We're A Miracle

Chapter Four: Homecoming.

Kodac pulled to a stop in front of the gargoyle statue that guarded the office of Headmaster Dumbledore.  He paused to catch his breath.  Parvati slowly came into view as she walked slowly, unable to have kept up with Kodac.  “What’s…wrong…?” she asked, still completely winded.

Kodac shook his head.  “I don’t know…I just feel something…” he trailed off.  He was about to speak again when Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked around the corner in the hallway.  They reached them as the gargoyle sprang aside to reveal Professor Dumbledore, his face masked with anxiousness.  He smiled, however, when he saw the group already there.

“So you’re all here…Good,” he began, and beckoned them into his office.  Upon entering, he gestured for them all to sit down.  He, however, remained standing.

“I’m glad you are all here.  The Ministry’s dimensional portal alarm has been triggered.  Despite their best efforts, they do not know who created the portal, where they created it, or where they are going.  It is my belief, that Lord Voldemort has created this portal to transport to Seabring,” he looked at Kodac before continuing, “but why, I do not know.”  He looked at the group.  “I trust you are all willing to go after him?”  Kodac was the first to nod, and was quickly followed by everyone else.  Kodac looked at Parvati.

“I don’t think you should go,” he said, his voice low.

“Why not?  I have a score to settle with him, too!” Parvati responded.

Kodac stood up.  “You don’t know how dangerous Seabring is!  Werewolves stalk the open plains around every city at will.  Bandits line most of the roads, waiting to mug every passerby.  Wild dragons flame farmland and steal cattle at every whim.  I can’t risk putting you through all of that!”  Kodac raised his voice.  Parvati looked to the floor.  Harry turned to Hermione.

“And I can’t put you through that, Herm,” he shook his head.  Hermione fumed.

“And who, do you suppose, will save your necks when you’ve not got an ounce of logic in you?” she spoke softly.  Kodac now turned to Hermione.

“I’ve solved a fair few difficult puzzles on my own in my time.  I’m sure we’ll be fine if it comes to that.  Be that as it may, I don’t usually opt to research the objectives the King has set upon me.  The least I do is pack supplies and plan a route.  I’ve survived with this plan so far.  I feel we’re going to need someone who can study matters such as these with ease,” he reasoned.

A short silence followed Kodac’s statements.  Dumbledore smiled to himself, and spoke up.  “I agree with Kodac on this one point.  However, the men,” he paused, looking at the guys, “tend to charge into things.  Women, however,” he paused again, looking at Hermione and Parvati, “prefer to plan things out and proceed cautiously.  Because of this, I think you should all go, and work together as a balanced team.”  The Professor now waved his wand, and five sets of traveling clothes appeared, complete with footwear, hanging in the air.  “I suggest you change into these before you go.  I will gather other supplies for you while you change.”

As the quintet went down the moving the staircase, Hermione showed Kodac the copy of Seabringean Magic she had checked out of the library.  She flipped to a page in the middle of the book.  She pointed at an incantation.  “This will bring your sword to you wherever it is.  It’s more powerful than our Summoning charm; you don’t need to know where it is to summon it.”

“There you are,” a voice behind Lavender spoke.  She jumped and whirled about.

“What’s with the robes, Ron?” she asked.  Ron looked down at the floor, then back up at her.

“Dumbledore…has given me a special assignment.  I’m to go on a research journey,” he explained, mentally wincing at his terrible lying skills.  Lavender thought this over.  She didn’t question him; instead, she hugged him tightly.

“Be careful, ok?” she whispered.

Dumbledore had laid five packs on the floor next to the gargoyle statue.  As Kodac and the others came into view, he nodded briefly to each in turn.  “Each pack contains a canteen, charmed to refill with water; several feet of strong rope; torches that will burn until put out; First Aid equipment, in case you happen to fall into an anti-magic barrier; healing potions that also refill; several bags of food; and a map of the Seabring continent, enchanted to show your position at any time.  I trust that you will all use this equipment wisely.”  He turned to Kodac.  “In your pack is a Portkey, charmed to take you all to Seabring when you touch it.  It will also bring you back when you mutter the incantations together.”  Kodac, puzzled, dug through his pack and withdrew an olive branch.  Dumbledore nodded and headed off to his office.  “The incantations are simple, but you must all say them simultaneously.  They are ‘Roaieths Lomethas.’”  Hermione noted them for later use.  “Good luck.”  He disappeared behind the gargoyle.

A/N: Whew!  That was a long chapter!  But I think it was worth it.

Next Chapter:  After getting their bearings, Kodac & Co. head for the nearest town, only to be in for a terrible surprise.