The Phoenix Prophecy

Chapter Two: The Journey

Sunday- July 6th

Harry

I awoke with a start. For a moment, I didn’t remember where I was. Then in a rush, all of the events of yesterday came flooding back to me. The room was brightly lit from light pouring in through the window. I sat up and looked around the room. Ron and Sirius were just starting to stir in their beds. As I glanced in the direction of the door, I saw Professor Dumbledore standing in the doorway.

“Good morning, I trust you all had a pleasant and restful sleep,” he said, with his usual soft-spoken voice and twinkling eyes.

“Albus, I can’t remember the last time I sleep this soundly,” replied Sirius, as he swung his legs out of bed, stood up and stretched. “I feel like a new man,” he added.

“Mum, just give me another ten minutes,” mumbled Ron, still half-asleep.

“Ron, wake up,” I yelled, “or Hermione and Gretchen will beat us down to breakfast and eat all the food.” Ron leapt out of bed as if it was crawling with spiders. I wasn’t sure if it was the mention of food or Gretchen’s name that got Ron up and moving so quickly.

“You have approximately thirty minutes before breakfast is served,” said Dumbledore, as he closed the door and left the room.

“First dibs on the bathroom”, called Sirius, quickly walking to the bathroom that adjoined our bedroom.

Thirty minutes later Sirius, Ron, and I were all dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. As we descended the stairs to the main room, we could see Professor Dumbledore standing in front of one of the fireplaces. The girls had not yet come down. “Ah, gentlemen, please have a seat while we wait for the ladies,” he said, gesturing towards the large table in the center of the room.

No sooner had we all sat down, than the ladies started down the stairs. Gretchen and Hermione were positively wired. They were both laughing and whispering to each other as they came and sat down beside Ron and myself. As Hermione sat down, she said “Good morning, Harry,” and kissed my cheek. Gretchen smiled at Ron and said good morning very warmly as she sat down beside him.

“You slept well?” I said to Hermione.

“Never better,” she replied.

Madelyn sat down next to Sirius and said “And how are you this fine morning, Sirius?”

“I feel like I could take on a Mountain Troll single handed, “he replied, grinning broadly.

“Gracious, let’s hope that won’t be necessary,” she replied, in mock astonishment.

Professor McGonagall sat down beside Professor Dumbledore. With a wave of his wand, the table was filled with all sorts of delicious breakfast foods and drinks. There were eggs cooked in several different ways, pancakes, hot cereal, bacon, sausage, muffins, and assorted fruit juices. Everyone began filling their plate and started eating. We must have all been hungry for most of the conversation during breakfast was concerned with passing various foods and drinks around the table.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Dumbledore cleared the table with a wave of his wand. “Since it’s a lovely morning, I suggest we all go out onto the porch,” said Professor Dumbledore.

As we got up from the table, I kissed Hermione quickly and took her hand in mine as we walked out onto the porch. We arranged several of the chairs and loveseats so that we all faced each other. Ron and Gretchen sat in one loveseat, Hermione and I in another. The four grownups each pulled up a single chair and sat down.

After we were all settled, Professor Dumbledore started speaking.

“I am going to describe the tasks you must accomplish and the ingredients you need to acquire so that you will be able to obtain the ‘Impervious’ charm.”

“First, you will fly by broom to the city of Enchantment, which is located two hundred miles from the location of the portal. There you will seek out a wizard named Marcus Pennywhistle. I will give you a letter of introduction and a token of authentication, so that he will know your request comes from me personally. He will assist you on your journey through the Realm and guide you to the dragon’s lair, located in the ‘Mountain of Fire.’”

“If I fly two hundred miles on a broom I won’t be able to walk for a week,” Gretchen said, with a pained look on her face.

“You will be using the Pathfinder brooms you acquired yesterday. They have been specially outfitted for this trip,” Dumbledore continued. “The handles are fitted with specially shaped seats that make it possible to travel long distances with reasonable comfort. In addition, each broom is fitted with a compass and sneakoscope. These brooms are designed for endurance and reliability, not speed and agility. It won’t be like flying your Firebolt, Harry.”

At the mention of flying, I could feel Hermione tensing up beside me. Gretchen noticed this as well and said, “Don’t worry, Hermione, by the end of the first day you’ll be a first rate flyer.”

Dumbledore continued, “Sirius has learned how to use a wizard’s field tent. This tent can be packed down into a package small enough to be carried in a backpack. The tent, when fully erected, has a common eating area and two separate sleeping areas that will hold three people each. It has one lavatory that you will all have to share. This will provide living quarters for your journey when you are away from civilization.”

“By my calculations you should be able to reach Enchantment in two days. You will spend the first night camped near the coast of the ‘Sea of Mere.’ There are a number of caves in the cliffs along the shore, which should afford you protection from local wildlife. You should be able to obtain accommodations in Enchantment for your second night. Marcus will be able to assist you in this matter. Before leaving Enchantment you will purchase all of the standard ingredients needed for the potion.”

“From Enchantment, you will fly to the jungle rain forest. There you will seek out the nest of Mosag, the spider queen and collect two pounds of her web.”

As soon as Dumbledore said ‘spider’ Ron’s face turned as white as Nearly Headless Nick. Hermione spotted this immediately and said, “Ron, listen to me! Remember how you overcame your fear of spiders in Lupin’s class when we practiced with the Boggart. You did it then you can do it again. Do you hear me, Ron?”

Slowly the color started to return to Ron’s face. Several times, he shivered involuntarily. Gretchen just kept squeezing his hand softly. Finally, Ron was calm enough to speak. “Spiders, why does it always have to be spiders? I’d rather face mountain trolls,” Ron said to Professor Dumbledore.

“Ron, I am confident that you will find the strength to overcome your fear of spiders,” replied Professor Dumbledore. “Remember that spiders only kill for food. They do not wantonly kill other creatures for pleasure or sport.”

I said, “Well let’s hope we find Mosag right after she has had her dinner.” Ron gave me a halfhearted chuckle and smiled weakly.

Dumbledore then continued, “After you have collected the spider web you will travel to the ‘Sea of Mere.’ There you will travel beneath the surface of the sea in search of an octopus. From this creature you will collect a pint of its ink.”

“Just how are we supposed to do that? Milk it like a cow?” asked Sirius, rather sarcastically.

“You will need to enlist the services of the Mere people to help you accomplish this task,” Professor Dumbledore replied to Sirius. “They are a decent people, although they are highly suspicious of creatures that breathe air.”

Hermione nudged me gently in the ribs. When I looked at her, she nodded her head in Gretchen’s direction. I could see that Gretchen was almost in a full state of panic. Ron noticed us looking at Gretchen and when he turned to look at her, he instinctively guessed what was frightening her. “Gretchen,” said Ron, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him.

“Are you afraid of being under water?” he asked gently. All Gretchen could do was shake her head up and down. “I can help you with this. Harry was under water for an entire hour three years ago as part of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. You help me get past the spiders and I’ll help you get through the water. Do we have a deal?” Ron asked.

Gretchen said, “It’s a deal, Ron,” in a soft but distinct voice.

“When you have collected the octopus ink,” Professor Dumbledore continued, “you will travel to the ‘Great Caves’, home of the Goblins, to collect six ounces of liquid phosphorous from the ‘Well-of-Light.’ The ‘Well-of-Light’ is located in a cavern deep beneath the entrance to the caves. The Goblins will guide you to the well, but they must be paid in gold for their services.”

“Professor, are these caves similar to the ones beneath Gringotts Bank?”

“Yes, Ron, they are very much like those at the bank. That is why you will have to employ the services of the Goblins. If you attempted to find the well on your own you would become hopelessly lost and never find your way back to the surface again.” Just as Professor Dumbledore finished speaking, I heard Madelyn make a whimpering sound. When I looked at her, she was trying very hard to maintain her composure.

“Madelyn, what’s wrong?’ asked Sirius, looking at her with grave concern on his face.

“I’m claustrophobic,” she replied. “Enclosed spaces, especially those underground terrify me. As a child, I was trapped underground when a tunnel we were exploring collapsed. Ever since then I have stayed above ground as much as possible.”

“Madelyn, I used to be afraid of being underground too. That’s probably because the Dursleys kept me in the small closet under the stairs for eleven years. But after I used this really neat underground tunnel that connects Hogwarts to Honeydukes in Hogsmeade I, er, ah – Woops,” I said, noticing the look of utter disbelief on Professor McGonagall’s face.

“Mr. Potter, exactly how did you learn of this tunnel?” she asked, in her most authoritative voice, looking directly at Sirius. Not wanting Sirius to be in trouble, I quickly said, “Professor, my father left me instructions on where the tunnel was located.”

Sirius quickly added, “Professor, Harry is only partially correct. Actually, James, Remus and I mapped out the tunnels that connect Hogwarts with the outside world. Harry just happened to become the owner of a certain document we prepared while we were in our sixth year.” At this revelation, I wasn’t sure if Professor McGonagall was going to explode or have kittens.

Professor Dumbledore spoke up and said to her. “Calm down Minerva, by now you must know that boys will be boys. It just so happened that James, Remus and Sirius were exceptionally intelligent and very good at figuring out how to outwit their elders. A process I encourage by the way, as long as it’s not done with the intention of causing harm or destruction.”

“Well Albus, I suppose you know best about these things,” said Professor McGonagall, in a tone of voice that indicated she didn’t really believe that to be true.

This exchange seemed to take Madelyn’s mind off the caves for the moment. She seemed quite humored by Professor McGonagall’s shock over what had been going on right under her very nose. I said, “Professor McGonagall, I am truly sorry if I have caused you any anxiety or pain over my actions. I know that you only have our welfare at heart.”

This seemed to please her as the look on her face softened and she said to me. “Harry, you are so much like James that it scares me to death.” She looked at Hermione and said. “I suppose you knew all about this?” One look at Hermione’s face gave Professor McGonagall all the answer she needed. “You youngsters are going to send me to an early grave,” she added with an ever so small grin on her face.

“Let’s continue on, shall we?” said Professor Dumbledore. “From the Great Caves you will travel to the foothills of the Golden Mountains, the land of Trolls. There you will find deposits of pure silver. You will need to collect less than one ounce. The potion requires a very small amount of silver as a catalyst. You will need to travel by day as the Trolls only come out after sunset. Make sure you are out of the area before dark. Tolls can’t be reasoned with or defeated easily. It’s best to stay out of their way.”

I could feel Hermione squeezing my hand much harder than normal. “Are you thinking about the mountain Troll that trapped you in the girl’s bathroom during our first year?” I asked her.

“Yes I am,” she said with a sudden shudder. “I had hoped never to be anywhere near one of those creatures ever again,” she added.

“Well don’t worry Hun; we will be in and out in no time. How long can it take to find a few slivers of silver?” I said confidently.

“Who can tell,” she said. “That’s what has me worried.”

“Your next stop will be the Northern Glacier. There you will obtain two gallons of pure water from the Crystal Spring,” stated Dumbledore. “The Crystal Spring is visited regularly by Giants who live in the region. Many Giants are peaceful, while others are quite belligerent. It’s often quite difficult to tell which are peaceful and which are not until it’s too late. You should exercise extreme care in dealing with Giants.”

“Sirius, you in particular are going to have to let go of your anger towards the Giants,” said Dumbledore. “Giants are no different than humans, some are good and some aren’t. The Giants that destroyed the village you were born in were no different from the humans that have killed fellow humans in their quest for dark power. Do not judge a whole group by the actions of some members of that group.”

“I’ll try and remember that,” said Sirius, with a considerable amount of anger in his tone of voice. Madelyn reached over, took his hand in hers, and whispered something in his ear. Whatever she said, it calmed him and his face relaxed.

“Your final destination is the dark forest in which many fearsome beasts make their home,” continued Dumbledore. “There you will need to find a snake skin that has been freshly molted by Nag, the king of serpents. Because of the total lack of love and happiness in the creatures that inhabit the dark forest, you may attract the attention of Dementor-like creatures.”

“Harry?” said Hermione questioningly.

“I’m Ok,” I said, a little hesitantly. “I loath those creatures and don’t wish to be anywhere near them. However, I have managed to drive them away with my Patronus. Let’s hope it is effective against any Dementors we come across in the dark forest.”

“After you have collected all of the necessary ingredients,” began Dumbledore. “You will travel to the Mountain of Fire where you petition the eldest Dragon to perform the rite of Fusing. If the dragon agrees to your request then you will brew the potion and perform the rite. Following the rite, you should return directly to the portal and back to this world. The portal is open for twenty-eight days. I estimate that it should take you approximately twenty days to accomplish your goal. This leaves us eight days to spare. Remember you must be back in twenty eight days or you will be trapped in the Realm for the next one hundred years.”

The effects of Dumbledore’s last words were to say the least ‘Quite chilling’. He let us think over all that he had told us regarding this journey. Finally, he said, “Does anyone have questions they would like to ask me?”

I said, “Professor, right now I would like to just digest what you have told us. I’m sure after we’ve thought about it we will have many questions to ask.”

“Since we have a little over an hour to go before lunch, why don’t you all wander around the meadow that surrounds this house and consider the journey and tasks I have laid before you,” Dumbledore said to us all. He and Professor McGonagall got up and went inside the house.

Hermione

“Harry, let’s take a walk,” I said. I stood up and held out my hand to him.

Harry stood up taking my hand and said to the others, “We won’t be very long.” We walked back to the porch steps and down into the meadow. For a while, we just walked hand in hand not speaking. Finally, Harry stopped walking, turned to me, and said “Hermione, why did you choose me?”

“Choose you,” I said, a little confused. “What do you mean, Harry?”

“I mean, why do you love me?” he asked, looking both worried and apprehensive.

“Harry, are you Ok?” I asked, starting to feel a little nervous myself.

“Yes, I’m fine,” he said. “No that’s a lie, I’m anything but fine. Hermione, ever since you arrived at the Dursleys yesterday all I can think about is being with you. Nothing else in the world matters to me any more. I can’t bear the thought of losing you or not having you with me. If Dumbledore hadn’t put us under a sleeping charm, I would not have slept a wink all night. I’m scared that at any minute I will wake up and discover this has all been some big dream. Or else you will decide that you don’t love me any more. Hermione, I’ve never been loved in my entire life, well at least since I can remember. Every time we kiss, I feel like I am going to melt. I feel like I’m being selfish because I don’t want to share you with anyone. All I want to do more than anything else is make you happy.”

By the time Harry had finished pouring his heart out to me, the tears were flowing down my face. “Harry,” I said, with all of the loving tenderness I felt. “You haven’t properly kissed me good morning yet. I intend to be very demanding in that you always kiss me when we meet for the first time each day.”

Harry placed his arms around my waist and I wrapped my arms about his neck. As our lips touched, I started to feel a warmth and sheer joy spread through my whole body, as I had never felt before. It felt as though I was dissolving and becoming part of him. After what seemed like a an instant I felt that I couldn’t breath. Pulling our lips apart, we both took huge deep breaths.

“Harry, I think we’re still supposed to breathe when we kiss.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” he replied.

“Harry, I love you. Some things you just have to take on faith and love is one of those things. I will try and answer your question as best I can.” We were still wrapped in each other’s arms, gazing intently into each other’s eyes.

“First, you have my total respect and admiration. The way you care for and treat those around you shows that, above all you truly have their welfare at heart. Second, I know that you would sacrifice your life to save me, or any children we may have someday. Finally, you make me feel good when I’m near you. What’s not important to me is that you are the famous boy wizard who survived Voldemort’s death curse. Oh, I am glad you survived; it is the famous part that doesn’t interest me. Does this help to answer your question?”

“Yes, Hermione, it helps a great deal,” he replied. “I know it might sound like a broken record, but I am having a little trouble believing how absolutely lucky I am to have you to love and be loved by you.

“Harry,” I said smiling. “Don’t worry; I will be happy to keep reminding you how lucky you are. No, how fortunate we both are to have each other.”

“Hermione, are we too young to really know what love is?” Harry asked.

“No I don’t think so,” I replied. “It’s fairly common for kids our age to fall in love. For some it lasts a lifetime. For others it’s a passing fancy. We just can’t know what the future will bring. Regardless of what Professor Trelawney may try to tell you,” I added with a smile.

“Thank you, Hermione; I will always try to be there for you.” Harry said. We kissed again, this time remembering to breathe.

“I think were getting better at this,” he said.

“Well practice makes perfect,” I replied.

We could hear Ron and Gretchen shouting and laughing as they went racing across the meadow. “It sounds like they are getting along quite nicely,” I said to Harry.

“They do seem to have taken a real liking to each other,” he replied.

“Harry, do you think we have a chance to collect all the ingredients and cast this charm?” I asked, feeling quite uneasy.

“Hermione, I am not going to lie to you and say I’m sure we can do this,” Harry said, looking very grave. “Honestly, I just don’t know what our chances are on this journey. The only thing I feel reasonably certain about is that we must try. The last time I faced Voldemort I really thought I was going to die. I had decided that I wasn’t going to die on my knees begging for my life. I attacked Voldemort out of pure rage for what he had done to Cedric and what he had done to me.”

As Harry told me this, I felt a wave of nausea sweep over me. “Oh, Harry,” I moaned. “Promise me you will never be that reckless again.”

“Hun, I didn’t feel that I was being reckless. I really believed that I was as good as dead. I didn’t think I would ever see any of you again. I wasn’t thinking very clearly.”

“I wasn’t criticizing you, Harry,” I added quickly. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I know you weren’t criticizing me,” he said. “I really did not mean to scare you. The point I meant to make was that, if we are going to face Voldemort I want as much protection for the both of us as we can get. That’s why I am willing to try to acquire this charm. If we die during the course of this journey, it will be no worse than dying at the hands of Voldemort.”

“You do think we have some chance of surviving, don’t you?” I said my voice now full of panic.

“Hermione, try and calm down,” he said to me. “We don’t want to convince ourselves that we can’t do this. We must start with a belief that we will succeed. As long as we are together I refuse to believe that we won’t come out of this alive.” Harry said this with some conviction in his voice and I started to feel better.

“And remember we won’t be alone. We will have the others with us all the way,” I said feeling more optimistic.

“Hermione, I love you,” he said softly and kissed me again.

“We should probably go back now,” I said.

“Sure, lets go,” Harry replied.

Ron

After Harry and Hermione left the porch, I asked Gretchen if she would like to go and check out the meadow. “Great,” she said, jumping up from the chair. “Race you to the edge of the clearing,” she shouted, sprinting down the porch steps and across the meadow. I was two steps behind her leaving the porch. Even though Gretchen was short, she could run like the wind. By the time I caught up to, her we had just reached the edge of the woods. We were both gasping for breath and holding our sides.

“How did you learn to run so fast?” I asked her, still trying to catch my breath.

“Three brothers,” she replied. “If they caught me they would throw me in the lake.”

“Is that why you are afraid of the water?” I asked.

“Mostly…although I had an Uncle who drowned. That helped to add to my fear of the water,” she said, looking a little anxious.

We started walking back towards the house. About half way back, Gretchen said, “Let’s sit down.” We lay down on the grass facing each other with our heads propped on our hands. The sun was shinning brightly but the temperature was mild. The warmth from the sun felt good on my face and bare arms. “We must be quite far north for the air to be this cool in early July,” Gretchen remarked. “This feels a lot like home.”

“I want to thank you for offering to help me get past my fear of spiders,” I said. “I have been deathly afraid of them as long as I can remember. Maybe Fred or George, they are two of my brothers, did something when I was young that I don’t remember. I just know that the very sight of a spider starts my flesh crawling. During our second year at Hogwarts, Harry and I were almost eaten alive by some gigantic spiders that live deep in the forbidden forest.” At the thought of that incident that happened over four years ago, I still felt sick inside. “I really hate being afraid of them. It makes me feel weak and silly,” I added, with some bitterness in my voice.

“Ron, you should never feel weak or silly because you are afraid of something,” Gretchen said, her voice full of tenderness. “We all have things in our life that we are afraid of. Every one of us on this journey has his or her own fear to cope with. Remember what Professor Dumbledore said, it’s how we deal with our fears, the choices we make and the actions we take that determine the kind of person we are.”

“Thank you, Gretchen. You are very kind and understanding,” I said, gazing into her bright blue eyes. We stared into each others eyes for what seemed like several minutes, but I’m sure was much less. She quickly smiled and looked around her. She spotted a daisy and reached out and picked it, and told me to sit up as she sat down opposite me with our knees touching. “Are you ready to take the test?” she asked me.

“What test? I replied, feeling slightly panicky.

“The ‘He loves me, He loves me not’ test,” she said, grinning shyly.

“Oh, that test,” I replied, feeling my ears turning slightly pink.

Gretchen started pulling peddles very slowly off the daisy saying, “He loves me” and “He loves me not” in alternating succession. She was also hiding the daisy in her hand so I couldn’t see what the outcome was going to be. When she got to the last one and said, “He loves me.” She leaned forward, placed her hand behind my head, pulled me to her and kissed me. After what seemed like an eternity, she pulled her lips away from mine and said, “Ron, you’re a pretty good kisser.”

“I assume that means you have someone to compare me to,” I said, smiling, grinning actually.

“Well, you didn’t think I could have spent six years at Beauxbatons without ever being kissed, did you?” Gretchen replied, smiling.

“Ron, This kiss just means that I respect you a great deal. From the things, you have told me of yourself, and the things Hermione has said about you, I know you are the type of guy I could grow to love. Whether that will happen only time will tell. We are going to be practically in each others pockets for the next three to four weeks, and I have the distinct feeling that there are going to be some very difficult situations for us to deal with. It’s in times of crisis that our true natures are reveled. I’m confident that by the time we return from this journey we will have a very good idea if the future holds more that just friendship for us.”

“Gretchen, thank you for being so open and honest with me,” I said. “I agree with all that you have said. Would you mind trying one more kiss, just to make sure I’ve got the hang of it,” I asked, smiling at her.

“Sure, I’d love to,” she said and we kissed once more.

“Thanks again,” I said.

“Gretchen, I have to go on this journey because Harry and Hermione are my very best friends. I love them both and wouldn’t be able to face myself if I didn’t go and something happened to them,” I said. “I’m not looking forward to this journey. But as long as Professor Dumbledore feels there is something to be gained, and Harry and Hermione are willing to go, then I feel it is my duty to go with them.”

“Ron, I know that you feel you must go, and I agree with your decision completely. That’s the type of thing I was getting at earlier when I said that I respected you,” she said earnestly.

“Gretchen, my question to you is this. Do you feel that you should go on this journey, or is it that you don’t feel you have a choice in the matter? Up until now this hasn’t been your fight and I would not think less of you if you did not want to go on this journey.”

“Ron, the thought of what lies ahead for us on this trip really does frighten me, especially the part where we have to go underwater. I honestly don’t know if I will be able to do that. I feel that fighting an evil monster like Voldemort is the responsibility of everyone who values good and decency.”

“That is a good enough reason for me,” I said, looking at her with real admiration.

“Ron, enough of this doom and gloom,” she said, and suddenly started tickling me in the ribs. I am horribly ticklish and Gretchen is surprisingly strong. Before I had time to react, I was knocked flat on my back and Gretchen was sitting on my stomach. I tried to grab her hands but she managed to grab my wrists while I was still catching my breath from laughing so hard. She pinned my hands over my head, which brought her face within a few inches of mine. Her long golden hair was hanging over her shoulders and brushing against my face. It had the faint smell of peach blossoms, and it was tickling my nose. We looked at each other for several seconds and then she bent down and kissed me tenderly.

After she pulled away, she released my hands and straightened up. “If you tickle me again, you just might get spanked,” I said, in as macho a voice as I could muster.

“In your dreams,” she replied, laughing haughtily as she tossed her hair over her shoulder with a snap of her head. “Besides, you forgot to bring the six husky wizards it would take to hold me down.”

“I don’t think I’ll need the help of any husky wizards,” I said, as I quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her to my right side and quickly rolling over to pin her down. “You get pretty good at wrestling when you have five older brothers always trying to pin you down. Now are you going to be good and not tickle me again,” I asked her.

“Probably not,” she replied. “It’s too much fun tickling you to promise not to do it again, besides you like the attention.

“Ron, you’re hurting my arms, please let go.” I let go of her arms immediately, feeling very ashamed for having hurt her.

As soon as I let go of her hands she started tickling me again. “Hey, stop that, “I yelped, grabbing her hands and pinning them over her head once again. “What am I going to do with you?” I asked her, sounding very distressed.

“What do you want to do with me?” she asked, looking at me with an expression that seemed to be a mixture of affection and hunger. “Gretchen, you’re going to drive me batty. This is what I want to do to you,” I said, as I leaned down and gently kissed her.

After our lips parted, I got to my feet and helped Gretchen up from the ground. “It’s getting close to lunch. We should head back,” I said.

“Race you back,” she cried, and took off running for the porch. I took off after her and managed to beat her to the porch by a half step.

“Beat you,” I gasped out.

“Nope, I won,” she replied.

We had reached the steps just as Harry and Hermione were climbing onto the porch. They both looked at us as if we were crazy.

“Harry and Hermione seem a little stiff,” Gretchen whispered in my ear.

“Yeah, just a little I agreed. They have a lot on their minds.”

“You are right, Ron. If we were in their shoes, we would probably be just as uptight. At least, I know I would be.”

Madelyn

I watched as Harry and Hermione left the porch followed closely by Ron and Gretchen, who went racing off in a different direction. Listening to them laugh brought back memories of my school years. I turned to Sirius and said “Ron and Gretchen are completely different from Harry and Hermione. Have you noticed that?” I asked him.

“How so?” he inquired.

“Well, Ron and Gretchen are prime examples of wild unbridled youthful enthusiasm and optimism. Harry and Hermione are both extremely serious and concerned with the consequences of their actions. It’s like they are old before their time.”

“Harry and Hermione are both ‘only children’, while Ron and Gretchen both come from large families,” said Sirius thoughtfully. “That could have a great deal to do with their behavior.”

“I’m sure that definitely is a factor,” I said. “But there is more to it that just their lack of siblings. Hermione seems to be naturally quiet and serious. Harry has lived through events that would cause most grownups to shudder.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” replied Sirius. “You have no idea how proud I am of him.”

“Sirius, I can see the pride in your face whenever you look at Harry.”

Changing the subject I asked “Sirius, what are our chances of accomplishing our goal on this journey to the Realm?”

“Well, it’s not going to be a ‘walk in the park’, I can tell you that for sure,” he replied. ”I think we have a better than average chance of actually obtaining the charm. Our chances of returning safely to this world are 9 out of 10.”

“Those odds are better than I would have guessed,” I said.

“Of course, I have been wrong before,” he replied with a grin.

“Sirius, do I make you uncomfortable?” I asked.

“No,” why do you ask?”

“Well you seem a little withdrawn whenever I ask you any questions of a personal nature. I was just wondering if you have always been shy around women.”

After a short silence in which he seemed to be debating with himself as to what to say next, he said. “Madelyn, it has been almost seventeen years since I have spent any time in the company of a woman. Since the night Harry’s parents were murdered by Voldemort, either I have been chasing Pettigrew, rotting in Azkaban or on the run for something I did not do. Several weeks before James and Lily were murdered; two women, Lacey and Lindsey Macgregor were tortured and murdered by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Lacey and Lindsey were identical twins that were in the same class at Hogwarts as James, Lily and I. After graduation, I got very close to them. Actually, I loved them both. They both said they loved me but could not choose between themselves. Our relationship remained in this stalemate until they died.”

As Sirius told me this, I could see the mixture of love and grief that he still carried for the twins etched deep in his face. “Madelyn,” he continued. “I do enjoy your company and I’ll try to be more pleasant and less gloomy.”

Just then, I could hear Ron laughing hysterically. I looked in their direction to see Gretchen sitting on top of him. “Sirius, we are going to have to keep a close eye on those two,” I said frowning. They are like a couple of roman candles, and it looks like they have just lit each others fuses.”

“Oh, they are just kids having fun, it’s nothing serious,” he said.

“Exactly how long has it been since you’ve been around teenagers?” I asked. “You are in for shock my dear man.” I patted his cheek affectionately as I said this.

Shortly the four youngsters returned to the porch. “Is lunch ready yet?” Ron asked.

“Well, let’s go find out, I’m starving,” I replied.

Inside the house, Dumbledore and McGonagall were sitting at the table, which was already laid out for lunch. We all took our usual seats and started filling our plates. There were several different types of meats, cheeses, breads, salads and assorted beverages. We talked amiably while we ate. Once lunch was finished, Gretchen and Hermione went upstairs to fix their hair before we were to go out and fly the new Pathfinder brooms.

Gretchen

Hermione and I went up to our bedroom. “Hermione, try and relax, flying is easy once you get the hang of it,” I said, trying to get her to relax a little. “I’ll be right beside you until you feel comfortable and I’m satisfied that you can handle your broom. Now let’s get our hair tied up in ponytails. You don’t need to be distracted by your hair blowing in your face.”

“Thanks, Gretchen,” she replied, smiling appreciatively. “I really welcome you helping me with flying. I have never really been comfortable flying around on a broom.”

While I was pulling Hermione’s hair into a ponytail she said, “You and Ron seem to have hit if off in a big way.”

“Yes we have,” I said. “From the beginning I liked Ron. We both shared many of the same family experiences. He has always tried to make me feel comfortable and part of the group. I was just starting to think that he might be more than just a friend. Then this morning when we were laying out in the middle of the meadow I really started to become attracted to him. The more we talked and looked at each other the more I wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him. I found a daisy and started ‘He loves me, he loves me not’. I rigged it so that it came out ‘He loves me’ and kissed him. From our first kiss, I was hooked, but please don’t tell Ron. I don’t want him to think I’m a push over.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t tell him”, she said grinning. “We have to keep the guys guessing. Harry knows that I love him, but we have known each other for six years. So it’s a little different than you and Ron.”

“Well I’m chalking the whole thing up as, ‘Love at first sight’,” I said. “We better get outside and start flying. We can talk more about the guys tonight.” We quickly finished our hair and hurried downstairs, out onto the porch where everyone else was waiting.

Leaning against the porch railing were the six Pathfinder brooms. They were about six feet long and except for the molded seat fastened to the handle, they looked quite ordinary. The handle at the top of the broom widened out with a flat surface about three inches across. Set in the handle was a compass and sneakoscope.

Sirius told all of us to each grab a broom and follow him out into the meadow. He then began to explain how to operate the Pathfinder.

“The Pathfinder’s controls are a little different than the brooms you have flown before. You climb, dive, go right or left by pulling up, pushing down, pull left or right on the broom’s handle as normal. However, to go faster you need to squeeze the handle harder. To slow down loosen your grip on the handle. The broom will continue to accelerate while you squeeze the handle until it reaches its maximum speed of fifty mile per hour. If you remove your hand from the handle the broom will quickly slow down and stop. While hovering you can move straight up or down, just don’t squeeze the handle while maneuvering. Now why don’t you take your brooms out for some practice flying to get familiar with their handling?”

We each picked up a broom and walked out into the meadow. I told Ron and Harry to get lost, in no uncertain terms. I didn’t want them buzzing around Hermione making her more nervous than she already was. They pretended to be offended and hurt. I kissed Ron and then he and Harry mounted their brooms and took off.

“Hermione, what bothers you more, height or speed?” I asked her.

“A little of both, but mostly its speed that scares me,” she replied.

“Well you’re in luck,” I said. “These brooms are not built for speed. They are like a plow horse, not a racehorse. Let’s get started.”

We swung our legs over the brooms and gently pulled up on the handle rising slowly into the air. When we were just above the treetops, I asked Hermione how she was doing. “Okay,” she replied nervously.

“Let’s fly around the edge of the meadow about 20 feet above the tree tops,” I instructed her. “Just gently squeeze the handle until we are traveling about twenty five miles per hour,” I told her. Shortly we were moving around the perimeter of the meadow. I told Hermione to follow my lead, as I started turning, climbing and diving in and around the meadow. After about thirty minutes of basic flying Hermione was fairly relaxed and was able to handle her broom with some confidence.

I landed in the middle of the meadow and Hermione landed right beside me a moment later. “How are you feeling?” I asked her.

“Pretty good,” she replied, smiling confidently.

“Okay, here’s what we are going to do next,” I said. “We will take off as quickly as we can; accelerating until we reach our broom’s maximum speed. Then we will make a wide circle and return straight back here, diving quickly and landing back in the meadow.” The smile on Hermione’s face was quickly replaced by a worried look. “Hermione, you can do this,” I told her. “I will be right beside you. Your stomach may feel a little woozy, but you’ll be fine. Now just follow me.”

We took off at a steep angle and quickly accelerated to fifty miles per hour. We were about two hundred feet in the air. Hermione looked pale, but was following close behind me. I nodded that we were going to circle to the west and started into a tight turn, which she accomplished without any difficulty. I pointed to the ground and started to dive quickly. Hermione followed me. Her eyes were very wide but she had a determined look on her face. About fifty feet from the ground I started to pull back and slow down. Hermione followed my lead and we both landed safely in the meadow with just a little bump.

“That was perfect,” I told her. “I really think you’re starting to get the hang of it,” I added.

Hermione grinned at me and said. “I was really nervous on that landing but now that I’ve done it, it doesn’t seem nearly so frightening. Could we try it again?”

We practiced flying for the next half hour. I kept adding to the speed and difficulty as we practiced. By the end of the practice, Hermione was able to handle her broom confidently, and with a good measure of self-control. She looked at me and said. “Thanks, Gretchen. I really appreciate you helping me learn how to fly more confidently.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied. “Besides, that’s what friends are for.”

Just as we had finished our practice, Ron and Harry came zooming up and landed beside us. “Are we allowed to return?” Ron asked me.

“Sure you are,” replied Hermione, taking off immediately. We all took off after her. For the next half hour, we were flying all over and around the meadow. By the time, we landed and walked back to the porch everyone was quite comfortable with the Pathfinder.

“Well it looks as though you have all become comfortable with your new brooms,” said Sirius, looking at all of us as we climbed the steps to the porch. “Madelyn and I have set up the tent and would like to show it to you now.” He led us around to the side of the house where the tent had been erected. It didn’t look very big from the outside. Once we stepped inside, the tent felt bigger than it looked. Mind you, I’m not saying it was spacious or roomy, but it would be adequate for our needs.

The bedrooms each had three cots with enough room to move around without tripping over the beds. The bathing room was quite small but once again would be sufficient for our needs.

“Where’s the Owlery?” Ron asked, trying to be funny and not exactly succeeding. The main room had six chairs with fold up trays that would be used for eating or writing. Food, extra clothes, and other supplies were stored in canvas bags along the walls of the main room.

After we came back outside, Sirius told us that it would be two hours before the evening meal and that we were free until then.

Harry

Hermione, Ron, Gretchen, and I walked back up onto the porch, pulled two loveseats up to a pair of footstools, and sat down. Hermione leaned her back against my side and I put my arm over her shoulder while she pulled her feet up on the loveseat. Gretchen sat with her back to the outside edge of the loveseat with her legs over the top of Ron’s legs. They were holding each other’s hand.

I said to Hermione, “Looks like we may have some competition for being the most charming couple at Hogwarts this year.”

“It sure looks like it,” she replied, turning to kiss my cheek and smiling at Ron and Gretchen.

I noticed that Ron was deep in thought and was frowning. “What’s the matter, Ron?” I asked.

“Harry, if we succeed in gathering all of the ingredients for the potion I want to test it on myself before you and Hermione have a go at it,” he replied, the tone of his voice leaving no doubt as to his seriousness.

I was completely unprepared for this gesture. “Ron, you don’t have to take this risk. The prophecy is directed at Hermione and me,” I said, quite disturbed by the thought of Ron placing himself in danger on our behalf.

Ron continued, “Harry, you and Hermione may be the wizarding worlds best or only hope of defeating Voldemort. I won’t let you try something this risky unless I know that the chances are very good that it will not bring harm to the two of you.” Ron said this with such determination and forcefulness that he sounded just like Sirius. I noticed Gretchen looking at Ron with nothing short of sheer admiration in the expression on her face.

“Ron, we greatly appreciate what you are offering to do for us,” said Hermione. “Even though the very thought of doing this terrifies me, Harry and I are ready to try.”

“Hermione, I know you and Harry have the courage to attempt this charm,” Ron replied. “What I am concerned most about, is that something will go wrong during the fire breathing process and you and Harry will be killed or badly hurt. As I am your most trusted friend, it is my duty to make sure you take only the risks that can’t be avoided. I am sure that I can convince Sirius and Madelyn to agree with my point of view on this matter. Believe me; I am not trying to rob you of any glory or anything else. I would not be able to look in a mirror ever again if you were hurt and I could have prevented it. I love you both too much for that to happen.”

Hermione got up, crossed over to Ron, and flung her arms around his shoulders sending streams of tears running down his shirt. Ron looked a little awkward but put an arm around Hermione looking at Gretchen helplessly. “Oh, Ron, don’t fret about me,” said Gretchen. “Hermione is just trying to thank you for what we are going to do for them,” she added.

“We, what ‘we’ are you talking about Gretchen,” he asked sounding quite confused. As Ron asked Gretchen, what she meant Hermione stopped hugging Ron and looked up at Gretchen. I was also staring at her wondering what she meant.

“Now that I have your undivided attention, let me explain some facts about this charm that you three are, as yet unaware of,” she continued.

“The grownups have not been entirely forthcoming on all of the details about this charm. First, the charm really works best when it is cast on two people at the same time. Usually this is a man and women that are planning to spend the rest of their lives with each other. The spell it creates allows the power of the two to be focused as one on anyone trying to hurt either of them. It’s not a requirement that the two be a man and women. It has been used successfully by two men or two women. At least that’s what the history books say.”

“That is what I meant by ‘We’, Gretchen continued. “Hermione, Ron and I will do a test run for you and Harry. If it works on us then you and Harry can have the charm cast on you. Assuming the potion works then there will be two couples that have the protection of this charm. This should increase the chances of defeating Voldemort.”

“Gretchen, how do you know this,” I asked her.

“You all know that I am especially good at potions,” she replied. I have an avid curiosity and interest in the history of potions, especially ancient ones. I ran across this charm in a book titled ‘Ancient Charms, Myth or Fact’ while doing some research in the library at school last year.”

“Have any of you considered what’s to keep your clothes from being turned into flaming torch rags,” Gretchen asked, “Well the simple answer is you won’t be wearing any,” she replied, in answer to her own question. “I’m not sure just exactly how Sirius and Madelyn planned to pull this off. Probably some type of trance and a memory charm. Madelyn is very good with those.”

By this time, I’m sure that Gretchen thought she was talking to three petrified individuals. I finally managed to ask, “Gretchen, are you suggesting that we should not be trying to obtain this charm?”

“No, Harry, not all,” she replied. “I fell very strongly that we should do this. I just felt that you should all know the whole story.”

Ron had opened his mouth to speak several times, but he was completely speechless. Gretchen noticed his extreme distress, turned his face to her, and said.

“Ron, don’t let the idea of being naked in front of a dragon scare you. I promise you it will be nowhere near as embarrassing as you think it will be. Back home in Sweden it is quite normal for whole families to take Sauna together. Often guests or other families are present.”

“Ron, are you hearing what I am saying,” she asked him. “Hello, is anybody home?”

“Yes, I hear you,” Ron finally managed to say in a strangled voice.

“Good, in many cultures throughout history, public bathing has been a routine part of everyday life. The ancient Japanese had a saying, ‘Nakedness is often seen, but never noticed.’ Being naked for the right reasons is not immoral. After all, we are born that way. I’m sure that Professor Dumbledore, Sirius and Madelyn have something worked out so that we will be able to obtain the charm and not be totally embarrassed during the procedure.”

Hermione, who had been listening intently to Gretchen’s explanation let go of Ron, came back over, and sat down beside me. She took my hand in hers but didn’t say anything. Gretchen continued talking to Ron.

“Ron, I promise you none of us will remember seeing each other when this is over.”

“I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or insulted,” Ron added, with a trace of humor creeping back into his voice. Under normal circumstances, if a person takes off their clothes in public somebody usually notices or at least remembers. But I guess this is anything but normal,” Ron sighed.

Hermione was still being awfully quiet. I wasn’t sure if now was the time to ask her if she was all right? Maybe she would feel more comfortable discussing this with Gretchen. While I was debating what to say to her, she said to no one in particular. “I always thought the first time I would be naked in front of a man would be on my Honeymoon.”

“Hermione, don’t equate nakedness with sex. They aren’t the same thing,” Gretchen said. “Remember what I told you about our tradition of taking Sauna as a whole family. I know it’s difficult to comprehend. If you had been raised in a Swedish family, you wouldn’t be worried in the slightest over this.”

“Well, we have at least two weeks before we will be ready to make the potion and stand before the dragon,” I said. “By that time the shock will have worn off and maybe this won’t seem like the crisis it does right now. Also, like Gretchen said, Professor Dumbledore probably has this all worked out.”

“I wonder if Professor McGonagall knows about any of this,” asked Hermione, sounding as though she seriously doubted it.

“Let’s get back to you and Gretchen doing a test run first,” I said to Ron. “Are you absolutely sure this is what you feel you must do?”

Ron looked at Gretchen and said to her. “I haven’t any words to adequately express my feelings for you wanting to stand by my side to protect Harry and Hermione.”

Gretchen just smiled at Ron and said. “Words aren’t necessary, Ron.” She then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips. Gretchen turned to Hermione and me and said, “We are both ready.”

For the next hour, we talked about school and things in general. “I think it’s just about time for dinner,” I said.

As Ron stood up Gretchen jumped on his back and said, “Giddy-up horsy.”

“Are you sure you want to do this,” Ron asked with a snicker.

“A horse doesn’t ask questions,” replied Gretchen. “Get a move on.” Hermione and I laughed as Ron headed for the front door with Gretchen on his back.

Sirius

Madelyn and I were sitting by the fire when the kids came through the front door. Ron was carrying Gretchen on his back as he came through the door. Once inside the room he let Gretchen down and they both walked over to the table, which had just been set for dinner. The rest of us joined them at the table.

“Why don’t we eat first and then we can discuss any aspects of the journey that you wish, following our evening meal,” Albus said. We all ate a hearty meal and after each of us had finished the last of our desserts, Albus asked if anyone had any questions or comments about our upcoming journey.

“When will we go through the portal into the Realm?” Harry asked.

“You will cross into the Realm shortly after breakfast tomorrow,” replied Albus. “We will all travel from here to the site of the portal by Portkey. Once we arrive at the portal, the six of you will cross over to the Realm. Professor McGonagall and I will return immediately to Hogwarts.”

Ron asked, “When we return from the Realm to this world, how will we get back to our homes?”

“Next to the portal is a small Owlery,” Albus explained. “After you return, send me an owl and I will join you. From there we will travel by Portkey to a safe destination. Please remain at the Portal until I come for you, even if that takes a whole day.”

“Is there any means by which we can communicate with you while we are in the Realm?” Hermione asked.

To which Albus replied, “No, I’m afraid you will be totally out of contact with this world while you are in the Realm.”

“Professor Dumbledore,” began Gretchen. “How many couples that are protected by the ‘Impervious Charm’ are you expecting to get back?”

“As many as possible,” said Albus looking at all of us in turn. “I see that you are more knowledgeable about the nature of the ‘Impervious’ Charm than expected. For that, I am pleased. The more you know the whole truth the better your chances of obtaining the charm.”

“Why didn’t you tell us in the first place?” I asked.

“As you know by now I never lie,” Albus continued. “But I don’t always tell all that I know either. In this case, I felt it would be better for you to uncover the facts on your own. You will be better prepared mentally as well as physically to meet the challenges that you will face during you quest.”

“Professor, how did you know that Gretchen and I would take an instant liking for each other?” Ron asked, sounding impressed.

“Ron, I had absolutely no notion that you and Gretchen would pair up this quickly or even at all,” Albus replied. “Ron, your presence on this journey is in my estimation essential to its success. In addition, the group needs someone who is very skilled with potions. Gretchen, I am happy to say fills that need very well. The fact that she also admires you is a pleasant bonus.”

“Do you agree that it would be prudent for Ron and me to be the first to try the potion?” asked Gretchen.

“Hold on there,” I interrupted. “The first ones to test this potion will be Madelyn and I,” I said emphatically. “That is correct,” added Madelyn. “If all goes well then the rest of you can proceed with the potion.”

“I’m afraid that’s not how it will be,” said Albus. “The potion when mixed must be immediately consumed and the fusing performed without delay. Therefore, you will all be fused at the same instant.”

At this announcement from Albus, we all just looked at each other. I was very surprised by this development. The idea of having the kids take this risk with Madelyn and I was unsettling to say the least. Maybe it would be better to just all do it at the same time and get it over with. Well, since that’s how it was going to happen there was no sense fretting over it now.

“Professor Dumbledore, what will we be taking with us?” Gretchen asked.

“You will each be carrying a backpack that contains two liters of water, assorted high calorie high protein foods, basic medical supplies and assorted outdoor equipment,” he replied.

“If there are no more questions, then you should all relax as much as possible,” Albus continued. “You will once again be placed under a light sleeping spell tonight to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.”

The kids rose from the table, settled themselves in front of one of the fireplaces, and began talking. Madelyn and I moved to a loveseat in front of the other fire. Albus and Minerva went out onto the porch.

“Are you ready,” I said to Madelyn.

“About as ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied.

“I don’t know about you, but I am immensely proud of these youngsters,” I said to Madelyn. “I know they’re young, but I feel that they will be able to handle whatever comes our way.”

“Yes, you are right, Sirius, I can’t think of any group of young people who I would have more faith in than these kids.”

Madelyn and I talked for the next hour until Albus announced that it was time for us all to go to bed. At the landing on the stairs, Harry kissed Hermione good night, as did Ron and Gretchen. Madelyn surprised me by kissing me very passionately. I was glad that we were going to be under a sleeping spell after that kiss. I was sure that I would be having very pleasant dreams tonight.

We all got ready and into bed quickly. Albus waved his wand and the last thing I remembered was the taste on Madelyn’s lips.