Chapter 7: The Power of One's Heart
Then next thing Harry knew he was standing in front of a magnificent building that looked like it was constructed of pure gold. Two majestic waterfalls were descending down both sides of the building pooling into a luminous lagoon twenty feet below.
Harry himself was standing on a marble bridge that connected to the golden stairs that lead up to the front doors of the grand building. Harry could only look around in awe; wherever he was it was brilliant.
"This place is beautiful, isn't it?" A familiar woman's voice asked into Harry's ear.
Harry spun around quickly and found himself face to face with a beautiful elf woman. She only came to about Harry's shoulders, but the way she held herself made her appear taller. She was wearing a plan white dress, but no shoes, much to Harry's amusement. Her light brown hair flowed down her back in cascades and her blue eyes sparkled in excitement.
However, her appearance wasn't what caught Harry's attention. There was something oddly familiar about her that was nagging on his conscience, but he just couldn't place it.
"Yes it's very beautiful," Harry comment looking pensive. Then suddenly it hit him like a ton of bricks who she was. "You're . . . you're . . . " Harry stuttered, eyes widening in disbelief. "You're Lady Diane!"
"Yes Harry, I am," the lady in front of him said smiling gently.
"But . . . that would make you . . . " Harry started, but couldn't finish his mind reeling in total disbelief.
"Yes Harry that would make me Demin's wife and Delia's mother," Diane finished for him.
"But how?" Harry said sitting down hard. "You're dead."
"Yes Harry, I am," Diane said, gently kneeling down in front of him and lifting his chin with her hand. "But just like it has always been Demin's destiny to teach and protected you, it has always been mine to guide you."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking up into her blue eyes.
"It's complicated Harry," Diane said. "You were brought to me tonight so I could show you this place and give you something that should have been yours since you were born."
"You were the voice in Dumbledore's office, weren't you?" Harry said.
"Yes."
"And the white Phoenix?" Harry asked.
Diane shook her head lightly. "No the Phoenix was not me. It is a shadow of your destiny, an element that will help guide you later."
Harry just stared at Lady Diane, dazed. Of all the things Harry had predicted would happen tonight, this certainly was not one of them.
"I know this is a lot to contemplate, " Diane said softly looking directly into Harry's eyes. "But please, I need you to trust me. I have a great deal to show you and not a lot of time."
Diane then stood up slowly and offered Harry her hand. Harry stared at it for a moment before hesitantly taking it.
"I really don't have a choose, do I?" Harry said, starting to grin.
"Nope," Diane said, pulling Harry to his feet. Keeping Harry's hand in hers, Diane muttered something under her breath and Harry found himself at the top of the golden stairs.
"How did you . . .?" Harry asked, turning around and looking back down the stairs.
"I don't like climbing stairs," Diane said, shrugging. "So I thought I'd skip them."
"I can't see Demin letting you get away with that," Harry said shooting her a smile.
"Let's just say what Demin didn't know didn't hurt him," Diane said, laughing.
"Do you think I could get away with it during my training?" Harry asked.
"No," Diane said, walking towards the building, motioning for Harry to follow.
"So what is this place?" Harry asked.
"It is my pleasure to welcome you Harry Potter to the Corridor of Sorcery," Diane said, grinning madly.
"The what?" Harry asked.
"You mean you've never heard of it?" Diane said, looking remarkably like Hermoine when he and Ron had no idea what the Sorcerer's Stone was. "This place is legendary! I mean, many magical people spend their whole lives searching for it. Which, I'd like to add, is foolish. No one can find this place."
"We just did," Harry pointed out.
"That's because you, Harry, are the Promise Child of Destiny. You were called here."
"Just what is the Promise Child of Destiny?" Harry asked exasperated.
"Come Harry and I'll show you," Diane said, before proceeding through the large front doors.
The room they entered into was completely white and completely empty, except for the silver writing on the wall that read: The Corridor of Sorcery. Well at least Diane was telling the truth.
Without a word Diane walked over to a space on the wall, where she then proceeded to touch it with her right hand. He palm started glowing blue and minutes later a sapphire door appeared.
"Come Harry," Diane said, opening the door and motioning for Harry to follow.
When Harry stepped into the room his mouth dropped in awe. The room was entirely round and entirely constructed of glistening blue granite. All around the wall portraits of witches were hung. And in the center of the room a wand was twirling in mid air in a beam of moonlight that was coming from a skylight above.
"Where are we?" Harry asked as he surveyed the room.
"This is the Chamber of Rowena Ravenclaw and all the Ravenclaw heirs that followed her," Diane said smiling.
"Uh?" Harry asked, still confused.
Diane just rolled her eyes. "You have heard the stories of the four Founder's of Hogwarts, right?"
"Yes."
"Well then you should also know that they weren't just the Founders of Hogwarts. Inside them they each harvested a power like none other. When the Founders were alive they all decided to pick an heir to sustain those powers, so it would live within someone else. Which became known as the Order of Balance."
"I had no idea." Harry said in amazement. "So there is a Ravenclaw heir somewhere in the Wizarding World?"
"No," Diane said walking over to a portrait and pointing to it. "Rebecca Noble was the last Ravenclaw heir. She died over thirty years ago."
"Won't there be another one born soon to replace her?" Harry asked.
"No. The times of the four Founders are drawing to a close. Only two remaining heirs are still alive today. Once they die so will the powers of balance."
"Does that mean my world will be thrown into chaos?" Harry asked, a little panicked.
"No," Diane quickly assured him. "It means that your world will finally be at peace with one another."
"I don't get it?" Harry said. "How will we be at peace if the power of balance dies?"
"It's complicated." Diane said looking pensive. "You see the only reason Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor passed on their powers was because Salazar Slytherin passed on his. Because one day Salazar hoped that one of his heirs would finally conquer the world, something Salazar failed to do himself."
"Figures," Harry muttered.
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Diane said smiling sadly. "You see all the wars that have been started in your world have been started by Salazar Slytherin's heirs and the ones to always raise up against them have always been one of the other three heirs. The last uprising in your world was stopped by the last remaining Gryffindor heir."
"Who is?" Harry asked.
"Come and I'll show you." Diane said going to a space on the wall again and pressing her palm against it. A few minutes later Harry stepped through a scarlet door.
The room was constructed exactly like Ravenclaw's chamber, except the marble was red and all the portraits were of wizards.
"Do you see anybody you recognize?" Diane asked.
Harry looked around the room until his eyes fell on a very familiar face and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked stupidly.
"Correct. Albus Dumbledore is the last remaining Gryffindor heir. He defeated Slytherin's second to last heir in 1945."
"Grindelwald," Harry said, remembering that fact from the wizard card he had once read.
"Correct," Diane beamed.
"Wait a minute. You said second to last heir." Harry said eyes widening in realization.
"Yes Harry I did," Diane said giving Harry a small smile.
"That means," Harry said slowly. "That Tom Riddle is Slytherin's last remaining heir."
"Yes," Diane said.
Harry felt himself getting dizzy. This wasn't happening, it was bad enough that Lord Voldemort was powerful, but him being Slytherin's heir was twice as worse.
"Just how much stronger are Founder's heirs than common wizards?" Harry asked numbly.
"I will not lie to you Harry. Tom Riddle is strong, especially now that he has come into his full powers," Diane said.
"What do you mean?"
"Founder's heirs usually don't come into their powers until later in life, around their prime," Diane said. "If your ministry would have been looking for Lord Voldemort over the last year they could have easily destroyed him. He was still weak and slowly starting to gain his heir powers."
This was unbelievable. Thanks to their ministry the Wizarding World was going to be crushed by Voldemort. Harry was personally going to kill Fudge himself!
"Can't Professor Dumbledore's power rival that of Lord Voldemort's?" Harry asked suddenly.
"No," Diane said shaking her head. "Not anymore. Professor Dumbledore's powers are strong but he was born in an entirely different generation. Heir's powers can only revival each other if they are roughly the same age."
"What about Hufflepuff's heir?" Harry suddenly wondered.
"Come and I'll show you." Diane said opening a yellow door that had just appeared behind her palms. Harry followed her feeling completely overwhelmed.
Again the room was just like the other two Harry had been in, except the marble was yellow and the portraits were of witches. Diane pointed to a portrait, which Harry made his way over to and read:
"Jasmine Hufflepuff 1970-1979." Harry turned wide-eyed to Diane. "She's dead?"
"Yes, because her last name was Hufflepuff it was easy for Lord Voldemort to track her down and kill the last Hufflepuff heir," Diane said sadly.
"Lord Voldemort killed her," Harry said deaden. "Does he know that Professor Dumbledore is the last remaining Gryffindor heir?"
"Yes. That is one of the reasons Tom Riddle has feared Dumbledore for so long, but not anymore. Voldemort is gaining power and followers swiftly. I don't think he will hesitate to attack the school before too long," Diane said, looking straight into Harry's eyes.
"What I don't understand is what this all has to do with me?" Harry said. "I obviously don't have founders blood in me, so why I'm I here?"
"Because Harry, you alone have the power to stop the last remaining heir of Slytherin and deliver your world from the darkness," Diane said taking Harry's hand and looking him earnestly in the eye.
"I don't understand," Harry said, confused. "What power? What do you mean?"
"Within you Harry is a power that the Wizarding World has only seen once before in your world," Diane said guiding him over to a space on the wall and opening a purple door, which she proceeded to guide Harry through.
The room they stepped into was smaller then the others because only one portrait hung on the wall. The room was still constructed of purple granite, but had black streaks going down them. And in the middle of the room instead of a wand there was a staff floating under the moonlight. Harry curiously walked up to the portrait and read: Merlin the Great.
"Merlin?!" Harry cried in surprise.
"Yes Harry Merlin," Diane said smiling. "Merlin had a power within him that was unique to him and him alone, just like you. The room is constructed of purple because that was the color of his rare magical aura he possessed."
"Just like the other chambers." Harry said slowly starting to understanding. "When I did the Order of the Phoenix initiation the other night. Professor Dumbledore's hand glowed red because he is the Gryffindor heir!"
"Correct!" Diane beamed. "The magic aura's of people can tell us who they are. Most witches and wizards either have black or white. If any other color is present it means that the power is unique to them or they're a Founder's heir."
Harry nodded slowly, thinking. "I understand all that, but what I still don't get is what this has to do with me?"
"Have you not noticed your aura color?" Diane asked.
"Well yes it's silver, but that's so close to white that it possible can't mean anything." Harry said.
Diane shook her head profusely. "You are very mistaken Harry. Come it is time to show you the last room." With that Diane opened a silver door and stepped through followed by a confused Harry.
This room was about the size of Merlin's, and was constructed of silver granite with white veins going through it. But no portrait hung on the wall and under the moonlight a small silver boxed floated.
"Whose room is this?" Harry asked looking around.
"It's yours Harry," Diane said looking straight at him.
"What!?" Harry shouted in surprise.
"Harry I want you to listen to me." Diane said more seriously then Harry had every seen anyone. "Your Silver aura is not nothing. It is the sign of the most powerful wizard, the sign of the Child of Promise."
"How can I be more powerful then Dumbledore? Much less Merlin himself!" Harry cried.
"Even through Merlin did many great things for the side of good, his heart was not full of pure unselfish love when he preformed these acts," Diane said, gripping Harry by the shoulders. "You, on the other hand, are full of unselfish love for others. You are even willing to die to protect those who are weaker then yourself. You choose another's well being before your own. This Harry, is where your power is coming from, and that is the reason that you will be the most powerful wizard that will ever live."
Harry stared into Diane's firm and earnest blue eyes numbly. There had to be some mistake. He had never shown that kind of power.
"I don't get it? If I'm suppose to be that powerful, then how come I've never shown any sign of it?" Harry asked.
"Which brings us to the reason you were brought here in the first place," Diane said walking over to the silver box that was floating in mid air. "You see Harry the night Voldemort tried to kill you, when the cursed back fired, it also had an negative effected on you."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked coming to stand next to her.
"When the killing curse hit you your mothers protection saved you, but it sent your body into shock, thus locking your true power within you. It sealed them away. That is the reason you have not seen these powers. They need to be unlocked."
"Unlocked? How?" Harry asked.
"With that," Diane said pointing to the silver box. "Go ahead, take it and open it."
Harry did so cautiously. When he opened the box a brilliant silver gem hooked to a silver chain sparkled back at him.
"What is it?" Harry asked while lifting the necklace out of the box and holding it to his eyes.
"It's a very powerful enchanted gem that will unlock your powers a little each day," Diane told him.
"Why can't I unlock it all at once?" Harry inquired.
"Because that kind of power would overload your system and kill you," Diane informed him. "This power was meant to grow with you so when you were sixteen you would come into your full power, but because of the curse it did not happen that way."
"Oh," Harry said. "Right, I understand."
"Good. There are two more things you must know. One, you will be very tired once you put on that necklace. The new powers that will start flowing into you will still slightly overwhelm your system. You may sleep a lot for the next two weeks, so don't be surprised. Once your body gets use to it you should be fine. The second thing is that you must be careful with these new powers, they will be a lot stronger and harder to control, especially wandless," Diane said sternly. Then she smiled. "Go ahead and put on the necklace, once around your neck no one can take it from you and you will never lose it. It belongs to you and you alone."
Harry nodded and slipped it around his neck. He immediately felt a tremendous wave of magic wash through him. But it felt to Harry like he had just found a long lost friend, like he had been missing this all his life.
"What's happening?" Harry asked as he suddenly realized he was becoming transparent.
"Are time is up. You are being returned to the Elf Realm," Diane said smiling sadly at Harry. "Harry, I'd just like to thank you for the kindness you've shown Demin and Delia. You mean a great deal to them, please always remember who you are and what you stand for. You will win this war Harry, but remember your life is just as valuable as anyone else's is. There are too many people who care a great deal for you Harry, do not throw your life away carelessly."
"I won't." Harry promised. "Thank you Lady Diane. I see now why Demin loves you so much. I will never forget what you've done for me."
"And I you Harry Potter. Tell Delia I love her and that I'm always watching over her. I just wish I could have told her myself, just once." Diane said sadly.
"She knows Lady Diane, just like Demin does. But I will tell her," Harry said.
"Thank you Harry, and good luck," Diane said, squeezing Harry's hand one finale time before he disappeared completely. "You will prevail." She whispered into the empty chamber where a picture of Harry James Potter had just appeared on the wall.
It had been two hours since Harry's disappearance and people were starting to panic. The council members were huddled together discussing amongst themselves what possible could have happened.
Kairi was sitting next to her brother, who held a sleeping Delia in his arms. Delia had been really frantic when Harry had disappeared and had finally cried herself to sleep.
"He'll be back," Kairi said softly to her brother, whose eyes had never left the spot Harry had disappeared from.
"I want to believe you Kairi, but we have no idea what was to happen tonight. Harry could be anywhere," Demin said.
"Don't give up hope Demin. For Harry's sake believe he will be back," Kairi said, gripping her brothers shoulders gently. Demin didn't reply and just kept staring at the empty space where Harry once stood.
Kairi sighed softly, she didn't want to admit it to Demin, but she was just as worried about Harry. She was praying to whatever God there was out there just to bring Harry back.
Sitting across the clearing from Demin and Kairi were Sirius and Remus, who weren't doing much better.
"He promised he'd be ok," Sirius repeated for the twentieth time that night. "He promised."
"And as far as you know he hasn't broken that promise Sirius," Remus said. "He will be back."
"What could have happened?" Sirius asked his eyes never leaving the stone tablet either.
"I don't know. We will have to wait until Harry comes back," Remus said.
"If he comes back." Sirius said verily above a whisper, but Remus werewolf hearing picked it up.
"Sirius, he promised you he would be back and Harry will not break that promise," Remus replied firmly.
Sirius was about to reply when a flash of silver light from the clearing blinded him. When the light faded Sirius could clearly see Harry's body lying on the ground motionless.
Sirius was the first to reach his body followed closely by the others. Demin immediately did a quick probing scan as Sirius tried calling his name.
"Harry? It's me Sirius, come on wake up." Sirius said gently.
Green eyes slowly opened wearily and looked around him confused, until the green eyes finally come to focus on the man who was holding him.
"Harry can you hear me?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded.
"Do you know who I am?" Sirius questioned again.
Harry nodded again.
"Are you alright?"
Harry nodded again his eyes slowly closing as he simply said, "Tried." Before falling into a deep sleep.
"As far as I can tell he's fine." Demin said quietly. "He just seems emotionally, physically and magical exhausted."
All present nodded, greatly relieved that Harry had returned and seem to be fine. That is all except for Kairi who could always tell when her brother was keeping something.
"What aren't you telling us?" Kairi inquired.
Sirius and Remus looked at Demin sharply who hesitated for a moment before answering. "I don't know exactly what it is, but there's something different within him."
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked anxiously. "Is it harming him?"
"No," Demin said slowly. "It feels almost like raw power. But that's impossible, isn't it?"
THANKS TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM
Then next thing Harry knew he was standing in front of a magnificent building that looked like it was constructed of pure gold. Two majestic waterfalls were descending down both sides of the building pooling into a luminous lagoon twenty feet below.
Harry himself was standing on a marble bridge that connected to the golden stairs that lead up to the front doors of the grand building. Harry could only look around in awe; wherever he was it was brilliant.
"This place is beautiful, isn't it?" A familiar woman's voice asked into Harry's ear.
Harry spun around quickly and found himself face to face with a beautiful elf woman. She only came to about Harry's shoulders, but the way she held herself made her appear taller. She was wearing a plan white dress, but no shoes, much to Harry's amusement. Her light brown hair flowed down her back in cascades and her blue eyes sparkled in excitement.
However, her appearance wasn't what caught Harry's attention. There was something oddly familiar about her that was nagging on his conscience, but he just couldn't place it.
"Yes it's very beautiful," Harry comment looking pensive. Then suddenly it hit him like a ton of bricks who she was. "You're . . . you're . . . " Harry stuttered, eyes widening in disbelief. "You're Lady Diane!"
"Yes Harry, I am," the lady in front of him said smiling gently.
"But . . . that would make you . . . " Harry started, but couldn't finish his mind reeling in total disbelief.
"Yes Harry that would make me Demin's wife and Delia's mother," Diane finished for him.
"But how?" Harry said sitting down hard. "You're dead."
"Yes Harry, I am," Diane said, gently kneeling down in front of him and lifting his chin with her hand. "But just like it has always been Demin's destiny to teach and protected you, it has always been mine to guide you."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking up into her blue eyes.
"It's complicated Harry," Diane said. "You were brought to me tonight so I could show you this place and give you something that should have been yours since you were born."
"You were the voice in Dumbledore's office, weren't you?" Harry said.
"Yes."
"And the white Phoenix?" Harry asked.
Diane shook her head lightly. "No the Phoenix was not me. It is a shadow of your destiny, an element that will help guide you later."
Harry just stared at Lady Diane, dazed. Of all the things Harry had predicted would happen tonight, this certainly was not one of them.
"I know this is a lot to contemplate, " Diane said softly looking directly into Harry's eyes. "But please, I need you to trust me. I have a great deal to show you and not a lot of time."
Diane then stood up slowly and offered Harry her hand. Harry stared at it for a moment before hesitantly taking it.
"I really don't have a choose, do I?" Harry said, starting to grin.
"Nope," Diane said, pulling Harry to his feet. Keeping Harry's hand in hers, Diane muttered something under her breath and Harry found himself at the top of the golden stairs.
"How did you . . .?" Harry asked, turning around and looking back down the stairs.
"I don't like climbing stairs," Diane said, shrugging. "So I thought I'd skip them."
"I can't see Demin letting you get away with that," Harry said shooting her a smile.
"Let's just say what Demin didn't know didn't hurt him," Diane said, laughing.
"Do you think I could get away with it during my training?" Harry asked.
"No," Diane said, walking towards the building, motioning for Harry to follow.
"So what is this place?" Harry asked.
"It is my pleasure to welcome you Harry Potter to the Corridor of Sorcery," Diane said, grinning madly.
"The what?" Harry asked.
"You mean you've never heard of it?" Diane said, looking remarkably like Hermoine when he and Ron had no idea what the Sorcerer's Stone was. "This place is legendary! I mean, many magical people spend their whole lives searching for it. Which, I'd like to add, is foolish. No one can find this place."
"We just did," Harry pointed out.
"That's because you, Harry, are the Promise Child of Destiny. You were called here."
"Just what is the Promise Child of Destiny?" Harry asked exasperated.
"Come Harry and I'll show you," Diane said, before proceeding through the large front doors.
The room they entered into was completely white and completely empty, except for the silver writing on the wall that read: The Corridor of Sorcery. Well at least Diane was telling the truth.
Without a word Diane walked over to a space on the wall, where she then proceeded to touch it with her right hand. He palm started glowing blue and minutes later a sapphire door appeared.
"Come Harry," Diane said, opening the door and motioning for Harry to follow.
When Harry stepped into the room his mouth dropped in awe. The room was entirely round and entirely constructed of glistening blue granite. All around the wall portraits of witches were hung. And in the center of the room a wand was twirling in mid air in a beam of moonlight that was coming from a skylight above.
"Where are we?" Harry asked as he surveyed the room.
"This is the Chamber of Rowena Ravenclaw and all the Ravenclaw heirs that followed her," Diane said smiling.
"Uh?" Harry asked, still confused.
Diane just rolled her eyes. "You have heard the stories of the four Founder's of Hogwarts, right?"
"Yes."
"Well then you should also know that they weren't just the Founders of Hogwarts. Inside them they each harvested a power like none other. When the Founders were alive they all decided to pick an heir to sustain those powers, so it would live within someone else. Which became known as the Order of Balance."
"I had no idea." Harry said in amazement. "So there is a Ravenclaw heir somewhere in the Wizarding World?"
"No," Diane said walking over to a portrait and pointing to it. "Rebecca Noble was the last Ravenclaw heir. She died over thirty years ago."
"Won't there be another one born soon to replace her?" Harry asked.
"No. The times of the four Founders are drawing to a close. Only two remaining heirs are still alive today. Once they die so will the powers of balance."
"Does that mean my world will be thrown into chaos?" Harry asked, a little panicked.
"No," Diane quickly assured him. "It means that your world will finally be at peace with one another."
"I don't get it?" Harry said. "How will we be at peace if the power of balance dies?"
"It's complicated." Diane said looking pensive. "You see the only reason Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor passed on their powers was because Salazar Slytherin passed on his. Because one day Salazar hoped that one of his heirs would finally conquer the world, something Salazar failed to do himself."
"Figures," Harry muttered.
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Diane said smiling sadly. "You see all the wars that have been started in your world have been started by Salazar Slytherin's heirs and the ones to always raise up against them have always been one of the other three heirs. The last uprising in your world was stopped by the last remaining Gryffindor heir."
"Who is?" Harry asked.
"Come and I'll show you." Diane said going to a space on the wall again and pressing her palm against it. A few minutes later Harry stepped through a scarlet door.
The room was constructed exactly like Ravenclaw's chamber, except the marble was red and all the portraits were of wizards.
"Do you see anybody you recognize?" Diane asked.
Harry looked around the room until his eyes fell on a very familiar face and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked stupidly.
"Correct. Albus Dumbledore is the last remaining Gryffindor heir. He defeated Slytherin's second to last heir in 1945."
"Grindelwald," Harry said, remembering that fact from the wizard card he had once read.
"Correct," Diane beamed.
"Wait a minute. You said second to last heir." Harry said eyes widening in realization.
"Yes Harry I did," Diane said giving Harry a small smile.
"That means," Harry said slowly. "That Tom Riddle is Slytherin's last remaining heir."
"Yes," Diane said.
Harry felt himself getting dizzy. This wasn't happening, it was bad enough that Lord Voldemort was powerful, but him being Slytherin's heir was twice as worse.
"Just how much stronger are Founder's heirs than common wizards?" Harry asked numbly.
"I will not lie to you Harry. Tom Riddle is strong, especially now that he has come into his full powers," Diane said.
"What do you mean?"
"Founder's heirs usually don't come into their powers until later in life, around their prime," Diane said. "If your ministry would have been looking for Lord Voldemort over the last year they could have easily destroyed him. He was still weak and slowly starting to gain his heir powers."
This was unbelievable. Thanks to their ministry the Wizarding World was going to be crushed by Voldemort. Harry was personally going to kill Fudge himself!
"Can't Professor Dumbledore's power rival that of Lord Voldemort's?" Harry asked suddenly.
"No," Diane said shaking her head. "Not anymore. Professor Dumbledore's powers are strong but he was born in an entirely different generation. Heir's powers can only revival each other if they are roughly the same age."
"What about Hufflepuff's heir?" Harry suddenly wondered.
"Come and I'll show you." Diane said opening a yellow door that had just appeared behind her palms. Harry followed her feeling completely overwhelmed.
Again the room was just like the other two Harry had been in, except the marble was yellow and the portraits were of witches. Diane pointed to a portrait, which Harry made his way over to and read:
"Jasmine Hufflepuff 1970-1979." Harry turned wide-eyed to Diane. "She's dead?"
"Yes, because her last name was Hufflepuff it was easy for Lord Voldemort to track her down and kill the last Hufflepuff heir," Diane said sadly.
"Lord Voldemort killed her," Harry said deaden. "Does he know that Professor Dumbledore is the last remaining Gryffindor heir?"
"Yes. That is one of the reasons Tom Riddle has feared Dumbledore for so long, but not anymore. Voldemort is gaining power and followers swiftly. I don't think he will hesitate to attack the school before too long," Diane said, looking straight into Harry's eyes.
"What I don't understand is what this all has to do with me?" Harry said. "I obviously don't have founders blood in me, so why I'm I here?"
"Because Harry, you alone have the power to stop the last remaining heir of Slytherin and deliver your world from the darkness," Diane said taking Harry's hand and looking him earnestly in the eye.
"I don't understand," Harry said, confused. "What power? What do you mean?"
"Within you Harry is a power that the Wizarding World has only seen once before in your world," Diane said guiding him over to a space on the wall and opening a purple door, which she proceeded to guide Harry through.
The room they stepped into was smaller then the others because only one portrait hung on the wall. The room was still constructed of purple granite, but had black streaks going down them. And in the middle of the room instead of a wand there was a staff floating under the moonlight. Harry curiously walked up to the portrait and read: Merlin the Great.
"Merlin?!" Harry cried in surprise.
"Yes Harry Merlin," Diane said smiling. "Merlin had a power within him that was unique to him and him alone, just like you. The room is constructed of purple because that was the color of his rare magical aura he possessed."
"Just like the other chambers." Harry said slowly starting to understanding. "When I did the Order of the Phoenix initiation the other night. Professor Dumbledore's hand glowed red because he is the Gryffindor heir!"
"Correct!" Diane beamed. "The magic aura's of people can tell us who they are. Most witches and wizards either have black or white. If any other color is present it means that the power is unique to them or they're a Founder's heir."
Harry nodded slowly, thinking. "I understand all that, but what I still don't get is what this has to do with me?"
"Have you not noticed your aura color?" Diane asked.
"Well yes it's silver, but that's so close to white that it possible can't mean anything." Harry said.
Diane shook her head profusely. "You are very mistaken Harry. Come it is time to show you the last room." With that Diane opened a silver door and stepped through followed by a confused Harry.
This room was about the size of Merlin's, and was constructed of silver granite with white veins going through it. But no portrait hung on the wall and under the moonlight a small silver boxed floated.
"Whose room is this?" Harry asked looking around.
"It's yours Harry," Diane said looking straight at him.
"What!?" Harry shouted in surprise.
"Harry I want you to listen to me." Diane said more seriously then Harry had every seen anyone. "Your Silver aura is not nothing. It is the sign of the most powerful wizard, the sign of the Child of Promise."
"How can I be more powerful then Dumbledore? Much less Merlin himself!" Harry cried.
"Even through Merlin did many great things for the side of good, his heart was not full of pure unselfish love when he preformed these acts," Diane said, gripping Harry by the shoulders. "You, on the other hand, are full of unselfish love for others. You are even willing to die to protect those who are weaker then yourself. You choose another's well being before your own. This Harry, is where your power is coming from, and that is the reason that you will be the most powerful wizard that will ever live."
Harry stared into Diane's firm and earnest blue eyes numbly. There had to be some mistake. He had never shown that kind of power.
"I don't get it? If I'm suppose to be that powerful, then how come I've never shown any sign of it?" Harry asked.
"Which brings us to the reason you were brought here in the first place," Diane said walking over to the silver box that was floating in mid air. "You see Harry the night Voldemort tried to kill you, when the cursed back fired, it also had an negative effected on you."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked coming to stand next to her.
"When the killing curse hit you your mothers protection saved you, but it sent your body into shock, thus locking your true power within you. It sealed them away. That is the reason you have not seen these powers. They need to be unlocked."
"Unlocked? How?" Harry asked.
"With that," Diane said pointing to the silver box. "Go ahead, take it and open it."
Harry did so cautiously. When he opened the box a brilliant silver gem hooked to a silver chain sparkled back at him.
"What is it?" Harry asked while lifting the necklace out of the box and holding it to his eyes.
"It's a very powerful enchanted gem that will unlock your powers a little each day," Diane told him.
"Why can't I unlock it all at once?" Harry inquired.
"Because that kind of power would overload your system and kill you," Diane informed him. "This power was meant to grow with you so when you were sixteen you would come into your full power, but because of the curse it did not happen that way."
"Oh," Harry said. "Right, I understand."
"Good. There are two more things you must know. One, you will be very tired once you put on that necklace. The new powers that will start flowing into you will still slightly overwhelm your system. You may sleep a lot for the next two weeks, so don't be surprised. Once your body gets use to it you should be fine. The second thing is that you must be careful with these new powers, they will be a lot stronger and harder to control, especially wandless," Diane said sternly. Then she smiled. "Go ahead and put on the necklace, once around your neck no one can take it from you and you will never lose it. It belongs to you and you alone."
Harry nodded and slipped it around his neck. He immediately felt a tremendous wave of magic wash through him. But it felt to Harry like he had just found a long lost friend, like he had been missing this all his life.
"What's happening?" Harry asked as he suddenly realized he was becoming transparent.
"Are time is up. You are being returned to the Elf Realm," Diane said smiling sadly at Harry. "Harry, I'd just like to thank you for the kindness you've shown Demin and Delia. You mean a great deal to them, please always remember who you are and what you stand for. You will win this war Harry, but remember your life is just as valuable as anyone else's is. There are too many people who care a great deal for you Harry, do not throw your life away carelessly."
"I won't." Harry promised. "Thank you Lady Diane. I see now why Demin loves you so much. I will never forget what you've done for me."
"And I you Harry Potter. Tell Delia I love her and that I'm always watching over her. I just wish I could have told her myself, just once." Diane said sadly.
"She knows Lady Diane, just like Demin does. But I will tell her," Harry said.
"Thank you Harry, and good luck," Diane said, squeezing Harry's hand one finale time before he disappeared completely. "You will prevail." She whispered into the empty chamber where a picture of Harry James Potter had just appeared on the wall.
It had been two hours since Harry's disappearance and people were starting to panic. The council members were huddled together discussing amongst themselves what possible could have happened.
Kairi was sitting next to her brother, who held a sleeping Delia in his arms. Delia had been really frantic when Harry had disappeared and had finally cried herself to sleep.
"He'll be back," Kairi said softly to her brother, whose eyes had never left the spot Harry had disappeared from.
"I want to believe you Kairi, but we have no idea what was to happen tonight. Harry could be anywhere," Demin said.
"Don't give up hope Demin. For Harry's sake believe he will be back," Kairi said, gripping her brothers shoulders gently. Demin didn't reply and just kept staring at the empty space where Harry once stood.
Kairi sighed softly, she didn't want to admit it to Demin, but she was just as worried about Harry. She was praying to whatever God there was out there just to bring Harry back.
Sitting across the clearing from Demin and Kairi were Sirius and Remus, who weren't doing much better.
"He promised he'd be ok," Sirius repeated for the twentieth time that night. "He promised."
"And as far as you know he hasn't broken that promise Sirius," Remus said. "He will be back."
"What could have happened?" Sirius asked his eyes never leaving the stone tablet either.
"I don't know. We will have to wait until Harry comes back," Remus said.
"If he comes back." Sirius said verily above a whisper, but Remus werewolf hearing picked it up.
"Sirius, he promised you he would be back and Harry will not break that promise," Remus replied firmly.
Sirius was about to reply when a flash of silver light from the clearing blinded him. When the light faded Sirius could clearly see Harry's body lying on the ground motionless.
Sirius was the first to reach his body followed closely by the others. Demin immediately did a quick probing scan as Sirius tried calling his name.
"Harry? It's me Sirius, come on wake up." Sirius said gently.
Green eyes slowly opened wearily and looked around him confused, until the green eyes finally come to focus on the man who was holding him.
"Harry can you hear me?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded.
"Do you know who I am?" Sirius questioned again.
Harry nodded again.
"Are you alright?"
Harry nodded again his eyes slowly closing as he simply said, "Tried." Before falling into a deep sleep.
"As far as I can tell he's fine." Demin said quietly. "He just seems emotionally, physically and magical exhausted."
All present nodded, greatly relieved that Harry had returned and seem to be fine. That is all except for Kairi who could always tell when her brother was keeping something.
"What aren't you telling us?" Kairi inquired.
Sirius and Remus looked at Demin sharply who hesitated for a moment before answering. "I don't know exactly what it is, but there's something different within him."
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked anxiously. "Is it harming him?"
"No," Demin said slowly. "It feels almost like raw power. But that's impossible, isn't it?"
THANKS TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM