Errand Pt V

Harry found himself in the middle of a large field, right next to a cottage, such as one could find in the history of England in any number of places. There were no other buildings in sight – though he did spy an absolutely massive tree off in the distance.

Looking around he saw that several people were staring at the two arrivals with varying amounts of shock and surprise.

Finally, the most normal looking bloke said, "Hey! I recognize you! You're Harry!"

Harry grinned. "Garion. You've grown up." Everyone around looked at the man with surprise except the old man who also had a look of recognition. Garion walked forward and embraced him in a brotherly fashion.

"Well, it's actually Belgarion now – though friends still call me Garion. When I can get away from being a King and all of that. How are you doing? I've wanted to thank you for the longest time!"

Harry laughed. "I'm fine. It's probably best if we get introductions out of the way – I can just see that this is going to take a while. If I haven't missed my guess – there's a whole bunch of titles and positions and responsibilities spread out amongst us all and you're on a holiday because it gets a bit much at times. Am I right?"

Garion grinned in response. "Oh, yes. We probably should get that out of the way." He looked at Harry. "We'll start with you."

Harry shrugged. "My name is Harry Potter, Wizard, Human, Lord of the Houses of Potter, Black, Gryffindor, and Slytherin (in my own world); Knight Commander of the Order of the Phoenix; Marek Illumian, Fury of the Light; Master of Death; Lone Traveler. I'm sure there's a title or two I lost here and there. This is Xenophulius Lovegood, Wizard, Human, Publisher. You have to excuse him – I just took him to see his dead wife to get her to kick him in his arse to get him out his his mopey, woe is me, hope is all lost, attitude. Their daughter needs a strong father – which is why I am here. But let's finish the introductions."

Garion nodded. "I am Belagrion, Sorcerer, Human, King of Riva, Lord of the Western Sea, Overlord of the West, Keeper of the Orb of Aldur, Husband, Father."

Harry grinned. "Always good to make sure the important titles aren't ignored." There were murmurs of approval from the women folk.

Garion's grin was tight. "This is C'Nedra, Dryad, Princess of the House of Borune, Jewel of the Tolnedran Empire, Queen of Riva, my wife and mother of my children." C'Nedra curtsied and Harry bowed in return.

Harry added, "Us hero types always seem to end up married to redheads. My late wife had hair the same color. The fiery temper always kept me on my toes." Garion laughed – and the others joined in. Even C'Nedra after a moment.

Garion motioned and his affection for his introductee was obvious. "This is Goodman Durnik of Sendaria – a more accurate title you could not find – Husband and new Father – those twins sleeping over there are his and my Aunt's. He's a Sorcerer, Human, Latest Disciple of the God Aldur, Blacksmith. I grew up learning the value of honest work watching him working the forge."

Durnik blushed even as he and Harry exchanged handshakes. Harry noted his hands were strong and calloused.

Harry could hear the profound love in Garion's voice as he introduced the next person. "This is Her Grace, the Lady Polgara, Duchess of Erat, with more titles than she cares to count or remember. Sorceress, and Disciple of the God Aldur, she is considered the ultimate lady in every land over the world. She is my Aunt – sister of my ancestor Belderan, who was mother to the Rivan Line. Mother, Daughter, Wife, Sister, and Aunt; she has been the Mother Protector of the Rivan Line for a thousand years."

Harry bowed deeply in respect. "Great Lady." Polgara curtsied. "Goodman Durnik must be the luckiest man in creation. I have visited thousands of worlds in hundreds of dimensions and I have to say you are the most beautiful lady I have ever encountered."

Polgara's "Thank you, Lord Potter" was as mysterious as it was polite.

As Harry stood, "For all of that, for some reason you distinctly remind me of my oldest friend Hedwig and I don't know why. I hope that does not give offense."

"Why would that give offense?" she asked. Even her voice was profound.

"Because she was not human but a Snowy owl. She was purchased for me at eleven and was my first friend and familiar. My closest confident and loving companion, she also was not afraid to scold me from time to time for teenage stiupidity. Originally a post owl, she died protecting me from an evil spell during the war I fought as a teenager, and even now I feel the loss keenly – regardless of how long ago it happened."

Lady Polgara gave that mysterious smile and said, "I am not offended in the least."

Garion, seeing that the conversation was over, continued on. "This is Aunt Pol's mother and Belgarath's wife, Poledra. Sorceress and Disciple of the God Aldur, she is also student of the God UL. She is a wolf."

Harry bowed once again, "Lady."

Polnedra nodded. "You have the feel of a bird – a raptor. Is there a reason?"

Harry grinned. "An alternate form, I can turn into a Phoenix – oft times called a Raptor of Light."

"Ah," was all she said.

"And finally," and Garion's amusement could be heard even as the older man took on a slight look of resignation, "this is Belgarath the Sorcerer. First Disciple of the God Aldur, he is the oldest man in the world at 7,000 years old. His is also my grandfather."

Belgarath, surprising, shook hands instead of bowing. "I really wish they wouldn't bandy that about. It upsets people sometimes."

Harry nodded in amusement. "Yes. Well, I'm not jealous. I can't imagine the utter boredom you've probably experienced from time to time, waiting for the exciting parts of history to come and go."

Belgarath laughed. "Finally! Someone who gets it right off! Most think of how wondrous it would be to live so long – I'd like to see them live a few centuries in a dirty fishing village and see how they like it."

After everyone settled down Garion asked, "So what do you need?"

Harry turned his head to Lady Polgara. "I am on an errand for a Goddess. And one aspect has to do with this gentleman," he pointed to Xeno Lovegood who had been watching with great curiosity, "and it was recommended that you would be the best option."

"What is it that you are looking for?" Polgara asked.

"I am getting him in shape to help his daughter live her dream, and he needs to see the world with clear eyes again. Notice he is slightly crosseyed. I was going to take him to a world of science and medicine which could – eventually – correct the problem but a God suggested you as better and more efficient."

The room was very curious. "Which God?"

Harry sighed. "I really wasn't going to get into this … but if you must know. What do you know of the family relationships between Gods?"

Belgarath answered, "The Seven Gods of the World helped shape it. But one stood apart – UL. He eventually relented to be God of the Ulgos after Gorim persistence on the Mountain, but he did not help shape the world. Instead, he is father of the other Gods and helped shape the Universe. He is the Ultimate God of the Universe."

Harry nodded. "Yes. This Universe. But there are many, many others."

"And what Gods rule there?" Belgarath asked.

"Uncountable different ones. Whether they were shaped fully formed out of the chaos of creation or, using the innate magic of most worlds, primal forces are given voice and shape by the belief of those that live there, most Gods are attached to certain characteristics or peoples or worlds. There is usually a 'Top God' and most of the other Gods are seen as his children."

"That is as it is here," Belgarath said.

"Well, each of these 'Primal Gods' must have also been beget. And that is the God which recommended Polgara. You could call him UL's father. He doesn't get directly involved, being a true champion of Free Will, but he – or she – has given me advice from time."

"He or she?" Poledra asked curiously.

Harry laughed. "God is so far above what we can see or experience or equate to that he/she has no true form. He – and I only use that for convenience's sake – takes different forms at different times to help those that exist relate to him. I think that there is true enjoyment from experiencing the worlds from the viewpoints of those living there. He would be a wonderful story teller – if he ever told stories, which he really doesn't. For him, it isn't his place to tell you my story, but he'd be perfectly willing to tell you your story. I find it is best just to accept him and listen when he talks to me."

The Disciples of the God Aldur were, above all, scholars. The nature of the cosmos was a fascinating branch of study and each would have been quite happy to discourse about it for hours on end. But C'Nedra had no such scholastic bent. And so she took matters into her own hands. "All that is wonderful. But you're here looking for a service – what will you provide in return?"

Garion cried out, "C'Nedra!" The others tried to hide their snickering.

"What?" she asked innocently. "I'm just looking out for my family!"

Belgarath laughed finally. "Truly a Daughter of Nedra. God of Merchants and Money."

Harry laughed. "Well, I don't know what I can do in recompense – but I do come bringing gifts."

C'Nedra brightened up. "Gifts?"

"For Polgara's children," he said. He turned to the Great Lady. "When God recommended I come here, he also suggested I bring two creatures from my world to serve a magical familiars for your children. You would not find them in your world, but God assured me he would ensure they lived long enough to serve the purpose of why I brought them."

Polgara was curious, as were the others. "The cage?" Harry nodded. She glided over to the cage and unlatched the door. The two snorcacks exited and looked up at her from the table. "Hello, you two. You're to be familiars for my children?"

The two made a few sounds which sounded like agreement. Polgara picked them up and put them against her bosom. The two snorcacks cuddled immediately into her, snuffling against her neck. She had a look of wonder. "What are they?"

"Magical creatures called Crumple Horned Snorcacks. Their natural competitors are not here, but as pets or companions to humans, they do not need them to stay healthy. They eat vegetables that grow beneath the soil. I have a booklet describing their care."

Polgara put the two creatures into Garion and C'Nedra's arms to receive the booklet. C'Nedra immediately was jealous, though she squashed that down – the two were quite lovable.

Polgara took the booklet. "It is not a language I understand."

Harry considered. "Huh. I don't know if I'm smooth enough in the mind arts to transfer the whole of my language without error. I may have to read it out loud to you and then you can work it out later."

Polgara shook her head. "I've done this before. With your permission I will retrieve the language – and I will keep what I learn to myself."

Harry considered that. "You're a healer?" She nodded. "Healers in my world follow an oath to keep their knowledge to themselves of anything personal they learn. Is this true here as well?" Polgara nodded again. "Then I will allow it. You may look at as much as you like as long as you keep what you find private."

"I shall do so. Let us sit comfortably first."

Harry quickly conjured two comfortable chairs and placed them across from each other. Polgara looked to the others and said, "Do not disturb us – I do now know how long this will take." The audience nodded. Poledra made ready to feed the others and Xeno while Polgara and Harry worked together on the transfer of knowledge.

With a small gesture, it began.

What neither anticipated was the depth of each other's minds. Both had vast stores of knowledge and, quite apart from emotional issues which they avoided sharing unnecessarily, each was a sponge for knowledge of any type.

And so, instead of a straightforward exchange of language and writing, there was a much larger exchange which took several hours. Those watching would have been worried except Polgara's mother calmly watched and said, "It is as it needs to be."

Polgara would have to learn from her family the exact reaction her children had to meeting their new familiars. Needless to say – they were immediately inseparable.

Another reason that those watching were calmer than they would otherwise be was that very soon a new sound intruded upon the gathering. Taking a moment to place it, the group realized that the sound they heard was the Orb of Aldur singing in joy. When Garion tried to ask the Orb what it was all about, the Orb rather ignored him and he could tell it was concentrating on what was happening on the two chairs to one side.

It was several hours later when both participants in the veritable Vulcan Mind Meld took deep breaths and separated from each other. The audience, who had long taken to calmly watching, was shocked at the sudden bell sound and the voice which Garion had not heard for a few years cry out, "And Done!" The Orb burst joyously into light from the pommel of Garion's sword.

Garion and Belgarath looked at each other worrying – the Purpose of the Universe had not spoken since the birth of Polgara's children.

Garion asked the voice, "Umm. Something we need to know about?"

"These two have taken a step that will ensure the world moves more quickly toward its purpose than it could have otherwise. All that has come before has been repairing the damage due to the accident out in space – the destruction of that Galaxy that was unplanned for. Your visitor's knowledge of magic being given to Polgara means that she and her family, and especially her children, can bring magic out to the world much faster."

Belgarath was startled. "Bring magic to the world?"

"You didn't think that after 7,000 years that you would just be living an idyllic life in this quiet Vale for the rest of Eternity, did you? We still have much future history that this world will live. And Harry's gift will ensure that future happens. I am well pleased!"

The Sorcerers were all cognizant that the Purpose was done for now and had moved on to wherever it was when it wasn't causing them massive amounts of work.

Harry stood up, graciously assisting Polgara to do the same. "Where around here can I get some food? I could eat a horse just about now."

Durnik was astonished at the change in his wife. Always a figure of calm wisdom, she somehow exuded it even more now as she approached him and took him into her embrace. Her quiet joy calmed any worry that he had been feeling during the afternoon.

After both had a meal, Polgara said, "I will do the procedure for Xenophilius tomorrow. You two can stay with us until then. While I have the power, I will need some time to process what I have learned before performing so delicate an operation. My mind needs to be completely calm."

"We have about eight hours left of daylight – days are long during summer. What do we do?" Garion asked.

Harry looked around. "You mind working up some magic with me and setting up a nice searing area out here? If we do it right, it can be something your family can enjoy on quiet evenings. And your family can see magic as my people perform it."

Garion was very interested, as were those watching. "What do you have in mind?"

"Do you have some wood nearby? I've learned permanent transfiguration since we met up and it's a bit better and less work than straight conjuring."

Xeno, who was in the background, asked a bit timidly, "Harry? Do we have time? Don't we have things waiting for us back in Britain?"

Harry waved his hand dismissively. "The thing about being a dimensional traveler is you get good at coming and going where and when you want when there's a need. We could be here a week, a month, a year, and I could get us back just a moment after we left. It'll be fine."

It took several hours and, by the time it was done, everybody had gotten involved with putting it together, but very soon Polgara's cottage had a patio that any homeowner in England or America would be proud of.

It was about fifteen feet by thirty and below the ground it was packed with small stones which would allow rainwater through and give a way for water to settle and not freeze over in the winter. Above that was a layer of hard-packed sand mixed with stone dust. Set into this base were 2 foot square flagstones that were fairly smooth, transfigured from field stones that Harry had retrieved by some heavy summoning. Above that was a wooden framework which was not fully covered but held a waterproof nylon covering … the locals were amazed to find that it was a man-made material and not from any animal or plant. It could be removed for the winter and kept safe from damage.

Nylon screening was also placed all around the patio in a way that they could be rolled up if one wanted free access. But the simple way to prevent bugs from bothering you on warm summer nights was a revelation.

On one side of the patio, a small circular stone wall held a fire pit with an opening for a drain so that water would not build up in it. The area above it had no nylon as it could catch on fire if it got that hot. Around the firepit, several wooden loveseats, including a few swing types, were put into place. The adjustable covers which could be adjusted depending on where the sun was were quite a hit.

And finally, the other side had a table large enough for the entire family plus guests to sit and eat. There were removable benches as well as a few wooden chairs with arms and slanted seats, cushions making them more comfortable.

Several sconces which had covered oil lamps could provide light for sitting out at night. There were many places to hang them.

The table was christened by a large feast at sundown provided by Polgara with the help of her mother and C'Nedra, Belgarion's wife.

There were high chairs that Harry had made from memory which held the infants and allowed them to be fed. One of the swings on the other side was just the right size for the two and had restraining bars which could prevent accidents if put into place.

Polgara – and Durnik – were mightily impressed with how carefully Harry had considered safety as he designed, planned, and directed the building of the whole setup. There was even a bluestone walk from the patio to the front door so that there would be a minimum chance of slipping and falling in the mud.

Durnik got a few good ideas for future projects from the day's labor. Especially the water-cleaning system. Harry was used to very clean water wherever he went – and wasn't too fond of using beer to ensure the water was safe to drink. When he mentioned this particular prejudice of his, Polgara and Poledra suddenly became very interested.

Harry first made the simplest type of filter. After making a large fire to create charcoal, he got some stone and sand. Using boiled water and lye soap that Polgara made, he washed the sand and stone to remove all the dirt. He made a cylinder with cotton packed at the bottom above an opening. Above that he put stones that were smaller than pea shaped but not much smaller, covered by a layer of the smallest stones. With some cotton above that he placed a layer of crushed charcoal. After adding another layer of cotton, he once again put sand, different stone sizes and then cotton and then sand at the top.

He explained how each layer took away different things. To demonstrate, he put dirty water at the top and, after it passed through all the layers, very clear and clean water came out the bottom.

Harry transfigured several metal pans with small openings with each pan connected by copper pipes. Each one could have cotton to catch particulates and a layer of material to catch other things. He showed Durnik a simple ball valve to stop the flow of water as needed so that new and clean material could be placed in each pan as needed to ensure that the system continued working.

Harry was creating a combination charcoal and bio sand filter. He also showed how hot water would dissolve and take away contaminants to remove build up but it would take a lot of hot water to do so.

Poledra was the first to taste the water gotten from the filtration system as she claimed that she could tell instantly if the water was safe and how safe it was. Harry had no understanding but the other adults agreed with her.

She carefully sniffed the water collected in a clean glass and then looked at it very carefully. She took a very small sip and swished it around and then a larger amount and did the same. Finally, she took a long drink of the water. She turned to the watching members of her family and visitors and said, "It is the cleanest unboiled water I have ever tasted in my life."

Harry grinned at that. He was happy that this world didn't have rampant amounts of man-made chemicals because these needed boiling to remove or activated charcoal which he didn't know how to make.

All in all, Harry got to have fun just making things with friends for the fun of it and showing off different types of magic. Such opportunities didn't come all that often. The last time he remembered being able to do this was when he was helping the Weasley family with the Burrow. (Lone Traveler: Building a Better Burrow)

Xeno and Harry both volunteered to sleep out under the stars – well, on the patio actually. It was a cool night but not too cool and it was pleasant to do so. Both used the facilities that Harry had built with Polgara watching as she found helpful a practical demonstration of some of the more esoteric magics she had gleaned: Runes and Enchantment. Polgara and Durnik now had the first magical outhouse upon that world, with magical sinks and showers to clean up as well. Polgara would be adding an internal setup that was the same in the future – or at least Durnik would under Polgara's supervision.

Very early the next morning, Harry was awakened when he saw Durnik moving around taking care of the normal things one did in the morning in a farm house. Garion had come out and was helping as he did when visiting. King or no, he had grown up on Faldor's Farm where Durnik lived and worked. Leaving Xeno to sleep – he looked like he had needed it like his daughter had – Harry volunteered to help.

Harry didn't do a great job, but it was passable. It was obvious to Garion and Durnik that he had never worked on a farm and they gave him some leeway. It helped that he was eager to learn and didn't repeat mistakes.

Harry returned and woke Xeno up and both washed and refreshed themselves. Finally, Polgara was ready. Xeno sat facing Polgara in the same position Harry had the day before. "Okay, Mr. Lovegood. I want you to look at one thing. Watch the white streak in my hair. Can you do that?"

Xeno replied, "Yes."

Polgara gathered her Will and, as she had done for the daughter of the Darine Prophet those many centuries ago, Polgara carefully tightened and loosened different muscles in and around the eyeball. It was very delicate work.

But, after a few very tense minutes, she was done and she sat back. "Mr. Lovegood. Look around and tell me what you see."

Xeno looked around and said, "This is not the world I grew up on. The colors are slightly wrong. But it is beautiful nonetheless."

Harry looked around. And honestly he could not see what Xeno spoke of. Curious he asked, "What color and I compared to … Belgarath there?"

Xeno looked at the two. "You have a hint of a red tint to your skin. He has a little yellow just like his daughter here." He saw the snorcacks with the twins. "The snorcacks are a little blue."

Harry asked, "Will you allow me to see from your memory? I will perform the legilemens spell." Xeno shrugged and allowed it. When Harry was done, he was astonished.

Harry looked at Polgara and said, "I think the Xeno has the natural ability to tell once dimension from another. The snorcacks are from a dimension different than my own or his. Just like you are. But he sees properly otherwise."

Xeno and Harry thanked the woman and the whole family saw them off. Xeno and Harry left remembering the happiness of the small children for the new familiars. And Harry, holding Xeno traveled …

The family of Sorcerers (and one Dryad Princess) left behind contemplated their most recent guest. Belgarath said, "Now that was quite a visit."

Suddenly, the group was once again surprised to hear the Orb begin a song, and this time it was a song of greeting.

Everyone looked around to see what was going on except Poledra, who calmly worked on knitting something for her grandchildren. Finally, she pointed without looking, "There."

Everyone turned and looked and the ethereal form of Aldur was walking calmly toward the cottage. There was real joy when he arrived - the God Aldur was well loved by those who lived in his Veil and claimed the title of Aldur's Disciple.

"Master," Belgarath finally asked, "we of course always welcome any chance that might bring your presence among us, but it has been a rare thing and not something you do without purpose. May I ask what you might ask of us so that we may provide?"

"You have the right of it, Belgarath my son." Belgarath basked in the presence of Aldur and Aldur just saying his name was a benediction. "The one whom just left. What did you think of him?"

"I liked him," was Belgarath's immediate response, "but I do not fully understand him. He seems to wield a power different to the Will and Word. Some things he did were quite simple and others seemed more profound. It was quite curious watching him work."

Aldur nodded. "And you, My Daughter?" he asked Polgara.

"We shared much which is hard to put into words, Master. But he is a man to be respected. His purpose seems noble," she replied.

"Verily," Aldur replied. "And you learned much from him of things that are strange and outlandish to what this world has seen, correct?"

"Yes. His magics are ... they shall take centuries to fully understand even as I will begin codifying what I gleaned during our sharing."

"You take this labor willingly? To record and to understand and to teach those who are to come?" Aldur asked with some intensity.

Polgara knew that a word alone was not appropriate. And so she bowed with the most profound respect. "Yes, Master. I take it willing."

There was a shimmer as though the universe itself approved of what was just spoken. "Consider this: Did the minor repair of the second man's eyesight recompense properly for what you, and this world, gained with his arrival, along with what he gave so freely?"

Polgara sighed. "No. It was what he asked for. But it was, in the end, a small thing."

"Yes. Bigger than you imagine, but small still if one considers what was gained. I would ask you to aid me in helping to pay further in bringing balance to the scales of obligation. Will you all do so?"

Everyone on the patio in front of Polgara's cottage murmured their assent. Durnik asked, "And where do we begin, Master?"

Aldur smiled and said, "We begin with a visit further into the Veil my son. We shall speak further there."

A/N: About that last bit: It will most likely be one of those things like in a TV show - something mentioned briefly in Season One somewhere which isn' t mentioned again ... until everything blows up in Season Seven. And suddenly it all makes sense. Harry won't be visiting this world again soon - but he will be visiting in the future. You'll just have to accept that some things will have to wait.