Chapter 3 Before the storm
James Potter was enjoying clear and warm October day, a rarity in the British climate – more importantly, he was enjoying it with his family. The entire clan was now at Godric's Hollow, where one of smaller Potter mansions was located. Contrary to what was organised for first two steps of the ritual, where it was essential to have a large group of magically powerful people, the third step required intimate setting. The whole purpose of this part of the ritual is to show gratitude to various known and unknown entities that in their benevolent wisdom bestowed their gifts upon Potter coven and gave them six wonderful children. The purpose of the third ritual is also to show family love and respect of values to the same entities.
Godric's Hollow is a small community located near Tintagel. When in the darkest hour of the kingdom, Merlin himself and all knights of the Round Table were powerless in face of coming disaster, a wanderer called Potter appeared and saved the day and the future. For services he was awarded a piece of land near Tintagel – birthplace of King Arthur and a sacred city of Britons (one of seven gates to Avalon), so that a Potter could always be near heart of the kingdom. Later (few hundred years) the last of Merlin's apprentices chose to build a house and retire in a close-by valley (hollow), and so – as more and more people came to this beautiful countryside – the Potter property and the mansion became part of newly established mixed settlement of Godric's Hollow – where magical and mundane lived in harmony. Later when one of Gryffindor's descendants married into Potter family, Godric's cottage became Potter property and the place where Potter males traditionally threw away their virginity.
The family was having a picnic on the western lawn of the Potter mansion. This place was truly majestic, the beautiful mansion was located on a mount dominating the valley – it had both the view of the village and the valley on one side, and marvellous view of the ocean on the other side. Though the Potters moved their principal residence to East Anglia in order to be closer to new centre of power, heart of the Potters still remains in Tintagel countryside.
It was a beautiful day, and James let warmth spread through his soul as he watched Harry, Neville and John play with and tickle Luna, Jade and Ester – their baby sisters. At not even 15 months, the boys were already playing protective big brothers, and that amused the parents greatly. Still it was natural for the boys to feel that way – the three girls were so cute and beautiful.
Luna is promising to become stunning blonde beauty like her mother with gray and mesmerising eyes of Xenophilius – her sometimes far away look indicated inherited inner sight. James hoped she had inherited her mother's intellect and power, after all Selene and Lily are the highest ranked team of Unspeakable operatives. James was also able to notice some strange, quiet power about Xenophilius, something that caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand, and that had nothing to do with sexual excitation the man was able to create in both women and men.
Jade is the perfect mixture of Asian beauty inherited from her mother and those incredible looks that are so specific to Black women, she is also likely to become deadly if her mother's proficiency in marital arts was any indication – that was one of reasons they were all happy to create the coven: their children would not only inherit their magical strength, but also their skills and knowledge. Lin Black is daughter of Emu and Yo Hinomura, her natural aura of darkness and nobility was the reason of Sirius' somewhat improved relations with his family.
Ester Lupin will grow into exquisite combination of Hungarian (her mother) and French (her father) beauty. After graduation, Remus Lupin made this trip around the world he had been planning since his third year and that life altering DADA lesson about lycanthropy – Prof. Lucian Garou had some quite unorthodox views on the matter compared to official Ministry position. One stage of his journey had brought him to Budapest, where Remus had chance to meet the most peculiar "Master of the City", the man – Michael Corvin was after all Head of several magical species, some like Vampires and Weres were thought to be completely incompatible. Michael had beautiful daughter Maritza, she was Remus' teacher about self-esteem of magical creatures that often had to suffer prejudices of the British Ministry. She was also Remus' teacher in the love arts as practiced by Vampires and Weres.
James was feeling more and more restless by the day. They were fast approaching end of the ritual that would complete this magical construction. He surely hoped nothing would cause trouble; lives of their children were at stake. The crushing feeling in his heart was partially lifted thanks to the party organised on September 1st. It was the 20th anniversary of the Marauders, and James was happy to receive in his home his lost brother-in-crime, Peter Pettigrew, and also those who were mentors to the Marauders: Fabian and Gideon Prewitt.
Unfortunately James was unable to enjoy these moments of happiness, as the escalating conflict with the "Dark Lord Voldemort" was shrouding Wizarding World in a climate of fear and violence.
Colder mornings reminded him of the coming winter and of the last year's December tragedy. He couldn't believe that someone whose music brought so much beauty and happiness to the world could be shot in the back by some crazy bastard looking to justify his miserable existence by some random act of madness. He felt that strange feeling of loss and being lost in the world where in spite of magic madness was so widespread. Maybe it is because of magic that this world is so filled with madness in the first place.
History had proved it on many occasions: Instead of powerful, superior beings, as wizards liked to consider themselves, they were actually more like clueless children who were given the power of a nuclear bomb.
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Once upon a time, in times so remote they represented distant past to even such old civilisations like Atlantis and Empire of Mu, there was a Fay kingdom of Ararat, covering territory of Armenian Highlands; its capital was located somewhere on the slopes of the mountain. That city was truly majestic and fear-inducing sight: huge and powerful black citadel that contrasted with eternal snows of the mountain top, strong impregnable walls, tall elegant towers, and multitude of beautiful gardens and palaces.
Fays are heterogeneous group of beings of various shapes and sizes. These could be considered as belonging to completely different species: Faeries, Leprechauns, Pixies, various shape shifters, etc. One could even apply adjective "animal" to some, while using "vegetal" with others. The term Fay is actually word of Human language used to designate all those secretive, lesser known beings, whose magic is associated with light, life, wilderness and nature.
Fays live in large communities. These cities are often independent and ruled by a king or a queen, as Fays tend to follow those who are magically strongest. A ruler is usually helped by a council of elders. It is also interesting to note that Fays freely accept other nations into their communities like Elves, Goblins, etc. and through history it was often the case that Fay ruler also rules Elfish or Goblin nation, the latest example being king Jareth.
The old kingdom of Ararat was special as it covered large territory, and also in those times Humans were accepted into the kingdom and several settlements were under Ararat's protection. In those time Humans were barely much different than other primates and word Human designated mixture of species (Neanderthals, Sapiens, etc. – of course Humans of that time had no notion of species). And of course, in those times, Humans knew nothing of magic.
Even though Fays are powerful wielders of magic and have developed all sorts the likes of which a human mind could hardly begin to grasp, they also have their gods and goddesses or other spiritual leading entities.
Now let us return to the story of the old kingdom of Ararat. It actually revolves around three protagonists. As this story was later picked up by Humans and placed in their myths and legends, we will use the names given by Humans: Gilgamesh, Ishtar and Enkidu (you are right – this is Sumerian legend, but that is where inaccuracy lies – the story is actually older and different).
Ishtar was powerful magical being and goddess-protector of Ararat kingdom. Her temple was located in the centre of the city; it was enormous ziggurat with tall tower on the top. Fays have extremely long life-spans (ca. 500-1000 years), but even by Fay standards Ishtar was considered immortal, unbelievably powerful, and thus a goddess.
Every Ararat ruler was spiritual servant to the goddess. Gilgamesh was young king and was new ruler of kingdom after his parents had passed away. He was beautiful and his magic was powerful. The goddess wanted more than just spiritual service, and that led to an affair.
Things were further complicated by the fact that Fays get easily friendly with other species. Gilgamesh's best friend and blood-brother was Enkidu, whose particularity was to be one of first Homunculi – artificial Humans. When Gilgamesh went to one of his many hunting expeditions in the stony desert that was bordering the kingdom, he found completely naked Enkidu, with no memories, walking in very cold weather across rocks and hard dirt. It was clear Enkidu was no ordinary Human. Through their adventures Enkidu and Gilgamesh became best friends and brothers.
Though he usually avoided spiritual ceremonies, it was one of those days Enkidu's heart was full of life's joy and he wanted to sing, to sing that special music Fay priests performed in the temple.
In the Great Hall of passed Kings laid their bodies frozen in stasis, waiting for their minds to finally be at piece so they could finally cross to the other world and dissolve their bodies. This hall used to be central piece of the temple where service was performed, but now it was only the place where king would invoke the goddess and they would move to the inner chamber. In the inner chamber was now installed large fluffy bed covered in transparent drapes.
Priests were singing hymns while the king pronounced the sacred formula.
The air shifted and there, the goddess was standing. She walked seductively up to Gilgamesh.
"Hello darling. What beautiful sunset we have today, I hope your day was as good as mine. And it seems it's only getting better. Music is perfect as always, you sure know how to please a goddess and we are not even in the serious business yet" she said with heavy innuendo.
Gilgamesh was starting to like more and more her games, and even when she behaved like complete slut (she was, after all, goddess of sex and femininity) he could only feel love. He started to love her so much that when alone he was constantly thinking about what possible future they could have together. He was glad he could enjoy Enkidu's company when that hard feeling was pushing on his heart. But in this moment none of his fears mattered anymore.
He covered Ishtar in his embrace and they enjoyed that intimate moment when after separation their magic started to mix.
This evening, this feeling was even more intoxicating than usually. Their magic was behaving differently, more powerful, promising great heights and unbelievable pleasures. Even the goddess was stunned and lost. Something was making her feel like an innocent girl instead of goddess of love and sex.
And then they could understand it. It was music that brought new shapes to their magic, and there was a new voice this evening. This voice was actually equally surprised as they were, because Enkidu sure didn't think that service changed that much since the old king passed away – now he understood why his friend was so secretive about his new responsibilities – many Fay princesses are going to be mighty disappointed when the word gets out about spiritual service practiced in Ararat.
Enkidu suddenly found himself being the sole object of Ishtar's attention. Under her look, he felt like being examined by a bunch of healers trying to determine whether a patient can be cured. Quickly he felt even more awkward; his best friend was also watching him intently. Gilgamesh felt that music was different, but he worried what Ishtar may be able to see.
One of things Ishtar could see in Enkidu was strong magic of life and death. Both were floating in his soul in a strange equilibrium dance, something about that dance reminded her of her own dance with Gilgamesh. Still she was goddess of Fay and felt great temptation to just kill on the spot this abomination. However, this 'man' was also able to do something to the magic of love and make it infinitely better, and he was also best friend of Gilgamesh. If she would kill Enkidu, she would likely have to share some of her deeper secrets, secrets a goddess would never reveal to a servant. Her mind was heavy thinking about options. Two men were also deeply in thought and waiting, knowing that it would ultimately all be her decision.
What went from that moment on is part of the legend. Enkidu became special part of the ceremony and was singing not in the Great Hall, but in the inner chamber. Ishtar and Gilgamesh could completely abandon themselves to intoxicating magic, and soon it got better as Enkidu's music was influenced by how he saw them, and what they received was each time more intoxicating.
This led to only possible outcome that wouldn't put kingdom in danger: Gilgamesh, Ishtar and Enkidu became a threesome. Never again was in history a city better protected than Ararat was during that period when the games the threesome played charged the wards of the citadel.
The games they played and all experiments the three had done provoked what would be the lucky accident and make of the three the first reproductively successful threesome in history. They were testing various techniques, often involving magic, and how these techniques influenced their magic and pleasure. Gilgamesh and Enkidu were on that enormous bed kissing and caressing each other, concentrated on mixing their magic. Gilgamesh let his wings of light spring, while Enkidu began to hum a new melody. Later they were joined by a sensation of being caressed by air itself, and soon Ishtar materialised herself between them. As they entered her, Enkidu became part-water and his member became one with Gilgamesh's, and all three of them mixed their magic while caressing each other a making pleasure grow to yet unreached levels.
When the three woke up they were completely clueless how long they had made love and how long they had slept. Check of their health showed that something was different about Ishtar. You know all those stories about gods impregnating mortal girls and goddesses getting pregnant, given the number of those stories it may seem like ordinary event now, but then it was huge, unthinkable – beings that were considered gods never knew or understood what pregnancy was. So naturally when Ishtar found that she possessed a fully functional womb, it was almost fainting-level news (I say almost because no matter what, she is still freakishly powerful goddess).
Now what came as a surprise is that pregnancy progressed as completely normal Human pregnancy. Nine months later a baby girl was born, she was all cute and beautiful, and joy of her three parents.
Little girl was beautiful like some surreal light was shining upon her. She was named Moon Princess, and all starting from her parents to priests and elders were impatient to see what would be her magic.
Little princess was treasured by the entire city. Unfortunately changes started to happen, like her skin looking the same as Enkidu's. It was clear that girl had all magic her parents possessed. Soon pressure on Ishtar was too much and she couldn't take care of her child anymore – she started to feel the same killer instincts she felt towards Enkidu.
Ishtar was worried, what kind of being was her daughter? Of course she loved her, but nevertheless, this could create breach of many secrets of the gods and other superior beings.
The king had found a teacher and caretaker for his daughter. He was an old man, of unknown origin, who long time ago came to the city. His wisdom was legendary among inhabitants of the city, and although not a show-off, his powerful magic was respected. The man called himself Prometheus.
Prometheus was a mysterious being, considered as the first Alchemist, managing to blend transfiguration art of the Fays and science of the Elves. He was respected as a wise teacher, and given his magic he could easily become one of the elders, but like Enkidu he was a stranger in this land and even though Fays offer their friendship and open their families easily, it is not easy to gain high administrative positions for those not born into the land.
The old man was enjoying one of those calm days in the palace garden, when she came to play. He quietly observed her games, until finding what he was looking for.
"Hello little girl"
"Hello grandfather"
"This is the first time I see you play here. What is your name?"
"My mother calls me 'little trouble' and my fathers call me 'little treasure'."
"Fathers, eh? Than you must be Moon Princess" the little girl nodded. "Would you like me to show you the games I play?"
"But old men aren't supposed to play"
"Quite the opposite my child, old men were once young and learnt many games"
And so Prometheus began to teach Moon Princess. When she was of age he brought her again to the garden and he spoke:
"Child, after crossing countless ages, one thing is certain: you are the only being I would call my equal. Not even your mother and those like her can be compared to me, but those are part of my secrets and her secrets. You know that it is the first rule of magic – secrets. Everything is full of secrets. Secrets that you keep, secrets that you need to uncover to gain knowledge. I have taught you all of my knowledge that you needed to know and you are now ready to walk you own adventure. You are ready to create your own secrets. Now you are old to have a special name that will guide your quest. I will call you Pandora – the one that has all the gifts."
And so the princess started her own quest. She understood that magic was everywhere in multitude of forms. It wasn't something that was privilege of gods and Fays and other magical beings over non-magical creatures.
Those who thought the princess would create shocking changes were never even close. Like all Fays the princess is naturally friendly to all beings: Elves, Goblins, Humans, Demons, etc. She has this strange power like Enkidu, only even stronger that is like flow of fundamental magic – only more raw and wild than anything Fays ever experienced. She can move things, hear thoughts, be faster and stronger, and command the elements. And all that is coupled with Fay power and the power of goddess.
And her control of magic is spectacular, all the things she can see in nature and about its structure.
The shock that brought attention of everybody from entire Fay nation to all known superior beings on the city of Ararat was the apparition of magical Humans in the settlements that surrounded the city. Thorough examination brought only one possible culprit for the situation: the princess. It still remains unknown how exactly the gift was given to Humans. It seems that the princess managed to enlist the help of her principal tutor Prometheus.
This was the start of the Great Magical Conflict. It opposed the Fay and their Elfish and Goblin allies who wanted to share and develop magic as freely as possible, against the Gods and other beings from the higher planes of existence who wanted their food to remain ignorant and their servants obedient.
The Gods crushed the rebellion, the city of Ararat was destroyed, and Prometheus imprisoned and chained to the solitary remaining tower on the mountain top. Pandora escaped and for millennia remained hidden, but never letting go of her dreams – dreams of a world where all magic is free. In complete secrecy she would become the first Goddess of the Humans and their "Protecting Mother", the one who bestowed upon mankind the "Gift" so that mankind could fight various predators (both magical and non-magical).
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Sybil was enjoying her drink and beautiful view of Sidney Cove. About a week ago her life went through some unsuspected fundamental changes (yeah, those usually are unsuspected). She, the grand-daughter of Cassandra Trelawney: the Seer extraordinaire was few years out of Hogwarts and jobless. She desperately wanted to live up to her grand-mother's name and expectations family and friends were having in regards to her gift and her future. Unfortunately as the time passed all she managed is to get a reputation of a charlatan.
On that gloomy July Monday, that promised nothing but even more depression for poor Sybil, she was suddenly rewarded with a lucky break. There in "the Daily Prophet" was not one, but two job offers for seer position: one was for Divination professor at Hogwarts school, the other was for fortune teller position in a travelling circus.
Representatives of the travelling circus were right there in London, so Sybil decided to try her luck there.
Like in the muggle world, travelling circuses are often treated with the same disrespect among wizards, like Succubi brothels, these establishments were usually simply tolerated by wizards. Circuses are blatant violations of the secrecy code (so precious to European Ministries) and therefore are not treated with particular kindness. For that reason all public performers usually avoid Europe.
Public performance originates from Indian sub-continent, where even today among artists, yogis and fakirs of mundane origin – true magicians can be seen. There are multitude of places right in the middle of great human cities where magic is openly performed, but not recognised; where magical creatures walk among you, but are not seen. These are places developing all sorts of parallel magical arts. For that reason there are certain wizard trades that hold circuses in great respect – and seers are such trade.
Job interview was to be held in a luxurious muggle hotel room – where representatives of the travelling circus had taken their lodgings, while waiting for their equipment to transit through British magical space and be directed to Australia. The troupe decided they would move from the US and go "Down-Under" for their new tour. For that reason they had to transit through London as magical communities of the Commonwealth are under British Ministry jurisdiction. Fortunately, mixed magical culture of Australia insured the troupe wouldn't suffer the prejudices of the British community.
Sybil entered a classy building. After stating her business at the reception, she was led by a well dressed bellhop to a penthouse suite. This particular circus had a sort of reputation among Carnies, and even in Wizarding World. This troupe had aura of some special magic about them.
After a short wait in the antechamber, Sybil was called to enter the salon. She was greeted by two men, one was a middle-aged gentleman who presented himself as Lars Jones, and the other looked as being of Dwarf ancestry, but without a bushy beard and the other gentleman presented him as Mr. Samson, the co-director of the establishment.
Sybil was offered a comfortable arm-chair facing a double seat couch. Behind the couch was a wooden screen and Sybil could sense there was a third person, probably the other co-director, who was probably the main partner thought Sybil.
During the interview Sybil showed great intuition and avoided making unnecessary drama in her performance. Nevertheless, she was hoping to have a chance to present her true gift regretting once again that it was so random. Suddenly she was starting to feel beginning of the psychic wave.
Lars and Samson liked the performance they were seeing. This candidate would blend perfectly with the troupe, and she looked like archetype of fortune teller. She was able to act which was a plus in their book, they only needed to see what was her true gift and they could pronounce themselves. They saw the woman going still and her look getting empty.
In a deep voice Sybil started saying: "The One with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… Born as the seventh month dies. Born to those who have trice defied him… And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal… And he will have power the Dark Lord knows not….Either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives… The One with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches as the seventh month dies…"
Lars and Samson went pale and the person behind the screen shouted "Impossible! Mrs. Hawkins was Omega, the cycle was supposed to end with her!" It was followed by quick muttering or the person: "Of course that explains why we are still alive Samson. And that also explains why that Navajo shaman directed us to Australia."
Sybil collected herself and immediately apologised "Oh, I'm so sorry! I often have these blackouts!" Lars quickly saved her from launching into a ramble "Think nothing of it Madam. Please, Mr. Samson heard enough and is quite pleased. You are hired Madam."
Mr. Samson then added "There is only one thing we should warn you about: our previous fortune teller, Mrs. Hawkins was very much loved by members of the troupe, and some members don't like that we are hiring her replacement so soon after her passing." Lars then reassured her "We will however, do what is necessary to make your stay most pleasurable."
Sybil was ecstatic. She had a job. The people she would be working with were pleasant, and the circus looked classy enough so that travelling would be pleasant. She received an air ticket for Sydney, where they would meet in two weeks time to start the tour after all administration stuff was completed.