Title: Designated Harbinger - chapter nine

Author: Lia

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: So far, none. In the future, possibly all HP books. Story starts in summer before CS.

Disclaimer: I do not own HP. J.K. Rowling does. I'm just playing in her universe. This story's plot, any characters, and things you don't recognize is mine. I'm not making any money.

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Connections are everywhere. You just have to know how to find them. My journey has begun. Yours has also. We are connected, but can't see how. Ties come in many forms. Some just are. Others are made on purpose.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peter

What do you think you're doing?, a voice hissed. I jump and look around before realizing who was speaking. Shush, Walter. I'm trying to listen., thinking back. Returning to my position on the floor, I press my ear against Jessica's door.

That is exactly something you should not be doing right now. Why don't you play outside, go explore?, he suggests. I listen to my best (and now only nearby) friend, and then ignore it. Nahh. This is more fun. I might just find out what they're doing. Mom is busy cooking. When will this chance come again?, I say.

Walter sighs mentally back to him. He's like that at times. Usually, he's great, but can get kinda stuffy. Sometimes I wonder if he's a grownup. Walter denies it, and tells me that he's a guide but no adult. I don't understand it even when he tried to explain. I'm just happy he's there. Really glad now that we're in this wacky place.

Your mother's going to find out. She won't be pleased., he warns. Shrugging, Well, I won't get caught then. They shouldn't be keeping secrets from me anyway. I want to know what they are doing. Why does Jess have to go to that funny school? Can't she just stay here? I don't want her to go., I wined.

Walter didn't say anything for a time, then states, It must be a first- rate opportunity for her, if her parents are allowing this. I'm sure she'll miss you and write you lots.

I frown, still not liking this. First I have to leave my friends, my home. Then we move here to this not so good place. Now Jess is going to leave soon, and I won't see her till Christmas! It's not right. Everything's different.

He must have been following my thoughts, since Walter spoke up just then. It'll get better, Peter. I promise. Hang in there and be yourself. You'll be going to school soon too, and will make friends there. Moreover, remember you'll be permitted to get a dog soon. That's great, isn't it? Think about all the fun and adventures you can have. A silly little grin slips onto my face. I love dogs, and Mom and Dad finally said I was old and responsible enough to get one. Can you believe it? A dog!

Seeming to smile at me in my mind, Walter then suggests, So, can we do something else now? I shake my head. Nope, gotta listen. Few thuds could be heard, so I press my ear harder against the door. A noise of something dropping on the floor comes through ---BUT.

"And what do YOU think you're doing?," Mom exclaims loudly. I fall back and look up. 'Oh, oh. Am I in trouble?' Most surely. Did you really think she'd allow spying?, Walter adds.

"Nothing," I say hoping she'll believe me. She doesn't though, and stands there towering over me frowning. Mom shakes her head and pulls me to my feet. "Down stairs, now."

"Ah, Mom!," I protest. "No, mister. I've told you many times not to bother your father and sister when they're studying." I pout, "But it's summer. Why study?" She shakes her head, "Jessica needs to know stuff that they don't teach in America. For example, she doesn't know enough English history for her grade level here. She's trying to get caught up before school begins. Now, come on."

Mom leads me downstairs and orders me to set the table while she cooks. Every once in I while I glance at the stairs, wondering what's going on up there. Maybe Jess really is just studying. It'd be like my weird sister to do something like that. Mom keeps a close eye on me though, preventing me from finding out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jessica
Dad enters my room. I switch off all but one of my lights and flip on some music. Nervous wasn't enough to describe my feelings. Tonight, Dad and I are going to form a connection between our spirit guides.

He takes out a compass and the ebony box holding my stones. Carefully, he places the stones in the correct arrangement. We then both comfortably settle ourselves inside the circle. It starts.

This time there is no guided meditation. I wish silently that everything turns out well. Trying to match Dad's deep breathing, I begin to unwind. Mentally, I go through the relaxation process. My father is finished first and holds out his hand. When I reach my place of love, peace, and relaxation, I clasp his hand.

Trees gave way to grass, mountains set in the distance. I turned my head and saw Dad talking to an energetic eagle. 'That must be Olivia. Where is Simon?' Everywhere I look, ultimately calling out, "Simon?" A soft growl answers me. The bird and my father startle.

Striking, and regal, the leopard approaches from the forest. He glowers at the raptor before focusing on me. I sigh, relieved he is here, even if a bit snappish.

"We are here to ask for a favor." He cocks his head to the side, and I go on, "I will be far from home and my teacher. Will you allow a joining so I may continue to be taught?" Gesturing, I point out my father and the eagle. Simon glares and I have to wonder weather or not he is deciding to attack them. Eventually turning towards me his voice rumbling, he declares, "You go out to hunt and to grow strong. Good. Yes, you still require teachers. I will always be with you, but you require others. Although I do not approve too much of this bird, I will connect if you desire. Do your best and appreciate what I am doing for you."

I nod happily and at ease. 'It must be kinda against nature to link a cat with a bird. Good thing Dad's guide is a hunter. Imagine if it was some other type like a pigeon.' A smile crosses my face at the notion. Simon looks at me, following my thoughts exactly. Our sense of humor was very alike. Feel the mental smirk coming through?

Dad both seemed to have a tough and easy time persuading Olivia. I waited until he turned and nodded at me. Walking, we all met and formed a circle. Simon settled on west, Dad south, Olivia east, and me on north. Staring at each other, we focus and wait as the energy builds.

The area begins to shine, auras flaring. No panic or nervousness deters us. All four of us bow our heads in unison at the energy's apex. The glowing mists grew until they meet. Rapidly, they diminish, leaving behind faded golden cords connecting one and all.

Exhausted, I start to sway. The leopard nuzzles me, throat rumbling. My breathing slows, and I feel renewed strength. Dad looks a tad drained, but otherwise fine. He perks up as Olivia chirps at him. "It's time to select stones," Olivia pronounces in a surprisingly maternal tone of voice. He withdraws a leather sack from behind him, unfastens it, and pours out scores of small colored stones onto the soil.

Bewildered, I look at Dad. "You didn't say anything about this," I hissed. Smiling mysteriously, he let my guide answer. "Cub, you should heed us. These will help in the coming days. All you need do is focus on their energies and accept their gifts. In time you will not need these trifles objects," Simon told me reassuringly.

I surrender. "Wha-what do I do?," I stammered. Grinning in pure feline fashion, Simon states, "Close your eyes and focus on their vibrations. When one feels right remove it from the rest. I will tell you when you are finished."

Exhaling loudly, I do what is asked. After spreading them out, I place my hands palms down, close my eyes, and feel. Warmth spreads through my hands. Every once in a while I pause and pick up a stone. Fingers caress the surface, considering its texture.

'Hmm. No, not that. Nice, but no. What's that? Yes, I like that one. This one's similar, but not as good. No-yet, maybe. Yes, this one's different. It must have it's use, though not in the same way,' I think shifting through the possibilities. Not sure of how much time had past, I continue until Simon calls, "Enough. Nice choices. Look."

I open my eyes to find the rocks I'd selected close by my side. The range was astonishing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David (Dad)

I watched my daughter as she selects among the stones. It was a extensive collection including precious and semiprecious stones. Some were cut, others polished. There was a wide variety from which to pick.

Her eyes were closed, and her face a imagine of seriousness. I smile fondly. Only a few times have I've seen this. In this world, we are all old and young at the same time.

'Strange. I wonder is this is a preview of the woman she'll become?' My chest constricts. Olivia watches me. It had taken quite amount of convincing to get her to agree to this. Surprised me actually, usually she's so accommodating. She kept looking at Jess's leopard fretfully while we talked. Was it just a natural reluctance between the two species?

What a leopard he is! My daughter sure has a formidable guide. Not really what I anticipated for my little girl. He is a massive animal. Dark, tawny fur and piercing yellow eyes that followed your every movement. There was a fierceness about him covered by an aloof and dignified demeanor. His manner was pure cat. You really have to wonder at what his human form might look like.

The guides, after all are just representatives of our spirit advisors. Their animal form projects their strongest characteristics, but will at times shift into something more like us. Olivia, when not an eagle, has always been seen as a woman just past her prime. Her black curls have forever streaked with gray. Kind eyes followed each form.

Jessica picks her first stone. She strokes the pebble sized colorless stone gently. I smile with pleasure. The moonstone is useful for psychics. It soothes and balances emotional states as well as handy in aura reading, regressions, psychometry, and second sight.

After some time, Jessica lifts up a curved, coarse, black stone. I shudder and look to the guides. They stare back, effectively telling me not to protest. This is not what I wish for my daughter. She should be kept clear of evil, not tempted by it! However, if so, the Jet, a piece of compacted coal, is capable of warding off evil influences. Intruders will have problems attacking her space.

Another bad stone is then chosen. I have to wonder at this. Is Hogwarts safe for her? It practically looks as if we are training her for battle. This stone is a Bloodstone. Dark green with red spots and medium sized, it will help prevent injury and disease. Excellent for protection.

I feel relieved at the next few stones. These are healthier ones. Black Obsidian, a translucent black glass. While still a protection stone, it has qualities that assist with transition, sharpens vision, and shields against unwanted vibrations and emotional draining. Azurite, an opaque dark blue, aids communication, insight, and vision, reduces anxiety, and helps in hypnosis.

Deep green Dioptase makes me grin. It figures that Jessica would need that one. Useful in mental and spiritual attunement, its main use was to help heal an over stimulated brain. I can clearly see her studying so hard her head aches.

The next few stones help with her development. A small royal blue with gold specks, a medium blue-gray, an abnormally formed translucent yellow one, an oblong piece of glass with copper flecks and a clear crystal were also placed beside her. Lapis Lazuli, Hawk's Eye, Citrine, Goldstone, and Quartz Crystal.

The leopard tells her to stop. I smile at Jessica's expression as she looks at her selections. Her guide is smiling in a quite pleased and feline way. Although I'm leery of two of the eleven chosen, all are beneficial.

The Lapis helps open psychic abilities, wisdom, and healing. Jessica's ethereal plane work will improve with Hawk's Eye. Practical is the Citrine. Sharing, and mediumship skills for Goldstone. The crystal is useful in many ways. I ponder how she'll decide to use it.

'Hmm. Eleven stones. Eleven. Is there any meaning to this? That's a Master Number. One that symbolizes either revelation or fanaticism. People that follow this path are messengers, destined to divulge something new and enriching to the world. Of course this doesn't mean that is her path. It's possible that this number of stones was chosen for other reasons. Maybe they are more effective because of the number. I just will have to wait and see.'

Jessica looks to me. "I don't recognize them all." Nodding, I say, "Don't worry. I'll tell you about them later. If I'm correct, it is time for us to leave." Olivia and the leopard glance at each other, communicating silently. I don't know if it's just me, but it's kind of uncanny seeing an eagle and leopard coexist side by side. They look directly at me then Jessica and nod. Simultaneously, they say, "Go. Until next time. Happy hunting."

And just like that the setting disappear gradually. I discover Jessica and myself back in her bedroom sitting on the green carpet. This session took a lot out of us. Taking a deep breath, I stand then reach over to help Jessica up. She is so growing up each day; I can hardly believe it. 'Remember when I could hold her in my arms? Where have those days gone?'

She sways slightly then steadies. My little girl is going away soon. I must prepare her the best way I can. Uncle Thomas is a superior medium than I. Surely he'll help us with that over Christmas holidays.

In the months ahead, I can anticipate Jessica's abilities to grow. Already she is gaining further power and control over her auric self. The potential is there. I have a hunch that something's going to test those skills in the years to come.
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Hey, Silvergirl! Thanks for the email. I'm glad you're enjoying the fic. You really like the chapters with the info-descriptions? Cool! Just tell me if they become too much. Wouldn't have to write so much if it wasn't for the psychic parts and if it was just a straight HP fic, but this is so much more interesting to write. Creative juices are a flowing. where does that phrase come from? Reference to ink wells? ;)

Bye all!