Harry Potter and the Immortal Bonding
Summary: During the summer after his fifth year, Harry Potter must deal with the death of his godfather, the prophecy that Dumbledore revealed to him, and his own feelings for three female classmates. Elsewhere, other Hogwarts students are also dealing with their own feelings. Meanwhile, a new prophecy is made that will alter Harry's destiny and unleash the "power the Dark Lord knows not."
Author's Note: For those of you who may be wondering, the Highlander portion of this story will not occur until Chapter 7.
Chapter 5: Heritage Revealed
Harry awoke suddenly, pain racking his entire body and his vision clouded. He raised his hands to his face, ignoring the pain of protest from his arms and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to clear the cobwebs.
What happened? He thought, searching his memory. Then the memories came flooding back; the events of the previous night, the reading of Sirius's Will, and the attack in Diagon Alley. He remembered he, Ginny, and Hermione firing curses at some Deatheaters, then being disarmed by Lucius Malfoy and two others. Then Malfoy had fired the killing curse at him…and Ginny and Hermione had jumped into its way. But the curse not only hit them, its residue passed through them and had struck him.
Harry slowly sat up and looked around. A white mist surrounded him; he could make out the forms of Hermione and Ginny laying a few feet away. Panic swelled up inside of him at the sight of their crumpled forms and he got up and as quickly as he could on his jelly legs, and rushed towards them. Bending down to examine Ginny first, he felt partial relief enter his body as he saw her chest rise and fall. He then moved over to examine Hermione and let out a sigh of relief; she too appeared to be breathing.
Well, I don't think we're dead; what would we need to breathe for if we were? Harry thought. A moment later he felt Ginny stir next to him. She moaned slightly, and then her eyes flew open, glancing around wildly. She calmed slightly when she saw Harry.
"Are we dead?" she asked, as Harry helped her sit up. Next to them Hermione stirred and opened her eyes.
"If we are, the Anglican Church is missing something in its explanation of the after life." Hermione said as she sat up. "I mean, where are the golden gates? And St. Peter?" Harry grinned at her attempt at humor. "Where are we?" Harry shook his head.
"I don't know." He replied, standing. He then helped both of the girls stand up and they looked around. All they could see was a white swirling mist that seemed to go on forever. "Well, we're never going to find out what's going on by just standing around; I guess we should look around."
Taking each other's hands, the trio began to move forward through the mist. After walking for what seemed like an eternity, Harry spotted a shape in the mist off in the distance.
"Over there." He said, letting go of Ginny's hand and pointed. After dropping his hand, he took Ginny's once again and they began to move forward. As they moved closer, each of them began glancing around more nervously, as if expected something to happen. It never did. After another minute or two the figure came into focus.
It was a woman; in fact, it was probably the most beautiful woman Harry had ever seen, next two his two companions. She had long blond hair, blue eyes that twinkled with an intensity that could match Dumbledore, and was dressed in long, white silk robes that clinged to her shapely form. She stared at the trio for a moment, her blue eyes piercing them, as if looking for something. A moment later she smiled and spoke.
"Greetings, Harry Potter." She said. "And to you as well Ginerva Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"How do you know our names?" Ginny asked. Next to her Harry and Hermione had a look on their face that showed they had the same question.
"I know many things, young one." She said, the smile on her face and twinkling in her eyes seemingly getting brighter.
"Where…Where are we?" Hermione asked.
"You are in the realm of Light." The woman said. Upon seeing their blank expressions, she continued. "You come from one world; in reality there are thousands of parallel realities, each different than the others. Some have only minor differences; others major differences. The realm of the Light is one of two connecting realms that join all of these realities together."
"Why are we here?" Harry asked. "And how did we get here?"
"Simple. I brought you here. As for why…" The woman replied, looking at Harry. "You are familiar with the prophecy that was made before your birth?" Harry nodded. "Throughout the many thousands of other realities there have been others subject to prophecy. When the time is right, they are brought here to receive their heritage."
"What prophecy is she talking about, Harry?" Ginny asked. Harry looked down at his feet. With the fast pace of events over the last few days, he hadn't told them. In truth, he was very nervous about their reactions. Sensing this, the woman spoke.
"Harry…you must tell them." She prompted. Harry sighed and began relaying the story of his prophecy. When he was down, he looked up at the two girls, afraid of what he would see in their faces.
"Don't worry Harry. We're going to be by your side. Always." Ginny said, pulling him into an embrace. A moment later Hermione joined them.
"And you're going to kick Voldemort's ass." She said. A moment later they broke apart.
"So you're saying that Harry being hit by the killing curse in Diagon Alley was the catalyst to unlocking his power?" Ginny asked. The woman nodded.
"But…the Killing Curse…it hit Ginny and I as well." Hermione said.
"Yes." The woman said. "That was the catalyst for you to come here."
"But, why are Hermione and I here?" Ginny asked. "The prophecy only speaks of Harry."
"You are correct; that particular prophecy only speaks of Harry." She said. "But there was another prophecy made several days ago; one that has changed young Harry's destiny, as well as your own."
"What did it say?" Hermione asked. The woman waved her hand and a vision of Sybil Trelawney appeared.
"The balance has shifted. The Dark Lord is too powerful for any one person to defeat. In order for the light to triumph the child of prophecy must join with his immortal bonded…one shall become three, three shall become one. Betrayal by the one closest to them shall set events in motion…dreams will become reality…
The blackness of death shall attempt to steal them, but fail, unleashing their power…The three shall return…more powerful than ever…and the Dark Lord shall finally know Death…"
Hermione, Ginny and Harry exchanged glances, attempting to process what they had just heard. Finally Harry spoke.
"Then…then our feelings for each other…were all predetermined?" Harry asked bitterly. Next to him, Hermione and Ginny were also looking ill pleased. They didn't like the idea that all of this had been pre-planned; that they had nothing to do with their own feelings.
"No, my child." The woman responded. "The feelings that you have for Hermione and Ginny, their feelings for you, and their feelings for each other are genuine and were of your own free will. Many people do not understand the true nature of prophecy. Prophecy does not guarantee something will happen; at least not in the sense you are thinking. Prophecy only gives us a glimpse of what will probably happen. But the decisions that lead up to that prophecy being fulfilled are ours to make alone.
Once the feelings each of you had for each other developed and more importantly, you had admitted them to each other, the prophecy came into play. Which is why you are here.
You are not the only ones who have been the object of prophecy. Any time a prophecy is made, and the necessary pre-conditions are met, the objects of that prophecy are brought here…or to the other realm."
"Why?" Ginny asked. She noticed the woman's face darken slightly at the mention of other realm and mentally filed it away to ask about later. Next to her, she noticed that Hermione and Harry had also noticed.
"Simple. To receive whatever powers and training are necessary for the prophecy to be completed." She replied.
"What's this 'immortal bonded' that the prophecy speaks of?" Hermione asked.
"Love is the most powerful force in any reality." The woman answered. "It gives us strength and connects us with others. In some cases, a love comes along that is so strong, so selfless and so pure that it joins the souls of the persons involved, allowing them to connect to each other in a way only dreamed of by others. Once their love is admitted, they often times find that they can sense when each other are in danger, even communicate with each other without words."
"And you're saying we have this bond?" Harry asked. The woman nodded.
"Observe." She said, waving her hand. Suddenly a pale blue light surrounded each of them. Harry glanced over at Hermione and saw a blue tendril reaching out from the light surrounding him and joining the light surrounding her. Likewise, a tendril seemed to reach out from her light and joined his. Two more tendrils also were visible connecting with her light, both connecting with Ginny. Likewise Ginny had two more tendrils, which connected with Harry.
"Yours is the strongest and most unusual bond I have ever seen." She continued.
"You said something before about receiving powers to fulfill the prophecy." Ginny said.
"Yes. Normally it would be accomplished quickly, here in this realm. However, your bond is a most unusual case. The natural powers that follow from the bonding can be unlocked here. However, this is only a fraction of the power the three of you are to receive. But the rest cannot be unlocked here. Instead, you must travel to three separate realities; one is actually an exact match for your own, only in the past, many thousand years ago; the other two are different from your own in that magic, at least in the sense that you are aware of, does not exist." The woman replied. Seeing their confused expressions, she continued. "You will soon find that there are other great powers out their besides what you call magic." Then she waved her hand again. The blue light around the trio brightened, and then dimmed until it disappeared.
Harry was suddenly assaulted with a wave of mixed emotions; love, lust, fear, and apprehension. He recognized these feelings as the same feelings he had been feeling. But the sheer power of these emotions could not have been just his own. He glanced at Hermione and Ginny and then it clicked.
Ginny? Hermione? Can you hear me? He thought, testing his hunch.
Harry? Is that you? Ginny asked, her eyes widening. How…
It's the bond! Hermione broke in. She must have released the powers from it.
"Yes my children." The woman spoke, startling the trio. "I have just unlocked the first part of the powers you have been destined to receive. Now you must travel to the other realities and gain the rest of your powers." With that she waved her hand again and the trio disappeared.
Harry, Hermione and Ginny reappeared at the edge of a forest. The air smelled of fresh rain, but the sky was bright and clear. Everything was quiet; there was no indication of anyone or anything near them.
"Where are we?" Ginny asked, looking around.
"This must be one of the realities she was referring to." Hermione said.
"There's a clearing up ahead." Harry said. The trio walked toward the clearing. When they had crossed out of the forest, the stopped dead, surprise overtaking them. All three gasped.
"It can't be." Ginny said. There in the distance, looming against the sky was Hogwarts.
"It is. It's Hogwarts." Harry said, looking up at the castle that they knew so well.
"But it's different." Hermione said. "It looks…newer." She turned to Harry and Ginny. "Remember? That woman said that one of the realities we were going to was actually the past of our own reality."
"You are correct, Ms. Granger." A voice sounded from behind them. All three whirled. Standing there was a tall, thin man, about forty years in age, with long black hair and green eyes. He was dressed in blue robes and leather boots.
Harry! That sort of looks like you! ? Ginny exclaimed through their mind link after studying the man for a moment.
Yeah. Hermione agreed. I've seen that face somewhere else before. But I can't remember where.
"Allow me to introduce myself and satisfy your curiosity." The man said. "I am Godric Gryffindor."
"Godric…Godric Gryffindor?" Ginny sputtered.
"Yes, my child." Godric replied. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"What…What year is this?" Hermione asked.
"932." Godric replied, and then continued, answering her unasked question. "Yes, you are in the past of your realm."
"How do you know about that?" Harry asked. Godric smiled at the trio.
"Several years ago a prophecy was made to me. It foretold of a time many years from now when the heir of Slytherin would rise to power and do battle with my own heir for the fate of the world. It further stated that my heir would one day travel back in time to receive his powers and would be accompanied by this soul bonded." Godric replied. It took a moment for his words to sink in.
Hermione's mind raced at this information. Obviously their current situation had been foreseen long before Sybil Trelawney's prediction. Next to her, Harry was trying to recover from the shock of another part of Godric's statement.
"You mean…I'm your heir?" Harry asked. Godric nodded.
"Yes Harry." He replied.
"Of course!" Hermione exclaimed. "It makes sense." Harry and Ginny looked at her in confusion. "Don't you remember what Dumbledore told you after the Chamber of Secrets, Harry?"
"He said only a true Gryffindor could have pulled the sword out of the hat." Harry said, and then added annoyed. "He knew. He knew and didn't tell me." Anger swept through Harry, and via the link through Hermione and Ginny.
Harry, calm down. Ginny said. There's nothing we can do about it at the moment. Though we will be having a nice long talk with the Headmaster when we get back.
I agree. Hermione said. Its time someone put him in his place. Godric's voice soon interrupted their mental conversation.
"I hate to interrupt, but there is much work to be done." Godric said. "The situation in your own time is dire; we must prepare you quickly."
"We?" Harry, Hermione and Ginny asked together. The trio blushed slightly and grinned. Godric chuckled.
"Forgive me; I am speaking of my two counterparts here, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff." Godric said. "I will unlock the magic that you carry within you Harry, but that is only part of the process. You must learn to control this new magic.
Now, you must prepare yourself; in order to accommodate this magic, your body will need to be altered. It may be painful." Harry nodded. Godric turned to Hermione and Ginny. "Because of the bond you share with Mr. Potter, and each other, it is highly probable that you will also receive some of this power. I do not pretend to understand the bond, but it is possible you will experience the same effects."
"Do it." The trio said at the same time. Grins spread on their faces again..
"Very well." Godric said. He drew his wand and pointed at Harry and then muttered a spell.
Harry watched as Godric waved his wand and muttered a spell. An instant later his world exploded in a combination of bright white light and excruciating pain, causing him to fall to the ground. His entire body was racked with pain; it felt similar to the Cruciatus Curse. This went on for several minutes, as Harry gritted his teeth and fought the urge to cry out. Finally he could stand it no longer and let out a scream.
Next to him, both Hermione and Ginny were experiencing the same combination of light and pain. Almost the same instant that Harry let out his scream, both the girls also started screaming. Their screams lasted for about five minutes.
Then a moment later, it was over. The pain and light began to dim and then vanished all together. Slowly, the trio got to their knees and then stood, their bodies still trembling. The trio stumbled slightly, trying to maintain their balance.
"Take each other's hands. You must rest. The transfer of power has taken much out of you. I will apparate you into Hogwarts." Godric said. It was a sign of how fatigued they were that Hermione didn't immediately jump in about how, according to Hogwarts, A History, apparating in Hogwarts was impossible. The trio joined hands. Godric waved his wand and a moment later, the trio disappeared.
The next morning, Harry, Hermione and Ginny awoke, each still feeling the effects of the transfer of power. Harry grimaced slightly as he sat up, his muscles still feeling sore. On either side of him, Ginny and Hermione also stirred.
Harry looked around the chamber and instantly recognized it as Gryffindor tower; though its configuration was slightly different. They were in a large bedchamber, containing a large four-poster bed on which he and the girls had slept, as well as several other pieces of furniture. On the far right of the room were three chests, all bearing the Gryffindor crest.
"Morning." Ginny said as she leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. When they parted, Harry felt another hand grab his chin. Hermione turned his head towards hers and kissed him
"I could get use to this." Harry said, grinning.
"Good." Hermione said, returning his grin.
"Yeah, because you heard what that woman and Godric said." Ginny added. "We're all soul mates. You're stuck with us." Harry moved forward to the edge of the bed and stood up. Behind him, Ginny and Hermione embraced, kissing each other.
Harry glanced over to the three chests on the right side of the room. Laid out on each chest was a set of black clothing. Harry walked over and examined them. They were made of a light material, feeling almost like silk. Then he noticed a note laying on one of them.
Harry, Hermione and Ginny,
I hope you slept well. When you awake, please put these training uniforms on and meet us down in the Great Hall for breakfast. They have been made taking in account the physical changes that occurred from the transfer of power.
Godric
It was only after he read the note that Harry realized that the clothes he was wearing did not fit right. His jeans were now about three inches too short and were tight in the legs. His shirt was very tight. He looked down at his arms and could see more muscle than he had had before the transfer. The biggest surprise was when he realized he was no longer wearing his glasses, yet could see perfectly.
"Bloody hell." He muttered. He turned around and looked at Hermione and Ginny, who had now gotten out of bed and were looking at him and each other, their eyes wide. As he really looked at the girls for the first time since yesterday, his jaw dropped.
Hermione and Ginny, at least in his mind, had always been very pretty. But the two girls…women, he corrected himself, that stood there now were absolutely gorgeous. Both had grown in height about two inches. Their bodies were more athletic than they had been before, and both had much more…significant curves than Harry remembered. In fact, they now looked like they could pass for models in the magazines that Dudley was always sneaking looks at. They each also appeared to have aged about a year or so. Then Hermione turned to him, a grin spreading on her lips.
"You looked good enough to eat before. But now…" She said.
"Me?" Harry said, grinning. "When we get back, I'm going to have my hands full keeping the rest of the school away from you." Hermione and Ginny glanced at each other and walked over to Harry.
"Don't worry, we have what we want." Ginny said, trailing her finger on his chest.
Fifteen minutes later, the trio walked into the Great Hall. The rest of the school appeared to be deserted, and the only other people in the Hall were Godric and two women, whom Harry assumed was Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. As the trio approached the table they were sitting at, Godric called out to them.
"Greetings. I see the uniforms fit." He said.
"Yes." Harry said. "Thank you." Godric waved his hand dismissively.
"No thanks are necessary. It would have been difficult for us to give you the necessary training in your old clothes." He said. Then he motioned for them to sit down. "Helga, Rowena, May I introduce Harry Potter and his bonded, Ginerva Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"All three of them are bonded?" Helga said, surprised. Godric nodded. "That's incredible! There's never been a recorded case of a triple bonding."
"Indeed." Godric said. "But then again, considering the adventures they have had, it is hardly surprising." Harry looked up in surprise.
"How do you know all this?" he asked. Godric smiled.
"The same way I knew of your coming." He said. "Now, I suggest you eat a good breakfast. We have a long day ahead of us."
"How long will we be here?" Ginny asked. This time, Rowena answered.
"In your reality, a week. Here however, it will be six months. Afterwards, you will move on to the next realm you must visit." She said. "I don't know for sure, but I'd suspect the time differential will be similar.
"So you're saying that when we return to our time, we'll be three years older?" Hermione asked. Godric nodded.
"God, I've never been so tired before." Hermione said, falling back onto the bed. She, Harry, and Ginny had just finished their first month of training. It was nothing like they had experienced before. When Godric had said they would be in need of learning to control their new magic, he hadn't been joking.
They had been spending almost twelve hours a day, training in all aspects of magic from dueling to wandless magic, charms, animagery, and potions. Because of this hectic schedule, the trio had not had much time to explore their relationship; so far the only activities they had engaged in besides cuddling was some kissing. But that was about to change.
As a reward for the dedication and progress they were making in their training, Godric had announced two days ago that they would have the weekend off. All three were looking forward to being able to spend time together further exploring their love.
"You're telling me." Ginny said, stripping off her sweat-stained uniform. "I'm really looking forward to a nice, long bath." She watched as Hermione stripped her own clothes off. "Where's Harry?"
"He came up a few minutes ago and locked himself in the bathroom…said something about making sure everything was perfect." Hermione said. A moment later, the bathroom door opened and Harry strolled out, already out of his uniform.
"Take my hands and close your eyes." He said. Ginny and Hermione walked over to him and took his hands, then closed their eyes. Harry led them through the door into their spacious bathroom. He let go of their hands and closed the door.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now." He said. Hermione and Ginny gasped in unison as they peered around the room. The room was alit in the soft glow of dozens of candles, their sweet fragrance hanging in the air. Rose petals were strewn on the floor, creating a path to the large tub on the right side of the room. More petals were placed along the five-inch wide rim of the tub, along with three crystal goblets and what three bottles, as well as a bowl of strawberries. The tub itself was filled with hot water, the steam rising off the surface, breaking through the layer of bubbles on top of the water. Soft instrumental music could be heard throughout the room.
Ginny and Hermione immediately spun around and grabbed Harry, pulling him into a three-way embrace. Hermione reached up and kissed him passionately. When she broke away, Ginny's mouth replaced hers. Harry felt extremely lightheaded, his knees buckling slightly.
"Harry, this is absolutely wonderful." Hermione purred. Ginny broke away from Harry.
"T..Thanks." Harry said, breathless. Then he motioned to them. "Shall we?"
"This was definitely a good idea." Ginny commented, taking a sip from her goblet. She, Hermione, and Harry were sitting in their tub, Harry position between the two girls, his arms draped over their shoulders. They had been relaxing in the tub for almost three hours now, using magic to reheat the water whenever it began to cool down.
Hermione and Harry both nodded in agreement. All of their muscles were much more relaxed than they had been several hours earlier, and the headaches that they had been battling were gone completely. For the first hour they had merely sat in the tub snuggling and relaxing, allowing the hot water to work on their bodies.
Gradually, they began exchanging brief kisses and discussing their relationship. They talked about many things; their childhoods, their experiences at Hogwarts, and their feelings for where their relationship would head. Another topic was how they were going to explain things when they returned home, specifically where they had gone, their new powers, and most importantly, their relationship.
They had pretty much agreed that they would have to tell Dumbledore, Molly and Arthur, Remus and a few select others everything. Their anger at Dumbledore's decision to hide the second prophecy from them and his decision to hide Harry's heritage from him aside, it was the only way. Since by the time they returned they would be in no need of schooling (according to Godric), they planned on asking Dumbledore to appoint them as DADA instructors. This way they would also be able to share quarters.
The last hour had been spent making out, as well as exploring each other's bodies. By now all three were feeling the effects of the bottles of wine they had been drinking, as well as the rising heat of passion that was building up inside them.
I think we should move this party to the bedroom. Hermione said through their mind link. Harry looked at Hermione.
"Are you sure?" he asked. Hermione nodded. Then he turned to Ginny. Before he could ask, she leaned in and kissed him, pulling away a moment later.
"Definitely." She purred.
Harry was living every teenage boy's fantasy. He was currently lying on his back, engaged in passionate kissing with Ginny, while next to them; Hermione was alternating between kissing his neck and Ginny. When they had exited the tub and made their way in her, the girls' position had been reversed, with Hermione on top of him and Ginny next to them. After about twenty minutes, during which the three teens also used their hands to more liberally explore one another, Hermione had rolled off, allowing Ginny to take her place.
Ginny broke their kiss to turn to Hermione and kiss her, their tongues making contact with one another. Harry watched, using his hands to cup and massage first Ginny's, then Hermione's breasts. After a few moments, the girls' broke their kiss. Ginny turned back to Harry and kissed his neck, and then slowly began kissing her way down his body, lingering for several seconds on his chest.
Harry nearly gasped when he felt something moist engulf him. He looked down to see Ginny's beautiful eyes looking up at him. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Next to him, Hermione leaned over and kissed him passionately on the lips, then began placing kisses on his neck and chest.
Finally, after several minutes, Harry let out a moan and pushed Hermione and Ginny off of him. Looking at them with desire in his eyes, he asked an unspoken question.
"Let Ginny go first." Hermione said. Harry nodded and moved off to the side. Ginny lay down and Harry positioned himself above her. A moment later he felt her warmth engulf him and she let out a small moan.
The next morning, the trio awoke feeling the best they had in many weeks, despite the fact they had been up rather late. After Harry and Ginny had finished making love, and the trio spent several minutes recovering, Hermione and Ginny had proceeded to make love while Harry watched on. Finally, Hermione and Harry had made love, and the trio fell asleep in each other's arms.
The rest of the weekend past very quickly for the trio. During the days, the trio spent their time exploring the castle and the grounds, occasionally swimming in the lake or going on picnics. At night they continued their passionate activities.
Monday morning their training picked up with a vengeance.
"Your training is now complete." Godric said. Over the past six months, the Trio had been trained in virtually every aspect of magical offense and defense imaginable, including apparition and animagery. Harry was definitely the most talented, but Ginny and Hermione were not far behind. The biggest surprise had come when they first tried the Animagus transformation; contrary to all known magical history, each of the trio had not one, but three animagus forms. More surprising however was the fact that they took the same forms: a phoenix, a wolf, and a basilisk.
Godric stepped forward to Harry. Throwing open his cloak, he detached his sword from his belt and handed to Harry.
"As my heir, this now belongs to you." He said. "Use it well." Rowena then proceeded to present Hermione with her own sword, and Helga presented Ginny with hers.
"Thank you." The trio said in unison, causing their teachers to smile. Suddenly there was a flash of light and the trio found themselves in the same white mist they had seen months earlier, with the same woman standing before them.
"Congratulations, my children." She said. "You have completed your time in the first realm. Now you must move on to the second." She waved her hand and the trio disappeared. Behind her, Godric, Rowena, and Helga came out of the mist.
"Forgive me mistress, but shouldn't we have told them about the other prophecy?" Godric asked. The woman turned and spoke.
"No, young Godric. It is not yet time for them to learn of that prophecy."
Chapter 6: Greetings Young Grasshoppers
The trio reappeared a moment later in a on a bare mountainside. In front of them was a large temple, clearly Asian in style. They glanced around and saw an elderly Asian man, dressed in orange robes, standing near the entrance to the temple. The four figures stood motionless, staring at each other for several moments, no one saying anything.
Well, we might as well make the first move. Harry said over the mind link. Hermione and Ginny nodded. The trio began walking towards the gate. After a moment they were standing only a foot or two from the man.
"Hello." Harry said. "I'm-"
"Harry Potter." The man replied in Chinese. The Trio's eyes widened as they realized they could understand him. "And you are Hermione Granger and you are Ginny Weasley." The man bowed slightly. "It is an honor to have you here. I am Qui Jan Cain. Welcome, young grasshoppers." He motioned for them to follow him into the temple. They entered a large courtyard and saw several dozen people, men and women, dress similar to him performing various tasks. Several appeared to be engaged in a form of hand-to-hand combat. Harry stopped and stared.
"What is this place?" Ginny asked.
"This is the Shaolin temple of Li Chu." Cain answered. Seeing the look of confusion that crossed their faces, he explained. "Shaolin is an ancient philosophy of self-discipline and enlightenment, as well as a form of Kung Fu. The three of you have deeply troubled souls; it is for this reason that you have been sent here, along with the need for you to learn unarmed combat."
"But why?" Hermione asked. "Surely, magic is a much-"
"Magic is a wonderful thing; however it is not always the best way to operate and has its limitations. I shall demonstrate. Attack me." Cain replied. Harry, Hermione and Ginny looked at each other, than drew their wands.
"Stupefy!" all three yelled. As the flash of the spells left their wands, Cain moved into action quickly moving out of the way. He seemed to be moving impossibly fast. First, Hermione was knocked to the ground, her wand landing several feet away. Then Ginny fell and finally Harry felt a palm hit his face and he collapsed.
"As you can see." Cain said, standing over the three of them, "There are ways to defeat even a wizard or a witch without a wand."
"There are many roads that lead to the way, but these contain but two common features: recognition and practice. By recognition is meant that meditation reveals the truth all living things share a common nature, a natured concealed by illusion." Cain said. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were sitting around their teacher, dressed in the gray clothing of students, as he explained the Shaolin philosophy.
"Those who shun illusion for reality, who meditate on walls and the loss of self and other, on the unity of mortal and sage, and are undeterred by written holy words are in accord with the faculty of reason. Lacking motion and effort, they embrace reason.
By practice it's meant the participation and acceptance of the Four Noble Truths: suffering, adapting, non-attachment, and practicing the Dharma. First comes suffering. When followers of the Way suffer, they should recall that in the countless previous incarnations they have been deterred from the path, sometimes becoming trivial and angry even without cause. The suffering in this life is a punishment but also an opportunity to exercise what has been learned from past lives. Men and gods are equally unable to see where a seed may bear fruit. You must accept this suffering as a challenge and with an open heart. In recognizing suffering, you enter onto the path of the Way.
Second, adapt to your conditions. Mortals are ruled by their surroundings, not by themselves. All we experience depends upon surroundings. If we reap reward or great boon, it is the fruit of a seed we planted long ago. Eventually, it will end. Do not delight in these boons, for what is the point? In a mind unmoved by reward and setback, the journey on the path continues.
Third, seek no attachments. Mortals delude themselves. They seek to possess things, always searching for something. But enlightened ones wake up and choose reason over habit. They focus on the Way and their bodies follow them through each season. The world offers only emptiness, with nothing worth desiring. Disaster and Prosperity constantly trade places. To live in the three realms is to say in a house on fire. To have a body is to experience suffering. Does any body have peace? Those who see past illusion are detached, and neither imagines nor seeks. The sutras teach that to seek is to suffer; to seek not is to have bliss. In not seeking, you follow the path.
Fourth, practice the Dharma, the reality teaching all spirits are pure. All illusion is dropped. Duality does not exist. Subject and object do not exist. The sacred texts say the Dharma has no being because it is free from the attachment of being; the Dharma has no self because it is free from the attachment to self. Those who understand this truth wisely practice the path. They know that the things that are real do not include greed and envy, and give themselves with their bodies, minds, and spirits. They share material things in charity, with gladness, with no vanity or thought of giver or taker of gift. In this way they teach others without becoming attached. This allows them to help others see and enjoy the path to enlightenment."
"But Master, what does that mean?" Ginny asked, and then glanced at Hermione and Harry nervously. The other members of the trio had looks of apprehension on their faces. They did not like what it sounded like. "Does that mean that we should deny our feelings and love for one another?" Cain shook his head.
"No, my child." He replied, smiling. "Shaolin merely teaches the recognition that pain and pleasure, happiness and sadness, are ever evolving. Those who are self-aware recognize this, accept what may come, even enjoy it or loathe it, and are always prepared to let it go. One must be selfless in dealing with these feelings; treat them as a gift that may pass at any moment; not as a possession that is jealously clung to.
Above all, you must learn that we have no control over what comes our way; to try to control events is an illusion. The only power you have is control over how you react to a situation. Emotion can be a good thing, but emotion not tempered by logic and reason is misleading.
Once you accept these truths, you will be better prepared to do what you must."
Harry sat on the mountainside, meditating. It had been nearly six months since he, Hermione, and Ginny had arrived at this place; now their time here was nearly finished. True to Cain's lecture the first day, their acceptance and training in the Shaolin philosophy had made a huge impact.
All three were now very much at peace; the self-doubt and fear that they had clinged onto was now gone. All of their anger at Dumbledore and others over past mistakes or perceived injustices had now been abated. Their new confidence and focus was very noticeable in all aspects of their lives. They were now performing even better during the practice magical combat sessions, and had even merged their dueling and Kung Fu fighting techniques together. Individually they were now all able to if not beat, at least fight to a draw their master.
Their relationship with one another had also dramatically improved. They now took more enjoyment in even the smallest moments together, and their souls were aligned even more perfectly than before. Their lovemaking had reached new heights of pleasure and enjoyment, through a combination of practice and willingness to open themselves to the moment and enjoy every moment.
"Harry?" Ginny asked. Harry turned to find her and Hermione both standing there. In the time they had been here training, the girls had only gotten more athletic and beautiful.
"Cain says it's almost time." Hermione said. Harry nodded and stood up. He walked over between them and took their hands. Together they walked back to the temple, where Cain was waiting for them.
"Goodbye, my students." Chain said. "It was an honor teaching you."
"Thank you master." Harry said, bowing slightly.
"It was an honor to learn from such a distinguished teacher." Hermione said. A moment later the trio was again engulfed in a flash of light and the trio was transported back to the white mist.
"Greetings, my children." The woman said. "You have completed your second training. Once you complete this final level, you shall be returned home." With that she waved her hand and the trio disappeared. "I hope they will be ready. For your time in this next realm will be the most bizarre yet."
"They will be." Cain said, walking up to her through the mist. "I have never seen three such as them before. They are indeed the ones of the prophecy; they will bring balance to their world."