Chapter 9 Coincidences?
With an unsteady hand, Albus poured the pearly substance into the basin of the pensive. He watched as faces swirled around, seemingly without rhyme nor reason. He cast a final glance to the vial, it was numbered as the first with a brief scrawl of 'Family Reunion', upon it.
Over an hour passed before Albus found himself once again sitting in the study, the waning fire the only outward sign regarding the passage of time - yet his new memories gained from Emily's experience brought an unearthly understanding to the meaning of being born as a 'Harston'.
The memory was still fresh…yet the overwhelming feeling of warmth, joy, and knowledge that encompassed the afternoon reverberated through Albus' veins. To witness the wonderful magic of the Harston's in a carefree, heart-warming manner…to see the Hallow brimming with life…to place a face to each of the names upon the tapestry.
His heart felt light and saddened within a heartbeat – to have met all the Harston's who would later die a most grievous death…
Sighing, he exchanged one memory for the next; entitled Fawkes.
Within a moment, Albus was blinking his eyes, trying to determine where he was when he saw a young Emily Harston snap her trunk closed. She turned toward him, her black robes billowing around her wiry frame – the long red and yellow drapes…and he realized at once he was in the Gryffindor Tower, the girl's dormitory at Hogwarts.
He watched as Emily turned back to her trunk as a sudden flash filled the room, her stance one of knowing…and ease. "Fawkes, what do I owe the visit?"
As you are aware, your grandfather died two years past. He stated before drawing to a halt upon the bed next to hers.
"And where have you hidden since that dreadful day?"
Fawkes tilted his head to the side as if pondering, I live with those before and those to come while waiting for the one to be.
Her rich laughter echoed off the stone walls, "How I have missed our circular conversations, but I must ask – how am I hearing your words, as before Papa would translate your beautiful notes?"
Because I have come to ask a question, one that requires you and only you to answer.
Emily walked forward, sitting upon the trunk as she stared at him. "Then ask, ambiguity does not become you."
Why should I bind myself to you?
Emily appeared momentarily taken back, but then she stood, her long wavy hair shaking in tune with her head. "Perhaps Percival or Jolia."
Both fine choices, but I seek you – not they.
"Why?" She asked, her unsteady voice barely reaching Albus' ears.
You must answer my question first, and then I shall answer yours.
He watched as Fawkes and Emily stared at each other…the time seemed to hold still as black beady eyes met her steely grey ones. It was at that moment, Albus' eyes lifted to see that the drapes had not moved upon Fawkes' entry…he had suspended time. Albus jerked his eyes back just in time to watch Emily give a brief nod, followed by a feint response. "I do wish it. Though not for reasons that you may think." At her response he nodded as if indicating for her to continue, "Papa use to speak of you with such reverance and how you had help to save so many. But I would ask you to bind yourself to me, not because of how you could help or make my life easier, but because I want to make yours easier. I hope to lead a quiet life, one surrounded by family and friends, one where you would not need to protect me – but where you could perhaps gain a lifetime of respite."
What you speak of sounds like music to my bones, but what of the portents from your dreams?
Albus watched as Emily's soft grey eyes melted into ones of steel, her voice becoming equally as hard. "I refuse to give them credence, nor shall anyone else."
Fawkes stepped closer, And when you see the man you love dying in your portents, will you still refuse to give credence?
"Time is not constant Fawkes, it is malleable. If it were not," She motioned to the room, "How would you explain this moment that beats without time. Therefore, a portent must be malleable too."
Very well young one, you have answered my question now I shall answer yours. Now listen and pray heed you listen well. He watched as Fawkes tilted his head, black eyes almost softening for a moment, I have lived since the breath of time, but once I fell upon a man who took great pains to bring forth my death. A wizard and witch from a time and place that were both foreign and similar, saved me and nursed me back to health. He could speak to me through a binding once placed…and I to him.
They were from a world that quickly approaches, and one from the lineage that beats through your veins.
I have remained steadfast to the only request they made, and that was to watch and upon occasion guide the line that would be known as the Harstons. Since that time, I have sought not the strongest, nor the one with the most skill, but to protect and guide the one with a childlike heart who can look upon the world with hope, for hope is the unyielding force that gives all creatures a reason to live.
You have not only skill and strength, and wisdom well beyond your years, but also the flame of hope burns deep within your soul.
"And what of the witch and wizard who saved you?"
You shall know them, and they of you.
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Albus felt the familiar tug upon his navel, and the world of Hogwarts was ripped from his view and he was again sitting in the study. Yellow flames barely licked the air as the embers grew small, and the fire dim. With a quick wave of his hand, new wood appeared within the fireplace, and with a second wave, a roaring fire replaced the dying one.
Albus picked up the journal, his mind upon Fawkes' words as he wrote in the journal.
"In the second vial, your conversation with Fawkes, did you ever discover who saved him?"
We held his breath waiting for reply, and then with aching slowness her words appeared upon the page as her distinct voice rang through the air. I believe I have met one, yet not the other.
"Who?"
I cannot say, but you will learn of them within your life. Take heart and have patience Albus. And learn what you can from the next several vials. I shall look forward to a chat after such time. Good evening, my boy.
Albus stared at her response and shook his head before snapping the journal closed. He glanced at the remaining six vials and then to the clock…it was already past noon, and his stomach told him that lunch should take precedence.
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Over the course of the next several days, he watched and studied the memories regarding the animagus training and the spell work Emily had trained her son in. He had already learned much of the spell work in his travels, but in the evenings – he found himself honing his skills regarding wandless magic along with practicing the handful of spells he had not known.
Late one evening, he revisited the memory of Hallow – it had been hard to bear witness to, and even harder to watch Emily realize that her husband, Bernard had died. When he returned to his sanctuary, tears were pouring freely down his face at her loss. And when he spoke to Emily regarding it…
"Why didn't you use Fawkes' tears?"
I…Her voice betraying her feelings regarding the memory from a lifetime ago, I…made two grievous errors that day, one regarding the watch and the other in that I did not bring my vial with his tears that day, it sat upon my nightstand – the only day within my long life that I had forgotten it. And it cost my husband's life.
"You used the watch to save your life…"
Yes, but the vial could have saved my husband's.
"Why did you need the vial?"
Fawkes can only take on so many spells, before he is reborn and as a baby phoenix, he is unable to fly or heal. Therefore, I use to carry a vial with me that held his tears, just in case…
"But the vial, Fawkes tears, would not have cured him."
Correct, but the Aeternus Eternus spell combined with his tears would have.
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Albus poured the last vial into the pensive one afternoon, several weeks later. He let the pearly liquid swirl for a moment, his eyes catching sight of his boyhood self…and then he found himself standing next to Emily along the back of the house, overlooking the green fields as two carefree children, laughed and played a game of exploding snaps.
Albus noticed Pernelle stepped beside her. "Hello, Emily."
"Pernelle." She replied, her grey eyes intent upon watching the scene unfold before her, "How is Nicholas?"
"Well, though, I swear he gets younger and more childish by the day."
Emily chuckled, "Take heart, that will keep your marriage youthful."
"Or kill the both of us." Pernelle replied before turning her watchful eye upon her friend. "And how are you?"
"Well." She responded curtly. "And you?"
"Tired, but that is to be expected. Nicholas is beginning to build a second stone."
For the first time, Emily's gaze turned to her friend. "Is that wise?"
Pernelle shrugged, "Actually, he stated that it was you who would know that the time has come – for Fawkes came to see him not quite a fortnight ago."
Albus watched as the two witches stared deeply into the other's eyes, and then slowly Emily turned back to watching a much younger version of himself and Aberforth.
"How have the boys taken to the Hallow?"
He watched as a large grin broke through his Gran's face, "Quite well," Her voice turning soft, as if reminiscing. "It is good to hear laughter within these walls, and the feet of children running down the halls. It has been far too long."
"And what do you make of your two grandsons?"
Emily rolled her eyes, "Only you would ask."
"That is because it has been a topic of many conversations these past years, along with the Harston lineage. Will either one carry the name and traditions on?"
Emily smiled, "More than you know, my friend. But, I must say that young Albus is amazingly brilliant and I see much of both Percival and Wulfric within him."
"And Aberforth?"
"A skill lies within him far different than Albus and yet equally as potent."
Pernelle stepped back, her hand pulling toward her mouth in apparent shock. "Emily…" The tenor in her voice rising as she spoke. "Do not be offended, but…" Tears pooled at the edges of her eyes. "It has been years since the shadows have not masked your eyes."
Emily nodded, "These past 3 weeks since they have arrived have been an unforeseen blessing and has given something back that has been lost for many a year. Hope."
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Albus watched as the scene shifted, and he found himself staring at his Gran as they began to work on his magic…and the love shining through her grey eyes as they began the lesson…
….
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The next several years of Albus' life encompassed his own training and learning through the library at the Hallow, combined with working on the uses of dragon's blood. He worked closely with Nicholas and Pernelle Flammel, and created a serum that all three thought was best to remain among themselves – for it combated Vertaserium. He continued providing items to Ollivanders…in addition to helping those in both the muggle and magical world, leaving untold footprints upon countless persons through his travels…
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1881
"I am glad you made the time, Albus." She said, a warm smile lighting her eyes.
"As am I, Ma'am." He stated, taking the seat she had indicated. "I am glad to see you have returned to public life."
She nodded to the servant, and the doors closed, leaving the two of them alone. "Has my son asked you to flaunt the line?"
Albus smiled at his great-aunt's dry humor. "No, though I daresay, if he though it would gain favor, he would have asked."
"Doubtful," She chuckled, "He is more afraid of you than even Mr. Brown."
"How is John?" He reached over and poured a cup of tea, and at her nod poured her one as well.
"Well, though, since returning from Balmoral…and to London, I have not had the opportunity to see him on a regular basis."
Albus felt his heart lurch, and he knew by her expression that something was dreadfully wrong between the two of them. "How long have the two of you not been talking?"
She recoiled, and snapped. "Albus Dumbledore…how dare you imply…!"
The doors to the study were thrust open, and Albus calmly looked up over the rim
of his tea cup to the servant who had entered to ensure the Queen was indeed alright. And as she whirled around, his aunt's fury now upon the poor man at the doors. "Did I say to open the doors?"
"No…Ma'am." He stammered, and quickly pulled them close again.
"Imply? You have lived too long among the Court, my dear aunt. I care not for their politics, nor of their whisperings. I only wish your happiness." He shook his head, "It is true, I have been gone quite some time. Perhaps too long, I'd say guessing by your reaction and your mannerisms. But do not forget, that I was one of three at the ceremony. Now…" He set the cup down, reaching across the space, "What has happened?"
"I fear your words are true, for it has been too long regarding many aspects." A sad smile, and teary eyes gazed up at him. "You still look so young, Albus. It is as though, you haven't aged a day since that afternoon on the cliff."
"It has been seventeen years, dear aunt." He stated, remembering the fabled letter he had received a tattered owl sent from the Queen – while en route, rather drunkenly to Egypt. She had asked him return to England, and to stand, in confidence by her side as a witness. He responded, by having Fawkes deposit him to the north of Balmoral…and he arrived the following morning, much to his kin's surprise. He had only stayed for two days, the first one learning the details of his summons and hiking across the country with John. The second, fulfilling a welcome duty. A witness to their marriage. And for their gift, he had given the only one he had to give – enabling the two of them an afternoon, any where within his apparation limits. That afternoon, the Queen of England nor John Brown were within her countries boundaries…they had enjoyed a quaint afternoon along the Mediterranean, as nothing other than a man and woman, in love.
"And still you seem to be barely a day older."
"And you ever the lovelier." He replied, "Now, what of John?" He asked, steering the conversation back towards deadly waters, "Please don't tell me you blame him for leading you back into public life?"
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1883
Albus met John's deep, penetrating gaze. His breaths shallow, labored. "Protect her." He wheezed.
Albus nodded, "I shall."
A peace fell upon John's face, "Thank you."
"But I must ask, where is your diary?"
"For Victoria?"
Albus shook his head, "No –"
He struggled to sit up, to move – but Albus' hand stayed him. "I willna let you…taint…"
"John, you have known me for the better part of 20 years. I ask, for both your sakes."
"Aye," He muttered, "If she were to have it…"
"Her sons will dispose of it."
"Will ya keep it safe?" He asked, pleading.
"Yes, for as long as I live."
There was a knock at the door, and both men turned to the sound. And then John turned to Albus, and pointed to the old oak desk in the corner. "There, second drawer, a false bottom."
Albus nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the drawer sprung open and the book sailed across the space and into his hand and with a nod, the door opened to reveal, the Queen.
"Albus, I didn't know you were in the area." She stated, eyes sliding to John.
Albus nodded, as he discreetly tucked the book into his robes. "I was just leaving." He glanced down at John, "Thank you."
John grasped his hand, and held it – both men staring at the other, before John released it… "I hope ya find what has eluded ya these past years."
"And may safe travels follow you throughout yours." And Albus stepped away, edging past his aunt – his fingers squeezing her shoulder in comfort as he passed...
…John Brown died the next day from pneumonia…his diary never found…
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1884 – September 30th
Albus had just completed his forth speech in three days regarding seven uses of dragon's blood. And as he gazed into the mass of witches and wizards, he reigned in his frustration and began answering question after question…waiting for the moment he could slip away. Three hours later, a very tired Albus Dumbledore stepped out into the streets of Munich, starving.
Biting back a yawn, he pulled out his watch – gazing at the time. Half past eight. His eyes darted along the street, and he instantly noticed how unusually quiet the area was…before remembering what his friend had stated about Oktoberfest – and how the festival lasted for 2 marvelous weeks…and didn't end until mid October.
Despite his fatigue, he found himself walking the long cobbled streets – heading toward the growing noise and decadent smell of sausage, hendl, käsespätzle, and sauerkraut.
He rounded the corner, a smile growing upon his face…as throngs of people moved to various vendors – filling up their mugs with fresh beer, loading their plates with sausage and kraut…music and dancing…
He nodded to a small group that passed, his eyes upon the closest food and drink tent. Upon ordering, a young boy of no more than 5 stepped up beside him. Albus, struggled to understand the boy's thick German dialect. "Could you spare a mark?" He asked.
Albus nodded to the boy, "Give this man your order – and I shall oblige."
The boy glanced at elder man, and then nodded. "I'll take a pint."
Albus reached into his pocket and paid. Grabbing his dinner and drink, while handing the boy his drink. "Do you think you could tell me a quiet place to dine this evening?"
The boy smiled, "Sure." He sipped the warm beer, "There's a park just off the main street."
Albus began following him, "Where's your father?"
"Ahhh, papa is with me uncle working four tents up." He pointed across the breezeway, "Just up there."
Albus sat down on the bench, and nodded to the area next to him. "After I finish, how about we take you back to him before you are missed."
The boy nodded, "Ahh, that would be fine, but he is well known and I not missed."
Albus took a deep bite of his hendl and noodles, as the boy chatted aimlessly about the festival and the music of the past hour. "By the way, what is your name?" He asked.
"Albus, yours?"
"Albert." Albus extended his hand, both shaking the others.
"Nice to meet you."
Albert kicked his legs back and forth along the bench, "You too." He said. "You wanna see a magic trick?"
Albus washed his last bite of noodles down with his beer. "Certainly."
Albert stood up, handing Albus his drink. "Hold this." And then he crawled up onto the bench. "I'm going to jump off the bench and appear to suddenly be standing along the backside."
Albus watched as the boy jumped off…and then told him to close his eyes…he could hear Albert scrambling up the bench and as he cracked open his eye…he watched as the boy lost balance…and began stumbling backwards…reaching towards the heavens.
Albus uttered the quiet spell… "Aetes Tempus." The world pausing around him, as he stood up, placing both glasses down upon the bench before walking over to the wide-eyed boy, suspended in mid-air, terror emanating from his blue eyes.
Carefully he placed his hands beneath his back, and released the spell…the boy collided within his arms. "How did…?" The words were tumbling from his lips, as Albus set him back upon the ground.
"You should really watch your footing, magic tricks or not." Albus stated standing back up.
Albert looked at him, and then at the two glasses sitting upon the bench, "You were sitting there…" He pointed to the bench, "Just a second ago." He furrowed his brow, "How did you get over here so fast?"
Blue eyes twinkling against the blackness of night, met the young boys inquisitive gaze. "Everything is relative, Albert…" He reached out his hand, "Even time." Albus began walking toward the tent where the boy's father was suppose to be, "Come on, let's find your father."
"What's relative?" He asked as they stepped into the mass of people.
"Different views…or perception." Albus stated as Albert drew to a halt in front of an olive tent.
"Here." Albert dropped his hand, "Father is just inside."
"Next time, have him go with you. It's safer."
Albert scrunched up his face, but nodded. "Alright. But only if you tell me how you did your magic trick. It is far better than mine."
Albus held the young boy's gaze for several moments, before settling on an answer. "How about I do a different magic trick, and you see if you can figure it out for yourself?"
Albert eagerly nodded, "Yes."
At this, Albus pulled out his watch and opened the cover. Albert stared at the face in awe… "I've never seen a watch like that." He said as Albus reached forward, his long fingers gently gripping the edge of the stem.
"Of that I have no doubt." Albus replied, and then pulled up upon the stem and slid the hands forward…for one minute.
Albert watched as the man in front of him touched his pocket watch…and then winked…before he was just gone. He looked to the left…to the right…he ran out to the left and looked along the tent, and then to the right side. The man was no where to be found…and as he was about to open the front flap, the man in elaborate blue robes was suddenly right back where he started, in the very same position…
"Wow." Albert said, "Do that again!"
At the commotion, his father stepped outside of the tent. "Albert, when did you…" His eyes fell upon the blue robed man kneeling in front of his son, "What is the meaning of this?"
Albus stood, and extended his hand. "Albus Dumbledore, Mr…?"
"Einstein, Hermann Einstein." He stated, grabbing Albus' hand in a hearty handshake.
"Papa…" Albert tugged on his father's pant leg, "Mr. Albus did the most amazing vanishing act…"
Hermann narrowed his eyes at the man, but Albus merely smiled and quickly diffused the situation as he asked about the electric company Hermann appeared to be running. After several minutes, Albus managed to excuse himself claiming he needed a fresh beer and as he exited the tent…Albert followed, "Just one more trick Mr. Dumbledore."
Albus lowered himself to eye level, "Albert, remember that time is relative and that, nor this…was ever a trick. Just a different level of understanding. Good night." And he whispered "Aetes Tempus." Halting the world around him as he made his way down the street, around the human statues before clearing the area…and the world instantly righting itself.
To Albert…the man known as Albus Dumbledore…had vanished into thin air…again. He waited for several minutes, unmoving…waiting, but he never returned.
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1918
Albus stood, nodding to elder wizard in ebony robes. "It has been a pleasure, Jean Pilar."
"Please do not hesitate to come again." Jean stated, giving Albus' hand a hardy squeeze. The ground buckling as the sirens sounded, "Damn Germans." He muttered into the air as his hands gripped the table for support. "Can't give us a moment of peace to enjoy good company and a hearty meal."
Albus couldn't help but to laugh at his friend's humor, "I must go, I promised a friend to look after their home while away."
The chandelier jolted, "Go, I must re-enact the property's wards." He stated, opening the door as a flash of light covered the countryside.
"Stay safe."
Jean nodded, "Don't have a choice," He said grumbling, about protecting the French President. "Though it's difficult with so many Germans about."
Albus nodded, "True." And with long strides, he headed to the west…and within minutes he had passed Jean's wards and apparated to the north of the Flammel estate. And instantly, he could feel something was wrong. The wards were fine, as was the house, but…he could feel heat…and he spun around, to see orange and yellow licking the black sky as a raging fire burned to the south, blood curdling screams could be heard over the crackling wood.
A small fiery flame burst to his right as Fawkes joined him. A muggle camp lies admist the fire to the south.
And before Albus could move, a young man burst through the foliage, blood mixing with sweat as it trickled off his face – he was less than 4 feet away before he noticed Albus, arms flying over his head as he stammered, "Don't shoot. I'm…"
Albus' eyes jerked towards the new rustling noise, and he noticed the young man's head whipped around – terror filling his eyes.
"Germans." He muttered.
At this Albus smiled, "Relax, my boy."
He opened his mouth…and tried to talk, but then three men in uniforms walked out of the brush – light glinting off their metal barrels as they leveled them at Albus and the young man.
"Halt." They stammered, walking towards Albus.
Albus walked forward, causing the three men to begin shouting for him to stop…and as they began pulling their triggers…the three men fell to the ground, ropes binding their arms and legs.
The young man sprinted forward, trying to catch up to Albus who was now kneeling beside the three men, his soft words causing the three men to stare blankly to the sky. "How did you do that?" The young boy asked between gasps as he drew up next the elder man.
"Just a hint of magic." Albus said standing up. "Now, can you lead me toward the camp that lies to the south?" He asked matter a factly, despite the young man's obvious doubts.
"I…I…" The man's eyes darted from the three men to the elder one who wore a thick red traveling cloak, with a matching velvet hat and twinkling blue eyes.
Albus felt Fawkes swoop overhead, his voice reverberating through his bones. You must hurry Albus, the fire grows. Albus stepped closer to the terrified boy, "I mean them no harm, but we must hurry to save them. Now, which direction?"
With a shaking hand, the man stepped forward and pointed to the path he had just recently vacated. But as he turned back towards the man who had been there a mere moment before, he was gone.
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As soon as the boy turned, Albus apparated to the small muggle camp and immediately he felt the heat pour over him, sweat was already dripping off his brow before he had even assessed the situation. He could see men and women running away from the fire, abandoning the infirmed and wounded in an effort of self preservation. A lone woman seemed to be calling help to her, trying to create a bucket line to pass buckets of water to the front…but as another tree gave way, crashing towards the ground, sparks flying onto an outlying section of tents, the last of her help evacuated.
He watched as she picked up the bucket of water, throwing its content toward the now burning tent…and he flicked his wand, and the small amount of water increased twenty fold, quickly putting the fire out on the once burning canvas.
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The young man breathlessly stepped onto the edge of the cliff and he could see the fire about to engulf the camp, the smoke burning his eyes and lungs as his eyes sought one man in particular, one with deep red traveling cloak lined with silver stars and moons. He saw a small bucket line forming, it appeared to be a woman heading it up, and then to the north stood a lone figure with a pointy hat…a tree fell sending sparks throughout the camp, causing the bulk of the small bucket line to scurry as though they were rats upon a drowning ship, all except one. The woman…who grabbed another bucket…and threw it toward the now burning canvas tent, and he watched in amazement as the water from the bucket increased at least ten fold before putting the fire out as it landed upon the tent.
His eyes instantly went to the man along the edge of the fire, and watched as he raised his arms, a thin piece of wood – almost appearing as though it were a wand, in his right hand. His robes billowing around him as he began to move his arms, light sparkling at the end of his wand…and then the buckets seemed to pick up and float on their own accord…his eyes noticing that the woman was no longer standing, but lay flat on her back unaware of her surroundings.
The young man watched as the buckets quickly emptied, and as each one did, the seeming small amount of water increased exponentially as it flew through the air towards the fire. Two, three, ten, twenty buckets were quickly emptied and the fire seemed to be less of a threat to the camp, but it continued moving on…and his eyes once again returned to the man along the edge.
His arms were waving, robes billowing, a soft voice seemed to carry along the wind as the fire crackled, creating an eerie music as the man seemed to raise his arms and a great light blue sphere burst from hands heading towards the fires edge. As soon as it connected, a loud crack could be heard as if the fire were willing it be elsewhere, but the man thrust his arms again and the sphere pushed into the fire, instantly dissipating it where they met.
Albus felt his magic pull as he again pushed the icy water through the fire, the heat from its center to hot for even water to cool, causing another distant explosion to pound his ears. With renewed vigor, he pushed the water through the fire knowing it would dissipate all but the hottest. Within a few moments only one area still burned, and Albus quickly stepped closer, the heat burning his skin and drying his sweat before it could pour off his body. He narrowed his eyes trying to see the heart of the fire, and then with an intricate wave his hand along with several incantations, the dirt itself reached up into the center of the fire and smothered it.
His eyes scanned the now charcoaled area for any lingering fires, but he only found the young man he had abandoned mere minutes ago starring wide-eyed at him. Albus thrust his wand back into his robes and walked back toward the camp.
Aren't you forgetting the boy? Fawkes chirped as he picked his way around the burnt tent pole.
I shall attend to him momentarily, my friend. Albus replied as he knelt beside the young woman whose dirty blonde hair and cream skin was smudged with soot. His fingers easily slide to her pulse point, she would fine, he thought as he began to stand and she collapsed into a series of coughs. He helped her sit up, her coughs becoming less intensive as her bright eyes turned towards him, questioning.
"Who…" She licked her lips, voice still cracking, "Who are you?"
"Albus Dumbledore, you?" He asked, leaning back.
"Amelia…" She placed a hand to her mouth as she pushed herself into a full sitting position. "Amelia Earnhardt." Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the camp, the obvious question falling from her lips, "The fire?"
He shook his head, "I haven't a clue. It was pressing down upon my house and then it was gone as though it had burnt itself out."
She nodded, her eyes closing as she took another deep breath… "I remember the tree beginning to fall, sparks everywhere as the last of the nurses and doctors fled and grabbing a bucket through the smoke…and then…" She shook her head, "Damn lucky." She wheezed.
Albus nodded, but his eyes were skimming the ridge line, looking. "If you will excuse me, Miss Earnhardt." He began to stand, but felt her hand along his arm.
"Where are you going?"
"I shall be back, but I though I saw someone along the ridge." Her eyes grew large as he stepped back, "I'll just be a moment, I'm going to see if I can get a better viewpoint" And as she nodded, turning to the side, he disapparated – standing next to the young man whom he had been with less than half an hour ago. "Hello again." Albus said causing the young man to jump and almost fall off the cliff.
"W…h…o? Are you?" He asked, quickly backing up.
"My name is Albus, and yours?"
"Wa…lt…" He took a deep breath, "Walt Disney."
Albus nodded, "Well Mr. Disney, I have a bit of a problem that perhaps you may be able to help me with."
"I…" The young man felt his jaw clench as he nodded.
"It seems you saw a little more than I would have liked, and the Ministry will undoubtedly frown if they were to find out that you saw what I did. And as I do not like to cast memory charms on people, as I find they often cause unforeseen side effects. Perhaps you see my dilemma?"
Disney nodded in understanding, "I...what's a memory charm?"
Albus chuckled, "A charm that would remove your knowledge of what you saw."
Blood drained from the man's face. "But…that's…impossible…"
"Some would say that what you saw was impossible."
Terrified blue eyes starred at the elder man, "What…are you going to do to me?"
Albus narrowed his eyes as if in contemplation, and then sighed. "I shall put myself in your capable hands young man. And leave my fate to you, for if you speak of this to a sole, I shall find that I have quite a bit of explaining to do."
"And what of me?"
"I may suggest that you could help to rebuild this medical camp, as they are in dire need of assistance."
Fawkes swooped low, There is movement upon the Flammel property.
Walt watched as Albus tilted his head skyward, as a beautiful maroon bird sang magical chords overhead. The man's face frowned as he turned back to him, "I must go."
"You spoke to him." Walt stated matter of factly.
"Of course." Albus replied, the starlite sky twinkling along his eyes. "I shall ask for a binding promise, Mr. Disney that you shall not speak of this day again."
Walt looked at the hand stretched out towards him, and he nodded taking it. "It is the least I can give after you saved my life."
"Thank you." Albus stated as he shook his hand, and then Walt blinked…he was standing in the middle of the tents, next to the woman whom he had watched risk her life...the other man, the wizard, however was gone.
He heard her breath hitch, and he kneeled next to the fearless woman. "Hello, Miss…"
a/n: Hope you enjoyed this chapter; the next one is started & we will see a very young Minerva enter the storyline – it is entitled Return to Hogwarts.