Harry's Future, Part 42
Sunday morning found Harry in a decidedly better mood than he had been in the last five days. He had had time to consider his situation, consider the impact of what he had done and after spending the prior day with his family, especially the youngest members, he concluded it was something he could live with. But he was convinced that his decision to the leave the Ministry was the right one. This is not to say that he was all smiles and dancing around the kitchen table but gone were the sorrowful eyes and the heavy heart.
He was still the first one up Sunday morning and he was sitting drinking his first cup of tea when Mrs. Weasley walked into the kitchen. When she saw Harry she stopped and gave him an appraising look.
"How are you feeling, Harry? Didn't you sleep well last night?"
"I'm doing fine, Mum. I slept pretty well but I woke up early and I thought if I tried going back to sleep I'd wind up disturbing Ginny so I came down," he said.
"It'll be a bit before anything is ready for breakfast, Harry. We'll you be ok?"
"I'll be fine, Mum. Whenever it's ready will be alright," he replied.
So Harry sat and sipped his tea while his mum went about fixing breakfast. They exchanged some small talk but Molly slipped in a few questions drawing from Harry some ideas about what the future held. He was hoping that the Headmistress wasn't going to still be upset when he talked to her the following day. He knew his future would be secure thanks to his parents and Sirius' legacies but secure wasn't the same as satisfying, interesting or challenging. He was also anxious to get settled into the new house.
"Harry, I couldn't help but notice that you didn't mention anything about the baby," Molly said quietly.
"To be perfectly honest with you, Mum, I've been trying not to think about it. The closer it gets the scarier it seems to be," Harry said, looking at her with a small grin. "I'm going to be an actual father, not just a guardian or godfather or uncle, but a true dad. It seems a little unreal."
"Unreal? This coming from a man who can turn himself into a monstrous great dragon or travel through strange portals to do battle with powerful dark wizards? Bringing a child into the world is the most real thing a person can ever do, young fellow me lad. Miraculous, wondrous, and yes, even magical, but certainly real," she said with a soft smile. "And you can take that from an expert on the subject."
Harry smiled back at her and had the same smile when he heard a soft voice call from the staircase.
"Harry, is everything alright? You look like you've been awake for a while already," Ginny said.
"I did get up early. But I'm alright. I slept pretty well."
She smiled at him and walked, slowly, into the kitchen and with help from her husband sat down at the table where he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek and receive one in return. Shortly after, Mr. Weasley also came to the table and Mrs. Weasley began to serve breakfast. It was a leisurely meal and the conversation went over much of the same territory as had Harry and Mrs. Weasley shortly before.
Ginny was very anxious to be settled into their new home with their expanded family. She was likewise concerned about what Harry was in for when he next met with Professor McGonagall. Mr. Weasley didn't think it was much to be concerned about.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. She made her position quite clear the other day and I'm willing to wager that she's ready to get down to business," he said.
"I certainly hope so. I'm not interested in turning into an eleven year old again," Harry said.
While the others were laughing, someone knocked on the kitchen door. Mrs. Weasley got up saying,
"Now I wonder who that could be."
This was a valid comment since no one in the family bothered to knock anymore, having been repeatedly told 'this is your home, why do you think you have to be let in'. She went to the door and opened it up and they could see her looking down. Then she looked over her shoulder and said,
"Harry, you have a special visitor here to see you."
Harry looked at her expectantly and as she stepped aside to let the visitor through he broke into a big grin.
"Teddy!" Harry exclaimed.
His godson rushed forward to be engulfed in a bear hug from Harry.
"Hiya, Harry. How are you doing?" the boy asked once he was given some room to speak.
"I'm doing ok, young fella. Had a bit of a rough patch but that's pretty much behind me. How about you? How are things with you?"
"Doing alright."
"I assume your grandmother brought you here," Harry said looking back toward the door.
He saw that Mrs. Weasley had grabbed a cloak from beside the door and had gone out into the yard.
"Yup, she did. Guess she wanted to talk to Mrs. Weasley first. We'll use the floo network to get home, I guess."
"Well, have a seat and we'll talk while we wait for her to come in," Harry said.
Teddy took a seat in the chair beside Harry and looked around.
"Is Abagail here?"
"No, Ted. She's up at school. Why? Did you think she'd be here?" Harry asked.
"I wasn't sure. I know she spent some weekends here last year and I thought after what happened she might be here this time," the boy said matter-of-factly.
"How did you know she had been here?"
"She's been sending me a letter from school almost every week since after you and Ginny got married. At first she would send a picture she'd drawn with a little note on it. But after I got better at reading and writing she would send letters and I would send some back. She's been keeping me up on what she's been doing at school and all about you. But the stuff the other day I heard from Nan. I guess she'll talk to you more about that," Teddy said quietly.
Harry just nodded and then looked at the boy. He looked more closely and then said,
"Teddy, why are your eyes different colors?"
Teddy laughed and said,
"I was wondering when you'd notice, Harry. I can change the color of them whenever I want and do a few other things," he said and then with a look of concentration his ears started to grow and his nose got wider.
A voice from the door to the yard said,
"Ted Remus Lupin, what have I told you about changing your features before you've had time to learn proper magic?"
"Sorry, Nan, I was just showing Harry what I could do."
The woman standing in the doorway looked all the world like Bellatrix Lestrange only with softer features, warm eyes and brown hair. Andromeda Tonks stood with arms folded and a raised eyebrow as she regarded her only grandson. Then she shook her head and smiled. Then she looked at Harry and her smile widened.
"Well, Harry. I had prepared myself for the worst but it looks like you're holding up from your latest adventure rather well," she said.
Harry had risen and met Andromeda half way and they hugged each other. She whispered something in his ear and Harry started to laugh and then he pulled out a chair at the table for her. Andromeda looked across the table at Mr. Weasley and said,
"Cousin Arthur, you're looking well."
"Thank you, Meda, the same could be said for you," Arthur replied. "You know, I've always wondered why you insist on calling me 'cousin'."
"It helps to remind me that I have at least one sane relative, no matter how distant. With Sirius gone you're all I've got left, well, you and Teddy."
"Now, now, Meda. It's not all that bad. Don't forget, you're also related to my children and grandchildren. I'd say your circle of sane relatives has grown significantly," Arthur said.
"That's true, isn't it? I hadn't thought about that," she said with a thoughtful look. "Although I have my doubts about George."
This got a number of laughs. Then Andromeda looked at Harry and said,
"Harry, could I have a few moments in private with you?"
"Certainly, Mrs. Tonks," he replied.
"Harry," she said with a slightly exasperated tone that sounded a great deal like Arthur Weasley. "I think we know each other well enough for you to use my first name."
"Alright, Andromeda."
Harry walked into the living room with Teddy's grandmother and they sat down in chairs across from one another. The older woman looked across at Harry as if studying him for a moment or two and then said,
"First of all, Harry, as always I want to thank you for your continued support of Teddy and me. I don't think Remus and Nymphodora could have chosen a better godfather for their son," she said with a sad grin.
"You're welcome, Andromeda. And it's my pleasure. Teddy is a great kid and he does form a link, I guess, that's very important to me what with his dad and my dad having been best friends. You're both family and I take that sort of thing very seriously."
"Yes, I know you do. There's something else I'd like to say. I know you've been very upset these last few days because of what you did at the Ministry. I heard some things from people I know and Molly was telling me more outside. I know you feel badly because of what you did to Lucius, but you needn't. It was long overdue. To this day I can never understand what Cissy saw it that creature. Money and family connections are supposed to mean a great deal in pureblood circles but they pale in comparison to the dark side of Lucius' nature," she said and then sighed. "But insanity does run in my family so I guess trying to understand is a futile effort. You did us all a great favor last week, my boy. I wouldn't think to suggest you take pride in it, but don't let it weigh on your mind. You have much better and more important things to concern yourself with these days," she finished saying with a meaningful look in Ginny's direction.
Harry gave this rather remarkable witch a smile and a nod. He decided he wouldn't go into the fact that it was more the method then the actual act that was giving him the most trouble. His thoughts were derailed by the arrival of Teddy in the living room. Harry reached out and tousled the boy's hair and then looked at his grandmother.
"I just had a thought. Ginny and I expect to be in the new house within the month. What would you say to having young Ted here come for an extended visit this summer? There will be plenty of room and Abagail will be there," Harry said.
"Harry, don't you think you and Ginny will have your hands full with the new baby?" Andromeda replied.
"Most likely, but I imagine there will be plenty of help in that department. I expect a lot of people in and out of the place so what's one more. Besides, I haven't had much of a chance to spend time with him. He can learn wizards' chess and get a head start on his broom flying."
Teddy's ears perked up at the sound of broom flying and he looked expectantly at his grandmother. She sat regarding him with pursed lips and narrowed eyes. Then she looked back at Harry.
"Actually, it sounds like a very good idea. It might be good for him to have a male influence for a while and it would give me a chance to visit with some friends I haven't seen in some time. When did you have in mind, Harry?"
"I was thinking July, the whole month," he replied.
"Ted, do you think you could spend a month with Harry and Ginny and not drive them out of their minds?"
"Yes, Nan. I think it would be really great and besides, who would be crazy enough to try and mess the great Harry Potter about?" he asked with a perfectly straight face.
That Harry's weekend concluded better than it had started helped put him in a more suitable frame of mind for his meeting with Professor McGonagall on Monday afternoon. For Hogwarts the weekend had been sunny and while not warm, at least it had been above freezing and the snowpack was beginning to recede. When Harry arrived early Monday morning he saw that someone had removed the roof section of the tunnel and the walls of what remained were wet with melt water. Now that his classes were over for the day he was making his way to the Head's office, calm and ready for what was to come.
As he approached the statue that served as the door to the spiral staircase the sculpture ground aside and Harry began the climb upward. He used his cane, more as a precaution then a necessity, as his knee was responding well to the exercises and his low overall activity level. He passed through the anteroom and knocked on the door to the main office.
"Come ahead," he heard Professor McGonagall call out.
Harry opened the door and entered, nodding to the Professor as he said,
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall."
"Good afternoon, Professor Potter. Right on time. Please, be seated," she replied evenly.
Harry sat down as indicated, wondering if the mention of punctuality had any meaning behind it, or was he just giving in to paranoia. He kept his attention on the Headmistress although he was aware that many eyes were on him and there wasn't a snore to be heard.
"I trust your weekend went well, Professor?" the Headmistress asked.
"Very well, thank you, ma'am."
"Excellent. So, to the business at hand. You indicated at our last meeting that you are prepared to come to Hogwarts full time. We, of course, have discussed that possibility on more than a few occasions. I have never been shy about making my wishes known about making that a reality. I am concerned however about this recent turn of events. Young man, I must say that you represent perhaps the most fascinating combination of magical abilities and potential that any of us," she emphasized with a wave of her hand to indicate the assembled portraits, "can recall, or even conceive of. And quite frankly, the most frightening. Even Voldemort, at his worst, required his wand and a curse, to dispatch his victims," she said looking at Harry, not a trace of emotion registering on her face.
Harry said nothing. He knew of course that there were many in the magical community that were frightened of him, or at least, their image of him. He had seen the looks on the faces of a number of witches and wizards in the Cauldron or along Diagon Alley. What he hadn't considered was that those feelings had reached this office.
"However, those of us who have known you best, that is myself, Professor Dumbledore and some of the other faculty find it hard to believe that you would pose a threat to this institution or its students were you to be made a full faculty member. Also, with regard to the students, your popularity, and more importantly, respect is without question. So, before we go any further I would ask that you agree to the following. First, that you not engage in any form of experimentation or exploration, as far as your skills are concerned, without discussing it with me beforehand. Secondly, that we meet on a regular basis, perhaps weekly to discuss how you are getting on. This may seem like an intrusion but in reality you are still rather new to this and I think it would be prudent. Lastly, any extracurricular activity, such as what has just occurred not be allowed to interfere with your work here. In fact, I would prefer no such activities whatsoever," she said firmly.
Harry looked at the Headmistress and said nothing. He was looking for any sign of what might lay behind her bland expression and what she had just said. It was obvious that she wanted Harry on the faculty. But this latest revelation, piled atop all that had gone before was cause for concern. Perhaps it was concern of him, or for him, or both, but she was seeking some accommodation that would put some of those concerns to rest.
"Yes, ma'am, I think I can agree with that. Especially the second part. I realize that natural abilities are rarely a good substitute for experience. As to the last, I don't think that should be much of a problem. When I left the only agreement I had was to make myself available to the Minister if he wanted my advice on something. I didn't leave the door open to recall in the event of an emergency. There might come a time when they'd consider it on their own but I think we'd already be aware of something that was going that badly. And if it helps put your mind at ease I was thinking about paying Dr. Parsons a visit soon. She was the Healer that helped me recognize my anger issues."
Harry could see some of the tension go out of the Headmistress. He thought he even saw a hint of a smile around the edges.
"Thank you, Professor. I appreciate your understanding and forbearance. Now, let us get to the particulars. For the coming year I would like for you to continue your work with the Applied Magic elective for fifth through seventh years. I believe that Professor Weasley would like you to continue with first year DADA and pick up second years as well. That leaves you with two openings that I would like to fill as follows. I indicated previously that I would like to have you become the Transfiguration Professor at some point. I believe a good transition would be for you to assume the role of instructor for first and second years. That would fill out your schedule and allow me to begin moving away from the course and devote more time to my role as Head."
"That sounds fine to me Professor but what happens to Applied Magic if I eventually become the full time Transfiguration Professor?" he asked.
"I've been giving that some thought and what I've concluded, in consultation with a few of my friends here," she said once more indicating the portraits around her, "is that what you've been teaching is too important to remain an elective for the senior students. Since the transition to full Professorship would take a few years I would like you to begin the process of helping the other instructors fold your concepts into their classes. That way each student, regardless of inclination for a specialty in later years, will have the benefit of this learning from their very first year. Then when you're ready to assume the role of Transfiguration Professor, we drop the Applied Magic elective. As part of our weekly discussions we can look into how we deal with texts. Either updating current volumes or having you write one specifically and using it as a reference. But we have time for that. Your thoughts, Professor?"
Harry smiled a bit and said,
"You've certainly given this a lot of thought, ma'am. It's funny in a way though. Considering my past I would have thought that I'd wind up teaching charms or DADA someday. To me, Transfiguration was always more of an art. I've tended to see myself more of a fighter than an artist," he said with a wry grin.
"The fact that you see it so is a good indication that you understand Transfiguration better than most. Those with the artist's eye for detail are often the best when it comes to transfiguring. Your Miss Westwood is especially adept. Anything else?" the Headmistress prompted.
"Well, I think the idea of pushing the concepts of Applied Magic out to the other courses is sound. It would certainly mean it would reach a broader audience. I would love to work with the other Professors in structuring it. As to writing a text I guess I have enough notes to start formalizing them, one way or another. Yes, ma'am I think it's a workable plan."
"Excellent. I'll submit your appointment to the Board of Governors but I don't think there should be any issue," the Headmistress said with a small smile.
"Harry, my boy, a moment if you would."
"Yes, sir," Harry said as he looked over to Professor Dumbledore's portrait.
"In keeping with the idea of you talking on the role of Transfiguration Professor, I would suggest you take the time between now and the coming term to practice with your wand. Your proclivity for spell casting without one may have eroded your skills a bit," his mentor said with a touch of a smile.
"You're probably right, sir," Harry said. "Using it last week was the first time in a while and it has been infrequent. I should talk to Professor Flitwick about a refresher," he said and as he did so he pulled his wand out of his robe pocket.
He was astonished at what he saw. After freeing the Minister from his ropes, Harry had just stuck it in his pocket and gave it no further thought. It appeared that his wand was missing the last two inches and about a quarter of an inch of the remainder was charred black.
"My goodness, Harry. Just what was it you were doing with that?" the Headmistress asked.
"You'll remember that I told you I vaporized the door and surrounding stonework leading to the Death Chamber in the Mysteries Department. I used this to do it. Well the wand, a charm and my imaging trick," Harry replied.
"My boy, would you indulge us with a bit more information please?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
Harry proceeded to explain how he had the idea of making use of dragon's fire but while still in human form. He described his initial experiment in the den of the Black house, then the larger scale effort out in front of the Burrow.
"So when Bill Weasley couldn't uncurse the door I thought I'd give this a try. I suppose if I had given it some more thought I should have considered the idea that flying debris could have posed a danger to the Minister but I was having enough trouble trying to keep the dragon from fully forming and just let fly. Debris didn't turn out to be a problem since everything just disappeared. I didn't notice the damage to my wand though. Looks like I'll need a new one. Perhaps it's not such a bad thing. It would sever the last tie I have to Riddle."
Harry than looked up at the portrait of his mentor and asked,
"I don't suppose you'd lend me the Elder Wand would you, sir?"
Dumbledore's eyebrows shot upward and several gasps were heard, including Professor McGonagall. Harry's straight face soon broke into a large smile and he laughed a bit.
"I'm only teasing, sir. I can get into enough trouble without that kind of help. I'll drop in at Ollivander's and look for a new one."
"Well, Professor Potter. I think we've talked enough for today. I'll see you at dinner."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied and then got up and with a nod to Dumbledore left the office.
Had he lingered a moment outside he might have heard,
"Albus, do you really think he was joking about the Elder Wand?"
"Yes, Minerva, I think so."
"The thought of that much natural ability amplified by the Elder Wand is enough to give me nightmares," she replied.
"Have faith. Harry has demonstrated his trustworthiness and nobility time and time again. Besides, no nightmare of yours could compare with those he has every waking moment. He has come to fear his powers far more than anyone else."
The remainder of the week passed fairly pleasantly for Harry. The sense of well being that filled him whenever he was in a classroom was far more powerful than any lingering distress over past events. This combined with his time in the Great Hall in the evenings and during free periods interacting with the students did much to improve his overall state of mind. His sleep was a bit troubled with reenactments of the events in the Mysteries department. Unfortunately, his prior experience in dealing with troubling dreams was of no use here since his dreams were accurate in their retelling. It was the reality that was so disturbing.
He also had to opportunity to talk at some length with Abagail and her role in the unfolding drama in the days after his killing of Lucius Malfoy. He had walked into the Great Hall after having had a short meeting with Professor McGonagall to discuss some details for the coming year and he saw Abagail sitting with the same group that included the young Mr. Kensington. He walked up and first made eye contact with the young man.
"Good evening, Mr. Kensington. How are you getting on?" he asked mildly.
"Fairly well, sir. I understand that things at home are relatively quiet right now. No more strange visitors and grandfather has pretty much locked himself in his room. I understand an investigator came out to see him and he's been very docile ever since."
"I hope things stay that way for you and your family then. I don't imagine there would be much sympathy for his views all things considered," Harry said.
"No, sir. I can't imagine any at all," the young wizard said with a wry grin.
"Miss Westwood, could you spare me some time?" Harry asked.
"Of course, sir," she said as she stood up and followed Harry to the first year end of the Gryffindor table.
"You know, Harry," she began, "they all know that I live with you. Calling me by my first name wouldn't cause the roof to fall in."
"I am well aware of that, Miss Westwood, but appearances must be maintained," he said haughtily.
Abagail goggled at him and then began to giggle behind her hands. Harry broke into a smile and gestured for her to sit on the bench next to him. His face grew more serious and he said,
"You know, little one, I haven't had a chance to talk to you about that night after the incident, or to thank you."
"There's no need to thank me, Harry. You've done far more for me than I could ever hope to repay. I could feel your pain all the way up here without really trying. You needed help and I was able to provide it. I learned from you that you do what you can when you can," she said with a shy grin.
"One of my better lessons, I guess. I am curious though about something. How were you able to find them? My parents and the rest?"
"It's an interesting thing, Harry. After I had my problems and I sort of shut myself off from the outside world I started to look inside. Well, maybe that's not a good way to explain it. What I mean is that I shut out what I was 'hearing' from those around me and started trying to listen for those that weren't. You know, like your folks, Sirius."
"The dead, you mean."
"I guess so, but I think it's not just anyone who's dead. I think only certain people can be reached, or maybe only certain ones for me. I'm not sure. It seems like I can find people who Voldemort used the Death curse on, like your parents, and those other people who came to talk to you. They were all killed that way. As for Professor Dumbledore," she shrugged, "he's pretty special all the way around so I don't know how he fits."
"Hmm, that's interesting. So what, you've just been out looking to see who you could find?"
"Pretty much. Once I've made contact it's easier to find them again. Sort of like following a trail back to them. I think though they have to want me to find them. I get the feeling that if they didn't I'd be blocked somehow," she said thoughtfully.
Harry looked at this amazing young witch and wondered just how unique her peculiar abilities were. Another thought pushed its way forward in his mind.
"Abagail, do you talk to them often? My parents I mean."
"I wouldn't say often, but occasionally. They are very interested in you, of course. And just about as proud as they could be. They're looking forward to a time when they can see you again but want it to be a long time into the future. But there's something very important, Harry."
"What's that, little one?"
"They want you to concentrate on living and living well and happily. There will be plenty of time for the rest later, after. But the here and now is what's important," she replied, regarding him with those big soulful eyes.
Harry nodded a little then looked up to see the stars showing on the enchanted ceiling. When the snows cleared he'd take a walk to see the Centaurs and see what they know about the signs in the night sky. Then he looked down at his ward and smiled a bit.
"Sound advice. Pretty smart people, my parents, eh?" he said.
"Which helps explain their pretty smart son," Abagail said with an impish grin.
Harry smiled back and then with a bit of impishness himself asked,
"So, how is Tom doing these days? I missed seeing him my last time at the Ministry."
Abagail's face turned red and she giggled again. Then she fixed him with a tight glare and said,
"Tom is doing just fine, thank you very much for asking. I got a message from him earlier this week and he said he is a bit upset about you leaving but he understands your reasoning, or at least what he surmises as your reasons. He says working for Mr. Maxwell isn't the same but it's still interesting and he feels its important work to be doing," she said.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that. He struck me as being smart and dedicated and I'm glad I was right. Maxwell will find him very helpful. Make sure to let him know he's welcome to visit the house this summer."
"Ok, Harry."
"Oh, and to let you know, I extended an invitation to Teddy to spend time with us this summer. Probably for the month of July."
"Oh, wow, that will be so cool. He and I write back and forth. It'll be fun to have him around," she replied with enthusiasm.
Harry smiled and said,
"His grandmother seems to think that the novelty will wear off after a while but I think she was just teasing us. But he seemed happy with the idea."
"Wow, Harry. A new baby, a new house, Teddy. This is going to be a very interesting summer."
"That it will, little one, that it will."