Harry Potter and Unexpected Beginnings

Chapter thirty-four

"I found it," Hermione said, returning to the table she had been sharing for the past two hours with Ron, Harry and Ginny. They had spent nearly three weeks searching every book in the library for any information on the Green Flame Torch, but until now had been unsuccessful. Hermione sat the large old book on the table, turning the pages. The light from the setting sun cast shadows across the table, giving the group an eerie sense of foreboding "I knew it was here, I remember reading this in fourth year."

" 'Mione, you really need to get some different interests," Ron complained, looking at the size of the book she began flipping pages in.

"It was because of Harry and the Triwizard Tournament that I even found this book," she snapped back. "I was trying to help my best friend prepare for a very challenging event, when his other best friend decided to act all jealous and turn his back on him."

"All right, take it easy," Ron answered with a blush. "Just tell us what you found out?"

"According to legend, there were three witches, Mutgeb, otherwise known in ancient times as the 'Mother of all Earth', Frynani, legend to be a winged troll, and Sharane, famed to be the 'Serpent's Mother'. These witches became disgusted with the evilness of the world, so they traveled east into the vastness of time to the isle of Morahana, where time and space have no meaning. There they created the Green Flame Torch, a flame so powerful, that no evil could bear to speak of it. According to this, these three great witches had the power to travel through time, turn the oceans to sand and cause the moon to bleed. Their magical powers were so great that all who dared to speak their names did so in reverence and praise, for fear that they would be struck down otherwise. The legend of the Green Flame Torch states that it is only power that can stop the hands of time, to bring back those once gone and defeat the 'King of Darkness'. Only the purest of hearts will find the flame, and thereby control its powers."

"Bloody hell," Ron exclaimed.

"Does it say how to find it?" Harry asked, looking across the table to Hermione, trying to read from the upside-down book.

"It says that the seeker who searches in truth and light, will find the path and thus force the greatest powers known to man - good and evil - to confront in battle. The Green Flame Torch will protect only those who are pure and noble, allowing the two forces to face each other at the isle of Morahana, which the flame will bring out of hiding."

"So if we want to defeat Voldemort," Ginny said, her tone quiet and soft, "then we have to find this isle of Morahana?"

"That's what it says. But only the one who searches in truth and light will find it."

"What does that mean, truth and light?" Ron asked with a frown.

"It means that you would have to be honest and look for the flame unselfishly. You can't want to find it for greedy purposes, or for profit." Hermione removed a piece of parchment as she spoke, writing down the details of the legend.

"I wonder what kind of powers a flame would have?" Ginny asked.

"According to the legend, it will protect the one who finds it, stop the hands of time and bring back those once gone."

"Do you think that would mean the dead?" Harry asked, a sense of hopefulness in his voice.

"I would assume as much. But that is, if the legend is real. These witches lived thousands of years ago, possibly as long ago as the beginning of time. History has a way of distorting the truth and altering facts."

"Maybe the possessor of the flame has the power to take lives, rather than bring them back," Ron surmised.

"It's impossible to say. I'll have to study this more closely. The legend is long, and there are nearly twenty pages of information about it. Maybe I can figure out where this isle is."

"Have you ever heard of the isle of Morahana?" Ginny asked, aware that if anyone had heard of such a place, it would be Hermione Granger.

"I've hear tales of it," she answered. "Its supposed to have creatures never seen or heard of, and plants that could bring about life just by wishing on them."

"A place like that wouldn't possibly exist, would it?" Ron asked with a frown.

"There are a lot of things in the wizarding world, that even Dumbledore doesn't know about. Why wouldn't a magical island with trees that speak, and caves that travel to every corner of the universe exist?"

"So if Alice Longbottom told Lockhart about this Green Flame Torch, would that mean that she found the isle of Morahana?" Harry asked.

"If she did, then it would give reason that her torture was for more than just her knowledge of Voldemort's whereabouts," Hermione surmised.

"That might explain why their torture was so severe, and why Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix LaStrange visited her and wanted her dead," Ginny said. "I wonder if Alice Longbottom remembered anything and told them?"

"I doubt it," Hermione answered. "According to the mediwitch who spoke with Harry, Mrs. Longbottom was on the road to regaining her memories. If she recognized Bellatrix LaStrange enough to feel uneasy with her, then its logical she wouldn't have felt comfortable enough to tell them anything serious."

"Lets hope so," Harry said, sitting back in his chair and running his hands through his hair.

"It wouldn't matter anyway, Harry," Hermione said softly. "The legend says only the pure of heart would find it. I can't imagine any Death Eater as being pure of heart, especially their leader." Harry leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms over his head. They had been there so long, his muscles were starting to bunch up on him.

"Why don't we go get ready for D.A.?" Ginny suggested.

"Why's he here again?" Ron asked, looking across the library as Draco Malfoy laid a stack of books on the table in a far corner.

"He's really been spending a lot of time here since school started," Hermione said, looking in the direction of the blond boy.

"I wonder what he's up to?" Ginny asked, watching as Parvati Patil stepped into the library, glancing to Malfoy.

"Did you ever find out who he owled in Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked in a soft whisper.

"George said the postal worker didn't know anything," Harry said. "He paid four galleons for him to not ask questions."

"Weird, just like Ferret-Face," Ron said. The four watched as the blond stood up, and walked down the isle of books Parvati had just disappeared down. "Come on," Ron said with a wicked smirk. He stood up and stepped cautiously to the isle of books, followed by a very curious Harry, but receiving only a disapproving glare from Hermione and a disgusted shake of Ginny's head. Harry and Ron looked around the corner of the books, jaws dropping at the sight of Malfoy and Parvati wrapped in each other's arms, lips locked and hands groping. Harry reached for Ron's arm, pulling him out of the isle and back to the table.

"That was disturbing," Ron grimaced.

"Why would Malfoy and Parvati Patil be together?" Harry asked. "I can understand an occasional tryst, but this makes twice I've seen them together."

"Lavender Brown said she caught them together after Transfigurations last week," Hermione said quietly.

"And Michael Corner told me he saw them going into the Forbidden Forrest shortly after Christmas holidays," Ginny said.

"You mean they're an item?" Ron asked in surprise. "That's just...gross."

"I just wonder why they're hiding?" Ginny asked.

"Are you mental?" Ron snapped. "If the Slytherin pride and joy were caught snogging a Gryffindor, he'd be disowned."

"They don't seem to be doing a very good job at hiding," Hermione said, watching as the two walked out of the isle of books, Malfoy returning to his table and Parvati leaving the library.

"Well, come on," Harry said standing up from his seat. "We have to get ready for D.A."

"Aren't you curious what old Ferret-Face is up to?" Ron asked as they left the library.

"Yeah, but there isn't anything to do about it, except ask him. And I doubt he'd tell us the truth, so why waste our time?"

"I still wonder what he's up to," Ron grumbled as they hurried to the Room of Requirements.

Harry paced the floor three times, thinking of what he needed and watched as a door appeared before him. He opened it and walked in, followed by Hermione, Ron and Ginny. The room was large, well stocked with pillows and shelves of spell books. Harry went to the large stack of pillows, glancing back to Ginny and smiling as Ron and Hermione edged their way toward the bookcases. Harry and Ginny both blushed, remembering how their lesson last week had ended. After everyone left, Harry and Ginny remained behind to secure the room, returning books and gathering the pillows, when Ginny tossed a rather large red one at Harry, hitting him on the head. Within a very short time, the pillows were strung all over the floors again, with two very exhausted young people laying among them, panting from their excursion and eager to begin a new game only two can join.

Hermione returned to where the two were standing, and frowned. The expression on their faces indicated something else was happening and Hermione wasn't all that eager to discover what it was.

"What spells do you want to practice tonight?" Hermione asked, ignoring the looks she received.

"We can practice the shielding spells some more," Harry suggested.

"We've already practiced all of them," Ron complained. "Even I have them memorized."

"What about Appleby Arrows?" Ginny asked.

"That is outlawed," Hermione said. "If the Ministry finds out..."

"You mean if my dad finds out?" Ron asked with a smirk.

"Even your dad can't prevent you from going to prison for performing spells that have been outlawed, Ronald."

"That makes it all the more important to practice them," Ginny argued. "I thought we'd already agreed, Voldemort isn't going to follow by the rules or obey the laws. If he pulls out one of the forbidden spells, we have to know how to protect ourselves from them."

"I agree," Harry said. "But I don't see where he'll use the Appleby Arrows. All it does is shoot arrows from your wand. What kind of weapon would that be?"

"It would make a good distraction," Ron said.

"But it's against the law," Hermione insisted.

"All right, we'll practice it for awhile but I want to spend more time on the Patronus spell," Harry insisted, putting a halt to the argument. "We did fairly well last year, but most everyone needs more practice. I think if the Dementors are helping Voldemort, we should all know how to protect themselves against them."

"That's a pretty advanced spell for most of these students," Hermione complained. "We had a lot of problems last year, remember?"

"I know but we need to work on it. Do you think the Dark Lord won't have advanced spells at his disposal?" Harry asked, receiving a silent response.

The next two hours was spent in the most intense training. Harry had asked Tonks to help him get a Bogart, which she did and brought it to the lessons, secured inside a sealed basket. Harry instructed everyone to concentrate on a Dementor, and to find the happiest thought they could muster. He remembered his happy thought from years ago, but a new one filtered through his mind and with a smile, he nodded to Tonks who released the Bogart. Instantly the room became cold and a dark robed figure appeared, looming above the occupants. It looked menacing as it approached Harry, who raised his wand confidently and issued the spell, 'Expecto Patronus,' he said, his tone firm and strong. Immediately the silvery image of a great stag emerged from the tip of his wand, forcing the Bogart to back away. Tonks collected the creature, placing it back into the basket.

"Just hold on to your happiest thought, and it can't harm you," he instructed, allowing each to step forward. Hermione was her usual master at the spell, stating the words and watching with pride as a replica of an otter appeared.

Ginny was next, who took a couple of tries to get her Patronus large enough. After a few minutes, she had managed to perfect a large owl, about the size of horse. It screeched angrily at the Bogart, and Tonks once again collected the creature. Ron's turn was next, and with a great deal of nervous clearing of his throat he raised his wand, closing his eyes tightly and nodded to Tonks, who released the Bogart. Ron looked up and watched with wide eyes as the large dark robed creature stretched out its scabbed hand toward him. Much to everyone's surprise, he set his jaw and issued the spell, 'Expecto Patronus," and immediately the image of a hippogriff appeared in front of him.

Once the Bogart had been returned, he turned on shaky legs toward Hermione, who hugged him tightly. The smile on his face was enough to inspire the rest of the class, who stepped forward eagerly. Even Neville had managed to perform the spell, conjuring up a Devils snare.

When everyone had at least tried the spell, Harry allowed the Bogart to rest, as Tonks secured it inside the basket again. He then turned to the class, and told them they were going to try the Appleby Arrow's spell, glancing to Tonks who surprisingly nodded her head.

"Now you have to remember," Harry told them looking at the disapproval on Hermione's young face. "This spell has been outlawed, so there is a risk of Ministry involvement, so I strongly suggest you practice this only here and keep the knowledge of it secret."

By ten o'clock that night, the students were exhausted but invigorated at the same time. They had reviewed and mastered two very powerful spells in one night. It was enough to encourage them and inspire them to continue their lessons. There was even talk among Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Susan Bones, about being ready and anxious to meet the Dark Lord, who most were no longer fearing calling him by his name, Voldemort.

Harry was very tired as he cleaned the room, insisting that the others head back to the dormitories. He even told Ginny to go to bed, kissing her tenderly before she left. He had a headache from the noise and felt he needed a few minutes alone to re-focus his thoughts.

He had just cleaned the room, putting everything back where it belonged, when a soft voice behind him caught his attention. Harry looked up from where he was busy rearranging the books back on the shelves. Behind him stood Cho Chang, the one person he had seen very little of since school began last September. Harry smiled as he straightened up, taking notice of how much taller he was than her. Somehow the old tingling he'd felt every time he saw her was no longer present. In fact, he didn't even find himself nervous being in the same room with her.

"You were very good tonight, Harry," she whispered softly.

"Thank you," he told her. "I've been doing quite a bit of practicing myself."

"It shows," she said, walking closer to him. "I felt it was time we spoke about last year," she told him after a few silent, tense moments. "I owe you an apology for the way I acted, and an explanation."

"No you don't," Harry told her honestly.

"I do. See, I really hadn't confronted my emotions over losing Cedric, when you and I started dating, and I sort of took it out on you. I wanted to talk about it, but I wasn't ready to let go. I guess grief can do strange things to a person."

"I know," Harry said looking down to the floor. "I spent the summer running and nearly drove myself mental exercising. Once I was able to confront my grief over my own loses, I was able to focus on other things. I actually found myself moving forward again, probably for the first time in my life. I had something to live for."

"I'm jealous," she said with a smile. "I'm still trying to find that something to live for. I suppose it just takes time. My dad said that time will heal all wounds, but I can't help wondering how much time."

Harry paused a moment, thinking about his response. "Be patient, Cho. It will happen, but you can't rush it. Sometimes you just need to sit down and think about what it is you've lost and how much you still have to look forward to. That's what I did, with the help of someone very special. I was able to confront my grief and let go of it. There's still times, when I feel alone, or sad, but it is getting better."

"Ginny is a very lucky girl," she said, watching the blush creep up his cheeks. "I just can't find anything right now, to look forward to. This is my last year at Hogwart's and then what? I still don't know what I'm going to do with my life. Cedric and I spoke about going on and trying out for a professional Quidditch team, possibly sharing more of our lives together, but now that's never to be."

"You'll find someone Cho, someone who will love you and give you what you need. You're a very beautiful girl; you're smart and kind. You have a lot to look forward to, a husband, children, whatever you want." Cho stepped closer to Harry, looking up into his bright green eyes and smiling.

"And what if that something I want is you?" she asked, leaning in to him and placing her lips against his. Harry froze briefly. I was just like the day Ginny kissed him, but this time there were no emotions, no feelings to explore, no desires to confront. Harry eased Cho away from him, holding her at arm's distance and tried to smile politely.

"It won't work Cho," he told her sternly, hoping his voice was calm. "I'm flattered, but I'm in love with Ginny Weasley. I won't do anything to hurt her." Cho looked put down and a sad expression crossed her delicate features.

"She's very lucky," she told him softly, turning to leave the room. Harry sighed, then turned back to his cleaning when he heard another noise behind him, and spun around in defense. He found himself staring blankly into the aging eyes of Professor Dumbledore, who smiled as he stepped further into the room, closing the door behind him.

"I'm sorry Professor," Harry said with a sigh. "I didn't hear you come in."

"That's quite all right, Harry," the older wizard stated. "It's been quite a night for you, hasn't it?" he asked with a smile, watching the blush creep up the younger man's cheeks.

"Yes sir, it has."

"I wanted to speak with you about tonight's D.A. lessons," Dumbledore said, taking a seat in a large armchair that had appeared without Harry noticing. He waved his wand and conjured up another chair, along with a tray of teas and biscuits, then motioned for Harry to join him.

"What about tonight's lessons?" Harry asked, afraid he was about to get another week's detention for teaching the students the Appleby Arrow spell.

"You're doing very well, and so are your students," the old man said with a warm smile. "I'm quite impressed with your progress."

"The students are doing really well," Harry said sipping a cup of hot tea. "I've been surprised at how well they're doing."

"You're a remarkable teacher. Perhaps you should consider it as a profession, one day."

"I don't think so. I really want to be an Auror. I want to put a stop to the evil, and prevent anyone losing their parents, the way I did."

"You'll make a fine Auror Harry, but don't give up on the idea of teaching. Some of the greatest Headmasters of Hogwart's has been more than just professors in their lives."

"What have you been, Professor?" Harry asked, watching the smile creep up his aging face. Dumbledore sat his teacup back down on his saucer and looked at the young man.

"Many, many years ago, I was once like you. My brother and I were the only children to my parents, who were both teachers. They wanted us to follow in their footsteps, but I wanted to fight evil and discover the world. My brother, Aberforth however, was quite a different fellow. He felt as I did, on quite a few points, but he was a man of his own design."

"Where is your brother now, Professor?"

"Oh, he's around," Dumbledore said with a smile. "He has his own mission."

"So you and your brother were both members of the Order?"

"Yes we were. Unlike my brother however, I have decided to remain in the forefront and protect the school and the wizarding world to the best of my ability. Aberforth has decided to take a defense near the rear."

"What does that mean?"

"It's not important," Dumbledore said with a frown.

"So are you saying, you were once an Auror?" Harry said after a few moments, remembering what the old wizard had said earlier.

"Not exactly, but I have had my share of battles."

"Why did my parents join the Order?" Dumbledore looked over his half moon glasses perched on his crooked nose.

"Your parents were unique people, Harry. They chose to fight, in order to make the world a safer place for their baby to grow up in. They were very powerful, and your mother was unique for being Muggle born. She had powers that even she didn't recognize at first."

"Like what?"

"Besides her being a very talented seer, she was also an expert at spells and potions. She spoke four languages, and had the ability to look into the soul of another person. She loved your father so deeply, that I believe they are together even in death."

"Why couldn't she see Wormtail's deception?"

"She trusted him, because he was a friend of your father's, and I believe once he knew how powerful her magic was, he avoided her. I don't think he ever wanted to give her the chance to see into his mind."

"My mother was telepathic?"

"Yes, among other things. She used to say it didn't matter with your father, she knew what he was thinking even without seeing his thoughts." Dumbledore smiled, thinking back over the years.

"Tell me about my father. What kind of family did he come from? No one has ever told me about them."

Dumbledore sighed. "He was an only child, his parents died shortly after he graduated. They were quite wealthy; in fact he inherited a castle not far from here. He never lived there though, he always said it reminded him too much of his parents, and how much he missed them. Whenever you would like, I will be happy to take you to your family estates. They do after all, belong to you."

"How did they die?" Harry asked, ignoring the conversation of wealth and castles.

"They were on a skiing holiday when they were caught in an avalanche. Your father was supposed to go with them, but changed his mind when your mother invited him to meet her parents. She had a bad feeling about his going away. It proved to be her first true premonition."

"So, Aunt Petunia truly is my only living relative," Harry said sadly.

"You do realize, you only have one more summer with them, don't you? You will be of legal age next year, and once you've graduated Hogwart's you'll be on your own."

"That's not a bad thing," Harry said with a frown. Several long moments passed by with the old wizard staring at the younger one. He knew there was something else on his mind.

"I know there is more to the prophecy than what you've told me," Harry said at last. "Are you ever going to tell me all of it?"

"You have to understand Harry, I don't feel the time is right for you to understand all of it."

"You still don't think I'm capable of handling it, do you?" Dumbledore shook his head, chuckling softly.

"Harry, I have never known another man, more capable of handling so much, so fast at even twice your age. I trust you and I know you are capable of accepting the information. The reason I don't think you're ready to understand all of it, is because I myself do not understand all of it. There are things associated with you that I have never anticipated and would never presumed you capable of. The premonitions, for one thing. I've always known your mother had the power, but until now you've never demonstrated even an inkling of them."

"I only have a year left, Professor," Harry reminded him. "I think I have a right to know what was predicted about my life, before I have to face it unprepared."

"You will not be facing anything unprepared, Harry, I promise you that. I also promise, I will reveal the prophecy to you in entirety before you graduate."

"Hopefully, I'll still be alive by then," Harry said under his breath, but still loud enough for the old man to hear.

"Well, Harry, it's getting late. I think we could both do with a little sleep."

"Professor," Harry began feeling slightly guilty. "I have to be honest. I've been teaching the D.A. some spells that are sort of...illegal."

"Yes, Harry I know that. I was quite impressed with Mr. Weasley's talent with the Appleby Arrows. He's a natural." Harry looked at the man and smiled.

"Is there anything you don't know?" Dumbledore chuckled softly, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder as they walked toward the door.

"Not when it comes to this school or my students. Unfortunately, there are times when it becomes a burden. I feel like a peeping tom at times, especially when two of my favorite students engage in a pillow fight. Interesting way it was ended, I must say." Harry blushed brightly. "Ah to be young again. Come to think of it, I don't think I had that much energy when I was younger either. There are times when I wonder whether you and Miss Weasley aren't rabbits."