|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Author: Jedione Story: Epiphany Rating: Everyone Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 10 Words: 25,711
Author notes and credits: First of all let me give credit where credit is due. You will notice some familiar concepts (to any of you familiar with Dungeons and Dragons, Gary Gygax and Wizard's of the Coast) in the first part of this chapter during some special training Harry receives and later in the story as well. These concepts may well be public domain at this point, but if not, then know that I did not design these concepts that they belong to Gary Gygax and Wizards of the Coast. Furthermore in the latter part of this chapter you will see snippets from various songs that I did not create. Credit for their work will be given at the end of the chapter, so as not to spoil anything for my readers. So having said that let me also thank my wonderful Pre-beta Kelleypen and my wonderful beta Bring and Fly for their assistance on this chapter. I'd also like to thank Cryslin for her wonderful robe design ideas, and Kelleypen for Hermione's beautiful robe design. Now without further ado, please enjoy!
Harry was floating on air: he had Ginny's measurements, ordered her robe and ordered her new Broomstick; it seemed as though everything was going his way. As he thought about it and smiled inwardly, it occurred to him that he had not quite thought out some things. His levity came crashing down as some of the implications came to him. I know Ginny is the one, but what will Ron and Hermione think? What about the rest of the Weasleys? What will happen when Voldemort finds out? Does he know already? I need to be prepared for the worst. As he thought about these things he was brought out of his trance by little Isis, the kitten he had bought for Ginny; though she was now full-grown, she still had some kittenish qualities about her. She jumped up on the sofa in the Gryffindor Common Room interrupting his deep worry. Isis always seemed to be around when Ginny and Harry were together in Hogwarts. It was rather eerie and though she was a sweet cat he was always a bit un-nerved by her presence. It seemed like she understood what was going on between them. He got the impression that she was not your normal every day cat. Isis took that moment to mew at Harry, place a paw on his knee, and look up at him with amber eyes of mystery. Harry felt a little spooked by the display, but when she climbed onto his lap somehow his fears ebbed. What is it about you Isis? Do you know what I'm thinking? Harry chuckled a little at the turn his thoughts took. I've seen many magical creatures, so it wouldn't surprise me if you did have some magical abilities; I just have to wonder what they are. Isis "mewed" once more and then she winked at him. That was weird; did you wink at me? Harry shook his head, probably just coincidence. Isis curled up in his lap and began purring as she closed her eyes. As Harry began stroking the soft fur of the cat, his mind wandered back to his worries. I probably should look up some new protection spells, and it wouldn't hurt to have some more offensive magic to my arsenal. Harry remembered glancing over a book in the Restricted Section several years ago called Ancient Arcana. Odd that I should remember it now, he thought. Well perhaps I'll go have a look at it in a bit. His thoughts fled him as he was suddenly overcome with fatigue: his hands slowed as he stroked Isis's coat, and the next thing he knew was darkness... Harry was walking into blackness as he approached the Restricted Section. How did I get here? I was in the common room, and now I'm here. Why is it so dark? Harry found himself at the gate to the Restricted Section. It was dimly lit by twin torches spewing amber flames in opposite directions. That's odd; the flames aren't even flickering. They are just still. As he pondered the strange phenomenon, the amber flames collapsed onto themselves, plunging him in total darkness, but only for a moment. Then they opened up once more and began burning more brightly. Only the sconces appeared dark, and it seemed like he was looking at a pair of great eyes. The tongues of flame still pointed in opposite directions without flickering. It was then that he noticed a book floating towards him. The title was written in strange silver writing that seemed to pulse and glow: Ancient Arcana The cover opened before his eyes and the words Texo Revenio appeared across the inside cover. A page turned and there before him appeared many words in some ancient language written across the parchment… Harry stared but could make no sense of it; the mysterious symbols looked more like a The harder he stared, the more the symbols swam before his eyes… Harry awoke with a start to find Isis sitting on his lap looking at him. She let out a barely audible "mew," and then wobbling slightly, she jumped from his lap. She glanced back at him briefly then she slowly walked towards the girls' dorm. Harry shook away the slight buzzing in his head before he stretched and stood up with a yawn. Well, maybe I'll check out the Restricted Section now. I didn't realize how tired I was. Well, I had a bit of a nap, so now is as good as ever. Harry walked to the library, grateful that Dumbledore had granted him access to the Restricted Section, so that he could prepare for the battle with Voldemort. He approached the gate, and it opened to admit him. He walked amidst the shelves of dusty old books looking for the title that had occurred to him a while ago. He soon found the book: Ancient Arcana. He opened it up, and on the first page he saw an ancient writing that seemed vaguely familiar to him. As he tried to decipher the script, the words "Texo Revenio" came to him. He said them out loud. The buzzing in his head increased and soon he could read the language clearly. He was taken with a sense of deja vu as these words appeared before him. Let Thee who posesseth the key, look beyond and then thou shalt see. For within this book lieth ancient power, shouldst thou unlock the arcane tower. Within the midst of sages old, shall knowledge past to thee be unfolded. And now let thine eyes awaken, shall magic's power not be forsaken. Harry turned another page with a colorful drawing of a tower of granite with a great oaken door banded in silver. Upon the door a huge iron padlock hung. Harry's gaze focused on the lock, and the words "Texo Revenio" came to him once more. Harry watched as the lock unlatched, and the great door swung open. The next thing he knew he was walking up a dark spiral staircase ending at another door. He called out, "Texo Revenio!" The door creaked open, and he went in. Once he passed the threshold, his senses were assaulted with strange writings, spinning colors, music, flashing lights, and strange words. His head throbbed painfully, and then all at once the throbbing ceased. Before him stood a tall, aged man with long silver hair and a beard. The man was old, yet seemed youthful. He wore white robes and bore a staff as tall as its wielder. A silvery aura of unmistakable power seemed to radiate from him. The staff was carved ivory gilded across every surface of the staff. Sitting on top of the staff was a huge diamond. The man spoke in a deep, hollow voice that reverberated around the chamber. The voice seethed with power, and the tones burrowed into Harry's mind. "I am Merlin; why have you come, Harry James Potter?" The force of Merlin's words knocked Harry to his knees. "I was lead here in a dream. I don't know why I'm here, Great Merlin." "Did you come seeking power?" Merlin's visage hardened, as his voice thundered in Harry's mind. "No, it's like I said, I was lead here in a dream." Fear tinged Harry's words, and he was struck by the need to curl into the fetal position and await sudden obliteration. "Did you come seeking wealth?" The old Arch Mage's eyes narrowed at Harry. Harry's head threatened to explode, but he was able to croak out a faint "No sir." Harry began to tremble as he awaited the onslaught of power that would seal his fate. "Is it answers you seek?" Merlin's words softened a little. "No sir, I don't know why I'm here." Harry felt his bladder threaten to release. Merlin closed his eyes, and the diamond on his staff flared with a brilliant white light. Harry felt a surge of pain in his head as a bolt of tremendous power speared his brain. Just when Harry thought his brain would shred apart, the pain stopped. A soft voice came to him. "Come young Harry, I will not harm you." Harry opened his eyes to see Merlin before him reaching a hand out to help him up. Harry was a bit unsure, but there was something in the silver-blue eyes before him that put him at ease, so he took the mighty wizard's hand. Merlin helped him up and smiled warmly at Harry. "Come Young Wizard, I know why you are here. A great burden is upon you and you wish to be prepared to confront it, to say nothing of the battle with a dark wizard in your future." The old wizard's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Why don't we deal with the lesser of your burdens first? If you will stay with me for a year, I shall equip you with many, little known spells, to aid you in your battle. I will also give you great protective spells to aid you in the defense of your fair maiden as well as the defense of those you hold dear." "Sir, I can't stay with you. I have classes and friends and Professor Dumbledore to worry about, and there's the ball coming up. I can't do it." Harry wanted to stay but the consequences would be too great. They'll all be worried about me, and I'll miss everything I've been working on with Ginny, maybe he'll let me come back after... "Trust me Harry, I can help you, but you must sacrifice some of your time so I can teach you. While you are here you will not age; you will not require food, water or sleep. All of your time will be focused on learning what I can teach you. The offer is yours, but it will only be extended this once; leave now, and you can never come back." Merlin looked warily at Harry.I have to stay he can teach me so much, and with it I can protect Ginny and those who are counting on me. I'm sorry ,Ginny, but I'll make it up to you. I promise! He sent the silent thought out to Ginny though he knew she would never hear it. "Sir, the Professor will be worried. May I tell him where I am?" "He already knows, Harry." Merlin gestured to a picture of Headmaster Dumbledore on the wall. The picture winked and smiled at Harry urging him on. Harry nodded at the portrait and followed Merlin up a staircase. * Ginny, Ron, and Hermione hurried into the medical wing. Word had reached them that Harry was found lying unconscious in the restricted section of the library. Professor Dumbledore had found him and brought him to the wing himself. Harry's friends were worried sick about him, but Dumbledore seemed quite calm about the whole thing. Why isn't he worried about Harry? Ginny thought. He should be worried about him. He should try to do something for him! "Professor, isn't there anything you can do for him?" Ginny pleaded with the Headmaster. "Miss Weasley, he is fine. You must trust me on this." He looked at Ron and Hermione. "He will recover shortly." "What is wrong with him, Professor?" Tears tinged Hermione's eyes as she spoke to the Headmaster. "Do not worry, Miss Granger; he only sleeps. He has journeyed inward to discover more of himself. Madame Pomfrey will see to him; now go on to your classes. Harry is fine." Professor Dumbledore smiled at the three of them, and the tone of his voice was a clear dismissal. * Beneath Merlin's tutelage Harry had been learning very powerful shields and mighty offensive spells. He could now summon balls of fire and hurl them with deadly accuracy; wield the vast power of lightning, and create food and drink out of thin air. He could throw pulses of eldritch energy and never miss. He learned to deflect curses including the Imperius and the Cruciatus, and he even learned to summon a powerful multi-layer sphere that protected him from the killing curse. He also learned a way to send any curse back to the wizard who cast it. He had been told nothing could stop these, but somehow he found a way through the infinite knowledge within Merlin's tower. Harry could levitate and fly without the use of a wand or broomstick. Merlin had told him that the magic of today has become weakened; magic was once possible without the use of a wand and ancient magics were known to very few alive today. The power was intoxicating, but Harry vowed to never use it for evil. He had seen what evil could do and how many it consumed, how many it killed, hurt and maimed. Harry would embrace his new-found power, and he would control it. Merlin shared his wisdom with Harry not only of magic, but also of life and the world. The year in the tower flew by with amazing speed, and then on the anniversary of the day Harry set foot in the tower, Merlin placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and smiled at him. "Well done, well done. Harry, the knowledge that I have imparted to you is unknown to anyone else alive. Though there are some wizards alive that do have knowledge of some of the lesser levels of magic, Albus Dumbledore and Tom Riddle are two that I know of that you know personally, but neither one has advanced the levels that you have. I have taught them both and they both handled their new-found knowledge differently. Albus refused to learn more than the fifth level of power, fearing that it would taint him. Riddle became quickly consumed by it, and I cast him out when he began accessing the fourth level of power. In each case they, like you, were given the key in a dream. Every fifty years the key is given to one person only and that person is permitted access to my tower. I have learned to test all my students' hearts to judge how high I may permit them to go. You are the first to be given access to the ninth level of power since Godric Gryffindor. Your heart is strong, and your capacity to learn is vast. In time I hope you will return when your journeys have ended to take my place as the Guardian of Ancient Arcana. Will you consider letting my old spirit rest, Harry? Only when you have decided to take my place may you return. Should you replace me, know that one may come with you. Long ago I brought my love here with me. She comes now to meet you." Sweeping down from a staircase came a beautiful woman with red hair streaked with silver highlights. She was dressed in a flowing white robe like Merlin's. She was younger then Merlin, and was quite stunning. She walked with queenly grace and her smile seemed to brighten every corner of the tower. "Hello Harry, I am Roselyn, but most know me as The Lady of the Lake." She walked up to Harry and stood before him. Harry stared into a pair of beautiful green eyes tinged with silver. "Beautiful," was all he could manage to say. She smiled warmly, leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Harry. I am pleased to meet you and I hope you will consider my husband's offer. Long have we been in this tower waiting for someone to come who has achieved the ninth level of power." Her voice lilted in the air and rang in gentle tones that seemed to warm Harry's heart. "We long to rest, but we cannot until mantle of Guardian of the Ancient Arcana. Once done, you will have access to the tenth level of power, and only then may you explore all that is available within the tower. It is a great responsibility and one to not be taken lightly, but know that you alone will not have to carry the burden. Your decision is not required now. Only when your own journeys are complete must the decision be made." Roselyn smiled at him once again and warmth embraced him. Merlin attracted Harry's attention for one final time. "Harry, I have no more to teach you. I entrust you with the ancient knowledge of magic; may it aid you in the struggles that lie ahead. Know that love can transcend any power; it was love that spared your life when you were a baby, and now you must keep love in your heart that it may guide you upon the road you were set upon. Farewell, Harry, and I await your decision. Remember well all you have learned for it will serve you, but know that your new power is not to be abused lest your life be forfeit." Merlin sent a wave of power into Harry that brought him to his knees and tears to his eyes. "We have faith in you, Harry, faith that you will do what is right when the hard decisions are upon you. Farewell Harry James Potter; know that your parents are proud of you." Roselyn's voice faded, and Harry's world began spinning. The next thing he knew he awakened in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore smiled down at him. "Welcome back Harry. I trust your trip was worth while?" The Professor looked at him proudly. For the first time Harry noticed that there was a slight slivery sheen to his mentor's eyes. And a faint silver aura enveloped him from head to toe. Harry bolted to his feet and swayed slightly as the blood rushed to his head. "Sir, how is everyone? Are they all right? I've been gone for a--" "Day, Harry you've been out for a day. Time passes differently there. It's only been a day here." The Headmaster cut him off and smiled. "What you have learned will resurface eventually, though now I know it's all a bit foggy. In time you will remember it all. Now, I imagine you are quite hungry, and I know your friends have been worried about you." He's right. I am extremely hungry. The whole time I was gone I had not eaten anything nor did I drink anything. All I did was learn, but what did I learn? "Don't worry, Harry; it will all come back to you eventually," Professor Dumbledore's smile and the twinkle in his eye was all Harry needed. Harry stood up to walk out of the ward stopping briefly as he walked by a mirror. He had changed a bit: he felt more self- assured, more confident, but what was most striking was that he now had a lock of silver hair in front of his head, just above his scar and his once pure green irises now had a strange ring of silver around them. An image flashed in his mind of a beautiful red-haired woman with streaks of silver in her hair and silver-green eyes surveying his soul. He could also see that he had a visible silver aura around him. He glanced back at Professor Dumbledore. "Harry, only those who have learned ancient magic can see the power around you. To others they will only notice its touch in your hair and eyes. Just tell them you feel fine and that your sudden illness must have caused the change." The Headmaster's eyes twinkled merrily as he responded to Harry's puzzlement. Harry grinned at the Headmaster, and then turned to go and find his friends. * Harry decided to go to the Great Hall as it was just about time for breakfast. Several students stopped and gawked at him as he passed. Wonderful, as if my scar wasn't enough, now I've got this bit of silver hair to deal with, unless they noticed my eyes too. Either way this is rather unnerving. Harry strode into the hall and as the door swung open, it seemed that time stopped. Everyone went quiet, and Harry felt everyone's eyes upon him. He felt color spring to his cheeks, and he decided to examine the floor. He slowly walked through the hall, amazed at the texture of the flagstones on the floor. Harry stopped suddenly when he saw three pairs of feet in front of him. Reluctantly he raised his head and eyes to see Ron, Hermione, and Ginny before him. Ginny's soft voice was the first he heard. "Harry, are you all right? What happened?" "Yeah mate, what was wrong?" Ron asked with true concern in his voice. "I just got sick, but I'm all right Ron." In speaking to his friends, Harry discovered his voice had changed as well. It seemed very loud to him; he was reminded of Merlin's voice resounding through the tower. He winced visibly and heat radiated from his cheeks. Harry glanced around to see how many had heard him. Convinced it was only his friends; Harry made a mental note to speak more quietly the next time. "Harry, your eyes..." Ginny's voice trailed off. "Y...your hair is graying mate... Are you sure you're all right?" Ron asked with an edge of fear in his voice. Harry looked to Hermione, who was the only one who hadn't said anything yet. What he saw in her face made him look once more to the flagstones, for he saw awe in her eyes. "Y...you have a witch's mark...er... wizard's mark, I mean," Hermione's voice grew higher. Harry looked at Hermione with puzzlement. "A what?" "People who have been exposed to powerful magic will sometimes show its touch with a streak of white hair. That's why many of the most powerful wizards and witches have silver-grey hair and or beards. What did Professor Dumbledore say about it?" Hermione asked searching Harry's face for answers. "He said that he had the same illness when he was younger. He said that sometimes exposure to strong magic will cause illnesses like he and I had. He was surprised that it hadn't happened already. I mean, since I was the only person known to survive the Avada Kedavra curse." Harry's alibi came to him in a rush, and he was amazed at how plausible it actually sounded. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard an amused chuckle. "I was given a clean bill of health by Madame Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore." Harry's confidence returned. "Anyway, I'm hungry. Let's go and have breakfast." The four friends found a seat at the Gryffindor table near Neville, Seamus, and Dean. The three stopped and stared long and hard at Harry. Neville's mouth was open and hollandaise sauce from his Eggs Benedict dribbled from the corner of his mouth. Harry felt his confidence fall briefly before shooting a cold, hard stare at Neville, which was quickly replaced by a grin when Neville let a piece of egg fall from his mouth into his plate. Neville turned red and quickly grabbed a napkin to sop up sauce from his chin. Then covering his mouth, he looked at Ron and Ginny who had smiles splayed over their faces as they bit back laughter. The awkward moment was broken as Hermione suddenly burst into laughter. This was followed by the others, including Neville, as all tension ebbed from the Gryffindor table. * Later that night, Ginny sat on a couch in the Gryffindor Common Room staring into the fireplace while absently stroking Isis' coat. She let her mind drift back to the morning when Harry awoke. She was very concerned for Harry, but he said he was just fine. This perhaps bothered her more than the shock of silver hair that Harry now bore or the silvery tinge she had seen in his eyes. She knew something had happened during his battle with the strange illness, but Harry as usual didn't talk about anything relating to how he felt. Isis stretched out a forepaw and pressed it into Ginny's stomach. The gentle pressure Ginny felt made her look down at the little Mau who was staring back with her amber eyes alight from the fire's glow. What Ginny saw in Isis' eyes was comfort and a little concern. Isis mewed quietly at Ginny and Ginny couldn't help but grin. Isis' ears perked up, and she turned her head towards the boys' dorm stairs. "You're right, little one; I shouldn't worry. I'm sure Harry is fine. Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey would know if something was amiss." Ginny picked up Isis and held her over her head. The little cat stared down at Ginny with what seemed like quiet amusement, making Ginny laugh. "You are something, aren't you, my little Isis?" Ginny lowered Isis towards her face and kissed her over the scarab shaped stripes between her ears. "Thanks for cheering me up." Ginny placed Isis in her lap and pulled a cat treat from her pocket to feed her. "I think you deserve this, my girl." The little cat licked her mouth and Ginny laughed once more. "Evidently you think so too, don't you?" Ginny gave the treat to Isis, who hungrily devoured the tasty morsel, looking to Ginny for more. Isis quietly mewed. "No that's enough; they wouldn't be as special if I gave them to you all the time; would they now? But here's something else you may like." Ginny reached into another pocket, grabbed a green plastic ball with a bell inside it, and held it up. Chuckling as she watched Isis' eyes widen, she shook the cat toy to ring the bell inside. "Here you go, little one." Ginny tossed the ball, and Isis sprang from Ginny's lap to chase it. Ginny leaned back and watched Isis play, allowing the simple folly drain away her fears. * Harry was so excited he couldn't contain himself. He had just received two packages from Gladrags. The first was Ginny's dress robe. The second one was one Madam Malkin had made for Harry. The curator's message was a surprise to Harry.
Harry took his robe from its box and held it up to examine it. His robe was navy blue and had an inside lining in black with a hidden pocket much like a Muggle dinner jacket. There was a very faint, almost invisible detail on the blue like the galaxy in silver thread. Swirls and dots looked as though they were plucked from the sky in the pitch black night. Harry was pleased with the design and more pleased that she had done it as a gift to him. He put the robe in his wardrobe, smiling to himself. He hoped Ginny's robes would be as nice. He didn't want to remove them from their package for fear of not being able to get it back in as neatly. He just trusted Madam Malkin that they were beautiful. He composed a nice note, grabbed his wand and cast 'Scripsi' on it, and then he donned his Invisibility Cloak, grabbed the package, and dashed out of the dorm. He quietly entered the common room to find it empty, save his Ginny petting Isis and looking into the fireplace. He paused a moment as Isis pressed a forepaw into Ginny's stomach. He watched as her thoughts were interrupted by the little cat's mew. Ginny smiled, and Harry's heart grew lighter. This reminded Harry of what he was doing, and he sighed, hoping that she didn't hear him. Harry watched Isis turn her head to where he was standing and for a moment he thought he had been caught out. Ginny just looked down at Isis and said, "You're right, little one, I shouldn't worry; I'm sure Harry is fine. Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey would know if something was amiss." Harry took that moment to quietly continue on his journey to the owlery. * Harry arrived at the owlery without incident and found it vacant and quiet save for the hooting and cooing of the owls on their perches. He removed the Cloak and sought out Gilgamesh, the great owl he had given Ginny. "Gilly" perched near Hedwig and Pig, and as Harry approached, the Great-Horned owl craned his neck towards Harry. "Hello Gilly," Harry greeted the mighty raptor. "I have something for you to take to Ginny." Hedwig seem affronted by Harry's use of Gilgamesh, and she nipped at him as he set the package down. "Easy girl, she would know it's from me if I sent you." Harry stroked the snowy owl's feathers and gave her an owl treat. "That's a girl," he said affectionately addressing Hedwig. He turned back towards Gilly. "Here you are boy; take this to Ginny." He gave a treat to Gilly and then another to Pigwigeon. "Don't want to leave you out, Pig." Harry grinned at the three owls; then he donned his Cloak once more and stalked out of the owlery. * Harry moved quickly; he knew where Ginny was, and he was anxious to see her reaction when the package arrived. He whispered "Fizzing Whizbees" to the Fat Lady and hoped that when the portal opened Ginny wouldn't notice. Harry tip-toed in to find Ginny watching Isis play with a cat toy. Ginny yawned and stood up. "Come on Isis, it's bedtime." Ginny squatted down to the little Mau who was looking towards the common room portal. "What's the matter, girl; did you hear something?" Ginny glanced in the direction Isis was looking. "There's nothing there, see?" Harry gasped, once again feeling Isis' eyes upon him, or so it seemed to him. "Come on, it's late girl; let's go to bed," Ginny pleaded. Isis took that moment to swat the ball across the room towards Harry. Harry felt sweat bead on his forehead as the cat toy rolled, jingling, towards him. "Isis!" Ginny cajoled. "We can play some more tomorrow." Ginny walked towards the portrait hole and bent down to pick up the cat toy. Harry felt his breath catch. Ginny was bending down not five feet before him. She paused and stood up staring through Harry. "Hmmm?" she said and took another step forward. Harry thought this was it, and he waited for his surprise to be ruined, but Ginny merely bent over again to retrieve the cat toy. Harry almost sighed, but just as Ginny picked up the toy, Harry heard a series of wing beats behind him. The buffets were right over his head, and he feared that his robe would blow off from the force of the owl's wings. Gilgamesh kept flying with the package grasped firmly between his talons. He flew above the couch depositing the package upon the seat before landing on the back of the couch. He let out a deep reverberating, "Hoot!" and he blinked his eyes at Ginny once. Ginny was startled as Gilly flew through the open portrait hole. She wondered briefly why it was still open, but the thought departed as the owl dropped a package on the couch and soundly landed on the back, calling Ginny over with a deep hoot. Ginny walked over to the couch and produced an owl treat for Gilly, who happily gulped it down before flying towards the portrait hole. Ginny walked over to the package with trembling hands. Harry watched as Ginny rewarded Gilgamesh. He ate the treat and flew towards the portrait hole. Harry softly plodded to the portal to make sure Gilly could get out unhindered. Once Gilly was out, Harry crept back near the couch. Ginny had removed the note and was reading it. Ginny freed the note from the string around the package and opened it up.
Ginny sighed, with Love, Harry? Do you really mean it? Ginny clutched the note to her chest and felt heat rise to her face. She put the note in her pocket and seized upon the gift. She carefully opened the package, and her breath caught as she saw and felt the material she had been admiring in Gladrags. She pulled out a hunter green ankle-length, strapless dress with a sleeveless forest green robe. It was light and moved like water. There was a small delicate hood to the robe, tasteful and inconspicuous. The sleeveless robe had a silver clasp shaped in a network of delicate vines that fastened in the center about mid-chest. The box also held a pliable corset which, Ginny assumed, was fit to her, but it had none of the corset look. The dress had a forest green trim at the top, and the material was soft and silky and moved like fine sheer linen, simple but elegant. Ginny looked closer at the material to find faint, silvery, vine-like swirls detailed throughout it. As she looked deeper into the package she found a strapped pair of lovely silver shoes and a green ribbon choker. Ginny thought the ensemble was beautiful and what was better, Harry, her Harry had given it to her. Harry watched her reaction and couldn't be more pleased with it. He, it seemed, had stolen her heart, though she didn't know who her admirer was, in a few days he could tell her. Harry returned to his dorm smiling. Ginny gathered her gift and returned to her dorm. In a few days her life would change, and it couldn't be any better. Harry loved her, and she knew full well that she loved him also. My, what a day! "Come on Isis, let's go get some sleep." She glanced at Isis, who mewed and began to follow Ginny to her dorm. * Harry awoke the next morning extremely pleased with himself. He smiled the whole morning as he dressed. Ron looked at his best friend and couldn't help but grin at him. "So what's got you so bloody chipper mate?" "Nothing Ron, I'm just in a good mood." Harry looked at himself in a mirror and almost attempted to comb his hair, but he realized it would never stay in place. Harry's wizard mark had grown on him a bit, and he felt he looked rather distinguished. "Can't you do anything with that mop?" the mirror asked of Harry. Harry merely sighed and looked at himself; he was still not quite adjusted to his silver-green eyes or the silvery aura pulsing around him, but in time he would get used to it. His thoughts shifted to his teeth, and he gritted them in the mirror to evaluate them more closely. "Harry, what's wrong mate? You're never this cheerful." Ron walked over and stood behind Harry looking rather perplexed. "I'm fine Ron; in fact I've never been better." Harry looked at his friend in the mirror and sniggered. "I would think you would be happy that I'm cheerful; why aren't you?" "You've just changed, Harry, and I'm not used to it. I just want to make sure you feel okay." Ron took that moment to playfully smack his friend at the back of the head, but as he swung his hand a powerful energy pulsed from Harry. The next thing Ron knew he had been repulsed some ten meters from his friend and now lay sprawled out upon the floor. Harry watched the silver aura about him flare briefly as Ron was propelled across the room landing with a heavy thump upon the floor. Harry vaulted over to where his friend lay, and stretched out a hand to help Ron up. "Are you all right, Ron?" Harry silently cursed his new powers, and he made a silent vow to keep them under control. "Wha... what happened?" Ron asked, quite confused. "I'm not sure, but I'll tell you when I find out." Harry responded apologetically. Ron reluctantly took Harry's hand allowing Harry to pull him to his feet. As Ron got to his feet he saw Seamus, Neville, and Dean staring at the display in awe. "Don't ask us; we don't know either." Ron looked at the three boys, daring them to say something. They just turned and went to their own areas to dress for the day. Harry looked at his friend, silently thanking him for not continuing the interrogation over what just happened. "Don't worry; I'll speak to Professor Dumbledore. I'm sure he'll know more about it." With that Harry continued dressing, leaving his friend to do the same. * Ginny had awakened early and had gone down to the common room to wait for Ron, Harry and Hermione. Hermione was ready first, and Ginny just smiled at her anxiously predicting awaiting her next question: she was not disappointed. "What is it Ginny? What's happened?" Hermione closed the space between them awaiting the answer. Ginny reached into her pocket presented the note to Hermione. Hermione quickly read it and asked, "What did he send this time?" "He sent a beautiful set of dress robes. I'll show them to you later. The boys will be here in a moment. As Ginny predicted, moments later Ron and Harry strode down the stairs. Ron eyes darted over to Harry in dismay when he saw the girls. He whispered to Harry from the corner of his mouth. "What are you going to tell them?" "Nothing, what's to tell?" Harry whispered back through gritted teeth at Ron. "What is it, Ron? You look like you've just swallowed a spider?" Hermione asked. "No, I just saw one. Harry killed it though." Ron covered for Harry, sniggering slightly. "Let's go eat breakfast!" "He's fine, Hermione, as usual he's thinking with his stomach. That's perfectly normal for Ron." Ginny turned to Harry. "How'd you sleep, Harry? Are you feeling better today?" "Much better, thanks." Harry looked down at Ginny and smiled. * After breakfast Harry went to see Professor Dumbledore, who smiled warmly at him. "Hello Harry, how do you feel today?" "I'm fine, but I have a question." Harry went on to tell the Professor about the incident earlier that morning. "Don't worry Harry, you're just adjusting to your new powers. I would suggest doing some training in the Room of Requirement so you get more control. I was no different. Your magical reflexes have just been enhanced through the old magic. Just tell Ron that it was residual energy from your illness and that it shouldn't happen again." "Thanks Professor, I have some time after my next class. I'll practice then." Harry excused himself and went to his Potions class. Harry found Ron and told him the excuse the Headmaster had given him. Ron just nodded the two of them went on to class. Later, Harry did indeed practice, and he felt the control coming to him the more he exercised. Two hours later he emerged from the Room of Requirement feeling oddly refreshed, but hungry. Later after lunch, Harry found Ginny and the others in the midst of a crowd that had gathered around a poster upon the wall. It announced that music at the Yule Ball would be provided by a band called Sigil. They were an up and coming Wizard band that several of the students were familiar with. The poster even played a portion of their music as the wizard photo showed a clip of their last concert. "Sigil? That's an odd name, but they sound good, so it should be fun." Harry looked at Ginny. Especially with you as a dance partner. " So Ginny, anything new from your admirer?" As if you didn't know... "Yes, actually he gave me a beautiful set of dress robes. I'll be going alone to the ball Harry, but who are you going with?" This should be fun! Ginny asked knowing full well that he probably hadn't thought out his answer. Harry turned red and sputtered, "Erm... I.... I didn't ask anyone, I really haven't given it much thought and everyone probably has a date anyway. So I guess I'll go alone too. Will you save me a dance Ginny, or do you think you'll be too busy with him?" Harry feigned annoyance. "Um, I'll have to see who he is first, but I think I'll be able to quill you into my dance card Harry." Truthfully, I think every dance will be with you as you are he; very funny Harry. Ginny saw an opportunity to jab at Harry and her brother and she went with it. "As long as I am not too busy snogging him, that is." Harry felt heat spring to his face. The thought of her snogging him put a smile on his face, and he feared his smile would give it all away. "Ginny, you snog?" He feigned shock. "What will your family think?" "No one will be snogging my sister, and if they try I'll see that they are warned that she is off limits!" Ron spat out his disgust. Ginny smiled sweetly at her brother and saw another opportunity to jab him. "So should I warn Hermione that you are off limits when you two are snogging?" "Ginny!" Hermione gasped. "Stop it! We are not snogging!" Harry burst out in laughter. "Now Hermione, 'methinks thou dost protest too much.' And what a lovely shade of Weasley red you're turning!" Ginny laughed. "I guess we know who they are going with, don't we, Harry?" "Ginny!" Ron and Hermione chimed together. "Oh that we do Ginny... that we do!" Harry teased. "And it's about bloody time!" Harry and Ginny laughed together as Ron and Hermione colored with embarrassment. "Go on; tell me you're not snogging." Harry ribbed his friends. "Well?" Ginny almost burst with laughter at the look on their faces. Ron and Hermione blanched, and then they turned their backs and hurried off in separate directions. "I guess that answers our question, doesn't it?" Harry grinned at Ginny, and they both laughed 'til their sides ached. "Well Ginny, I'll talk to you later. I'm off to class." "Bye Harry, I'm off to class too. See you at dinner." Ginny smiled at Harry, and he too blushed like his friends. "G-bye Ginny," then he hurried off. * After dinner Ginny proudly showed Hermione the latest gift. "It's beautiful Ginny, but I'm still a little worried about whom it's from. It could be cursed or something. What if your admirer is a Death Eater or someone vile like that?" Hermione said as she examined the robe. "Hermione, I think I figured out who it's from. Think about all the gifts and tell me who would know me that well? Who do we know that would know that I like these things?" Ginny questioned of Hermione. "Let's see, Isis, Gilgamesh, the jewelry box, the necklace, the earrings, and the robes. Griffin, Dragon, Owl, Kitten, and Hippogriff," Hermione's mind raced as she began to put the pieces together. "Ron and your other family members would know, I would know, and H...Harry would know! Harry! You think it is Harry! That does make sense! Oh Ginny... I think you're right! The jewelry box had a hippogriff who looked like Buckbeak; only we would know about that. The dragons...only someone familiar with Charlie's work would know about dragons. You told me that Isis was an Egyptian Mau...Bill works in Egypt, and you've always loved Crookshanks too. The Griffin...Gryffindor! The only owls your family has are Pigwigeon and Errol and neither one is very strong. You've also admired Hedwig since you first saw her. The beautiful robe was probably quite expensive and only Harry would have that kind of money, since Sirius died and left Harry everything. That in addition to what his parents left and the money Fred and George have been giving him as a partner, he WOULD have enough to buy you these things! Oh Ginny isn't it wonderful! You never really got over Harry, did you?" "No, I never did, but he seems to have changed in more ways than one this year. He's stronger, more confident, and he's beginning to live as he never had before. Sirius' death must have made him think about his life, and he's moving on and he's maturing. I just wonder what the next gift will be. He's picked the right things on many levels and I lov ...er ... LIKE him for it." Uh-oh I admitted it; she surely caught that, Ginny there's no turning back from here. At that moment Isis came from under Ginny's bed and leapt from the floor to Ginny's shoulders and then announced her arrival with a deep throaty meow! Ginny screamed at the sudden presence and reached up to bat the offensive thing attacking her, but the little Mau was far faster. Isis leapt from Ginny's shoulder to the canopy of Ginny's bed. Flopping down atop it, Isis lay down dangling her front legs from the top and glanced down at Ginny with a look of playful mischief. "Isis! Naughty kitty! You scared me half to death!" Thanks girl, maybe that was enough of a distraction that Hermione didn't catch my slip. Isis looked at Ginny and opened her mouth in a wide toothy yawn, then began unceremoniously cleaning her forepaws. "Oh, Ginny she's only playing; how can you be mad at her for that?" Nice try Ginny, but you can't cover how you feel for Harry, nor can I continue to deny what I feel for Ron. We know each other all too well, but I'll go along with you for a while because tomorrow night, I don't think either one of us will be able to deny what we feel for the boys. Call it the magic of the season, and let's both hope for lots of mistletoe!
Harry lay in his bed tossing and turning. Tomorrow was the big day. Sleep eluded him at every turn. Finally he gave up and went to his chest to pull out his gift list for Ginny. Horror crept up on him as he realized he forgot a gift. Her socks, I was going to give her a special pair of socks! Harry bounded from his bed and grabbed his Invisibility Cloak. He quickly made his way to the Room of Requirement. He needed a lab, and the room as always complied with his wishes. An idea flooded into his mind, and he set to work: A matchstick, a thread of wool, a thread from a towel, a pinch of goose down, a tuft of rabbit fur, an eagle's feather, a hair from a kangaroo, a scale from a king snake, a scrap of leather, and a bit of Isis fur. Harry concentrated, feeling the touch of ancient magic surge to his command, with it came a deep clarity, and the fabric of magic bent to his will. Deeply he focused and felt the hairs of his arms rise as a familiar tingle of lightning leapt from his hands. The power was there, and he only needed to sculpt it into the items in his mind. A few hours later and he was done. He had created a pair of thick wool socks and some thin leather gloves. The socks were sea foam green, and they ascended to about mid-calf. The gloves were cream colored and had a sea foam green trim at the opening they would fit Ginny's hands like a second skin and would allow all the manual dexterity and tactile sense as if they were not there. The socks, though thick, would not be overly bulky. Harry knew they would keep her feet warm even in the deepest of snow and coldest of temperatures. Harry smiled as he thought of the other traits these accessories were imbued with. I'll let those be a surprise to her! Harry focused his power a bit more as his eyes probed every strand scanning for flaws. Finding none he added the final touches. Silver threads appeared from the fibers and carefully he knitted them together focusing light upon them and embroidering them with the initials. G. M. W. Ginevra Molly Wealsey; there, that's that. Harry looked upon the glowing silvery letters. When times are dark let these show you the way, as the beauty of your heart has guided me today. "Ooo, That's perfect!" Harry announced as he scribbled upon a small piece of parchment and then he reached for his wand realizing that he hadn't brought it. I...I... used magic, without! A wand. Thrilled that it worked so well, Harry glanced at the words he had scribbled down and called out, "Scripsi!" watching as the letters morphed into writing that would not give him away. When times are dark let these show you the way as the beauty of your heart has guided me today. With Love, Your Secret Admirer Harry grinned all the way to the owlery. * Ginny heard a tapping upon the dorm window; she had lain awake the whole night thinking of what the next evening would bring. Distracted from her thought she went to the window and opened it. There, silhouetted by the light of a full moon, was the unmistakable form of Gilgamesh. A blast of cold air gave her a chill, and moments later Gilly was above her dropping a new package. Ginny caught it saying, "Thanks Gilly." to the retreating form of her owl against the pale moon. Ginny examined the package and finding the note began reading.
When times are dark let these show you the way as the beauty of your heart has guided me today. With Love, Your Secret Admirer Ginny reread the note at least five times before tucking it safely into her jewelry box. Ginny spun over to her bed falling upon her back into her mattress with a sigh. She was giddy with happiness. She tore open the parchment and screamed with delight; she choked down her voice for fear of waking the other girls in her dorm room. Then she gently caressed the new socks and the gloves. She gingerly pulled on the socks and immediately felt warmth permeate her body she cooed as comfort settled into her heart. Next she pulled on the gloves; feeling the embroidery, she reached for her wand to cast some light upon them, but suddenly the letters: G. M. W. illuminated upon the gloves, bathed her and the inside of her curtained bed in silvery light. It was then she noticed the socks upon her feet had the same silvery embroidery, and they too were illuminated. Fearful that the light would awaken her roommates if her scream did not, Ginny quickly wondered how to extinguish the light ,and the letters responded to her thought and went out. Ginny reached for the note and reread it once more.
Ginny felt a tear run down her cheek. Oh Harry, how I love you; these are perfect! * Harry met Ginny, Ron, and Hermione the next morning to go to breakfast. Ginny looked like a cat who'd swallowed a canary when she looked at Harry. Hermione too seemed up to something. Harry dismissed the odd behavior to the fact that the Ball was tonight, He too was rather anxious for the festivities. Ron, on the other hand, seemed quite uncomfortable. This changed to a deep blush when Hermione looked at him. Unconsciously Ron put his fingertips to his mouth, and Harry felt heat radiate from his friend. Hermione's eyes glimmered with mischief before narrowing with a look that made Harry's heart skip a beat. Ginny and Hermione exchanged knowing glances and Ginny narrowed her eyes at Harry with the same look, only where Hermione's look made his heart skip a beat, Ginny's made his heart climb into his throat. Heat surged from Harry's chest to forbidden parts of his body, and he quickly captured her sight as he had several days ago in the hallway. Ginny felt her face color. I can't wait until tonight. She bit her lip to resist attacking Harry's with her own. I want to tell him I know, but he'd be crushed. He worked so hard on this. You can do it, Ginevra! Only a little longer, and he's yours! She steadied herself and wetted her lips. When their eyes met, Harry saw longing in her the depths of her chocolate brown eyes and a spark of something else, unfamiliar but inviting. Harry almost melted as Ginny bit her lip; his strength abandoned him altogether when she wetted her lips with her tongue. Harry felt strong hands grab him beneath his arms, and his strength returned when he heard Ron's voice. "Are you all right, mate?" Ron helped him regain his balance. "You nearly collapsed; maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey again?" "I'll be all right, Ron. I just didn't get much sleep last night that's all." Whew! That was close. Ah well, it will all be over soon, if I can only hold out till later. * Months later, or so it seemed to Harry, classes had been dismissed early to allow students to prepare for the Yule Ball. Harry showered in very hot water, hoping to calm the dragons having their mating flight in his stomach. The shower helped somewhat: now instead of dragons he only had to deal with eagle owls in his stomach. There was also the issue of his heart threatening to break his rib cage. He reached for something within himself to steady his nerves, finding that focus he was able to dress without retching all over his new robes. Fred and George had given Ron a set of new robes as an early Christmas gift. He was horrified when he first opened their package, as what he originally found was a set of pink robes with white lace that played Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies and danced the ballet. After Ron's initial shock the robes transfigured to a set of very formal black robes with a blue cummerbund. The twins were not quite through though. Once he had dressed, Ron examined himself in the mirror and suddenly the robes burst out in song once more singing a Muggle song called 'Puttin on the Ritz.' Ron had to endure a soft-shoe number for ten minutes as the robes forced him to dance. The Robes stopped finally, and Ron wiped sweat from his head. Fearing that the twins' sport had only begun, Ron asked Harry for his old set of robes, thinking he could alter them with his wand, but once he began to remove the gift, the robes began playing striptease music. Ron threw his hands up in the air, giving up and consigned himself to misery for the rest of the night. Harry chuckled at the twins' ingenuity. "Don't worry, Ron. I'm sure it's all over; surely they wouldn't embarrass you all night, would they?" "Harry, I'm doomed! Fred and George will not let this go this easily. I wonder if Azkaban is as bad as everyone says. I hope not because I'll need to learn to like it there once I kill my brothers." Ron snatched his wand from his bedside table, and the robes began singing "Abra, abra-cadabra, I wanna reach out and grab ya" suddenly several doves took flight from Ron's sleeves. "See what I mean Harry? I AM ... doomed!" Harry and Ron had agreed to meet Ginny and Hermione in the common room. Hermione was clad in an opalescent silk crepe de chine in teal, cut empire waist with tiny golden bugle beads in a leaf and vine pattern around the neckline and around the edges of the tulip sleeves. She looked stunning, Ron's mouth just fell to the floor and his eyes betrayed how thrilled he was that he was going to the ball with her. Ron and Hermione didn't ask each other to go to the dance. They both just said they would be going together. Harry offered to escort Ginny to the dance until her admirer showed up: An idea which Ginny agreed to wholeheartedly, shooting a knowing glance at Hermione. As agreed, the four left for the ball together. Ron's robe didn't give him any more trouble until he opened the portrait hole door and turned to close it. The robe responded by singing "Shut, de, do, keep out de, debbil, debbil ... shut de do keep de devil in de ni – ite." Hermione was startled by the sudden music and Ron explained where the robes had come from. Hermione understood, though her face showed nothing but fear and embarrassment. In an uncharacteristic display of humor Hermione announced, "That's all right, Ron. I guess we'll just have to 'face the music' together." The four friends laughed all the way to the Great Hall.
The doors swung open to admit Harry and his friends. Their senses were assaulted by bright lights, the aroma of mulled cider and sumptuous hors'douvres, and soft chamber music. Many students were already enjoying themselves, but they all turned towards Harry and his friends as Ron's robe began triumphantly playing Ride of the Valkyries. They all four turned red and then just gave in, deciding to enjoy the evening in spite of Fred and George. They could get them back another time, besides it would make for a night full of surprises, and there was nothing they could do about it anyway. "Ginny, I'll let you go for now. Find a table and I'll join you there in a bit." Harry nodded towards some tables near the stage. Ginny smiled, knowing that Harry was off to get her last gift. "See you in a bit, Harry." Ginny, Ron, and Hermione found a table and seated themselves. "When is he supposed to be here, Ginny?" Hermione asked winking at Ginny. "He didn't say, just that it would be tonight. I assume before the first dance since he asked me to save him the first dance." "I can't wait for him to get here either, so I can punch him and tell him that you can't date anyone!" Ron grumbled casting a warning glance to Ginny. Ginny almost laughed, if he only knew who he was. "You'll do no such thing, Ron! She let her Weasley anger push away her amusement. "If you so much as glare at him, I'll hex you into next week." She drew her wand to make her point clear. Upon seeing Ginny's wand leveled at him, Ron grimaced and his robe responded singing, "You have to believe we are ma-a-gic, and nothing can stand in our way." Hermione burst into laughter at the robe's emphasis on Ginny's formidable hex ability. Once the laughter ebbed and Hermione gained her composure, she donned a mask of anger and looked at Ron with daggers in her eyes that seemed to say, "Don't you dare ruin this night for Ginny." Ron crumbled beneath the cold stares of the two powerful witches before him. Then he cleared his throat and said, "Um excuse me, I'm going for some punch. Anyone else want some?" "Well since you asked, dear brother," her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'd love some, and I'm sure Hermione would like some too," she concluded sweetly. Ron stood up and backed away from the table uncertainly. "All right Ginny, I'll be back soon." He nearly tripped over a chair at the table behind them backing away from his sister, and then he turned and hurried away. "What do you think he'll do when he finds out who he is?" Hermione leaned forward whispering at Ginny. "It doesn't matter, he'll get over it eventually, and if he doesn't Mum will set him right, as long as there's enough left of him for her to deal with, when I'm through with him." Ginny's voice dripped with venom, "you'll see." * Harry took the Firestorm out of his trunk and carried it to the owlery, beneath the cover of his Invisibility Cloak. He was going to give it to her at Christmas, but he couldn't wait that long. He walked over to Gilly to send him on the errand, but changed his mind and decided that Hedwig would reveal his secret. He scribbled a note in his own handwriting:
"Here you go, girl. Take this to Ginny." He watched the snowy owl take flight, folded his cloak up, and put it away in his inside pocket. I've got to get there quick! He began to run, but suddenly in the blink of an eye, he now stood outside the Great hall. I didn't think you could Apparate inside Hogwarts! Harry looked at his hands and saw a silvery sheen fade away from them. Evidently ancient magic works here though. Amazed Harry walked once more into the Yule Ball. Spotting Ginny and Hermione, he walked over to the table. "He's not here yet?" Harry asked, sitting down. "I'm sure he's here; he just hasn't introduced himself yet." Ginny smiled, and Harry was grateful that he was sitting, and more so that there was a table between them. She looked stunning in her robes. They fit her just right, and the green went so well with her hair. He had been too preoccupied earlier to truly appreciate how lovely she was in her robes. Now that his last gift was on its way he could do nothing but truly admire everything about her. Ron returned to the table with three cups of punch, which he dropped to the floor as Hedwig entered the hall carrying a very large package. She flew towards the table, but passed Harry and deposited the package upon the table before Ginny. Hermione's jaw dropped, and Ginny burned bright red feigning shock. Her hand trembled as she opened the note knowing full well that it was her last gift from Harry: her secret admirer had revealed himself at last! Ginny read the note, dropped it to the table, and ran around to Harry, who was now standing with a huge grin and open arms. When they embraced and she put her lips to his, fire welled up in her chest and stars invaded her eyes. It was a perfect moment and Ginny willed it to last forever. He poured his love and his emotions out to her, letting the pain and the anguish vanish from years of worry and strife. Harry felt his control falter for a moment, and he heard a crack as the table near them split in two. In that perfect moment a haze lifted from his mind and it filled with clarity. A fog burned away and Merlin's tower came into focus. Harry's decision was made. When the time came he would return to the tower with his beloved Ginny alongside, but before that he had a long life to live with her, discovering secrets about themselves. A life filled with Ginny and their children and eventually a retirement for a thousand years, discovering the secrets of Merlin's Tower. Then the moment passed and Ginny and Harry broke from each, other taking a gasp of air, apart from each other, but forever connected. Harry looked once more at Ginny then took her hand in his and together they turned towards Ron and Hermione. Hermione grinned broadly at the couple wiping a tear from her eye. Ron gaped at them blankly. "You? You're her secret admirer?" Ron tried to look shocked, but failed miserably and soon the corners of his lips twitched and finally his face split into a huge toothy smile. He took a step twixt the two table halves and nearly tripped over the forgotten package that lay on the floor. He stepped over it and reached his hand out to Harry. "It's about bloody time, mate. Somehow I knew the two of you would end up together. It was just a question of when." Harry grinned, still reeling slightly from Ginny's kiss and the subsequent acceptance he displayed over the change in their relationship. "Thanks Ron, I was worried that you wouldn't allow it." "Harry, I can't think of anyone better for my sister than you." Ron's robe began singing "Love is in the air. In the whisper of the trees, love is in the air. In the thunder of the sea," and the four of them laughed together. Hermione gained her composure first as her keen, analytical mind grasped what had happened when they kissed. "Harry? What happened to the table?" Harry feigned puzzlement. "I don't know, Hermione." To which Ron's Robe responded by singing, "Uh, oh it's magic, just a little magic inside of you." Ron's mind then focused on the package on the floor. "Ginny, why don't you open that and see what Harry gave you?" "I...I forgot about it." Ginny sat down and lifted the long box to her lap, smiling at Harry for his thoughtfulness. Ginny pulled the package open, dismissing the crowd that had been gathering since the delivery occurred. She touched the oaken shaft and shook the paper from the bristles of her new broom. She was amazed at how light it was: the wood was smooth and well-polished, the bristles thick and straight. She ran her hands along the length of the broom finding the word FIRESTORM carved at the top. She raised her eyes to meet Harry's, "Harry, it's the latest model on the market. You should have it." "No Ginny, you should. It's yours. Besides I'm still happy with my Firebolt. I'm used to it, and you need a good broom. My Firebolt may not be the fastest at Hogwarts now, but at least the two fastest brooms are on the Gryffindor team. Now then, I believe you owe me the first dance." Harry reached out to Ginny, and she took his hand, allowing Harry to pull her to her feet. Harry led her to the dance floor as Sigil began playing a song by a Muggle named Lionel Ritchie. Harry had heard the song before, and he was quite fond of it. Harry had never sung much, but somehow this song seemed very appropriate to him. So he quietly began singing, "I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile. You're all I've ever wanted and my arms are open wide. 'Cause you know just what to say and you know just what to do. And I want to tell you so much.... I love you." Harry pulled Ginny close and leaned in for a kiss when suddenly something in his mind screamed a warning. Over Ginny's shoulder he saw one of the band members draw a wand, raise it, and cry out "Avada! Kedavra!" The bolt shot from the wand in a green flash. Harry spun Ginny around behind him, tossing her out of harm's way, then turned to face the killing curse head on. Behind him someone screamed, and power surged through Harry's body. He raised a hand mumbling a quick incantation just in the nick of time. The spell struck his hand and reflected back upon its caster. The guitarist fell to the stage in a crumpled heap. The hall filled with screams of terror as the grim reality struck the partygoers. The band members, seeing the lifeless body of their friend, drew their own wands. The guests upon seeing four wands leveled at Harry, dived for cover amidst a cacophony of screams and fearful sobbing. Harry's mind was lightning fast however; he muttered another incantation and launched a hail of silver-blue, eldritch bolts that struck every member, knocking them to the floor and sending their wands sailing through the air. Harry followed up with another spell that held the band fast to the floor, allowing no movement, and as quick as it had occurred the danger was over. Moments later Professors, Snape, Flitwick and McGonagall were standing with wands aimed at the band. Snape cautiously approached the band, his wand still poised to attack, but as he neared them he saw that the remaining four band members were motionless. Professor Snape prodded the foot of one of the men. Satisfied, he lowered his wand and examined the men. They were enveloped in a shimmering aura of silver energy. The Professor glared at Harry suspiciously and stalked towards him. "Potter! What is the meaning of this?" the Professor demanded. "Easy Severus," a voice said behind them. They all turned to see the Headmaster descending the stairs. "You needn't worry; Mr. Potter seems to have handled the situation quite well." The Professor walked over to Harry and lay a hand on his shoulder, "Well done, Harry. It seems you have discovered new abilities; they must have been a side effect of your illness." Professor McGonagall went to the slain band member. His sleeve had slid up his arm to reveal a Dark Mark. "Death Eaters! This band! They are all Death Eaters!" McGonagall announced. "Well at least the danger has passed for now. Professors, please remove these miscreants, and let the Aurors have them. Students, it's over, so continue the festivities!" With a wave of the Headmaster's hand music filtered into the hall once more. "Harry, a word please." "Ginny?" Harry looked behind him to see a slightly bruised Ginny climb to her feet. Harry ran over and embraced her kissing her forehead. "Are you all right?" "I'm fine Harry, but how did you..." she asked awestruck by Harry's display of power. "Harry, bring Ginny and let's go have a word." Professor Dumbledore asked once more. "Sorry Professor," Harry led Ginny by the hand to a corner of the hall where Dumbledore stood. "Harry, Tom will know about you now as will everyone else. You and Miss Weasley should talk about what happened. She will be a new target for the Death Eaters. Tom will still want to challenge you himself. Also Harry, I'm afraid I must insist that you drop out of the Dueling Club. As you have a rather unfair advantage and everyone knows it now. Gryffindor must vote in a replacement before the first dueling event. However you are still in charge as it was your idea, even if you did have an ulterior motive at the start." The old Professor smirked at Harry knowingly. "You must also practice your new abilities at least two hours a day, so your skills and reactions can be honed. Furthermore, I'll expect weekly sparring with me as well--at least an hour each week. There are still many things I can teach you. I still have secrets of my own I would pass on to you. We'll talk more about it another time. For now, tell Ginny of your latest decision, and try to continue enjoying yourself this evening." The Headmaster's eyes twinkled merrily, and he winked at Harry before turning on his heel to see to the prisoners. "What did he mean, Harry?" Ginny asked. "Ginny, we have plenty of time for that. For now all I want to do is try to salvage the evening. Let's go back to our table." Harry took her hand and led her to their table. The crowd was still there, and they all stood staring at Harry, dumbstruck. At the forefront of the crowd stood Ron and Hermione, behind them stood Draco Malfoy, Neville, Luna, Seamus, Dean, the Parvati twins, Lavender Brown, the Creevey boys, Justin, Antonia, Hannah, Roger, Anthony, Susan, and Cho Chang. Harry looked around; another crowd had gathered well away from the one at Harry's table. That crowd consisted of Crabbe, Goyle, Zacharius, Blaise, Theodore, Pansy, Marietta, Michael Corner, and a tangle of other students he didn't know. Hermione spoke first, shock still on her face. "Harry, how did you manage to stop the killing curse? And where did those other spells come from?" Harry grinned, "It's amazing what you can do, when you have the right inspiration." He looked at Ginny, pulled her to him, and enfolded her in his arms as the new couple faced their friends and whatever challenges were on the way. Ron's robe responded with, "That's the power, THE POWER OF..." ~*~*~*~ Footnotes and song credits: "The Power of Love" -- Huey Lewis and the News. "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" – Tchaikovsky "Puttin On the Ritz" -- Taco "Abracadabra" – Sugar Ray "Shut De Do" – The Katinas "Ride of the Valkryies" – Richard Wagner "Magic" – Olivia Newton-John "Magic" – The Cars "Hello" – Lionel Ritchie "Love is in the Air" – John Paul Young I hope you enjoyed the story, Thanks for reading!
|