The sound of crunching leaves and breaking sticks are not an uncommon sound to hear in the Forbidden Forest. Many living creatures make the dark and dreary wood its home after all.
What is odd however, is the fact that said dark and dreary forest, seems to be nowhere to be found. Despite the fact that Dumbledore was walking in what could be considered its heart.
The many hostile and lethal denizens were nowhere to be found. Instead the only things that could be seen were the movements of birds and their sounds, along with the occasional buck or doe.
The trees and thick coiling wood that could darken even a beautiful summer sun was replaced by lush trees with their brown trunks and green leaves. Said leaves created a gorgeous canopy, the sun shining through it with the bright blue sky peaking around the many branches. Almost like a curious child that doesn't want to be caught spying on their parents.
Dumbledore couldn't stop the appreciative smile that came across his face even if he wanted to. Both at the scenery and at the example of what a true master of magic can accomplish.
She told him that the barrier she erected was one that forced out all things that bore hostile intent. Yet he can't help but wonder if she was just being humble.
A barrier like that would need to be formed by someone above even his level. The required wards and legilimency that would be needed to create a barrier that could read and evaluate the thoughts of all things, not to mention judge them.
Dumbledore couldn't think of any wizard or witch that could accomplish something like that, except maybe the great Merlin.
And despite the monumental difficulty of such a task, he couldn't imagine that such a barrier would be able to transform the Forbidden Forest into something so different from itself.
Yet those complicated thoughts are doing nothing but spoiling the wonderful view he's walking through. So he stops thinking, and merely enjoys his surroundings as he walks towards his destination.
It takes him what he thinks is around an hour to forty-five minutes of walking to finally see the change in the forest that signifies that he arrived at his destination.
The trees around him stop and turn into a large clearing. The entire thing covered with a large field of lush healthy flowers of many colors.
Blue, purple, red, green, orange, and yellow were just some of the many colors on display. A small dirt path, wide enough to fit one person, lead to a large wooden cottage which stands in the middle of the large clearing.
However…the beauty of the view certainly couldn't distract from some of the…weirder additions to the field.
To the left sits a random car, an older model than Arthur's, if Dumbledore's recent outings into the muggle world said anything at least.
On the right and further to the back seemingly behind the house are multitudes of remarkably old statues of various people. Though a large number of them seem to be of one man in many…odd poses for a lack of a better word.
Further to left and tucked away in a corner, seemingly in an attempt to hide it. Was a massive pile of what even Dumbledore could only describe as junk. Of both wizard and muggle nature.
Just from first glance he could see various hats and robes, brooms, cauldrons, potion stands, a desk with many quills on it, some wands, which would no doubt give poor Olivander a heart attack, a full open quidditch set, somehow with inactive bludgers, one of the desks from gringots?
And that's only at first glance and only of wizard nature. There's many appliances of muggle nature that he couldn't even guess what the names were. Though he does recognize what he thinks are multiple microwaves? Is what he thinks they're called.
Dumbledore couldn't help the lighthearted laugh that escaped from his throat, over two decades have passed and this clearing has barely changed, with the exception of that pile having grown. The last time he was here had to have been…
Dumbledore's joyful mood sours slightly at the thought. The last time he was here was when Tom first started to take action. And with his thoughts drifting to that man, he remembers why he came in the first place.
With a deep breath he braces himself with what would no doubt be an arduous and surprisingly calm conversation.
One foot in front of the other. That's all he can do now. He can only hope what he brought to the table was enough for the whimsical last elf.
The old wizard took one last deep breath before lightly knocking on the wooden door.
"Come in." He barely knocked before a soft, neutral, female voice responded to him. The smile came back to his face once more. No doubt she knew he was here the second he crossed the threshold of the barrier that surpassed Hogwarts's by both size and quality.
"I hope you can forgive my intrusion. Ms. Frieren." As Dumbledore opened the door and spoke out, he became exposed to soft classical music.
When he looked to his right in what appeared to be a living room he saw a record player, sitting on a low wooden shelf that stretched out to both ends of the room. Numerous records of all types filled the long shelf.
No doubt if he asked how it was being powered she would give the same answer he gives to all new students. Magic.
"I'm in here." The same voice from before called out from another room, the kitchen if he remembered correctly. If he had an doubt before that she knew he was here before hand than it was wiped away when he walked in on her finishing making two cups of tea.
"I'm surprised you're back so soon." Dumbledore didn't stop himself from letting out an amused and slightly exasperated sigh. He already knew she was unbothered by such things.
"It's been 23 years Ms. Frieren." He looked at the white haired elf as he spoke. The long straight white hair that reached to the midpoint of her back barely moved as she turned around and handed him the cup that she preemptively made. He already knew what she was most likely going to say.
"Like I said, I'm surprised you're back so soon." Yep, just like he thought. He can't help the slightly nostalgic feeling that overcame him. While it's true that he didn't visit anywhere near the amount he used to as a student, he still was able to get to know Ms. Frieren enough to know her perception of time is vastly different to normal humans or even other magical entities.
If anything, he'd even say the long time between visits helped highlight that fact even more.
"You seem to still not understand that to humans that is not a very long time." Amusement colored his voice as he sat down in the living room area of the cottage. All over the walls were various pictures of multiple people.
A girl with purple hair longer than even Frieren holding a staff, a red haired boy the same age as her with an axe strapped to his back. Bellow it was pinned a plaque that read 'Fern & Stark'. The rest of the wall was filled with further pictures of them at various ages.
On another wall there were images of a group of 4, one a young white haired elf which was no doubt her at a younger age-and isn't that a thought in it of itself-surrounded by 3 others.
A short cloaked man the size of a modern day goblin, a green haired priest, and a man with blue hair and a sword, the same man who the majority of the odd posed statues were modeled after. A plaque under it read 'Eisen & Heiter & Himmel'
The last wall only had two different people on it, one human, and the only other elf Dumbledore has ever seen. The human was a woman with long orange hair and the elf had golden yellow hair. Both were garbed in white. The plaque under this one read 'Flamme & Serie'
All the walls were decorated with the images of these 7 people.
"You seem to keep forgetting I'm not human. It will be impossible for me to truly understand your perception of time. Just like a bird can't understand a fox." She seemed to pause talking for a moment, causing Dumbledore to look back at her. She too was looking at the images adorning her various walls.
"Something else I don't understand is why you're always so fascinated with them every time you come here." She flattened her long dress as she too sat down. Her dark green eyes staring back at him.
The front of her hair had long bangs similar to the one known as Flamme without hiding the view of her long knife shaped ears. She wore a long white skirt that went down to her ankles with a top cloak similar to the one she wore when she was younger, though this one was obviously tailored to her older and taller self.
"They are images pulled directly from your memory from when you were visually younger. Who knows how many eons ago these occurred. I certainly don't." He said with a lighthearted laugh as he took one last glance at the magically produced created images.
"I don't believe there's a scholar alive that wouldn't get lost in them." A brief comfortable silence followed his words.
It was reliving talking with her like this. With her he wasn't Dumbledore the headmaster of Hogwarts, or Dumbledore leader of the Order of the Phoenix. He didn't have to micromanage himself around her, he didn't have to appear infallible despite the many mistakes he's made of the course of his life. Around her he was just another wizard.
"Why are you here Dumbledore?" She didn't take her eyes off the walls as she spoke. If he followed her line of sight, he'd notice she was looking at an image of the blue haired swordsman, Himmel.
He didn't respond right away. As he took a sip of his tea he tried to think of what he was going to say. This wouldn't be the first time he asked her to come to his school. Though it was the first time he was this serious about it though. Lies would be useless here as well. Any falsehoods would really.
"I want you to teach at Hogwarts as the new Defense against the dark arts teacher." She didn't respond right away, though her lips did form a small smile as she turned to look at an open door behind him.
"Why defense? I feel like charms would be a more appropriate fit for me." Her words were laced with amusement and good-natured humor. He too glanced at the room behind him, a library filled with so many books that only Hogwarts's very own could surpass it. Though no doubt hers had a much more varied selection of both content and age compared to the vaunted school.
"While that is no doubt true. I'd feel bad firing professor Flitwick just to replace him with you." A subdued humor that matched her own filled his tone of voice. The small smile that kept almost leaving his face gained a little more life to it. Though that changed at the silence that followed.
"Why?" Despite the fact that the humor left her words, she didn't seem angry, or agitated. Just curious. She obviously could tell he was more serious this time than the other times he's asked jokingly.
"I believe Voldemort has returned." He set his tea on the end table next to the chair he was sitting in. Hoping to somehow convey the importance that single sentence has to the current magic community to the near immortal elf in front of him.
"Voldemort, Voldemort…hmmmm." She tilted her head, almost as if tasting the word that came from her mouth as she tried to think about where she heard it before.
"Ah. That's the man you wanted me to defeat the last time you visited me right?" Despite the fact that her tone wasn't rude at all, that the words were just trying to seek conformation to make sure that she was thinking about the right person. Dumbledore couldn't stop the flinch that followed them.
23 years ago, without telling anyone, not even the members of his order, he visited this cottage in the heart of the Forbidden Forest. To do exactly as she said. To beg to her, a wizard, no, a mage greater than all others, one who already swore to keep herself out of human and wizard history. To defeat the greatest dark lord of his time.
He pleaded to her back then to put a stop to his madness. His cruelty. How presumptuous and cowardly of him to do such a thing. Presumptuous to assume he was powerful and dangerous enough to require her intervention. Cowardly enough to try to have her fix his mistakes.
He shook his head free of those darker thoughts. While it's true that he didn't have to be perfect around her in his thoughts and actions, it still wouldn't do to dwell on a past he regrets.
"Yes, that's him." She let out a small hum at the conformation as she took a sip of her tea. Savoring the taste before she swallowed. At her silence he felt the need to continue.
"2 years ago. Another defense against the dark arts teacher. One Mr. Quirrel, was possessed by what I believe to be a portion of Voldemort's soul. In order to steal a philosopher's stone I kept hidden at the castle. Just last year, another fragment of his soul was inhabiting a notebook that he owned when he was still a student, he controlled a student this time in order to spread fear throughout the school. Not to mention commanding a basilisk to attack the muggle born students. And now this year. Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison, a known associate of Voldemort. Once is coincidence, twice is suspicion, and third is confirmation."
She stayed silent except for a single raised brow. He couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking right now as she tapped her finger on the armrest of her chair.
"A portion of his soul?" Resignation filled him as she instantly noticed his wording. Not that he was trying to hide it. But it is something he doesn't particularly like talking about, or maybe he's just not used to being honest with his thoughts and suspicions.
"It is of my belief, that Voldemort created several horcruxes. He infused pieces of his soul, which he deliberately shattered into objects in a bid to obtain immortality." A grimace came on Frieren's face, which is probably the closest to disgust that she ever looks.
"For once I'm glad I don't know a spell. It sounds revolting." Despite the neutral sound of her voice, he could feel what she thought on the matter. Which was a mix of confusion and revolution just like he said. As if she just watched someone make a mistake and can't seem to understand why. He leaned back in his chair as he remembered times past.
"Voldemort was always obsessed with death, or at least in ways to avoid it. Even going so far as to change his name from Tom Riddle to Voldemort. Which means flight of death." Dumbledore pointedly ignored the small snicker that came from his current conversation buddy. Though a semblance of the smile he had when he came in returned. He does suppose the name is a little funny.
"It wouldn't surprise me that he'd go as far as to make horcuxes to become immortal. It's also the only explanation I can think of as to how there could be a piece of his soul around." He pinched the bridge of his nose as a headache was starting to make itself known to him. No doubt as a result of the discussion topic.
"I'm shocked. Not even demons went that far. Then again, that could be a result of their pride more than their inability to accomplish it. Though I can't help but confess confusion as to why you're telling me this." Once again hearing Frieren talking about demons makes him all the more grateful that neither he, nor any other wizard has seen one.
"It's because I believe Tom, and by that extent Sirius Black, Is after one of my third year students, Harry Potter. He is the reason why Tom was ever defeated. Or at least his mother was, it's my belief that when Lilly Potter gave her life to save her son's, her love for him allowed the killing curse Tom cast at the boy to reflect back at him and kill him instead." When he looked back to Frieren she had a deadpan look on her face.
"Wizard's still haven't come up with a way to block or counter that spell?" Despite it being obvious, Dumbledore still has to remind himself that the person he was talking to was the oldest living being on the planet, and the reason for her disappointed question is because of her faith in humanity. Therefore, it was with a sigh of exasperation that he respond to her.
"No Ms. Frieren. I'm afraid we have not. Though back to the topic at hand, I'm sure you realize now why I am telling you all of this." To his relief she nodded.
"You want me to protect him. Though I have to ask in return. Do you lack that much faith in your ability to protect him that you're coming to me?" Somehow her questions never cease to cause more damage to him than any duel he's ever been in.
"As much as it pains me to say this no, I am not. This is the third time something has happened in a row that I could do nothing against. He was able to possess or control both a professor and a student twice now. The first time he unleashed a troll in my school. The second a basilisk. So frankly no, I am no longer confident in my, my staff's, or my school's ability to keep him out." It almost physically hurt him to admit this, especially after having to be the image of rightness and stability for so long. But it is the truth, and it is nice to say the truth without hesitation for once.
"I see. I understand why you've decided to come to me for this. Though that doesn't answer another question. Why now?" She finally put her finished tea down on the end table next to her. Giving him her full concentration. Her dark green eyes feeling as vast as the very forest that they're currently in.
"You'll have to forgive me but I'm afraid I don't understand the question. Or at least how the answer is any different from the one I already gave." If she was annoyed by Dumbledore's lack of understanding she didn't show it. Then again he doesn't think she actually would be annoyed.
"This is not the first time Hogwarts has been exposed to danger. There has been countless times the school and its students have been under threat. Quite a few happened when you were the headmaster too. I don't understand why now is different from the past." She talked slowly, no doubt trying to be considerate. Just like a teacher would go through things step by step for a confused student. If her question didn't throw him for such a loop he'd even appreciate it.
He…he never thought about it like that. He looked to the floor and stroked his beard as he started to think about things he never thought about before. That he didn't know to think about before.
What is different about now? Why is he only coming to her now and not the other times the school has been in crisis? It certainly hasn't been the first time his student's have been in danger. If anything there has shockingly been zero casualties so arguably the situation can even be considered better than past struggles. So…why?
The silence that claimed the room dragged on longer and longer as Dumbledore went through the first instance of self-reflection that he's had in a long time.
Yet Frieren was willing to wait. So a tranquil silence filled the room as she did just that. The only sound the ticking of a wall clock. Finally, he opened his mouth to answer.
"I feel responsible. Guilty. For letting Tom become Voldemort. For not being there when Harry's and so many other's family was killed by Tom's hand. For having him stay with some of the worst examples of muggles around, just to keep the protection Lily placed on him around for a bit longer. For not being able to just, drag Harry away from all this just because of a prophecy…I would like to at least make his school life safe."
He never truly realized how strongly he felt about this. Sure he knew he always felt some sense of guilt for everything that happened but he didn't know how guilty he truly felt till now…
It's…refreshing so to speak. Learning about himself just a bit more deeply than he did before he arrived.
He never really learned about magic from Frieren. Yet somehow he thinks he learns something new every time he comes here. When he finally looked up at her she had a sad smile on her face.
"While I do understand at least, I'm sure you already know what my answer is going to be." Yes, he did. He always knew. Her time was over. It was time for humanity and wizards to shape their history, not elves and mages. But, that's why he didn't come empty handed.
"What if I had something to offer you of sorts." This was the moment, this is what would truly decide whether or not she'd actually agree or not. She seemed to frown for a moment before a somewhat smug look came across her face.
"While it's true that back during my adventuring days I would be willing to do anything for any miniscule grimoire or spell this is something I'm afraid I can't be bribed for. Though if you do want to still give me whatever spell you've discovered or created that might you think would interest me I would gladly do some other task you want me to do. I'd be more than willing to make you a staff, capture or kill a few monsters, gather some-" On and on she was going, it's always fascinating seeing someone so old and powerful act this way.
It also felt like justification for how he acts sometimes too. After all if someone eons older than him can act childishly sometimes why can't he? Though she'd probably go on forever if he didn't get to the point now.
"Aureole." That seemed to give her pause, not in shock, but that the name came up at all. Once again her head tilted, almost as if it's a requirement to do so whenever she becomes confused.
"What about it?" She didn't even question how he knew about it. Then again, she wasn't exactly hiding its existence, she just didn't mention it much at so perhaps it wasn't too surprising.
"I don't know what it is, not truly. But I do know the few times it was brought up you seemed to be lost in thought, and the look in your face was never necessarily a happy one. What if I told you I've heard that word outside of here recently?" That got her attention. Her eyes locked onto his own as she seemed to process what he said.
"Where?" There was an intensity to her voice that wasn't there before. An intensity that he has only seen once before, and that was when she refused to fight Tom. Well it seemed his incentive would work at least.
Dumbledore didn't say anything, just a small slightly ashamed smile on his face.
"Oh. So that's your game then." It was her turn to lean back in her chair with an audible exhale.
"What is Aureole? I've only heard it mentioned from you a few times, and yet it seemed important." He's always been a bit curious, his curiosity was one of his many faults, though not one he particularly felt ashamed of.
It would also be beneficial to know more about the cards he has currently, frankly all of this has been a massive gamble, one that hopefully will work out in his favor.
She didn't say answer him right away, only looking out the back window in response. At the statue garden outside.
She seemed to be thinking, whether reminiscing about the past or trying to figure out what to say he wasn't sure. Though it would only be fair for him to extend the same courtesy she did to him. So he waited patiently in the silence, until she felt the need to respond.
"Aureole…I guess you can call it an adventure I never finished, or a destination I never reached." She seemed to trail off at the end there, her mind no doubt going back to her thoughts of the long distant past. It took a moment for him to finally respond to her.
"This, destination of yours…it means a lot to you doesn't it?" She turned herself back around to him as she tried to take a sip of her empty tea cup. Based off the slight look of disappointment on her face she no doubt forgot she had already drained the cup.
"I suppose it does." She placed her empty cup back on the end table where it already was. Content to let the current silence fester between them. Seeing no need to speak until he spoke first.
"And you coming and teaching at Hogwarts means probably just as much to me. You only really need to talk about ways to defeat or defend various kinds of magical beasts and darker forms of magic." The serious look on his face made way for a small smile. "Though I certainly wouldn't mind you giving some magic advice as well."
She stared at him with her signature neutral look, he was really hoping he didn't overstep just now. Though he does have to admit even he would probably sit in on her classes occasionally if she accepted.
"How long would this be for?" She seemed to be speaking in a flatter tone then before. Despite how expressive she can be sometimes with the changes in her facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, she could also completely still those when she truly wanted to, making her unreadable.
"5 years. Harry's a third year right now and students graduate after their seventh year." He can only hope that the anticipation and hope that he's feeling currently isn't leaking into his voice right now. Though the longer she seemed to not respond the more those emotions started to die. Till finally, she let out a deep sigh that sounded almost…resigned?
"I suppose a mere 5 years isn't long at all." There was a small pout on her face, almost as if she was annoyed at the very words that she was speaking. He instantly leaned forward a little, the words seemed to give him the answer that he was looking for, but he wanted, no, he needed confirmation.
"Does that mean?" She gave him a look when he asked that, one that screamed that he knew what it meant. She sat up straight and tried to show a smug face as she did, though it only ended up look like when one of his students was showing of their grades to their parents. How she pulled off such a look when she looks like she's in her early twenties not even he knew.
"Yep. Feel grateful for the great me has decide to acquiesce to your request and teach at your school. Hm Hm." He instantly felt all the tension leave him at her words. The smile that he had on his journey here instantly came back in full. He leaned back in the chair as he felt relief that his efforts to convince her had succeeded. "Indeed I am, truly."
"Good, though I want full access to your library. If I'm going to be teaching there I expect to be able to take advantage of it." If it were anyone else, hearing those words from a potential member of the faculty would be a bad sign. But knowing her it would just mean that she was going to read every single book in his library.
"Of course. Consider the Hogwarts library and its restricted section completely open to you. Though I do hope you don't let your exploration distract you too much from your classes." He couldn't stop the amused look that came on his face as the conversation turned from serious to lighthearted.
"You have so little faith in me." He let out a light chuckle as she pouted once more. For someone probably older than every living thing on the planet combined, she could certainly act childish. Then again so could he, maybe it is just something that happens the older one gets. Though he stopped his laughter as he noticed her gain a look of contemplation on her face.
"Maybe I should set up a barrier around the school? Similar in nature to the one I have set up here?" She spoke out loud, seemingly just voicing her internal thoughts and not directly talking to him.
"Hm, while I'm glad you'd go that far, I'm afraid I'd have to decline. Hogwarts is not the forbidden forest, where humans are few and far between. If the wards suddenly kept everyone out with any kind of hostile intent than I'd say a very large amount of people would no longer be able to enter. Not to mention only a witch or wizard of your caliber would be able to alter the wards in anyway in case of special circumstances." He shook his head slightly, as much he'd like to see her cast such a spell there were too many reasons to not do so.
"Hm, then how about I make it to prevent those that only show hostility to Harry Potter?" Dumbledore raised his brow at that, the only evidence that he was shocked that she could change her barrier spell in such a way.
"Then that would restrict half of slytherin house. Besides, it would be impossible to hide you casting the barrier itself and people would start asking questions. Better to just leave Hogwarts alone. Though you're not the only one who had the same idea." He interlocked his hands as he imagined the most loathsome creature he could think of. "The ministry has saw fit to gift Hogwarts with Azkaban's wardens. Dementors now roam the skies around Hogwarts."
Her eyes narrowed slightly after hearing what else was moving in. "I see. I'm surprised anyone would think that's a good idea. Putting one of the most disgusting beasts around children seems like a recipe for disaster. Should I kill them? Wouldn't be the first time I've done it, it seems like they might need a reminder." The way she talked about them seemed more like how someone saw something that merely grossed them out, like when one didn't like the taste of something and not one of the most dangerous known magical creatures known.
"I'm afraid the ministry would definitely notice if one of their thought to be immortal guards suddenly disappears permanently, though I wouldn't complain if you drove them off if they got too close." She started to pout slightly again. "I don't think that's a good idea but if must very well."
"You seem to not like them very much-not that I disagree-but I am curious as to why that is? I've never heard you talk about any creature other than demons with any sort of dislike." It was a fair question he thought.
"I guess I'm just not a big fan of their choice of food." A good enough reason in his opinion. Feeding on fear and souls is a rather dreadful diet.
"Though I think that's enough talking about Hogwarts. I think it's time for you to hold up your end of this arrangement." She spoke with a soft yet slightly eager smile. With this kind of reaction he wonders if she ever truly stopped looking for this 'Aureole'. He let out a small sigh before he acquiesced.
"It was first discovered by wizards researching Yetis in the northern artic, well I guess it would be more appropriate to say the muggles that found it were first discovered by them. They too were researchers, apparently they were researching the pole when one of their members fell through the ice and into an underground cavern. Surprisingly with actual dirt and grass. In it was a temple or shrine of sorts. After the muggles were able to retrieve their fellow member and left the wizards were able to enter instead. The language in and around it were extremely old and resistant to any and all sorts of translation charms. With the exception of one word."
"Aureole." She held her chin as she interrupted him, no doubt thinking a mile a minute. He just barely heard what she muttered under her breath.
"So we just didn't go far enough huh." It seems she only just remembered she was still there as she looked up at him. "Thank you. For letting me know, I'll make sure to apparate over after I take care of somethings."
"No need to rush yourself, Classes only begin at the end of the month after all. Though I should remind you that Hogwarts has wards to prevent apparition, and I'd prefer if you didn't shatter them with your arrival." Dumbledore let out a sheepish chuckle as he imagined the panic she'd no doubt cause without even intending to.
"Just let me know when you'll be coming and I'll meet you in the courtyard." He stood up brushing himself off as he did so and looked down at the still seated elf with a thankful smile.
"You don't understand how truly grateful I am, Ms. Frieren, though I suppose it's Professor now. I'm in your debt." He said with a small chuckle and bow of his head.
...
The sun was only just now setting as she watched Dumbledore start the long walk back to Hogwarts. She only left her window after he disappeared out of sight and walked up to one of the walls that Dumbledore was examining just moments before.
"I guess it might be fun, teaching after so long."
She spoke to one of the pictures on said wall. The one she was looking was looking at contained a girl with long purple hair smiling while holding the hand of a red haired youth. A soft nostalgic smile on her face as times long since passed flashed through her mind.
"Right? Fern."
Hello everybody. First, I want to say thank you for reading my second fic ever (if you could even count my first attempt as a fic. I want to start off with saying the update schedule for this will not be concrete with me having to juggle college and my own personal drive to write. I'd love to hear any kind of feedback you have so please don't hesitate to tell me what you think.