The Source of Magic

Chapter 17 ~ The Ghost of Godric Gryffindor

Harry found himself standing next to Dumbledore on a small rise in a deserted part of the Salisbury Plain. He could hear the faint buzz of traffic. It was a clear, sunny winter's day. Dumbledore pointed to the east. Harry could see a motorway cutting across the broad plain; beyond it lay the unmistakable shape of Stonehenge. The enormous stones jutting out from the earth were clearly visible, even at that distance. Harry closed his eyes, visualising the sword of Godric Gryffindor. First he moved his head from side-to-side; then he slowly began turning around until he was facing almost in the opposite direction. "It's not at Stonehenge," he said, "but it feels much closer than before."

"Hmm ... west-north-west, from here," said Dumbledore, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "What could possibly be in that direction, I wonder." He stared off into the distance, lost in thought for some time, before smiling at Harry and exclaiming, "Yes, of course! I should have guessed -- it's obvious."

"Where do you think the sword is?" asked Harry eagerly.

"Wales."

"Wales? Why Wales? Is there somewhere in Wales that would appeal to Voldemort as a hiding place for the sword?"

"Yes, indeed: Godric's Hollow."

"Godric's Hollow? But why would Voldemort want to hide it there?"

"Your parents' home was a renovated cottage on the outskirts of an historic Muggle village, which takes its name from a member of the ancient family who once owned the wild moors thereabouts. The name of that ancient family was Gryffindor, and the individual from whom the village took its name was, of course, Godric Gryffindor. The cottage where your parents lived has been in your father's family for centuries. It is probably built upon the ruins of the old family seat. There is historical evidence to suggest that Godric Gryffindor's remains were entombed in a family crypt nearby, although the crypt has never been found."

"Wow," said Harry in awe. "But I still don't see why Voldemort would choose Godric's Hollow as a hiding place."

"Voldemort, of course, is a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin. He would be attracted, I believe, to the idea of concealing his Horcrux in Gryffindor's own sword and then hiding it in Gryffindor's burial place. I would be very much surprised if he did not place the sword -- and, more importantly, his own Horcrux -- directly above Godric Gryffindor's tomb. To Voldemort, it would represent the final one-upmanship, the ultimate triumph of himself and his revered ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, over his ancient nemesis, the blood-traitor Gryffindor."

"You know, it's funny, Professor, but I have always felt attracted to Godric's Hollow in my reality -- even though I've never been there, at least not since I was a baby. I was planning to go there last summer. But the sword wouldn't have been there in my reality."

"No, but perhaps the Gryffindor blood in your veins was calling you home. In any case, Harry, I think it is time for you to return. Please feel free to consult my mind for the precise location," he said with a smile.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

When Harry arrived at Godric's Hollow, he found himself standing outside what remained of his parents' cottage, in what must have been their garden; it was now an unruly mass of weeds. The cottage, itself, lay in ruins. The roof was gone, and nothing remained of the doors or windows. Creepers and vines grew thickly over what was left of the walls. It looked as if it had lain untouched since the day the Death Eaters came.

Dumbledore sighed at the derelict remains. He remembered it in better days.

Harry turned his back on the remains of his parents' home and began walking towards a small copse of oak trees behind the overgrown garden. "I can feel the sword, without even having to close my eyes and visualise it. It's in there amongst those trees."

Dumbledore followed Harry into the trees and found him in a small clearing, his eyes fixed intently on three graves. The headstone in the centre bore the name Lily Potter. The grave of James Potter was on her right and that of Jason Trolove on her left. Harry stared at his mother's grave, with tears running down his cheeks. There she lay between the two wizards who had loved her. But had she loved them both? Harry knew she had loved Jason, but had she also loved his father, James? He would never know.

Harry turned back towards Dumbledore, who had stopped several yards back to leave him alone at his parents' graves. "The crypt must be just to the side of these graves," said Harry, taking several paces before stopping. "I can feel the sword directly below where I am standing, about ten feet beneath the ground."

Dumbledore moved his wand in a gentle sweeping motion just above the ground. At a certain point it would stop, as if it was striking some invisible barrier. "The entrance to the crypt is here," he said, pointing at the ground in front of him. "There is a large stone slab covering it. There is probably a stairway beneath it that leads down into the crypt."

"We don't need to bother with opening the entrance; we can just Apparate in," said Harry.

"Neither Apparation, nor attempting to gain entrance by removing the stone slab, will be of any use," replied Dumbledore. "The crypt is heavily warded. It would take days, perhaps weeks, to break through the wards."

"Were the wards created to protect the tombs?" asked Harry.

"No," replied Dumbledore, shaking his head. "They are Voldemort's wards -- and very powerful ones at that. Their purpose is to protect the sword. But they will certainly not stop you from materialising into the crypt -- not if you could get past my wards. I shall wait for you here, Harry. I suggest we take the sword back to my office and deal with the Horcrux there."

Harry nodded and dematerialised. Upon re-materialising inside the crypt, he cast a Lumos spell to illuminate the dark, dank interior. The roof was only inches above his head. A steep stone stairway was cut into one wall, running from the floor to the ceiling. The other three walls were covered with rows of vertical stone slabs protruding half a foot or so out from the earthen sides of the crypt. There were letters carved into the stone slabs. Harry guessed that each one was a kind of headstone bearing the name of the person entombed behind it. Like the rest of the crypt, the stones were covered with moss and lichen, making it impossible to decipher the names -- all except for one, which looked as if it had been cleaned at some point in the recent past. The name was clearly visible: Godric Gwythyr Gryffindor. Lying on top of the stone slab, just as Dumbledore had predicted, was Gryffindor's sword. It did not shine and glitter like the replica; it was tarnished and dulled from the years it had lain in the damp musty crypt. Harry cast a Scourgify spell to restore it to its pristine state, before reverently picking it up, forgetting for the moment the evil concealed within.

Suddenly a deep chill swept through his body, and his happiness at finding the sword evaporated. Harry knew that feeling all too well. Dementors! He could not see any of the loathsome creatures in the crypt, so they must be outside. That would be close enough for their dreadful chilling effects to be felt. He cast a magical map of the copse, wondering if it would show Dementors. It didn't. But what it did show was dozens of witches and wizards -- almost certainly Death Eaters -- arrayed in a wide semi-circle around Dumbledore. Harry was about to materialise to Dumbledore's side when he realised that he -- the Harry Potter in this reality -- would be recognised. He couldn't allow that, he had to disguise himself. The sword in his hand gave him an idea. He thought of the pictures and statues of Godric Gryffindor he had seen at Hogwarts -- in his reality at least. In this one they had been removed and probably destroyed. He morphed himself to look like Gryffindor, including the thick black beard, and then transfigured his clothes to look like the ones Gryffindor was wearing in the picture of him in the Gryffindor common room.

When he materialised beside Dumbledore, Harry was greatly relived to find that, although heavily outnumbered, he was holding his own against the Death Eaters. The Death Eaters were so stunned at the appearance of the ancient apparition that they momentarily stopped flinging curses. Harry stood close to Dumbledore and cast a Boomerang Shield around them both, whispering, "Stay next to me, sir," before turning his attention to the dozens of Dementors who were struggling to get past Dumbledore's Phoenix Patronus. Brandishing his sword like a wand and thinking of his mother, whose grave lay just behind him, Harry unleashed a large flock of tiny angels, which made short work of the Dementors.

The Death Eaters began flinging curses at Harry and Dumbledore, but the Boomerang Shield sent them back on their attackers with devastating effect. Some were killed, some seriously hexed, and others stunned. Before any of the survivors could do themselves any further damage, Harry incinerated their wands with an Incendio spell. They stared at the flaming remains of their wands with horror. Without wands they could neither fight nor flee. They gazed fearfully upon the ancient wizard brandishing his sword threateningly. "I will spare ye pathetic lives, so ye can take this message to your evil Master: The Ghost of Godric Gryffindor has arisen to fight beside Albus Dumbledore ... and to haunt your miserable Master all of his days."

"Let us return to the spot overlooking Stonehenge," whispered Dumbledore, before Apparating away.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

A very convincing performance," said Dumbledore as Harry materialised beside him, still looking like Godric Gryffindor. "I suggest you maintain your disguise for a little longer -- just in case. I am most grateful for your assistance, Harry. At my age, taking on several dozen Death Eaters while holding off all those Dementors is rather taxing; and I am somewhat out of practice. You must show me the spell you used to destroy the Dementors, and also the reflecting shield before you return to your own reality. I imagine you learned them from Jason Trolove?"

"Yes, I did. Why did you want to return to Stonehenge, Professor?"

"You saw how the Death Eaters found us at Godric's Hollow? I expected they might. They have instruments to detect Apparation, which reveal both the name of the witch or wizard and also their destination -- and they are not fooled by magical aliases. Because it takes a while to get a fix on an Apparating witch or wizard, they cannot detect the location from which they departed. They are also unable to detect very short journeys, such as when I Apparate in and out of my cave to take my daily constitutional. They could not have discovered the location of my cave when I Apparated from it earlier, but if I were to Apparate back to it now, they would. However, the dematerialising/re-materialising method Jason taught you is unknown here, so it cannot be traced. Perhaps you would be good enough to show me how it's done?"

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

"A most pleasant way to travel," remarked Dumbledore, re-materialising in his office. "None of the physical unpleasantness one gets with Apparation; but more to the point, it is untraceable. Perhaps I will get out and about a bit more now," he said, sinking into the large chair behind his desk. Harry morphed back to himself and laid Godric Gryffindor's sword on the other side of the desk. Dumbledore watched him keenly.

Harry stared at the sword intently for a few moments before saying, "Animus Liberta." The sword began to vibrate; it almost seemed to be trembling as it lay on the desk. The vibrations became stronger, as if the evil concealed within it was struggling to prevent itself from being expelled from the sword. But slowly, a wispy white vapour emanated from the centre of the blade, rising above it in a small misty cloud, one foot, two feet, three, before suddenly vanishing. Harry breathed a huge sigh of relief before dropping wearily into the chair in front of the desk. "Six down and one to go," he said determinedly.

"Ah yes, of course, there is still the seventh part of Voldemort's soul to free, the part that remains within his body," said Dumbledore thoughtfully. "Despite your vast magical power, you will, I fear, find it very difficult to defeat him."

"Why?"

"In your reality, after he came back in his new body, was he ever personally involved in a duel or in battle?"

Harry told him of the time he duelled with Voldemort in the graveyard at Little Hangleton at the end of fourth year and of the duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore in the Atrium at the Ministry of Magic a year later.

"In both cases, he would have been unable to utilise his Invincibility Shield. I am convinced he discovered it before this reality diverged from yours, although he may not have completely mastered its use before he lost his body in your reality. However, I imagine he will have perfected it since returning, and he will almost certainly use it against you. In this reality he used it whenever he was engaged in battle."

"What is this shield? How does it work?" asked Harry.

"He has his Death Eaters surround him in a wide circle," replied Dumbledore. "Then he uses an incantation to take control of them. It is dark magic. They appear to go into a trance, pointing their wands into the air towards the centre of the circle, high above his head. Green beams of light are emitted from their wands, forming a translucent cone."

"What does it do? Is the cone impenetrable?"

"No, it is possible to penetrate it in either direction, both physically and with spells. But as long as Voldemort remains within the circle of Death Eaters, he is completely protected from all spells and curses. He is also protected from physical attacks. The entranced Death Eaters, who are maintaining the shield, are similarly protected."

"How many Death Eaters does he need to create the Invincibility Shield?"

"I do not know for certain. I have seen it done with as few as twenty or thirty. From what you said about his duel with me in the Atrium at the Ministry of Magic, there were not enough Death Eaters present to create one."

"What about when he duelled with me in the graveyard?"

"He may not yet have perfected the Invincibility Shield or trained his Death Eaters in its use. In any case, I doubt he considered it necessary for taking on a schoolboy. He would have been quite unprepared for the resistance you put up and for the effect caused by the brother wands. He will not make the same mistake again. Next time, he will be ready with his shield -- and a different wand, too, I suspect."

"So what can I do? How can I defeat him?"

"That I do not know. I have spent a good deal of time investigating ways of nullifying Voldemort's Invincibility Shield, but I have been unsuccessful. Perhaps Jason Trolove has come across something similar to Voldemort's shield in his travels. He may be able to find a way to breach it. I am sorry that I am unable to help you further."

"But you've been a huge help, Professor Dumbledore. I would never have found the sword and been able to destroy the Horcrux without you. And now that I know about Voldemort's Invincibility Shield, at least we have a chance to find a way to overcome it. You have made all the difference in the world -- my world."

Dumbledore smiled, rising to his feet. "If my assistance helps you finally destroy Voldemort, in the real world, then it will give some meaning to all these years I have remained here, alone in my cave. And now, my young friend, it is time for one of you to collect his broom and return to school ... and for the other to return to the real world to finally fulfil your mother's vision."

As he rose to his feet, Harry felt a lump in his throat and a knot in his stomach. He took Dumbledore's outstretched hand and shook it. "Goodbye, sir. I know it sounds kind of strange, but it's been really good to see you again. I've missed you. Thank you for everything. I'm sure your help will make all the difference -- I will not fail!"

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

When he awoke, Harry had to shake his head to clear out the memories of his other life in the dream reality. He had cast the spell to return, clutching his Cleansweep Eleven on the Quidditch pitch, and was now back in Jason's office, sitting in one of the comfy bean bags, where he had been dreaming. Looking around, he saw the others talking softly on the other side of the room. "I'm back," he said, slowly getting to his feet and stretching. "How long was I out?"

"A bit less than an hour," said Ginny, walking towards him.

"Wait, Ginny," said Jason, before she could grab Harry and hug him, which was obviously her intention. He stood in front of Harry and stared silently into his eyes for a few moments. "You've done it, Harry," he said smiling broadly. "I can tell from your eyes. You've connected with the Source -- completely connected. How did it happen?"

"Maybe we should all sit down, and I'll tell you everything that happened in the dream reality." So the five of them dragged their bean bags into a small circle and Harry told his story.

When he finished, Jason smiled. "The confusion that triggered the deep meditation, and ultimately forged the permanent connection with the Source, sounds familiar. There is a phenomenon where a profound psychological or spiritual crisis -- sometimes known as the long dark night of the soul -- can lead to a profound religious experience."

"Which is, in fact, connecting to the Source," suggested Hermione.

"Yes," said Jason. "Usually, it is significantly limited by preconceived religious beliefs and expectations. But in Harry's case, there were no such limitations. You have done wonderfully well, Harry. I sometimes doubted my ability to fulfil my part in your mother's vision. But I should never have doubted her because she has been right at every turn. You are ready to take on Voldemort, Harry, and to defeat him."

"But, what about Voldemort's Invincibility Shield?" asked Hermione. "The Horcruxes are all destroyed, and Harry has the power to defeat Voldemort. But according to Dumbledore, he won't be able to touch him."

"Unless we can somehow draw him into a trap where he's alone, without his Death Eaters, or at least enough of them to create a shield," suggested Ron hopefully.

"I doubt it would be possible," replied Jason. "Voldemort is far too paranoid. Even though he does not know about the destruction of his Horcruxes, he will not leave the protection of his Death Eaters."

"He did when he came to the Ministry of Magic two years ago," said Ginny.

"Yes, but that was a crisis, an exceptional situation," replied Hermione.

"Then we have to come up another crisis situation, that will force him to come out alone," said Ron.

"I don't think we'd be able to," said Hermione, shaking her head doubtfully. "We don't have time, Voldemort has to be stopped -- and soon."

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

On Tuesday morning at breakfast, Harry and his friends were discussing their plans for the Christmas holidays, which were to begin in a couple of days' time. Mrs Weasley had invited Harry to the Burrow, and he and Ginny were looking forward to spending the holiday together. Hermione, who had also received an invitation, would be spending Christmas with her parents. "I'm glad in a way," Ginny whispered to Harry. "Without Quidditch to distract him, Ron's attentions are bound to drift back to Hermione, and I really don't want to have to go through all that again -- not at Christmas. Maybe next Christmas -- do you think the immature prat might grow up a bit by then?"

"Hey! Are you two talking about me?" demanded Ron, catching the words immature prat.

"Don't be silly," replied Ginny sweetly. "And stop being so big-headed, Ron. Why would we be talking about you? You're not the only immature prat in the world, you know."

Before Ron could think of a suitably snide rejoinder, the conversation was interrupted by Hermione almost choking on her pumpkin juice as she opened her morning copy of the Daily Prophet. "Oh no!" she gasped between coughs. Harry grabbed the paper from her and read the headlines, in disbelief:

Immortal One to be Pronounced Presiding Deity of Wizarding World

"What does it say?" demanded Ron, who had managed to read the headline.

Harry read in a funereal tone. "The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, will today pronounce The Immortal One as the Messiah and Saviour of the Wizarding World. The investiture will take place on this auspicious day of the Winter Solstice at The Immortal One's recently consecrated temple at Stonehenge.

"From this day forth, it is a binding obligation upon all wizards and witches to venerate and worship him, by one or other of his sacred names: Dark Emperor, Immortal One, Sovereign Saviour, or Dark Messiah. He may also be referred to as His Holiness. It is henceforth an offence, punishable by death, to use any other name, including 'You-Know-... and He-Who-...'. Deputy Minister of Magic Percy Weasley will be personally responsible for the revision of all books, publications, and periodicals to ensure that correct nomenclature is strictly adhered to.

"The Minister of Magic expressed his great delight at the Immortal One's immanent investiture, and said he is looking forward to working together with him in a partnership that will benefit the whole magical community. In the new nexus, all executive powers are to reside with The Dark Emperor and his personal advisors, while administrative functions will remain the precinct of the Ministry of Magic --"

"What the hell does that mean?" demanded Ron.

"That Voldemort makes all the decisions, and the Ministry of Magic merely do the donkey work and carry them out," spat Hermione, grabbing her paper back from Harry. "And not even all the donkey work," she added. "Listen to this: Cornelius Fudge says he deems it entirely appropriate that all matters of internal security be taken over by The Dark Emperor's chief of security, Mr Lucius Malfoy. The Auror division has been disbanded with immediate effect, and all magical monitoring devices, magic detectors, Apparation tracking systems and the like, have been entrusted to the new security and surveillance organisation."

"Crikey, Fudge has caved in completely," said Ron, shaking his head.

"And it get worse," said Hermione, continuing to read. "Speaking on behalf of The Dark Emperor, his chief spokesman, Mr Lucius Malfoy, said that His Holiness' first priority would be the purification of Wizarding society. This will include the elimination of those impostors claiming to be wizards and witches who are not descended from magical families. Squibs and blood-traitors married to Muggles (and their spouses) will also be eradicated. An appropriate set of breeding regulations will soon be published, and enforced, to raise the purity level of Wizarding blood. The second priority, said Mr Malfoy, was to correct the gross inadequacies and inappropriate practices at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A new faculty, under Headmistress Dolores Umbridge, will be replacing the current incompetent incumbents, he said."

Hermione dropped the paper in disgust and shook her head sadly. "I wonder what happened to make Fudge suddenly throw in the towel like that?"

"Maybe there's been --" began Ron, but he stopped as four Origami birds landed in front of them. They all bore the same three words: 'Headmistress' office, NOW!' No one paid much attention as the four of them dashed from Great Hall. Most of the students had by now heard about the astounding announcements in the Daily Prophet, and there was a great din as they puzzled over their meaning and discussed the implications.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmistress' office jumped aside, and the stone wall split in two the moment they arrived. When they reached the top of the revolving stone stairway, they found the door to the office open. Rushing inside, they found Professor McGonagall, Lupin, Tonks, and Jason deep in urgent conversation. The Headmistress waved her wand at the door and it slammed shut behind them.

"We've just read the Daily Prophet," blurted out Hermione, as she tried to catch her breath. "What's happened? Why has Fudge given in?"

"There has been the most dreadful calamity," said the Headmistress, white-faced, shaking her head. "Professor Trolove, please tell them."

"Yesterday afternoon, the pilots of six jumbo jets that had recently taken off from Heathrow airport radioed the control tower to say they had lost all control of their aircraft. The planes, seemingly under the control of some mysterious force, turned and flew back to Heathrow, where they slammed simultaneously into the packed airport terminal buildings, creating an inferno."

The students gasped in horror.

"It will be days before there is any clear idea of the casualties; but it is certain that many thousands were killed. Lucius Malfoy immediately informed Fudge that increasingly devastating attacks would follow until he capitulated unconditionally to Voldemort's demands ... which Fudge did at once."

"So that's it," said Ron.

"Not quite," replied Jason. "Voldemort has added a further demand ... but not of Fudge."

They looked at him expectantly.

"He wants you, Harry, at Stonehenge -- today -- now!"

Ginny gasped.

"Today is the Winter Solstice. There is to be some kind of ceremony at Stonehenge to pronounce Voldemort Grand Wazzoo of the Wizarding World -- or whatever ridiculous title he goes by these days. But first, he wishes to dispose of you, Harry, because no one is going to be entirely convinced of his immortality, including Voldemort himself, while you're still alive," said Jason, grinning.

"What if Harry doesn't go?" asked Ginny, fearfully.

"He'll keep up the carnage, killing Muggles by the thousands and tens of thousands. He is threatening to launch the next attack immediately if Harry is not at Stonehenge on the dot of nine."

"But that's in three minutes," said Hermione, looking at her watch in alarm. "We haven't found a way of dealing with Voldemort's Invincibility Shield yet. Harry won't be able to get at him."

"I have been thinking about ways of dealing with it," said Jason, "but I'm not quite there yet. Harry, you have to get to Stonehenge now. Fudge has sent a personal Portkey, which will only work for you," he said, pointing to an empty Coke can on the Headmistress' desk. "It is set to activate at nine. But I suggest you go there under your own steam, instead; you know where Stonehenge is. I suspect the Portkey is designed to deliver you stunned."

Harry nodded.

"Put up your Boomerang Shield immediately -- no one will be able to touch you. Try to stall Voldemort for as long as you can. We need more time to work on the spell to nullify his Invincibility Shield."

"How long?" asked Harry anxiously.

"I don't know for sure, but you have to keep Voldemort there. Once he realises he can't kill you, he may decide to Apparate away. Try to keep his interest: taunt him, tell him you know all about his Horcruxes ... anything ... just keep him there! Good luck, Harry. You better go!"