Chapter Nineteen

The Heir of Gryffindor

"Harry, as well as Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger, I would like to express my gratitude that you all shown courage that sets Gryffindor apart from the other houses. Now tell me what had transpired while you all were in the dome," he said calmly.

Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, told Professor Dumbledore what had happened in the dome. Professor Dumbledore remained silent as they told him how their combined spells were enough to temporally stop Voldemort. After they had finished explaining what had happened, Ron asked Professor Dumbledore, "What was it with that gold rod thing?"

Professor Dumbledore looked at Harry then let out a sigh, "I'm sure Harry has not told you what happened the night he dueled Voldemort after he had returned," although Ron flinched at the sound of the name; Ron and Hermione merely shook their heads. "Priori Incantatem," he muttered and Hermione let out a gasp.

"The Reverse Spell Effect," she said and Professor Dumbledore merely nodded.

"I think I will let Miss Granger explain it to you Mr. Weasley," Professor Dumbledore said as he saw Ron's bewildered look.

"The Reverse Spell Effect, or Priori Incantatem, only occurs when a wand meets its brother, who shares the same core that comes from the same magical creature who gave the core," she said slightly out of breath.

"I still don't get what happened," Ron said still confused.

"As Miss Granger has explained, the Reverse Spell Effect causes, if forced to duel by their casters, one of those wands to regurgitate their spells but in reverse," Professor Dumbledore said now smiling.

"There are two things I don't get," Hermione said with a hand on her chin, "how could our combined spells be enough to disable Voldemort and how can a sword be enough to kill him; even if he could cheat death again?"

"To answer your second question Miss Granger, there is a little known fact about the founders that has not been documented in Hogwarts, a History. First of all," he continued at her irritated face that something this important was not documented, "Salazar Slytherin made a threat before leaving Hogwarts for good against all those who are deemed unworthy of magic. A prediction was made by Helga Hufflepuff foretold of the events yet to happen. I mean when the Chamber of Secrets was reopened again."

"I though that Divination was an imprecise branch of magic?" she asked.

"That may be true, but that prediction did come true. To continue, another prediction was made before the deaths of the founders stating, in what I believe said, 'three figures united under a single banner shall conquer all evil'. That prediction came true tonight since you three have a different core that comes from Ollivander's, who uses three different wand cores. Mr. Weasley, a unicorn hair, Miss Granger, a dragon heartstring, and Harry a phoenix feather," he said while stroking Fawks, who was perched on his desk. "The reason that your spells had such an effect on Voldemort; is when a wand that comes in contact with the other cores from that same maker. The effects on the spells is multiplied causing more damage that intended by the casters. I also think that the prediction can also attribute to the three blood types in the wizarding world: pure-blood, half-blood, and Muggle-born."

"I never heard of something happening like that," Hermione said slightly confused.

"The reason is that it is very rarely witnessed and is not understood by anyone. Now to answer your first question, Miss Granger," he continued at the sight of Hermione's silence, "this sword first became visible when Harry first fought and killed the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. The reason that it was able to protect Harry from Voldemort's curse; it was cast with an ancient charm on the sword, a charm that Voldemort is very aware of, protecting the one who wields it."

"Why was Harry able to obtain the sword and why was your phoenix able to find us?" Hermione asked still confused.

"There is a little know fact that has been lost for one hundred years since Hogwarts was founded; this phoenix, Fawks, was a pet of Godric Gryffindor," he said stroking Fawks and there was dead silence.

"Godric Gryffindor's pet," Ron said after regaining his voice.

"Yes, a pet of Godric Gryffindor. Fawks has been watching Hogwarts and has been in the headmaster's office ever since; except for one headmaster who was allergic to phoenix feathers and at that time, there was not a potion to quell the allergy. Fawks was told by Godric Gryffindor to come to the aid of a young boy with tremendous when Hogwarts was in danger again. Godric Gryffindor hid his sword," indicating to the sword on his desk, "in the school's old sorting hat; which is rumored to belong to him also, until the need arrives. He hid his sword so only a true Gryffindor can find it and wield it," Professor Dumbledore finished and the only person speaking was Hermione, who was muttering what Professor Dumbledore had said under her breath.

"Only a true Gryffindor?" Ron asked.

"Only a true Gryffindor," Professor Dumbledore repeated nodding.

There were several moments of silence; unless you count Hermione muttering what Dumbledore said under her breath. Hermione gave out a loud gasp causing Harry and Ron to jump. "I think I've it! Professor, you said that only a true Gryffindor could obtain the sword."

Professor Dumbledore merely nodded.

"If Voldemort (ignoring Ron's wince) is the heir of Slytherin; that makes Harry the heir of Gryffindor."

There was another long silence before Harry could find his voice, "Are you Hermione?"

"Listen to me Harry as I say it again, 'only a true Gryffindor', she said trying to suppress a grin.

"Professor," Harry asked Professor Dumbledore.

"Miss Granger has got the idea than you had when you asked me if you belonged in Gryffindor. Harry, I believe that Miss Granger has the right idea in saying that you are a descendent of Godric Gryffindor and you have ended the feud between Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin since Hogwarts has been founded. The reason I didn't tell you; I felt that you were not ready to hear it and you didn't bring it up until Miss Granger questioned the sword. Now I think you all should spend the night in the hospital wing, and don't worry since there have been no lose of life at Hogwarts except for a Death Eater."

They began to leave his office until Hermione spoke, "Professor," she turned to Professor Dumbledore as Harry and Ron turned to listen, "if Harry is the heir of Gryffindor and Fawks was his pet. Wouldn't Harry's core contain a feather from Fawks?"

"Yes, Miss Granger, that correct. Your intelligence almost rivals that of Helga Hufflepuff," he said beaming causing Hermione to blush heavily. "One more thing," Professor Dumbledore said before Harry reached the door, "don't repeat anything we have discussed in my office until Harry is ready to speak of it himself." They left the office with Professor Dumbledore picking up the rear.