Finding Harry Potter, Part Two...
Harry sipped at the cold soft drink and quietly slipped his new book into his his knapsack. He was indulging in something he always wanted to do; sightseeing. The first stop on his tour was Stonehenge.
Leaving the visitors center, he pulled the new book out of his knapsack and started to read it as he slowly approached the neolithic structure. He walked past the outer ring of stones and into the inner circle, which was the most famous part of the site.
Something about the site called to him.
He walked over to one of the standing stones and leaned against it, placing his cheek against the cool stone.
Suddenly, all sounds around him ceased. Alarmed, he stepped away from the stone and looked around wildly. No one was moving. In the distance, he could make out a bird, frozen mid-flight against the bright blue sky.
He scowled and wondered what kind of magic was at work when the surface of the stone rippled and a cloaked figure stepped out.
Harry took a step back and crouched low. His left hand flared and a ball of fire hovering just above his palm. His right hand burst into a coruscating aura of light, but he didn't cast.
"Who are you?" he asked warily.
The figure turned and eyed him for a moment. Harry could sense immense power coming from under the cloak and he really didn't want to fight him.
"Good, you have learned caution. It is a lesson that will fare you well in your life, young Master Potter," said the figure.
Harry dispelled the ball of fire and relaxed the magic pooling in his other hand. "Who are you?" he asked again.
The figure made a gesture with his hand, encompassing all of the ancient structure. "My name is of no importance. I am just one of the guardian spirits of this place. I came because I sensed your presence and I sensed your disquiet. You have only recently come into your powers and you are uncertain of your path."
Harry frowned. "Why is it every oracle and ancient magic artifact has to speak in riddles?" he asked plaintively.
The figure gestured to a low stone. "Come then, Master Potter. Sit and I shall endeavor to make myself more clear."
Harry followed the figure. Once they were both seated, the figure pushed back the hood of the cloak, revealing the face of an old man.
"For ages I have watched over this place, Master Potter. I have seen people come and go and some, a rare few, have a touch of the old ones about them. Just slight flickers that tell me that the old powers haven't been totally lost. And then you arrived."
"Sir?" Harry asked in confusion.
The old man smiled. "The old powers are strong in you, Master Potter. You have a destiny and you have started your great journey. You yearn to be normal, but you can never be. So instead, revel in your difference and accept what you are."
"So, I should just accept what I can not change?"
"Could you change the prophecy about you and the Dark Lord?" asked the old man.
"No," he replied. He wasn't sure how the spirit knew about the prophecy.
"Then your only choice was to accept it, correct?"
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "What else can you tell me?" he asked.
The old man laughed. "Master Potter, do not mistake me for a mentor or a guide. I am merely a guardian spirit of this place. I sensed your approach and wanted to speak to you. It has been so long since I have spoken with anyone."
"And yet you offered me some good advice," Harry countered.
The old man stood and smiled down at him. "In truth, did you not already know it? Hadn't you already realized that what you could not change, must be accepted?"
Harry nodded sheepishly at the old man and he laughed again.
"I like you, Master Potter. You must return to this place so we can continue our conversation. But for now, you have enemies approaching. Can you not feel them?" asked the old man.
Harry closed his eyes and reached out with his senses, feeling the wizards trying to sneak up on him. He could also feel the anti-apparation ward going up. He smirked to himself, then he looked at the old man.
"Yes, I feel them. I would like to talk more, but right now I have pressing business to attend to. Will you forgive me if I run off before we finish our conversation?"
The old man nodded, waved and then faded from sight.
The world around him returned with a rush and Harry closed his eyes, concentrating for a moment.
With a growing smile, he banished Mad-Eye Moody's leg, causing him to fall. Then he transfigured his eye into a grape.
Tonks he sent to Westminster Abbey, stark naked. The third person, a man he didn't know, sunk into the ground up to his neck and was unable to move.
Harry walked over to Moody and bent over him. Moody fumbled for his spare wand, his expression growing more and more distressed.
"Now, Moody, where would my constant vigilance be if I didn't take away your toys?" he said with a sneer.
"Potter!" Moody said between clenched teeth.
"Enjoy your stay at Stonehenge, Moody. You might even learn something. I know I did," Harry said. Flashing the man a look of contempt, he straightened and vanished from sight.
Later that evening, back in his tent, Harry considered the old guardian spirit's words.
"Accept what you can't change, eh?" he said, half to himself and half to Hedwig. "Well, I can't give up my magic, or what I can do with it. I guess that's one thing I have to accept."
His expression darkened, then. "Along with my past," he muttered, then he looked at Hedwig. "But my future is mine to control!"
Hedwig trilled in agreement and Harry relaxed.
Scottish Highlands (August 17th)...
Dear Sirs,
Before my battle with Voldemort, I recall receiving a letter from Gringotts. Unfortunately, said letter was destroyed in that battle before I was able to read it, so I have no idea what it contained. I know this is troublesome, but if someone can find out why they were trying to contact Harry James Potter and send another letter back with my phoenix, I would be most appreciative.
Yours in profit,
Harry James Potter
Hedwig glanced over at his note and made a honking sound that reminded Harry of laughter.
"I know it's not a great letter, but what can I do? The original letter was destroyed," he said with a grimace.
He rolled up the parchment and sealed it. Hedwig looked at him for a moment, giving him 'the look'.
"Alright! You take this and I'll cook you some bacon!" he exclaimed.
The bird trilled happily. Taking the parchment from his hand, she vanishing.
Harry stood and walked over to the kitchen. "The things I do to get my mail delivered," he muttered under his breath.
This had become a bit of a game for them. Harry would bribe and flatter his phoenix and she would pretend to consider his efforts before doing his bidding. Both knew he was still tormented by nightmares of her loss and the deaths he had caused. In a way, the game was a healing process for both of them.