Harry Potter and the Final Chapter

By

Lewis M. Brooks, III

Chapter 50 – Blood

It had been a week since Colleen had found the letter hidden in her mother's diary. Harry had put Professor Dumbledore's plan to find Elena Grindelwald into effect the next day. He asked Neville if he could put his name down as the person to contact in the advertisement. If Harry had used his own name, it would have raised too many questions. Neville of course agreed.

Harry had asked Cho to ask Marietta Edgecombe to run the advertisement for Neville. Marietta and Cho were still very good friends, and Marietta didn't hate Neville quite as much as she did the rest of them. That wasn't saying much, but Marietta did it because Cho asked her to.

The advertisement had run in the Daily Prophet since two days after they found the letter. Neville had received a steady stream of owls from people claiming to be the person he was searching for. None of them came close to claiming to have a dove shaped birthmark on their left shoulder. There were an awful lot of dishonest people in the world.

It was Saturday morning, the first Saturday in March, and the Castle was nearly empty of Potters and Weasleys except for Harry. They and all there significant others had all gone to London, to Diagon Alley to get new dress robes and dresses for Neville's wedding, which was now just four short weeks away.

Harry was being torn in opposite directions by everything going on in his life lately.

On the positive side, he was looking forward to Neville's wedding, the first of a number of weddings in the next year for the Potters and Weasleys. Carly and Albus would be next in August, to be followed by James and Lucy in December. Rose and Danny had not set a date, but everyone thought it would be within a year of graduation.

Harry had already planned Neville's bachelor party, nothing too terribly wild, just a lot of firewhiskey, mead, and butterbeer. Harry rented out the Three Broomsticks for the whole night. Seamus Finnigan was coming for the bachelor party and wedding. It would be the first time Harry, Ron, Neville, and Seamus would be together since Dean Thomas's funeral nearly eight years earlier. Harry had invited Viktor since he was going to come to the wedding as well. Neville's father in law to be was also coming. It would be the first time he would meet Neville that afternoon before the party. The rest of Gabrielle's family was not arriving until the next day. Neville could certainly use a night of partying before seeing his, soon to be, mother in law again. A hangover might be just the thing to make it easier.

Carly was now six weeks pregnant, and she was happier than Harry had ever known her to be. Albus was finally getting some sleep as her nighttime cravings were diminishing. During the day they were increasing, but at least Albus was able to sleep. As tired as he was, Harry knew the lack of sleep never bothered Albus.

Harry was also looking forward to his and Ginny's twenty-fourth wedding anniversary. It was coming up fast. Their anniversary, April fifth, fell on a Friday this year. He was going to surprise Ginny with a long weekend at the Whispering Wand. Neither of them had ever been to Loch Ness, except for Harry's trips to see Dr. Braun. Harry was sure Ginny was going to love it. He was looking forward to it as well. They didn't get a lot of time to spend together alone. They were leaving Thursday night, and not coming back until Monday morning.

For all the positive things, the negative were never far from Harry's mind.

On the negative side, the reports of Death Eater activity were increasing. More Healers had disappeared from Albania, Greece, and other surrounding countries. Harry knew he had to do something, but he didn't know what.

The third task of the Triwizard Tournament was now six weeks away. This time Harry had been given a heads up as to what the task would entail. Harry had received a note from Kingsley. Apparently he had to inform the Muggle Prime Minister of several dangerous magical creatures being brought into the country. Kingsley claimed that as the Special Investigator attached to the Office of the Minister of Magic, he also needed to inform Harry. This was not true of course, but it gave Harry an idea of what might be coming. None of the animals were anywhere near as dangerous as a dragon, though some were very dangerous. It made Harry feel a little better about the third task, but the creatures were still dangerous. Nothing would put him completely at ease.

Harry sat in his living room going over his notes, the book, and Dr. Braun's files. Additionally, he had a complete summary of all of Dr. Braun's files from the dungeon in his castle. He was pouring over all of it, hoping there was something he had missed. He couldn't find anything though. Somehow everything had to fit together, and he was missing some piece of the puzzle. He had even had Kingsley send him everything the Ministry had on the Malfoy and Parkinson families. Unfortunately, the only thing of interest was that Pansy's grandmother was a seer. Harry wasn't sure that meant anything though.

As he scanned through the summary of Dr. Braun's files, he found mention of an empty box labeled, 'Italy, June, 1984' and 'The Twelve.' Harry had forgotten all about the notebook and scroll he took from Dr. Braun. He had put it away when he came back from Germany. He had far more important matters to attend to at the time.

Harry went into the bedroom and retrieved the notebook and scroll from his trunk. He got some pumpkin juice from the icebox, and returned to the couch.

Harry flipped through the notebook. Only the first page was written on, and Harry read it as he drank his pumpkin juice.

June 15, 1984

I've come all the way to Italy for nothing, but at least I got to go to the beach for a few days. At least it isn't a total loss.

Recently, word reached me that a painting had been put on the market, 'La Morte di Merlin'. Having seen pictures of the painting, I knew it showed the Sword of Souls. Of course I know the story da Vinci told, so I wanted to examine the painting.

The Wizarding Museum of Britain is interested in purchasing the painting, so I offered my services to come to Italy and examine it. While examining it, I found a secret compartment in the frame containing a small scroll. The paintings owner Gerard Romano told me I could have the scroll if my report to the Museum would be favorable. He didn't even care what was on the scroll. As I fully intended to give a favorable report on the painting anyway, I agreed.

The scroll seems to have been written by Leonard da Vinci, however, I agree with his assessment, he had probably gone mad when he wrote it. If I find any other evidence of his tale of time travel being true, I will investigate further, otherwise this is not worth my time. It doesn't really tell me anything I don't already know. The only really interesting thing was that it was written in Italian, but after looking at it a moment, the words changed to English. A nice bit of magic, but nothing more. Leonardo da Vinci must have heard the legend of the Sword of Souls from another source, since I know it truly exists. He does claim to have added a bit to the legend, but that could just be the ramblings of a man gone mad. I'm going to the beach now.

Harry looked at the scroll in the glass tube. Leonardo da Vinci wrote this? Harry had never assumed he was holding something that old, or of such historical significance. Harry removed the stopper from the end of the cylinder, and carefully pulled out the scroll. He unrolled it. It was written in Italian, but a moment later, it changed to English, and Harry read it.

May 2, 1510

My name is Leonardo da Vinci, though in our world I am known as Giacomo Pelligrini. Last night, while I slept something happened to me, which I cannot explain. I am still not sure if I have gone completely mad.

At first I thought it was a dream. I stood at the edge of an open field. I watched as two wizards dueled with swords. One of the combatants wore a cloak. The other had a flowing white beard. The wizard in the cloak wielded a sword like I had never seen before. The blade was black, and it appeared to have some kind of gem in the hilt. It reminded me of the legend of the Sword of Souls, but I thought that it was only a legend, and nothing more. The cloaked figure struck down his opponent and apparated away.

I wasn't sure what was happening or where I was. I ran to the bearded figure that lay wounded on the ground. I was shocked to see it was Merlin himself. Merlin claimed he had summoned me back in time to witness this event, and to record it. I am going to paint what I witnessed, though I don't now if it was real

Merlin told me two things. He told me that he cursed the sword, so that the souls within it would be destroyed when the sword is destroyed, and that I needed to tell that story, to add to the legend of the Sword of Souls. He also said that only the savior of the twelve's blood would reveal the secrets of the book. I don't now what book or who the savior of the twelve is, or what that is supposed to mean. I fear I may have gone mad.

Harry reread the scroll several times. What could it mean that 'savior of the twelve's blood would reveal the secrets of the book'? Harry couldn't fathom how his blood could reveal anything. Then Harry remembered the text in the book. 'The Dark Lord seeks that which is of no use to him. Only the blood of The Savior can reveal its secrets.' Harry had assumed it meant that only he and Albus could read it, revealing its secrets. Could there be more that the book could tell him?

Harry went to the kitchen and retrieved a sharp knife. He returned to the couch. The 'Prophecy of The Twelve' sat on the table in front of him, closed. Harry pricked his finger with the knife, and let a few drops of blood fall on the cover. He wasn't really sure what he expected to happen.

Nothing happened.

For a few minutes, Harry just sat there, looking at the drops of blood on the leather cover of the ancient book. Harry had expected something to happen. It only made sense, but apparently he had been wrong. Harry went to wipe the blood off the book, but as his finger came in contact with his own blood, there was a blinding flash of light, and then nothing.

--

As soon as Harry opened his eyes he knew he was no longer at Hogwarts. For a moment he was unsure what had happened, but everything that he had learned from the scroll suddenly rushed back to him. Harry realized he was lying on grass and he could hear the clanging of metal on metal. Swords, it had to be.

Harry sat up. Not ten feet from him stood a very old man. He had seen paintings, drawings, and statues of him before. It was Leonardo da Vinci.

Harry looked around. He was sitting in the grass on the edge of an open field. He looked in the direction of the clanging sound and saw Merlin battling a cloaked figure. Harry stood up and walked toward da Vinci.

"Hello," said Harry, but da Vinci did not react to him at all. Harry passed his hand in front of da Vinci's eyes, but he still acted as if Harry wasn't there.

Suddenly da Vinci gasped. Harry looked toward Merlin and the cloaked figure. The black sword was sticking through Merlin's stomach, his own sword falling from his hands. The cloaked figure withdrew the sword, and Merlin fell to the ground. The cloaked figure apparated away.

Harry watched as da Vinci slowly made his way toward where Merlin had fallen. Harry followed, and stood next to him as da Vinci knelt down beside him.

Merlin waved his hand in the air just before da Vinci spoke. Harry was expecting to hear Italian, but he heard English, and assumed Merlin had cast a translation spell.

"Is there anything I can do?" asked da Vinci slowly. "Are you really Merlin?"

"Yes I am," said Merlin weakly. "The only thing you can do for me, my friend, is listen. I brought you here, as I need you to record my death."

"How am I to do that?" asked da Vinci.

"I'm sure you will find a way," said Merlin as he winced. "I also need you to listen while I tell you two very important things. I put a curse on the Sword of Souls. The souls within it will be completely destroyed when the sword is destroyed. Tell this story. Add it to the legend of the sword. The other thing you need to know is that only The Savior of The Twelve's blood will reveal the secrets of the book. Farewell."

Harry watched, as da Vinci vanished before his eyes. Harry wasn't quite sure what to think. Then, the last thing Harry expected to happen did. Merlin turned and looked right at him.

"Hello, Harry Potter," said Merlin wincing in pain again. "It is indeed an honor to meet you."

For a moment, Harry froze. He had assumed if da Vinci couldn't see him, that Merlin couldn't see him either. "You can see me?" asked Harry in shock as he knelt in front of him.

"Yes, of course I can," said Merlin smiling weakly. "I wouldn't have gone to such elaborate lengths to see that you found your way here if I wouldn't be able to see you."

"Why did you want to see me?" asked Harry slowly. He was shocked at everything that had happened, but he never expected he would speak to Merlin himself.

"I foresaw the coming of The Twelve many years ago," said Merlin. "I knew that a great force of good and a great force of evil would one day do battle with the very fate of the world hanging on the outcome. I had to try to help. You have obviously found the memory I left for you, and it has led you to the book. I am sure even now you search for the Sword of Souls."

"Then I am doing the right thing?" asked Harry. "I should find and use the sword to destroy Voldemort?"

"I can't tell you if it's right or wrong," said Merlin shaking his head slightly. "I wish I could, but that is something you must decide. Either decision carries consequences. The sword does have the power to destroy Voldemort, but it is a terrible weapon. It can consume you if you are not careful. It also may be that without using the sword you cannot defeat him. I only know, that only you or your son can destroy Voldemort. Of that I am absolutely certain."

Harry took a deep breath. "I know that," said Harry. "It's just all so confusing. I've had dreams that have changed, and I don't completely understand why."

"You have dreams because there are seers among your ancestors," said Merlin. He grinned. "Or will be depending how you look at it. You do not fully have the gift, but your dreams are a glimpse of your future."

"All right," said Harry. "But, if that's true, if the dreams really are the future, then why, in one of my dreams did my daughter use the Killing Curse to defeat Voldemort. That would mean that she could also destroy him."

Merlin smiled. "Did you see Voldemort die in your dream?" asked Merlin. "I already know the answer. If Voldemort destroys you and your son, nothing will ever destroy him. He will be immortal, undefeatable, and all-powerful. He will rule the world for eternity, all of humanity, wizard and Muggle alike will suffer."

"Nothing like a little pressure," muttered Harry. Harry knew Merlin was right. He had assumed in his first dream that Lily had killed Voldemort with the Killing Curse, but Harry hadn't actually seen it, he only saw her cast the curse.

"Then I know what I must do," said Harry with conviction. "I must use the sword to destroy him as I planned. It's the only way to defeat him."

Harry thought for a moment. He had so many questions he wanted to ask. It was now clear that he had to find the Sword of Souls and defeat Voldemort, but there was so much more he needed to know.

"So you created the book to help me decide what to do?" asked Harry.

Merlin smiled. "I did not create the book," said Merlin.

Harry's eyes went wide. "What do you mean you didn't create it?" asked Harry. Harry had always assumed Merlin had created the book.

"I had seen the coming of The Twelve, but the book simply appeared to me one day," said Merlin. "I know not where it came from, nor do I know who created it, but I suspect it is part of the universe's grand plan. I think it is meant to help you to reach your destiny. Between what the book told me, and my visions, I pieced together much of what was to come. I enchanted the book so your blood would bring you back to me here and now, and I added the message on the first page for you."

"But how could you read it?" asked Harry. "Al and I are the only ones who…" It was only now that Harry noticed Merlin's piercing emerald eyes. The implication was obvious. At that moment, Harry knew as he stared back at the same eyes he saw in the mirror every morning, he was a descendant of Merlin.

"It's not possible," said Harry breathlessly. "How can I be your descendant? Al and I both have my mother's eyes. I always assumed somehow that is why both of us could read the book…but she was Muggle born, how can she be your descendant."

"Anyone who is Muggle born has some witch or wizard somewhere in their ancestry," said Merlin as he winced. He had his hands over the wound in his stomach, but the blood was pouring through his fingers now.

For a moment, Harry was going to help him. He knew he couldn't though. If he was really in the past, he couldn't afford to alter history.

"Can you explain to me what Voldemort is up to?" asked Harry. "Can you tell me where to find him, or why he is kidnapping Healers? Can you tell me how to find Elena Grindelwald?"

"I'm sorry Harry," said Merlin sadly. "Some things I know, some I do not know, but I can't tell you things you are not meant to know yet."

"Then why bring me back in time?" asked Harry in exasperation. "I mean, I'm honored to have met you, and am even more honored to be related to you, but I don't think I really know more now than I knew before. Can't you tell me anything else?"

"Only this," said Merlin pointedly. "The ability to see the future is a powerful thing. I have seen many possible futures, and yet, I don't know what will happen. You must embrace your destiny, Harry. There is one thing you need to know. There are many seers in the world. Not all of them choose the side of light. Our time is nearly up. Harry, I would like to give you something. My daughter will be carrying on my…our family." Merlin reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of parchment. "I had a painting done of her not long ago. The artist did a chalk drawing as well and gave it to me. Here, take it. I know how important family is to you Harry. She is your family too, however distant."

As Harry took the parchment from Merlin, he stared at it a. He did not think it possible to have been more shocked than he already was, but as he looked at the drawing of Merlin's daughter, he knew he was wrong. As unbelievable as all of it was, this was the most unbelievable thing of all. Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light, and then nothing.

--

Harry opened his eyes. He had a throbbing headache, but immediately realized he was in a cot in the Hospital Wing.

"Harry," said Ginny. She was sitting on the edge of the cot holding his hand. "Are you all right?" Harry could see the worry on her face.

"What happened?" asked Harry. He winced as he spoke. His head was throbbing painfully as though it would split open.

Madam Jennings walked over before Ginny could respond. "Here, drink this," said Madam Jennings holding out a bottle of potion to Harry.

Harry pulled himself into a sitting position, took the potion and drank it. Immediately his head began to clear, and the throbbing stopped. "That's better, thanks," said Harry.

Madam Jennings nodded and headed away.

"Harry, we don't now what happened," said Ginny, as she put her palm against his cheek and looked into his eyes. "I found you in our living room. The couch had flipped over, and you had hit your head on the ground. We were hoping you could tell us what happened."

Harry clearly remembered everything he did that morning, up until he touched his blood on the book. He remembered the rest, but it was a little hazy. Could the rest have been a dream? It had to be. The only other possibility was that he really went back in time and found out he was a descendant of Merlin, and Harry had a hard time believing that. Just then, Ron and Hermione came in.

"Oh good, he's awake," said Ron. "Feeling all right, Harry?"

"I'm all right," said Harry noting how worried Hermione looked. "I had the strangest dream though. I'm not sure what really happened." Harry paused. "I wish I knew why I had that dream, it has to mean something."

"Do you remember what you were doing?" asked Hermione. She was much more relaxed now that she knew he was all right. "You seemed to have cut yourself and bled on the book. You also seemed to have been doing some drawing. It was a very good likeness by the way. I didn't know you could draw so well. I wish I still looked that young."

Harry looked at Hermione quizzically. "What are you talking about?" asked Harry, but even as he said it, he remembered something from his dream. Was it a dream?

"This was in your hand when we found you, Harry," said Ginny handing him a small piece of parchment.

Harry took the small piece of parchment and looked at it. It had a chalk drawing on it of a young girl. It looked just like Hermione did back when they were in school. It was Merlin's daughter. Harry knew he really had been to the past.

"It wasn't a dream," said Harry absently.

"What wasn't a dream?" asked Ron.

Harry told them the whole story. They were all shocked. Not only was Harry a descendant of Merlin, but apparently Hermione was as well. Hermione and Merlin's daughter could have been identical twins. It couldn't be a coincidence.

"Well, I guess that makes us distant cousins," said Hermione with a smile. "I always thought of you as family, even before we were in laws, now I know why."

"I guess so," said Harry with a grin. "Come here, cousin." Harry gave Hermione a hug.

"So, what now, Harry?" asked Ron.

"Well, if I ever doubted that I had to get the sword before, I certainly don't doubt it now," said Harry with conviction. "What Merlin said about other seers makes me think maybe Pansy made a prophecy, and that's what Voldemort is acting on. He's being too patient. Voldemort is waiting for something. I just wish I knew what it was."

"Not to change the subject, but, if Merlin didn't create the book, then who did?" asked Ron. "Books that tell the future don't just pop into existence, do they?"

"I wouldn't discount anything," said Harry with a chuckle. "Not with the way our lives are. Perhaps the universe itself created it to help tip the balance in our favor. Maybe we'll never know for sure. Maybe it doesn't even matter."

"I'm just glad that you're all right, Harry," said Ginny hugging him tightly.

Harry happily returned the hug. He could tell how worried she was. He hated that he worried her.

"Come on," said Hermione to Ron. "Let's leave these two alone."

"Who am I to refuse the great, great, great, great, etc, etc, granddaughter of Merlin," said Ron with a laugh.

Hermione hit Ron in the shoulder, but couldn't help laughing as she did. They left to let everyone else know Harry was all right.

Ginny lay down next to Harry on the cot, and he held her. "I was really worried, Harry," said Ginny as she tightened her arms around him.

"Sorry, love," said Harry. "I wasn't really expecting anything like that to happen when I put my blood on the book. I was hoping for something, but I thought it would be less dramatic. I should have known better."

"Well, I wasn't sure if your going after the Sword of Souls was a good idea," said Ginny resignedly. "After what you just told me, I guess I can't argue it's the right thing to do."

Harry knew he was doing the right thing. There was no question about it in his mind. As Merlin said, he had to embrace his destiny. He wished the experience had answered more questions, but knowing he was doing the right thing made him feel better about it.

Harry did however have a new worry. If he was right, what was it that Pansy had prophesized? That might be the key to stopping Voldemort.