Harry Potter and Unexpected Beginnings

Chapter forty-six

Harry sat silently watching Ginny sleep. He and Malfoy had taken her to the infirmary the moment they emerged from Filch's fireplace. Madame Pomfrey had mended Ginny's arm and restored her energy from the Dementors with a healthy dose of chocolate and an equally large amount of Pepperup Potion. Now she lay sleeping, her head resting against the soft pillow, her delicate frame tucked beneath a heavy blanket. He couldn't stop reliving the events that had occurred, the danger this beautiful young woman faced, or the bravery she displayed. He would never again assume she couldn't hold her own.

A soft rustle brought Harry out of his state of reminiscence, to see Professor Dumbledore walking slowly toward him. He smiled as he stopped at the foot of the bed, looking at the sleeping young woman. He could understand how easily Harry had fallen in love with her. In this very moment, she resembled his beloved Guinevere, now long gone. A sad sense of loss overcame him for a moment and he found himself forced to refocus on the moment at hand.

"Have you been here all night Harry?" he asked the young man, knowing the answer before he even offered it.

"I couldn't leave her Professor," Harry answered.

"I understand. Madame Pomfrey assures me that Miss Weasley will recover fully by tomorrow."

"Yes sir. How are all the others?" Harry glanced around to the beds that surrounded them. Tonks had been hit hard, but was sleeping soundly across the room, as was Kingsley Shackelbolt who had nearly been kissed by a Dementor, but was rescued in time by Charlie Weasley. Lupin had been wounded the worst. He had been hit in the head and was currently undergoing a series of very complicated spells combined with a variety of powerful potions mixed together by Snape. There were others in the room; Emmeline Vance had minor injuries about the arms and torso, Sturgis Podmore had burns across his face and hands, Hestia Jones had received the misdirected engorgement spell from Neville who was also in one of the beds, recovering from very minor injuries that had him receiving quite a bit of comfort and sympathy from Luna. Elphias Doge was trying to breath around a collapsed lung, which Madame Pomfrey had used a similar bubblehead spell, to re-inflate his lung and keep them oxygen rich while mending, while Dedalus Diggle who was sporting and comforting a swollen eye and broken nose, from where the senior Goyle had kicked him in the face after being bound by ropes.

"I suppose they will all recover in time," Dumbledore said, smiling as he watched Luna feeding Neville a spoon of custard.

"Professor," Harry began in a hushed tone. "Draco Malfoy is the final point of the star, isn't he?"

"You can feel it too, can't you Harry?"

"Yes sir. I know Ron is going to flip, but he was a huge help today. He stayed with Ginny and protected her from the Dementors. If it wasn't for him, I don't know what would have happened to her."

"The prophecy is coming to life," Dumbledore whispered softly, more to himself than to Harry. "I think it best for you to explain things to Mr. Malfoy, Harry. There are things I believe you two need to work out. Perhaps years of aggression to sort through."

"I'll try Professor, but I won't guarantee anything. He's not exactly the cooperative type you know?" Dumbledore chuckled softly.

"As I recall Mr. Potter, you haven't exactly followed by the rules either. Perhaps you two are more alike then you'd care to admit."

"I wouldn't go that far. But I will talk with him. It's the least I can do, considering what he did for Ginny." Harry paused and looked back to the sleeping girl, then looked up to Dumbledore again. "Malfoy used the unforgivable curse on Goyle."

"I know."

"What's going to happen to him?" Dumbledore drew a deep breath before answering.

"He has been put on suspension for the remainder of the year and his wand has been confiscated until the Ministry passes judgment, but I do not believe it was so much the use of the spell as it was his joining the Death Eaters. I doubt, considering the circumstances, he will be arrested or expelled from school. The Ministry wants to keep a close eye on him for now, to assure that he does not rejoin his father. He used the spell to protect the Minister of Magic's daughter and to fight against a Death Eater. It's difficult to punish the deeds when the outcome was so beneficial. He has however, lost his Prefect privileges."

"What about his father? He escaped again, along with Voldemort and Bellatrix."

"Only time will tell on that point. My sources tell me, the bounty on young Mr. Malfoy's head has been tripled. Every dishonest wizard in the country will be looking to collect on it. He's sacrificed a great deal in order to help you."

"I know. And the thought doesn't exactly sit well. It's hard to imagine someone like Malfoy doing anything honorably."

"There is a great deal about Mr. Malfoy you do not know."

"But I'm afraid I'm going to find out." Harry sighed; leaning back against the chair he was sitting in and closed his eyes.

"Tell me Harry," the Headmaster said as he turned to leave. "How did you learn about Lord Voldemort and his parents?"

"We found a book in the library with a note written by you in it. There were others that told the story Voldemort held to, that his father abandoned his mother when he learned of her magical heritage. But this one told a different story, one of love and lies. Why didn't you ever tell him when he was in school?"

"I should have, perhaps it would have saved us years of misery. But he was never interested in knowing of his Muggle father. He was bitter and hurt. I thought that if he had time to adjust and work through his feelings of rejection, that he would be willing to hear the truth. He left Hogwart's before that time ever came. By the time I saw him again, it was too late. He was already the evil Dark Lord we know today."

"I don't know if he was really listening, but I had to tell him the truth. At least he knows the story, rather he believes it or not is another subject. Professor," Harry paused thinking back on some of what he had been told that night. "Voldemort told me a different version of my mother's death. He said...she made an offer to him, in order to save my life. He said she didn't die as quickly as my father. Do you know anything about this?" Dumbledore leaned against the end of the bed, closing his eyes behind the half moon glasses. It was as if he were fighting off the images threatening to overwhelm him. When he opened his eyes again, there was deep regret and sadness.

"There was speculations at the time," he began with a heavy sigh. "Your mother was a great woman, Harry. She loved you with every fiber of her being. I doubt there was anything she wouldn't have done to protect you. If you're asking me if I believe he...raped...her, I'd have to say no. She was a powerful witch, but she would never betray your father's love like that. I heard the rumors as well, but I will never believe them. I would rather think of Lily in the way I always knew her, full of laughter and hope."

"Was there an autopsy done?"

"Muggles do autopsies Harry. We do mind retrievals. Even after death, the memories and dreams of the mind remain. I know there was a retrieval ordered, but I never knew of the results. I chose not to know. Perhaps I was wrong about that, but I didn't want to know more than I did."

"I need to know," Harry whispered softly.

"Why?"

"If he did what he claimed..."

"Will it change your impression of your mother? Will it change the way you feel about her? Will it change how you feel about Lord Voldemort? She was your mother, first and foremost. She died tragically, but her love for you was greater than any magic known to wizard kind. You have to remain focused on your mission in life Harry. Dwelling on what might have happened, or what claims were made, won't change anything now."

"You think I should just let it go, is that it?" Harry asked, bitterness in his tone.

"I think you should look deep within your heart, find that memory of Lily and hold onto it. That is the woman she was. Nothing else matters."

"Who was Guinevere?" Harry asked abruptly, seeing the shocked expression on the older wizard's face.

"How do you know of...you're very tricky Harry. I didn't even realize you had seen my thoughts."

"I can see thoughts clearly now, even when people don't know it. I saw Voldemort's thoughts about my mother. Either he was thinking of what he had hoped would have happened, or he did...then when you came in, I saw your thoughts when you looked at Ginny. Who was she?"

"She was someone very special to me once, a very long time ago. But that time is over and she is gone. It's best left that way."

"She was more than that to you, she still is."

"Harry, I would ask you to stay out of my memories. What is there really has no purpose for you."

"I'm sorry Professor. I wasn't trying to pry. I just thought she was very beautiful."

"Yes, she was. Well then Harry. Good night. I know it is useless to tell you to get some sleep, but I think you should try. Final exams start next week and you need your concentration for them."

"Yes sir. Good night." Harry watched the old man leave, feeling an odd sense of loneliness following him. Harry had seen more than just the image and memory of his Guinevere. He had seen more, a hint of something dealing with the present. When he looked at Ginny, he saw...what? A life forgotten. He saw Dumbledore with the woman, with two children, a boy and girl, both with brown-red hair. He saw a brief image of them as adults with families of their own, gathered around a bed like those of the infirmary. But more than that, he saw...what? Something familiar to him, but he couldn't place it. A brief glimpse into something that made his heart stop and then skip a beat all within the span of a single breath. But the more he concentrated on the image, the further away it slipped until he could no longer remember what it was he had seen.

"Potter? You awake?" Harry started to the sound of a voice, raising his head from the bed beside Ginny. He didn't even realize he had laid it down, or that he had drifted off to sleep. One moment he was thinking about Dumbledore and the next he was waking to his name being called.

"I'm awake," Harry said in a groggy tone. Next to him stood Malfoy, blond hair free from the styling potions he'd normally wore, his robes gone. He wore only a pair of dark slacks and a light blue jumper. Malfoy chuckled as he watched Harry fight for control over his fatigue.

"Sure you are. Why are you still here? I thought you'd be up in your common room, relaying your heroic tales to the younger Gryffindors."

"I wasn't the hero tonight, Malfoy, you were. I suppose I owe you for protecting Ginny."

"Don't worry about it. I won't make you pay...too badly at least."

"Thanks. I feel much better about the debt I owe you." Malfoy laughed this time, not like he usually did, but a sincere laugh. It was a sound Harry had never heard from him.

"How's little Weaslette?" he asked looking down at the still sleeping Ginny.

"Her name is Ginny and she's doing well, just sleeping. Madame Pomfrey gave her a sleeping draft."

"I suppose she would need it. She was quite brave, for a Weasley that is. Not much like her brothers."

"All the Weasleys are brave. There is nothing they wouldn't do for each other."

"I guess that's what separates families from housemates." Harry stared at the young man for a few silent moments, then turned back to Ginny. He brushed a stray hair from her forehead, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. As he straightened, he saw sadness in Malfoy's eyes that had never been there before. He could only imagine how great his loss was.

"Come walk with me Malfoy," Harry said quietly, so as not to disturb the others. The two of them left the hospital wing together, walking down the hallway. They silently made their way to the Room of Requirements, where Harry paced three times and opened the door. Inside was a room unlike any he had ever seen inside the walls before. Sitting in the center were two large wingback chairs, a small round table sitting between them. Along the walls were lit candles, illuminating the room in a soft glow. Against the far end of the room was a large fireplace, much like the one in the Great Hall. On the floor was a thick covering of an oriental rug and on the table was a tray of steaming tea and cakes.

"Cozy," Malfoy sneered, looking much like the old Malfoy. "Not at all like the last time I was here."

"When was that?" Harry asked, walking to chairs and sitting in one.

"About a month ago," Malfoy said with a chuckle as he followed suit and joined Harry at the table. "Parvati and I were here. It's quite a useful room, you know?"

"Yes I know," Harry chuckled at the surprised look on the blond's face. "I wonder if this room has always been this useful, or if it's a new thing this year?"

"From what I've overheard the past six years, it's a secret as old as Hogwart's." Malfoy and Harry drank from their teacups and snacked on the cakes in silent for several moments.

"So Potter, why did you bring me here? I'm sure it wasn't for a midnight snack."

"I needed to speak with you about a few things. Like...what...are you going to do now?"

"What do you mean?"

"You said you were trying to get your family's fortune back. Have you done it yet?" Harry felt like a fool making small talk, but he was trying to figure out a way to tell him about the prophecy and his being the fifth point of the fabled star Dumbledore spoke of.

"The petition my lawyers have filed is in the hands of the Minister," Malfoy said, a disgusted look on his pale face. "After being suspended, having my wand revoked, losing my Prefect privileges, not to mention carrying the surname of Malfoy, I suppose we can both guess what Weasley is going to say to my request."

"Don't judge Mr. Weasley so harshly, Malfoy. He's a very fair man. And as long as you're making a list you might want to add the fact that you fought against Voldemort and his followers, turned against your own father, protected Ginny and helped save her from Goyle and the Dementors. I'm sure if anything is going to carry weight with the Minister of Magic, it will be the fact that his only daughter is alive because of you."

"Please don't say that. The idea of saving a Weasley doesn't set well with my upbringing."

"There comes a time, when a person has to decide his own destiny, regardless of his past. Look at me. If I chose my future based on the way I was raised, I'd as worthless as my Muggle relatives thinks I am."

"Who says you aren't, Potter?" Malfoy smiled, more in a teasing manner than his usual condescending one. Harry narrowed his eyes without speaking, causing the young man to chuckle. "What are you trying to get at?"

"There was another part of that prophecy, I didn't tell Voldemort," Harry began softly. "It spoke of five points to a star...a star that would unite and defeat the Dark Lord. Dumbledore believes that Ron and Hermione are two sides of the star and Ginny and I are the other."

"That still leaves one part missing."

"The prophecy said that the fifth point would be identified by the loss of a mother. That the Dark Lord would tempt the depths of the power, but that the father would lose to the truth. I think the missing part of the star is you, Malfoy."

"You're joking, right?" Malfoy stared at Harry with a frown. "You honestly think that I would stand by your side and help you defeat the Dark Lord? Do you have any idea what you're asking?"

"I understand completely," Harry said boldly. "I'm asking you to forget the past six years, to forget that you and I have always hated each other, that Ron and Ginny are Weasleys, that Hermione is Muggle born. I'm asking you to forget all that your father has told you, all that he taught you. I'm asking you to forget the anger and the bitterness and join us in the fight to save our world. I'm asking you to remember the sacrifice your mother made for you, the sacrifice so many parents have made for their children in order to give them a future." Harry stared at the young man across from him, seeing the conflict that crossed his face as he listened. "We need you Malfoy. We need your skills and your power. I know we have never seen eye to eye on anything and we probably never will. I'm not asking you change who you are, or to forget where you come from. I'm just asking you to help us." Malfoy stood slowly, staring at Harry through a deep frown. The confusion and disbelief shined on his face like a beacon.

"You're crazy Potter," he said as he walked toward the door.

"The time will come when you have to decide, Malfoy," Harry said softly as the young man's hand reached for the knob of the door. "You will have to chose then. Do you fight with us, or do you fight on the side your mother died trying to protect you from?" Malfoy didn't turn around or look back. He opened the door and stepped out into the hall, closing the wooden barrier behind him. Harry stared into the silent room, wondering what the future would bring now. Was there hope for them, or was destiny as cold as the night air?

The celebrations were running ramped among the different houses. Final exams were over; the O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were taken and now forgotten until results were sent out in August. Hogwart's was safe, for now at least. The spells and charms placed upon the school were reinforced and new ones added to protect against simple things as portkeys. It was determined after an exhausting investigation that the portkey in which Ginny had been taken with was in actuality the magazine she had received containing wands and accessories. It was also discovered that Ginny's robes had been jinxed to drop her wand whenever she sat down. Afterwards the magazine arrived and she began considering the purchase of a new holster. The spell was charmed to activate only when she tried to read the magazine in Harry's presence. It was quite an ingenious spell, one that surprised even Dumbledore. It was determined that either Crabbe or Goyle, or perhaps both, were responsible for jinxing Ginny's robes. Dobby told the Headmaster he had found Ginny's robes in their dormitory while cleaning and returned them to the laundry. He had neglected mentioning it earlier, not considering any consequences of their being found where they had.

Malfoy had been received back at Hogwart's with a hero's welcome, with the exception of his two main cohorts who had left the school the night after his return. They had learned of the senior Goyle's death and it was believed that they had been summonsed by the Dark Lord to join him. The senior Crabbe had disappeared during the battle and had yet to be found, making all believe he had rejoined his master in hiding. Harry had not been able to convince Malfoy of his involvement in the prophecy and had actually found Malfoy deliberately avoiding him. Even though he had been suspended for the rest of the school year, he remained at Hogwart's, having been relinquished into the custody of his godfather, Snape. His hearing with the Ministry had been scheduled for late August, which meant that a decision would be made as to whether he returned to school for his final year, or was sent to Azkaban for his use of the unforgivable spell.

Mr. Weasley had considered the petition Malfoy's lawyers had filed, choosing to return the young man's fortune back to him. Malfoy Manor remained under Ministry control however, while the many Aurors tried to break the spells, hexes, jinxes and charms that protected it. There were still the threats that Malfoy or Voldemort would return there, since it was virtually invisible to the Ministry's observations.

Harry and Ginny had long since made up, spending nearly every night either at the shrieking shack or in the Room of Requirements. They were anxious to share as much time as possible together, before Harry would return to Surrey and his horrid relatives. At least it would be his last summer there, which was the only thought that kept them looking forward to the end of summer holidays.

Ron and Hermione had let it slip during one of their many arguments that they were engaged and news had reached the Daily Prophet, who were reporting their many speculations on the subject, on a weekly basis. So far the rumor that Hermione was pregnant had been cast and squelched, yet remained in many students minds, who continued to whisper and stare openly at the couple. Then there was the rumor that Ron had inherited a million gold galleons and Hermione was with him in hopes of obtaining her share of it, and the most popular of all rumors, that Hermione was under a love spell cast on her by Ron. The last rumor the Daily Prophet had reported was that Hermione was on the rebound from Harry, turning instead to her best friend for condolence. Needless to say, by the last day of classes Ron was fit to be tied. He had spent his last night at Hogwart's in detention, scraping the many dung bombs bought from the Weasley twins and set by students, from the walls of the potions classroom.

Hermione had grown quite upset and frustrated with both Ron and his temper, as well as not finding any further information on the Green Flame Torch in the library...the one single place she held in highest esteem, even more so than her prized book, 'Hogwart's; A History'. She had a renewed sense of hope after learning about Tom Riddle's family home from her parents. She was certain she would receive her answers by the end of school and was furious when she hadn't.

The farewell dinner was the usual feast, far surpassing even the welcoming back feast. Everyone was happy and filled with enthusiasm for the summer. Plans for holiday trips were discussed, as well as the many ideas of how summer would be spent with loved ones, sweethearts and even homework (mainly from Hermione). Ginny was telling Harry all the things that her mother had planned for the holiday, from shopping for 'suitable clothes' to spending a few weeks at the seashore. She insisted of course, that he would be coming along and was eagerly scheduling their days, making certain there was 'alone' time for them each afternoon or evening - both in some cases.

That night, Harry lay in the large oversized bed, beside Ginny in the Room of Requirements. The flames in the fireplace were dying down and Harry found himself being pulled gently into a deep slumber. He couldn't remember being this content or this happy. It may have been his last night with his girlfriend for what could be weeks, but he was also embarking on his last summer with the Dursleys. He didn't care about Voldemort or facing another year of wondering what would happen. He didn't worry about Malfoy or the fifth point of the star, he didn't even care about the many added lessons Dumbledore, Tonks, Moody and Lupin insisted he undergo during his seventh year. All he cared about was the hopeful, happy outlook he saw for his immediate future.

Just as sleep began of to overtake him, Harry could hear the whisper of his name being called. He felt himself being lifted up out of bed, away from Ginny's inviting embrace and found himself standing on the beaches of a small island. All around him were the sweet fragrances of flowers and fresh seawater. The sounds of birds in the trees sang out to him, beckoning him forward. Harry's feet dug into the soft, warm sand as he moved inland. The massive trunks of palm trees crowed the overgrown path of ivy as he pushed his way through. There was a sense of peaceful solitude and foreboding as he made his way to the center of the island. There stood a large, rickety looking house, very much like the burrow. The paint of the outer walls and the wooden shingles of the roof looked fairly new, as did the glistening windows that seemed to twinkle to him in the bright sunlight.

Harry walked up the steps of the front of the house, pushing open the large red door. He walked into a bright, sunny room filled with vases of island flowers. The furnishings were consistent to those of Hogwart's with many large wingback chairs, sofas and wooden tables. The curtains hanging across the windows displayed a variety of stars and planets moving among the dark blue background. The smell of tea brewing and the sweet aroma of berry filled crumpets met him as he walked around the room. Beyond was a closed door and as Harry stared at it, it began to open. He felt his heart skip a beat. Was this another premonition? It seemed different somehow, unlike any he had before. He felt happy and content here, there was no hint of fear or death. As he watched the door open, the figure of a stalky little witch with rather unkept gray hair and a crooked nose entered carrying a silver tray with a teapot and four teacups. She wore a black dress beneath a ragged old apron, her feet bare. She walked past Harry and sat it on the table in front of the sofa.

Following shortly behind the first woman, was another this one much taller and slimmer, her hair neatly braided at the nape of her neck, her slender frame snuggly wrapped in a pale blue summer dress and like the first woman, her feet were bare. She stepped toward the window and looked out. The two remained silent for several moments as Harry stood out of the way watching them. The older, gray haired woman poured the tea and placed crumpets on four little china saucers. The young, neater looking woman pulled the drapes shut across the window, turning as the front door opened. In walked a rather nice looking, middle-aged woman with dark blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. Her skin was tanned, much more so than the pale skin of the two other women. She smiled at the sights of the room, and then turned to the direction Harry was standing.

"Please, come and sit. Tea is ready." Harry blinked his eyes, looking around him. Surely she didn't mean him, he was just a spectator in this dream. He watched the three women sit down around the small table, picking up their teacups. The darker skinned woman looked up again, cocking her head to the side as she stared at Harry.

"You're not dreaming dear boy," she said, causing Harry to gasp aloud. "Please, come sit with us. I promise we won't bite."

"You...you can see me?" Harry asked, edging closer to the three women looking at him.

"Of course we can see you. We've been waiting a long time for you. Now come, join us. Have a cup of tea."

"Who are you?" Harry asked softly.

"I am Mutgeb, this is Frynani," the woman said, pointing at the stalky, gray haired woman. "And this is Sharane."

"The Three Witches of Old," Harry whispered reverently. Mutgeb chuckled softly.

"I see you've been reading the books of legends," she answered. "Please sit," she indicated to one of the large chairs near the sofa.

"Have one?" asked Sharane, the thinner of the first two witches that had come from the other room. "Frynani makes the best wild berry cakes in the world." Harry took one of the sweet smelling cakes from the tray held out to him and smiled, thanking her politely. He placed it to his lips and bit into it. He could taste it, the rich fruit filling, the soft cake and crumbly topping. He couldn't believe he was eating this and tasting it.

Harry looked around at the three witches as he hungrily ate the cake and took another. Mutgeb was known by legend as the Mother of all Earth, while the thinner woman, Sharane was famed to be the Serpent Mother, though he couldn't tell why. She didn't resemble any serpent he had ever seen. Frynani, the baker, was known through legend as a Winged Troll, but again he couldn't tell why. Harry blushed when she caught his eye, looking down at the cup of tea before him. A soft laugh brought his eyes back to Mutgeb.

"No Harry, Frynani does not have wings, nor does Sharane have a fork tongue. They are however, the first of their kind. Frynani was called the winged troll because she flew among a tribe of primal trolls and was treated with respect and kindness."

"I was proud to be known as their friend," the stalky woman said, a tear in her dim eyes.

"I was known as the Serpent Mother, because I raised serpents and learned to speak with them. I believe they call it Parseltongue now. You speak to snakes as well, if I'm not mistaken, don't you?" Harry gulped his tea, nearly choking on the scalding liquid. He nodded wordlessly.

"I was called Mother of all Earth," Mutgeb said, "because I created the many varieties of plant life on this island. Many species of these plants are seen in other places around the world. I'm a Herbologist. I love plants of all kinds, much like your friend Neville."

"How do you know about Neville?" Harry asked in a surprised tone. "How do you know who I am, by that matter?"

"We know a great deal, Mr. Potter," Frynani said with a warm smile that lit up her otherwise dim eyes.

"We have watched you grow over the years," Sharane said.

"As I said Harry, we've been waiting a long time for you." Harry frowned at Mutgeb's words.

"Why?"

"The world is a very unstable place right now," she said seriously. "The dark forces have taken over and the time has come to defeat the one called Voldemort. You are seeking the Green Flame Torch, are you not? Your friend Hermione has been trying to find writings about it, but she never will. Even though she has read about it many times, the knowledge of it will not retain with her. She is a powerful witch, Harry. She will be of use when the final battle comes, as will your Ginny. We are proud to see that witches survive in the wizarding world. There was a time, when the three of us were younger, that witches were feared and mankind tried to destroy all of us."

"Muggles didn't care much for us back then," Frynani said sadly.

"Witches were feared and hated once," Sharane said in turn.

"Muggles still fear magical folks to a point, but they at least no longer hunt them down like wild beasts," Frynani said.

"How do you know this?" Harry asked. Mutgeb sighed.

"You never look beyond what is in front of you," she told Harry. "You must learn to look with your heart, with your soul and not your eyes. Your mind is a vast horizon. Look past the obvious and into the possible."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Harry said.

"No, you don't. But the time is not right for you to understand. Just remember what I said, someday it will make sense to you."

"But for now, you seek the Green Flame Torch. It is here Harry and you must find it," Sharane said.

"Where is here? Where am I?"

"You are on the island of Morahana, where time and space have no meaning," Frynani replied. "Here we can see into the future or relive the past. We have been there with you Harry. Through all the horrible years with your hateful Muggle relatives, to the day you discovered you were a wizard."

"We knew you were the one to use the Green Flame wisely," Sharane said. "You are braver than any who have come before."

"We are the ones who gave the prophecy to Sybil Trelawney," Mutgeb said. "We are the ones who saw the evil rising and warned Dumbledore of the future. In you, even as a baby, we saw great things. Your parents sacrificed all for you, as we knew they would."

"Their sacrifice was only in the physical form, Harry," Frynani told him. "Their spirits and souls never died. They transferred their own magic, all of it, to you when they died. You have them within you, all you need do is look within."

"I don't understand," Harry said with a frown.

"And you don't have to right now," Sharane said.

"Just know this Harry," Mutgeb continued. "The time is coming. You must seek the Green Flame Torch. You will have three tasks that you must overcome to prove your worthiness. The first one will be found in the east, where the sun is cast out and the moon shines bright for a year's half. There you will find an old woman by the name of Gilda. You will identify her by the mark upon her head."

"Seek her and answer her this question," Sharane added. "When a man seeks his path upon four legs, how will he come?"

"Once you have the answer, your next task will be revealed," Frynani said.

"But what does it mean?" Harry asked.

"That is what you must discover," Mutgeb replied.

"The time has come for you to return," Frynani said, looking out the window.

"Remember what you have been told Harry. Your journey must begin and end within the span of three moons. Find the Green Flame Torch and you will have the powers you need to defeat the King of Darkness. But be warned," Mutgeb said. "He who seeks the flame for glory or greed, will seek their death within the span of time. But he who seeks the flame in truth and light will open the window of time."

"How will I know if I am the right person?" Harry asked.

"We will know. That is all that matters."

"Can I ask you another question before I leave?" Harry questioned as he stood. Mutgeb nodded. "Can I turn back time with the Green Flame Torch?"

"Why would you want to?" Frynani asked.

"If the flame can change time, perhaps I can stop Voldemort from coming to power. Many lives will be saved if I can."

"Including your parents and Cedric?" Sharane surmised.

"You must choose Harry," Mutgeb said. "Do you seek the flame for yourself, or for others? Is the journey worth desire, or is desire worth the journey?" Harry frowned, but nodded all the same. He wasn't planning on having to answer so many riddles.

"This is what we will grant you," Sharane said as Harry neared the door. "Once you have completed your goal, one wish will we grant you. But do not dwell on it now, for time has it's own destiny. What you wish for today, may not be what you wish for tomorrow."

Harry found his feet back in the sands of the island, far from the house he had just stood. He blinked hard, looking out into the open blue waters of the ocean. He tried to think about all he was told, but right now he had to find his way home. As he took a step into the cool waters, he felt a hand upon his shoulder and he looked up into the sun, watching as it faded away to darkness. He eyes began to focus on the pale face of the moon, seeing it take shape before him. Honey brown eyes shined down to him, the sweet smile of the girl he loved leaned closer. He could feel her touch, taste her kiss and felt at ease once again. As the moment lent way to reality, Harry moved quietly back into the realm of reality. He pulled away from the warm embrace and smiled.

"What were you dreaming about?" Ginny asked, laying her head back down to his bare chest.

"I had a dream I was on the island of Morahana," he told her, watching as she sat up on her elbow. "I spoke with the three witches. They told me I had to journey to the east."

"You had a premonition?" she asked him with a frown and as he sat up, he looked down to his hand, where he held the remnants of a crumpet and handed it to her.

"It was no premonition and it was no dream," he told her. "I have to seek the Green Flame Torch. My destiny is at hand."

"But how will you find it?" Harry smoothed the hair from her face and smiled, easing the concern from her brow with his thumb.

"They will lead me. I know they will."

"But..."

"The future is here Ginny. And I'm ready for it."

******************************************************************************

The train pulled into Kings Cross shortly after dark and Harry found himself standing at the entrance to platform 9 ¾ before he really wanted to. He held Ginny's hand tightly, watching as their luggage was unloaded from the baggage car. Lupin had arrived at Hogwart's earlier that morning, as did Moody who insisted on riding the train home with Tonks and the students. Now the entire Weasley family surrounded them, each smiling and chatting eagerly to see how the trip had gone. Harry had made Ginny swear to secrecy concerning his enounter with the witches on the isle of Morahana. He knew his trip east to find the Green Flame Torch had to remain silent. If Voldemort learned what he was doing, he would send out his Dementors or his Death Eaters to stop him. It was risk too great to ignore.

Beyond the portal stood Hermione's parents who waved eagerly to their daughter and Ron, and the Dursleys who frowned openly. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his three relatives. Uncle Vernon wore a wrinkled dress shirt, once white now faded pink. Dudley looked at least a size smaller and his hair looked like it had been cut during an earthquake. Aunt Petunia looked thinner and paler than normal and glared at Harry with venom.

"I don't like the idea of your going back with those creatures," Ginny told him. Harry smiled to her, wrapping his arms around her slender waist and pulling her into a tight embrace.

"We'll be together again soon, I promise," he whispered in her ear, catching the sight of his relatives who stared at him with dropped jaws. He smiled again, knowing he was making a spectacle of himself, but couldn't resist giving the Dursleys a more intensified show. He leaned down to Ginny, looking deeply into her honey brown eyes and slowly, seductively, kissed her tender lips. Several moments passed before he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Reluctantly he pulled away from her, looking across his shoulder to see a very happy, smiling Mr. Weasley standing patiently by.

"If you two are finished," he teased. "We'd like to have a word with your relatives." Harry chuckled again, remembering what it was like last year at this time, when they spoke - or rather threatened Uncle Vernon.

"We're finished," Harry said, then turned back to Ginny and smiled again. "For now," he promised softly, walking along with the Weasley men, Lupin and Moody. They stepped up to Uncle Vernon who actually seemed to cower slightly.

"You remember us don't you?" Moody asked, watching the expression from Aunt Petunia as he pulled his hat covering his deformed face slightly aside.

"What do you want?" Vernon asked with as much dignity as possible. "We sent the bloody boy a Christmas present. Didn't you tell them?"

"It's not about the watch," Mr. Weasley said, assuring him that Harry had indeed reported to them. "It's about the coming months."

"This is Harry's last summer with you," Lupin began boldly. "Next year he will be old enough to go about his life on his own. With the fortune he has inherited from his parents as well as his godfather, he will not be in need of your services further."

"Fortune?" Vernon asked with a frown.

"Harry happens to be a very rich young man," Charlie added, his arms folded across his chest.

"And a very powerful wizard," Bill added, assuring the Muggle of his nephew's standing.

"I'm quite certain, once school is over Harry will be moving into his father's castle," Mr. Weasley insisted, watching the shocked expression on Dudley's face.

"Until that time, you will treat this boy with the respect you demand he treat you with, is that understood?" Moody demanded.

"He is to be fed properly, given clothes that fit him and treated with the dignity he deserves," Percy added, surprising even Harry.

"I'm sure you remember what happened to chubby there, the last time we were at your house," Fred commented with a wicked smile.

"You don't want us to stop by for another visit, now do you?" George asked with a smile to match his brother's.

"You will not threaten me again," Vernon said in a louder than normal voice, drawing attention from a few passers by.

"Do you think we need to stoop to threats, you bloody idiot?" Ron added, standing a good foot taller than the chubby older man.

"If we do not hear from Harry on a weekly basis," Moody interrupted. "We will come by for a visit and this time we won't be leaving quietly."

"Once Harry has graduated Hogwart's, your protection will be gone. You'll be on your own," Mr. Weasley said.

"That means, Muggle," Percy began to clarify in a Hermione-like tone. "If Harry hasn't defeated Voldemort by then, you're butt is open to an arse whooping. The Dark Lord isn't all that happy about not knowing where Harry's been all these years when he's not at school. Without Harry, you're on your own."

"I'm not afraid of this Voldie-wart," Vernon said proudly.

"It's Voldemort, you bloody bugger," Ron said in disgust, no longer afraid to use the Dark Lord's name.

"You had better be worried," Bill told him in a dangerously low tone. "You'd better be very worried."

"Harry, take care of yourself and if you need us just send word," Lupin told him, patting his back with a fatherly affection.

"We'll be there in a heart beat mate," Ron told him, shaking his hand.

"Keep in touch," Percy added. "I'd hate to listen to Ginny if you don't write at least once a day."

"Tell Mrs. Weasley thanks," Harry said, as Mr. Weasley handed him a package of tarts.

"Best be going," Moody said, looking around the station. Harry knew his magical eye was going crazy scanning the area from under his hat. "An owl every day, remember that."

"I will, don't worry." Harry shook each hand in turn, and then looked across the station to where Ginny stood wiping her eyes. He smiled at her, winking an eye of reassurance before turning back to see his relatives standing there staring at him. He smiled again, lifting his trunk and walking toward the entrance.