Harry Potter and the Galator
Chapter 27
Rewards
Harry gave them the good news the next night that they all had the potential of being mages, but sometime it would take years of practice and hard work. Ron started to complain a little, but his complaints were squashed by Hermione admonishing him that a lot of hard work and practice are what great wizards do to become the great wizards that they are. She explained that a great wizard or witch just doesn't learn things by osmosis or by dreaming they could do things. They'd have to actually work hard, study hard and practice hard to accomplish their goals.
Ron started to point out that Harry seemed to be getting his powers and other skills without studying much or practicing. That complaint was squashed by Ginny. She reminded him that Harry had been training, although while he was asleep, he was training nonetheless. He also reminded him that Harry had been studying hard ever since the beginning of the term.
Harry wanted to chuckle at Ron's expression, but he could feel Ron being embarrassed at his childish complaints, so he decided to let it go. He knew Ron well enough that complaining was just part of his nature and it wouldn't be normal if he didn't hear Ron complain about one thing. He decided to get on with the reason they were gathered.
"Okay, I want to go over our plan one more time before we practice to make sure everyone knows where they're supposed to be and what they're supposed to do." Everyone wanted to complain at going over it again, but they knew that Harry was being cautious and was doing it for their safety. Besides, no one change his mind once it was made up, so it was no use complaining anyway.
They stepped through the plans once again. Harry needed to know where they were at all times so that he could keep the bubble shielding charm on their persons at all time. Even if he knew he would sense where they were, he didn't want to have to waste that precious time when he could put it to better use. When he was appeased that everyone knew the plan like the back of their hand, he decided to give them a treat. He had them sit down on the pillows he'd conjured for them. They loved seeing Harry used his power without his wand; sometimes they would give subtle hints about wanting to sit on a cushiony pillow instead on the hard chair. They all knew he'd feel their real meaning and would smile when he'd conjure up the pillows for them.
As soon as they were all quiet, he closed his eyes. Ron was about to ask a question but Lavender swatted his arm to be quiet. Harry continued to concentrate hard. A few minutes past and the other five were restless when all of the sudden the room was filled with blinding white light. Everyone shut their eyes in response until they hear an unfamiliar voice. When they opened their eyes, they saw Harry smiling up at the old man who looked like Dumbledore, but had dark scarred eyes peering at them with amusement. Of course, he didn't really use his eyes for sight, but his expressions still reflect in them.
"Ah, Harry. I see you're leaping skills are getting better."
"Yes, sir, but I did have your help as we agreed?" Merlin only nodded, but he didn't want to divulge the fact that Harry had leaped him all on his own. He knew he could do, he was just now waiting for the right time to let him know he didn't help him at all.
The five teens still had their mouths hanging open at the presence of the great Merlin. When Harry told them he would give them a treat, they all pictured their favorite desserts in front of them. They never imagined meeting Merlin. There was a slight white mist surrounding him, but he was as real as they could possibly imagine.
"Well, then. I think introductions are in order," he winked at Harry. "You must be Hermione." He turned to face Hermione. All she could do was nod. She hadn't quite recovered from the initial shock.
"She could usually talk one's ears off when she's herself, which she doesn't seem to be at the moment," Harry chuckled. She glared at him.
"I'm so sorry for acting like a star struck teenager, but that's exactly what I am right now. Ever since Harry began his training with you, I had dreamt of meeting you in person, so to speak." Merlin chuckled. "It's an honor to meet you sir."
"It's an honor to meet you as well Miss Granger. Harry has told me so much about you. It's as if I'd known you all my life." She smiled at him and took his hand in hers. She felt as though she'd touched the opposite of a dementor. She felt all the good radiating within her person. She felt as if she was touching a god, she imagined what she felt would be what it felt like to touch a god. Harry felt her elation and couldn't help but be thankful to have Merlin on his side and in his family. She finally got her wits back and let go of his hand.
"And, you must be Ron," he turned to face him. "I've heard so many things about you as well, although I must say Harry, he doesn't look quite as ugly as you made him out to be." Ron glowered at Harry. "I'm only joking, Ron. Harry didn't tell me that. He told me what a great friend you were and how your family" he turned to Ginny then "had welcomed him as a member when he had no real family to turn to." Ginny smiled at him. Ron couldn't help but feel proud of himself and his family. No matter how poor they were with material things, he'd always known that they were rich in what really counts: love and happiness. Ron shook Merlin's hands though he felt like giving him a bear hug that would put Molly Weasley's hug to shame.
He refrained of course because he had his dignity to uphold. Ginny was next and he didn't need to say her name since he'd already acknowledged her as part of the Weasley family. She held out her hand to him and they shook each other's hand. She felt the same as Hermione. She felt as if she floated into the clouds and in the presence of a god.
"Oh and Lavender Brown," he turned to Lavender. "You are as beautiful as Harry described if not more so. I will need to talk to you and Ron in private." She blushed and let out a nervous giggle. She knew it had to do with the pregnancy scare they just went through recently. She dreaded having a talk with Merlin in private with Ron, but as soon as she touched his hand all her fears dissipated only to be replaced with happiness.
"And last but certainly not least, Mr. Neville Longbottom. You certainly have a way of getting your share of adventure accidentally." He chuckled and Neville's round cheeks were tinged with blush. "Don't worry, you are only following what fate has in store for you. Your parents are proud of you, you know."
"I'm sorry sir, but I wouldn't know." He looked down at his shoes as if he'd just something dropped on him.
"Ah, my boy. I am trying to tell you that for them. I do visit with them once in a while. They may seem as if they've lost their sanity in this world, but in my world everyone who had served the wizarding community in the name of good are still roaming around as if they are pretty much alive."
"Thank you sir, you don't know how much that means to me." He then held out his hand to him and shook his hand and felt the same as the others felt before him and more. It was as if he felt his parents touching him and feeling their pride in him.
"I'm happy to meet all of you. I am certain you were all chosen to be part of Harry's life because of the role each of you will play in the destruction of evil. But I will say no more. You still need to gather one more person for your true destinies to be complete." They all wondered who might be the other person they still need to recruit. "Don't worry so. It is not yet the right time for you to welcome the person into your circle, but I can tell you that the person is already somewhat in the circle. The time will come when the seven of you will come together to rid the world of the dark Lord, but until then enjoy yourselves and be safe. You wonder why you should keep the group at six?" they all nodded. "It is because, six is an imperfect number, but seven. Seven is a perfect number, which you will need in order for all your destinies to be complete."
As in the beginning when he first appeared, all their mouths dropped open, this time including Harry. He'd never heard of that before. Merlin hadn't mentioned anything about his destiny or any of his friends. It didn't sit well with him that he still had someone else to worry about when the time came.
Merlin turned to Ron and Lavender and walked to the corner and had them follow him. He cast a spell and it looked as if they just faded and became part of the background. Harry knew they were just inside a protective bubble where they could see out, but no one can see inside nor hear what was being said inside. He walked over to Ginny and Hermione who obviously felt concerned about their friends' disappearance. He put a reassuring hand on their shoulder and explained what had happened.
Hermione looked up at him with a knowing look. He smiled and wished they could talk telepathically like what Merlin and he do sometimes. He leaned down and whispered in her ears instead so that Neville and Ginny would not hear.
"I'm practicing," was all he told her and she blushed furiously. He had known that the little trick Merlin had just demonstrated would be put to good use whenever they feel they wanted privacy and some snogging session. She just smiled up at him.
"Better practice hard and fast," she teased. He looked down at her and chuckled.
"Now, you two. You had a little scare?" They nodded. "Harry did not tell me, but I have my ways." They nodded again. "Well, I can't tell you to be celibate when I know for a fact that human attraction is far too strong to control at times, so I am going to perform a little spell that will wear out when you two are more prepared for parenthood. And believe me, it is 100% foolproof, and the spell will know when you are ready." He cast a spell on both of them similar to the age line that prevented underage student to cross and submit their names in the Goblet of Fire. The spell was to prevent Lavender from being pregnant until the spell deemed them ready for the responsibility.
"Thank you," Ron managed to sputter.
"Okay, but there is one more little catch, if either one of you become unfaithful to the other the spell is broken. If you decide to break it off from each other the spell will be broken."
"Why is that, sir?" asked Lavender.
"Because the spell is cast through the strength of your love for one another. If that no longer exists, then there is nothing that is binding the spell."
"Oh, Thank you, sir."
"You're very welcome, but I do caution that you do not let this become an incentive to exercise your passions when you feel like it. I want you two to exercise discreetness as well as putting your studies next to your love. The seven will not survive if all of you do not do your share to make up your part of your fate."
"Yes, sir" they told him almost simultaneously. "We won't forget."
Merlin removed the bubble and rejoined the others. He told them he had to go, but not before he assured them that they will see each other again sooner than they think.
Harry gave him a hug and told him to tell his other relatives hello and most especially his parents. There were occasions that he was rewarded by seeing his parents for a job well done. Their spirit could only visit for a short time, but he could see them. He hadn't found a way to be able to touch them yet, but he was able to exchange a few words with them.
"I have a surprise for you," Merlin told him one day. "For a job well done, I have talked to the great Dagda guardian of the spirit world to allow you to have the surprise." Harry had heard about the great Dagda many times and knew that he was one of the good guys that had been guiding and protecting Merlin since his younger years as well as all the good in the world. He wondered what the spirit guardian had to do with his surprise until he blink and saw his parents practically floating in front of him.
"Hi, Harry." His heart constricted with emotions beyond words. He'd seen his parents and even heard his parents during the confrontation with Voldemort during the TriWizard Tournament, but to actually converse with them and take his time was priceless.
"Mum, Dad?" They nodded. He felt the lump in his throat and felt Merlin's hand on his shoulder.
"Surprise!" he whispered to him.
"Thank you," he told him without turning to look at him. He didn't want to miss any millisecond of time with his parents.
"We only have a few minutes, but your mom and I wanted to let you know that we are so very proud of you." His mom nodded in agreement.
"We also want you to know that we love you and we're always looking out for you when we can," his mom added.
"I love you too, and I miss you."
"We do too honey, but I believe the Weasley's have been taken great care of you."
"Yes, they have. Sirius too when he was alive." James and Lily looked at each other. They didn't want to tell him that they had not come across Sirius' spirit yet and that there was still a chance that he could still be very much alive somewhere. They didn't want him to get his hopes up when even they as spirits couldn't locate him. They knew he was no longer in the same world as Harry, but he was not in their world as well.
"We know, son. Please take heed of whatever you learn with Merlin and all his advise. We don't want you to end up like us."
"I'll do my best," he told them as they started to fade away.
"Bye, Harry. We love you." He watched them disappear in front of him. He let the tears drop and quickly wiped them away.
"Thanks again Merlin."
"Anything for you my boy. You deserved that surprise."
Back in the room, everyone gawked at him after Merlin left. He felt their questions even before they voiced it. He simply answered, "Leaping" and left it at that.
A/N: I appreciate all the reviews. Here's another chapter since I won't be able to post on Monday… Enjoy.