Author Notes: I know most of you are wondering how Dumbledore found out about Harry, with two being vocal about it (Thank you for the reviews though), but like I said this story is kind of...slow progress, so it won't be revealed yet (his sources I mean)! It will take some more chapters, I'm sorry if you feel frustrated by that, but its like Dumbledore to hide information, and I don't want to make his character unrealistic, whats an author to do? Private message you? :D
Chapter 6
Harry stared at the brown package in his hands. Dumbledore was waiting patiently near his bedside, fiddling with the garish multicolored threads of the bedside lamp and making small talk.
"I do enjoy studying fancy patterns. I believe these were ordered just two months back to give the Hospital Wing a bit of…..color. It was all too white according to some in the faculty."
"And red." supplied Harry, turning to directly face the man.
Did he really want to play cat and mouse with Dumbledore of all people. He could just have a heart to heart or as close to one as possible with Dumbledore, and get some of his doubts cleared.
"I really hate snooping around for scraps of information, when I can just as easily get it in one piece." began Harry, taking the blunt approach, there was nothing to lose.
"Don't we wish it were all that simple." sighed Dumbledore
"And I really have no patience for subtlety." admitted Harry, "So it would be for the benefit of both of us, if you reveal whatever game you've planned."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mischief, "I appreciate your straightforwardness, Harry, but I'm afraid I have no game planned, nor would I ever subject you to one."
"Then what's your ulterior motive, for helping me?" asked Harry, failing to stifle a yawn, "I'll be more willing to help if you didn't hide any secrets.
Dumbledore considered him for a moment. Harry tried not to flinch at the man's stare. He had decided, hadn't he? He wasn't going to beat around the bush, as he was new to the game of subtle manipulation and siphoning of information. He had decided on the blunt approach…for the present stretch at least
"I heard you got into a spot of trouble, with the Wviking Witches." said Dumbledore finally, "They are a voracious covey, have been completely untraceable for decades to the despair of the Ministry and rumors abound of their alliance with Grindelwald."
"And you think I got caught by them? Who's your source? Wait; forget I asked, you cannot tell me that, right? Source confidentiality and what not." said Harry, "How do you know they were the ones who kidnapped me?"
"I am quite certain they were the ones. It was unfortunate that you got caught by their lot and a surprise you managed to escape from them."
"And the reason for me posing as your nephew?" questioned Harry, "You know who I am and you know clearly well I'm not from this time, no doubt you found all that out through one of your sources"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily, "Yes, you could say that. I had my doubts, but thankfully you cleared them for me. If I daresay myself, you seem to know me well."
"Not as much as I would like" muttered Harry under his breath, "Well, seeing as you decided to help me out, I thank you. But the fact that your taking the trouble to conjure up a fake identity for me, somehow makes me feel you have something planned at the back of your mind. You wouldn't be willing to divulge it right now, will you?"
"I merely wished to help you, Harry. Your situation is one that not many find themselves in; it's an interesting concept that I wouldn't mind helping you with. By all means, you have every right to question my intentions, but that will get you nowhere and only lead to mistrust.
Harry thought over it, playing with the bindings on the brown package, before replying, "I could use your help, no doubt." he tilted his head to the side, contemplating, "My appearance for now, I'll take care of it, and altering charms are easy enough."
"I trust that it won't be difficult to change your appearance." agreed Dumbledore, "But it would be in your favor if I were present. I doubt you have ever met my family."
"I've seen most of them. How about brown? Brown hair, I don't have to change my eye color, it could be a paternal trait, and I'm planning to let the glasses go, faulty eyes seem to be a Potter trait as well. I am fairly capable of a hair straightening charm, has worked before so that shouldn't be a problem."
"You're capable of fixing your vision?"
"I have a spell well researched, shouldn't give me much trouble."
Well, since you have it figured out," said Dumbledore genially nodding his head, when he paused, "What is your age, Harry?"
"I'm nineteen." replied Harry lying through his teeth, "I guess now that I feel alright, I'll be leaving soon, well after the feast of course." he finished.
"And here I thought you'd be much younger." mused Dumbledore
"They say appearances can be deceiving."
"So they do, but just to prevent any suspicions arising, let's say your seventeen." said Dumbledore, scrutinizing him, before nodding, "Yes, you fit that age, perfectly."
"Nineteen." said Harry, laying stress on the one word, "And I can change my appearance to resemble the required traits of what people consider acceptable for a nineteen year old.
"No matter you'll pass for seventeen without difficulty."
Harry narrowed his eyes, at Dumbledore's continues insistence "It looks like you're planning to make me eligible for enrollment in Hogwarts?"
"Hogwarts is arguably one of the safest neutral homes, especially in times of hostilities. I merely wish to ensure you have shelter and secrecy from prying eyes of the Dark."
"So I just start Hogwarts in my Seventh year, as your nephew. And how lucky for me your going to be the Headmaster soon. Oh, my situation is going to raise a lot of questions with the Board of Governors."
"Everything has been taken care of with them. They did not give me much trouble."
"It's surprising how much trust you have in me. I could be an evil dark wizard rising for all you know." said Harry slowly, trying to gauge Dumbledore's reaction.
"You'll pardon me when I say I find that possibility preposterous."
"I'm a time traveler, and have yet to be asked any questions regarding the future." stated Harry, changing track, not at all pleased with the indulgent smile on Dumbledore's face..
"Are you disappointed at that, Harry?"
"Aren't you the slightest bit interested in the future?"
"No, there is no scope for adventure in a predestined future."
"Some others might not exactly share that viewpoint."
"I am glad you finally understand."
"Your grand plan," laughed Harry, "Keep the time traveler away from enemy hands."
Harry watched as Dumbledore headed for the doors.
"I just have one more question." said Harry, lifting himself up from the bed, so his view was unobstructed by the lamp on the bedside table.
"Ask away, Harry."
"Is your fashion sense unique, or does it extend to the family members as well?"
Harry was actually looking forward to life as a Hogwarts student. He knew all too well, Dumbledore was scheming to keep him close, but that shouldn't prevent him from doing his own bit of planning, as well as enjoying the new experience of a Hogwarts in the early 20th century.
And now that there was no interfering presence, Harry jubilantly tore open the package, to reveal a polished wand case, attached with a note.
"We look forward to hearing of your exploits together
OLLIVANDERS
Makers of Fine Wands
Since 382 B.C"
He took out the enclosed wand, fingering the small needle-like projections in the middle and waiting for a familiar warmth to rush through him. He felt nothing; the wand lay limp in his hand, giving no signs of magical acceptance.
Staring at the handsome bone-white wand, that had a comfortable hilt secured at its end, Harry felt disgruntled with the lack of response, the wand failed to produce any warmth or sparks. He twirled it a bit experimentally, but it could have been a stick for all his efforts.
Harry flicked his wand idly, sensing the wand grow colder in his hand, yet it was nice to hold in the warmth of the Hospital Wing; it was like eating ice cream on a sunny day.
"Hmm, let's see, which spell." mused Harry, when his eyes fell on the gaudy lamp cloth, "Waddiwasi" he said pointing the fair wand towards it.
He ended up suffering a mild migraine as a freezing sensation engulfed him just as instantly as the lamp cloth along with the lamp came flying towards him.
"Finite!" he hissed out through his pounding head. The lamp lost its momentum, falling on his lap.
Merlin, the wand was just the opposite of his old one. Instead of warmth he was greeted with icy chilliness. But it had worked perfectly for him; perhaps the cold was the wand's way of greeting. There was a slip inside the wand case, which blew tantalizingly close to Harry's hand, attracting his notice.
It was a description of the wand;
Aspen wand wood, 14 ½ inches,
Thestral tail hair
Lithe and caustic
Harry reclined his head cozily on the pillow, concentrating on the coldness radiating from the Aspen wand. He could just get used to its icy comfort. Wait, he had a feast to attend...
Author Notes: I was on vacation people, will be updating soon.