Twins: A Different Life

Explaining to Harry

When Harry was ten, the Founders and Merlin finally sat him down to explain the events of Samhain that had led Merlin to take certain actions. Harry understood that he was not from this time, that there had been an attempt on his life, and that he would eventually have to return to his own time; what he didn't know was why.

He had been told to wait for an explanation, and the day had finally arrived. Harry was excited as he shot his final arrow through the apple Salazar summoned and grinned.

"Will you look at that?" Harry exclaimed in mock surprise. "I hit it."

"Just because your system works now, don't forget how you started," Salazar quipped, and Harry looked unimpressed.

"Sal, if you want to talk about failures, need I remind you of the mindscape incident?" Harry drawled, adopting the tone the man he was addressing was famous for. He laughed as Salazar shot him a dark look.

"I believe we are expected for a meeting," Salazar said pointedly, changing the subject, and Harry snorted. While Salazar had been impressed by Harry's idea of seven doors, he disliked getting trapped in Harry's mind for hours, trying to figure out how to move forward.

"Yes, I sensed Merlin arriving ten minutes ago," Harry replied.

"His magic is masked; your sensitivity is increasing," Salazar mused, and Harry nodded.

"It has been ever since I finally managed to grasp my Animagus form," Harry explained.

"Not so surprising, really. The Phoenix is a rather phenomenal creature," Salazar observed as they walked through the passageway from the entrance hall to the fourth floor. They made their way up to Gryffindor's tower, slipping through a hidden corridor that led to Godric's office and rooms.

When Harry and Salazar entered, Godric and Merlin were laughing together, while Rowena and Helga smiled and shook their heads.

"Ah, there he is!" Merlin exclaimed brightly, taking on his familiar youthful form.

"Hi, Merlin," Harry greeted as he went to hug the warlock before taking a seat next to Salazar.

"Rowena was showing me your latest work in Spell Craft," Merlin commented. "I have to say I am impressed."

"Thanks! I believe I've completed the basic framework; it's just a matter of building up the layers to ensure it works and is stable," Harry replied cheerfully.

"And you have taken to Elven quite well," Merlin noted.

"Much better than Nymph," Godric added slyly, causing Harry to blush.

"We don't need to mention that," he grumbled, recalling the time when the Oaken Clan from the Forests of Dean had visited the Dark Forest, and he had stumbled over so many words that he nearly offended them. Only Rowena's quick thinking had saved the situation, while Godric found it absolutely hilarious.

"Don't worry, Harry dear," Helga soothed. "I'll have to tell you about the time Godric asked to buy an Arabian nobleman's daughters instead of his horses." Harry gasped and burst into laughter as Godric groaned, burying his face in dismay.

"Helga!"

"I can't wait to hear about that!"

"We have much more important matters to discuss," Godric declared, and Harry grinned.

"Yes! The story behind the rebounding curse. Who was the powerful man, and what did he mean when he said I was the one to defeat him?"

"I shall start from the beginning," Merlin said. "And it begins with a prophecy."