When Harry Met Jane
Chapter Four: Squires and Serpents
Harry watched as the portly knight headed off through a nearby doorway. He was just about to ask Jane how many knights the castle had when a young man, dressed like Jane, strolled arrogantly up to them.
"Well, Jane, it's good to see that Sir Theodore has finally given you a task that you can perform," said the young man with a sneer that would make Malfoy jealous.
"Hello, Gunther," groaned Jane.
"Hello there, Gunther," chimed Harry, extending a hand. "My name is Harry, and I'm a sorcerer from a distant kingdom. I assume that you're a knight's squire, like Jane?"
"Sorcerer?" repeated Gunther, looking at Harry's hand as though it might be a snake.
"No need to fear my hand, Squire Gunther. My other hand is my wand hand."
Gunther took a step back, eying Harry with more suspicion and a hint of fear. "How do we know that you're a sorcerer?"
Harry glanced back to say something to the young jester, but he had vanished.
"Sir Theodore witnessed Sorcerer Harry appear from the sky in a bolt of lightning," explained Jane.
To both Harry and Jane's delight, this information drained what little color Gunther had from his face. Harry waited patiently to see if the boy that reminded him of Malfoy would run in fear.
"Well … that's very … interesting."
"The lightning isn't something I can do at will," added Harry. "It was a form of traveling, more or less. I can perform a few spells for you … if you wish."
"You can save that for the King," said Sir Theodore, appearing around the corner behind Gunther. "The King wishes to meet you, Sorcerer Harry. I have no doubt that he shall wish to see a mild demonstration as well."
"Lead the way, Sir Theodore." Harry bowed to the knight, then added, "Squire Gunther and Squire Jane might wish to see a demonstration as well, if the King would allow such."
"I see no reason not," agreed Sir Theodore. "I am sure that Jester shall be there."
Harry winked at Gunther who looked as though he might get sick. Jane gave Harry a look of awe and admiration—his boldness no doubt more than she was used to. They followed Sir Theodore through the courtyard and into a grand hall, where the King sat waiting on his throne, his thick eyebrows furrowed together as he examined the newcomer.
"Your Majesty, may I present Sorcerer Harry."
Recognizing his moment, Harry stepped forward past Sir Theodore and bowed. In a maddening way, he felt like he was starting to adapt.
"Welcome, Sorcerer Harry, to Kippernia Castle."
"Thank you, your Majesty, for inviting me into your castle."
"Sir Theodore says that you appeared just outside the castle in a bolt of lightning. Can you perform such a feat again?"
"The lightning is quite rare, your Majesty. However, I believe I can perform some magic that will amaze and entertain."
At the mention of entertainment, the young jester appeared from behind the draperies that lined the wall behind the throne.
"Please feel free to entertain, Sorcerer Harry, but nothing too dangerous," warned the King.
Harry bowed low, withdrawing his wand from his sleeve. He spied Gunther lingering near the far wall and smiled. "If I might ask, would Squire Gunther care to assist me?"
Gunther looked as though he might run from the hall, but the King replied, "Certainly. Gunther, please assist our guest."
Gunther swallowed hard as the portly knight shoved him forward. Jane coughed to cover a laugh but choked when Harry looked back at her. Their eyes met, and his chest tightened. 'This is getting annoying,' he mused.
Harry focused his attention on the shaky Gunther and his chest relaxed. "Squire Gunther, please brandish your sword. I promise you," he quickly added, "no harm shall come to you."
Gunther withdrew his sword, holding it with both hands in front of him. Harry aimed his wand and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" Immediately, Gunther's sword flew from his hands and into Harry's free one. Before anyone could say or do anything, Harry tossed it to Sir Theodore. The last thing he wanted was be seen as hostile. The small group gathered in the hall gasped then applauded.
"Bravo, Sorcerer Harry!" shouted the King. "Perform another … eh—"
"They're called spells, your Majesty," interjected Harry.
"Another spell, then, Sorcerer Harry."
"As you wish."
Harry aimed his wand at a now frightened Gunther and shouted, "Pertrificus Totalus!"
Gunther's arms and legs snapped together, falling backwards on the spot. The hall gasped then applauded again, Harry distinctly hearing Jane giggle with delight.
"Gunther, are you alright?"
"You shall have to excuse Squire Gunther, your Majesty. He cannot answer you until I release him." Harry pointed his wand. "Finite."
Gunther immediately rolled over and pushed himself to his feet. He turned and looked at Harry in horror, not certain whether to stay or run.
"Excellent show, Sorcerer Harry," declared the King. "We are privileged to have one as talented as yourself as our guest."
Harry bowed once again. "Thank you, your Majesty."
"I would like a moment to speak with Sorcerer Harry and Sir Theodore, alone."
Immediately, everyone in the hall began to exit through the large double-doorway.
"This includes you as well, Jester."
"Of course, your Majesty," squeaked the young jester, nearly running out of the hall.
"Sorcerer Harry, Sir Theodore informs me that you're not quite certain how you arrived here."
"This is true, your Majesty," replied Harry. "The magic that brought me here was not planned."
"Should you find that you're unable to return to your kingdom, I would consider it a great honor if you would consider staying on as a member of the court."
"Thank you, your Majesty." Harry bowed, but the thought of not returning to his time made the pit of his stomach fall away.
"While you are with us, Sir Theodore shall be your charge. He shall be responsible for your well-being."
Sir Theodore bowed low. "I shall make sure that our young sorcerer here has all that he needs."
"Very good. You are dismissed."
'No reading between the lines here', thought Harry as they exited the hall.
"Sorcerer Harry, I have duties to attend to. My squire, Jane, shall see to your needs today. I'm sure that you shall find her in the main courtyard, discussing the demonstration."
Harry bowed to Sir Theodore, then headed for the largest courtyard. Sure enough, he spotted Jane speaking excitedly with the young jester and two other young people that hadn't seen before. One was a young sandy-haired boy, wearing a leather apron. The other was a young dark-haired girl wearing a purple dress. With a bit more confidence than he would normally have, Harry strolled directly up to the group.
"Hello."
"Oh," Jane cleared her throat, turning on the spot, "I was just informing my friends, Sorcerer Harry, about your performance in the hall."
"Please, it's just Harry."
"Right. Of course." sniffed Jane nervously.
Jester stepped forward and bowed. "Well, while Jane finds her words, it might be a good time to formally introduce ourselves."
Jane shot the jester a scathing glare, turning slightly pink.
"Greetings, Sorcerer Harry," the sandy-haired young man bowed. "My name is Jethro Junior and I am the court Blacksmith, but you may call me Smithy."
Harry nodded. "Greetings Smithy."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry," the dark-haired young girl curtsied. "My name is Verbena Salter and I am the court Cook, but you may call me Pepper."
"My pleasure." Harry bowed, earning a giggle.
"Uh, hello?"
Harry turned around to see a dark-haired young man peeking out from behind a shrub.
"Ah, there you are, Rake," the jester called out.
"Hi." The young man looked as though he might disappear back behind the shrub at any second.
"Rake is the court Gardener, and a bit shy."
"I can speak for myself, thank you," retorted Rake indignantly, dusting himself off and stepping out from behind the shrub.
"Oh, I wasn't aware you knew how to speak up."
Harry could have sworn that he would find Draco Malfoy standing behind him, but he knew that was impossible.
"Found your nerve again, Gunther?"
"Quiet, Jester," snapped Gunther.
Harry turned to face him and took the smallest of pleasure when the arrogant young squire knight took a step back. This time, however, the young man didn't break eye contact. 'He has some bravery after all.'
"I hope you don't feel as though I attempted to humiliate you in front of your King." Harry inclined his head but didn't take his eyes off the young man. "I knew that you were brave enough to stand your ground."
Gunther opened his mouth to retort but seemed to find himself at a loss. He clearly hadn't expected Harry's comments. Judging by the looks on the other's faces, they were taken aback. The large dragon had been listening as well, coughing loudly in disbelief.
"Well," Gunther cleared his throat, "I'm glad to see that someone here recognizes bravery. Welcome to the castle, Sorcerer Harry."
Gunther nodded then turned and walked away, eying Dragon with apprehension.
"A cunning short-life," mused Dragon, leaning in closer to the group.
Jane waited until Gunther had cleared the courtyard. "You're used to people like Gunther where you're from, I take it?"
"A few."
"Well, I think you were very polite," interjected Pepper. "Gunther is not as awful as he puts on."
"You see the good in everyone, Pepper, my dear," sighed the jester, shaking his head.
"Gunther has a good heart," argued Jane, smiling. "It just gets lost under all his pride."
Dragon stood up to his fullest height. "Okay, that's enough for me. Call for me when you're through discussing what a marvelous person squire tufty armor is."
Before Jane could say a word, Dragon spread his wings and pushed off with a surge of wind.
"You have to overlook our large scaly friend," cooed the jester. "He's a bit biased when it comes to Gunther."
"It's only because Gunther has refused to give Dragon a chance to be his friend."
"I agree, Pepper." Jane folded her arms. "Gunther has been trying to find a reason to get rid of Dragon since the day he arrived."
The five friends dived into debated conversation of Gunther's treatment of Dragon, forgetting Harry's presence. The scene reminded him of Ron, Hermione and his other Gryffindor friends. At that moment he realized how much he missed them. 'Will I ever see them again?'
The group before him grew quiet, all eyes turning to look at Harry. "What?"
"You spoke in dragon language, Harry," explained Jane.
The awed looks on Pepper, Smithy and Rake confirmed it.
Harry apologized. "Sorry. There are times that I do it without realizing. Usually, it's because there's a snake or dragon nearby." He looked about but didn't see any sign of Dragon.
'Ah, but there is a serpent near, tongue speaker.'
Harry looked down to see a green snake staring up at him. 'Oh. Hello.'
"Y-Y-You can speak to snakes?" Harry looked up to see Rake staring at him nervously.
Harry sighed. "They and dragons speak the same language. It's a talent I inherited. I promise I'm not evil."
"You have to overlook, well, all of us I guess," shrugged the jester. "We're not used to having someone with such talents amongst us. Besides, Rake is petrified of snakes."
"They're not my favorite creature, I admit, but I'm not petrified." Rake glared at the jester.
"I'll just send him on his way, then." Harry turned his attention to the small garden snake. 'I hope not to offend, but you're making some of the humans nervous.'
'If I make them nervous, tongue speaker, how doth they handle the dragon and how shall they handle the Booka?'
'Booka' repeated Harry. 'What's a Booka?'
'The Booka, tongue speaker, is the king of all serpents.'
Harry's body tensed. He now knew what a Booka was. 'Tell me, serpent. Why would a Booka enter this castle?'
'Something has summoned it, tongue speaker. Something ancient.'
Harry grew silent, watching the tiny snake slither away. When he had sorted his thoughts, he looked up at the curious faces before him. "Has something mysterious recently arrived at the castle, besides me?"
Jane thought for a moment. "Actually … yes. Why?"
Harry wanted to throw his head back and curse fate. "Well, now I may know why I'm here. This castle is potentially in grave danger."
A/N: Greetings! Out of school and back at it! Hope you enjoyed the update. Beta'd by my dad, so all the mistakes are his! ;) I will try to finish this story this summer vacation, along with another. My dad and I are going to team up on a few he has open as well! I have a few ideas! :)) Please review!