Child of Silence

Here's to the New Year

Chapter 43 "Here's to the New Year"

The stars were infinite and beautiful. Harry walked slowly among the branches of the Yggdrasil. It was his first Astral walk by himself before today he had been accompanied by Doctor Strange for short outings as he was too young and there was a chance his soul might get lost to far from his body. He was older now and with the Mind Stone and being guardian of the Yggdrasil he would always find his way home. Suddenly he felt a coldness that shouldn't have been possible in his current state. He turn around to a woman dressed in a golden yellow outfit that looked similar to Mater Strange and her head was completely shaved. He had never seen her before but somehow she seemed familiar.

"I was wondering if you would notice me you were very deep in thought."

"Yes but the chill of the darkness is very distracting." Harry walked closer to the woman.

"Ah, I see Stephen has found a strong and powerful pupil. Tell me child is your Master still driven by ego or has he found a purpose beyond himself?"

"You're the Ancient One." Harry's eyes widen with the realization of who he was talking to.

"And smart too, it seems Stephen has done well for himself at least in this possibility. This reality new to me, never have I seen you before when peering through time." The Ancient One smiled softly the eye of Agamotto glowing softly from her chest.

"The Norns say my existence changed the fate of those who I call family including Doctor Strange. He is my teacher but also my uncle. He is a great Sorcerer Supreme and has helped save many of the Multiverses."

"Yes, that would explain this new universe. Your connection to Strange is what has led me here to you. Nothing is set in stone but this does give me hope for his future." The Ancient One began to walk again and Harry fell in step with her.

"Is Your Universe in danger?"

"You are young, too young to realize that every Universe is always in some kind of danger. We only act if the danger is within our control. Your Master will soon come to me and find himself within the realm of magic but I know I will not be there to see the outcome of his journey."

"Because of Dormammu."

"Like Master, like student. I see you are studying beyond your teachings." The Ancient One chuckled. "Yes in part my connection with the dark dimension is what keeps me alive but the events with another student, is what will be my downfall. I could prevent it as I have seen many out comes to my death but I will not. I will lower my guard because it is my time and I must pay for the stolen centuries I have taken to get to this point. Your presence has reassured my own soul of the future of Magic and Stephen's path. So I shall give you a warning of your World of Magic. I saw the darkness building with in the natural wizards and to save the magic of the universes I cut the ties with the Wizarding World within all dimensions. At the time there was no hope of balance and the wizards would have destroyed themselves and all earth magic as we know it. Now meeting with you I see glimpses of a future out of the shadows of Dark Magic."

"That is a relief to know. I have been worrying that I haven't been doing enough. I wasn't sure I was following right path." Harry admitted.

"I can understand that but you are lucky young Sorcerer. You have people around you to help you and guide you and tons of love to keep you protected from the darkness. Speaking of the darkness, the sun is about to rise and your parents will wake soon and you still have work to do as your schooling will resume soon."

"Yeah, I know." Harry sulked moodily.

"Ah, the mood of children." The ancient Once gave a hearty laugh hugging the young god. "Cheer up young one; it is not the end of the Universe because you have a tiff with your parents. Just relax and enjoy today because it is not everyday you turn thirteen."