Harry Potter and the Search for the Soul Rod

Chapter Four: The New Guardian

Harry looked around the room at his friends and smiled. This was actually going to work. No matter how many times he thought about it, it still hasn't sunk in yet. Harry was smiling into nothing when an all familiar `pop' resounded through the living room. The crack shattered the delicate silence like a hammer. But the unmistakable figure of Albus Dumbledore standing in the middle of the room was a calming sight.

“Harry, I have some good news. I think this will make some things easier for you, and some things harder.” The professor said to the room, and to Harry alone at the same time.

Of course, it didn't take Ron long to comment on it. “When will you ever stop speaking in Riddles?” He asked incredulously.

Albus chuckled. “An old man has to find his fun some how.” The simple words created a image in Harry's mind that made him laugh out loud. A picture of Dumbledore sitting on a beach with a bathing suit on was just hilarious.

“I don't understand sir,” Harry had never gotten out of the habit. “How can it be easy and hard at the same time?” He asked, very confused.

“Well, I need you to be the new Guardian.” Albus said simple, as if Harry should know this.

“What Guardian?” Harry asked, clueless to what the Professor was talking about.

“The Guardian of the Soul Rod of course.” Albus said, again as if Harry should have known that.

Harry's heart leapt. That meant that Harry would have access to the Rod whenever he needed it. It also meant that he could protect it when he needed too.

“That's excellent. We won't have to search for it after all.” Harry said, ecstatic about the simplicity of his plans now.

“But Harry, you don't understand. The Guardian has laws he must abide by, there are rules to keep him in check.” Albus said. “I cannot tell you those rules, for they are not mine to tell.” He continued. “But the person who can is not far. I will take you to him if you wish.” He finished.

“Yes that would be good.” Harry said, a million thoughts racing through his head. Who was the old Guardian? Why do they need a new one? Who was the person who was going to tell him the rules? What were they going to be?

Harry walked over to the Professor, and grabbed the Portkey the man was holding out to him. With a light tug from behind his navel, he was gone.