Harry's Future, Part 22
Ginny sat in a chair that was pulled into the room that she and Harry always shared when they visited the Burrow. She sat and watched her husband sleeping. He had walked out of the field across the road from the house just as the sun was rising. He looked exhausted and somewhat distracted. He asked for something to eat and drink and that someone contact the Ministry and let them know he was back. He had been missing for three days. When informed of this fact by his nearly hysterical wife he gave her an odd look and said,
"Three? Funny, it felt like less then a day."
He then pulled Ginny into his arms and held her tightly as his entire body was wracked with shaking, much the same as had happened after the Centaurs had given him the bow and quiver of arrows. With her brother Bill's help they got him to the kitchen table where he polished off two tall tumblers of pumpkin juice and a plate full of cheese and meat slices and some bread from last night's dinner.
No one asked any questions. They knew he would tell them what he could, when he could. He was in bed before the sun had separated from the eastern horizon and it was now well past sunset and he hadn't stirred. Only the gentle rise and fall of his chest and the occasional movement of his eyes gave any hint that he still lived. Ginny kept her vigil alone. Abagail had paid a brief visit around mid-morning to say her goodbyes. Bill was taking her back to Hogwarts via the floo network. Mrs. Weasley had come by at lunch time to giver her a small tray. Most of it remained untouched. She looked at Harry's pale face and the famous scar that looked somehow different tonight. Not as vivid as it once was. She said softly to herself,
"Where have you been, my love, and what terrible thing have you had to do this time?"
Tears ran down her cheek to fall into her lap. Around midnight as she dozed in the chair she was awakened by a noise. She opened her eyes and saw Harry stumble past her as he made his way to the door, out into the hallway and down to the nearest bathroom. She waited until she heard his bare feet padding back down the corridor. He walked back into the room and headed straight for the bed. As he crawled back under the covers he stopped and looked over at Ginny with the squint he always had when he wasn't wearing his glasses.
"Have you been up reading, luv? It's getting late. Why don't you come to bed?"
"Alright, Harry. You're right. I will," she replied quietly.
She stood up and walked to her side of the bed, disrobed and climbed under the covers. She snuggled up to Harry and wrapped her arms around him. His skin felt warm, but dry. At least he wasn't feverish she thought. She heard him let out a long sigh and fall asleep. It took her some time to follow his example but at least for the first time in three days she knew where he was sleeping.
Ginny woke up when she felt Harry stirring. When his eyes opened she thought they looked unfocused but that quickly passed and she saw a small smile curl the end of his lips.
"Good morning, love. You alright this morning?" Harry asked quietly.
"I'm fine, now that you're home. Any chance of getting an explanation of where you went and why?"
"There is but can I have a little bit of time to pull my thoughts together? Things are a little jumbled up at the moment."
"Ok, sweetheart but don't keep me waiting long. You know what we agreed about secrets," she said.
"I know. It's not that I don't want to tell you. I just don't know how to tell you. Not yet," he replied.
"Well, the first thing you need to do is go take a shower. You have the smell of smoke and old basements about you. Then you need to have some breakfast."
"Yes, ma'am. They sound like brilliant ideas," he said and smiled crookedly.
Approximately half an hour later Harry was walking down the stairs that led to the kitchen. The occupants of the kitchen table all turned to look at him. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Ron and Hermione sat there, disregarding their plates as Ginny hurried over to meet him.
"How are you feeling, Harry?"
"A lot more human after a good shower, thanks, love. A good breakfast should complete the transformation," he said.
He noticed that Charlie was giving him a very speculative look. He made eye contact with everyone at the table as he walked over. He wrapped Mrs. Weasley in a hug around the shoulders as she sat.
"Morning, Mum."
"Good morning, Harry dear."
"Dad," he said by way of greeting as he sat down.
"Morning, son."
It was obvious everyone was reluctant to say anything that in any way was connected with his disappearance until he did. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Well, I know you'd all like a nice clear explanation about what happened, but right now I'm pretty sure I can't give you one. There are a lot of details I just don't know. Like how what seemed only a little more than half a day was in fact more like three. What I can say is that I had the opportunity to put an end to the whole business behind those smugglers and I took it. As it turned out it was most likely the right choice since with what happened there was no way I could have made sure anyone else would have been safe. You can beat me up about it all you want but that's one thing I'm sure of. Just about the only thing."
"No one is going to beat you up about anything right now, Harry. We're just happy you're home and safe," Mr. Weasley said.
"That's right, for now let's just make sure you get some breakfast. It's been a whole day since you ate last," Mrs. Weasley added.
Harry heartily approved of this idea. He was ravenously hungry and went through two helpings of everything that was put in front of him. Near the end of the second helping he looked up at Ron and Hermione and asked,
"No work for you two today?"
"Um, well, Harry, when word got to the Ministry that you had returned the Director asked me to see how you were and to let him know. Kinda sounds like I'm spying on you, doesn't it?"
"Only if you were doing it on the sly. It's ok, Hermione. What about you, Ron?"
"I'm with her," Ron said, pointing at Hermione with his thumb. "Although, Mr. Maxwell wanted me to ask when you'd be available to brief him and Mr. Milligan about what went on. I gotta tell you, Harry. There were some weird things being talked about in the Auror break room late yesterday."
"What were you doing in there, Ron? You're still a Patroller."
"I got cornered and pulled in. After word got back that you had returned and in reasonably good shape everyone was trying to figure out what had happened and I guess they thought I knew something, us being mates and family and all."
Harry picked up on the unspoken accusation that he had left Ron behind but he chose to let it go. He also felt eyes on him and he turned and saw that Charlie was looking at him intently. What Harry didn't know was that while he slept yesterday, Charlie had taken a walk in the field across the street. Even though the ground was dry and hard in the midst of winter the browned grass had been trampled down in four very distinct spots. The patterns were all too familiar and somewhat disturbing as to their size. Charlie had jumped to the logical, for a wizard at least, conclusion that somehow wherever Harry had gone and whatever it was he did he managed to gain control of a very large dragon and had compelled it to bring him to the Burrow. On the surface he was, of course, completely wrong, but at a deeper level he was entirely right.
After breakfast was finished Hermione and Ron left for the Ministry as did Mr. Weasley. Ginny was due back at Holyhead but she delayed leaving for as long as she could. Charlie also left to go back north. He was nearing the end of his project and needed to get back to it. So Harry sat in the living room with his mum and wife and spoke little.
"Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said at one point. "I realize you've been through a great deal and you may not want to tell everything but you seem so withdrawn. Are you sure you are alright?"
"No, ma'am. I'm not really sure about anything right now. I think I took care of the bad guys," he said with a lopsided grin, "but there are other things, I just don't know yet," he finished, shaking his head. "I think I need to have a long talk with Professor Dumbledore. Maybe he can help me make sense of it all, or at least some of it."
He looked over at Ginny and said,
"Love, if you need to get back to Holyhead, I think you should go. I'll be fine here. Mum has gotten to be a quite an expert at taking care of me."
"Are you sure, Harry?" Ginny said, her voice clearly showing her uncertainty.
"Yes, of that I am sure," he said.
With that Ginny gathered up her things and with a final hug and kiss she left the house and Disapparated out of the yard. Harry sat in the living room staring into the low fire that burned in the fireplace. The flames danced across the few pieces of wood suggesting patterns and shapes that may or may not have been there.
"Harry, dear. Would you rather be left alone?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Not really, no, but I guess I am pretty lousy company."
"Well, my dear, I don't know if you'd ever be considered a chatter box but this is unusually quiet for you. It must have been pretty terrible."
"It's funny, Mum. As it turned out I wasn't in all that much danger but the way things happened…" he tailed off and just shrugged. "I'm just not sure what to make of it. I think after another good night's sleep, I'll take the trip up to Hogwarts tomorrow and see if there is some way that I can have a private conversation with Professor Dumbledore."
Mrs. Weasley smiled at Harry and just then the kitchen door swung open and someone walked in.
"'allo Muum, 'arry," Fleur said as she moved from the kitchen to the living room.
"Fleur, dear, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?" Mrs. Weasley asked although she was fairly sure what the reason was.
As Fleur undid her flowing winter cloak and set down a large carry bag by the couch where Harry was sitting she smiled at her mother-in-law.
"Eet gets lonely at the cottage with Bill at 'ogwarts so I thought I would pay a visit," she said to Mrs. Weasley then turned toward Harry. "'ow you say, budge up there 'arry so I may seet down," she said even though there was plenty of empty seats around the living room.
Without seeming to even notice Harry slid over a bit so that Fleur had room to sit next to him without being too close. She opened her bag and pulled out some fabric and a sewing kit.
"I thought I would try my 'and at makeeng sometheeng for the baby, Muum. I may need your 'elp though," Fleur said matter-of-factly.
"Of course, dear, what have you got there?" Mrs. Weasley said.
The two women kept up a running conversation while Harry sat and stared into the fire. Occasional questions were directed to him and he would turn and reply and then go back to contemplating the fire. But gradually his answers began to take on a more definitive tone as Fleur worked her own special magic and helped draw him out. They convinced him he should have lunch despite the size of the breakfast he had consumed and they were sitting around the table when they heard a knock on the kitchen door. Mrs. Weasley stood up and answered the door. It barely registered on Harry that the voice that asked for permission to enter was a deep bass rumble. He did turn when he heard Mrs. Weasley's voice say,
"Harry, dear. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mr. Grimsson are here to see you."
Harry's head came around quickly and he stood up. He could see that his two superiors were maintaining neutral expressions but their postures radiated concern.
"Sir, is there something wrong?" he asked.
"We thought we'd come and find out for ourselves, Harry. When Arthur told us you were up and about this morning, I suggested to Abernathy that we pop out here. We'd also like to talk to you," the Minister said.
"Yes, sir. Here or in the living room?" Harry asked, still a bit flustered.
"Where would you prefer us, Molly?" the Minister began. "We don't wish to disturb you or Mrs. Weasley here considering her condition," he said.
At the word 'condition' Fleur's eyebrow flew up and she shook her head and said,
"Mon dieu, 'ommes."
"The living room will be just fine, Kingsley," Molly said while giving her daughter-in-law a 'look'.
Harry led the way and indicated that his two bosses should sit where they liked. Harry sat down in the same spot on the couch he had occupied all morning. The two older men regarded him quietly for a few moments and he calmly waited for them to break the silence.
"So, Harry. How are you? You look no worse for the wear," the Minister began.
"This time I didn't take any damage, sir. I can't say the same for them. I think I took down their leader and his headquarters as well as three more warehouses full of contraband. Before the spells started flying the wizard who I think was the big boss indicated he was doing it to set himself up as a magical dictator. Said something about not hiding from muggle bugs, as he called them, anymore."
"You did all that in three days, Harry?" Grimsson asked incredulously.
"Actually it seemed like it was in less then one. I'm not sure what happened but I lost two days in there somewhere. I used the portal we found in Knockturn Alley. I think that may have accounted for it."
"That would explain some of the strange news we've been hearing since yesterday morning, Harry. Seems that a large manor house in western Romania was destroyed in a fire as were three large storage facilities in western Ukraine, Poland and Bavaria. The buildings and their contents were a total loss and there appeared to be no survivors or other eye witnesses. I also understand that the barn you raided up in Derbyshire suffered a rather catastrophic roof collapse. In this instance there were witnesses. Some of your people were there just by the portal investigating a tripped alarm spell in that potion shop," Director Grimsson was saying. "They heard heavy winds both before and after the collapse but by the time they cast light spells all they could see was shattered beams and roofing."
"Yes, sir."
"And we are to understand that this was all the result of you working alone?"
"Yes, sir."
"All that damage in four widely spaced locations throughout Europe after having successfully fought, I would assume, a rather powerful wizard?"
"Yes, sir."
"Harry," the Minister began. "What we have just described has more of the nature of a natural disaster then the fall out of a magical confrontation."
"Yes, sir I know that. I'm afraid at this point that I can't reveal any more details. It's my intention to travel to Hogwarts tomorrow to discuss this in detail with Professor Dumbledore. Until then I think it would be, premature I guess, to discuss it more since I have very little understanding of how things unfolded," Harry said, knowing he was shading the truth more then a little here, for it was fear and not lack of understanding that was keeping him quiet.
"That sounds like a good idea, Harry. But would I be wrong in thinking that this has some bearing on what you refer to as your anger issues?" Kingsley asked.
"In a manner of speaking but not entirely, sir. I think it only fair to tell you, sirs, that if I can't find a satisfactory answer to this situation it may require me to resign."
This certainly took the two men by surprise. Kingsley was the first to recover.
"Harry, we've had this discussion before, haven't we? You consider your youth and inexperience a problem that Abernathy and I don't see as particularly vexing. There may be those that might take issue with your tactics and the details of the outcome but I don't think anyone would argue with the need to deal with the problem."
"With all due respect, sir, and taking into consideration the lack of detail you're dealing with, you have no idea how much more there is with this particular problem than my age, or temper or any other issue that has cropped up since I took this job. But on the advice of a very wise wizard, I'm not making any decisions until I know more. I just thought it was fair to warn you and to give you some idea of what we might be facing here."
"Well, Harry," the Minister began, "we will give you time to try and find your answers. I trust that you will do us the courtesy of talking to us before you come to any final decisions, yes?"
"Of course, sir."
"On to more practical matters, Harry," Director Grimsson said. "We think it would be a good idea if we issued a press release to give some general information about what has happened. Any thoughts on that?"
"Not a bad idea, since we kind of left it hanging about what was behind all that smuggling business. I would suggest you leave it at agents of the department having done whatever it is you're going to tell them. It will reflect better on the Ministry that way."
"Alright, Harry, if you prefer," said Grimsson.
After that they spent some time discussing some of the more mundane issues of the department and what was going on with the Centaurs and Goblins and within half an hour of arriving the Minister and Director were taking their leave of the two Mrs. Weasleys and Harry at the kitchen door. When they were alone again Harry walked up to the two women and put one arm around each and pulled them close for a moment and then released them to return to the living room and resume his contemplation of the fire from the couch. The two observed him for a time and then moved into the living room to take up their watch once more.
The rest of the day and evening passed without incident. Arthur returned from work and they had a quiet dinner. Ginny wasn't due home until late and Harry chose to sit up until she returned. He didn't want to spend any time in bed alone. They sat together on the couch for a bit and then went hand in hand up to their room.
The sun had barely risen the next morning and Harry was already dressed and fed and heading outside to start his trip to Hogwarts in an attempt to find some answers. He appeared in his usual spot in Hogsmeade and made his way up to the castle doors. His knock was answered by an unknown middle aged witch.
"Yes?"
"Um, my name is Harry Potter. I'd like to speak to the Head, please?"
"Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Potter. I'm afraid Mr. Filch has taken ill and I'm filling in for a few days. Please, go right ahead. Breakfast hasn't started yet so she should be in her office."
Harry nodded and smiled a bit and hurried up to the second floor and the entrance to the Head's stairway. Just as he arrived the guardian statue ground sideways to reveal the staircase. Harry walked up and as he stepped onto the outer room floor the door to the office opened.
"Harry, this is unexpected, particularly this early. Is there a problem?" Professor McGonagall asked, obviously concerned.
"Yes, ma'am, I think there is. I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore, if I can."
"Certainly, Harry, come in."
Harry walked into the office and immediately looked to his mentor's portrait.
"Harry. I assume there is some problem?" the Professor said in his quiet voice.
"A very large one, sir. I don't mean any disrespect to the others but I need to talk to you in private somehow."
"I am sure the others will not take offense, Harry. Private, hmmm. I suggest you take a walk to the Room of Requirements. I sense that your need is more then sufficient to induce the necessary transformation."
The Professor gave no indication that he noticed Harry's wince at the word 'transformation'.
"Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, everyone," Harry said as he hurried back out of the office.
In a short time he had made his way to the door of that most special room in all of Hogwarts. It had proven most helpful in times past but it was never more needed then this morning. He turned the handle and walked into a small comfortable looking room that had one high backed cushioned seat, a small fireplace and most importantly a large portrait frame, currently unoccupied. Harry walked in and stood by the chair looking at the empty frame.
"Um, sir?" Harry said, tentatively.
"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore said as he moved into view. "My apologies. Some of the, how shall I say, less tractable of my colleagues needed to be soothed a bit. You've become a favorite subject for our discussions and they didn't take it well that I was getting a private audience," he finished with a bit of a smile. "So, please, sit down and explain the situation you find yourself in."
Harry sat down and after taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly began to explain the course of events that brought him to his current state. He watched as Dumbledore's expression went from benign to neutral to somber. When Harry concluded he sat quietly. He had been using the change in expression as a gauge to the severity of his situation. If the usually unflappable wizard looked this distressed Harry figured he was in major trouble.
"I must say, Harry, you encompass more astounding facets of magic then any handful of wizards I could think to name. First, let me assure you that my change in mood should not be considered a barometer for your situation as such. I am merely concerned with how much distress this has caused you on top of everything else. Let me ask you a few questions if I may."
"Of course, sir," Harry replied.
"First, when you had assumed the form of the dragon were you aware and in control of your actions?"
"Yes, sir. Although it felt like my perceptions altered somewhat. When I was like this, you know, human, I considered that old wizard to be a pretty dangerous character. When I was the dragon all I thought was what a puny pathetic creature he was. And lashing out with my tail or using my wings, geez I'm saying 'my' like it's the most natural thing in the world, happened as naturally as reaching with my hand. But it was me thinking it."
"Very well, Let us examine what was happening in your mind before the transition. What were you thinking and feeling?"
"Um, I was feeling really, really angry and thinking that here was another fool of a wizard thinking his desire for power and glory was sufficient justification to cause so much trouble. And that he was threatening my friends and family. It felt like I was going to explode I was so full of rage."
"Hmmm, well it would seem, my boy, that your human form was an insufficient vessel to contain all that anger as well as your prodigious strength so you assumed one that was suitable. One could say that you give a whole new meaning to the term 'towering rage'.
"Sir," Harry said plaintively.
"My apologies, Harry. I don't mean to make light of this situation. It is serious but it is by no means dire. From what you say it is apparent that you are an animagus, as was your father. If you had gone weredragon, if there is such a thing, you would have not been in control nor had memory of what you did in that state. I must say I can't think of how that would occur. I bite from a dragon usually doesn't leave much that could go were in the future."
Harry looked at the Professor with the first glimmer of hope he had since returning to the Burrow.
"The question that we need to answer is whether or not you can make the transition at will or was it some response to the extreme stress. Would you mind if I brought Professor McGonagall into this discussion?" the Professor asked.
"No sir, I'd like to keep it to a minimum but I'm sure I can trust the Headmistress. I guess she'd be at breakfast by now. I can go down and ask her to come up."
"Please do so, Harry. I will await your return."
Harry wrote out a quick message on a page from the small notebook he always had in his robe pocket and then moved quickly from the room and made his way down to the smaller entrance to the side of the Great Hall. He stood in the doorway and motioned to a first year from the Gryffindor table to come to him.
"Y-yes, sir?" the young wizard in training said.
"Would you please take this note up to the Headmistress?"
"S-sir?"
"Don't worry, she doesn't bite," he said with a gentle smile.
Most of the head table was watching the exchange and as the young boy moved to the stairs for the dais he was waved up by the Headmistress. The message was delivered and read and then Professor McGonagall leaned over to her deputy, Professor Sprout, and spoke a few words and then rose and walked to meet Harry.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but Professor Dumbledore thought you could be of help," Harry said.
"I'd be only to happy to help in any way I can, Harry."
They were soon outside the door and when Harry opened it he could see the room had altered slightly to contain another chair. Harry and the Headmistress took their seats and looked up at Dumbledore.
"Well, Minerva," Dumbledore began. "It seems that Harry presents us with another unique situation to ponder. Apparently during his latest adventure he discovered that he is an animagus."
"You discovered it, Harry? You generally have to work at it very hard and most that attempt it never acquire the skill."
"That's what I understood, ma'am. It just happened."
Harry proceeded to describe to Professor McGonagall the circumstances around his transformation. By the time he was finished she was regarding him with something close to awe.
"Oh, my," was all she managed to say at first.
She looked up at her friend and colleague and then back at Harry.
"This is beyond incredible. When it turned out that you were able to perform major conjurations without a wand, Harry, it was astounding but not too terribly difficult to accept since we've had previous examples. But this without precedent, at least as far as I know. Do you have any knowledge of something like this, Albus?" she asked by way of conclusion.
"No, Minerva. It is as new to me as it is to you. But based on what Harry has described it certainly rings true of an animagus, unless it is a totally new phenomenon. I believe we need to help Harry discover what it is about this new aspect of himself. Was it merely a one time response to an extraordinary event or some hidden talent waiting to be released? Since you are the most experienced and skilled animagus of which I know I thought perhaps you might be able to guide Harry in this."
"Well, his father was clever enough to have figured it out," the Headmistress replied quietly. "Let me ask you a few questions, Harry. Did you consciously wish or hope that something like this would occur?"
"What, like 'gee, I wish I was a dragon right now'? No, ma'am, I was too busy being really, really angry. I was a little concerned about how strong the old wizard was but that was about all," Harry said.
"Hmm, emotional stress. In some cases that can be a factor in the transformation but for most it simply gets in the way. Usually, making the change takes significant concentration, especially the first few times. There is of course another issue here. If Harry needs to be angry to make the transformation what you wind up with is an angry dragon and that's rarely a good thing. On the other hand, having happened once, it would not be inconceivable that this might become a reaction anytime his temper really gets away from him."
"I dunno, Professor. I was about as angry as I could be when those two tried to kidnap Abagail," Harry said.
"Think back on it, Harry. I understand there was something different about you then," Dumbledore said.
"Oh, you mean the eyes?"
"Yes, Harry. Perhaps the anger was working the transformation even then. Perhaps Ginny's intervention was more timely then first thought."
Harry shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he had turned into a massive dragon in the middle of Hogsmeade. He covered his face with his hands and rested his elbows on his thighs. After a few moments of silence he lifted his face from his hands and looked up at the portrait.
"What now, Professor? How much of danger am I to people, my family?" he asked quietly.
"I don't know that you are any danger to them at all, Harry, at least not any more then any other member of a large family is. We need to explore the particulars first. If you remain in control as an animagus does then that greatly lessens any threat. If great anger is required that may simplify it. You would just need to make sure you don't lose your temper. But as with any talent you may wish to study it and come to find it has its benefits."
"Benefits, sir?"
"Well, Harry, it did come in rather handy on your latest expedition, did it not?" Dumbledore asked.
"I guess so. There is going to be a problem though. There aren't many places where I can practice this. I got the impression I was a pretty big dragon," Harry said.
"Yes, Harry, that does present a problem. I'm not sure even the Room of Requirements could handle that."
Professor McGonagall was looking thoughtful. She looked up at Dumbledore and then at Harry.
"Harry, why don't you and I talk a walk? Let me get my winter cloak and I'll meet you at the front door."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.
He could see Dumbledore nod. The late Headmaster then said,
"Rest assured my boy, I will keep your confidence. The others will simply have to understand."
Harry thought back to some of the conversations he had witnessed and he knew just how 'understanding' many of the old Heads could be. He did not envy Dumbledore. He then followed Professor McGonagall out of the room and as she diverted to her office Harry went down to wait by the front door. A few students passed by and greeted Harry and he politely responded but went no further. The Headmistress rejoined him covered in a heavy cloak and gestured for Harry to open the door. He pulled it closed behind him and was required to hurry to catch up the Professor. This was not going to be a leisurely stroll. She definitely had a destination in mind. Soon it was apparent that she was on her way to the Quidditch pitch.
In moments they were at the tunnel that was the main entrance to the pitch. She led Harry a few steps in and then turned and with her wand caused the large doors to swing shut. She then incanted "collaportus" to lock the doors to all but the most determined trespasser. She led Harry out onto the pitch proper, now brown in the winter cold. She stopped when they were in the very center. She turned to face Harry.
"Now, Harry. We need to try a few things and this is the only place I can think of that will keep us out of view. Should you be successful you must remember to remain on the ground. That should keep you hidden, I hope," she added.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright. Now, in order to make the transformation an Animagus must first be able to convince him or herself that the change is possible. Next they must have a need, such as a desire to be able to fly or travel, or in the case of your father and god father, the need to help control Remus Lupin when he went werewolf. In your case it seems you have satisfied both those requirements inadvertently. What we must now explore whether or not you can make the change without the need for immense anger," she said.
Harry thought for a moment. He knew that Professor Dumbledore surmised that some part of him had determined he needed the great size of the dragon to contain his growing anger as well as his power. He also knew that when he fought the mutated dragon he had expended enormous amounts of energy. But where did it come from? Was it all internal or was it pulled from his surroundings or was it both? Too many questions and not nearly enough answers, he thought.
"Harry, I suggest you try and calm yourself. Whatever you're thinking about is getting you annoyed. I can feel it from here," the Headmistress said with some concern.
"I'm sorry, Professor. Do you think it would help for me to picture in my mind what I'm trying to become. Do you do that?"
"Not really, Harry. I don't need to do that since I know what I'll become. When I first studied the transformation as part of my advanced Transfiguration work the form of the cat was as much a surprise to me as anyone. But it might be worth a try."
Obviously Harry had no idea what he had looked like as a dragon except in a most general sense, but maybe that would be enough. He had seen enough dragons before to know what they looked like and he just tried to form a rough sketch without pursuing any of the particulars that differentiated one type of dragon from another. When he had created the picture he then began to think 'big'. He was trying to convince himself that he needed to grow large enough to contain all his prodigious strength to prevent himself from being damaged. He blinked a couple of times and realized he was looking at the Hogwarts castle from above the stadium walls. He heard his name called from somewhere below him.
"Harry, for Merlin's sake, get down before someone sees you," the Professor called up to him.
Harry realized he had been sitting back on his rear haunches and his neck was fully extended. He pivoted forward and dropped to all fours with a thud. He swung his head around and could see the diminutive form of the Headmistress from off to one side. She must have moved sideways when Harry changed. He looked at her for a few minutes and thought back as to how the old wizard he had incinerated had looked so small and pathetic. While the Professor simply looked smaller, there was still an aura of strength and determination about her, a being worthy of his respect despite the huge disparity in size. Harry was relieved to know he could make that sort of determination. He shuffled about as best he could in the suddenly tight confines of the pitch and brought his great head down so that he could be more at eye level with the Head.
"Harry, can you understand what I am saying?" she asked, her voiced tinged with awe.
Harry knew that he could never form the words and he was afraid if he even tried he might accidentally incinerate the Head as he had done to the old wizard. He settled for merely nodding.
"My word, this is amazing. Let's try a few simple things to make sure you have full control, alright, Harry? As best you can try to unfurl your wings. Your wings, good grief."
Harry carefully let his massive pinions spread and gave a few shallow sweeps, then he folded them along his back.
"Harry, I'm going to move off the pitch. Once I'm out of the way, just try walking around to make sure you have complete control of your body. Then we'll work on you changing back. I assume you want to change back?"
Harry nodded a bit more vigorously.
"Good," the Professor said and then she hurried off to take a seat in the lowest row of the grandstand.
Harry proceeded to move about the pitch as best he could, trying not to tear up the turf and leave behind any signs. His tail was giving him some issues as he bounced it off the walls a time or two but since he was moving slowly it didn't result in any damage. After twenty minutes or so he came to a stop in front of where the Professor sat. He brought his head level and regarded her with his large green eyes. A thought occurred to him and he brought his tail around and he swung his head around to look. His skin was a deep emerald green, in places so deep as to look almost black. He knew he would stand out quite well in daylight but the dark color might make it difficult to see him in the dark. That thought he found particularly interesting. He looked back at the Head again.
"Alright, Harry, let's see if we can get you back to yourself now. It's really just a matter of remembering who and what you were originally and putting yourself back in that shape. Give it a try."
Harry thought briefly about himself and once more after a couple of heartbeats he found his visual perspective changed. He now had to look up from the pitch grass to see the Professor looking down at him from the grandstand railing. He didn't feel the extreme fatigue he had previously but he figured that had more to do with all he had done as a dragon and perhaps the effect of the time dislocation. Now that was something he could discuss with the other Heads. While he was considering this the Professor was making her way back down to the pitch. She came to stand in front of him.
"How are you, Harry?"
"Pretty good, all things considered. It's a relief to know I have some control over this thing. Although I don't think I'm ready to experiment with the anger side of it. I wouldn't want to burn down the stadium by accident," he said with a bit of grin.
"I must say I agree with that, Harry. Any other effects? Fatigue, disorientation, strange thoughts?"
"No, ma'am. Could make for some interesting dreams though. There is something else about what happened when I was gone that I think I can safely discuss with everyone in your office. It has to do with the portal and they all know about that anyway."
"Certainly, Harry. Let's head back up there and get out of the cold."
Harry smiled and they turned to walk back to the portal. Uncharacteristically, the Professor hooked Harry's arm with her own as they walked side by side. Apparently, she was just as relieved as he was. The walk back was at a more leisurely pace and their first stop was the Room of Requirements which when opened retained the configuration with two chairs. The frame was empty. Professor McGonagall stepped up and tapped it and said,
"Albus, I say, are you there?"
"One moment, Minerva," came the voice from just beyond one side of the empty portrait.
Dumbledore moved back into the center of the portrait and looked down at Harry and the Head.
"Good news, I hope?"
"So far, so good, Albus. He transformed at will on the first try and while he couldn't speak he could understand me. It appears he has full control as well. Although it was pretty tight in the stadium. He's by far the largest dragon I've ever seen, although my experience is rather limited. His return was no issue either. I think we can safely say Mr. Potter is a full fledged animagus."
"Sir, does this mean I have to register now? Won't that make it a matter of public record?"
"Yes, Harry, that's what the law says and that's what the result would be. However, I would suggest in your case that you not rush to any such action. There are likely to be consequences that might not be all that pleasant. For you or your family. The memory of Voldemort and his reptilian alter ego are still rather fresh in the mind of the public. You may certainly trust us to hold your secret Harry. As to others, you must make that choice but I think the only one at the Ministry would be Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"Alright, sir, I'll keep that in mind. There is something else about my trip that I would like to discuss but I think we can do that with the others. It involves the portal."
"Excellent, Harry. That would go a long way to assuage the delicate egos on the wall. My earlier reference to grumpy old witches and wizards is still apt," the Headmaster said with an impish grin.
"Yes, sir. We'll be right there," Harry said.
He and the Headmistress left the room and made their way back to the Heads office. In a few moments Harry was standing in the middle of the office looking at the various portraits who were in turn examining him with a variety of expressions.
"Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier. I meant no disrespect but the situation was such that I felt I needed to speak only to Professor Dumbledore. Based on what we discussed and discovered he feels I should keep part of what we discussed close hold for the time being," the last being accompanied by a 'harumph' or two, "but there is something that I'd like to discuss with all of you and ask your help with."
Harry could see that most of the portraits seemed to change their attitudes and brightened a bit.
"As you recall I once asked for your help regarding the Spatial Distortion Portal," Harry said, directing his attention towards the elderly wizard that helped identify it. "I used the Portal to travel to a place in western Romania."
"Excuse me, young man. I was under the impression that the portal had outlets in Knockturn Alley and in a barn in Derbyshire. How ever did you find yourself in Romania?"
This was said by the same wizard. Harry craned his neck back to look at him more directly.
"Yes, sir. The portal does have the two outlets as before. I turned right when I was between the portals and that's how I found my way to the big stone house in Romania. They only thing is I seemed to have lost two days while I was at it."
"Most extraordinary, young man. To my knowledge, little as it might be, to move off the straight line between the two portals would result in endless wandering until you died of thirst or hunger. However did you manage it?" the former Head asked.
"I guess you could call it a sixth sense, sir. I knew there had to be an outlet somewhere and if I close my eyes sometimes I can see things I'm looking for. I just followed the image. What I don't understand is the time loss."
"Nor do I, young man," the portrait admitted.
"Over here, young man," a raspy female voice called to him.
Harry turned and took a few steps to where a middle aged witch regarded him from behind large thick lensed glasses. The voice did not fit the image at all.
"Yes, I know," she rasped. "I used to smoke a pipe almost continuously while I was alive and it rather did me in at the end. Anyway, I was the Head here around the turn of the century when all those muggle scientists were running around congratulating themselves on discovering the 'nature of the universe' as they called it. One particularly brainy fellow deduced that time and space were one and the same, part of the same phenomenon. We could have told them that centuries ago. I would imagine that any device that allowed you to move across so much space would have to have had an effect on the time spent doing it. Would you be able to estimate the distance you actually walked?"
"Well, ma'am, I wasn't all that tired at the end of the walk so I'd have to think maybe just a few hours, say eight or ten actual miles," Harry said.
"Hmm, so you traded time for distance. Was there ever a noticeable difference in time shift when you traveled from the store to the barn and back?" she rasped out.
"Not that anyone has ever mentioned, ma'am."
"Is the portal still intact?"
"I think it is, ma'am," Harry replied.
"I would propose an experiment. Obtain two very accurate timepieces. Synchronize them at Knockturn Alley, then have one Disapparated to the barn and the other carried through the portal and then compared. You must make sure that they are set down to the exact second."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll look into that. Thank you."
"Not at all, Mr. Potter. Things haven't been this interesting around here in many years," the portrait rasped.
"Well, Harry, are you feeling any better?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Quite a bit, sir. I still think there are some challenges to be faced but I'm better equipped to face them now. I can't thank you enough."
"You are more then welcome, my boy. I think the ledger sheet is still tipped well in your favor but I'm pleased we've been able to help. What now?"
"A quick visit with Abagail and then back to the Burrow. It must be about lunch time so with your leave I'll head down the Great Hall," Harry replied.
"Certainly, Harry, off you go," Professor McGonagall said.
Harry walked into the anteroom and before the door swung shut he could hear the beginning of a very spirited discussion. He made his way to the entrance to the Great Hall and could see that lunch hadn't begun yet so he stood to the side and waited. In less then a quarter hour students began to arrive and as they passed they offered Harry polite 'hello's. Then Harry heard that airy voice.
"Sir, oh sir, it's good to see you."
"Hello, Abagail. It's good to be seen by you. Can I speak to you for a bit before you eat?"
"Absolutely."
Harry led Abagail over to a quite corner and he knelt down on one knee so he could look her in the eye.
"Abagail. I know you saw something the other morning when I came home. I understand most of what's going on now. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall helped me out a great deal. I'm going to let the rest of the family in on the secret tonight but I wanted to make sure you understood before I left," he said, looking around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. "I'm an animagus, Abagail. I didn't know I could do it until it happened but I turn into a pretty big dragon."
"I know about the dragon part, Harry. I saw that when you came home. I had a hint probably around the time it actually happened. I guess being an animagus means you can control it . I wasn't sure about that when you came home," she said breathlessly.
"Yes, little one. I can control it. Professor McGonagall and I did some experimenting this morning. I wanted to make sure you knew and that there was no need to be afraid."
Abagail looked at him, her big dark eyes looking at his green ones. She reached out and gave Harry a fierce hug around the neck.
"Thank you, Harry," she whispered into his ear. "I wasn't afraid of you, I was afraid for you. I'm happy it's not so bad. I'm sure the Weasleys will feel the same when you tell them," she said as she let him go.
"You're probably right. Oh, and I need you to take a note to Professor Weasley," Harry said as he pulled out his notebook and pencil stub.
The note asked Bill to come to the Burrow and bring Fleur if she wasn't already there. He did not give details but made sure he stressed how important it was. He handed the note to Abagail and then leaned in to kiss her cheek and then watched as she hurried into the Great Hall and directly up to the head table. He stood and watched as Bill unfolded the note and read it. Bill looked up and toward the door and seeing Harry he nodded. Harry did likewise and with a wave he turned and headed for the front door and Hogsmeade. In less then ten minutes he was back at the Burrow.
"Harry, dear. It's so good to see you again. Were they able to help you?" Mrs. Weasley said.
"Yes, ma'am. A great deal in fact," Harry said seriously. "I think I understand things better now and I can tell the family about it but all together, tonight. I need to get everyone here, but I think we need to leave Eleanor and Audrey out of it for now. I know what you're hoping but this needs to be a strict secret for the time being."
"I understand, Harry. Let's work on getting everyone here. Can you send Kreacher to the Ministry? That would take care of Arthur, Percy, Ron and Hermione."
"Yes, ma'am. I already let Bill know so that takes care of him and Fleur. Is Ginny due back today?"
"Yes, Harry, she just had a practice today and said she would be back before dinner."
"Good, that leaves Charlie, George and Angelina," Harry replied.
"Leave George and Angelina to me. Let's see where Charlie is. Hmm," she said looking at the clock that told where the family was. "He's matched with Ginny. He must be in Holyhead."
Harry and his mum looked at each other and smiled a bit.
"I'll have Kreacher go after him as well," Harry said.
They quickly wrote out notes and Harry called for Kreacher. In moments the little elf popped out of sight with notes in hand. Mrs. Weasley kissed Harry on the cheek and then left with a pop. Harry sat down at the table and munched on a biscuit that was on a tray on the table. He realized he was very hungry and began to scrounge around the kitchen and by the time he was done he had eaten quite a bit. It was about an hour later when Mrs. Weasley came in through the kitchen door.
"Well, now we just wait, Harry. I see you had some lunch, good. Let's sit in the living room and relax."
Harry followed in and took the same seat he had occupied the day before. The fire was still going and he began to examine the flames. He had to smile a bit at the thought of him experimenting with his incendiary talents. The warmth and patterns of the flames lulled Harry into a doze and he slept for a while until he heard the door slam.
"Harry!" Ginny called out as she dashed through the kitchen.
He just managed to stand up in time to meet her rush. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. He held on to her just as hard.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" she said as she lifted her head and tilted it back to look at him.
"Better then yesterday, and certainly better then the day before. Once everyone gets here I'll explain it all, as best I can."
"Alright, sweetheart. I can wait that long, I think," she said and then took his hand and they sat together on the couch.
Over the next hour, various family members arrived and Harry had to repeat to one degree or another the same thing he told Ginny regarding his welfare. Bill and Fleur were the last to arrive. Fleur walked up and gave Harry a thorough once over as he sat there and then placed a perfunctory kiss on his cheek. Once everyone was seated Harry stood up and moved to stand near the fireplace. He looked down into the flames for a moment and then turned and looked at everyone.
"I'm going to tell you everything I can about what happened while I was gone. I have to ask you to keep what I tell you in strictest confidence. You'll understand I think when you hear it all."
He took a deep breath and began to explain. Everything, starting with the brief flash of a vision Christmas day to the much longer one in his study. He told them about how Abagail was able to read him and give him enough information to make the trip using the portal. He also talked about what the former Headmistress said about the idea that portal distorted time as well as space. Then he stopped and looked at them a moment.
"Well, I guess that would account for your being gone for longer then you thought but it still leaves a few questions about how you managed all that destruction Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "The word is that four fairly large buildings where completely destroyed and you yourself said the old wizard was pretty strong. I'd think even you would have trouble doing all that in just a few hours as you said."
"You're right, Dad. The fact is I couldn't have done all that in that amount of time. But it was me, in a way. I think the best way for you to understand is for me to show you. But we need to go outside. I suggest you all get your cloaks on."
Harry got a number of odd looks but they knew him well enough to know he wouldn't be trying to pull any kind of a gag so they collected up their outerwear and followed Harry through the front door.
"I think it would be best if you all just stayed here behind the wall. I need to go across the road to the field."
"Harry, what is all this?" Ginny said with some exasperation.
"Please, Ginny, just be patient a couple of minutes more," he said as he moved further out into the field.
The sun had already set and the light was quickly dimming. He judged he was a safe distance away so he turned around and looked at his family arrayed before him across the road. He turned his thoughts inward and thought about needing to be 'big' like he did at the Stadium and as before within two heartbeats he was looking down at them as they looked up at him, wide eyed and openmouthed. Mrs. Weasley was leaning back against her husband for support. What they saw was a magnificent and massive dark skinned dragon sitting back on its haunches, its forelegs drawn up along its massive chest. The long tapered tail struck straight out behind for balance, the wings folded along its back.
Harry had resolved to be as nonthreatening as he could be so he dropped down to his forelegs with a thump. He took two steps forward and then crouched down so that his body rested on the winter browned grass. He lowered his head so that it hovered just above the dirt of the road. Everyone was looking at him in awe and amazement. He noticed that Charlie, perhaps accustomed to being around dragons began to move sideways as if to get a better view in the fading light. Harry straightened out his tail and spread his wings to give his brother in law a complete picture. He noticed that Charlie was smiling a bit. He shifted his attention back to Ginny. He was thankful that he didn't see any fear, just shock and amazement.
She came through the opening of the wall for the path that led to the front door. She walked to within an arms length of his snout. She looked into his big green eyes, with the vertical pupils and said,
"Harry, it is you in there isn't it?"
Harry nodded.
"You can understand me but you can't talk?"
He nodded again.
"Oh my," was all she could say and then she reached out to touch the end of his snout but couldn't bring herself to go the last few inches.
Harry gave a bit of a snort and moved his head forward to touch her hand. Her eyes went wide and then she smiled and said,
"Ohh, it's so soft and warm, just like your real, I mean, like…oh dear," and then she blushed and laughed a bit as Harry winked with one of those big green eyes.
He let his eyes drift across the others, stopping to look directly at each of them as if to assure them that he was still Harry. Then he decided he had most likely made his point and so he stood and stepped back and then thought 'Harry' and in two heart beats he was looking at them from his normal height. He started to walk forward and made it to the edge of the road before he was met by Ginny and one of her full speed hugs.
"Oh, Harry, that was incredible. I never imagined such a thing," she said as they held each other firmly.
Harry then took his arms from around her and took hold of one of her hands and led her across the road to the rest. The all drew in closer as he reached the path opening.
"That was what happened in the manor house. The rage had built so big I couldn't contain it as I am so I got bigger. After that the rest was easy. I landed out in the field and changed before Abagail made it out the front door. But she knew, at least the dragon part, but I asked her to keep it secret. I explained it to her before I came home this afternoon. So that's the secret. I'm an unregistered animagus. It needs to stay a secret for now, maybe forever, I don't know. The way things are I can't imagine people would be too thrilled to find out what I can become. Enough of them are afraid of me as it is," he concluded.
No one was saying anything. They just stood and stared at him. He gave one of his usually crooked smiles and said,
"Maybe we should go back inside, it's kinda cold out here and I don't think anyone wants me to try and warm things up," and he laughed.
This seemed to break the spell and everyone began to laugh as well and they came up and hugged Harry or shook his hand or both and they went inside for a quick dinner and a long evening of discussion.