Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment purposes and no money is
changing hands. I do not own any of the 'Harry Potter' characters.
Chapter Seven:
He didn't want to wake-up. If he did then the past could be true and not just a dream. No, if he could just stay asleep everything would be fine. Harry wouldn't have disappeared and Hermione wouldn't have suffered under the Cruciatus Curse. Yes, that's it just a dream. He had treated his sister so horribly. He would never have done that. It must have been a dream.
There was a noise beside him and he opened his eyes to see what it was. Suddenly he knew it hadn't been a dream. He saw his family around him with concerned faces. Well, Ginny didn't look happy and was near the door. He couldn't do anything but groan as it all came back in a flash. Every nasty word he had said to her played through his mind. How he could ever make it up to her was a mystery.
He opened his mouth to start the first of what he knew would be many apologies to his sister but she was walking out the door. Seeing this he groaned again and looked at his mother.
"She isn't happy with any of us Ron. She's had a hard time." That was Bill his oldest brother. "She needs time and we have a lot of apologizing to do."
"She has just gone to let Dumbledore know you're awake. She'll be back with him and Hermione in a moment." He could hear the sadness in his mother's voice as she said this. The reports about Harry had hurt her worse than when Percy left the family during Fifth year. When she thought that Harry had attacked her youngest son the anguish had led to some very nasty comments from her.
The door opened as Ron was thinking about the past. He saw the Headmaster enter followed by Hermione and his sister. Ignoring everyone else he spoke to his sister. "Ginny I'm so sorry. I was so hurt and you were so sure. I just couldn't stop myself."
He saw the pain in her eyes as she just nodded and stood beside the door once again. He was given no time to think about the future or trying to gain his sister's forgiveness though.
"It is good that you are awake now Mr. Weasley. I can now tell you what was said at the meeting and perhaps answer some of your questions." There was sadness in Dumbledore's eyes as he said this. He continued before anyone could speak. "I do apologize for what happened to you this morning. I had not realized that what you were told would cause such a strong reaction. My only defense is that I felt it would be best for you to hear it then and not later. What has happened is terrible enough. To have learned the truth from a stranger or the Daily Prophet I felt would be an even greater burden for you. Also, I did not wish to see you leave without the benefit of the gift that Harry made for you."
Ron could only nod at these words. He remembered a time that seemed so long ago. Harry and Hermione had been in a corner whispering about something and he had needed to know what was going on. They had smiled when he approached and told him about Harry's discovery. He had been amazed and joined in the discussion. It had been so wonderful to see Harry interested in something at the time.
Another thought distracted him from those memories. "You said that you knew how Ginny could be so sure about Harry sir. What was it?" He smiled at his sister shyly as he spoke. He needed to know how she had been certain when no one else knew the truth.
"Ah, that is as good a place to begin as any other. I feel certain that you remember the events of your second year at Hogwarts. At the end of the year you and Mr. Potter discovered the location of the Chamber of Secrets. During that time Harry saved your sister's life. That created a bond between them. I believe that connection was strengthened when her Heart Ring was created. That link between them is what I believe to be the reason for her certainty. We may never know if I am correct in this. There could be many other reasons. I do feel that if not totally accurate this is a part of the reason." Dumbledore was smiling and looking at Ginny as he finished. "I to wish to apologize for failing to believe you." Ginny nodded at this and remained silent.
"Now we must move on so you will know what has happened." Dumbledore was looking at Ron again with that sad smile, and pain in his eyes. "It seems that a group of Death Eaters captured Harry and used his hair to make a Polyjuice Potion. With that and his wand they set out to destroy him in the eyes of the Wizarding World. While they did this they tortured him. We do not know the details of his captivity or how he survived and eventually escaped. We do know that some of the evidence found at various crime scenes was taken from him during that time."
"He suffered greatly, and I would ask that you not inquire as to what was done to him. It is very unpleasant and I do not wish to cause more distress by explaining his injuries. You may be assured that Madame Pomfrey is using all her skills, and more, to repair the damages. She has informed me that it may not be possible to correct all of the damage, but she is very hopeful that Harry will recover if not fully, then nearly so. His healing will take a long time though."
The smile though still sad held hope. Ron knew he wouldn't be told what had happened to Harry no matter how he tried to find out. Maybe someday Harry would tell him, though he wasn't sure he wanted to know. "I think I- understand Professor. I-I, need to ask. Was the-the leg they found, was it really-?" He couldn't finish. The words wouldn't come. Fear of the answer was blocking his throat.
"Yes Mr. Weasley it was his. Madame Pomfrey is hopeful that she can succeed in remedying this. As I have said though, it will take time. Before you ask I should tell you that I doubt you will be able to visit Harry. He is in a safe place, but access to it is extremely limited." Ron saw the Headmaster glance at the twins briefly. "I believe that he can only bring in those that can assist in his healing, education, or plans for confronting Lord Voldemort."
"Why would he need to see them then?" Ron couldn't help the touch of bitterness that was in his voice. He had failed Harry, but knowing the truth he wanted to see his friend. He needed to apologize. He needed to make amends for what he had said and done. "I can't believe that pranks are that important to beating a Dark Lord."
The smiles on the twins' faces were huge. "He told us once that people would be needing a good laugh in these times."
"Yes, he also said when hiring us that he would be doing some interesting things."
Hearing his brothers' banter Ron decided that he didn't want to know what they were doing. He was afraid that knowing would only cause him to worry. He also had a feeling that knowing might ruin a chance to laugh. Laughter was something that he needed now, but he could wait. If Harry needed help Ron would be there. If the help had to come from someone else he would just have to accept it and be ready when he could do something.
Looking at Hermione he could tell she was having the same thoughts. He would talk with her later. Together they could figure out a way to help Harry.
Hermione was beside his bed and holding out a ring. "This is yours Ron. It's the last I have to deliver. Harry wanted you to have it and you will take it." There was a small smile on her face as she spoke. "Don't try and to say you don't deserve it or anything. Harry wanted us to have them when he thought he was dying, so you will take it."
Ron reached out for the ring in silence. As his fingers closed around the small metal band he could almost feel Harry near him. It was a feeling of friendship and safety. He knew that as long as he had this ring his friend would be there to help him in times of danger. He also realized that even if it would take a long time, his friend would eventually return. Things couldn't be as they were, but they would be able to find a way to be friends. A smile crossed his face. If he could regain his friend he had hope of regaining his sister as well.
"Headmaster, you were talking about something other than Harry just before, well, just before I, um, got angry. What was it? I've never heard about a whatever lord." Ron knew he was in trouble. It wasn't anything new, but he didn't really want to have a fight at the moment. "Yes Hermione, you are the only person who has read Hogwarts: A History. Yes I need to pay more attention in class. Yes I'm hopeless." He was smiling now. It felt good to smile after so long. "Can we just agree that I'm an idiot and move on to where someone explains what is happening?"
He heard his brothers laughing and glanced in Hermione's direction. He had to fight to stop himself from laughing. Her face was slightly red and her mouth opening and closing like a fish. He thought her expression was funny and had to look away quickly or he would laugh, and that would be a mistake.
Professor Dumbledore did laugh softly. "Actually I have read it as well. There are some very interesting things in that book. To answer your question, I was talking about Harry. He is the True Lord that I mentioned."
"A True Lord is a person chosen by a group of beings we call the Others to act as an intermediary, mediator, and judge in their dealings with us. Hogwarts is one of these creatures, as is the Forbidden Forest and various other places. You may have noticed that some places seem to have a personality. Some are frightening or imposing, while others feel friendly or welcoming. Given time and a great deal of magic these places can become alive. We cannot understand much about these creatures, and they have similar difficulties with us, we are just to alien in relation to each other."
"Due to these difficulties, and past mistakes on both sides it was decided that people would be chosen to act as a bridge between us. These people were chosen by the Others and given the responsibility to decide certain matters. Should something happen that must be punished, or rewarded, then the chosen Lord is called upon to decide. These decisions can be asked for by either group, and once a decision is reached it cannot be overturned by any but another Lord." Dumbledore was now smiling. "A True Lord is always one that places other people before themselves. They cannot follow a dark path. They are people that both the Others and we can respect."
"So that is another proof of Harry's innocence?" Ron was amazed to think that he was living and learning inside a building that was alive. Then something struck him that brought discomfort. "So, um, do they, um, watch us?" Ron's face was turning red. He could see his brothers had just thought the same thing. He almost laughed at the number of red faces around him.
Dumbledore set everyone's mind at ease quickly. "Not as we would think of it. To them we are like the background of a dream. We are so different from each other that even if they do notice us they rarely understand what it is that they see. For centuries they have taken no part in our world. Harry was chosen because something happened to make them act. There may not be a new lord chosen for many centuries, or Harry may have to pass several judgements in his life. We do not understand what draws the attention of the Others, so we cannot foresee what they will do. The only thing we do know is that Harry will have a safe and comfortable home for the rest of his life. That is the gift given to a True Lord."
"So Harry just gets asked what he thinks should be done if someone does something these people don't like? He hasn't been, well, changed by them?" Ron didn't want to hear that the boy he had known was suddenly so different that he wouldn't be able to understand him.
"No Ronald. Harry has not been changed. He has just been given the responsibility to settle differences and pass Judgement if there is ever a need. Why he was chosen, and why it was done now, we may never know." Dumbledore moved to stand now. "I think that covers what was discussed at the meeting. Other than passing out, and explaining the rings. You should rest now. Classes have been canceled for the day so the teachers can rest after an eventful and sleepless night. They will also be explaining some things to the other students later, but those who attended the meeting have been excused from that as well."
Ron smiled as the Headmaster left the room. "Thank you for explaining this to me sir." He was happy to have the rest of the day to figure out what to do next. His family being present would help with gaining Ginny's forgiveness.
"You a welcome Mr. Weasley. After what you went through at the start of the meeting I felt it appropriate. If you think of more questions later, your teachers will be able to answer them." Dumbledore turned to Hermione as he was stepping through the door. "Miss. Granger, I hope that you take this day to show the school to your parents. If they have any questions that you are unable to answer I will be happy to assist. It's such a rare thing for Muggles to visit here."
**
A/N: Well, another chapter done. I apologize that this took a while to get up. It was actually fairly easy to write, but I wasn't able to do much over the last day or so.
I have finally reached the point where I can move on to new stuff. I think I finished with the explanations of new ideas, and planted the hints that I wanted.
The next few chapters will be covering a span of months. I plan to cover a few highlights and I'm not sure if Harry will be showing up again before the end or not. There will be parts relating to him, but I may not have his POV be a main part. I'm not sure.
As always I want to thank the people who reviewed. It's a wonderful feeling to find that others like my work.
Shellbert: I probably should have used Ron's name earlier. I'm not sure if it would have been better or not. I'm glad that I was able to make Hermione's friendship clearer. I hadn't wanted to throw everything that had gone on 'off-stage' in to early. I was trying to do a build up sort of thing, and I think that's what led to the confusion.
Jordan: If you didn't catch it in the chapter Harry is the one who talked to the twins. If it isn't clear please let me know so I can be sure that in this chapter people will know. A little confusion is a good thing, but I don't want it to last for very long.
Tropic: Thanks for your comments. I was trying to get Ron's hatred (misdirected as it was) across. I'm glad you liked it.
Wanderingwolf: Thanks. I wanted a bit more than just a finger to be found. Also, the separation of Harry that this and the other injuries allow is a part of the overall story. As to your other questions, well, you will have to wait and see. I think you will enjoy what I do.
A.M.bookworm247: I hope I explained the True Lord thing and the Others well. The living places are an idea I've had and just had to throw in. As to the True Lord thing, I thought it would be a good way to explain the banishment, I didn't want to just leave how Harry could do that hanging.
Alena: I'm glad you liked Ron's reaction. I wanted to make that part seem like a combat flashback. I do NOT have them so had to do my best without first hand knowledge. I felt it was the best way to get across the information.
Athenakitty: No, the banishment is just from the places that Harry said. It may expand in the future, but I'm not sure. As to Harry's stuff. I think it will be returned. I'm not sure how it will be returned or if there will be any problems with it. Heck, I'm not even sure if it will play a part in the story or not.
Chapter Seven:
He didn't want to wake-up. If he did then the past could be true and not just a dream. No, if he could just stay asleep everything would be fine. Harry wouldn't have disappeared and Hermione wouldn't have suffered under the Cruciatus Curse. Yes, that's it just a dream. He had treated his sister so horribly. He would never have done that. It must have been a dream.
There was a noise beside him and he opened his eyes to see what it was. Suddenly he knew it hadn't been a dream. He saw his family around him with concerned faces. Well, Ginny didn't look happy and was near the door. He couldn't do anything but groan as it all came back in a flash. Every nasty word he had said to her played through his mind. How he could ever make it up to her was a mystery.
He opened his mouth to start the first of what he knew would be many apologies to his sister but she was walking out the door. Seeing this he groaned again and looked at his mother.
"She isn't happy with any of us Ron. She's had a hard time." That was Bill his oldest brother. "She needs time and we have a lot of apologizing to do."
"She has just gone to let Dumbledore know you're awake. She'll be back with him and Hermione in a moment." He could hear the sadness in his mother's voice as she said this. The reports about Harry had hurt her worse than when Percy left the family during Fifth year. When she thought that Harry had attacked her youngest son the anguish had led to some very nasty comments from her.
The door opened as Ron was thinking about the past. He saw the Headmaster enter followed by Hermione and his sister. Ignoring everyone else he spoke to his sister. "Ginny I'm so sorry. I was so hurt and you were so sure. I just couldn't stop myself."
He saw the pain in her eyes as she just nodded and stood beside the door once again. He was given no time to think about the future or trying to gain his sister's forgiveness though.
"It is good that you are awake now Mr. Weasley. I can now tell you what was said at the meeting and perhaps answer some of your questions." There was sadness in Dumbledore's eyes as he said this. He continued before anyone could speak. "I do apologize for what happened to you this morning. I had not realized that what you were told would cause such a strong reaction. My only defense is that I felt it would be best for you to hear it then and not later. What has happened is terrible enough. To have learned the truth from a stranger or the Daily Prophet I felt would be an even greater burden for you. Also, I did not wish to see you leave without the benefit of the gift that Harry made for you."
Ron could only nod at these words. He remembered a time that seemed so long ago. Harry and Hermione had been in a corner whispering about something and he had needed to know what was going on. They had smiled when he approached and told him about Harry's discovery. He had been amazed and joined in the discussion. It had been so wonderful to see Harry interested in something at the time.
Another thought distracted him from those memories. "You said that you knew how Ginny could be so sure about Harry sir. What was it?" He smiled at his sister shyly as he spoke. He needed to know how she had been certain when no one else knew the truth.
"Ah, that is as good a place to begin as any other. I feel certain that you remember the events of your second year at Hogwarts. At the end of the year you and Mr. Potter discovered the location of the Chamber of Secrets. During that time Harry saved your sister's life. That created a bond between them. I believe that connection was strengthened when her Heart Ring was created. That link between them is what I believe to be the reason for her certainty. We may never know if I am correct in this. There could be many other reasons. I do feel that if not totally accurate this is a part of the reason." Dumbledore was smiling and looking at Ginny as he finished. "I to wish to apologize for failing to believe you." Ginny nodded at this and remained silent.
"Now we must move on so you will know what has happened." Dumbledore was looking at Ron again with that sad smile, and pain in his eyes. "It seems that a group of Death Eaters captured Harry and used his hair to make a Polyjuice Potion. With that and his wand they set out to destroy him in the eyes of the Wizarding World. While they did this they tortured him. We do not know the details of his captivity or how he survived and eventually escaped. We do know that some of the evidence found at various crime scenes was taken from him during that time."
"He suffered greatly, and I would ask that you not inquire as to what was done to him. It is very unpleasant and I do not wish to cause more distress by explaining his injuries. You may be assured that Madame Pomfrey is using all her skills, and more, to repair the damages. She has informed me that it may not be possible to correct all of the damage, but she is very hopeful that Harry will recover if not fully, then nearly so. His healing will take a long time though."
The smile though still sad held hope. Ron knew he wouldn't be told what had happened to Harry no matter how he tried to find out. Maybe someday Harry would tell him, though he wasn't sure he wanted to know. "I think I- understand Professor. I-I, need to ask. Was the-the leg they found, was it really-?" He couldn't finish. The words wouldn't come. Fear of the answer was blocking his throat.
"Yes Mr. Weasley it was his. Madame Pomfrey is hopeful that she can succeed in remedying this. As I have said though, it will take time. Before you ask I should tell you that I doubt you will be able to visit Harry. He is in a safe place, but access to it is extremely limited." Ron saw the Headmaster glance at the twins briefly. "I believe that he can only bring in those that can assist in his healing, education, or plans for confronting Lord Voldemort."
"Why would he need to see them then?" Ron couldn't help the touch of bitterness that was in his voice. He had failed Harry, but knowing the truth he wanted to see his friend. He needed to apologize. He needed to make amends for what he had said and done. "I can't believe that pranks are that important to beating a Dark Lord."
The smiles on the twins' faces were huge. "He told us once that people would be needing a good laugh in these times."
"Yes, he also said when hiring us that he would be doing some interesting things."
Hearing his brothers' banter Ron decided that he didn't want to know what they were doing. He was afraid that knowing would only cause him to worry. He also had a feeling that knowing might ruin a chance to laugh. Laughter was something that he needed now, but he could wait. If Harry needed help Ron would be there. If the help had to come from someone else he would just have to accept it and be ready when he could do something.
Looking at Hermione he could tell she was having the same thoughts. He would talk with her later. Together they could figure out a way to help Harry.
Hermione was beside his bed and holding out a ring. "This is yours Ron. It's the last I have to deliver. Harry wanted you to have it and you will take it." There was a small smile on her face as she spoke. "Don't try and to say you don't deserve it or anything. Harry wanted us to have them when he thought he was dying, so you will take it."
Ron reached out for the ring in silence. As his fingers closed around the small metal band he could almost feel Harry near him. It was a feeling of friendship and safety. He knew that as long as he had this ring his friend would be there to help him in times of danger. He also realized that even if it would take a long time, his friend would eventually return. Things couldn't be as they were, but they would be able to find a way to be friends. A smile crossed his face. If he could regain his friend he had hope of regaining his sister as well.
"Headmaster, you were talking about something other than Harry just before, well, just before I, um, got angry. What was it? I've never heard about a whatever lord." Ron knew he was in trouble. It wasn't anything new, but he didn't really want to have a fight at the moment. "Yes Hermione, you are the only person who has read Hogwarts: A History. Yes I need to pay more attention in class. Yes I'm hopeless." He was smiling now. It felt good to smile after so long. "Can we just agree that I'm an idiot and move on to where someone explains what is happening?"
He heard his brothers laughing and glanced in Hermione's direction. He had to fight to stop himself from laughing. Her face was slightly red and her mouth opening and closing like a fish. He thought her expression was funny and had to look away quickly or he would laugh, and that would be a mistake.
Professor Dumbledore did laugh softly. "Actually I have read it as well. There are some very interesting things in that book. To answer your question, I was talking about Harry. He is the True Lord that I mentioned."
"A True Lord is a person chosen by a group of beings we call the Others to act as an intermediary, mediator, and judge in their dealings with us. Hogwarts is one of these creatures, as is the Forbidden Forest and various other places. You may have noticed that some places seem to have a personality. Some are frightening or imposing, while others feel friendly or welcoming. Given time and a great deal of magic these places can become alive. We cannot understand much about these creatures, and they have similar difficulties with us, we are just to alien in relation to each other."
"Due to these difficulties, and past mistakes on both sides it was decided that people would be chosen to act as a bridge between us. These people were chosen by the Others and given the responsibility to decide certain matters. Should something happen that must be punished, or rewarded, then the chosen Lord is called upon to decide. These decisions can be asked for by either group, and once a decision is reached it cannot be overturned by any but another Lord." Dumbledore was now smiling. "A True Lord is always one that places other people before themselves. They cannot follow a dark path. They are people that both the Others and we can respect."
"So that is another proof of Harry's innocence?" Ron was amazed to think that he was living and learning inside a building that was alive. Then something struck him that brought discomfort. "So, um, do they, um, watch us?" Ron's face was turning red. He could see his brothers had just thought the same thing. He almost laughed at the number of red faces around him.
Dumbledore set everyone's mind at ease quickly. "Not as we would think of it. To them we are like the background of a dream. We are so different from each other that even if they do notice us they rarely understand what it is that they see. For centuries they have taken no part in our world. Harry was chosen because something happened to make them act. There may not be a new lord chosen for many centuries, or Harry may have to pass several judgements in his life. We do not understand what draws the attention of the Others, so we cannot foresee what they will do. The only thing we do know is that Harry will have a safe and comfortable home for the rest of his life. That is the gift given to a True Lord."
"So Harry just gets asked what he thinks should be done if someone does something these people don't like? He hasn't been, well, changed by them?" Ron didn't want to hear that the boy he had known was suddenly so different that he wouldn't be able to understand him.
"No Ronald. Harry has not been changed. He has just been given the responsibility to settle differences and pass Judgement if there is ever a need. Why he was chosen, and why it was done now, we may never know." Dumbledore moved to stand now. "I think that covers what was discussed at the meeting. Other than passing out, and explaining the rings. You should rest now. Classes have been canceled for the day so the teachers can rest after an eventful and sleepless night. They will also be explaining some things to the other students later, but those who attended the meeting have been excused from that as well."
Ron smiled as the Headmaster left the room. "Thank you for explaining this to me sir." He was happy to have the rest of the day to figure out what to do next. His family being present would help with gaining Ginny's forgiveness.
"You a welcome Mr. Weasley. After what you went through at the start of the meeting I felt it appropriate. If you think of more questions later, your teachers will be able to answer them." Dumbledore turned to Hermione as he was stepping through the door. "Miss. Granger, I hope that you take this day to show the school to your parents. If they have any questions that you are unable to answer I will be happy to assist. It's such a rare thing for Muggles to visit here."
**
A/N: Well, another chapter done. I apologize that this took a while to get up. It was actually fairly easy to write, but I wasn't able to do much over the last day or so.
I have finally reached the point where I can move on to new stuff. I think I finished with the explanations of new ideas, and planted the hints that I wanted.
The next few chapters will be covering a span of months. I plan to cover a few highlights and I'm not sure if Harry will be showing up again before the end or not. There will be parts relating to him, but I may not have his POV be a main part. I'm not sure.
As always I want to thank the people who reviewed. It's a wonderful feeling to find that others like my work.
Shellbert: I probably should have used Ron's name earlier. I'm not sure if it would have been better or not. I'm glad that I was able to make Hermione's friendship clearer. I hadn't wanted to throw everything that had gone on 'off-stage' in to early. I was trying to do a build up sort of thing, and I think that's what led to the confusion.
Jordan: If you didn't catch it in the chapter Harry is the one who talked to the twins. If it isn't clear please let me know so I can be sure that in this chapter people will know. A little confusion is a good thing, but I don't want it to last for very long.
Tropic: Thanks for your comments. I was trying to get Ron's hatred (misdirected as it was) across. I'm glad you liked it.
Wanderingwolf: Thanks. I wanted a bit more than just a finger to be found. Also, the separation of Harry that this and the other injuries allow is a part of the overall story. As to your other questions, well, you will have to wait and see. I think you will enjoy what I do.
A.M.bookworm247: I hope I explained the True Lord thing and the Others well. The living places are an idea I've had and just had to throw in. As to the True Lord thing, I thought it would be a good way to explain the banishment, I didn't want to just leave how Harry could do that hanging.
Alena: I'm glad you liked Ron's reaction. I wanted to make that part seem like a combat flashback. I do NOT have them so had to do my best without first hand knowledge. I felt it was the best way to get across the information.
Athenakitty: No, the banishment is just from the places that Harry said. It may expand in the future, but I'm not sure. As to Harry's stuff. I think it will be returned. I'm not sure how it will be returned or if there will be any problems with it. Heck, I'm not even sure if it will play a part in the story or not.