Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to the wondrous mind of J.K.Rowling. I am simply borrowing them.
A/N: How's everyone doing? I wonder if anyone is still out there reading my fic as I don't hear from you at all. Tell me you love it…tell me you hate it. But tell me something. Shout outs to those two members who did review and for those helpful comments, they are appreciated. I want to hear from you all. Peace out.
Harry Potter and the Shards of Voldemort's Soul
Chapter 11: The Final Words of Albus Dumbledore's
Exactly as Harry had predicted, Hermione was in their room very early the next morning to wake them up. Harry groaned as he opened his eyes to the sight of the bushy-haired girl who was frantically shaking him.
"Come on Harry. It's time to get up. Time's wasting," she said fiercely. Harry groaned again and yawned loudly as his head flopped back down on his pillow pulling the covers over his head.
"Come on Harry, we have to be ready in three hours. You have to get up," she fumed.
"Alright, alright already, I'm up," Harry yelled throwing off the covers forgetting the fact that he was only wearing boxers. Hermione smirked and gave him a once over before remarking.
"Ahem, nice view Harry. I must say, Ginny is a lucky woman," Hermione said with a sly grin. Realizing his current state of arousal, having just been woken from a very pleasant dream of Ginny, Harry's cheeks darkened to a furious shade of red and he hastily pulled on a robe before bolting from the room with a towel.
"Bloody hell, Hermione," he exasperated as he fled the room. Laughing gaily, she then turned her attentions to Ron who was still snoring loudly. Realizing that he was a lost cause, she pulled her wand out and gave it a flick. There was a sparkle above Ron's face before a small deluge of cold water flood his face. Ron, sputtering and gasping, shouting obscenities and twisting himself in his sheets, he promptly fell out of bed.
"Oh good, you're up. Time for breakfast Ron; get moving," Hermione said simply as she walked out in triumphant grin.
After both boys were dressed and groomed, they shuffled nosily in to the kitchen with their heads dragging and sat down at the table with a loud thump. Hermione was already reading the Daily Prophet and drinking her morning cup of coffee.
"Did you have a late night guys?" Hermione questioned in a light tone, hinting that she had known that something had happened last night. From the way they were yelling last night, Harry was surprised that the entire house didn't wake up from the ruckus.
"No, nothing out of the ordinary, why do you ask?" Harry responded calmly while giving Ron a quick look.
"Well, there were a lot of weird noises and shouts last night. I was just concerned that Harry didn't have one of his dreams again," Hermione said without looking up from her page, knowing quite well that Harry had not had a dream vision last night.
"I didn't hear any noises last night. Did you Harry?" Ron asked to which Harry quickly replied with a shake of his head. Hermione snorted knowing that the boys would always stick up for each other.
"Well, no matter. Harry, you really should take a look at that mark on your face though. It's becoming a nice shade of purple and if Mrs. Weasley sees it, then there will be plenty of questions that you won't be able to avoid. By the way, the next time you guys want to have a tussle in the middle of the night, have a care and silence your room first," Hermione said pointedly taking in another sip of her coffee. "At any rate Harry, I should hope that you've come to the realization that we're here to stay and now we can get on with trying to stop Voldemort." Harry remained silent knowing that they she was right, but just didn't want to give her the satisfaction.
"Yes, Hermione. Ron seems to have knocked some sense in to me," Harry said a bit shame-faced. Hermione only snorted in response, but gave Ron a quick look of appreciation who smiled in response.
"Well then, now that all that has been settled, I guess we can get started eh?" a voice interrupted from the doorway. The trio looked over and saw Remus and Tonks grinning from the kitchen door.
"Wotcher all, how's it going?" Tonks piped her hair now a brilliant blend of fiery orange and golden yellow.
"You guys ready to go?" Remus asked them who all nodded eagerly except for Harry. Harry grimaced knowing what he was about to face. He was about to hear the will from his most favored teacher and confidant. Dread crept in to his mind and he was suddenly now afraid to go to Gringotts knowing that all of those feelings of loss and grief would be brought up again for him to face. He was interrupted by a loud trill which pierced the air and knew without needing to look up, that Hope was there, flying towards them. She flapped her wings sharply to slow her descent and settled gracefully on to Harry's shoulder. She trilled again in a song that seemed to fill Harry with a calm peace and he warmly nuzzled against her cheek.
"Hello Hope, where have you been?" Harry asked the bird who gave a small trill in response. "I see," Harry said nodding in response.
"What did she say Harry?" Hermione asked inquisitively.
"She said that she was visiting her home; the place that Phoenixes live when they are not with their wizard. It's apparently a very beautiful place, full of magic and life. At least, that's what she told me," Harry said to which Hope gave him a strange look as if asking the question that he did not believe her. Harry laughed and started petting her again softly. "She said that she's much stronger now after our first fire jump and she is now capable of taking Ron and me to Gringotts since we can't legally Apparate yet."
"Excellent, we'll see you there," Remus said before he and Tonks disappeared with a pop. Hermione followed suit leaving Ron and Harry alone with Hope.
"I knew that Hermione would have known what went on last night," Ron said now that the others had left.
"She's your girlfriend, mate," Harry replied again earning him a punch on the arm. "Ready to go?" Harry asked Ron who nodded silently. Grabbing a hold of Ron's shoulder, Hope squawked loudly and in a flash of fire, they were gone, reappearing moments later in front of the huge bronze doors which marked the entrance to Gringotts, the only wizard bank in Britain. Seeing Remus, Tonks and Hermione a few feet away, the boys strolled over to join them ignoring the strange looks of passerbys that were startled with their entrance.
"Ok, so the plan is that Remus will be staying here with you Harry while Dumbledore's will is being read and I will take Ron and Hermione out for a shopping spree. Remus, send me a Patronus when you're done, ok?" Tonks explained, quickly taking charge.
"Done," Remus replied obediantly.
"Don't keep me waiting too long," Tonk's said salaciously leading Ron and Hermione away. Remus looked wistfully at her and then turned back to Harry who had an ear to ear grin.
"What?" he asked Harry.
"Nothing," Harry said while shrugging his shoulders. "I'm just glad that's all. She's good for you." Remus turned to the young man walking beside him and smiled.
"Yes, well thank you. So, how's Ginny doing? It wasn't her who gave you that mark on your face was it?" Remus asked in bemusement.
"Actually, it was Ron," Harry replied quietly.
"Ron, why? Did you guys have a row?" Remus said with concern.
"Let's just say, we had a few things to square off about. But we're good now," Harry assured him.
"Hmm, that takes me back. I seem to recall quite a few times where Sirius and James had come to blows over things. They always seemed to work it out in the end usually blows were exchanged which always annoyed Lily. I'm just glad that you two have the same kind of relationship. You will need that in these dark times," Remus said, his eyes clearly betraying his longing for his lost friends.
"I know," Harry said softly echoing that longing for the family he had never known.
They soon stood before the counter at which a goblin in a red, black and gold uniform sat scribbling furiously in his ledger. After waiting for a few minutes, the goblin finally looked down at them and Harry could make out the nametag on his uniform: Griphook. Hmm, he remembered that name, Harry thought. Thinking back to his previous visits to the wizarding bank, he finally recalled his very first visit where Griphook was the goblin that had showed him to his vault.
"Can I help you?" the goblin asked them.
"Yes, Mr. Harry Potter for the reading of Albus Dumbledore's will," Remus replied.
"Of course; this way Mr. Potter, some of the others have already arrived," Griphook told them as he led the way deeper in to the bank.
"How have you been Griphook?" Harry asked politely which brought a surprised glance from both Remus and even more, from Griphook.
"I am very well, thank you Mr. Potter. Do you know me sir?" the Goblin asked him curiously.
"Yes, you showed me down to my vaults just before I started my first year at Hogwarts. It was my first visit to Gringotts," Harry answered again.
"I do remember Mr. Potter, though it was quite a few years ago. I apologize for my surprise, but it is very seldom that a Goblin is addressed by name by any wizard. You are a very rare individual indeed," Griphook said appraisingly.
"Thank you," Harry replied with a small flush in his face.
They continued their trek in silence through the corridors of offices and dark rooms, passing a number of goblins in varied states of urgency, carrying stacks of papers or cloth sacks filled with coins, the air getting decidedly cooler the farther they went within the darkly lit interior until finally they approached a bronze set of doors with gold lettering inlaid upon the metal in a very intricate swirling pattern. Griphook opened the door to permit Harry's entry, but stopped Remus from following after.
"I must apologize sir, but only those who have been invited to the reading can be present. It is not permitted," Griphook told Remus sternly who frowned at Griphook, but made no move to object.
"Go on Harry, I'll be waiting right here for you," Remus told him, bidding him to enter.
Harry left Remus behind and the door closed with a solid 'thunk'. The room was very opulent in design, decorated with burnished rugs of dark burgundy with inlaid gold and silver whorls dominated the cold stone floor, filling most of the room which in itself seemed slightly larger then Dumbledore's office. Polished oak bookshelves lined one wall which held scrolls of various states of repair, silver and gold scales and a well-stocked supply of thick books with aged-looking bindings. The other wall was covered with metal plaques with fine engravings and a variety of different weapons and armor of obscure design, the most prominent being a small goblin-sized suit of gleaming silver plate armor spotted with cruel spikes and surrounded by a surcoat of black and red which appeared to Harry to be the colors of choice among the Gringott goblins. There were swords and axes with sharp steel blades and shining coats of chain mail which glimmered in the light. At the far end of the room was a large wooden desk, obvious aged and used often with some of the polish having worn away, covered with a pile of open scrolls and small piles of gems and different colored stones.
In front of the desk was an arrangement of three antique high-back chairs with ornate wings, of which two had already been occupied. He recognized Professor McGonagall who stood at his entrance. Her face was heavy today and she wore a black robe which indicated that she was still in mourning for her lost friend and mentor. The other man, who also stood as Harry entered the room, seemed familiar to him as well. He had very long grey hair with a long beard to match. His face seemed hidden behind the mask of his beard, but he could discern a slightly bemused expression on his face as he watched Harry approach. He looked up and then noticed his eyes, they were a twinkling blue that Harry knew so very well and in that instant he knew, that this was none other then Aberforth, brother to Albus Dumbledore. Recalling the first time that he had seen the man, Harry now knew that his suspicions about the owner of Hog's Head were indeed true.
"Mr. Potter, I am glad to finally meet you in person. Albus told me so much about you. He spoke very highly of you," Aberforth spoke in a deep voice that was very different from Dumbledore, shaking Harry's hand firmly.
"Good to meet you too, sir. I have heard a few interesting stories about you as well," Harry said returning the man's strong handshake, surprising for a man of his age.
"Well if Albus was telling the stories, I'm sure they were very interesting indeed and probably full of half-truths. But, enough of that and please, call me Abe," Aberforth said with just the tiniest hint of distaste. It seemed that he and his brother must have had a falling out of sorts.
"So Abe; how's business at the Hog's Head?" Harry said casually bringing a startled cough from McGonagall, but Aberforth only laughed.
"It seems that Albus was indeed correct about you. A sharp eye you have Mr. Potter and a sharp mind to match I would wager. Business is as usual for this time of year, but one always has the opportunity to meet customers of a variety of sorts and if one listens carefully, one can overhear any number of tidbits of information," answered the man jovially, but beneath the surface, Harry could discern intelligence behind his eyes.
As he continued to stare at him, Harry could almost sense that Aberforth was more then meets the eyes, he could sense nobility in him, but there was also an aura of power about him truly marking him as Albus' brother. Aberforth noticed Harry's scrutiny and put a finger to his temple. He closed his eyes briefly and Harry felt a sharp sting against his mind and Harry was momentarily stunned, all thoughts about Aberforth becoming unfocused and distant. Minerva was silently watching this exchange, unsure of what was occurring between the two men. Aberforth opened his eyes once more and his jovial nature returned.
"Yes, Albus was indeed right about you Mr. Potter. You have great potential indeed, although in desperate need of tempering. The proverbial blade is still dull and needs sharpening. Perhaps, I can do something about that." Harry blushed at Aberforth's comment, coming to the realization of what he had just done.
"Aberforth, what just happened here?" Minerva demanded sharply.
"It seems that young Harry here was attempting to perceive my mind, although he had not intended to do so. He has a great deal of talent Minerva. I believe that I may have to take a hand in things after all," Aberforth explained while keeping an eye on Harry to gauge his reaction.
"Harry was using Legilimency? Silently?" Minerva exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.
"Oh, nothing so grandiose as that Minerva. Harry seems to have a natural ability and during our exchange of wit, it just kicked in. It was only a cursory scan; I stopped him before he was able to go deeper. Albus was correct about the boy and I will indeed need to step in and help him if he is to develop his power before his confrontation with Voldemort." Harry was listening intently, but now his temper was mounting as they continued to discuss him like he wasn't even there.
"Excuse me," Harry interrupted loudly. "I don't mean to be rude, but if you would kindly let me in on this conversation, especially as it pertains with me directly, I would be most appreciative." For so long, Harry had been left out of the loop. Now that he was the new leader of the Order, he would have thought that this would no longer be an issue.
"I apologize Mr. Potter, I keep on forgetting that Albus kept you in the dark for most of your life," Aberforth snorted which brought a steely glare from McGonagall. "That was one of the very many things that he and I never agreed upon. I don't abide on keeping youngsters innocent and the way Albus coddled you did you a great disservice."
McGonagall was now fuming and if looks could kill, then Aberforth would have been a smoking corpse. Harry could see from the way Aberforth spoke that he and Dumbledore must have had a few arguments over the years, similar to Harry himself who had also had disagreements with the late-headmaster. He could also see that McGonagall was not thrilled with the cavalier tone in which Aberforth was speaking about his brother.
"Well, that is all in the past as they say and the world must move forward. So Mr. Potter, where to begin. As you have correctly surmised, Albus and I had an arrangement and I used to feed him information that I gleamed from the customers that frequented the Hog's Head. I never was a full member of the Order, but I had my set of connections that Albus used quite often. A few months ago, he and I were enjoying a lovely glass of my own elegant brand of wine and spoke to me of a dark time that was fast approaching and bade me to pledge my services to you should he fall. I must say that I was taken aback by his request and he was extremely evasive as he usually is. I told him that should the need arise then I would indeed help you out, and that brings us to the present."
Both Harry and Minerva were stunned at this request; Harry even more so due to the timing. It was only a few months before that he and Dumbledore left on that fateful night to the cave. Could Dumbledore have foreseen his own death? Harry was at a loss for words. Clearing his now dry throat, Harry struggled to voice his thoughts; could Dumbledore somehow have known what was going to happen to him and took steps to continue looking after Harry. He heart clenched with loss and he was overcome with grief once more.
"Well, I must say Aberforth that time has not weakened your tongue. You're still the same as ever," Minerva snorted to which Aberforth laughed loudly.
"Great lady, did you ever expect me to," he drawled with his twinkling mischievously. "Well Harry, I can see by your expression that you are overcome by my brother's great act of nobility and good sense. I will give you time to collect your thoughts on the matter, but I do intend to carry out my pledge to you. There are a great many things that I could teach you, including how to harness that mind of yours. I have some of my brother's affairs to tidy up, but once that is complete, I will arrange some time to meet with you. Does that sound satisfactory?" Harry was stunned at the sheer difference between Aberforth and Albus, yet at the same time, there were some distinct similarities that he couldn't ignore.
"Thank you Aberf…Abe. I appreciate your honesty and would welcome any help that you could provide me. I am greatly in your debt," Harry said politely extending his hand out. Aberforth chuckled and took it warmly.
"You're not in my debt yet youngster, but by the end, I think I will have earned it," he said with the tiniest bit of iron that suddenly made Harry nervous.
At that moment, the door to the room opened and an aged-looking goblin in a glossy red, black and gold surcoat, similar to the standard goblin uniform, but of higher quality and a much finer cut, studded with an assortment of glittering gems that sparkled when the light caught them just right, entered the room walking with the assistance of a small ornate cane, beautifully wrought in silver with dark engravings and topped with a large multi-facetted crystal, larger then Harry had ever seen in his life. He was incredibly wrinkled which showed his age, but he held his staff with a strong grip and walked firmly if a bit slowly despite his age, small wisps of white crowned his head and a long white beard adorned his face which he seemed to stroke at ever third or forth step. Around his neck he wore a thick gold chain that held a single galleon. Aberforth rose upon his entrance and McGonagall turned to address with her head bowed reverently. Harry awkwardly followed suit, unsure of why, but somehow, he knew that this was no ordinary goblin.
"Good day to you," the goblin said in a cracking voice as he continued to make his way towards his desk. "Please sit down," he offered to which they all sat down on the comfortable chairs. "I am Ragnar, the chief facilitator of all of Gringotts affairs. I usually don't get involved in ordinary will readings; however, Albus Dumbledore was by far no ordinary man. As a long time companion of my late-father Wulfric and a dear friend to my clan, it is my solemn duty and honor to read to you Albus' final words and testimony." McGonagall started weeping softly and Aberforth looked very grim; even Harry's eyes were now glistening with unshed tears.
"Are you ready to hear his final words?" Ragnar asked them looking at each one in turn. None of them spoke only acknowledging with a brief nod. Ragnar pulled a brown wrinkled scroll that was sealed with red wax. He placed the tip of his long fingernail on the wax and with a small sizzle; the wax crumbled away unsealing Dumbledore's will. Clearing his throat, Ragnor began reading the will.
"I, Albus Dumbledore, being of sound mind and body at least at this moment in time, herby declare my final will and testament. As I write these words, reflecting upon my life, I think about the number of hardships that I have endured in my overlong span of existence. My life has seen a number of friends come and go; have witnessed cities fallen and people die. I think about the horrors that you all must face in the coming months and I am greatly saddened that I will not be there to help you through these dark times. However, despite the tortures that life will no doubt throw at you, there is still great joy to be had. I am so ever thankful that I have had the opportunities to meet and interact with so many wonderful people and only regret the sadness in that I must say farewell. But know this, death is only the beginning of the next stage of existence and I have no fear that I will see you all in this next great adventure. For now my dearest friends, I leave you with my final thoughts. Respect each other, cherish each other and love each other. These three things are the road to the greatest power alive, the power that no dark force can ever understand. Be one with this power and nothing can ever stand in your way." Minerva was openly weeping now and dabbing at her eyes with a white handkerchief and Aberforth even had tears in his eyes. Harry was overcome with sadness. He could almost hear Dumbledore's voice himself echoing as Ragnar read the will.
"Minerva, you have been a trusted colleague and a valued friend. Your friendship and wisdom has served me well over the years and I can not imagine another standing by my side. I trust that you will perform admirably as the new Headmistress and I know that you will lead the future generations of Hogwart's students well. As I know that you are fond of having a mid-afternoon tea, I leave to you a special gift from the distant woodland elves. You will find that its exquisite taste is nothing less than pure perfection. I also leave you a most treasured book that I know you will use wisely. I only ask that you share its contents with those you believe could benefit from its knowledge." McGonagall couldn't control herself any longer as her weeping doubled in ferocity.
"Oh Albus," she sobbed.
"Aberforth, I know that these years have seen some bitter arguments between us, but please know that you are my brother and that I do love you very much. I wish that we could have patched up our differences and grew closer, but alas that is not to pass. I thank you for your dedicated service to a cause that even the two of us believe in. I trust that you will honor our vow and give Harry the benefit of the strength that I know you possess. Teach him, train him, but most of all, nurture and care for him like you did me those many years ago. I leave to you that which you have desired for so many years. I only wish that it comes to you in better times. I only ask one thing, if you can, try not to drink it alone." Aberforth had burrowed his face in to his hands and was weeping softly. Harry was so touched by the love and reverence in those words that even he could see how much he truly cared for his brother. He was now dreading the words to come for only he remained. He throat seemed on fire and he was breathing became erratic. He wasn't prepared for what Dumbledore had to say to him, but now, here in this room Harry was trapped and had no choice but to listen.
"Harry, words cannot express the sadness and guilt I feel at leaving you at such a time. I know that over the past few years, you and I have had some disagreements over my desire to keep you safe and I do apologize for that. I feel that I have failed you in so many ways that I cannot begin to apologize for the many times that you have suffered during your young life. I feel the weight of guilt from the loss of your parents and the many other casualties of the last war and in the war to come. I personally blame myself at my lack of foresight in the defection of Peter Pettigrew and my inability to see the impasse he led himself in to. You alone can also understand the scope of my injustice in bringing Tom to Hogwarts in the first place.
"If only I had done things differently, would events have turned out this way? In many ways, you are a mirror for me as I can see that you yourself have asked these same type of questions many times and have received the same clouded conclusion that I have. I know that you find yourself inadequate for the task ahead of you and that you question your own ability to stand up against the darkness, but believe me when I say that there is no other that I would trust in this manner. Harry, you must believe in yourself and the power that you possess for it is as strong as the bond of friendship and love that you have surrounded yourself with. A bond like this can never be broken. Keep love in your heart Harry for it is your greatest strength. My gift to you Harry is more practical as it will help you in the road ahead; my Penseive and the collection of memories that I have gathered over the years in my study of Tom metamorphosis in to Voldemort. The secret that you and have discussed can now be revealed. I give you the Order of the Phoenix to utilize as your resource in the same capacity as I have done. Tell those that you can trust as they will be of great assistance to you. I have also instructed Minerva that she grant you access to my private stores of books including the book which is now in her possession. Use them wisely and well.
"My last gift is not to you but to a companion who I am sure by now has joined you. As my beloved Fawkes is certain to have followed after me in my next great adventure, I leave to you his perch for your new friend. I will miss you very much as I look upon you as not just a pupil and student, but as a devoted friend and son that was not meant to be. Best hopes to you for the future. Please, do not mourn my passing. This is but one stop on this long journey called life. Be well." Harry could no longer control the deep sadness he felt inside and the tears just flowed freely down his face. In one swoop, the previous angers he had ever felt for Dumbledore in the past were all gone leaving only the empty hole in his heart that he felt now. Ragnar dropped the scroll which had magically rolled itself up and in a magical sparkle of light, was sealed again with the thick red wax.
"My deepest sympathies go out to you all during this time of parting. Albus Dumbledore was a great man and a true friend. We will all mourn his loss. He left in my possession an assemblage of letters that he wanted to be delivered to others as he felt that to call all of his many friends and associates together would require a stadium the size of the World Cup. He also wished that a small number of items to be distributed. Gringotts will take care of these duties for you as it is our responsibility. Please, allow me to escort you back to the main chamber. Thank you all for coming and again our deepest sympathy goes out to you," Ragnar told them solemnly as he got up and shuffled towards the door. Just as he was about to turn the bronze handle; the entire room shook violently knocking the group to the ground, with the exception of Ragnar who instead clutched his cane quite fiercely in order to regain his footing.
"What in Merlin's name is going on now?" Harry cried out as he struggled back to his feet.
A/N: Hello all, I hope that I have touched you with this chapter, it was very hard to write as I tried very much to channel Dumbledore in the writing of his fond farewell. The next chapter will be out soon and yes, there is action in it. Quite a bit. Ciao.