Harry Potter and the Legend of Imlach

Chapter 2 - The Marriage

Harry looked at the journal for a long time. He finally picked it up and went to the bedroom. He tried to open it, but to no avail. He was getting frustrated again, but he relaxed closed his eyes and spoke.

"How do I open the Shalya's Journal?"

"Kindness."

A peace filled Harry as he heard the words or felt them, he was not sure. Harry looked down at the book.

"Open please."

The book fell open and the beginning seemed the right place to start. When Harry had read the last page with writing on it he closed the book. He fought to keep the tears back, glad to be alone. Harry had always missed the mother he had never known, but he just hoped it had not been so hard for her. He knew who the young woman in the carving and in the dream was: she was Shalya's daughter. The journal only spoke of her teenage years so there were obviously pervious journals somewhere. But Harry was stuck on one thing, how powerful this mother's love was for her daughter. Love had always seemed to elude Harry in his life. He couldn't help but know it was his mother's powerful love for him which saved his life. Harry touched the scar on his forehead and wondered if this mother's love had done the same thing. One other thing was certain, the cats where given to her by her mother and grandmother, and they were protecting her.

Harry made his way once again down the twisted corridor and to the image on the wall. He looked at it and he looked at the Journal in his hand. Harry sat down and closed his eyes as he began to speak out loud.

"I know you are Shalya's daughter. I know your mother entrusted these cats to guard you, and your mother loved you very much."

Harry almost choked on the last words as a warm peace came over Harry, he just sat there. It was the first time he felt this feeling without feeling words to go along with it. Harry did not know how long he was sitting there, but when he opened his eyes he almost feel over. A small wild cat was sitting in front of him. Harry looked up at the carving, and only one cat was now guarding the sleeping young woman.

The cat, sensing Harry was ready, started walking down the hall. Harry stood; waiting for a second, and the cat stopped and looked back. It made a sound, seeming annoyed at Harry. Harry instantly went to follow it. The cat, getting her point across, hurried along the path, stopping in front of a door.

"I guess I'd best open the door before you get annoyed with me again."

The cat made a kinder noise as if to agree. Harry placed his hand on the knob and pushed. He stepped into the room, and felt like he was pulled into a place. This had happened to him on two other occasions; like being in a memory. He watched all the things he had read in the books happen. He watched the wicked win and the good lose. He watched people suffer and he watched people overcome, survive, and finally defeat the evil one of old. Then it was over, and he was standing in an empty room. He opened the door and the cat was pawing the door across the hall. Harry wondered if he had the emotional strength to open another door after what he had just seen. He pushed it open, once again being pulled into a memory.

He felt a powerful surge of something, he just couldn't place it. What ever he felt, it was good, and he opened his eyes to a beautiful meadow. A young child of two or three was running and giggling up the hill. From behind came a man, and he scooped her up kissing her while she laughed. It was obvious he loved her a great deal too. The man was soon joined by his wife and Harry looked at the young family and his heart ached as he thought of his own family. He hoped his parents had moments like this in their lives. The senses were happy as Harry realized he was watching this child grow up. She was also frequently in the company of another woman, whom Harry assumed to be one of her grandmothers. He thought she was having the perfect childhood. Then one day Harry noticed a group of people came over to the girl and her grandmother. The child went to speak, but was kindly silenced by her grandmother. Harry wondered if it was the custom of the time, but he notice no other children treated the same way. One day, Harry guessed her to be about the same age he was when he went to Hogwarts; the girl was allowed a rare trip into town if she promised to not say a word. Her mother and father accompanied her and all was going well. As they were leaving town an evil man approached her father, and the girl was quickly escorted away by her mother. A battle ensued between the two men and the girl, in fear, cried out to her father. Then something Harry did not understand happened, all the people except the parents lost consciousness. The parents looked at each other, and quickly left the city with their child. Once home the grandmother was told, and the gravity of the situation set in as the family went into action. They obviously had a plan for if this happened, because they disappeared into the mountains, literally. Harry realized her father had created the beginnings of this place. Harry watched as the girl was left with her grandmother while her parents went to take part in the fight going on in the world outside. Occasionally, they would return with news and discuss it with the grandmother once the girl was asleep. Harry listened as they planned how to save this girl and who this girl was. Harry could not believe his ears; he could not believe what they were saying about this girl, when the scene closed Harry walked out the door.

The cat jumped into Harry's arms. When it seems she was not going to jump down, Harry said home and found himself in the kitchen. He was not sure what to do, so he slept. When he awoke he found the cat curled up on his chest sleeping. He looked at the cat; she woke up and was purring with contentment. He was tempted to pet the cat, but after what he heard in the room yesterday he knew what this cat was capable of doing -- appearances can be deceiving.

Harry really knew all he needed to know now. He realized he had no concept of time and worried that Dumbledore would return before he had made up his mind. He sat pondering all of the things he had learned, all of the things he had felt, and the choice he had to make. He looked at his half eaten breakfast as he sat down his fork.

"Moira, at least that is what your family called you, do what me to try and wake you up?"

A powerful peace came flooding over him again and he held on to the chair afraid he would fall out.

"Thou chosest, doubt bringeth death."

Harry knew this, but the thought was easy to take with how he felt. The cat jumped on to the table on then off to get Harry's attention. Harry obediently followed the cat to the library. The cat once again jumped into Harry's arms and started pawing and scratching at a book. Removing the book, Harry discovered it was an old spell and potions book. Surely, he thought, this was the grandmother's book.

Harry almost laughed when he thought about Professor Snape. He found all of the necessary ingredients in the kitchen and soon had the potion made. He had taken a good look through the book and decided this grandmother could teach Professor Snape a thing or two about potions. The preparation was done, Harry had everything he needed. All he had to do know was choose.

Harry was brought out of his meditation by the loud purring of the cat curled up in his lap. He gently stroked the cat and knew he had made the choice. He poured the potion into a small container with a lid and picked up the other necessary items. He looked down at the cat.

"Lead the way."

Harry followed the cat, and in what seemed a little time, he was once again looking at the image of the sleeping young woman. Harry sat down on the floor and spread the things out. He was just about ready. Once again he closed his eyes.

"Before I do this I want to explain to you why I made this choice. I saw a lot of things I do not even think I can comprehend. But..." he paused not sure how to go on. "But I realized this feeling, this feeling I could never place. This feeling I feel every time I hear your voice or see you in a memory, this feeling is love. I know when this is over..." Harry could not help but think 'if it works and I live,' but he did not say it. "We will be husband and wife. I know little of you and you even less of me, but love is something I long to share in my life. Will you share your love and your life with me as I will with you?"

Harry thought he would have to wait for a minute to feel it, but it was instantaneous and more powerful than he had ever felt. He knew it was time.

With a deep sigh he stood and looked at the carving. He opened the bottle and looked at the glowing green liquid he was about to drink. He closed his eyes and swallowed the potion. A burning feeling gripped every part of his body as he fell to the floor. Harry was no stranger to pain, but this was no kind of pain he had ever felt before. It was a pain of body, spirit and mind. When then pain eased some Harry weakly stood and walked up to the carving. Harry, with effort, repeated the enchantment spell the grandmother had left and walked through or rather into the carving. In an instant the pain was gone. Replaced with the most powerful and uplifting feeling he had ever felt in his life. He looked and saw the young woman sleeping in the bed and the two cats looking at him as if to ask him his intentions.

"My intention..." Harry stated with such confidence it even surprised him, "... is to wake her up."

The cats jumped off of the bed and began to circle him. He knew the special gifts the cats had been given. If they sensed even the slightest of ill intentions, thirst of power, greed, pride or doubt, he would not live. The cats would grow to the size of tigers and destroy him. They circled and Harry concentrated on the feelings he felt as she had helped him get to this point. When he opened his eyes he looked down at the cats. One was standing on either side of him as if nothing was wrong. He took this as a passing grade and approached the bed side.

Harry looked down at the young woman in front of him. He was surprised. The last memory he had seen she could not have been but thirteen or fourteen, but this was no young teenager. She was a young woman. Harry guessed closer to his age. There was also no denying the fact that she was simple yet beautiful. He wondered for a moment if she would accept him. The cats stepped forward and Harry quickly returned his thoughts to what he was there to do.

Harry removed the remaining items. He unfolded the piece of parchment where he had written all he needed. Harry took her hand in his; it was soft and warm and filled him with a warmth he enjoyed. He placed her mother's necklace around her neck as best he could without disturbing her. He recognized the symbol as the same one he found on the front of the Journal. Her father had left her a flower; Harry recognized it as the same one which grew in meadow where he first saw her laughing in her father's warm embrace. He had found some magical way to preserve it, but he was not sure where to place the flower. Finally he placed it gently in her other hand. It was as if her parents knew they could not be there for her wedding, but wanted her to have something showing their love for her. He really had no need of the parchment; he repeated the solemn and magical wedding vows forever magically binding their souls without even pausing for a moment. When he was finished he reached over and gently kissed her lips. He was expecting nothing in return, but the instant their lips touched she came alive. The feelings which over came Harry where completely unexpected, and she eagerly accepted his arms around her. Harry had no intention of being anything, but a perfect gentleman, and he was surprised at her passionate response. He relaxed his grip and pulled back looking into her eyes. They were a calm light blue. She also looked deep into his soul, and she did not find him wanting.

"Hello Mrs. Potter." Harry said returning the intensity of her gaze.

She was a little hesitant to speak and for a split second Harry was worried.

"Oye."

Her words were like a fire in his body. It was a response he was not ready for. When he opened his eyes again, he saw tears in her eyes. He realized how tight he was holding her and relaxed a bit.

"Nah, holdethme."

Those words where just as powerful as the first. Harry now understood why all of the people had gone unconscious at her call for her father, and why she was not allowed to speak in front of others. Harry looked into her eyes again; it was as if another world had been opened to him. He knew she was the source of all the feelings he had been feeling as he was filled with a fire in his soul he had never known.

The next little while was a blur to Harry. If anyone had told him that he would be ringing in the New Year on his Honeymoon he would have thought they were crazy, but that is exactly what happened. When Harry woke up he thought for moment he was dreaming he opened hid eyes and looked around. The cats where curled up at the foot of the bed, and he looked at the women lying next to him. Harry was still taken back by her beauty and the fact, this was his wife. Harry had not realized how long her hair was. He guessed it went down to at least her waist. It was still the same color he remembered from the meadow; a beautiful light brown. Harry bent over and kissed his new wife awake. She returned his kiss and said with a smile on her face.

"Bread!"

Harry still could not believe the power in her words. He loved it.

"Well you should be hungry. How long has it been since you have eaten?"

She shrugged unsure of the answer. Harry remembered he had lost track of the days with all that was going on. This thought brought the present situation home to Harry and he collapsed back in bed. All the realities they would soon have to face swept over him. His new bride was half sitting up looking at him and Harry noticed that she was not even self conscious of the fact she had no clothes on. Harry was once again taken back by her as she started to dress. Harry let his thoughts wonder as he watched her dress.

"Thou art pleased," she said telepathically as she smiled at him.

Harry had been looking right at her face when she said those words, or did she say them.

"You're telepathic," he thought.

She nodded. "As art thou."

"I am," he said out loud.

"Thou wokestme, no?"

"I spoke those words," Harry said as he tried to think.

This took a minute for Harry to absorb. A lot of things seemed to fit into this category lately. He chuckled and lied back down. It was funny to realize she knew every thought going his head and every emotion he was feeling. Then he realized he knew exactly how she was feeling too, this was going to take some getting use to. She reached for the items her parents had given her and held them. He felt the longing she felt to be with and see her parents again. The feeling was something Harry could relate to all too well. He sat up and put his arms around her from behind, kissing her gently on the cheek.

"How about that breakfast?"

They spent some wonderful days together. In what seemed such a little time they were able to share their lives with one another. Being telepathic has some advantages and soon it was like they had shared their whole lives together. They knew everything about one another; the good, the bad, and the painful to share. She spent time in many of the rooms trying to come to terms with the changes the world had undergone over the centuries. Many of them left her wide eyed and wondering if she would be able to fit it, but she was determined to do just that.

They were eating when Harry heard something. It sounded like Dumbledore calling him.

"Why can't he just come in?" Harry thought.

Moira shrugged.

"He was in here before." Harry told her.

"Yes, but I slept."

Harry stepped up to the wall and simply walked out. Dumbledore was standing there with a look of concern on his face.

"I was afraid you would not hear me through the wall."

"Why did you not just come in?" Harry asked.

"I tried, but the wall would not let me," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.

Harry was sure his face showed his concern.

"Would you like to explain to me why Harry?" Dumbledore prompted.

"I'm not sure I can."

"Give it a try."

It dawned on Harry, if he was inside talking to his new wife it would have already been communicated and they would have moved on to the next topic. Telepathy sure did speed things up. He could think of no other way to say it, so he stated the obvious.

"Dumbledore, I'm married."

He was sure he thought Dumbledore smiled under that beard.

"Really...well are you going to bring her out here so I can meet her or not."

Now it was Harry turn to stare. Dumbledore had known she was here, and he had sent him to this place. He went back inside, and looked at his wife. In an instant she knew everything. He took her in his arms swung her around placed his heavy robes over her and lead her outside.

It had been a long time since she had felt coldness. She was grateful Harry was there to support her, it was a shock. In a second she was fine and she looked at the wise man standing in front of her. Harry was surprised to see Dumbledore take a few steps back when they walked out.

"What a fine young couple," he beamed.

"Professor Dumbledore, this is my wife Moira Imlach Potter. Please forgive her if she does not speak."

Dumbledore stood there for a few moments as if to gather his thoughts, and then he seemed to brave a step forward to shake Harry's hand.

"I always wondered if you where the one, I hoped you would get an idea of what could be in store for you here. I never imagined you would awaken her on your first visit, but then you always have surpassed my expectations Harry. You always have."

Moira stepped forward. She told Harry to put his had on Dumbledore's back. He did as he was asked and it was a good thing he did. Moira gave Dumbledore a huge hug as Harry laughed at Dumbledore's surprise.

"She said to tell you thank you for having the wisdom to bring me here."

She stepped back and Dumbledore steadied himself.

"Well, you are both more than welcome. Tell me Harry, was it a good Christmas?"

"The best ever," Harry said with a smile as he looked at his wife.