, this makes me more confidant in my decision and it should aid my discussion with the Jedi Council." He paused, looking back to Obi-Wan before making eye contact with Harry again. "But I have a feeling that as significant as your experience with the Force was … there is something else that you wish to discuss even more. What's on your mind young one?"

  Hesitating at Qui-Gon's perceptiveness, Harry recalled his conversation with Revan that lead to his announcement to Padme who was sitting on the other end of the bed nodding towards him. Eventually he straightened his shoulders and looked back to the Jedi Master as he took a deep breath. "Master Qui-Gon," he began a little nervously, unsure how to begin. "I … I want to change my name."

  Surprised by this announcement, Qui-Gon stared at him for several seconds before he began speaking. "Ah. Well while it is certainly not the norm it is not entirely unheard of for a young one to change their name when they begin their path to becoming a Jedi, but as they are usually younger than you they have had less time to grow accustomed to their names. And a new name can signify a new beginning and allow you a chance to redefine yourself … why there is even a rumor in the Jedi Temple that Yoda changed his name when he joined the order." He paused at the sound of Obi-Wan choking, before letting out a laugh.

  Harry's eyes lit up in relief at how well his statement was received, before he looked between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. "Really?"

  With a laugh Qui-Gon shrugged his shoulders, "It is only just a rumor as Master Yoda does not share plenty of stories from his early days with the order and there are few species as long lived as him who would be able to confirm or deny the rumors. But that is besides the point, to some a name is less a part of your identity than your actions or decisions and as such names can be shed or taken on to reflect your journey as you feel it does not fit you."

  "Thank you, Master Qui-Gon." Harry said as he felt a surge of relief wash over him.

  Nodding Qui-Gon looked at him, "So if no longer Anakin, what should we call you."

  Harry smiled as he looked over to Padme and then back to the Jedi Master, "Harry Potter."

  Qui-Gon looked at Harry, mouthing the name to himself before nodding again. "Certainly, a unique name, but I suppose no more than Qui-Gon would be to a Twi'lek pr Pikk Mukmuk would be to a Wookie. It's a good name … and I can't help but feel that it fits you better than Anakin did."

  Harry's heart skipped a beat as he coughed, "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

  Qui-Gon nodded, before his expression turned more serious. "Of course, Ana–Harry. I'll leave you for now, I should probably get back to my meeting but to go back to that little outburst of Force power …" he paused pointing around the room. "The level of your connection that I feel in this room is certainly rare for someone in your situation. Most padawans aren't able to do what you did until much later in their training, especially not without training."

  Harry blinked as he looked down, feeling a mix of pride and concern.

  However, almost immediately he felt Qui-Gon's hand tighten on his shoulder. "I feel that you have the potential for greatness An–Harry, but you must be careful. The Force is wonderful and powerful, but it can be dangerous if not handled with respect and wisdom. Promise me you'll be careful and not push yourself to do something you are unable to do before proper training … especially while we are aboard this craft.

  Harry met the Jedi Master's gaze, determination shining in his eyes. "I promise, I'll be careful and try to avoid blowing holes in any walls until we are at least in a planet's atmosphere."

  Qui-Gon smiled, warmth returning to his expression. "Good. That is all I can ask."

  With a final reassuring pat on his shoulder, Qui-Gon rose and left the room, leaving Harry to chat with Padme and Obi-Wan for several minutes, before eventually, unable to shake the feeling that he needed to have a conversation with his mother, he excused himself and left the quarters, walking through the ship's corridors until he found her in a small observation room, staring at a holographic map of the galaxy as the lines of the stars flew by outside the viewport.

  Hearing him enter, she turned and smiled at his approach.

  Unsure where to start, Harry walked up beside her looked at the map for several minutes in silence, feeling her eyes on him.

  "Ani, you've been quiet," Shmi began softly, breaking the silence. "What's on your mind?"

  Leading her over to the bench on the wall, Harry sat down beside her, taking her hand in his. "Mom, I've been thinking about a lot of things. Things are changing, and my future … well its going to be different."

  Shmi smiled slightly as she looked at him with eyes full of understanding, "Things have always been different with you. You are special, Ani. I've always known that. But there's something else, isn't there. What else is troubling you?"

  Taking a deep breath, Harry looked up at her, his expression a mix of determination and apology. "I'm going to change my name."

  "Change your name? Why … why would you want to do that?"

  Harry felt his heart drop at the sound of her voice, before he guiltily looked up at her, seeing the hurt and confusion in her eyes. But knowing he needed to be direct and as honest as he could he responded right away. "Because Anakin Skywalker was a slave. I was just a boy who had to leave everything behind to chase a dream that he could never have thought of. I'm not just that boy anymore. Master Qui-Gon … I believe I have a destiny. I want a name that reflects who I'm becoming, not who I was on Tatooine."

  His mother looked away for several seconds before looking back to Harry, the sadness still evident in her expression. "Who you were is a part of who you are, and it's just as much a part of who you will become eventually. Changing your name won't change your past or what you've been through."

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Harry nodded feeling the guilt building within him, as he forced himself to continue meeting her eyes. "I know, mum. Even though I want a fresh start and to become someone who can make a difference in the galaxy, I will never forget my past or what we've been through together. I just want to become more than who I was."

  Shmi stared at him in silence almost to the point of it being uncomfortable before finally sighing, her fingers reaching out and gently brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "If … it this is truly what you want, I won't stand in your way. But remember, Ani, no matter what name you want others to call you, you will always be my son, and I will always love you."

  Harry smiled, a hint of tears in the corner of his eyes as he closed the distance between her and embraced her in a hug, "Thank you mum and there's no way I'd ever forget that."

  His mother tightened her embrace on him before releasing slightly and leaning back. "Have you thought about what name you want to take?"

  Looking back at her a thoughtful look on his face he began, "Well, I was thinking about …"

  Present Time

  It took the better part of an hour once emerging from hyperspace before the Naboo Royal Starship entered Coruscant's atmosphere and in that time due the fact that Harry had not seen anything remotely close to the scope to the city-planet on Tatooine or even in London, Harry had been unable to help himself from standing with his nose practically pressed against the glass of the ship's viewport, staring wide-eyed at the sight of the seemingly endless sprawl of skyscrapers and the constant stream of air traffic passing by them as they descended.

  Without turning around, Harry could tell that Queen Amidala was still standing, tall and composed, right behind him, looking out the window, but he could tell, that even though she had seen much more of this galaxy than he had, she was almost as excited as he was, as she hadn't seen any planet like this. A thought which made him smile and he noted to talk to Padme about it later.

  "Welcome to Coruscant," Qui-Gon repeated taking a step between the two of them. "It's the metaphorical beating heart of the galaxy, home to the Senate and the Jedi Temple and trillions of trillions of beings from all corners of the galaxy."

  Harry turned to him, excitement and apprehension in his eyes. "It's so big … way bigger than I imagined based off your description. How do people find their way around?"

  Qui-Gon smiled as he looked out the window. "You get used to it after a while. Because there are several hundreds of levels to each building, and each has its own districts and neighborhoods, most people end up staying relatively close to their homes, in fact I am sure there are some people who are born and die on Coruscant that never make it beyond their neighboring buildings. But that being said, if anyone ever needs to go somewhere they can use the repulsor-lift vehicles, like the ones you see outside, to navigate the city."

  Harry nodded, absorbing the information, before turning back to look outside. "What's the plan once we land?"

  "I've been in communication with the Jedi Temple since we entered the system," Qui-Gon began, ignoring the look of concern on Queen Amidala's face at the thought of him breaking the radio silence he had been so adamant no one should break during their journey. "Master Yoda and Master Windu, who are among the wisest of my order, are aware of out pending arrival. They're arranging for Jedi representatives to meet us at the landing pad, along with Senator Palpatine, and of course a protective detail." He finished, nodding to the Queen as he said the last part.

  Harry watched as Queen Amidala's eyes shot open in surprise, her calm demeanor breaking slightly as Harry saw relief in her eyes. "Senator Palpatine? From Naboo?"

  "Yes," Qui-Gon confirmed. "Once he was informed of our impending arrival, he has been very concerned of your well-being and has made every effort to increase your protection while you are here. Beyond that though, the Jedi Council believes that with his influence in the Senate he'll be instrumental in bringing your plight to the attention of the Senate. He'll no doubt be able to guide you through the political landscape ahead and support your case against the Trade Federation."

  The Queen nodded, her eyes flickering with relief as she shoulders relaxed. "I hope his influence will be enough to sway the Senate."

  Qui-Gon reached out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder but seemed to think better of it and withdraw it. "Likely not by itself but his influence will be enough to sway some and there is a chance that his words can help to stir the Senate to action, your Highness. And, though the Jedi have no power or influence within the walls of the Senate, we will help where and if we can."

  Harry tuned out the Queen's response as he looked back out the viewport.

  As the ship descended lower towards the city's buildings, he watched as a landing pad came into view directly ahead of them, seemingly bustling with numerous bodies, no doubt all eagerly awaiting their arrival.

  Looking back, past Qui-Gon and Queen Amidala who were engaged in a conversation, Harry saw his mother staring out the viewport with an expression of equal parts wonder, excitement, and nervousness. As if sensing his attention on her, she looked down towards him and smiled slightly, before walking up to him and clasping his hand, a gesture which was more relaxing than he had expected it was going to be.

  "Thanks mum," he whispered, leaning in.

  Her response was cut off as the ship settled with a gentle bump and hiss. Looking up Harry saw Qui-Gon motion for Harry to join himself and Queen Amidala before motioning for his padawan to head to Harry's mom.

  Nodding to her and whispering that he'd be alright, he joined Qui-Gon and the Queen as they made their way to the center of the ship, arriving just as the ramp finished extending onto the landing pad below.

  Standing at the base of the ramp was the most intense man Harry had ever seen, his robes fluttering in the breeze, his stern demeanor making Harry slightly nervous.

  "Welcome, Master Qui-Gon," the man greeted, his deep voice resonating with authority, although it was gentler than Harry had expected. "It's good you managed to arrive without further issues."

  Qui-Gon bowed his head respectfully as they made their way down the ramp. "As am I. Thank you for meeting us, Master Windu. This is Queen Amidala of Naboo." He said, motioning to the Queen who greeted and thanked the Jedi Master. Once that introduction was done, Qui-Gon turned to Harry and motioned for him to step forward and join him. "And this is the boy I had mentioned. Anak–Harry."

  Harry watched as Mace Windu looked back to Qui-Gon momentarily before his eyes settled back onto him, a cross between surprise and interest on his face.

  However, before he could reply a figure stepped out from behind Mace Windu, surprising Harry not only for appearing but also due to his appearance, as while on Tatooine he hadn't seen or heard of any species that even resembled the individual that was slowly walking out from behind Mace Windu. While the individual was about as tall as the Jawas on Tatooine, or at least he might have been if he wasn't hunched over, he looked more like a green muppet than anything.

  But as surprised as Harry was, Qui-Gon's reaction was even more severe. "Master Yoda! You didn't have to come down here to greet us. Once we made sure that the Queen and her retinue were safely on their way, we were planning to come right to the temple."

  Yoda waved off the concern with a dismissive gesture. "No worries, there are. Still move, I can. Better than most think, I believe. Some things, worth seeing in person, they are." He turned to Queen Amidala his eyes twinkling with a warmth that Harry felt reminded him of Professor Dumbledore. "Goof it is, that safely you made it here, Your Highness."

  Queen Amidala offered a respectful now. "Thank you, Master Yoda. Your presence here is a great honor. Master Qui-Gon told us all about you on our flight. I truly appreciate your help in arranging this welcome party for us and certainly appreciate the timely intervention of the Jedi on Naboo, without whom I would surely have found myself a captive of Nate Gunray and the Trade Federation."

  As Yoda nodded amicably, a man in a billowing purple robe separated himself from the crowd of people behind the Jedi, immediately making his way over to Queen Amidala and introducing himself as Senator Palpatine. However, while the Queen seemed relieved by his appearance, Harry lost interest in him quickly as he reminded him of Fudge simpering over the next big thing and on top of that, out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw that Yoda was looking at him.

  Looking towards the ancient Jedi Master he watched as the Jedi nodded slowly after closing his eyes. "Strong in the Force this one is. Right you were, Qui-Gon to bring him here. A destiny, clearly, he has."

  Harry felt a slight shiver run down his spine at Yoda's words. He shook his head to rid himself of the feeling before he attempted to mimic Qui-Gon's greeting and bowed, passably albeit clumsier. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Yoda."

  Yoda smiled as he nodded, "Young you are. But potential, great it is." With that he turned around and began walking with Mace Windu towards the line of nearby speeders.

  Out of the corner of his eye he saw Senator Palpatine move suddenly which drew Harry's eyes to him and caused their eyes to meet. Almost immediately Harry felt a suffocating presence, a darkness that was more intense than anything he'd felt before. Unlike the wild and erratic evil of Voldemort, this was cold and calculating. Possibly what Voldemort might have felt like before he created all his horcruxes. However, the part that scared him the most was the probe that seemed to be pushing forward from the man. Reflexively Harry clamped down on his thoughts and emotions, using what he had learned regarding Occlumency that he had learned from Snape but more helpfully from the book he had spent several hours on while flying here that he had found in the Mokeskin pouch.

  And then, as quickly as it had come, the invading presence vanished and Palpatine smiled at him, a seemingly benign expression. However, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that the Senator was studying him.

  Before Palpatine could say anything, Qui-Gon placed a firm hand on Harry's shoulder startling him slightly and causing him to look at the Jedi Master.

  "Come Harry. There will be time to check in with the Queen later, but the Council has arranged temporary accommodations for you and your mother in the Temple where you can stay until a decision is made regarding your training."

  Harry nodded, before looking back, only to see that Palpatine was no longer looking at him but instead was leading Queen Amidala and her party towards another man who was surrounded by a small collection of individuals.

  Qui-Gon must have seen the questioning look on his face, as he followed Harry's line of sight to where Queen Amidala had entered into an animated conversation with the man, before looking back to Harry. "That's Chancelor Valourm, the leader of the Republic. Queen Amidala should be in good hands. He's sympathetic to the situation on Naboo, but his presence here is a good sign for the Queen."

  Harry nodded as he looked back to Qui-Gon who was looking over to where the Queen was. "I suppose the decision is yours though, you can either come to the Temple now or go with the Queen's party, I believe you have been forming a friendship with one of her handmaids … and then there is Jar Jar, so you will not be alone." He said with a smirk. "There will be some time, while the council debates before they are ready to meet with you."

  As he looked over to try and see Padme in the Queen's retinue he shivered involuntarily as his vision passed over Senator Palpatine again. The memory of the brief sensation he had gotten when they had first met was enough that he quickly looked back to Qui-Gon as he shook his head. "I'd like to come with you. If that's all the same to you."

  Qui-Gon smiled as he waved over Harry's mother who had been standing beside Obi-Wan and motioned for them all to head towards the speeder that master Yoda and Master Windu had just arrived at.

  As they caught up and boarded the speeder, Harry's mind was still reeling from the memory of the brief but intense meeting with Senator Palpatine. He thought about mentioning it to Qui-Gon, but the presence of the other Jedi and the complete lack of response they had towards the Senator made him hesitate.

  Almost immediately after they sat down, the speeder took off towards the Jedi Temple, and the concern over the Senator disappeared as he very quickly became caught up in the towering spires and grand architecture of the city.

  However, at that moment, unknown to harry, someone stood on the balcony ledge of the room that they had broken into, a room which had a clear view of a landing pad which was occupied by a certain Naboo Royal Starship. As the person watched the several speeders leaving the landing pad, they slowly brought up their arm to their mouth and spoke into a communicator that was cleverly sewn into the cuff of the shirt. "Eyes on the target."

  Kind Regards,

  FavoriteAuthor