~ Harry and the Warrior ~
by Ri
Harry Potter entered the forbidden section of the library. Curiosity from a text he had read earlier driving him on. He was assigned a section of text in his protection against the dark arts class. He read of a stone that allows the Wizard who possesses it to time travel back in time. Far further back then he did with Hermione when they were saving Buckbeat.
He took the text from the shelf and hid it under his invisibility cloak. He knew he should not even think about what he had in mind but he wanted to see his parents so very badly.
He made his way to his room and put the book on the bed and put the cloak away in his trunk. He sat on his bed and opened the text skipping quickly through the pages till he came to the page he sought so desperately.
When he found it his face lit up like a Christmas tree his breathing became quick and he could barely focus on the words. First the text explained how the object was used for traveling back in time for a short while and then when the spell ended the Wizard was whipped back to his own time like he was tied to it by a rip cord. He read the warning that many had died on the return trip. This brought a grip of iron fear to his heart but another emotion drove him on. He read the spell, memorized it then hid it under some cloaks in his trunk.
He got up and was just getting ready to go back outside when Ron woke up. "What are you up too Harry?"
"Nothing, Go back to sleep..."
"Harry I'm your best friend if you can't trust me who can you?"
"I trust you I just don't want you to get into trouble�"
"For what? What's in your mind�"
"Do you remember the lecture this morning about the traveling stone in the dark forest?"
"Yes, but what has that�Oh,no,no no�"
"That's why I wanted to go alone. To keep you safe, this is something I have to do but I don't want you to�"
"I do. I am scared especially since they said so many had died but I can't let you do this alone�"
"I can't let you do this �"
"You have no choice..."
But�?"
"We both go or no one."
Harry sighed and looked away. He was secure in risking his own life but he didn't want to risk his best friends. He looked at the determined eyes of his best friend and nodded.
Ron nodded back smiling slightly.
"Ok, let's go. Be quiet we don't want anyone else is to risk their lives."
"Ok, let's go."
*** **** *** ***
The two boys walked nervously into the dreaded forest unsure what they would run into because they knew that every nightmare lies within that forest. As they walked their wands lit Ron whistled nervously.
"Ron, would you mind not doing that. It's bugging me a bit."
"I'm nervous this helps."
"It may also attract unwanted attention."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want to run into anything bad, so just stop please."
"Um, ok, since you put it that way."
"Harry Potter, what are you doing here?" Boomed a voice from the forest.
The two boys swirled and looked up into the angry eyes of a Centaur.
Harry swallowed and replied softly, "Hi Firence." The handsome Centaur just glared at the boys. He had suffered from his brothers earlier from an act of rescuing this boy. He did like Harry but did not want to go through that kind of torment again.
"That is not an answer Harry Potter."
"I was�um, looking for something in one of my texts�"
"I know that this is not part of your schooling."
Ron hid slightly behind Harry. Harry was looking at his feet and said in a soft nervous voice, "I am looking for the stone of Elapse."
"Why?"
"I want to see my parents, Firence. Just for a few minutes would be worth the risk for me." He was looked up at the elegant Centaur and was surprised to see compassion.
"I understand. What of your friend. Would he risk death for you?"
"Harry is my best friend. Yes sir." Said Ron quietly.
Firence thought quietly for a moment and then with a grunt nodded his agreement.
"I see. Ok, follow me it is in the forest of Pegasus."
"The Flying horse?" Asked Harry surprised.
"The same."
*** *** *** ***
They entered the truly sacred forest of the legendary horse. Their guide stopped in front of cave. "It is in there if you want the stone you must get it yourself."
Harry nodded, "You stay with Firence Ron. I will go by myself�"
"No Harry�"
"Ron its bad enough you want to do the time travel with me just wait here ok?"
Said Harry impatiently.
Ron looked nervously at the intimating Centaur and then back to Harry. "Ok." He squeaked.
Harry smiled and gently patted his friend on the shoulder. He entered a great cave which opened deep under Hogwarts. He followed his instincts and what he had read in the two texts on the subject. Each cavern was lit by moon light through small crevices in the rock. He found that though he kept his wand out for protection he didn't need it for light. He found himself in a golden chamber. All the walls seemed to be made of burnished gold. It was beautiful. His eyes were wide with wonder.
Suddenly a beautiful white horse with enormous wings ran in front of him. Harry looked up nervously and was surprised when the horse spoke.
"What are you doing in my home?" Said the soft surprisingly feminine voice.
"You talk?"
"As you see."
"You're a girl?"
"Are you here to tell me the obvious?"
"No, I want to borrow The Stone of Elapse."
"Why?"
"I want to spend just a few minutes with my parents. All my memories are as an infant. Don't I deserve one conversation?"
"Yes, every child deserves that. How do I know that I will get it back?"
"I only can promise that I will."
The horse walked closer, her head tilted, "Trusting you humans have not been a very good path for my kind�"
"I� understand but I am a good person, If I make it back alive I will return the stone."
The big black eyes of the beautiful creature studied him carefully. Her eyes searching Harry's which made him feel like the beautiful white horse could look into his soul. "Very well. I will trust you. If you survive do not fail me."
"I won't�um, what's your name?"
"Pegasus's, my child I have lived thousands of years."
"You're the same as the Pegasus's in the Greek myth?"
"Yes, my child the very same." The great horse left him and then returned with a white stone in her mouth.
Harry gently took the stone he smiled at her and said, "Thank you Ma'am."
"Just call me Pegasus. I hope you have your time with parents, My Child. It is a noble wish." Her eyes seemed to glow with understanding.
"Thanks. I do too. Firence and my friend are waiting for me I better go. Thank you again and good bye."
"Your welcome My Child, and good luck."
Harry smiled nodded and then backed out of the beautiful cave.
*** *** *** ***
Ron was pacing nervously as Harry came out of the cave. Firence looked at him shocked he asked, "She gave it to you?"
Harry nodded.
Firence sighed and nodded. Well I will escort you to the end of the forest. Be careful Harry Potter you know not what you're attempting."
Harry and Ron followed their friend quietly to the end of the forest. They bid him goodnight and then put the invisibility cloak around them and headed back to Hogwarts.
As they came back to the long hallway back to the safety of their dorm the last person in the world they would want to see came striding toward them.
"You should have taken the Maurders Map, Harry." Whispered Ron trying to keep up with Harry as he backed up against a wall."
"I forgot it," Harry whispered back as he saw Professor Snape heading right toward them.
He strode right by them, and then much to their horror stopped right beside them. He seemed to be looking right at them. He put his hand out to touch what he felt was there. Harry pulled back so Shape's hand went through thin air.
Then much to both their joy and shock they were saved by the last person they would have ever envisioned. Draco Malfoy came striding from the opposite direction. When he saw Snape he turned as if to go back.
"Stop!" Roared the professor of potions.
Draco gulped and looked down at his shoes," Sir, I was just going to�"
"There is no excuse for a student, especially one in my charge to be wandering about the castle at night. Now go back and I am taking 50 points from Slythering for this transgression."
"But sir�!" He squeaked in protest but backed up as Snape closed in on him.
"Shut up and go back now before I forbid you to play Quidich ever again."
With an angry frightened expression he nodded and turned and then ran back to his dorm. He nearly stumbled he was so upset.
While they watched Malfoy and Snape, Harry and Ron moved down the hall and waited. They both bit their cheeks to keep from laughing at Draco Malfoy's fate. Snape tried to touch again the object he knew was there angry at the world he stormed down the hall.
Once they were out of earshot Ron said, "Wow, both Draco and Snape in one night. We're so lucky."
"Yep, come on I want to try out this stone."
**** *** *** ***
Harry and Ron both held the stone, Harry closed his eyes and pictured his parents and then he said the magic words. He felt a whoosh and then the world seemed to have slipped to one side.
The next thing he knew he was laying on his back with something heavy on top of him. He opened his eyes and found his vision obscured by Ron. Ron moaned and rolled off his friend. Harry blinked when he found himself in forest. It looked very different from the dark forest or any other wilderness area he'd ever been in Britain.
"Ron, I don't think this right."
Ron was rubbing his neck and then he said, "Did you say the words wrong?"
Harry sat up and pulled out his notes from his back pocket under his robes. "No, I don't think so. These are the words I said and I pictured where I wanted to go just as it had said in the book
"Then where are we?"
"I haven't the foggiest." Said Harry standing up and looking around. "Its pretty here and did you notice I haven't heard any traffic or even a jet, have you"
"No, I haven't heard anything. Yes, that is odd."
The boys started to walk down the path and looked around as they went. Two men came out of nowhere with swords in their hands. They stood in front of the two boys smirking there was glee in their voices as they said, "Well, well, look at these two weird looking peasants."
"Yeah, it looks like the Gods dropped easy pickings right in our laps."
The boys backed up till they were against a tree.
Harry looked scared, Ron was downright terrified.
Harry!" Ron cried out.
A voice from above said in a charming but no nonsense voice, "You know one thing I hate worse then thieves are bullies. Looks like I get to play with both."
Suddenly a warrior's cry echoed through out the forest then she appeared behind the thugs. Her sword poised right at the leaders head.
"Well, what are you going to do when faced with someone your own size instead of two little boys?" She purred. She moved the men away from the boys and waived at them to get behind her. Harry understood, he grabbed Ron's hand and pulled him till they were behind the tall beautiful warrior.
"Xena�we were just�um�just�"
"What? Asking for directions? Tsk, tsk,tsk I think I should run you both through as a bit of lesson to scum like you�"
"No�Xena�"They backed off till they were now against the same tree the boys had just escaped from.
"You know these two little boys didn't shake like you are and they are unarmed. Seems to me they are a hell of lot braver then you are�"
"Yes, your right�we are scum�we won't do this�we will do something legitimate�we will find real work�we�"
"Ok, that's good enough. You go do something useful and I won't run you through." She seemed to back up then in a move so sudden that no one saw it she had both men in a grip with one long arm and the other had the sword beneath both their throats. "If I ever find you doing this again your dead. Got me?" Two heads bobbed nervously. "Ok get and take a damn bath." She pushed them away from her disgusted. She turned to the boys and asked, "Who are you two and where in the known world did you come from?"
Ron was trembling with fear and couldn't speak. Harry swallowed and answered quietly. "We came from Hogwarts School of magic and we did a spell that is supposed to take us to the past. I wanted to see my parents just once. They died when I was baby. I think I did it wrong I don't even know where I am." Harry knew he was babbling but his instinct told him he could trust this tall warrior and that he shouldn't lie to her.
Xena looked at the boy with deep sympathy. She saw they were both scared and out of place. "You're from Britannia aren't you?"
Ron and Harry exchanged confused looks. Harry answered quietly, "That is the old name of it we just call it Britain."
"Old name huh? Well it seems you were successful then because that is what we call your home now."
Wide shocked eyes met her pale calm blue. Ron and Harry just stared at her. Then Ron turned to Harry and slugged him in the arm. "You sent us back to ancient times. Harry! How are we going to get home?" He burst into tears and sat on the ground. Harry absent mindly rubbed his arm and still stared at Xena slack jawed. "Ron is right. I messed up. Where are we?"
"Greece. What are your names? Mine is Xena."
"My name is Harry Potter and his is Ron Weasley we come from the 21st century."
Xena's eyebrow's shot up into her bangs. "Well Harry you really miscalculated both place and time. I know your parents aren't here so now we need to get you back. I know a friendly Goddess who might help us. Come on boys, lets meet up with my best friend and then we will try to figure out the best plan to get you home."
*** **** **** ****
Gabrielle was sitting on a log in a freshly laid out camp. Meat was sizzling on the fire and Argo was grazing calmly by a stream that ran through the area they were encamped at. Gabrielle was staring out toward the stream her quill poised over scroll deep in thought. Suddenly she dropped both and grabbed her sais and twirled around to meet an unknown sound entering their camp.
She met two pairs of now frightened eyes and a pair of sparkling blue eyes full of pride. "Xena! You scared me."
"You did that very well though. You grabbed your sais and were ready for battle. I'd get your scroll before my baby eats it." She said with a wide smile as she watched her dear friend chase after her scroll just before it blew into the stream. Once Gabrielle got it she stormed over to Xena hit her on her stomach as she passed her and put her precious scroll into her saddlebag. Xena smiled and then said, "I am glad to see you writing again, I've missed that sight." Gabrielle blushed and Xena winked at her mussing the pretty blonde hair and then said, "Come on, Gabrielle I have a tale to tell and these boys need our help."
Gabrielle looked at the two boys and asked, "And who are you two?" She asked them with a charming smile that the teenagers instantly responded to.
Xena shook her head as she watched her friend charm the young men, "We'll tell you over dinner. I don't know about the boys but I'm starved."
*** *** *** ***
"I think that Aphrodite is the answer," Said Gabrielle between eating bites of her dinner. Xena had just finished explaining the boy's woes as they all ate the delicious stew that Gabrielle had made them.
Xena nodded and said, "Yes, that's what I thought too."
"Do you mean the Goddess, The real�" stammered Ron shocked.
"Yes, she's a good friend of ours. She will be very helpful to get you home."
"Xena, I want to see my parents."
Xena met Gabrielle's eyes both of them understood very deeply the need of the young man. Xena took Harry's hands gently into hers and said softly, "I know you want to see your parents. I understand the need very well. I lost my son when he was about your age. My daughter was torn away from me by the other Gods. I was lucky enough to be reunited with her but after she'd become an adult. I would love to see you reunited with your parents even for a short time but Harry, your centuries away from them. We need to think of getting you home to your own time. Maybe later when you're older you can try this again."
Harry's head was bowed and tears fell onto Xena's hands from the upset young man. Teary eyes met Xena's and he said softly, "I want to so badly Xena. I need to. I understand that you know what I feel but I don't know if I can do this again�"
"You're a great Wizard Harry and Pegasus will let you. You said she was sympathetic." Said Ron softly.
"Pegasus!" Gabrielle said shocked, "She gave you this stone?"
Harry and Ron looked at the beautiful blonde in shock. "You know her?"
Gabrielle nodded, "We both do, she's helped us a couple of times. She's very kind. Maybe we should take the boys to her."
Xena nodded, "Yes that might be better. Her cave is a few miles from here. We'll camp here for the night and tomorrow we will go see her."
"Where will we sleep?" Asked Ron
Gabrielle giggled, "Right where we are, don't you boys camp in the future?"
"Yes, I just always had a tent."
"This is the way we do it. Here are a couple of extra bedrolls go set up a nice sleep area on the other side of the fire." Said Xena she was amused by the shocked look. "Get plenty of sleep we get up at dawn."
The two boys with shocked faces walked over to the other side of the fire and set up there bedrolls.
Gabrielle shook her head and threw a pillow at her best friend. "You are such a brat."
"Me?" Asked the warrior innocently. "A night under the stars will do them good. The future must be a soft place for young wizards."
"I think they are nice boys."
Xena smiled and put the extra pillow behind her, "So do I."
*** *** *** ***
They were walking through the woods toward the cave when Xena put a hand up stopping the others. Gabrielle took her sais out of her boots at the same time as Xena pulled her sword. Xena waived the boys behind Gabrielle, then walked to the edge of the woods, "Ok, show yourself!"
"You're as sharp as ever Aunt Xena."
Said a well known and loved voice to both Xena and Gabrielle. "Xenon?" Called Gabrielle.
"Yep."
Xena and Gabrielle exchanged looks and Xena rolled her eyes. "Come on you brat come here so we can give you a hug."
The boys were stunned as a beautiful Centaur came trotting down from the path. He had a bright smile and went straight to the warrior. He bent down and hugged Xena and then Gabrielle. Then he straightened and asked, "So what adventure are you off to?"
"We have a mission with these young men, where are your beautiful wife and baby?"
"Home snug and comfortable. I am on mission for my Father in law."
"Successful?"
"Yep, peace treaty signed and sealed. Balek should please."
"I am glad to hear you're getting on." Said Xena proudly.
"Yeah, it took time but we are all well."
"Wonderful, your Mother would be pleased." Gabrielle said softly"
Xena motioned the boys closer. "Harry, Ron this is someone who is a part of our family. In fact I delivered him at birth. He was named after me. These boys are young wizards from the future we are taking him to Pegasus's cave to take them home."
You're a centaur, aren't you?" Asked Ron, "We have a friend in the dark forest named Firence who is a Centaur."
"A Centaur in the future? But�were the last�does that mean�?" Xenon looked at Xena and Gabrielle who looked at their young friend and nodded.
"He must be a descendent." Said Xena.
"I'm going with you."
**** **** ****
Ron and Harry followed Xena and Gabrielle. Xenon was scouting up ahead.
Ron whispered, "They are the most beautiful women I have ever seen. I wish the girls in our world looked they do."
Harry smiled and nodded, "Your right they are beautiful but you don't get much exposure in the wizard world to beautiful woman. In the muggle world we have TV and magazines full of women who are incredible but I like Xena and Gabrielle better. They just glow with health and beauty."
Xena was ahead of them and her face reflected the amusement she felt. She didn't let them know that she heard what they said with her exceptional hearing she just turned around and put her index finger to her lips.
The boys nodded and followed the experienced warrior quietly. Xena heard a noice up ahead and stopped. She waited for the boys to catch up to her and Gabrielle. Then she whispered, "You boys go into the woods and keep us in your sight at all times."
"But�"
"Harry�just go�." She growled and pointed to the woods.
Gabrielle and Xena continued up the path. Harry and Ron went into the woods and watched the two women set them selves up as targets.
Xena could feel the ambush that was about to happen with her eyes she signaled Gabrielle. Gabrielle barely nodded her head in response.
Three thugs came out of the trees; two arrows went right toward Xena. She grinned wildly as she caught them in her hands. The third went toward Gabrielle who deflected it with her sais.
Harry and Ron were watching the girls fight fascinated. Ron felt the hairs on the back of the neck rise and suddenly someone grabbed him.
"Harry!"
Harry turned as another one approached him; he whipped his wand from his pocket and said, "Winguardiam Leviosa!"
The shocked thief found himself floating straight up. Harry then aimed his wand toward the man holding Ron turned and said, "Winguardiam Leviosa."
Both he and Ron floated up, Ron yelled, "Harry�Help!"
"Ermine Erectus." The thug holding Ron started to itch all over his body yelling, "Get it off me! Make them stop!" dropping Ron.
"No�.!"Cried Ron as he fell shocked when he was caught mid air.
"Master Ron, Did you have a nice trip," Said the handsome Centaur who had him in his arms.
"Xenon, Thank you. Thank you."
The Centaur gently put Ron down then he looked up at the two struggling thugs floating mid air.
Ron looked at Harry who was watching Gabrielle and Xena fighting off the rest of the bad guys. Gabrielle had two; she kicked one in the groin and slugged the other right on the chin with her sais.
Xena had the other four she was fighting them with such grace and style that both young wizards were amazed.
Ron asked, "What spell did you use on that guy?"
"An itching spell that George and Fred taught me."
"I didn't think it worked."
Harry looked over his shoulder at the now whimpering man and smirked, "It sure seems to."
Xena flipped over two of the men she was fighting then she reached back punching them both out at the same time she kicked the third man in the groin. Her war cry could be heard as she beat the crap out of them. Then she did a round house kick knocking out the third. She looked around at the men on the ground with her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face.
Gabrielle gave a final kick and all three of her opponents were out cold. She looked at her best friend who winked at her. Gabrielle rolled her eyes and joined Xena as she walked back to where the boys were hidden.
Xena smiled at the two boys awed expression and winked at Xenon. He smiled and pointed behind him. Xena looked where he pointed and her eyes widened in surprise. She smiled at the boys wickedly and then tilted her head and admired the work of the young wizard.
She looked over at Gabrielle who was chuckling quietly. She smiled affectionately as she met beloved green eyes and said, "I do remember a time when you risked your life and limb by scratching an itch with my beloved Chakram."
"True but I wasn't attacking two young men and I certainly didn't end up hanging mid air scratching."
"That's true, and which young wizard did this?"
Harry shyly raised his now wandless hand."
The Warrior winked at him which made him let out the breath he didn't even know he was holding. "Very well done. I guess I didn't have to worry so much about you two huh?"
Harry blushed and said, "They attacked Ron first so I had a chance to think then I went on pure instinct."
"Good instincts," Said Gabrielle affectionately.
Xena nodded, "Yep they sure were. Now let the idiots down."
"Ok," Harry took out his wand and said, Illimate' scratche." The thief stopped scratching himself raw with a sigh of relief.
Xena looked at Xenon and asked, "Ready?"
"Yep."
"Ok release one at a time."
Harry nodded and released the one above Xenon first who caught then punched him on the chin knocking him out cold. Then with surprising gentleness lowered him to the ground.
He looked at the wide eyed thief who was still up in the air and said, "I wouldn't struggle when Harry releases you or I might not be as gentle with you."
The thief looked frightened but nodded. Xenon winked at Harry and then nodded. Harry released him. Xenon then gave the second thug the same treatment as the first. Then Xena and Gabrielle tied them up.
Xena brushed her hands and looked disgusting at them, "Asses."
"They are creeps but I felt kind of sorry for Mr. Itchy."
"You're a nice guy Harry but he doesn't deserve your pity. He would have hurt you."
*** *** *** ***
They arrived at the cave of Pegasus; all of them entered the large cave to be halted by a voice.
"Why do you all invade my home?"
Xena motioned for quiet and then called, "We are not invading we need your help."
"Xena?"
"Yes."
The same beautiful white horse came into the entrance that Harry had met in the Dark forest in their own time. She spotted Harry and her eyes sparkled in recognition. "You have over shot your mark I see young friend but you have done well and met good people."
"Did you know I'd come here?" Asked Harry shocked and upset.
"No, how would I know that? I am just glad that since you came here you have found my friends Xena and Gabrielle. They are good protectors and since you are an innocent young student wizard I am glad you found such a protectors."
"Do you know my descendents in their time?"
"Oh yes, very well, we are allies."
"Are they happy? Do you know who is in my direct line?"
"They are safe not happy. Yes, the boy's friend Firence is a direct descendent of yours. He's a good soul. I think you would like him."
"Can you take the boys home?" Asked Gabrielle.
The beautiful white horse nodded and said with wide smile, "I always intended to. Do you have a message for Firence, Xenon?"
"Yes�um, Gabrielle can I borrow your scroll?"
"Of course." The blonde reached into her bag and handed him a blank scroll and quill.
"Thank you Xena," Said Harry quietly. "For everything." The tall warrior hugged him and then tousled his hair with deep affection.
"My pleasure. You both be good, ok?" She smiled and hugged Ron who blushed. Gabrielle hugged both boys smiling at how sweet and shy they both were. Then Xena helped both of them on Pegasus's back. She stepped back next to her friends waiving goodbye to her new friends.
**** *** ***
Ron and Harry were not sure exactly how but Pegasus flew them not only through space but time. They were on her back and enjoyed the ride but when they arrived back in the dark forest they both realized all they remember was the joy of the flight not what happened on it.
Harry was holding tightly to Pegasus's stone and Xenon's scroll as he got off her back. He looked into the beautiful eyes he found himself smiling and handing over her stone. She smiled back and nodded. He blinked and asked, "Is it magic that wiped the trip from our minds?"
"Not exactly, only I can withstand the full affect of time travel my wings protected you both."
Ron looked confused and asked, "But you were flying how did they protect us?"
The beautiful white horse laughed and said, "That is my secret young wizard."
Ron looked frustrated; Harry put a gentle hand on his friend's shoulder and squeezed gently. Then Harry looked at Pegasus and asked, "Can I try again?"
"No, I do not think it will be a good idea and�"
"And?"
"I promised you friend Xena that I would not."
"What?"
Pegasus smiled and said with chuckle, "Xena has a very deep maternal protective streak. She likes you both so she is determined to protect you from yourselves. So she had me promise not to allow you to time travel again till you mature enough to handle it."
"I am mature�"
"That may have been the wrong word what I meant was when you have matured further as a wizard and you can do it yourself without the use of a devise. She just doesn't want to take a chance that you would hurt yourself."
"But?"
Black eyes flashed angrily, "May I remind you that you risked death?"
Harry looked down and he nodded. Sheepishly he replied, "Ok, thank you Ma'am."
"Your welcome. You are both welcome anytime in my home. Good day."
"Day?" Asked Ron.
"It is the next morning. Now I suggest you hurry back to the castle before you miss breakfast." She nudged them gently toward the opening of the cave.
*** *** *** ***
They were almost out of the forest when a voice called out to them. "Harry Potter?"
The boys turned and Harry smiled. "Thank you Firence for helping us."
"We're you successful?"
"No�um, here this is for you."
"What is it?"
"A note from someone very special."
"Do you know what it says?"
"No. I know you will like it though." Harry said with bright smile, Ron nodded beside them.
Flustered the Centaur looked at his two young friends. He took the scroll and then said, "You better get back before they miss you."
They nodded and left the confused Centaur, who waived and then looked down at the scroll in hand. As he started to read the contents his eyes filled with tears. Tears streaking down his cheeks he glanced at the boy's backs as they headed back to school. "They met my Great, Great Grandfather." He knew he would question them further but right now he needed to read this and soak in the fact that he has family somewhere in the Great Universe.
*** *** *** ***
Breakfast was complete; Harry and Ron had just finished telling Hermione about their adventure.
"I could have told you it wouldn't have worked."
"Yes you could have, but Harry needed to find that out for himself." Said a very familiar voice behind them. They all turned to find the head master.
"Professor�?"
"Would you both excuse us, Harry and I need to have a chat."
Hermione and Ron both looked at Harry who looked nervous and then at the head master. They both nodded and left quietly. Dumbledore sat beside his student and said, "So what lesson did the stone teach you?"
"That I am not a very good wizard and that I will never be able to have the memory of simple chat with my parents like everyone else." Said Harry bitterly.
"That is not the lesson. You were very brave to risk death for that memory Harry. You are a very talented wizard and you handled it all very well but I think you missed what you should have learned."
"What was that?"
"That things happen for a reason. We go through things because we are strong enough to endure them and we learn from them. You are going to be a great Wizard Harry, you are talented and brave but what is most important is that you have a very good heart. Your love got you through and your goodness affects others."
Harry looked up, tears were falling behind the lens of his glasses and he asked, "How?"
"Your friend Firence. That note was very important to him. If you didn't attempt it, he never would have gotten it. If his ancestors didn't trust you and you were not the good person you are, you would never received it and given it to him. You see what you did give a good result even if it wasn't the one that you wanted."
"Will I ever be able to have those few minutes?"
"That I can't tell you, I do believe that you are who you are because of your excellent parents. Isn't that good enough for you Harry?"
"Yes sir."
"Good, now how about going to your Quidich practice."
"I forget all about it."
"Your team didn't."
Harry took a deep breath and then stood up. "Ok, back to being a normal student of Hogwarts."
"No such thing, Harry all students here are special. You're not invited here unless you are. Have a good practice Harry." A very introspective Harry left the head master. Dumbledore smiled and he stood up. He walked to the door of the great room and watched the solitary figure leave. Then he looked up and said, "Thank you Xena for taking such good care of him."
The End