When Vernon didn't miss - Sahits

physical age starts them going down hill faster than their magic can improve.""But you don't go 'down hill'," Harry said in understanding."Exactly." Jason shrugged. "I cannot prove that my power is really all that much greater than it wasfive hundred years ago, or perhaps even a thousand. I do know it has increased slightly over time. Iam probably almost as powerful, more or less, as Dumbledore or Voldemort . . . or you." He smiled."Although I was a superior wizard in terms of my power and abilities, I am probably fairly averagefor the Brotherhood. Still, some were brought in because of their faith and their other skills, such asin potion research. Tutmoses was likely his age's version of Dumbledore, very powerful and skilledat most magics. There are perhaps adozen like him in the Brotherhood. Three of them, including theFirst Acolyte, he who started us, were more like Merlin in terms of their power, knowledge, andgoodness. There is also the High Master, but he will decide if he will meet with you later on.""Are they still alive?" Harry asked."They are. None of us have been completely destroyed by outsiders, and only one us turned so Darkwe had to destroy him. A few have let themselves die for various reasons. The rest of us are alive.And yes, you will meet some of them when you go to Egypt, if not before or after."Harry pointed at his scar. "When they deal with this?""Precisely." Jason again smiled. "You might wish me to teach you many things, from throwing afishing net to fighting with a short sword, but you would NOT want me working on that."Harry grinned in understanding agreement. He could imagine feeling much the same.When Harry woke up the next morning, he was pleased to see there was a letter from Hermionewaiting for him. He reminded himself that it had not been ten weeks for the rest of the word, and,after a moment's more thought, figured that Ron would also write back soon.*Dear Harry:Thank you so much for your letter. Yes, I've read about your life before Hogwarts, and earlier thissummer in the papers. I cannot tell you how this made me feel, other than for the first time, Ifeltashamed that I am still part of the Muggle world. My parents were horrified to read both theMuggle and magical newspapers. Also, I need to apologize. I know you would never lie to me, but Ihad thought your dislike of your relatives might have been exaggerated. I now know that if anythingyou understated the problems. I also need to tell you how sorry I am about Hedwig.I don't know where you are, or who you are with. I would like to know, but I understand why youmight not be able to tell me. Harry, I hate to think this, but it seems as if the Headmaster placed youat your relatives and neglected to check on you. The revelations this summer have also made mewonder about the events of last year, if perhaps Dumbledore did not just allow you to confrontVoldemort, but managed to encourage us.In any event, remember that I remain,your friendwith loveHermione