Lion's Fire

"So have you decided what we are going to do in the morning?" asked Kathryn from the seat next to her husband.

"I have faith that Harry will return to Hogwarts. Even if I have to drag him there myself."

"Are you worried about the Spellfire?"

"More than that, I worry about what can happen to an untrained Channeler who is captured by those with the knowledge of how to control them. That and the prophesy, you know what it said as well as I do."

"Yes, but is it right to involve children so young in this? After what happened to the others who became involved without knowing the extent of Izair's power, is it right?

"I remember what happened all too clearly Kathryn, and that is why we must not fail."

******

"What news of the boy?"

"None, My Lord, after the Guardians took him we were unable to locate-" The man was cut off as the figure in front of him turned and flung him across the room. He landed on the cold stone floor of the house.

"Fool! It is not your place to report failures to me, only your successes. As for the Guardians, what threat were they to you? I ensured that you could deal with any who confronted you!"

"My lord Izair, they were wizards of incredible power. They defeated my Death Eaters without so much as a thought, and drove me back despite the power of the throne. Tall and graceful, they appeared weak but the man used Spellfire against me; I had no choice but to flee."

"Spellfire? Are you sure of what you saw?"

"Yes, My Lord, no other magic can eat through spells."

"Magus, so you are here as well. Perhaps we shall meet in time. For now, cease your activities, Voldemort. Do nothing to draw the Guardians wrath or attentions to you. Magus's presence changes everything, for now, continue as you did before I began your lessons."

"Yes, My Lord, the Death Eaters are becoming restless. They long to strike against the Mudbloods and Muggles , but I will stay their hands."

"See that you do," answered Izair.

*****

"So, Harry, exciting summer so far, isn't it?" asked Hermione. She was sitting on one of the two beds in Harry's and Ron's room with Ron seated next to her.

"Brilliant, bloody brilliant! I can't even leave the Dursley's without incident, and now I seem to have another worry, another responsibility."

"Harry, mate, you really need to calm down and relax. After all, Magus did save your life."

"Save it for what, the next time Voldemort attacks me? Save it for when he goes after you so I can attend your funerals?"

"Harry, what's wrong with you? Even if you're upset there isn't any reason to take it out on Ron and me."

"Why can't the world just stop and leave me alone! First Voldemort, and now Magus and demons and Guardians. I just want to be alone right now. I'll be back." Before Ron or Hermione could say anything he headed out the door and down the stairs.

"Do you think we should follow him, Ron?"

"No, let him calm down. He isn't in any mood to talk to anyone right now," answered a voice from the door. They both looked up to see Kathryn standing in the door, staring after Harry. "I'd almost forgotten how temperamental Channelers can be when their powers begin to develop; Magus and Merlin both keep their anger in check. You are correct, though, Ron; it would be pointless to try talking to him right now. Let him work it out; his anger, it will fade in time."

Harry was going down the stairs when he realized that the he wasn't alone. In the foyer, talking to Magus, was a man dressed all in black, his long cloak was attached to his boots in order keep it close to him. His face was not simply pale, it was bone white. As he stepped off of the stairs one of them creaked, causing both men to turn around.

"Something you wanted to see me about, Harry?" asked Magus.

"Yes sir, well no, not really. I mean..." Harry continued to stammer as the strange man met his gaze.

"This is the new Channeler, I take it, Magus?"

"Yes, Jacey, this is Harry. Harry this is Jacey, a close family friend and a protector of sorts." Turning back to Jacey, he continued, "Tell Nid that I will do my best to send aid, but it will take time to convince the council to commit that many to a single area. Also, I send my love to them both."

"It shall be as you command, My Lord Guardian." Jacey said and suddenly disappeared into thin air.

"Now, Harry, how can I help you?"

"I was wondering, what exactly is Spellfire? You mentioned it, said I possessed it and then left it at that."

"Let me guess, after you stewed on the subject during my story, you then went upstairs where you subsequently took out your frustration on your friends, am I close?"

"How did you- did you hear?"

"I don't think that anyone didn't hear you, Harry. And you are correct, I do owe you an explanation, but I must beg your patience just a little longer. It seems that an urgent matter has come up that needs to be attended to. I will tell you in the morning."

"Okay, Sir, thank you."

"You're welcome, and don't call me sir, it makes me feel old."

"Very well, Magus. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Harry, sleep well." As Harry turned to go back to be he heard Magus say to himself, "And may Mystra watch over you while I am away."