Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.

Questions Concerning:

Heart Problem: It has a purpose, you'll see.

Hedwig: Well...she's busy making owl friends :P

Pixies: I haven't forgotten them. They still have a part to play. Probably in the part after next.

A/N: This part is going to cover a large amount of time. I apologize if some of you were expecting me to elaborate on the schools a great deal, but at this point I don't really want to put in things that are not going to contribute to the story or to the development of the characters. I hope you all understand and like the fact that I will be getting to the real action faster. I also hope this part doesn't seem too choppy, as, once again, I did cover a lot of time.

A/N 2: For those who feel this story is unrealistic since only Remus has died so far, I feel I must iterate that he was not the first good guy to go in this story. Two professors (Professors Septima Vector and Aurora Sinistra) and a few other minor characters have died. Also, please note that it was at the end of the fourth book in the canon when the first character of note was killed. I don't feel I'm being unrealistic in this aspect of the story. I admit, I am stretching the maturity level of some of the characters (such as Ron and the others his age) a bit, but really, think about it. Am I the only one who feels Ron, Harry, and even Hermione started out surprisingly mature in the series (but then seemingly went backwards halfway through….)? I mean, they solved two rather complex mysteries and dealt with them without suffering a mental break down (bk 1 and 2). *Shrug* Well, that's all for my tiny rant.

Hope you all enjoy the part below ^^.


- - - Book 4 — Part 5: Released

"I can't believe we've finally finished them," Susan said, holding up her greatly improved robes.

They didn't look any different, but they now had runes inscribed along the inner seams and would provide an impressive amount of protection in battle situations. All of the Custosae now had these defenses sewn into their outer robes/clothing, even Hagrid and Teddy.

"I know, it feels like we've been working on them for forever," Hermione agreed.

"We've been working on these since before term started," Ron reminded.

"We are to wear them everywhere," Draco said.

"Agreed," Neville said, Revlis on his shoulders nodding as well.

Teddy smiled, patting his new vest with his paw.

"So you have another session with Professor Mako, Harry?" Fred asked.

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this lesson," Harry said, all of them getting up to go to the Great Hall for dinner. "We've been preparing for it for a while."

Harry and Draco had been working with Mako for several weeks now, Teddy hanging out with Neville and the others during those times. Mako had said Harry needed to be able to handle his magic and chakra without the aid of an outside force, meaning Teddy. It could create problems in the future, he had said. Oddly, Teddy agreed with Mako.

For the past week, Harry and Draco had been preparing themselves for that day's lesson, meditating daily in effort to become more in tuned to their chakra. Mako had been quite clear that they had to be ready if they were going to be successful in what he was going to teach them.

They hadn't gone into complex Chakra Control, as Mako wanted to go slow and make sure they had a solid foundation before doing anything particularly difficult, but that was perfectly fine with Harry and Draco. The IDP experience was making everything rather busy, after all.

Harry and the others had gotten to know a few of the visiting students, but none of them really appeared to be Custosae or Amici material. Harry and the others had also come to a silent agreement to try not to involve more people unless they had no choice.

O o O o O

Mako left the Great Hall early after eating his dinner. He had to prepare himself for that day's lesson with Draco and Harry. He now felt confident they were both ready and that it was now safe for Harry for them to move forward.

The past several weeks had been like nothing he had ever experienced before. Both Harry and Draco were talented individuals who had experienced much in their young lives. The more Mako discovered and learned about them, the more he felt compelled to help them in every way he could.

It had been in their first lesson where he learned how intertwined Harry's magic was with his chakra and how dangerous Harry could become if he so wished. Mako was thankful the lad had a kind and giving heart, for his magic had a darkness to it that would taint weaker souls. Now, 'darkness' was not to say 'evil', but Mako could not find a better word for what he identified as a hand of death hidden within the boy. But that too, was not an adequate description.

Mako cleared the training room of all furniture before transfiguring the floor into a layer of soft sand.

He had to get everything right if he was to teach Harry and Draco the strongest technique in harnessing their chakra and taking the first step in truly reaching their full potential in Chakra Control. He normally only reserved this lesson for sixth year students, but if he was going to help them, they needed to learn this now, before he had to leave.

Over the past few weeks, he had taught Harry and Draco how to relax their magic and touch their chakra. For Harry, this had been particularly difficult, so much so that Mako had to personally help him. This had been when Mako had 'seen' Harry's magical core and when he had discovered how important it was to teach Harry proper Control and Release.

Mako shook his head, wondering why some teachers of Chakra Control forgot the importance of Release. Control was vitally important of course, but one cannot control something all the time. One had to rest, allow their chakra to expand and breathe before regaining control again. One had to learn to let their chakra simply be.

Mako hoped this would help Harry, who, it was clear, had already learned to do this with his magic. That was another thing that Mako was intrigued by. Harry had naturally learned when to let his magic guide him and when he needed to guide it. It was a promising sign, but Harry's condition was still troublesome.

For whatever reason, Harry's chakra was still stubbornly residing tightly coiled around his magic, and the effects from the basilisk venom and phoenix tears did nothing to help matters. Mako only hoped teaching Harry how to Release would bring about a positive change, not only for the boy's magical well-being, but for his physical one as well. If things were left unchanged, Mako was certain Harry's heart would succumb to the whirling and constricting forces around it.

O o O o O

Harry and Draco entered the room, a bit curious as to why the floor was now sand and why everything had been cleared out. Closing the door behind them, they turned to Professor Mako, curiously also finding Albus Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey behind him.

"Are you both ready?" Mako asked.

By the tone of his voice, they both knew that day's lesson was going to be something they would remember for the rest of their lives. They slowly nodded.

"The Headmaster and Madam Pomfrey are going to be watching. If you feel that's going to distract you, they can disillusion themselves."

"I think we will be fine," Harry said.

"Are you expecting there to be a problem?" Draco asked, looking at Pomfrey.

"No," Dumbledore said. "But Professor Mako and I thought it prudent to take some precautions, just in case."

"That makes sense," Harry agreed.

"Alright, today, I'm going to teach you a very important technique in controlling your chakra—Release," Mako said as Dumbledore and Pomfrey retreated to the far wall to quietly watch.

"Release?" Draco asked, now focused on the lesson.

"Yes, though it may seem the opposite of control initially, after completing the first process you will eventually be able to have total control of your chakra," Mako said, directing them to come before him and sit down. They did so and he followed, sitting cross-legged before them. "Now, this can be harmful if done incorrectly, which is why I had you both prepare yourselves before to make sure it goes smoothly. I am also going to help you begin the process before stepping back. Starting is the difficult part."

He made some hand seals before waving his hands deliberately in front of them both.

"I will walk you both through it," he said, placing his hands out in front of him. "Close your eyes."

They did as he said, allowing their minds to calm as they had done countless times before with Mako.

"Now, push your magic away from your center. It's alright if your chakra comes with it a little, but don't let it extend far from your control just yet," Mako instructed, using his magic to guide them. "Alright, relax your magic and give it free reign as I take hold of your chakra. Under no circumstances are you to pull back your chakra while I'm doing this. It's going to feel strange and you're going to feel you should reel it back, but don't. This is the release portion. Just let it be. Let it go."

As he said these things, his chakra reached out, gliding past his magic and around theirs to take hold of their chakra. Mako had his eyes open, pushing a small portion of magic and chakra into them to be able to see the energies before him.

Draco's magic had spread out along the sand covered floor, the majority of his chakra currently residing in the seven locations along his spine and head, quite stable. Harry's chakra, on the other hand, was coursing around him, flowing beside his magic. Mindful of the differences, Mako started the process, pulling their chakra further and further away from them.

"When I let go, I don't want you to do anything with your chakra. Your chakra will slowly return to you after I release it. Think of your chakra like a pond that has just been disturbed by a stone. Imagine the ripples going out, before slowly dissipating, the surface of the pond going still once again. As your chakra settles, I want you to slowly pull your magic back to your center. Once you feel your chakra has fully leveled out around you, I want you to reclaim control by breathing in deeply and imagining your chakra wrapping around you like a cloak. Alright, I am letting go now."

Mako slowly exhaled, watching their progress. Dumbledore and Pomfrey watched in fascination.

Draco's chakra pulsed around him as he pulled his magic to himself. Mako could see Draco's chakra become brighter as it felt true freedom, touching the invisible energies around it, learning and experiencing. Draco was doing well and was nearly finished.

Harry strained against himself to leave his chakra alone as he took hold of his magic, trying all he could to only grasp his magic. Mako noticed his struggle but could do nothing to help. Harry had to do the rest on his own; Mako could not interfere.

Draco inhaled, his chakra having leveled out. His chakra shifted and began to wrap around him.

Harry continued to struggle, the effort in it becoming known even more as sweat gathered on his brow, his hands shaking. Mako wasn't concerned yet. Some people had more difficulty than others in this; however, he did become concerned when it became evident that Harry's chakra was not moving independently. Harry's chaotic magic was weaving around his chakra as Harry pulled his magic in toward himself.

Draco finished, slowly opening his eyes as his magic and chakra became still within his center. He turned to Mako, who was now staring fixedly at Harry. Draco followed his gaze, finding the sand rippling out from around Harry, until it seemed to freeze, instantly becoming flat and level with the covered floor.

Draco heard Mako gasp before he himself was suddenly able to see Harry's magic and chakra, their energies materializing as green and golden light.

Harry inhaled, feeling that his chakra had settled, despite it not being separate from his magic.

The sand was suddenly shoved out in every direction. Draco had to cover his eyes as the sand rose like a wave, slamming out from around Harry's frame. Draco's breath caught as he felt the bond between himself and Harry tremble.

Mako stood up, Draco doing so as well, before stepping back as the gold and green auras ebbed further from Harry and took form. Dumbledore stepped up beside Mako, unsure of what they should do as he gently placed Draco slightly behind himself. Draco didn't resist.

The green shifted sharply, making the sand whisk up violently before whirling around Harry who was now completely relaxed. A great head of a ghostly basilisk took form, rising above Harry, its neck seeming to blend into the rest of Harry's still moving magic and chakra swirling around him.

Harry's eyes snapped open, despite not being finished, as the gold pulsed, a ripple of power extending out and beyond Mako's humble training room.

The golden energy, for it was now not just magic or chakra, but both, encircled Harry, the markings in his eyes glowing brightly as a transparent phoenix burst forth from it to turn about and come to rest, seemingly, just above Harry's head, below the mighty basilisk spirit.

Dumbledore and the others could only stare as Harry's combined magic and chakra retreated, the two magical forms fading. The sound of Harry exhaling echoed around the room before he went limp, his eyes closing.

Mako went forward, easing Harry down to examine him. Draco held back, though he was visibly shaken, holding his wand hand against his chest.

"What happened?" Dumbledore asked, coming to Harry's other side as Pomfrey hurried to get beside Mako.

Mako fought back a sigh. "I had not expected Harry's chakra to. . . ." Mako shook his head. "It makes so much sense now though."

"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked.

"All living things have a form of energy that can be classified as chakra, but, as you know, only some have also been gifted with magic. Muggles only have chakra; squibs have chakra and dormant magic, which allows them to have more chakra control; and wizards have both. Then there are magical creatures, some of which are a little different. Most are like wizards, where their chakra and magic remain separate, but for others, mainly the more powerful creatures such as phoenixes and basilisks, some of their magic and chakra—"

"Are combined as one," Dumbledore breathed, his eyes locking onto Mako's.

Not long after Mako had begun teaching his students about chakra, Dumbledore had started researching chakra on his own. He was not clueless where it came to that anymore, but he was no expert either, yet.

Mako nodded. "It would explain why Harry has been having trouble. His system was torn between having his magic and chakra separate and combined. It didn't know how to incorporate this combined energy with his own magic and chakra."

Pomfrey pulled out her wand and waved it over Harry's chest.

"Professor?" Draco asked from behind Dumbledore, worry in his voice.

"He's alright, Mr. Malfoy. He's just sleeping," Pomfrey answered before narrowing her eyes. "Mako?" she asked, motioning Mako closer.

"All of his magic and chakra have completely joined. The energy is now adjusting around his heart," Mako explained. "I believe his heart will no longer be in danger, but I do not know how his casting will be affected."

"His magic is gone?" Draco asked, horrified and confused.

"In a way. His magic is now part of his chakra, just as his chakra is now part of his magic. They are one," Mako stated, before looking up at Draco. "Are you alright?"

"I-I think so, I mean, I felt a little weird for a second, but I'm okay now."

"I will examine you once we have gotten Harry into the infirmary," Pomfrey answered.

"I'm sorry Headmaster. Had I known this would happen . . ." Mako began.

"What is done is done, and at least now Harry is no longer in the danger he was in before."

O o O o O

Dumbledore eased down in the chair beside Harry's bed in the infirmary.

Pomfrey had released Draco an hour before, finding he had suffered no ill effects. He was certain Harry's other friends had already been informed of what had happened. Dumbledore wasn't concerned there. He knew Harry's friends were loyal and would not disclose anything Draco said to anyone outside their immediate circle.

Dumbledore looked down at Harry.

What they had found was both amazing and troubling.

Harry's life was no longer in danger, but his magic and chakra, as Mako had said, was no longer two separate forces. They had combined, but into what exactly, they could only guess—though Mako called the energy 'Makra'.

As one would expect, this newly created energy had aspects of both magic and chakra, and yet, it was unlike either of them. From what he had gathered from Fawkes (through feelings and gestures), Harry's magic abilities would be weak until he learned to use Makra properly, in place of magic. Dumbledore decided he would speak with Salandra once he had spoken with Harry.

Dumbledore closed his eyes, wondering for the fifth time that day why they had not discovered or considered the real problem Harry had had. Though, how could they have? He sighed, thinking back.

Harry had experienced a great amount of magical trauma throughout his life, and it didn't seem like it would ever end.

From that Halloween night where he had gained Voldemort's memories, some of his magic and a piece of his soul had only been the beginning.

Then there had been the injury he had suffered from Quirrell's curse, its effects finally just now being resolved, followed by the bond forming between him and Draco from the collapse of the Blood Wards and the Beacon Charm the following summer. And then the chaotic magic that had come about from deadly poison and life reviving tears. . . .

From the moment the basilisk venom and phoenix tears began fighting within Harry, it had started, for it was not only their conflicting magics that had disturbed Harry's system as previously thought, but their Makras.

Phoenixes and basilisks were complete opposites, their abilities making this very clear, and this was where the explanation truly was.

For phoenixes, their Makra enabled them to be reborn.

For basilisks, their Makra enabled them to kill with a mere glance or a mere drop of venom.

These two powerful creatures had polar opposite Makras; it was no wonder their energies had warred within Harry's core and why, even after the war had ended, his system had continued teetering on the edge.

Harry stirred, for which Dumbledore was uneasy and grateful about.

"Harry?" he asked, taking Harry's hand in his own.

Teddy, who was lying against Harry, sat up.

Harry squeezed his hand before slowly opening his eyes. Dumbledore tried to hide his reaction, but he was only partially successful.

Harry's eyes were now much brighter than before. Where one could have once missed or overlooked the green star, it was now impossible. And the gold ring around the iris was even more pronounced. It was practically luminescent.

"Professor?" Harry blinked. "What happened?"

Dumbledore told him what had transpired during the lesson and how they were confident his heart would no longer be at risk.

"I sense there is some bad news in all of this?" Harry inquired.

"Unfortunately, you are correct, Harry. You are going to be quite weak magically until you learn how to use Makra."

"Will I still be able to use my wand?" Harry asked, understandably overwhelmed.

"Yes, I was actually hoping you could cast something for me? I'd like to see the degree to which this has affected you, though I already have my suspicions," Dumbledore said, handing Harry his wand.

"Okay," Harry said. "Um . . . Lumos."

Nothing happened.

"Don't be alarmed, my boy, I had expected this might be the case. Makra is not going to be controlled like magic. It's going to take practice, and Mako has already requested some old texts from his school to try to help you in this. Luckily, you are not the only one that something like this has ever happened to."

Harry perked up at that.

"Unfortunately, Mako will need to return home with the others later this week; however, he has given permission to write to him if you have any questions, and later, perhaps during the holidays, he will return to visit," Dumbledore said.

"So all of my magic and chakra is now this . . . Makra stuff?" Harry asked, wanting clarification.

"Yes."

Harry looked down, thinking. "I—I do feel different. Before I felt, I don't know, tense all the time, but now. . . ."

"What Harry? What do you feel now?" Dumbledore was clearly interested.

Harry frowned, torn between fretting over not having magic anymore and feeling relieved about not fearing his life would end abruptly if he cast something he shouldn't have. However, he then focused on answering the question honestly, centering himself as a strange, almost foreign but so familiar feeling enveloped him, making all of his discomfort in the situation melt away.

Rising his face up to Dumbledore, he answered. "I feel . . . released."

O o O o O

Five Weeks Later

Snape set aside the papers he had been grading, his eyes so tired he could barely read the students' names anymore, which was why he had decided to take a break.

The past month had been a rather strenuous one, and for more reasons than usual. The second batch of schools had arrived and was actually nearly done with their six week visit. My, was he ever grateful for that.

From Egypt, there was Horus' Ancient School of Magic; from Peru, Pradera de los Celajes, Magic School; and from China, Taixue, School of High Sorcery. They had totaled twenty-four students. Twenty-four reasons for a vacation, nap, break, and rest.

They weren't exactly rude, obnoxious, little twerps, but they weren't intelligent, mature adults either. Snape shook his head, hearing Stephanie Somac's voice acting as some sort of conscience in his head. Something about how they were such polite sweet children and not what he was thinking. Snape smiled at the thought of Somac.

Refocusing, Snape chided himself. Somac was a kind and gentle soul, one way out of his league.

Concluding that, he brought his thoughts to someone else.

The boy was doing well, considering things, and Albus was quite pleased with his progress, despite it barely bringing him up to par with his peers, casting wise. Snape also couldn't help but feel a little pleased as well.

Not long after Harry had entered Hogwarts, he had proven to Snape that he was not his father, nor was he exactly like Lily. He had some of her qualities of course, but he had a number of other traits Snape had never before witnessed being possessed by a single person.

Resilience, compassion, wisdom, humility, and power.

Potter had been pulled from Transfiguration, Charms, and DADA so he could be instructed by Dumbledore. For cover, as it wouldn't do for the student body to know the circumstances or who was really teaching Potter, Black had stepped in and requested to teach Potter himself. This wasn't all that strange, as Black had requested a similar arrangement in Potter's second year leading to Snape teaching both Harry and Draco DADA. Also, in years past, other guardians had requested similar things for their charges. It was not forbidden, just uncommon.

Snape looked at the clock. Harry would be starting another lesson with Dumbledore right about now.

O o O o O

Winter break flew by before Harry and the others could truly enjoy it. Everyone was frankly waiting for Voldemort to do something, so were on edge practically the whole time. As it turned out, Voldemort continued to lay low, so much in fact that some people were beginning to wonder if he had decided to give up.

Most, however, knew that was highly unlikely.

Mage had not made an appearance either, though he hadn't needed to, to the relief of Harry and the rest of the Custosae.

The only time that Harry and the others felt relaxed was on Christmas day. Everyone had come to Grimmauld place, and by everyone, that included all of the Custosae — obviously without any others, including Sirius, knowing — and a few of their family members. Even Madam Bones paid a visit.

It had been a bit crowded, but Harry knew that Sirius had needed it. He needed to be reminded that no matter life's trials, it could still be enjoyed.

After the break, classes of course started again, Harry's one-on-one lessons with Dumbledore continuing. Then, the following week, the next batch of schools participating in the Immersion and Development Program arrived.

From Denmark, Durmstrang Institute brought eight students; from India, Nalanda, University of Magic came 5 students; and then from Australia, Komodo, School of Magical Arts, 7 students.

Once again, the visiting students were all excited about staying at Hogwarts and were eager to learn the magicks Hogwarts had to offer. The three visiting professors also offered lessons in their respected fields to anyone who was interested.

The professor from Nalanda offered Magical Remedies. Komodo: Elemental Basics. And Durmstrang: Warding. The only disappointing thing was that they had to choose which one to take, as all of the visiting professors insisted on holding a lecture of their subject everyday during the students' free hour. It wasn't possible to participate in multiple extra subjects.

Hermione was devastated. So, as compromise, Harry and the others split up, choosing which to take depending on their main interests.

Harry decided to learn more about Wards with Greg and Luna. Vince went with Ron, Ginny and Hermione to Elemental Basics. Draco went with Susan and Neville to Magical Remedies.

The professors were all down to earth, all three quite pleased to have students wanting to learn. The Durmstrang professor specifically was thrilled, he also happened to be the new Headmaster of Durmstrang (as Karkaroff had died the term before). Harry didn't know what to think about Baronel Vladim, but he couldn't help but feel that something was, well . . . off.

He seemed like a nice enough guy and he was definitely a competent teacher, there just seemed to be something more to him than what was being seen.

Harry and the others decided to keep an eye on him.

The Army of Hogwarts continued, though with everyone's busy schedule, they were only able to meet once a week. Also, keeping it a secret from the other schools made it even more of a challenge. However, despite all of that, it was progressing well, everyone still participating as before.

Other than that, the first week with the third set of schools went by smoothly, save for one small thing that was noticed by everyone.

Durmstrang did not get along with a few members of Slytherin House. They were fine with Draco and those he considered to be his friends, but the few like Nott and a number of the older students were clearly not on good terms with Durmstrang. There hadn't been any outright fights, yet, but Harry was certain it would only be a matter of time.

For the first week, Durmstrang had stayed with the Slytherins, and evidently that was when tensions had started between them. Draco and the others weren't sure what had happened exactly, but if rumors had any bit of truth to them, it involved pureblood beliefs. Ultimately, the underlying and unspoken issue pointed to the war.

Harry made his way up to an empty classroom Dumbledore had designated their training room. He had just come from the Come and Go Room, where he and the others were checking up on their Amici contacts. The war had been quiet for well over a month, and it was a little disconcerting — knowing Voldemort had to be up to something big for him to hold back for so long. This was why, about a week after the Chakra Release, Harry had decided they would have a mandatory check in once a week from all Custosae and Amici members. Harry just couldn't fight off the feeling that not doing this would be regretted later.

But the war was not the only thing on Harry's mind, nor on the minds of his friends. Learning to use Makra was quite a challenge, but every day Harry could feel himself improving. Makra was quite powerful; however, with that power came a strain. It was picky; it had to be twisted just right to work. It was an art, really. A frustrating one, but it was well worth it, for it led to wandless magic.

Harry could now cast a lot of simple spells without a wand, and it was actually easier that way after he had learned how to twist the Makra. He still stated the spell to make it happen, but Dumbledore was quickly getting him out of that habit, saying Harry should try to eliminate any possible handicaps as no one knew what the future held.

Handicaps. . . . Harry grimaced at the word. He had recently learned he had acquired one due to the Release — granted, it was more like a lost advantage. He could no longer Pop.

Draco and Teddy still could, which was interesting in and of itself, but the answer why came when they asked Dobby what he thought about it.

Looking up at Harry with sad eyes, Dobby answered. "Master Harry Potter no longer has pure magic. Elves pop with pure magic. It's what makes us go where we wants, where we needs to go. Master Malfoy's magic learned how to pop from Master Harry Potter's magic through the bond and Teddy was created through Master Harry Potter's magic before he only had Makra."

So that was it then. He would no longer be able to pop anywhere he wished anymore. Would definitely make things troublesome if Mage was ever needed anywhere in a hurry, though, he could just have Teddy with him and quietly tell him where he needed to go.

The bond between Draco and Harry was still intact, though it was definitely different than it was before. Draco described the feeling as immersed. When he focused his attention to the bond, it felt thick, heavy almost, though it seemed to thin out the further it got from Harry and closer to his core. Could the heaviness be the Makra? It would make sense if it was.

Harry came to the hallway that led to the training room with Dumbledore.

Going to the door, Harry thought to a decision he had come to just a week ago, and what he was planning to do today because of it.

He had been thinking about it for a long while, especially since Remus had been killed. He was still trying to forgive himself for not telling Remus the truth about himself . . . about Mage. Though, even if he had, it wouldn't have changed things, but he couldn't help but wonder if Remus would have had something to say if he knew the plans that would lead to his death had been put together by a child, no matter if he created them with Albus Dumbledore.

But he couldn't change the past, just learn from it.

He had thought long and hard about telling Sirius, had fought and argued with himself and had even discussed it with Ron and the others. The decision they had ultimately come to was the sad truth that Sirius could never be told, at least while the war was still going on.

He was still coming to terms with the passing of Remus, and throwing this on him now wouldn't help matters at all. If anything, it would complicate everything and damage their work against Voldemort. They couldn't afford that now, no matter how much Harry wanted to tell him the truth.

But what if something happened? What if he, as Mage, died? Could he make one of his friends have to tell everyone where Harry was once they started wondering where he had gone should that happen? Would they believe them? Even if it was Hagrid telling them? He couldn't do that to them, but he also couldn't fathom telling anyone who he was right now.

Except one.

Albus Dumbledore.

After a long Custosae meeting, they had agreed that if anyone outside the Custosae should be told, it was him. He would be able to choose the best course of action (with Griphook who already knew) should anything dire take place. But Harry was having second thoughts.

Dumbledore looked to Mage as a confidant, as an equal, and at times, Harry was sure, as a mentor.

Could he take that away from Albus? Surely after being looked upon as a leader, the pillar of light in the Wizarding World for decades, Albus had found comfort in finding he wasn't really alone. That there was someone else who shared his burden and had similar struggles in leading.

Would Albus lose that once he learned Mage was Harry? Or would something better be gained?

It was all very difficult and confusing.

On the one hand, he didn't know what Albus would do if he told him, but he also couldn't stomach the thought of Albus learning Mage was Harry from someone else under any circumstances. Especially after getting even closer to him through the Makra lessons.

Harry's hand closed around the doorknob. He briefly closed his eyes, telling himself he would tell Albus after this day's lesson. He would reveal his biggest secret to the first man he had ever looked up to and respected. Harry only hoped that afterward Albus would not be disappointed or hurt.

With that last thought, Harry opened the door and entered.


Next Part: Taken