Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter Four: Seeking History
Dr Louis was pushed out of his anxiety as Mr. Lee finally stepped out from the darkness. He gasped. From the rather peculiar Butler that served the house and the mysterious pictures and architecture of the house, Dr. Louis had the idea that Mr. Lee would be just the same. Tall, muscular, and strangely barbaric. All those ideas flew out of the Doctor's head as a middle aged man walked out into the moonlight.
Mr. Lee had silver hair slicked back. He wore a khaki colored silk suit and seemed to be on full attention as Dr. Louis stared at Dr. Lee's silver piercing eyes. Dr. Louis felt that those eyes could penetrate instantly into the deepest part of your soul and find out about your deepest secrets. The man was like a new generation of Merlin. Wise beyond his years, and always showing that strange calmness around daner. Experience where it really counted. He was pushed back into reality when Mr. Lee started to talk.
"Good evening Welton, if I we may talk on a first name basis." Mr. Lee held out his hand. Dr. Louis shook it hesitantly and nodded agreeing on the first name basis. "You may call me Matthew. I am here for you to deliver an urgent letter to one of your patients. He is of first-rate importance and I do not want any failures."
Mr. Lee walked out towards the window looking out at the snow-covered mountains. Dr. Louis turned his head to watch Matthew's outline as he started once again. "For both of our sides, it's a win-win situation. You will be paid accordingly and I will get an important letter to a person of most importance. I have heard from my other 'connections' that Mr. Potter will be getting his official letters of hiring from the ministry, auror training, teaching positions, quidditch, etc. These letters will arrive this morning. I want you, Welton place this letter in that stack. Understood?" Mr. Lee's order was a demand. His silver eyes emanating a peculiar type of aura that made the old man tower over the Doctor. Dr. Louis was a bit surprised.
"So let me get this straight Matthew. You want me to deliver this message to one of the most important patients in St. Mungos history?"
"That is correct Welton." Lee pulled out a delicate blue envelope from his khaki silk suit. "Be sure that only he gets it. I don't want this letter going through security or any other kind of defense. So the reason I called you here was because I wanted this under the radar. No news, no investigation, nothing. Is this all understood?" Mr. Lee handed the envelope to Dr. Louis.
Dr. Louis hesitated for a second before pulling his hand back. "Why do you need to contact Mr. Potter? I am sure that we can arrange a meeting." Dr. Louis immediately regretted questioning this man. His eyes seemed to flare up as Mr. Lee whippedaround towards Dr. Louis and started walking towards the scared man. However, Mr. Lee stayed calm.
"Dr. Louis, I am sure that you are suspicious of my actions tonight but I want to assure you that this matter is urgent. As you probably know, you are still alive as of right now. Do not make me change my mind. Your bank account in Gringotts will double considerably once this deed is done. I assure you that I mean no harm."
Trapped, Dr. Louis had two apparent options as of this minute. Either deliver this mysterious envelope to Mr. Potter at St. Mungos or step right into hell's gate wondering what this Mr. Lee and that horrendous Butler could do to him. Great. Now I'm really in trouble.Dr. Louis was having inner termoil as he fought with that conscience. That Butler could break your neck...
"I'm losing my patience Dr. Louis, what is your decision?" Mr. Lee had the envelope still in his hand stretched slightly towards Dr. Louis.
Dr. Louis was breathing fast. Perspiration started to run all over his head and scalp as Mr. Lee's hard, piercing stare kept him frozen to this very spot beside the window. Finally making his decision, Dr. Louis started walking forward, wand raised. Walking closer and closer to Mr. Lee, Dr. Louis finally stood face to face with this man. He was of the same height but looked very intimidating. In one strong movement, Dr. Louis grabbed the envelope and slowly started to back up.
Mr. Lee had a small smile on his face. Dr. Louis wanted to get out of here, fast.
"I'll need a portkey if I have to race the morning mail service."
"Dr. Louis, I have made that arrangement." Pulling out a small golden sphere from his suit, he handed it to Dr. Louis. In a flash, the doctor was gone.
Mr. Lee was now alone. Slowly, he walked towards the door where the nearest switch could be found. Flicking it on, the room was suddenly immersed in light as the large chandelier illuminated any sign of darkness. Sighing, Mr. Lee pulled out a book from the nearest bookshelf and sat in a comfy couch placed in the side of the room. This room was the library to Harrison manor and it just held one of the most important meetings that Mr. Lee had finished in his life.
Now only one question remained in Mr. Lee's mind as so many answers were given away. Could Dr. Louis be trusted? Using Legimency during their brief but powerful conversation, Mr. Lee scanned the doctor's mind but found nothing suspicious. Perfect work record, good grades in school, no charges were currently put on him in the last three years, and Head Boy at school in 1991. From the many years of experience that Mr. Lee had in his peculiar life, he understood human characteristics. Dr. Louis could have been stubborn and rash and took the envelope completely lying to him or the doctor was such a good person that once he portkeyed back to the hospital, he could be walking to the ministry of England this minute as Mr. Lee was thinking. But that was no matter now. His job done, Mr. Lee began reading one of his favorite books, "Great Expectations."
Don't worry yourself, Harry was worth the risk.
Suddenly, the Butler knocked on the door. Hearing a "come in" from Matthew(Mr. Lee), the Butler entered. After shutting the door, Butler walked to the window to witness the snowstorm, then he appeared to be brainstorming about how to carefully phrase the next few words. Scowling, he paced around the room before he was ordered to stand still by Mr. Lee.
"Really Butler, what is the importance that you currently trying to phrase out to me. Say it straight to me Butler. Is something troubling you?"
The Butler hesitated before bowing his eight-foot tall feature towards the master currently sitting on the couch. "Master, forgive me for saying this but do you really think that the letter would be delivered to Mr. Potter? I personally do not trust that Welton."
Chuckling, Mr. Lee stood up and walked over to the troubled giant. Gesturing his servant to a nearby painting hung in a golden frame on the opposite side of the wall. "Take a look at this portrait Balthazar. Do you recognize him?"
Disgruntled, the Butler looked up at the portrait. After living in this house for nearly a decade, he's seen his fair share of portraits. They were all the same, same clothing style, same expressions. They all seemed blank and non-important. This picture looked the same as all the others.
"Master I don't see a difference."
"Look closer Balthazar. Examine his face features." The Butler (Balthazar) let out a low gasp.
"It can't be.."
Smiling, Mr. Lee decided to give a bit of a history lesson to his servant. "This man painted in this portrait is a special close friend of mine. We both worked together to build the structure of this house and keep it standing. Sadly, he passed away five years ago. As you already know, this room that you're standing in is the library. Look around, what kind of portraits do you see?"
Balthazar looked around quickly scanning the room before turning full circle to face his master again. "I know master, these portraits are your closest family and friends."
"Exactly." Grinning, Mr. Lee went on. "The man that you see on the wall has, or had, a special relationship with me. My dear Butler, you've served me for this many years and you don't know my history yet. Come, sit. Let's enjoy this evening living in my past memories."
The Butler and Mr. Lee sat together on the nearest couch. "Now, where should I begin?"
The Butler thought for a moment before a rare smile was seen to crack on his face. "How about at the beginning?"
Chuckling, Mr. Lee started. " Well, I was born 43 years ago on a cold on thanksgiving day. My parents lived on the outskirts of Germany, currently controlled by the Russians you see, since World War Two ended a couple of years ago. My childhood was rough having to live off instincts. I stole, even if it was wrong because when you were hungry, there was no right or wrong, the only that mattered was life or death."
Mr. Lee looked around the room pointing to two portraits in particular. One of a middle aged man with streaks of long blonde hair forming a messy hairline. His face was contorted and he looked physically serious and grim. With two large light-blue eyes, and a over-large nose, he looked, well, not exactly comforting to look at. Another portrait was hung right next to the man's. In this portrait stood a beautiful woman wearing a simple red dress. Her hair was close to silver flowing gently just past her shoulders. She had soft features with light-hazel eyes and a picture perfect smile. She was considerably better looking than the man.
"Those two portraits," Mr. Lee said pointing to the two, "are my parents. Yes, my father looks hideous." Mr. Lee added in noticing the Butler's barely noticeable smirk.
The Butler put his head down in disgust at himself. "I am sorry master."
"Quite alright Balthazar, for I must say I look more like my mother than my father." Mr. Lee had a cheeky smile on his calm face. "Let me introduce them. My dad is Bartholomew Linke whilst my mom was July Linke."
The Butler seemed deep in thought and Mr. Lee's sharp eyes easily caught that. "I know, my last name isn't near both of theirs. There's a special reason." Scratching his head, Mr. Lee continued with a sigh.
"Both of my parents were killed when I turned 14. The Russian ministry needed a scientist for studying their latest curses in developing and they drafted my father. He simply refused saying that he wanted to be by my side when I grow up." Mr. Lee sighed again. "This is the hardest part. "One night, I heard wizards come into my small house. I was just fourteen and I received my first wand at that birthday. They murdered my parents. Those people wearing with masks. I don't remember much but I do remember their dark purple cloaks. They had a symbol that they were wearing, on a necklace."
Mr. Lee squinted his eyes as if trying to remember.
The Butler had to say something. "Master, you don't need to remebe-"
"No! It's coming back to me. They had a symbol." Mr. Lee was thinking harder until his eyes popped open. "The golden symbol hung to a necklace. Think about a triangle. Only the sides formed out of gold. On in inside of the triangle stood a circle, also with only it's side formed out of gold. Inside the triangle was the "eye". I don't remember what the symbol means or what it's called but I'm sure it's all going to come back to me."
Smiling softly, Mr. Lee stood up and paced in front of the couch. The Butler sat still on the couch soaking up the new information. Mr. Lee stopped pacing around the couch.
"Butler, have you found out any information about our latest visitor? Dr. Welton Louis?"
The Butler stood up straight and repeated all the information off the top of his head. "Yes sir. From the records that I've just received, it said that Mr. Louis was born 24 years ago. Father, unknown. Mother, alive and living comfortably in Scotland. I don't know much about the father since my hypothetical guess is that he died before the birth. Mr. Louis's mother is Anne Marie Louis. Nothing more is said. Lots of personal stuff."
Mr. Lee smiled. "Very well. On with my story. After the unknown men raided and murdered my small house, the only thing that was left were a few blankets, a small bed, and a suitcase where my father kept under the floorboards. Inside, is discovered the most extraordinary documents I've ever seen in my life. They were pure genius."
Mr. Lee stopped pacing and sat back own on the couch. "The reason why my mother married my dad was not because of his good looks or his money for he had none of both. But the most important thing he had was a pure heart and a great mind. One of the best I might say. My father's work was supposed to be passed down to me once I turned of age. According to the events that happened, I inherited the suitcase early. That was where my fortune turned my dear Balthazar."
Mr. Lee looked around the room before breathing slow breaths and starting again. "My father was a scientist but he was also a historian. In all of his life, he's studied ancient secret societies and their treasures. I grew up traveling the world trying to find all of his secret treasures. From where I am right now, I would seem to be pretty successful wouldn't I?"
The Butler nodded. Mr. Lee grinned, continuing. "I have one last treasure to find. This one was big. So big that the whole history of wizardry could be altered. My father left me the first clue. I've spent the past three years of my life trying to figure the clue out but to no success. But that can be put on hold. I need Harry Potter. His assistance with me will help greatly. Whatever the risk is to me, he is worth it."
Mr. Lee walked up to the portrait of his old friend that he pointed out to the Butler earlier. "Do you know why I met our dear visitor Dr. Welton Louis with the light off?"
The Butler briefly nodded a 'no' before looking at the portrait. Something seemed off. Something…familiar.
"My dear Balthazar, the reason I left it off was because if Dr. Louis saw this portrait, he would promptly faint. Time was not an option considering I needed the letter sent right at that instance. Do you know who this close friend is?"
The Butler nodded a "no" again.
Mr. Lee sighed before lifting both of his arms towards the humongous painting. "This, Balthazar, is my closest companion in my journey. We met when I went to England in search of Celtic treasure. He was the most logical wizard I've ever met. His name…Patrick William Louis, Dr. Welton Louis's father.."
The Butler gasped. "I knew I recognized something on that portrait! Does he know?"
Again, Mr. Lee smiled. "As a farewell present, I gave him the item that was most precious to his father. He will know once he sees that item and he will surely come back to me for answers."
The Butler grinned. "Excellent." Mr. Lee's cunning sure payed off.
White lights. Harry opened his eyes to close them again from the blinding white light. Blinking a few times, Harry opened his eyes to look around recognizing the white all around the St. Mungos emergency rooms.
"Ah, good morning Mr. Potter! You've finally woken up!" A pretty nurse ran into the doorway, her blonde hair flowing after her and white robes fluttering everywhere. "You must be feeling weak, here drink this."
Harry grabbed the potion bottle the nurse was holding before sipping the liquid. A warm tingling feeling spread through Harry as he felt his strength come back to him. Taking a few more drinks, Harry put down the potion and sat up.
Dr. Louis appeared in the doorway wearing a traveling cloak and a very anxious look. "Ah Mr. Potter, your daily mail is here. Letters from the ministry, Hogwarts, auror training, etc."
Putting down the mail, Harry noticed Dr. Louis drop a golden sphere onto his bed. There was small writing on the sphere. Patrick William Louis. That was all Harry saw as the doctor quickly snatched up the golden sphere and ran out of the room.
Getting the attention of the pretty blonde nurse, Harry asked the condition of his doctor. The nurse looked confused. "Oh Dr. Louis came in today looking all confused and shocked. I have no idea of the reason. Maybe he's won the wizarding lottery or something holding that golden ball. But no matter, your friends will pick you up from here in about a few hours. Do look through your mail Mr. Potter." After that statement, the nurse left the room smiling.
Harry picked up his glasses from the counter next to his bed and put them on. Clear images. Now Harry could read. Picking up his first letter, it had small neat handwriting on the top.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to say that you have been accepted to the Auror Academy in Scotland. Here you will learn the skills in fighting dark wizards. We will be very pleased and honored if we have the famous Harry Potter join our school adding to the ranks of England's Aurors. Please respond by owl A.S.A.P
Logan Welsh
Harry was seriously thinking about joining the auror academy since he had no-where else to go, as of right now. Defense against the Dark Arts has always been one of Harry's major strong points.
The next few letters were from different English Quidditch Teams. This of course was another option for Harry. Flying through the air was definitely a plus for him.
The third letter was from the minister of magic himself, Will Samson wanted a one-on-one meeting with Harry before the ministry ball.
Harry noticed that there was still a few letters in the pile but one in particular caught his eye. It was in elegant in royal blue color and had only a name written on the front.
Mr. PotterHarry was just about to open the letter when Ron rushed in the room. "Bloody hell mate! Still in bed! You've been sleeping more than me and you're STILL in BED!" Ron checked his watch.
"Get up mate, it's time to go back to the Burrow. Everyone's waiting for you!"
After several minutes of cursing from Harry and Ron pacing around the room like a caged tiger, the two were finally ready. Stuffing his letters into his pocket, Harry left the hospital thanking all of the doctors as he went out. Traveling down the elevator, Harry and Ron walked to the outside muggle London streets where they walked into a deserted alley afterwards.
Barely able to keep his excitement inside him, Harry couldn't wait to go back to the Burrow. This was his "family." The people who supported and cared for him during his most needed and hard times. Harry was going back home.
With a Pop, Harry and Ron apparated back to the Burrow.
A/N: The Burrow. This is where it all begins. Review, tell me your thoughts. If you are confused about Mr. Lee, things will begin to clear up. Keep in mind, clues add together to form one major revelation at the end.
This chapter has been edited.
-Apac