THE DRAGON KEEPER – Part 2.
Harry stood, dumfounded as the huge creature before him materialised, the darkness of the cavern seeming to fade as it moved closer. He had read about dragons before, even seen one thanks to his friend Hagrid, but never in his wildest dreams had he believed they could grow so big; and look so majestic. What little light managed to penetrate the dingy cave seemed to be reflected of the creatures magnificent scales, Red, Orange and Yellow shone back at him. And those eyes, big awe inspiring orange eyes, the same eyes from his dreams. They seemed to be able to look strait into his soul, filled him with peace, and he knew instinctively that this was no creature to fear. Finally finding his voice, Harry boldly asked
"How do you know my name?" He could have sworn the Dragon smiled, its eyes softening as it looked down at him. Harry could not help but wonder how small he must look compared to it.
"Why, everybody knows who Harry Potter is" it replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "But allow me to introduce myself Harry. My kind calls me Gracewing, and I am one of 6 Dragons that reside here, close to Hogwarts. We have been closely watching over the school since it was built here, fighting to keep it safe. But my kins time on this earth grows short. They are old dragons now Harry, who will not be on this earth for much longer. Soon their spirits will rise up and take their place in the great heavens, to watch over the earth for all eternity"
"What about you Gracewing? Will you not leave with them" Harry inquired, his curiosity now in overdrive.
"Sadly no Harry. You see, those Dragons are my children, one child for each area surrounding Hogwarts, Asgengar lives in the deepest darkest of caves where the lava meets the land. Skuldrax lives atop of the highest most dangerous mountain. Gryshloc resides deep in the forbidden forest. Zorostra in the darkest, deepest depths of the lake. And finally Shannarah, who lives on the coldest ice cap of all. I will never be able to join my children in the eternal peace which they find after death Harry, for you sees, I am the Phoenix Dragon. When my life is over I turn to ash, and from that ash appears an egg, and from that egg comes me. My life is very much the same. I watch over my children as they watch over the castle. Do you understand that?" Harry nodded, but still, one question burned within his mind.
"But Gracewing, if your children are dying, who will you have to watch over?"
"Ah, I see you live up to your reputation Harry, for being quick of mind and good of heart. It is that reason I have called upon you. I know you have been having dreams lately, of myself hatching, the cycle restarting." Harry nodded but listened intently. "Every five to six hundred years, there in a child born who possesses a unique ability to communicate with dragons Harry. Have you not thought it odd that you and I can speak?" of course Harry had found that somewhat odd, but since having found out he could talk to snakes he had stopped being surprised by such things, and he said so. "Ah yes, I suppose that could have that effect. The wizards of old simply called this ability scale tongue, and you Harry, have been blessed with the ability. Before I tell you why I called you here let me explain to you the whole process Harry. You understand by which means I will return to the land; that much is simple. However, in order for me to be able to bring 5 new guardians into the world in am in need of a scale from each of my children. I had managed to collect one from each but Asgengar." Gracewing gestured towards a small stack of scales next to what Harry assumed was her sleeping area. Filled with soft looking straw. "I am unable to retrieve the last scale Harry, and without it, Voldermort or his followers will have an open pass into this area, for one will be left unguarded"
"Why are you not able to retrieve the last one?" Harry wished he had not asked when he received the answer; he cringed as she stretched out what once was one of her majestic wings, now shredded and blood stained. "I had a run in with Nosfertus a few weeks ago; I was running late in getting home and ended up flying in the dark, which is when he hunts. I was lucky to get away at all. He is a dark dragon Harry and one of the few evil creatures still here. We are able to control him to a degree. However, if we were to be one short, we would not be able to keep him in line. He would turn on Hogwarts Harry, and many would die. It is not his fault he is this way, Voldermort placed a curse on him which made him detest man and wizard alike. He used to be just like me, and would often help me look after my young. Now, he only flies at night, searching for the weak to dine upon, you must watch for him Harry, he is a real threat in these woods"
"What is it you would have me do Gracewing?"
"I need you to climb down into the depths of Highcliff Mountain; there you will find my son Asgengar. He will know why you are there as soon as he realises you can talk in scale tongue. There are many dangers in the mountain Harry so you must be careful; also, Nosfertus likes to hunt in that area so keep a watch above. I must beg of you Harry, to undertake this task. I realise you are still yet a boy and not fully trained in the wizarding ways, but this is your destiny. Will you help us Harry? Will you become who you were born to be and become a Dragon Keeper?"
"For Hogwarts and my friends, and for you Gracewing, I will go" Harry could not shake the sinking feeling that he was once again getting in over his head, but if the situation was a dire as Gracewing had foretold, he had little choice"
"Thank you Harry. I will have Clayblood fly you to Highcliff Mountains base in the morning; however, you should rest up tonight." Gracewing gestured to the mass of straw he had spied earlier. "You may rest there Harry, I will wake you in the morning"