Dialogues

...WITH A LEGEND

There was no source of light, so Harry whipped out his wand. He was about to mutter Lumos, but thoughts of underage magic made him hesitate. Could he get away with breaking wizarding law yet again? Then he remembered with a roll of the eyes that the law no longer applied to him thanks to his Headmaster, but before he said the incantation a low deep voice spoke from behind him.

"Hello, Harry Potter." Harry turned around to see a man eerily similar in appearance to Professor Dumbledore standing before him, his wand tip alight with a small, extremely bright light. Regardless of the fact that the man made Harry immediately think of his Headmaster, he got the distinct impression that the stranger was distinctly familiar anyway. "It is indeed a great honour to finally meet you young wizard."

Harry responded with a short nod. "Hello." He kept his own wand plainly in view of the old white-haired man before him, showing that he was alert and ready for any eventuality. He was dying to know who the man was, but perhaps a little patience wouldn't go amiss.

"I see that you have brought an owl along with you? Is she a companion of yours?" the man asked, his eyes twinkling merrily in the wandlight behind circular glasses not unlike his own, Harry thought.

"Yes, this is Hedwig. She has been my...companion...for exactly five years now".

"Ah, she was a birthday present, then?" the man asked rhetorically, nodding his head as he spoke.

This time Hedwig responded, who had by now released herself from her master's grasp and was perched comfortably on his left shoulder. She hooted softly and flapped her wings a little.

The long-bearded man smiled ruefully. "You are a very intelligent and loyal friend, Hedwig. It is an honour to meet you," he said gently, but commandingly.

Harry's owl stood proudly, her chest puffed outwards. She was clearly very impressed with the man's attitude, and very flattered with his words of praise too.

Harry kept his wand raised however. He felt that perhaps he looked a tad silly, and maybe even a little discourteous as well, to remain in such an openly hostile posture, but as Mad-eye kept on saying again and again - 'Constant vigilance'.

The unknown man seemed not in the least put out by Harry's behaviour. "Kesick agreed to bring both you and Hedwig along Harry Potter?" Harry nodded. "I must say that this is indeed a surprise. Believe me when I say that if he agreed to such a circumstance, Kesick must think very highly of the both of you."

Both Hedwig and her master seemed pleased with the stranger's statement. Harry nodded graciously to the Phoenix who was now perched on her master's right shoulder. "Thank you Kesick," he said.

"I agree with my dear Phoenix that first impressions are very important," the stranger spoke, "and, just like him, my first impressions of the two of you are extremely positive. For your part Harry Potter, you remain cautious - keeping your eyes and your wand forever on me - and patient in that you are waiting for me to tell you who I am in my own time. Caution and patience are two traits that I value very highly. Hedwig," he continued, turning his intense gaze upon the snowy old, "by positioning yourself on your master's shoulder you have made it clear that you are willing to protect him against any attack. You show that you are just as courageous and as loyal as your master. These two qualities are indeed of the highest order."

Silence reigned for a moment or two before the stranger spoke again. "Now it is time for me to make my business known. Would you please follow me?"

He led them further into the cave. Around the corner, Harry immediately began to discern a soft shimmering light in the distance that quickly came upon them. The four companions - two humans and two birds perched on their shoulders - stepped into a fairly large cavern where the walls and roof gave out an orange glow that lit the open space. The stranger used his wand to conjure up a pair of plush green armchairs and a golden perch with lines of shining crystal carved beautifully in its surface.

"Harry Potter, please take a seat," the wizard said, pointing to the chair furthest away, "and Hedwig, I believe Kesick is willing to share his perch with you."

Harry took the offered seat and the old man proceeded to gracefully sit down opposite. The two birds flew swiftly over to the golden perch. "Now Harry Potter." He didn't elaborate for a moment, but then asked, "I suppose you are wondering where we are?" Harry nodded. "This cave, a few miles north of the town of Macclesfield, is hidden to everyone except those who I wish to see it. The surrounding area has come to be known as Alderley Edge. I think you will find it amusing that although this cave is hidden, its legend yet survives."

"Legend?" Harry asked.

"Yes," the stranger replied. "About half a mile to the south is a muggle establishment called the Wizard Inn, and there is an effigy of a wizard carved in the rocks above the Wizard's Well, about a quarter of a mile to the west. The legend goes that there is a hidden cave somewhere upon this Edge, guarded by a wizard, where an army of men and horses sleep, ready to emerge and save the country when the need is dire. Of course, as with most myths and legends, it does have a basis in fact."

"And what fact is that?" Harry inquired.

"The hidden cave is of course the one you find yourself in now, Harry Potter," the stranger answered, "and the wizard that guards the cave is of course myself."

Harry was confused. The stranger before him was obviously confident in his power, but he looked as though he could keel over dead any moment now. He looked positively ancient, older even than Professor Dumbledore, and Harry was more certain than ever that he had seen him somewhere before.

"You?" Harry asked tentatively. The ancient stranger nodded his head. "I'm sorry, but have I met you before? You look familiar."

"Yes I am sure that you have," the old man responded. "Tell me, do you like chocolate?"

A bit bewildered by such an odd and unexpected question, Harry could only wrinkle his brow in total confusion and nod his head in response.

"How about Chocolate Frogs in particular?"

Harry's eyes widened in shock as he finally knew why the old man was asking such seemingly strange questions. "You! B-but you...you can't be...you're...you're..."

The stranger raised his hand. "Relax young wizard. I can assure you that magic can make much of the seemingly impossible quite easily possible. I am Merlin." He spoke with such calm and authority that Harry found it impossible to doubt him, even if such a thing seemed positively ludicrous. Before Harry could say anything though the old man smiled and said, "I must say I have taken quite a liking to Chocolate Frogs. Not because I am one of the Cards available you must realise - I just find that I have become quite addicted to them."

Harry couldn't help himself from chuckling; the resemblance to Professor Dumbledore was uncanny. He wondered to himself: Do all great wizards act like this? And yet, there was a still a nagging doubt in the corner of Harry's mind that this old wizard was still hiding something important from him. Just to make sure he wasn't dreaming Harry pinched his left forearm strongly, and just managed to suppress a yelp of pain.

Merlin continued, "I must say that I was intrigued when I first came across them a decade or so ago. I was extremely flattered to find myself as one of the Cards. It has been many, many years since my apparent passing and still people seem to hold me in such high regard. It is very humbling. I am sure that you know a little of what I speak Harry Potter. After all, you yourself are quite well known in the wizarding world, yes?"

Harry's bewilderment was swept aside immediately. For ten long years he had suffered alone at the Dursleys, dreaming of being among people who would give him at least the time of day, of having friends and family - but although he now had friends his new-found celebrity just seemed to grow and worsen with each passing year. He hated being famous.

"Are you not happy with your fame Harry Potter?" Merlin asked. Harry's facial expressions had obviously betrayed his thoughts. "You find such attention to be a burden?"

"Yes," Harry spoke softly.

"And why is that?"

"Because I don't deserve any of it. Because I don't want any of it. All I want is to be normal." He sighed. "But I will never have that luxury will I?"

Merlin seemed to ponder on Harry's question for a moment. "No, perhaps not. But then there is no such thing as normal young wizard."

Neither spoke for several seconds before Harry gathered the nerve to ask something. "Sir, exactly how much do you know of me?" He once more thought of that nagging suspicion that the full truth was being held from him.

"I know everything of you Harry Potter, and please call me Merlin," the legendary wizard responded. "You were born on July 31^st 1980. Your parents were struck by killing curses on Halloween the next year, curses cast by Tom Riddle, who prefers to go by the name Lord Voldemort. You did the impossible and survived the final killing curse he cast that night. You spent the next ten years in the 'care' of your Aunt and Uncle, before finally being told your true heritage on your eleventh birthday by a half-giant called Hagrid. He was the one who gave Hedwig to you was he not?" Merlin asked, gesturing with his left hand to the proud owl perched alongside the beautiful Phoenix. "You have spent the last five years attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, under the watchful eye of its headmaster, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. A very capable young man he is too, if I may say so myself."

If there were one thing Harry would never associate with Dumbledore it would be 'young'! Then again, Merlin was supposed to have died well over 1000 years ago, so perhaps from his point of view Dumbledore was young.

Harry's mind, which had started to wander, latched back onto the voice of the old wizard as if it had suddenly grasped him with full force and demanded him to listen. "Yes, I suppose to you it is strange to describe Albus Dumbledore as young." Merlin said, his beard twitching as he tried to contain a small bout of mirth.

"You read my mind?" Harry asked slowly.

"I am quite proficient in Legilimency, although it is an art I prefer to refrain from practicing." Merlin explained. "Besides, as I am sure you well know, the only way I could read your thoughts directly were if I cast the spell upon you, which I did not." He stared intently at Harry, who cringed in embarrassment at his momentary lack of knowledge - he had been told several times the limits of Legilimency and still forgot. "I did not need to perform Legilimency upon you anyway," Merlin continued. "You seemed to have drifted away into your own mind and were no longer listening to me."

"Sorry," Harry muttered.

"No need to apologize young wizard. We are all prone to the odd bout of distraction. Anyway, as I was saying, during this time you have shown yourself to be an excellent and gifted student - if somewhat distracted and unfocused from time to time," Merlin added with raised eyebrows, "and a truly remarkable young man, showing maturity and bravery far beyond your tender years." Harry began to blush, but Merlin continued. "You thwarted Tom Riddle's attempt to gain the Philosopher's Stone in your first year, killed a Basilisk of all things in your second year, repelled a large horde of advancing dementors at the end of your third year - in spectacular fashion I might add. Then in your fourth year you won the TriWizard tournament in what can safely be described as...unfortunate circumstances, and then gave your entire winnings to a couple of friends so they could start a joke shop without even requesting anything in return for yourself! I have never seen such generosity in someone so young."

Harry just stared in amazement at the wizard before him - the man knew everything. How was that possible?

Merlin, noticing Harry's expression of shock, said, "You see Harry Potter, that I have been closely following you your entire life. Your escape from the clutches of Tom Riddle at the end of the tournament was in particular, quite startling."

"Why do you know so much about me?" Harry asked, his suspicions rising slowly.

Merlin stroked his long beard for a moment or two, quietly considering Harry's short, but not necessarily so simple, question. "The answer to that question is not one I am sure you will like."

Harry sat back into his comfortable armchair, frowning. "It wouldn't be the worse thing I've been told recently," he said carefully.

"Hmmm, I am assuming that you refer to the Prophecy regarding yourself and the current Dark Lord." Merlin said simply.

Harry's jaw dropped. Now he was really concerned. "How...you can't possibly..."

"Know of the existence of the Prophecy?" Merlin interrupted. "But the Prophecy is part of the very reason why we find ourselves in this cavern talking to one another young wizard."

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked in a confused, but slightly angry voice. He hated being manipulated - he'd had enough of it from Dumbledore.

"Let me explain myself fully," Merlin said, leaning forward in his chair. "After I defeated the last in a long line of Dark Wizards in my time, I knew that there would always be others to eventually claim the title as their own, that there will never truly be peace in the world in which we live in. Now, I took it upon myself to ensure that those who turn to evil shall never succeed in overcoming all that is pure and good in this world."

"How?" Harry asked.

"Please, no interruptions," the old wizard said reprovingly. "As the most powerful wizard in existence I knew that it was unlikely that a Dark Lord would rise to match my power." He said this without a trace of arrogance or humility, as if it were just a plain fact, nothing more. "Still, I knew that the appearance of another dark wizard of truly terrifying power remained not a possibility, but a certainty, so I performed a ritual that placed my body and soul into a form of hibernation. I felt that if an extremely powerful dark wizard were ever to come to prominence, it might be necessary for me to be on hand to aid in his or her destruction."

"But then how could you come out of hibernation at the right time? How were you to know when a dark lord had arisen?"

"Both good questions Harry Potter." Merlin said, softly nodding his head.

"Please just call me Harry"

Merlin smiled knowingly. "As you wish...Harry. As to your pertinent questions the answers are quite complicated. The ritual I performed upon myself allowed me to awaken for several days every 100 years in order for me to determine whether or not my assistance in the endless struggle against the Dark Arts was needed. The last time this occurred was in the early 1940's."

"Grindelwald," Harry said immediately.

"Indeed." The old wizard said slowly, reflectively, as if his mind had wandered to memories better left forgotten, but when he spoke again a few moments later, his tone was back to its previous aloof self, and Harry quickly forgot the knee-jerk reaction of the wizard opposite to the name of Riddle's predecessor as Dark Lord. "However, on each occasion I have found that I have not found it necessary to intervene. And now I know why."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

Merlin paused for a moment before continuing. "I have discovered that there has always been present those powerful enough to prevent Dark Lords from gaining the ascendancy. I began to realise that the ritual I performed upon myself was perhaps merely a sign of bravado on my part."

Harry raised his eyebrows. He had an idea of what the legendary wizard was getting at, and his suspicions were immediately confirmed when Merlin spoke again. "I overstated my own importance. I should have simply allowed myself to die peacefully and to leave future generations to sort out their own problems. Put simply Harry, I was foolish and arrogant."

Harry didn't know what to say. Considering Merlin's words though, there was something which confused him. "But if you come out of hibernation every 100 years what are you doing here now when the last time you awoke was just 50 years ago?"

"Ah, now you see the true reason why the two of us are here Harry." Merlin said smiling brightly, his blue eyes twinkling merrily once more. "You see I placed a safeguard into the ritual - an extremely complex safeguard that took me months to construct - that would reanimate me immediately if ever there came a time when a Dark Lord existed who matched or surpassed my powers."

"You're referring to Voldemort, aren't you?" Harry asked, dreading to think the evil his nemesis could unleash if he was indeed as powerful as Merlin!

"I am." Merlin answered. "I was unexpectedly awoken from my slumber a little over sixteen years ago. At that time I immediately recognised the gravest of threats that Tom Riddle posed to the world. Echoing the legend I earlier spoke of, the country was in dire need. I discovered the exact details of this particular Dark Lord's rise to power and I grew greatly concerned. However, once again it quickly became clear to me that my presence was far from needed."

"How?"

"I learned of the Prophecy Harry." Merlin responded simply.

"How?" Harry was deeply worried, if Merlin knew what it's contents were then possibly other, more dangerous people might have found out too.

"Do not fret young wizard. Like the spy of Tom Riddle, I too was in the Hog's Head and heard the first part of the Prophecy spoken to Albus Dumbledore. Also, like the spy I was unable to hear the rest. Your headmaster erected a most powerful privacy shield around the room in which he and Sybil Trelawney were conducting their interview - a shield that not even I could have broken through if I had took it upon myself to try."

Harry didn't interrupt this time. He wasn't sure that there was anything he could say to make any difference.

"As I said, young Albus Dumbledore is an exceptionally gifted wizard, the most powerful I have come across in fact. However, not even he, I knew, was strong enough to defeat Tom Riddle, and that is why I was more concerned than I had ever been. I was there in the Hog's Head that night to reveal myself to him, so that we could perhaps confront Tom Riddle together." Merlin smiled. "But as you well know Harry, fate ensured that my proposed actions were not needed. The Prophecy was spoken in young Dumbledore's presence to ensure that the contents of it would remain hidden from Tom Riddle. Fate itself intervened to guarantee that the most powerful light wizard in the world would be the sole person who knew the details of the words spoken through Sybil Trelawney - therefore ensuring that such dangerous knowledge would be safe. When this happened I finally knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the ritual I performed upo myself was entirely unnecessary, regardless of my intentions behind taking such a drastic measure."

Silence fell between the two wizards again. Harry was unsure of what to say - especially since the greatest wizard of all time had just admitted to making a very big mistake, or at least a large oversight. How was he supposed to respond to that?

Finally, Merlin broke the silence again. "Once the Prophecy was made I decided to discontinue the ritual and live out what remains of my life quietly and in peace. My time was many years ago. I do not belong here. However, before I take my leave I feel I can help you in your task."

"Really? How?" Harry asked eagerly.

"It is at once surprisingly simple and incredibly difficult." Merlin said with a smile. "I think it is time for me to give you your birthday present."

"You've got...m-me a present?" Harry stuttered in astonishment. All he could think was, 'Bloody Merlin of all people has got me a birthday present! This is not normal! This is unreal!'

"Yes Harry I have." Merlin answered, and he raised his left hand in front of him. "I am giving you this ring," he said simply. On his middle finger was a simple silver band with no inscriptions or fancy carvings of any sorts. It was just a plain ring - except for a small, blindingly bright, circular, blue crystal fit snugly within a carved hollow of the band.

"This ring, or rather the crystal at the heart of the ring" Merlin continued, "is my true magical focus. I created it personally when I found that there were certain spells and charms that the wand I had crafted could not help me perform fully. As you know, wands have not always been used as foci for a wizard's magic. I felt that a ring would be more personal, less noticeable. It is this ring which allowed me to achieve my full potential Harry. I still use my wand considerably of course," he said, twirling the object in question in his left hand, "but really it is unnecessary. Over time, as you begin to harness your full power with the aid of this gift, your wand will also become superfluous."

Harry was struck speechless by the magnitude of Merlin's gift. All he could say was, "Wow!"

Merlin chuckled. "Yes, I thought you might like it. Believe me when I say that I no longer have any use for my ring; I am more than happy to pass it onto you, my successor." He slipped the ring off his finger and made to pass it over to Harry.

Harry leaned forward and the ring was placed into the palm of his right hand. "Thank you," he said, carefully inspecting the gift. He began to twirl it around with his left index finger. The simplicity of the ring really made it all the more beautiful, he decided.

"Well, are you going to put it on or not?" Merlin chuckled.

Harry's head snapped up. "Can I?"

The legendary wizard shook his head in wonder. "I wouldn't have given it to you otherwise."

Harry blushed a little. He was still a little amazed at everything that was happening that his mind was in a rush. He lifted the ring off of his palm. "Which finger do I...?

"The same one I wore it on young wizard." Merlin interrupted.

Harry nodded and slipped his gift onto the middle finger of his right hand. Automatically, the silver band adjusted in size to fit perfectly around his wiry digit. As Harry began to inspect his present he suddenly realised something. He had never thought of the possibility of such a thing before, but placing a ring on one's finger brought such thoughts to mind.

"Don't worry Harry," Merlin said with a knowing smirk, "I believe it is traditional to wear one's wedding ring on the ring finger of one's left hand."

Harry sighed. "How did you know that?"

"Over the years I have become quite adept at discerning people's thoughts from their expressions," Merlin explained. It is a gift that years of experience has given me."

Harry nodded. Dumbledore seemed to do that sort of thing as well. 'Perhaps it's something everyone gets good at when they're older', he thought.

"Forgive me if this question is a little too personal," Merlin said, bringing Harry out of his wandering thoughts, "but is there anyone in particular you had in mind when you thought of the possibility of a wedding ring?"

Harry's eyes widened. It sure was a personal question! Oddly enough though he didn't mind answering him, particularly as there never had been anyone special in his life. He shook his head. "I've never had much luck with girls, Merlin." 'Bloody hell!' he realised, 'I'm talking about girls with Merlin!!' This meeting was getting weirder by the minute!

"Perhaps you just haven't met the right girl yet, Harry. Or, maybe you have and you are just a little too modest for your own good."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well, as I'm sure you are aware, fame and celebrity can often bring unwanted attention from some members of the opposite sex. I am sure there are many girls at Hogwarts who would be more than happy to...'go out' I believe is the right phrase nowadays...with the-boy-who-lived!"

Harry scowled. His thoughts went back to the Yule Ball and how many girls had asked him to go with them - some of them which he had never spoken one word to!

"Yes, it is quite a stumbling block," Merlin said knowingly, "to know whether a woman is paying you attention because of yourself or just because of your name. It can be quite a problem, I imagine."

Harry nodded. He had never been sure why Cho Chang had wanted to go out with him. Was it because she liked him? Or was it because she wanted to be able to flaunt herself as 'the-girlfriend-of-the-boy-who-lived?' Harry really did hate his fame! It gave him so many problems and difficulties.

"What about the three young women who accompanied you to the Department of Mysteries last month?" Merlin asked. "Surely they see you as more than just a celebrity?"

"You really do know everything, don't you?" Harry said coldly. He was beginning to become irritated with such an intrusive line of questioning.

"Nobody knows everything, young wizard." Merlin answered. "I admit though, that I am a very curious person. It has landed me in trouble on more than one occasion. Anyway, Misses Lovegood, Granger and Weasley must have strong feelings for you if they are willing to put their lives in danger for you. I was just wondering if you know exactly what their feelings are towards you...and yours to them."

Harry frowned, but decided to answer the question "I'm not sure that I can really answer that. I mean, I don't think I know them all well enough. I don't really notice these sort of things."

Merlin laughed openly. "You are avoiding the question," he said. "Tell me, what are your feelings towards the three young witches in question?"

"Why should I?" Harry answered hotly, his voice finally betraying his hidden irritation. "I don't need to tell you anything!"

Merlin appeared unfazed by the young man's outburst. He said simply, "I am just curious Harry."

"Yeah well, you can SHOVE OFF!" Harry shouted, anger bubbling once more. He could feel it, as if some unknown terrible force was struggling desperately to burst forth from within him. It was the 'balloon-ready-to-burst' feeling he had experienced in front of Dumbledore. It didn't burst however, it continued to grow and grow. "I am sick and tired of people sticking their noses in my private life. You can bugger off like the rest of them! So what if I can't get any girl to see past my name at the real me. So what if I spend all my time trying to stay alive rather than living the life of a normal teenager! It is none of your business! See if I care if everyone calls me a freak who..."

Merlin could feel the anger and desperation emanating from Harry as the young wizard continued to rant and rave. He looked down at his ring on Harry's finger, noticing that the bright blue glow from the crystal was darkening ever so slightly and that the silver band was beginning to expand and grow. It no longer fit perfectly onto the young man's finger. He looked back up into the intensely green eyes of the younger wizard and spoke clearly and powerfully, "ENOUGH!"

Harry's mouth clamped shut as if he had been hit with a silencing charm. If he had been awed at the sight of Dumbledore angry, it was nothing compared to the sight before him now. It was as if Merlin had been transformed; where an eccentric, charming old wizard had sat now stood someone who finally looked like the most powerful wizard of all time, a wizard of such self-confidence and terrifying power that it made Harry lean backwards into his seat. The wave of magical energy flowing from the changed man was incredible.

As Harry closed his eyes, partly to shield himself from the sight before him, but mostly to gather his own emotions and his own power back under control, Merlin allowed his show of strength to dissipate. He walked over to where Hedwig and Kesick were perched and softly stroked them, whispering soft words of comfort as he calmed them down. The two birds had quite obviously become extremely agitated, and the old wizard was quietly soothing them. At length he spoke once more, "That is why I have followed you so intently, Harry Potter."

Harry's eyes snapped open. "Excuse me?"

"You were extremely irritated at the intrusiveness of my questions. For that, I apologise. You are angry and resentful at the life you have had." Harry nodded tersely. "I noticed. Your annoyance made itself known in a sudden appearance of raw magical energy. I have never witnessed such untamed power before in someone so young."

Harry shook his head and sighed deeply. "Once again Harry Potter is abnormal, different than everyone else. My life is a nightmare," he said with awful certainty.

Merlin, ignoring the earlier comment, nodded his head gravely. "In some respects, that it is. However, I am sure there are those who are willing to lessen the burden somewhat, who are willing to help and listen to you. Isn't there?" he asked, the tone of his voice clearly indicating that he was fully expecting an answer.

Harry softly banged his head upon the back of his chair, and as he began to cycle through those who he knew he could rely upon and trust, he realised there were more than he had imagined: although, his relationship with Dumbledore had been damaged, it was far from irreparable; then there was Lupin and Tonks as well, his other school friends like Neville and Luna; his teachers - maybe even Snape included amongst them; other members of the Order of the Phoenix too. The more he thought the more the list grew - he remembered that Ginny had come to mind an hour or so before when considering who he could confide in - but Ron and Hermione were his true pillars of strength, the two people who knew him best, who had suffered more than anyone for just being his friends and still stuck with him. With Hermione, Ron and the rest of the Weasleys behind him - his family - he knew he couldn't falter. It was just...what he wouldn't give to have Sirius still around...and his parents.

Merlin watched patiently beside Kesick's perch as Harry was lost in his thoughts. His eyes were drawn once more to the sight of his silver ring on the young wizard's finger as the crystal began to brighten, to glow and shimmer under a soft white light, the silver band shrinking once more to fit perfectly. Merlin smiled. At the same time, Harry opened his eyes and it was clear he was desperately holding in tears. The old man knew immediately whom the saddened wizard was thinking of. "You miss them Harry," he said. Harry dropped his head into his hands. "Now more than ever."

"Yeah," Harry said, his emotional voice muffled by the fact his head remained in his hands.

Merlin walked forwards and placed his hands on the young man's hunched shoulders. "It is the natural way of things. We always wish that those we love had not died, that they were still with us. We can never ignore the pangs of our hearts. It is such things that make us who we are."

Silence reigned in the cavern for several long moments: Merlin leaned back in his seat, waiting patiently for Harry to rein in his emotions in his own time. Hedwig, obviously seeing her master's troubles floated down and perched herself on one of his hunched shoulders. Eventually the young wizard raised his head. He turned to his faithful owl and softly stroked her white feathers back and forth with his fingertips. He was about to speak before Merlin interrupted him, "I apologise Harry."

Harry immediately became confused. "For what?"

"Let me explain. The ring's power lies within the blue crystal at its heart. In order for the ring to be of any use to you, you have to show that you are worthy. I brought forth your emotions and your feelings towards others in order for the ring itself to gauge your worthiness."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, still deeply confused

"I made the ring in such a way so that only a certain kind of person could use it. I would not have passed it onto you if I were not already sure that you were indeed my true successor, but the crystal at the core of the ring had to interweave itself with you nevertheless.

Harry's mind was still clouded. "I don't understand."

"It is quite simple, Harry. Only one who holds love - and all related emotions - above all else in his being can use the crystal. Love is the most powerful of forces Harry. It controls us like nothing else. Under its power one can reach the greatest of heights and sink to the lowest, most desperate of depths. There is no force stronger or purer than love." Merlin smiled thinly. "You have shown that you are truly righteous at heart."

"So all this was just so that I could prove that I am capable of love?" Harry asked incredulously.

"Yes...and no." Merlin replied, eerily reminiscent of a certain Headmaster of Hogwarts Harry suddenly realised. "Love is indeed the central element, but others such as compassion and nobility are also important. It may seem strange to contemplate, and difficult to accept, but even some of the most evil of hearts are capable of love."

"Voldemort isn't." Harry said firmly.

Merlin nodded. "Which is why I have given you my ring, my crystal. Actually," Merlin continued after a moment, "I believe that my questions might have been unnecessary. I was slightly surprised that the ring adjusted to your finger as soon as you put it on. I was not expecting your soul and the core at the heart of the crystal to accept each other so quickly. Compassion, grief, love, righteousness - such things must flow in your veins in greater quantities than I had previously surmised."

Harry's thoughts raced back to Dumbledore's comments the night Sirius died. 'In the end it did not matter that you could not close your mind. It was your heart that saved you'. What Merlin said about this supposed 'bond' between himself and this ring - all apparently based upon the different elements of love - seemed to underline Dumbledore's thoughts on the matter. Could the power the dark lord knows not simply be love then? If it had shielded him from evil on more than one occasion could he call on it to do so again? Could he use love to defeat Voldemort?

"My mum's love for me is the reason I'm alive." Harry said barely above a whisper. "She sacrificed herself so that I could live. It's supposed to be why I couldn't be harmed by Voldemort's killing curse."

Merlin pondered this for a moment or two. "I do not doubt this. Your mother's actions show that love is the greatest power that one can ever possess or harness. As long as there remain those who are capable of expressing such emotions - and acting upon them in similar ways to your mother - evil simply cannot endure."

Harry nodded his head slowly. He was quickly running through everything the legendary wizard had said to him; one thing confused him. "Merlin, why did you call me your successor when you gave me your ring?"

The old wizard smiled. "Ever since Tom Riddle was thwarted by you nearly 15 years ago, I have waited patiently for the right time to meet you. I decided then that I would one day give you the chance to become my successor. That day has finally arrived.

"Do you remember the legend I spoke of Harry? The one that said that within this cave was an army of men and horses ready to awaken from their slumber if ever the country was in dire need?" Harry nodded. "Well, as I am sure you can guess, it was an exaggeration - that part of the legend was simply referring to myself. However, as my successor, it in fact refers to you now.

"I described you as a gifted student, if sometimes unfocused, yes?" Harry nodded again. "I said that because it is clear that your potential is considerable; if you focus properly and entirely upon solely improving yourself you will become the greatest of our kind - greater than Albus Dumbledore or myself, easily more powerful than Tom Riddle."

Harry had definitely not expected that. More powerful than Merlin!? The old man had clearly gone bonkers, as Ron would say. Obviously his facial expressions had given his thoughts away again when Merlin spoke. "I do not exaggerate Harry. You have already proven yourself to be exceptional numerous times. I know of no one else who was capable of repelling dozens of Dementors with a single Patronus at the age of thirteen - quite frankly that is supposed to be impossible. As such, is it really beyond comprehension that you can become the greatest wizard of the ages?"

Harry finally found his voice. "But...But I'm...I'm not even the top student in school for Christ's sake. Hermione..."

"...Is a most dedicated young witch yes. Merlin interrupted. "Her total commitment to her magical education is extraordinary. That is why she is so successful. However, the natural talent you possess far outstrips her own in much the same way as the speed of a leopard does a snail. If you truly follow your friend's example in commitment then you will achieve wondrous things."

Harry considered Merlin's advice for a moment. "You really think so?" he asked slowly. Merlin nodded. "And this ring will help me, right? It will give me the power to defeat Voldemort?"

"No Harry. In itself, the ring gives its owner nothing. And yet it provides him with everything he needs. Let me explain. My true power lies not in my ability to use a wand, Harry. It is instead in the way I am able to access and utilise the entirety of my magical self. As you know, the level of magical ability fluctuates from wizard to wizard, and most of our kind are nevertheless unable to gain mastery over their entire being anyway. I have however, and others like Albus Dumbledore and Tom Riddle, have become able to do so also. In the fullness of time you would be capable of calling upon the entirety of the raw power within you and bending it to your will. The crystal at the heart of the ring doesn't give you any powers save the power to harness the entirety of your natural abilities much sooner than you would naturally. In your case, believe me when I say that your potential abilities are considerable, greater than any in history."

Harry shook his head. "This is all just too much. Why can't I just be normal for once?" he asked in desperation.

Merlin chuckled softly. "I believe I have already explained that there is no such thing as normal," he said. "However, believe me when I say that I understand a few of your complaints completely. I do not profess to be an expert over the usual complaints and problems of teenagers, but I do understand that there are times when power is almost too heavy a burden. I see it before me now; I see you floundering under the extraordinary weight of duty and expectation. I am afraid that this is a burden that you must endure for the rest of your life."

Harry's anger began to simmer again. "Can't the world just leave me alone in peace for once in my life?"

"Ah, yes, the typical gripe of a typical teenager." Merlin said with a smile. "You feel the whole world is against you, don't you?"

"You're damn right I do!" Harry hissed.

Merlin's smile turned into snort. "Yes, you are indeed just like any other teenager. At times, it is quite easy to forget that you are only sixteen years old."

"Yeah, a sixteen year old charged with saving the whole fucking world!" Harry roared.

"I WILL NOT suffer such language in my presence young wizard!" Merlin warned, effortlessly disarming Harry of his increasing anger. Once Harry had taken a few calming breaths the old man spoke again. "You have been through much in your short life Harry, so much that you have been forced to mature at a rapid rate, but nevertheless you are still young, and there are times when you are still immature. I apologise if what I say displeases you, but I simply will not tolerate you talking to me like that. I have asked you here in order to assist you in your fight against Tom Riddle and, as such, it would do well for you to remember that before you lose your temper with me."

"I am sorry." Harry muttered, his head bowed.

Merlin nodded. "Apology accepted. You have every right to be angry at some of the things you have gone through, but that does not give you the right to lash out irrationally at those undeserving of such treatment. Remember, anger is a powerful emotion - an extremely intoxicating and alluring state of mind for those who seek the quick and easy path to power." Merlin paused for several seconds, giving Harry time to understand his comments. "Tell me, how many times have your seen your Headmaster angry?"

Harry thought for a moment or two. "Almost never," he conceded. "Only once I think. He was scary. But then, when I saw him duel with Riddle, he was so calm, almost emotionless."

Merlin nodded. "Exactly. I am positive that Albus Dumbledore discovered at an early age - as I did - that although anger and hate can be used to dramatically increase the power of one's spells and curses, positive emotions can have an infinitely more dramatic effect. You must learn to control and dispel your anger Harry. It will take time, but it is imperative that you do so."

"Will this ring help me to do that?" Harry asked, stroking the silver band around his finger with his thumb.

"In a way." Merlin responded. "If you become excessively angry or hateful the ring will expand in size like it did several minutes ago, and it would eventually fall off your finger. Therefore, if you don't want to lose it, I would recommend keeping your temper in check."

Harry nodded. "I understand, and I will try, but it will be difficult."

"Good." Merlin said. "Hate is a dangerous sentiment, and the last thing I want is for you to fall into the same black hole that Tom Riddle now finds himself in. Ultimately, the best piece of advice I can give you is to be patient Harry. You have shown that you are an extremely capable young man. The task ahead of you is most difficult, and even after you succeed in destroying Riddle, you will still be called upon to suffer the weight of other burdens. Young Albus Dumbledore will know well of what I speak as he has carried these same burdens for far too long. I understand that you may not be on the best of terms with him at the moment but this will pass. He can help you, and is ready and willing to do so. As for myself, there is little else I can do for you. I have given you my gift. Use it well."

"Is this goodbye then?" Harry asked slowly.

"It is Harry," Merlin answered. "It has been a great honour to finally meet you, but it is late and an old man needs his rest."

Harry paused for a moment. "Will we meet again?" he asked.

Merlin shook his head. "No. My time is short, but fear not, I am confident I shall leave this world in the peace I wish for it to forever remain. As for you young wizard I believe you need some slumber before your morning run with the lovely Miss Tonks." He finished with a wicked smile.

Harry glared a little. "It isn't like that and I told you not to get personal," he warned.

Merlin chuckled. "Yes, yes. Kesick is willing to take you and Hedwig back to Privet Drive, but I do not believe you will remain there much longer this summer." Harry made to say something but was cut off. "I am tired Harry. Enjoy your birthday. Today, that is all I ask of you. The Prophecy does not exist for the next twenty-four hours. Understand?"

Harry nodded his head. "I still can't believe this is all happening." I suppose all I can say is that it has been an honour to meet you." And he held out it his hand, which was warmly taken.

"The honour lies with me my dear boy." Merlin responded. "To have met someone so young who has suffered and survived so much and still be as you are... It is humbling. You are strong. You will prevail. Live long Harry. Lord knows, you deserve it. Now go."

Kesick gracefully positioned himself above Harry's head, who held out his left arm to welcome Hedwig into his grasp. Before he grabbed onto the offered tail feather he looked once more into the bright blue eyes of the legend before him. All he could say was "Thank you."

And as the comforting, loving tendrils of Phoenix flame surrounded him, Harry could have sworn that at that moment the twinkle in the eyes of the old man suddenly looked awfully familiar - the nagging thought continually in the tiny backwaters of his mind that Merlin was being untruthful come to the fore once more - but he brushed the thought away as a trick of his tired eyes and mind. He'd had several surprises too many for one night, and this one, he knew without even thinking, had to remain secret to absolutely anyone and everyone. No one would believe him anyway! Now wasn't the time to consider the far-reaching implications of what had occurred tonight however; he desperately needed some sleep.