CAUTION: more Aslan-bashing. Mentions of alcohol use. Coarse language. Slight slash/fluff!
8: TRAITORS IN THEIR MIDST
After consulting the map, Harry quickly decided that it would be better if everyone returned to the trunk. The conference table in the library would be a more comfortable place to sit, rather than be standing awkwardly around the table in the control room.
So minutes later, said group sat around said table in said library. Harry had managed to track down both Travis and Caspian, as they were most certainly involved with the events of the day.
"A victory that ends in defeat," said Caspian quietly, finally breaking the silence. Travis only nodded in agreement; he was still seething, and everyone in the room knew it.
"I… I'm still not sure how to take all of this," said Peter. "I thought our actions MATTERED."
"Now we find out that, because 'certain events were not able to transpire'… it's like we weren't good enough… or coloured outside the lines, or some other ridiculous farce… oh, bloody hell!" Edmund was as upset as his brother.
"I find myself lost as to how to respond to this," said Mr. Tumnus. "You have accused one of our most sacred symbols of committing acts much like the White Witch. Others will be outraged."
"I don't doubt that, Mr. Tumnus," said Peter. "Yet his own actions this afternoon give Travis' accusations credence."
"It sounds as though things have gone somewhat poorly," said Lily from her portrait.
"In some ways, mum," answered Harry. "And it had nothing to do with what happened on the battlefield."
"He's behaving exactly like Dumbledore," said Travis.
"No, nothing like that," said Harry, "I don't think Aslan is doing anything for his own interests."
"Perhaps for his own entertainment, then," Travis snorted. "Gotta wonder if a dose of the Cruciatus curse might fix him." That got a few glares from the other witches and wizards seated at the table. "I was just saying…"
"That's pretty cold, Travis," said Frank.
"Speaking of which," said Deric, "I'll need to file a report on my use of it this afternoon."
"You cast the Cruciatus curse on someone? What in Merlin's name for?" Hermione was shocked.
"He's the closest the Canadian wizard government has to the military," answered Harry. "He's authorized to cast Unforgivables if the situation requires it. Although… you weren't in this world when it was done…"
"No, it's still best if I actually file a report with the ministry. I'll keep things fairly general, though," answered Deric.
"Who did you have to use it on?" asked Sirius from his portrait.
"Miraz," answered Deric, "to convince him to surrender and withdraw his army."
"It was rather effective," said Peter.
"I thought several of his generals were gonna piss themselves," said Dale.
"Believe me, using that curse is definitely one of the last clubs out of the bag. It's not something to ever take lightly; it's a horrible thing to do to someone," Deric warned.
"So we'll just make a fur coat out of him, then," said Travis, turning the conversation back to where it had been. "Or maybe have him stuffed."
"Travis!" Harry hissed, while Caspian smiled, amused by the last comment.
"It's a good thing Lu isn't here to hear that," said Peter, although his face betrayed his amusement.
"But the question is this; what do we do about him?"
"I think we should see exactly what you're talking about first, dear," said Lily. Harry nodded and quickly retrieved the pensieve from the storage shelf over the computer workstation.
"My first question, son, is it your place to interfere? Aslan is partially correct there, I think," said James, after the memory finished. Harry had projected the image on the wall so everyone could see it.
"Peter is my friend, dad. He asked for my help, I won't turn my back on him, or his siblings for that matter."
"This… Aslan… is he a god?" asked Sirius.
"Yes," said Mr. Tumnus.
"No," said Edmund.
"Err… we don't know," answered Peter. "He sort of acts like one… but the White Witch did kill him."
"And he then came back to life the following morning."
"Yes, calling it deep magic, or something of the like."
"Most impressive. Not even our magic can bring someone back from the dead," said James.
"God or not, it still doesn't give him the right to play with peoples' lives," said Travis harshly.
"Right or not… if it is his world, he will do as he pleases, dear," said Lily.
"So we should just 'let this all slide'?" Travis challenged.
"No, definitely not," said Harry. "I just don't know what we really CAN do about it."
"It is simple," said Peter. "He doesn't want me around anymore, then fine. Say, Harry, you might need a bit of help aboard your ship at any rate, correct?"
"Peter, you can't just…"
"Why not, Ed? It seems Narnia isn't the world I thought it was. It has been truly corrupted, Aslan included. Just wait until Susan hears about this!"
"And where is your sister anyway?" asked Caspian.
"She is with a group of archers," answered Mr. Tumnus. He had no sooner said that than the second oldest of the Pevensie siblings walked into the library, a sour look on her face.
"I see you've met with Aslan," said Peter.
"What did you say to him? I've NEVER seen him this upset."
"You better sit down, we've discovered a few things," said Peter, gesturing to a vacant seat. She sat down and was quickly filled in on the uncomfortable discussion that took place with the lion.
"Lucy still blindly believes he can do no wrong, I saw that as we left," said Edmund.
"I'm not surprised there," said Susan. "She saw Aslan long before we did. And she always knew she would return to Narnia one day."
"Still, Susan, it is obvious now we aren't wanted there anymore. I don't see a point in returning," said Peter.
"I'm sorry it has turned out so badly," said Harry, "I didn't expect things to be so different."
"You have nothing to apologize for," said Peter. "I guess the truth always comes out in the end."
"Does it ever," Harry agreed, thinking back to the beginning of the summer.
"How much influence does Aslan have?" asked James.
"Only his presence broke the hundred-year winter last time we were in Narnia," answered Peter.
"Could you not just ignore him?"
"I don't know… we ARE talking about a lion here," said Edmund. "If he were really agitated, he may, well, do what lions do naturally. He DID kill the White Witch."
"Not to mention, we did get our titles and authority from him, who is to say he won't just revoke them?" Susan pointed out.
"Something Trufflehunter said… Aslan would likely not do so," said Caspian.
"That was?"
"He said, 'Narnia was never right except when a son of Adam was king'," answered Caspian. Travis rolled his eyes again. "Perhaps my professor might be able to help us out."
"Back to Narnia, then?"
"I guess so," said Harry.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in further discussions with Dr. Cornelius, Caspian's tutor. He was able to provide some background on Telmarine culture and process, but mostly drew a blank when it came to the politics of Narnia. If only he could access his library back at castle Telmar.
"That's absurd! Need I remind you of our LAST attempt at that castle?" Peter swore. The group was again gathered under the canopy, and this time, a number of Narnians joined them.
"Look, though. We don't have to worry about storming the place," said Harry. "I think Dr. Cornelius needs his books. We only need a few people to go along. We take a port key directly into his library… that's if the professor doesn't mind giving us a location from his memory."
"I am not sure what you mean," said Dr. Cornelius.
"I would briefly peer into your mind, you provide the memory of your library so I can gather the location. Then we make a port key to take us there."
"Your majesty… you need to see this," said a faun, joining the group.
"What is it?" asked Peter.
"You just need to see it."
"I'll come along," offered Harry.
Several minutes later, the Boy-Who-Lived and the High King of Narnia were led to the object of the faun's excitement. A group of Telmarine soldiers were waiting at the edge of the woods, with several centaurs.
"What's this about? Weren't you told…" Peter had his hand on the hilt of his sword by instinct.
"Your majesty," began one of the soldiers, dropping to one knee, head bowed, "we submit to your leadership and your rule, if you will accept us."
"You would defy your commanders?"
"Yes," said the soldier.
"Peter, they could be of use," said Harry.
"You are asking me to trust men who hours ago were fighting AGAINST us!" answered Peter, although he came across as sounding confused.
"You trust Caspian."
"That's different, he's… he called US back to Narnia in the FIRST place!"
"I can get to the bottom of this," said Harry. "You." He gestured to the speaker. "Hold still for a moment. If you are being honest, I will accept your help. If you are not…" He gestured to the centaurs. "You will have to answer to them." The soldier only nodded, and Harry pushed into the man's mind. It took him slightly longer than expected, but he at last withdrew. The soldier looked at him expectantly.
"He is being honest," said Harry.
"Then come with us. And I warn you. One hint of any of you doing anything suspicious, the penalties will be severe. I have no tolerance for nonsense, and neither do those who serve me," said Peter.
"We understand, your majesty."
Returning to the beach, they again found Aslan speaking with the group. Travis looked angry, but was saying nothing.
"All right there, mate?" asked Ron, seeing Harry.
"Yeah, fine," answered Harry.
"Defections from the Telmarine army," said Peter.
"How many?"
"15 or 20, maybe," answered Harry. "Deric, they could be useful if trained with muggle weapons." Deric only nodded, whispering something to Dale.
"You charge me with interfering, yet, you yourself are doing the exact same thing," said Aslan.
"Since I will not be returning to Narnia, I must… we, as Narnia's rulers… have to find a way to ensure what's happened here over the past 1300 years doesn't repeat itself. Part of that is making it clear that further interference from Telmar will not be tolerated," Peter answered. On the quick walk back from the edge of the woods, he had thought things over; this was one approach, and it seemed the logical one.
"Also, don't forget my promise," said Harry. "I meant it. We'll have to set up something so I may honour it."
"Why do you insist…"
"Aslan, you know absolutely NOTHING about me, or the dragon shit I have gone through," Harry snapped. "About 40 years into my future, I stepped into this world for the first time. I found nothing but peace and joy here, something I had not experienced in over 15 years. You would take that from me?"
"If I could, yes, I would," answered the lion.
"That's cold, man," said Frank, shaking his head.
"Harry, your world should never have been allowed to enter this one, it is defying the laws of time and space; surely you understand that," said Aslan. "Your being here has already had consequences, and your further intrusions here will only result in more, that will be far more reaching, and far more severe."
"But what if Harry was MEANT to come here? What if he was MEANT to help us?" challenged Edmund. "Called here by a force more powerful than you?"
"That would make me VERY concerned."
"I believe in both fate and destiny," said Harry. "I mean, a prophecy about me is already in motion, one that I am destined to fulfill one way or another. If fate decided I needed to be here for some reason, then so be it. Because, I think, if fate or destiny didn't want me to be somewhere, I wouldn't BE there. There are obviously lessons or whatever I am to learn here, whether you want us here or not. I'm sorry if I upset your little plan or whatever you have going on here, but when a friend asks for help, I won't turn them down. That's the way I am, that's the way I've ALWAYS been."
"He has faced V-v-v-… You-Know-Who five times now, and lived to tell about it," said Ron.
"The same monster who has stolen his parents, stole my partner, and just… he wants to rule the wizard world. Say Harry, too bad we couldn't bring Voldemort here… see if Aslan can deal with him and HIS horrors," Travis declared.
"No, Travis. That's not something I would ever wish on anyone, or any place. Showing what it's actually like to face him, on the other hand…" Harry got an idea. "I need my pensieve, I will be back." He touched his bracelet, thinking, 'take me home', and vanished.
He returned a few minutes later, having to travel through the bunker.
"You can show memories?" asked Aslan.
"Yes. Peter, Susan, Ed, Lu, and Mr. Tumnus have seen these already, so they know what to expect… and of course, so have most of my friends here from my world. The rest of you haven't," said Harry, placing the pensieve on a table Travis had provided, having transfigured a stone. He then placed his wand to his temple and drew out a long, silvery strand that looked like a wisp of smoke, then dropped it into the bowl. He tapped the bowl once with his wand, and then stuck a finger into the then shimmering liquid.
The first memory Harry chose was from over two years prior, at the end of the Tri-wizard tournament. It still hurt, reliving such a memory; yet it also showed exactly what Voldemort was all about, in terrifying, naked truth.
The second was of the events at the Ministry of Magic the following year. One that was equally as painful, as he once again had to endure seeing Sirius fall through the veil. He needed to take several minutes before continuing.
The last one, dealt with the events of just a few weeks earlier, during the concert in London. That was particularly painful for not only Harry, but Travis as well, and if not more so, as he lost his partner during the attack.
Harry finally sat down, replacing the silvery strands of memories in his mind.
"I hope… now you understand… where I'm coming from," Harry managed, as Frank attempted to pull him into a comforting hug. "Oh. And here's what he's been up to lately," he added, tossing the stack of photos on the table beside the pensieve.
"And you would rather interfere in our world than face him?" asked Aslan, spreading the photos with his paw. He started, seeing the horrifying images. "He… did this?"
"Now you get it? I don't plan on staying here forever, bloody hell, the longer I'm here, the more chances he has to do shit like that." Harry gestured to the photos. "Like I said, I had an opportunity to help here, and so I did, and I don't regret that. This is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. A lesser person would just…"
"Go spare?" offered Ron.
"I'm not crying a woe-is-me story here… I mean, sympathy is the LAST thing I want. What I do want is a bit of understanding, and just maybe a little… err… what's the American expression…"
"Slack?" said Frank.
"That's it, right. I have made a lot of great friends here… I mean, had I not, I wouldn't have been bothered."
"What is to stop this… Voldemort… from following you here?" asked a badger named Trufflehunter.
"The original portal we created was in fact only a port key. That has been spent, and no longer exists. Once we remove our private teleport pads or port keys, the connection here will be broken. While still active, they are private, and only those who have been keyed into them can actually use them," Harry explained.
"They had a teleport pad set up at Cair Paravel last time they were here," said Peter.
"And how long did you visit last time?" asked Aslan.
"About a month all in all," answered Harry. "We very much enjoyed the break, after constant battles and so on."
"Until your war came here," said Susan.
"Yes, the saboteur," said Harry. "A Death Eater, one of three of them that somehow managed to infiltrate the crews of the three ships. Invincible had to be left behind here."
"As fascinating as this explanation is, it still does not solve our current issue," said Caspian.
"No, it doesn't, does it?" said Harry. "We've gotten way off track here. What happens when Peter and his siblings return to England?"
"And is it true that my brother and I will not be allowed back?" asked Susan.
"It is true. You have learned all you can from Narnia," answered Aslan.
"What a load of horse shit," Travis growled. "We can ALWAYS learn, like fuck, we never stop learning, as long as we breathe. And from what I saw this afternoon, Narnia's in no better hands than Peter's, Caspian here coming a VERY close second. They were awesome together."
"Is that so?" asked the lion.
"I can supply a pensieve memory if you doubt them."
"You know… there is another option," said Frank. "I mean, the Invincible's got a ton of room, right?"
"And it can be magically expanded inside if necessary… why?"
"How about this? Caspian, Peter, and his brother and sisters, along with anyone else who wants to… come with us."
There was an eruption of voices.
"NO!"
"That's absurd!"
"Narnia is our home!"
"Why not?"
Harry, meanwhile, sat back, mulling over the audacious idea put forward by his new mate. 'It could work', he thought to himself, 'although it would put them at risk… yet, not if done carefully.'
"ENOUGH!" Aslan half-shouted, half-roared. The room went silent. "Such foolish nonsense, son of Adam! I think Harry has already demonstrated as to exactly WHY you could never do such a thing."
"I might consider actually going along with that," said Caspian. "If my people want Narnia so much, then let them have it. We shall strike out, and set down our roots elsewhere."
"Protected by magic… a place where Voldemort or those like him could never find it," Travis added.
"I don't know if we COULD," said Harry. "I mean, in theory, we might… I mean, I don't know the limits of wizard space… it's something to look into… and I don't want to make a load of promises we can't keep. The last thing I want is for any of you to be hurt because of me."
"I don't know what to say here… it all sounds great and somewhat possible… yet…" said Peter.
"It is your decision, your majesty," said Reepicheep. "We shall follow."
"Peter, we must think about this, and very carefully," said Susan.
"You would just turn your back on Aslan?" Lucy still stood by the great lion, and the ideas being thrown around most certainly bothered her.
"What would convince you to do otherwise?" asked the lion.
"I think you already KNOW the answer to that," Travis snorted. "Stop interfering. Whatever game plan you have going, toss it in the shredder, the garbage, or whatever."
"Aslan, we welcome your guidance. Your interference, we do not," said Peter.
"Very well, then. If it is what you wish, as rulers of Narnia, so I shall abide."
"And Aslan. If there is further interference…" said Travis.
"We will carry out Travis' threat," Edmund finished, getting a nod from Peter.
"One more thing," Peter added, "I think someone else deserves his title now."
"That was not…" began Aslan.
"It is in my opinion," said Peter.
"Very well. You must eliminate Miraz. Demonstrate to the Telmar the traitor he is," said Aslan. "Accomplish that, and Caspian will gain his throne."
"It was what we were discussing before we were interrupted," said Peter.
"Yes, right, gaining access to the professor's library," said Harry, "Although now, I think it's more important we go as an official party, and not to access the professor's library. We instead question Miraz under Veritaserum. Force him to confess his crimes in front of the Telmar people."
"What is verity… serum?" asked Trufflehunter.
"Veritaserum… it's a powerful truth serum. Just a few drops will make a person tell their deepest secrets," explained Travis.
"We'll also want a back up plan, in the event they don't believe him," said Harry.
"What about moving the Invincible?" suggested Susan. "Your ship might be a deterrent."
"It might work. But no, actually, I know what I'll do. Or one of the things I'll do." He reached into his pocket, and tossed Caspian a gold coin. "That's an emergency port key back to the trunk. Use it any time."
"How does it work?"
"While holding it, think, 'take me home'. It will instantly transport you to the common room of the trunk."
"Will ours still work? I still have mine," said Peter.
"So do I," said Edmund.
"They should, I mean, I gave them to you in the first place, and… well, the trunk is still the trunk."
"The radios… we could use those too," suggested Frank.
"You… will be in a Hornet, I think," said Harry, "as well as you two…" he gestured to the twins. "You guys…" Harry gestured toward the six SAU members still present, headed by Deric, "will help with escorting us into the castle, and providing security, while we question Miraz in front of witnesses."
"The best place to do so would be in the council chambers itself," offered Caspian. "We at least get the council members to witness."
"That might work," said Dr. Cornelius.
"What would really help, would be some sort of plan of the castle," said Harry. "The computer on the Invincible could create a live map, something like the general map of Narnia."
"Would memories suffice?" asked Caspian.
"Yeah, I think so."
"Then I will offer mine as well," said Dr. Cornelius.
oOo
Mid-morning the next day, a large group of Narnians, led by Peter and Caspian, returned to Castle Telmar. Harry had decided not to move the Invincible. He figured the Hornets would be enough. A message had been delivered the previous evening, announcing their visit; Harry and Caspian had delivered it by apparating directly to council chambers while they hid under Harry's invisibility cloak.
Indeed, as the group entered the courtyard, they were met by several Telmar lords, including one who wore a crown.
"That is not your crown to wear, Sopespian," said Caspian.
"We will see, will we not?" answered Sopespian. "The council awaits."
"Just to re-emphasize the announcement left in chambers last night. Should we be in any way attacked, the consequences shall be severe. I am certain you are aware of what we were able to do yesterday," said Harry.
"You will all be treated civilly," answered another Telmar lord.
"Good. I'm not in the mood for bullshit," said Travis. "Let's get this over."
"Actually, we will have two pieces of business to handle this morning. You two…" Deric gestured to two of his fellow SAU members, "go with Dr. Cornelius up to his library and help him pack."
"Shall we take him back to the Invincible when done?" asked one of the soldiers.
"Yeah, that's probably best," said Deric.
"This way, then," said Dr. Cornelius. He and two SAU members separated from the group.
"I shall go as well," offered a centaur, following.
"I will NOT have the castle once again overrun with… with… with YOUR people!" Sopespian bristled. He glanced up at the balcony high above the court yard, where a woman nodded to him. Unseen by the party in the court yard, she held a small bundle in her arms.
"We will not be here longer than we need to be," said Harry. Of course, if things went as planned, the Telmar would be seeing a lot MORE of the Narnians.
The council chambers reminded Harry of court room ten at the British Ministry of Magic. It was by no means as big, yet, it held a very oppressive air about it, as the remaining lords shifted in their seats. They were clearly uncomfortable with the beast-folk that were among the Narnian visitors to the floor of the chamber.
"We will not take much of the council's time," said Peter. "It is only to clear an issue, so that we may go our separate ways as separate countries…"
"You were conquered. Why should we…" began one of the Telmarine lords.
"And we soundly defeated your armies yesterday on the battlefield," Peter snapped back. "We have one final piece of business to attend to, which pertains to the true heir of the Telmar throne…"
"He is a traitor, he sided with you!" roared another Telmarine lord, rising from his seat.
"No, the traitor, if there is one, stands HERE!" Peter reached forward and yanked the invisibility cloak off Miraz, who was still bound and chained. A gasp let out from the council.
"You will unhand him at once!" cried one.
"Treachery!" shouted another. Harry waved his wand, and there was a loud BANG that made everyone jump.
"Silence, the lot of you!"
"I do think you might change your tone once you hear what my dear uncle has to say," said Caspian icily.
"Do tell, boy, you seem to know all too well about treachery," said Sopespian, matching the young prince's tone.
"I am most curious. Do continue," said the first lord.
"Thank you," said Harry, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a vial. "This is what's called Veritaserum. When dosed with it, an individual will disclose, truthfully, anything that is asked of him."
"How do we know this is not some kind of witchcraft?" asked the first lord.
"It might be regarded as such," answered Harry. "Where I come from, our courts use it during trials, to question the accused and witnesses both."
"Rather subjective, is it not, boy?" asked Sopespian.
"No, absolutely not. Like I said, the potion forces the person to tell the absolute truth."
"Perhaps, if I were to be dosed with it…" offered the first lord.
A few minutes later, after several questions were asked while the first lord was under Veritaserum, Harry administered the antidote.
"It… seems a valid tool," said the first lord.
"I do not!" said Sopespian.
"Only because it appears as though it is you that has the most to lose. What might Miraz say, should we release him?" Caspian challenged. Sopespian swallowed hard.
"Proceed," said the first lord.
"Great," said Harry, banishing the gag from Miraz' mouth. He started to shout, already fully aware of his surroundings, but Harry silenced him. "Open your mouth." Miraz shook his head.
"Maybe the former king needs a little reminder of yesterday," said Deric. Miraz' eyes flicked to the SAU leader, and then he begrudgingly opened his mouth. Harry allowed three drops of the clear liquid to fall inside the former king's mouth.
"Thank you. Now we wait a minute."
The time passed slowly… almost too slowly for most, as the lords shifted in their seats, very uncomfortable with the visitors that stood on the floor of the chamber. Along with Peter, Susan, and Caspian, Mr. Tumnus had joined them along with three fauns, as had Glenstorm and two other centaurs. Harry was joined by Travis, Deric, and the remainder of the SAU team.
"Right, I think that is good." Harry removed the silencing charm, and Miraz glared at him. "Caspian?"
"Uncle Miraz. Did you murder my father?"
"Yes." Several lords gasped. Most had theories of what had truly happened; now it was confirmed.
"Tell me. Tell me how you murdered my father, so all may hear." His hand twitched toward his sword.
"I smothered him with a pillow while he slept. Being older, it was easy to write it off as a natural death."
"That wouldn't fly in our world," said Travis.
"No, definitely not," said Deric.
"The night your son was born, did you order soldiers to murder me in my sleep?" asked Caspian.
"Yes," answered Miraz.
"And that was done to secure your son's claim to the throne?" asked the first lord.
"Yes."
"No one was injured or killed when Narnians raided the supply wagons at the fjord, were they?" asked Sopespian.
"No."
"Why did you force Glozelle to lie about it?"
"To guarantee the support of this council of my assumption of the throne."
"To again guarantee the throne to your son?" said the second lord.
"Yes," answered Miraz. The first lord leaned over and whispered something to the second, who then stood and walked out of the chamber. Deric turned to follow, but Harry shook his head 'no'.
"I have the answers I wanted," said Caspian.
"We, on the other hand, are far from finished," said the first lord. "If our visitors are in no hurry, of course."
"No, by all means, proceed," said Peter.
The rest of the morning was spent with the Telmarine council grilling Miraz about his activities of recent memory, which seemed to involve the disappearance of a number of council members, and other shady dealings. It was most definitely an eye-opener, as Miraz also named numerous other individuals; those names were documented so they could be interrogated later.
Shortly before eleven am, Glozelle and the second lord entered the chamber, trailed by ten soldiers.
"Wait," said Caspian. "You led the soldiers ordered to kill me."
"Yes," answered Glozelle, "I was ordered to, as you say. Do you think I had a choice?" Caspian only shook his head, understanding at once. That morning's interrogation had shown him just how bad Miraz truly was; it was beyond his wildest dreams.
"I believe we are just about done here," said the first lord. "Are we agreed on the charges here?"
"Agreed," said Sopespian. That was followed by the remainder of the few lords present.
"No more questions?"
"No more questions," said the first lord. Harry produced another vial and administered the antidote. He had actually needed to administer Veritaserum twice more during the morning, to ensure that Miraz continued to answer truthfully.
"I would ask our guests to wait outside. Glozelle, take Miraz into custody, and also wait outside."
"My lord," said Glozelle. Harry only nodded and released the magical binds around the former king. He was quickly placed in irons, and the much larger group stepped outside of the chamber.
"You will never wear the crown," Miraz hissed, glaring at Caspian.
"We will see about that, now, although I am sure you will not see light of it," Caspian snapped back.
"If the Telmar don't execute you… just hope they do… I'm sure Harry here can be inventive… or perhaps, Deric here." Peter gestured to Deric, noting his earlier reaction to the SAU member. Miraz seemed to pale briefly at the suggestion.
"Exactly… exactly what did you do to him, yesterday, I must ask," said Glozelle.
"I cast a torture curse on him. It feels like every square inch of your body is on fire. It's actually illegal for someone to use it, but I have special clearance if the situation so demands it," explained Deric.
"I see. Yes, a most creative tactic," Glozelle agreed.
The group spoke amongst themselves for several minutes. Finally, the doors opened, and the first lord called for everyone to return to the chamber. Most remained at the doors, while Glozelle and several guards led Miraz to the centre of the room.
"Miraz. Brother of Caspian IX. Former Lord Protector. We find you guilty of treason against Telmar, eight times over," said the first lord.
"You have waged a war against the Telmar people from within," said the second lord. "You have disrupted the lines of succession with your own greed… something that will seed doubt in the Telmar people, of our capability to lead. It is hoped that our action today will put a stop to that corruption, which you have so heavily laced the crown and this council WITH."
"It is the decision of this council that for your crimes, Miraz, you shall be executed by firing squad at sundown this evening," said a third lord. Miraz only looked down at the floor as the sentence was passed.
"High King Peter… it is the desire of this council… that we open official negotiations for a lasting peace… between the kingdom of Narnia, and the people of Telmar," said the first lord.
"And what of prince Caspian?" asked Travis.
"That would be KING, now," answered the second lord. Sopespian had a sour look on his face as that was said.
"Harry?" Deric nudged him on the shoulder and gestured to the map they had generated of the castle. A swarm of dots were converging on the chamber they were in.
"Bollocks!" Harry roared.
"They betrayed us?" Caspian's face said it all.
"We did not, I assure you!" the first lord shouted, while Harry drew his wand, and made a gesture at the large doors. "Colloportus!" The doors seemed to swell, making an odd squelching noise against the frame. "That won't hold them long."
"Portkey?" suggested Travis.
"My thoughts too."
"A portkey?" asked Glozelle.
"Just trust us," said Harry, again gesturing with his wand and binding Miraz.
"Here, I'll take care of him," offered one of the SAU members. Harry nodded, and the member grabbed onto him, and then vanished with a soft POP. Just then, there was a loud BANG, as something collided with the doors into the chamber.
"I need something to use," said Harry.
"This?" offered one of the guards, producing his sword.
"No, nothing sharp, but something large enough for all of us to grab onto."
"Here." Caspian tore off one of his bracers, and tossed it to Harry.
"Perfect. We're going back to Cair Paravel." Harry gestured at the bracer with his wand, saying, "Portus." The item shimmered briefly. "Everyone gather 'round and put a finger on it, it activates in 30 seconds."
"Does it hurt?"
"No… just hurry up and grab on!" Travis exclaimed. Deric had already contacted those in Hornets, directing them to return home.
Reluctantly, one by one, the lords and the guards joined the visiting Narnians, touching the enchanted item. As the last one touched it, they vanished from the room. At the same time, there was a tremendous crack, and the doors flew off their hinges, a horde of Telmarine soldiers flooding into the chamber.
"Well, where are they?"
oOo
Most of the group were thrown to the ground on the beach just below Cair Paravel. Harry quickly regained his feet and began helping others regain theirs.
"I never…" exclaimed one of the lords.
"My apologies," said Harry, "but we really had to get out of there."
"We could have been killed," said Deric. "With the number that were approaching, I suspected an ambush."
"How many?" asked Harry.
"I would guess maybe a hundred."
"A coup," said Travis.
"It appears as though Miraz has more supporters than we thought," said one of the lords.
"Let's go over to the tent." Harry gestured to the large tent. "We can have some lunch and figure this mess out."
"Knew I was forgetting something," said Travis, as he took out a cigarette.
"Lead the way, then," said Sopespian.
"It appears as though this did not go as planned," said Aslan, as the group entered the tent. The council members were all shocked at the large lion, but still took offered seats at the large table that had been set up earlier.
"Help yourselves," said Harry, gesturing to the many items at the center of it. Even though it had not been there when the group left, he already knew someone from the trunk would have set it up.
"We questioned Miraz in the presence of the Telmar council…" began Harry.
"And we were most disturbed by his answers," said the second of the lords, as he loaded his plate with food.
"It seems that during the inquiry, his supporters gathered and attempted to break into the chamber," supplied the first council member.
"It is a coup, then," said Reepicheep, from a stool beside Susan.
"It most certainly looks that way," said Deric. "Telmar is now under military control."
"Most disturbing," said Aslan, "I did warn that outside meddling would have consequences, did I not?"
"Now is not the time for arguing about it! Besides, I don't think we had anything to do with this!" Travis snapped. He took a long drag off his smoke. Normally he would never smoke around people who were eating, but this had stressed him out, and being nice about his habit wasn't at the forefront of his mind.
"Nor will yelling about it," said Caspian, putting a hand on Travis' shoulder.
"Indeed not, your majesty," said Glozelle.
"From that I gather, you recognize Caspian as King?"
"We do," said Sopespian begrudgingly. "Miraz claimed the crown falsely, through murder and treason." Aslan only nodded. He had set out a method for the young prince to rightfully gain the crown, and they had followed it. Only, unforeseen circumstances now cropped up. The Telmar had been somewhat predictable; now, they were a loose cannon.
"Your majesty," said Glozelle, "do we proceed with the execution of Miraz?"
"No. Perhaps, we should question him more. Determine who might be involved in this coup."
"A wise approach," said the third council member.
"It might be a better option to just access his thoughts and memories directly. Bypass the Veritaserum altogether, and get to the meat of the matter," said Deric.
"If you don't mind doing it… bloody hell, this is making my head spin," said Harry.
"Legilimency is a requirement of my job, although you already know that, right?" said Deric. Harry only nodded.
"On a positive note, should this coup be quelled, we will be opening official dialog with the Telmar people, to possibly form a long term peace treaty," said Peter.
"With Caspian as king, that sort of thing will most likely be unnecessary," said Aslan.
"Why not? Narnia and Telmar are two different kingdoms," said Deric. "The rules of diplomacy should be used here, to prevent exactly what has happened here. I don't know the details of history or anything like that, nor do I need to… but point being, if you at least try and talk to one another… and most importantly recognize each others' differences, everyone will be in a better place. You all have a right to be here. Realizing that makes a world of difference."
"You are talking about years of preconceptions just being tossed by the wayside," said the fifth council member. "We, up to only a few days ago, believed Narnians to be long extinct. We believed you to be wild, beastly things that should not be trusted…"
"And it is exactly as you said, a preconception… a very WRONG preconception," said Caspian. "As your king, those preconceptions will no longer be acceptable, for I see Narnia and its people as a friend, not a place to be conquered and pillaged."
"Yet that cannot be acted upon while we have rogues in control of the military," said Sopespian.
"And I agree."
"There is another angle we can take," said Deric. "Peter, you DID order the Telmarines out of Narnia, did you not?" Peter nodded. "The castle is within Narnia's borders, correct?"
"It seems… it WAS built where the castle of the White Witch used to be," said Edmund.
"Then we could force them out completely… Harry… that weapon…" began Deric.
"You KNOW my answer on that, I'm not about to exterminate hundreds of innocent people," answered Harry darkly, "enemy or not."
"We give people a chance to leave first… Harry, think about it…"
"What sort of weapon?" asked Glozelle.
"It will destroy everything within a half-mile radius. Your castle would be nothing but pieces of debris no larger than your fist."
"Preposterous! Attacking innocent women and children?" exclaimed the third councillor.
"As I said, we give people a chance to leave," answered Travis. "Give them the preconception that we come with a standard attack."
"As long as innocent people are given a proper warning," said the first councillor, "It will result in the loss of our home… yet Narnia is not our home in the first place."
"Your majesty, it is your call," said a sixth councillor.
"And my say doesn't count here?" Harry snapped. "Bloody hell, are you all deaf? I will not be deploying that fucking weapon!"
oOo
The discussion had lasted the rest of the afternoon. They finally broke, as dinner was ready. The Telmar council elected to go off on their own to hold their own private discussion, while the Narnians remained in the tent.
Harry was most definitely in a quandary. The Invincible's weapon was a terrifying instrument; it even terrified HIM. Yet most of the people around him were pressuring him to actually use it. It surprised him the Telmarine council was pushing him to use it. It was completely against logic that they would sanction such drastic action. Even if they announced their intention, it still left the chance that innocent people might be harmed.
Then again, the weapon might not even work, considering they were in a world not their own. That thought was instantly shot down, as Harry remembered the map. The technology worked in a similar way, feeding off the earth's natural energy.
"Harry…" Harry looked up to see Deric and two Telmarine soldiers, with Sopespian at sword-point.
"What's going on?"
"Exactly what we asked Sopespian here," said one of the soldiers. "He was making a rather fast track for the woods, and we asked why. It seems the cat has his tongue."
"Is that so?" asked Harry, his temper rising. He gave no warning, but did a VERY good impression of Severus, tearing into the Telmar lord's mind, resembling a bull in a china shop. Sopespian actually winced as Harry ripped through his mind, looking for evidence of what the man was truly up to. It took little effort to find it. "CASPIAN!"
"What is it, Harry?" said the new king, quickly joining them.
"It seems Sopespian has been busy," said Harry, quickly sending one of the memories his way.
Caspian only nodded, saying to Sopespian, "I somehow knew I would not be able to trust you. You are under arrest."
"I'll take him. I think there's an adjoining cell aboard the Invincible," said Deric, gripping Sopespian by the shoulder. The soldiers had already disarmed him. They vanished with a slight POP.
"Traitors in the council itself, most disturbing."
"Next time we sit down, I will casually look in their minds." Harry paused. "Caspian. It is not only Sopespian. It seems your aunt is involved too." Harry quickly supplied him with the appropriate memory.
"They are still working to put her son on the throne."
"That would make sense, no matter how idiotic it might be," said Harry. "What do you want us to do about it?"
"Your… SAU… can slip into places without being seen, no?" Harry nodded. "Capture my aunt, then. Place her under arrest."
"And her son? He is innocent in all this," Harry reminded. Caspian only nodded, then said, "Bring him here."
"I can have Molly take care of him, I'm certain she won't mind in the least."
"Yes… a loving family, the Weasleys are."
"They see me as an eighth child, and would have adopted me, had Albus not interfered as much as he has," said Harry.
"Sir… we will just…"
"Well…"
"By all means, do not let us keep you… I think you for your vigilance," said Caspian.
"It is our duty, sir."
Minutes later, Deric returned to Harry and Caspian.
"Deric, I need you to take two men and return to Castle Telmar. Miraz' wife is in on this coup as well," said Harry.
"Do be careful with her son, I wish him brought here as well," said Caspian.
Deric only nodded and said, "Where is their room?" He produced the map they had created much earlier. Caspian quickly pointed out the location.
"It might be better to take care of that during the night, when they're not expecting it," said Deric.
"Yeah, that sounds right," said Harry. Deric gave a half-salute, and trotted off.
"Did he just… err…"
"Salute me? I guess he did."
"What for?"
"Well, I guess he's sort of under my command, although I really didn't ask for it that way. The Minister of Magic assigned him to help me a while back. Now that I'm helping you and Peter… he sees you guys as superiors as well. I mean, I'm sure he'll still ask me should you tell him to do something especially dark, or whatever, but…"
"I understand."
"Merlin, some of the stories he's told me over the years… black ops, as he calls it. Dragon shit muggle governments would never touch. Makes me thank Merlin he's on our side. He's someone you would NOT want as an enemy."
Music suddenly erupting from behind made both turn around. Travis was standing in the middle of a large floor he had placed, along with what looked like muggle spot lights. They were flashing different colours, seeming to match the music.
"What… what in…" Harry sputtered.
"Come on, come dance!" Travis called.
"Are you mental?"
"No, but are you?" a voice hissed. Harry turned to find Frank behind him. "You call him mental, you'll have to call me that as well, you know."
"Oh, bloody hell…" Harry groaned, and allowed himself to be led over to what was obviously a dance floor, now erected on the beach. "The Narnians are gonna think we're mental, you know, besides, we don't exactly hmmmmf…" Frank silenced him with a scorching kiss.
"Caspian, you too!" Travis called.
"I… err…" Caspian only shrugged and made his way over to join Travis, Harry, and Frank.
"This music… it is strange."
"Just, go with it," said Travis. "Just… let your body feel the music."
"What… what kind of music is this?" asked Edmund, also having made his way over from the tent. "It is… fascinating."
"It's called techno, or trance music," explained Travis. "Come on, loosen up, guys… time for a break!" Edmund only nodded and stepped onto the dance floor, after first shedding his armour. He started to sway to the beat, and then slowly got into it, as he observed how Travis was dancing.
Word quickly travelled down the beach that an impromptu party had formed, and soon, the area was packed, as both humans and non-humans got into the spirit of the celebration. Truly, they had scored an enormous victory on the battlefield the day before.
Fred and George also got into the spirit of things, returning to the trunk and retrieving cases of butterbeer and Firewhiskey. They also brought out several cases of their Wildfire Whiz-Bangs—their specialized wizarding fireworks. It resulted in a light show the likes of which neither Narnians or Telmarines had ever witnessed.
oOo
Aslan watched the immense party from the opening of the tent; only Lucy had remained with him. These young kids from some other world had come in and swept away a carefully laid plan. They had so easily made friends with the Pevensies, and now with Caspian and the Telmar. Here were soldiers that had fought against the Narnians the day before, dancing with them tonight! In some ways, it was truly wonderful, yet in others, it was going against the plan laid out for the land. It went against the specific order of things. And what was the strange interaction between the new king and the hot-headed son of Myrddin? Oh no, that would most definitely not do.
oOo
"The stars here… they're so different," said Travis. It was the early hours of the morning, and he, Caspian, Frank, and Harry all lay in the sand, each of them in an alcoholic haze. Both a Telmarine soldier and an SAU member still stood close by, keeping watch. Nothing was expected to happen, but as the saying goes, 'better safe than sorry'.
"Of course," said Harry lazily. "We are in a different world, right?"
"True, I guess."
"Your friends' fireworks… they were… fascinating," said Caspian.
"Oh, their Wildfire Whiz-Bangs. Magical fireworks. They were quite effective at keeping Umbridge busy last year, at least for a few days," said Harry. "One of the most amusing moments of that year for me, I think."
"Your… twin… friends… they are always inventing pranks?"
"They own a joke shop back in London," answered Harry. "I mean, the wizarding world needs a good laugh now and then, and the twins… well, they fill it quite nicely."
"Yeah, but they can both be downright serious if they have to; Jesus, they're good in the Hornets," said Travis.
"They DID play Quidditch while at Hogwarts… besides, they're Weasleys. That's all you need to know… it's like they were BORN on a broom or something." That got a laugh out of Travis and Frank.
"Travis, I think you outdid yourself tonight," said Frank.
"Yeah, I have to admit, it was fun, and we did need that," Harry agreed.
"We've been so strung out over the past few days… I mean, if I didn't do something like this, I was on the verge of actually cracking, if you get my drift." Travis took out a smoke, and lit it, then took a long drag off of it. Silence fell over them as each again fell into their own minds.
As dawn finally broke, the four of them found sleep. The last thing Travis remembered before drifting off were onyx eyes looking into his own.
