Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter or its associated franchises. All characters are property of J.K.R, Bloomsbury, Scholastic, Warner Bros and other concerned agencies.


Last time:

"Snickers." Harry started at the sweet's name. Before he could ask McGonagall about it, the door swung open. He turned an incredulous glance upon McGonagall, at which she explained, "His love of sweets is legendary Harry. And by that I mean all kinds of sweets."

Harry stifled a laugh, remembering Dumbledore's reference to his Lemon Drops in the letter. They stepped on to a spiral staircase that began revolving around on its axis. Soon they reached a door and before Minerva could knock, a voice sounded from inside.

"Come in, Harry and Minerva."


Chapter 8 – A Long Awaited Conversation

Harry turned to McGonagall, incredulity back on his face.

"How does he know that Professor?"

McGonagall had a hint of a smile on her lips. "One of the many mysteries about the man, Harry. Even after working with him for so many years, yet even I don't know how he does it."

At that moment, the door swung open giving Harry his first glimpse of the Headmaster's office. It was a beautiful round room filled with knick knacks of many kinds, the purpose and functions of which eluded him. The Headmaster was seated behind a polished, antiquated wooden desk. What caught Harry's attention was the incredibly beautiful and swanlike bird which sat on the armrest of his chair, and Dumbledore was caressing the crimson head.

"Good afternoon Harry and Minerva. Take a seat. May I interest you with a Lemon Drop?"

McGonagall declined, but Harry, fearing it would be bad manners to refuse, took one and popped it into his mouth. He was more interested in the bird, though. He couldn't help himself.

"Is that a phoenix, Professor?"

Dumbledore was amused. Always the same reaction.

Fawkes had cocked his head at Harry when he and McGonagall entered. He then rose up in the air and perched himself on the armrest of Harry's armchair. Harry cautiously held his palm out to caress the creature's head and hesitated. Fawkes solved his dilemma by butting his head against Harry's hand. Assured, Harry stroked the magnificent bird's feathers, Fawkes letting out pleased trills as he did so. Amidst all of this, he missed the significant glance that Dumbledore threw McGonagall.

"Yes Harry. Fawkes is a phoenix, my familiar, and has been my constant companion for close to half a century."

"Familiar, professor? Like Hedwig is mine?"

Dumbledore touched his fingers together in that classic pose of his as he surveyed Harry with a blue gaze. Fawkes meanwhile, had returned to his perch by one of the many the ornate windows of the office. "Yes, very interesting that. I was most curious when I read about your familiar bond in the paper."

Harry's eyes widened. "In the paper, professor?"

"Oh yes, the Daily Prophet published an article about your day in Diagon Alley. Very informative, I'd say."

Harry considered him for a moment. "May I read it?"

"Don't worry Harry. I dare say that it showed you in a good light and by the nature of the article, you have just burst on to the scene with a bang. You can read it later."

McGonagall added her two cents, "That particular copy will be in the library. You may want to take a subscription out Harry. It would do you good to keep up to date on current events."

Harry nodded at both of them. Dumbledore was watching him closely. Then with a sigh, he spoke.

"I suppose you have questions, Harry? Too many, if I had to guess."

Before Harry could reply though, McGonagall spoke.

"Actually Albus, before we do start on anything important, there's a small issue that I'd like to resolve." At Dumbledore's raised eyebrow, she explained.

"Harry here had an altercation with young Mr Malfoy just before we came here. When I questioned him, he clarified his stand and asked me not to report this matter to Severus and that he would accept all and any punishments. I for one, believe that he was not very forthcoming, and not entirely truthful."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he turned to Harry and asked, "Care to elaborate, Harry?"

Harry blushed a bit as he replied, "Malfoy came to our table and started spouting nonsense about Hermione and my mother, all the while using terms like 'mudblood' and 'muggles'. I got angry and to get back at him, responded in kind, insulting his mother and father in the most vicious way that I could."

Dumbledore interrupted him here. "Ignoring your supposed viciousness, I understand that the term 'mudblood' is not used in polite society Harry, but everybody uses 'muggle' to describe people without magic. Did you not know that?"

Harry replied after a moment's hesitation. "It is not so much about knowing the facts as it is about personal preference sir. That term does not sit right with me and hence I refuse to use it."

Dumbledore smiled as he spoke, "We use it for a reason Harry. When we are in muggle," here, Harry scowled, "sorry, non-magical areas of society, we cannot go around using the term 'non-magical' in midst of the people. The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy prohibits it."

At Harry's confusion that this could be a part of an important law, Dumbledore hastened to explain.

"Simply because, it would alert non magicals that something is afoot. Hence, the terms muggle, mundane etcetera are sort of a code that magical society can use in public without any repercussions. The problem Harry, is not in the term but rather in the sentiment that is associated with it."

"How so Sir?"

Dumbledore turned eyes upon McGonagall, who was watching them and asked, "If you would, Minerva?"

Professor McGonagall looked amused as she replied, "Certainly Albus. I was beginning to think that you two had forgotten about me being here." Here, Dumbledore and Harry blushed.

She continued, turning her gaze on Harry. "To begin with Harry, not all purebloods practise such an intolerant outlook. Myself, I am from pureblood stock, but some of the brightest students here - every year - come from families with no recorded magical history, your mother included."

Harry brightened at this as he replied. "Yes, Neville and Susan did look alright."

Smiling, McGonagall continued. "Yes Harry. But there are families on the darker side of the spectrum that have, through the years have changed the plebeian opinion about the non-magical part of the world to something which is beneath them, either through their influence, money, force or through plain old fear. You'll find a lot of people that have set opinions about things they do not understand. Hence the tone of speaking that you have witnessed."

Harry thought through all that Dumbledore and McGonagall had told him. It was justified. A code word was very becoming of the situation, but he still refused to use it. Considering the manner in which his own Uncle and cousin acted, it was very possible that any disclosure could magnify into a catastrophe. He was interrupted by Dumbledore's voice.

"Might I suggest the term 'mundane', Harry? It exists in the English language and is preferred in countries with a more progressive outlook, such as the States and the Australasian region, amongst others."

Harry nodded as he replied, "I would be happy with that Sir. It doesn't sound as insulting as the others."

Dumbledore nodded. "Now that this is resolved, shall we move forward?"

Harry spoke up before McGonagall could. "But what about my punishment Sir? I was pretty harsh back there."

Dumbledore looked at McGonagall -who was smiling at Harry- as he replied.

"If Mr Malfoy does not receive any punishment, which he will not, then why should you? As far as not telling Professor Snape anything, that we can do. However, you may want to use detentions as an excuse if you want to talk to Minerva here, or to me. That'll leave the spotlight off you."

Harry smiled. "Thank you Professor. That is very generous of you."

Dumbledore nodded as he regarded Harry. "Now Harry, I heard from Minerva that you have some questions for me?"

At Harry's nod, he continued, "Harry, I shall endeavour to answer every question of yours truthfully, but in return I expect the same courtesy from you. I can assure you that despite the lack of trustworthy figures in your life so far, you can trust Minerva and me."

Harry kept his eyes trained on Dumbledore's clear cerulean gaze, searching for any hint of duplicity. When he found none, he answered.

"I shall try, professor."

Dumbledore's face broke into a smile.

"That is all I ask. Ok then Harry, Minerva tells me that you recognised me from your earlier days at Privet Drive?"

Harry smiled in return. Finally, some answers.

"Yes professor. I did. Considering that I have a very-close-to-eidetic memory, I can remember minute details if I put my mind to it. I distinctly remember you shadowing me. Although after I turned eight, after I got that letter from you, I did not see you around anymore." Harry replied.

Dumbledore looked at him with a serious gaze. Before he could speak, McGonagall asked Harry another question. "Apart from Professor Dumbledore, do you remember anyone, anything else? Something recurring, something strange or perhaps out of place?"

Harry was puzzled, why was she asking him such a question? Dumbledore on the other hand, smiled at her. He knew exactly why she was asking him that particular query. Always the clever one, Minerva.

Harry was casting his memory around, searching for something that had struck him as odd, as McGonagall had suggested. After a few moments of retrospection, it struck him.

"That cat!" He exclaimed out in surprise. He was further surprised when both McGonagall and Dumbledore smiled broadly. For the second time in under a minute, yet another revelation struck him. He pointed at McGonagall as he spoke.

"That's why you felt so familiar! You were the cat! You're an animagus, aren't you?"

She continued to smirk as she replied, "Guilty as charged."

Harry pondered at the revelations for some time. On one hand, the fact that these two people were willing to take time out of their busy lives in order to look out for him left him humbled. On the other hand, he was bursting at the seams with all sorts of questions. He had to ask them, and now. Facing the ones who most likely had all the answers made it increasingly difficult to hold himself in check any longer. One look at their faces and it all tumbled out of him in one long, seemingly unending query.

"Why would Voldemort come after my family in the first place? How did I survive that night? Why was I left with the Dursleys?"

"Harry listen-"

Dumbledore tried to stem the flow, but Harry was on a roll, like a faucet that had burst.

"Didn't I have any other family by blood who could look after me? Why was it that I only got to know about my heritage and family eight years too late?"

And finally, the question, that had plagued him all throughout his eleven years. "Why does nobody love me?" He finished in a whisper and stopped to take a deep breath; that took a lot out of him. His eyes were watery and his grasp on his emotions was tenuous at best.

Dumbledore's and McGonagall's smiles went out like a candle snuffed out in a storm. The outburst reminded them that even if Harry was mature for his age, he was a lonely eleven year old who still needed an adult's guidance and protection.

McGonagall and Dumbledore looked at the child in front of them. He had so much of Lily and James inside of him, Lily's passion and James stubbornness all rounded into one personality.

Dumbledore in particular, was saddened. His failure to protect Lily and James had led to this. Being a general, marshalling the forces of the light made people think that he was bereft of emotions. That he would sacrifice his closest friends like pieces on a chess board, all for 'The Greater Good'. The phrase, foolishly chosen in his teenage years had stuck to him like glue, along with the taint of the decisions he had made during his stint with Gellert Grindelwald.

It could not have been farther from the truth. Their deaths and Harry's subsequent incarceration - of sorts - with the Dursleys still rankled him after all these years. He was fallible, and the weight of his responsibilities had made his failures all the more severe.

Minerva McGonagall, though she projected that severe taskmaster, tough-as-nails façade towards the people around her, was really a sensitive woman at heart who was currently struggling to hold her composure and not break out in tears. She had been part of the little gathering at Privet Drive eleven years ago, and to this day struggled with the guilt of leaving Harry with the Dursleys. She had questioned Albus' directives that day, but her willing participation in his decisions regarding Harry since then meant that she was nearly burdened as Albus was.

After a few moments of silence, in which all three of the people in the office were lost in their thoughts, Dumbledore spoke up.

"Harry, if we are to speak openly about this, you need to understand that there are some things which cannot come out into the open. I, or Minerva cannot take the risk of somebody finding out about this conversation from you."

Harry wiped his eyes and spoke up, "I would never do that, Professor. I realise there are things which need to remain secret."

Dumbledore surveyed him with assurance in his eyes.

"I know that Harry, but there are methods of ferreting out information other than cross questioning in the wizarding world. It would be too easy for any wizard or witch—"

"Are you talking about Legilimency Sir?"

Harry interrupted him at this point, at which Dumbledore and McGonagall turned incredulous eyes upon him.

"How did you know about that Harry?"

"It was in the letter that my parents left me. They also left me books on Occlumency, and I have been practising since then."

"How far along are you?" McGonagall asked him.

"I don't know Professor. I have never had anyone check my defences. As I told you, I do know that I have an almost eidetic memory and can recall things at a moment's notice. Also at the Opening Feast, I repelled a Legilimency attack from someone in the Hall."

Upon hearing this, Dumbledore's face grew serious, while McGonagall's turned ashen.

"Are you sure Harry?"

"Yes Sir, it felt like an attack, as was described in the books. It lasted for less than five seconds after which it stopped. I know it is illegal and I tried to find who it was, but no one was in direct eye contact with me or had a wand out at that point."

Dumbledore looked deep in thought, after which he answered, "You're right Harry, but master Legilimencers do not require either of those things for a powerful Legilimency attack. The spell can also be nonverbally casted."

Harry digested this piece of information upon which Dumbledore said, "We can debate about this afterwards. For now, let us concentrate on your defences. We'll leave that particular event for later."

After a moment of indecision, he continued, "Would you let me test your defences?"

McGonagall looked troubled as she spoke, "Are you sure it would be wise Albus? I'm not sure his mind may not be able to handle the strain."

As Dumbledore considered how to best assuage her fears, Harry spoke up. "If I may Professors?"

At their nods, he continued, "Actually, asking you to test my defences was one of the things I needed to ask you about. I need an expert opinion on the condition they are in." His expression was introspective as he spoke. "If I don't know about the weaknesses, I can't improve. A book can only help you so much."

Dumbledore and McGonagall had something resembling pride on their faces at Harry's little speech. Dumbledore spoke up.

"You're correct Harry. Learning Occlumency is traditionally a process between master and apprentice. Now, since you've clearly ahead of the initial stages, let's skip the introduction and check your defences. I'll start with a mild probe and we'll gradually work our way from there. Do you trust me enough to do that?"

"Professor, I don't think I could trust anyone as much I trust you and Professor McGonagall. You two looked out for me when neither of you were under duress or compulsion or obligation to do so. It was your letter that informed me of my origins, which got me started on magic, which got me to be the person that I am today. Granted that my parents also had their own little time capsule for me, but I shall forever be indebted to you and Professor McGonagall for being there for me. So trust me when I say that I trust you two. I only hope that you can accord me the same courtesy."

Harry's reply was heartfelt and complete and the two adults felt a rush of affection for the child.

Dumbledore smiled and asked, "So you ready?"

At Harry's nod, he raised his wand and intoned, "Legilimens!"

At first, Harry felt nothing but after a few moments, he felt a whisper, a disturbance in his mind, a single shift amongst his daily thoughts, all outside his mental walls. It tried to penetrate his barriers, much like an insidious insect. His walls were strong enough to be up to the task. Soon, the disturbance magnified into a feeling which resembled hundreds of ants crawling all over the insides of his skull. Tiny pinpricks, random in position and pattern were assaulting his defences from all sides. It had no effect on his walls, so he still held strong. Suddenly, the frequency increased and the pinpricks became hammers, pounding him from every conceivable direction. Concentrating harder than ever, he correspondingly increased the strength of his defences, all the while holding Dumbledore's intense cerulean gaze which looked brighter than ever. It went on this way for almost five minutes, during which he did his best to hold on. Just as he was about to give in, the probe disappeared and he relaxed.

However, it proved to be a fatal mistake as it came back stronger than ever, this time in the form of a single, burrowing thought sharpened into the mental likeliness of a spear. It slammed into his walls with all the grace of a cannonball, shattering his defences and leaving his mind bare and vulnerable to Dumbledore's scrutiny.

Having achieved his objective, Dumbledore withdrew immediately, leaving Harry drained with a pounding headache. Dumbledore looked at his student and handed him a glass of water while Harry attempted to piece his thoughts together into a semblance of protection.

"Are you alright Harry?" Came McGonagall's concerned timbre, while Dumbledore continued to observe him.

"Yeah, just give me a moment." He replied while holding onto his head with both hands.

After the headache had subsided somewhat, he turned his attention towards the two adults observing him and took a deep breath. Dumbledore had that trademark posture of his hands joined together at the fingertips and his gaze set in that penetrating gaze again while McGonagall still looked concerned for him.

Harry spoke up,

"Ok Professor, tell me. How did I do?"

Dumbledore replied, apology and pride shining together in his eyes. "Harry, first I must apologise for going so hard on you. The last attack was about six to seven-tenths of the total intensity I can call upon in my probe. That kind of mental barrage can shatter the shields of an apprentice to an Occlumency master. Someone who has been learning the art for more than three years, not to say the effect on the shields of a child, albeit an extremely talented one. So I would hazard a guess, at your current pace of improvement you would have impenetrable shields in a little more than two years. Quite an achievement, if I say so."

Harry blushed in response. Quickly schooling his features, he asked, "Any areas for improvement?"

Dumbledore thought for a second, then answered. "Yes Harry. Your shields are good enough to withstand a siege, seeing as you did that for almost five minutes before I broke in. But the reason that I could do that because you let down on the concentration, you relaxed. Once you can keep your defences up at that level twenty-four seven, or school them into responding accordingly to a sudden probe, you'll be settled. Do you follow me?"

At Harry's alert nod, he continued. "Furthermore, since you have got the passive part of Occlumency down pat, I'll be instructing you in the active version, on how to program your shields to attack the intruder or may be even restrain him mentally. That'll be useful in the coming years."

Harry nodded excitedly, learning anything new was a treat for him. Dumbledore continued, "So Harry, before we move on to your queries, are there any immediate questions you'd like to ask?"

Before he could reply, they were interrupted by McGonagall.

"Actually Harry, I have a question."

At Harry's inquisitive look, she continued.

"Today in the common room you said that you recognised me due to my magical signature. While mage sight, as it is called, is not unknown, there have been no cases of the ability surfacing in one as young as yourself."

At this, Dumbledore looked astonished – McGonagall hadn't mentioned this before - while Harry looked at McGonagall.

"I don't get your question Professor", was his bemused statement.

Dumbledore looked at McGonagall, "May I, Minerva?"

At her acquiescing nod, he continued. "Well Harry, I don't think you realise how rare this phenomenon is. Mage sight is one of the rarest magical gifts that a person can have. Those that do, only awaken it after their magical maturity mostly when they are in the twenties. I myself awakened it when I was nineteen."

Harry still looked perplexed. After a few moments, he replied, "Professors, I don't see the incredulity behind this. That is the least interesting thing I can do. I have been practising magic since the day I got that letter."

McGonagall nodded, it was not uncommon for students, especially kids from muggle backgrounds to practise with their wands after they get the Hogwarts letter. The trace did not activate until they entered Hogwarts and they got their guidelines about magic usage at the end of their first years. That still didn't compare to the fact that this eleven year could recognise, categorise and remember magical signatures!

"Harry," she started with the tone of someone explaining the facts of life to a very idiotic child, "mage sight is a lot more amazing than doing magic with a wand! I know that doing magic first-hand is very –"

She was interrupted by Harry mid-sentence. "Excuse me Professor. I didn't mean my Hogwarts letter. I meant the letters I got on my eighth birthday."

Dumbledore started, "Harry, did you just say that you have doing magic, active magic, since you were eight years old?"

At Harry's nod, he burst out, "But you didn't have a wand with you! Do you mean to tell me that you have been doing magic without a wand, since you were eight?"

Harry did not reply, he just dropped the barriers on his magic and let it manifest as an aura, similar to what he had done at Gringotts and summoned Dumbledore's stash of Lemon Drops from his shelf, from a good fifteen feet away. When they were in his hand, he popped one in his mouth and held the bag out with a cheeky smile on his face.

"Well, Professors?"


Was VERY tempted to stop here, but figured that you guys would bury me. So here's the rest. Read on!


Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall were frozen in surprise. They had figured that Occlumency and mage sight would be extent of surprises today, but this kid just had more in store! That Harry could do wandless magic and his magic appearing as an aura was surprise enough, but the control that Harry displayed had them flabbergasted. It was simply unheard of! With every passing moment, it was clear to them. Harry Potter was not, by any means an ordinary child.

For Dumbledore, the revelations held special meaning. Snippets of the prophecy were running through his mind.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…mark him as his equal… will have power the Dark Lord knows not….

It was so clear now. The power that was spoken about, it was magic, pure and simple. Harry's magic was special, special enough to battle the Dark Lord on equal terms regardless of the age or experience gap. That was, once Harry had been trained up. He spoke up.

"Harry, do you remember the question that you asked? The reason why he came looking after you? The reason why you had no more living relatives?"

Harry nodded, he had the feeling that Dumbledore was arriving at the core of the matter, the reason why this whole chaos had started. McGonagall on the other hand, remained silent. She knew that this would be an important turn in the conversation.

"There's a simple reason for it Harry. Before you were born, a prophecy was made. The exact words are not important since they're a bit redundant. What's important is the meaning of the prophecy. It was given by Sybil Trelawney, our Divination teacher here. She –"

Here Dumbledore was interrupted by McGonagall, who had a very skeptical look on her face. "Honestly, Albus? You're telling me that this mess was due to the ramblings of an insane lady? Ramblings that have no basis in fact?" By this time, her voice had risen to a shout and anger was clouding her visage. She was shrieking, "Oh, I ought to go and throttle that woman this very instant! That raving, mad, stupid, thoughtless bi—"

"MINERVA CONTROL YOURSELF!" Dumbledore's shout cut across her, leaving her stunned. With a calmer tone, he continued. "Yes Minerva, this is a true prophecy which was made by Sybil. The trance that she went into could not have been faked. It was automatically detected by the Unspeakables in the Hall of Prophecies and I was asked to provide a copy of my memories. It was genuine and moreover, I don't think that she would have joked about things of this magnitude."

While she was calming down, Dumbledore turned to Harry. "As I was saying Harry, the prophecy made is stored in the Department of Mysteries. Its contents prophesised the birth of a baby that July that would defeat the Dark Lord. Eliminating the choices, the prophecy could have been about you, or Neville."

"Neville?" Harry and McGonagall both gasped.

"Yes, Neville. His parents fought alongside yours Harry. They lie in St Mungo's, permanently cursed into insanity. They have been residents of the hospital since that fateful year, for eleven years now. The prophecy also said that the child would be marked by Voldemort and have power that would help him fight the Dark Lord. Considering what has happened since then, there is no doubt that you are the prophesised saviour."

Harry's fingers traced his scar and McGonagall looked shocked, while Dumbledore nodded and continued. "Yes Harry. That's the mark. Voldemort got to hear only half of the prophecy, which doesn't matter that much actually. What's important is that he acted upon the knowledge and turned the prophecy into a self-fulfilling one. Do you follow me so far?"

Harry had one question, one that Dumbledore couldn't answer. It was much too early for that particular query.

"How did he get hold of it in the first place, Sir?"

Dumbledore looked troubled as he answered. "Forgive me Harry. I cannot answer that. You have my word that I'll answer you once you know of a few more facts. Trust this old man on that."

Harry nodded graciously. Honestly, it didn't matter. His goal was Voldemort, not some petty messenger in the know how. Dumbledore relaxed and continued.

"Once Voldemort had this knowledge, he became incredibly paranoid. He targeted both the Longbottom and the Potter families from that moment on, since only you and Neville met the conditions. Your grandparents were killed by his followers and Neville's family was reduced to only him and his grandmother, who acts as the regent for the Longbottom family."

"I know about my grandparents Sir. Ironfist, my account manager detailed me on my ancestry and my finances."

Dumbledore looked satisfied as he replied. "Good. That means that you know of your responsibilities toward your family and society, considering that you're Gryffindor's heir."

McGonagall gasped once more. "Really Albus?"

Harry replied, "Yes Professor, it was one of the reasons the Sorting Hat allowed me to go into Gryffindor."

They all looked at the glass cupboard where the Sorting Hat resided, all silent at that moment.

Dumbledore turned to Harry. "Harry regarding that, do you know that you have a seat in the Wizengamot?"

Harry nodded, he had read up on that. Dumbledore continued, "So do you know that you need a proxy for your vote till you are seventeen? You'll need to choose for both seats, Potter and Gryffindor. Leaving the seat vacant is not conducive Harry, the Potter vote carries a lot of weight."

"Can you do it Sir? Be my proxy for the Potter seat?"

McGonagall looked proud while Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling at full intensity.

"I was thinking that leaving the Gryffindor seat vacant would be better. Best if no one knows that I'm the heir. We can use it in times of emergency."

"I would be honoured Harry. And good thinking regarding the Gryffindor seat. Your ancestors were of the same mentality. The last time that particular vote was used was during the war with Gellert Grindelwald and even then, it was through an anonymous proxy. "

Harry smiled, which only widened as Dumbledore spoke. "Which was me by the way. Your Grandfather and I were close friends. Because the magic in the Wizengamot chamber automatically detects the family magic when a vote is cast, Charlus gave me permission via a blood signed document. You'll have to do that too."

Harry's unasked query was answered when Dumbledore continued, "We'll see about that during Christmas. Now, returning to Voldemort's attack, when he came for you that night, he used a curse that has killed thousands of people. The Killing Curse leaves no marks Harry and there is no shield against it. No one has ever survived this curse."

At Harry's staggered expression, McGonagall added, "No one except you, and no one knows how."

Harry caught on to one inconsistency. "Professor Dumbledore, you must have some theory, some explanation. And if the curse leaves no marks, how come I have one?"

Dumbledore face was troubled. "Harry, the only reason that makes sense is that your mother did something to protect you. She gave her life defending you. How and why you survived, we'll never know."

At Harry's downcast look, he continued. "The first thing you should know about magic is its chaotic nature. It is very difficult to control, and no one knows the effect wild, raw and undirected magic can have. That is the reason why we have magical foci, spells and wand movements. It may be so that this particular facet of magic had something to do with your miraculous survival."

Harry spoke up. "I know sir. It took me almost a year before I could do controlled wandless magic. Before that, the results were downright 'chaotic', as you said."

Dumbledore and McGonagall hid their astonishment that an eleven year old child did what was out of the reach of so many people as Dumbledore continued.

"However, even I have no idea what your scar is all about. Though I have been researching it, there are no solid facts which can back up my theories."

He then remembered Harry telling him something. "Harry, can you remember the attack on your shields very clearly? Can you tell me where the feeling of being attacked was concentrated on?"

Harry looked puzzled while McGonagall looked worried. She had some indication of where this conversation was going.

"Yes Sir, my scar. It felt like something was burrowing through it. That's how I knew that I was being attacked."

Dumbledore now looked grave, as if his worst fears had been confirmed.

"What is it Albus?" McGonagall asked him.

"Harry, Minerva. You are not to speak of this to anyone. With or without my permission." At their nods, he explained. "I fear that it was Voldemort who was attacking Harry."

Harry sat open mouthed while McGonagall asked him in horror. "Albus? Voldemort? Here, in this school?"

"Yes Minerva, I fear that he may be possessing somebody." He turned to Harry as he continued. "Harry, when somebody attempts legilimency upon a person, there is no physical feeling. The magic of the spell straightaway affects the mind."

Harry had dawning comprehension on his face as he continued Dumbledore's thought. "That's why I didn't feel anything physically, pain or otherwise when you were checking my shields. You think that my scar is connected to Voldemort."

"Yes Harry, very smart of you. I think that you will have a reaction from the scar, what I don't know, when Voldemort is around. It may be pain or it may be pleasure or anything. There are no recorded cases for this kind of scar. I'll have to confirm my theories before I can give you any facts Harry."

Harry had a disgusted expression on his face as he burst out. "I'd prefer pain, extreme pain. Voldemort giving me pleasure is not something I even want to think about." Dumbledore and McGonagall looked a bit green themselves, if not amused.

Dumbledore heaved a great sigh before looking at his watch and then at Harry.

"Harry, it is getting late. Before I let you go, I want to try something. Seeing that you'll be learning things from me and Minerva, we wish to know the extent of your abilities."

At McGonagall's nod, Harry answered.

"As far as magic is concerned, I can summon things, banish and levitate them, basically move them around in any direction. I can also heal myself of small bruises and scrapes, but I haven't practised this on anybody else. You already know about my mage sight. I can see the wards around Hogwarts and the blood wards around Privet too."

He thought a bit more. "I can repair broken things provided that they have broken recently. And yeah, that's about it."

Dumbledore processed that, hiding his surprise carefully as he spoke up.

"Harry, I would like you to scan me with your mage sight. Then tell us what you saw and I'll tell you how accurate you are.

Harry nodded. He reached out with his senses, his eyes glowing faintly and nearly recoiled in surprise and awe. Dumbledore's aura just screamed of power and control. The man's magic was a burning, blinding corona of blue, seemingly contained within that frail looking body. It was tightly controlled, not a wisp of magic leaking through. Harry had thought that his magic was well within control. A glance at Albus Dumbledore had shown he still had a lot of work to do. That, there was the perfect instance of force and skill existing in harmony.

He was speechless. "Wow. Sir, you have almost four times as much as magic as I have. Your core is so tightly bound that there is zero magic bleeding out. That's all I can tell for now."

Dumbledore nodded, satisfied. He then took a look at Harry's magic with his own mage sight, his eyes a glowing blue. After a few seconds the glow in his eyes died down and he spoke.

"Harry, have you ever taken a look at your magical core?"

Harry nodded. Dumbledore continued. "Perhaps not recently. You were mostly accurate because you have a little less than a third of my magic in you. Not a fourth, as you had assumed. And it is well contained. Nicely done."

Harry and McGonagall were wide eyed. McGonagall burst out sputtering. "A third, Albus?"

"Yes, a third Minerva. Though he has a ways to go before he can use it fully. Come to me after a week, during the next weekend, and we'll start our classes. Minerva, you're invited too."

She was smiling as she replied, "I would not miss this for the world, Albus."

Dumbledore spoke, "Good, we'll need your expertise. Harry, it is getting late and you should probably return to your common room."

Harry nodded. Dumbledore smiled as he looked at Harry with fond eyes.

"I can say that you have grown up to be a remarkable person, worthy of the Potter name and that your parents would be extremely proud of you. Go, enjoy your first week at school and I'll send you a note next week about when to meet me. Minerva, you stay behind. "

Harry smiled as he walked around the desk and hugged Dumbledore and spoke. "Thank you both, for everything." McGonagall watched them with misty eyes and started in surprise as Harry hugged her briefly too.

"See you next week Professor." With that he exited the office.

After he was gone, the two adults sat in silence for a bit. Finally, McGonagall spoke. "Remarkable kid, isn't he Albus?"

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling at full throttle as he replied, "Yes, but I suspect he'll be showing us exactly how remarkable, in the coming years."

"You don't think he has come here for the stone, do you Albus? And where is the stone exactly?" McGonagall's voice was a bit shaky.

Dumbledore's twinkle died down a bit. "I am sure of it Minerva. But I'll be standing in the way." Here his expression took a mischievous twist. "And he'll get a nasty surprise if he tries to investigate the whereabouts of the stone. It is very well guarded."

-End-


Author's Notes:

- Sorry for the late update. Forgive me?

- One of the stories on this website that has the relationship that I prefer - between Dumbles, McGonagall and Harry is 'The Real Us' by Seel'vor. Though Hermione and Snape are also part of the equation in that fic, it'll be a little different here. Read the fic, it's delightful. Apart from the plot, the kind of rapport that exists between the above mentioned characters is the USP of that story. It's one of my favourites.

- The dialogue may be redundant in some cases, since you guys know most of the facts, but it was required to set the tone of the relationship between Dumbles, McGonagall, and Harry. Bear with me.

- The most difficult chapter for me by far. Considering the amount of dialogue, the topics, and the fact that I had to juggle between three POV's, and still make it sound smooth and natural…. Yeah, it was challenging.

- As always, please leave behind a review.

Sincerely,

Lust of Alucard.