A/N:  I've written a prequel to this story called 'Mortal Destiny' – it's a songfic about Will leaving his family and its in the Dark is Rising Sequence category.  And special thanks to my friend Shi who is my source for obscure HP lore – well, obscure for me since I haven't read the third book (I'm getting around to it, I swear!)

Ruth and MaraWeaves – First off, the trio are in third year and Sirius will be involved.  Secondly, as a hint, I will tell you there will be a time travelling bit – but I won't say to when or to whom.  Thanks for the reviewers and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.  

Chapter 3 – Magical Creatures

For an Old One, the use of other elements to augment his power was not a foreign concept.  However, it took some time for Will to adjust to using his wand.  Often he would begin a spell, only to realize halfway through that he had forgotten his wand, yet again.  Unfortunately, Will once failed to notice in time and surprised the professor and students by completing the spell without the aid of his wand.

Wizards, forced to use wands as amplifies, only were able to use wandless magic after years of study and only with great power.  Will's effortless ability had caused some debate amongst Hogwarts' occupants.  Half the students were positive that he was an agent of Voldemort, while the other half thought he was a descendent of Merlin. It didn't help matters when the professors tested his ability and decided that he would learn nothing by attending first and second year courses.  Instead, they made an exception and sent him directly to third year.

Will suspected that Dumbledore felt more comfortable with him near Harry Potter, where the boy would notice danger if it was there.  Fortunately for Will, his new friends refused to believe the rumours – though they remained curious at Will's abilities.  The Old One was not entirely put out by the new advancement; though he had been forced to listen to Hermione complain about not being able to skip a year.  

It was shortly after he began attending third year courses, that Will found the Old Way within Hogwarts.  Upon his arrival, the Old One had sensed the presence of an Old Way near, but it had taken some time to locate it.  The Old Ways were paths that stretched out across England, and no harm could come to a creature of the Light while he was stayed on the path.

Will found the doorway while wandering the halls, and noticed a picture of Merriman on the wall.  The Old One realized that the password would have to be something that no mortal would ever be able to know, or say.  In the Old Speech, Will said, The mountains are singing, the lady will come.  It was the last line from the prophecy regarding the last rising of the Dark. The door opened and Will recognized the room from the book of Graymere.  Inside Hogwarts was the great Sanctuary of the Old Ones, created by the first Old One for the rest.  From there, Will could travel to any of the Old Ways stretched across England and the world. 

After finding the Sanctuary, Will was called to Dumbledore's office.  Finding the headmaster at work at his desk, the Old One grazed his mind for an idea what he had been called before the powerful wizard.  Will was amused to learn that Dumbledore had Hogwarts and the surrounding area encased in a spell, where if any magic was done he would know what the spell was and who was responsible.  Unfortunately for the headmaster, this spell was unable to penetrate the Old One's defences or that of the Sanctuary. 

Dumbledore finished his paperwork and was surprised to see his student calmly listening to Fawkes as he chirped away.  The phoenix was an excellent judge of character, and it eased some of the headmaster's worries as he watched the bird obviously taking a liking to Will.

Will, in turn, was also relieved by the phoenix.  It had already met Munin, and they had developed a truce of sorts.  Fawkes was quick to tell the Old One that his master was good and kind and worthy of the assistance of an Old One.  Will agreed to take the bird's advice into consideration, and turned to see the headmaster done with his work.

"Please, sit down Will.  Would you like a lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Realizing the headmaster was likely to have candy infused with Veritus, Will accepted with a small smile.  The serum didn't work on Old Ones, but Will decided he would tell the kind headmaster as much as he could.

"Will, how are you enjoying your time here at Hogwarts?"

"I'm good, professor.  I've made three really good friends."

"The magic lessons haven't been challenging for you.  Were you taught wandless magic by someone before?"

Will paused as he considered what he should say.  It was obvious someone had taught him some magic, and continuing to deny the fact would only make him even more suspicious. 

"Yes, I was.  His name was Merriman but he only taught me for a year before he left this world."  Will phrased his answer in such a way that it wasn't lying, but the professor would draw to an obvious, if erroneous, conclusion.

"Was your teacher allied with anyone?"

This question was harder.  The Old One realized that the Wizarding World had no idea about the Light or the Dark. 

"My teacher was not allied with anyone," he said slowly, "but said that we can only align ourselves with the light inside of us and do what it told us was right."

"Thank you, Will, you can go now."

Will left the room, and McGonagall and Snape entered.

"Do you think we can trust the boy?" Snape asked.  Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"It's not a widely known fact, but Merlin went by other names as well.  One of those, I believe, was Merriman."

************************************

Will rushed across the school grounds, silently cursing Dumbledore for not thinking to give him an excuse for being late to his next class.  He was only lucky that it was Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid.  So intent on arriving to class on time, Will failed to notice the mass of power heading towards Hogwarts.

The Old One reached the group in time to hear Hagrid tell the students to group together and introduce themselves to one of the three Hippogrifs.  Will looked around anxiously, not knowing very many of the students.  Thankfully, the Intrepid Trio motioned for him to join them as they waited in line.

"Will, why were you so late?" Harry asked anxiously, worried about his new friend.  Will offered the boy a smile, trying to reassure him.

"Professor Dumbledore just wanted to make sure I was adjusting to taking third year classes," he explained. 

"Not that you need adjusting, you're already rivalling Hermione for marks," Ron quipped.

Hermione just scowled at Ron, but before she could say anything they found themselves at the beginning of the line.  Unfortunately, it was also Draco's turn.  The prince of Slytherin smirked as he watched the Gryffindor trio babysitting the eleven year old.

"I see the great Boy-who-lived is living up to his reputation and performing the dangerous task of babysitting an eleven year old version of mudblood."

Harry was about to retaliate when he felt a hand on his arm.  Turning around to tell Hermione that Draco deserved to be told off, he was surprised to see it was Will.  Looking into the younger boys eyes, Harry felt all his anger drain away.

"Okay, Harry, make sure your real polite to the Hippogrif and give them a bow, and you'll do all right," Hagrid said, startling Harry out of his daze.  Nervously, Harry bowed to the animal and gave a polite hello.  Draco sneered and said, "These dumb animals don't know if your being polite or not," giving the Hippogrif a pat on the head.

Immediately, the animal squawked angrily and rose on its hind legs to tear at Draco with its talons.  The other students fled and the Slytherin boy backed away in horror, only to lose his balance and fall.  Suddenly, Will appeared in front of the fallen boy.

"My friend here is terribly sorry for his rude remark, could you please refrain from any violence," Will asked in a calm and polite, but firm, voice.  The animal went down on all four and stared at the boy.  The Old One paid no homage to the beast, but the Hippogrif knew better than to demand that of an Old One.  So to the surprise of everyone, the Hippogrif kneeled on his forelegs in a bow – which Will acknowledge with a nod.

Before anyone could react, the air was filled with the cry of a dragon.  Though wild dragons were rare in England, there were a few and one just landed in front of Hogwarts.  The professors and Dumbledore raced out of the castle, astonished to see the flying creature standing calmly by the edge of the Forbidden Forrest.  They were about to cast a spell when a small figure approached the dragon.

"Don't, Will, dragons are dangerous!" Harry cried, certain his friend didn't realize the danger he was in.  But Will realized that it was partially his fault for the dragon's arrival.  Dragon's were creatures of Wild Magic, which was why they could never be tamed.  However, they were often attracted to either the Dark or the Light.  While none of the wizards had been able to sense his power as an Old One, Will realized the dragon must have sensed him and came to introduce himself.

Hello, I am Will the Watcher, youngest and last of the Old Ones, Will said in the Old Speech.

Greetings, Old One.  I sensed your power and felt I should make it known that I am allied with the Light.  I extend my congratulations for your successful defeat of the last rising of the Dark.

Thank you, however, I fear my comrades have been frightened by your arrival.

Do they not realize who you are?

I fear that it is forbidden by the High Lords for wizards to be told of the Dark and the Light, lest their involvement destroy the world.  They appear to have no interest in the old folklore – though they appear to have their own folklore involving Merlin's Order.

That is true, but do not underestimate Albus Dumbledore; he knows all the legends and believes there is truth in all of them. 

Yes, I believe he already has a suspicion as to whom my master was, but I shall deal with the situation as it arises. 

Before I leave, I would ask a favour of you, which you may claim at anytime.

I am deeply honoured you would offer such a trade.  Ask away, my friend.

I have heard of your voice, Old One, and ask that you may sing for me.

Will was surprised at the request.  The greatest joy the Old One had received was that his inability to age allowed him to retrain the high soprano that had made him the envy of other singers.  He had sung for his supper and board many times when he had no place to stay.  Will bowed his head in acceptance and opened his mouth.

I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we'll be safe


Will's high pure voice echoed against the castle walls, filling not only Hogwarts but the Forbidden Forrest as well with its song.  Everyone watched in astonishment as unicorns walked calmly up to the singing boy and lay by his feet.  The Old One began to place his power into his voice.

La luce che to dai (The light that you give us)
I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore resterò (Will stay in our hearts)
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarchi che (Reminding us)
When stars go out each night
L'eterna stella sei (That in my prayer)
Nella mia preghiera (You are an everlasting star)
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'è (There's so much faith)
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace

 
A wave of contentment flooded the occupants of Hogwarts, even professor Snape.  The unicorns neighed softly in appreciation and the dragon just listened with rapt attention.  The edges of the forest were now littered with a variety of creatures.

Give us faith so we'll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza  (We dream of world with no more violence)
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza  (A world of justice and hope)
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino  (Grasp your neighbors hand)
Simbolo di pace e di fraternità  (As a symbol of peace and brotherhood.)

La forza che ci dai  (The strength that you give us)
We ask that life be kind
E'il desiderio che  (Is the wish)
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore  (That everyone may find love)
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a sé  (In and around himself)
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

E la fede che (And the faith that)
Hai acceso in noi (You've lit inside us)
Sento che ci salverà (I feel will save us.)

The Old One's voice faded away in silence.  And just when the humans thought they could be surprised no more, the dragon rose up and gave a low bow to the eleven-year old boy.  With that he was off.

With a start, Will felt a sudden weight on his shoulder and knew who it was only by the gasps of fear.

Why appear now, Munin?  I thought we agreed your appearance would cause panic?

The bird squawked with sardonic laughter.

They've just watched an eleven-year old boy tame a dragon by singing to it; I don't think I'm the one you should worry about causing the panic!

TBC

Disclaimer:  This is not my song: its off of Josh Groban's self-titled cd and was written by Carole Bayer Sager and I got the transcript off of www.grobania.com -- He's a great artist, everyone should get his new cd 'Closer'