OLD MAGIC

Chapter 44: Explosions and Contemplations

Author Notes:

I stopped writing when my brother unexpectedly died September 2014. Only time I even attempted to write at all was during NANOWRIMOs. Now so much later I'm returning to this story and hopefully will finish it at last.

3/19/2022: I am finally editing this entire story which is now over 76 chapters long. From this chapter onward there have been many major changes in chapter order so rereading from Ch 1 is recommended. The editing process should take me at least another week from this date. Thank you for your patience. ulyferal

For no apparent reason, the Weasley twins decided to set off a grand fireworks display the very next night. For being only in their young teens, the pair were exceptionally skilled at designing fireworks that were very detailed and huge, spreading across the sky like immense canvas' of color and noise.

The teachers had made a concerted effort to try and corral the pair as soon as the first firework exploded but, as usual, the Weasleys were too skilled at keeping out of sight and out of the magical reach of their professors while they continued to bewitch and regale their fellow students out of their doldrums.

The first explosion was set off at the stroke of midnight when most of the school had gone to bed except for the Astronomy class. So those asleep, or very nearly, were violently awakened by the thunderous noise, sending them into fits of screaming and hiding, fearing an attack from Death Eaters. But when there were no alarms, only more explosions from outside, they began to realize something else was going on. Spilling out of doors and peering out windows, most clad in night wear, except for the Astronomy students, screams of delight filled the air rather than fear.

Harry, still hungover with exhaustion, stood with his class on the Astronomy Tower, shivering in the very brisk night air, when the fireworks went off over their startled heads. Now they were cheering just as madly as their fellows as each spectacular design burst across the dark sky. None were unhappy about their class being interrupted. Astronomy was always held on the tallest tower of the castle at midnight so they had the best view of everyone else. The twins had chosen a beautiful crystal clear night that provided the perfect backdrop for their pyrotechnics. Only a spray of stars and no moon to ruin the dramatic array.

"I don't know what possessed George and Fred to do this tonight but I'm glad they did. It's better than their last one," Ron said excitedly, suddenly gasping as a particularly detailed image of Professor Dumbledore's visage smiled down on them, spraying across the heavens briefly before fading away in flickering sparks.

"I agree it's a brilliant bit of work and done so masterfully," Harry shouted back, smiling broadly. "It's even better than the ones done by the muggles and theirs are really elaborate."

Ron smiled ecstatically, eyes still turned upward as he responded. "Oy you better believe it. No one is as good as my brothers when it comes to a right beautiful display!" He was very proud of George and Fred. The two were always top rank at pyrotechnics. Harry just chuckled concurring with Ron on that assessment.

"They shouldn't upset the professors so much but you are right, everyone needed something like this after the holidays some endured," Hermione agreed. "Your brothers may be the most reckless and annoying people at times but their hearts are certainly in the right place. It is a good way to begin the New Year, I must say." She shivered a bit and wrapped her cloak more tightly around her. Standing sandwiched between her two best friends also helped stave off the chilly wind blowing across the tower walls. Her expression was animated as the rest of the students enjoying the exhibition.

"I believe you may be correct, Miss Granger," Professor Sinestra's sultry voice spoke from behind them. "Though I don't approve of disrupting routine, it was a very trying year to be sure and this is just the thing to raise everyone's spirits."

"Nice of them to launch their show during Astronomy Class so we didn't get scared from our beds," Neville spoke up, standing on the other side of Ron. He rocked back and forth and stamped his feet to stay warm, wishing again that he could do a warming charm but they were only just learning that spell. He knew a great number of students had been taught the simple charm when they were younger but his parents had been taken from him and his grandmother, with whom he resided, hadn't spent that much time with her sudden house guest. He was lucky she took any interest in him at all or, he winced, too much interest in his school work. He shoved those unhappy thoughts away and lost himself in the show above him. He promised himself a hot toddy before heading to bed.

"I don't agree but it is what it is, I suppose," Professor Sinestra shook her head and sighed at the disruption of the class but the fireworks did tug a small smile from her.

Down near the huge entry doors, McGonagall and others of the staff stood staring upward admiring the flagrant violation of house rules while trying to spy out where the guilty pair were hiding. That the brothers were on brooms was a foregone assumption but it was how they were hiding themselves on such a clear night that was the stumper. To be truthful, though, none of them were really trying that hard to find the pair, except, perhaps, Filch. The sour little man and his equally nasty cat were most likely prowling around the castle reaches trying to spot the pair from above.

Good luck with that effort, she mused.

"I do wonder why they felt the need to do this kind of thing now. It's not a holiday," Professor Sprout, standing beside her, murmured. "I really didn't enjoy being frightened awake by a loud boom so close to the castle during these trying times."

"I would hazard a guess it might be to alleviate some of their fellow student's tension and fears about just that thing, my dear. Those dreadful kidnappings were enough to send some of the younger ones into terror filled nightmares," Professor McGonagall sighed. "If that were their intent then more power to them, the young scoundrels. It isn't just the students that could use a bit of cheer, you know."

"Oh Aye, you could be right, Minerva. It has been a frightening time indeed. The scamps may be irritating, disrespectful, and willful at times, but their hearts are always for their fellow students well being," Sprout agreed, quietly. "It is a truly spectacular exhibition I must admit."

"Yes it is," McGonagall said distractedly, her mind elsewhere though her eyes were still staring upward. Though the display was indeed excellent as was it's timing, it didn't mitigate her feelings of foreboding. No it simply dragged the things she had wanted to forget if only for a little while into the light once more.

A small gasp of appreciation escaped her at the image of a unicorn. Pulling her cloak closer to her body, she softly chanted to increase the level of her warming spell. It was really cold out here for her old bones. As she watched she gave her mind free rein to rehash over the troubling events that had occurred only forty-eight hours ago. Was it really that recent? This time her shivers weren't from the cold.

She shook her head, her mind still in a state of shock and confusion engendered by that fateful meeting in Albus' office when Potter, Snape, and Hagrid (of all people), dropped the bomb that their enemy, the infamous Dark Lord known as Voldemort (and wasn't that a surprise that she could now say his name) was finally ended, body first and now spirit, and that the Forest People had been responsible for his demise. The news should have been cause for celebration rather than this stomach twisting inducing event it really was.

She was happy the evil that haunted them for so many years was gone but the knowledge of who, how, and what had done the deed was what had chilled her soul. It was the realization that more than half the creatures they, meaning Wizarding Kind, looked down on as less than intelligent or barely sentient, and possessing no magical skills, were nothing of the kind. It turned out nearly sixty percent of the known magical creatures in the world were actually as intelligent and, even more shocking, as powerful (if not more) magically as Wizarding Kind. And even more shocking, those listed as beasts possessed enough sentience to follow the orders of their more intelligent brethren. All that had soundly shaken her very world.

The very creatures Wizards had used for centuries as beasts of burden, their parts for spells and potions, as servants, and shamelessly as cannon fodder during wars, as well as for sport by the wealthy, were, in truth, thinking beings with laws and a governing body of their own. Beings who were no longer willing to be so used nor maligned and intending to fight back for their right to be accepted among Wizarding Kind as equals.

As Equals! Now wasn't that a stunning thought. She could barely wrap her mind around the very idea. But no matter how she felt about it, times were changing and she and her kind needed to change with it. A mirthless chuckle escaped her as she thought of how Wizarding Kind would react to that news.

"Most likely yell, scream, threaten, or demand the beasts be put down," she thought bitterly. "I wonder how the creatures expect to overcome a mindset held for centuries? Just learning there is an Elder Council out there that's been in place as long as we have existed or perhaps longer than that, is going to cause riots."

She shuddered inwardly at the thought of so much chaos that will occur very soon. The war with Voldemort will seem like a child's schoolyard argument. She feared what things would be like when the Elder Council made their demands. It didn't help matters that no one had but a nebulous idea of what they intended to say.

One of the obvious demands, she was certain, was accepting their inclusion in the Wizengamot and the Ministry. Another might be allowing their own children to attend the magical schools and to be teachers within those schools. That wasn't an unreasonable assumption but one Wizarding Kind definitely wouldn't accept easily.

What else they might want, desire, or need, she couldn't fathom and that was galling. And it made it worse that she, like the rest of the world would have to wait to know what was going on when their leaders deigned to tell them.

"Oh to be a fly on the wall of the Wizengamot," she thought. "I wish it would be this week but Hagrid could only tell us soon." She paused a moment then realized, "... I wonder if Severus would be willing to tell me?" Then she shook her head. "No, that is just as likely as Hagrid or even Fawkes giving it up. Now that was the most peculiar thing of all to my mind. How Potter and Severus were apparently speaking to Fawkes and in such a way that I could tell Albus had no access to. I thought that bird only had an emphatic ability and only with his bonded but I saw proof otherwise. What is Severus? I strongly suspect there is some kind of mythical creature in his makeup for him to allude that he too was a member of the forest people. But what he is I have no idea. Shaking her head again she thought about all the secrets being kept from her and the others. It made her angry and a little disheartened.

"Just how much don't we know about the real world outside our magical bubble? And what is this business surrounding Potter? Because she knew in her heart that he was the reason for this to be happening not just because Hagrid had told them a different prophecy said the boy would play an important part in all the changes that could be coming. "And what did muggles have to do with all of this? So many unknowns..." It made her head swim.

Just for a moment, she wished she was still ignorant of these events but knew that was foolish. Her world was changing and she needed to keep a clear head about her to deal with the fallout this would bring to the school and her students.

She sighed and shook her head trying to free it of some of the clamor begging her to do something. But there was nothing she could do but wait like everyone else. However, if there was a silver lining to the coming chaos. It was the sign that not all the intelligent beasts wished to retaliate against Wizarding Kind for their cruel and arrogant treatment of their kind. Hagrid was a good example of someone who had good reason to hate Wizarding Kind. But no, he had remained a good person and staunch advocate of Hogwarts. He had done his level best to keep the people here safe.

She had to hope that many of the wronged creatures watching them were just as compassionate and desiring of peace as everyone else. Though any complaints they wanted addressed were justified and should be heard and responded to rather than ignored.

But she wasn't that ignorant nor stupid. There would be those on both sides who harbored more than hurt feelings. They possessed more than their share of prejudice and hatred on both sides to cause further chaos during the transition. It was those kinds of mindsets that would try to make this a new war.

Staring around at the children she was responsible for, she couldn't help but be concerned what the answers to those questions would mean to them and how they would affect their lives from now on. Her fervent hope was it meant changes that would bring peace at last and not more trouble but she knew life was never without trials and tribulations. It's how they dealt with it that made the difference. And it would be hers and all the other teachers responsibilities to help the children under their care manage those difficulties and move forward to whatever waited them.

Suddenly with a burst of light and a particularly loud explosion drew her eyes back to the sky. A volley of stars in many colors exploded surrounding a magnificent dragon, roaring and belching flames. She smiled in appreciation and, for the moment, set aside her worries and simply enjoyed herself.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

From his office window, Headmaster Dumbledore mulled over the same questions that plagued his second in command as he watched the fireworks with his familiar Fawkes who perched carefully on his shoulder, cooing in delight at each explosion, showing his approval.

"Yes, it is indeed a fine display this year and seems appropriate for the start of these new and interesting times for us all," Dumbledore murmured, wrinkled fingers caressing the bird's chest lightly, to its delight and pleasure. Fawkes chirped and nudged the hand, demanding the man look at him.

Dumbledore turned from the view to stare into his familiar's dark eyes. For a few minutes the pair communed then the old wizard sighed and nodded before turning back in time to see a huge dragon splash across the sky in hues of red, purple, and green with orange fire shooting from it's mouth.

"I'm not sure I'm as certain as you are my old friend about all the portents that face our world. I worry we at Hogwarts may be entering into yet another conflict, this one pitting our students against their muggle counterparts. Though for the life of me I cannot fathom what the danger from them could be."

Fawkes sighed but did nothing else to try and reassure his familiar on the subject of their changing futures. Yes, times were changing. With the death of one enemy, a new challenge awaited them all. And one Harry Potter would lead the way toward. However, first the challenge needed to be ensuring the young wizard grew to adulthood alive and healthy.

Many enemies left from Voldemort's army were still alive and needing capturing before they could succeed in gathering and picking a new leader, though it was more likely the fools would fight among themselves for some time before a single leader would emerge.

Actually that would be a good thing as they would be too busy continuing their attack on Wizarding kind. But before long they would be back to terrorizing the populace through their hidden agents once more. This must not happen. So, cleaning house, as Harry so eloquently put it, had to be the first step toward a temporary peace.

The next challenge would be more frightening and more resisted by the Wizarding World and that would be when the true war would begin. He shook his feathers out and glanced at the sky again. It seemed the show was over. Dumbledore carried him back to his perch and with a final pat to the head, made his tired way to bed. Fawkes watched him until he disappeared behind his secret door that led to the man's quarters.

Spreading his wings, Fawkes flashed himself out of Dumbledore's office and out into the cold night. He needed to think and he did his best thinking on the wing. The air was brisk but as a firebird, he didn't feel it as he glided over the quiet landscape with only the stars as his companions. Occasionally bats would cross his path and an owl would glide silently below him hunting mice or rabbits. Rising higher, he reached the higher thermals that would keep him afloat without him having to flap his wings at all. As his body floated along, his mind went back to its cogitations.

Change. Humans hated change. However, this magical world hidden from the rest of humanity needed to change and soon. They knew not the danger of this new enemy because they refused to believe muggles were a threat. Wizarding Kind was oblivious to the fact they were frozen in time. That isn't to say some of ancient times weren't a calmer and quieter way of life. No, a lot of their traditions and way of life were actually better than the modern one, so keeping some of that was a good idea and more likely to get Wizarding Society to accept change more easily. However, the lack of technology was something they could not continue to ignore. To do so would leave them as they were now...blind, deaf, and dumb to the dangers. Muggles were unpredictable and emotionally volatile. Wizard's magical bubbles would not be sufficient to hide them for very long as the muggles were miles ahead of them.

They must catch up! Fawkes thought, fearing they may already be too late. But perhaps not. After all the Elders had foreseen some of this threat and had already begun to infiltrate the muggle world and learn their technology over the last few decades but it was slow going. They could be more successful if wizards joined the fight but it would be an upward struggle to convince the stubborn wizards that ignoring the muggles would see their world destroyed and their kind becoming extinct.

A shudder thrummed through him at just what was at stake. He had lived so very long and still had no desire to meet the sunset with no return. No, there was so much more to human kind that he had yet to know and see. Harry Potter, if they could succeed in seeing him grow into his magic, was the true hope of their kind. There was no reason their world had to be discovered if precautions were taken early enough. He knew not all that Harry might do to accomplish his goal to drag the wizarding world into the future but he had seen enough of the future to know it would be a glorious and exciting time well worth reaching for.

But they had to clear the way for that future which meant ferreting out all the old enemies of the Dark Lord. The Order of the Phoenix's new mission would be cleaning house and making way for the new challenges that awaited them all. And he would be there with the Forest Dwellers seeing that it got done and soon while protecting their savior at all times. With that last decision in mind, Fawkes turned and flew home again.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

After the truly spectacular and unexpected fireworks show had ended, Draco and his fellow Slytherins drifted back to their dorm. Some stayed up a bit longer in the common room while others, like himself, decided it was time for bed. Once he was laying under the heavy, thick covers of his specially made quilt his mother had commissioned, the curtains tightly pulled, Draco stared at the curtained ceiling. The night's events had helped cheer him. However, now that the unexpected excitement had ended, he found sleep eluding him.

His mind raced with many thoughts zipping here and there and no attempt on his part would quiet them so he gave them free rein hoping it would settle him. A pleasant memory was first. During that idyllic Christmas holiday, his hosts had managed to arrange a secret meeting between his mother and himself. Two days after Christmas, Hagrid had approached him shortly after another excellent breakfast.

"Draco. I have a small surprise for yeu," Hagrid said with a broad smile.

"A surprise? But, you have been already very generous in that area. I couldn't accept anything more," Draco objected, but warmed by Hagrid wishing to grace him with something else.

"Oh to be sure, but yeu'd be wanting this gift, I am certain young fellow," Hagrid said, grinning. "Grab a coat and we'll be on our way. We must go to a certain place at a certain time so we must hurry while the next snow holds off."

"Uh, alright." Draco shrugged in confusion, grabbed his heavy sherpa lined great coat that he much preferred over a cloak, pulled it on and hurried after the already departing half giant.

He noted they were heading for the barn and wondered why. Puzzled, he stepped inside behind Hagrid and was greeted by the sight of a magnificent white sleigh and two beautiful white muggle draft horses harnessed to it. He gaped at it as Hagrid easily stepped upward and dropped onto the seat despite his bulky body. Grabbing the reins in his two powerful hands, he glanced down.

"Well, get up here," he chided the boy.

Shaking off his surprise, Draco hurriedly ran to the other side of the sleigh and climbed aboard. He'd barely taken his seat when Hagrid gave a sharp whistle and slapped the reins. The huge draft animals moved off with a surprisingly easy gait out the open doors and across the large apron of snow covered lawn before moving to a fast pace trot once they reached a barely seen tract heading into the forest.

"Why this method of travel?" Draco asked, evading branches that sometimes brushed too close.

"The least suspicious mode to where we're going," Hagrid said mysteriously. Draco frowned but remained silent for the rest of the ride since it was obvious the half giant wasn't going to say more.

The ride took about thirty minutes and except for the noises made by the horses hoofs and the sleigh shoosing over the snow, it was quiet. Hagrid had opted for no bells on the harnesses and the harnesses themselves barely made any noise. Suddenly, they were clear of the trees and were heading down a road that made it's way through a tiny village. He had never been here before and hadn't known such a place existed. Were they even in the Wizarding part of the world or outside it?

"Where are we?" He asked staring around at the quiet town. It seemed to consist of only a few buildings. A small street market selling various wares, a blacksmith, an herbalist, a bakery, bookstore, and a restaurant...but it was the clothing store that told him he was still in the Wizarding World. It held cloaks and various other medieval styles of clothing. It was almost like Diagon Alley only on a much smaller scale.

Hagrid pulled up before the nice little eatery. Unlike the Three Broomsticks, this was painted yellow and white, a very cheerful exterior with gingerbread edging all around. A small flower bed lay to one side of the door but being winter it was covered in snow at the moment. Through the large picture window he could see a scattering of tables with needlepoint style tablecloths, candles, and autumn flowers in vases. It was warm and inviting looking. The window declared "Sacred Woods Cafe" in lavender letters surrounded by garlands of leaves in gold.

"Here we be," Hagrid announced holding the reins but making no effort to climb down. "This little village is known as Unicorn Glen. You won't find it on any map and the people hereabouts like it that way. Yere surprise be inside. I'll be back in a few hours. Have a good time. Off with yeu now."

Still confused, Draco jumped down. Walking around the sleigh and up to the front of the cafe, he heard the sleigh take off behind him. Shaking his head, still uncertain why he was here, Draco opened the door and walked in.

The smells inside were wonderful. He could detect roast lamb and vegetables, fresh bread, cinnamon, coffee, tea, and other sweet and savory scents. Staring around the small space he finally noticed there was one customer and she sat at the rear at a table for two. A large smile wreathed her beautiful face.

"Mother!" Draco exclaimed and hurried up to her. She rose to give him a firm hug and a kiss to his forehead.

"Oh, Draco, my little love, it is so good to see you," she said softly, tears hovering in her eyes. "After I heard about the kidnapping, I was so frightened for you. Are you well? You seem to be fine." She frowned, pushing him back a bit so she could study him better.

"I'm better than fine, mother and have been having a wonderful Christmas," Draco said warmly, so glad to see her safe and healthy. Her eyes were less shadowed and there were no signs of abuse.

"Sit down and let's have some tea. You can tell me what has happened to you and why you are with that Gatekeeper from Hogwarts of all people."

"Let's just say he's the reason I'm having such a wonderful holiday and leave it at that, alright? I'm not allowed to tell you more but promise it's nothing bad. My situation is immensely better than it would have been with father," Draco confided as he sat across from her.

A sweet faced young girl with long dark brown hair and wearing a Dirndl Bavarian Dress of white with purple flowers came to take their order for tea and sweet biscuits. When she hurried off, Narcissa eyed her son in worry and confusion.

Draco forestalled her with a palm. "I promise, when I'm allowed to discuss it you will know the full story but things are too dangerous to go into any of it now. How are you, mother, and where are you staying?"

Unsatisfied but understanding the need for secrecy, she sighed and told him of her time away from England.

When she finished her tale and her tea, Draco sighed in relief. "I'm relieved you managed to get away for the holidays. Did you like my gift?"

"Oh yes it was beautiful but where on earth did you acquire it?" Narcissa asked.

The waitress returned and inquired if they wanted more tea or anything else. They both ordered more tea and waited till she left before Draco answered.

"I can't say but glad you liked it," He smiled then leaned closer toward his mother, his expression more serious. "Mother, is there any way you can remain away from the United Kingdom for several more months before returning home?"

Narcissa's widened in surprise. "What? Why on earth for?"

Draco's expression became grimmer. "Because a great many terrible and dangerous things are about to happen and I don't want you harmed by any of it especially by father."

The waitress returned, poured fresh tea, smiled at them both and left. Narcissa's face puckered tightly into a frown, an expression she'd worn too often in the past few years.

"A great many terrible things have already happened dear so what could be worse than what we have suffered so far?"

"Trust me mother, with the Dark Lord still hanging about in spirit form, things with father can indeed get more ugly. I'm hoping to avoid most of it myself but it would be much easier for my piece of mind, if I knew you were out of it at least until the start of Spring. I have a strong feeling the danger is either going to increase or finally end. I wish I knew which but that's all I know for certain right now. So please, can you stay gone?" Draco took a long drink of his tea while watching his mother worriedly.

Narcissa eyed her son in concern. It didn't help that his statement only made her worry more about his safety not less. Setting her cup down, she sighed. "Yes, I can tell your father I'm looking into some of the things he's been worried about while doing nothing of the sort. I have a great many places I have yet to visit. But I wish you could be a bit more forthcoming on what the danger might be."

He shook his head.

She sighed again. "I'd wish that you too could come with me but that would raise even more suspicions. You'll keep in touch?"

"As best as I can manage, mother. And thank you for trusting me. I hope things will turn out for the best but things just don't look good right now. Also, don't believe in any rumors or stories that might float around about me during this time apart. No matter how bad they sound, trust me, it wont be the whole truth of the matter, alright?"

"I like that even less but fine. As long as you keep yourself out of harm's way if you can, I'll do the same," Narcissa agreed against her better judgment. She reached out and cupped his chin a moment, caressing it, before releasing him and picking up her cup once more.

Draco relaxed his shoulders only then realizing just how tense he'd been holding them. Smiling at his mother warmly, he drank his tea and told her the doings at Hogwarts until his ride returned.

His mind returned to the present, a small smile on his lips. It had been good seeing his mother and he had been very grateful to Hagrid for finding a way to see her that protected them both. He hoped when things ever returned to some kind of normalcy, he could find that wonderful little village again. Then he sighed.

Not being able to tell his mother about the death of Voldemort, the hunting of the remaining Death Eaters, and that he had never taken up the cause his father favored and was now a friend of their enemy, Harry Potter, worried him greatly. He knew his mother wouldn't be too upset that he had chosen to follow another path but wasn't too certain how she felt about Potter.

Shaking his head, he let the issue go. After all, there was nothing he could do until the Council of the Forest Dwellers had made their announcement or more like warning. He couldn't speak of it anyway. Perhaps all he could do was insure she continued to stay away from home a bit longer. As far as he was able to find out, she was still traveling around the middle east, a good distance from the UK, thankfully.

A huge yawn caught him and his eyes grew heavy at last. Time to try and get some sleep and put all these worries to rest at least for now. Sighing, he rolled to his side and snuggled down, asleep within minutes.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Hidden eyes admired the display from many areas of the Forbidden Forest. From trees, small clearings and hills, the people of the forest watched with as much enjoyment as the humans at the castle.

Surrounded by his people as they lay or stood at rest, heads tilted back to watch the show above them, Magorian, sighed inwardly.

"Don know why those red-headed human twins decided to do one of their bonny displays now but it was well timed, methinks," Bane, his second in command, observed.

Magorian grunted his agreement, eyes still staring above. His mind, however, was elsewhere. McGonagall might have been surprised that her concerns were a mirror of his. Though he was a member of the council, he still had doubts about what they planned to do very soon.

"Still worried about our choice?" A soft and familiar voice said in his ear.

Magorian turned his head to stare into the knowing eyes of Firenze, their resident soothsayer and teacher of their young and sometime instructor for Hogwarts budding new wizards.

"Don' you?" He asked quietly.

"Of course. In spite of what the stars whisper to me, I too have some doubts but the great spirits that rule our lives have spoken and we have followed their commands thus far. We have no choice but to continue to do so. What will be … will be," Firenze intoned, a rhythm of prophecy tinging his words.

"Aye, that be true though some of the outcomes will not be decided by the spirits but by how yon wizards react to what we have to tell and show them."

Firenze nodded gravely to his leader. "And that be when we are needed most. We be responsible for guiding them all toward the path lead by the savior who knows in his heart what the true goals of magical kind will be ... peace, prosperity, security and a mission to keep in trust for the rest of our lives."

Magorian thought on that for a long moment before nodding his head in agreement and intoning, "So be it."

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

While his familiar soared the night skies, the students filtered back to their quarters, and the castle settled down for the night, sleep evaded Albus Dumbledore. He couldn't shake from his mind all that had happened that truly stunning moment in his office was it just a few days ago?

He thought the biggest shock had been Hagrid revealing how he had been hiding how intelligent and powerful he truly was.

A masterful bit of acting … a wolf in sheep's clothing as it were, but one with a good heart fortunately for us all. And a master spy, he realized. He played me like a fool and I was so blind not to see it. Everyone was fooled and The Order of the Phoenix would do well to remember that as Hagrid could have taken each of us out of the war at any time and we would never have suspected him as the perpetrator. Now that's a cold thought. He shuddered and pulled the heavy coverlet higher on his chest. Well now, hopefully, he will be more our ally and certainly no servant any longer, but a spy, oh yes, definitely that alright.

But he wasn't just that, oh no, what an excellent surrogate father and teacher he turned out to be as well. He always was a good and compassionate instructor if a little absent minded … but wait that was obviously a ruse too, keeping everyone from guessing he was much more than he pretended.

Good lord. The man is full of surprises. I'm still amazed and stunned at how all he and his associates have taught the boy. Young Potter is demonstrably farther ahead of his peers in all areas and even ones not even taught by Hogwarts. Yet he has still managed to retain a goodness that shines from his eyes like a beacon. But there is steel there as well. He has the makings and proper heritage to become a powerful wizard, surpassing even his father and mother. I can see him becoming a wizard to be in awe of when he grows to manhood, he mused. Now that his training has been effectively taken from my hands, all that's left is to ensure we here at Hogwarts push him hard in the coming years to be ready for this new destiny he is supposed to be leading us toward for I fear that is what the new prophecy meant in that missive from the Elder Council.

Meanwhile, it is important that the Order rid the world of the rest of the evil nest of Death Eaters still hiding within the ministry and elsewhere," his thoughts grim with foreboding. The ones on the loose could still be a great threat to all and especially Harry Potter. And not just the Death Eaters but the parents and children of Slytherin house. Everyone in the castle would have to remain vigilant and on guard for the foreseeable future.

Closing his eyes, he sighed. After that fateful Order of the Phoenix meeting and the uproar it caused, they were left with more questions than answers about what the beasts wanted as part of this new world they say was coming. Some of the more urgent questions he would liked to have answers to were: Why would they give up their secrecy? They could have continued deceiving Wizard Kind for as long as they wanted. What were the Forest Dwellers going to do to prove they were a force to be reckoned with? What was Harry Potter's part in all this? And the new worry, why were Muggles considered a serious threat? What had they been doing? Spying on the muggles? For what purpose? Or was he just reaching?

No, he shook his head. No, they have a definite interest in the doings of Muggles. The reason could hold the answer to why Harry had been sent to a muggle school. Just how long had they been spying on muggles and how much did they know? That last left an odd feeling of foreboding fluttering up his spine.

So many worries made his belly ache as well as his poor brain. He chafed at having to wait for those answers. He particularly hated the fact he couldn't tell the students the first hurdle to peace had been accomplished. Voldemort was truly dead and, my, didn't that feel good to say aloud. But his hands were tied. To announce without telling the Wizengamot who had been responsible for the Dark Lord's body death was to be angrily denounced and ordered out of the chamber despite being the leader. They just hadn't believed the spirit of Voldemort had been alive. No way would they now accept he was truly dead. No, waiting for the Elder Council to make their move was all he could do right now and it chafed.

Groaning, he rolled over and pushed his concerns into a closet in his mind. Sleep was what he needed right now. He would be no good to anyone if he was muzzy headed now. Soon he would need all his wits about him. Unfortunately, one last thought caught him before he could firmly will himself to sleep.

"Oh bother! I need to find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor again and I have no prospects. Yet another but more immediate problem to deal with. I need a vacation, he sighed to himself. Enough! Tomorrow which is already upon us will be soon enough to deal with it."

With that final admonition to himself, he pulled sleep over him.