Answers for Those Who Require Them
As Ginny let the door to the Room of Requirement close and lock behind her, she took a moment to steady herself from the shock she was experiencing. Standing there, in front of her, was none other that Professor Dumbledore himself, smiling with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Professor…how…this can't be possible…can it?" Ginny was at a loss, which caused the former Headmaster of Hogwarts to chuckle merrily.
"Nonsense, Miss Weasley. You of all people should know that great things can be accomplished through magic…great and wonderful things."
"But…you're dead. I mean, we went to the funeral and everything." Ginny just couldn't seem to wrap her mind around what was happening.
A touch of sadness played across Dumbledore's face. "Yes, Miss Weasley, I'm afraid that I am still quite of the deceased nature. However, as I said before, magic can make a great many impossible things possible, as you can see by the room that you made with your thoughts." He stepped to the side, allowing her an unobstructed view.
Ginny paused to finally look around the room that had been created for her. It was an average sized room, but comfy nonetheless. On the wall to her left was a crackling fireplace with two overstuffed armchairs facing towards it. Lining the wall opposite the fireplace were various tools and a medium sized workbench. The wall in front of her, however, was the most intriguing. In the direct centre of the wall was a picture frame that extended from the floor to about seven feet high. The picture was curiously empty, containing only a comfortable looking purple chair.
Even stranger than the empty picture, were the two objects in the middle of the room. On a fine oriental rug, there stood an elegantly wrought three-legged stand of iron. The three legs twisted together and formed a pedestal on which a medium sized crystal rested. The crystal was beautifully sculpted, and gave off a soft blue light that seemed to pulse with energy. As Ginny gazed into the depths of the crystal, she felt a sense of calm and peace wash over her. The aches and pains of the past weeks disappeared, and she was able to take a deep breath and stand a little straighter. Ginny tore her gaze from the crystal to the stand slightly in front of it. It was nothing more than a small podium on which a single closed book was placed.
Turning back to face Dumbledore, Ginny couldn't hide the confusion on her face. "Professor, I still don't understand what all this means, or how you are standing here beside me."
Dumbledore's chuckled once again, his eyes twinkling like a thousand stars. "Why don't we sit down and I'll try to give you some answers? That was what you were looking for wasn't it?"
Ginny nodded mutely as the former Headmaster led her over to one of the armchairs by the fireplace. Once they were both seated, Dumbledore peered over his trademark half-moon spectacles at her. "So what would you like to know, Ginny? May I call you Ginny, by the way?"
Ginny, who was shocked by the total openness of the man sitting next to her, could only stammer, "Umm…yes sir, Ginny is fine." The wizard smiled again as Ginny tried to collect her thoughts. "Well, I guess the first thing I'm wondering about is how you are here when you just said that you were dead."
Dumbledore smiled. "Ah, quite an important question. However, the answer is not as simple as you might think. I trust you noticed the vacant portrait on the wall over there?" Dumbledore motioned towards the huge picture.
"Yes, sir."
"Well, that is my portrait, and quite a comfortable one if I might say so. I never fancied the idea of spending my days in an action pose. Way too tiring, even for a dead person."
"But that doesn't explain how you are sitting out here talking to me. I mean, you're not a ghost, or at least I don't think you are."
Dumbledore laughed again. "You are quite right there, Ginny. I have a corporeal form, and if you got up the nerve to come over here and poke me, you would see that you would see that I am quite here in the flesh." This last remark caused Ginny to giggle a bit before the old wizard continued on.
"Now as to how I am sitting here having this delightful conversation, I really have you to thank for it."
If it was possible, Ginny became even more confused. "Me? How did I do this?"
"Do you see the crystal sitting in the centre of the room?" Ginny nodded. "Well, that is what is called a Focus Crystal."
"A Focus Crystal?"
"Correct. Think of it as filter that absorbs magic that is directed towards it. It captures the magical energy, purifies it, and then amplifies the power behind it, greatly strengthening the potency of spells cast through it."
"And how did the Room of Requirement supply me with one?"
"Well, that is the amazing thing," Dumbledore replied. "Focus Crystals are extremely rare. They require an enormous amount of magic and control to create. Very few wizards or witches have even a fraction of the power to craft one."
Ginny shook her head in disbelief. "If it takes so much power, how was I able to create one?"
Dumbledore smile once again. "My dear, you don't give yourself enough credit. By itself, I know for a fact that you have always performed magic admirably here at school. When you add to that the fact that you have the greatest of powers available to you, then it is no surprise that you were able to fashion a Focus Crystal."
"Greatest of powers? What power is that?"
"Why, the power of love, of course. Tell me, Ginny, what were you thinking before the Room of Requirement opened itself up to you?"
Ginny paused for a moment to think back to what she was doing right before she had entered the room. "I just kept thinking over and over that I needed to find a way to help my Harry." She blushed suddenly and brought a hand to her mouth, realizing that she had just claimed Harry as her own right in front of one of the greatest wizards who had ever lived.
Seeing her embarrassment, Dumbledore chuckled and reached out to pat Ginny's shoulder reassuringly. "There is nothing to be ashamed of, Ginny. Love is a beautiful and amazing thing. It helps us accomplish things that we could scarcely dream of. When you combine your already impressive magical skill with your immense love and concern for Harry, it is not so hard to see how you were able to harness enough energy to create the Focus Crystal that sits in this very room."
Leaning back into his chair once again, Dumbledore continued on, "Yes, it is the crystal which allowed me to leave the confines of my portrait. It requires a tremendous amount of magic to gather a physical form outside the picture, but your crystal has enough power to make it possible."
A surprised look crossed Ginny's face. "Does that mean you are free to move about and live again?"
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Alas, that is not the case. While I maintain all my mental faculties, I am, in essence, little more than a golem. I am unable to do magic, and the sheer amount of energy needed to keep my physical form together keeps me bound to this room."
Seeing tears begin to form in Ginny's eyes, Dumbledore hastened to reassure her. "But do not worry yourself about my condition. I have accepted the limitations placed upon myself and will endeavour to help you in other ways."
"And how is that, Professor?" Ginny asked as she wiped away her unshed tears.
"I shall remain here to give you advice concerning your endeavours to discover Harry's whereabouts."
"Oh thank you, Professor! I know with your help we'll find Harry quickly!" Suddenly, a thought occurred to Ginny. Looking him directly in the eye, she asked Dumbledore, "Professor, how do you know that Harry is missing and in danger?"
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with mirth as he laid one finger beside his nose. "I'm afraid that's part of the mystery of my job."
Ginny couldn't help but laugh at his secretive but mischievous manner.
"Now that we've settled the question as to why I'm here, is there anything else you would like to know?"
Ginny glanced around the room again before nodding. "Yes, sir. What is the purpose of the workbench and tools over against the far wall?"
"Unfortunately, concerning that, I have no answer for you," Dumbledore conceded. "However, considering the purpose and attributes of the Room of Requirement, it stands to reason that the objects on the far wall will serve some purpose for you in the near future. Until that time, I am afraid that I cannot shed any more light on the subject."
Ginny ran her hands through her hair as she searched for another question. Remembering her and Hermione's conversation from earlier, she asked, "Professor, what can you tell me about the Emerald of Empathy?"
"I'm guessing this has to do with the fact that you are wearing said Emerald around your neck, correct?" Ginny nodded.
Dumbledore thought for a moment, his eyes going distant. "The Emerald of Empathy is quite a powerful magical artefact. Its history, as well as its full capabilities, has been shrouded in mystery for ages, causing many to consider it a thing of myth and legend. While I myself know very little about the Emerald, I seem to recall a wizard who did an intense study on the legend and published his findings. Considering the fact that most of the Wizarding community felt that it was nothing more than a fairy tale, I'd imagine it would be somewhat difficult to come across the author's work on the Emerald. Therefore, I would make an effort to seek out rare and antique book dealers for information on how to obtain a copy of the research." Focusing once more on Ginny, Dumbledore continued, "Other than that, I can only recount to you its mythical properties, foremost of which, is the ability to fully experience the emotions of the person it is attuned to."
"Well that helps somewhat," Ginny replied. "Now I can tell Hermione what to look for and, hopefully, narrow down our search."
"So you have enlisted the aid of Miss Granger? Excellent! If anyone is to help you find more information, she is definitely the correct witch for the task." Dumbledore was pleased.
Ginny smiled. "She's been helping me search for information regarding the Emerald of Empathy. I always knew that Hermione was a fan of books and research, but I never really knew just how fanatical she was until I saw it firsthand."
Dumbledore laughed. "She does quite well living up to the image of being the brightest witch of your generation. I have no doubt the two of you will get to the bottom of this mystery."
"She's been a big help, and a great friend. I know that both Harry and I can count on her."
"Don't be so sure to count your brother out either. His loyalty to Harry knows no bounds, and I'm sure he will have a part to play in these events before it's all over," Dumbledore replied with a sly wink.
"Ron?" Ginny asked incredulously.
"Yes, Ron. There are many types of love in the world other than romantic love. Never undervalue the strong love that comes from deep friendship."
Ginny was still somewhat unsure. "If you say so, Professor."
Dumbledore smiled. "I do say so. Now, there is one more thing that I'd like to show you before I leave."
"Leave? But I thought that you could stay out of your portrait as long as you stayed within this room?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "As I said before, it takes a great amount of magical energy to maintain this physical form. The amount of strain that it places upon me is substantial. Therefore, I am forced to retire to my portrait to rest or bear the consequences."
"Bear the consequences? What do you mean, Professor?" Ginny asked.
"If I overexert myself, I will lose the ability to maintain the integrity of this form. As soon as that occurred, my form would shatter and my spirit dissipate, causing me to become no more. Seeing as how I prefer to continue existing, I choose to rest instead." He gave a wry smile.
Overcome with emotion, Ginny rose and flung herself into Dumbledore's arms. "Oh, Professor! I'm so sorry that I put you in this position! I don't know how I could face anyone if I caused you to disappear!"
The former Headmaster held the crying girl in his arms as he patted her back. "My dear child, I would never blame you for anything such as that! I know my limits, and it would be my fault, and my fault alone if that happened to me."
Dumbledore brought Ginny to her feet, struggling to keep his own emotions in check. "Now before I go, let me show you one more thing. Call it a gift, if you will."
Ginny wiped her face once again as she followed the old wizard over to the bookstand in the middle of the room. He pointed to the single book lying closed upon it. "Take this book and use it well."
Somewhat hesitantly, Ginny reached out and picked up the book from the stand. She was immediately surprised to find that it was somewhat warm to the touch. As she ran her hand over the cover, she noticed that, while the book appeared to be quite ancient, it was in extremely good shape. Curiosity getting the best of her, Ginny opened the book to somewhere in the middle. Much to her chagrin, she found that the pages were covered in words of a language she couldn't translate.
As she looked up to inform Dumbledore of what had to be a serious mistake, she saw him preparing to step into his portrait across the room. "Wait! Professor! I can't read this! What am I supposed to do with it?"
Dumbledore merely smiled at her. "Might I suggest you discuss it with the talented Miss Granger? I'm sure she would have a thing or two to say about it."
Ginny stood there bewildered as Dumbledore set one foot into the portrait. Just as he was about to step totally in, he turned once more toward Ginny. "Oh, and Miss Weasley, don't forget that answers will always present themselves if you but ask the right questions. Good evening." With that, he moved into the portrait.
Suddenly, both the picture and the crystal glowed bright. When the light returned to normal, Ginny saw that Dumbledore was sleeping quietly within the confines of the portrait.
Her mind a blur, Ginny stood staring at the sleeping wizard for a few minutes before coming back to reality. She looked down once again to the book in her hands, trying to puzzle out Dumbledore's words.
"Give it up girl," she thought to herself. "We need to go find reinforcements."
Ginny took one more look around the strange room that had been tailored for her needs. "We're going to figure this out, Harry," she whispered. "Hang in there, love." Holding the old tome in her arms, she turned and walked out the door and into the corridor.
Ginny's problem now was to find Hermione and inform her of what had happened since she and Ron had left the library. Looking down at her watch, she noticed with a start that she was ten minutes past curfew.
"I guess I'll have to talk to Hermione in the morning," she thought to herself as she ran back towards her dormitory.
The trip back to the Gryffindor tower was uneventful. Ginny made her way up to her room an entered, looking in the direction of Hermione's bed. The curtains were drawn and she could hear the sound of deep breathing coming from inside.
"Way to come and look for me, Hermione," Ginny thought to herself with a snort.
Shaking her head, she quickly changed into her nightgown and slipped into her bed. She pulled the book Dumbledore gave her out again and gazed at it for a few moments while slowly rubbing her hand over the cover. Heaving a sigh, she tucked the book underneath her pillow and pulled the covers up to her chin. As she rolled over onto her side she held the Emerald in her fingers and slowly stroked the gem with her thumb. As she began to drift off, she lifted the jewel to her lips and kissed it lightly.
"Good night, my love," she whispered, slipping into the world of dreams.
At that very moment, a ragged form lifted itself from where it had been laying on a filthy floor. It propped itself up on one arm and reached out trying to grab for something that seemed to be just inches from its grasp.
"Ginny…" it croaked before slumped back to the floor, succumbing to feverous nightmares.
