Chapter 5

"So, there I was – cursed by the two most powerful witches of the Age and worse, the curse was not on me, but on my Heir!"

"My first thought was that I should not have one if this is what would happen to them. Then, I dreamt your destiny Harry. It was magnificent! I couldn't possibly prevent the chance for you to fulfil it! I took steps to ensure that I could guide you if needed and here we are!" said Merlin.

"I'm sure that by now, you're wondering about my age and how I'm standing in front of you. It's difficult to explain but I'll try… You know, unfortunately, what a Horcrux is. You have also witnessed a Rebirthing Ritual. However, you have only experienced these as Dark Necromantic and Blood Ritual Arts. Remember my thoughts on these and other magics? It is the intention in the caster that makes it Light or Dark."

"So you know that to create a Horcrux, you must tear your soul. You have been told that only the most heinous of crimes can do this. That is not true. While you must separate a piece of your soul to create a Horcrux, it can be done without bloodshed or violence. You must have pure intentions and a strong will, not to mention a true and clear connection with Magic. If you seek to make what I call a Light Horcrux, you must petition Magic itself and be judged. I performed this ritual and, because Magic judged my purpose worthy, I retained my humanity and my soul healed. The Rebirthing Ritual can be done on a Light Horcrux without sacrifice as well, so long as the intentions of the ritual itself and the caster of said ritual are pure. Basically, instead of using the blood and magic of others, you petition Magic and offer your emotions about the purpose as payment for the success of the ritual."

"Now, because of my pure intentions, this small piece of my own soul survived after my death. So, I am a piece of my original soul sustained by Magic, judged worthy of purpose and created upon my 70th birthday. I realize that I look younger, but then, so do you."Merlin smiled. "Those of our bloodline, and particularly those with green eyes, tend to live long and look young. Your mother, had she lived, would have appeared to be in her 20's until she was nearing 50, and in her 30's until she was about 80 and so on. We all look much younger than that bumbling old fool at his age, that's for sure." Merlin chuckled and Harry joined him at that statement.

"And so, the Unspeakables performed the Light Rebirthing Ritual upon this Horcrux' signal yesterday evening. Evidently, something drastic occurred to initiate this, as you are already grown beyond fulfilling your true destiny." said Merlin.

"Great! Just great! I finally want to know the truth and not only is it more complicated than anything I've ever hear, I can't even fulfil my own destiny due to all the manipulations in my life! That damn old goat! That snake-faced bastard! Oh, and don't forget my traitor wife and friends!" screamed Harry.

"Harry, calm down! We can still fix this!"

"!"

"Okay, now we can't send you physically back in time, but we can send your spirit."

"I don't have to die again, do I?"asked Harry.

"No, but we will use a time chamber and a powerful potion to separate your spirit from your body. Once your spirit is free, we can send it back to a critical day in your early life. You will keep your memories and knowledge, as well as a small measure of your current powers, but your young body will have to go through magical maturity again."

"While I understand the idea, and I've heard of time chambers from the goblins, I've never heard of a potion like that before."

"And with good reason. It is considered a very Dark potion in your time. However, " he continued with a smile, "we are channelling our very best intentions into it, so I consider it Grey."

Harry nodded in understanding.

A knock sounded from the wall where the doorway had appeared.

"Ah, good!" said Merlin, "the preparations are ready!"

"Sir, ah, um, Merlin?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Who made the potion I'm to take?"

"Still cautious, eh Harry? No worries, Mr. Malfoy is a Master Potionmaker, and I'm confident he had no troubles preparing it."

Harry stood quietly for a moment. 'Would Malfoy sabotage such a potion? Especially in front of Merlin? And then there's that look from before to think about.'

"Merlin, do you know why Malfoy was smiling before? I've only ever seen him smirk…" said Harry

Merlin rose from his seat, indicating that Harry follow him. They walked down a short hall towards a door made of blue, red and grey swirling particles (which Harry belatedly realized was Magic itself). Merlin paused by the door and said to Harry, "Maybe you're not the only one whose life would be changed if you complete this ritual." Harry noticed Merlin smile as he turned to the door.