Professor Potter, Chapter 4
Harry was seated at his usual spot at the junior end of the Gryffindor table. It was the Monday evening after the Halloween Ball and the school was still buzzing with discussion about the unusual, at least as far as the student body was concerned, behavior of the dragon during its visit. A number of questions were directed to him during his classes that day and his two responses were 'perhaps it was trying to get a better look at the people it was protecting' or 'it wanted you to get a better look'. Both answers were deemed insufficient and the discussions continued.
Harry was working his way through some papers when he sensed more than heard someone approaching from his left side. He looked over and smiled a bit as Abagail moved to sit beside him. Every eye in the Hall had followed her progress and they were still darting over to catch a glimpse of guardian and ward as they sat side by side.
"Well, little one, how was your day? Did you get as many questions as I did?" Harry asked quietly.
"Not so many today, Harry. I think they've run out of ways to ask 'what were you thinking' or 'what was that all about' or 'what's a dragon's toenails feel like'," she said with a smile.
Harry thought he 'heard' an indignant snort from that corner of his mind when the word toenail was said.
"What have you been telling people?"
"I just said that I felt like the dragon was calling to me. I hinted that since I was the one who recognized it when the hybrid attacked and that it came to help that maybe a link had formed or something like that. With my history of psychic occurrences it sounds possible," she replied.
"I've noticed you getting more looks than usual."
"It's not a problem, Harry. I know you know what that's like," she said with a little grin.
"Oh yeah, that I do, and usually for things not nearly as cool as shaking hands with a dragon," he whispered.
Abagail laughed a breathy laugh and then fixed an appraising eye on her guardian and asked,
"And just what were you up to, Harry? What made you think to just hover there like that?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe I am a show-off after all," he said with a smirk. "Or maybe I was just trying to give them a better look. That the dragon is real and not necessarily something to be afraid of. You certainly helped there."
"If you say so, Harry," she replied with a smirk of her own.
"Hey, be nice," Harry laughed.
As the week progressed the novelty of the dragon's visit wore off and things returned to normal, or as normal as a castle full of witches and wizards in training could be. The first Quidditch match for Gryffindor took place that Saturday and while not spectacular, the results were solid. They played a see-saw match with Ravenclaw for over five hours until the Gryffindor seeker, Esmeralda Abercrombie, made an excellent catch of the snitch from a power dive that brought the stadium to its feet. Kreacher was making his presence felt and Bill Weasley was especially pleased.
As Harry settled more and more into the routine of classes and the interaction with his students, both formally in the classroom and informally in the Great Hall, his mood could best be described as contented. Despite all his prior misgivings he felt that he was in the right place at the right time and best of all, he was having fun. He was also looking forward to the upcoming Christmas holidays, the first with James. There was a bump in the initial planning, however, and it occurred on the Saturday after Halloween. Apparently, Grandma and Granddad Weasley hadn't gotten enough of James on Halloween night so they had dropped by Saturday afternoon for a visit. Arthur Weasley's reasoning that they had just taken the Popular out for a spin and 'happened to be in the neighborhood' was accepted graciously by Harry and Ginny but with a strong unspoken suspicion as well.
They were all sitting in the living room with James firmly in Molly Weasley's possession when the subject of the Christmas day festivities came up.
"Well, my dears, I guess we should give some thought to the upcoming holidays," Molly began. "I was thinking the other day that perhaps we should have it here. It's such a beautiful and spacious house."
"Absolutely not," was Harry's immediate and somewhat forceful response.
Both of his in-laws/parents and his wife looked at him with raised eyebrows. He coughed a bit and then said,
"Sorry, I didn't mean it to sound that way but you caught me by surprise. It's just that for me Christmas will always mean the Burrow. It's where I had my first real family Christmas and I don't think it would be the same anywhere else. I know the Burrow has the room and if it's a matter of the work, I'm sure that Kreacher and the others would be glad to lend a hand."
"Oh, it's not the work, Harry. I haven't gotten that old yet," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "I just thought that with how much we've all enjoyed the times we've gotten together here but I understand how you feel completely. Some things just can't be improved upon."
And that was that. Although later in the day Mrs. Weasley did take Harry up on his offer for the additional help. She may not have been old enough yet to really need the help but she was wise enough to accept it when it was offered.
As the first semester was coming to a close Harry had also received a few messages from Charlie keeping him up to date on what was going on with the investigation of the Mysteries Department. They continued to uncover some bits and pieces of the Hybrid Conspiracy as it had come to be known. The former Director was officially listed as a fugitive from justice as was the head of Games and Sports. The complex of tunnels and chambers continued to be explored with no positive findings beyond the spatial oddities.
Harry was happy to be able to consider the last issue as an academic curiosity. He was still a little bothered by the difficulty the investigators were having coming up with anything on the hybrid. He couldn't believe that anyone could cover their tracks so completely. But again he was able to keep it in perspective and not let it intrude on his work or time with his students.
Winter that year decided to come in early and hard with a savage two day storm during the first week of November. High winds and heavy snow hammered at the buildings and grounds. Herbology classes were suspended because it was too dangerous for the students to make the trek to the greenhouses. Hagrid had to conduct his Care of Magical Creatures classes in the Great Hall, making use of the huge pockets of his moleskin coat to bring the subject animals along. On the morning of the third day the storm had passed and a bright sun in a cold sky shone down on waist deep snow, broken tree branches scattered about the grounds and a layer of ice covering the lake. Everyone wondered if they were in for a repeat of the previous winter's ridiculous weather. Stan Shunpike could be seen shoveling off the steps for the front door and Hagrid was trudging with snow to his knees, breaking trails for the students.
Harry had stayed at the school and when he returned home the evening after the snow had stopped he was happy to settle into his favorite chair, a fire roaring in the library hearth with Ginny and James close by. He was sipping from a cup of after dinner tea and not giving the book on his lap much attention.
"How's the book coming, Gin?" he asked.
"We've gone through all the proofs, Harry. Abagail's illustrations are all done. Everything is in the hands of the publisher and they expect to have a few test copies for review in a couple of weeks. If all goes well we should have books available for next year's students if Professor McGonagall approves. She's getting a test copy as well," Ginny replied.
"So who gets credit for what?" Harry asked.
"Hagrid and Charlie get writing credits, Abagail illustrations, of course, and me for editing. We agreed on even shares of the royalties. Once we're sure everything is alright, Charlie and I will start in on his book," Ginny said. "You know, Harry, I don't think I've mentioned this but I wanted to thank you for suggesting this. I know I wanted to write about Quidditch but this has been a lot of fun and very satisfying."
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, Gin. I bet once word gets out about these projects you'll see an offer again. Maybe not from the Prophet, but someone will be interested. Who knows, you may even get around to writing a book about Quidditch yourself," he replied.
"Maybe," she said as she looked at her husband and then squinted a bit. "How are you doing, Harry? Things have been fairly quiet since the second week of school or so. It's not getting to be too routine is it?"
"Routine?" Harry said with a laugh. "You mean anymore routine than going through daily reports, weekly reports, monthly rotation assignments and meetings, meetings and more meetings. Not hardly. With three different classes and all those students asking questions, it's far from routine."
"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried you'd get bored and go looking for trouble," she said with a straight face.
"I don't recall ever actually going looking for trouble. It always seemed to find me," Harry replied just as seriously.
"Hmm, that reminds me of a muggle rhyme I heard once, something to do with your pants catching fire," she said and then started laughing, while Harry maintained his innocent expression and then went back to his reading.
But what he had said about his classes was indeed true. Whether it was his relative youth, or his accessibility and openness, Harry's students had long since gotten past any awe factor that Eleanor had alluded to over a year ago. While never disrespectful or overly familiar, not a one of them would think to call him Harry, they nevertheless frequently asked questions, challenged ideas and offered their own interpretations of what he presented. Suffice to say he was having the time of his life.
As the final weeks of the semester wound down Harry's sessions at the table in the Great Hall were slowly increasing in size. On a couple of occasions he was even coaxed into a game of wizards chess. His activities had not gone unnoticed by the Head. On Monday evening of the last week before the holiday break, Harry was just about to take his seat at the Gryffindor table when Professor McGonagall came to stand across from him.
"Good evening, Professor Potter."
"Good evening, Professor McGonagall. Is there something I can do for you?" Harry asked politely.
"Actually, I was thinking about whether or not we needed to do something for you, Professor," she replied.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"When you were here last year for your sabbatical there didn't seem much point in trying to provide you with an office. However, now that you are fulltime it would seem more appropriate for you to have one. But then I began to wonder if you would ever actually use it," she said, regarding Harry over the top of her glasses.
"You may have a point there, Professor. It's not like I have lots of books or artifacts that I need to keep at hand and to be honest I'd probably just wind up out here anyway," Harry replied.
"Yes, that's what I surmised as well. There is, however, the issue of appearance, Harry," the Headmistress said, in a lower voice. "One needs to consider the dignity of the position of a Professor at Hogwarts."
"Oh," Harry replied, somewhat taken aback. "I guess I hadn't thought about it in that way."
The Headmistress offered a small smile and she said,
"I can well imagine that you hadn't. It just seems to me that it is wildly inappropriate that the 'famous Harry Potter' should have his work papers spread all over the junior end of the Gryffindor table."
At the sound of 'the famous Harry Potter' he winced a bit and then said,
"I appreciate the thought, Professor. As I said I don't think I need the space but whatever you think is necessary I'll go along with."
"Thank you, Harry. We'll give it some thought and I'll talk to you again after the break."
With that she gave Harry a brief smile and with a nod turned and made her way out of the Hall. As he took his seat Harry shook his head a bit at the idea of needing to maintain appearances. He looked up to see several students who had been hanging back during the discussion edging towards him. He smiled and waved them over.
Shortly thereafter the semester ended. He and Abagail were going to take the Floo Network home. She had asked Harry if it was alright. The Express didn't have much allure for her anymore. It hadn't snowed again since the vicious storm in early November and the temperatures had moderated enough that all the snow had melted away. Their walk to the little house in Hogsmeade was short and uneventful and in short order they were stepping out of the small structure in the garden in the rear of the house.
"Welcome home, little one," Harry said as they approached the back door.
"Thanks, Harry. My favorite two words, 'welcome home'," she said, looking up at him as they walked the short walk.
Harry smiled and the door swung open, this time with Dinkle doing the honors.
"Welcome home, Master Harry, Miss Abagail."
"Hello there, Dinkle. Thanks," Harry replied.
As the two entered the kitchen, Ginny hurried to greet them, James in hand.
"Hey there, you two. Oh, Abagail, how I've missed you," Ginny said as she caught the girl in a one armed hug.
"Almost as much as I've missed you all. Hello there, baby James," she said as she kissed the infant on the forehead.
James returned the favor by grabbing a handful of her long dark hair.
"Hey, there, go easy on your big sister, I've only just got here," she laughed as she gently disentangled his fingers.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I should have warned you. He has a thing for long hair. Not unlike his father," she said with a smile aimed at Harry.
"For admiring, my love, not for pulling on," Harry said with a laugh as they made their way out of the kitchen.
"Let's get you upstairs so you can get settled, young lady. I assume that bag contains something special," Ginny asked.
"Yup, Christmas presents, so no peeking," she replied with a breathy laugh.
As had become custom they had all been invited to Christmas Eve dinner and then staying over for Christmas day. The overnight guests included Bill, Fleur and Victoire as well as George, Angelina and Fred. George claimed he needed the break since about mid-November there had been a big rush on the store for just about everything imaginable. He prophesied that it would be a very noisy Christmas all across Britain.
Victoire was in a near frenzy. She couldn't decide where to focus her attention. There was Harry, Fred and now James vying for her interest. Once Christmas Eve dinner was over and everyone was sitting in the living room, she would move from place to place, spend a few moments and then scurrying off to check on someone else. It wasn't too long before all the running about took its toll and she finally wound up on Harry's lap, curled up and sound asleep. As usual Harry was bracketed by Ginny and Fleur. Bill looked at him from the chair next to the couch and said,
"So, Professor, what have you heard from Charlie lately?"
"Not a lot, Bill. The last message said he would talk to me tomorrow. He wanted to compare notes on this spatial distortion business. He thinks it sounds similar to what we experienced with the portal the smugglers had been using."
"I suppose," Bill replied. "All I know is it felt awfully strange when we were down there. Almost like either the space or we didn't belong."
"I'm afraid I was a bit too distracted at the time to really notice anything. But I think I know what you mean."
The conversation drifted to other topics and before long it was time for everyone to head off to bed, for tomorrow was going to be an early one. The house elves were going to arrive early to start preparations for breakfast and a full house was expected and expectations were certainly met. With the exceptions of the Grangers and Johnsons, who were due for dinner, all the members of the extended Weasley clan were in attendance.
True to his word, once breakfast was concluded and the gifts distributed, Charlie was able to get Harry aside for a few moments.
"When you took that long trip through the portal, what did it feel like?" Charlie asked.
"Well, when I first stepped in it felt sort of like a portkey but not as strong and without the feeling of motion. A little dizziness, some discomfort in the stomach, that sort of thing. Once I moved off and started walking, I found it was easier with my eyes closed. It was pretty much all pitch black but not trying to focus seemed to help," Harry replied.
"How did you know where you were going then, Harry?" Charlie asked.
"The same way I followed that snitch in the blizzard my seventh year," he said matter-of-factly.
Charlie just gave him a blank stare.
"What? You never heard that story?" Harry asked.
"I heard about the crack up but not any of the details."
So Harry proceeded to explain to Charlie what had happened that day. As he did Charlie's eyes got wider and wider. When Harry finished Charlie could only shake his head.
"Is that how you found that hidden passage that started all this?"
"It helped. I think my other self had a lot to do with it, too."
With another shake of his head and a shrug Charlie returned to the topic at hand.
"It does sound similar to what we've been hearing from the Goblins. I've taken a few trips through some of the upper levels and it feels odd. They say the deeper you go the more pronounced the effect."
"None of the Heads had anything to offer. As best I can tell, none of the more recent ones ever had access to Mysteries and none of the rest ever remember hearing about those kinds of features anywhere other than under Gringotts," Harry offered.
"Well, we're going to give it some more time but I think in the end the Minister will probably wind up having the whole thing walled off. If the Goblins find any link to the vaults I suppose they can either seal it or use it as a way to expand," Charlie said and then paused before going on. "I was wondering if you might consider taking a walk through with me."
Harry paused to consider Charlie's request. He had to admit that his curiosity was aroused. He had spent a considerable amount of time and money acquiring books on magic. Here was the opportunity to investigate a truly unusual phenomenon. On the other hand he had spent a little too much time recovering from the effects of various 'phenomenon' that he had encountered so far in his life. He looked over and saw Ginny sitting with James in her lap, playing with a small plush toy that had been in his stocking. Then he looked back at Charlie and took a deep breath.
"Alright. We can go in tomorrow. I have to admit I've been curious about what you've mentioned in your messages. Are you inviting Bill to come along?"
"Already have," Charlie said with a smile.
"Ok, I'll meet you in the Atrium tomorrow at nine, how's that," Harry replied.
"Great, Harry. Who knows, you might find some lecture material down there," Charlie said with a laugh.
Later that evening after dinner most everyone had retired to the living room. Harry and Ron were seated across from each other at the kitchen table, a wizards chess set between them, as usual. What wasn't usual was Audrey and Eleanor were sitting next to them playing they're own game on a set that Harry had given to Eleanor for Christmas. While not as large or elaborate as the pieces on his set in his library, Harry made sure that they were spelled with the same style of speech. About half way through their match Eleanor leaned over, her shoulder touching Harry's, and said,
"I can't thank you enough, Harry. This is just about the best present I've ever gotten. How did you ever think of this?"
"Oh, come on, El. It was so obvious. You practically drool on the board in the library whenever you play," Harry said with a smirk.
Eleanor's eyes shot up and she slapped Harry on the arm and then laughed, saying,
"I never have. Although I have been tempted to make off with one or other of the kings."
Harry was about to answer when he was interrupted by a cough from Ron and when Harry looked at him he got a 'look' in return. Audrey glanced sideways at Ron and gave him an elbow to the ribs.
"Ease up, master of the board."
Harry and El burst out laughing. They continued to play until guests began to leave. The house elves left the kitchen spotless and after many hugs and kisses farewell the Burrow emptied leaving Mr. and Mrs. Weasley standing in the center of the living room. Molly looked around and then at Arthur and said,
"Seems a bit empty, doesn't it, dear?"
"It does, indeed," he replied.
"I wonder if perhaps we should get a cat?" Molly said.
Arthur looked at her, startled, and she laughed and hooked his arm and they went to bed.
Boxing Day at the Potter household the next morning was something of a non event since the idea of switching places with the master and mistress was as foreign to a house elf as flying to the moon. Harry had a big breakfast that morning, as usual and walked with Ginny to the front door.
"Harry, please be careful, won't you? I know that the Goblins have been through the place but I still worry."
"I will, love. If anything looks even the least bit out of place, I'll back off," Harry replied.
She gave him a kiss and watched him Disapparate from the front porch. When he arrived at the Ministry it was very quiet as it was a public holiday. Charlie was waiting for him but Bill had yet to arrive.
"Thanks for coming, Harry. I hope Ginny wasn't too bothered by it."
"I think she's a little concerned, but then again I think she's concerned every time I leave the house. I think she still believes I intentionally go looking for trouble," Harry said with a smirk.
Charlie laughed but didn't reply as Bill stepped out of one of the fireplaces. He smiled as he saw Harry and his brother.
"Ok, gentlemen, why don't we go see what we can find out?"
With that they entered an elevator and made their way down to the next level, the ninth, and went through the door into the much changed Department of Mysteries. The rotating foyer of sorts was stationary with several of the doors remaining open, the rooms having been emptied. Charlie led them back to the corridor that took them to the false chamber that masked the 'dragon' room, now stripped bare, and on to the first of the underground chambers. Harry stood and looked around, taking in the numerous passageways that opened on the chamber. He saw the small bridge over the deep chasm. He also could feel some strange sensations, almost like goose bumps but under the skin. Then a thought occurred to him.
"Charlie, whatever happened to the dragon eggs?"
"It turned out they were all viable so I made arrangements with some of my contacts to get them back into the wild. We're hoping most of them will hatch, but we don't know yet," Charlie said.
Harry just nodded and went back to trying to feel what was going on. With a hand gesture, Charlie suggested they get started. The three wizards walked across the bridge and Harry stopped for a moment. Something tugged at the edge of his awareness but it passed as they reached the other side. They began to walk into one of the passageways. Harry could feel a slight lurch of sorts. Not entirely similar to what he had experienced before but close. They continued to walk in a straight line for perhaps ten minutes when the opening appeared. As they approached Harry scowled and when they walked out his eyebrows went up. Directly in front of them was the same bridge they had just crossed.
"See what I mean? You swear you're walking in a straight line and here you are. What do you think?" Charlie asked.
"That was certainly unusual," Bill said quietly.
"It did feel a lot like that portal, but not entirely. I felt something coming over the bridge, too. But at least the dragon is quiet. I don't think there's any danger, at least not up here," Harry said.
"Let's head down a bit then. The Goblins say it feels stronger the lower you go."
Charlie led them through another passageway and they definitely knew they were heading downward. The tugging at his senses he first felt on the bridge started to pull at him again. After about fifteen minutes of walking they came out into a smaller chamber that had more openings irregularly spaced around the walls. He slowly walked around the chamber pausing at the entrance to each one. When he approached the other two wizards from the opposite side Charlie raised his eyebrows, inviting a comment.
"There's something. I can't get my hands around it but there's something, almost like a tickling at the edge of my mind. Hang on a minute."
Harry took another circuit of the chamber and then walked back to an opening slightly to the left of directly across from where they came in. Harry nodded and his brothers followed him. The passage was only about a hundred feet long and came to a dead end. The wall at the end didn't look any different from the sides but it 'felt' different to Harry. He stepped up to it and as he reached out, he heard Bill from behind him,
"Careful, Harry."
He nodded without looking back at the two and placed his hand on the rock face. It was warm, not uncomfortably so, but warmer than it should have been. He reached with his other hand to the side of the passage and the rock was definitely cooler. He brought the second hand in contact with the rock face and he felt the rock soften. He applied a little pressure to his hands and found that the rock was giving way and then before he could react he felt himself being pulled through the supposedly solid surface. He barely heard a shout from Bill and then nothing.
A brief instant of darkness was followed by a dull blue glow that resolved itself into a clear view of another chamber, the air accented with fading sparkles. Harry remained standing where he was, examining his unexpected surroundings with all his senses, magical as well as mundane. There was no sound but at least the sense of his other self was quiet.
"Greetings, whoever you are. If you would come forward, in your own time," an oddly accented voice called to him.
Harry slowly walked toward the sound of the voice. The chamber opened up to Harry's left and as he moved into the space he saw the speaker. The individual he saw was resting in a semi-reclining position on a couch of sorts. By comparison, the dark wizard Harry had encountered in Romania was a teenager. The figure was draped in a black robe that may have fit at one time but was now several sizes to big. The face was mix of hollow cheeks, sunken eyes and wrinkles everywhere else. But the eyes still had a sparkle to them and the voice had not been that of an ancient.
"Please, come forward," the voice said. "I mean you no harm. Quite frankly, even if I did, I don't believe I could cause you any."
The voice betrayed a touch of humor as well as some bitterness. Harry stepped closer. The chamber was smaller than the others he had seen and was quite spare. Besides the couch, there was a small cushioned stool.
"Please, come sit beside me. No need to stand."
"Thank you. Might I know the name of the person I'm sitting beside?" Harry asked as he perched on the stool.
He was still trying to get a sense of who the wizened man, or so he assumed, was. The dragon was aware but quiet and Harry took that as a good sign. The stool was positioned so that the two could regard each other without the need to turn their heads. Harry wondered if he old man could move.
"I have had many names, in many places, and in many languages, young fellow. Perhaps the one that you would most easily recognize is Merlin."
Harry sat and stared for a moment and then smiled a bit.
"You doubt the truth of my words?" the ancient asked, his lip curled up in a very small smile.
"I mean no disrespect but for that to be true you'd have to be well over fifteen hundred years old," Harry replied.
"That number has no meaning for me. As for you it is in error by many times, but for the sake of argument, assume it to be true. Would you return the favor and tell me your name, my young friend."
"My name is Harry Potter, sir."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, young Harry. How is it that you found your way to my retreat?" 'Merlin' asked him.
Harry explained the investigation of the tunnels and chambers as the ancient regarded him. When he was done Harry asked,
"If you don't mind my asking, how long have you been here?"
"Again, the number has no meaning, but suffice to say far too long."
"How is it then that you speak, I'm not sure how to say this, well, like I do."
"Ah, an interesting piece of magic that. The moment you entered this chamber our understandings were aligned. Had you come here fluent in ancient Sanskrit we would still have been able to communicate."
Harry nodded, reminded of the lecture hall at Beauxbaton that allowed him to deliver his talk in English but everyone else heard the French translation. The enchantment here simply went beyond that by an order of magnitude or two. He was silently amazed.
"You said that I would know you by Merlin but you imply you have been others in the past?" Harry asked, his curiosity definitely piqued.
"Allow me to give you some idea, my young friend."
What followed for Harry was a tale rooted in the depths of time. It began with a boy born of a tribe of nomadic herdsmen. At a relatively young age the tribal shaman recognized a quality in him and began to initiate him into the mysteries of nature, the ways of bird and beast, and the lessons to be extracted from the night sky. In time he had come to replace the shaman. But all his knowledge was not enough to protect his tribe from an onslaught of marauders who killed most of his people, enslaved those who survived and left him for dead. He awoke in the camp of primitive hunter gatherers who, once he had recovered, came to regard him as a deity of sorts. This was perhaps enhanced by the fact that he had come to outlive several generations of the small band.
"For all the time I've been given to investigate the manner of my existence, I've never been able to understand the cause of my longevity, Harry. I've seen the rise and fall of civilizations. I've advised and mentored chieftains, warlords, emperors and kings. I've plumbed the depths of natural and supernatural phenomenon the world over, but the thing I know the least about is myself."
"I've felt that way a time or two in my life," Harry replied softly.
"It comes of being human, I fear, young Harry. Now, tell me something of yourself."
So Harry presented a much shorter tale, starting with what he knew of that night he first encountered Voldemort and what followed until he appeared in the chamber. The two wizards sat regarding one another across a vast chasm of years and experiences. The ancient who proclaimed himself Merlin gave Harry a brief smile and said,
"It would appear that the fates have shown me their favor at last. For one so young you've had an incredible career so far, young Harry. The dragon aspect of your nature is truly amazing. I am of course familiar with properties of animagic, I knew a few, but nothing of that nature. Based on your description it would seem you embody the essence of the Greater Dragons. They have been gone for a very long time but were said to be larger and more intelligent than the more common Lesser Dragons that remain to this day. Quite astounding. I have found your forays into the places between life and death of particular interest. I am of a mind to seek your aid, a barter so to speak."
"What aid could I possible give you, sir?" Harry asked.
"Do not misjudge the situation, young Harry. While it is true I once was a towering figure of might, as we sit here today, I am a pale shadow of what I once was. Your strength far exceeds my own, though you are but a small part of what you will likely become in the fullness of time," the ancient wizard said and then with a small laugh continued. "I see you don't believe me, at least about yourself, and perhaps that is to the good. I simply ask you recall these words in later life and admit the truth. But you seek to know the bargain. It is this. In exchange for my most prized possession you will help me recall that which I have forgotten and most desperately seek to recall."
"I'm afraid I don't understand," Harry replied in confusion.
"The fault is mine, dear friend. Millennia of dealing in the mysteries of the world and foibles of humanity have made direct speech a difficulty for me. This is my most prized possession," Merlin said while he made the smallest of gestures with a wrinkled finger.
A small section of the rock wall to the wizard's side opposite Harry opened and a large tome appeared in the niche that was revealed. The leather binding was dark with age but to Harry's senses it radiated with a power of its own.
"That is the record of my life's work from the time when writing was first developed. It is yours if you can assist me. You'll find the later parts easy enough to comprehend. The earlier sections may prove a challenge but I will tell you that a key exists to unlock those parts should you have the patience and powers to unlock them."
"Its value is incalculable, sir. What can I help you remember that is worth that? You've probably forgotten more than I'll ever know in my lifetime." Harry asked, truly perplexed.
"I think you have overstated the matter, my friend. It is a simple, yet perhaps the most profound thing of all, young Harry. I can not remember how to die."
Harry sat dumbstruck. Was this, possibly the greatest mage of all time, asking Harry to kill him?
"No, Harry. I see the question in your eyes. You have not the nature of the executioner in you and that is not what I ask. By your own words you have had contact with the other side of the Veil a number of times. I need you to show me the way."
"Are you sure, sir?"
"Harry, look at me, look around you. I've outlived my usefulness by centuries. I exist in a place frozen in time, barely aware of the passing of the years outside the bounds of this, my last domain. It would be the greatest kindness imaginable for you to show me the way home."
Harry looked into the deep set eyes, almost able to watch the passing of the eons they had witnessed. He knew it was something he had to do, but he wished he had Abagail there to help. He nodded and said,
"I will try to do as you ask. I can't ensure success but we will try. Are you ready?"
"I've been ready for more years than you can imagine, young Harry. Do what you must and I will follow as best I can," Merlin said.
Harry settled onto the stool more squarely, wishing he had his library chair there. He took a deep breath and willed himself to relax. He tried to picture that place where Abagail and he would meet in his minds eye. He could feel the lassitude wash over him and he sunk into that place between wakefulness and sleep. As best he could he sent out his thoughts seeking the one image that he thought was closest and most likely to respond. His thoughts contained the single worded question he hoped would work.
"Mother?"
He tried again.
"Mother, are you there?"
The formless gray began to swirl, not unlike when he was in coma after the battle with the first hybrid. Out of the shifting patternless mists, if that's what they could be called, a single figure stepped forth. The slender frame, long red hair and brilliant green eyes captured Harry's full attention.
"Harry, my dear boy. I heard you call and thought not to come but it was suggested to me that this time it would be safe. Why are you here?" Lily asked.
"I need your help to help someone else, Mum. I need you to guide someone to the other side."
"Harry, dear. I can't help someone do such a thing. That's the same as suicide," Lily replied.
"No, Mum, it's not. Please try and understand," Harry said and as succinctly as possible told his mother what had just occurred.
When he was finished he looked at his mother and said,
"He needs our help, Mum."
Lily made to look over her shoulder, back into swirling gray behind her. When she looked back she wore a small smile and her eyes danced a bit.
"This explains much, Harry. Alright, I'll be his guide. Can you bring him here?" she asked.
"I'll try," Harry said but before he could try the form of the wizened ancient appeared standing next to him, his spirit apparently much stronger than his physical self.
"My apologies, young Harry. I never was able to break my habit of eaves dropping," Merlin said, the deep set eyes now ablaze, his lips curled in humor. "And this must be your mother, the eyes tell it all."
"Yes, sir. This is Lily Evans Potter, mum," he said with a gesture, "this is the wizard we know as Merlin."
"The best known, perhaps, for there were several to bear the title," Merlin offered. "Harry, you have done me service beyond all others. I trust you will use what you learn well. I'm sure you will."
"Thank you, sir, I will try my best," Harry said and then turned to his mother. "Thank you, Mum. I love you."
"I love you, too, son. We all do. Know that we are always close."
"I know," he replied, his eyes filling.
The spirit of the ancient wizard stepped away from Harry and walked to stand by Lily. His movements gave lie to his great age and his smile was almost boyish as Lily hooked her arm in his and with a last look at her son, led the greatest mage there ever was out of sight of possibly the greatest mage to ever be.
Harry stayed and watched the gray mist swirl to erase any evidence of their passing and then with a sigh he began to return to the world of wakefulness and just before he became aware of the room he thought he felt a light touch from a familiar source. He sat on the stool and looked at the couch, now covered by the now empty black robe. There was no trace of any bodily remains. He stood up and walked over to the small nook in the rock wall and slowly took hold of the book, as if afraid it too would disappear but it remained solid, if aged. He lifted it and found it to be heavy but manageable.
He turned and began moving back to the rock face he had first passed through and wondered in passing how long he had been here and how Bill and Charlie were doing. When he was near enough to the wall to touch it he placed one hand flat on the rock. This time it only took the one hand and he felt the rock soften and with a light push he was pulled through again. As he stepped into the passageway he nearly ran into Bill who was rushing forward with a shout.
"Harry, good lord, what happened? Where did you go?" he said.
"Apparently, this wall was spelled to transport someone. I wound up in a smallish rock chamber. I found this book there," Harry said, his voice a little distant. "How long was I gone?"
"Almost no time at all, Harry," Charlie replied. "You disappeared into the wall and were back out about two seconds later."
"Hmm, it felt like a lot longer," he mused.
"Harry, are you ok?" Bill asked.
"I think so, Bill. I just need to think about what went on in there."
"What about the book, Harry, do you think it's safe?" Bill asked.
"I'd think so, but maybe we should check. Why don't you try Specialis Revelio?" Harry suggested.
Bill nodded and produced his wand. He tapped the tome in Harry's hands and spoke the words. As Harry suspected, nothing happened. Charlie's face looked troubled.
"What's wrong, Charlie?" Harry asked.
"Well, I'm not sure if that book shouldn't stay with the Ministry."
Harry smiled a bit and said,
"I won't say something as silly as finders-keepers but I think in this case I'd have to insist on holding on to it. I'll keep you up to date on what I find out."
Charlie looked at Harry, the serious set of his mouth and something about the eyes he had never seen before. It wasn't as if the dragon was trying to emerge but more like Harry had seen something no one else ever had and would likely be forever changed by it. He nodded.
"Alright, Harry. If we can't trust you with it, we can't trust anyone. I think we've done enough today. I think maybe we should all head out to the Meadows to make sure you get home, Harry. You look a little dazed," Charlie said.
"And a little confused, too. Let's go home. You can stay for lunch," he said with a bit of his usual dry humor.
They went back up to the Atrium, leaving behind the odd feelings. Harry had noticed that as soon as he had come out from the rock face he no longer felt the tugging on his awareness. They took the floo network back to the Meadows and when Kreacher opened the back door for them he looked at Harry and instead of the usual welcome home he said,
"All is well, Master Harry?"
"I think so, Kreacher. Did you sense something?"
"For the smallest moment it felt like Master Harry had gone very far away and then back again," the little house elf said.
The two brothers following along behind looked at each other and nodded a bit. Harry carried the heavy book through the kitchen and in to the library where he took it and set it by itself on a shelf. Then he stepped back and looked at it. He was interrupted when Ginny and Abagail rushed into the room.
"Harry, did something happen in those caves? Abagail said she felt something odd, but just for an instant."
Harry nodded and said,
"Yes, something odd happened. Nothing dangerous but very unusual."
He explained about getting pulled through the rock face, then finding the book and returning. He didn't mention any of the rest. He needed time to think about it. He also needed to go see Professor Dumbledore for a serious discussion. Ginny walked up to the book but didn't reach out to touch it.
"It feels a lot older than it looks. Does that sound silly?" she asked.
"No, love. You're probably right, as usual. I'll need to study it to figure it out," he said, honestly but still evasively.
Abagail said nothing but simply stood back regarding Harry with those big, bottomless eyes. Harry mentioned something about lunch. Ginny nodded and then took both her brothers by the arms and led them out. Before joining them, Abagail came over to stand by Harry as he continued to look at the book. Without looking up at him she said,
"This is like the dragon, right Harry? You need some time before you can tell us everything?"
He looked down at her and said,
"That's right, little one. This could be much more important than the dragon will ever be. What did you feel? I thought you were there right at the end."
"I'm not sure, Harry. In real time it was just an instant, but as I think about it, it seems like it went on a lot longer. I know you went to that place but I couldn't get there. It also seemed like your mother left the house for a while. Not to mention the sense of a very strong presence near you for most of it," she said and then she looked at him, seeing his eyes, and just nodded.
"Come on, Harry, let's go get something to eat," she said as she took hold of his arm and steered him away from the book and out of the library.
They paused as Harry closed the door. Abagail took out her wand and tapped the door and muttered 'Collaportus'. Harry nodded this time and they walked into the kitchen.
The rest of the holiday break passed without incident. The book remained on the shelf. Harry was not ready to begin probing it's mysteries until he had a chance to talk to the former Headmaster but he wasn't going to rush that encounter. He needed time to think about what had occurred and prepare the kinds of questions he needed answers to.
He and Abagail returned to school that Monday morning. He got through his classes without any problems but his students noticed he wasn't quite the same, appearing somewhat distracted. After dinner, at which he only ate two servings, he made his way to the Room of Requirements. He was sure he was never more in need of the room than this night. When he swung open the door he was relieved to see it ready. There was a large chair, the empty picture frame and this time, a small hearth below the frame, with a cheery fire blazing away.
Harry sat down and spent a few moments staring into the fire, as he often did when he was ill at ease and then looked up and said,
"Sir? Professor Dumbledore, are you there?"
"Harry? Is that you?" a voice called from beyond the side of the frame.
"Yes, sir. If you have the time I really need to talk to you."
"One moment, my boy."
Harry looked back down at the fire until he heard the voice more clearly.
"Harry, what can I do for you?"
When Harry looked up, Dumbledore had that small smile and his eyes twinkled from behind his glasses. The smile faded when the former Headmaster saw Harry's face.
"You appear deeply troubled, my boy."
"Yes, sir. I am. Something happened during the break and as usual, I need your advice."
"As always I am completely at your disposal. Please, tell me what happened, in your owe time," Dumbledore said.
And so Harry did. He told his mentor everything that had occurred and every word that was spoken and ever sensation he felt. He left nothing out. When he was done he sat back deeper into the chair and waited. Dumbledore regarded him over the tops of his glasses.
"Truly amazing, Harry. Were it anyone other than you I would suspect subterfuge. Such an encounter is without parallel, to my knowledge. One can only begin to imagine what that tome contains. The work of a lifetime, several times over perhaps."
"Yes, sir. The translations of the early parts are likely such an effort in themselves," Harry replied.
"But it's not the work, or even the tome that has you concerned, is it, my boy?" Dumbledore said.
"No, sir. It wasn't easy seeing and talking to my mother like that, for one thing. But it was the right thing to do; he was so tired, so worn out. He never did tell me how he came to be in that chamber, or how he survived. I didn't see food or water or anything. He did mention something about being frozen in time. Maybe that explained how I spent so much time talking to him and Bill and Charlie only seeing me gone for an instant, but still his mind was clear. It must have been so lonely," he said looking down into the fire again.
"I believe it was an act of great kindness, Harry, and fully in keeping with your nature. But that's not the issue, either, is it?"
"No, sir. It's what he said about the two of us. He said that as I am now, with all I can do, the dragon, all of it, it's only a small part of what I might become someday. I'm getting that overwhelmed feeling again, I think," he said with a little smile.
"That too is in keeping with your nature, Harry. Those of us who have watched you mature and have had the chance to interact with you and discuss your various adventures and exploits," he said casting a brief glance off to the side of the picture frame, "have often commented on your extraordinary potential. Now add to that the legacy of that book, it would not be out of keeping to say your future could have no parallel. But you should take some comfort my boy. In keeping with your nature, I don't feel I would be remiss in saying that you have little to fear. As you have in the past you will likely continue to use whatever power and knowledge you amass for the good of the community."
Harry looked up to see Dumbledore regarding him with a kindly smile.
"I would hazard to think that anything you discovered concerning beneficial properties of plants would be shared with Mr. Longbottom, yes?"
"Of course, sir."
"And St. Mungo's would benefit from any healing spells or potions you uncover?"
Harry nodded.
"And on and on. Do you remember what we talked about that day, after you rescued your Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets?"
"Yes, sir. That life was about the choices we make," Harry said.
"That's right, my boy. As far as I know, you have never failed in the choices you've made. You have also surrounded yourself with a family that will support you to the very end. I think I am right when I say that your benefactor could have found no one better to pass on his incredible legacy."
Harry's eyes darted back to the fire and then up to meet those of Dumbledore's. He smiled at bit once more and then said,
"It's going to take a pretty big pair of shoulders to bear the weight of this responsibility."
"Perhaps those of a dragon, my boy?" Dumbledore replied and then he laughed a throaty chuckle. "It's almost ironic in a way, too, Harry."
"How do you mean, sir?"
"For all that time in your second year, many thought you were the Heir of Salazar Slytherin. Now it seems that you were destined to be the heir of Merlin."
Harry could only nod, smile a bit, and then stare back into the flames, hoping to catch of glimpse of the future.
