A/N: Sorry for the prolonged time without an update, guys. I had very little access to a computer on my trip(s) and the one I did get onto didn't connect to the Internet very well. Needless to say, I have a chapter and a half for LWF and a couple other stories in the works. I've been converted into a Harmony fan, and I'm not entirely sure where I should put this story. If anyone has any input or would like to beta, that would be absolutely wonderful. I'm American, and I therefore don't have a complete grip on British-isms. I have an extra large chapter here for you now
Chapter 2: In Hindsight….
Harry led the way to the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione trailing behind, surprised at his outgoing personality. Suddenly, Harry stopped outside the doors to the Great Hall, turning to face his friends. "Before we go in, I'd like to have a chance to explain myself. In short terms, I've been a total bloody git lately, and I'd like to be given the chance to apologize. Also, judging from your looks, you're wondering if I'm broken or not," Harry chuckled at his comment, continuing, "And I would very much like to reassure you of my sanity."
"Harry," Hermione started, "We're your friends, and we don't need an explanation as long as we can see that you're alright, as you seem to be."
"That's total bollocks, Hermione. I can't believe that the great Hermione Granger, Smartest Witch of our Age, could shy away from the opportunity to learn why I suddenly and inexplicably have a joyous outlook on life," Harry scoffed, "It's totally unlike anything you've ever shown before!" Harry's voice became hard, "Besides, you need to know what's happened. It's imperative."
"Well, I for one would really like to know!" Ron, completely missing Hermione's glare, exclaimed. "I'd really like to know that my best mate isn't nutty!"
Hermione huffed at this, obviously annoyed, but she grudgingly agreed, albeit unhappily. "Fine then Harry, enlighten our deeply neglected minds and souls," she said with obvious and uncharacteristic sarcasm.
A number of hours earlier….
Harry woke up in a strangely familiar field. He felt oddly powerful, like all the ambient magic in the area was being drawn into him. He slowly stood up to further examine his surroundings and found out with a start where he was. Harry realized he was standing in the dead center of Stonehenge. Now, this Stonehenge wasn't the average circle of knocked over stones. Harry surmised that the circle he was currently standing in was what Stonehenge originally looked like. The stones were all upright, and though there was still an absence of walls, there were doors in the enclosed area under the arches. The doors were of all manner of materials: steel, wood, stone, even elemental doors with bronze handles. Looking up, Harry was surprised to see a sort of ceiling, with patterns carved into it through which light was filtering through.
Harry, busy examining his surroundings, completely missed the two figures that silently walked up on either side of him. With a jump, he noticed what was happening and tried to draw his wand only to realize he didn't have it for some reason. The two figures to the sides of him chuckled at his surprise. They were both dressed in flowing white robes, and both had white beards and very little hair. The two looked near exactly alike, and Harry found himself even more confused than before. Why is it that all the weird things happen to me, Harry silently wondered, I'd just love to have a normal dream for once!
One of the aforementioned figures spoke in a calm and warm voice, "Harry, it's rather nice to speak to you again. In case you're wondering as to my identity, I will ask you a question. Would you like a lemon drop?" The recently identified figure conjured a small bowl of lemon drops, smiling.
"Professor? How….. Godammit, does this mean I've up and died again? I hated it the first time. At least there's color now," Harry exclaimed, quite bewildered and just a little frustrated, "Am I really that fragile?" Dumbledore and his companion shared a glance and laughed.
"No Harry, you haven't died. You're simply having a very animated dream. Of course, if you should remember the last words I said to you in 'King's Cross' that doesn't necessarily mean that this isn't real. On another tangent, my friend and I have some things to tell you," Dumbledore stated with amusement twinkling in his eyes. The former professor's companion stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak.
"Hello Harry. I don't believe we've met, and I suppose it's a good thing we haven't. My name is known well in the world and has been for over a thousand years. I believe the majority of the wizarding population of the present would call you the 'most powerful wizard since Merlin.' Although, I have to disagree with this sentiment. You see, I would have to say that you are much more powerful than myself, albeit being my long-time descendant," The figure now identified as Merlin smirked at Harry's gob-smacked expression, "You see Harry, the 'pureblood supremacy' is a load of total bullocks. The power of a witch or wizard is directly related to their lineage, true, but the introduction of a non-magical or muggleborn renews and adds to the power of that witch or wizards. As time goes on, the more 'pureblood' witches and wizards become less powerful, as the same stale magic is passed through the family. The most powerful witches and wizards have always been half-bloods, quarter-bloods, or muggleborns. The most powerful wizards of your age and place are you, Albus here, and the recently deceased Tom Riddle," Merlin took on a disgusted look at the mention of Tom, "Unfortunately, Tom used his power for the wrong side, causing many an unnecessary death."
Merlin brightened a bit before saying, "You, on the other hand, have used your power solely for the light, never taking a life where it wasn't necessary. And what's more, you are still alive. Sadly, you have lost many of your friends and family to Death. That's why I have spoken long with Death and she has agreed to lend you a few concessions. You have a couple of options: you can bring back one of your family or friends from the grave without any of the unsavory effects from the Resurrection Stone, or you can restore one key member to each family that lost; and as such, Remus or Tonks would come back, Fred would return, and any other lost family members would make a miraculous recovery from Death. The choice is yours, Harry."
Harry thought about his choice for a while before giving his answer to Merlin. Merlin smiled and said in a deep, solemn tone "So mote it be." A large gong sounded before Merlin continued speaking. "The next concession Death has granted you is the changing of your love life. It has recently come under my attention that you have admitted your love to Ginerva Weasley. Now, it has been unearthed that while you were in your depression, she fed you Amortentia-laced food and water, forcing you to love and lust for her. We have spoken with your mother and father as well, and they have confirmed that the love you feel is not natural, as they share a familial connection with you even in death. Your father tells us to remind you that Ginny looks like your mother and that that should be enough to stop you from going into a relationship with her. We are unsure of how long this has gone on, but we believe the same has happened between Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, due to their unnatural relationship. We do not understand why Hermione would fall for such a person that she argues with constantly and is so drastically different from her."
"Death has agreed to make Hermione and yourself immune to the effects of love potions on the condition that you get together yourselves. Upon telling Hermione of this conversation, she will become aware of her poisoned state and feel a mysterious draw to you. Fate is angry with the two youngest scions of the Weasley line and will not prove kind to them in the near future. He has agreed to let you decide what to do to them." Merlin smiled a grim smile and looked expectantly at Harry, awaiting his reaction.
Harry looked gob-smacked at Merlin before his mouth started spouting obscenities about Ron and Ginny. Harry agreed to Death's concession vehemently, still spluttering about the betrayal of his 'friends'. Merlin waited for Harry to run out of breath before continuing.
"The final concession Death has agreed to is the wiping of any knowledge of her Hallows from the world. However, your wand will become the Elder Wand, you will keep the invisibility cloak, and the Resurrection Stone will be in your vault labeled as a valuable gem. We realize that you will object to this, but the world, including you, will not have any knowledge of the Hallows." Harry had a thoughtful expression on his face before agreeing. "Good, good, after you reveal this information to your friends Death will wipe it from your minds. Now that her 'gifts' so to speak are dealt with, it's time for my part. As my heir, you will have access to not only my vaults in Gringotts, but the vaults of three of the four founders: Godric, Helga, and Rowena. You will also have access to Salazar's vault due to Tommy's Horcrux. You will be the richest wizard in Britain, though we know you don't really care. In Salazar's vault you will find books on 'dark' magic and Parseltongue abilities, along with a full potions lab complete with rare ingredients long lost to the world."
"In Godric's vault, you will find tomes on transfiguration and charms, along with the occasional tome on soul magic. You will also find the personal journals of the four founders in his vault and his sword, which has now declared itself yours. In Helga's vault, you will find books on charms and prophecy, as well as a full wand-building station. In Rowena's vault you'll find books on every possible subject, Muggle and Magical. I'm sure that Hermione will love that one. In Rowena's vault you will also find magical portraits of the four founders that will prove useful in times to come."
"Finally, in my vault you will find the various deeds to houses and properties owned by your families, including Hogwarts. You will also find my familiar and my battle-staff. My familiar will bond to you upon your entrance. Take good care of her. My staff is yours to keep. It will increase your control over your magic, and will serve as your wand in the public eye unless otherwise specified," Merlin finished. He smiled warmly at Harry before sighing. "Sadly, our time together is drawing to a close. I'll see you again at the end of your long and profitable life, Harry. It's time to be happy again. Harry nodded before watching Merlin and Albus fade into the distance, waking up determined to change his life for the better.
Present
Upon finishing his tale, Harry simultaneously smiled at Hermione and scowled at Ron. While Ron was processing what was just said, comprehension dawned on Hermione's face and Harry soon found himself on the ground, a brown-haired missile on top of him kissing him fiercely. Ron gathered himself together and looked around in puzzlement before wondering where Harry and the mudblood had gone before looking down. A wave of rage replaced his puzzlement at seeing the new couple, and he roughly pulled Hermione away from Harry before jumping on Harry and trying to pummel him to death. Hermione, irritated with her separation at first, but then angry at Ron for trying to beat up her newfound love, pulled her wand on Ron and stunned him. Hermione worriedly kneeled next to Harry and cradled his head in her arms before he said, "I'm alright, Hermione. It's nothing worse than what the Dursely's did. Although, I could do with staying in this position for a while longer." Harry smiled mischievously and Hermione couldn't help but laugh as they shared their second kiss.
Harry turned serious at their parting. "Now, what to do about our pair of Weasels? I have a few ideas and then I'll turn them over to you, love." Harry said before turning to the prone form of his long-time friend and more-recent enemy. "Impotentia. Diligite soror." Harry cast the impotence curse and a curse to make Ron love Ginny and lust for her before turning him over to Hermione. Hermione smiled maliciously at Harry's choice of curses before pointing her wand at the Weasel's crotch and saying, "Pungens. Now our buddy here will have a permanent stinging in his bits."
Harry and Hermione smiled at each other before levitating Ron's prone form and walking into the Great Hall. Harry was looking forward to seeing the fruits of his choice as to whom to bring back from the dead. Hermione was looking forward to punishing the other Weasel for hurting her Harry.
A/N: And so it begins. I apologize if it's choppy in some points. I was just letting the story flow into the keyboard and onto the document. Another reason I need a beta. Spell check and Google Translate can only go so far :/.
