AN: I own nothing of the Harry Potter Universe, if any one out their that dose see a scratch from HP please dont sue me, im poor! Enjoy
PS shout out to reviewer Neko4, this is whats next.
Chapter 7: CONVERSATIONS
"His vitals are dropping" yelled Dr Granger. "Remus in my bag, get the wooden box." Remus handed him the box. Dr Granger opened the box and took out a hypodermic syringe and a small vial. "I'm giving him ten CC's of adrenalin." Dr Granger injected Harry.
"No change" said Remus.
A loud klaxon sounded. "His heart has stopped beating!" Madam Pomfrey declared.
"Hermione, commence CPR." Dr Granger ordered. He passed a breathing mask and bag to Madam Pomfrey. "Healer Pomfrey, hold this over his mouth, after ten compressions squeeze the bag twice."
After a few rounds of compressions Remus cast a diagnostic charm. "No change."
"Hermione keep going." Dr Granger ordered as he turned to Dumbledore's defibulator. "Let's hope this works. Charging to one hundred." He declared as he moved the paddles to Harry's chest. "CLEAR!" Dr Granger administered the shock.
"No change" Remus declared.
"Recommencing CPR" Hermione called out.
"Charging to one-fifty" Mr Granger stated. "CLEAR" Harry was jolted from the shock.
"No change" Remus repeated.
"Resuming compressions" Hermione repeated.
"Charging to two-fifty." Dr Granger stated. "CLEAR!" he administered the shock and the klaxon stopped.
"I've got something" Remus declared.
"Poppy, keep bagging him." Dr Granger instructed as he placed the stethoscope to Harry's chest again. "There is a heartbeat. It's strong!"
Madam Pomfrey began casting diagnostic spells. "His magical reserves are getting stronger, his heart is beating and his brain activity is normal." She finished, relieved. "Thank you everybody."
"Poppy" Dumbledore began, "Has the danger passed?"
"For now, but with Mister Potter the next catastrophe could be right around the corner."
"Indeed. I suggest we now concentrate our efforts on determining the cause of Mister Potter's coma."
"I have an idea." Declared Dr Granger.
"Then please feel free to tell us." Dumbledore said.
"If I could borrow Remus, I may be able to get hold of the schematics for an MRI machine. Assuming that you will be able to backwards engineer it, the machine will allow us to monitor Harry's brain activity."
"Interesting." Dumbledore said. "If you have no objections Remus?"
"None. This should be interesting." Remus said.
Harry opened his eyes. "What the hell?" he asked.
"Ah, Sir Harry how are you feeling?" Merlin asked.
"I don't know. I think I should be in pain, but I'm not."
"I do believe Sir Harry, that your friends in the physical realm have found away to save your life. Your physical body is on the road to recovery. Do you feel able to continue our conversation?"
"Yes Sire." Harry replied.
"Good. Now the Manturus is split up into three Rituals. First is the Ritual of Knowledge, the second is the Ritual of Power and the final Ritual is known only as the Quakeaning.
"Each Ritual will take approximately a day to complete and you will have time in which to sleep between each of the Rituals." Merlin explained.
"Ok. Can you tell me about the rituals?" Harry asked
"I can tell you about the Ritual's of Knowledge and Power but the Quakeaning is unique to each individual who undergoes it.
"During The Ritual of Knowledge you will receive tutelage from each of the Founders. I will impart wisdom of old and ancient magic's, Godric will teach you of your other birth right as well as magical and muggle military techniques and Morgana will inform you of Prophecy Lore, Avalonian Lore and The Reason.
"Once you have received this knowledge, using magics so ancient and powerful they have been lost to your realm for a millennia we will infuse this information to your subconscious mind and you will be able to recall this information whenever you wish. The Ritual of Power is where we will infuse you with some of our very own magics which will amplify your own power and skill.
"But before any of that you will be given a simple choice . Do you wish to undergo the Ritual's? Should you decline you will find yourself awake in the Hogwarts infirmary with no memory of what has transpired here and you will be forced to fulfil the Prophecy on your own and you will surely fail.
"This is a momentous decision Sir Harry. To help you make it you will be given a period of time to reflect and meditate."
"This is what I want. I need to defeat Voldemort and this is my best shot."
"Indulge us in our ways Sir Harry. Would you like me to explain the process to you?"
"Please"
"Very well." Merlin began. "You will be taken back to the Veil Room where you may call upon any one, be they in the After Life or still in your physical realm to discuss your options, send a message or simply just to talk. You will have six hours. Use this time wisely." Merlin glanced at an hour glass on his desk. "That means at exactly eight thirty seven this evening you will be ready to make the Choice."
"Any one?" Harry asked.
"The Lady Morgana will explain everything to you when she takes you to the Veil Room." Merlin explained as the door to his study was silently opened. Harry could since some one standing behind him but dared not look round. "Ah my dear Sister, we were just talking about you." Merlin said by way of greeting.
"Is Sir Harry ready dear Brother?" she asked.
"Are you ready Sir Harry?" Merlin repeated.
"Yes Sire." Harry replied.
Lady Morgana held out her arm to Harry as she led him from the room.
"Did my brother explain how the Consultation works?" Lady Morgana asked leading Harry down a corridor.
"No My Lady. Lord Merlin said you would explain." Harry answered. A suit of armour they walked past bowed with a clank of steel.
"I am taking you to the Veil room. We are offering you great power, a power which requires you to completely dedicate your life to the cause of the good and the light."
Harry took a moment to collect his thoughts as they turned left and began to descend a spiralling staircase. "With great Power comes great responsibility" Harry said grinning.
The lady Morgana looked taken aback. "Did the great Greek philosopher Aristotle say that?" she asked.
"No, My Lady. It was the great writer Stan Lee" Harry replied.
"Indeed. Thy quotation is indeed apt. You must first seriously reflect upon this decision. To aid you in this, you will be allowed to call forth from the Veil anyone you wish from either the living realm or from the afterlife. They will be able to stay with you for as long as you wish but you may only call forth two at a time." Lady Morgana finished.
"Will they remember?" Harry asked.
"Truthfully Sir Harry, I do not know. Their is a guide inside the room who will explain the process more fully." They finally reached the bottom of the stairs.
The Lady Morgana unlocked and opened a door. "I may go no further. This corridor leads to a dread portal. Knock three times and only three times. The guardian will ask you for a password. The password is 'Reflective Guidance'."
Harry nodded his understanding and turned to go through the door but Lady Morgana held onto his arm.
"Abide a moment Sir Harry. I wouldst speak with thee further. Your Grandfather told me that you sent an owl shortly before your suicide attempt. Wouldst this owl be being sent to your beloved Guinevere?"
"My beloved who?" Harry began, "I don't know any one called Guinevere."
"I believe you know her as Ginny?"
"My Lady, the letter was sent to Hermione. I don't love Ginny."
"Do you love Hermione?" Lady Morgana asked plainly.
"Yes" Harry whispered.
"Then Sir Harry, may I offer you one last piece of guidance?"
"My Lady," Harry began grinning impishly "surely there is no man on life that would allow your council fall on deaf ears."
The Lady Morgana let out a rich throaty laugh. "Sir Harry, your pretty speech couldst have fallen from the lips of your ultimate grandfather, my own beloved brother Lord Gryffindor. My advice to you Sir Harry is to tell your Lady Hermione what is in your heart. Now Sir Harry I must take my leave of you. Good luck."
Harry reached the portal at the end of the corridor and knocked three times. After a few seconds a viewing hatch opened in the centre of the door.
PASSWORD? The voice appeared in Harry's head without even bothering to go past his ears.
"Reflective Guidance" Harry stated clearly.
PASS FRIEND! The door opened and after taking a breath entered the room.
"And you say he wants to know about the blood protection around the Dursley's home?" Dumbledore asked Snape.
"Yes Headmaster. Do you want me to try and feed false information?"
"No Severus. Tell them the truth the protection will fail in time, but as to when that time is you do not know and have no way to find out. Their is little point in risking trouble if it is unnecessary." Dumbledore decided.
"And what of Potter?" Snape asked. "Did Granger do the job?"
"Indeed. Harry's coma can now only be mystical." Dumbledore replied.
"Any theories?"
"I do, many in fact. As does Miss Granger." Dumbledore beamed as he handed Snape his letter. Snape read it and raised his eyebrows.
"It is possible." He mused.
"Do you know much about it?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have acquired one or two rare volumes which make mention of it." He replied.
"What of Tom Riddle?"
"It is possible. He does possess the Mirim Codex. Tell Granger I will loan her my books. I could try and gain a copy of the Codex, but it would be difficult."
Dumbledore considered this a moment. "No, I also possess some rare volumes and have access to an even rarer still volume. The Codex is not a priority right now."
"As you wish" Snape said as he left Dumbledore's office.
Harry was shown into the Veil room and he was surprised to see it had changed a lot since he last saw it. Instead of a bleak cold cavernous vault, he was by a large yet, in contrast, cosy chamber. One half was the all to familiar huge stone arch and a lecturn containing a huge leather bound tomb, the other half of the room couldn't have been more different. It was almost an exact replica of the Gryffindor common room, complete with red squishy leather armchair and couch.
The lights in the room flickered and a shadow emerged from the Veil. They converged in the centre of the room. On instinct Harry reached for his wand. 'Shit' he thought as he remembered that he hadn't seen his wand since his arrival in Avalon. The shadow formed a tall column and then settled into a hooded figure. 'Death Eater?' thought Harry as he crouched low.
BE NOT AFRAID HARRY POTTER. Like the guard the voice materialised in his mind.
"Show yourself!" Harry demanded. The figure stood still and remained silent. "Who are you?" Harry tried.
HUMANS ARE TOO OBSESSED WITH NAMES. IN MY REALM YOUR NAME CAN BE YOUR DOWNFALL. ONLY MY MOTHER KNOWS MY NAME, YOU MAY ADDRESS ME AS KEEPER.
Harry stood up to his full height but remaid alert, his eyes darting around the room looking for some sort of weapon.
The Keeper sighed. 'THEY ALWAYS GO FOR SOME SORT OF WEAPON' he thought.
I SUPPOSE THAT YOU SHOULD AT LEAST TRY IT. A sword appeared at Harry's feet. PICK IT UP THEN. I WONT STOP YOU.
Harry slowly picked up the sword and gingerly stepped towards Keeper.
DO HURRY UP HARRY POTTER.
Harry ran at Keeper, a few feet in front of him Harry clumsily swung the sword in a diagonal motion. The sword passed harmlessly through Keeper's shoulder and pulled Harry off balance and he fell to the ground, luckily years of Quidditch training had honed his balance and agility and he was able to roll through the fall and he was once again on his feet poised to attack.
IMPRESSIVE HARRY POTTER. MOST PEAOPLE FALL OVER. CARE TO TRY AGAIN? Keeper added sarcastically.
"No" Harry replied. "What are you?"
I AM AN ANTROMORPHIC PERSONIFICATION. Keeper replied. Harry stared at him blankly. URM... I AM A FIGMENT OF MAGICAL IMAGINATION? Keeper tried.
Harry thought about this for a moment. "Ok. I can accept that." He said. "Why?"
I DO NOT KNOW WHY I AM HARRY POTTER. I JUST KNOW THAT I AM.
"O...k" Harry mused. "So what do you do here?"
AT LAST TO THE POINT, Keeper said exasperatedly. I AM THE KEEPER OF THE VEIL. IT IS I WHO HOLD THE MAGICS OF THE VEIL.
"So you can bring people back to life?" Harry asked.
I AM ENDOWED WITH THAT POWER, YES. Keeper said. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TOLD YOU THAT. DO NOT ASK, IT IS FORBIDDEN.
"So why do you have the power?"
ONCE AGAIN WE WAVE GOODBYE TO THE POINT. Keeper sighed exasperatedly. ALL RIGHT I SEE I AM GOING TO HAVE TO INDULGE YOUR CURIOSITY. I CONTROL THE POWER OF THE VEIL. IN ORDER FOR ME TO HAVE THE POWER TO BRING THE DEAD THROUGH FOR A SHORT TIME, I MUST POSSESS THE POWER TO RELEASE THEM PERMANENTLY FROM DEATH. BUT AS I SAID IT IS FORBIDDEN. Keeper finished. ANY MORE ASSININE QUESTIONS? NO? GOOD. WE CAN GET ON WITH THINGS. STEP FORTH HARRY POTTER.
Hermione Granger entered the hospital wing with a massive leather bound book under one arm and a stack of parchment under the other. She deposited them on a chair next to Harry's bed and walked into Madame Pomfrey's office.
"Any change?" she asked.
"There is a lot of eye movement. Your father said Muggles call it Rapid Eye Movement?"
"R.E.M. it means he is dreaming" Hermione explained. "Coma patients often dream."
"Indeed, your father and Remus are off trying to acquire the technical specifications of an MRI machine. He seems to think it will help us see what Harry is seeing."
"Not quite" Hermione explained. "An MRI machine will allow us to monitor Harry's brain activity."
"But what will that tell us?" Pomfrey asked.
"Well we know that Harry is in a coma, as far as I know all magical methods of discovering why have failed, so now it's time to eliminate non-magical causes."
Madam Pomfrey took this in for a few seconds. "You're absolutely right Miss Granger, by the way, I received your letter and i will do anything I can do to help."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you. I'm going to sit with him." She turned and left the room. She sat on the chair by Harry's bed and pulled the table from the next bed across her lap and set out her book and parchment.
Meanwhile Keeper was explaining the process of calling people through the Veil.
IT IS EASY TO SUMMON FORTH PEOPLE FROM THE BEYOND. Keeper explained. YOU SIMPLY WRITE THEIR NAMES IN THE BOOK AND SAY "INVITE" THEY HAVE THE CHOICE OF WHETHER TO COME OR NOT.
"What about the living?" Harry asked.
IT IS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, THEY MUST SWEAR AN OATH OF SECRECY. WE MUST NOW NEGOTIATE THAT OATH.
"All right, tell me what is standard?" Harry said.
THE TAKER OF THE OATH MUST SWEAR AN UNBREAKABLE VOW TO NEVER DISSCUSS WITH ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE SUMMONER, WHICH WOULD BE YOU, UNDER PAIN OF DEATH. Keeper said.
"Ok." Harry began. "My friends and I think better under a free exchange of ideas. Things can get a bit dangerous if we act on our own, Dumbledore doesn't like that and they tend to go tits up." Harry continued. "How about the Oath Taker must swear an unbreakable vow to never discuss with any person that I don't summon on pain of being made a squib?" Harry offered.
I AM AFRAID THAT PAIN OF DEATH IS NON-NEGOTIABLE, HARRY POTTER. HOWEVER, THE REST OF YOUR SUGGESTION IS ACCEPTABLE. DO WE HAVE AN ACCORD?
"We do." Harry agreed.
VERY WELL. THE PROCESS OF SUMMONING THE LIVING IS THE SAME AS SUMMONING THE DEAD EXCEPT I MUST GREET THEM OUTSIDE THIS TIME SPACE. THERE IS TEA IN THE POT. Keeper added conversationally IT'S ALWAYS FULL AND HOT. IT'S BEST TO HAVE THOSE COMING OVER FROM THE LIVING WORLD DRINK A CUP FOR THE SHOCK AND FOR SOME REASON THOSE FROM THE BEYOND JUST SEEM TO EXPECT IT. JUST WRITE THE NAMES IN THE BOOK. Keeper said as he evaporated into the shadows.
Harry looked at the open page in the book. Their was only two names listed.
Alberforth Dumbledore A. Dumbledore
Lord Grinwald A. Dumbledore
'Well' Harry thaght 'I guess that answers the question of who to summon first.'
Albus Dumbledore H. Potter
"Invite" He said.
The crackling fire of Dumbledore's office flared green and Remus Lupin and Dan Granger stepped thru.
"Albus, we have the plans" Remus said holding up a cardboard tube. The room was dark, only the light from the fire made it possible to see. There was a shadow slumped over the Headmaster's desk.
"Good God!" exclaimed Dan as he realised the slumped figure was Dumbledore.
DO YOU, ALBUS DUMBELDORE, SWEAR AN UNBREAKABLE VOW TO KEEP THE SECRETS OF THIS PLACE AND TO SPEAK ONLY OF THIS CONSULTAION WITH ONE HARRY POTTER AND WHOM SO EVER HARRY POTTER DECIDES UNDER PAIN OF DEATH?
"I Do." Replied Dumbledore. "It is good to see you again Keeper, I trust you are well?"
I AM WELL ALBUS DUMBLEDORE.
"Is Harry waiting?"
HE IS.
"Then we should not keep him waiting."
There was a blur and Dumbledore appeared in front of Harry's eyes.
Dumbledore took a second to recover himself, and then he walked over to Harry beaming.
"Lord Potter, My boy, congratulations." Harry held out his hand but ignoring it Dumbledore pulled Harry into a rough embrace.
"Professor..." Harry began but Dumbledore interrupted him.
"Excuse me My Lord, but here in Avalon I am Lord Dumbledore, and you are Lord Potter. However as we are friends please call me Sir Albus."
"And you can call me Sir Harry. Would you like some tea Sir Albus?"
"Tea would be delightful Sir Harry." Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling.
"There is nothing wrong with him!" exclaimed Madam Pomfrey in frustration.
"Is the coma connected with Mr Potter's?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"We don't even know what has caused that!" Dr Granger said.
"So what exactly do we know?" asked Snape.
"That his magical vitals are fine." Reported Madam Pomfrey.
"Vitals are all normal from a muggle stand point. Incredible really when you consider his age." Dr Granger added.
"So what do we do?" Remus asked.
"The only thing we can do." Said Hermione. "Wait."
"So Sir Harry," Dumbledore began pouring himself a second cup of tea. "Before we get down to business, tell me, how are Lily and James?"
Harry looked down at his own cup. "I'm not going to summon them." He said, tears glistening behind his striking green eyes.
"May I enquire as to why not?" Dumbledore asked quietly.
"How can I?" Harry began, tears falling freely. "How can I look my parents, parents who died trying to save my life, in the eye after what I did?"
"You mean your suicide attempt?" Dumbledore asked.
"I'm sorry Sir." Harry sobbed. "I'm a selfish prick!"
"You're simply not Sir Harry. You are depressed. If I had known how bad things where for you Sir Harry I would have of course stepped in years ago."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I hope it pleases you to hear Sir Harry that I have informed Petunia Dursley that you will not be returning to Privet Drive."
"Good." Harry said simply.
"I have also informed them the blood protection will fail and they will be vulnerable to what I am afraid is no doubt an inevitable attack."
"NO!" Harry yelled suddenly. "No more death! Petunia is the only family I have left. They have to be protected."
"Harry, after all the years of abuse you have suffered at their hands you want them safe, we will of course find some way to hide them." Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling, thanking Merlin for the goodness still left in the boy's soul. "In fact Sir Harry, I think that you should lead that mission."
"Me?" Harry spluttered.
"Indeed. If I am correct you will be made a Coronel in the Order." Dumbledore said.
"Coronel? Surely I should be starting out at the bottom." Harry said.
"I shall let Lord Gryffindor tell you all about it." Dumbledore replied. "So Sir Harry, why have you invited me to return to Avalon?"
"For the most part, I thought I should tell you that I'm safe and well, and to stop the Order from looking for me." Harry said, not knowing why he summoned him.
"Thank you Sir Harry, I appreciate your courtesy but it's completely unnecessary my boy. You see, I'm not really here, neither are you for that matter. Avalon exists in the Astral plain. You, or rather your body is in the Hogwarts Hospital wing. Seemingly in a coma, of course I have not disclosed the truth of the Mantra."
"No one knows what's happening?" Harry asked.
"Miss Granger has her suspicions. I am going to indulge her curiosity, I find it refreshing."
"What's Hermione got to do with anything?"
"Well suffice to say she got your note," Dumbledore said arching his eyebrows. "She stole her father's car and drove it to Surrey. She arrived just as we were preparing to extract you. May I suggest a topic of discussion?"
"Of course" Harry replied
"I suggest that we discuss you new role within the order." Dumbledore said.
"No more secrets!" Harry suddenly declared. "It's all or nothing here sir. I'm either in this thing or I'm not and if I'm not, then I don't see much point in going back."
"I had no idea you felt so strongly Sir Harry."
"YOU HAD..." Harry began to yell but he stopped himself. "You had no idea?" he demanded quietly. "If I had been allowed to be involved twelve months ago, you know when you left me alone all summer to mourn for Cederic we wouldn't bloody be here now!"
"You can't know that sir Harry." Dumbledore said almost pleadingly.
"Can you think of any other reason I'd choose to slit my wrists?" Harry spat. Dumbledore looked shocked a single tear fell from his eye down his cheek.
"Shit. I'm sorry Sir. I didn't mean that." Harry stammered.
Dumbledore took off his glasses. "Yes, Sir Harry, I believe you did." Dumbledore began. "and I don't blame you, but I do not think that Avalon is the best place to discuss it." He put his glasses back on. "I suggest that you revive the Order's Military Wing. We have many agents that are better suited to fighting than espionage."
"All right. How many people will I have?"
"I would have to check our roster. But initially thirty, plus your Command team."
"I can have any one?"
"Yes Sir Harry, anyone who wishes to join you."
"OK, I want Ron and Hermione" Harry said without thinking.
"Agreed, should they agree to join the order. May I also suggest Remus and Tonks?"
"I would have thought Remus would have been better off on the espionage side of things?"
"Indeed. Remus is useful to us in that respect, however he will also be useful to you. I do reserve the right to second him from time to time."
"I would also like Mad-Eye Moody" Harry said. "He should keep me right and I think I'm going to need a lot of help."
"Agreed. May I suggest Sir Harry that you do not invite Alastor here. He may think that it is a trick." Dumbledore said as he stood up. "Now I believe Sir Harry, I should take my leave. I suggest that you tell whomever else you speak to from our realm to contact myself, so we all know who we can talk to."
Albus Dumbledore woke in the Hospital Wing. He tried to sit up but a hand gently but firmly down on the bed and a torch shined in his eyes.
"Pupil reaction normal" Dr Granger declared "Welcome back Professor."
"Thank you Dr Granger" Dumbledore replied "Wile your concern for my well being is appreciated, I can assure you that I am the absolute apitamy of health."
"You have been out for three hours Sir. I really think that you should wait for Madam Pomfery."
"When she returns send her to me. I have much to do and little time in which to do it!" Dumbledore swept past Dr Granger, just before he closed the door he turned back to Dr Granger and added. "If I were you I would go down to the library, you will find Hermione unconscious. She is unharmed, and ancient magics prevent me from revealing to you the cause of both my slumber and hers. Make her comfortable here, she will awaken and feel absolutely fine, if not better for the nap. Once she has regained her composure please ask her to join me in my office. Tell her I enjoy Starburst sweets."
Dan Granger hurried down a corridor to the Hogwart's Library. He pushed open the door. "Hermione?" he called quietly. When he didn't hear anything he ventured further into the cavernous room. "Hermione are you in here, love?" he called again more forcefully.
"This is a library sir! I will thank you to remember it." Madam Prince said angrily bustling towards Dr Granger.
"I'm sorry Mrs..?" Dr Granger began.
"Prince. Madam Prince. Can I help you Mr?"
"Granger, Dr Dan Granger. Is my daughter here."
"Indeed she is Dr Granger. She is in the restricted section. I'm afraid only people who have special dispensation from the Headmaster may go into that section. I shall fetch her for you." She said and turned back into the stacks.
Madam Prince entered the restricted section and saw Hermione slumped over a desk with several thick tombs strewn around her.
"Miss Granger?" she gently called. Hermione didn't move. "Poor girl" the librarian thought "working every hour He sends."
"Miss Granger, your father is waiting for you." Hermione didn't move. "DR GRANGER!" Prince yelled moments later Dr Granger reached the restricted section.
"Jesus Christ!" Dr Granger swore "Can you help me get her to the Hospital?" he asked the librarian, sweeping Hermione up in his arms.
"The fire's this way." She said leading Dr Granger to her office in the back of the library.
Harry stood near what he had come to call the guest book as Hermione stepped through the arch. She saw Harry and ran over to him.
"What the hell is going on?" she demanded.
"Hermione, I'll explain everything, I promise, but first come and sit down." Harry led Hermione over to the comfortable area, gently pushed her down onto the couch and poured her a cup of tea. "Drink this for the shock." Hermione silently took the cup and drank her tea and the two sat in silence for several minutes.
Finally Harry plucked up the courage to speak.
"Hermione?" he began softly. Hermione broke down into tears.
"I thought I lost you" she whispered
"I'm so sorry Hermione." Harry said. "I don't know what came over me."
"I do," said Hermione looking up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "You had enough, you couldn't take it anymore. You wanted to be free." She began. "The thing is Harry, you're also a selfish basted!"
Harry looked hurt.
"Don't look at me like that Harry. You should have talked to some one about how your feeling. It's not as if you're alone."
"Of course I'm alone Hermione. It's just me. The 'Chosen one'. Not the 'Chosen One and friends'." Harry said as he went on to explain Trelawney's prophecy.
"And where in that Prophecy does it say you stand alone? All it says is that the final blow must come from you, not that you stand alone." Hermione said exasperated.
"I know that now." Harry began. "That's why we're here."
"And where exactly is here?" Hermione asked.
It took Harry half an hour to tell Hermione all he knew about Avalon, the Founders and the Mantra. He also told her of his conversation with Dumbledore. Hermione for her part listened intently, then she in turn told Harry of the research group.
"That's great Hermione" Harry told her. "I know that I'm going to be taught a lot and when I wake up I'm going to know a lot, but I need to know what to do with all of this Power and Knowledge." Harry said. Harry went into greater detail of Dumbledore's promise of giving him a greater role in the order and giving him command of the military wing.
"That's exciting Harry. Of course I'll be there with you. I'd do anything for you." Hermione told him.
"I'd do anything for you too Hermione." Harry said as he moved closer to her. "I love you Hermione." He said as he leant in to kiss her but was met with a cheek numbing slap.
"Don't you dare tell me that you love me here! This place isn't real. If you do love me, then you bloody well suck it up and you tell me in our world when you wake up!"
Dumbledore sat at his desk reading an ancient scroll. There was a knock at the door.
"Come" he called. Severus Snape entered the room.
"Ah Severus, what can I do for you?" Dumbledore asked.
"I received this note." Snape said as he handed over the letter.
Dumbledore read:
Severus
Port key will follow at thirty five minutes to four. At four PM you will make your way to the Shrieking Shack. You will be in position at twenty four minutes past four when your Mark will burn. At this time you will tap your wand to the port key and say 'mud blood mother'. Follow instructions at destination.
Wormtail.
"Are you prepared?" Dumbledore asked.
"I am." Snape replied. "I need the memory of my report of my last summons and our conversation about Grangers letter removed." He removed two memory vials from his pocket and handed them to Dumbledore. He then took a third empty vial and held his wand to his head and removed the memory of the most recent conversation.
"Ready?" Dumbledore asked taking his wand from the desk as Snape merely nodded. "Obliviate" Dumbledore cast. Snapes eyes glazed over and Dumbledore cast again. "Legimens" opening up a psychic connection planting a false memory.
Harry and Hermione talked for another hour and had come up with several plans of action.
"Harry" Hermione asked "Have you summoned your parents yet?"
"No." Harry replied. "Not yet. I want to get business out of the way and not have any nagging thoughts interrupt me when I speak to them." He finished
"Oh Harry" Hermione said as she pulled him into a hug. "Who are you inviting next?"
"Ron." Harry said. "He is the best strategist we have if he is in, I want him researching modern Muggle military as well as magical strategies, see if we can sort of merge them together." He explained. "do we have any one that is good with the Law?"
"Well Dumbledore I suppose." Hermione said. "Why?"
"I have an idea, but I want to know if it's legal." Harry said then explained his plan.
At precisely four PM Severus Snape placed his quill back in the ink well and placed the last parchment form on top of an apparent ever-growing stack of identical forms, one for each Slytherin student. He pushed back his chair and stood up. He moved to a filing cabinet behind the desk covering the solitary window making the room perpetually dark, the gloom kept at bay by strategically placed candles. Snape opened the third drawer, closed it again and pointed his wand at it, he muttered under his breath a password then re-opened the drawer inside of which was a small box. The dark mahogany box bore the dark mark on its lid and Snape pulled it from the drawer and tucked it into his robes. He picked up a thick scroll from his desk and a black candle which sat next to it. Finally he threw a cloak about his shoulders and walked over to a large heavily laden book case.
"Lily" he said and the book case slid to one side revealing a secret passage way. He entered the pitch black tunnel and the hidden door closed behind him sealing him in with the darkness. "Lumos" hemuttered as he set off along the tunnel.
Ron and Ginny Weasley were outside in the back garden of the Burrow throwing a Quaffle back and forth.
"So what do you think Hermione has in store for us tomorrow?" Ginny asked expertly throwing the Quaffle just above Ron's ear.
Ron leapt up and caught the ball. "I don't know" he replied "but I think a four foot parchment from Snape on the medical applications of rhubarbs will be more fun."
"Is that a real essay?" Ginny replied catching the Quaffle and throwing it back.
"Yup" Ron responded.
"Was it fun?"
"Nope."
"Doesn't bode well for tomorrow does it?" Ginny asked.
"You got that right, sis."
"So are there?" Ginny asked.
"Are there what?" Ron responded
"Medical uses for rhubarb?"
"Buggerd if I know. Go long" Ron said. Ron threw the Quaffle, Ginny jumped in the air to catch it but she fainted mid flight. "GINNY?" Ron yelled running up to her and trying to shake her awake. "MUM!" he called as he slipped into unconsciousness.
Severus Snape stood at the end of the secret passageway which opened out into a large underwater cave. Snape checked his pocket watch. "Four ten" he muttered to himself. He cast a bubble head charm on himself and a waterproof and sticking charm to his research notes. He stuck them to his chest making sure they where tightly secured and dived into the icy water.
He swam out into the murky water and followed an invisible route and then began to swim to the surface, once he reached the black lakes surface he began swimming for the shore.
Once he reached dry land he silently cast a drying charm on himself then ran to the Whopping Willow. "Imoblius" he cast and the branches of the deadly tree fell still.
Snape glanced at his watch while he ducked into the secret tunnel leading to the Shrieking Shack, it read four fifteen.
Upon reaching the shack he ran up to the third floor and entered the room where he should have captured Sirius Black. 'If it wasn't for those meddlesome kids and that damn wolf.'
Molly Weasley was frantic. Both of her youngest children were seemingly in comas.
"Enervate" she tried for the fourteenth time, knowing it was useless. The fire in the kitchen flared to life.
"Molly" Mr Weasly called out as he made his way into the sitting room.
"Oh Arthur" Mrs Weasly cried. "They have been unconscious since three!" She wept.
Mr Weasly glanced at the Grandfather clock in the corner, it read four thirty.
"OK, so they have been under for an hour and a half. Have you tried to revive them?" He asked.
"Of course I have!" She snapped back.
"All right, what does the clock say?" They looked at the special Weasley family clock in the corner of the room. He was unsurprised to see both his hand and his wife's hand where pointed to 'HOME', he was relieved to see that both his youngest children's hands where pointed there as well.
"Not mortal peril then?" he mused. "Have you reported this to Headquarters?"
"Why?" Mrs Weasley demanded. "I hardly think Dumbledore would be concerned with this."
"Wouldn't he?" Mr Weasley replied somewhat smugly, "Because this looks awfully similar to what's happening to Harry." He said.
Mrs Weasley bustled over to the fire place and was about to throw floo powder on the fire when both Ron and Ginny sat bolt upright.
"We have to talk to Dumbledore!" The both declared. "NOW!"
Harry was sat alone on the couch, Keeper appeared from the shadows.
YOU STILL HAVE TIME IN WHICH TO SUMMON CONFIDANTS. He said.
"I know." Harry replied. "I'm just deciding if I should summon my parents."
LILY AND JAMES POTTER LONG FOR THIS DAY HARRY POTTER. Keeper replied.
"You know my parents?" Harry asked.
I KNOW ALL THOSE WHOM HAVE PAST. I ALSO KNOW THAT YOU WISH TO SUMMON THEM!
"I do, you're right."
NATURALLY.
"But I just can't see them wanting to see me after what I did?"
WHY? Keeper asked.
"They gave their lives to save mine, I basically threw that back in their faces."
YOU DID NOT DIE, NOR WERE YOU IN ANY DANGER WHATSOEVER OF DYING HARRY POTTER, I WOULD KNOW.
Harry began to laugh hysterically.
WHAT IS SO FUNNY HARRY POTTER?
"Don't you see Keeper? I'm so much of a fuck up I can't even kill myself without fucking it up."
INVITE YOUR PARENTS HARRY POTTER! Keeper said as he melted into the shadows.
"Shit, where did he go?" Harry asked aloud. "I suppose the ghostly bastard might be right." Harry got up and went to the guest list.
Lily Potter H. Potter
James Potter H. Potter
"Invite".
Hermione sighed deeply and closed the thick volume she was reading and added it to the pile by the leg of her chair then pulled an equally thick book towards her. She didn't look up when Professor Dumbledore swept into the room and sat heavily in his chair.
"How goes it Miss Granger?" He asked.
Hermione sighed again. "I've found some basic information concerning the Mantra, but nothing specific. I've read everything from the library on power amplification rituals, but they are mostly dark magic." She answered.
"Indeed Miss Granger." Dumbledore replied but was then interrupted but the fire roaring to life and Molly Wesley's head appeared.
"Albus, Sorry to call so late, but its Ron and Ginny you see? They just woke up and said that they need to see you. I tried to tell them that it was too late and that you were probably busy with Harry and besides they would be more than likely seeing you tomorrow any way." She babbled.
"Molly, Please calm yourself. If Ronald and Guinevere are insistent then I am of course happy to see them. Send them as soon as they are capable." Dumbledore replied. Mys Weasley muttered thanks and quickly withdrew her head. Seconds later the fire flared green once again as Ron and Ginny tumbled out of the fire place.
"We have orders from Harry!" they said by way of greeting.
Dumbledore stood and quickly rounded his desk and sped to the youngest Weasley's while Hermione made space on the chairs around her dropping books and scrolls of parchment all around their feet.
Ron began to speak but Dumbledore waved him into silence and guided the Weasleys to a seat either side of Hermione, silently banishing the books and parchment. He swept behind his desk and took his seat.
"Before either one of you speak again" Dumbledore began. "I must insist you both drink a cup of tea for the..."
"Shock!" Ginny interrupted. "Harry said the same thing."
Dumbledore spread his arm across his desk and a tea service appeared. "Would you be Mother Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked.
Hermione nodded and silently poured four cups of tea. As she handed Ron his cup he began to try and speak again.
"But sir, Harry said we had to tell you everything straight away!" he blurted out.
"Mister Weasley. I often find after a confusing and disorientating experience before one tries to explain it is best to take a few moments to collect ones thoughts, so please drink you tea there will be time enough for orders." Dumbledore insisted.
The four sat in a comfortable silence as the calming effect of the tea washed over them.
After five minutes Dumbledore set down his cup.
Now, first before we get to Harry's orders, Miss Weasley will first tell us what happened. Miss Granger and I may take notes, just ignore us and continue talking, in your own time Miss Weasley..."
"OK. Ron and I where chucking a Quaffle when we were, I guess summoned. Everything went all dark and there was this man in a dark robe." Ginny began.
"Keeper." Ron interrupted.
"Yeah, Keeper. He made us promise on pain of death that we would not tell anyone what we were about to see, without Harry's say so.
"Of course we said we would and then everything went swirly and there he was. Harry made us drink tea while he explained all about Merlin and the Manturass thingamjigy, then about the Orders Military wing and what he plans to do. Then he gave us orders." She finished.
Dumbledore took a moment to absorb the information while he took a sip of tea before speaking again.
"Thank you Miss Weasley. And now Mister Weasley, Harry's orders if you please?"
"Well first of all they aren't really orders, just some suggestions to think about really." Ron explained.
"Understood" Dumbledore nodded. "Please continue."
"First of all he is all worried about what he calls his 'inner circle' being targeted. He wants us to look into spell and rituals he also said something about power amplification rituals. Then I said we should be looking at the types of rituals You Know Who might try. We should be prepared.
"Then he asked me to look into the Muggle military tactics. Something about God not being on the side of the big battalions, but on the best shits."
"Shots Ronald. It's Voltaire. 'God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best'"
"Yeah that's the one. I said that we should be more than a para military militia. He said we should be more like a regiment. With regular training with something called regimental discipline. He thinks that should be a job for Mad-Eye." Ron stopped and looked slightly uncomfortable.
"Please continue Mister Weasley." Dumbledore prompted.
"He said he wanted us to look into getting hold of muggle military equipment. I think he means guns." Ron stammered.
"Interesting." Dumbledore replied mysteriously.
Harry Potter had spent an enjoyable few hours in the company of his parents. They had discussed most of his life including his mothers disgust at the Dursley's treatment of him over the years, his Hogwarts adventures and James absolutely gushed over his Quidditch prowess and reluctantly admitted that along with Ron and Hermione Harry had broken more school rules in more impressive fashions than even the Marauders.
The reunited Potter family were sharing a joke when Keeper appeared.
MY APPOLOGIES HARRY POTTER FOR THE INTRUSION, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT YOUR TIME IS ALMOST OVER.
Immediately Lily began to weep, she buried her head into her son's chest.
"Oh my sweet boy. I know that you can succeed. You have to!" She cried into his chest
"Thank you Mum. I will do it for you." Harry said trying not to cry himself.
"You must talk to Hermione. It's really important Son. " Lily said. "Promise me Harry."
"I promise Mum." Harry replied squeezing his eyes shut lest he shed a tear.
Lily let Harry go and James stepped up to his son.
"I want you to know Harry, that I am very proud of you bonnie lad. Never in the history of the world has their been a young man so brave. The world has been incredibly cruel to you but you carry it all in your stride and even more amazingly you still have love in your heart. I love you my Son, remember I'll always be proud of you."
James pulled Harry into a rough embrace.
LILY POTTER, JAMES POTTER ARE YOU PREPAReD? Keeper asked.
"Just do it keeper. Lets not piss about eh?" James said.
AS YOU WISH JAMES POTTER
"Good buy son." James said.
"I love you both." Harry replied as his parents disappeared in front of his eyes. 'I will not cry!' he thought.
BEFORE I TAKE MY LEAVE OF YOU HARRY POTTER I HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU.
A small leather bound book appeared on the table.
THERE ARE TEN SHEETS OF PARCHMENT IN THIS BOOK. EACH SHEET WILL CARRY ONE MESSAGE THROUGH THE VEIL TO A SIMILAR BOOK I HAVE LEFT WITH YOUR PARENTS. WHAT SO EVER YOU WRITE ON ONE OF THESE SHEETS SHALL BE SEEN IN YOUR PARENTS BOOK AND VICE VERSA.
TAKE CARE HOWEVER, FOR ONCE THE PAGES HAVE ALL BEEN USED YOU WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE, AT LEAST UNTILL YOUR TIME COMES.
Harry picked up the book and held it to his chest.
"Thank you Keeper." He said. "you don't know what this means to me."
GOD SPEED HARRY POTTER Keeper replied WE SHALL MEET AGAIN with that Keeper faded into the shadows.
After a moment their was a polite cough behind him. Harry turned to see Master Vetinari.
"If you are ready My Lord. I am to escort you back to the main hall."
Harry's eyes hardened and his resolve stiffened. "I'm ready" he said.
Severus Snape looked at his watch. 6pm. He re-read the note for the thirtieth time in the two hours he had waited.
Stay put. Someone will fetch you when it's time.
Snapes mark burned and he gasped in pain.
"Good evening Severus" Snape whipped round and brought his wand up to Wormtail's throat.
"Good evening Wormtail." Snape sneered. "Evidently the Dark Lord has finally found a use for one with wit such as yours."
"You could say that Severus." Wormtail said sweetly. "You could say the Dark Lord finds me incredibly witty."
"What ever you say Wormtail. Now take me to the Master!" Snape ordered.
"I'm afraid that they are not my orders Severus." Wormtail said. "The Dark Lord is engaged in matters of the utmost importance and he does not wish to be disturbed. He has sent me to get your report."
"What is the Dark Lord doing?" Snape asked casually.
"When it is time for you to know, then you will know. Your report Severus?" Wormtail replied.
"Here" Snape said thrusting the report at Wormtail. "Much good it will do you."
"You are to remain here for half an hour, then you may return to Hogwarts." Wormtail said as he transformed into a rat and left.
Master Vetinari stood outside the doors to Avalon's Great Hall.
"Sir Harry, when the doors open I will introduce you, walk straight to the middle of the hall to the Pentagram on the floor and take a knee and wait for instructions."
"Thank you Master Vetinari."
The doors opened and Vetinari stepped inside.
"My Lords and Lady. Wilt thou receive your pupil?"
Merlin stood. "We will receive him" Merlin declared formally.
"Then may I introduce Lord Potter of Godrics Hollow."
Master Vetinari stood to one side and Harry strode into the hall and knelt in the centre of the Pentagram. As he knelt the main lights in the hall went out and candles flared to life.
Lord Gryffindor stood. "Lord Potter, you are being offered the opportunity to join the Order of a Phoenix by undergoing the Orders most ancient and holy ritual; the Manturus Magicus. Are you prepared?"
"I am prepared Master Gryffindor" Harry replied.
Lady Morgana stood. "Lord Potter, does thou swear to protect the innocent, defy evil in all its guise and fight always for the Light?"
"I swear it My Lady."
Finally Merlin stood. "Lord Potter. Do you wish to undergo the Manturus?"
"I do Master Merlin."
"Very well. Lady Morgana will come for you here at eight am. You will remain here and reflect on your life, your will and on what you have chosen to undertake. Your Manturus Magicus has begun!"
The candles surrounding Harry grew brighter still and there was a bright light. When the light dimmed Harry was alone.
AN: Welcome my freinds to the Authers notes, I hope you enjoyd this chapter, i had fun wrighting it.
sorry things are slow, but i have chapters 8 thru 10 written and chapter 8 is being edited and i'll hopefully be able to post it wilst im still in the land of tinternet.
before i wrape things up and stair intently at my email inbox waiting for your reviews i just want to thank a few of you guys for reviewing
Ghost Chicken: thank you for another raveing reviews, i really look fowerds to your insight. This chapter explains a bit about what Dumbeldore has in mind for the Durslys, but at the end of the day it's all up to Harry now. I have to admitt if I hadnt of needed Dumbeldore to warn Patunia about the wards i still would have found some other way for some one to do it. I hate that woman. As for Ron & Ginny bashing, iv had some thaghts about that, and no their wont be any overt ron/ginny bashing, but whos to say they'll stay freinds for ever?
Happy Lady: I think we are going to have to agree to dissagree on the whole suiside issue, but as it's come up i feel i should put out a little disclaimer. Harrys attempted suiside was nothing more than a plot device in which to get Harry into the Mantura. I'm in no way shape or form endorseing or encurageing suiside. If you are haveing suisidle thaghts please for the love of god consult a mental health professonal and get some dam help. Suiside is not big and its not clever kids!
ANIMEHOLIC52891: I do have a Beta, my long time partner Angel. She trys her best to wittle out my mistakes, as do I, but unfortunitly I have Dislexia and one of the ways it presents its self in me (belive it or not its diffrent for every one) is that i can't actually tell the differance between the words that the spell checker sugest, and just looking at a dictonary makes me need to go lie down in a cool dark quiet room with a cold flannell on my fore head. I know spelling mistakes suck, but I cant help it and i'm doing my best.
Thanks for reading, I look fowerds to your reviews.
