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Author: harry_ginny1234 Story: Dumbledore's Biggest Mistake Rating: Teens Status: WIP Warning: Violence, extreme language, sexual situations Reviews: 11 Words: 80,153
Harry rose from where he had been reclining and faced an older couple who stood smiling at him. They were obviously the ones who had spoken. He just started to realise he had no wand to defend himself if they were to attack when their words registered. Harry stood gobsmacked. "B...b...but I was supposed to go back to my younger body to help ensure that Tom Riddle couldn't win. I can't go to my Next Great Adventure. I have to go back to fight for those I care about..." he stammered. "Yes, Harry. We know you have much to do, but you have to prove yourself to the Fates and the High Council of Magics. The first thing you will need to do is follow us," the woman said with a warm and inviting smile. "What is this about proving myself to the Fates and this High Council of Mages?" "It is High Council of Magics not mages. And you have to prove that you are worthy of being sent back to sort out the problems you want to solve. This is normal whenever a powerful witch or wizard dies in the manner you chose. Were you a weak nobody or had you wanted to go back only a few days, you would have simply been sent back. But you wish to change so much, that you must prove yourself worthy of it," the man said calmly. Harry had a moment of indecision in which he noticed that he was still standing on the grassy knoll where he had arrived some time earlier. Then realizing that his only choices were to either follow the couple or go toward the city across the plain below, he made a decision. "Very well, it seems that I have no choice. I will come with you." "Oh, but you always have a choice. Now come along, youngster," the man said holding out his hands to both Harry and the woman. "We will Apparate together; it will get us there faster." Harry paled. "How do I know that I can trust you? This could still be a trap, and you could be Death Eaters who have come to stop me." "Harry, the Council is waiting for you; now, you can either trust us or get there on your own. You do know the way, do you not?" Harry shook his head to indicate a negative to that question. "Very well," the man said. "Now come along, we must hurry." Making an impulsive decision like he was well known for, Harry stepped forward and took the man's hand. Remembering the other times he had used side-along Apparation, he braced himself for the squeezing feeling, but was surprised when it never came. He stood there gobsmacked and stared around him. They were in a villa that consisted of many small buildings and one large one. As they approached the latter, a strange assortment of people passed through a set of double doors in the front; most of them seemed to be on very important business. The older couple escorted Harry toward the doors and the woman said, "This is where you will meet the High Council of Magics. They are waiting for you. We must leave you now, but we will come to collect you when you finish." Harry started toward the door, but stopped and turned to the couple. "Is there anyone I should ask for while I am in here?" Glancing at one another, both older people smiled; the man said, "You will meet many people in this building. Some of them will guide you, while others will try to hinder you. It is up to you to decide the outcome, but always let your heart determine your actions." The woman took over the explanation and said, "You are about to face all manners of tests and trials; some will make your worst nightmares seem like a pleasant dream. Stay strong; remember who you are, and why you are here. That will help you pass them." She smiled indulgently at him before shooing him through the doorway and pointing him toward a different door on the left side of the hall. Before the door closed behind him, the old man added, "One more thing, you will be unable to knowingly speak a falsehood during these trials. Good luck, grandson." Harry glanced back but the door was closed. So those were my grandparents? Cool. Now to find the person I am here to see, Harry thought. Ahead of him was a hall with doors on each side. The doors were numbered so that the odd numbers were on the left, and the even numbers were on the right. As Harry looked at the hall, he noticed there was a plaque on the wall beside him that read: Seeker, Harry looked ahead of him and to his left he saw room number one. Sighing, he said, "Guess I should get started," before walking up to the door and calmly knocking on it. He was told to enter, so gripping the handle he turned it and did so. "Next case is one Harry James Potter, a British wizard seeking to go back in time to correct some major mistakes. Come in and have a seat," said an older looking Asian man who was sitting behind a desk, motioning Harry to a plush armchair in front of him. Harry took the offered seat cautiously looking around the room as he did. "Sir, if you don't mind my asking, how do you know my name?" The older man stared at Harry, or, more correctly, stared through him, before saying, "I know the history of every person who enters this room and the story of why they do so. You like many others seek the opportunity of travelling back into the past in order to correct what you see as the mistakes of your life." "Yes, sir," Harry said. "I do seek that opportunity. What I need to know, is how being in this building can help me to have it granted? Sir," Harry conceded, "I know I am being rather abrupt, but I feel the need to be totally honest with you." After a moment, the old man nodded and said, "Understandable, but you must realize that the choices and mistakes we each make in our lives are part of a learning process that makes us into who and what we are." This gave Harry a sinking feeling as the old man continued talking. "I am unsure if allowing you to return to the past is an advisable thing to do. It is uncertain if the changes you wish to make would alter the outcome of events or not. However," he looked Harry directly in the eye and nodded, "I will allow for the possibility of my being wrong this time." "Thank you, sir..." Harry began enthusiastically but was stopped when the old man continued, "Do not thank me yet, youngster. You must still prove yourself along the way; I must decide which members of the High Council of Magics you will face in your trials. Twenty-nine rooms await you, this one being the first, and the last one is where Lord Kronos will be found. Each trial and test that you face will teach you a lesson. Learn each lesson well, or you will fail the trial and be found unworthy to continue." He paused and noted the determined look in Harry's eyes before continuing. "Now prove yourself to me by answering these six questions; you must do so honestly before you may move ahead to the next room. Prepare yourself." After drawing a deep breath to steady him self, Harry said, "I am ready." "So certain are you? Very well. The questions you must answer are: "First, why do you think it necessary to return to your past to solve the situation you were faced with? "Second, do you think it is wise to make the changes that you plan in your life and why? "Third, what do you think gives you the right to make these changes if you are allowed to go through with your plan? "Fourth, why are you so certain that you are ready to face these trials? "Fifth, how do you expect to interact with your younger self? "Sixth, and last, give me one good reason why I should let you pass my test." Keen to answer each question as truthfully as possible, Harry sat for a minute to consider his answers before he began. "In answer to your first question, people whose advice and opinion I trust told me that the only possible choice to fix the mistake that had been made was for me to return to my past and make a set of changes that would lead to a different result. I had to try in order to give us a chance at surviving. I could not let the Darkness rule unchallenged for a millennium." The old man nodded and Harry continued. "The answer to your second question, sir, is no, I do not think it wise; however, I am aware of the need to make at least some changes and I feel the rest will complement the ones that are needed well enough. More importantly, as you said yourself, sir, it is our choices and mistakes that make us who and what we are. I know of some of my mistakes and missteps over the period of time in question, and feel that I can do a better job of solving some of the problems I am faced with now that I have a chance at a second opportunity. "The wisest choice would have been to fulfill the responsibilities I was given, but I found myself in a no win situation where first the magical and then the Muggle worlds would have suffered greatly from my failure. What gives me the right to make the changes I plan is that I was given a task and now I have to fulfill it." A puzzled expression came on the old man's face, but Harry continued, "The truth is that I am not ready, but you told me that to achieve the goal I have set for me, I have no other choice. I must face these trials and surmount them in order to achieve my goal." Then Harry smiled. "The next one is easy. I honestly have no idea exactly how I will interact with my younger self. I believe that I will be able to advise myself, and to possibly use the Room of Requirement as a classroom and training room. However, if you know of other methods I could use, I would not be against learning them from you, sir." With a breath to calm himself, Harry ended his speech. "The answer to your final question is that I promised Ginny that I would not fail. My reason for this is love, sir; there is no better reason why you should let me pass this test than love. I've known so little of it in my life, but I made a promise to the one woman who truly loves me, and I will not break it, no matter what I must do." The old man sat quietly for a few moments contemplating the answers that had just been given to his questions. This youngster had a lot of nerve to bring up that reason to let him pass. And in doing so, the old man had found himself developing a new respect for the young man seated in front of him. Smiling to himself, he determined that it was time to conclude the interview. "Very well, youngster. I will let you pass; you may proceed to the next door down the hall and I will have the rest of your testers and judges available when you leave." Harry found he was having trouble controlling the cheering in his heart at the sound of being told that he had passed. The old man continued talking however and Harry knew he should be paying attention. "...you will be able to spend as much time as necessary in each room, and you will neither age, nor will the surrounding environment change while you are there. You will learn much by simply paying close attention to those judging you. Now on with you." With that taken care of, the old man returned to the paperwork on his desk. ~ * ~ Harry approached the second door with little hesitation. Having faced and passed the first test so easily, he felt certain that they would save the difficult stuff for later. After all it was only the second door, how hard could it be? he thought. He knocked and was again told to enter. Turning the door handle, Harry found himself facing three women, or what seemed like women. The oldest of the three looked at him with something of a calculating stare and the youngest, as if he had broken her favourite toy, but the middle one smiled at him and asked, "Won't you join us for a cuppa, Harry?" "I would be honoured, except your friends do not seem to desire my presence here," he replied. "Do not mind my sisters; they have their own grievances to discuss with you," the middle one said again. With that she waved her hand and a cup and saucer materialized on the table in front of a vacant chair that had also just appeared. Her smile caused Harry to feel he could trust her. So he did as bidden. Seating himself, Harry accepted the offered cup of tea with a gracious smile and a "Thank you." He took a sip of the tea and then said calmly, "May I ask your names, please?" Again the middle sister spoke. "Certainly," she said. Indicating the sister on her left she added, "This is my older sister Death," then pointing to the younger one, "this is my younger sister Fate, and I am called Life." Then gesturing collectively to all three of them she said, "We are often referred to by many names depending on who we are working with. We are triplets, but each has taken an appearance reflecting her duties and personality." "Okay, I am guessing that each of you have some questions for me or some type of test?" Harry prompted. "Why are you in a hurry to get to the bad part; we were hoping to sit and have a pleasant conversation with you," Life said. Death spoke up then, "This one is always in a hurry. Just like his father. Rush, rush, rush... I want it now... the usual things these youngsters say." Harry looked taken aback before the youngest spoke up. "Yes, sister, what are you planning for this spoiled brat? He ruined my fun. I think he should go back and see her tortured and killed. She is depending on him to save her; maybe she should see just how hopeless placing her faith in him really is?" Her evil grin, more than her words, made Harry want to reach across the table and strangle this young girl. Seeing the look on Harry's face, Life smiled and said, "Sisters, is it possible that you have misjudged this young man? He seems neither a spoiled brat nor to be in a rush. I will admit that he has made some rash decisions. Some have even cost the lives of people he cares about, but I must say he seems to want to get his trials over so he can move forward. I am sure it is for a valid reason." Harry was shocked, but he still held his glare for Fate. Her words had hurt. And he was sure she was enjoying his discomfort more than was good for him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that Life's words required an answer so he nodded his head to indicate an affirmative answer, not trusting himself to speak. Life looked at her sisters and said, "I think it best that we help young Harry along his path. I shall begin." Turning to address him directly, she said, "Harry, our test for you is for you to answer one question apiece. My question for you is what do you think the meaning of life is?" The silence of the other two told Harry they were waiting for him to answer before asking their own questions. Sitting and thinking about what it could mean, Harry realized he had little understanding about the question being asked, so he asked for clarification. "The question you asked me has so many possible answers; I need some clarification of the meaning of the question. Do you mean life as in living things, or life as in my life?" "I mean," she began, "what do you think the meaning of life is?" "Okay, I guess I can give the answers to each possible meaning." Pausing for a breath, Harry continued, "What I believe the meaning of life to be. First, I believe the meaning of life in reference to all living things is that each living being has a right to its life. I believe that it has a right to makes its own decisions. I believe that when the time comes for that individual's life to end, it deserves the same dignity that it would give any other being. "When I think of the other meaning of your question, I can only say, 'What life?'. I have never had anything in my personal experience that could possibly be defined as life based on the description I just gave. I have never been given the chance to make a decision for myself. Well, a major decision. Some minor ones like what to eat or how to play Seeker, but those are not real decisions that could be of any use to me in life beyond a couple of hours. I was often referred to by the term 'the-boy-who-lived.' That is a lie; the correct term would have been 'the-boy-who-survived.' I survived the Killing Curse meant to end my life as a child, and I found myself many times allowing myself to be used as a weapon against Voldemort by so many. So many people celebrated a victory when to me it is only the day my parents died. They all looked up to me, and nothing I could do would really help them. I have never really lived, so I can't truthfully answer the question as it pertains to my life." Harry nodded to let them know he was finished, and took a sip of tea to wet his mouth to answer the next question. The oldest then said, "Very well, Mr. Potter, I will ask the next question you must answer. What to you is the true meaning of courage?" She stared at Harry as she waited. Harry watched those severe eyes for what seemed to be forever before he was able to put his thoughts into words. "The only definition I have ever heard for courage is doing what is right no matter how difficult it is. I am sure you expect more of an answer than that but I have nothing more." He sipped his tea again while waiting for the final question. The youngest then asked him, "What do you think is your destiny? The one you are trying to hide from?" Harry's last answer was the most disappointing of all. "Well, based on everything I have known in my life; I must conclude that it is to suffer and lose everyone who matters to me. Then, when it can't get any worse, I will either have to be murderer or murdered dealing with Voldemort. And after all of that is done, I am to be alone as I have always been. Having the occasional friend, but deprived of ever knowing true love. You made that clear with your first remark about me." All three women sat with looks of shock on their faces. Whatever they had been expecting, it most certainly wasn't that. They sat speechless for a minute before Fate called for a conference and ushered her sisters to the corner. They each expressed their shock and surprise at Harry's answers, and after a quick debate decided to return to their chairs to correct his errors and explain each point of their questions to him. Her voice soothing, Life began, "Harry, I must admit that your answers disappoint us. You have missed so much of what my sisters and I wanted you to understand. Your answer to my question, for instance, shows that you have little understanding of what I am asking. " She paused for a breath before continuing, "There is more to the meaning of life than what you perceive. One excellent example is your young wife; she understood that life meant that, when facing troubles, you don't give up but continue to fight and never surrender. She also understood that she needed to rely upon those who loved her when things got too difficult to cope with, instead of pushing them away as you did. Life is not simply being able to make our own choices; it is also to learn and grow from their consequences. Her mistakes taught her to be less trusting of whom she allowed into her life. Yes, she dated other boys, but she never really felt comfortable letting them get close. You were the one she always wanted to trust, but you were always too busy, and afraid of doing what you had to do. Let us just say that, had you befriended her earlier rather than later, the prophecy that led to this situation would have easily been fulfilled. "You, on the other hand," Life concluded, "have failed to gain knowledge from so many mistakes that you missed needed chances to learn, grow, and live. If nothing else, you must learn that failure can be as instructive as success. In short, what you needed to have said and understood was that life is learning and growing from our choices and actions in order to make the world a better place for ourselves and those around us." Fate then took the opportunity to speak up, "Harry, please understand that your destiny is not to lose everything and everyone. It is very much the opposite. Your parents chose to give their lives trying to protect you. They made the choice to try to make your world better. True, your life with the Dursleys was not anticipated, but that is just one of many choices that were made in an attempt to make your world and life better." Fate continued, "Your destiny is to live, grow old, and have a large family. You are the only person who could have stopped Tom Riddle. You will note that I am not using that fake name he chose for himself." Fate smiled. "He has now won, and will rule unchallenged unless you complete this set of trials. You must be aware that, although you will have to end his life, there is a difference between committing murder and defending those that you love. A person has the right and, indeed, the duty to defend those they find in need of protection. Riddle and his followers have slaughtered so many innocent people that you would be doing a service to the world, and to yourself, to send him to his Next Great Adventure." Fate looked at her sisters and waited for Death to conclude the discussion. Glancing at Harry for a moment, Death then began to study the table and finally said, "The answer you gave was not nearly enough for me to allow you to pass. I see that you have a basic understanding of courage, so I am going to give you the answer that I wanted to hear. You should remember this if you remember nothing else said here. 'Doing what is right no matter how easy it is' is only a part of true courage. It is still easier to do what is right if you are sure of yourself. "True courage is doing what is right no matter what others say, and doing it simply because it has to be done. A real hero, one who shows true courage, will be the individual who does what is right even though they may be absolutely terrified of the consequences to be faced for doing so. They will willingly lay down their life for an innocent or for someone else who cannot protect themselves. Your parents showed true courage, as did many who were guarding Hogwarts this day. "True courage is also standing for and defending what and who we believe in." With that thought, the image of a younger Ginny standing up to a much taller Malfoy in a bookshop came to Harry. It was only five years ago, but it seemed like another lifetime. "Yes, Harry, she showed true courage. You, however, showed even truer cowardice." Harry looked down and suddenly found the table pattern very interesting, too. Fate again began to speak. "I know this is difficult for you to hear, and it is even more difficult to say. You must know what we are saying and believe it, or you will never pass the tests you will face later. I know you were given a difficult life, but the rewards I tried to give you would have more than made up for the pain. While we cannot let you pass our room based on your answers," Harry's face took on a horrified expression, but Fate continued, "my sisters and I will let you go on if you agree to do a service for us." Harry's expression began to change from horror to suspicion. "Not just any service," Fate said. "You must send us the soul of the Dark wizard known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. Swear that if you pass all of the trials, you will do this as soon as possible. When you have agreed, we will let you pass." Glancing at each of the sisters, Harry said, "I, Harry James Potter, do hereby swear that I will send the soul of Tom Marvolo Riddle to you at the earliest possible opportunity." "You sound rather certain of yourself," all of the sisters said in unison. "I won't fail you. I'm not afraid," was Harry's quick reply. "You will be," was all Death said as they dismissed him. ~*~ Harry moved from room to room completing each task and test as they were set for him, until he stood outside the last door, waiting for his grandparents to come and collect him. He took the time to review everything that had happened after meeting the three Fates. He had next met with the ancient wizard Merlin Ambrosias, who, it turned out, was an ancestor of both himself and Albus Dumbledore. Merlin had instructed him in the use of natural magic, often referred to as wandless magic. Harry remembered how Merlin kept up a constant lecture about emotions and the need to focus them in an effort to control the magic. "The stronger the emotion, the stronger the magical response will be. It takes a stronger emotion to lift a rock than to lift a feather," Merlin said on more than one occasion during the instruction time. Despite his constant talking, Merlin watched Harry closely and was quick to offer correction when it was needed. Eventually, Harry could perform all of the spells he had learned at school naturally and this brought that lesson to an end. Merlin's parting words still rang in Harry's ears. "Good luck, lad. You're going to need all you can get. And one more thing, do not abuse or forget what I have taught you, or you will fail all future tests, and I am not just speaking of the ones you are facing in these halls." Focusing on kissing Ginny, Harry muttered, "Orchideus," and a rose appeared in his outstretched hand. Then his mind drifted to his time studying with Isis and Osiris, who had challenged him to complete an obstacle course within a set time limit. Easy enough, he had thought before beginning. After almost failing to complete it, though, he had humbly admitted that he needed not only help, but also more training in natural magic. They had taught him more in that field and begun to introduce him to elemental magic while encouraging him to think about his actions before acting. "Always think before entering any situation; sometimes the answer you seek will present itself to you in the most unusual of ways," Isis had told him, to which her husband had added, "Seek the help of that which is around you. The earth and sky may provide you with allies." They had been pleased when, in a duel later that day, Harry had approached the situation logically as he had been instructed. He had begun to Summon, levitate, and Banish rocks both as a distraction for his opponent and as a shield for himself. Osiris's departing words to Harry came to him clearly. "If she is worth fighting for, then trust her to know that you are as well." Harry looked around him and saw a few small stones on the floor; these he made rise and move about the hall for a minute or two, then he let his mind wander to his instruction by Huan-Ti; the old man had taught him patience and decision making, calming techniques, and Occlumency. Learning to be patient had been really difficult, but it had ultimately allowed him to learn this art. His favourite sayings were, "We practice meditation in order to see ourselves as we truly are and life as it truly is," and, "Your mind is your instrument; learn to be its master and not its slave." Harry needed only a moment to empty his mind, and lock away his memories. What that idiot Snape had called himself teaching him was certainly not Occlumency, but, as he had suspected, had been meant to weaken his already nonexistent mental defences. He thought to himself with a chuckle, Oh that worthless idiot is in for some real surprises when he tries to invade my younger self's mind. Next came Athena, and again Harry was almost defeated before he had really begun. She had challenged him to a game of chess. At first he had been worried, knowing he was never very good at that game. But he quickly began to realize that the pieces themselves knew what they were talking about, so he began to ask the king and queen for advice before making each move. Most of the suggestions he followed, but occasionally made his own decisions. Eventually, though he didn't win, Harry managed to battle to a stalemate. As a reward, the goddess imparted some of her legendary wisdom to him, building on what Huan-Ti had taught him. However, she emphasized the need for wisdom and forethought in all actions during either war or peace. She was fond of telling him, "You must always be aware of everyone and everything around you. While peaceful co-existence is preferable for a long and happy life, being prepared for conflict is sure to relieve some problems before they arise. Fighting is not the best option, but when it is necessary, it should be ended as quickly as possible in order to minimize the danger to others." She also taught him to better focus his thoughts and also his magic. This allowed him to learn Legilimency and to master Occlumency. These skills proved useful with his next instructor. She was most famous for having turned men into pigs, and Harry remembered how nervous her reputation had made him. Acknowledged as the best Transfiguration Mistress ever, Circe simply explained that she had been experimenting with a potion that would change a person into their Animagus form, and that she had been vilified in "The Odyssey" because Homer did not like women who chose to think for themselves. She questioned him repeatedly on this subject and found herself amused at the answers she had been given. She also challenged him about his love for Ginny, but he had stood firm on that account. Under her instructions, Harry sat about meditating, focusing his magic in order to learn his Animagus form. He was surprised when not one but seven animals answered his call. Looking closely at them, he found that each had a mark that would identify with him, either a patch of hair, feathers, or scales on their head that was as dark as his own hair, and very messy. All but one had emerald green eyes as well, and the one that didn't had a mark shaped like a lightning bolt over his right eye. When he asked her about the number of animals that had arrived, she merely laughed and said, "Every witch or wizard can have multiple Animagus forms; it simply requires them to use the proper technique to find all of them. The meditation technique I have taught you is the easiest and fastest way to do so. I must also say that, while you may have many forms, the first that responded is your primary form, and will be the easiest to use. The others will be there when you really need them, but may not be as easily called upon." His next tasks had been focused on learning the practical aspects of his new attributes. First, a phoenix and a thunderbird taught him the ways of their closely related forms, showing him how to travel by both fire and lightning. Then the encounter with Bast, an Egyptian witch, was marked by her love for cats in all forms and size, from small housecats and Kneazles to her own form as a dire lion. He still marvelled at how aware he had been of his surroundings in his own two forms, an inconspicuous housecat and a fearsome winged Sabercat. But even this was topped in the next room, where a Native American by the name of Snake-Man used Parseltongue and other reptilian dialects to instruct him in his fourth form. He was a dragon as well and, like it was with the phoenix, it had multiple characteristics, the magic of the beast allowing him to adapt to use each dragon's special skills. When Harry entered the next room, he was greeted by a young man who introduced himself as Apollo. He was seated in a small glade, a picnic meal spread out before him, and he invited Harry to join him and his sister when she returned. Sitting down, Harry was surprised to see a werewolf approaching them, and he immediately looked at the sky and confirmed that it was indeed daylight, and that the moon was in its first quarter phase. The werewolf seated herself beside them and stared first at Apollo then at Harry. She then transformed into her human form and asked, "Is this the young student we have to test and teach?" Apollo had answered her that Harry was indeed that student. She seemed impressed that he had sat still and waited to see what she would do, instead of running from her at first sight. She found a comfortable position and they continued the conversation that her approach had interrupted. They discussed prophecies and the proper methods to understand and interpret them. Artemis asked about Harry's reaction to her approach, so he told them about Remus Lupin and all that he had learned about werewolves from him. They took turns telling him about lycanthropy and the cure for it. Harry had received help from them for two of his Animagus forms. Artemis had helped with his werewolf form while Apollo had worked with him on his Firestallion. They had both agreed that Harry had a chance at succeeding in his plan to return to the past, and that he would be able to cure Remus when the opportunity arose. "That will definitely make getting to know Remus a lot easier," he muttered to himself before letting his thoughts drift back to his next room. He had been surprised to find out it was a blacksmith's shop, but if he were honest with himself, it had truly been the most difficult task. Then, looking at his arms and the muscles he had developed, he smiled at the rewards of hard work. I am truly looking forward to teaching my younger self how to forge a sword of his own. After that trying lesson, Harry had sat and rested before he had gone to the next room. It had been a fright when his clothes had vanished when he had walked into a room full of women. They had screamed and acted like he had insulted them. Harry had tried to hide himself, and stuttered an apology. However, the laughter had given it away, and the room and women faded like the illusions they were as another Native American wizard stood laughing at him. Harry looked around him and after a few seconds began laughing also. He had commented to the man that he had certainly not expected a prank when everyone he met was so serious. The man had said, "Coyote at your service. My purpose here is to ensure that you learn how and when to play a prank. You will need to know how to laugh in order to relieve the tension that your tasks demand. However, the need to be careful is always present, because a prank can sometimes go very wrong, as it almost did for your godfather." Harry remembered the story of the prank that almost cost Severus Snape and Remus Lupin their lives. The pranks that he had been taught were useful in many different situations. He laughed as he imagined the look on the twins' faces and how they would feel to find that they were no longer the pranksters extraordinaire. His next twelve lessons had been focused on both elemental and para-elemental magic. They were taught by wizards and witches from all over the world, who added their own skills to the mix: a Native American named Hotoru; two Egyptians named Geb and Tefnut; two Chinese named Chalchiuhtlicue and Shan Hai Chan; a Celtic witch named Brigit; a Babylonian named Girru; two Norse twins, brother and sister with bright red hair similar to Ginny's, named Frey and Freya; and three Greek brothers named Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. The teachers all followed the same kind of pattern, each asking him many questions about his motivations and testing his dedication before sharing their knowledge. Thus he learned to master the four classical elements of air, water, earth and fire, as well as the associated elements of lightning, frost, magma and mud. During these many hours, he started to use these new skills to go beyond the limitations of his own body, either as human or Animagus. His tutors also helped him to analyze his various interactions with Dark magic – both as a victim and as a caster – and they constantly reminded him of its dangers and of its dubious rewards. They also talked about his kindness towards other outcasts – from loony humans to overzealous house-elves – but it was while discussing his own decisions about Ginny that he finally understood the importance of being mindful of those who love you and whom you love. He also came to realize that his love for his wife did and should not prevent him from loving other persons in their own ways, and that their mutual affection would help make them all the best they can be. Understanding brought new knowledge, and each instructor gave Harry different things to consider, but all of them helped him to refine the control of his magic, and to master it to best protect and care for those he loved. They each passed to him other things in addition to elemental magic. This included Bardic magic, a love of poetry, a greater understanding of love, and an eye for both inner and outer beauty. Each of them had also questioned Harry about his actions in the Ministry along with other events in his life, but eventually found him worthy of the training they offered. There were instructors in various forms of martial arts and sword fighting techniques. Other kinds of instruction and training were provided but not by official instructors. Still they gave some help when and where needed. The things they taught would also be of assistance in battling Voldemort and his willing followers. Harry stood in the hall smiling as he remembered his favourite instructor of all, a Native American by the name of Hiawatha. He had challenged Harry to a wrestling match and almost defeated him. That is, until Harry managed to get the upper hand when he caused Hiawatha to lose his balance, and finally win the match. What Hiawatha had shared with him was wisdom, and understanding, particularly of the animal languages. He also helped him with both his Firestallion and his Grim form. Harry found himself trusting Hiawatha as if they had been friends forever; they would often sit and talk for many hours about various subjects. The extent of Hiawatha's knowledge and understanding impressed him greatly, and he found answers to questions that had been nagging him for years. Finally the time came to move on, and Hiawatha told him, "I will send one of my descendants to help you along the journey. Listen to him and he will aid and guide you when you find yourself most troubled. You will meet him when times seem most bleak; he will be soft spoken, but carry himself with great power." Harry wondered how that would change the timeline, and what effect it would have on his mission. Then, as he continued his review, he found his excitement building, for he was near the end of his training. The next instructor had been a Greek witch who was known for her powerful love of the Dark Arts. When he first entered the room he found himself staring at a very beautiful, very naked Parvati Patil. Her beauty was undeniable, and as she approached him, she seemed to glide across the floor. Her body was perfect in every way, and Harry found himself wondering what might have been if he had paid more attention to her at the Yule Ball. Another thought struck him then, the memory of Ginny risking death to protect him during the time ritual, and of her trusting eyes staring into his on their wedding night. That snapped him back to reality, and Harry looked into the eyes of the woman before him. There was no emotion there, and he paused. Then he said, "Despite Parvati's gorgeous body, your eyes betray you. They show no emotion and that takes away from your beauty." She stared at him for a minute or two before telling him that he was the first male in many years who had not given in to her desirable form. But he had passed the test she had set for him and now she would help him. She resumed her true form – that of a voluptuous woman – and introduced herself as Hecate. She proceeded to teach Harry about the Dark Arts, and of their enticing quality. She taught him of the need to be ever watchful if he sought to avoid becoming their slave as Tom Riddle was. She finished with a trick to use and teach his younger self for his wedding night, that would ease Ginny's nervousness about her first time and make things go more smoothly. Harry took the time to ask Hecate about her knowledge of the Dark Arts, and she told him that she had been the most feared Dark Lady of her days. She had ruled a small kingdom with an iron will, and used Dark magic that would leave this Tom Riddle quaking in his boots. But she had desired law and order over chaos and death. Thus, her people were reasonably content if not happy. "Just because I chose to follow the Dark path of magic, does not mean that you should discount all that I have told you. It is what you do with magic as much as anything that decides if it is light or Dark," she finally told him. She dismissed Harry then and he quickly went to the next room. He entered and felt a sense of déjà vu. Before him stood a woman of astounding beauty; physically she was his idea of a perfect woman. Her breasts were petite and firm, but well developed. Her body had all the right curves in all the right places. In short, she had everything a man could want, and more. The only problem he could find was that she wasn't Ginny. "Hello," Harry said. She replied in kind and then asked what he wanted from her, indicating certain parts of her body when she did. Harry smiled and politely declined the offer, then said, "I was told that there was something you could teach me, but that you would test me first." She smiled and replied, "I am Aphrodite, and only one whose heart truly belongs to someone special can deny him or herself the desire to partake of the pleasures offered by my body." She waved her hand and was clothed in a toga. Then she continued speaking, "What you have to learn here is to understand the different types of beauty. You are obviously aware of outer beauty, or that which everyone can see. What I am going to share with you is knowledge of love, inner beauty, and passion. The first two you will need to teach your younger self about his future bride, the third he will need so he can time the events of getting his friends together at the appropriate time." Although he was near the end of his testing, Harry found himself beginning to feel worried. What will I have to face next, and how am I going to finish all the tasks? Everything has gone so well and trouble usually finds me faster. He opened the door of room number twenty-eight and found himself looking at an elderly Chinese wizard. The man identified himself as Chung Kuel and he immediately began to ask Harry questions. In return for his refreshing honesty, Chung had taught him the Verita charm, which would cause anyone to speak only the truth. He warned him, however, that it should only be used in times of dire need, or that it would become a crutch and weaken him. ~ * ~ Harry stood in the hall where he had reviewed each task and lesson he had faced in this building. At long last, he came to the last of the rooms and his final instructor. Kronos himself had been that teacher, and he had tested Harry on all the lessons learned. Once Harry had proven himself, Kronos sat and talked about the trials that would have to be faced in the reliving of his life. After hours of lectures and some food, Kronos had said, "There is one other thing I can teach you." He then proceeded with Chronomancy, and the ability to manipulate local time. In other words, it allowed Harry to speed or slow the effect of time immediately around himself in order to alter the effects of actions taken by him or his surroundings. Finally came the greatest test he would face, and he stood before two doors. Behind the right door, he was told he would find his heart's greatest desire while behind the other he would find the end of his quest and would awaken in his younger body. Harry sat and thought of everything he could possibly want, and came to the conclusion that at that moment, his heart's greatest desire was to return to the past and see his younger self correct the mistakes that had resulted in the loss of everyone he loved and cared about. He turned to Kronos and said, "Lord Kronos, sir. I am ready to make my decision." "Very well, choose a door." Harry walked to stand exactly in the middle of them, and looking at both doors repeatedly he said, "Both doors should lead to the same destination, because what my heart most desires is to fulfill the task I have been given and protect those I have come to love." Harry then opened the door on the right, and turned and said, "But this is the one I choose." His decision made, Harry awaited the consequences. They came when Kronos said, "You have chosen wisely. Await your guides on the other side of that door." Harry stepped through the door, and it closed behind him. ~ * ~ That had led him to this moment and he was still waiting when he heard loud talking and boisterous laughter coming down the hall toward him. When he turned to look, he saw not only his grandparents, but his parents and many other family members along with some of his parent's friends. They all quickly gathered around him and began to talk, offering advice and everything they had wanted to say to him before. Harry learned a lot about his family from them all while they all escorted him to the doorway back to his past. As they stood talking, his mum and dad told him how proud they were of him, and his mother finally said, "Harry, you should share these memories with your younger self around the first birthday after you arrive. He will be excited to know that he has a real family; it will remind him of who he is, and what he is fighting for. Harry turned to take in all of the people who had come to see him off, and smiled as he promised his dad that he would correct the situation with Sirius as soon as possible. His mum had made him promise that he would not waste any time studying Divination, and would instead take Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, or both. He had told her that it was already part of his plan. Finally, everyone had said what they wanted, and simply smiled, waving good-bye as Harry stepped through the portal to return to the mortal world, and enter his past. He turned to wave to everyone, but found himself in what appeared to be a small room; lying on the bed, occupying most of the floor space, was his younger self. ~ * ~ "Good morning, Harry, you must wake now, we have much to discuss and very little time to do so…" Hearing this, the said boy rolled over to see someone who looked much like him standing by his bed.
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