Chapter Two: Letters from Abroad
The sun was burning in the sky above the Greek Island of Crete. It was the middle of June and this summer was the hottest on record. Especially for the trainee archaeologists from Oxford University. Professor Lyon sat on top of the hill and surveyed the site below him. The excavation to find the ruins of the palace of Knossos was a dream of a lifetime. And being a man of seventy, he had seen many wonders unleashed from beneath the sands of time. Of course, he was much, much older than seventy. And wiser.
He ran his hand through his short white hair to brush it from his face and headed down to the dig. His students were in awe of there surroundings. If this was the real site of the historic palace they were going to make history. History was a funny subject for Merriman Lyon. But it often was when you were an Old One of the Light.
He had just made it down to the outer region of the dig when his assistant, a bright and hopeful student named Kathryn, came and handed him two envelopes. Letters from abroad. One was from Wales and the other; an odd envelope made of parchment with emerald-green handwriting from Scotland. Realising what it was, he thought that that one would be better left for later and placed it in his pocket. He had been expecting both, but the one from Wales was far more important. It read:
Dear Merriman,
I believe Harry Potter is on his way to us. The circle is assembled to take him to the City of Twilight. But, do you think he is ready? Granted, his mother was this age when she came to us, but with everything he has gone through. And does Professor Dumbledore know? Although, knowing Albus he has a fair idea of what's going on. I have a feeling that man knows everything. Much like you.
There is one thing that has been bothering me though. What if he tells someone? More importantly, what if he tells Sirius Black or Remus Lupin? Granted their help along with Lily and James was greatly needed last time, but can we afford others knowing? If Voldemort or the Dark Lord find out, then the whole plan will be for nothing and the Dark will return. Only last night I saw a large gathering of Rooks circling the gateway to the otherworld. And I still have nightmares about the last time I encountered them.
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
Yours sincerely, Will Stanton.
Merriman Lyon folded the letter and placed it with the other in his pocket. Regardless of who knew, Harry Potter must go to Her in no less than six days. He had seen too many deaths throughout his many years. Harry was their last hope. Just as Lily had been.
Remus Lupin was at his kitchen table staring at the letter he had just read. Although it had been addressed to his best friend, and current lodger Sirius Black, curiosity had gotten the better of him and he opened it. Now he wished he hadn't. Remus read and reread the letter hoping for the words to miraculously change, but nothing happened.
She was back in his life.
There was scratching at his back door. Sirius was home. How was he going to explain this? How was he going to tell Sirius that he had opened his letter from Harry?
The door opened and a bear-like black dog stood with a letter in his mouth. It had emerald-green writing on the front and was addressed to both of them.
"Morning Padfoot." Remus forced a smile. But it didn't go unnoticed. With a 'pop' the black dog transfigured into a tall man with shaggy dark brown hair.
"What's wrong, Remus?"
Remus sighed. "Nothing, nothing. What's that?" He said, pointing to the letter that was now in Sirius' hand.
"A letter from Dumbledore. I haven't read it yet. An owl dropped it off while I was outside."
"Open it."
Sirius tore the envelope from the letter and read aloud:
Dear Remus and 'Snuffles',
How are the both of you? I hope that neither of you have been getting into too much trouble like the old days. And speaking of old days, events are happening that you may feel concern you. But on an official note, I must ask that you do not interfere. It is for your own good, or so I've been told. If I need your help, then I know where to find you both. Just keep your minds on the present, and the future will unravel itself. On an unofficial note, do what your heart tells you.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore.
"What does he mean?"
Remus put his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes. It was too close to the full moon to have this thrust upon him.
"You received a letter from Harry," he said, and pointed to the letter on the kitchen table. "I'm sorry, but I opened it. I thought it might be urgent."
"And is it?"
"That depends. It does explain a lot. Sirius, Harry had the Dream."
He read the letter. Sirius was obviously confused. He looked as though he was searching his memory for certain events and then his eyes light up.
"About.about Her?"
"Yes, about the Great Goddess. Like Lily did. Remember, the same dream that caused Lily to drag you, me, James and Peter to Wales on impulse."
"I remember. It was like Lily was possessed by some powerful force and we found out that she had been summoned by the Great Goddess. We never did find out what She wanted with Lily."
"And now Harry has been summoned," Remus said.
Sirius took a seat. He was afraid for his godson. "Do you think he'll make it? I mean, Lily was nearly exhausted when she made it to the mountain in Wales. Considering she went by foot. James had to help her stand in the end."
"Do you think we should go and help Harry?"
"Not right before a full moon, Remus. Besides, Lily didn't leave until she found out where she had to go. I doubt Harry has any idea where to meet Her."
"But what if he does?" Remus was beginning to lose his temper. Partially because of the coming full moon, but Sirius knew better.
"You still like her, don't you."
Remus glared at his best friend. "I never liked Her in that way. Being attracted is not 'liking' Her."
"It was a pretty strong attraction if I recall," Sirius laughed.
"Sirius, She is the Great Goddess. She is of the Light. I am a monster of the Dark. Being around Her is worse than any full moon. I can't control myself around Her because as a goddess she represents the Moon. I was too afraid. Still am."
Sirius put a comforting hand on Remus' shoulder. "But She'll always be Rhiannon to us."
And with that, Remus genuinely smiled and felt some hope that maybe this letter from Harry was a sign of hope. History may repeat itself, but maybe this time, it will go beyond what was imagined. He might have Her back.
The hustle and bustle of The Burrow was the same as always when Harry arrived later that day. Mrs. Weasley was preparing dinner with Fleur and Hermione's help, while the others (minus Percy who was working on Ministry papers in his room) were setting up the tables outside. Well, at least that was what they were supposed to be doing. Charlie had just lit a fantastic bonfire to celebrate Midsummer, and was now charming the flames to dance around like fairies. Fred and George were mimicking the fairy dance, and Harry watched as Ginny giggled at the sight. There was an innocence in Ginny that he very much missed in himself. She saw the light in everything, even after being used by Tom Riddle.
"Harry, come over here and dance with us. I think Charlie was going to make them boogie next. That will be a sight!" Fred and George were choking with laughter. Harry found it amazing that people could be so amused by such a small thing. But in times like these, with Voldemort in full power, you had to find something to laugh about.
"Yeah, come on Harry. Before they start waltzing. I could just picture you and Ginny together. Mind you, your feet would be swelling up by the end. Pathetic dancer she is," George said.
Ginny stormed over to her brother and stomped on his foot. "Oh look, I can even make your feet swell when I'm not dancing with you." What was that about innocence? Ginny left to go inside, after saying to Harry, "It's nice to see you. And I give you all the permission in the world to hex my brothers." She forcibly pushed the door open, just as Hermione came out with bowls of salad. But with a quick spell, they were able to avoid toppling over one another. Ginny apologized and stormed away.
"Fred and George again?" Hermione asked, and every nodded. The twins with huge grins plastered on their faces. "Boys will be boys," she sighed.
Dinner that night was delicious, and a real treat for Harry who had lived off the Dursley's leftovers for a month. But his mind was continuously interrupted with thoughts of the Dream. He had to tell Ron and Hermione. It was driving his mad keeping it a secret. It was as though it wanted to get out of his head. Harry decided that tonight before bed, he would tell his two best friends. But he doubted they could help.
Harry didn't notice that Ron and Hermione were having their own doubts about him. When he arrived, Harry had insisted to everyone that he was fine, although something was clearly wrong. He wasn't paying attention, and was off in his own little world. Mrs. Weasley was so worried that she prepared all of Harry's favourite meals to cheer him up. But it didn't seem to work.
"What do you think is wrong with him?" Ron asked Hermione.
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. But we need to find out tonight. I don't like seeing Harry like this."
"Me neither."
The sun was burning in the sky above the Greek Island of Crete. It was the middle of June and this summer was the hottest on record. Especially for the trainee archaeologists from Oxford University. Professor Lyon sat on top of the hill and surveyed the site below him. The excavation to find the ruins of the palace of Knossos was a dream of a lifetime. And being a man of seventy, he had seen many wonders unleashed from beneath the sands of time. Of course, he was much, much older than seventy. And wiser.
He ran his hand through his short white hair to brush it from his face and headed down to the dig. His students were in awe of there surroundings. If this was the real site of the historic palace they were going to make history. History was a funny subject for Merriman Lyon. But it often was when you were an Old One of the Light.
He had just made it down to the outer region of the dig when his assistant, a bright and hopeful student named Kathryn, came and handed him two envelopes. Letters from abroad. One was from Wales and the other; an odd envelope made of parchment with emerald-green handwriting from Scotland. Realising what it was, he thought that that one would be better left for later and placed it in his pocket. He had been expecting both, but the one from Wales was far more important. It read:
Dear Merriman,
I believe Harry Potter is on his way to us. The circle is assembled to take him to the City of Twilight. But, do you think he is ready? Granted, his mother was this age when she came to us, but with everything he has gone through. And does Professor Dumbledore know? Although, knowing Albus he has a fair idea of what's going on. I have a feeling that man knows everything. Much like you.
There is one thing that has been bothering me though. What if he tells someone? More importantly, what if he tells Sirius Black or Remus Lupin? Granted their help along with Lily and James was greatly needed last time, but can we afford others knowing? If Voldemort or the Dark Lord find out, then the whole plan will be for nothing and the Dark will return. Only last night I saw a large gathering of Rooks circling the gateway to the otherworld. And I still have nightmares about the last time I encountered them.
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
Yours sincerely, Will Stanton.
Merriman Lyon folded the letter and placed it with the other in his pocket. Regardless of who knew, Harry Potter must go to Her in no less than six days. He had seen too many deaths throughout his many years. Harry was their last hope. Just as Lily had been.
Remus Lupin was at his kitchen table staring at the letter he had just read. Although it had been addressed to his best friend, and current lodger Sirius Black, curiosity had gotten the better of him and he opened it. Now he wished he hadn't. Remus read and reread the letter hoping for the words to miraculously change, but nothing happened.
She was back in his life.
There was scratching at his back door. Sirius was home. How was he going to explain this? How was he going to tell Sirius that he had opened his letter from Harry?
The door opened and a bear-like black dog stood with a letter in his mouth. It had emerald-green writing on the front and was addressed to both of them.
"Morning Padfoot." Remus forced a smile. But it didn't go unnoticed. With a 'pop' the black dog transfigured into a tall man with shaggy dark brown hair.
"What's wrong, Remus?"
Remus sighed. "Nothing, nothing. What's that?" He said, pointing to the letter that was now in Sirius' hand.
"A letter from Dumbledore. I haven't read it yet. An owl dropped it off while I was outside."
"Open it."
Sirius tore the envelope from the letter and read aloud:
Dear Remus and 'Snuffles',
How are the both of you? I hope that neither of you have been getting into too much trouble like the old days. And speaking of old days, events are happening that you may feel concern you. But on an official note, I must ask that you do not interfere. It is for your own good, or so I've been told. If I need your help, then I know where to find you both. Just keep your minds on the present, and the future will unravel itself. On an unofficial note, do what your heart tells you.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore.
"What does he mean?"
Remus put his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes. It was too close to the full moon to have this thrust upon him.
"You received a letter from Harry," he said, and pointed to the letter on the kitchen table. "I'm sorry, but I opened it. I thought it might be urgent."
"And is it?"
"That depends. It does explain a lot. Sirius, Harry had the Dream."
He read the letter. Sirius was obviously confused. He looked as though he was searching his memory for certain events and then his eyes light up.
"About.about Her?"
"Yes, about the Great Goddess. Like Lily did. Remember, the same dream that caused Lily to drag you, me, James and Peter to Wales on impulse."
"I remember. It was like Lily was possessed by some powerful force and we found out that she had been summoned by the Great Goddess. We never did find out what She wanted with Lily."
"And now Harry has been summoned," Remus said.
Sirius took a seat. He was afraid for his godson. "Do you think he'll make it? I mean, Lily was nearly exhausted when she made it to the mountain in Wales. Considering she went by foot. James had to help her stand in the end."
"Do you think we should go and help Harry?"
"Not right before a full moon, Remus. Besides, Lily didn't leave until she found out where she had to go. I doubt Harry has any idea where to meet Her."
"But what if he does?" Remus was beginning to lose his temper. Partially because of the coming full moon, but Sirius knew better.
"You still like her, don't you."
Remus glared at his best friend. "I never liked Her in that way. Being attracted is not 'liking' Her."
"It was a pretty strong attraction if I recall," Sirius laughed.
"Sirius, She is the Great Goddess. She is of the Light. I am a monster of the Dark. Being around Her is worse than any full moon. I can't control myself around Her because as a goddess she represents the Moon. I was too afraid. Still am."
Sirius put a comforting hand on Remus' shoulder. "But She'll always be Rhiannon to us."
And with that, Remus genuinely smiled and felt some hope that maybe this letter from Harry was a sign of hope. History may repeat itself, but maybe this time, it will go beyond what was imagined. He might have Her back.
The hustle and bustle of The Burrow was the same as always when Harry arrived later that day. Mrs. Weasley was preparing dinner with Fleur and Hermione's help, while the others (minus Percy who was working on Ministry papers in his room) were setting up the tables outside. Well, at least that was what they were supposed to be doing. Charlie had just lit a fantastic bonfire to celebrate Midsummer, and was now charming the flames to dance around like fairies. Fred and George were mimicking the fairy dance, and Harry watched as Ginny giggled at the sight. There was an innocence in Ginny that he very much missed in himself. She saw the light in everything, even after being used by Tom Riddle.
"Harry, come over here and dance with us. I think Charlie was going to make them boogie next. That will be a sight!" Fred and George were choking with laughter. Harry found it amazing that people could be so amused by such a small thing. But in times like these, with Voldemort in full power, you had to find something to laugh about.
"Yeah, come on Harry. Before they start waltzing. I could just picture you and Ginny together. Mind you, your feet would be swelling up by the end. Pathetic dancer she is," George said.
Ginny stormed over to her brother and stomped on his foot. "Oh look, I can even make your feet swell when I'm not dancing with you." What was that about innocence? Ginny left to go inside, after saying to Harry, "It's nice to see you. And I give you all the permission in the world to hex my brothers." She forcibly pushed the door open, just as Hermione came out with bowls of salad. But with a quick spell, they were able to avoid toppling over one another. Ginny apologized and stormed away.
"Fred and George again?" Hermione asked, and every nodded. The twins with huge grins plastered on their faces. "Boys will be boys," she sighed.
Dinner that night was delicious, and a real treat for Harry who had lived off the Dursley's leftovers for a month. But his mind was continuously interrupted with thoughts of the Dream. He had to tell Ron and Hermione. It was driving his mad keeping it a secret. It was as though it wanted to get out of his head. Harry decided that tonight before bed, he would tell his two best friends. But he doubted they could help.
Harry didn't notice that Ron and Hermione were having their own doubts about him. When he arrived, Harry had insisted to everyone that he was fine, although something was clearly wrong. He wasn't paying attention, and was off in his own little world. Mrs. Weasley was so worried that she prepared all of Harry's favourite meals to cheer him up. But it didn't seem to work.
"What do you think is wrong with him?" Ron asked Hermione.
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. But we need to find out tonight. I don't like seeing Harry like this."
"Me neither."