Disclaimer: I do not own HP; I only own OCs and the plot line starting from here.

The Essence of Magic

Dream

Darkness.

That was the first thing Harry saw.

It was the night after the battle in the Ministry of Magic.

The night after Sirius' death.

Darkness.

Suddenly a fantastic array of colors exploded in Harry's vision. There were many shades of purple. A range of blues. A myriad of oranges and greens.

Then just as soon as the explosion of colors started, it stopped. In the middle of the brilliant colors was a pure white sphere. The sphere seemed to be calling to him. Beckoning him forward, as if it needed to talk to Harry.

Harry cautiously began walking toward the sphere. As he got closer he could feel immense amounts of pure magic radiating off of the brilliant orb. "Come closer…" the orb commanded, in a stern, yet pleasant tone. "Come forward and listen to me child, for I have waited a long time to speak to you."

"Who— what are you?" the depressed boy managed.

"I am the Essence of Magic. I control all magic in existence. I have been watching you. You are the perfect candidate for what I have planned." The Essence whispered.

Harry, sensing that it had more to say, remained silent.

"I have been stirring over the past thousands of years. The only reason I would be stirring is if magic has been misused. I've been watching over the past few centuries and I have repeatedly seen the atrocities committed by magic," it paused. "I wish to put a stop to this misuse. However, in order to do this, I will need a vessel, or a carnate, form. I have decided that you are the only one in existence that can do as I require. As my carnate form, you will have all the knowledge of all forms of magic. You will have immense power. Power that even Voldemort and Dumbledore couldn't match combined. While I am exhausted of the atrocities that have been committed, I believe that it is necessary to fight fire with fire. With that said, your spells will all naturally be more powerful than other wizards. You have my permission to use those Unforgivable Curses of yours. Meanwhile, magic for all other wizards will weaken partially. I need you to purge the Light and Dark sides. All that can remain are those who practice gray magic. For if only gray magic is used, then there will be balance in power, and in there is balance of power, less atrocities will be committed. Those families that are neutral, and don't practice Dark more than Light or Light more than Dark, are the ones that are safe, along with all magical creatures, for it is not their fault if they are Light or Dark, as they are simply born that way, they don't have a choice. These creatures include goblins, centaurs, basilisks, giants, trolls, vampires, werewolves, and more. These creatures will all follow you and aid you in your campaign, as they all simply want balance, thus why they are supporting one side or the other.

"You are probably wondering why I have chosen you to do this. I have chosen you because you have nothing left. Your friends will abandon you. You have no family. Dumbledore is using you as a pawn, a mere stepping stone, so he can gain all the glory. Voldemort is trying to kill you. What do you have left? Nothing. You will have a purpose as my carnate form. You will be in control of your own fate and destiny. Nobody will be able to control you. I know power means nothing to you. I know that there is only one thing you truly want; and that is control of your destiny. Do this for me, and you will have exactly that. Control.

"There has only ever been one other wizard that could have accomplished this, but I could not contact him, as I was still waking. I am finally fully awake. Able to finally fix the wretched things that wizards have been doing over the last few millennia. I understand you are not comfortable with taking lives, but this must be done. If this is not done, the world will destroy itself. You must understand, there is no good or evil, only balance. You will lead armies to victory, finally purifying magic once and for all. Your armies will not only consist of magical creatures, but also wizards. I will contact the wizards that only practice Gray magic and they will do as I say. You are to be my force; my voice. You will understand all magical languages, along with Parseltongue, which you already know.

"I know it must be a difficult decision, but, using Dumbledore's own words, it is 'for the greater good'. What is your decision, young one?"

Harry calmly reflected on everything the Essence just told him. He knew it was all true. The Light and Dark are destroying the world. He also knew that he had nothing left. According to the Essence of Magic, his so-called-friends were going to betray him. After a few more minutes of reflection, he reached his decision.

He looked straight into the orb, and whispered, "I'll do it. For the greater good."

"Very well, young one. As soon as you wake up, you will be teleported to where your base of operations will be. Magical creatures and Gray families will slowly join you, as they will have to travel. Be prepared, though, for your base is in a nest of basilisks that have been sleeping for millennia waiting for this day. A day that I knew would come, and so, commanded them to prepare. They will listen to you. As will all other magical creatures." The Essence stayed silent for a moment before continuing, "Now, if you are ready, step inside of me, and take my knowledge and power. If you need me, I will forever be in your mind guiding you, but for a while, I will be busy rallying your troops."

Harry hesitantly stepped into the white orb, suddenly feeling a great rush of power flowing through him as he entered. It was incredibly painful. His mind began buzzing with long lost knowledge and his magical core began soaking up more and more power. Just as the pain became unbearable, it stopped, and the Essence of Magic echoed in his head, "Wake up, my champion. Wake up, and be prepared…"

With that, Harry awoke with a start.