Chapter 6
Harry sat with a handpan in his lap playing around with the various tones it produced. Maglor had first tried teaching him the harp. However lingering damage from the cruciatus curse, as well as other damage from his ‘adventures’ made it difficult for him. It even gave him trouble with writing which is why he often did that in short spurts. The things the tall elf muttered upon discovering that made the young wizard doubt he’d find those words in any language primer. Or at least not whatever combination that was being used. So instead of the harp, he’d been given this instead.
Being able to hit various parts of the instrument and make a musical tone from them was much easier on his hands. No cramping and it ended up being really fun for him. There were a couple of things that made it especially cool. First, this was a fairly recent instrument Maglor discovered from his time on earth. Apparently being a bard the one thing he did reach out for was music. A whole new world of it had caught his interest and he learned everything he could. The second thing that was really cool was this was the first handpan that the tall elf made.
While his direct ancestor in this world was a bard, some of his brothers and his father had been smiths. So while Maglor was not an expert at their level, he did have some skill. Certainly enough to make this instrument among other things. That and he had been trading tips with the dverger as they had learned very different skills. Apparently that was part of the trade he had going on with Gringotts. Either way this was the very first one that he made, and he was letting Harry practice with it. Which made the young wizard feel embraced in a way.
Right now he was playing to help him focus his thoughts. Meditation was good, but not necessarily for actively thinking something out. For some reason playing music apparently helped with that. Something new he was discovering about himself. Whatever he was playing was apparently pleasing enough to the lost ones as most of them settled nearby whenever he did this. He even saw Kreacher pretending to be busy nearby sometimes.
Nokrak had made sure to give him journals from the Peverell vaults, and Harry was beginning to figure out why. It appeared that the story of the three brothers had the seed of truth to them, but it wasn’t the entire truth. Death certainly could have been involved in the creation of the Hallows, but not all of it. Instead the wand, the stone, and the cloak, all came from the same ritual that stabilized the Veil of Death. The Peverell brothers were the ones that created and performed the ritual. They were the beginning of the Unspeakables, and the fact the Department of Mysteries was built around the Veil.
The Peverells were involved due to researching where Elured and Elurin came from and why. The original passageway was very unstable, and more than just Elves had come through it. What else came through was the big reason they had to control and stabilize it. The other beings were what evolved into Dementors. Very dangerous creatures to have wander loose. While studying things, they couldn’t determine if the Dementors were changed by their passage, or if they just came from someplace that worked far differently than here. Either way they wanted to control if one came through again, where it was, so the damage could be minimized. The end goal was to find a way to deal with the Dementors more permanently and close the gateway again. All the knowledge that was part of their research was in the journals.
It seemed that wizards, whether deliberate or accidental, had heard rumors of powerful objects. The story evolved from what little bits they thought they understood from it. The whole ritual involved invoking the primordial force that was Death. Best Harry could tell was because the signs indicated this was a passage that connected to some sort of Halls of the Dead, or judgment. So that being’s blessing was needed to at least stabilize the passageway. Apparently there was some debate between the brothers of the exact interpretation. What they all agreed upon was that three items could not be wielded by the same mortal individual. Some sort of immunity to dying was required. Which is likely how the legend of the Master of Death came to be.
Again, the brother’s couldn’t agree exactly, this time on what the person should be called. They could agree what the items, when they had enough power imbued into them, should be able to do. The wand was the key to the gate. The stone could call forth the lost souls and send them to where they were meant to be. Finally the cloak would ensure the safe passage of the person that went through the gateway. Used together the items would put everything and everyone where they should be, and that would cause the passageway to collapse and seal itself shut.
One of the brothers thought the person that would unite the items and had the power to close the passageway should be called The Balance Keeper. The theory was that the immortal souls that did not belong here caused an imbalance in the world and attracted the dementors. The dementors were trying to remove them but because they were not supposed to be outside of the passageway being in our world warped them. That turned them into a parody of what they were meant to be.
Another theory was whoever caused the creation of the passageway was just trying to toss their mistakes away. They didn’t want the dementors around because they were indiscriminate in who they went after, and their creator either didn’t have, or couldn’t be bothered to create the tools to control him. That the other travelers through it were entirely accidental. They thought of the person who united and used the tools as an unmaker of sorts. Unmaking the mistakes of the past and the passageway itself. In the process of that, should free all the souls that the dementors stole to sustain their existence.
Harry let the musical metal tones of the handpan keep his thoughts flowing along, there was more to consider. All three of the brothers thought that the tools would need charging in order to reach their ultimate purpose. That could only happen over time pulling in power from the magical world and those that wielded the items. Of all of them the wand would need the most, as it was the main power source. So having multiple wielders would only be to the benefit in the long term.
The problem was making sure it landed in the hands of the correct person. In order to do that, they were all linked together in subtle ways. To make sure their combined power wouldn’t land in the wrong hands, the cloak was bound to the bloodline. Only the bloodline of the Peverells, and thus of Elured and Elurin could properly use it. The stone could only be fully and properly used by an immortal soul. Someone that would have incentive to want to go through the passageway to close it. While the wand could be used by any, to unlock its full abilities and its ability to work fully in sync with the others, would only work if the other two items were bonded to the same individual.
How he ended up with an immortal soul, Harry didn’t know. It could have been the first time that the killing curse did not work on him. Did that event trigger something? The fact that all three items had shown up for him meant that he did indeed have one. That Nokrak said Death itself made sure they were placed in his possession was more than a little intimidating. Not the fact that it was Death, but the responsibility implied behind all the theories.
At this point he didn’t fear death, hadn’t for a long time. Too aware of how there were things far worse than death to be endured. Perhaps that was part of it. As the story said, he greeted Death as a friend. Not that he would tell that to his elven relatives, that would likely distress them. But how did he explain it all? What did it all mean?
With a heavy sigh Harry stilled his hands on the instrument and folded over it, hugging it to his frame. “That sounded like some pretty deep thoughts hinya.” As Maglor settled next to him the young wizard sat up enough to shift his weight to lean into the tall elf’s side. Wrapping an arm around him, the bard continues. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Thankfully it was not currently one of those only speak in elvish times. Sindarin specifically was the one that they practiced the most. He was learning both languages but the primary focus for the moment was Sindarin. To his understanding that was the most commonly spoken language. The fastest way to learn a language would be to be immersed in it as much as possible. Even Kreacher joined in as apparently he was fluent. Both helpful and not. Right now though was an English speaking time which would allow him to better express himself.
Still he was quiet for a long time first organizing his thoughts. What was nice that Maglor didn’t rush him, didn’t ask or prod, just waited patiently. “I was reading the journals that Nokrak got out for me. From the Peverells, Elured and Elurin’s descendants, you know?” At the tall elf’s nod Harry slowly continued. “They had researched how they got here, and um, how to get them home. They weren’t able to, but I think, I think that I can.”
At these words the entire room stilled, everyone turning their focus on Harry. Now it wasn’t unusual to have the majority of them focused on him. The first time he came in they all certainly were. After that it was typically a mix of who was keeping him company. Perhaps as to not overwhelm him. He certainly felt the weight of it now. Not smothering, just a bit heavy. They all moved in, but stopped short of all piling on him.
“The thing is, it's not something anyone else can do. The tools that can pull it off, they are bonded to me now I think. And it's a little overwhelming because apparently I have an immortal soul now to even have all of them? And there is a thing with the dementors I’m supposed to do, and then I could take us all home. I want to do it, I do! It’s just that, why is it always me?”
Maglor’s heart broke at the plaintive almost wail that the young wizard ended his explanation in. It spoke of pain, of too many expectations, of too many burdens that had been laid on someone far too young. He wrapped both arms holding the young one close. “Gilriant, listen to me. No one here expects you to do it all. I know what has been said, I know you may feel like it's your responsibility. I don’t care about all that. What I care about is you. If you don’t want to do it, we will find another way.”
A faint, “But,” escaped Harry and Maglor shook his head. “No. I know if you ask your Grandfather and the twins they will tell you the same. It is not all your burden to bear. If you choose not to do this, then I will make sure no one makes you. If you want to do this, I will be with you every step of the way and carry what I can of the burden. You are not alone little raven. If I have my way you never will be alone again.” He could feel the young one shift in his hold to wrap both arms around him.
After a moment Maglor started to hum a soothing song, continuing to hold Harry tight. As tempting as it might be to try and seek some sort of vengeance against those that had caused his young one to feel like such burdens were his responsibility, it would solve nothing. It might actually cause Gilriant more pain. He had learned the hard way what that path wrought. He would not even consider going down it again, especially what it might cost the young one.
Instead he would focus on what he could do to help. As long as the journals had no protection against it, he would read them for himself, and see what the dverger knew of the issue. While he would not take over, he would take point on as much as he could. Taking over would only lead to the little raven feeling resentful. A very tricky balance to keep. By wizarding and human standards Harry was fully an adult. By elven standards, far from it. The bard could not just assume authority over this matter. Only work with the young one. He could hope, and would work to earn the trust so that the young one would heed him.
Eventually he felt Harry slump against him, wrung out from the emotions. Scooping the young one up, and ignoring the half-hearted protest, Maglor carried him over to the couch. Laying the little raven down, Kreacher came up and covered Gilriant with a blanket. The blue and silver-white light of Gil-Galad and the mostly silver-white paired lights of Elured and Elurin moved to settle on the young one. “Ah, rest now, and I am sure your Grandfather and the twins will wish to tell you the same as I.”
The faint scowl that had been forming on Harry’s face smoothed out. “Rest Gilriant, I will be here when you wake.” Maglor started softly singing the lullaby, waiting as the young one’s eyes grew heavy and shut. He waited until he was sure the little raven was well asleep before ending it. Only then did he move over to the journals that were on the table. He could trust Gil-Galad and the other pair to help reinforce what he said.
Reaching out to the leather bound book inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief when he felt nothing when he put his hand upon them. For at least this task, he was deemed worthy. Opening the journal up he started to read it. Maglor needed to know what information it contained. Then he could make specific requests for information from the dverger. Even with the agreement he had worked out with them, a general request would cost him much more than if he could make a more precise one. The dverger never tried to cheat you, but they would charge you if you gave them extra work. So far the relationship had been beneficial. It would remain so as long as the dverger did not try to put too much on Gilriant. If they did, oh then things would change. He was well aware of their interest in the young one.
He took his time reading the material carefully to take note of all the details. One advantage Maglor had over Harry, he understood the nuance of different phrasing in older languages. Shifts occurred over time in how men spoke. The same word choice may mean something entirely different even as little as 20 years apart. He also planned on doing several read throughs to make sure he understood it.
Not that he thought Harry wasn’t through or correct. Maglor just had experience the young one did not. He would use that experience to hopefully find a way to take the weight off Gilriant. It bothered him how much the young wizard would take on. Or believe that he had to find a solution to. It was well past time to help him realize that he did not, in fact, need to be the answer to every problem. It may very well be that he is the best possible solution to this particular issue. Even in that case, the bard would make sure he took as much of the weight of it as he could.
While Harry slept Maglor also took the opportunity to question Kreacher on a few matters. Enough to put another one of his plans into place. The young one had been working far too hard, and on mostly book type learning. Gilriant needed another outlet and above all to have a chance to just have fun. When the young one woke again, Maglor asked Kreacher to fetch a meal for them both.
“Do you feel better now little raven?” Maglor offered him a soft smile over the tea.
“Yeah, thanks.” Harry ducked his head with a smile before looking back up. “You were right, about what Grandfather Elured and Elurin had to say.” A grin started to creep up on his face. “In fact those two were rather peeved that their descendants would somehow - how did they put it? Make someone else responsible for the incomplete ritual they did. Let alone put it on a child not yet born.”
“I cannot say I disagree with them.” Maglor said thoughtfully. “Either way we will deal with what we do have now.” He waited for a beat and continued. “This, however, will be a matter for later. For now I have something else in mind.”
“Oh?” The young one perked up with interest. “Like what?”
Maglor just smiled. “Finish your food first. And no that does not mean shove it down as fast as you can.”
“I don’t do that!” Harry protested. Though he did work on swiftly finishing up his meal. When he finished, the tall elf guided him to another part of the house. Opening up the door revealed a large green space open to the sky. A tree grew tall, soft grass, an outdoor set of furniture and various plants that had been tamed back to the edges.
“So young one. I did notice before you did indeed have flight feathers as a young raven. I thought you might enjoy starting to learn how to fly.” The excited expression on Harry's face made Maglor chuckle and head towards the outdoor furniture. “Now while I do not have wings myself, I would say short distances would be a good start. That can be increased as you gain proficiency, what do you say?”
“Quorrrrrk, quark!”
It was evident that Harry very much approved the idea and had already shifted into an excitable ball of black feathers. He hopped towards Maglor looking up at him. The bard lifted an eyebrow, still smiling. “How about stretching out those wings and trying some wing flaps while still on the ground?”
Apparently that was a good enough idea of how to start as the little black raven promptly stretched out his wings, getting a feel for them. After that came the burst of wing flaps, hopping along as he did so. A variety of excited calls escaped the fledgling as he went through the exercise. It did not take overly long for Harry to feel ready enough, he hopped towards Maglor looking up expectantly.
Crouching down the tall elf offered opened cupped hands for the young bird to hop into. Once Gilriant did, he picked him up. “Now then, let's start with the table and see how you do. I think Kreacher is a bit anxious to make sure you are safe.”
Yes, he had noticed the house spirit joining them. Lurking beneath said table for the moment. A harrumping sound came from the small being aimed in Maglor’s direction. Ignoring that the bard continued to address the fledgling in his hands. When you shift back you should thank him. When he heard of my idea he was very insistent in double checking the space was safe for you.
“Kreacher takes care of little Master and the House of Black.” The small being commented with a sniff. “Kreacher always makes sure what little Master wants to use is ready.” The raven quorked his reply as Maglor added one in english. “Well it is very much appreciated. You take excellent care of everything. I have no doubt you will continue to do so.” He was still getting glared at, but as there had been no overt insults the tall elf would take it as a win.
Placing Harry gently on the table, Maglor took a step back. Between Kreacher and himself there was little fear the young raven would come to harm with this exercise. So he could easily step back and wait. Wings half furled, the fledgling considered the distance. Giving a small bounce he launched off the table wings spread wide to attempt a glide down.
The good news was, he did not drop like a stone. Harry did indeed manage a short glide to the ground, before tumbling beak over tailfeathers in the landing. Kreacher made an abortive move to check on him, but the fledgling simply shook himself and rapidly hopped back towards Maglor. “Good job young raven. You got some distance, and landings will come with practice. I do think you should work on those before we try from a higher spot yes?” As he spoke he crouched down with the open cupped palms for Gilriant to hop back into.
That indeed is what they did. Over and over again with seemingly limitless patience Maglor would place him back on the table so he could glide down adding some flaps in as he tried landing neatly. Eventually he got proficient enough at that for the tall elf to look over at the tree. “Would you like to try from the lower branch?”
Happy quorking sounds answered him as Maglor strode towards the tree. “Another time you could perhaps work on how Ravens talk. I do believe they can recreate all kinds of sounds including speech. An advantage you have over other animal forms wizards might take.” More thoughtful sounds answered him. Then were promptly forgotten at least for now as the fledging was placed on the tree. With the ever present Kreacher now lurking under that.
Again, Maglor exhibited nothing but patience and an open willingness to assist the little raven in his practice. The distances getting farther bit by bit, and the landings smoother. Eventually the tall elf looked over to Kreacher and nodded. With a soft pop the house elf vanished only to return a short time later with a familiar shape in his hands.
With a swirl the raven became a young wizard once more. “My Firebolt!”
Maglor smiled. “Yes, I thought as you will be limited while you learn as a fledgling, that you may like to use your broom for a bit of flying around. Kreacher assures me the property is warded so you don’t have to worry about the non-magicals seeing you.”
A big grin on his face Harry promptly thanked Kreacher before taking up the broom and launching himself in the air. Maglor moved over to sit on one of the chairs to watch. It pleased him to see the young one looking much more relaxed than he had been. Enough so that he did his best to not get alarmed by the young one’s more dangerous stunts. It was apparently by how he danced through the air on the broom that he was a capable flier
All the studying and lessons, even if it was the young one’s choice, somehow he had managed to forget to just have fun. Something Maglor would make sure the young one did not forget moving forward. The house spirit found work to be fun, so it did not surprise him that Kreacher might have missed out on that. Gil-Galad, Elured and Elurin were limited on what they could do and what time they could easily communicate with Gilriant. In addition they were long removed from having a physical form. They could have forgotten the need to just move around.
There were other physical type lessons that could and should be added into the mix. Not all at once. Not to the point he was being overwhelmed. Maglor very much intended to make sure there was time for Gilriant to just relax and have fun. For now he continued to sit and watch the young one enjoy himself. It was not until the sun set did Harry finally land. The smile on his face was all the rewards the tall elf needed.
“You are a quite capable flier on that. I can see why your inner self has wings.” Harry beamed at him. “Thanks. I’m hoping it will help when I get better at that kind of flying.”
Maglor reached to clasp Gilriant on the shoulder and guide him back inside. Kreacher of course took the broom to put it away as the pair walked inside. “If you like, I shall share you some tales of Ea before you seek your rest.”
“Can you,” Harry hesitated then plunged ahead with his question. “Can you tell me more about your family? Your brothers and others? I mean you not the whole tragic stuff but stories you want to tell.”
With a slow nod Maglor agreed. “That I can. I have more than a few I could share.” A quick smile formed on his face. “Perhaps some that they would prefer me not to share, but certainly will help you get to know them.”