Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything in relation to him. There has been no monetary gain from this story. It was simply created as a means to entertain myself and offer the readers of the Harry Potter fandom something new to indulge in.


Chapter Four

A Brief Introduction to the Dangers of Ruling a Kingdom


Harry had no idea how it had happened so quickly. One moment the opposing figures had been on the far ridge and then, all of a sudden, they were violently crashing into a golden barrier that had materialized around Soren, Lothair, and himself. The force of their collision showering both parties with sparks of gold and silver. Soren had remained still to Harry's left and Lothair shifted restlessly to his right, a sneer fixed firmly on his pale face. It was a sneer that could only be described as 'taunting'. Their guards, much to Harry's surprise, had shifted into a tighter circle around them, an arrow imbedded in the earth in at each interval and their swords outstretched horizontally in front of them. As though offering the sharp metal further support, their left palms were resting against the back of each blade. For the briefest moment, Harry wondered why they didn't just grab their wands, but the thought was immediately thrown to the side when he realized what was happening on the surface of those blades. If one looked closely, one could see small beads of light skittering across the metal. This strange show of magic seemed to be the source of their protective barrier. Ultimately, this had the unintended result of causing more questions to spring into Harry's mind. Naturally, these questions were left unanswered. For the moment, all he could do was watch as the beads pulsed brightly with every hit the barrier absorbed.

The attack continued for several long moments before Soren moved. Had Harry been paying attention he would have noticed how the two High Lords interacted with each other. Despite Lothair's desire to rush forth, he remained in place, allowing Soren to make the first move. Had Harry been paying attention, he would have noticed that even among the three High Lords there was a hierarchy of power and respect. What Harry did notice, however, was that even in the face of danger Soren remained calm and collected. This calm attitude, in turn, offered a sense of calm to the rest of their party - or at least as much as Lothair was willing to accept. The dark haired Elf wasn't exactly one for patience. Slowly and confidently bringing his horse out to the front, Soren faced the opposing group with a look in his eyes that was nothing but cold and calculating. It was a look that Harry had yet to see on the face of his new found mentor.

"Halt this nonsense!" He snapped forcefully, his voice ringing out far more than Harry thought it should. Perhaps it was their location, or perhaps it was the magic around them that helped to amplify the sound. Whatever it was, Harry had to admit that the effect was impressive. Their attackers stilled, frozen by the very tone that echoed around them. Harry could see the similarity to a quickly uttered freezing charm and wondered vaguely if one had, in fact, been cast. Of course, this moment of stillness was not to last. It took only a second or two, before Harry was able to pick out movement from within the crowd. Apparently not everyone had stilled at the command. Slowly the Elves were parting, a tall silhouette moving through the group toward the three assumed High Lords.

"Your Majesties, have we angered you?"

The voice was low and held nothing but malice in its tone. Harry could feel his skin crawl as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. If there had been a moment in his past when he had ever thought Severus Snape was the most intimidating person he'd had the misfortune of coming across, he was about to become second. Severus Snape could, in no way, be compared with the individual standing in front of him. Soren, in his earlier explanation of Dark Elf history, had stated that the race had changed over time, loosing most of their vampire features. For the first time, Harry doubted Soren's words and this man was the cause of that doubt. His skin was as pale as fresh snow, his hair, long and of the deepest black, shrouded his elongated features. Unlike Soren and Lothair, the strands of thick dark hair were not pulled back but hung freely over the left side of the man's face, acting as a partial shield. The shudder that ran through Harry was something he couldn't resist and left him wondering what the man was trying to hide. To make the situation frightfully worse, the eye that could be seen from beneath the dark fringe offered a dark and dangerous glint. Harry's breath froze in his lungs when, for the briefest moment, he felt himself fall into the direct line of sight. He felt completely out in the open, as though the individual in front of him could see him for who he was. He wasn't a High Lord. He was nothing more than an outsider playing the role that was given to him.

"I should have known it was you, Roland," Soren responded, his lips curving into an elegant sneer and effectively distracting that piercing gaze from Harry, leaving him the freedom to release the air he'd been holding in. "You are like a plague, spreading over these lands, destroying the life you find."

"How kind of you to notice," was the amused response. The lips of Roland had immediately curled back to reveal a single yellowed tooth, which, from Harry's vantage, looked suspiciously long and sharp; easily sharp enough to draw blood if that was the intent.

By this point, Lothair could barely contain his need to face the threat head-on. His entire body was all but vibrating in his saddle, his fingers white from his ever tightening grip on the reigns. "You are nothing in comparison to us," he hissed, no longer able to restrain his speech as his mount took him closer to the barrier's edge. "It will only take a word from me to have you skinned alive and hung from my wall, half-breed!"

Half-breed. The single word stirred within Harry a strong and familiar emotion. Despite the terror that he was bombarded with, particularly concerning the individual they referred to as Roland, Harry felt his mind racing to defend him. He'd had heard that term used far too often within the world he had just come from. Pureblood versus Muggleborn. Was bloody purity tearing apart this world as well?

Any further thought in regards to the term was disregarded as Roland quickly shot forward, his fists hitting the barrier wall sending a massive shower of sparks in the wake of such force. Had it not been for Harry's new found increase in senses, he would not have been able to see the movement. The speed at which Roland had moved was something beyond the limitations of human sight, however, this rush of movement provided with it a gust of wind that far too clearly illuminated what the Elf had been trying to hide. It was something that Harry had not expected, yet, ultimately, terrified his heart into silence. As the wind picked up, the dark curtain of hair shifted and revealed a clear view of a single glowing red eye with a pupil of pure darkness as it's core. The hair shifted with the decrease of wind, settling once more to cover the terrifying sight, but it was too late. Harry had seen and he knew that it was settled on him.

"You are nothing," Roland snarled, ignoring the shocks running through his hands as they rested against the barrier. "You will die by my hand before this is over. I swear that to you, Lothair Talyne. Keep that in mind as you travel back with your precious ruler. Perhaps, if you're lucky, I shall keep you alive long enough to watch me rip his quivering heart from his chest."

Harry had never felt terror like he did in that very moment. He had stood toe to toe with one of the most powerful Dark Wizard the Wizarding world had ever seen and yet he had not feared as he currently was. This Elf was something entirely different. He couldn't say anything in defence. The words he might have sought refugee in had taken their leave long before the uttered threat had been presented and there was no hope of finding them again. All he could do was watch as their attackers turned and disappeared into the trees. As the last of them vanished, Harry was sure of only one thing: Roland had known immediately who he was. It would not matter how well he disguised himself or how well he was hidden. Roland would find him.

"As I was saying," Soren sighed, startling Harry back from the world of terror that had been erected around his mind and signalling for the guards to stand down. That level of protection was no longer needed. The sounds of swords being slid back into their sheaths made Harry tighten the grip on his reigns. Only if one looked closely cold they tell the barrier had caused the members of the guard a good quantity of their strength. He had never been one for weapons or brute force strength, but he was currently very aware that he was the only one in the group that was unable to defend themselves. It wasn't a feeling he particularly liked. "There will always be those who do not wish to have a ruler."

The tone by which that statement was delivered caused Harry to turn his attention to Soren, his expression quite clearly conveying the incredulous belief that Soren was completely, and hopelessly, out of his bloody mind.

"That wasn't just any group! Did you not see his eye? I don't even know what he is!" His response was projected with far more fear and volume than he had meant to convey, but it was honest, which was something he felt was needed at the current moment. "At least with Voldemort I know where I stand!"

Lothair didn't say anything, his opinion of the situation was quite clear in the way he forcefully turned his horse in the direction of there previous destination and began to move the group forward once more. As he moved, the guard shifted and fell into position with him, effectively ushering Soren and Harry into the middle of their protective circle. Even with his new fears Harry had to stop and note the conformity and unity that stood among this particular group of individuals. When the weight of a smooth hand suddenly rested on Harry's shoulder, he very nearly jumped out of his skin. His heart had already been beating wildly against his ribcage. With the sudden touch, Harry had to wonder at what point an individual's heart could no longer handle the stress.

All that aside, Harry was once again starting to doubt Soren's conviction that he could handle being the ruler of a kingdom of magical creatures. It was, most certainly, a daunting thought, particularly after their recent experience. Being thought of as the Saviour of the Wizarding world was much different then ruling it. Perhaps that was all he was meant to be.

"There will always be danger, Harry." Soren didn't need Harry to speak to know what the young Elf was thinking. Just because he had new blood running through his veins didn't mean he had completely changed. His emotions could still be read quite clearly in his eyes. "It doesn't matter where you are, in this realm or the world of Wizards, you will always face some form of disapproval. What you have to remember is that without a form of leadership, Elves like Roland are free to have as much power as they wish.

"He is NOT an Elf."

Harry was, once again, startled at the sudden interruption of disapproval from Lothair. The anger on the Elf's face was something Harry was sure he'd never before seen on a living, breathing person. His anger seemed to bring his features to life, giving him an entrancing, yet frightening, appearance. It was intriguing to watch the emotions roll and shift over his chiseled features. Catching himself staring, Harry adverted his eyes, a small blush settling over his cheeks. He prayed to every deity he could think of for his blush to go unnoticed. The last thing he wanted was to have that anger directed at him.

"You will not dirty kind by claiming that he is one of us! He will never be an Elf and to call him so is an insult to our race."

"What is he?" Harry ventured, daring to interrupt the tension growing between Lothair and Soren. He was curious and, considering the level of power and influence the two Elves in front of him had, Harry figured it would be better than allowing their frustrations to turn into a more violent confrontation. Lothair had mentioned him being a half-breed. If Roland wasn't an Elf than what could he possibly be? More importantly, why was Roland the leader of a bunch of rebel Elves if he himself didn't share the bloodline?

"He is an abomination that should have been destroyed years ago."

Even though Lothair was answering his question, the Elf's eyes and tone were directed at no one other than Soren. Clearly the presence of Roland in the realm was a sore spot between them. Why? Harry wasn't entirely sure.

"Lothair, you will reign in your anger!" Soren responded, his voice unusually sharp.

"I will do no such thing! You know there is wisdom in my words, Soren. It was a weak decision and the entire realm knows it."

Harry was not only surprised that Soren did not immediately respond to this, but also he was also incredibly confused. The tone in Lothair's voice gave the distinct impression that he thought Soren was responsible for the continuing problems caused by Roland. Despite the dislike that clearly flowed from Soren during the confrontation earlier, Harry was beginning to wonder if there was something else that lay between the High Lord and the rebellious Elf.

"What are you talking about? What is he?"

Soren and Lothair continued to glare coldly at each other for several long moments before Lothair finally made a noise of disgust and turned his back on the two of them. Harry didn't dare ask the question again. He had the distinct impression that turning ones back on their superior was a huge insult and he wasn't exactly sure how Soren would react to that. The tension between the two Elves still resonated within the confines of their protective circle, and he figured it was safer to simply remain quiet.

"It is true," Soren started, his voice returning to a softer pitch with only a bit of trouble, "that we have descended from the joining of Elves and Vampires, but the practice is not looked kindly upon. It has taken years of development and change to reach this particular stage. When the current bloodlines are combined it has varying consequences. Roland is once such variation. What you must understand is that the pairing of Vampire and Dark Elf is considered against regulations only because we cannot predict the outcome. With Roland the darker Vampire blood has dominance in his personality, reacting poorly with the blood of the Elves. I'm sure you witnessed his eye."

It wasn't a question, but Harry found himself nodding anyway. It was an image that he knew would not be leaving his subconscious for quite a while. Not even Voldemort's eyes glowed with that much malice and hate.

"It is because of that occurrence that our people are afraid to combine the bloodlines for a third time. Many years ago there was an outbreak of such offspring. Roland is technically the last of those born."

"What happened to the others?" Harry asked, fearing the answer but knowing that he would need to hear it. His mind had already drawn up images based on his understanding of the feelings of outright hatred that stemmed from the similar sense of prejudice experienced in the Wizarding world. From Lothair's earlier comment, he had a strong idea of what exactly had happened.

"They became extremely violent as they aged. In several occasion these individuals murdered their immediate families: brothers, sisters, and parents. Within our realm this is the ultimate betrayal. The family unit is the strongest within our society and to destroy that which symbolizes the strength of our Kingdom is a travesty that cannot be condoned. We were leaderless at the time of this outbreak. Your ancestor had passed on several years previous and it fell to the High Lords to decide on a course of action. Roland was just a boy at the time and he had not yet reached the point in his life where the violence had taken control of him. He was like any other child in our realm. He never showed signs of anger or deviance that many of the other children of mixed blood had exhibited. It was eventually suggested that he be killed before the Vampire blood could take hold. There was no guarantee that he would not develop along the same path the others had taken. However, in order to go through with the order, all three of the High Lords had to be in agreement and it was my vote that prevented his death."

Harry could hardly believe what he was hearing. The ties to Voldemort were blatantly obvious. Surely they didn't expect him to do such things? He couldn't. He simply wouldn't become Voldemort, no matter how dangerous an individual was thought to be. "They were killed? Is that still in practice? I'm not going to kill anyone. I don't care what bloodline they have."

Soren held up a hand to stop Harry's almost panicked rant. "You can relax, Harry. Roland's generation is the last know occurrence of the bloodlines mixing. Once you are ruler you will make the decision on punishments. You must understand, however, that the people were frightened. At a time when we did not have stable government something had to be done to appease and protect the population.

Harry nodded, taking a calming breath. It was all he could do. His nerves were still pulled tight. Everything within him was screaming that the decision to become ruler of this strange world was a huge mistake. "Alright, so if you said that Roland was like the other children, why has he become what he has? Why does he want to kill me?"

"Once he became of age, his vampire ancestry became more dominant. When the others were killed he was just a boy: the youngest of his particular generation. He couldn't remember it. When he discovered what had been done, his reaction was far stronger than we had anticipated. Roland withdrew from society, picking up stray and rouge Elves as his followers. He wants revenge for what was done and the thought of having to kill you in order to accomplish that isn't going to stop him. He wants to see our structure fall into ashes, no matter the obstacle."

"So he's more Vampire than Elf?"

"In a sense," Soren started with a small sigh. "Yes, he has a higher degree of Vampire blood in his system than most of us, but that doesn't mean he simply has more of that magic. Combining the magic of two very different species is always a dangerous game. With us, the reaction between the bloods was stabilized. However, when you play with things that are already on the edge they can easily be pushed into an unforeseen direction. With Roland, the magic hasn't come together. Essentially, he has two identities struggling to find purchase within a single body. For the most part, he can contain the evil within him, but when he's angry that ability fades and he loses control of his vampire nature. This slip in control allows for the shift to embracing the darker yearnings in his soul. It wouldn't be such a problem if that other aspect of himself wasn't as dangerous as it is."

"Then how are we supposed to deal with him?" Harry asked, wracking his brain for a solution and coming up with nothing. He had never met anyone with more than one personality, let alone an individual whose second personality wanted to kill him in the most painful way possible. His previous problems were simple structures. This was something entirely different. He was currently treading water, the fear of what would happen with the next wave hanging over his head. It was an exhausting situation to be in. "If he's that dangerous why did we just let him go? What if he hurts someone?"

"It is a complicated matter," Soren supplied somewhat hesitantly as he turned his attention ahead of them to the thinning tree line. "He has gathered many supporters, some of which are rogue vampires, or rather, Vampires who have broken from the covenant and do not follow the rules and guidelines set out by them by their Elders. If Roland is threatened by an attack from our forces those Vampires will defend him. For hundreds of years our realm has maintained a very delicate treaty of peace with the Vampire Covens. To attack a member of that species, even one such as a rouge, would mean the complete destruction of that peace. The only way in which we would be permitted to take action, without destroying our relationship with the Vampire Coven, would be if the Coven was in complete agreement."

"If he's dangerous than why would they not be in agreement?"

"Roland has not yet posed a threat to the Coven and he will not do so. If he remains unimportant to the Covens, he successfully creates a sense of immunity for himself. While it is frustrating, it is also incredibly smart," Soren explained, glancing to the left and letting his eyes roam over the tree line there. Harry's eyes followed his, catching the small movements among the closely packed trees. Harry's body tensed upon noticing this. Surely they weren't still being followed. He wasn't ready for another confrontation. He was facing his new responsibilities with some difficulty and he was really in no mood for more trouble.

Thankfully, as they continued on their way, whatever was hiding amongst the trees remained there. No terrifying creatures rushed toward them intent on the kill, for which Harry was extremely grateful. He was well aware that his nerves could not handle another dangerous surprise. "Well, I think that is quite enough about Roland and his band of Rouges. What is important, however, is that you learn what you need in order to be the ruler of this Kingdom."

With Soren's words, Harry's attention was drawn back to him rather unwillingly. While there were groups of individuals out for his blood, he didn't think he could honestly focus on something else, particularly the reason as to why that group of individuals wanted him dead. He strongly hoped that Roland and Voldemort never crossed paths. The last thing he needed was for the two of them to get the crazy notion to work together. With that thought on his shoulders, he doubted that he'd make much of a ruler if that were to come about.

"Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"

Harry forced himself to think back over their past encounter with Roland, pushing past the horrible lingering image of that eye and the dark foreboding it had created. He was sure that image would be there to haunt his dreams for a long while to come, leaving him far more restless and jumpy than he was accustomed to. "Blood. We were talking about having to drink Dragon's blood if my mate was to experience the change."

A small smirk settled over Soren's face when his thoughts caught up to what Harry had reminded him. "Too right, you are," he chuckled, his dark eyes turning to focus on Harry once more. "I suppose you have questions about the concept of having a mate?"

Harry couldn't decide where to begin. He just saw so many things wrong with that particular situation. He had Voldemort and now this Roland character after him. If he had a mate, they too would be in danger simply because they were associated with him. Of course, the fact that he had no choice in the matter certainly wasn't making him jump for joy. "What will happen if I choose not to seek out my mate?"

Soren's eyebrow rose at the question. He had been dealing with the newly changed for many years and not once had he been faced with that particular question. Many took to the idea of having an equal that would love them unconditionally, no matter the circumstances. For the few that did raise objections, they normally accepted the fact that it would happen, albeit grudgingly. Either way, things had always developed between the intended two according to plan. As Harry raised this new question, Soren found himself wondering if perhaps things weren't going to go as smoothly as they had in the past, which was something the could not afford to let happen. "You will not have the choice. You will not be able to fight your body's natural reaction."

Harry sighed and made a movement with his hand to signal him to continue. "Just humour me for a moment. If somehow we were separated what would happen?" He wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer but a part of him insisted that he know, even if he couldn't do a thing about it. It was far better to be prepared, after all. He'd learned the hard way that running in headfirst rarely turned out well. Someone always ended up hurt.

Soren, for his part, took a moment to organize his thoughts before he attempted to answer Harry's enquiry. His answer could have a great effect on their collective future and he wasn't about to risk a callous response. "You would suffer far more than your mate, if, for some reason, the two of you were forced apart. As I have said, you will not be able to resist making a bond with your chosen. If you are separated for a long period of time, the two of you will feel a deep sense of pressure both mentally and physically. Your body will become chilled and unable to warm itself until the bond has been soothed. You will also be overcome with the need to be close to your partner. In order to become whole again you will need to return to the side of your mate and let your auras heal the damage that's been caused to the bond between you."

"And if one of us dies?"

That really was the most important question on Harry's mind. It was a depressing thought, but one that could not be ignored. A long time ago he had come to terms with the very real possibility that he may not walk away from his ever-approaching confrontation with Voldemort. He couldn't hide from it and he couldn't force anyone else to live with that hanging over their heads. No matter how much he despised it, the definite possibility of death was a rather strong reality.

"If you have not consummated the bond than your mate will survive. However, they will feel a continued deep sense of longing that nothing on this Earth will soothe. I know that this might sound like a way for you to protect them, Harry, but I have to ask you to think seriously about what sort of life that would leave them with," Soren instructed, his voice soft. "If you have consummated the bond, your mate will ultimately die. If your positions are reversed and your mate is killed than you will follow them into death immediately. You will not be able to withstand the pain that will be caused by the severing of your bond. The loss of a mate is a terrible thing to experience. However, if you are the one to die, your mate's remaining life will be dependant on the state of your bond. If, for instance, it is in the early stages of development, than your mate will be able to survive for a short time. The pain will not lesson and eventually, they will break under the pressure."

Harry let out the deep breath he had been holding. In the matter of a few short moments Soren had made all of his fears a reality. He had the very real chance of experiencing the kind of love that many would spend their entire lives trying to find, but it came at the cost of risking the life of an innocent person. As wonderful as the thought of having someone stand beside him, he knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself if his mate was put into danger because of him. Death, both his own and that of his mate, haunted him from both sides.

"This is not something that can be changed, Harry," Soren responded, giving the young man a moment of thought. As he watched, his attention was drawn to a tension that had developed in Harry's arms and jaw. It was a tension that did not sit well with the older Elf. "Ultimately the decision will be yours to make, but I implore you to think carefully before you act. I understand your fear of endangering another individual, particularly one that you will end up loving, but if it was I in your position, I would much rather experience Rosalind's love for a brief moment than to continue to live with the knowledge that she would never truly be happy with anyone else. If you decide to pull away, ensure that you are comfortable with knowing that you have robbed not only yourself, but also your mate of the happiness that is entitled to them. It is a heavy burden to bear."

It was a lot to think about and a lot to put on the boy's already heavy shoulders, but Soren did not feel sorry for placing the added weight there. Harry was stronger than he looked and much stronger than he believed himself to be. When the time came to make a decision, Soren fully believed that Harry would make the right one.

"For the moment, do not put too much of your concentration into thoughts of your mate. Your biggest concern right now is learning not only the way of our world, but also the concept of our magic," Soren pressed on after several long moments of silence. Despite the inner turmoil he knew Harry was facing, their time was already very limited. September was quickly approaching and there were many things that needed to be accomplished. "The idea of having a mate will have to be faced when you reach that bridge. There is nothing that can be done to prepare you."

Harry eventually nodded his understanding, but he was only semi-aware of what Soren was saying. He had allowed his mind to drift as the older Elf had spoken of experiencing love. It was something that Harry had never felt. He loved Hermione and Ron, but this was something that would far outreach what he felt for either of them. This was something much stronger. He had thought he had experienced love in the past, but it had always been relatively one sided. The girls he had dated had never really loved him, but rather loved the idea of him. To have someone accept all of him was something he had never thought he could have. It was a temptation that, even as he argued against it, pulled at his thoughts. His mind was too far-gone to be worried about the meaning of Soren's words, as he continued to fall deeper into his inner workings. What he did notice, however, was the slowly growing scent of oranges that caressed his delicate senses. The scent of citrus was not something he was unfamiliar with, but to his surprise his very heart rate seemed to quicken as it wrapped around him. Beneath the smooth layers of his clothing, a pleasant shiver ran over his skin as his mind's eye caught the briefest glimpse of pale skin.

"Harry!"

His sense of time and location was jarred dangerously as Soren's voice pulled him harshly back to reality, which left his senses in a mad scramble to ground him once more. He may not have been prepared for his re-entry into reality, but he was certainly aware that he had both the attention of Lothair and Soren. To make matters worse, he suddenly felt very uncomfortable under their piercing gaze, as though he'd been caught doing something that he was not suppose to.

"What did you see?"

It was a simple question and yet it sent Harry's nerves and embarrassment into over drive. "See? I didn't see anything?" he responded, his voice far too high and fast to be convincing. Despite his protests, Soren and Lothair shared a look that spoke volumes. It was a look that Harry correctly interrelated as their complete and utter disbelief. The two of them knew exactly what was going on.

"It is natural for an Elf to experience-" Soren's voice drifted for a moment as he attempted to find the best way to explain the situation without further embarrassing him.

"Erotic day dreams about their mates?" Lothair supplied, looking very much like the cat that ate the canary. He wasn't sure exactly why he took so much pleasure in goading the recent arrival, but when the opportunity arose he certainly couldn't pass it up. There was something entirely amusing with the way that the boy floundered. Soren on the other hand did not appear at all amused.

The flush that had already settled on Harry's cheeks deepened drastically. "I didn't see anything!" He insisted, knowing full well that his statement was a complete lie. He had definitely seen something, however, for the moment he was confused as to the meaning behind his vision. In all honesty, it hadn't been what he had seen that had affected him, nor had it been the scent of oranges. What had grabbed his attention the most was the way his heart had beat against the curve of his ribcage with anticipation, excitement, and an emotion so powerful that he could have sworn it was love.

Lothair didn't look as though he believed him and, if he was to be honest, Harry couldn't blame him. His reaction certainly wasn't helping in his desire to promote his claim that he had not seen anything. "Oranges. I could smell oranges," he eventually muttered in response, deciding that it would be best to give them some form of insight, before Lothair took it upon himself to personally discover the truth.

"Great," Lothair snorted, turning his horse around once more. "The kid's got a fixation with fruit."

An embarrassed, if somewhat exasperated, retort was just making its way from Harry's mouth as the group crested the last hill. The sight that met them drew Harry's mind from any half formed thoughts of revenge to the scene that was slowly being revealed to him. To either side of them the trees fell away almost delicately, revealing a splendid view of the valley below. Lush green fields spread out after the dense cluster of ancient trees had ended, dotted with various forms of wildlife. The further into the valley his eyes travelled the more dwellings he spotted, each one rising out of the vegetation around it regally. The beautiful sight seemed to stretch on for miles before him before it reached the base of the largest structure within the valley.

It was nestled within the heart of the clearing, comfortably surrounding by smaller dwellings and, despite its location, there was nothing similar between the castle and the creations around it. The structure of the castle reminded him vaguely of Hogwarts, but this structure could hardly be described as something he had seen before. Ivy seemed to stretch it's delicate fingers over the walls of the castle as its towers climbed higher and higher, the last remaining rays of the sun glinting off their high windows. The sight was truly breathtaking.

"Welcome home, Harry."


to be continued ...