𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 9

Four wizards sat down to a fabulous meal. Since it was a Sunday, the lunch and evening meals were combined into one grand feast in the early evening. A smorgasbord of succulent meats, fresh vegetables, hot steamy breads, rich desserts and fresh fruits crowded the round table so that the color of the tablecloth remained a mystery.

The constant rain for the last few weeks in the afternoons made it impossible for the boys to begin on the gazebo. The supplies were all down near the lake and if the rain let up for a while after the lessons, they took a few minutes to go down and take a quick stroll by the lake, always checking on the supplies, and sneaking in a few kisses and horseplay along the way. Draco avoided the mud.

The lessons of the two previous weeks saw both students excelling far better than was expected. Since his potions were doing so well, Dumbledore had solicited Severus to join in on several occasions to practice wand dueling with Harry and Draco. At one particular duel, the professor was surprised when Harry took his wand with Expelliarmus and using wandless magic, had bound him to the floor in six seconds, to Draco's amusement. Severus, having always been a very quick draw with his wand, taught the pair of eager learners about dodging spells with an apparation technique, several very complicated hexes, and several severely damaging curses that were bordering on dark magic and considered criminally offensive by the Ministry.

Harry was surprised at his potion teacher's grace and fluidity when performing magic. Since having seen him only in the dungeon over bubbling cauldrons, Harry was amazed at his show of skills. It was also a refreshing change to see the man actually smile when he bested in a 4 out of 5 game of quick draw with wands. Even though the formidable man had rolled his eyes at the hide and seek game of apparation when Dumbledore had suggested it, he played along knowing that it was necessary for the boys to practice their skills at locating and apparating to different locations within the castle. The Headmaster had taught Harry how to lay his hand on the floor of the castle and draw energy and information from it and interpret the information so that he and Draco could apparate to wherever Dumbledore or Professor Snape was "hiding." After several days of the game, their skills were honed to almost perfection and to Severus' relief, the game halted all together.

As Harry was finishing off his second helping of strawberry tart and was watching Professor Snape tell Draco about some potion that Draco was eager to undertake, Dumbledore raised his teacup to his lips and deliberately reached out and touched Harry's hand. Immediately Harry heard Dumbledore's voice in his head.

//Harry, I know that you can hear me. I wanted to tell you that I am glad that you and Draco are getting along so well. Would you please join me in my office after the meal?//

Harry turned his head looked into the man's eyes, and nodded to Dumbledore.

//Harry, you need only to think the thoughts when you are touching my hand. I will be able to hear you.//

Harry conjured up what to tell the man touching him.

**Sir, I have come across some information that Draco told me weeks ago. I have thought about it a lot, and I would like to share that with you. It makes me fear for him. I'm sure you know of the calendar of Sages.**

Dumbledore nodded as Draco and Professor Snape talked on unknowing that another conversation was taking place even though they couldn't hear it. Harry gave a quick look at the two involved in their conversation and then back to the Headmaster.

**Draco told me about a book that he found in Malfoy Manor. It had pictures and descriptions that he translated from Latin. It took him weeks to do it. But he found out about the Child of Light and the child's vessel. Do you know anything about this?**

Dumbledore's face saddened and he nodded slowly.

**Sir......am I this Child of Light? Is Draco that vessel child?**