As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys.
All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life.
During the ritual the headmaster says 'qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH' this means 'I hold your spirit and your soul'
Hermione says 'tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo' this means 'I hold your heart with my love'
#
The remainder of the week passed without any real incident. Ginny actively avoided Harry and Hermione while Ron actively attempted to rile Harry with snide comments like "What do you think your parents would say? Oh, that's right, you don't have any." Or "My dad likes to fish, what about yours? Damn, he's dead. Sucks to be you" Harry ignored him, the pressing matter of the ritual was more important to him.
On Friday night before the ritual, Minerva called him to her office, to go over a few things.
'How are things Harry?' she asked
'As well as can be expected, Ginny is avoiding the both of us, Ron is trying to wind me up, and things with Neville and the others friends I have made since I came back are running smoothly' replied Harry
'And the ritual? How is the preparation coming for that?'
'Everything is on course. Ragnok advised against eating anything too filling tonight and that I should fast for at least twelve hours, it will help the potion, then it is just a simple matter of having part of the soul of the wizard who killed my parents ripped from my head. Piece of cake really.' Said, Harry
Minerva picked up a roll of parchment and handed it to Harry.
'I have tried to write a timeline of events, so we can keep track of things that are coming, it will allow us to prepare properly. The last thing I want is for us to be caught flat-footed and since there is just you and I; we will need to plan as much as we can, for every possible outcome.'
Harry unrolled the parchment, Minerva had written detailed information about every event in the coming three years. She had worked out dates and, in some instances, even times from the memories that Harry had given her. It was extensive work.
'This is just as detailed as Hermione would have made it.' he said, the admiration evident in his voice.
'Well, that is high praise, Mr Potter, High praise indeed. I do believe that Ms Granger will even outshine Albus with all of his achievements one day.' She smiled 'I do wish that we could include her in these plans. Her keen and logical insight would be a boon to us.'
'Athena was very clear about this; I could only tell you. You were to be my confidante; she never mentioned anything to me about who you could or could not tell.' Harry gave Minerva a roughish wink.
'Well then, I think I might just have to speak with a certain young lady about a "mentoring programme" with me, any secrets passed between a mentor and their protégé are protected. Yes, I do believe that I will have to think on this some more before I make the offer.' Minerva said, implying that Harry could give Hermione a subtle hint about what was in the offing.
#
'What's with the rabbit food, Harry?' asked a slightly amused Ronald Weasley 'You trying to lose a few pounds, eh tubby?'
Harry put his fork down and levelled the offending lout with an icy stare, 'There are reams of research confirming the theory that a plant-based diet is not only healthier but also helps increase memory, stamina, and muscle growth. I can see from the disgusted look on your face that you won't be indulging any time soon, that just means that there will be more for the rest of us. So while you are sitting there stuffing your face with carbs and red meat, we will be smarter; stronger, healthier, and we'll all last longer while we do it.' said Harry.
Ron looked utterly bewildered at this comment from Harry, around the Gryffindor table whispers broke out. Could this be true?
Parvati Patil smiled 'In my culture, it's widely known that a diet that is based mainly on vegetables is more beneficial to the body. The way I see it is that no one ever got spots from eating too many vegetables.'
Lavender Brown immediately pushed her plate of Gammon and chips away from her and grabbed the small bowl of peas and her spoon.
Hermione looked at her boyfriend; she knew the reason for his light meal but to humiliate Ron with information instead of cutting remarks was not like the Harry she knew. Something was niggling at the back of her mind, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
'Is that true, Harry?' she asked him and slight whisper.
'What, the diet stuff? I think so. I mean I heard of this American guy that juices fruit and vegetables and swears that he is healthier because of it. His name is Jack something.' said Harry.
Harry speared a streamed Chantenay Carrot and offered it to Hermione; she smiled at him and allowed him to feed her. As she bit into the carrot, its natural sweetness bloomed in her mouth; this was something that she could see herself enjoying for many years to come.
'Oh my god! That tasted amazing.' She exclaimed her eyes sparkled with this discovery.
He smiled and continued to eat.
When dinner was over, the young couple ventured to the front door; it was windy and cloudy. Harry said 'perhaps the library instead?'
Hermione smiled and nodded before taking his arm and leading him to the holy land of knowledge.
The stroll to the library was lovely, on the way there they met a few friends and exchanged pleasantries.
When they reached Hermione's usual table, Harry delivered a bombshell to his girlfriend.
'I met with Minerva earlier. We spoke about the ritual and how things were panning out. She asked me to speak with you about mentoring, and if you would be interested.'
'I'm not sure I have time to mentor anyone Harry, I mean its OWLs next year and I'm not anywhere near ready for them.' Said Hermione.
'I think she meant that she wanted to become your mentor, is that something that you would consider?' Harry asked.
Hermione sat in stunned silence. Harry smirked at the sight of his girlfriend before waving his hand in front of her face.
'Mia, are you ok?' he asked
'What?... sorry, what did you say?' she asked.
'I said that Minerva is thinking about asking you to join the mentoring programme, with her being your mentor. Of course, that is if you would be interested.' He replied
'Seriously? That would be an amazing opportunity, but why me? there must be other more deserving students in the school.' The old insecurities began to resurface as she spoke.
'She is asking you because you are the brightest and most hardworking pupil in this school and have been since the late seventies. Minerva even said that Lillian was also considered the brightest witch of her age.' Harry added almost offhandedly before adding 'Are you still alright for tomorrow?'
'Of course; The Headmaster explained to me how much you needed me there. I don't like the fact that these things are always falling at your feet, but I won't ever abandon you, Harry. Whatever it takes, you know that don't you?'
#
Harry, Hermione and the Headmaster floo'd directly from his office to the bank while the rest of the school were still fast asleep.
Director Ragnok and several Goblin healers were awaiting their arrival.
'Your grace, may the winds of justice ever blow in your favour.' Called out the director.
'May the nation ever prosper and your gold always flow, Director.' Replied Harry
The leader of the nation and Harry smiled at each other and embraced as friends.
'Director, may I introduce my party to you and the representatives of great Goblin Nation? Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock to the Wizenagamot and supreme mugwump to the ICW' at this Albus bowed from the waist. The assembled Goblins grunted in unison, his unintended slight to the nation would not be forgotten in a hurry.
'And please allow me to introduce to you Ms Hermione Granger; brightest witch of the age, my best friend and love of my life.' At this introduction, she blushed sweetly.
Ragnok stood to attention and bowed from the waist as a mark of respect and said,
'Ah, Ms Granger, it is a pleasure to meet the lady of legend finally. His Grace speaks very highly of you and your family.'
Hermione gave Harry a look that said there would be answers expected later.
'Director, is everything ready? I am anxious to have this abomination removed as soon as possible' asked Harry.
'We have everything ready, your Grace. We have an appointed healer for each of you if you would follow them to the designated preparation room where they will administer the purging potion.' Ragnok grinned at this last piece of information; it was deliberately held back from the Headmaster as a small measure of retribution for his slight against the nation. It was petty but very satisfying.
'Purging potion? Forgive me, Director; I was lead to understand that only His Grace would require this as it would only be him that was undergoing the procedure.' Asked Albus.
'Everyone taking a role within this ritual must be purged, Headmaster. The outcome for anyone not purged would be...unfortunate.' replied Ragnok.
Harry had already advised Hermione of this before their dinner the previous night, so she was fully prepared.
'Of course, Director; please lead the way.' said Albus in an attempt to save face.
The trio followed the party of healers and left to be purged.
#
Once the purging had been completed, the trio entered the ritual chamber from their separate rooms. Dressed in a white cotton robe, they made their way to the centre of the hall.
'Your Grace, please remove your robe and lie upon the alter' instructed chief priest Aglig.
Harry disrobed and lay down as instructed.
'Headmaster, please place your left hand upon the navel of his grace' Aglig instructed.
Albus placed his hand as instructed.
'Ms Granger, please place your left hand in the centre of his chest, your right hand on the top of his head.'
Hermione placed her hands as directed while never breaking eye contact with Harry.
'Headmaster, when instructed you must say the incantation "qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH"'
Aglig looked to Hermione and said 'Ms Granger you must chant the following until instructed to stop "tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo'" it is imperative that neither of you removes your hands until the ritual is over. Ms Granger no matter what you hear or see you must continue with the chant.' Aglig said.
Harry looked at Hermione; the fear was dancing brightly in her eyes.
'Mia?' he asked to draw her attention
'Yes, Harry?' she asked.
'You can look if you want, you know, it's all going to be yours anyway.' he winked at her as it dawned on her what he said.
'Harry James Potter!' she scolded
Harry smiled, 'I knew that would work. Thank you for doing this for me. I realise how scary this must be but know that I have absolute faith in you. I will never stop loving you, and one day I hope you will realise that I would do anything for you.'
Hermione smiled at him and said 'Good, now stop talking about your todger and focus because I'm going to rock your world baby!'
#
'In the name of the Great Spirit, hear our call. We, the Nation, beseech thee.
Cogion, Hear us. Chekjun, Hear us. Dhaldarr, hear us. Zykone, Hear us. Etune, Hear us. Phodenta, Hear us.' As the name of the last god was spoken, a magical tempest blew all the torches out.
Within seconds of the darkness falling, six ethereal lights descended into the room and cascaded over Harry.
Hermione chanted for all she was worth, 'tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo', tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo', tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo'. tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo'. tIqlIj 'uch jIH jImuSHa'mo''
Her eyes never moved from Harry's. As the last light flowed over his body, he screwed his eyes closed and screamed in pain; a guttural scream that would chill the blood of any that heard it.
Aglig spoke 'We drive him away from us. Unclean abomination, infernal invader, wicked legion, in the name of Myaldin may you be carried away from this pure host. The great spirit commands you.'
The scar on his forehead emitted a pale green light and a faint black wisp of vapour.
The priest at the side of Albus nodded for him to start his chant.
'qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH, qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH, qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH, qa' 'ej qa'lI' 'uch jIH' chanted Albus. The guttural screams from Harry grew in intensity as the invading spirit was expelled from his scar.
The faint wisp floated above Harry; tendrils kept trying to reattach to his scar to no avail.
The chamber grew deathly silent save for the chanting of Albus and Hermione, a golden light descended and bathed Harry in its brilliance before focusing on the wisp of soul.
An ethereal chorus of voices spoke 'THIS IS OUR CHOSEN ONE; WEWILL SUFFER NO HARM AGAINST HIM; WITH HIM WE ARE WELL PLEASED.'
The light flared, everyone except Hermione was blown to the floor. She kept chanting as those both their lives depended upon it.
Aglig struggled to his feet and said 'The Gods spoke! This is unheard of. Ms Granger, you may stop now.'
Hermione stopped and looked at Harry. He had stopped breathing, and she began to panic.
'HARRY!' she screeched.
Albus got to his knees and looked about at the fallen priests 'He's gone?' he asked.
Hermione opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Tears welled in her eyes; however, nothing fell; this couldn't be it. He can't have gone, not like this.
Aeons passed as she stood and stared at Harry's prone body.
'Mia' he gasped. Her eyes widened at this sound of his voice.
