Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

By

Lewis M. Brooks, III

Chapter 36 – Reflections on the Future

Albus opened his eyes. Not another time waking up in the Hospital Wing he thought. Then he realized. He shouldn't have been waking up at all.

Albus could tell from the light coming through the window that it was morning. He ached all over, like a herd of stampeding hippogriffs had trampled him. Then he realized he was not alone.

Carly was lying on another bed next to him, holding his hand. He tried to shake the thought of what he had done to her from his mind, but he could not. He could still see her writhing in pain and hear her screaming.

He knew the actions were not his own, and that for her to be here now, she must know that too, but it still didn't make it any easier.

Albus stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. He never knew he could feel like this. He never knew he could love anyone like this. He had been willing to die for all of them, but for Carly most of all.

Carly began to stir, and lifted her head. She looked at him and smiled, and he returned it warmly. Carly didn't say anything. She just pulled herself up sat on the edge of his bed and leaned down and kissed him.

When she broke the kiss, she hugged him, so tight he almost couldn't breathe, but he didn't care.

Carly pulled back from him and looked into his eyes. Albus looked back into hers. "We've got to stop meeting like this," said Carly. "I don't think it's healthy to spend so much time in the Hospital Wing."

Albus laughed. "I'm sorry to put you through this again, Carly," he said sadly.

"It's not your fault. You saved me. Don't blame yourself, I won't let you," said Carly, fiercely.

"All right…no blaming myself," Albus agreed. He noticed something red on the phoenix charm that hung from her necklace. "Is that blood on your necklace?"

"Yes," said Carly. "I got some of your blood on the phoenix. I put a charm on it so it would never come off, so I can have you close to me all the time. I know that sounds silly."

"No, it's not silly at all," Albus protested as he stared into Carly's eyes.

"I better go tell everyone you are awake. They will all want to see you," said Carly.

"Wait," said Albus. He grinned. "Before you go, kiss me again. I need to make sure I'm not dreaming."

Carly smiled, leaned down, and pressed her lips to his.

"Definitely not dreaming," said Albus with a smile.

Carly left to spread the news that Albus was awake. Madam Jennings gave Albus a potion and performed a spell that alleviated much of the soreness he felt.

Albus thought about what had happened. He could have been the cause of the deaths of everyone he loved. How could he ever live with that?

Albus had many visitors over the next few minutes: Sirius, Teddy, Rose, Danny, Neville, Jason, and Hugo all came in to see him for a short while, then left to let him get some rest.

As they left, Rose stayed a minute.

"Don't you dare scare me like that again, Al," said Rose. "You're my best friend, I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," said Albus with a reassuring smile.

Rose hugged him tightly for a moment, and then left.

Albus sat alone for a few minutes before he got three more guests. Ginny, Hermione, and Lily came in to see him.

"Are you all right, Al?" asked a tearful Lily.

"I'm fine. Come here," said Albus, and he pulled his little sister into a hug.

When Lily let go, Hermione hugged Albus.

"Are you all right, Mum?" asked Albus. Ginny had not sat down on the bed as the other two had.

"Hermione, can you take Lily down for breakfast?" asked Ginny.

"Sure," said Hermione, understandingly. Lily and Hermione both said goodbye, and they left for breakfast.

Ginny sat down on the edge of Albus' bed, and gathered her son in her arms, holding him tight. Albus held on to her just as tightly.

"Are you sure you are all right?" asked Ginny, trying not to start crying again. "I thought we'd lost you. I was so scared."

"I'm fine, Mum. I'm really sorry, but I couldn't let him hurt all of you," said Albus. "I just couldn't let that happen."

"I know, sweetheart. You're just like your father," said Ginny, mustering a smile. As Ginny held him in her arms, she thought back to the day so long ago, where she had thought she'd lost Harry to Voldemort.

"Mum, what happened?" asked Albus. "I should not still be alive. I knew I wasn't going to survive. How did I?"

"I'll let your father explain," said Ginny with a smile. "As far as I am concerned, it is no less than a miracle."

The door opened, and James came in. "Hey, mate," said James as he walked to the bed and sat down on the edge of it.

"I better go," said Ginny, letting go of Albus. "Your Dad should be here soon, he had to get some things together first."

"I love you, Mum," said Albus with a smile.

"I love you too, Al," said Ginny, and she kissed him on the forehead, then left, leaving Albus and James alone.

James was quiet for a moment. "You shouldn't have done that, Al," said James.

"What shouldn't I have done?" asked Albus.

"You shouldn't have run away, after what happened with Malfoy," said James. "You looked terrified. I would never have let anything happen to you, you should know that." James leaned over and hugged his brother.

"Voldemort knew just what to say to me to make me forget that I have nothing to be afraid of when my family is around," said Albus with a sigh.

They sat quietly for a moment. "I want to apologize, Al. You were right. It wasn't cool the day you broke Malfoy's arm," said James.

"Took you long enough to realize that," said Albus with a smirk.

"Yeah, well, I had a little help with that," said James. "Adventures are overrated."

"You did a great job on the snakes," said Albus. "Dad did a good job picking you as our leader."

"Yeah, well, leadership isn't everything it's cracked up to be," said James with a laugh. "You're right though, I am good at it, aren't I?"

The two brothers laughed, and the Hospital Wing door opened and Harry came in.

"Hey, boys," said Harry. "James, if you are finished visiting, can I talk to Al?"

"Sure, Dad," said James. "See you later, little brother." James stood and left the Hospital Wing.

Harry sat down on the edge of Albus' bed, and pulled him into hug. For a moment, he said nothing. He just wanted to hug him.

"How do you feel?" asked Harry, letting go of his son.

"Not too bad, just a little sore and tired," said Albus with a smile. "I really can't complain under the circumstances."

"I came to fulfill a promise," said Harry. "Before I do though, I need you to promise me two things."

"All right," said Albus. He was quite curious as to what it was his father wanted him to promise.

"First, you must promise not to let anything I tell you rule your life," said Harry. "I let things rule my life for far too long. I pushed your mother away to try and protect her once, and it was the biggest mistake I ever made. Don't make the same mistake I did. You must promise me you will live, and deal with what happens when it happens."

"I will, Dad. I don't know why I'm alive…I should be dead," said Albus. "I won't waste time on what I can't change, I promise. By the way, just out of curiosity…how am I alive?"

Harry smiled, thinking back on that day so long ago as he stood under his invisibility cloak in Hagrid's house. "A very long time ago, Professor Dumbledore made me a promise, and he kept it," said Harry. "I'll explain more in a minute."

Albus nodded. "What's the other promise?" asked Albus.

"I can't tell you. You have to promise me you will do it without knowing what it is, then I can tell you," said Harry.

Albus pondered this. Of course he had to say yes, but he wondered if someday he would regret it. "All right, I promise," said Albus curiously.

Harry placed the book, 'The Prophecy of The Twelve' in Albus's hands. "I suspect you will be able to read this, but I think we are the only two people who can."

Father and son sat and read through the book and went over Hermione's notes. Harry explained to Albus how Professor Dumbledore and Fawkes had saved his life.

Then came the time for Harry to make a decision. Should he tell Albus about the two dreams he had? The dreams seemed clear. If it really was the future he saw, he would not survive to face Voldemort. Albus would have to be the one to face him.

Harry thought he had forgiven Professor Dumbledore long ago for the things that were kept from him when he was in school. Deep down, Harry now realized that he had never really forgiven Professor Dumbledore. At this moment, as he sat, as Professor Dumbledore had so long ago, with a small boy asking the most important question of all, Harry knew how hard it had been for Professor Dumbledore to make that decision. Harry finally, after all these years, really forgave Professor Dumbledore, and in that moment, he made his decision.

"Al, that's all of it. Someday, this book may give us more, but until then, best not to dwell on it," said Harry.

"He's really not gone then," said Albus softly. "I only delayed him."

"Yes," said Harry sadly. "Voldemort will return, I'm afraid."

"What was the promise I made, Dad?" asked Albus, afraid he already knew.

"Some day, it may come down to you or me versus Voldemort. As long as I am alive, you will leave him to me. You read the book. It falls to you to defeat him if…I fall," said Harry as a tear slid down his cheek. "I won't fall, Al."

"Dad, I don't want you to face him alone," said Albus forcefully.

Harry put his hand on Albus's shoulder to calm him. "I know, but I need to know you will let me," said Harry.

Albus had no choice. He nodded, and they sat in silence for a minute. Harry had a few questions he had to ask, and broke the silence.

"Al, what did Voldemort say to you while he had control of you?" asked Harry.

Albus told him everything Voldemort had said, including that he was one of the most powerful beings to ever walk the earth.

"At least now I know I probably won't blow anything else up," said Albus with a chuckle. "At least not accidentally." Albus paused. "How did Voldemort make me perform that magic? My wand was in my pocket, but he never made me take it out."

"I don't know," said Harry. "Wandless magic is possible, but only by very advanced wizards and witches, and then, usually only for simple spells. Those spells you did were not simple. Voldemort may have been telling you the truth when he told you how powerful you are. When you are stronger, maybe you should try practicing wandless magic."

"Dad, there is just one other thing I don't understand," said Albus. "Why didn't Voldemort give me dreams and visions and make my scar hurt for all those months since Halloween? He did those things to you, and he was only connected to you, he was inside me that whole time."

Harry had thought about this, and knew he had an answer. "That's easy, Al," said Harry. "It was because of Carly."

"What do you mean?" asked Albus confusedly.

"Voldemort cannot understand love, I know that from personal experience," said Harry. "Love is the power the Dark Lord knows not, to quote another prophecy. More than that, it's almost like poison to him. You loved Carly all those months, and he could do nothing to get to you. Your love for her was like a shield. It was probably torture for him to be within you all that time."

"So when I attacked Malfoy…I gave Voldemort the opportunity he needed," said Albus softly.

"It isn't your fault…but yes, that did give him the opportunity he needed," said Harry. "You threw Malfoy against the wall, but I know it was Voldemort who made you pick up the dagger."

"If Carly hadn't yelled, I might have…killed him," said Albus, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Not you, Voldemort," said Harry, insistently. "Don't ever confuse the two."

Albus nodded, but it still didn't make the memory go away.

"What happened to Malfoy?" asked Albus. "Is he all right? When he attacked us, I think the dagger already had blood on it."

Harry took a breath and let it out. "Scorpius murdered his father," said Harry. "We found Professor Malfoy's body in his classroom later that day. Scorpius hasn't been seen since. The Ministry of Magic is looking for him, but I'm not sure they will find him."

Somehow, Albus knew he had not seen the last of Scorpius Malfoy.

"So, when can I get out of here?" asked the first-year.

"A couple of days, when you're a little stronger," said Harry. "I can see how tired you are."

Albus nodded. Harry hugged Albus, and his son returned the embrace.

As Harry walked toward the door, Albus called to him. "Dad, if you see Carly, would you ask her to come see me?"

Harry smiled. "She's been waiting outside while we talked," said Harry. "I'll send her right in."

Albus knew the future was uncertain, but he also knew his father was right. He could easily be tempted to push Carly away for her own protection, but he would not. At least, he would try not to. He knew it could become very hard to do.

Harry stood looking out from the Astronomy Tower, over the grounds of Hogwarts, bathed in the brilliant light from the setting sun. The next day he would board the train with his family, and return home to Godric's Hollow for the summer holiday. Harry smiled at the thought that his family would return home with one more member than when they left.

Harry and Ginny had already decided they would continue to teach at Hogwarts. Sirius was going to be assisting Harry with Defense Against the Dark Arts classes next year. The whole family would be back. They thought it was best to keep The Twelve together as much as possible. That wouldn't be all that hard.

"Knut for your thoughts," came a voice from behind him.

Harry turned around to see Ginny standing there. No matter how many years they were together, she was more beautiful to him every day. The setting sun made her hair look like it was on fire. "God you're beautiful," said Harry.

Ginny walked to him and he kissed her deeply and passionately, holding her in his arms.

"I love it when you kiss me like that," said Ginny with a breathless sigh, as they broke apart.

"I rather enjoy it myself," said Harry with a grin. Harry took her right hand, lifted it up, and looked at the heart shaped emerald ring on her finger that had once belonged to his mother.

"Do you remember when I gave this to you?" asked Harry with a smile.

"Silly question," said Ginny with a smile. "It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I'm not likely to forget it."

"Could you have imagined any of what has happened, good or bad since then?" asked Harry.

"No," said Ginny with a smile, but her smile faded. "It's not over yet is it? Voldemort is still out there…and he'll be back."

"Yes. He is out there…and he will be back," said Harry, with a sigh. "Someday that book will reveal something else to us. Until it does, we can only live our lives. Harry wrapped his arms around her again and pulled her close to him.

"Are you all right?" asked Ginny, as she rested her head against his chest.

For twenty years, Harry had tried to give Ginny the answer she wanted to that very question. He had thought the past was behind him, but this whole year showed that the demons had never really left him. The past still haunted him.

He knew The Twelve would face Voldemort again, but that Albus had bought them time to prepare, nearly at the cost of his life. Harry would see that the New Marauders continued their training, so they would be ready for Voldemort when the time came, but he would not let Voldemort rule their lives. He knew the happiness he had enjoyed could end any minute and he didn't want to waste it.

He had his family and friends, and he would live every precious moment with them all as if it was the last, or at least he would try to. Almost losing Albus had shown him why he had to put the past behind him and live. After twenty years of waiting, he could finally give Ginny the one answer he knew she wanted to hear.

"Yes, love…I'm all right."

To be concluded in Harry Potter and the Final Chapter

Description

Legend tells of a weapon known as the Sword of Souls. The ebony blade has cut a path of destruction through the centuries. Passed from Dark Wizard to Dark Wizard by death, its only goal is to create the death, suffering, and blood it craves and to collect evil souls to add to its own power.

Merlin, the greatest wizard who ever lived fell to the ebony blade of the Sword of Souls. Thirteen hundred years later, The Sword of Souls may be Harry Potter's only chance to rid the world of Voldemort forever. But will the price of Voldemort's destruction be Harry's soul?

In 1945, Albus Dumbledore defeated Gellert Grindelwald, transferring the allegiance of the Elder Wand…but what other weapon of immense power called Grindelwald it's master? Upon Grindelwald's defeat, his home, Castle Grindelwald, which stands in the Black Forest of Germany, became magically sealed, and no magic has ever been able to open it. Did Grindelwald possess a weapon of untold power, far greater than the Elder Wand? Did the Sword of Souls call Grindelwald its master? What other secrets lay within the sealed within the castle, and how can it be unsealed?

In Harry Potter and the Final Chapter, the lives of Harry, Albus, the rest of The Twelve, and their friends will be turned upside down, as a final confrontation with the Dark Lord approaches. It has been five years since Albus nearly died in the Chamber of Secrets. Voldemort has not been seen or heard from since…but that is about to change. Even as Harry Potter and his son prepare to celebrate the birthday they share, unbeknownst to them, Voldemort is about to walk the earth again.

As Voldemort and Harry both seemingly race to find the weapon that each believes to be their key to final victory, can Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Sirius guide their family through another year at Hogwarts? Voldemort is not the only challenge they face.

As the first Triwizard Tournament to be held at Hogwarts since 1994 approaches, old friends will return, and new friends will be made. Young love will be tested, and new loves found. Before the year is over, Harry will travel to Castle Grindelwald and Nurmengard Prison. He will travel to Stonehenge, the most ancient and magical site in Britain, and he will seek out the tomb of the Founders themselves.

The Twelve and their friends will face dragons, magical swords, enchanted daggers, love, hate, ghosts, ancient books, funerals, proposals, weddings, exams, graduation, unicorns, nightmares, the press, and so much more, and perhaps the biggest questions of all…who will not survive?

Harry Potter and the Final Chapter, is (my version) of the conclusion to the story of Harry Potter.

Author's Note

This is my second novel length Harry Potter Fanfiction. This story is around 644,000 words and one hundred and seven chapters, plus two epilogues and an alternate ending epilogue.

I have previously written, "Chapter 37, Picking up the Pieces," which is my take on the unwritten 37th Chapter of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". I would recommend reading that before reading this, as there are a number of references to that story. I also wrote a novel length Fanfiction called Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve. You really need to read that before reading this one.

I had intended that all three stories fit into established canon including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as well as other items J.K. Rowling has stated are true in interviews, but not included in the Epilogue to DH. However, new canon has been revealed since I began this that contradicts my story.

This story is meant as the ninth Harry Potter story, picking up where the Legend of the Twelve left off. I set out to tell a story of an ending to Harry's story, and this one does just that.

As you probably noticed, this story is rated "Mature," and includes "Scenes of a Sexual Nature" among the warnings. I don't feel that it's "graphic", but it is there. I think I would call it a strong PG-13 or a mild R.