The World Beyond The Tomb

Disclaimer: I did not create any of the Harry Potter Characters, etc etc….

A/N: This story is based on a challenge from the H/Hr forums. The rules were pretty much to write a Zelda/HP crossover and here is my humble attempt.

The White Tomb

Harry awoke with a start. He was having those dreams again…

Ever since he could remember, Harry had always dreamt of a strange land that seemed so familiar and yet, Harry knew he had never been there before.

The people were so different to muggles and even Wizarding folk. They where tall and had long pointy ears, reminding him of the elves he had read about in a muggle book, ‘The Lord of the Rings.’

The pointy-eared people called themselves Hylians and were ruled by a beautiful princess, who lived in a magnificent castle in a place called Hyrule.

Harry wished he could physically go there instead of always having to dream about it. He just knew that this place was real, somehow. Someday he was sure he would see it.

“You alright, Harry?” Ron said groggily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Harry nodded, still trying to keep the details of the dream in his mind. The attempt was proving difficult, as thoughts trickled away like water in his hands. It was too late to try piece together the dream but he could at least remember that the princess was about to have her coronation and become Queen. He wished he could see it.

Harry looked over to where Ron was sleeping and frowned to himself. The daunting thought of having to hunt horcruxes was now finished but Harry still did not know how he was going to actually kill Voldemort.

Apparently he would use the power the “dark lord knows not” but Harry didn’t think he had any particular special powers. Dumbledore, who had been murdered only one year ago, had told Harry the power was love, but Harry didn’t know how that would help him; it wasn’t like he could go up to Voldemort and give him a kiss and a hug, proclaiming peace and love at the same time.

Harry sighed. Ron had fallen back asleep again and was now snoring gently. He could hear Ginny thumping around in the room next door. She probably couldn’t sleep again.

They all were having trouble sleeping lately. Now that the horcruxes had all been collected, everyone was on edge over when the final battle would be. Harry just wished he could run away and not have to worry. Even if he did know he was the one who could kill Voldemort, he was so sick of having to be the one everyone looked to for what to do. He was tired of being the hero and wanted nothing more than to just live his life freely with the people he loved. Such dreams would never come true though.

Harry had always been marked as something special. Since Voldemort had cursed him when he was a baby and left the lightening scar on his forehead, Harry had been marked in prophecy. He was a saviour of the Wizarding World, but in reality, Harry was just a boy- a courageous and resourceful boy, but still just a normal boy.

He was only seventeen and yet, wizards and witches ten times his age were asking for his advice. He didn’t know what they expected from him. Sure he had survived Voldemort’s plans to kill him countless times but he had never used any power that no one else had. Anyone could have done it. Harry simply got lucky. He could have died just as easily all those times and without his friends to back him up, he was sure he would have.

Harry yawned and stretched in his sleeping bag. Tomorrow they were supposed to go see Minerva McGonnagal at Hogwarts. Apparently she had something important to discuss with them. Harry knew he’d better get some more sleep. The last thing he wanted was to be tired when talking to McGonnagal; she was very strict and yawning during her discussion would not put her in a good mood.

Pulling the sleeping bag up close to his chin, Harry closed his eyes and swiftly fell asleep.

OOOOO

Harry yawned again, as he collapsed onto the chair at the little table. He scratched his messy hair and cast his eyes about the room. His eyes fell on Hermione, who was cooking them breakfast on the little oven.

Her bushy brown hair was tied back with a white ribbon but loose strands were falling around her face. Her skin was slightly pink from the steam coming from the porridge and she wiped her nose where Harry guessed there was an itch.

He had found himself studying her more and more lately. She proved a very interesting subject. He could tell when she was happy, upset or annoyed. When she was frustrated, confused or simply tired and it was all through the mannerisms in her hands, the expressions in her honey brown eyes and the movement of her lips. He had never realised it, but Hermione Granger was a very expressive girl.

He wasn’t sure when he had first started observing her, but it had become one of his favourite pass-times in order for him to survive living in this little shack which had become their bass of sorts. They had had nothing to do for weeks now and Harry couldn’t stand being cooped up with nothing to do for that long, so he had taken a leaf from Luna’s book and started observing the people around him. It really was amazing what you found out just from watching people.

For example, one thing he had learned about Ginny was that whenever she came to a problem, she would often bite her finger and thumb lightly, while she puzzled over something. Ron, surprisingly, often played with his fingernails when he was feeling anxious and Luna would often mouth words to herself when she thought nobody was watching. Harry thought she wouldn’t have really cared if someone did, but he did find it curious that she talked to herself sometimes, no doubt probably telling some other invisible creature to stay away from her….

“McGonnagal sent another letter this morning.” Hermione said, as though just remembering it herself. Harry could tell by the way she folded her arms that she was not pleased by what was in the letter.

“What did it say?” He asked, looking up into her face as she placed a hot plate of porridge in front of him. It smelt delicious.

“Read it for yourself.” Hermione said irritably and pulled out some parchment from her pocket, thrusting it under his nose.

Harry took the parchment and scanned the neat writing briefly. It said:

I expect to see you at noon. Come to the white tomb and do not make a scene when you see who else I have asked to come as well. This involves all of you and I will not let your petty arguments get in the way of this mission.

I don’t have the time to give all the details, but all of you must come here and be prepared for the worst. You may not make it out of this alive and I doubt all of you will, but if you do it could mean our victory in this war.

Yours etc,

Minerva McGonnagal.

Harry looked up and gazed at Hermione’s face. She seemed to be waiting for his reaction to the letter.

“Well…” Harry said slowly, trying to find the words. “That was very-”

“Rude, demanding.” Hermione cut in.

“Abrupt was what I was going to say.” Harry said quietly. He was surprised as to why Hermione was so annoyed. McGonnagal had always been like this.

“She tells us that some of us will die and that we probably won’t make it out alive, but that it could possibly mean victory for this war. This is just like when she sent us on that mission five months ago…” Hermione broke off, her eyes becoming oddly bright. “I didn’t have a good feeling that time and I don’t have a good feeling now about this.”

Harry understood her frustration now. Five months ago, Hermione, Harry and Ron, as well as a few order members had been sent by McGonnagal to collect a horcrux. It had turned out to be a trap and they had barely managed to get out alive. Kingsley had been murdered that day and Ron had been in a coma for three weeks. Hermione had been caught and tortured ruthlessly by Death Eaters. It was by pure luck that they had managed to save her. She hardly ever spoke about the experience but Harry knew it had changed her.

 “This isn’t like last time.” Harry said reassuringly. “I’m sure McGonnagal is just exaggerating the danger; after all, there are no more horcruxes to get.”

Hermione shook her head. “Just because this isn’t a horcrux doesn’t make it any less dangerous. I’m telling you, Harry, I have a very bad feeling about this.”

The door opened and Luna walked out with a vacant expression on her face. When her protruding blue eyes fell on Harry, she gave him a small smile, her eyes lighting with a gentle glow.

“I’ve been looking for you. I should have realised that you would be in here.”

Harry frowned. “What?”

Luna sat down on the chair, while Hermione went back to her pot of porridge, now resigned to the fact that Luna, now playing with a spoon, had successfully ended their conversation.

“I had a strange dream last night.” Luna said in her dreamy way. “I dreamt I was under water in a strange temple but I couldn’t get out.”

“What’s that got to do with me?” Harry said perplexed, as he spooned a mouthful of porridge into his mouth.

“When I was down there, a funny looking fish-woman told me the man who is marked by the third triangle would help me.”

Again Harry stared at her blankly. Sometimes he thought Luna really was crazy.

Luna huffed, clearly annoyed that Harry hadn’t realised what she was talking about and seized his wrist, turning the back of his right hand towards his eyes.

“Look.” She ordered.

Harry stared and then felt his jaw drop. On the back of his hand were four triangles, one in the centre and three on the outside, all joined together to make one large triangle. One of them, the third one, was coloured in with a faintly glowing light. The triangle seemed to light up all by itself on his hand. Harry had never seen this before and felt slightly apprehensive as to what it would mean.

“What is this?” Harry whispered. He felt Hermione lean over his shoulder and peer at his hand. She gasped and nearly dropped the plate she was holding for Luna.

“You have one too?” She asked in a shaky voice.

Harry frowned and looked at her. “What do you mean, I have one too?”

Hermione lifted up her hand. Instantly a triangle formed on the back of her hand, only this time, the second triangle was coloured in.

“What does this mean?” Hermione said mystified.

Luna shrugged. “I’m not sure. I only knew Harry had one because I saw it one day when he was sleeping. When the woman said that I just knew she was talking about Harry.”

Harry felt a heavy feeling descending over him. It was just his luck to have another thing making him a hero for somebody. Why couldn’t everyone just save themselves instead of always having to rely on him?

“You know. I think I’ve seen this design before.” Hermione mused out loud.

Harry looked at her eagerly. “When?”

Hermione frowned to herself, her brow scrunching up in thought.

“Dumbledore’s tomb.” She said, her eyes widening at the thought. “I saw it on the door of the white tomb.”

Harry stared at her aghast. That was where McGonnagal wanted them to meet. It couldn’t possibly just be coincidence.

“This is way over our heads.” Harry said firmly. “Let’s just worry about these triangle things later. Right now we have to make sure everyone gets some of Hermione’s delicious porridge before we have to go to Hogwarts.”

Luna nodded. “I’ll go wake Ginny up. She’s still snoring.”

“I do not envy you right now.” Hermione said in an ominous tone to Luna.

Harry chuckled slightly. Ginny was a fright in the mornings if woken before she decided it was time to get up. The last time Hermione tried to get her up she came back with bat bogeys floating around her head.

“I’m sure she won’t hurt me, Hermione. You just have no tact when it comes to Ginny.” Luna said nonchalantly, as she left the room.

Harry stared at Luna’s retreating back in shock. Sometimes the dotty girl could be very blunt…and very rude. Harry knew Hermione and Ginny’s relationship was a little rocky sometimes. Though they were good friends, they did seem to clash in ideas a lot. Actually, when Harry thought about it, Ron and Hermione had the same problem.

Shaking his head slightly, he gave Hermione an apologetic smile, as though telling her not to heed Luna’s careless comment.

“I’ll go wake Ron up. I’m surprised he isn’t already down here. You know what he is like with food.” Harry said causally, as he stood up from the table and followed Luna out of the room.

He could hear some muffled shouts and a loud thump of a pillow hitting the wall. Obviously, Luna’s tact was no better than Hermione’s, though it seemed the formidable bat bogey hex would not come out to play.

Chuckling again, Harry pushed open the door to his and Ron’s room. Ron was still snoring happily.

“Oi, wake up.” Harry said loudly.

When Ron didn’t respond, Harry gave him a nudge with his foot.

Ron opened his eyes and gave a gigantic yawn. “Whassmatter?” He mumbled as he stared at Harry blearily.

“Get up.” Harry said shortly. “You have to have breakfast and then we are going to head towards Hogwarts.”

Ron grumbled under his breath but still managed to haul himself out of the sleeping bag.

Harry headed back into the kitchen with Ron and took his seat back at the table. He noticed Hermione had not eaten anything and gave her a concerned look. He was about to speak when Ginny clutched his arm and started talking to him.

Tearing his eyes away from Hermione, Harry stared down at his ex-girlfriend, not really listening to what she was saying.

It had been a strange relationship. Harry knew why he had suddenly found himself attracted to her though. It was the age-old tactic of indifference that sparked his interest. He had always had her fawning over him and hanging off his every word and then quite suddenly it all stopped. Ginny appeared to no longer even care about him as she kissed other boys in front him, (Harry figured it was strategically planned out as well.) which only managed to spark a sudden surge of jealousy.

The girl who had always given him her attention was now giving it to others and Harry didn’t like that. Not because he enjoyed girls fawning all over him, but simply because he had grown accustomed to having her there.

She was pretty, there was no doubt about that, and he really did love being in her company…but she just wasn’t right for him. They were just too similar. They were both rash and impulsive and both couldn’t keep their tempers. Ginny often joked that they’d end up murdering each other if they stayed together. She liked to have all his attention but Harry couldn’t give her that. He had other responsibilities and there just wasn’t the time to be a boyfriend to her.

He was glad she had been so understanding when he had broken up with her again. More than likely she had realised that he wasn’t the man for her as well. Now they were just good friends, as it was meant to be, though Ron still seemed intent on having Harry marry his sister, something Harry was very reluctant to even think about at his young age.

“Are you even listening to me, Harry?” Ginny asked, her eyes flashing suspiciously towards him.

Harry smiled vacantly and nodded his head.

Ginny rolled her eyes and turned to talk to Luna and Ron instead. Harry finally seized his chance to talk to Hermione now that Ron, Luna and Ginny were arguing over which sugar tasted better on porridge and were paying no attention to the other two people in the room.

“What’s wrong, Hermione?” Harry asked, moving his chair closer towards her.

Hermione absently played with a silver pendant at her throat. It had been placed on her as a sort of glamour charm to hide the scars that covered her body from the torture she had faced.

Harry had seen her play with the necklace several times and had come to recognise it as a habit she had when she was pondering over things particularly troubling.

Hermione looked up, letting the elegant silver pendant fall back against her creamy skin. Her honey brown eyes seemed to stare at him in a distant manner. Finally she seemed to snap back into reality, as her eyes came back into focus.

“It’s nothing, Harry. I’m just worried about this meeting, that’s all.”

Harry nodded. He too was worried. It seemed the simple discussion was going to become a whole lot more and a whole lot more dangerous at that…

“I’m telling you, brown sugar tastes better in porridge!” Ginny practically screamed, as she thumped her hands on the table.

Luna smiled in a superior manner. “Personally, I prefer raw sugar.”

Ron shook his head, as though they were both mental. “Everyone knows white is the best!”

Harry gave Hermione a sidelong glance. Catching his eye, they shared a smile of amusement at the ridiculous argument going on in front of them.

“What are you two smiling at?” Luna asked curiously.

Hermione laughed, the sound somehow lighting the aura of the room. Harry had missed her laugh. He was glad to hear it again.

“It’s nothing, Luna. I think Harry and I are merely feeling a little out of our league with such connoisseurs of sugar debating in front of us.”

Harry had to try and hide his grin. He doubted whether any of them would catch the sarcasm in her voice. Indeed it seemed her words had gone right over their heads by their blank expressions.

Hermione sighed and stood up. “Why don’t I do these dishes before we leave.”

Harry nodded and offered to help her, if only to escape from being dragged into the pointless debate.

OOOOOOOO

By noon, everyone was feeling more than a little anxious, as they stood staring at the white tomb, the place where Dumbledore had been buried.

Harry was surprised to note that on the white rock of the entrance of the tomb was the strange triangle symbol: the same three small triangles on the outside, with the single triangle in the middle, all forming one large triangle.

“I’m glad you could finally make it.” A brisk voice said from behind them.

Harry turned and stared up into his old Transfiguration Professor’s face. Her hawk-like gaze was peering at him with a stern expression. She always did manage to make him feel like he was in trouble; though he told himself that he couldn’t possible have done anything wrong this time.

Someone else was standing behind the professor, but they were wearing a hood so Harry couldn’t see their face.

“I don’t have much time to explain but through this tomb there is a portal to another world. It is a land where our magic cannot function.”

Harry looked at her alarmed. How were they supposed to survive in this world if they couldn’t use their magic? Looking around, he noticed everyone else was slightly disturbed by that knowledge too.

“What do you mean another world?” Hermione asked in confusion. “How can this tomb take us to another world?”

McGonnagal sighed. “I don’t have all the answers, Miss Granger. All I know is that this world has always been connected to this land beyond the tomb. It is a land where time is manipulated by magic and great powers exist which could destroy the whole world. This power must be retrieved, as it will be crucial in defeating You-Know-Who.”

“Why us? Shouldn’t someone more experienced be doing this?” Ginny asked. Harry thought she had a point. Nearly the whole time he had been horcrux hunting, the adults had always tried to keep him out of harms way, saying he wasn’t experienced enough. Now it seemed they had pulled all the young ones and were putting them directly in danger.

“I don’t know why, I only know that it must be you.” McGonnagal said tiredly.

Harry frowned. It sounded like a lot of this was just rushed. She didn’t seem to know much about anything.

“What will happen when we go through this tomb?”

Harry looked around to see who had spoken and realised it was the person wearing the hood. He knew it was a male by their tone of voice. He wondered who it was.

“You will be sent to where you are supposed to be. Not all of you will look like as you are now, but you each have your own purpose in this world.”

“What do you mean, we won’t look like ourselves?” The hooded male demanded.

“I’m meaning that some of you will take on the forms of the body that your spirit will reside in. In order to survive in those places, your appearance will be manipulated to suit where you have been placed.”

Harry scrunched his face up as he frowned. He didn’t think he liked the sound of that and nor did the hooded male by the looks of things, for he immediately folded his arms and started tapping his foot, as though he was just itching to say something rude but had thought better of it.”

McGonnagal looked up at the sun and nodded. “It’s time. Come, you must enter the tomb now. The Sage of Light awaits.”

Harry looked back at the tomb and noticed that the way the sun reflected on the triangle made it glow.

“Harry, why don’t you touch the triforce and open the portal.” McGonnagal said impatiently.

“Wait.” The hooded male said anxiously. He pulled back his hood and Harry felt his jaw drop as he gazed into Draco Malfoy’s pale face. He never expected to see him again. To his surprise he did not feel angry to see his old rival. Draco had suffered enough in Harry’s opinion, though he would never like the boy.

Ron, however, did not look to be so forgiving. Ginny and Luna were both holding him back so that he didn’t attack the ex-Death Eater.

“What is it Mr Malfoy?” McGonnagal asked, turning her piercing eyes towards him.

“How will we get back?” He asked in a worried voice.

McGonnagal shook her head. “I do not know but it is a risk we have to take. I’m sure you will find that there is another portal like this in the other world.”

Draco didn’t seem satisfied but he stayed quiet.

“Now, Harry. Please, the door.”

Harry nodded and touched his hand to the symbol. It felt surprisingly warm.

Instantly, light engulfed them from the symbol as all five of them were sucked into the tomb. Harry could only gaze in astonishment flashes of light raced past his eyes. He felt like someone had just pulled the plug and he was being sucked down into the depths of the very world.

He couldn’t see any of the others and felt a wave of panic surge through him as he wondered if he would simply be lost in the light.

Suddenly he felt his body slowing down, as a strange place covered in waterfalls came into his vision. The light was fading and Harry soon found himself standing on a stone platform, surrounded by crystal clear water.

Raising his eyes in confusion, Harry gasped as he stared into an old man’s face. The man’s twinkling blue eyes were unmistakable.

“Dumbledore.” Harry said in astonishment.