Ch. 7 The Man Who's Waited

The next two weeks for Harry Potter were everything but leisure. About two days after he sent her, Ariana came back with a reply from Abe. She looked quite pleased at herself for successfully completing her first assignment. Harry rolled his eyes at his cocky friend and read the letter:

Harry,

It's good to hear from you, and even better since you have accepted my offer of mentoring you! I'm assuming you might need to tie up loose ends in Britain before you come here, so how about I expect you on the first of September like Hogwarts, say around noon your time? But being the paranoid old coot that I am I would rather not meet you in a public area. I'd imagine the reporters would itch to catch you on the streets. Just flame travel with Ariana to find me, as she already knows where to meet me. She has become quite an intelligent bird though a bit pushy.

As to what you need to bring I don't really have a course list much less a book list for you, but an advantage of being old is that in my time I have collected a fine set of published work so no need to bring any of those things. Might I suggest you just pack necessities? Say a few clothes, your wand and personal items. I have a feeling we might do a bit of traveling and it would be better to just apparate to your residence every now and then for new items. I look forward to working with you Mr. Potter, for I have a feeling you will teach me just as much as I will you.

With Pleasure,

Abubakar Krinx

Harry was happy Abe hadn't pulled out of his offer of training him, and grew to like the old man even through his kind words. He found sense in his words and felt he would learn a lot from the man. Though Harry was not pleased when reporters did catch wind of his departure.

Surprisingly, Ginny was faithful to Harry and didn't tell a single soul of his intentions, but the day his plans were confirmed Harry met with most of the Weasley family and his friends to tell them himself. Keeping his leave quiet was a lost cause once Mrs. Weasley screamed from the rooftops. "NO WAY IN BLOODY HELL WILL ANOTHER ONE OF MY SONS QUIT SCHOOL OR MOVE TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY!" In hindsight he should have known better.

Reporters were dying to find out any information they could on his trip. Newspapers spent hundreds of hours trying to find any clues as to where Harry Potter was going. Harry denied answering any questions on the subject and soon rumors began to grow.

They ranged from 'Harry Potter Escaping to the Muggle World?' to 'The Savior Hunting New Dark Wizards Internationally.' Some of the even wilder rumors accused him of trying to form a resistance against the Ministry of Magic or of becoming the next Dark Lord. Despite the pressure to cave Harry still refused to make his life a tabloid.

Harry's other friends didn't react much better than Mrs. Weasley. Ron was pretty upset at first when he found out his best mate wouldn't join Auror training with him and couldn't understand why "having his nose stuck in books 24/7 with a man just as old as the books would be any more interesting than learning to become an Auror". Though Harry understood Ron truly would miss him, but he also thought it was for the best if Ron was able to excel without him around.

Neville seemed upset he wouldn't be able to hang out with him as much anymore (over the summer they had become closer friends once they found out Neville's god parents were Harry's own), but understood it was a great opportunity for Harry. But he did ask for a Desert WindCurler Vine if he saw one on his trip, which made Harry hope he learned more about Herbology while he was there.

Luna remained her usual self upon hearing the news but did tell him, "I will miss you, friend. While you're there make sure to watch out for Flubberwerlies, they are especially active in warm climates."

Headmistress McGonagall was disappointed he wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts for his final year (especially since he wouldn't be returning as the Gryffindor Seeker), and Harry could tell deep down she would miss him. Despite his talent of breaking rules, he knew his old Head of House did have a soft spot for him (somewhere).

Hagrid on the other hand, made no move to hide his feelings from Harry. Once hearing the news the gentle giant broke out into tears. They were a mixture of happy ones (knowing learning from Abe was a unique privilege) and sad ones since someone he felt was like his own son was leaving. Harry felt upset for making Hagrid cry like this but then grew concerned when he blubbered out, "Don't ye worry 'Arry! I'll visit thater pub every day if I hav ter see yer!" The last thing Hagrid needed was to meet another eager magical creature salesman.

When Harry visited the Ministry to politely refuse Auror training, Kingsley and others part of the Ministry/Auror Training Program were shocked, especially since his own father was one. They were even more surprised when they found out he also wasn't attending Hogwarts either. Soon Harry became uncomfortable being around the Ministry officials (some cold tension remained from the previous year), but luckily Kingsley jumped in to save the day by announcing loudly, "It will be hard to see you go, Mr. Potter. You have been quite helpful with your suggestions to the Ministry and I could say without you me and other high ranked officials would be without a job." That shut up most of the snide remarks against Harry Potter for the rest of the visit.

Suffice to say Harry was please most of his friends weren't upset about his departure, but he was concerned for Hermione. Since the evening of Ginny's party Hermione seemed distant and troubled to Harry, but whenever he tried to confront her she denied it and quickly moved to change the subject. Her mood didn't change on the night Harry told his friends about his choice, if anything it became worst. While Hermione assured Harry she was excited for him and knew it was a great opportunity, Harry couldn't help but notice her excitement never reached her eyes.

Harry had tried to talk to Ron about Hermione to see if he could help her, but he just laughed it off saying, "Don't worry about it, mate. She's probably just jealous about all of the things you'll learn down there." But Harry just couldn't let it go, and vowed before he left for Egypt he would find out what was troubling his Hermione.

On the Night of August 31st, a Going Away/Back to School Party was held at Hogwarts. While it wasn't a Ministry Certified Party, the amount of guest almost rivaled one. All of Harry's friends, adopted family, and some people he would only describe as acquaintances or school mates showed up. Others that Harry could recognize from face were there too like Ginny's friends from her own year.

The event was going to be held at Grimmauld Place, but after Mrs. Black portrait caused Neville to faint the previous day, the venue was swiftly changed to Hogwarts. Harry actually preferred to have the event here because now he was able to see the castle in its former glory once again. The Great Hall was no longer an infirmary for the sick, but again a lively meeting place for people to converse and feel welcome. The enchanted ceiling tonight gave off a strange streams of color along with the usual enchantment (which Hermione off-handily told him was called the Aurora Borealis). Though unlike the normal Great Hall arrangement of the four house tables and one faculty table, one table was set far to the side while the Hall was left wide open for dancing and the elevated spot for the staff table was now adorned with charmed musical instruments that were playing a tune that reminded Harry vaguely of the Hogwarts Theme Song (Fred and George style).

The party itself was nothing like other wizarding parties he had been to before. Though considering his only other parties were the disastrous Yule Ball, the awkward Slughorn Party, and a death eater overrun wedding it didn't have much competition. Besides Harry's mediocre at best dancing skills, he found himself pulled onto the dance floor multiple times. Harry danced a couple times with both Ginny and Luna as friends (Harry was relieve there was no tension during his dances with Ginny), and to his surprise Mrs. Tonks and Mrs. Granger asked for a dance from the "lovely gentleman"; but Harry didn't miss the snickering husbands watching him from the side. Curiously enough though, Harry never found himself asked to dance with Hermione.

Narrowly escaping one of Ginny's giggly friends, Harry spotted Ron by the food table, but still Hermione was no where in sight. Confused, Harry approached Ron and asked, "Ron, have you seen Hermione at all?" Ron shook is head and quickly swallowed the food he had in his mouth (if Ronald Weasley was to say he learned one thing from dating Hermione Granger it would be to not speak with his mouth full) and said, "No I haven't, not since we arrived together at least. I think she said something about wanting to be alone."

Harry nodded in understanding but was confused on the inside. Why is Hermione so upset? I need to see what's been bothering her so I can help her. Merlin knows I should get while I can.

Suddenly a strong arm jerked on to Harry's. He turned around defensivley but only saw the sickly sweet face of the girl he was just trying to lose; Veronica, was her name. She was a Hufflepuff a year younger than himself, but he hardly knew her except or the fact Ginny told him she wanted to get him alone in a broom closet. "Ooh Harry," she drawled in a high pitched voice. "Don't you want to dance with me?"

Giving a 'Help me look' to Ron, he interjected, "Actually um, Veronica... I was just about to find Hermione, but I'm sure Ron here wouldn't mind dancing with you." Ron seemed to choke on some pumpkin juice while Veronica flushed in annoyance. "Um-yeah.. I would be happy to dance with you." Ron managed to choke out. He moved to take Veronica's arm from Harry's who in turn said moving her arm away, "I'll just wait for you on the dance floor, Harry."

Once she left noticeably swaying her hips, Harry gave a loud sigh and gave a sheepish 'thanks' to Ron. He laughed in return and replied, "Don't worry about it mate, it's good entertainment to see girls flirt at you. Though you should probably go find Hermione anyway. You're better at cheering up girls than I am; plus, I don't think Ginny's friends will leave you alone."

Harry agreed with Ron and after another quick thanks Harry headed to the one place he knew Hermione would go.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Hermione Granger felt absolutely helpless, which was the worst feeling in the world to her. Because the one thing Hermione did was help; that's all she knew. Whether it was helping her friends with homework to helping defeat the darkest wizard of the century, Hermione Granger was there to help. That's why when all of her friends were moving on with their lives it made her feel so...well helpless.

She should have been pleased that her friends and boyfriend for that matter were able to make decisions without her, but she wasn't. One of her biggest fears was rising and she didn't know how to conquer it. What if they move on and realize they don't need me anymore? What if Ron goes and finds a prettier girl to date in training or Harry finds a smarter witch in Egypt!

The rational side of her told her to tell somebody and let them squash her fears... But how could she! She barely conceded that she was feeling this way to herself. No, it was better to just keep quiet and not make a unneeded fuss. And while Hermione could easily fool most people about how she was feeling, Harry Potter always seemed to know the bloody truth.

Not that she could blame him, the two had spent years together and had grown to sense when the other was upset (though strangely Ron couldn't do the same); the two could read the other like a book, and at this moment it annoyed Hermione Granger greatly. Especially since the door to the Room of Requirement started to open, and she knew exactly who it was.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It didn't take long for Harry to find Hermione, in fact he got it right on the first try. Once the door to the Room of Requirement opened, Harry saw a small den much like the Gryffindor common room with a plush red couch, a blazing fire place, and a wall high shelf of books. This almost made Harry laugh but the sight of Hermione sprawled on the floor quickly squashed any hope of that. She laid a rather large book onto her stomach, but it looked long forgotten. Her face was flushed red and her eyes seemed puffy from crying.

Immediately once seeming him she quickly moved to wipe her eyes and and cried,"Harry! What are are you doing here?" Ignoring her Harry moved over to Hermione and bent down concerned,"Hermione don't hide from me, I know you've been acting strange lately. Is it because of me leaving tomorrow? If it's bothering you so much I can-" "No Harry it's not that..." Hermione interrupted

Harry didn't respond to that because she knew in time she would cave. After a moment of silence Hermione asked,"How did you find me?" Harry smirked and replied,"Well I know you would want to read something but also be somewhere where no one would find you. The library would have been your first choice but I think you read all of those books already, so you went to a place where you could be alone with the books you want."

This brought a small smile to Hermione's face and she replied,"If you study books half as hard as you do me Mr. Potter you would be quite brilliant."

Hermione sighed and let the silence continue. She knew Harry was only trying to help her and was being polite about it, but Hermione still couldn't bring herself to open up. Only when she looked into Harry's entrancing emerald eyes and saw his love and deep concern for her did she relent.

"Oh Harry... I should be happy shouldn't I? I mean.. I'm going back to school tomorrow as Head Girl, Ron's going to start Auror training soon, and you are going to have this amazing experience in Egypt! But I feel like, I don't know, like a phase of our life is ending. Which isn't a bad thing! Great things are happening, but, but Oh Harry... I'm terrified that you or Ron are going to move on, find someone better to be friends and forget about me. I'm already alone at Hogwarts.. Yes I know Ginny, Neville, and Luna will be there but they aren't you or Ron! You two were my first friends, and I don't want to lose that."

Harry didn't speak for a while which worried Hermione. I bet he thinks I'm bonkers and worrying about nothing. I knew I shouldn't have said anything-

Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry surprisingly whispered ,"You were my first friends too."

He said that more to himself but Hermione thought on it anyway. How could have they been Harry's first friends? He was nice if not a bit shy, loyal, but then it hit her. Harry wasn't ALLOWED to have friends. This just was another thing Hermione added to the list of reasons to hex the Dursleys, but before she could express her anger Harry now addressed her.

"Hermione it's ok you feel like this, honestly I felt the same way about living in Egypt.. Wait! Don't interrupt me Hermione because I know you'll say how could I not possibly make friends, and I could say the same thing to you. Listen to me Hermione Granger... Don't you ever think I'll meet a better friend than you alright! You have been there for me in the good and bad times even if your own life was at stake! And Ron.. well Ron's clueless when it comes to girls, but he will never forget you as a friend. Here." Harry seemed to pull something from his pocket out of no wear. It seemed to be a small black box intricately carved with what Hermione recognized as Ancient Runes.

"I was going to give this to Kingsley to alert me in an emergency." Harry continued,"But I think you might need it more." He opened the box and Hermione immediately saw what was inside; it was the ring she had given Harry just a month before. "Harry I can't accept this." Hermione automatically said. "Yes you will and are." Harry insisted."I'm always wearing the matching pair to this and it has only been siting in a box, now you can visit me whenever you need anything. But.. keep it sensible." Harry blushed at the thought of Hermione showing up while he was showering or sleeping.

Hermione seemed like she was going to reject the same ring his mother had worn just 16 years ago, and she almost did. Inside Hermione felt like a war was raging. How could she take the ring she had given him as a present, and not even as his fiancee, and expected to use it just because she would miss her best friend.

Simply enough, the logical answer WAS because she would miss Harry Potter, her best friend.

So with this though and a hesitant nod, Hermione slowly picked up the ring and placed it on her finger; within seconds of it touching her finger it resized to fit.

The gesture of the ring and Harry's comforting words was enough to make Hermione feel much better about the Trio's future, especially now she could still be her helpful self to Harry. With her new cheery mood Hermione said teasingly to Harry,"This engagement ring is a bit small don't you think?" Harry laughed at what Hermione was applying, but was immensely relieved his friend was feeling better."Well we can talk about it later, love." Harry said playing along with Hermione. "But would you like to rejoin to party?" It took most of the two teens strength to not burst out laughing there, but Hermione genially replied to Harry,"I'd love to."

And they did; the two laughed, danced, and socialized together most of the night. Very few times did the two leave the others side (suffice to say those times were for Ron to steal back his girlfriend), and just being with each other was the most heartfelt goodbye they could've ask for.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Far away from Britain at the ends and depths of the Universe lay Sheol, the realm of the dead. This land couldn't be tracked by a satellite nor magic, it had existed as long as life did, and would continue to exist for all eternity. Here time and other laws of the universe simpley didn't matter. The only powers here were Fate and Death, its shadow puppet.

The afterlife wasn't cruel to its inhabitants, if life had done a good then it would be rewarded. And there was only one rule, never unlock the Black Gate. This gate was the connection between Sheol, and Hell, the land of the damned souls.

Unlike Sheol in Hell all those who had only evil in their hearts were trapped, forced to do Death's bidding for infinity. Deep into Hell, lay a small white cell. This cell didn't contain an Apocalyptic monster or torture machines that could make the most evil at heart scream for mercy. No, it only contained a man. The man by any standards looked old, anything but a threat. He was bony, weak, and looked as if the slightest wind would knock him over. Despite this, the man was restrained by thousand pound metal chains forged by the strongest metal in the universe; they wrapped around his arms, legs, and another specifically trapped a thin, silver stick just out of reach of the man. This stick was a wand, which would make this man a wizard.

For a thousand years thin man had eternally bound to this room (not that he knew, if you told him he had been there for a minute he would have believed you), where no sound penetrated, not even a whisper or cry of anguish of the suffering around him. And for the thousand years the wizard was trapped here, her never made a move to escape, not even to grab his wand.

This is why Death grew cocky in his defenses against the man. Death had not visited the wizard for a hundred years now, and did not plan to. Too many souls to carry and care for. But unfortunately for Death, the one power above it, Fate, had plans; plans that called for this man, and only this man.

Slightly, oh every so slightly, exactly one thousand two hundred and five days since his originally imprisonment, the chains around the wizard became loose. No one saw this and no sound was heard. In fact if you weren't that man yourself you would have thought he hadn't noticed. But he had.

He mad no move to struggle, for he was paitent. Surely it would take time, but somehow he knew the chains would in time be no match for him; he found himself to be the most powerful man to have ever lived. All he needed to do was wait a few more years, and wait he would.

For the man who's waited a thousand years, what was just a few more?

End of Part One

What! Who's that man! What will Harry do in Egypt? With Hermione and Harry ever get together! You will just have to wait and find out *Evil Grin

So that's it guys! I am officially done with Part One! I do think this is one of my better chapters and I hope you think so too. I'm estimating to write about 4 or 5 parts and about 20k each so still a long way to go. Still I'm no thankful for everyone reading my story, and please favorite, follow, or review it!