To a lot of people the chance to do nothing but lie in bed all day would be a dream come true. For one Harry James Potter, however, it was a nightmare. He just was not accustomed to prolonged periods of inactivity and he found the lack of stimulus very irksome indeed.
What made matters worse was that tomorrow was the 1st of September and the Weasleys and Hermione, would be returning to school. It had somehow seemed easier to ignore the approach of the start of Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts while he had been a fugitive. The first of September had no relevance for someone who did not expect to be allowed to remain free let alone go back to school.
In their shared dreams Harry and Ginny had by mutual though unspoken consent, refused to acknowledge that fateful date. Although they would be separated by hundreds of miles, as soon as they fell asleep they would be together. Unfortunately Harry's sleep pattern was now much disturbed as he had difficulty differentiating between day and night.
The first time Harry had slept through the day he became quite panic-struck when Ginny didn't appear. He woke up yelling and both Eleanor and Jenny had to calm Harry down with assurances that as it was 10 at night, Ginny had not yet retired for the night. And when she did, then Ginny got agitated when Harry didn't appear!
The one who suffered most through all of this was in fact Jenny. As a serving police officer, Jenny had to work in shifts and when she worked the night shift she was usually asleep in the daytime.
Madame Pomfrey and Dr. McGregor had been co-ordinating their efforts to try and restore Harry's sight but neither had any experience of damage caused to the eyes as a result of a long-distance curse.
Who had?
There was no recorded instance of anyone surviving a killing curse, other than Harry, therefore there were no previous histories to which to relate.
While the two medics spent hours ploughing through textbooks and case histories, Harry had been trying to occupy his time in a number of ways.
His favourite was, by far, being asleep which meant being with Ginny. Harry was trying to keep to a more normal daily routine, which meant rising at 8 am, and not sleeping until at least 10pm. While this meant spending a good deal of time with Ginny it also meant that Harry had to occupy the 14 hours he was awake.
Once again Hermione came to the rescue. Apparently she had discovered a little-used charm back in their third year that enabled her to continue her studies when everyone was asleep. Professor McGonagall taught the charm to Hermione and now Hermione had passed on the knowledge to Harry.
It was really quite simple. First the chosen book was held in the left hand; an incantation of 'dictatorium' was spoken as the spine was tapped three times with the wizard's wand point whilst focusing on a particular voice. When the book was next opened and the witch or wizard placed their hand on a page of text, it would be read aloud in the chosen voice.
The first book Hermione had selected had been the new transfiguration text Advanced Transfiguration, Volume 6, by Emeric Switch. The charm had worked and now whenever Harry opened it and placed his hand on the text he could hear Hermione's voice explaining the theory of the NEWT level charms.
Harry didn't study this book very much as he always felt depressed when he thought that if he his sight didn't return then he would be unable to complete his studies.
The day after Hermione's visit, Harry had borrowed Eleanor's wand and charmed 'Chasing with the Cannons,' a volume about Ron's favourite Quidditch team and just for fun he'd selected Ron's voice.
Now he had a small library of talking books, ranging from 'The Quidditch World Cup, a detailed history from 1400 to the present day (narrated by Lee Jordan) to Stealth and Tracking: a Practical Guide for First Year Aurors (with narration by Tonks).
As enjoyable as it was to sit and listen to histories, anecdotes and guidance, Harry felt physically frustrated.
That was until Jenny suggested Harry use her gym equipment in the conservatory.
By this time Harry's feet were fully healed and his other injuries – apart from his eyes – were healed as well as they were going to get. When Harry asked Madame Pomfrey if he could work out on the equipment she took a good amount of time examining the strange muggle contraptions before giving her consent.
Just one week into his new routine of spending most of his mornings in Jenny's Gym and Harry could be found on the exercise bike. He had been riding for about 15 minutes when he became aware that he was being watched.
"Good morning, Madame Pomfrey, Dr. McGregor. Would you please introduce your guest as I don't think we've met before."?
"Morning Harry," came Dr. McGregor's voice. "May I introduce you to Mr. Pearson, he's an ophthalmic specialist and I would like his opinion as to your eye problem."
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Pearson." Harry wiped his hands on the towel that he had draped around his neck and held out his hand in welcome. A firm but gentle grip was received from the newcomer.
"Harry said its Mr. Pearson, does that mean you're not a Doctor?"
The answer came from a warm, melodious and slightly bemused voice. "No, Mr. Potter, in medical circles when a Doctor becomes a surgeon the title Doctor is replaced by Mister. I know it's a little confusing but there you are. It's tradition I suppose."
"Oh, right." replied Harry.
"Can I ask you something Harry?" the question came from Dr. McGregor this time. "How did you know that there we had arrived and that there was someone new with us?"
"I don't really know. I hadn't heard you or anything. This bike is too noisy to hear much over the top of it and Jenny had lent me this." Harry pointed at a portable cassette player that was clipped to the waistband on Harry's tracksuit bottoms; the earpiece was still in Harry's right ear.
"So what made you aware then?" The question this time came from Mr. Pearson but Eleanor entered the room and rapidly changed the subject.
"Gentlemen, it's Mr. Potter's eyes that you have come to examine. Not his ears. We'll go through to the kitchen. Harry you'd better get yourself sorted out and then join us."
"Yes ma'am." Harry answered obediently.
Fifteen minutes later, after a quick shower and change of clothes, Harry joined the three medics and Eleanor at the big table in the kitchen. Madame Pomfrey was talking to her colleagues in an assured and professional tone. "… no point in continuing to keep the eyes bandaged. There was no infection to be treated, therefore there was no point whatsoever in keeping the dressings on. The cornea appears undamaged but has become opaque and lets no light through whatsoever."
Dr. McGregor stated, "But the colour? I've never seen eyes like it. Have you Richard?"
Harry McGregor sat back and let his colleague take a closer look.
"Harry, I'm going to examine your eyes now but I'd like to put some drops in first to dilate the pupils." Said the surgeon. Harry instinctively turned to his school nurse for confirmation.
She nodded her head and Harry said "OK then." Before Madame Pomfrey had a chance to open her mouth.
The very thorough examination of Harry's eyes lasted for over an hour at the end of which he was screwing up his face as a headache was forming. "I'm sorry Madame Pomfrey but I'm really not feeling too good," said Harry apologetically. "I think I need to lie down for a while." Harry stood slowly and carefully and made his way not to his bed but to the big couch in front of the fire in Eleanor's sitting room.
Grabbing the crocheted blanket and patchwork pillow, Harry made himself comfortable and he soon drifted off to sleep.
----zzzz----
He was standing at the end of a dimly lit chamber; the walls and floor were lost in the greenish gloom that filled the all too familiar cavern. The odd thing was that Harry could see the remains of the dead Basilisk and even the ink staining the floor from Riddle's diary.
But what was he doing here?
In the first few months after his rescue of Ginny, Harry had often dreamed of being back here but usually he saw Riddle and the giant snake and he'd fought the battle time after time. On those occasions Harry usually woke up drenched in sweat clutching an invisible sword in his outstretched hand.
This time, however, he had arrived in the Chamber after the defeat of Riddle and the basilisk.
Harry walked slowly around the chamber and noticed something he'd never seen before. There was an archway to one side of the main chamber. Two serpents twined up each side supporting pillar, their heads interlocking at the top. Harry stepped through the arch and saw a narrow passageway leading down even deeper beneath the castle. The floor was littered with greenish crystals that caught and reflected the little light that entered that place.
The passageway spiralled downwards until, at last, it opened into a hexagonal chamber lit by a single huge brazier suspended by chains over the symbol carved in the very centre of the floor.
Around the walls were numerous intricate images. Harry recognised some of the creatures depicted from his Monster Book of Monsters. Some showed scenes of battles.
The wall directly opposite Harry as he entered, showed a group of six people. Above them was a pennant with three words upon it. The pennant was moving as though it were moving in the wind and Harry was just able to make out 'HAGI LUNE HERO'. But what did it mean?
Harry was still puzzling over the three words when he heard a familiar but unearthly sound.
Phoenix song.
A flash of fire momentarily lit the entire chamber then Harry was able to see in his midst a beautiful bird. A phoenix. The size of a swan but with beautiful red-gold plumage.
The phoenix walked slowly to the centre of the chamber. The symbol on the floor was an eye set within a triangle. The all-seeing eye. The same symbol Harry had seen carved on the bottom of Eleanor's glass Penseive.
The bird behaved as though Harry were invisible for it made no acknowledgement of his presence; instead it let out one long, beautiful note that hung in the air like a frost. Then it stretched out its neck and spread its wings before unmistakably bowing low to the ground.
It was then that Harry realised that the phoenix was crying into the centre of the eye carved on the floor. Each tear fell with a resounding plop as Harry noticed for the first time that the pupil was hollow like a bowl and that the phoenix was crying another single pearly tear into its depths.
It's task complete, the bird bowed its head once more before disappearing in a second burst of fire.
----zzzz----
Harry awoke slowly, almost lazily. He knew Eleanor was standing watching him even though he couldn't see her.
"If you've returned to the land of the living, Harry, come and have a bite to eat. You must be starving."
At those words Harry's stomach gave a groan of protest at being empty.
"Mmm. Hungry enough to eat a hippogriff." Harry said as he stretched his arms above his head.
"Not literally, I hope," added Eleanor with a twinkle in her voice.
Harry stood and Eleanor took his hand and placed it on her left elbow. The first time she'd done this it had puzzled Harry but he quickly learned that this way he could feel Eleanor's movements much better than having his hand on her arm.
They entered the kitchen and Harry could smell the leek and potato soup they were having with thick slices of crusty bread, newly baked. It was delicious and surprisingly filling but he still found room for a slice of coffee and walnut cake and some fresh fruit.
The two Doctors had left but Madame Pomfrey stayed for lunch. It was by now three in the afternoon. The front door opened and a very tired Jenny entered.
"I'm starving. What's for eating?" Said Jenny by way of a greeting. Harry had stayed seated at the table talking to Jenny who managed to talk between mouthfuls.
He had been horrified to learn that the Dementors, after the chaos of his trial, were now roaming wild and indiscriminately attacking wizards and muggles alike. More than sixteen innocent muggles had been kissed so far. Theories to the cause of the strange condition of the poor victims ranged from simple viruses (something akin to meningitis) through new so-called recreational drugs that had gone drastically wrong, leaving their users in a vegetative state. Everyone agreed that this rumour at least did have the positive benefit of discouraging young people from trying drugs – an unexpected bonus.
Unfortunately one of the more common rumours was that it was from a new weapon being developed by terrorists. The Daily Prophet reported that the Dementor attacks were mainly in the east of England but that witches and wizards everywhere should endeavour to master the Patronus Charm.
The Ministry of Magic were endeavouring to provide an emergency portkey for every witch and wizard in the country but were doing so alphabetically. Harry thought it should have been done county-by-county starting in the area where most attacks had occurred. But no, that was too logical for the Ministry of Magic, thought Harry with more than a little cynicism.
The main problem, however, was how to defend the Muggle population.
The Ministry couldn't propose measures on how to protect Muggles without breaking it's own Statute of Secrecy; what they could do was send in a team of Aurors in a bid to return the Dementors to Azkaban but this time as inmates not guards.
Dumbledore would like to see the Dementors removed utterly from the face of the earth but the magical community had yet to find a way to achieve this goal.
As Jenny finished her lunch, Eleanor came back into the kitchen to make some tea. Harry wanted to know whether the three medics had come to any conclusion about his eyes and any possible treatment but at the same time he was scared to ask. Eleanor sensed his dilemma however, and with her usual adroitness, resolved it.
"Sorry Harry, they couldn't think of anything that would be an appropriate treatment. They agreed that both of your corneas have become opacified but as to its cause, they have no idea. Cataracts they know how to treat. It's an irreversible that without treatment can cause blindness. In your case however, they believe that you may not have permanent blindness, as it seems to be as a direct result of trauma. Whether your body will be able to heal itself they cannot confirm but they're not prepared to rule it out either."
At that point Madame Pomfrey came back into the room. She obviously heard Eleanor's comments to Harry and added, "Don't give up Harry. We have other avenues to investigate and I know Professor Snape …"
At the mention of his detested potions master, Harry gave a snort of derision. He couldn't help it.
"Now, now, Harry. Don't be like that. I am fully aware of how little love there is between you and Professor Snape but I can confirm that on at least three separate occasions lately I have had to … what's the Muggle term? Oh yes … 'pull rank' on him and force him to rest. He has been researching and developing new portions in a concerted effort to restore your sight," continued Madame Pomfrey. "You may not think he cares but you are a Hogwarts student and for that reason alone he will do all he can – and that is saying a lot. He is one of the foremost Potions Magi there is. His skills far exceed Dumbledore's in that area and I have no fear that Dumbledore would contradict me in that sentiment."
"Speak of the devil," said Eleanor as Dumbledore himself stepped into the room.
"Good afternoon ladies, Harry. Ah I see that I am just in time for a nice cup of tea." The headmaster seated himself opposite Harry and proceeded to scrutinise him thoroughly while Eleanor poured him a cup of tea.
"Thank you. Ah, just as I like it, hot, strong and only a little milk but definitely no sugar." He sipped his tea slowly knowing full well that the eyes of everyone in the room were upon him. Including Harry's.
"How are you today Harry?" asked Dumbledore. As soon as he had spoken he vanished silently, re-appearing a moment later at the door to the sitting room.
Without any hesitation Harry turned and looked once more straight at the headmaster. "As well as can be expected, thank you sir," said Harry, trying to be as polite as possible.
Once more Dumbledore vanished only to re-appear elsewhere in the large kitchen. Again Harry turned and looked him in the eyes.
Now everyone in the room was staring open-mouthed at Harry.
"Tell me, Harry, what you can see in front of you?" Dumbledore spoke quietly but the command was unmistakable.
"I can't see anything, sir," Harry said after a barely perceptible hesitation.
"Harry, I want you to do precisely what I ask and try not to hesitate. I want you to focus on me and tell me what colour I am. Don't think about it – just say it."
"You are yellow and brown," said Harry without any hesitation.
"How about Eleanor?" the Headmaster asked with a hint of a smile on his face. Harry turned his head without thought or hesitation. "Eleanor is pink and lilac."
Madame Pomfrey gave a gasp of incredulity and said, "Dumbledore, you can't mean…?" but before she could continue the Headmaster held up a hand to silence her.
"Now again, Harry. What colour is Madame Pomfrey?"
This time the headmaster could not keep the twinkle from his eye on the grin from his face as Harry replied "Green and brown sir, but why do you ask?"
Dumbledore answered Harry's question by posing another of his own. "Tell me, Harry, has Madame Pomfrey always been these colours?"
"Yes sir. Ever since I was first in the hospital wing, back in first year." Harry was becoming increasingly annoyed that his question was being ignored.
Dumbledore just asked yet another question of his own. "Have you ever mentioned to anyone that you associated particular colours and colour combinations to different people? Think carefully, Harry, before you answer, this could be very important."
"Er, no. I don't think so. Why? Surely everyone does it, don't they?" Harry was getting more mystified and annoyed by the minute.
"Oh, Albus. I know we've always said Harry had Lily's eyes but I never dreamed…" Madame Pomfrey's excitement was almost palpable.
Dumbledore spoke quite calmly once more "Harry please forgive me but I have a few last questions that I would like to ask and then I were endeavour to answer any questions – and I feel certain that you have more than a few – you care to ask."
Harry felt like screaming and he knew his temper was barely held in check but he was determined to keep his cool and so he said calmly, "OK sir."
"Do you have any difficulty moving around Hill House, Harry?"
"No sir. Eleanor and Jenny are very careful to not move chairs and things so I know where they are. I've been here long enough to know my way around safely."
"One last question, Harry. When you get up to use the bathroom at night are you in the habit of using a light or not?" asked Dumbledore.
"Don't usually bother, don't want to disturb anyone." Harry answered but the puzzlement on his face was obvious.
"Well I think a few more tests may be necessary …" but before Dumbledore could continue Harry groaned aloud causing both Eleanor and Madame Pomfrey to screw up their faces in silent admonishment. "… But that can wait for another day. Yes, indeed it can."
Dumbledore sat once more at the table as he continued, "Now, Harry I have some good news for you and it makes a very pleasant change for me to be able to tell you something that will hopefully, put a smile on your face."
Harry could hardly contain his excitement. "What is it sir? Why were you asking about the colours?"
"Your mother, Harry, was a very remarkable woman in many ways. She possessed a very rare gift, one which set her apart and which proved to be both blessing and curse to her. The colours that you 'see' Harry - and yes I use the term quite deliberately in this context – are only visible to you because you have apparently inherited your mother's gift. The colours are a person's aura. It surrounds them and comes from deep within them. Each individual creates their own aura but they do so on a sub-conscious level and therefore cannot change or modify it. The colours indicate what is truly felt or believed."
"And my mum saw the same as me? Does that mean you can't see the colours? I thought everyone could so I never thought to mention it." Harry said, pleased to be getting some answers at last.
"Imagine, Harry, what it would be like to be able to see colour when everyone else could only see black and white. What a rare gift it would be. Well this gift is a little like that. It is my belief that your perception has become heightened as your normal vision has been blocked."
The headmaster could no longer hide his joy. "Harry your mother would be overjoyed to know you have inherited this gift. I recall she was able to see a subtle change in someone's aura if they were lying to her. That was one time your father wished she were an ordinary witch."
"Tell me, sir, did Sirius know? About my mum's gift that is," asked Harry, nervously.
"Alas no, Harry. Your mother and father kept Lily's talent to themselves and I would most strongly urgent you to do the same. Let as few people as possible know for it would be a talent that could be miss-used in many ways. I have no doubt that Voldemort would not hesitate to use such a gift to further his own plans and agenda." Dumbledore added to emphasise the seriousness of the matter, "he must not know."
Harry nodded his silent understanding. His mind went to Ginny and their times together, they shared everything now. Would it be safe to share this? He posed the question to his headmaster. "Sir. What about Ginny? Should I tell her or not? I don't want to put her at increased risk but I don't know that I could keep this from her?"
Yet again Dumbledore answered one question by posing another. "When you meet with Miss Weasley, Harry, is it normally in a place of her choosing or yours?"
Harry had to think hard before replying, "It's nearly always me that chooses then Ginny joints me. Sometimes she's somewhere special to her and I join her. Why? Is it important?" asked Harry.
"And what about your last dream? Did you or Miss Weasley choose?"
It was almost as though Dumbledore knew before Harry had a chance to answer.
"Actually I didn't see Ginny at all," he said before going on to explain in detail his last dream.
At the end of his narration Eleanor stood and left the room for a few moments, returning with a large leather-bound book with a lock securely fastening it. Eleanor tapped the lock with her wand and it opened immediately. She turned to Harry and asked, "Can you repeat the three words you saw carved in the hexagonal chamber for me."
"HAGI, LUNE, HERO," said Harry "but I have no idea what they meant." He still felt he had more questions than answers.
After a moment's silence, Dumbledore asked, "Harry, are you certain that the phoenix that you saw was Fawkes?"
Now it was Harry's turn to answer a question with a question. "I suppose it could have been another phoenix but there can't be too many of them can there sir?"
"No. Not too many. In fact it is believed that the appearance of a phoenix heralds a time of great change. Fawkes first came to me shortly before the rise of Grindelwald. He was a great comfort to me through many dark and difficult days. Curiously, Harry, the first time I saw Fawkes was in a dream. He showed me one possible course of action and his guidance has proved a great boon ever since. I would be very interested, Harry, to learn if this phoenix appears to you in any other dreams."
It was all getting to be too much. Strange new gifts. Weird words carved on stone walls and now a phoenix!
"Professor, I've just thought of something. Do you think that phoenix tears could restore my sight?"
"Good lord. Why didn't we think of it sooner?" came the exclamation from Madame Pomfrey.
"Albus, do you think it would work?" came Eleanor tentative query.
"I can see no reason why not. But it would perhaps be prudent to conduct some research first." Eleanor, Harry and Madame Pomfrey all made to protest at that suggestion and the headmaster silenced them with a raised hand.
"Fawkes has previously healed Harry from a life-threatening injury. I need to be sure that a further application of phoenix tears would not interact with any residue in Harry's system. Please be patient. I will let you know as soon as I can, after all I know how keen Harry is to return to school to resume his potions lesions with Professor Snape."
Harry's response to Dumbledore's statement was a heartfelt groan.
A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers... hope you are all keeping well. My recent poor health has made it difficult to type up chapters but I have been writing quite copiously. Have now completed 13 chapters of the Second Volume of BoA.
Rosy