Chapter Fifteen
Till the Day I Die
The week passed by slowly as a rolling cactus dusting the sand. Harry's thoughts jumped to various subjects while sitting through lectures from Cameron and proper apparition. Hermione was even becoming bored with the class and Harry was told by Ron, that her interest seemed to be skipping to the back of the room. His ears and cheeks turned red when he told Harry this. It was finally Friday, they had Saturday and Sunday lesson free before their last five days of lessons with Cameron.
Ron slipped Harry a note across the aisle (they had been re-arranged... Hermione and Harry first table, Ron and Susan second.) Harry snuck in into his lap, holding Cameron's eyes till she looked away. He unfolded it and read, "Charlie said we could eat lunch with him and Seri, they're going to muggle London. Wanna go?"
Harry scratched, "Sounds good mate." And sent it back.
Cameron dismissed them for their hour lunch break. The Ministry provided food, some kids ate that, brought lunches from home or, their parents would take them out. Ron, Hermione, Draco (who was invited somehow) and Harry made their way to the Minister Office, now gracing the name, "Arthur Weasley."
"Dad," Ron tapped on the door and poked his head in.
"Come in Ron," Harry heard Mr. Weasley say, "Do you have Harry with you?"
Ron pushed open the door and the four walked in.
"What do you want me for sir?" Harry asked. There was a couple sitting in front of Mr. Weasley. The man had gray roots with youthful brown tips. His face had a childish grin upon it, buried in wrinkles. His bright gray eyes seemed tired, like a rubber band being stretched to much. The woman had glorious silver hair coming to her shoulders. Her face had as much age as the man with an elegant smile. Her eyes drooped and carried the came sleepy look in their ocean of clam blue.
"Sit down, please." Mr. Weasley drew four chairs with his wand. They sat down. "Harry, Ronald, Hermione, Draco... this is Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel."
Harry, Ron and Hermione dropped their mouths open. Draco eyed them, but shrugged up in folded arms.
"Harry," Mr. Weasley hissed. Harry shook the shock off his face and mind and elbowed Ron and Hermione to do the same.
"Nice to meet you," Harry said, standing up and holding out his hand.
"A Pleasant surprise, surprise." Flamel chuckled. "Albus tells me many great thinks of you Harry, many indeed. Is it true you saved my Nellie?"
"Nellie sir?" Hermione pushed. "Excuse my manners, I'm Hermione Granger."
"Hermione Granger... yes, yes, the one who got in a touch of trouble with the time turner."
Hermione flushed.
"Nellie is my name for the Stone. I figured everything dear to me needed a name, and since my daughter, who died so young was called Nellie, I would then name the giver of live and wealth after her." Flamel said, all smug with himself.
"She was beautiful." Perenelle sighed.
"She died three years before I found the stone," Nicolas regretted.
"Excuse me," Draco interrupted, "Who are you and what is the stone?"
"The stone is many great and horrible things. It gives life and takes away the future, it gives wealth and takes away all that is important. The stone is a gift and troublesome package that of which the holder must carry on forever." Evan stood in the door way.
"EVAN!" Flamel jumped to his feet boyishly and embraced Evan, "Long time no see friend."
"Good friend, old friend... I missed you dearly."
"How do you know..." Harry stuttered but he was interrupted by Dumbledore opening the door.
"Albus, my old apprentice!" Flamel moved his greetings to Dumbledore.
"Apprentice?" Draco asked.
"Yes, Dumbledore worked under me his first two year out of Hogwarts. He help me find the sorcerer's stone." Flamel answered. "And the old bloke never let me pay him one knut."
"I got all I needed." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Harry, would you come to lunch with the Flamels and myself?"
"He was going out with us thought..." Ron blurted out, "sir."
"It's alright Ron, he can skip today, Dumbledore needs a word with Harry... its okay."
Dumbledore took Hermione's words as a go ahead and directed Harry out the door. Evan and the Flamels followed.
"Oh Dumbledore," Nicolas almost giggled, "Let's go to muggle London for lunch.
"Muggle London, are you crazy dear husband?"
"Oh life is short my sweet, enjoy it, do what you want." Nicolas took Perenelle in his arms and as though he was a youthful 16, kissing his girlfriend, he kissed her.
Evan smiled and led the way down the shady side of London into the gray day.
The part of five entered a small, clean English pup and took a back booth.
A black waitress came to their table, her bright red hair on top of her head. She has inch long lime green nails and was smacking a wad of bubble gum as she spoke.
"What will it be?"
Flamel looked at the menu then said. "Three cheese burgers, an apple pie, fries, a salad, bake potato and beans." He laid down the menu and stares at the waitress who dropped her mouth open wide. "Oh, I forgot my drink... a larger pop would be nice."
The waitress still stared in disbelieve. Finally she spoke. "Are you sure grandpa, you want all that?"
Flamel nodded and the waitress scrippled down the order.
"The same for me," Dumbledore said quickly, almost eagerly.
The waitress rolled her eyes and wrote it down.
"I'll have a salad, chocolate pie, apple sauce and potato soup with a water." Perenelle said sweetly.
"The same for me," Evan said, winking at her.
The waitress stared at Harry, smacking her mouth rapidly.
"I'll have a chicken club with flies and a pop." He said meekly.
The waitress smiled at the normal order and left promising to be back with drinks.
Flamel sat there staring at Harry, a grin on his face.
"What's the smile for sir?" Dumbledore asked fervently.
"You and Evan know it is polite and in manner to order the same as your superior. It's a mark of honor and agreement." Harry flushed red noticing his mistake.
"He had no way of knowing Nick." Evan said.
"I mean nothing wrong with it, you and Albus order the same as a mark of respect, and you sacrifice you of you choices willingly because you believe its best. Harry holds close his choices because, unlike us, he only has the few small choices to make and he makes them honestly for himself."
"I didn't mean that at all sir," Harry whispered.
"It's not consciously Harry, it's more your personality. You head is starting to realize things and it's pulling your heart and soul down to the truth." Flamel said softly.
"What do you mean?"
"Why here Nick?" Dumbledore asked.
"Because it's fit. Harry you did not choose to be famous Harry Potter, you did not choose to have both your parents dead and you didn't choose to have the responsibility and destiny you do. To you a choice is and choice and you know first hand that it should not be taken lightly. So while Evan and Dumbledore where expressing respect and manors you are taking advantages of one more choice God gave you to make."
The waitress brought their drinks and Harry took his quickly, letting the cool liquid flow down his throat.
"Enough of this talk," Nicolas said. "Harry, I have two gifts for you."
"For me?" Harry asked.
"Yes, from Perenelle and me. Firstly we give you the remainder of our life. We are in your possession. Our lives have been long and rich but know we wish to die fro a greater cause then fading away and finally rejoin of lovely daughter."
"You are going to be part of the order?" Dumbledore asked a grin on his face.
"More so," Nick said with a wink. "Seri has told me of her engagement to young Mr. Weasley and wishes to take the year off teaching. I will step in for her as the DA teacher. That is of course if you agree?"
Dumbledore nodded fiercely. "Great, I can be close to Harry. Second I want to give you this." Nicolas Flamel held of a small glass lighting bolt. Inside was what looked like the cleanest, freshest water Harry had every thought of. It was on a gold braded chain. "This is your early birthday present. Put it on."
Harry willing took it and put it over his head and grinned. The cold glass touched his chest and he felt a surge of power, of courage, of strength. It was the oddest, light hearted feeling he had ever felt. It was as though all the clouds that were blocking his sunny day blew away and tomorrow was insight. "Wow." He breathed.
"That Harry is the last of what is left of the Elixir of Life. You need not drink to have life, only keep there about you neck and your heart will feel the power." Perenelle explained.
"Thanks," Harry said, a smile on his face.
"He gave you what?" Hermione hissed beside him. Harry was speechless until right then. All these words and emotion came to him and Hermione sitting so close to him, eager to hear made his urge more, but sitting in the Apparition class he knew to keep quiet.
"Mr. Potter, do you know your heritage?" Cameron said.
"Err... not really." Harry stuttered.
"Italian, I'd say. Your eyes look it and you have that dark hair. How about you take a trip to Italy?" Cameron's eyes pulled Harry to his feet.
"Where," Harry sighed.
"Venice or Verona.... Pick one."
"Vernice..." Harry said slowly, thinking about his answer.
"Concentrate, image where you want to go... the water roads, St. Mark's... see it Harry...."
Harry closed his eyes, he was used to this. Cameron always demonstrated with him almost like she was looking for a flaw or for him to back down... but Harry found apparition came with ease.
"Harry, hear is some muggle, Italian money, a lire. Just in case you need something. If you make it stay for a coffee." Cameron laughed and Harry disappeared.
He could hear the water, sloshing against the buildings and docks. He heard people talking and chattering. And finally he felt cold.
Harry had landed right in on of the rivers.
"AHHH!" he screamed. His glass sank below him. "This just sucks!" He dove back in the water and retrieved his glasses.
When he emerged again a small crowd was around the water. "Are you okay?" A rough man asked. He extended a hand and pulled Harry from the waves.
"Yeah fine... slipped on the..." Harry eyed his surroundings, "the bridge."
"Ay, I see." The man said.
Harry messed with his wet hair and wiped his face.
"Ay, what that?" The man asked, pointing at his forehead.
"Scar..." Harry responded automatically.
"Are you... Harry Potter?" The man whispered.
Harry whipped his head around to see the man. "Are you?..."
"Yes, a wizard... Harry... oh Harry it is an honor." The pudgy man got on his knees and kissed Harry's dirty tennis shoes.
"Sir..." Harry retrieved his foot. "Sir, please."
"Papa, get up!" a boy around Harry age cried. "Sorry, about him, he drinks in the morning."
"Leave me be you stupid boy, this is..." The man lowered his voice... "Harry Potter."
"Potter? Did you say famous Harry Potter? The one with the scar and the destiny and all. The Harry Potter?" The boy asked sarcastically.
"Yes Prosper!" The man exclaimed.
"Well don't you think the poor fellow gets sick of people kissing his feet and talking to him when he doesn't even know their name? Get up man, stopped being stupid. Leave the neighbor in peace and be on thy way. I pray thee never act so naïve again, yet I know soon future will hold. Leave Harry Potter in peace and be back to work." Prosper said. Harry took a good look at him. He was as tall as Ron with dirty blond hair and deep purple eyes. "I am sorry Harry."
Harry grinned caught in an awkward situation, "So your name is Prosper?"
"Yes..." the boy looked around. He looked about Harry's age. "Harry, I know you hate hearing this, but you must leave, this is dangerous... that old wizard caused quit a commotion."
"I can take care of my self..." Harry snapped.
"I trust that Harry, but here and now is not the time to stand face to face with destiny. Go home, go to school... the end of the year will tell."
"The end of the year..."
"Harry, please tell me pay attention... isn't it odd how everything happens in the end of the school year... I'm not a future teller but I can read the signs. Something will happen on Halloween, I'm sorry... and..."
Harry was staring at him blankly. No one had ever said anything... but it made since... he had a timeline! "And what?" Harry begged.
"I can't tell you... your destiny has already been told... you just have to learn how to read it and then fulfill it."
"You know how it will end?" Harry grinned with relief.
"Yes, I do."
"How? Will Voldemort fall? Will I destroy all the evil in the world?" Until now, Harry only dared to think these things... that evil would be destroyed, that Voldemort would fall... it was all a precious dream.
Prosper gave a bitter sweet smile, "Yes Harry, Voldemort will fall and along with him so will all the evil in the world. I beg you how Harry Potter, leave."
Harry, grinning to himself. Life, at that very moment, was worth living. He apparated back to class.
The week passed by slowly as a rolling cactus dusting the sand. Harry's thoughts jumped to various subjects while sitting through lectures from Cameron and proper apparition. Hermione was even becoming bored with the class and Harry was told by Ron, that her interest seemed to be skipping to the back of the room. His ears and cheeks turned red when he told Harry this. It was finally Friday, they had Saturday and Sunday lesson free before their last five days of lessons with Cameron.
Ron slipped Harry a note across the aisle (they had been re-arranged... Hermione and Harry first table, Ron and Susan second.) Harry snuck in into his lap, holding Cameron's eyes till she looked away. He unfolded it and read, "Charlie said we could eat lunch with him and Seri, they're going to muggle London. Wanna go?"
Harry scratched, "Sounds good mate." And sent it back.
Cameron dismissed them for their hour lunch break. The Ministry provided food, some kids ate that, brought lunches from home or, their parents would take them out. Ron, Hermione, Draco (who was invited somehow) and Harry made their way to the Minister Office, now gracing the name, "Arthur Weasley."
"Dad," Ron tapped on the door and poked his head in.
"Come in Ron," Harry heard Mr. Weasley say, "Do you have Harry with you?"
Ron pushed open the door and the four walked in.
"What do you want me for sir?" Harry asked. There was a couple sitting in front of Mr. Weasley. The man had gray roots with youthful brown tips. His face had a childish grin upon it, buried in wrinkles. His bright gray eyes seemed tired, like a rubber band being stretched to much. The woman had glorious silver hair coming to her shoulders. Her face had as much age as the man with an elegant smile. Her eyes drooped and carried the came sleepy look in their ocean of clam blue.
"Sit down, please." Mr. Weasley drew four chairs with his wand. They sat down. "Harry, Ronald, Hermione, Draco... this is Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel."
Harry, Ron and Hermione dropped their mouths open. Draco eyed them, but shrugged up in folded arms.
"Harry," Mr. Weasley hissed. Harry shook the shock off his face and mind and elbowed Ron and Hermione to do the same.
"Nice to meet you," Harry said, standing up and holding out his hand.
"A Pleasant surprise, surprise." Flamel chuckled. "Albus tells me many great thinks of you Harry, many indeed. Is it true you saved my Nellie?"
"Nellie sir?" Hermione pushed. "Excuse my manners, I'm Hermione Granger."
"Hermione Granger... yes, yes, the one who got in a touch of trouble with the time turner."
Hermione flushed.
"Nellie is my name for the Stone. I figured everything dear to me needed a name, and since my daughter, who died so young was called Nellie, I would then name the giver of live and wealth after her." Flamel said, all smug with himself.
"She was beautiful." Perenelle sighed.
"She died three years before I found the stone," Nicolas regretted.
"Excuse me," Draco interrupted, "Who are you and what is the stone?"
"The stone is many great and horrible things. It gives life and takes away the future, it gives wealth and takes away all that is important. The stone is a gift and troublesome package that of which the holder must carry on forever." Evan stood in the door way.
"EVAN!" Flamel jumped to his feet boyishly and embraced Evan, "Long time no see friend."
"Good friend, old friend... I missed you dearly."
"How do you know..." Harry stuttered but he was interrupted by Dumbledore opening the door.
"Albus, my old apprentice!" Flamel moved his greetings to Dumbledore.
"Apprentice?" Draco asked.
"Yes, Dumbledore worked under me his first two year out of Hogwarts. He help me find the sorcerer's stone." Flamel answered. "And the old bloke never let me pay him one knut."
"I got all I needed." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Harry, would you come to lunch with the Flamels and myself?"
"He was going out with us thought..." Ron blurted out, "sir."
"It's alright Ron, he can skip today, Dumbledore needs a word with Harry... its okay."
Dumbledore took Hermione's words as a go ahead and directed Harry out the door. Evan and the Flamels followed.
"Oh Dumbledore," Nicolas almost giggled, "Let's go to muggle London for lunch.
"Muggle London, are you crazy dear husband?"
"Oh life is short my sweet, enjoy it, do what you want." Nicolas took Perenelle in his arms and as though he was a youthful 16, kissing his girlfriend, he kissed her.
Evan smiled and led the way down the shady side of London into the gray day.
The part of five entered a small, clean English pup and took a back booth.
A black waitress came to their table, her bright red hair on top of her head. She has inch long lime green nails and was smacking a wad of bubble gum as she spoke.
"What will it be?"
Flamel looked at the menu then said. "Three cheese burgers, an apple pie, fries, a salad, bake potato and beans." He laid down the menu and stares at the waitress who dropped her mouth open wide. "Oh, I forgot my drink... a larger pop would be nice."
The waitress still stared in disbelieve. Finally she spoke. "Are you sure grandpa, you want all that?"
Flamel nodded and the waitress scrippled down the order.
"The same for me," Dumbledore said quickly, almost eagerly.
The waitress rolled her eyes and wrote it down.
"I'll have a salad, chocolate pie, apple sauce and potato soup with a water." Perenelle said sweetly.
"The same for me," Evan said, winking at her.
The waitress stared at Harry, smacking her mouth rapidly.
"I'll have a chicken club with flies and a pop." He said meekly.
The waitress smiled at the normal order and left promising to be back with drinks.
Flamel sat there staring at Harry, a grin on his face.
"What's the smile for sir?" Dumbledore asked fervently.
"You and Evan know it is polite and in manner to order the same as your superior. It's a mark of honor and agreement." Harry flushed red noticing his mistake.
"He had no way of knowing Nick." Evan said.
"I mean nothing wrong with it, you and Albus order the same as a mark of respect, and you sacrifice you of you choices willingly because you believe its best. Harry holds close his choices because, unlike us, he only has the few small choices to make and he makes them honestly for himself."
"I didn't mean that at all sir," Harry whispered.
"It's not consciously Harry, it's more your personality. You head is starting to realize things and it's pulling your heart and soul down to the truth." Flamel said softly.
"What do you mean?"
"Why here Nick?" Dumbledore asked.
"Because it's fit. Harry you did not choose to be famous Harry Potter, you did not choose to have both your parents dead and you didn't choose to have the responsibility and destiny you do. To you a choice is and choice and you know first hand that it should not be taken lightly. So while Evan and Dumbledore where expressing respect and manors you are taking advantages of one more choice God gave you to make."
The waitress brought their drinks and Harry took his quickly, letting the cool liquid flow down his throat.
"Enough of this talk," Nicolas said. "Harry, I have two gifts for you."
"For me?" Harry asked.
"Yes, from Perenelle and me. Firstly we give you the remainder of our life. We are in your possession. Our lives have been long and rich but know we wish to die fro a greater cause then fading away and finally rejoin of lovely daughter."
"You are going to be part of the order?" Dumbledore asked a grin on his face.
"More so," Nick said with a wink. "Seri has told me of her engagement to young Mr. Weasley and wishes to take the year off teaching. I will step in for her as the DA teacher. That is of course if you agree?"
Dumbledore nodded fiercely. "Great, I can be close to Harry. Second I want to give you this." Nicolas Flamel held of a small glass lighting bolt. Inside was what looked like the cleanest, freshest water Harry had every thought of. It was on a gold braded chain. "This is your early birthday present. Put it on."
Harry willing took it and put it over his head and grinned. The cold glass touched his chest and he felt a surge of power, of courage, of strength. It was the oddest, light hearted feeling he had ever felt. It was as though all the clouds that were blocking his sunny day blew away and tomorrow was insight. "Wow." He breathed.
"That Harry is the last of what is left of the Elixir of Life. You need not drink to have life, only keep there about you neck and your heart will feel the power." Perenelle explained.
"Thanks," Harry said, a smile on his face.
"He gave you what?" Hermione hissed beside him. Harry was speechless until right then. All these words and emotion came to him and Hermione sitting so close to him, eager to hear made his urge more, but sitting in the Apparition class he knew to keep quiet.
"Mr. Potter, do you know your heritage?" Cameron said.
"Err... not really." Harry stuttered.
"Italian, I'd say. Your eyes look it and you have that dark hair. How about you take a trip to Italy?" Cameron's eyes pulled Harry to his feet.
"Where," Harry sighed.
"Venice or Verona.... Pick one."
"Vernice..." Harry said slowly, thinking about his answer.
"Concentrate, image where you want to go... the water roads, St. Mark's... see it Harry...."
Harry closed his eyes, he was used to this. Cameron always demonstrated with him almost like she was looking for a flaw or for him to back down... but Harry found apparition came with ease.
"Harry, hear is some muggle, Italian money, a lire. Just in case you need something. If you make it stay for a coffee." Cameron laughed and Harry disappeared.
He could hear the water, sloshing against the buildings and docks. He heard people talking and chattering. And finally he felt cold.
Harry had landed right in on of the rivers.
"AHHH!" he screamed. His glass sank below him. "This just sucks!" He dove back in the water and retrieved his glasses.
When he emerged again a small crowd was around the water. "Are you okay?" A rough man asked. He extended a hand and pulled Harry from the waves.
"Yeah fine... slipped on the..." Harry eyed his surroundings, "the bridge."
"Ay, I see." The man said.
Harry messed with his wet hair and wiped his face.
"Ay, what that?" The man asked, pointing at his forehead.
"Scar..." Harry responded automatically.
"Are you... Harry Potter?" The man whispered.
Harry whipped his head around to see the man. "Are you?..."
"Yes, a wizard... Harry... oh Harry it is an honor." The pudgy man got on his knees and kissed Harry's dirty tennis shoes.
"Sir..." Harry retrieved his foot. "Sir, please."
"Papa, get up!" a boy around Harry age cried. "Sorry, about him, he drinks in the morning."
"Leave me be you stupid boy, this is..." The man lowered his voice... "Harry Potter."
"Potter? Did you say famous Harry Potter? The one with the scar and the destiny and all. The Harry Potter?" The boy asked sarcastically.
"Yes Prosper!" The man exclaimed.
"Well don't you think the poor fellow gets sick of people kissing his feet and talking to him when he doesn't even know their name? Get up man, stopped being stupid. Leave the neighbor in peace and be on thy way. I pray thee never act so naïve again, yet I know soon future will hold. Leave Harry Potter in peace and be back to work." Prosper said. Harry took a good look at him. He was as tall as Ron with dirty blond hair and deep purple eyes. "I am sorry Harry."
Harry grinned caught in an awkward situation, "So your name is Prosper?"
"Yes..." the boy looked around. He looked about Harry's age. "Harry, I know you hate hearing this, but you must leave, this is dangerous... that old wizard caused quit a commotion."
"I can take care of my self..." Harry snapped.
"I trust that Harry, but here and now is not the time to stand face to face with destiny. Go home, go to school... the end of the year will tell."
"The end of the year..."
"Harry, please tell me pay attention... isn't it odd how everything happens in the end of the school year... I'm not a future teller but I can read the signs. Something will happen on Halloween, I'm sorry... and..."
Harry was staring at him blankly. No one had ever said anything... but it made since... he had a timeline! "And what?" Harry begged.
"I can't tell you... your destiny has already been told... you just have to learn how to read it and then fulfill it."
"You know how it will end?" Harry grinned with relief.
"Yes, I do."
"How? Will Voldemort fall? Will I destroy all the evil in the world?" Until now, Harry only dared to think these things... that evil would be destroyed, that Voldemort would fall... it was all a precious dream.
Prosper gave a bitter sweet smile, "Yes Harry, Voldemort will fall and along with him so will all the evil in the world. I beg you how Harry Potter, leave."
Harry, grinning to himself. Life, at that very moment, was worth living. He apparated back to class.