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."
Chapter 7: Duncan MacCleodThe trio reappeared on a Seattle street at night. Together the looked around, trying to get their bearings. Most of the streetlights were out, making it difficult to see. Suddenly the heard the clanging of metal and moved towards the sound. They approached an alley and saw two figures, wielding swords, engaged in a fight. They watched for several minutes as the combatants battled. Finally, one of the men disarmed the other and sent him to his knees, the tip of his blade at the man's throat. A moment later he swung his sword, decapitating the man.
Almost immediately a loud roar filled the air as a strong wind blew through. Then the remaining streetlights blew and arcs of blue electricity began converging on the man that was still standing, impacting his body. This continued on for several minutes before stopping. The trio stood, watching, unable to tear their eyes away. All three nearly jumped when the man turned towards them and spoke.
"Greetings Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley."
"Who…what are you?" Harry asked, his normal focus slightly broken. The man walked forward, sheathing his sword, which the trio now saw was a Japanese katana.
"My name is Duncan MacCleod of the Clan Macleod. I was born 400 years ago in the Highlands of Scotland. And I am Immortal."
"Okay." Hermione said. "Explain this one more time." The trio was sitting around a table back at Duncan's apartment. Duncan sighed; he had explained his heritage twice already, and was half-torn between exasperation and amusement at the three teens' reactions.
"Okay." He said. "I am immortal. I was born in the Highlands of Scotland 400 years ago. I am not alone. There are others like me, some good, some evil. For centuries I have battled the forces of darkness, with holy ground my only refuge. I cannot die, unless you take my head, and with it my power. In the end there can be only one.
Now, approximately two years ago I was visited in a vision by Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, one of the greatest Immortals of all time, until his death. He spoke to me of another realm, in which there were no Immortals, where a great evil was to arise and approach immortality. He further spoke of a champion who would, with his soul-bonded, one day travel here to train and be revealed a new Immortal."
"So, you're saying that Harry is an Immortal?" Ginny asked. Duncan nodded.
"Yes." Duncan said. "However, I do not believe he is the only one. I have always had the ability to detect one of my kind, through a headache. The headache I had when I spotted you three in the Alley was much more intense than normal.
I do not pretend to understand magic, as it does not exist in this realm; nor do I truly understand the soul bond that you three share. I have been informed about what happened when you visited the first realm; it is my belief that something similar has occurred here. Somehow, through the bond you share, Harry's Immortal status has also been passed on to you."
"But…that would mean." Hermione said.
"That we would eventually have to fight each other." Harry finished.
"No." a voice said. All four whirled around to see a specter figure standing in the apartment. Duncan's eyes widened.
"Ramirez?" he asked.
"Yes, young McCleod." The specter replied. Then he turned to the trio. "In this realm, what you have surmised would be true. However, you three are not of this realm. Each realm has its own set of rules. In the case of your realm, there is no rule limiting the ultimate existence of only one Immortal. Additionally, the bond that the three of you share would make it impossible for any of you to intentionally harm the others. Your soul bond cannot be broken by any means; even were one of you to lose your head, his or her spirit would remain with the others."
A faint look of relief appeared on the trio's faces. Despite their Shaolin training, the idea of one day having to fight each other had sent a wave of panic through them. Ramirez turned to McCleod.
"Train them well, Highlander." He said before disappearing.
"Again." Duncan said. He had just finished disarming Harry, Hermione and Ginny. They had been training for four weeks now, and were quickly becoming adept at using the swords presented to them by Godric, Rowena, and Helga, though not good enough to beat Duncan, even three on one. This had been the closest they had come, Harry hanging on to his sword until the last moment.
Harry walked over to where his sword lay and picked it up; several feet away Hermione and Ginny did the same. Slowly the Trio began to circle around Duncan, measuring him.
He's too good. Ginny said through their link.
Well, he has had 400 years of practice. Hermione commented. A moment later all three struck. Duncan easily avoided Harry and Ginny's attack, and deflected Hermione's. Regaining his footing, Harry attacked once again, succeeding in drawing Duncan away from Hermione.
The battle continued for about ten minutes, with the Trio and Duncan seemingly locked into a draw. What they needed was some sort of advantage. Then it hit Harry and he cursed himself silently.
Magic. He said through the link. Hermione and Ginny's eyes widened slightly.
Of course! Hermione said through the link. How could we have been so stupid? For some reason, none of them had thought about using magic in their duel with Duncan. It would definitely be an advantage. Quickly they worked out a plan through the link.
Duncan smiled to himself as he sparred with the Trio. They were fast learners and were quickly approaching a level of skill with the blade that rivaled his own, though he still had the advantage. Luckily they had seemed to forget the one advantage they had over him…magic. Once the finally realized this, he had no doubt they would beat him. Then he would take them to the next step. As Duncan blocked another of Hermione's blows, he saw the Trio withdraw slightly.
I wonder what- His thought was interrupted when the three suddenly attacked again. Only this time, not just with blade.
"Stupefy!"
"Expelliarmus!" Duncan swore as he was forced to dive towards the ground to avoid the two curses fired at him. A moment later he swung his sword to block Harry's attack. Unfortunately, his concentration had slipped and while he blocked Harry's sword, he was not able to get out of the way of stunning curse from Hermione's wand.
When he awoke a moment later, he found three blades at his throat. After a moment, the blades were pulled away. Harry held his hand out to help Duncan up.
"Congratulations." Duncan said. "You're learning."
"Well, what do you think of our young friends?" Duncan asked. He was sitting at a table in Joe Dawson's bar, along with his friends Methos and Ritchie. Ritchie took a sip of his beer.
"It's too bad they're bonded." Ritchie said, a grin on his face. "That Ginny is definitely someone I'd like to get close to. Of course, so is Hermione." Duncan grinned slightly. His young friend and fellow Immortal had always been a ladies man.
"Forget it." Duncan replied. "Those three are hopelessly in love with and devoted to each other. Besides, do you really want to make one of them angry?" Methos laughed.
"Angry?" he replied. "I wonder if it's even possible. They're like ice most of the time." Ritchie nodded in agreement.
"I don't think so." Duncan said, looking at his companions. "They're friendly enough and the sounds coming out of their bedroom certainly aren't what you would expect from heartless bastards. They're just…in control of their emotions."
Their initial reactions to being Immortals aside, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were difficult read. They were capable of show friendliness, love, and many other forms of emotion. But at the same time there was calmness about them; very little seemed to bother them. It gave them a great advantage in battle.
It had been five months since their arrival here, and they were already able to best everyone at the table, whether individually or as a group. In fact, just this morning the Trio had defeated Duncan, Ritchie, Methos and Raven (another Immortal) as well as Joe Dawson and several other of their friends in a mock battle. Duncan felt supremely sorry for whomever they would be fighting for real.
"I guess there's only one thing left for them to do before they can go back." Methos said. Duncan nodded. In order to complete the transformation, the Trio needed to fight and kill another Immortal, thus experiencing their first Quickening.
Harry glanced around the street as he, Ginny and Hermione walked towards Joe Dawson's bar. Per Duncan's instructions, the Trio had spent the last two weeks moving about the city of Seattle, searching for a serial killer that had been using a sword to kill women at night. Duncan and his friend Methos were sure it was another Immortal. And since the Trio needed to kill an Immortal to finish their transformation, it seemed like as good a task as any.
So far however, their search had come up empty and time was running out. They only had two more weeks remaining in this realm, and if they didn't find another Immortal by then, they would be forced to fight one of their mentors. This was a solution none of them wanted.
Glancing around the street, Harry suddenly became wary. It was almost dark, and this section of town usually had lots of activity, given the number of bars in the area. But tonight, the streets were empty.
I think we may have a problem. Harry said to the others through the link. Hermione and Ginny glanced around also.
Where is everyone? Ginny asked.
I don't know. But I don't like the feeling I'm getting. Hermione replied. Suddenly all three of them got a bad headache. As one, they drew their blades.
"So I see it is true." A voice said, stepping out from an alley. "There are three Immortals on my trail." Harry looked over at the man who had stepped out of the alley. He was tall, and looked like a body builder. He was holding a large broadsword.
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny approached him, weapons ready. Then they got another headache, this one three times as bad as before. Four more figures all armed with swords stepped out of the alley.
"I'm sorry, how rude of me." The man said. "Allow me to introduce my friends."
Okay, five against three. Harry said through the link. I think I'm insulted.
Let's get this over with. Hermione said.
"Five on three, huh?" Harry said idly. "Hardly seems fair…for you." In an instant the Trio attacked, firing off three stunners, two of which made contact. A moment later Hermione and Ginny were standing over the two fallen men, their blades already swinging. The blades connected, sending two heads away from their bodies.
Meanwhile, Harry was busy engaging the three remaining opponents. His blade connected with the stomach of one, sending him to the ground. "Slasio!" he cried, sending a slashing curse at his fallen opponent, severing his head. The two remaining men began to back away. Hermione and Ginny moved up along side Harry.
"Looks like you're outnumbered." Ginny said.
"What…What are you people!" the younger of the pair shouted.
"We're…complicated." Harry answered. The trio advanced on the pair, then struck, this time using no magic. Their opponents fought well, but the combination of skill and coordination that the Trio had going for them soon overwhelmed the duo. The first to fall was the youngest of the pair, falling victim to two gut wounds from Hermione and Ginny. Harry then took his head.
The last remaining Immortal, the one they had been after was quickly disarmed and bent over on his knees.
"Now, go to Hell where you belong." Harry said as he swung his sword, cutting the man's head off.
Around them, the wind began to pick up, howling fiercely. Harry joined hands with Hermione and Ginny and they braced for the onslaught that was coming. Soon bluish bolts of electricity filled the air, crackling around them and then impacting into their bodies. The three cried out in pain. It felt very similar to the Cruciatus curse, with pain going through every fiber of their bodies.
Then, it was over.
"This is definitely one of the more unusual unions I've presided over." Father Berkley Smith commented to Duncan. Father Smith was the pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Seattle and had known Duncan for several years.
"Well, it is an unusual set of circumstances." Duncan replied. They were gathered at Joe Dawson's bar where the Father had just presided over the wedding of Harry, Hermione, and Ginny to one another. To say it was unprecedented for any Christian priest, even an Episcopal priest, to preside over such a union was an understatement. But then again, Father Smith was anything but normal.
For one, he was among the small group of people in Seattle who knew the truth about Duncan and his friends. For another, he was the only other person besides Duncan who knew the full prophecy, having had it revealed to him in a dream by his long-departed mother.
Father Smith watched the trio, standing on the other side of the room, gazing at each other. He had never really believed the dream he had had three years ago. Until last week when Duncan showed up at his church with these three remarkable young people. Watching them, he could see the love and devotion they shared; it was unlike anything he had ever seen before. More importantly, he could see the courage, intelligence and determination behind their eyes.
"Do you think they will be able to do it?" he asked, turning to Duncan. Duncan thought for a moment.
"Yes." He replied. "Because if they can't, none of the realms will be safe."
Chapter 8: Meanwhile, Back Home
"NO!" a pair of shouts grabbed Remus's attention. He had just stunned a Deatheater and looked over to the overturned street vendor cart where Hermione, Ginny, and Harry had taken refuge. His eyes widened and panic swept through him at what he saw. All three had been disarmed and three Deatheaters were standing before them. A killing curse had been fired and was rushing towards Harry. Remus watched as Hermione and Ginny jumped in front of it, and then crumbled to the ground. Worse, the curse continued on to Harry, striking him in the chest.
"No! Not Harry!" Remus shouted, running toward the scene, firing stunners at the three Deatheaters. A moment later he was flanked with Arthur and Dumbledore. Around them, the Aurors were dispatching the rest of the Deatheaters. Dumbledore fired a curse towards the three Deatheaters, who were trying to get away. It hit two of them. The third disapparated.
"Please don't let him be dead." Remus said as they approached the trio. Dumbledore bent down and examined them, his eyes grave. A moment later, he stood up, shaking his head.
"I'm afraid they're –" He was interrupted by a flash of light. All three of their jaws dropped as they stood at the spot where the Trio's bodies had lain only a moment before. All that remained was empty ground.
Harry Potter, Friends, Killed in Deatheater Attack
After several days of rumor and speculation, the Ministry of Magic has confirmed that Harry Potter, the famous Boy-Who-Lived, was killed on Saturday's attack in Diagon Alley. Mr. Potter, along with friends Hermione Granger and Ginerva Weasley, had exited Gringott's bank when the attack occurred. Ignoring their own safety, the three assisted residents and members of the Order of Phoenix in fighting the Deatheaters, only to be surprised and disarmed from behind.
Witnesses say the Killing Curse was shot at Mr. Potter, however, Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley threw themselves in its path. In a highly unusual occurrence, the curse passed through both girls, who fell to the ground dead, and hit Mr. Potter.
With his death, many are now asking who can stand up and defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Dumbledore threw down his copy of the Daily Prophet. He and Arthur had argued with the Ministry for many hours, trying to deter them from making this announcement. Despite the fact that all three were hit with Killing Curses, and despite the fact that he had examined their bodies, Dumbledore strongly suspected that they were not indeed dead. In fact the disappearance of the bodies from the street in front of their faces seemed to be a fulfillment of the second prophecy.
Which means they will be back. Dumbledore thought. And then God help Voldemort and his people.
Lord Voldemort laughed with delight as Severus Snape reported the confirmation of the death of his arch nemesis, Harry Potter. At first he was very angry with Malfoy for interfering. But as it became apparent that Potter was indeed dead, Voldemort became less angry. Now no one stood in his way. He didn't dare show this however, instead punishing Malfoy severely, lest any of his followers begin to doubt his power.
"And what is Dumbledore's reaction to the death of his savior?" Voldemort spat.
"My lord, Dumbledore refuses to admit that he, or his two friends are really dead." Snape answered carefully. Dumbledore had informed him of the prophecy, and as much as he hated to admit it, he felt that Dumbledore was right. He had long ago seen the connection between Harry and Hermione. And the more he thought about it, he realized that the clues to the connection between Harry and Ginny and Ginny and Hermione had always been there. "The mysterious disappearance of their bodies has him clinging on to a fool's hope that somehow they were saved and are only now in hiding."
"He always was a fool." Voldemort replied. "I think it is time to take advantage of our good fortune, while the Ministry is disorganized and the population in despair."
In the town of Little Winnipeg, in a house on Privet Drive, Vernon Dursley was sitting in his sitting room, drink in hand celebrating. Only yesterday those freaks had informed him that his worthless nephew was dead and would not be returning to his home.
It was the happiest day of his life. Until now.
A sudden blast sent his front door flying into the hall. A moment later his wife Petunia came out of the kitchen. Six figures dressed in black robes and white masks entered the home. Petunia screamed in fear. One of the figures raised his wand and uttered the Killing Curse. The green light rushed towards her, impacting on her chest and sending her to the floor, lifeless.
Vernon stood, frozen in fear, looking at her limp form. He didn't even try to run when another of the figures raised his wand. A moment later Vernon was on the floor, screaming in excruciating pain, wishing for death.
Arthur Weasley stepped through the fireplace into his living room. Rubbing his eyes, he slowly made his way upstairs. It had been a long three weeks. Just shortly after the official statement by the Ministry, Lord Voldemort's forces stuck with a vengeance. The first victims had been Harry's Aunt, Uncle, and cousin, as well as most of their neighbors.
In the weeks since, Voldemort's followers had launched not less then forty attacks all across Britain. Civilian and Auror casualties had been high; the Ministry was completely overwhelmed. Every worker at the Ministry had as a result been pressed into service.
Likewise the Order of Phoenix was stretched to its limits. It seemed that with the only person that could stop Voldemort gone…Arthur shook his head and cleared that thought out of his head. Dumbledore was certain that Harry, Hermione, and Ginny weren't dead. In fact, he seemed to think their disappearance was related to another prophecy he had received. But Dumbledore had been rather evasive as to the contents of the prophecy or why Ginny and Hermione disappeared as well.
I hope he's right.
Neville Longbottom looked around as he walked out of Ollivander's in Diagon Alley. Most of the damage from the attack several weeks earlier had been repaired and now several pairs of Aurors were patrolling the area. Neville had just finished replacing his wand, which had been damaged last term when he fought at the Ministry with Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Ron against Deatheaters.
The thought of his four friends filled him with sadness, though for different reasons. Neville had been present at Harry's birthday party and he had heard Ron's comments to both Hermione and Ginny. Neville couldn't believe what he heard. Then again, having seen the looks that Harry, Hermione, and Ginny had exchanged when Harry had first arrived, and given Ron's jealousy of Harry's life and his crush on Hermione, it didn't surprise him that Ron got angry. But even he was surprised with what Ron had said.
The next day the attack happened.
Neville still couldn't believe that they were dead. He had always believed that Harry would defeat Voldemort and help avenge what had happened to Neville's parents.
Suddenly there was a large explosion from Florish & Botts, sending debris through the air. A moment later, another explosion erupted from the entrance to the alley from the Leaky Cauldron, and then a third from a small shop near the entrance to Nocturne Alley. Neville threw himself to the ground, taking cover against a wall to avoid the rain of debris. A thick haze of smoke now filled the alley as the sites of all three explosions erupted into flames. Neville could see that several bodies were now littering the area; some victims of the explosion, others victims from raining debris, including several of the Aurors.
Several people began moving, running towards the wounded. A moment later a volley of curses struck several down. Neville watched in horror as dozens upon dozens of Deatheaters apparated into the alley and began systematically attacking anyone that they came across. The few Aurors who had not been killed or injured by the explosions or the initial volley of curses attempted to fight back, but they were outnumbered. Within minutes most were dead or wounded and the only resistance to Voldemort's minions was in the form of civilians who had taken cover and began firing curses and hexes at them.
Unfortunately, most of the people in the alley who were attempting to fight back had neither the knowledge or experience to fight effectively for more than a few moments.
"CRUCIO!" a voice cried out, a spell hitting Neville from the right side, sending him to the ground writhing in pain. A moment later the curse was lifted. "Awww…is the poor little baby in pain?"
Neville immediately recognized the taunting voice. It was Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the Deatheaters he, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Ron had faced at the Ministry last term and the one responsible for his parent's condition. He attempted to get to his feet and reach his wand, which was laying about a foot and a half from him, only to be hit with the Cruciautus curse once again.
Just as Neville thought his body was going to explode from the pain, he heard a muffled gurgle and the curse suddenly lifted. He looked over in the direction of Lestrange in time to see her fall to the ground, a throwing knife imbedded in her throat.
"Are you okay?" a male voice asked. Neville rolled to one side to see a man, about nineteen or twenty, kneeling down next to him, Neville's wand in his hand. He looked to be about 6'1" with slightly longis black hair and green eyes. His face was set in a look of determination. Neville nodded.
"Thank you." He said. The man handed him his wand.
"Stay down and keep alert. Any of these bastards so much as look in your direction, hit them with everything you can." The man said. Neville watched as the man stood and dashed into the fray, his wand firing curses at an unbelievable speed. It was then that Neville noticed three things. First, the main was dressed in black dragon hide leather, which clung to his muscular and chiseled body. Second, he had a large sword strapped to his back. And finally, that he was not alone.
A few feet from where the man was busy taking out three Deatheaters, Neville saw two other figures, both female. Each looked to be about the same age as the man and similarly dressed, their clothes clinging to their muscular and curvy figures. One had red hair, the other black. Both had their hair pulled back into ponytails and each also carried a sword strapped to their backs.
Neville watched in amazement for what were probably only a few minutes but seemed like much longer. The three figures, though separated by several feet, seemed to be operating as a flawless team. Using a combination of curses, hexes, and what Neville recognized as muggle martial arts techniques, the trio was inflicting heavy casualties on the Deatheater force that had attacked the alley. Already about two-dozen of the Deatheaters were lying crumpled on the ground. More amazing than this however, was the fact that despite being hit with several powerful curses, none of the three seemed phased.
Unable to inflict injury on their attackers, and facing a steady increasing stream of opposition as the stunned residents and visitors of the alley began to fight back, many of the surviving Deatheaters broke and ran, others disapparated. About a dozen however remained, drawing axes and swords from under their own robes and attempted to battle the mysterious trio.
"Albus, Voldemort's forces are attacking Diagon Alley!" Professor Minerva McGonnagall reported, rushing over to the Headmaster. Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly. After the first attack, security at the alley had been increased and no one had really believed that Voldemort would strike there again.
"How many?" Dumbledore asked, rising from his desk.
"First reports say at least fifty." She replied.
"Contact the rest of the Order." Dumbledore said.
Bill Weasley felt like he had just apparated into a scene from hell. He and his brother, Charlie Weasley, both members of the Order of the Phoenix, had just apparated into Diagon Alley after receiving the alert from McGonnagall. The air was thick with smoke from several fires that had yet to go out. Bodies were strewn everywhere. Most of them were of women and children who had been shopping in the area when the attack started. Bill felt a wave of nausea go through him. Next to him, he could see Charlie wince. Then they noticed that a large number of Deatheater bodies were lying in the street.
Looking further down the alley, they saw three figures, one male and two females, engaged in a furious sword fight with six Deatheaters, all wielding swords of their own. The watched as the trio, moving like a fined tuned Quidditch team, quickly cut through their opposition, killing four with thrusts to the chest and taking the heads of two of their opponents.
"Who are they?" Arthur Weasley asked his sons, having just apparated next to them. Charlie shook his head.
"I don't know, but they just took out six Deatheaters." He replied. By now a dozen more Aurors, as well as Dumbledore, McGonnagall and Snape apparated into the alley. Spotting the three figures, several Aurors moved immediately to surround them, their wands pointed at them.
"Drop your weapons." One of the Aurors ordered. The trio exchanged amused glances.
"Amos, don't be stupid." Arthur said, walking up. "In case you haven't noticed, they killed six Deatheaters."
"They killed a lot more than that." An injured Auror said as he limped up to the group, supported by one of his fellows. "In fact, if it wasn't for those three, you wouldn't have found anyone alive here. In fact, you'd probably be dead yourselves." The Aurors surrounding the trio exchanged glances and then lowered their wands.
"It would seem we owe you our thanks." Dumbledore said as he, McGonnagall, and Snape joined the group.
"No thanks is necessary, Albus." The man said. "It was our pleasure." Something about his tone of voice reminded them of someone, though they couldn't place it "Although I must say I'm disappointed in the Ministry's and the Order's response time. I would have thought your spy would have provided you advance warning. You must be getting sloppy in your old age, Severus." Next to Dumbledore, Snape grew red with anger.
"And just who are you to question me?" he asked angrily. Suddenly the two women with him started laughing.
"Looks like I owe you those galleons after all." The redhead said.
"What are you talking about?" Charlie asked. The man smiled.
"We had a little bet going whether or not you lot would recognize us. These two," referring to his companions, "bet that no one, not even Snivellus over here would recognize us." On hearing his dreaded nickname, realization hit Snape. Suddenly the faces before him, though significantly different than the last time he had seen them, became clear.
"Potter?" he gasped. All eyes shot back to the trio and as if one giant light bulb went off, those assembled gasped. Harry laughed.
"Yes, Snape. It's me." Harry said, turning to Dumbledore. "I suggest you call a meeting of the Order, Albus. But first, Hermione, Ginny, and I have a few matters to discuss with you."
Dumbledore settled into his chair and peered across his desk at the three teenagers standing before him. They had changed greatly since the last time he saw them, about three weeks ago. All three had undergone dramatic physical changes and now looked at least three years older than they were. But it was their eyes that betrayed the biggest change. Gone were the teenagers he had watched over for the last five years at Hogwarts. In their place were determined warriors. Even Harry's eyes no longer betrayed the guilt, angst, and longing for a normal life as they once had.
Dumbledore watched as Harry pulled two chairs out for Ginny and Hermione to sit in, then sat in between them. After a few moments of silence, Harry spoke.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked. Dumbledore was momentarily stunned at the directness and calmness of the question.
"In truth Harry, I did not know how to tell you." He replied. "I had only heard the prophecy a few days before your birthday. I felt it was better to wait until after you had dealt with the issue of Sirius's Will before dropping an additional worry on you. In addition, the vagueness of much of the new prophecy warranted some thought.
This of course changed after your party. After observing how you greeted and were greeted by Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley, not to mention the incident that occurred after our talk that day, I realized it would be necessary to inform you. I resolved to do so after the reading of the Will. But unfortunately, events conspired against me."
"I assume from your explanation," Hermione began, "that you suspected Ginny and I were the ones the prophecy spoke of? Would you have told Harry or us for that matter?"
"I do not know." Dumbledore answered honestly. "After the incident in this office between Harry and myself last year, I had resolved to be as open as possible with him. On the other hand, I did not know how he would react to being informed of the identity of his bonded. In any case, as I said, events conspired in such a way that we will never know what any of us may have done. Now, if you would, I would be interested to hear what happened to the three of you."
Harry, Hermione and Ginny exchanged glances. Then Harry began to relay their story, starting with the dream each had had the night before the reading of Sirius's will, continuing to the first attack on Diagon Alley, their meeting with the mysterious woman in the realm of light, and their training. Occasionally Hermione or Ginny would break in to expand upon something. Dumbldore listened intently, his sense of awe rising with each passing piece of the story.
"Well, that is simply amazing." He said after Harry had finished. "And it's nice to know I have not grown completely senile. I long suspected that you might in fact have been Gryffindor's heir, though I had no concrete proof of course.
Now, on to other matters. May I ask why you have requested a meeting of the Order? Was it merely to relay the information you have passed on to me here?" All three shook their heads.
"No." Harry said. "There are a number of details and decisions which must be made and revealed. The first being is our status. By that I am not just referring to our bonding."
"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked, though he had some inklings of what was coming.
"Well, the most obvious problem is our attendance at Hogwarts." Hermione answered. "Between the power and information transfers that occurred in the realm of light and when we met Godric, and our training, we have moved well beyond the level of education that is taught here."
"Additionally," Harry continued, "There is the question of Ginny and Hermione's status in the wizarding and muggle worlds. Both are, I believe considered minors in this realm. However, as we demonstrated in Diagon Alley, none of us are children any more. In fact, we are all three years older than we were when we disappeared last month. This reality will need to be addressed."
"Finally, there is the question of the Order of the Phoenix itself." Ginny added. Upon seeing Dumbledore's confusion, she continued. "How much do you know about the origins of the Order?" Dumbledore shook his head.
"Not much, I'm afraid. I know it has existed for thousands of years in one incarnation or another. I also know it remained disbanded for nearly two hundred years before I revived the idea during Voldemort's first reign." Dumbledore replied.
"You are correct that the Order has existed for thousands of years." Harry replied. "In fact, it predates Hogwarts."
"The Order was first founded some four thousand years ago in ancient Egypt. A great evil was threatening the very existence of the Empire. So the Pharoh called together the greatest mages and warriors in the known world, forming the Order. Since that time, the Order has gathered anytime a great threat has appeared." Hermione continued. "Now, for the first three thousand years, leadership of this group was passed down in the same familial lines of its founder. That is until the death of the most famous leader of the Order. Godric Gryffindor." Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly.
"Then that would mean…"
"That Harry is the rightful leader of the Order." Ginny finished.