Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to my niece Imogen, born on the 7th of Feb 2007.
Chapter Six
The Keeper of Merlinswood
Dumbledore and Lupin were saying their goodbyes and preparing to disapparate when the door suddenly opened. Dumbledore looked unconcerned but Sirius and Remus grabbed their wands.
A beautiful old lady stood there. She had long white hair and soft pale blue eyes and her face was unlined. She wore long flowing robes of dark green and she carried a harp.
"Welcome honoured guests, welcome to Merlinswood," she said. Her voice was pleasant and musical.
Harry wondered who this strange lady was. He looked to Amelia and saw her staring at the lady with her mouth open in surprise.
"You're Enid, keeper of Merlinswood, I've heard about you." the woman nodded. Dumbledore bowed deeply but harry saw that Sirius and Lupin were as mystified as he was. They had lowered their wands however.
"This lady has lived in these hills all her life and has studied ancient magic. It is said that Merlin's cave is in these hills somewhere and whoever finds it and enters the Crystal Cave will know the future." Dumbledore explained. Enid smiled serenely at Dumbledore and handed the harp to Amelia.
"Your father told me you had a fine voice. Take this and use it well." she said. Amelia blushed and thanked her. Enid smiled gently at each of them in turn before turning and leaving the house.
"I don't believe it," Amelia cried happily, "I didnt' think I would ever meet her but I have always wanted to, she's a very powerful witch. "
"She is indeed," said the Headmaster, "If she is adding her protections to mine then nothing can harm you while you are here."
Harry had never felt this way before, ever since Enid had walked into the room he felt such peace and goodness, like nothing bad would happen ever again.
He knew that wasn't true but it was a nice feeling. Even Occlumency with Snape didn't trouble him so much anymore, but there was one thing he wanted to
ask the Headmaster before he left.
"I was wondering Professor, can I tell Ron and Hermione where I am and the truth about Sirius? They will worry if they don't hear from me."
"hmmmm," Dumbledore said reflectively.
"I think Ron and Hermione can be trusted, and it's ok with me if they want to come visit," Sirius said, "It might be nice for Amelia to meet more of the people she will be with at school."
"I believe Miss Granger and Mr Weasley's discression can be trusted," Dumbledore said, "If you have any letters for them I will see that they receive them, Harry."
Harry quickly grabbed quill and parchment and dashed off two letters, telling Ron and Hermione everything and saying that they could come and visit him and sirius if they wanted to. After he finished he gave the letters to Dumbledore.
"Thanks sir," he said. Dumbledore and Lupin said their goodbyes and departed. Harry noted that Lupin was looking happy, but somehow exhausted. He made sure to embrace his old professor before he left, knowing that the full moon was coming soon.
The three of them sat in the sitting room chatting easily about the events of the day. After a while Sirius suggested,
"Why don't you play us a tune on your new harp, Amelia?" She was eager to do just that, and she hurriedly collected it and sat down again. The music washed over Harry and Sirius and they felt at peace. Harry could understand why Dumbledore had once said that music was a magic far beyond that which they studied at Hogwarts, it had a power of it's own.