A/N: I'm BAACCCKKK! Thank Ruth for the quick update – since I want those pictures of Wales.
Ruth – Don't know for sure how much of the third book I'll follow. I don't want to get tied up with having to take into account everything that happens – then it wouldn't really be my story anymore. But do expect Sirius to show up soon. I just need to solidify Will's character before I go heavy into plot development. AND I WANT THOSE PICTURES ::please?:: if you can send them to a.dash@sasktel.net if you can. If I can't go there anytime soon, I can at least live precariously through others.
Obdormio – Wasn't sure where Hogwarts was, so I took a guess and said England ::shrugs:: I also realize I was stretching it with the snow thing, I just really wanted to do that sequence. I wanted to have that feeling of continuity between the original story, my prequal, and this story. As for Will talking out loud to the milgwyn, I reread the section and from what I gathered (not 100%) the Old Ones could only use the mind speech with other Old Ones. Also, I wanted Will and Harry hear the Old Speech – I'm going to use it later ::wink:: As ever, thanks for the complaining, it keeps me on my toes.
MaraWeaves – I'm glad you're enjoying the mix. I must say I was hesitant to start this xover – because its hard to keep character IC when you have xovers. I hope you decided to post something someday, I definitely would want to read it!
Starr Light1 – Yeah, I wasn't going to have Will Davies figure it out so quickly, but then I thought that there was no way his father wouldn't talk about his son's namesake – and what's the odds he had never seen a picture?
Astyana – a new reviewer! Yah! Who enjoys the story! Double yah! Not that I don't appreciate my loyal reviewers. I LOVE YOU ALL!
Help feed the writer's ego and review!
And so by popular request – DUMBLEDORE
Chapter 6 – Reflections
Albus Dumbledore sat in front of the fire thinking. He had been doing so for so long the Sorting Hat became curious of what could engross the aging professor for so long.
"Albus, what has you so preoccupied?" the Sorting Hat asked.
"I was thinking about one of our newest arrivals, Will," Dumbledore replied. He turned towards the Sorting Hat, who recognized the look on the wizard's face.
"You know the rules, Dumbledore. I am honour bound not to reveal my conversations with the students."
The headmaster returned to staring at the fire. The Sorting Hat shifted uncomfortably as the room filled with silence. Dumbledore was the only person who ever talked to the hat, outside of his sorting duties. The hat wasn't looking forward to receiving the silent treatment from the wizard – who was manipulative enough to attempt it.
"Fine, I'll tell you what I can," groaned the hat, not missing the telltale twinkle in the wizard's eye.
"Why did you take so long to decide on the boy's house?"
"The boy had a very strong personality – one that could have fit into any of the houses."
"Why did you eventually choose Gryffindor?"
The Sorting Hat paused in thought, debating how much he could reveal.
"Peace. There is a great deal of power in that boy – as I'm sure you've already discovered. But there was no thirst for power, or ambition. I just felt peace – as if the boy already knew who he was and what he meant to do."
The hat grew silent in remembrance and the headmaster quieted thinking of his own experiences with the boy.
When Will's name had appeared on the Hogwarts list, it had been the first time a name had been added years after the child's birth. Even with Dumbledore's vast reach, he had been unable to determine anything of the boy's past. In fact, it had taken them weeks to discover the boy's location since the Owl kept returning with the unsent letter.
Minerva had been dismayed when they had discovered the boy living on the streets. Though, the boy apparently had adapted well since he showed no signs of malnutrition.
When Dumbledore had gone to Ollivander's to meet the boy, he had been expecting a boy much like Harry, given their similar situations. The image of the calm boy, with a black phoenix resting comfortably upon his shoulder, was not what he had expected.
In fact, everything the boy did was unexpected. Dumbledore was not surprised often, but it seemed Will did nothing but surprise the old wizard. First the appearance of Merlin; calming a dragon with a song; and Will's story about the origin of his powers – from Merlin no less!
Dumbledore had been pondering Will's tale for some time. It was entirely possible; examination of the pendant hadn't revealed much. But it did display qualities of being a conduit for magical energies. If the power Will received was from Merlin, then it was entirely logical that he would possess one of the few wands made by Merlin himself.
But…
There was a flaw I the boy's tale; when Dumbledore had first talked with the boy, Will mentioned that Merriman had taught him; which wasn't a lie since Merriman was another name Merlin went by. But the boy had also said that Merriman had spent a year teaching him – and when he had explained the story about receiving his powers Will said he met Merriman only the once.
Which means, he lied at least once. But which time? If it was the second time then Will is continuing to lie not only to the headmaster but also to everyone at Hogwarts. If it was the first time…that means Will has the ability to overcome the Veritus serum; something no one should be able to do.
"Hat, what did you think of Will's character?"
"The boy is considerate of the safety of others – and before you ask I won't tell you why I say that. However, I also sensed the ability and willingness to do what is necessary to complete a task. A valuable ally or a formidable enemy."
"Which do you think the boy will be?"
"I do not know if the boy will be an ally, but I do not think he could ever be an enemy," the Sorting Hat responded immediately and emphatically.
Just then Fawkes flew into the room. It had been a while since Dumbledore had seen the phoenix – the bird always seemed to be with Will's dark phoenix. The red bird had taken a liking to Will and his black phoenix, and Dumbledore knew phoenixes were excellent judges of character.
"Hello, my old friend. Have you been out with Will and his phoenix again?"
The phoenix caressed the old wizard's cheek with his own and chirped in agreement.
"I don't suppose you could show me where Will disappears to, Fawkes?"
The phoenix regarded the headmaster seriously, slowly shaking his head. The professor was a good friend of his, but Fawkes couldn't betray the confidence of the Watchman, the last of the Old Ones. Phoenixes and the Old Ones have been allies since before the Wizarding World came to be.
Dumbledore was disappointed but not surprised. The hat turned to regard the wizard.
"The boy has secrets, but do you really think he is a threat to Hogwarts?"
"A few days before the beginning of the Winter break I felt a great evil come onto the Hogwarts' grounds. When I went outside, the situation had been resolved. Apparently, Will had convinced the creatures to leave using a foreign language. When I asked Harry and Will Davies what it sounded like, they couldn't remember. The boy could be telling the truth and he had threatened the creatures into leaving, or…"
Dumbledore sighed.
"In such perilous times as these, I can't afford to trust the wrong person. Will has too many secrets for me to discount him as a threat – even though I sense no evil from the boy."
The three sat in companionable silence, each pondering the enigma that was Will.
A small knock echoed through the office.
"Professor? Could I speak with you?" a male voice called out.
The door opened and Will Davies walked into the room. Dumbledore gestured for him to take a seat by the fire. The nervous boy sat down and gazed into the fire.
"What can I do for you, Will Davies? You are home from vacation early, I hope you your family is alright?"
Davies shook his head.
"No, my family is good. I came back early because I wanted to talk to you, headmaster."
The boy took a deep breath.
"It's about Will – I think I know who he really is. And if I'm right – I don't think he's human."
TBC
HAHAHAH I AM EVIL! Sorry for the short chapter, but the next is coming out soon and for all you Harry fans he'll be back. Of course, I might forget to update if you don't review (not that it's a threat ::wink::)