Disclaimer-

Crush6189: Do you ever think that they will realize that I don't own this stuff?

Albus: Probably not, but you should still humor them.

Ron & Hermione: Are you ever going to untie us?!

Harry: No, and Crush needs to get on with it.

Crush6189: Fine! I own nothing. Enjoy!

"Italics" - mind speak

Chapter 2: Please...Just Listen!

"Harry, were your friends always this faint at Hogwarts?"

"No, and it really pisses me off too. Looks like domestic life has weakened their resolve."

"Harry, that's not entirely true. They have been helping in the defense of Hogwarts for the last seven years."

"Oh come off it Albus! You now very well that Voldemort hasn't been able to properly attack Hogwarts since my seventh year. I protected the school then, and my Aurors have made sure that nothing stronger than a battalion of wood nymphs would've been able to breach the gates ever since. These two wouldn't of even make it through my training course. It's quite pathetic really."

"You really ought to cut them a little slack, Harry."

"I don't see why Albus. You are the one that is so hard up on the idea of the three of us forgiving each other for past transgressions. Number one, I don't see that happening. And number two, all I came here to do tonight is ask them why. Something I plan on doing the second you get them to listen to me and I am able to tell them my story. After that, they can kiss their memories of this night goodbye."

"But Har..."

"No 'buts' Albus! The Fates allowed us to do this under one condition, and one condition only. The 'lovebirds' must not remember this night. I really have no qualms with that stipulation, even though you do."

"For someone who hates the fact that he has never had any choices in his life, you don't put up too much of a fight when told to do something!" Albus regretted the thought the moment it came to him. He could almost feel Harry exploding with anger inside their mutual subconscious. It was giving Albus an excruciating headache. "Harry, I am truly sorry that I said that."

"Damnit Albus, you should be! Professor, you more than anyone else should know that, until Voldemort is gone, my life is not my own."

"Yes Harry, that is true. And don't worry...I will get them to listen to you. However, I need to do this alone so you might want to make yourself scarce."

"Thank you grandfather, and I will give you the peace you need to convince them. Just remember, I don't want their pity and I don't need it. If anything I want them to be scared of me when I come back."

"I think you have done a good enough job of that on your own."

"Good luck."

"Thank you, I have a feeling that I will need it."

(A/N: From now on, any more "Italics" will be Albus' thoughts to himself. Harry is locked up somewhere inside their mind.)

"Ennervate." Ron and Hermione opened their eyes very slowly. "Well it's good to see you two in the realm of the living; did you enjoy your little nap?"

"No...I don't believe it! There is no way in hell that you are Dumbledore! He died seven years ago," Ron cried.

"Ronald, I can assure you tha..."

"Bullshit! Fucking bullshit, you are a bloo..."

"Silencio! Mr. Weasley I have had enough of your language. Not only are you being disrespectful to one of your elders, but in front of a lady as well. Do you have no shame?"

All of a sudden, Ron felt like a student back at Hogwarts being reprimanded for speaking out of turn in the middle of class. But there was no possible way that this could be the headmaster. It really didn't even look like him. Yes, the hair and eyes were the same; they were considerably spongy and twinkling, respectively. However, the face was totally different; it was almost like Harry was caught in between growing old and young all at the same time. Hermione noticed this as well, but she was much more polite in voicing her skepticism.

"Prof...Har...Whoever it is that you are, could you please explain what is going on?"

"Of course, but I have a feeling that you two won't believe me no matter what I tell you. I assume I am going to have to offer the both of you irrefutable proof that I am really Albus Dumbledore?"

"Yes, but you really don't look like Professor Dumbledore, so you are going to have to do one helluva job if you would like to convince us otherwise."

Dumbledore looked a little shocked by this; "I don't look like myself?" So, with a snap of his fingers, he conjured himself a mirror to observe his facial features.

"Ah...I see your point. I guess in Harry's haste to keep from hurting Ronald he gave control of his body over to me before the change took full affect. Excuse me for a time." And in that moment that Albus had asked for, he screwed his face up in concentration and finished the transformation. "I believe that this is the Headmaster that we all know and love."

"Yes, it is true that you look like Professor Dumbledore, but that really doesn't mean anything. I have seen this kind of deception before, and I even participated in it in my second year. I still don't know if I can trust you. Can you prove me wrong?"

"Hermione...ever the perceptive one." Despite the situation, she glowed crimson at the praise. "Your question will be answered with my explanation, but I see that you still don't trust me. I find that it is quite impossible for me to continue. How do you suggest that we remedy this little situation?"

"Well, there really isn't anything personal that I could ask you because Harry knows all of our secretes. Or, at least, he knows everything that you would know. I really don't have a clue."

"Ms. Granger, do you know anything about Magical Auras?"

"Actually, I do. I was so intrigued by what Harry did at the ends of our sixth and seventh years that my major at the Salisbury Academy of Wizardry involved that very same topic. My thesis debated whether or not someone's aura could be used to manipulate the physical world around said person. Aside from Harry there has only been one other person in history that has been able to do it, and that was Merlin."

"Well Ms. Granger, just like our dear silenced Mr. Weasley, you are both wrong and right in making that assumption. It is true that it is, in fact, Harry's Magical Aura that did those wonderful things at the end of his sixth and seventh year. But, there are three people in history that have been capable of the same feet; Harry, Merlin, and now Voldemort." There was a sharp intake of breath from Hermione. If Ron were capable of speech, then he would have probably gasped as well. "However, for now, all of that is irrelevant. Can you please explain to me some of the rules that govern Magical Auras?"

"Of course. The incantation that allows one wizard to see the aura of another is 'Identifus Revelacio.' It is impossible for one wizard to have more than one aura, and it as just as difficult to change the revealing characteristics of an aura through magic. There are many other codes, but none that would pertain to this particular situation."

"Could you please explain to me how an aura would help an observer to ascertain someone's identity? An example would be most appreciated."

"That's easy. All auras are color-specific to their witch or wizard, and sometimes certain...marks appear through the influence of personality. Mine, for instance, is a very subtle brown, while all of the Weasleys' posses different shades of red."

"How so?"

"Well, Ron's is a very dark maroon. On the other hand, Ginny's is very bright and fiery; almost an orange."

"What about magi and sorcerers?"

"There isn't any recorded information about the auras of magical beings that strong."

"And why is that Ms. Granger?"

"I am not necessarily sure. If I had to take a guess, I would say it was because of their rarity. It also might have something to do with the fact that those individuals are powerful enough to keep lowly witches and wizards from testing them."

"I couldn't have said it better myself."

"Thank you professor, but I am not really sure where you are going with this."

"Would you like to test both Harry and myself Ms. Granger?"

Hermione's eyes grew as large as galleons, and you could hear her swallow the lump that was forming in her throat. To not only witness the aura of a sorcerer, but a possible mage as well; wow!

"I take your silence as an affirmative?"

Hermione just nodded her head meekly.

"Okay then. I will free your arm and give you your wand. However, you must not try to attack me. Harry has designed certain...instinctual defense mechanism to protect himself in these types of situations. Most of them I know nothing about and most of them are very deadly."

Once again, Hermione just answered with a tentative nod of her head.

"It is nice to know that you are actually starting to trust me."

With another snap of his fingers, Hermione's right arm was free and her wand floated into her hand.

"Ready whenever you are Ms. Granger."

"Identifus Revelacio!"

It was breathtaking. Never before had Hermione ever seen something so beautiful or so powerful.

"Finite Incantatum!"

"I assume you have seen enough?"

"Ye..Y...Yes Professor." There was something in the way Hermione had said the word professor that alluded to her growing acceptance of the situation. However, she still needed to witness Harry's aura to be sure. And almost as if Dumbledore was reading her thoughts...

"Should I ask Harry to join us?"

"I guess so." Hermione was still a little skeptical.

(A/N: Back to the mind speak.)

"Harry..."

"Harry..."

"Harry!"

"What is it Albus?!"

"They need to speak with you."

"Oh...What about?"

"You'll find out."

"You know I really hate it when you are cryptic."

"I realize that, and that is why I do it."

"Oh ha, ha, ha...you are sooo funny."

"Well thank you Harry, coming from a next-generation Marauder that is a real compliment."

"Sarcasm old man...ever heard of it?"

"I could ask you the very same question."

"Let's just get this over with."

"Well hello kiddies...having fun with Professor Dumbledore?"

"Harry...are you...you?"

"Well of course Hermione, if I wasn't me then who else would I be?"

"Harry...I realize you must find this situation hilarious, but it is really starting to get on my nerves. My fiancé and I are restrained, totally defenseless, in the same room with the same man who is wanted for the murder of Albus Dumbledore. I have come to find that said man is powerful enough to end both of our lives with a wave of his hand, but so far all he is doing is toying with us. On top of all of that, I have discovered that the person whom you supposedly murdered is now actually apart of you. Correct me if I am wrong, but your cheek is definitely not appropriate nor appreciated."

Harry was incredibly proud of her composure at the moment. "If that is the case, then I extend my sincerest apologies. Now, what exactly does Albus need me to explain to you?" Hermione lifts her wand into the air. "Oh...the old Magical Aura thing. I figured he'd try to convince you like that. Well then, go right on ahead."

"Indentifus Revelacio!"

It was simply stunning. So stunning in fact, that Hermione actually dropped her wand out of shock. Harry took it upon himself to end the spell.

"Did that answer your question?"

"How...I mean...not...no...why...impossible."

"Maybe you should right your observations down; it always helped you in the past." With an owlish blink of Harry's eyes, a blank piece of parchment and a eagle-feathered quill appeared before the brunette. "Well, you're being surprisingly quiet through all of this Ron." The red head attempted to reply, but it came out as a strangled muffle. It only got louder with each exertion. "Dumbledore silenced you, didn't he?" Ron just nods sheepishly. "Silencio!" Once again Weasley's ability to speak got ripped away from him. At Hermione's questioning look Harry said, "Dumbledore wanted him quiet and I am not about to go against his wishes."

"Well Harry...I guess...based on this...what I mean to say is..."

"Just spit it out Hermione!"

"Fine, I believe you!"

"Good...lets see it then."

"See what?"

"The parchment. Come on Hermione, I am just as curious as you are about this."

"Fine."

(A/N: Harry is reading the parchment)

Magical Auras

Specimen 1: Albus Dumbledore; sorcerer. Instead of the common tint that just barely outlines most wizards and witches, the headmaster's aura was spherical. It extended all the way around his body and completely obscured him from our view. It was a very interesting shade of blue; almost purple. And it seemed to be...twinkling? Also, and it may just have been my imagination, but I think I saw a crescent moon.

Specimen 2: Harry Potter; mage? Seems to be a mix between the auras of the sorcerer and the common witch or wizard; it clings to the body but completely covers the subject. It almost looked like a magical body suit. It was a green fire, the same color as his eyes, and it surrounded everything. Like Albus, he had an identifying mark and seemed to be a lightning bolt.

"Very astute observations Dr. Granger."

"Harry...the cheek."

"Sorry Hermione. So, will you listen and believe the headmaster now?"

"I guess."

"Wonderful!"

"Albus, your up."

"Why thank you Harry."

"Your welcome, but will you please not call me again until you have convinced them that I didn't murder you?"

"Ok Harry."

"So, Harry tells me that you finally believe that I am who I say I am."

"Yes I do, but I have a lot of questions."

"Well then, fire away Ms. Granger."

"Ok...I guess the most obvious question is how?"

"Alas, I have always believed that the most obvious questions are always the most difficult to answer. I hope you don't mind if I tell you a story?"

"No, not really. I feel like I need to get used to hearing explanations that way because that is probably how Harry is going to clarify everything."

"All Harry really wants me to tell you about is the happenings that resulted in my demise, but to do that I think I am going to have to tell you about some of my more...appalling attempts at forcing the magic out of him.

You see Ms. Granger, as a Dumbledore I already know a great deal about Merlin's power. My family has always been very close to the Merlin line, as it has always been very close to the Potter line. My house protects the secrets of both and the members of both, and it just so happens that their lines have manifested themselves in Harry."

There was a squeak of shock from Hermione that reverberated throughout the room.

"It sounds wonderfully cliché, doesn't it? That the savior of the wizarding world would be a direct descendant of Merlin through his mother's side. I always knew there was a reason why Lily was so powerful in ancient magic and charms.

Anyway, to unlock Harry's power I believed that he needed to make a connection between three things: his aura, his own magic, and the magic of the Earth. I was correct in my assumption, but not so much in the methods I used to force the connection.

Many times throughout his apprenticeship I attempted to force his hand, and make him use his aura. Subconsciously, Harry knew that if I were to do so the affects would've been disastrous - resulting in my death much earlier than already established - so he resisted. Every time he resisted his body would go into shock and he would be sidelined for weeks at a time. During his final year under my tutelage, I was getting desperate.

That was the year that I decided to use a wonderful invention of your brothers' Mr. Weasley; the 'Change of Face' tarts. It's actually kind of ironic, because Harry used these very same tarts to evade me during the summer after his fifth year. Now, from what your brothers told me the tarts contain essence of Polyjuice, and they allow the user to become anyone he or she wants to become."

At this Hermione cries meekly, "Oh professor...you didn't, did you?"

" I am sorry Ms. Granger, but I did. I used the tarts to become Voldemort, and I systematically tortured an illusion of everyone he ever loved. At the time I didn't think that his aura would do anything to me. As witnessed in the past, Harry's magical capabilities have always been merciful, even soothing, to those of the light. I was very wrong. Pain. Indescribable pain. Harry, in his frustrated state saw me as Voldemort, and his magic treated me accordingly.

So you see Mr. Weasley, Harry didn't murder me. My own idiocy brought about my death. But it wasn't all for naught. When Harry's aura flares he is more closely connected to magic than any other being in the universe. And it is because of this, and what Harry was feeling at the time - great sorrow and regret for his actions, coupled with a need to bring me back to life - that drew my ethereal being from the spirit plane and into Harry's mind.

In the end, it was really for the best. From inside his mind I was able to make the connections I knew were required to cause Harry's magical transformation from wizard to mage. And I have been able to make a nice little life for myself within his subconscious. It has actually been kind of a blessing. I have Harry to thank for the ability to be with my wife and my daughter again. I had lost both of them during my campaign against Grindelwald."

At this, Dumbledore pauses and takes a moment to consider his past before looking up and resuming the conversation.

"Do you trust Harry now?" They both nodded in the affirmative, albeit reluctantly. "Then you will both hear him out." The same nod. "Good...that's really all I can ask of you. One more thing, be careful how you confront him about some of the choices he has made. You will not like his reactions. Please...just listen."

(A/N: I highly doubt it, but some of you may recognize the theory behind the 'Change of Face' tarts. I wrote a fic at the Realm under my "Neptune" handle and it was called "Harry Potter and The Second War"; not very original. Anyway, I never got to finish it and I will probably use its plot to describe his sixth year.)

Next Chapter: Harry's sixth year!