(A/N All Harry Potter characters belong to JKR I'm just having fun with them)

Chapter 13

Bill stumbled off the ladder; his leg was bound and unbending, making the climbing akward. The table Barns was packing was full of masks of gold formed into animal faces, idols similar to the one Bill melted, and a magic staff of smooth polished grey wood, with a large amethyst mounted on the top. The pack Owen had found was filled with items of a more rare nature: there was an enchanted flask that was full of fresh water, a breastplate made of gold cast with Runes like the Bronze Warrior's, that would fetch a high price, if the goblins allowed it to be sold. The real treasure though, was the Runic Triangle, it hummed with power. At first glance it appeared to be a compass, but why then would it have so much magical energy, or the goblins pay a premium price for it?

"Bill, what is this?" Harry was standing at a bench, looking at a wide shallow bowl made of gold. The inside was covered with runes, and it glowed brightly with magic. Bill moved forward, dragging his eyes off the Triangle.

"A scrying bowl, I've not seen one of this quality before. Its use is complicated, I didn't take Divination, so I'm not positive; but if properly used, they look far away, for someone or someplace." Bill gathered himself, remembering they would have time later to look at the loot.

"Ok, let's get things packed up, remember: magical items only, leave the rest where it is. Let's get back to camp soon," Bill directed.

Ian and Annalisa paced, in alternating patterns, both worried. They knew the wards had been destroyed, but that had been hours ago. What could be taking so long? There were many scenarios and different situations running through their minds. The only information they had, was someone was screaming in what sounded like pain early this morning, before the temple wards fell. They were about to reassemble and head back in, when Lone Feather landed; a huge grin on the normal stoic face.

"They're coming now, all of them, and bringing company, of a sort." He chuckled happily.

Ian watched in awe as four huge animated Bronze Warriors marched in, carrying the packs and loot, Harry and Bill in the lead each controlling a statue, followed by Barns and Owen. Bill had a bandaged leg and bloody face, but they all looked happy.

"Let's see if they got it!" Annalisa laughed aloud, skipping like a much younger girl, and grabbing Belle's arm as she exited the tent.

"Well met, gallant sir," Annalisa jokingly greeted Harry, "you return victorious!"

"Would have been sooner, if the wee lad would have learned a little control!" Owen shouted, to Bill's and Barns' chuckles.

"Do I dare ask, how exactly did you lose control Harry?" Belle asked sweetly, an innocent look on her face.

"You should have seen it; not a wall in the place is whole. What with him ramming this big chunk of Bronze into every corner." Barns interjected, slapping a statue on the back, before Harry could speak.

"So says, He-Who-Stuns-Too-Hard," Harry fired back, a little miffed. In his defense though, it was a hard spell. The friendly banter continued all the way into the Big Tent. At which point, Dobby tackled Harry knees.

"Dobby knows you would be back, Harry Potter sir," said a crying elf. "Yous a great wizard!"

Distracted by Dobby, Harry's statue crashed into the tables of the tent.

"Oh, Bugger!"

Dinner that night was a lively affair; Dobby, glad Harry Potter sir was back safe, pulled out all the stops. A feast was created and enjoyed, stories bantered back and forth, with a feeling of unity in the room that had been previously lacking. Ian was astounded by the sight of the Key; it glowed with power, the yellow triangle always pointing northeast. The rest of the loot that was collected, was left in the bags to be sorted later. Tonight was for celebrating.

Alessandra checked everyone over, casting a spell on Bills leg, claiming if it hadn't been for the splint, it wouldn't have been so easy. Harry received a kiss on the cheek for that, from a grateful healer. Occlumency be damned, he still couldn't stop the blush from spreading. As happy as everyone was, the impromptu party didn't last long, exhaustion was catching up to everyone, and hot showers and bed started to appeal more than celebration.

The next morning dawned brightly, but the only two up were Dobby and Lone Feather. It was another few hours before anyone else was out and about. Bill rolled out of bed stiff and sore; yet, it was ok, he had earned it. A hot shower did a lot to loosen things up, and he met up with Harry, who was in the chair waiting on him.

"Quite a wild ride, huh?" Bill asked, to draw Harry into a conversation. He wanted to thank him, and compliment his help.

"Yeah it was, although you missed about nine hours of it." Harry's tone was cheeky.

"So I heard… listen Harry, you did well. I mean it." Bill frowned, as Harry started to shrug. "I don't know anyone else your age that could have done half as well. You are really talented and bloody powerful for your age."

"Oh, Ron or Hermione could have-"

"No, they couldn't. The spells you cast require too much power, and Ron would not have the drive to learn as much as you did, in such a short time. Can you honestly say either of them would have stood their ground like you have? Have shown the leadership, to calm down two frustrated wizards, and shown them the path to go forward on? They told me all about it, how they were near a fight. You stepped up again. Look, what I'm trying to say is this. Don't sell yourself short Harry. I notice praise makes you uncomfortable, but if it is given by those you respect, value it."

Harry was moved, and grateful of Bill's words, it was just hard to accept after being put down for so long.

"You were the leader, we all followed you-" Harry started, but Bill interrupted again.

"I'm five years out of Hogwarts, and twenty-two years old. Our experience and skill levels are not comparable. You are going into fourth year-" This time Harry interrupted.

"Bill, I get it. What I was going to say was: we all followed you, but I'm glad I could help, and you're welcome." Bill nodded, his stubbornness to get Harry to accept a thank you was a small victory in his mind.

They shared a manly one armed hug and back slap, before heading to the Big Tent.

It was a brunch that day that they ate, yesterday's good cheer quickly returning. Harry sat across from Belle again, as Bill, Annalisa, Owen, Xo, and Ian were in serious conversation.

"Sounds like you had all the fun, while I got blisters in the dark."

"Blisters in the dark sounds…" Harry quickly realized where that comment was going, and tried to redirect, "…like no fun," he ended lamely. Belle arched an eyebrow, as if to say 'I know where that was going'.

"I think you have spent too much time with Barns. Anyway, it was scary, my first time falling into a trap. Still, I'm proud. I kept calm, and helped out how I could."

"That's all any of us could do." Harry replied.

"It looks like they're going to sort the loot, you coming?"

"No thanks, I've seen it all when we loaded it up," Harry said, as she left to watch. Grabbing an orange and peeling it as he went, he headed outside. Sitting in the sun eating an orange was relaxing. A flash of red alerted him to the presence of the Parrot. Thing was sneaky, always showing up all sudden like.

"Hello Winston, do you have a letter for me?"

"Letter here- for Potter." He squawked.

"Would you like a bit of orange then?" He nearly lost the tip of his finger, as the Parrot snapped it up. Taking the letter he read:

Hey Kiddo,

I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Believe me, if I could I would. Anyway, I'm glad you're OK now, and learning some magic. Sailing a ship sounds like fun, where are you? I'm across the pond myself, although, Moony and I are planning a rat hunt. Things are happening back home, and I need to be closer to find out what. I'm in pretty good shape now, and Moony is recovering, last night's transformation was more difficult than most. Snuffles was able to help though. Take care of yourself, and be careful I don't want to lose you before I get to know you. Moony says hello.

Padfoot

It had a brooding feel to it, which was opposite of the positive feel around camp. He did his best to express that kind of feeling in his letter.

Dear Snuffles and Moony,

Things couldn't be better, unless you guys were here. You would laugh yourselves sick at my expense. We have a healer here, she's really pretty; anyway, she has taken to flirting with me, to see just how red I can become. Her name is Alessandra, the guys all find it so funny, but secretly, I think they're jealous. Annalisa, she is a Cursebreaker from France, has decided I must become a cultured Gentleman and has taken to giving me strange impromptu lessons. We cracked the Temple yesterday, Bill is awesome. So today is for resting and loot sorting. I'm learning some wicked magic, I'll tell you more about that when I see you next. Anyway, Winston is getting impatient. Until next time.

HJP

Winston took off, fast becoming a dot in the sky. Harry headed for the tree by the ward line, to sort out his thoughts. He had many from the last few days. Sitting and leaning back, he relaxed and centered himself. He pulled thoughts from the open top compartment and filed them away. As he was finishing, a shadow fell across his face.

Looking up, Lone Feather stood before him; holding a potion, and some odd miscellaneous items.

"I thought that you would like to learn the ways of shape shifting?"

"You mean, learning to be an Animagus?" Harry asked, sitting up straight in excitement. Lone Feather smiled at that.

"That is what the Europeans call it; it is almost the same thing, but not quite."

"I'd love it, thanks." Harry watched, as Lone Feather sat down across from him. He conjured a small, Bluebell flame between them, and laid out his supplies. Looking at Harry, he handed him a muddy brown potion.

"This will show your form to you in a vision, study it, and focus on its actions and what it does. I will perform a cleansing ritual as you enter your trance, to insure it is you who returns."

"What do you mean, I who return? Where will I be going?" Harry asked, a little nervous.

"It is an out of body experience, you join with the spirit of your inner animal, and the ritual prevents your mind from losing its self to the animal." Lone Feather explained calmly. Harry nodded; nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"Ok, what do I do?" Harry had squared his shoulders, sitting up straight.

"Add a drop of your blood and drink, it will take a few minutes to effect you."

Harry did so, borrowing Lone Feather's knife. It tasted like dung, and was like swallowing cottage cheese without chewing, he almost yakked it out. Only all the practice he had in taking potions saved him. Lone Feather lit a mushy looking string in the fire, it only smoldered, producing an oily smoke that smelled like the potion tasted. Harry watched, as Lone Feather wafted the smoke over him, and started a soft chant. Harry's head began to spin, causing his body to slump, and then fall over. Lone Feather continued, his chant slightly louder.

Harry looked around, it was clear he was in his mindscape, but not one of his making. The sea was crashing onto tall dark cliffs. A steely grey sky over head, Harry walked the graveled shore, alert, looking sharply. A shrill cry caused him to look up, he saw a dark bird circling; it was large, far larger than Lone Feather's crow. It looked more powerful, but even with that it was graceful, riding the currents of air, coming up from the cliffs. In a sudden movement, it dove to the water; it was fast, almost a blur, before turning suddenly, skimming the water with its talons. Harry was watching in amazement, while standing in the lapping waves of cold water. He felt dizzy and stumbled, falling toward the water. He never landed in it; instead he landed on a dirty, wooden plank floor. His scar blazed in pain, causing him to gasp aloud. Rubbing his scar furiously, he rolled over and stood up. The first thing he saw was a great snake, it was coiled on an old rug, like some bad parody of a pet dog. In a high backed chair facing away from him, a cold voice was speaking.

-"I have my reasons for using the boy, as I have already explained to you, and I will use no other. I have waited for thirteen years. A few more months will make no difference. As for the protection surrounding the boy, I believe my plan will be effective. All that is needed, is a little courage from you, Wormtail- courage you will find, unless you wish to feel the full extent of Lord Voldemorts wrath…"-

-Quote from GOF page 10-

Harry, upon realizing where he was, lunged for the door; forgetting for the moment that his body was actually miles away. He passed through the door, and a Muggle man listening in on the other side, before crashing into cold, wet waves. Standing and sputtering, Harry was panicking, the shrill cry of a bird brought him around. The throbbing pain in his scar was fading slowly. He stood waist deep in water that wasn't actually getting him wet, but still felt that way, watching the graceful display of flight before him. The view began to fade as he calmed down, slowly he moved into a room, bare and empty. It had a mirror on the wall now, and an unlocked door. Opening the door, he stepped through, and back into the physical world.

His eyes shot open, to confirm his surroundings.

"Bloody Hell! What was that?" The words were loud, and angry.

"I do not know…" Lone Feather replied, his eyes piercing and intently focused on Harry. "It was not the way it should have been. Your inner animal is trapped. Behind a wall you have built, within your mind, and something else that is dark. I have never seen such a reaction, nor had such a struggle to bring someone back."

Harry listened carefully, now sitting on his knees, looking more wary, and ready to spring to his feet. He had seen a vision of some kind, it wasn't just his imagination. He was there, and saw what was happening. He needed to talk to someone, but didn't trust Lone Feather enough. Instead he focused on his inner animal.

"So, what does this mean? For the transformation?"

"That it will be more difficult for you, and take longer, if you are even able to complete the change. You will need to study your animal, learn its homeland, how it thinks, what it eats. You have to be able to accept it, and it, you. My people do not have this problem; we grow up closer to nature, familiar with the ways of the animals. It makes our change simple, but it is still possible for you."

"Nothing is ever easy. Thanks, I'll look in to it. I have a lot going on right now."

"You're welcome Harry, if you want to talk, I'm here." Lone Feather sighed, his face creased in worry. He had hoped this would make the young man happy. It seems to have added a burden instead.

Ian had Bill and Owen leading him and Annalisa through the Temple, retracing their route. They wandered through rooms, double checking to make sure nothing magical was left behind. They guided the remaining Bronze Warriors out to the front door, Annalisa muttering about the runes for the Dampening Field that had caught them, being on the inside of the next door. It wasn't until they made to the Altar, that Ian noticed anything that Bill hadn't already observed. The Altar had a series of weathered engraved Runes, and near the remains of the wizard, was a tarnished sacrificial knife.

"It looks as if he used some sort of self-sacrifice ritual here; I only wish I could study it more. The Incans had no known form of written word, so all their knowledge needed to be past on orally, it's a shame that it's lost to time." Ian said, the loss of knowledge seemed to pain him.

Later that night after dinner, Harry was absent for some reason. Ian asked Bill and Annalisa to join him for a nightcap. Bill played it cool, but he was excited to be included. As they entered Ian's study, Bill couldn't help but look at all the maps and research in progress, Ian interrupted him, handing him a glass of scotch.

"I asked you here for a reason Bill," Ian began.

"What would that be?" Bill asked, settling into a comfortable leather chair.

"Annalisa and I have worked as a team for quite a few years, I serve as leader, use my name to draw in help, but it is research where I excel. She handles the Arithmancy, and knows many Runic languages I do not. What neither of us is particularly skilled at, is being the point man, actually raiding the sites. That's where we want you to come in, as a team we would compliment each other nicely, while being able to learn from one another." Ian trailed off, looking expectantly to Bill.

A quick glance showed Annalisa sipping her scotch, eyes watching him over the rim.

"It sounds great," Bill said, he was trying to calm himself and be professional. "What are the plans then? It sounds as if you are on more than a simple quest to find an artifact the goblins want."

"Oh, they are well aware of my true goals, and willing to aid me as they can. I seek three Keys, as you note from the maps and articles on the wall. I believe they are the keys to unlocking the Bermuda Triangle, or as we believe, Atlantis."

"Wow, that's huge. That would be bigger than the Valley of Wizards, in Carnac!"

"We're a long way from actually getting to that part. I have leads on the next key, near the remains of The Tower of Galata, and nothing for the last one, but ideas of where to look."

"Count me in, what is our next step?"

Annalisa sat up, and set down her glass on the corner of Ian's desk.

"Money, the research cost resources. We pool our take of the expeditions, and use it to supply ourselves with information and material." Annalisa saw Bill's grimace, and hurried to continue. "Not all of it, just about forty percent of your cut, the rest is yours." Bill visibly relaxed, that cinched the deal for him.

"Sounds fair, I agreed to pay Harry though, it will come from my share."

"Not a problem, I think we will do quite well for this trip, if I can get us to that Island in the Azores. Anyway, keep all of this to yourself; we don't need people watching our every move."

Bill nodded as he stood, understanding that was a dismissal. He made his way to his tent, to find out why Harry was missing from dinner.