Pandora's Box

Harry ate his full and was about to stand when the voice said "Remain seated" Just like in the great hall all the food disappeared. Harry saw a figure come into view. It looked like his headmaster but Harry knew it was not possible.

Harry looking at the staff the man carried immediately knew who the man in front of him was? "Yes quite correct. You are Harry Potter. There is no doubt in my mind. That was the way it was set back when even I lived." Harry was dumbstruck.

This man lived thousands of years ago how… "Let me answer you. I see there are still centaurs. Back in my time there were still a lot of centaurs.

They came to me with a prophecy" "Yes that one and please stop interrupting me. It was known back in my time. I did not want anything to do with that as I believed this future seeing things are a load of cattle dung. Anyway, I put a task for this bunch of centaurs. I asked them, who I will face tomorrow. They immediately replied-Lancelot, and they told me why just for good measure. I was the one to find him and the first…. But that's another story. Anyway they say they saw it weeks ago. They showed me a book where they recorded it. Now as I see you know these centaurs are a peculiar bunch. They think they are above us humans so I ask their head.

"Why so demanding we are only humans. He replies that only a boy by the name of Harry Potter can save us and you. I knew you were going to ask that, Why me I asked as well, well simply because Cause." Merlin said automatically and exclaimed the "because cause". "But why did I have another wand first." Harry asked with a frown. Smiling Merlin answered "You have to walk before you can run." This sounded strange to Harry and he was about to ask "Harry you have much more raw power than myself. You only need to harness this power. You already have a lot of scars." Merlin said while motioning towards Harry's face. "I can remove it now but that act will nullify everything you have done in your mind."

"Sure you will remember but you and others need to see it to remind you what happened. When all is gone and done then you can think of such an act." Merlin suddenly changed into what he looked like the day he left the world and its earthly matters behind. "As you can see I looked almost like you. Only difference is I received my scars forty years before my death and I reached the ripe and tender age of two hundred and fifty or some thing like that."

"I needed to crawl before I walked and eventually ran. You, my young friend do not have a league and most certainly do not have the privilege and time to dawdle on such stupid things as walking. The one you sought has already a good following but that will change. He will take a lot of other little demons under his wing and start terrorizing the world you know.

(Medusa step forward) as Medusa did this Harry saw she was gold. (We changed Harry) Harry was lost for words. She slid up to Merlin and looked the old man in the eyes. He merely touched her and Medusa returned to Harry. She slid up to him but did not become part of him.

Merlin released his eagle – platinum. "As you can see Harry I was quite powerful platinum is the highest you go. After that your companion starts to get these circles." He indicated the ring on the neck of his companion. "There are three"

"Harry I can not teach you. My power that was in the box will be gone soon enough. I have something else for you. I see you have found the room I mentioned to Godrich. That is good. You should be happy that you did that. I can see you are denying the changes in your friends. You will see it soon enough that I guarantee.

This trunk works much the same as that room. You will have to play to get all the information from it.

"When you are inside the trunk you are inside a portal of time. Do you know the spell – Tempus Figit" Harry nodded and was about to protest when Merlin continued "It does not have the same properties as you age at normal time outside the trunk. To enlarge place your hand on it and say "Engorgio" and "Reducio" to make it smaller Harry pocketed the trunk after making it a manageable size.

"Harry my time is up here is one last present though." Harry saw a sword whirling through the air. He saw the light bouncing of its sides. He saw a magnificent blue orb stuck in the pommel he saw strange ruins on the blade. He felt Medusa become one with him (Medusa shall explain the sword when the time comes) he heard the eagle of Merlin screech.

Mr. Ollivander's shop…

He caught the sword and was back inside the shop he left moments ago he brandished the sword once cutting through the air and felt it become one with him as well. #another tattoo and another scar#. Those around saw the silver but it was gone before they could discern it as a sword.

In Harry's hand there was a gnarled piece of wood which resembled the hands of a leper. Harry whispered a spell and there was blood slowly working its way out of a wound on his left hand. He dripped some of the blood on the stick.

He could feel the power emanating from the wand. He felt his power working towards the wand. They collided and Harry saw small stars explode in front of him. He saw the stick slowly but surely morphing. It stayed black but there was a shine to the blackness the wand straightened out in a beautiful twelve inch wand.

Harry had a wand. Turning to Mr. Ollivander he realized he probably did not have enough money on him. "How much do I owe you for the wand?" Harry asked almost desperately. "It's yours" was the answer from a shocked Mr. Ollivander. Harry not expecting this just looked at the man in front of him. He had no words. Seeing the look on Harry's face Mr. Ollivander said "My dear boy. That wand was paid with the transfer of ownership of this shop. Merlin himself established this very shop. He gave my great, great grandfather this shop. The only catch was that he keeps the box of Pandora until the day the true owner collects it. What I am saying is that I am actually the owner now that the box has left the care of this shop. "Thanks" is all Harry could mumble. "No, thank you" is what he got.

They turned around and left the shop of Mr. Ollivander. "So Potter is out to catch some more attention again, don't you receive enough from the mudblood." Harry heard as was in the process of turning around.

Harry knew who this was. There was only one person who said things like that. Harry never let Malfoy Jr get to him. He turned around at what was his nemesis. He knew deep down there was a good part. #but where.# Harry felt very sorry for his nemesis but what could he do. He felt a sorrow that he was not sure where or why but he knew that he had to find away to get him out of the grips of the older Malfoy.

"Draco Malfoy" Harry said in stride. "What brings you here?"

Draco was shocked at Harry saying his name, but then he saw the face. The initial shock was still settling #bloody hell, what's on with him. # Feeling his fathers hand gripping his shoulder brought him back to the real world. "Nice make-up Potter, not happy with the way you look?" Malfoy said as the only thing to counter with.

He suddenly felt better as his father laughed as well. He just smirked at his own cleverness. Then he saw a single scarlet tear running down the same crimson line on the face of Harry potter. Ever so slowly it followed the track like a train climbing a terrible sharp slope without sand to help. Draco looked at his farther for an answer but the older Malfoy was in as much shock as his son. There was a general gasp of the group gathered. They would forever remember that face, that tear and those words "For you Malfoy's I cry now a single tear, for when I see you next there will be no more." With that the tear started burning and died out. What was left was the old crimson shadow. The train has gone over the hill like the pities Harry felt for them. Harry placed his wand under his robe and felt it become one with him; this did not feel strange anymore.

The player seeing there was no more to be gained from this part of the excursion motioned the group out. "I need to go to Gringotts." Is all Harry said as they exited. Curious faces all looked at the group as they walked the cobblestones to Gringotts. They however arrived without incident. Griphook walked over as soon as he saw them.

Harry remembered Griphook from the first time he came to Gringotts.

"Good morning, he almost cheered to the group." "Good morning Griphook" Harry replied. "I came to get some money and I need to change Galleons to muggle money." This would usually bring a grin to any goblin but this time there was not even an indication.

"Who else needs to go to their vaults?" At that Professor Dumbledore stopped the commotion. "Griphook, can we get the paperwork for Harry's vaults. I need to sign it so he can control his own money." "Of course Professor" He said as he motioned another goblin over. They exchanged a few words and the two professors followed the goblin. "I believe the rest of you need to go to your vaults"

The first one they stopped at was Hermione's vault. "Ms Granger you are up" Griphook said as he opened the vault. Inside there was a few hands of galleons that Hermoine collected. "Okay I am done." She said merrily as she hopped into the cart. The next vault was for the Weasley's. "Mr and Mrs Weasley you are next." Molly got out following the goblin as he went to unlock the door. Harry was surprised to see that this time there was a bit more galleons than usual. She collected some of the galleons and came out again. She was smiling to her husband as he embraced her.

#I wish I had family that felt the same way about me# Harry thought as he saw the Weasley parents hold onto each other. #I would give all the gold in my Gringotts account to have that# Harry thought.

The next stop was for Neville. Griphook got out and unlocked the vault. "Neville this one is yours." Griphook croaked. In this vault there was quite a lot of money. Harry guessed there was at least halve of what he had. He heard Ron mouth "Wow Neville, there is quite a lot in there." Neville collected a poach full and exited. "Yeah mom and dad" He said with a sorrow filling his face. Ron immediately apologized as he and Hermoine hugged.

All this hugging was driving Harry nuts (What will I do he said) (I will hold you) and he could feel Medusa holding him tighter. (Thanks, you are all the family I need) there was no reply but the group looked strangely at him.

They stopped at Harry's vault once again it was Griphook who unlocked the vault for Harry. "Mr. Potter" Harry fell almost over his feet to collect money. He did not like having so much while the rest did not have that much together. This time it was Neville who had to apologize as he said "Blime Harry you are rich" He did not even receive an answer.

"Griphook my name is Harry." Harry said as he entered the cart. "Of course mister potter." There was something flashing on the cart that Griphook immediately recognized. He spoke into a mike and turned to Harry as the conversation died down. "Mister Potter all the paperwork is signed. I need to request you to inspect the rest of your vaults." He was waiting for an answer. "What other vaults" "Well sir there is your Deposit vault where all the money tenants pay you are collected in. There is your Dividend vault where your dividends of the shares in the bank are paid into. There is your Documentation vault where all your deeds and some other forms of documentation are kept and this was your General vault. And lastly what the goblins in the bank came to fondly call your personal treasury. The goblin of the month I usually send there to clean and repack as an incentive for good work."

Harry was shocked and flabbergasted. "What tenants?" They started moving. They went deeper and deeper into the bowls of the bank. "Who are you to give incentive's and what is this dividends" The goblin expected just this. So he started calmly. "Mr. Potter…" Seeing the look on Harry's face he started again. "Harry, I am the bank manager. There are twelve stocks in Gringotts. As you inherited everything from your parents, there were three, and the black fortune, another three, you own half of Gringotts. Hence you receive Dividends. To minimize confusion all your vaults are divided into two. Left and right as you saw in the vault you exited now, which is dubbed by the way General. Left Potter. Right Black." "Who has the rest of the shares in Gringotts" Harry asked. "The ministry has two, Mr. Malfoy has one and of course, professor Dumbledore had three. He just now gave professor McGonagall one for a present… And I should not have said that."

Everyone immediately saw the meaning but left it at that. Except for Harry "Should have happened a long time ago." "Tell me Griphook who manages my accounts." Harry asked matter of factly. "You are the reason I became manager, so naturally it is me. I was first entrusted by your parents and then Professor Dumbledore thought he would go with the tradition." "Thanks and I am not interested in breaking a working solution." Harry replied.

The light on the cart started to flash and Griphook spoke into the mike until they arrived at the vault dubbed documentation. "The letters to all the tenants has gone out." Griphook said opening the vault. "Thanks, I guess" this vault could have been a library. Once again left and right. Griphook immediately started to explain "It is mostly Deeds and titles. There are a lot of contracts as well. It dates back very far and I have not even gone through half of them. There is quite a lot of property and estate involved as well." Harry who knew nothing of this turned around and made his way to the cart. After locking up Griphook followed.

Then there was the dividend vault. Griphook opened the vault. Mrs. Weasley let out a yelp as the mountain sized heap of galleons came into view. Harry remained on the cart. "It has been gathering for quite some time already. I decided to keep it in case you needed a lot of money quickly. The money from the Deposit vault is used to maintain your properties and add new ones as they become available. You have several properties in the muggle world as well. Griphook locked this vault and they were on their way again. "Let's give the Deposit vault a skip" Harry said to Griphook who did not look too pleased about this.

This time they went very far before the cart came to a stop in the middle of nowhere. Griphook walked to the door and whispered something. Harry remembered him doing the same thing in his first year.

The door opened. Harry walked slowly in and saw this room divided as well. In the middle there was a table with one chair at the back and several stacks of paper on top of it. "When I work on your accounts I come down here" Griphook explained.

Looking left and right Harry saw a lot of artefacts, books and rows and rows of emeralds, rubies, diamonds and other gemstones he did not have names for, armour suites, paintings and above all a bicycle. Everyone else followed inside. The sight was amazing to say the least. Hermoine had names for all the gemstones but Harry was not interested. He saw two letters. One letter had a red seal and another had a black seal on. Both were addresses to Harry potter. Harry opened the letter with the red seal first.

Harry,

If you are reading this it means you came to age without us. I can only begin to imagine what it must be like and I can only hope that Voldemort is destroyed as well.

As this answer we do not know we can only share our love with you. We would have given all the money in these vaults to be with you, and we know you would do the same, you know that it is not how things work. Please be assured that we love you and are proud of you.

Harry, we know we are in danger for Voldemort is looking for us. We will go into hiding at about the same time this letter reaches the vault. We can only hope that you will never need to read this.

Please always remember that we love you. Follow your heart wherever you go. It will lead you in the right direction.

Harry we have to go. Please give our regards to Sirius, Remus and Peter.

With love

Your parents

Harry slowly relaxed and took the letter with the black seal.

Howzit Harry, Harry immediately knew it was from Sirius

I believe this is the second one you read. When I wrote this letter Professor Dumbledore told me you had another one. Sorry Mate.

Seeing that you are reading this letter it means I have failed you, again. I do not have enough words to apologize enough. I can only say that I am sorry Harry for ever letting you down. Please never go lie down, it is the only wisdom I can give and ask from you. At this time Voldemort is still running free, of that I am sure. As you know by now you are the only one that can stop him.

I know of the things you have seen and experienced in your life. It should never have happened. I know what those muggles are like and how they treated you. For all this I am sorry Harry. Your parents entrusted me with your well being. I failed in all ways and am truly sorry for this. Please forgive me. As much as it breaks my heart I will add this as well. Partially I am happy that all this happened. It shaped you into what you are Harry.

Yes look around you. You walk in any part of the wizarding world and people follow you. Look at your friends. Look at what you achieved. Look at your DA group. Remus told me a lot of that. Harry people look up at you. To them you are a saviour and hope. They will follow you to the gates of hell and kick it down. Not because Voldemort fell the first time because of you. No because he will permanently fall because of you.

Harry whatever you do be your best. That is all I require. You were the son I never had, if only for a short while.

I love you Harry.

Your godfather

Sirius

Harry was once again torn and he could feel medusa holding him firmer. He saw another letter addressed to Mr. Potter. The scarlet tears were still streaming as he opened the next letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We at St Mungos would like to thank you for the piece of the gem that you provided us. We have made the following discoveries.

The name of the stone is "Crystal of Regret-fullness." The stone can be used in a potion to help forget bad memories. Once the stone is used you will need the stone to recall those memories.

We made another startling discovery though. We can use the stone to help people recover and repair memories and this should work for crucatious curse victims as well. If the measurements of the stone we were supplied with are correct we will be able to make enough potions to last us ten years with only a quarter of the stone. And that is if we keep receiving patients at our current pace

Please Mr. Potter. I as a doctor at St. Mungo's hospital beg you to provide us with a quarter of the stone. You will help a lot of people in the event.

Yours truly,

Dr Rose

(All this time it sat here. In my stupid vault) (You did not know) (Why did they not contact me) (You were not part of the wizarding world) (Why did they not contact Professor Dumbledore) (Stop it! You know it was not his to give. Do something about it now!) That was more than an order, it was a reprimand.

A picture of the stone followed. "When was this letter delivered Griphook?" Harry asked wiping his eyes. Griphook immediately recalled "The week before your parents was killed."

Harry turned to Neville "I am sorry Neville your cure sat all along in this stupid vault" (Sword) as Harry said this he withdrew the great sword from merlin . He hurled it through the air at where he remembered seeing the stone. It struck the stone in the middle going driving into the wall up to the hilt. Harry kept his hand outstretched in exactly the same way that the sword left his hand. The sword started to twitch and released itself from the wall it came back all the way into Harry's hand "Excalibur" Harry whispered as he marvelled at the sword and its craftsmanship. He put the sword away and felt it become nothing more than a tattoo.

(It is not your fault) (I know) (Then act the part)(Sorry)(I love you) That was something Harry never heard. It was an emotion that he never shared unless it was through an action and then he did not do it consciously. (I love you too) He said and a feeling of elation went over him.

He could feel the Goosebumps starting, going ever so slowly down his spine. He could feel the hair standing on end as the Goosebumps flowed. It was amazing (That felt good. You should do it more often) (Then you will have to say you love me more often) (I will)

#Now I am sure I am not alone anymore# He forgot but she heard him. If anyone could see the tattoo of the snake they would see a massive grin on its face as well.

He took a quill and wrote a simple post script at the bottom of the page

The Longbottom's first

Harry

"Griphook send that halve with the letter back to St Mungos."

"Harry what a magnificent sword, where did you get it?" Mr. Weasley asked as Harry started to leave the vault. He knew there was a lot too sort out in the vault as he saw various objects on the walls. There were quite a lot of magical objects but he wanted to be alone when he went through them. "Merlin gave it to me." Harry replied as he exited the vault.

Not a word was spoken as they went back to the general part of the bank and only then did Ginny break the embrace to follow her father. When they arrived the first thing Harry did was to call Griphook aside. "Please excuse me I just need to finalize something with Griphook." Harry did not see professor Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley go into deep discussion.

"Please follow me?" Griphook said as he took a direction. They approached two large wooden doors in the corner of the bank that automatically opened. "You know they are discussing your sword?" Griphook said as they entered. "Does not matter" Harry replied. There was only one table in the centre of the room and Griphook immediately went to the back. The door silently closed behind them. Harry helped himself to a seat and waited for Griphook to sit.

There was a knock on the door. "It is Professor Dumbledore, may he enter?" Griphook said as he sat down. "Of course"

The door opened and professor Dumbledore entered. "Am I interrupting something" He asked matter of factly although he knew he was. Harry groaned softly but said nothing, as he was still feeling at odds with the man. With this Professor Dumbledore helped himself to a seat. "Professor you want to see the sword?" Harry said as he withdrew the sword." He held it to professor Dumbledore who did not take it (He can not touch it. Only me and you can) with this information Harry placed the sword on the table in front of professor Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore did not let himself be invited, immediately he started examining the sword.

"Griphook the reason I called you here is to set some rules for the flow of my money into the vaults." Griphook smiled "I understand."

"First of all in what timeframe are dividends paid?" "Monthly" was the prompt reply. "Great. I want the money from one share to be paid to the Weasley's. If they inquire, and they will, find an excuse too keep them quiet." "Harry you know Arthur and Molly wont like it" Professor Dumbledore said in his stupor. "They will have to take the money as it will be a condition in their contract for the house." Griphook said with a smile. "They will be signing them today as well." Griphook pressed a button on his table and had a quick exchange with someone. "Nobody ever reads the contracts." He said with a grin that went ear to ear. Harry smiled. Professor Dumbledore, well he was busy.

Moments later there was a knock again. The door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered with another goblin. The new goblin placed a contract in front of Griphook who quickly went over the contract. He winked at Harry and indicated where he must sign and where the Weasley's must sign. After everyone signed the Weasley's left. "I believe there is a Weasley working for you as well." "Yes but I keep his schedule rather open. You never know where the order might need him." Dumbledore smiled and Harry nodded.

Griphook, how much are there, more or less, in the deposits Vault. "More than three times the amount in your Dividends vault." "Oh" is all Harry said as he thought about it. "Professor Dumbledore got up as he saw the banking expedition was coming to an end. "May I see later more of it Harry" professor Dumbledore asked as Harry replaced the sword. "Yes professor." Harry replied the stiffly. The old man simply sighed and left.

"Thanks once again for your help and good work Griphook" Harry said shaking the hands of the goblin bank manager. The bank manager was close too tears. "Thank you Harry, it is not often that we receive appreciation from wizards. Only then did Harry saw the other goblins stare at them. He suddenly remembered how Griphook told him what Mr. Weasley and professor Dumbledore was discussing.

Harry smiled and left the bank. They still had some shopping to do.

The next stop was Madam Malkin's shop. It was only for Harry that they were there as they would come to Diagon Alley on the last day before school started again.

Harry was amazed at some of the materials inside the shop. From snake skin (I hope those died naturally) to the material nearly all robes were made of, a simple black cloth. Then hanging alone in one of the windows Harry saw what he wanted. Dragon hides.

He walked over there immediately. He felt it. It was not what he expected. It was soft, smooth and it glistened, a glaze that would reflect black light. Harry took it of the hanger. It was too big, much too big. He tried it on in any way. It shrunk immediately to his frame. He started moving in the new robe faster and faster. He even jogged on the spot. It did not hinder him in any way; it was light as a feather. He took the ends and pulled it. It did not budge. It was extremely strong.

He found the hood and placed it over his head. It felt amazing. He felt oddly secure in the robe. "It is quite durable as well. Not to mention water and fire proof" Madam Malkin said coming into view. She gave a loud scream as Harry turned around. Professor Minerva quickly reassured the woman that it is okay. Harry took the robe off as well. He wanted these.

Madam Malkin recognized Harry then. "Mr. Potter my new landlord. How are you today? You gave me quite a scare." "Sorry" Harry mumbled an apology.

"What can I do for you?" "I need 35 sets of these" Harry said of hand. He walked to professor McGonagall and whispered in her ear. "Can I get Gryffindor a set as well?" She frowned and in the end nodded. "I will need ten sets in Gryffindor's colour as well. I will require for now only three of the black sets. The rest we will be picked up later." Nobody saw the departing figure of McNair in the doorway.

"Payment will be in advance of course. I need five meters of that material." He indicated to a black silk like material of which only samples was available. They collected the material and robes and left.

Shortly after Harry made the payment they left. They bought their books. Harry and Hermoine bought a few extras. They did not buy any potion ingredients. They stopped at the owlery for treats for Hedgewig. She had still to recover.

After that they went to enjoy some ice cream. "Well Harry I will take you back to Privet Drive now. The rest will go with professor McGonagall." Professor Dumbledore said as all the ice cream was finished. "I myself can do with some rest" Harry commented to no one but for sum reason everyone understood. (The last time I saw that much entertainment was while in the employ of Voldemort.) Medusa said. (I am sorry. But trouble seems to have a bad way of following me and then finding me as well.) Harry replied.

After a moment of thought medusa said (Apology not accepted. I chose you as much as you accepted me.)

(Thanks.) Harry said earnestly. Medusa nodded in reply

"Harry, to whom do you keep talk in parcel tongue all the time?" Professor McGonagall asked. Hermoine immediately went on "You know it is bad manners"

(Would you like to meet them, they are all my friends) Harry asked Medusa (I really would but is the timing right. They have already seen a lot for two days you know.) Medusa said in reply. (You are right; it is just that I am already withholding something else from them as well. But yes you are right) (Okay let's scare them a bit.) With that everyone saw the tattoo on Harry's neck slowly move up onto his cheek and then it slowly left his face and as it left Harry it became a silver serpent. (Why are you Silver?) Harry asked. (I believe it is better to hide some things from them.) Medusa replied. Harry smiled in answer.

There was a collective gasp as Medusa stood four feet tall as well as two feet worth coiled on the floor. She inflated what could only be described as her neck. She stood tall and menacingly in front of the group. "Please meet Medusa." (Pleased to meet you all) which Harry relayed to the group. Professor McGonagall was the first to respond "Harry you and Medusa are you companions?"

(Now there is a surprise) Harry gave Medusa a smile and answered professor McGonagall "Yes professor we are and I think there is more to it as well." Medusa looked at him as if too say what you mean. (I love you) is all he said in his defence. He held his hand out to Medusa and she went head first in to settle in his neck again. He felt her give him a squeeze and then she settled.

"Professor why are there no more companionships around?" Hermoine asked no one in particular. "We can only guess." Professor Dumbledore replied. (The animal kingdoms don't trust any humans. Except I trust you Harry Potter. The whole animal kingdom trusts you as well. It is only in nobility, courage, strength, trust and of course love that this will happen. I can see the gathered group have a lot of this but they will have to wait until they are chosen. Now that we are united we can help others do the same thing. Through me and you we have united the two kingdoms.)

Harry relayed this information to the group. Professor McGonagall whispered something to Professor Dumbledore. He in turn turned to her and said something back. To Harry this was like a dream. And they kissed. Just a peck but that was enough. Harry looked away for the moment. (When will you get a girlfriend?) Medusa asked Harry as she too witnessed this. Harry shrugged in reply. She sighed to herself.

The day was not over as there was a brilliant flash. Two phoenixes appeared out of the flash. They looked exactly the same except for size. Fawkes nipped professor Dumbledore and both the brilliant birds flew and landed on the outstretched hands of Harry. (The time of choosing has come. The choice does not surprise me at all though.) (Oh Medusa we are going to be playing match makers for a while I see) (I know. And I love it) (Woman) He could hear her do an imitation of clicking her tong and give him a good squeeze. He smiled inward.

"I think we require a room at the Cauldron professor. This will require some explanation." They all understood and left for the leaky cauldron which was just down the road.

They entered The Leaky Cauldron through the back and Harry went straight to Tom the bar keeper. Harry had his dragon hide cape on and it covered his head as well. Tom gave a yelp and started back pedalling. "Please don't take me" (Take him where) Medusa asked. Harry took the cape of his head. "Good afternoon Tom. We need a private dining area for the afternoon. A room for ten preferably."

"Blimey, it is Harry Potter. I am sorry Harry. You have changed. I remember your first day back into the wizarding world like yesterday. You came with Hagrid. You looked so innocent young, strong in a way I could not understand. Now, now you look like you could take on ten death eaters and kill them all." professor Dumbledore saw Harry very uncomfortable and came forward. "Thank you Tom. May we retreat to a private room please? And not only can he but he did, this morning to be a little more specific. And keep it too yourself" Harry saw the man's eyes stretch to the size of saucers as he stared at Harry. When he eventually came too he was halve dragged by Ron in the general direction of the private rooms.

Everyone ordered Butterbeer and waited for Tom to return. Harry and Medusa were in a deep discussion with the phoenixes though

(We have been waiting for a very long time. We needed you to unite us. Then they have been looking for the companionship of each other a long time but never got over the initial stages at first. It is sad that they waited this long.) Sarchen said as she spoke to Harry.

(Except for that I could not become professor Dumbledore's companion because we are both males). Fawkes added. (Even though I am not very happy with him right now if I can have half the qualities that man portraits then I will have sufficient to last me a lifetime) Harry added. (Harry you have more than you give yourself credit for. Remember your achievements the last five years. In that time you have achieved as much if not more than that brilliant man. I love him Harry, I really do but what you must remember is that he achieves a lot by making small and painstaking moves at a time. You make single extraordinary moves at a time and with those you make single great achievements. The good thing is that they are in some way always in perfect synch with his moves. He is the player and the king and you are the queen. As long as you can see it that way the two of you will achieve great things together. If you had the knowledge base of that girl you call Hermoine then you would be a match for professor McGonagall and then with a little more experience you will be as great as professor Dumbledore himself. )Fawkes said. (Thanks Fawkes he needed that. I keep telling him that but it is stuck somewhere in the wax in his ears. Now Harry do you believe?) (It is not just a matter of believing. It is a matter of accepting. I have accepted my Karma. With the help of the people in this room it will be much easier though. But I still do not trust him as I used to.)

Fawkes thrilled and sighed. (I know Harry but please give him a chance.) Before Harry could reply Tom returned handing out several bottles and glasses. "Anything else?" He asked Harry pointedly. "Thanks Tom we will call if there is more." With that Tom the barman left.

Harry looked at the two phoenixes one at a time straight in the eyes. (So be it) "So be it" Harry and Medusa said at the same time. Everything the one said the other said. One voice human, the other birdsong.

"(You have made your choice. It is a good choice. Now go to your companions)" With that Fawkes and Sarchen disappeared and reappeared in a flash. Fawkes was perching on the shoulder of professor McGonagall and Sarchen on professor Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore, Fawkes has been with you for a very long time. As a male he will never be able to be your companion. He found a mate by the name of Sarchen. The one on your shoulder. Will you accept her in the place of Fawkes? As they are mates they hold the same title in Nature." "Yes Harry I accept her in the place of Fawkes."

"(Sarchen, do you accept Professor Dumbledore as your companion)" Yes I do "(Professor Dumbledore, Do you accept Sarchen as your Companion)" "Yes I do "(By the power invested in us we proclaim you Companions.)" With that Sarchen slowly sank into the shoulder of professor Dumbledore)"

Turning to professor McGonagall Harry and Medusa performed the same ritual

"(Fawkes, do you accept Professor McGonagall as your companion)" Yes I do "(Professor McGonagall, Do you accept Fawkes as your Companion)" "Yes I do "(By the power invested in us we proclaim you Companions.)" With that Fawkes slowly sank into the shoulder of professor McGonagall)"

Then Fawkes slowly came up out of the shoulder of professor McGonagall. The sun shone on him and the light scattered in all directions. Breaking up into little rainbows. It was picture perfect. Sarchen followed suite. Most beautiful. She beamed as she affectionately nipped at Albus. Both birds were platinum but the one had a single ring that the other did not have. (Can you imagine the conversation?)(Yes love. But they will have only a bond where the strongest part is love.) This was a lot for Harry to try and understand (Don't worry we will find a solution.) (I know we will. I always do. Now we are two.) After that Harry gave an explanation of the colours of the bird as well as the rings.

"They never mention the eagle of Merlin or what colour it was." Hermoine said matter of factly. "Platinum with three rings." Harry replied of hand. An astonished wow reverberated through the room and was cut off as the two birds disappeared with a flash. (Tell them that when the time is right everyone in this room will have a companion. Once the strengths are met it is only a matter of time.) Harry slowly repeated this to the group. "What animal will we have Harry" Ron asked "Ron!" Hermoine said alarmed. "As it is the animals to choose you will have to wait and see."

"That is just brilliant!" Ron exclaimed as he read the article in the paper that Hermoine was indicating. "Harry we are allowed to do magic out of school." He added making movements as if he was on the pitch and muttering "Lumos". "Ron!" Hermoine added critique to his lack of self control. "Sorry love" he answered sheepishly.

Giving Ginny a small smile Harry turned to "Professor, we should really get going I am very tired" With that Harry passed out." He would not know it but the conversation would go on for at least another hour but he and Medusa would hear nothing of it.