The Servant

'Just ten minutes more, and I'll be seventeen,' thought Harry impatiently.

At last, the clock struck twelve. With a flash of light, a phoenix appeared.

Fawkes?' he whispered. He pinched himself hard, and grimaced. The bird cocked its head to the side and thrusting the letter that it carried in its beak at Harry.

Harry's hands shook as he took the letter. He recognized the writing on the thick envelope.

***

Dear Harry,

First of all, I would like to wish you a very happy seventeenth birthday. As of today, you are no longer an underage wizard. I would like to pride myself on being the first to congratulate you. Alas, the fact that you are reading this letter means that I am now incapable of doing so in person.

I want you to know just how proud I am of you, Harry. It is not for nothing that Voldemort fears you. You have displayed an extraordinary amount of courage as you handled your many dangerous and frightening encounters.

However, the greatest weapon you possess is love - the power the Dark Lord knows not. Do not regret showing mercy even to those who appear unworthy of it. Mercy does not fight violence with violence, but it may yet help you win this war. When you refrain from exacting revenge on one who deserves punishment, you leave that person in your debt. Mercy is an expression of undeserved love that is freely given. It is this that will defeat Voldemort. Love has defeated him before, and it remains the key to the complete destruction of his soul.

Harry, I do not want you to be distressed by the events which must have taken place recently. Rest assured that I was always well aware of what was happening. I cannot explain my reasons for allowing these events to take place. I must plead with you to trust my judgment and carry out the task below exactly as I ask you to.

Fawkes will now take you to my house. Go alone, as the enchantments protecting the place are set to allow entrance to only the few I trust completely. There you will find help in your mission to destroy the Horcruxes. Accept this help, Harry, despite any misgivings you may feel. Your questions will be answered in due time, if you do as I expect. For there are more ways than one to leave an imprint of one's self behind.

Read carefully, and remember my words.

I love you, Harry.

- Albus Dumbledore

Harry looked up from the parchment in his hands, his head whirling with questions. He stared ahead blankly as he tried to take in his late headmaster's last request, wondering what help the old wizard had provided. Fawkes chirruping finally caught his attention.

'Sorry, Fawkes,' he murmured.

Harry felt around under his pillow for his wand and rummaged through his trunk for his money bag. He glanced around the room one last time. Satisfied, he stretched out his hand towards the phoenix, and disappeared from the room.