The One Who You Fear

Chapter 17: Out of the Ashes

"Hey, look who's alright!" a voice cried the second he came in. Several Gryffindors crowded around him, applauding joyfully.

"So, you have forgiven me for what I have said about your friend?" Jack asked.

"Sure," Colin answered. "I mean, it wasn't his fault, and you got him out."

"Thank you. I think I'll leave now."

"Hey Jack!" two voices called.

"Hello, Lavender, Parvati."

"Did you get our box of Conjured Chocolates?" Lavender asked.

"You better have and liked them," Parvati added. "It cost us a fortune!"

"They were good," Jack said. He only had a couple; then he started to feel woozy. He imagined they had some kind of potion in them.

"We almost didn't send them," Parvati said, "after what you suggested for us to do to tell your fortune."

"And for what you said about Harry," Lavender added.

"But we talked about it and decided you're scary . . . "

"Disgusting . . . "

"And a little weird . . ."

"But you're also handsome . . . "

"Brave . . . "

"And most importantly--"

They said together, "Our hero!"

Lavender giggled and kissed his cheek. Parvati, who was a bit taller, kissed him on the lips. Jack frantically pulled away.

"Uh, you young ladies are nice."

"Hear that?" Parvati said. "He says we're nice."

"I'm leaving now." As he departed, he could hear them argue over whose kiss he liked better.

He spotted Ron and Hermione sitting in a corner silently playing a game Jack knew. He came to join them. "Hey!" Ron said with a smile. "Alright, Jack?"

"Yes."

"Wanna play chess with us?"

Jack thought about it and decided that maybe it will be the best way to talk. "Very well."

He took a seat at Hermione's spot as Ron set up the game board. While pondering a difficult move, Jack spoke. "Tell me more about what happened that night. How did you know I was in trouble?"

"I was just about to go back to sleep when I heard you screaming," Ron answered.

"Yeah, I heard it too in my sleep and it made me wake," Hermione nodded. "The strange thing is that it was so loud to me, but my dorm mates didn't move. That's how I knew that something was going on that was more than what it seemed. It wasn't until we ran into Neville, Luna, Ernie, and Hannah in the corridor that things started to click. They all heard it too. I figured out that you were in the Room of Requirement."

"And it was funny because when we got there Snape snuck up on us. He said, 'What are you doing out of your beds after hours?' I said, 'We've come to help a friend! He needs us!' And immediately, the door opened, and it knocked Snape out!"

"Do not laugh at his misfortune," Jack admonished. "He rendered all of us a great service."

"Well, yeah, I guess so."

"And then we kinda spotted the Death Eaters," Hermione said. "I thought, 'We need disguises or something to blend in,' and immediately Death Eater outfits appeared for all of us. I used the spell to get you down, and when the Death Eaters attacked you, we were jinxing them."

"You say that somehow the room summoned my closest friends?" Jack asked.

"I think so."

"Then why did it not summon Lavender and Parvati? They have been trying to be close."

"Oh, I've heard them talk. They just like you because of your looks. They haven't really got to know you as a person, so it's like an artificial devotion. If they heard you were in such trouble, they would have thought that you could look out for yourself. They wouldn't help."

"I see." Jack finally saw an acceptable move and played his turn.

"I can't believe you survived after encountering that much magic," Hermione said. "Not even some of the greatest wizard could have handled it alone. That was another reason why it was good for us to be there."

"Yes. I felt you supporting me. What were you doing?"

"I think what we were trying to do was to feed into you our own magic, or maybe we were absorbing the excess. Either way, it was so that the force would not overwhelm and destroy you."

"What exactly was that Aku thing?" Ron asked. "Word's going around that it killed Undertaker when you summoned it by name."

"Undertaker never existed."

"What? But he--"

"Ron, you do not understand. Aku is a shapeshifter. He can take on any form he wishes, and Undertaker was just another form."

"So you're saying that Undertaker was Aku all along?" Hermione said.

"Yes."

"You know, I've seen Aku on the news every once in a while. Late last summer, a lot of refugees fled to London to get out of his empire. I always thought he was wearing a mask. I thought it was weird, but I figured it was part of a religious ritual."

"No, that's the way he looks like," Jack answered.

"And he really does have magic powers? The refugees kept saying that, and everybody assumed that they're just scared of his authority."

"He does."

"I just have to ask, why exactly did Aku pass all those ridiculous regulations when he was Undertaker?"

"Maybe he wanted to keep you from figuring out who he was," Ron suggestion.

"I think he was preparing you for his conquest," Jack said. "He wanted to crush your hopes and your joy."

"Then why did he allow Quidditch?" Ron asked.

That was a good question. Jack thought for a little bit, and an idea occurred to him. All of the students Aku chose were star Quidditch players. Perhaps after choosing Harry and Draco, Aku used the Quidditch matches to find two more suitable students for his plan. Jack was not completely sure, so he decided not to tell them. "He really looked as though he enjoyed Quidditch. Who is to say?"

"Harry's feels really bad about the way he treated you. He's talking about sending you letters by owl."

Jack shook his head. "He can't."

"Don't worry. Hedwig will find you. She can find anybody."

"Unless his owl can cross the barriers of time, it cannot reach me."

"Wait, you're saying your home is from another time?"

"Yes. When I first battled Aku, before I could cast the final blow he used his dark magic to send me to a distant future where he ruled the world. For so long, all I have desired was to find a passage back through time so that I may return home."

Ron looked at him in fear and astonishment. "Well, this is just splendid. It's the end of the world!"

"What?"

Ron added a nervous giggle. "We're all going to die!"

"What are you talking about?" Hermione said.

Ron yelled back at her, "Hermione, YOU WERE WRONG!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed. "You were only joking?" Jack asked.

"Sure. Hermione's never wrong about anything."

"Oh, come off it Ron. I've been wrong about things before. Can't remember when, but . . ."

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"Well, Hermione said that the reason you couldn't go home was because You-Know-Who, or maybe it was the other one, put a powerful spell on you that exiled you from your home."

"I see. It was not her fault."

"Wait a minute, if Jack wasn't under that spell, that means . . . Jack was never confunded!"

"Nope," Hermione answered.

"Then how come he'd been acting so strange?"

"Didn't you figure it out?" Hermione whispered. "Jack's a Muggle! He's a samurai, a soldier from Japan. Most of them don't know magic."

"A Muggle? Here? How was that possible?"

"Well, evidently, he was the only one who could stop Aku. So, I guess Dumbledore made arrangements."

"Oh." Ron smiled. In one move, he took Jack's queen. "Check." He sat back in his chair and smiled.

Jack replied by moving a piece forward and taking Ron's king. "Checkmate."

"Whoa, good move."

"Where is Harry?"

"He's up in the room. I wouldn't go up there though. He's thinking about things, and he probably should be alone. Besides, it's about time for the feast."

"You mean, he is thinking about his godfather?"

"So, you've heard."

"Dumbledore told me." Jack stood. "Thank you. I shall see you." He walked for Harry's room.

Jack quietly opened the door. Harry was alone, sitting at the foot of his bed. His back was turned to Jack, but Jack could see that Harry was holding something. "Sirius!" Harry said. He sat and waited. He spoke again, "Sirius Black!" When nothing happened again, Harry stood and threw what he was holding into his trunk. Jack heard glass break.

"Perhaps now is not a good time," Jack thought. He sighed and turned to leave.

Harry gasped. Jack turned back around. Harry ran toward him, threw his arms around Jack's rib cage, and hugged. It wasn't until Harry looked up that he suddenly let go. "Oh. I'm sorry. I thought you were--"

"I understand," Jack answered solemnly.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm . . . relieved to see you well. It's just that, oh, I can't say."

Jack sat down on his bed and watched Harry as the boy continued to pack. "What are you looking at?" Harry snapped. He looked down remorsefully. "Sorry, I mean haven't you come for something?"

"No," Jack answered.

"Then what can I do for you?"

"Your grief is great," Jack explained. "I have not come to talk. I am here to listen."

"To me? What to you want me to talk about?"

"Anything that you feel will ease your heart of its burden. Tell me about your godfather."

"You know Sirius. What can I tell you that you don't already know?"

"That matters not, Harry. I lost a friend. You lost a godfather. It is different."

Harry sat down. "Well, I guess it will do me good to talk to someone about it." So, he told Jack everything he knew. He told Jack when Harry first heard how dangerous Sirius was believed to be and when he rescued Sirius from the dementors. He explained how Sirius had helped him the past two years at Hogwarts. And then, Harry told Jack almost everything that happened at the Department of Mysteries. Harry cried a little, but Jack didn't try to stop him. In fact, he shared in Harry's sympathy in his own way.

"I tried to wake you that night. I probably shouldn't have, but I just thought--"

"I know, Harry," Jack said. "I tried to wake. If I did, I would have done all in my power to help you."

"Yeah. I thought as much. I seemed to be the only one who thought that. Hermione was right, though. It was taking all of your energy just to wake up. I mean, I'm not going to blame you at all. I'm the whole reason you were in the hospital wing anyway."

"Do not say that! If anyone should be blamed, it should be Aku."

"You're just saying that. Jack, I'm sorry. I've been a complete git, and I really didn't mean it. I don't know why. I thought you were cool, but I felt like something was keeping me from saying it."

"Perhaps I have acted dishonorably toward you as well. Forgive me. I only felt frustrated when you would not reciprocate my friendship. Aku's evil can taint good hearts. I forgive you."

"But I've heard of him on the news, how the refugees said that he had powers. Why didn't I figure it out? Why didn't--"

"His disguises are crafty. He had even fooled me. I thought Undertaker was Aku's servant, not Aku himself."

"I have to admit, though," Harry said, "I'm still rather disappointed. I mean, I was this close to killing Voldemort."

"Do not dwell upon it. Thinking of what could have been will only give you misery. Fate has appointed one day for evil to meet its end. That day will be soon. Just have faith."

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Dumbledore and I had a long talk a while back, and he essentially said the same thing."

Silence. Harry started packing again, and Jack continued to watch. "Er, Jack, do you know a few things about death?" Harry asked. "I mean, um, you can see thestrals."

"I don't think it will help you," Jack answered.

"No, it will. I still am wondering a bunch of stuff about it. Talking to you has helped a little, but it hasn't answered my questions. If you don't want to talk about it, it's ok."

Jack sighed. "Some time ago, I was walking through a moor when I heard a voice calling for me. 'Come to me,' it said over and over. I challenged the voice to face me, but he never appeared. Strangely enough, the voice seemed to come from without as well as within my own mind. I felt compelled to follow the voice the more I heard it. I had to survive many dangerous perils to find the voice's source. I knew that it was leading me to my death, but it was too late to turn back.

"Finally, the source of the voice appeared. It belonged to a monster made out of stone. He immediately challenged me to a fight. I thought he only desired to fight me for pleasure, and I refused his challenge. But he begged me to fight. He said it was the only that he could be free.

"He told me his story. I realized that he was from a land that I once knew and a time not far from my home. He lived peacefully until Aku arose and attacked. My friend tried to fight the demon, but he did not have the power. Aku placed upon him a terrible curse--immortality."

"Why do you say that's a curse?" Harry asked. "I can see a lot of upsides to never having to die."

"It was not good for him, Harry. If Aku killed him, my friend would spend the rest of eternity in a place of bliss he called Valhalla. Aku placed him in an unbreakable crystal. My friend watched as his whole village was destroyed, and he could not join his loved ones. Over time, he made a new body for himself and created a perilous path so that only the bravest warrior could pass through. He could only go to Valhalla if he died honorably in combat.

"I felt sad for his situation because I was responsible in a great deal. So I stood and fought him. My sword broke through the crystal at last, and the warrior was freed. He appeared young, strong, and healthy, but even as I watched he withered into an old man and collapsed. I came to his aid. He told me not be afraid but to hand him his sword. I did so. He thanked me and closed his eyes. And then, I saw thestrals for the first time. They were not like the thestrals in the forest here. They were white and without wings (but they still could fly), and they were very beautiful. Two lovely Valkarie rode upon the thestrals. They took my friend away and flew up to the sky. I grieved for my friend deep in my heart, but I was mostly joyful. This warrior was finally free."

"But did you even know him?" Harry said. "You don't miss him as much as I miss Sirius. Don't you wish you could see him again?"

"Sometimes, yes. I do not any longer, for I know that he has not left me. He helped me greatly that night by turning the thestrals to my command. All I can say about Sirius is that he died with honor. I know this means nothing to you, but it means everything to him."

"I guess you're right," Harry replied doubtfully.

They were quiet for a while again. Harry evidently didn't have anything else to say. So Jack said, "You were partly right, Harry. Our lives are very similar, but it is not because I was trying to steal your story. There is only one reason."

"What's that?"

"We are both warriors."

"No, no. I'm no warrior. You're the warrior. You know I saw everything that happened the day you first went against Aku. I experienced it."

Jack looked at him inquisitively. He figured there was some sort of magic behind it.

Harry explained, "When Voldemort's wand was destroyed, he used his power of Legilimency. That's the magic Snape tried to teach me to defend. Voldemort was getting into Aku's mind, delving into his memories. That's why Aku was so arrogant. Being as powerful as he is he thought that Voldemort might get trapped just trying to pry into his mind. But Voldemort hit upon the one dark memory--your first encounter with Aku. Since I had such a tight connection with Aku and Voldemort, I saw everything that Voldemort saw. Every time you struck with that sword, I felt Aku's pain. It wasn't until then that I saw Aku for the monster he was. And then that one moment that you looked into Voldemort's eyes, the vision somehow changed. I was Aku. You were attacking me. I begged and I pleaded for you to stop, and you said, 'I know it hurts, but it's the only way to get the evil power out of you.' I started to feel something inside of me die. When the vision passed, I saw you differently somehow. You were a hero, but you were too weak to carry on. I was pretty weak too. Then that spell, 'Exilio,' came to mind. I barely whispered it to rid us of Aku forever. I wasn't sure if it worked, because right afterward I passed out."

"So, it was you who renewed the curse," Jack said softly.

"Yeah. Hermione said it's a pretty strong spell."

"You are a warrior, Harry. Destiny has chosen you to fight against a great evil, and you accepted her call, no matter what extremes it takes. This may not be the last time we meet. I believe you will see Aku again, and this will probably not be the last time I see Voldemort. Yet do not fear. Dumbledore told me that there is a kind of bond between us because of what I have done for you. The next time, I hope we shall be on the same side."

Harry looked back at him and smiled. Jack knew that he had finally earned Harry's trust and respect. Yet somehow, when Jack looked into Harry's face, he could tell what Dumbledore meant.

Jack walked back down to the common room, and Harry followed. They joined their friends again and talked a little more. "We could have used that time turner about now, Hermione," Harry said quietly. "That way we could have sent Jack back to his time."

"Well, I'm sure we'd have to turn it billions of times before we got the desired year," Hermione answered. "It would take a much more complex magical rendering, maybe some kind of potion."

"Could you at least make some kind of spell so that Hedwig can owl him a letter every once in a while?"

"Harry, even if I could, I can't! You know that is a very strict wizard law!"

"But I want to do something to make up for these several months of hate toward Jack. You know, like with Sirius. I want him as a friend. Besides, on his journey home, he's going to be lonely."

"I will be fine," Jack assured him.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall came up. "Jack, Professor Dumbledore is ready to see you."

"Awe, you're going to miss the Leaving Feast," Ron whined.

"There is a better feast prepared for me," Jack answered. "Goodbye Ron." He shook Ron's hand. Then he turned to Hermione. "Hair-um, Herme-no, uh . . . "

"You know, Hair-me-own-nee has a ring to it," she said, "and I like Greek. But only you could call me that, Viktor, ok?"

Jack laughed and shook her hand. "Oh!" He pulled out of his robe a couple of books and handed them to her. "Thank you for letting me read these."

"No problem."

"Harry . . . " Jack was at a loss for words. Finally, he bowed before Harry in respect. Harry returned his bow. They looked at each other soberly for a few minutes then Jack turned away.

The Gryffindors that happened to be in the common room burst into applause as Jack walked out the room.

******************

Dumbledore's office was crowded with people. "Ah, Jack!" Dumbledore greeted. "I have a few friends that I would like you to meet." He introduced Jack to everyone in the Order of the Phoenix. They all took turns shaking his hand. Arthur Weasley would not let go, and he started asking Jack a dozen questions. Jack finally managed to break free.

"I know all of you," Jack said. "You sacrificed your freedom so that I may reach Aku. I thank you."

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "And now for some unpleasant news. Jack, I'm sorry, but I'm not able to send you directly home. The Ministry will not allow it. I tried to tell Fudge that he owed me a favor, but when he heard you were involved he declined. He was very unhappy that you were a Muggle."

"I was always sure I knew how the Ministry would take it, Albus," Kingsley said. "They probably thought that next you would, oh say, write a seven-part tell-all book series about Harry's years in Hogwarts and release it to the Muggle public."

"Which would sound like a smashing idea, but I know the Muggle market a little better. I know such a series would never sell."

"There is still the Room of Requirement, sir," Jack suggested meekly.

"I'm afraid not, Jack," Dumbledore replied shaking his head. "That night damaged the room's magic quite severely. It can be repaired, but it will take a while. Oh Jack, don't look so melancholy. The Ministry will let you go back to the time from whence you came. But first, if you will allow us, we have come to a little decision."

The group started to circle him. Jack started to remember the Death Eaters from that night and started to feel uncomfortable. Dumbledore stood from his desk, standing tall above Jack and the group. "This man," Dumbledore said very grandly, "has stepped beyond his ability to protect many young witches and wizards from harm. He has performed a great service to all of us by rescuing us from a dark, ancient evil. Does anyone object or deem him unworthy?"

"Sir," Professor Snape spoke up, "he is indeed acceptable, but I question if he is worthy. Let us not forget his station. He is a Muggle."

"Irregardless, Severus, he knows more about Aku than even you do, right?"

"Yes sir, but in doing this do you not risk the exposure of our world?"

"Trust me, Severus, that is not a concern at all," Dumbledore answered solemnly. "Anyone else? Very well. Samurai Jack, please step forward."

Jack did so, anxious to see if Dumbledore was going to do what he thought he would.

"Do you swear to protect all that is good from the hand of evil at all costs without fear?"

"I have sworn it, and I will swear it again," Jack answered.

"Draw your weapon."

Jack drew his sword and held it out to Dumbledore. The wizard took his wand and ran it along the blade. Some sparks danced along the steel. Dumbledore nodded.

"If you are truly loyal to us and your intentions are pure, you can pass our one last test." Dumbledore made a motion to his phoenix. The bird then flew over Jack's head. One scarlet feather landed on his shoulder. It singed for a second, but then Jack felt a curious sensation that he had never felt before. It was like energy was flowing through him, from his head to his feet. He was surrounded by a golden glow for a moment.

Dumbledore smiled. With a flick of his wand, he picked up the feather. A roll of parchment appeared before him. As he wrote on the parchment with the feather, he said, "We still mourn the loss of our own. Sirius Black was a vital part of our organization, no matter what he thought, and he can never be replaced by anyone. Yet, I do believe that out of the ashes of tragedy, another has risen."

He held up the parchment, and Jack saw his own name underneath "Sirius Black." "Samurai Jack," Dumbledore said, "welcome to the Order of the Phoenix."

The other members of the Order held out their wands and spoke a Latin incantation together. Red sparks flew, and all of the members were surrounded in the golden light of a magic circle.

Jack bowed. "I am honored, but I must ask that as a member of your Order, what do you wish for me to do?"

"Oh, your quest does not change. Continue your fight against Aku. I am doing this to ensure that you will always be recognized, welcomed, and honored wherever wizards and witches meet."

"Thank you. This will aid me greatly."

"I knew it would. Now, as a member of the Order, you have access to privileged information. We have concocted a plan to get you home quicker."

Remus handed him a scroll. "We're going to send you to the western United States. If you follow this map from the place where we send you, you will find something worth finding."

"Of course, you'll need information," Arabella said. "It's probably best that you get it from a local in the town. Owners of restaurants are a good source to look to."

"But this being the west, he'll probably have a greed streak a mile wide," Mundungus added. "So, give him this. It's a bag of leprechaun gold. It vanishes after a couple of hours."

Jack took the bag of gold, but he made a point to throw in a few gemstones that he had found just to remain honest. "Thank you."

"No, thank you Jack," Arthur said. "I only wish we had more time to talk. I mean, it's not every day I meet a Muggle of your caliber."

"And Jack, dear," Molly added, "the western United States are hot, so try to stay indoors where it's cool, alright?"

"Very well." Jack stored the items away. "I am ready, Dumbledore."

"Good. Shacklebolt, bring him in." Kingsley opened a door to let in a somber-looking wizard in gray robes. "Jack, this is an Obliviator. I'm afraid the one condition the Ministry applied before I send you back is that first this wizard would . . . remove your memory of this place."

Jack was stunned! He thought Dumbledore wanted him to remember everything he saw here. And what if Voldemort found him again or if Draco contacted Aku? He wouldn't remember anything about what had just happened! But he remembered how strict this world was about mortal interaction and decided it was not his place to argue. "So be it."

He knelt down and looked at the Obliviator. The wizard raised his wand high above his head. "Obli--"

"Wait!"

The wizards turned around to see a girl in the doorway. "Cho!" Jack said with surprise.

"What is it, little girl?" the Obliviator sneered.

"I'm a young lady, thank you. I heard I missed Jack's goodbye." She turned to Jack. "I just missed you at the Gryffindor common room, and the portrait told me that you were here, so I came to look for you."

"Well, I appreciate it, Cho," Jack smiled. "I would like my final memory of this place to be a pleasant one."

Cho turned to the Obliviator. "You're going to erase his memories? Why? There is no need."

"Well, of course there is! He's a Muggle!" the Obliviator answered.

"Maybe, but he will be a part of our world someday, a rather vital part at that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir. I can show you. First, let me say goodbye."

Jack stood and extended his hand, but Cho ignored it altogether. She gave him a hug. "I'll never have this chance again. I was so honored to meet you. Thank you for everything."

Jack backed away. "It was an honor to meet you as well, Cho. May your ancestors forever smile on you."

"Oh, they do." She was beginning to cry again, but they were clearly happy tears.

They bowed to each other. Dumbledore was standing in front of a portal shimmering on the wall of his office. Jack silently bowed to him, and Dumbledore returned his bow. "Good luck, Samurai Jack."

"Luck will not aid me," Jack answered. He stepped into the portal and vanished.

"Now, Ms. Chang, what exactly did you mean?"

"I must show you," Cho answered.

****************

Jack fell out of the portal and hit his head on a rock. He rubbed his head and thought. He had just been to a wonderful place, but how did he get there? It had magic. Jack was able to make potions and fly. He remembered people who could turn into dogs and wonderful creatures. And he remembered children. Who were they? And there was one awful person, almost like death incarnate. Who was he?

Jack got up and thought himself delirious, but part of him was sure it would all come back in time. Some of it was starting to come back. He knew he had a map that could lead him to something that will take him home. He remembered he was supposed to look out for something. What was it again?

Jack shook his head and started heading toward the town. His quest must continue.

*************

"Cogi--Cog--oh, could one of you say it, please? I'm too excited!"

"Cogito, ergo sum," Dumbledore spoke.

Cho led the wizards into the Ravenclaw common room. Quickly, she ran up to her room and grabbed an old, tattered tapestry. "Just a few weeks ago, something came up on it that I know wasn't there before."

In the bottom corner, completing the story, was a picture of the samurai and the young girl of the tapestry holding hands. The samurai was dressed in imperial robes, and the girl was dressed as a bride.

THE END