Notation: /Thoughts/
§Phoenixus§
********************************************************************************
Harry woke up the next morning with rays of sunlight shining on his closed eyelids. Groaning Harry turned away from the annoying sunlight to get some more sleep, though mentally wishing he closed the drapes to his bed last night. However he wasn't given the chance to get more sleep as something on his bed moved over to his face. The next thing Harry knew, his face was getting wet from whatever it was licking it. Groaning again, Harry tried blocking the licking furry 'monster' by using one hand to gently push the 'monster' away and the other to hide his face. But in the end, Harry gave up, as the licking furry 'monster' wouldn't stop and was back at his face again. The little creature was now licking his nose, making it ticklish. Harry couldn't hold in his chuckle and finally opened his eyes.
Seeing his master finally open his eyes, the wolf pup jumped up once showing he was happy. After jumping, he placed his two front paws on Harry's face and proceeded to give him some more 'good morning licks'.
To Harry it was obvious that his new pet was very happy to see him awake. As he was certainly wide awake now after practically having his face washed and covered in drool. Harry was finally able to partially subdue his little friend as he sat up. Still holding him down, Harry rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. "Alright, I'm up. I'm up." He groaned.
Taking a look around his room and then out the window. Harry could see that it was still early in the morning. He suddenly became aware of a small weight leaning on his chest. Looking down, Harry's eyes came upon a pair of crystal blue eyes staring back at him, excitedly. Harry sighed quietly to himself, before smiling and scratching the wolf pup behind his ear. "Good morning, White Fang."
Harry remembered when he named the little wolf pup, was only yesterday. It was about an hour after Lily and Galen left his room, Harry was relaxing and observing the daily activities of the people outside the castle while carrying the wolf pup in his arms. When he glanced down at the wolf pup, who was at the time also trying to absorb all the sites and activities from his vantage point; Harry remembered that he was going to have to name the little one. But what name? Looking back at the little wolf pup, Harry was reminded of a similar wolf pup he saw when the Dursleys were watching a movie on the television and were unaware of him watching also. It was a Disney movie was called 'White Fang'. True Harry had never actually seen a wolf in real life, but now that he had one as a pet; well what could he say. While he thought about it, he figured that the name White Fang wouldn't be so bad. Of course when he asked the wolf pup if he like the name; the response he received was a surprise after it appeared that the pup thought about it. The wolf pup looked back up at him and happily licked his face. "Well that was easy." Harry remembered saying, but he didn't complain.
Getting out of bed, Harry stretched a bit loosening his body. Looking down by his bed, Harry saw White Fang by his feet in an I'm-ready-to-go position. Harry smiled at the little wolf pup, before getting up and grabbing some fresh clothes. White Fang followed Harry in to the bathroom and waited while Harry got a quick shower. (A/N: In my story they have showers and baths in castles, they're just more primitive but still function like modern day ones.)
After drying off and dressing, Harry left his bathroom and made his way to common area in his huge living chambers. Today Harry decided to forgo tying his hair back in a ponytail. He noticed that when his hair didn't have the concealing charm to make it look black, his hair in fact did look nice. Now that his hair was mainly silver with gold lightning bangs, it looked better untied and just neatly combed.
As Harry sat on the couch wondering what Galen was going to tell him. Remembering from yesterday that Galen was going to explain everything. Harry was happy that he was finally going to know what was happening to him and why he looked the way he did. But at the same time he was nervous about what he was going to be told. Harry was brought out of his thoughts by White Fang little whimpers. He noticed that White Fang was trying to jump up onto the couch, but he was still too small to do it. Laughing at the pup's attempts, Harry reached down and lifted the pup onto his lap. After a few minutes Harry became aware that he was starting to feel hungry. Wondering if White Fang felt the same, Harry looked down at his lap and asked the little wolf pup.
"Hey White fang." The wolf pup looked up to him. "Do you feel like having breakfast now?" Harry asked. He was still amazed that the wolf pup was already responding to the name he was given only yesterday. White Fang's response was an excited little bark, which Harry took as a 'yes'. Before Harry could think about how to get breakfast, there was a small *pop*. Turning around Harry saw a castle elf standing there.
"Good morning, young prince." The little elf greeted obediently with a small bow. Harry was a little surprised that the castle elves already knew that he was of royalty, which probably meant that they knew he was related to James and Lily, the current King and Queen. "Is there anything that, your highness would like?" The castle elf asked.
"Um… Yes, I would like some breakfast, please." Harry answered. The castle elf bowed and prepared to leave, but Harry stopped him. "Wait!" The little elf stopped in confusion. "Could you possibly get something, for my little friend here?" He asked, gesturing to White Fang. It was than that the castle elf noticed the wolf pup. His eyes widened for a moment, before nodding and disappearing with a *pop*.
Harry relaxed in the couch for a moment, knowing that if the castle elves were like the house elves in his time, he would be back fairly soon. And sure enough, less than a minute later the castle elf returned with a fairly large tray of food, assorted with fruits, bread, meats, and a pitcher of some kind of juice with a glass. Harry noticed that there was a bowl filled with what looked like milk and a small plate with very tiny pieces of meat. Setting the tray down on the table, the castle elf made he's way to leave, not bothering to wait. But Harry stopped him again.
"Wait." Harry called out before the castle elf had a chance to leave. "Please don't leave yet. Stay for a bit." Harry said. He wanted to talk to the castle elf for a little bit, even if all he found out was what his name was.
The castle elf just stared at the floor wondering why the young prince was making such a request. The little elf moved over next to the prince timidly, since he was never asked by someone so important to just stay and talk before. / This young prince is very different from the other nobility. / He only knew of her majesty, Queen Lily of showing such interest and kindness. Once he was standing next to the chair, he looked up to see the prince smiling at him. He returned with a small smile of his own, but he was still nervous.
"Thank you." Harry held out his hand. "My name's Harry. Harry Potter. What's your name?" The little elf was shocked that the young prince was openly greeting him, a lowly elf that was suppose to serve those who he works for. He stared at Harry's hand, uncertain of what to do. Harry was frowning inwardly seeing that the little elf was scared. It reminded him of how Dobby was when he first met him, during his Second year. His smile was started to fall, but came back when he saw the elf slowly extend his shaky hand to Harry's.
"My-my-my name is Tal." The little elf said in a shaky voice. Tal shook Harry's hand for only a brief moment before quickly withdrawing it. He still couldn't believe that this young prince was so nice, as many people of royal blood or high class were particularly mean.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Tal." Harry greeted politely. He continued to watch Tal stand there, still looking down at the floor. "Tal relax, you don't have to be scared of me." Than he remembered that Tal hardly ever looked at him in the face. "You can look at me, you know."
"Tal is to do what Prince Harry wants. Tal is Prince Harry's personal castle elf, his servant. It is disrespectful for Tal to look upon his master." Loran explained; trying to tell the young prince that he was just doing what he was suppose to do.
Harry just stared at Tal, shocked. He couldn't believe it; he now had a personal castle elf for himself. Harry immediately didn't like it; it reminded him too much of the idea of slavery. In fact it reminded him of how he was treated at the Dursleys. Never getting the respect you did for something you did and always looked down upon. He himself would never treat anyone like a slave, he certainly didn't want anyone else treated like that in any form, even if it was a castle elf and his own.
"Tal?" He called, but the little castle elf still didn't look up at him. "Tal, please look at me?" Harry asked. He saw Tal slowly raise his head, but kept his eyes locked to the floor. Harry sighed in frustration, when Tal still didn't look at him. So Harry tried a more friendly method. He remembered when Dobby got really nervous; placing a comforting hand on his shoulder helped him relax. Hoping it'll work, he placed a comforting hand on Tal's shoulder. Harry felt Tal tense when his hand was on his shoulder. / He probably thinks I might punish him. / "Please?" Harry asked again.
Tal was completely confused as to why the young prince was treating him so nicely, also like an equal. He never remembered ever being treated so nicely before. There were only two people that the castle elves knew who were remotely nice to them. They were King James and Queen Lily. He recalled when Queen Lily came to him two nights ago requesting him to help one Harry Potter. Of course being a castle elf, Tal took it as an order to be his servant. Than last night it spread throughout the castle elves that the one named Harry Potter was actually a prince. Tal was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Thinking that he was going to get punished, he tensed and awaited his punishment, but it never came. Instead he heard Prince Harry ask again to look up. Ever so slowly Tal raised his eyes to meet Harry's.
Harry was pleased to see that Tal was finally looking at him. "See, everything is fine. Nothing bad happened." Harry smiled. Tal looked nervously back at Harry, but return with his own very small smile. Tal was shocked to see that the young prince's eyes were the same as Queen Lily's, a beautiful emerald color. They had the same gentleness and kindness that Queen Lily's held. / Such kind-heartedness; just like Queen Lily. /
"Is there anything else that Prince Harry would like, from Tal?" The castle elf asked quickly remembering his duties. Harry sighed again in frustration, but kept a smile on his face. Apparently getting Tal to relax and not be so nervous around him was going to take time, but it was a start with how far he got now anyway.
"No Tal, I don't need anything else." He bowed, preparing to leave. "But-" Tal turned to see what the young prince was going to say. "Perhaps later we can talk and get to know each other. You know, and become friends." Harry finished. Tal's eyes widened from hearing what he just heard. Never before had a person, much less a royal person ever asked to be 'friends' with a castle elf. Tal's eyes started to water a little, from being treated with such kindness. All he could do was nod, before disappearing with a *pop*.
Harry took a moment to smile at himself. He knew making friends here would be difficult, but he thought that he was off to a good start. After about a minute he was brought back to reality when his nose picked up the wonderful aroma of the food that Tal brought and the loud rumbling of his stomach. So Harry settled himself in the chair and laid the tray of delicious looking food on his lap, while placing White Fang's food on the floor for him. Surprisingly White Fang didn't complain or whimper while he talked with Tal, apparently he just waited patiently. Harry was very impressed with White Fang behavior and made a mental note to play a little longer with him later today.
After having their fill of food, Harry and White Fang sighed in satisfaction. Harry moved over to the couch and laid down, while White Fang settled himself next to Harry head and laying his head across Harry's throat. Harry didn't mind at all. Taking one last look at clock, he saw that there was still time before he guess Galen would arrive. Closing his eyes, Harry was asleep before he knew it and White Fang soon followed.
********************************************************************************
Meanwhile Galen was preparing himself to go to Harry's chambers, so he could tell him why he's here and what has been happening. From an observer's viewpoint, Galen looked prettily calm. But that was completely opposite of what Galen was really feeling on the inside, he was nervous. It wasn't so much that he didn't know what to say; it was actually how Harry was going to react. He knew that Harry had already had enough surprises to last him a lifetime, since about two weeks ago. Discovering that he was in the past, in Atlantis, and then finding out that he's a descendent of royalty. Those three things only would overwhelm anybody, and Harry handled it fairly well. But he wasn't so sure about what he was about to tell Harry today.
After leaving the chambers that James and Lily gave to him, and securing the lock; Galen made his way to Harry's chambers. As Galen walked to his destination thinking about how to start, he heard voice a little further down the corridor. Looking down it, he saw James, Lily, and Arlia. He was able to hear part of the conversation from where he was standing.
"Have either of you seen Harry this morning?" asked Arlia curiously.
"No. Why, is there something wrong?" asked Lily, suddenly worried.
"No. No. Nothings wrong Lily. I was just curious. I haven't seen him since he left my Hospital Wing. I thought maybe I would be seeing him walking around in the halls." Arlia replied with a smile.
"Sorry, Arlia. I am just worried about him." Lily replied, also with a small smile.
"Oh, don't worry." Waving her hand showing that it was now problem. "Have either of you given Harry a tour of the castle?" Arlia asked.
"No, we haven't. Actually I was considering on doing that today. But Lily told me that Galen was going to talk to Harry today, about what's being happening to him. You remember right, his hair and that incident in the Hospital Wing." James reminded.
"Oh yes, believe I remember. I remember well." Arlia answered. What not many people knew about elves was that they have the ability to sense magic if they concentrated enough. Almost like a sixth sense, just like they are able to sense things in nature. When the council members who had their weapons drawn, moved to remove Harry's phoenix amulet; Arlia felt a growing magic force within the room. When Harry screamed, and the white shockwave flew throughout the room nearly overwhelmed her, by the amount of magical energy. It wasn't the largest she had ever felt, but it was certainly larger than what it should've been for someone at Harry's age. The energy was chaotic, and unfocused; but the only thing it did was throw the council members that were threatening Harry across the room while leaving herself and the others perfectly fine.
"Do you think Galen would allow us to hear what he's going to tell Harry?" Arlia asked. She herself was curious about Harry; he was certainly not like other boys at his age.
"I don't know. We would have to ask him." Lily answered. James nodded in agreement. Both were just as curious about what Galen was going to tell Harry. Especially Lily, if what Galen was going to tell Harry what she thought he was; it would confirm her theory.
At this point Galen decided to make his presence knew. "Don't worry yourselves. I wouldn't mind having the three of you there, while I talk to Harry." The three adults jumped when they heard the voice. Seeing that it was only Galen, they calmed down. After catching their breath, Lily spoke first.
"Galen, don't do that." The said chuckled with his eyes showing amusement. "Are you sure it's alright if we are there, when you talk with Harry?" She asked, hoping what she heard was true.
"Yes. It might be easier on Harry, if more people knew he won't have to keep it secret from everyone; but the four of us." He replied. The others nodded in agreement, as it would be easier for him. "Shall we proceed?" Galen asked, heading to Harry's chambers with the others following him.
********************************************************************************
The four adults reached Harry's chambers within a few minutes. Galen being the first to the door, knocked. Everyone waited outside, only to receive no reply. Galen tried again only to receive the same response, silence. All four adults looked at each other in confusion, wondering why Harry wasn't answering. Finally Lily's curiosity getting the better of her grabbed the doorknob and turned it slowly. Peeking in Lily saw that everything seemed perfectly normal. Stepping in quietly with the others, she saw the bed was empty, so she was certain Harry as awake. She just didn't know where he was. / Where's Harry? /
Her question however was answered when Arlia motioned everyone to where she was standing. Upon arriving there, they saw what one could consider one of the cutest things they have ever seen. There on the couch was Harry sleeping peacefully. The wolf pup that Lily gave him yesterday from the Games Keeper was sleeping along side him, with his head lying across Harry's throat. They noticed that the concealing charm wore off again, but it seemed that Harry's silver shoulder-length hair and gold lightning bangs suit him better than his black hair. All four adults smiled at the two sleeping beings. Now they really didn't have the heart to disturb the sleep duo. But alas, their wish was not granted when the little wolf pup started to move around and then noticed the four adults.
Harry awake to his little friend's movements, still keeping his eyes closed he moved his hand up to keep his wolf pup still. After finding the little wolf pup, Harry proceeded to scratch behind his ear. Shifting a bit, Harry moved so he could lift the pup on to his chest. Harry's eyes were still kept his eyes closed, but he knew what he was doing. The pup of course didn't complain, and returned Harry's affection by licking and nibbling his fingers. White Fang managed to wiggle himself free of Harry's hands and proceeded to lick his face like this morning. "What is it, White Fang?" Harry finally asked, being able to tell that White Fang was trying to get him up for something.
It was at that moment Harry heard voices, or more precisely quiet laughter. Opening his eyes, Harry saw four people standing in his room. Blinking his eyes clear, Harry finally recognized them as Galen, James, Lily, and Arlia. Seeing who it was, Harry slowly sat up holding the wolf pup to his chest. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he looked up to see their smiling and amused faces. "Um… Hi." He said sheepishly.
This only caused the four adults to chuckles or giggles some more, which only had Harry blush. They had seen the scene that played out before them a few minutes ago. They watched as the pup tried to wake up Harry. The two looked so cute together, that the four adults had a hard time holding in their laughter.
"Good morning Harry." Said Galen after thinking Harry was embarrassed long enough.
"Good morning." Harry replied, nodding his head to everyone.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Lily asked.
"Fine. I already had breakfast, incase your wondering." He answered, after setting the White Fang on his lap idly scratching behind his ear.
"That's good to hear. By the way Harry I have something that I believe belongs to you." Lily said with a smile. Reaching into her robe pockets, she pulled out an object that Harry immediately recognized as a wand. But not just any wand, it was 11 ½ inches and made of holly with a phoenix feather as it's core; it was his wand. (A/N: Is that correct?)
"My wand!" He said both shocked and excitedly. In truth he had completely forgotten about it. With everything that has happened within the past week; being in Atlantis, discovering he was of royal blood, and then talking to someone in the future through their dreams; the whereabouts of his wand wasn't foremost on his mind. But now that he looking right at it, his wand should've been the first thing he thought of when he first woke up. Taking his wand from Lily, Harry felt the comfortable warmth he always got when he held his wand ever since he got it from Ollivanders.
White Fang watched as his master, roll the 'stick' in his hand with interest. Harry moved his wand away from White Fang when he tried to get a hold of it. "Oh, no. Sorry White Fang, this is not a chew toy for you." Harry said to the little wolf, with a smile. This sent the adults into another fit a chuckles and giggles. After pocketing his wand, and making sure that White Fang stopped trying to get at it; Harry turned his attention to the four adults.
"Why did you name him Wolf Fang, Harry?" James asked, wondering as he never heard of that kind of name before.
"I named him White Fang because he reminded me of another wolf I've seen on television." Harry answered. But the others had confused faces so he elaborated a little more. "It's a form of visual entertainment for someone to watch. Something like a theater production. I was reminded of one that I saw, about a wolf pup named White Fang and his life. While I was trying to decide on a name, this little one resembled the wolf pup in the show. So I asked him if he like the name, which he did. That's why his name is White Fang." Harry explained as best as he could, as he wasn't certain he could explain technology from 5,000 years in the future. He was relieved see that the other's faces showed that they understood.
After a few minutes of silence Harry decided to ask them his question he was wondering since they came in. "Is there something you wanted to talk about with me?" He remembered what Galen said yesterday but he wasn't certain if he was going to talk about it with everyone in the room.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned into a mixture of seriousness and nervousness. "Yes, Harry. Do you remember yesterday, I told you that today I was going to tell you what was happening to you?" Galen asked, a little nervously. At Harry's nod, he continued. "That is why I'm here now. The others are here because they are the only other people who have seen your 'true' appearance. We can trust them also, while at the same time they are curious as well." Gesturing to Harry's shoulder-length silver hair and gold lightning bangs; both at the moment were shining brightly from the sunlight coming from outside, giving it an almost unearthly glow. Again at Harry's nod, he continued. "What I'm about to tell you Harry is a lot to take in. Are you sure about this? We can suspend it for a few days it you would like to?" He asked, his voice showing this required serious consideration.
Galen didn't have long to wait, because yesterday afternoon Harry had already thought about it. "Yes, Galen. I'm ready, I want to know what's happening." Harry replied in a calm voice, but you could still see the nervousness in his eyes.
"Very well Harry. I'll begin." Galen said with a smile. Gesturing for everyone to take a seat somewhere, and to get comfortable. Once everyone was settle and ready, Galen began.
"Long ago, there was once a powerful and proud race that one existed. But even in this time very few even remember that they existed or even what they were called. The name of that race, Lily and myself included, and you Harry; we are called the Dragonians." Once that name left Galen's mouth; there was dead silence in the room.
Galen looked around the room to see what the others thought of what was just said. James had a look of fear on his face, Arlia's eyes were wide with shocked, and Lily looked like she discovered an answer to a question that she had been wondering for a while. To Galen it was obvious that they had some idea to what he was talking about. Glancing at Harry, he wasn't surprised to see that he looked completely confused as to what he was talking about.
"How is that possible?" "How can there be any Dragonians left?" Were just a few of the many questions that Harry was able to make out from the barrage of questions from James and Arlia. Harry saw that Lily remained silent, and Galen also remained silent allowing James and Arlia to finish. A few minutes later, James and Arlia calmed down enough for Harry to speak.
"What's a Dragonian?" He asked curiously looking at everyone; since truthfully he didn't have a clue as to what caused James and Arlia shout questions like that.
"That's what you are, Harry." Galen answered with a smile.
"Wait. Wait. How exactly is Harry, Lily, and yourself; a Dragonian?" James asked, rubbing his temples as a small headache was starting to develop.
"In order to explain how the three of us are Dragonians, I would have to give a small history of the Dragonian race. But first I think it would be best if for me to see how much you already know." said Galen, watching the other three adults in the room.
"Well there isn't much known about the Dragonian race, that I know. There really isn't much even in the Great Library here at the castle, except maybe a few books. I only know that they were once regular people like everyone else, until one day they were able to do powerful magic. After that they become one of the most powerful people in the land. After sometime the books say that they became monsters that conquered everyone they believed to be lower than them. Than one day they simply disappeared. The books say they were defeated by someone more powerful then them and killed, or dead of natural causes possibly disease." James answered, showing that he didn't know much. He glanced at Lily wondering how in Atlantis, could she be a Dragonian. Wondering; if she was than why didn't she tell him. Looking at Lily, he saw she wasn't meeting his eyes, like she was ashamed of something. / It's true. She is a Dragonian. Does she think that because of that that I'll not love her if I knew? / James realized that Lily really did think that. "Is it true?" He asked.
Lily knew what James was referring to. "Yes." She answered. "I wasn't sure if it was true. I suspected, but was never certain." Still not looking at him. "So I did some research long before I met you. I learned that Dragonians were powerful being of magical power. It was believed that they had the power to do magic with mere thought, amongst other things such as my ability to see a person's aura. It was said that the Dragonians had a white aura a holy white aura that distinguished them from all other beings. I used my ability and looked into a mirror, and low and behold I had a white aura nothing big and powerful but it was still there. When I saw my parents aura they were nothing like mine; no holy white aura. I was confused and did some more searching but found thing. So I ended my search for answers, and they still remain unanswered."
After finishing, Lily took a deep breath before continuing. "As for myself discovering I had a Dragonian aura. At first I thought that it would be wonderful, but that idea was instantly shattered later. I later learned that because of their power, everyone feared the Dragonians. I learned that at some point in time, the Dragonians used their powers for death and destruction. As a result everyone is scared of them. I feared that if anyone ever found out, I would be considered a monster and cast out. So I kept it a secret from everyone, even you James." Lily hadn't met James's eyes the entire time, as she was too afraid at what his reaction would be.
"Lily." James called softly. "Lily, do you really think I care about that?" He asked taking her hand gently. Lily looked up into James eyes, and she saw no disgust, fear or hated. James's eyes conveyed nothing but his love for her. "Lily I don't care what you are. I'd love you no matter what." James declared.
Lily started to quietly sob, as James pulled her into his arms. Harry could hear her mumbling, ' I'm sorry, James. I'm sorry for ever doubting you. It's just that I was afraid. ' While James whispered soothing words back to her, which helped her calm down after a few minutes.
"Lily, are you going to be all right?" Harry asked, wondering if they should continue, even though he wanted to know more.
"Don't worry about me, Harry. I'll be alright." Lily smiled, showing that she was fine. "I'm sorry I sidetracked everyone." She apologized to everyone. Everyone just smiled and shook their heads showing that it was no big deal.
"Is there anything that you would like to add, Arlia?" Harry asked since James and Lily just finished telling everyone what they knew.
"Well, my knowledge on the Dragonian race is just as limited. But from what I recall it's basically the same as what James and Lily shared with us. The other Elves probably know a lot more about the Dragonians as some of them were around during the time of the Dragonian race. But since my knowledge is more in depth of healing and medicine I don't know much more then James and Lily here." Arlia replied to Harry's question.
Harry was surprised from what Arlia said. If there were some Elves that were around during that time, than why isn't there more information on them. He thought surely they would be willing to share information on that. But since apparently not, he made a mental note to ask her later.
After a moment of silence, Arlia decided to ask a question that had been bothering her since Galen mentioned that he, Lily, and Harry were Dragonians. "Galen? How is it that you know about the Dragonians? Also how are you a Dragonian? I can understand how Harry is one, since he is a descendant of Lily here; it's logical that he's one. But how you are, I don't understand."
"I'll explain about that in a moment Arlia." Turning his attention to Harry. "Harry, how much of this do you understand so far?" Galen asked.
"Well, so far. Dragonians were people who were powerful in magic and were able to do it without any kind of wand. People feared them for their power, and from what I can tell by they way all of you reacted everyone thinks they are dead." Harry summed up from what he could understand from the four adults.
"Yes, Harry you're understanding everything faster and better than I expected." Galen smiled, thinking that maybe telling Harry this will be easier than he thought.
"But Galen, you still haven't explained how my hair is suddenly silver and gold. And exactly how it really connects me to the Dragonian race?" Harry asked still wondering.
"You see Harry, the reason why you're hair is now silver and gold is because all Dragonians have it." Galen answered, but was interrupted by Harry.
"If all Dragonians have silver and gold hair. Than why don't you and Lily have it as you said the three of us are Dragonians?" Harry asked, suddenly realizing that he interrupted Galen; he quickly apologized. "Sorry."
"It's alright Harry. Yes, all Dragonians have silver and gold hair amongst other things, which I'll get to in a moment. The reason why I don't have silver and gold hair is because it's quite simple." Everyone leaned in awaiting his answer. "I'm old." Galen answered simply, with a smile.
If Harry hadn't been already sitting down on a couch, he probably would've fallen out of his chair. / Okay. That was a really stupid question to ask. / Harry thought almost slapping himself. Glancing at the others in the room, Harry was relieved to see that they also looked like how he felt at the moment. They were all expecting a much more different answer, certainly not an easy answer like the one given to them. Galen chuckled seeing their facial expressions.
"Shall I continue?" Galen asked, his eyes twinkling merrily. He received immediate 'yes' answers. "Now, as to why Lily doesn't have silver and gold hair. That is because in her blood that particular trait isn't activity in her. And since you are her descendant that trait is in your blood also, but in your case it is activity." Galen explained. (A/N: This gets into genetic, dealing with dominant and recessive genes. Activity and Inactivity parts of a persons DNA, so I'll try to not get too confusing.)
Harry nodded in understanding as it was starting to make some sense. Looking back at Galen, "You mention there are other traits that Dragonians have. What are they?" Harry asked in a slightly nervous voice.
At this moment Galen himself wasn't certain how to answer Harry's question. But he said that he would answer anything that Harry asked. Taking a deep breath Galen prepared himself. "All together there are only two traits that distinguish a Dragonian from any other person, as far as outward appearance is concerned. They were able to hide these two traits incase they didn't want to be noticed. The first trait is the silver and gold hair, which is clearly proven by your hair. Which I must say looks quite good on you Harry." Harry blushed at the compliment. "And it could be hidden with a concealing charm, like the one I used on you. Now the second thing that separated Dragonians from other people is their… wings."
If everyone was already surprised that all Dragonians had silver and gold hair, this bit of information definitely topped them all. It was so quiet; if someone dropped a pin on the other side of the room you could hear it. Everyone's eyes with the exception of Galen's were the size of cup saucers. "Did you just say, wing?" Everyone asked at the same time.
"Yes, I did. I should clarify though, its magical wings." Galen answered.
"How?" Was the only question that was asked.
"I will have to tell you a bit a history to explain that." Upon receiving a nod from everyone he continued. "In truth, the Dragonian people were once ordinary people just like everyone else in the world. No magical ability, silver & gold hair, or wings. They were just like any other person you could meet on the street. Long ago, times were harsh on humans with changing weather conditions and the threat of attack by both wild magical or non-magical creatures." Galen explained.
"Now it is not precisely known what happened, but what I'm about to tell you is what is believed to have happened. One day a large group people were traveling, until that came upon a dragon being attacked by some creature. It's not known what the creature is, so I don't know. The dragon was losing and for some reason, which still baffles me, the people went and helped the dragon by attacking the creature. Sufficed to say, they won. And they saved the dragon." Galen paused for a moment, to see their reactions so far. All four occupants in the room had the same shocked expression.
Deciding that they should hear the rest of story, Galen continued. "After the dragon had recovered enough, it left. The people thought that they should move on after several days, since the dragon left. However the day they were going to leave, the dragon returned with a few friends. For helping the injured dragon, the others wanted to return the debt. The dragons gave their magical blood to the people who helped. With the combined blood of man and dragon, a new race was created the Dragonians." Galen finished his short explanation and waited for the others to sort the information.
"As I told you before Harry. The three of us are Dragonians, but I am the last." Galen answered. Harry and the other three adults gave him confused looks, so he explained some more. "What I mean is that, I am the last full blood Dragonian. You and Lily are what would be called mixed blood."
"Galen how is it that you're a full blood Dragonian?" Lily asked. "From what I understood from my research, the Dragonian race died almost 4,000 years ago." Lily was confused as to how Galen could be a full blood Dragonian, as they died out over 4 millennium ago.
"What? How can you be over 4,000 years old?" Harry asked without even thinking.
Galen only smiled before answering their questions. "You are correct Lily, the Dragonian race did die over 4,000 years ago. What many don't know is how they died out. The Dragonian race died because of a civil war. There was only a handful of survivors, a majority of them were only children and a few adults."
"You mean that they?" Harry questioned, knowing that answer.
"Yes Harry. The Dragonian race annihilated each other in a civil war." Galen answered. Everyone in the room fell silent. Just the thought that such a powerful race fighting in a war was enough to send a chill down someone's spine, but fighting in a war amongst themselves just plain scared anyone.
After a few minutes of silence, Harry broke it. "So that means that you're one of the survivors."
"Yes, I am." Galen replied.
"But how can you live for over 4,000 years?" Harry asked.
"I am sorry Harry. The answer to that question will have to wait for another time. But I will answer your question in time." Galen regretfully answered. He wanted to tell Harry but he didn't think now was the time for that.
Harry was a little disappointed, but didn't bother Galen anymore. He kept trying to figure out how Galen could have lived that long. / Over 4,000 years. No human, even magical could live that long. Unless? / Harry just thought of something that he thought was impossible. / Unless, somehow Galen is immortal. But how is that possible? / That question kept running through his mind, but he pushed this new information to the side for a later time.
Thinking to what Galen said earlier about Dragonians, Harry was the most surprised out of everyone in the room. Hearing how the Dragonian race started was hard to believe, yet it was completely true as he along with Galen and Lily were living examples. The logical part in Harry's mind kept telling him that everything Galen just told him was made up and a lie, but his instincts and heart was saying otherwise. Harry just couldn't bring himself to not believe Galen. Just than something came to him, looking back at Galen.
"Galen does that mean that you have wings?" Harry asked intently, remembering that Galen said Dragonians had wings.
"Yes, Harry. I do." Galen smiled. "Wouldn't you like to see them?"
Harry could only nod in reply, and Galen stood up. Harry, Lily, James, and Arlia waited expectedly. They watched as Galen removed his outer robes, leaving him in a simple tan-colored pants and a plain white long sleeved shirt. However Harry noticed something odd about the back of the shirt. There were long vertical slits on the back roughly around his shoulder blades, allowing him to see a part of Galen's back. This didn't go noticed by the others either, Harry was about to ask his question when a look from Galen told him to be patient.
After discarding his outer robes, Galen was ready to show them his wings though he was still nervous, as it has been a long time since he showed them. Taking a deep breath, Galen cleared his mind and then focused on his wings. Suddenly where there was nothing but air on Galen's back, burst two large wings. The other four occupants in the room were completely shocked. Even though they knew what to expect, they were still unprepared to see it. After getting over their shock, they started examining Galen's wings from their seats, Harry in particular since he was the closest.
Harry slowly moved his eyes over Galen's wings taking in every detail. The wings were neatly folded behind his back. Where his wings were arched was about level with Galen's head while the tips were about five inches from the ground. Harry was seriously wondering exactly how big Galen's wings were now.
As if reading his mind, Galen expanded his wings to their fullest extant. Galen's wings were about 6ft maybe 7ft long from where it connected with his back to the tip. It was a good thing the sitting area was spacious or everyone would have had to move. Harry noticed that Galen's wings definitely had a dragon attribute, his wings appeared leathery much like the wings of the Hungarian Horntail's wings last year during the First Task. Galen's wings had a grayish-white color on the underside while on the outside had a darker gray color.
"Wow." Was all Harry could say. Everyone else in the room were thinking the same thing. As it wasn't everyone day you would see a person with wings, much less wings that resembled a dragon's.
After about a minute Galen relaxed his wings again, before looking back at everyone to see their reactions. He saw there was a mix of awe, shock, and speechlessness. Instead of drawing them back and making them disappear, he left them out and took a seat on the chair he was on earlier.
"Can you actually fly with them?" Harry asked, excitedly. Secretly in the back of his mind, Harry been wondering if the wings really worked and allowed the person to fly. If it did, he really wanted to know what it was like. He just couldn't hold in the question any longer, since he saw Galen's wings. The very idea of flying under a person's own power would be very appealing to anyone who enjoying flying on a broom, and Harry was no exception.
"Yes, I can. Although it has been many years since I have last used them for that purpose. So I am most likely out of shape for that task." said Galen, regretfully but still smiling. Folding his wings again, he sat on the arm end of the couch as it would be a little uncomfortable with his wings out.
Silence reigned over the room for several minutes. Everyone was going over everything that was spoken in the room since they started. Finally the silence was broken by the chime of the clock in Harry's chamber. Everyone looked up to see that it was noon already. None of them realized that so much time had passed, as it certainly didn't feel like it.
"I think we should take break for now. How about we have lunch?" Lily suggested a loud. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Is it all right if I stay here?" Harry asked nervously. He still didn't feel entirely comfortable going anywhere, other than his room.
"Of course, Harry. And we'll stay to keep you company." Lily smiled. "And no, your not being an inconvenience." She quickly added, when she saw Harry was about to say something. Seeing that he wasn't going to be able to say anything else, he stayed silent.
********************************************************************************
Lunch was an enjoyable event, which Harry was incredibly grateful for. The only disturbance was when he call Tal. The little castle elf panicked and nearly had what appeared to be a heart attacked, when he saw the King and Queen in his master's room. But Harry was able to calm him down. The others in the room was surprised and happy to see that Harry was slowly adjusting to his stay. Also that he and his castle elf was working on an equal friendship, not a master and servant relationship. During lunch, everyone made small talk with everyone else about everyday things. Also Harry transfigured a spoon with his wand into a small green ball and played fetch with White Fang. This wore the little wolf pup out after twenty minutes of chasing the bouncing ball, bringing it back to Harry, or making Harry chase him around the room trying to get it back.
After settling the little wolf pup back on his lap, Harry got comfortable back in the armchair. The other adults also get comfortable for what they were going to talk about next. James and Lily sat on the couch together with Arlia. Galen sat in the other armchair across from Harry. He had retracted his wings and was now again dressed in his blue robes.
Harry was the first to break the silence in the room. "Galen, can I ask a question?"
"You already did." He said with a smile. "But go on." He encouraged, with amusement in his eyes. At hearing and seeing that, Harry only had one thought. / Definitely reminds me of Albus. It must be something that a person picks up when they get older. / Remembering his grandfather had the same sense of humor and knowing look in his eyes.
"You told us earlier that you were the last full blood Dragonian. And from what I understand, the last full blood survivors were over 4,000 years ago. If what you say is true, then that would mean that you, yourself are over 4,000 years old. I know that you said that you would tell me… um I mean us later," Harry gestured to the others. "But I would really like to know how you lived for this long? And the only way I can think of, on how you lived this long; is that you're immortal." Harry explained his theory. Looking back up Galen, giving a sheepish smile. "Is it true? Are you immortal?" After asking his question, Harry really felt like he was intruding in someone's private business, but he had to find out even though Galen said he would tell him later. The other adults in the room, carefully listened to Harry's theory and question. They certainly had to agree with him, as they were curious themselves.
"You're very perceptive, Harry. The question of whether I am immortal is, I am yet I am not." Galen answered with a smile. Everyone was now confused. To them, Galen just said that's he is immortal and at the same time he said he isn't.
"How can you be immortal and not at the same time?" Arlia asked. "No being is immortal except for my people. No human or Dragonian has ever gained immortality." Arlia was completely confused. She knew from stories that her parents told her, that Dragonians were trying to achieve to achieve immortality like her people. The only exception was that Elves were born naturally immortal. Her people would have known if anyone ever achieved immortality.
Harry who had been listening to Arlia's statement was shocked to suddenly learn that Elves were immortal. Now he wished he went to the library more. "The Elves are immortal." He said to himself, but apparently everyone else heard him also.
"Didn't you know the Elves were immortal, Harry. Everyone knows that." said Arlia. She thought that everyone knew that piece of knowledge, especially people in the future. So she was confused as to why Harry didn't know that her people were immortal.
"No, I didn't know that. The only elves I ever came across were house elves. That what people call castle elves in my time. Not much is known about the Elves, or they just don't teach us anything. In fact there's nothing known about the Elves as for as I remember. But they still do exist, since my Headmaster has been asking them for help against Voldemort." Harry explained. Everyone was now wondering what happened that could've reduced human and Elven relations down to almost nothing. Snapping back to their discussion, Harry realized that he sidetracked everything. "I'm sorry. I sidetracked everyone." He apologized.
"It's alright Harry." Galen smiled.
"Still I'm sorry. You were going to answer our question." Harry said softly, reminding everyone what they were talking about originally.
"In truth Harry, I'm not immortal. I have what people would consider eternal life." Galen answered. The other three adults in the room had a look of understanding, while Harry on other hand held a curious expression.
After hearing Galen's answer, Harry trying to determine what the difference was from being immortal or having eternal life. / Eternal life? Isn't that the same as being immortal. / But something was telling him that the two weren't the same entirely. Harry was also happy that nobody really discovered how to become immortal in this time, as it as possible that Voldemort would have found out about it. Still curious about the difference he decided to inquire about it from Galen.
"Galen, what's the difference between being immortal and having eternal life?" Harry asked curiously.
"Of course. A person who is immortal can not die by natural or artificial causes. So basically the person can not die from old age, sickness, injury, or intentional harm. As you heard earlier no doubt, the only magical beings known to exist that are immortal are the Elves." At this point Galen looked at Arlia with a smile. "Now as for having eternal life, such as I. It is similar to having immortality but I only have one of the benefits. That is I can't die of old age. That means I can still die from any other conventional means. I can still get an illness and die, or get injured and die, or someone can intentional harm me with a fatal wound and I will die. Does that help clear up the confusion, Harry?" Galen asked, after finishing his explanation.
"Yes, it does." Now after Galen explained the difference, Harry was able to understand the difference and it made sense. But there was something still on Harry's mind. "Galen, how is it that you were able to attain eternal life? I'm fairly certain that it isn't something natural."
"That's
a very good question. Which I will
answer. All of you in the room will be
the first people to ever hear of this.
Many years ago, when I was still reasonably young I wanted to insure
that nobody ever discovered or tried to restart any Dragonian magic or weapons. So I sought out a way to extend my life to
carry out my duty. I spent a great part
of my life trying to find a way. Till
one day I discovered it. It was through
a creation of a special stone I create. By using the magical of the stone, I
was able to create an elixir that allowed me to attain my eternal life. Thanks to that I have been able to live for
over 4,000 years." Everyone was
surprised and impressed by Galen's accomplishment.
However Harry had only half
listened to what Galen said after he heard that Galen created a stone that gave
him his eternal life. After hearing
that Harry's mind went back to what happened during his first year at
Hogwarts. A stone that was being
protected by the professors, the stone that created the elixir of life that
made a person immortal. It certainly sounded
like it. / Could the stone that
Galen made be the same stone that was in the Mirror of Erised? The Sorcerer's
Stone? / According to the book Hermione found, it never said who was the
first person who created the stone. So
could it be possible that Harry was looking at the creator of the Sorcerer's
Stone. It certainly made sense, the
stone would be legendary by his time period and of course; through time
information would get lost. Maybe
people heard that about the stone through time and thought it would make them
immortal, but in actuality it doesn't; it just gives you eternal life. That's why so many people tried to recreate
it in his time. Harry was so lost in
thought that he didn't even notice everyone trying to get his attention, till
he was physically shaken.
"W-what?" Harry asked coming out of his thoughts, only to see everyone staring at him.
"Harry, are you all right?" Lily asked concerned. "We tried getting your attention for the past three minutes, but you were just staring off into space. Is everything all right?" She asked again. Harry smiled inwardly and at her, he was really like the motherly concern that Lily was having for him. He only experienced from Mrs. Weasley, but to receive it from his grandmother, granted a long way down the line who also has the same appearance as his mom; it filled him with happiness.
"Yeah. I'm fine. I was just thinking about something." Pausing for a moment. "Galen, can I ask you something?"
The said person just smiled with that all familiar twinkle in his eyes, that Harry see in Albus Dumbledore. "Of course, you may."
"This stone that you created. The one that enabled you to have eternal life. Would this stone happen to be a blood red color; and about the size of my fist?" Harry asked, while making a fist to about the approximate size he remember the Sorcerer's Stone was. Looking back up at Galen, Harry got his answer just from the shocked expression on his face. / I guess I was right. / Harry thought to himself with a smile.
It was a few minutes later before Galen was able to speak again, but even then the shock was still evident in his voice. "H-How? How did you know what the stone looked like Harry?" Galen asked shakily. He was completely baffled as to how Harry knew about the stone in such detail. The color and size that Harry just gave was exactly right. "Nobody even knew that it existed with the exception of myself; and the four of you until just now. How?" He asked again, finally getting over the shock but now curious.
Harry smiled at Galen and happily retold him the events in his first year at Hogwarts. Everything from getting stone at Gringotts to getting it out of the Mirror of Erised to keep it away from Voldemort and Quirrel. Harry even included that information that Hermione told them about the Sorcerer's Stone from the book that she found. After finishing his story, he waited for Galen to absorb the new information.
Several minutes later Galen broke the silence. "Thank you Harry for sharing this information. It is both good and bad news that I now know about this. Good in that one of my discoveries and work are allowing people in the future to try and strive to meet my achievement even though they don't know that it was me. But bad in that some people want to use my discoveries to gain power for their own personal gain." Galen again thanked Harry for sharing his knowledge about the stone.
"Is there anything else, you would like to know for today Harry? We can continue this discussion later, as everyone especially yourself learn a great deal today." Galen suggested after glancing at the clock in the room, seeing that it was already late in the afternoon. Everyone consider this and were inclined to agree, they all learned a lot in just the span of one day. Harry was about to answer Galen's question when there was a knock at the door and a voice calling in, which made everyone jump a little.
"Excuse me, your Highnesses? May I enter?" asked a voice on the other side of the door. James quickly answered saying that they would be right there, while looking at Galen and Harry silently telling them to change quickly. Galen quickly drew his wings back in to his body and put on his outer robes again. (A/N: He let them stay out, remember.) After finishing, Galen cast the concealment charm on Harry's hair changing it to it's midnight black color. Once done Harry quickly tied it back into a low ponytail. Lily took the opportunity to double check everything to make sure nothing was out of place. Seeing nothing wrong, she nodded to James who was by the door waiting for her signal. Upon receiving it he opened the door to see one the servants waiting patiently outside the door.
Harry and the others couldn't hear what was being spoken between the to, so they waited for them to finish. It was less than three minutes before James came back, but what surprise everyone was the huge smile on his face. Before anyone could ask, what he was smiling about he spoke first.
"Everyone I would you to come with me. Harry, Galen, there's someone who I would like you two to meet. It has been sometime since I've last seen him." Looking at Lily and Arlia. "I sure you two would be happy to see him again. It has been long since he left us on his journey home over six months ago." James said in a silent message to the pair. The said pair of ladies immediately realized who James was implying and huge happy grins appeared at their faces. Harry could have sworn if they smiled anymore their faces would crack.
Everyone stood up followed James out of the room into the corridor. James and Lily in the lead, followed by Galen and Harry with White Fang at his heels, and Arlia taking at the rear so nobody would get separated and lost. Through the many corridors which Harry tried to commit to memory only half succeeding. They arrived at large pair of solid oak doors far larger than any Harry had ever seen and by far the most exquisite since it was covered with many intricate designs. Also Harry noticed was that there were a pair of serious faced muscular guards on the side of the doors who, who at the moment were moving to open the doors for them. / Must be the throne room to have these two here? / Harry thought to himself as he made his way in.
Indeed Harry was right; as he was now standing in the middle of a very large throne room. He was standing on a plush blue carpet with white designs running along the edges of it going down the middle of the room to a raise platform; where there were two large chairs, which were obviously the thrones where James and Lily sat. Both were of equal size, made of light colored wood, the padding on the seat, backrest, and arm rest were the same color as the floor carpet. Each throne had a carving of a phoenix on the head part of the chair, obviously the crest of the Royal Family. On both side of the room there were open walkways that led out onto an open balconies which offered wonderful views of the landscape; while at the same time gave excite ventilation as Harry felt a gentle breeze drift through the room. He observed several banners and drapes scattered around the room, each with a different design.
Harry at this time didn't even notice that everyone continued walking at to the where the thrones were, or that White Fang had stopped with he did too and was sitting by his feet waiting for his master to walk again. (A/N: Smart little thing, isn't he?)
He was bought out of his study of the throne room, by Lily calling. "Harry?" Snapping to look where she was, Harry saw they were standing near the throne. Everyone but Lily had their backs to him and were standing around something that he could not see. Making his way there, he made sure White Fang was with him. Upon getting closer, Lily couldn't hold in the surprise. "Harry I would like you to meet someone?" She announced and stepped to the side, giving Harry that chance to see who it was.
Harry for his part, upon seeing who it was that James, Lily, and Arlia were so eager to see; stopped dead his track. He stared wide-eyed, less than five feet from a gold perch; with a very familiar creature that he was all to familiar with. There on the gold perch was a beautiful phoenix; with black eyes, red feathers covering its body and gold feathers trimming its wings, plumage, and tail feathers. The phoenix at the moment was staring at him with a questioning look, as if trying to determine something about him. But that wasn't the reason why Harry was shocked beyond belief. He was certain there were other phoenixes in the world, be could recognize this one anywhere; no matter the place or time period.
Lily mistaking Harry's shock for being the first time ever seeing a phoenix, decided to tell him. "Harry, this is a phoenix. He has served the Atlantis Royal Family for many generations. I would like to introduce you to-" She started but was interrupted by Harry.
§Fawkes!§
~PLEASE REVIEW~
********************************************************************************
AUTHOR'S NOTE: First and foremost. I would like to apologize greatly for the immensely long delay of this chapter. I just couldn't find time to type with all my homework and exams. I wanted to finish this chapter before my finals started, which will be next. So I stayed on my laptop and typed way all day. And finally here it is. I am sorry again and hope this doesn't happen; but I can't make any promises.
A/N 2: To settle a few things. Dragonians existed for a thousand years before wiping themselves out. Which was 4,000 years ago to current Atlantian time. So they started 5,000 years ago, from the time period Harry's current in. Which makes it 10,000 years old to Harry's original time frame. Wow that's old!
A/N 3: WOW! Fawkes is here. If anyone noticed in Ch. 12 Lose & Tears; Fawkes talked to Harry briefly. In that chapter Fawkes appeared to know what was happening and what will happen. Well here's the answer, for that. Fawkes already knew what was going to happen, because it was the past to him which became Harry's future. "What a time paradox!"