As always I do not own the rights to any of these Characters or places. This is strictly for fun.

Harry Potter and the Temple of the Holy Cross

Chapter 7, Dumbledore's Faith

Reverend Thomas Ewls had definitely made an impression on his first day, as most of the students seemed to utterly adore him in spite of the non-magical quality of the subject matter he was teaching. The exception to this rule was, of course, Hermione who viewed him as a propagandist attempting to force his religious views on others. Her opinion on this matter was not changed by the fact that as the week closed, his courses broke out of Christianity into Islam, and as he had promised, he introduced the Islamic faith with as much fervency and zeal as he did Christianity. In fact, he reasoned, that since he was a Christian Minister, and that most of the students either were Christian or quite familiar with Christian teachings through their cultural surroundings, they would spend more time on each of the other religions than they had on Christianity.

The speed with which they moved through Christianity, and the depth into which they studied it meant a heightened amount of homework on the subject. Two-feet of parchment on tying in certain random phenomena of Christian Embedded Theology to the underlying message of Christianity, assigned on Friday, was now due by Monday.

After receiving what might be described as a certain degree of inspiration in Reverend Ewls' class, and having finally taken a certain liking to Reverend Ewls, Harry intended to back his conclusions up with as much impressive research as possible. The result was that he, Hermione, and Ron, were spending late Friday night in the library together. Hermione having already completed her essay was now working on a Philosophy essay assigned by Rabbi Lebowitz and openly complaining about the increased number of theoretical classes taking time away from magical learning.

"Honestly" she began. "I do not understand how American magical education survives if they're constantly worrying about learning non-magical subject matters. It takes so much time away from important things, like charms or defense against the dark arts or—"

"But it makes them more well-rounded students," Harry interjected.

"Maybe that's why English standards of learning are so much higher than the Americans'"

"I'm not so sure about that Hermione," Ron began. "They have the finest, most well-disciplined Auror, and Magical Military Force in the world."

"That says nothing about the quality of their magical education, which is so much more than defense against the dark arts Ron, and besides…"

As Hermione and Ron continued the argument, Harry resumed scanning the Religious Studies shelves in the library, putting back a book that he had been retrieving information from before. As he scanned the shelves, he came across an unusually titled book; written on the spine of the book was merely the word Dumbledore. Harry quickly retrieved the book from the shelf revealing a much more complete title on the front cover, yet the title only increased his confusion at its potential subject matter.

The Faith of Dumbledore

When he opened the book, the first page bore an even more extensive title, and two unexpected authors. The Faith of Dumbledore: A Religious Biography of one of the World's Most Powerful Christian Wizards. Just below the title, the authors were identified as "Fr. Robert A. Bates: Episcopal Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America," with the forward by "Rev. Thomas T. Ewls, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

"Reverend Ewls new Dumbledore?" Harry muttered to himself.

"I surely did," came an American voice directly behind him.

Surprised, Harry spun around to notice Reverend Ewls standing directly behind him. Hermione and Ron were now sitting at a table several feet away but were watching intently as the two conversed.

"And yes, he was a Christian," Reverend Ewls said. "I was very saddened to hear of his death, we need him now more than ever."

At this statement Harry was confused, what did Reverend Ewls know about the conflict with Voldemort that any other American wouldn't have? Where did this knowledge which was clearly implicit in the way he spoke of Dumbledore come from? How did he know Dumbledore, and why did Dumbledore never mention that he was a Christian?

"How is your essay coming?"

"Fine actually, Reverend,"

"Good," Reverend Ewls said as he took from Harry's hand the copy of The Faith of Dumbledore, and examined it. "I wondered if the library carried this book, Dumbledore gave Father Bates and I his permission to write it; reluctantly of course, but Robert Bates was quite insistent."

"How well did you know him?" Harry asked.

"He stood Godfather to my eldest son Theo," Upon Reverend Ewls' face was a look of seriousness and concern, the same powerful gaze rested upon Harry as had rested upon his classes. Ewls was so much different than Dumbledore had been in terms of his mannerisms, Dumbledore smiled constantly; Ewls, though kind, bore a gaze which was powerful and serious. From the very first moment Harry had met him, it was clear that Ewls was not to be crossed. "Come with me Harry, I think we have much to discuss."

The two walked down a cavernous fourth-floor corridor which seemed to carry on forever. They walked slowly in silence; Harry managed to catch a glimpse of Reverend Ewls' face which had turned contemplative, while still maintaining his original seriousness.

"I knew who you wanted to take your vengeance out on when I first met you in that bar in London," Reverend Ewls broke the silence, his voice reserved, just above a whisper. "I didn't blame you but I knew, as I suspected that you knew, Dumbledore would not have wanted that."

"Why didn't Dumbledore ever mention that he was a Christian?"

"It's not exactly something that teachers advertise to their students Harry, we're supposed to separate our religious biases from our teaching, and rightly so, that's why schools have chaplains."

"But sir, Hogwarts hasn't had a chaplain for a long time, why now?"

"I'm afraid that there is greater meaning in all of this than meets the eye, Harry," Reverend Ewls' voice turned even quieter, but more serious, he stopped walking and looked into Harry's eyes with the same powerful stare as had fallen upon Harry before, but he was not frightening, in fact far from it, an air about Reverend Ewls seemed to convince Harry of his trustworthiness. Harry wondered why Hermione couldn't sense this trustworthiness in him as everyone else apparently had. "You might say that Dumbledore and I had been in correspondence about reopening the chaplaincy at Hogwarts for some time before he died. One of his last wishes that he conveyed to Professor McGonagall before his death was that I be brought here. It took a while to cut through the red tape with the ministry and the school bylaws but here I am.

"Did you know Harry that two-thirds of the Order of the Phoenix professes Christianity?"

"No."

"Oh yes, Tonks, Lupin, Kingsley, even your Godfather, quite devout in fact." Harry's face began to screw up mildly as the memory of Sirius was rekindled. While Harry seemed convinced of Reverend Ewls's honesty, there was, within him, a tiny seed of doubt which was especially implanted at the mention of his late Godfather. How could he have known Sirius? "I was especially sorry to hear about his death, I baptized him a long time ago, along with your father and mother." Harry's heart almost stopped, not only did this man claim to know Sirius, but his parents as well. "But I was elated to learn that he was innocent; even when Dumbledore thought that he was guilty of betraying your parents and murdering those Muggles, I always knew somehow that there had to be a mistake.

"You know that Christianity teaches God to be love, ergo the central focus of all of his actions is his love, in addition to the great love of God, there is also an evil, a hatred of great power which opposes God," Ewls Continued. "Magic is now and always has been the means by which God's miracles have been brought to pass. Jesus Christ was, if nothing else, the greatest wizard. A majority of the original twelve apostles were wizards. When you learn magic, you learn the medium by which the miracles of God are brought to pass, and the dark arts are the manifestation and medium of the eternal struggle of the adversary against God and his righteousness. To the predominantly Christian Order of the Phoenix, Voldemort is an antichrist, perhaps the last great one."

"Does Voldemort believe in Satan?" Harry asked.

"Voldemort believes in power, and is out for his own immortality, if only his followers could grasp that he wouldn't have any. I don't know what his actual religious views are but I don't think that he serves any gods, even Satan; at least not knowingly. In actuality however, Voldemort stands in open opposition to moral righteousness, placing him in league with Satan whether he believes himself to be or not; I believe him therefore to be an antichrist."

"There's still one thing that confuses me Reverend," Harry began. "Why would Dumbledore want a Chaplaincy here?"

"For the same reason that any Christian, who for extenuating circumstances couldn't do so himself, would want someone to spread the Gospel of Christ to those whom he knows it is the power of God unto salvation—"

"But you speak as though your presence here has to do with the very safety of the magical world as if the defeat of Voldemort depended on your being here."

Reverend Ewls did not appear to be stumped by this question. He did, however sigh, as if unsure as to how to proceed. He looked to the floor for a second contemplatively, he then looked back up, his confident, powerful stare returning.

"Harry, come with me."

Reverend Ewls lead Harry to the third floor, then to his office which was heavily decorated with 2-dimensional representations of ancient Christian Icons. The bookshelves were filled with Philosophy and theology books, along with volumes of biblical commentary, and several volumes of works entitled The Great Muggle Thinkers. Directly across from his desk was a fireplace; sitting atop the mantle was a collection of seven smaller books that looked almost like children's novels, on each of their spines read, The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis. The smell of cathedral-blend flavored incense emanated from somewhere in the office.

"Would you like a coke?" Reverend Ewls asked.

This was a particularly unusual question for Harry seeing as how he knew that evidently Muggle soft-drinks were not popular among wizards, for in his six years at Hogwarts he had never had one, much less been offered one.

"er… Yes please."

Reverend Ewls went behind his desk, opened a drawer which was filled with ice and was so cold that even Harry, though standing across from the desk, felt the cold radiating from it. Reverend Ewls handed Harry a glass bottle bearing the words Coca-Cola, and then took out another for himself. Harry unscrewed the cap and began to drink.

Ewls then closed the ice-box drawer, and opened it again. This time the cold was replaced by the absence of temperature change. The contents were no longer soft drinks, but files. Ewls flipped through these files till he pulled one out and laid it upon his desk while closing the drawer with his other hand. He opened the file revealing several pieces of parchment which evidently had been bent so as to fit inside an envelope. Ewls handed one of the pieces of parchment to Harry.

At once Harry recognized the handwriting of none other than Professor Dumbledore.

Dear Thomas

As I have told you, in the course of our correspondence, of my theories regarding the remaininder of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, I see fit to inform you that I now have a very good idea as to where to locate the third of them. Harry Potter and I will be traveling to locate and destroy it as soon as possible. After the destruction of this Horcrux three will remain. In the meantime we are still attempting to amend our school bylaws to reinstate the Chaplaincy position; hence we shall be extending an invitation to both you and Rabbi Lebowitz as soon as is practicable. Severus Snape sends his greetings. God bless you my friend.

Albus Dumbledore

With this clearly authentic letter from Dumbledore, Harry's trust of Reverend Ewls now skyrocketed. Not only did he know Dumbledore, Sirius, and his parents, but he was one of the only people other than himself in which Dumbledore had confided about the Horcruxes. There was, however, one problem with the letter, that being the greetings sent by Snape; did Reverend Ewls also know and perhaps once trust Severus Snape as Dumbledore did?

"That letter arrived at Salem Witches Institute days after he died," Reverend Ewls began. "…by way of the Ministry of Magic, they somehow managed to intercept it before it arrived."

"That would explain how they learned of the Horcruxes," Harry began. "It's so unfortunate that they're spouting that information all over the Daily Prophet, now that Voldemort knows that they've been destroyed I wouldn't be surprised if he has five more already."

"Voldemort won't risk dividing his soul more than he already has," Ewls answered. "One's soul is a limited resource Harry. No, I think that Voldemort's own mortality is now secured that the remaining three Horcruxes have, in fact, been destroyed by the ministry."

"I'm afraid there's one that they didn't get," Harry corrected.

At once Reverend Ewls' expression became much more serious, still there was no fear in his eyes.

"I thought that you and Dumbledore found the Locket."

"No I'm afraid not," Harry said, and began to recount the tail of the false locket and note left by a mysterious R.A.B.

"The note said that this, R.A.B. destroyed the horcrux?" Reverend Ewls said. "We must not assume that he succeeded, rather we must proceed by locating him or her."

"But how sir, we don't have a clue as to who it might be?"

"R.A.B." Reverend Ewls muttered aloud. "Who could that be? The note said he'd be dead by the time Voldemort found it; knowing the fate of several people who have crossed the Dark Lord, I'm going to assume that such is the case, and that he is dead, but it is crucial that we direct our efforts toward finding out who he is and whether or not he succeeded in destroying the last horcrux. Finally, our goal from there should be clear, your destiny is at hand."

At the word destiny, Harry's mind turned suddenly philosophical, he began to ponder the religious meaning of his destiny as he now understood it through the paradigm of the worldview of God's love, which was as much as he was currently willing to believe about God. He did not, as yet, profess any belief in Jesus Christ, or the Christian notion of God, outside the concept that God is Love.

"Reverend," Harry began, his tone contemplative. "You spoke of magic being the medium of God's miracles, and the dark arts the medium of the adversary, why does Satan oppose God?"

"I don't know," Ewls replied. "All I do know is that Satan's power is from hate, and God's from love. Those are the two sources from which all magic derives, good magic from love, dark arts from hate, that is how you perform magic, by tapping into the mystical energy of love or hate. That is what separates Wizards and Witches from Muggles: their ability to do that.

"The Church originally was founded upon the principles of love-based wizardry, over time however—and this is not a bad thing in itself as muggles must hear the gospel as much as wizards—the Muggle population of the Church outweighed the wizard population, they began to believe that Wizards either good or bad, could not be trusted and so they persecuted both the dark arts and good wizardry, forgetting that Jesus himself was a Wizard. That is why it is so important that you not give into hate, the moment you do that you tap into the dark arts and become a threat.

"It is very important that you realize that although Tom Riddle was probably always evil, you are not without sin, and it is possible for Satan to exploit that and turn you to the dark side. Although Voldemort may or may not realize it, to him you would be a powerful asset if you were on his side. That is why you must forgive Severus and that Malfoy boy, hate in your heart will consume you, tear your soul apart until all that is left is an agent of evil."

At this a rush of several emotions came through Harry at once, on the one hand, he was taken back at the suggestion that he would ever be in league with Voldemort, the man who had murdered his parents. On the other hand he understood perfectly well what—If God's love was strong enough to love even Voldemort, Malfoy and Snape—he must do. He questioned, however, his own strength to do so.

"Reverend," He said. "I understand that the nature of love is to give, to serve, and to forgive, but I don't know if I can forgive Voldemort, Severus Snape or Draco Malfoy."

"I loved Dumbledore Harry," Ewls Replied. "He stood Godfather to Theo, my oldest son, but I want you to guess who stood Godfather to my middle son, Tad."

"I have no clue."

"Severus Snape."

At this, a hint of anger, and shock entered Harry's heart. Detecting this, Reverend Ewls began to speak before Harry could express it.

"Severus Snape, who is one of the must pious members of the Eastern Orthodox Faith I have ever met, having converted days after defecting from the Death Eaters…"

"Snape was a Christian?" Harry asked in surprise, interrupting Reverend Ewls' train of thought.

"Correction, Snape is a Christian."

"He never treated me like a Christian should, he always seemed to want revenge for the way my Father and Godfather treated him," Harry proclaimed. "He hated me."

"There you go judging again Harry, you're not perfect, nor am I, nor was Snape." Ewls said. "I know that's a shitty excuse but it's true, and it works when you understand that imperfection is one of the fundamental aspects of the human condition and Christians are not exempt from it. Severus confided in several letters to myself and his priest his desire to make amends, and his sorrow at the fact that he is probably responsible for your parents' deaths. But just as I have a cursing problem Harry, Severus never could look past what your father did to him as he should have."

"But you can't just explain away the fact that he murdered Dumbledore."

"Snape did not murder Dumbledore, he killed him at Dumbledore's own request."

Harry was stunned and confused by this response, why would Dumbledore want to die. As if anticipating this next question, Reverend Ewls continued.

"Why did Dumbledore want Snape to kill him? For the same reason why your mother died to save you. Sacrificial love is the most powerful magic, and it transfers power to those for whom one sacrifices. This is, in essence, the theoretical property behind the sacrifice of Jesus, how God's redemption in his blood is able to save so many from the power of sin. What your mother and Dumbledore did for you, was a similitude of what Christ did for us all, though paying the price of human sin is something that no human could have possibly done. Dumbledore's correspondence with me bore out his fear that this would be the only way that you could possibly defeat Voldemort, Snape's so-called murder of Dumbledore, which he did most grudgingly, served two purposes: to confirm Snape's Loyalty in the eyes of Voldemort making him an ideal spy, and to once again make it so that Voldemort cannot touch you since it is not your mother's blood protecting you, but Dumbledore's."

Harry possessed upon his face a look of doubt. Reverend Ewls sensed this.

"Would you like to read the correspondences between myself and both Snape and Dumbledore?
Ewls asked defensively. "They're all here and I assure you they are quite extensive. Snape is, at heart, a good man, and if only the ministry knew how valuable he is; now more than ever we need him. If you still are unconvinced, ask Professor McGonagall about my character, and what I did during the first war against Voldemort. In fact after this conversation, I think that such a visit to the headmistress is definitely in order."

At this moment Harry realized and felt again the great love of God pouring into his heart. This love was not only for him, but also for Voldemort, Malfoy, and Snape. He still did not know how he could forgive them, especially Voldemort who was responsible for so many terrible things. His tear ducts were immediately activated and a small tear fell from his eyes. Reverend Ewls clearly caught this as his face began to screw up as well indicating the presence of tears of his own.

"I am sorry," Harry said.

"Harry, there is peace is Christ Jesus, there is hope, rest for your soul, love and joy, and strength which you will need now more than ever," Ewls proclaimed, tears now streaking from his eyes. "You can lay down your burdens of sin, and of hate and of revenge at the foot of the Cross."

"I want to believe you, but what you say is difficult to understand and to believe," Harry said softly.

"Ponder it Harry," Ewls said, his gaze, amidst the tears, once again becoming powerful. "God loves you so much, and he wants you to come to him, to his son who is full of grace and truth. Accept Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, as your savior Harry; it makes all the difference in the world."

"I don't know…"

"Harry, I don't doubt your loyalty to Dumbledore against Voldemort," Ewls said. "But your part in all of this is greater than you can imagine, and Christ is right here willing to walk beside you in your journey, the time will come very shortly, when we will all have to make the choice between what is right and what is easy."

At this, Harry's tears were replaced with a smile, a sense of deep peace came over him, for the first time in his life he felt loved, not from other people but from a source outside of the world penetrating into himself.

"Dumbledore once said that to me,"

"You're not the only one he said that to." Reverend Ewls replied, also smiling.

Upon finishing their conversation, the two of them ascended a staircase to the seventh floor and made their way to the Gargoyle guarding the spiral staircase leading to the Headmistress's office. Upon arriving at the Gargoyle, Reverend Ewls blurted out the password, "Weird Sisters." The Gargoyle then began to rotate upwards revealing a spiral staircase leading to the headmistress' office. Upon arrival at the door to the office, Harry hesitated before knocking, seeing that Reverend Ewls was not accompanying him to the door.

"This is between you and Professor McGonagall Harry," Ewls said. "I cannot interfere."

Harry then knocked on the door, a female voice cried from the other side, "enter." Harry opened the door and entered the office which was almost as Dumbledore had left it.

"Ah Harry" came Dumbledore's Voice. At this sound, Harry was startled he turned to the source which was on one of the walls, seeing professor Dumbledore's painting he smiled. "Good to see you again," the painting said.

"Er… Thank you sir," Claimed Harry.

"Mr. Potter." Said McGonagall, calling Harry's attention back to the Headmistress' desk. "What can I do for you."

"Reverend Ewls is outside, I had to speak with you in private," Harry replied.

McGonagall let out a sign, her look was one of resignation; she took off her glasses and looked Harry directly in his eyes.

"Please sit down," McGonagall Said, Harry obeyed. "I thought that this conversation might occur sooner or Later."

"Tell me about Reverend Ewls."

"Harry, although I'm not sure why, Dumbledore saw fit to confide a great deal in Reverend Ewls that he did not tell even me," McGonagall said. " But what he says is true. Reverend Ewls is one of the Leading opponents of Voldemort and the Pure-blood Supremacist movement in the United States, it is because of his efforts that American Aurors assisted the Order of the Phoenix, and the Ministry of Magic during the first war, that's why we insisted that he be brought here, I cannot tell you how calming his presence is, he is a very powerful wizard."

"Is he a member of the Order of the Phoenix?"

"No, he is part of an organization that we might call a counterpart to the Order of the Phoenix."

"An American counterpart?"

"International, it is one of the oldest organizations of wizards and witches in the world, and the oldest Christian organization, predating even the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. You don't know much about protestant doctrine I assume, but if you did you would probably wonder why he is so liturgical, practicing the sign of the cross, and using incense in worship when he's a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the reason is because those are traditions of this order, a Christian order of the most powerful wizards and witches in the world: The Order of the Holy Cross. They're not secret, but they do not exactly advertise their existence either. Most do not know about them, those who do usually don't talk about them, I tell you about them now in order that you can learn to trust Reverend Ewls. Dumbledore trusted him, and he can help you."