A/N Hi, just a quick note to say thank you to Elvira you has been a faithful reviewer and commented on each chapter. Also thank you to the_island_hopper who has taken on the role of beta reading my story.
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As soon as everyone noticed what was happening they all started asking the headmaster questions at once. That was the last thing Harry heard.
The questions from the group assembled in the headmaster's office all melded into a deafening noise, as all those present except Professor Dumbledore were demanding to know what was happening. As they did this Professor Dumbledore just sat calmly at his desk while those around him started to advance towards him. When Ron and Hermione who were leading the group, were just about a foot away from his crooked nose he simply raised his hand and silence fell over gathering although their mouths continued to move. When they realised that a silencing spell had been used they all stopped any futile attempt to talk. The headmaster then told them all to go back to their seats and he would answer their questions calmly one at a time.
Once everyone had returned to their seats (even thought Hermione had to practically drag Ron to his) Dumbledore removed the spell so everyone could talk. "Now then I would like you all to read this letter that Harry received, it may explain a few things. I will wait it should not take to long." He started as he passed the letter to Sirius who was joined around his chair by McGonagall, Ron and Hermione; Snape who was sitting next to him, ( only due to lack of other chairs) however just sat in his chair muttering something along the lines of " Why would I be interested in what's happened to Potter" whilst trying to sneak glances at the letter when he thought no one was looking. Someone had noticed though and was doing their best not to chuckle or let his amusement show – after all it would not be good practice for the headmaster to laugh at his staff now would it?
When they had finished reading the letter everyone went back to their seats looking expectantly at the headmaster. "Now you have read the letter I will answer any questions I can. Sirius why don't you ask first as you are his godfather." He then walked around his desk and sat down facing them waiting for the questions. "Right then well I suppose; it says here erm what was it.." Sirius looked down at the letter and read, "…your mind and astral self will be transported to this place from which I now write. Can this harm him?" He said looking over at his godson clearly afraid for his safety. "As far as I am aware Sirius this can not harm him as it is merely like you or I meditating, well for me anyway, it would be more like day-dreaming in your opinion. His body here clearly unharmed but his mind is somewhere else." Dumbledore explained looking at everyone in the room. "Of Course you Black, are exceptionally acquainted with day dreaming!" both Niarret and Snape spat out at the same time. They then looked at each other then at Sirius then back to each other smirking which caused everyone else in the room to burst out in hysterics. As soon as the laughter had died down, Hermione voiced her concerns over the trance like state that Harry had entered, "Professor, although you have already stated that this can not harm him, how do we know for certain that the letter is from Merlin and not a plan of Voldemort?" She seemed to be please with herself for thinking this and the fact that she managed to say his name. "Ahh an excellent point Ms Granger, as you saw I put the letter through many tests before handing it to Harry, these tests, check for authenticity of the letter and for anything harmful. So I do believe this letter to be authentic." Came the response, "Mr Weasley, do you have any questions?" he asked smiling in a reassuring way at Ron. "Well… I doubt if you know this but it says about magical gifts, any idea what they can be?" "You are right Mr Weasley, I do not know for sure I can only hazard a guess, which is this, it is my belief that Harry is going to receive some new powers and or items that could help him and us in the war against Voldemort." Dumbledore sighed whilst thinking to himself that Merlin could have been a bit clearer in his letter. " This is all very well Albus, but will Potter be alright, does he have a choice in the matter?" McGonagall interjected in a sharp voice. "My dear McGonagall, I can again only give you my opinions once again, I do believe that Harry will be fine though maybe a night in the hospital ward would be in order just for observations and I can say that he will most definitely have a choice in the matter about whether to accept the gifts or not otherwise it would not be fair on him. Now I cannot think of anything we can do except wait for Harry to come around, Severus if you could go and inform Poppy of the situation. Tea anyone?" Dumbledore said as an explanation, an order and an offer, as Snape stormed out of the office.
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Harry looked up at his ancestors and spoke, "I Harry James Potter, do understand what you have asked and my answer is…" he waited but then he thought of something. "Sorry I need to ask some questions first so I can be absolutely sure what I am doing." The founders and Merlin just looked at him and smiled, "Well firstly I want to know, do I have to take all the gifts at once or can I travel back and forth from this world to my world?" "Well Harry it is up to you, you can take them all at once or in small groups, and yes you can travel between the worlds all you have to do is find a space where you will not be interrupted and concentrate on finding us and this place. Why do you ask?" Merlin asked and answered kindly. "Well it's just that if I take them in smaller bits I can focus on them individually more and hone the skills." Harry said politely he didn't think being sarcastic would work here. "An excellent point Harry I can see that you have inherited some traits of Ravenclaw house through your mother even though her Gryffindor ones were much stronger." Rowena exclaimed in a pleased tone. "Now Harry, in answer to your question about visiting us here, well as you have been here once you can come here as often as you like. Sort of like a sanctuary a place to go to relax and be by your self if need be." Godric explained, after which Merlin asked "Now are there anymore questions?" Everybody shook their heads, "Harry have you decided what skills you want to except this time?" "Yes" "Very well then said Merlin"
"Do you Harry James Potter accept the gifts that your ancestors wish to bestow upon you and accept the responsibilities that come with them?" Merlin asked sounding once again as though this was a formal event.
"I Harry James Potter do understand what you have asked and my answer is yes, I accept the gifts of the ability to absorb information easier and quicker from Rowena Ravenclaw, the ability of multi Animagus from Helga Hufflepuff, the skill of wand less magic from Godric Gryffindor, the skills of a potions master from Salazar Slytherin and the skills of Occlumency and Legillmency from Merlin"
All five of the adults in the group then joined hands to form a circle around Harry and began chanting "Pass the gifts down the line, what's mine is yours what's yours is mine" as they began to chant this they each began glowing the colour of their robes it spread from their fingers to meld with that of the others before turning in to a golden beam of light encircling Harry in a cocoon. They repeated the chant once last time; "Pass the gifts down the line, what's mine is yours what's yours is mine" as they said the last word Harry collapsed in a dead faint.
Though they were severely tempted to break the circle and run to his side the five stayed strong in the circle knowing that if they moved before the light had disappeared, Harry could be hurt. So they waited for what seemed like hours though it was only a few minutes whilst the golden light was fully absorbed in to Harry. Helga and Godric rushed to his side gently shaking him by the shoulder, as he started to stir the five faces that had been anxiously watching him relaxed.
Meanwhile in the headmaster of Hogwarts office Harry lurched up and gasped for air, causing seven out of the nine occupants of the office to turn and stare at him. Sirius and Hermione on the other hand rushed forwards to see if he was ok.