Nearly twenty-four hours had passed since Oliver Manannán had visited Hogwarts and had been assigned his secret mission by Dumbledore. Dusk had set in and Oliver was sat out on his back porch as he watched his three beagles play in the large garden that stretched from his house to the start of the woodland area.
Oliver was close to shouting at Galahad, as the boisterous nature of the beast was on full display. Gawain and Gaheris were less lively than their companion, however, they were by no means meek either.
'Galahad, enough.' Said Oliver, as the wayward beagle stared at him sorrowfully.
'Don't give me that look. I know your itching to get out and spread out. But we can't tonight. I'm expecting visitors.' Said Oliver, as Galahad simply tilted his head to one side and struggled to comprehend the wizard's meaning. The tilt soon turned into a bow as he slipped off the porch and ran onto the grass.
'Visitor.' A high pitch voice rang out from within the kitchen behind him. The origin of the speech came from an enchanted cuckoo clock, which instead of a standard cuckoo bird for a feature, contained a fiery phoenix.
Oliver walked through the back door to his home, headed through the kitchen, down the hallway and out of his front door. There, stood at his estate's main gates, were the two Hogwarts Professors.
'Mr Mannanán!' Said Dumbledore, as he smiled warmly.
Snape at Dumbledore's side, remained stoned faced, as though his attendance that evening was under duress.
'One moment gentleman.' Said Oliver, as he flicked his wrist, caught his wand from beneath his jacket and directed it towards the gates.
The air distorted and the metal gates coiled back, providing an opening, that allowed the two older wizards to enter his land.
'Thank you.' Said Dumbledore, edging his way forward. Snape followed closely behind as he gave tentative glances around. He was checking to see if they were being watched.
'Come inside.' Said Oliver, as he waved his wand to close the gates behind them. 'Do you feel that you've been followed?' Asked Oliver towards Snape, when he noticed the professor checking the distance.
'Doubtful. I apparated us here straight from Hogwarts. As far as anyone knows, we are both in my office. In a meeting, about this year's curriculum.' Replied Dumbledore, as he strode confidently on, not caring to assess the area behind him.
The three wizards all entered the house, Oliver quickly closed the door behind them. Entering the room directly to the right of the front entrance, Dumbledore and Snape found the room to be stylishly decorated. The walls were adorned by visibly aged portraits, they were all of Oliver's noble and notable magical ancestors. The furniture was equally ornate. Four large, each spectacularly different, armchairs, were spaced out around a copper-coloured coffee table. The table was completely metallic, three hippogriffs faced outwards, their wings held up a circular top.
'Can I get either of you a drink?' Asked Oliver.
'No, we're good. Again, we are most pressed for time.' Replied Dumbledore.
Snape nodded in agreement, as he eyed the room's décor, its colour theme had a very distinctive Ravenclaw and Gryffindor feel to it; and he detested it.
Oliver took an empty chair as he clocked Snape's disgust.
'Wondering again why we have come to you tonight?' Asked Dumbledore.
'I've given it some thought, thinking about the mission you've asked me to undertake. I just assumed you wanted to talk in more detail about it. Is that not the case?' Replied Oliver, incredibly curious to their attendance, if that was not the reason.
'I have every confidence in your investigative abilities. However, we have come for something slightly different. The task that lays before you, leaves me one thing to say. It is important, essential even, that the Dark Lord does not end up obtaining the Tear of Ra. Everything that we three, here tonight, set in to motion, all depends on denying him that very treasure. Whether he wants another Horcrux from it or not, he must not be gifted the very power that the jewel is said to posses.'
'Understood Professor. I will head to Latvia as soon as you give me the word. If it exists and Finikis knows where it is, I'll find it before it falls into the wrong hands. I promise.'
'Do you swear it?' Asked Snape, coldly.
Oliver looked at Severus with an inquisitive expression.
'Do you mind if I have a look at your wands?' Asked Dumbledore, stoutly.
Oliver froze at Dumbledore's question. The thought of how he knew about them crossed his mind, but it quickly vanished. He was Albus Dumbledore, of course he'd know.
'How?' Asked Oliver.
'Excuse my candour, Mr Manannán, but you did, in true Japanese tradition, craft your own wand. And please forgive my shrewdness, I did make inquiries about you, with a shared acquaintance; Mr Kishimoto. He remembered you very well. He reluctantly, I must add, divulged that he'd never met a wizard who asked so many questions about making two wands, as much as you did.' Dumbledore let out a mischievous smirk as he spoke.
Oliver gulped air. He felt now was the time to reveal, as it was no longer really a secret. He flicked his right wrist and a wand appeared from under his sleeve and into his hand. He then flipped his left, and instantly, an almost identical looking wand dropped into his open left hand. He lifted the two wands up in the air.
'All students at Mahoutokoro must make their own wand when they come of age. It's called Mahosodachi. It's something you do before graduation, before you have the chance for your robes to turn gold. The wand I had when I started at Hogwarts had a Dragon heartstring core. It always felt temperamental to wield. The teachers at Mahoutokoro let me keep it when I started there, instead of using a training wand. Throughout my studies I always felt that my wand only really connected with a part of me, and not the whole. In my first year there, when I started my Mahosodachi studies, I developed the idea of having two wands. Making two wands that were twins but different. Adhering to the true principles of Japanese magic. You see.' Said Oliver, as he brought the two wands together. They looked like mirror images of one another. They were both smooth, white-reddish in colour with a hint of taupe, with grips that were cylindrical, yet their tips had straight edges. There were odd ridges in the middle of both wands. As Oliver brought them together, the ridges slid against each other, connecting the wands as one.
'They're Alder wood, almost identical. The only difference being their core. One is Dragon heartstring, the other has a Phoenix feather. My light and dark. If you will.'
'Your Yin and Yang!' Whispered Dumbledore, as he admired the beauty.
'Exactly. There is good and darkness in all of us. It's our actions that determine who we are.' Said Oliver, as he slid the wands apart.
'Our choices.' Remarked Dumbledore, pausing for a moment. 'May I?' He outstretched his hand, gesturing to see the wands for himself.
Oliver passed Dumbledore both of his wands, as the old wizard reconnected them together. He could feel the power and the splendour in their design.
'You have crafted exceptional wands Mr Manannán. Is the Dragon heartstring core from the wand that chose you at Ollivander's?
'No. usually in Mahosodachi if you elect to have a dragon core, it should be from a dragon you slay. I did no such thing. It's from a dragon I discovered dying in a fire cave in one of the neighbouring islands. I suspect it was dying from some form of childbirth fever. She was extremely weak; it was clear she had just given birth. There were dead baby dragons and one barely alive. I nurtured the baby till it was strong enough to fend for itself. When the mother passed, it felt right that a part of her, and that moment, stay with me.'
'Fascinating. And the Phoenix feather. I know for sure it did not come from Fawkes, and there are very few Phoenixes in this world today.'
'I, I obtained the feather at Knockturn alley. Not that I'm pleased of that fact. It was my only option at the time.' Replied Oliver, thinking back on the memory of his younger self frequenting the sinister market street for the first time.
'The promise headmaster. The hour is getting late.' Interjected Snape. He wanted the conversation to return to the reason they were there, so it could be completed, and he could leave.
'Of course, Severus. Mr Manannán you are honourable wizard from most accounts. Both Alastor and Kingsley speak very highly of you. And from our conversation yesterday, I believe you're committed to the cause.' The old wizard took a momentarily pause, before he continued. 'But in these times of uncertainty, we often require absolute assurances. Especially when we three are undertaking, what can best be described, as perilous steps.'
'I understand. As I told you yesterday. I am vehemently opposed to the Dark Lord's ideology, with every fibre of my being. I'll do what is needed to protect what I cherish.'
'Would you swear to do what is needed? To protect Harry Potter above all others in this mission?' Asked Dumbledore, bluntly.
'To protect Harry?' Asked Oliver. He was well aware of Harry being the chosen one. He had even heard rumours of a prophecy foretelling such. 'You've involved Harry in this quest?'
'There is no me, in involving Harry in this endeavour. It is more his undertaking, than our own. We are simply here to ensure his success. For it will be his last act, that will seal the Dark Lord's fate.'
'If that is true. And you give me your word it to be. Then yes. I'll swear to protect Harry.' Said Oliver, assertively.
'Would you make the unbreakable vow?' Asked Snape, his arm still tingled from his own, recent vow.
'I would. To bring an end to all this madness. I would pledge my life for his, for the cause!'
'No.' Dumbledore said resolutely. Snape understood the meaning behind Albus's hastily hollered word, he himself was still feeling very uneasy from their recent conversation.
Oliver was bewildered and he showed it, 'Sorry?'
'I mean the vow should be simple. To swear to protect Harry whilst he completes his mission. That is all that is needed for now.' Said Dumbledore, trying hard not to reveal the most uncomfortable of truths.
'I give you my word.' Replied Oliver, unsure of the need for such a specific vow.
'Very well. There is just one other thing I must ask of you tonight. And it takes me back to this.' As Dumbledore spoke, he raised Oliver's wand that was still clutched in his frail blackened hand. 'There can be no trace of this spell on my wand. And Snape's wand is often scrutinized by the Dark Lord himself. I ask that you allow Professor Snape to use one of your wands to cast the spell.'
Oliver contemplated the request for the briefest of moments. He was committed to Voldemort's downfall. He was now certain of his dedication to the cause. And taking the unbreakable vow to prove his loyalty, to the most gifted wizard he had ever met, was to him, a straightforward enterprise.
'Yes. Although, only with my Dragon wand. If it'll let him.'
'I shall tame it.' Said Snape, extremely confident in his own abilities.
'Let us get this done then, if we are all in agreement.' Said Dumbledore, as he moved to stand in front of Oliver.
Dumbledore passed Oliver his connected wands, as the younger wizard stood up. He separated the wands, placed one under his sleeve and handed the other to Snape.
Oliver was first to outstretch his left hand, Dumbledore replied with the same. The Young ex-Auror did not simply do so out of kindness, to spare the professor the awkwardness around switching hands or lying about the condition of his right. Oliver offered his left, as unbeknownst to many, he was ambidextrous, and his left was as strong as his right. The two gripped each other's hands and locked their arms in tight.
Snape held Oliver's wand, it felt belligerent in his hand, but he forced his will upon it. The tip of the wand burst into light as a slender stream stretched out from it. The dazzling light wrapped itself around Dumbledore and Oliver's hands like a sizzling line made of real flames.
'Will you Oliver, stop the Dark Lord from acquiring the Tear of Ra?' Said Snape, as he circled the pair.
'I will.'
'And will you protect Harry Potter whilst he searches for the Dark Lord's Horcruxes?'
'I will.'
'And will you, to all your ability assist Dumbledore and Harry in defeating the Dark Lord when he is mortal again?' Finished Snape.
'I will.'
The fiery cord wrapped itself around the clutched arms in three distinct hoops. As Snape drew back the wand, the streams of light sunk into the flesh of Oliver and Dumbledore.
'It is done.' Snape said.
The two men released. Oliver was quick to take back his wand and place it underneath his sleeve.
'Thank you. I know taking a stand hasn't been an easy choice.' Said Dumbledore, as he squeezed the ex-Auror's shoulder. The older wizard then took out his own wand and pointed it at the coffee table. With a quick flash, a large empty brandy bottle appeared out of nowhere.
'That is a creation of my own making. It is away for us to communicate whilst you are away. Simply write what you want on a piece of parchment and slip it into the bottle. Then, simply tap your wand three times on the rim. Where the CG is. The parchment will instantly vanish and appear in a very similar bottle that I keep in my office. A wonderfully simple, yet one hundred percent secure and un-intercept-able means of communication. If I do say so myself.' Continued Dumbledore, with a childlike pleasure to his tone.
'I know I have to take a stand. If not now, then when. I won't fail you Dumbledore.' Said Oliver, as he inspected the enchanted bottle.
'I know you won't. However, the hour is late and we should be going. But first things first. Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix!' Said Dumbledore, as he stretched out his hand for Oliver to shake.
*
Three days later, Oliver was not yet in Latvia, he was not in England either, he was in fact in France. Deep in Massif Central, the young wizard stood in front of the entrance to Saint Fiacre's. A sign only visible to witches and wizards rested above the stone archway, it read - 'Saint Fiacre's, hôpital magique pour les sorciers et les moldus affligés.'
To the non-magical eye there was nothing beyond the archway, but to Oliver, there was a long steep row of steps that stretched up the side of a mountain. The vertical path ended at a large white building, on what was well-known to be a magician made plateau.
Oliver was not alone, at his feet where his three companions, his canine knights.
'Come on you three. We need to get you settled in.' Said Oliver, as he crossed through the archway and made his way up the sharp flight of steps.
All three dogs quickly followed. They found the incline easier to manage then Oliver, who was dressed in full wintery clothes and carrying a rucksack on his back.
Reaching the top, he was greeted by the lead healer of the magical hospital, Marion Bellamy. She was the same age as he was, she was a good friend of a someone Oliver loved. Seeing Marion always made him think of the time he was introduced to her. Today was no different, the memory flooded in, quickly followed by the pang of pain and the sense of failure.
'Oliver, zis is an unexpected pleasuré.' Said Marion, as she stepped forward to embrace her friend.
'Marion. Sorry to just show up like this. You did say in the past, anytime, anything.' Said Oliver, as he came away from the hug.
'Zat I did. You eez always welcome at ze Fiacre's.' Replied Marion, with a friendly warm smile.
'Thank you. And these rascals?' Said Oliver, as he looked down at his beagles.
'Ah, ze doggies. Auf courz. Ze all welcome. Come, come on in.'
Marion bent down and playfully hugged the three dogs as they all licked and kissed her face. She then escorted Oliver and his dogs through the large open doors.
'Whilst eer you want to see Mr Shiu?' Asked Marion.
'I would. Is that okay? Replied Oliver, his tone conveyed a sense of duty.
'Auf Courz. And Teddy?
'That would be nice. I do have a new trick to show him.' Said Oliver, smirking. He would always visit Teddy on his visit to the hospital and show off some interesting display of magic. Teddy was no relation, he was a squib who had been abandoned by his parents as a child, when they realised he was without magic and had learning disabilities. Oliver only knew him from his time visiting the hospital, when he came to see Mr Shiu.
'Zat eez very good. 'e would love eet.' Replied Marion, knowing how fondly Teddy regarded Oliver.
They all walked down a very sterile looking corridor, the walls inside were as white as the ones outside. It was not long before they had reached Marion's office.
'I want to ask a favour as well.' Said Oliver, glancing around for his dogs.
'Ah favoùr?'
'Yes. I'm going away for a few months. Would you mind taking care of these three again? I wouldn't ask it of you, but there is no one else who can right now, no one else that I trust i mean.' Asked Oliver. Marion had cared for the dogs before, when Oliver had to spend time away on some investigation. She was the only person he trusted with his companions. They were his family.
'Sure. Eet would be my pleasuré. After all you 'ave done for zis place.'
'Thank you.' Oliver said as he grabbed her hand. 'If you need anything else, just let me know. If you need another donation, I can help. There's no need for my Galleons to simply go to waste at Gringotts.'
'No. no. You 'ave been more zan generous. We 'ave all the Bezant we need.' Replied Marion, sounding incredibly grateful.
'All right, if you do need anything, just ask. And I'll be back for them as soon as I can.'
'Ah 'onestly don't worry. Eet will be fine. Zere is plenty auf space for zem to roam. Zey just better not spread zere wings.' Chortled Marion.
'They won't. I promise.' Said Oliver, smiling cheekily.
'Leave zem with me now. Go and see 'er fathér.' Said Marion, as she directed the dogs out of her office. 'You know ze way.'
Oliver headed off. He passed several rooms, each with a patient inside. Saint Fiacre's was vastly different from St Mungos. Were St Mungos only served the wizarding world of Great Britain and Ireland, Saint Fiacre's cared for the long term inflicted of magic, whether wizard, witch or not. And like the person Oliver was headed to see, many of the rooms here, had muggles inside. Non-magic folk who were the unfortunate victims of a magic that caused long-term, irreversible damage.
As he reached his destination, he found the door closed. He pushed it open to reveal an elderly Chinese man sat in the centre of the room. He was strapped to the chair by his arms, Oliver knew it was for the man's protection, to keep him from hurting himself.
'Mr Shiu.' Said Oliver as he entered the room.
The man in the chair glanced up, took one look at his visitor, and then bowed his head. He had been in the hospital for ten years and the only visitor he ever had, was Oliver, not that he would know that. His mind was addled. He was simply a shell of a man. The by-product of being hit by a spell gone wrong. One cast by his daughter. Oliver knew all this, yet he came to the hospital nearly every month. To talk to the old man. To reaffirm his commitment.
'I hope you're okay. I can't stop too long today. You see I am heading off on a new job. It's not like my usual ones. It's going to take me far away. I probably won't be able to come and see you for a while. But I'm sure Marion and the other Healers around here, will continue to take good care of you.'
There was a small yellow plastic chair just beside the door, which Oliver sat down in as he pushed the door closed.
'I'm sorry that I haven't found her yet sir. I haven't stopped looking though. I haven't had any new leads of late. But I still believe that she's alive. That she's out there.' Oliver continued to talk, but Mr Shiu showed no sign of comprehension or engagement, he remained, deadly still, staring at the floor.
'Sir. I know you understand some of what I am saying. I will find Mei Xing. I will bring her home. And we will together work out a way to help you.' Said Oliver, as he noticed Mr Shiu raise his head slightly. The ex-Auror would swear he could see the man's expression change, just for the briefest of moments, before returning to its indifference.
'I'm going to go now. Next time I come I'll finish the book we started last time.'
As Oliver stood to leave, the man in the chair began to spasm. His entire body jerk erratically and quickly.
'I need some help in here.' Shouted Oliver, as he opened the door.
Mr Shiu continued to fit, his eyes glowed fiery red and sparks of electricity started to arch from his body and track against the walls.
Two Healers rushed into the room, one with a wand in hand, whilst the other ushered Oliver out. It was hard for Oliver to witness, but with a flash of blue light, one of the Healers jinxed Mr Shiu into unconsciousness. Instantly the electricity that came off him stopped, and his eyes returned to normality.
He continued to watch as one of the Healers started to check him over for any damage from the energy or his blast. The other Healer now had a bag open and was routing around for a potion to use. Noticing Oliver was still watching, the healer who was looking for the potion, quickly moved and pushed the door shut.
Oliver, although extremely concerned about the old man's wellbeing, started his way back to Marion's office. He was lost in thought about what he had witnessed; how the mistakes of his past had produced this outcome. There was so much guilt that he felt, that he was thankful when the loud banging stopped him in his tracks. The thuds were coming from his left and as he turned, he could see Teddy, a young Caucasian man sat at a table in a side room. Teddy was like Mr Shiu, in that he never spoke. However, he was different in the sense that he was magic born and at least showed some emotion and understanding, nevertheless it was extremely limited.
Teddy was sat in front of the table, his clenched fist pounded the table, and his facial expression was vacant.
'Teddy. I hadn't forgotten you.' Said Oliver, as he entered his room.
'Does Teddy want to see a new trick?'
A faint but recognisable smile appeared on the young, hindered face.
Oliver took out his wand with his right hand and held it straight up in the air.
'Are you ready? Watch closely.'
As Oliver spoke fire burst out of the tip of his wand. It rolled in the air, the size of bludger ball. As it swirled, it started to shape and shrink until there was a perfect, recognisable tiny cowboy riding a horse. The flame wrapped rodeo danced around the room. It ran across the table as Teddy's eyes lit up with excitement. It hopped and jumped around. Oliver was close to making traditional cowboy noises but held back.
After darting around the entire room, doing all kinds of tricks, it stopped directly in front of the two men. The tiny little inferno cowboy that sat on the horse, took his hat off and bowed his head at Teddy. Oliver then flicked his wand and the flames dispersed. The show was over.
'That's all for today, Teddy.'
Oliver stared and could see the genuine delight on the face of the young unfortunate man.
'I'll be back another day. With another trick, okay?' Said Oliver, reassuringly.
Teddy showed no understanding of what Oliver had just said, his happy expression vanished and he was now simply staring into nothing.
'Stay well friend.'
Oliver soon returned to Marion's office. He said his goodbyes to his dogs, thanked Marion again for her kindness in looking after his dependants, then he headed off. As he walked down the steps and passed through the archway, he turned to take one last look.
Moving to look away from the hospital, he dropped his wand into his right hand and in a flash, he was gone.