Harry Potter and the Last Terrible Vision

The showers of April left the landscape looking very green and lush, but it was not a time to relax and enjoy the spring days ahead. Professor McGonagall knew very well that this spring could be the last that Hogwarts might ever see. The war was coming. All around, witches and wizards were gearing up to fight what they hoped would be the final battle.

Professor McGonagall gave strict instructions to the other professors to allow early dismissal for all studentss over the age of seventeen willing to join up and fight. Students willing to join up would be exempt from their N.E.W.T.s. Harry and Ron were a few of the first. At the tender age of seventeen and eighteen, their ideas of glory and honor seemed a bit misplaced, but necessary.

Ginny and Hermione were most concerned about Harry and Ron's involvement. While Harry had no choice-- he was the 'Chosen One' and considered the only one capable of successfully defeating Voldemort-- Ron could have found another way to assist in the cause. As Hermione suggested, he could join up with his brother Charlie and breed dragons.

Hermione joined up with the other students who were accepted into the Healers apprenticeship program. These students would be needed to help take care of the wounded soldiers. However, Hermione still chose to take her N.E.W.T.s. She looked forward to taking them all year.

Harry and Ginny tried to make the most of their time together. After all, it was spring. Harry wanted to put the thought of the war out of his mind. Part of him felt that, if he was going to meet his demise at the hands of Voldemort, he might as well stock up on as many good memories as he possibly could. Harry and Ginny decided to pay a visit to Hagrid. Hagrid had been away for a few months. No one knew his whereabouts. He refused to discuss it with the trio. Harry and Ginny decided they would stop by for small talk. While walking down to Hagrid's revamped cottage--the fire from last year had taken it's toll on the old cottage-- they spotted him playing catch with Buckbeak, better known as Witherwings.

"'ey, 'arry, Ginny, what 're ya all up ta?" Hagrid greeted, throwing a large dead rat over Buckbeak's head and far into the yard. Buckbeak quickly ran in its direction.

"Just came by to see you," Harry replied.

"Where's Ron an' 'ermione?" Hagrid asked, stepping out of the way, as Buckbeak came running back for a second treat.

"Hermione and Ron are over at Honeydukes," Harry replied.

Buckbeak spotted Harry and walked over to him. Harry carefully reached his hand out to pet him. They were past the formalities of bowing to one another.

"Witherwings looks 'appy to see ya," Hagrid observed.

Harry smiled and kept petting Buckbeak. Ginny made a point of staying on the other side of Harry. Buckbeak's size and potential for severe harm made her a bit cautious.

"Hey, Hagrid, can Ginny and I go for a ride on Witherwings?" Harry asked.

"Harry, I'm not going on him," Ginny protested.

"'Ey now, watch it. You'll insult 'im," Hagrid retorted.

"I thought you didn't like riding him, Harry," Ginny recalled.

"Well, that was when I first flew on him. Witherwings and I have come to know each other a little better, right boy?" Harry smiled and gave Buckbeak an affectionate pat on his head. "So, do you want to go for a ride?" Harry smiled at Ginny.

Ginny gave Buckbeak a doubting look then shook her head. "Uh-uh, no," she replied, smiling at Harry.

"It's okay, Ginny. Witherwings is really quite tame, once he learns he can trust you," Harry explained, but Ginny was still reluctant. "Come on, Ginny. Don't be scared. I'll be with you. Please?" Harry faked a plea.

"Uh, I don't know," Ginny replied, feeling a bit more tempted to give it a try. Buckbeak slowly walked over to Ginny and bowed his head. Ginny froze in fear.

"What are you so afraid of? Buckbeak stayed with us at my house, when the Order was there, remember?" Harry asked, helping Ginny recall a couple of years back. Harry took Ginny's hand and guided it to Buckbeak's head. "Look. He just wants you to pet him," Harry encouraged.

After awhile, Ginny was petting Buckbeak fearlessly. Harry watched them both.

"Now are you ready to go for a ride?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Well, don' push 'er, Harry," Hagrid cautioned, in Ginny's defense.

"It's okay, Hagrid," Ginny replied. "Yeah, I'll go with you for a ride."

Harry did not hesitate. He guided Buckbeak over to the open field. Ginny followed. Hagrid looked on. Harry had Buckbeak lower his body closer to the ground, so that he could climb up onto Buckbeak's back.

"Come on, Ginny," Harry urged, reaching his hand down and encouraging Ginny to climb up.

"Hagrid, come here a minute," Harry called out.

Hagrid walked over to Buckbeak, Harry and Ginny. Hagrid already knew what Harry wanted him to do.

"Okay, Ginny. Hold on," Hagrid cautioned, as he lifted Ginny up onto Buckbeak's back. He had her sitting in front of Harry. Harry patted Buckbeak's side.

"Let's go, Witherwings," Harry commanded.

Hagrid stepped back, as Buckbeak began to trot quickly, flapping his large wings. Harry held onto Ginny around her waist. Ginny closed her eyes tightly and held onto Harry's forearms. She felt a sudden drop in her stomach, as Buckbeak pushed off from the ground and soared up into the air. Buckbeak, dipped suddenly to level off, flying several feet above the ground. Ginny's stomach continued to flip-flop.

Harry strained his neck to watch Ginny' s expression. She screamed as if she was on a roller coaster ride. Still holding tightly to Harry's arms, Ginny felt the thrill of being on such a scary ride while being held by the one she loved. Harry laughed as he watched her reaction. Harry straightened himself up. He loosened his grip around Ginny. Ginny grabbed onto the feathers on Buckbeak's neck to steady herself.

"You like it?" Harry asked.

"Yeah! Oh my God!" Ginny screamed, with delight. "Go higher, Witherwings!"

Harry laughed. He decided to show off for her. He released his hold around Ginny's waist and spread his arms out wide, as if he were flying.

"Ginny, look!" Harry yelled.

Ginny strained to turn her head. She could not see Harry's face, but she could see he had stretched his arms out.

"Oh, my God! Harry, you're crazy!" Ginny screamed, laughing.

"No, I'm not. It's fun. Try it."

"Uh. Okay. But don't do anything weird, Harry!" Ginny warned. "If I fall, I'm going to put a hex on you!"

Harry chuckled. "I won't let you fall. Trust me. Do you trust me?" Harry asked, his face close to hers, talking into her ear.

"Harry, I'm warning you!" Ginny laughed.

"I won't let you fall," Harry replied reassuringly. "Close your eyes and let go." Harry managed to pry Ginny's hands free from Buckbeak's neck. He held her hands in his.

Ginny felt the wonderful butterflies in her stomach. Harry slowly stretched Ginny's arms out, as he continued to hold her hands. Ginny's heart pounded rapidly. Once Harry felt that Ginny was steady, he loosened his grip on her hands and kept his arms spread out.

"Ginny, open your eyes," Harry commanded.

Ginny did as Harry told her. It was the most amazing feeling. She was flying and she was free.

"Oh my God," Ginny muttered softly. "I love it!"

Harry slowly put his hands on Ginny's wrists. Ginny slowly pulled her arms back in, causing Harry's arms to wrap around her. Ginny turned her head to face Harry and Harry stretched around to meet Ginny with a kiss. Buckbeak swooped up higher over the castle then turned around to head back to Hagrid's. Harry and Ginny were still embraced in a kiss.

As Hagrid looked up, he chuckled to himself, "That's my boy, Harry!"

It was later in the evening. Professor Albright was having her tea with Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione in staff quarters. They were asking the professor about what it was like at the school when she was a student. Ron and Hermione were especially curious about Professor Albright being a Slytherin. Harry pointed out that Slytherins had a reputation for being pragmatic, cunning and willing to do whatever it took to achieve their means.

"The Sorting Hat wanted to put me into Slytherin. I always wondered about that. I couldn't figure out what would make it decide that until now," Harry revealed, inferring to Professor Albright being a Slytherin.

"Harry, it doesn't matter what gifts you have inherited. What does matter is how you choose to use those gifts," Professor Albright explained.

"But Slytherins are conniving prats. Everyone knows that," Ron interjected. The other three laughed at Ron's statement.

"It doesn't seem fair that the Sorting Hat put you in Slytherin. You didn't deserve that. You don't act anything like a Slytherin," Ginny added.

Professor Albright thought for a moment. She realized she needed to undo the train of thought that the other four suffered from.

"Children, it would be so easy if we could tell whether or not a person was good or evil, just by knowing their surname or the house they have been placed in, but life is not so simple. Therefore, at our own risk, we must be willing to give an individual the benefit of the doubt. We must give an individual a chance to prove themselves. Don't judge them based on what talents they possess, but how they choose to use them."

"That's true. After all, look at Slughorn," Hermione noted. The other three looked at one another and nodded.

"Okay, children, it's getting late. I'm tired, and you four need to get some sleep," Professor Albright announced.

"Yeah, we better go. Mum's coming to school tomorrow," Ron announced. "Mum and Dad are going to Romania to visit Charlie, and they want to stop by to see us before they leave," Ron explained.

"Professor, one question," said Harry. "How are you related to the Malfoys?"

"Abraxas Malfoy is Draco's grandfather. He was also my brother's son,"

Professor Albright explained. "Needless to say, my brother and I did not see things eye to eye, nor did my parents. As soon as I turned seventeen, I left home. And on that note, good night children," Professor Albright repeated, firmly.

"Good night, Professor." Harry grinned.

"Good night, Professor Albright," Ginny bade.

Ron and Hermione followed suit. The four left the staff quarters and headed back to Gryffindor.

It was Friday afternoon. Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione were in the Gryffindor common room keeping company with Mrs. Weasley. Professor McGonagall came in to see Mrs. Weasley. She wanted to tell Mrs. Weasley about how proud she was that Ron was a prefect and doing so well in his studies and Quidditch. Mr. Weasley had stepped out of his most prized possession. It was the car that Ron and Harry drove to school, back in their second year. He insisted on taking it, rather than Apparating to Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley teased him, making references to 'boys and their toys.'

Mr. Weasley went to the trunk of the car to fetch the care packages that Mrs. Weasley made for the trio and Ginny. While he was gone, Professor Albright came to visit the Weasleys in the Gryffindor common room.

"Rose," Mrs. Weasley greeted happily.

"Molly, dear, good to see you," Professor Albright replied.

Professor McGonagall was glad to have Mrs. Weasley and Professor Albright together. She needed to share with them some information about the war. Professor McGonagall took the two ladies to the side. The remaining four looked on. Ron was sitting with Hermione, who was studying History of Magic, at the corner table. Harry and Ginny were spending most of their time trying to catch an ear of what the three women were discussing.

"The Ministry has set a date for the war. Scrimgeour received a message from Severus Snape. The war date is as we had expected -- the Five Nines," Professor McGonagall reported, directing her information to Mrs. Weasley and Professor Albright. Harry and Ginny overheard the conversation.

"What are the Five Nines?" Harry asked Ginny. Ginny shrugged her shoulders. She too was confused.

"Let's ask Hermione," Ginny suggested.

Harry and Ginny walked over to Ron and Hermione. "Hermione, what are the Five Nines?" asked Ginny.

Hermione had a worried look on her face. She was well aware of the term. It was a term used in both Arithmancy and History. For historic purposes, it represented a date when witches and wizards would begin a war. The date, when adding the numbers just so, would result in four nines. These nines, when added together, would equal thirty-six. Adding the three and the six from thirty-six would result in the fifth nine.

"This is bad," Hermione uttered. "The Five Nines is a day that witches and wizards agree to have a war, if one is pending."

"Well, how does it work?" Ron asked.

"Honestly, don't any of you pay attention in Arithmancy or History?" Hermione scolded. The other three just rolled their eyes. "The Five Nines work like this," Hermione began, taking out a sheet of paper to demonstrate. "Take a date and see if you can combine the numbers in such a way that they add up to four nines. For double-digit numbers, you add the individual digits together to get a single number. Once you have that, then you add the four nines together. It gives you thirty-six. Three plus six is the fifth nine."

The other three looked at each other in amazement. Harry began to catch on.

"Hold on. It's 1998. So, if I understand you correctly, I already have three nines."

"That's correct," Hermione confirmed.

"So, now all we have to do is come up with the rest of the date that would give us the fourth nine," Harry concluded.

"Well that could be anything," said Ron. "April fifth, or April fourteenth."

"How about April twenty-third?" Harry interjected. "Or even May fourth?"

"How about May thirteenth, or May twenty-second?" Ginny proposed.

"Yes, all of them are legitimate guesses, but you're forgetting one thing. We've already passed most of the dates in April," Hermione reminded.

"So that just leaves us with the May dates," Ron concluded.

"Or June," Hermione added. "Not to scare any of you even more, but did you notice the progression of available dates has a space of nine days between them?"

"Why nine, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Nine is a powerful number. It balances out the celestial numbers or odd numbers with the terrestrial numbers or even ones-- kind of like good versus evil. The celestial world is always having some sort of symbolic battle with the terrestrial world -- spiritual versus material, get it?"

"What about the five in 'Five Nines'?" Harry asked. "Where does the five fit in?"

"Honestly! If you all would do your homework, you'd know the answer to these questions. Five represents the pentacle! Also, multiply nine by five. What do you get?"

"Forty-five," Ron answered.

"Right. Now add four plus five," Hermione directed.

The other three said nothing. They just exchanged looks of astonishment. The four paused for a moment. They could over hear the conversation that Professor McGonagall, Mrs. Weasley, and Professor Albright were engaged in. Professor Albright was speaking.

"We, as the older, wiser generation, create conflict and cause confrontation amongst ourselves. It is our fault if a war breaks out, but when it comes time to fight that war, we do not send ourselves. Oh, no! Instead we send the one thing, the only thing that could offer us even the slightest morsel of immortality. We send our children!"

The ladies suddenly became quiet. They realized that the children were listening to their conversation. Professor Albright looked up at them.

"What are you studying over there?" Professor Albright asked.

"History," Hermione replied.

"History! Ah, yesssss, History. So strange it is that we waste our time worrying about the past. It's not as if we are going to do anything about it in the future. I must concede, however, while learning about the past is a boring task, learning from the past is imperative, if we want to avoid repeating it in the future," Professor Albright proclaimed, now aware she had a captive audience.

"It's still painfully boring," Ron replied.

Professor Albright ignored Ron's comment. She continued, where she left off.

"Unfortunately, the one thing that seems to be clear about the future is that when the future becomes the present, it seems to bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor. Therefore, I decree, no more history classes. They're a waste of time. No one learns the lessons they teach. Besides, we can use the books for more useful matters. We can burn them and make more heat. It would certainly warm up this drafty old place."

Professor Albright stopped talking to catch her breath. Everyone stared in silence at her. She seemed to have gone off the edge. Suddenly, the professor's expression had become very callous and forlorn. She stared at the floor for a moment, then looked up and turned slowly toward Mrs. Weasley. She began to speak, almost in the manner that Professor Trelawney would when telling a prophecy. She was referencing how the war might affect the Weasley clan.

"Look sharp, Molly Weasley. Take a picture of that brood of yours. Study it carefully. Then decide, which of them you would miss the least, should the unthinkable occur. That way, when the unthinkable does occur, you will have already prepared yourself for the blow."

No one said a word. The shock of hearing this from Professor Albright left everyone else in the room dumbstruck. Mrs. Weasley looked at Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall reached out to Mrs. Weasley and placed a supporting hand on her shoulder. Mrs. Weasley glanced over to where the trio and Ginny were sitting. She looked at Ron then at Ginny, then she turned around and rushed out of the common room.

Mrs Weasley hastily walked over to the car when Mr. Weasley had just pulled out the care packages.

"Molly, are you okay?" Mr. Weasley asked, sensing something terrible had just happened.

"Yes, I'm fine, but if we want to make it to Romania by this evening, we have to get to the train station now," Mrs. Weasley replied, not looking directly at Mr. Weasley, but pretending to fiddle around in her purse.

"Well, okay. I'll just run in and give these care packages to the children."

Mr. Weasley rushed inside the school and over to Gryffindor. He kissed Ginny, hugged Ron and patted Harry and Hermione on their shoulders to bid them goodbye. Then he rushed back to the car and quickly drove off to the train station, with Mrs. Weasley.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived in Romania later that evening. They met up with Charlie at the inn where they were staying, and had dinner with him. Later that night, Molly woke up. She got out of bed and went over to her suitcases. She took out a small picture album that she always took with her on long trips.

She opened it up and stared at the picture on the first page. It was a picture of all seven of the Weasley children. Knowing that Ginny was only sixteen and too young to fight, she focused her attention on her six sons. She thought about what Professor Albright had said. She tried to think of how she would feel if she lost one of them. She carefully studied each of their faces.

As she thought and stared at each face, an insurmountable feeling of terror and heartache overwhelmed her. She collapsed in a chair near the dresser. The picture album lay in her lap. She covered her mouth in an attempt to muffle the sound of her weeping.

Mr. Weasley woke up in spite of Mrs.Weasley's efforts. He looked over at her sitting in the corner.

" Molly," Mr. Weasley called to her, getting out of bed and quickly walking over to where she was sitting, "what's wrong?"

"I can't! I can't," Mrs. Weasley howled, weeping and shaking her head.

"You can't what?" Mr.Weasley asked.

"I can't just accept losing one of them. I can't prepare myself," Mrs. Weasley replied.

Mr. Weasley understood what Mrs. Weasley was referring to. After almost thirty years of marriage, it was hard for them not to understand one another. Mr. Weasley put his arms around Mrs. Weasley to console her.

"Molly, you're getting yourself worked up about nothing."

"ABOUT NOTHING? Arthur, there's six of them. What are the chances that they'll all survive this war?"

Mr. Weasley began to fear the worst as well. He realized the odds were against them that all six of their sons would survive.

"I can't take this! I'll fall apart if I have to face losing even one."

It was the first Tuesday in May. The Ministry was given the day that the war would begin -- May 31, 1998. Hermione was correct about the date -- a date with four nines. It would be held on a Sunday evening, an additional rule that Hermione had forgotten. Everyone's nerves were on edge. The Quidditch pitch was being used for wand-to- wand combat training. Most of the male students, over the age of seventeen, opted to join the fight in lieu of taking their N.E.W.T.s.

It was approaching late afternoon. Professor Albright had finished with her last class of the day. She needed to go to the Ministry. The weapon, though disassembled, was complete. It was time, she felt, that Harry knew the truth of her precise whereabouts for the past seventeen years. She asked one of the students to summon Harry from the Quidditch pitch.

Harry met up with Professor Albright in the staff quarters. "Professor, you wanted to see me?" he inquired curiously.

"Yes, Harry. Go get cleaned up. I'm taking you on a little trip," Professor Albright replied rather mysteriously.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and quickly ran off to do as he was instructed. Harry showered and changed in the Gryffindor dorms then quickly ran back to staff quarters.

"So where are we going?" Harry asked eagerly.

"I'm taking you on a trip to the Ministry," Professor Albright announced.

"Uh, Professor, what's so great about that? I have terrible memories of that place," Harry replied, looking a bit disappointed.

"Harry, I think you'll find this trip both educational and enlightening," Professor Albright informed, smirking at Harry.

Harry begrudgingly agreed to go with her. They both walked out of staff quarters.

"How are we getting there?" Harry asked, as they proceeded to the school's front entrance.

"Hagrid will take us," Professor Albright replied.

They stood outside the front entrance of the school. Hagrid pulled up in what appeared to be a mystical kind of golf cart. Professor Albright and Harry climbed in the back. Hagrid pushed a sequence of buttons on the front panel. The buttons varied in color and had names for specific wizarding places. Hagrid pushed three buttons, 'The Ministry', 'From', and 'Hogwarts' in exactly that order. Before Harry knew it, the golf cart was off and flying. It landed near the telephone booth that Harry and Mr.Weasley used during their trip to the Ministry, over two years ago.

"Thank you, Hagrid," Professor Albright smiled, stepping out of the cart.

"Thanks, Hagrid," Harry followed.

"Anytime," Hagrid replied.

Harry and Professor Albright stepped into the phone booth. Professor Albright picked up the phone and dialed several numbers. The next thing Harry knew, he was in the room that he recognized as the room where he had battled Bellatrix Lestrange and the other Death Eaters.

Harry suddenly got a sinking feeling in his stomach. "Professor, do we have to be here? This is where...where..." Harry's voice faded. The memory of losing Sirius replayed unmercifully in his mind. He felt the pain of his loss all over again.

"You saw Sirius pass through that veil," Professor Albright interjected, helping Harry finish his sentence.

Harry looked down. His face seemed forlorn. Professor Albright walked through another door into the room with the veil.

"Harry, follow me," Professor Albright instructed. She was already standing inside the second room.

Harry slowly approached the doorway. He entered the room. Professor Albright was standing in front of the veil. Harry's face turned a paler shade of white.

"Professor, what are you doing? That's the veil that...get away from there!" Harry yelled, panicking and pushing the professor away from the veil.

"Harry, relax." Professor Albright smiled. She walked back in front of the veil. "Stand next to me, Harry," Professor Albright instructed.

Harry shook his head. "No!" Harry started to grow nervous of Professor Albright's intentions. "Please, don't do this," Harry begged, feeling as if Professor Albright was up to something evil. His stomach began to tighten.

"Harry, I'm not going to be able to show you my project unless you go through the veil with me," Professor Albright explained.

"But this is the veil that Sirius fell through before he died," Harry replied.

"Harry, I'm growing impatient with you," Professor Albright snarled, as she put her cane behind one of Harry's legs, then pushed him hard, causing him to fall backward into the veil.

Harry felt as if he was falling through a giant, bright white tunnel, made from inflatable cushions. He came to an opening where he felt as if he was being squeezed out of a tube. He came out through a wall, making a sound like a vacuum seal being broken. He landed hard on a stiff mattress in what appeared to be some sort of laboratory. He sat up and slowly looked around. He had not been off the mattress for more than a few seconds when Professor Albright came flying out of the wall. She made the same vacuum-seal-break sound when she landed on the mattress. She sat up, steadying herself with her cane.

"Boy, they really need to do something about this entrance. The ride isn't so bad, but the landing is murder," Professor Albright exclaimed.

Harry helped her get off the mattress and onto her feet. "Professor, what is this place?" he asked.

"This place is where I have spent my seventeen years. I have been the lead scientist in conducting research and design testing for a secret weapon. This weapon, in addition to you, Harry, will be key to destroying the Death Eaters and Voldemort," Professor Albright explained.

"So, where is this weapon?" Harry asked skeptically, a feeling of nervousness growing inside him.

"Come. Follow me," Professor Albright commanded, walking toward an entrance with white, double doors. She took a key from around her neck, unlocked the doors, opened them, and stepped into the large room.

The room was all white with an entrance that appeared to be a hallway, located on the opposite side of the room. In the middle of the room stood a large platform and another table next to it. Large, canvas drop clothes covered both. Attached to the canvas clothes were ropes that led up to pulleys on the ceiling. The ropes continued across the ceiling and down the wall to a wheel with an arm that wound the ropes. Professor Albright walked over to the wheel and turned the arm. The ropes began to slowly lift the canvas and reveal the object lying on the platform underneath. Professor Albright watched Harry's expression. His eyes widened, his jaw dropped. He had not seen anything like it before.

It was a large, long, metallic object in the shape of a giant wand. At the narrow end it had an opening. The wand was hollow. At the base, there was a larger opening and some sort of device that appeared to be capable of holding something in place. As Harry stared in awe of its size and dimension, Professor Albright walked over to the smaller table.

"Harry, I need your help with this," said Professor Albright, pulling at the canvas on the table.

Harry quickly walked over to the table and hastily grappled with the canvas. Underneath the canvas, sitting on the table, was what appeared to be a large, crystal punch bowl. Harry was confused. Professor Albright read the expression on Harry's face and began to giggle.

"What is it that confuses you, Harry?"

"What does a punch bowl have to do with your weapon?" Harry asked.

"A very good question," Professor Albright replied. "This is no ordinary bowl, Harry. Look carefully," she directed, inviting Harry to come closer to the table.

"You see this? This punch bowl is nothing more than many small prisms, glass blown together," Professor Albright explained.

Harry took a careful look at the bowl. Sure enough, it was how Professor Albright described.

"Do you know what Chlorophyll is?" Professor Albright asked.

"Plants use it," Harry replied with an inflection of a question in his voice.

"Very good, but do you know why it's green?" Professor Albright asked. Harry had no answer.

"Chlorophyll is green, because it reflects the wavelength that represents the color green, while absorbing all the other wavelengths of the rainbow. It's like a filter," Professor Albright explained.

Harry just looked dumbfounded. The professor was starting to talk over his head. Suddenly, he understood the strong connection she had with Hermione.

"The point is, Harry, these prisms are coated with a chemical that behaves much like a filter. This coating only allows wavelengths of two hundred and thirty nanometers or shorter. Do you know what that is, Harry?" Professor Albright quizzed.

"Not a clue," Harry admitted, completely amazed by the old professor's capacity for scientific knowledge.

"Two hundred and thirty nanometers is Ultra violet light energy. It is a very high, intense wavelength of energy. Once this light energy hits the secret formula inside the bowl, it excites the atoms of the formula. These excited atoms are at a much higher energy level. When the wand shoots this liquid bullet, the bullet will, at the much higher, excited energy state, hit the target, releasing this energy abruptly, and causing the atoms to revert back to their original resting state. The energy released from this change of state will be so enormous, it will level everything within a radius of five hundred meters," Professor Albright explained. It was clear by her tone that she was proud of her invention.

Harry stared at it, taking in the awesome size of its structure. A sudden sense of fear came over him. What was Professor Albright trying to describe to him? Was it what he thought she was trying to describe?

"Wait a minute, Professor. You mean to say this thing is...this thing is..." Harry stumbled on the word.

"Nuclear, Harry?" Professor Albright quipped, "Yesssss," she answered, her eyes squinting like a snake and her mouth grinning devilishly.

"Professor, this ... this thing you built...it's a weapon of total destruction!" Harry cried, as the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He felt his skin grow cold. His heart started to beat very hard. He started to breathe quick, short breaths, as he became increasingly more nervous.

"Correct, Harry. In the wrong hands, in the hands of Voldemort and his Death Eaters, this would be a weapon of total destruction. But it is not in their hands. It is in ours. Therefore, it is not a weapon of total destruction, but a machine of righteousness!" Professor Albright declared.

Harry stared wide-eyed at the old professor. He was finding it difficult to believe what was coming out of her mouth.

"You're mad! You're completely mad!" Harry exclaimed. "I can't let you do this." Harry turned around and headed back toward the double doors.

Professor Albright, using her telekinetic powers, caused the doors to slam shut. Harry stopped abruptly. He felt a shudder up his spine. He began to breathe quickly again. He felt a sudden need to defend himself. While still facing the doors, he reached for his wand in his back pocket, but before he could get his hand on it, Professor Albright used her telekinetic power to retrieve it. Harry froze instantly. His body was trembling with fear. Finally, he managed to turn around and face Professor Albright. He knew his life was in peril. As Harry looked at her, he realized he was looking at someone who was prepared to do whatever was necessary to carry out the plan. Harry knew it was time to start begging for his life.

"Prof...Professor," Harry struggled to call Professor Albright by the title he used out of respect, but the word kept getting stuck in his throat. His body began to tremble even more. His face held a pleading expression.

"Please," Harry begged. It was the only word he could get out.

"Harry, turn around," Professor Albright ordered calmly. Her face held no emotion. "I need to do what I need to do. I cannot let my emotional attachments get in the way of what is necessary. Now please, turn around. It is bad enough that I have to do this. I'd prefer not to look at you when I do it."

"Please, don't do this," Harry begged. "I'm not going to turn around. If you want to kill me, you'll have to look me in the eye to do it."

"Harry, you understand that I have no choice. I will never forget the last time I let emotions get in the way of my judgment. It is neither wise nor fair for me to sacrifice the masses to spare the one. So it's only logical that I do the opposite," Professor Albright explained.

"You don't have to go to this extreme to kill Voldemort. He's not even whole. He's one-seventh of what he used to be. He's just a man -- a weak man. You need me to kill him. Remember Ginny's and my love is the secret weapon, not this!" Harry debated, gesturing toward the giant wand.

"Harry, I don't need you. We just need Ginny's love for you. As long as she thinks you're still alive, and she still loves you, we can use that love against him," Professor Albright explained. "Oh, and another thing. He is NOT a man. He is evil incarnate! He is the plague, pestilence, hunger, anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth," Professor Albright ranted on. With each word, her breathing became more labored. Her voice became filled with rage. She began to tremble almost as much as Harry.

"He is the reason why little children disappear in the night and their mothers and fathers lay their heads down on their pillows, but never sleep," she continued, her voice trembling along with the rest of her body. Then she made the most pivotal statement. It was this statement that caused Harry to have a change of heart.

"He can take your soul-mate, your soul, your livelihood, and your dreams and turn them to ashes in seconds," Professor Albright wept. She turned around and walked toward the weapon. She tried to steady herself with the use of her cane while holding onto the platform.

The sound of her crying brought back a melancholy memory in Harry's mind. For a few seconds, he was back with her at his parents' graves. There was a moment of silence. Then Harry heard the doors behind him open.

"Go!" Professor Albright demanded, with her back still toward Harry.

Harry did not move other than to turn his head quickly toward the door, then back to Professor Albright.

"I said 'go'!"

Harry slowly walked over to where his wand had landed on the floor. He bent down, picked it up, and slipped it into his back pocket. He slowly turned around and began walking toward the open doors. He pushed the doors open wide enough to walk through. He turned around and stuck his head back through the opening to get a glimpse of the professor still holding onto the platform.

He thought for a moment. Then he quietly walked back into the room, just enough so that his hand was still on the doorknob. He slowly pulled the door closed behind him. His back was leaning up against the door, and his hand was still on the doorknob. He watched Professor Albright as she quietly turned around. She had expected him to be gone, but was pleasantly surprised to see him standing there.

Harry let go of the knob. He walked over to where Professor Albright was standing. He leaned over, put his arms around her, and hugged her. When he pulled away, he looked into her eyes. She looked up at him and smiled. Her eyes were twinkling with joy. Harry's mouth took the shape of a pirate's smile again, then looked over at the weapon.

"So, what does it take to learn how to work one of these things?" Harry asked.

"Well, why don't we ask the three gentlemen that helped me put it together?" Professor Albright proposed.

Harry looked at her with the same puzzled expression he had on his face when Professor Albright tried to explain to him how the weapon worked. Professor Albright began to call out the names of the three men, one at a time.

"Amos? Remus?" On the third name she strategically hesitated, while glancing over to Harry. She wanted to savor the expression on his face, when she called the name of the third man. "Sirius?"

Harry's jaw dropped open, and his eyes opened wide instantly. He quickly glanced back at Professor Albright then back to the hallway on the opposite side of the room. It was from there that the three men appeared.

Harry focused his attention on Sirius. He did not say a word. He could only stare in amazement and disbelief. How could it be? Sirius was dead, but he looked very much alive from where he was standing. Sirius walked over to Harry and extended his right hand. Harry did not return the gesture. He remained still, his mouth agape and his eyes wide. He refused to allow himself any feelings of joy for fear that this was all a dream, and he would have to relive the pain all over again, once he woke up.

Sirius responded to Harry's lack of reciprocation with disappointment. "Not even so much as a handshake for your dear, old godfather?" Sirius understood the reason for Harry's response. He walked up closer to Harry, and put his arms around him. "I'm sorry I put you through this, but I needed to get out of that place."

Everyone else in the room remained silent as they watched Harry and Sirius' reunion. Eventually, Sirius broke his hug and backed away from Harry.

"Well, for God's sake, Harry, say something. You act as if you've seen a ghost," he joked and began to laugh. His joke broke the tension in the room and caused the others to laugh as well. Sirius looked at Harry and then hugged him again. This time Harry reciprocated.

Professor Albright directed everyone to go back down the hallway. The hallway led to a small kitchen. Professor Albright, Sirius, Amos, Remus, and Harry sat down at the table. Harry enjoyed asking the three men questions about what was happening. Harry helped Sirius catch up on what was going on with his life in and out of school. Harry was savoring every moment. He felt as if he was sitting at a table with his own family. His godfather was back in his life. To him, these people were the most important to him. Had it not been for the fact that Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were not there, this would have been a perfect evening.

Unfortunately, the evening ended much too soon, or so it seemed for Harry. He bade Remus and Amos good night, hugged Sirius one more time then left with Professor Albright to return to Hogwarts. The rest of the week went quickly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was Sunday evening. Harry had finished his homework and decided to take a walk by the lake. He would sit on a bench from time to time when he needed time alone to think. As he sat and looked out over the water, thoughts popped into his mind. Many of them made him sad. The fact that the war was exactly three weeks away began to sink in. He felt his stomach twist inside. He realized that these might be the last three weeks of his life. He also realized that there were so many things that he wanted to do, but never had the chance to do them. His thoughts ran to Ginny.

What would she do if I didn't defeat Voldemort? What would she do if I died? Would she think of me? When the war is finally here, will she be strong enough and faithful enough to wait for me? If I could only be sure she would wait for me. It would be just the incentive he needed to be victorious. How could he be sure she'd wait? Then an idea came to mind. Maybe the professor was right. Maybe young people do wait too long. The thought scared him senseless, but he knew if he did not ask Ginny, he might wind up regretting it later. Harry stood up and ran back to the school to find her.

Ginny was in the Gryffindor common room, sitting with Hermione when Harry found her. Harry greeted them, then leaned over to Ginny and whispered to her to come with him. Ginny smiled, shrugged her shoulders, as if to say to Hermione that she did not know what was going on, then rose from the table. Ginny and Harry walked hand in hand out of the common room.

Harry led Ginny to the Astronomy tower. They both sat down on one of the benches. Harry put his arm around her. Ginny did the same to Harry. He smiled at her then kissed her. Ginny noticed he was nervous.

"Harry, are you okay?" Ginny asked.

"Um, yeah," Harry replied, growing ever more nervous.

"So, do you want to talk to me about something?" she asked.

"Uh, yeah," Harry replied, pulling his arm away and leaning over. His hands were folded in front of him as if he was in prayer. His head hung down in order to avoid looking into Ginny's eyes.

"Harry, something is wrong," Ginny remarked, growing nervous herself.

Harry realized it was no use. He could not back out now. He had to find out just how far Ginny was willing to go with him.

"Ginny, how much do you love me?" Harry questioned.

Ginny thought this was an odd question. She thought she had made it undoubtedly clear how much she loved him. "Why do you ask?"

"Will you...wait for me?"

"Wait for you to do what?" she replied, not following what was concerning him.

"Wait for my return from the war?" Harry answered, with frustration in his voice.

"Oh, that! Of course, I will! Wait. Is that what this is all about?" Ginny grinned.

"Ginny, do you see us being together forever?" Harry asked, tilting his head up to watch her expression. His hair hung in the way of his vision.

"Absolutely. Why?"

Then Harry asked the one question that made Ginny understand what Harry was really trying to ask. "Ginny, will you... wear my ring?" He was still peaking up at her to see her reaction.

Ginny did not want to make it too easy for Harry. She wanted to play with him a little bit. "Well, sure, but don't you think it would be a little big on me? Your fingers are a little larger than mine, you know."

"Well, I'd get you one that fits," Harry stammered. He was looking into her eyes.

"Harry, what are you really trying to ask me?" Ginny prodded, pretending to be confused.

Harry's heart felt like it was going to beat clear through his chest. He knew this was it. He could not back down. He thought, Okay, here it goes. He slowly slipped off the bench and onto his knees. He turned toward Ginny, but did not look up. He put both hands on the bench, one on either side of her. Still looking down, his long messy hair blocked Ginny's view of his face.

Oh, God, Harry mumbled under his breath. Here goes nothing. He tried to catch his breath and swallow, but failed.

Ginny reached out to his face and lifted his chin. He tried to avoid looking into her chocolate brown eyes, but it was no use. He felt his knees starting to give way. He knew there was no turning back.

Harry's voice quivered. "Ginny, uh...do you think...I mean, maybe...we could...you could...spend the rest of your life with me?"

"Harry, I get this feeling you're trying to ask me to marry you."

"Yeah?" Harry chuckled nervously. "Me too," he croaked then grimaced thinking of how stupid he must have just sounded to her.

Ginny laughed at Harry's reply. She decided she'd tortured him enough. She lifted his chin again and looked into his eyes. At this point, all the strength to fight her left him. He helplessly looked into hers.

"Yes, Harry. I'll marry you."

"You will?" Harry beamed, barely any sound coming from his voice. Ginny nodded then leaned in and gently kissed him.

"That was the most awful proposal of marriage I have ever witnessed!" howled a completely recognizable voice. How did Professor Albright know where to find them? "It was a complete mess!" she continued to rant.

Harry pulled away from Ginny's lips. Ginny giggled.

Rolling his eyes and throwing his hands in the air, Harry exclaimed, "I don't believe this! Professor, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to make sure you do it right, which, needless to say, you didn't!" Professor Albright snipped.

"I think he did fine," Ginny defended.

"First of all, you'll need this," Professor Albright exclaimed, pulling a small box out of the pocket of her robe. "Now, come here," she commanded Harry.

Harry was still on his knees. He did not move.

"I said, come here!" Professor Albright demanded, growing impatient.

"But, Professor," Harry replied.

Professor Albright did not let Harry finish his protesting. She took her cane and guided the handle to wrap it around Harry's neck. She tugged on it firmly, pulling Harry off his knees and causing him to fall flat on his face. Harry threw his arms out in front of him. Ginny gasped.

"Harry, get up and take this box," Professor Albright demanded.

Harry picked himself up. While still on his knees, he took the box from Professor Albright's hand and opened it. "Professor, there's nothing in it," Harry grumbled.

"That's okay. Just put it in your pocket," Professor Albright instructed.

"But, Professor..." Harry protested.

"I said, put it in your pocket!" Professor Albright yelled, stamping her cane on the ground.

"Okay, okay," Harry agreed nervously. He'd learned his lesson, after the incident at the Ministry. Hermione's warning was merited. Harry did as he was told. "Now what?" Harry snipped.

"Now go back over to Ginny," Professor Albright instructed.

Harry slinked over to Ginny while still on his knees. Harry gave the professor a sarcastic look as he gestured that he was waiting for the next instruction.

"Now, take Ginny's hands in yours."

Again, Harry followed Professor Albright's instructions.

"Now, look into Ginny's eyes. Ginny, you look into Harry's eyes."

Ginny and Harry did as Professor Albright told them too, and a strange, warm feeling came over them.

"Now, listen carefully," Professor Albright began. "Ginny, recall the first time you saw Harry. Remember how you felt. Remember how, even though you didn't know who he was, you knew, at that moment you met the person you would spend the rest of your life with." The professor watched as Ginny continued to stare into Harry's eyes. Her body slumped, and her mouth opened slightly.

"Harry, remember telling me how you felt when you saw Ginny running down the stairs in her parents' house. Remember the look on her face when she saw you sitting at the breakfast table. Remember how you felt when you first saw what you thought was her lifeless body lying on the Chamber floor." Professor Albright paused strategically to allow Harry's images resurface in his mind.

"Ginny, remember the feeling of excitement when Harry arrived at the inn. Remember how you felt when he came out of the maze during the Triwizard Tournament." Professor Albright let Ginny replay the moment and feelings of that frightening day.

"Harry, remember how you and Ginny battled the Death Eaters together at the Ministry, like heroes from a great, literary epic." Then Professor Albright clinched the moment making them recall the first of many wonderful moments together. " Both of you, recall when you first kissed each other. Now look into each others eyes and recall all that you have been through together."

Harry and Ginny gazed into each other's eyes. Their faces held the same soft heartfelt expression.

"Now, Harry, ask Ginny to marry you."

Harry remained still for a moment. He swallowed hard. Then, while still looking into Ginny's eyes, he began to speak. " Ginny, I love you ... and I couldn't imagine anyone else being by my side for the rest of my life. Would you be my wife?"

Ginny smiled. She too began to choke up, but managed to give Harry an answer, "Yes, I'll be your wife."

"Yeah?" Harry whispered.

Ginny nodded and smiled. They stared at each other for a moment.

Professor Albright broke the silence. "Now, Harry put the ring on Ginny's finger."

Harry looked back at Professor Albright sadly, "What ring? The box is empty," Harry replied.

"Harry, take the box out of your pocket and open it."

"Professor," Harry whined, rebelling against Professor Albright's instructions.

"Harry, you act as if you've never pulled a stone out of your pocket before," Professor Albright teased, smiling at Harry.

Harry's mouth dropped open at the professor's comment. He slowly slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out the box. With his eyes tightly shut, he opened the box. Once he felt the box was fully opened, he peeked with one eye. To his surprise, there was a beautiful diamond ring. The stone was in the shape of a teardrop. Harry's heart leaped into his throat. He looked up at Professor Albright in amazement.

Professor Albright smiled back. "See, Harry? Love is magic; all you have to do is believe."

Harry looked back down at the ring then he looked at Ginny. She was looking at him eagerly. Harry slowly took the ring out of the box. His hands began to shake as he took Ginny's left hand in his and with his other hand holding the ring, gingerly slipped it onto Ginny's left ring finger. The ring fit perfectly. Harry and Ginny continued to look into each other's eyes.

"It looks as beautiful as it did when Harry's father slipped it onto his mother's finger, over twenty years ago," Professor Albright recalled.

Both Harry and Ginny looked up at Professor Albright in shock. Ginny suddenly felt an urge to cry.

"I ...I can't...I can't accept this," Ginny stuttered, shaking her head.

"Now you listen to me, Ginny girl. You've made Harry a part of your family for many years. I think it's about time he made you a part of his. You are worthy to wear this ring. No other is fit to wear it. It stays right where it is!" Professor Albright declared. Then, looking back at Harry, she said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Aren't you going to kiss your bride-to-be?"

Harry smiled and started to lean into Ginny to kiss her, but then pulled back. He quickly glanced up at Professor Albright with an embarrassed look on his face.

"Oh, alright, I get the hint. I know when I'm not wanted," Professor Albright joked, as she proceeded to leave the tower.

Harry turned back to Ginny. "Uh ...wait here," he told her then ran after the professor. "Professor," Harry began, but the rest of the words would not come out.

Professor Albright knew what Harry wanted to say. She knew how thankful he was. "AWML," Professor Albright replied, then turned and continued to walk away.

Harry Potter and the Age of Wisdom: Chapter 7 Vectors and Ordinances

Helene Putzer