Excellent, three more reviews! Argh I have staff duty today so the editing
on this chapter is very rough. If anyone would care to help me out please
email me. Any inconsistencies please point them out so I can make this
story better.
Thanks to all who read and more to so those who review. Here's Chapter 6
The Legacy of the Pendragons Chapter 6: A New Power.Kinda Sorta Not Really
Dear Harry,
Sounds like hell, those muggles. I'm starting to think my family isn't so bad. Have you been making good time? Where are you now? Let me know once you pass Oxfordshire if you do. Maybe we can meet up of something. If that's ok with you. I mean it's ok if you can't. Yeah so anyway.
I went up to Michael's summer home. I couldn't believe how huge this house was. And not by our standards either. It's big enough inside that you don't need a spell to add space. Didn't really do much. Played some quidditch out on their land. To be honest, and painfully so, Michael sucks. I mean put Hagrid on a broom and you got his coordination and grace. His little cousin is very good though. He'd be a challenge in any position. Maybe even seeker.yeah right. Hope your skills haven't dulled over the holiday. I think I'll be able to keep up with you this year.
Always, Cho
Harry rolled up his most recent letter from Cho. It kept his spirits up and kept him focused on his journey through the Irish countryside. He was still a little angry, but there was a silent apology between them. It was enough to make the days go by quicker.
What surprised Harry the most was his letters. He had received more mail from Cho than both Ron and Hermoine. Probably owning to the fact that he wrote more to Cho and less to Ron and Hermoine. Hermoine was probably having too much fun in Spain and Ron busy help his brothers out with their Joke Shop. As much as he liked writing, if nothing important was going on, then there really wans't much to write about. Every year it was always about Voldemort, his scar or the Dursley's. Well his scar wasn't hurting, he wasn't at the Dursley's and they already knew about Voldemort. Whereas writing to Cho was something new and fresh. Just like writing letters to his friends for the first time. It was exciting to learn more about someone. And Cho being who she was only made the whole process better.
Harry's deep rooted desire for her had gone away and replaced itself with admiration for her character and not of her physique. Something Harry had to continuously remind himself not to think about when writing to her.
"That's the tenth time isn't it?"
Harry's ears picked up Donny's voice but his mind reacted slowly, switching from one train of thought to another. He didn't really want to stop thinking about more pleasant things.
"Huh? No, this is only the third letter this week."
"No I said tenth time.as in the tenth time you've read that letter. Who's it from? Girlfriend?" Donny leaned and tried to look Harry in the eye.
"No. She is a girl though. Had a big crush on her for a while. She's been though a lot. You heard about the Tri-Wizard Tournament and what happened right?"
"A little bit. Some other kid died and you brought him back."
"Yeah he was her boyfriend."
"Oh." Donovan's cheerful tone went down appropriately.
"No she's ok. We've been writing back and forth, and it's been a little over a year so she's pulled herself together. She's better now that we've talked about what happened. I dunno about me though."
"Look Harry if you don't want to talk about this."
"Yeah, I don't really. No offense, but I'm dealing with it in my own way."
***
Harry leaned against a tree off the side of the trail. He was a days ride ahead of Donovan. He'd occasionally find himself thinking really deeply, mostly on the events of the past years. Whenever Donovan saw him falling into one of these moments, he's fall behind and give Harry a day to reflect and "find himself" as he put it.
He spotted the familiar outline of Donny on the far hilltop taking his time and walking instead of riding. Even Lily's company wasn't enough and he'd let her ride freely for a while. Hedwig had already learned when she should leave and would probably bring back a mouse. Though he didn't like the loneliness, sometimes the solitude was necessary.
Crying never came. He'd not allow it. Just reflection and hopefully reaching an understanding with the choices he made or those made on his behalf. Choices were the hardest thing he'd every do each year. Always was something hanging in the balance. Harry would wondered if he made the right choices, watching the past years go by in his mind.
"Harry!"
Donovan's voice penetrated his thoughts and he blinked his eyes hard. What seemed like morning moments ago was now the dark of night.
"Huh? It was morning just a little bit ago." Harry blinked hard again, wondering if he was asleep since he wasn't tired like he usually was after a nap. Donovan bellowed out a laugh and dismounted Shannon crouching before Harry.
"No Harry, You've been here all day." Donovan said, slapping a hand on his shoulder.
"All day? I don't remember falling asleep."
"You probably weren't asleep. You looked like you were deep in thought. Meditation by the looks of it."
"Meditating? There's not some other wizarding name for it?"
"Nope, simply meditation. Never had much use for it myself. I've never been one to need to reflect on things. It's a lot easier, I've found, to just simply except things as they are and not wonder why they are. But hey if it works then it works right?"
Donovan stretched out his hand and hefted Harry to his feet who dusted his backside off. He still looked suspiciously at the night sky that was bright blue just moments ago.
"Yeah. I think I like your way better, even though it's harder to just accept things."
"Alright enough of this, you meditated all day, now we rest. I saw a town just a little bit further down the way."
"Really? A bed sounds nice right now. I think I've lost feeling in my legs."
Harry tried to massage feeling into his legs and whistled for Lily. And she came like a blur to his side. Her coat was roughed up and splotches of mud were scattered all over her. Harry shrugged and mounted her.
"You know I really don't want to know do I Lily?"
***
Harry had never felt so good. His room was fairly large. He had just taken a shower and washed away several days worth of grime. His clothes were clean and his stomach full. And to top it off he got some letters. He really felt he understood why they said that letters were a soldier's lifeline. He definitely wasn't a soldier, but he had his own battles to fight and letters kept his spirits up. He picked up the first roll, assuming it was from Cho.
'Dear Harry,
Went to Cedric's grave the other day. I sat there talking to him for hours. Almost all day really. Missed my date with Michael too. I told him everything, just like I used to. Told him about last year, you and even Michael. I don't think he minded. I brought him flowers too. He said he liked Jasmines because I was wearing a jasmine scented perfume when he asked me out. I really miss him. I didn't cry though. I actually laughed a lot while I talked to him.
I think I've finally moved on. It doesn't make me sad anymore to think about him. I realized that when I thought of him I only saw smiles. I couldn't be sad when I thought of that.
Also I really want to thank you Harry. Just writing to you, and not necessarily about Cedric, helped a lot. You helped keep me occupied and understood what I was going though. Simple things little things you wrote about meant a lot. It's the little things that matter. I'm glad I wrote to you. You've done a lot for me and I don't know how I can repay you. Believe me, I will. Thanks again Harry. Hopefully we can meet up in Diagon Alley or on the Train.
Always,
Cho'
All Harry could do was smile. Saving the world several times over gave him a great feeling, winning the house and quidditch cups made him feel on top of the world. But helping Cho? Just one person, felt more rewarding than anything he had ever done. He hoped he could replicate that feeling this year, helping whoever he could, along with the world. Because Cho was right. It's the little things that count.
***
Harry felt great. The morning seemed exceptionally bright, clear skies and a gentle breeze blowing. Probably the best day of the holiday. Lily seemed to agree, nodding her head as she kept pace with Harry's smaller stride. He liked walking. Though riding was something new and less tiring, walking helped him think, even at time like this, when he didn't seem to be thinking of anything at all. That and he wouldn't have to walk with his legs spread apart after riding. His mind would wander from his friends, to school, and even Voldemort without getting depressed.
"You seem to be in a good mood." Donovan noticed.
"Yeah. Dunno why, but everything seems to be right with the world ya know? Like nothing can go wrong."
"Yeah, it does seem like one of those days doesn't it?"
Harry simply nodded and inhaled the fresh air deeply. They crested a rather large hill that over looked a small lake. Donovan tapped his heels into his pegas and galloped swiftly over the lake side. He waved over at Harry to was still descending the hill.
"What's up? Harry called out.
"Well, I figured I may as well teach you something before you get to school shouldn't I? You still have a bit of time and given you talents I think you can get the hang of what I have in mind."
Harry dismounted Lily and walked over to the lake, dipping his hand into the water, testing its temperature.
"What's the lake have to do with it?"
"Take a seat Harry."
Harry complied and watch wide eyed as Donovan walked onto the lake but didn't sink. He walked over the lake, casting small ripples with each step. Donovan smiled at Harry's reaction and promptly broke into a tap dance. Harry broke into a fit of laughter watching Donovan dance.
Donovan hopped off the lake surface and back onto dry land. He kicked his feet up revealing the dry soles of his shoes.
"Aural Projection Harry."
"Astral projection? Isn't that like outer body experiences?"
"No not astral, aural. As people with magical auras, you put out different auras than muggles. And being a wizard, you can learn to manipulate it. Walking on delicate surfaces is one of them. It gets complicated, but once you learn the very basics, you can get the other stuff. Wizards normally don't bother with it since it's like casting magic on a child's level. Low level magic that can be accomplished with regular spells, but this way you don't need a wand or words. Not as cool looking though or powerful but more discreet. But used wisely, it can be quite handy."
Donovan picked up a rock and tossed it into the air, and held his palm out flat. The rock came hurtling down and smashed into his hand, shattering into small pieces. He raised his palm to show no injury.
"You can do things like create a high energy aura so that rocks will shatter at your slightest touch. It's all about experimenting. Try new things with it. But it doesn't extend very far. It's usually just outside your physical shape. Like my shoes or my hand for example."
"Ok I think I get it. How do you do it?"
"Well how do you cast a spell?"
Harry looked at him oddly and replied. " I say the spell words and wave my wand depending on the spell."
"Right, but what are you thinking?"
"The results of the spell. The whole process of the spell happening."
"Right. Aural projection his like casting a spell without words or wands. You just need to concentrate your aura into what form you want it to take. Energy, barriers, or spells. With the rock that was energy, manipulating it to affect your physical self. Barriers are just that. Walking on water sets a barrier on your feet against water. It's more complicated than that, but it's also as simple as that. I'll get to spells later."
Harry wondered if it was that simple. But he learned to take magic for what it was. He stood up and walked to the edge of the water, staring at its rippled form. Donovan was waiting for him a few feet out tapping his foot and sending the ripples his way.
"Think about walking on water. Imagine it's a spell and cast it. Focus your aura. Find your source of magic and use it."
Harry closed his eyes and listened to Donovan's mantra of concentration. Slowly he raised his left foot and stepped. He felt his shoe touch the water. And with a leap of faith he shifted he weigh completely on it and stood up. The water felt like he was slipping on a waxy floor, a floor that shifted every which way.
"Whoa!" Harry nearly lost his balance and opened his eyes. And on cue, his feet sunk into the water sending him head long into the cold lake. He could hear Donovan's laughter though the shallow water and tossed his head up sucking in the air.
Soaking wet Harry glared at Donovan who only smiled at him.
"Well what'd you expect? Beginner's luck? Don't worry I expected nothing less. Come on up you go."
Harry shivered a bit and was glad the breeze had stopped. Donovan kept him from casting a drying charm and made him stand at the edge with his foot on the lake surface. He was able to ignore the cold and focus after repeating Donovan's mantra in his mind.
"Now add weight to your foot."
Harry leaned a bit more on his foot and felt the water become stable. His foot still slipped left and right, but the surface remained still. He continued to keep his focus until his weight was completely on his left foot.
"Now step Harry."
Donovan's voice was oddly distant, but Harry stepped and his feet sank slightly before raising back up and leveled out with the surface. He kept his legs as rigid as possible. He felt himself drift with the wind, sliding to the side. Shifting his weight to his leg lead, the shifting stopped and Harry found his grip. He imagined he was wearing cleats that dug into the water like solid ground and it seemed to work.
"Good job Harry, you've done it. A bit slower than most, but you got it fine just the same. Now you can't say I never taught you anything."
Harry opened his eyes and saw that the sun was no longer shining. It had been replaced with the veil of night, the only light coming from a fire Donovan must have built. He slipped a little, but remained on the surface, finally able to multi-task his mind to stay above the water and assess his situation.
"Um.night time?"
"Yeah, you were doing that meditation thing again."
"It didn't feel like it. I still heard stuff going on around me and."
"Well you should. Meditation isn't sleep you know. But anyway congratulations Harry you got the hang of it. Now, you just need to experiment with your aura. Find new ways to use it and stuff."
Harry smiled. Learning to manipulate his aura seemed more gratifying than learning a new spell. Maybe because the teacher wasn't prodding him forward forcing it upon him. It wasn't something fantastic that he could show off to anyone, but it was his own little accomplishment.
Harry sat down by the fire and gazed into the dancing flames. The logs of wood that glowed orange, and it's embers that floated skyward. He saw Donovan wave a hand in front of his face and Harry shook himself from his daze.
"Whoa there. You just spent all day zoning out. Now is the time to relax and enjoy yourself. Here"
Donovan passed him a slightly warm bottle, not labeled. Harry took it reluctantly and sniffed it contents, promptly jerking it away from his face.
"No thanks. I'm too young anyway."
"Harry do you see any constables around? No one's around for miles. Besides, if anything a few swigs will help you fall asleep."
Harry still held the bottle but didn't drink.
"Come on Harry. Cut loose for once! You've got all this tension and you have yet to release it. It's not that bad. Come on!"
Harry resigned to peer pressure and took a very small shot of the liquid. It burned its way down his throat and settled heavily in his stomach.
"Ugh! Tastes horrible!" Harry cried out, wiping his mouth.
He could begin to hear his heartbeat in his neck, which quickly became annoying. He handed the bottle back to Donovan who only smiled.
"Good night Harry."
On cue Harry's body grew limp and slumped over. Donovan stood up and emptied the bottle's remaining contents and threw it into the lake. With a distinct metal to metal sound, Donovan unsheathed a small blade and held it between his teeth and dragged Harry's body to the lake side.
"Sorry Harry. Gotta do this."
Donovan swiped the blade down the length of Harry's arm lightly, letting blood slowly ooze from the length of the cut. He placed Harry's arm into the still water and waited, his eyes darting back and forth over the waters surface.
"Come on, come on."
Then he saw it. Out in the middle of the lake, glistening against the firelight, a shimmering silhouette of what became a beautiful woman as she drew closer. She swept across the lake surface, still half submerged but with a grace that suggested that the water did not hinder her.
"My Lady."
Donovan knelt and pulled Harry's arm from the water, which had already begun to heal.
"Everknight. I am summoned by blood. But this blood I have not tasted in many centuries."
"True my lady. I only needed to be sure. Is his blood.connected?"
The woman dipped her lips to the water and rose again.
"Yes, but he has not awakened, as his predecessors. What circumstances lead you to believe he will awaken his blood?"
"Dire times M'lady. You know of them. He has survived the Dark curses and is also prophesized to defeat Voldemort. He has grown stronger which each passing year."
"It is possible. But his father faced such time and his blood remained dormant until his death. We shall see with this boy. I will not release her until he has proven his blood's worth. Embed this inside of his wound. A signal. It will cast a sign that will prove he is ready."
She handed Donovan a small amulet, barely the size of a small coin Which Donovan quickly forced into Harry's arm who unconsciously writhed at the pain.
"Will this signal be visible? How will I know to bring him?"
"No. If it happens he will come to me. I will not relinquish my amulets so easily. I would like it back very much. Until then, watch over him."
" Very well M'lady. May the Lady of the Lake forever guide the waters that give us life."
"And guide it I shall, until the tranquil waters are no more."
She turned and sank into the water, leaving no ripples or trace of her presence. Donovan pulled Harry back to the fireside and pulled his sleeve back down. As if Harry hasn't been tested enough, more is required of him. But for now, he will sleep, thinking he passed out from alcohol, aware, but not fully, of his destiny.
The Legacy of the Pendragons Chapter 6: A New Power.Kinda Sorta Not Really
Dear Harry,
Sounds like hell, those muggles. I'm starting to think my family isn't so bad. Have you been making good time? Where are you now? Let me know once you pass Oxfordshire if you do. Maybe we can meet up of something. If that's ok with you. I mean it's ok if you can't. Yeah so anyway.
I went up to Michael's summer home. I couldn't believe how huge this house was. And not by our standards either. It's big enough inside that you don't need a spell to add space. Didn't really do much. Played some quidditch out on their land. To be honest, and painfully so, Michael sucks. I mean put Hagrid on a broom and you got his coordination and grace. His little cousin is very good though. He'd be a challenge in any position. Maybe even seeker.yeah right. Hope your skills haven't dulled over the holiday. I think I'll be able to keep up with you this year.
Always, Cho
Harry rolled up his most recent letter from Cho. It kept his spirits up and kept him focused on his journey through the Irish countryside. He was still a little angry, but there was a silent apology between them. It was enough to make the days go by quicker.
What surprised Harry the most was his letters. He had received more mail from Cho than both Ron and Hermoine. Probably owning to the fact that he wrote more to Cho and less to Ron and Hermoine. Hermoine was probably having too much fun in Spain and Ron busy help his brothers out with their Joke Shop. As much as he liked writing, if nothing important was going on, then there really wans't much to write about. Every year it was always about Voldemort, his scar or the Dursley's. Well his scar wasn't hurting, he wasn't at the Dursley's and they already knew about Voldemort. Whereas writing to Cho was something new and fresh. Just like writing letters to his friends for the first time. It was exciting to learn more about someone. And Cho being who she was only made the whole process better.
Harry's deep rooted desire for her had gone away and replaced itself with admiration for her character and not of her physique. Something Harry had to continuously remind himself not to think about when writing to her.
"That's the tenth time isn't it?"
Harry's ears picked up Donny's voice but his mind reacted slowly, switching from one train of thought to another. He didn't really want to stop thinking about more pleasant things.
"Huh? No, this is only the third letter this week."
"No I said tenth time.as in the tenth time you've read that letter. Who's it from? Girlfriend?" Donny leaned and tried to look Harry in the eye.
"No. She is a girl though. Had a big crush on her for a while. She's been though a lot. You heard about the Tri-Wizard Tournament and what happened right?"
"A little bit. Some other kid died and you brought him back."
"Yeah he was her boyfriend."
"Oh." Donovan's cheerful tone went down appropriately.
"No she's ok. We've been writing back and forth, and it's been a little over a year so she's pulled herself together. She's better now that we've talked about what happened. I dunno about me though."
"Look Harry if you don't want to talk about this."
"Yeah, I don't really. No offense, but I'm dealing with it in my own way."
***
Harry leaned against a tree off the side of the trail. He was a days ride ahead of Donovan. He'd occasionally find himself thinking really deeply, mostly on the events of the past years. Whenever Donovan saw him falling into one of these moments, he's fall behind and give Harry a day to reflect and "find himself" as he put it.
He spotted the familiar outline of Donny on the far hilltop taking his time and walking instead of riding. Even Lily's company wasn't enough and he'd let her ride freely for a while. Hedwig had already learned when she should leave and would probably bring back a mouse. Though he didn't like the loneliness, sometimes the solitude was necessary.
Crying never came. He'd not allow it. Just reflection and hopefully reaching an understanding with the choices he made or those made on his behalf. Choices were the hardest thing he'd every do each year. Always was something hanging in the balance. Harry would wondered if he made the right choices, watching the past years go by in his mind.
"Harry!"
Donovan's voice penetrated his thoughts and he blinked his eyes hard. What seemed like morning moments ago was now the dark of night.
"Huh? It was morning just a little bit ago." Harry blinked hard again, wondering if he was asleep since he wasn't tired like he usually was after a nap. Donovan bellowed out a laugh and dismounted Shannon crouching before Harry.
"No Harry, You've been here all day." Donovan said, slapping a hand on his shoulder.
"All day? I don't remember falling asleep."
"You probably weren't asleep. You looked like you were deep in thought. Meditation by the looks of it."
"Meditating? There's not some other wizarding name for it?"
"Nope, simply meditation. Never had much use for it myself. I've never been one to need to reflect on things. It's a lot easier, I've found, to just simply except things as they are and not wonder why they are. But hey if it works then it works right?"
Donovan stretched out his hand and hefted Harry to his feet who dusted his backside off. He still looked suspiciously at the night sky that was bright blue just moments ago.
"Yeah. I think I like your way better, even though it's harder to just accept things."
"Alright enough of this, you meditated all day, now we rest. I saw a town just a little bit further down the way."
"Really? A bed sounds nice right now. I think I've lost feeling in my legs."
Harry tried to massage feeling into his legs and whistled for Lily. And she came like a blur to his side. Her coat was roughed up and splotches of mud were scattered all over her. Harry shrugged and mounted her.
"You know I really don't want to know do I Lily?"
***
Harry had never felt so good. His room was fairly large. He had just taken a shower and washed away several days worth of grime. His clothes were clean and his stomach full. And to top it off he got some letters. He really felt he understood why they said that letters were a soldier's lifeline. He definitely wasn't a soldier, but he had his own battles to fight and letters kept his spirits up. He picked up the first roll, assuming it was from Cho.
'Dear Harry,
Went to Cedric's grave the other day. I sat there talking to him for hours. Almost all day really. Missed my date with Michael too. I told him everything, just like I used to. Told him about last year, you and even Michael. I don't think he minded. I brought him flowers too. He said he liked Jasmines because I was wearing a jasmine scented perfume when he asked me out. I really miss him. I didn't cry though. I actually laughed a lot while I talked to him.
I think I've finally moved on. It doesn't make me sad anymore to think about him. I realized that when I thought of him I only saw smiles. I couldn't be sad when I thought of that.
Also I really want to thank you Harry. Just writing to you, and not necessarily about Cedric, helped a lot. You helped keep me occupied and understood what I was going though. Simple things little things you wrote about meant a lot. It's the little things that matter. I'm glad I wrote to you. You've done a lot for me and I don't know how I can repay you. Believe me, I will. Thanks again Harry. Hopefully we can meet up in Diagon Alley or on the Train.
Always,
Cho'
All Harry could do was smile. Saving the world several times over gave him a great feeling, winning the house and quidditch cups made him feel on top of the world. But helping Cho? Just one person, felt more rewarding than anything he had ever done. He hoped he could replicate that feeling this year, helping whoever he could, along with the world. Because Cho was right. It's the little things that count.
***
Harry felt great. The morning seemed exceptionally bright, clear skies and a gentle breeze blowing. Probably the best day of the holiday. Lily seemed to agree, nodding her head as she kept pace with Harry's smaller stride. He liked walking. Though riding was something new and less tiring, walking helped him think, even at time like this, when he didn't seem to be thinking of anything at all. That and he wouldn't have to walk with his legs spread apart after riding. His mind would wander from his friends, to school, and even Voldemort without getting depressed.
"You seem to be in a good mood." Donovan noticed.
"Yeah. Dunno why, but everything seems to be right with the world ya know? Like nothing can go wrong."
"Yeah, it does seem like one of those days doesn't it?"
Harry simply nodded and inhaled the fresh air deeply. They crested a rather large hill that over looked a small lake. Donovan tapped his heels into his pegas and galloped swiftly over the lake side. He waved over at Harry to was still descending the hill.
"What's up? Harry called out.
"Well, I figured I may as well teach you something before you get to school shouldn't I? You still have a bit of time and given you talents I think you can get the hang of what I have in mind."
Harry dismounted Lily and walked over to the lake, dipping his hand into the water, testing its temperature.
"What's the lake have to do with it?"
"Take a seat Harry."
Harry complied and watch wide eyed as Donovan walked onto the lake but didn't sink. He walked over the lake, casting small ripples with each step. Donovan smiled at Harry's reaction and promptly broke into a tap dance. Harry broke into a fit of laughter watching Donovan dance.
Donovan hopped off the lake surface and back onto dry land. He kicked his feet up revealing the dry soles of his shoes.
"Aural Projection Harry."
"Astral projection? Isn't that like outer body experiences?"
"No not astral, aural. As people with magical auras, you put out different auras than muggles. And being a wizard, you can learn to manipulate it. Walking on delicate surfaces is one of them. It gets complicated, but once you learn the very basics, you can get the other stuff. Wizards normally don't bother with it since it's like casting magic on a child's level. Low level magic that can be accomplished with regular spells, but this way you don't need a wand or words. Not as cool looking though or powerful but more discreet. But used wisely, it can be quite handy."
Donovan picked up a rock and tossed it into the air, and held his palm out flat. The rock came hurtling down and smashed into his hand, shattering into small pieces. He raised his palm to show no injury.
"You can do things like create a high energy aura so that rocks will shatter at your slightest touch. It's all about experimenting. Try new things with it. But it doesn't extend very far. It's usually just outside your physical shape. Like my shoes or my hand for example."
"Ok I think I get it. How do you do it?"
"Well how do you cast a spell?"
Harry looked at him oddly and replied. " I say the spell words and wave my wand depending on the spell."
"Right, but what are you thinking?"
"The results of the spell. The whole process of the spell happening."
"Right. Aural projection his like casting a spell without words or wands. You just need to concentrate your aura into what form you want it to take. Energy, barriers, or spells. With the rock that was energy, manipulating it to affect your physical self. Barriers are just that. Walking on water sets a barrier on your feet against water. It's more complicated than that, but it's also as simple as that. I'll get to spells later."
Harry wondered if it was that simple. But he learned to take magic for what it was. He stood up and walked to the edge of the water, staring at its rippled form. Donovan was waiting for him a few feet out tapping his foot and sending the ripples his way.
"Think about walking on water. Imagine it's a spell and cast it. Focus your aura. Find your source of magic and use it."
Harry closed his eyes and listened to Donovan's mantra of concentration. Slowly he raised his left foot and stepped. He felt his shoe touch the water. And with a leap of faith he shifted he weigh completely on it and stood up. The water felt like he was slipping on a waxy floor, a floor that shifted every which way.
"Whoa!" Harry nearly lost his balance and opened his eyes. And on cue, his feet sunk into the water sending him head long into the cold lake. He could hear Donovan's laughter though the shallow water and tossed his head up sucking in the air.
Soaking wet Harry glared at Donovan who only smiled at him.
"Well what'd you expect? Beginner's luck? Don't worry I expected nothing less. Come on up you go."
Harry shivered a bit and was glad the breeze had stopped. Donovan kept him from casting a drying charm and made him stand at the edge with his foot on the lake surface. He was able to ignore the cold and focus after repeating Donovan's mantra in his mind.
"Now add weight to your foot."
Harry leaned a bit more on his foot and felt the water become stable. His foot still slipped left and right, but the surface remained still. He continued to keep his focus until his weight was completely on his left foot.
"Now step Harry."
Donovan's voice was oddly distant, but Harry stepped and his feet sank slightly before raising back up and leveled out with the surface. He kept his legs as rigid as possible. He felt himself drift with the wind, sliding to the side. Shifting his weight to his leg lead, the shifting stopped and Harry found his grip. He imagined he was wearing cleats that dug into the water like solid ground and it seemed to work.
"Good job Harry, you've done it. A bit slower than most, but you got it fine just the same. Now you can't say I never taught you anything."
Harry opened his eyes and saw that the sun was no longer shining. It had been replaced with the veil of night, the only light coming from a fire Donovan must have built. He slipped a little, but remained on the surface, finally able to multi-task his mind to stay above the water and assess his situation.
"Um.night time?"
"Yeah, you were doing that meditation thing again."
"It didn't feel like it. I still heard stuff going on around me and."
"Well you should. Meditation isn't sleep you know. But anyway congratulations Harry you got the hang of it. Now, you just need to experiment with your aura. Find new ways to use it and stuff."
Harry smiled. Learning to manipulate his aura seemed more gratifying than learning a new spell. Maybe because the teacher wasn't prodding him forward forcing it upon him. It wasn't something fantastic that he could show off to anyone, but it was his own little accomplishment.
Harry sat down by the fire and gazed into the dancing flames. The logs of wood that glowed orange, and it's embers that floated skyward. He saw Donovan wave a hand in front of his face and Harry shook himself from his daze.
"Whoa there. You just spent all day zoning out. Now is the time to relax and enjoy yourself. Here"
Donovan passed him a slightly warm bottle, not labeled. Harry took it reluctantly and sniffed it contents, promptly jerking it away from his face.
"No thanks. I'm too young anyway."
"Harry do you see any constables around? No one's around for miles. Besides, if anything a few swigs will help you fall asleep."
Harry still held the bottle but didn't drink.
"Come on Harry. Cut loose for once! You've got all this tension and you have yet to release it. It's not that bad. Come on!"
Harry resigned to peer pressure and took a very small shot of the liquid. It burned its way down his throat and settled heavily in his stomach.
"Ugh! Tastes horrible!" Harry cried out, wiping his mouth.
He could begin to hear his heartbeat in his neck, which quickly became annoying. He handed the bottle back to Donovan who only smiled.
"Good night Harry."
On cue Harry's body grew limp and slumped over. Donovan stood up and emptied the bottle's remaining contents and threw it into the lake. With a distinct metal to metal sound, Donovan unsheathed a small blade and held it between his teeth and dragged Harry's body to the lake side.
"Sorry Harry. Gotta do this."
Donovan swiped the blade down the length of Harry's arm lightly, letting blood slowly ooze from the length of the cut. He placed Harry's arm into the still water and waited, his eyes darting back and forth over the waters surface.
"Come on, come on."
Then he saw it. Out in the middle of the lake, glistening against the firelight, a shimmering silhouette of what became a beautiful woman as she drew closer. She swept across the lake surface, still half submerged but with a grace that suggested that the water did not hinder her.
"My Lady."
Donovan knelt and pulled Harry's arm from the water, which had already begun to heal.
"Everknight. I am summoned by blood. But this blood I have not tasted in many centuries."
"True my lady. I only needed to be sure. Is his blood.connected?"
The woman dipped her lips to the water and rose again.
"Yes, but he has not awakened, as his predecessors. What circumstances lead you to believe he will awaken his blood?"
"Dire times M'lady. You know of them. He has survived the Dark curses and is also prophesized to defeat Voldemort. He has grown stronger which each passing year."
"It is possible. But his father faced such time and his blood remained dormant until his death. We shall see with this boy. I will not release her until he has proven his blood's worth. Embed this inside of his wound. A signal. It will cast a sign that will prove he is ready."
She handed Donovan a small amulet, barely the size of a small coin Which Donovan quickly forced into Harry's arm who unconsciously writhed at the pain.
"Will this signal be visible? How will I know to bring him?"
"No. If it happens he will come to me. I will not relinquish my amulets so easily. I would like it back very much. Until then, watch over him."
" Very well M'lady. May the Lady of the Lake forever guide the waters that give us life."
"And guide it I shall, until the tranquil waters are no more."
She turned and sank into the water, leaving no ripples or trace of her presence. Donovan pulled Harry back to the fireside and pulled his sleeve back down. As if Harry hasn't been tested enough, more is required of him. But for now, he will sleep, thinking he passed out from alcohol, aware, but not fully, of his destiny.