Enoch
Over the course of the next few days most of the students were able to get into the routine of rising early, running several laps around the castle grounds, breakfast, training, lunch, training and helping to rebuild Hogsmeade. The reconstruction efforts were going so well, in fact, that the Hogwarts Express, its carriages transfigured into freight cars, was making almost daily runs into London for supplies.
At one point, while Harry was helping Aberforth rebuild the entrance to the tunnel leading from the back of the Hog's Head Inn to a hidden chamber near the base of the Astronomy Tower, he saw Hermione and Millicent Bulstrode comforting a little girl who had lost her cat. He later learned that after much searching, Millicent and Hermione even going so far as to explore the fringes of the Forbidden Forest, they had called of their search and Millicent had sent an owl to her parents requesting that one of the kittens from her cat's most recent litter be sent up on the next shipment from London.
The kitten had arrived the next afternoon, safely tucked away in the engineer's pocked, and the little girl had immediately taken to the furry creature. Her parents, her father still nursing a wound from the most recent battle, had profusely thanked Millicent for her generosity, which had, for a brief moment, thrown her for a loop. Apparently it had never occurred to her that the way to win friends was to be nice to them. Harry smiled when he saw Millicent smile and return to her job of layering the newly arrived lumber with multiple protection charms before releasing them to her classmates for the reconstruction effort with a certain spring in her step that had not been there moments before. He also noticed that her spell work seemed to go much more smoothly as well. And her effectiveness only increased when Professor Flitwick noticed these subtle changes and complimented her on her charms.
Aberforth, who was working alongside Harry as they helped rebuild the Three Broomsticks, seemed to notice the changes as well and nodded his head. "Yep," he said, while taking a break after levitating one of Rosmerta's new windows into place. "It's amazing how much good one simple good deed can do."
Harry nodded his agreement then turned back to his task of squaring up the doorframe before installing the hardware in preparation for hanging the new door. It seemed to him that everyone involved in the reconstruction effort, no matter their house affiliation, was discovering that reaching out to those around them and offering their assistance no matter how seemingly insignificant was a good thing and that the personal rewards were immeasurable in terms of financial gain.
A trip to the Realm of the High Elves, and a meeting with Ethrindell, was scheduled for that Saturday. Ron was disappointed that he was not being invited but understood that, even though he was one of the best strategists and fighters at Hogwarts, he still had a long way to go and was slightly mollified when Harry explained that he needed Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna to keep tabs on current events to take the appropriate measures while he, Ginny and Albus were away. In other words, Harry was counting on them to protect Hogwarts and Hogsmeade and to lend their assistance to the Ministry of Magic while they were away.
Mark was excited to say the least and Ginny was ecstatic.
On Saturday morning, while everyone else was out running laps, Harry, Ginny, Mark, Joseph and Eileen made their way up to the Headmaster's Office where they were to meet Albus and take a portkey to Derry Lodge, in the Scottish highlands. Harry had checked the area the night before and determined that the best place for them to arrive was behind the lodge because, even though there was currently no one camped anywhere nearby, there were always the early risers and a dirt road did pass directly in front of the structure.
Harry, Ginny and Mark were dressed in casual muggle clothing. Joseph and Eileen had warned them that Enoch, the guardian of the portal they would be using, had erected a number of wards around the summit of Ben Macdhui, some more effective than others depending upon the sensitivities of those approaching the gate, and that it was not uncommon for him to summon the elements and conjure a storm or, as a last resort, drive the supremely unwelcome over the nearby cliffs through disorientation and fear, so they had packed their winter cloaks in they're daypacks along with some food, water and a change of clothing.
Albus was dressed in his climbing gear from late in the last century. While it looked comfortable and functional the style was, to say the least, a few years out of fashion. Harry smiled inwardly when he saw the combination. While the costume might have looked quite dashing on a much younger Albus Dumbledore it looked nothing short of comical on the aged wizard standing in front of the headmaster's desk.
Albus smiled brightly, his eyes twinkling madly as he held out the length of rope that was to be their portkey. Harry supposed that Albus had guessed his reaction to his getup and struggled to suppress his mirth.
Joseph and Eileen were dressed in their casual elven garb, their more formal garments tucked away in their daypacks.
"Ah, good morning!" Albus greeted heartily. "Are we all set?"
When they had all gripped the rope Albus tapped the rope with his wand. As soon as his wand made contact the six of them were swept up into swirling world of light , color and sound. Moments later they landed with a thump in the twilight filtering down through the trees behind a large stone building that Harry knew to be Derry Lodge.
The air was crisp and clear. A light breeze promised an easy start, as it would keep the temperature and flies down. After orienting themselves with their surroundings Harry checked the road to make sure no one was coming while Joseph checked the camping grounds with the same intent. When all was pronounced free and clear they set off.
The first hundred yards, after crossing the narrow footbridge set back from the lodge and its surroundings, was a small moore. It wasn't anywhere near as boggy as Fred and George's portable swamps but it was a challenge nonetheless, especially when it came to helping Ginny and Mark across the muddy bog that cut through the middle of the expanse. Ginny almost fell back into the mud after making it safely across and Mark had to be thrown across the ribbon of mud.
Albus, however, cheated slightly by apparating across the moore.
The next few miles consisted of a wide, well-groomed walking path of packed sand with the occasional large rock poking through the surface. This path ranged from between four to eight feet wide with the occasional paved, stone causeway where the spring runoff could cross without eroding the main path.
They stopped at the foot a rough, narrow path that led up into the hills. It sides were steep and the way was course with large rocks providing the more than the occasional obstacle. Albus eyed it warily for several seconds before shrugging his shoulders, glancing around to make sure they were still quite alone, withdrawing his wand and conjuring a sturdy staff. "Ah well," he said, "I guess there is nothing for it, then. Onward and upward."
Albus led the way up the hill and along the way, apparating across the occasional stream, until they reached a swiftly flowing stream at the base of a steep hill that was less than a mile from their goal. He stopped on the banks of this stream and leaned heavily upon his staff. Glancing up at the hill he said, "And the wards start here. I dare not apparate across because, if memory serves, Enoch does not take kindly to people apparating into his territory."
He glanced over at Joseph, who was standing a few feet up the hill from the main path, for confirmation. "Yes," Joseph said. "We have got to wade across this stream. After that we will be in Enoch's domain. The water isn't deep. Neither is it especially cold, but the current is swift enough that it could topple you if you aren't careful."
As a group they sat down on the hillocks near the crossing, removing their shoes and socks and rolling their trowser legs up to above their knees.
When everyone was ready Harry and Joseph helped Albus across, closely followed by Ginny and Eileen who were helping the much smaller Mark. When they reached the far bank Harry could feel the wards taking affect. As they sat drying their feet and replacing their shoes and socks Harry glanced over at Joseph who nodded his confirmation. "Yes, we are now in Enoch's domain. He knows we are here and he is watching. He doesn't know who we are but he does know that we are three men, two women and one boy. From here of his wards will cause you to feel lightheaded and slightly nauseas. If your inner world is pure that is all you will feel. It will most grow more intense the closer we get to the portal but that is all. The closer we get the more accurate will be Enoch's judgment of your character. I honestly don't think we have anything to worry about but just in case, stay close."
The train on this side of the stream was little more than a faded goat path that pretty much went straight up the hill. The going was tough and made even more so by the fact that they had to pause and rest after every few steps because one or more of them was feeling light headed or nauseas. When they finally reached the top of the steep incline almost an hour later Ginny sat down heavily on a small boulder. "Phew!" she breathed, "Enoch really doesn't like visitors, does he."
Eileen shook her head, chuckling softly to herself. "No, he doesn't. That's why he is a Gateway Guard. But don't think that Joseph and I are immune to the wards' effects because we're not. This is the first time I have approached this entrance and I'll be honest with you, Ginny, I don't want to do it again."
Joseph laughed nervously. "Me neither. I much prefer using one of our more magical means but, perhaps unfortunately, Ethrindell aside, they are reserved for elves and cannot be used by anyone else."
After they were all rested and recovered from the climb they set off on the final leg of their journey. The dizziness and nausea did not abate, however. If anything, in fact it grew worse because even though the terrain was relatively flat they still had to pause ever now and again to catch their breath and let the sensations pass.
The wind began to pick up as they approached the summit and the previously blue sky began to fill with heavy, moisture-laden clouds.
Joseph stopped almost a hundred yards short of the summit and motioned for everyone to stay still. A fog was rolling in and a bone-chilling cold that had nothing to do with the weather was beginning to make its presence known. "And now we wait," he said. "We have just entered his inner sanctum. In a few minutes we should begin to get the uncomfortable feeling that we are being watched. After that it is just a matter of time before Enoch makes his presence known. I suggest you get your cloaks out because we may be here a while."
Harry started to draw his wand but Eileen stopped him before he could cast any spells. "No!" she said forcefully. "No magic is allowed. Enoch is tolerant but his wards are very sensitive and the manipulation of any form of magical energy within these wards, especially this close to the portal, could be disastrous."
Harry blushed, "Thanks," he laughed nervously. "Sorry about that. I guess using magic is getting to be something of a habit."
Moments later they all became uncomfortably aware of the fact that they were, indeed, being watched. Shortly after that the fog rolled in thick and heavy. They all huddled together to conserve body heat but with the restriction on the use of magical energies it was not easy. Then, almost fifteen minutes later, they began to hear the laughter of pixies all around and, in the distance, something that could only be described as large feet taking long, even strides across a bed of wet gravel.
All six members of their party were huddled together, shivering from the natural cold of the fog as well from the unnaturally bone-chilling cold of Enoch's wards. Mark, in particular, was shivering so much that his teeth were chattering. Without even knowing why, Harry instinctively wrapped his winter cloak around both Mark and Ginny as though he knew that adding his warmth to their own would help to both dispel some of the chill and reassure them that they were not alone.
A few minutes later the sounds of approaching footsteps stopped mere meters away and the overwhelming odor of damp, musty fur assaulted their noses. Ginny was curled into his chest, pulling Mark into a three-way hug for warmth, So Harry looked over at Joseph, who was busy comforting Eileen and hugging Albus to keep him warm, for confirmation and saw that his eyes were as wide as his felt.
With a supreme effort Harry closed his eyes, mastering his emotions and schooling his features. Turning his head slowly in the direction the footsteps had been coming from he took several deep, calming breaths and slowly opened his eyes. Standing less than five meters from the group was a giant of a … creature. It was at least twice as tall as Hagrid and looked five times as menacing. "Er … erm … Enoch?" he asked.
The giant, fur-covered creature seemed to nod its head. It was more of a bow than a nod, though, because he didn't seem to have a functional human-like neck.
Coming out of his stupor Joseph, in a haltingly commanding voice, said something in a language Harry didn't recognize, but he did hear all of their names mentioned at least once.
The creature bowed again and slowly turned around. Motioning for them to follow Enoch began slowly walking towards the summit. Gathering their courage, Harry and Joseph guided the others and followed at a distance. Moments later a portal, a dimensional tear in the fabric of the space-time continuum opened and Enoch stepped through with first Albus then Eileen and Joseph then Mark and Ginny and finally Harry following him through. As the portal sealed itself all of the effects from Enoch's wards vanished and they could all see the furry, silver-haired beast for what he was.
Enoch was tall, at least twenty feet in height. He was covered, from head to toe, in a short silver-grey fur that was slightly longer at his shoulders but could not be described as shaggy in any aspect. He was trim and muscular, his massive chest and shoulders hiding nothing of his muscular physique. His neck was short. Proportionally speaking Harry could only guess that it was less than half the length of the average human neck, which would explain its seeming lack of functionality. His arms were long and muscular, hanging down to within a few inches of his knees. His face was rough and course but, tufted and pointed ears aside, was not overly menacing in appearance, at least not in the light of day. In the swirling mists atop Ban Macdhui, however, it was easy to see how Enoch could present a truly frightening and intimidating presence.
Joseph said something else to Enoch in the strange tongue then turned back to the others as Enoch once again bowed. "The only language Enoch understands," he said, "is an ancient form of Gaelic. He is a natural telepath in that he can read your thoughts and emotions without having to resort to magic but he is also a very honorable and ethical presence in that he will not invade your privacy without your permission. There is an elven translation charm that can be used, if you wish, to help you understand his dialect."
The statement was made in such a way that it served as a question as well as a test of sorts. Joseph, and Harry supposed Enoch as well, was asking if they were interested enough in learning about the true realities of the world in which they lived to set aside their prejudices and fears in favor of true enlightenment.
Somehow Harry knew that his answer to this implied question would play a major role in determining how successful he would be in the long run so, with very little hesitation, he nodded his head. "Yes," he said, "I would like to understand Enoch and, if possible, become his friend."
Ginny, Mark and Albus all nodded their heads in agreement.
After everyone, at Eileen's urging, had joined hands, Enoch between Harry and Joseph, Joseph closed his eyes and, after dropping into a deep, meditative state, sang a short elfish song. When he was finished Harry opened his eyes, not knowing when he had closed them, and looked up at Enoch. "Hello, Enoch," he said. Thank you for allowing us entrance into your realm."
The gentle giant smiled down at Harry and in a deep, warm, rumbling voice, said, "You are welcome, Harry Potter. You are a good man, Harry Potter, and it my pleasure to welcome you to the elven realm."