Ten
Vivienne stepped through the doorway of glowing mist and into the Seelie court. She sighed in relief. She didn't know if she would be accepted here or not. Avalon had not been associated with either the Seelie or Unseelie Court in a very long time.
She turned and watched as the mist faded away. She shivered. The only way she would be allowed out of the court now would be if the queen let her out. She thought of Harry, but pushed that thought aside ruthlessly. This needed to be done. She had to know what happened to her sister and why Lily shared Morgana's magical signature. Steeling her nerve, she strode purposefully forward. She had not gone a dozen steps before an old man appeared, blocking her path.
"Vivienne," He rumbled. "How are you, my girl?"
"Jack!" She squealed and dove at the old man, hugging him fiercely.
The old man chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. The sound vibrated all the way down to Vivienne's toes. His muscular arms wrapped around Vivienne's slighter frame, hugging her so tight she felt light-headed. He lifted her up and spun her through the air. Finally, He sat her back on her feet, and she pulled away from him and looked at him closely.
He was of medium height. His white hair was short, and combed flat to his head. His eyes were as blue as the winter sky, but they twinkled as he looked at her.
A small neat beard, just as white as his hair, covered his chin. His smile revealed crooked teeth as white as bone.
"What brings you here?" He asked staring into Vivienne's eyes. His voice rumbled like mountains grinding together. "Is something wrong with your godson?"
Vivienne frowned. How did they know about Harry? She had never told them about him. She would ask about that later.
"No," Vivienne said quickly. "Nothing is wrong with Harry, but it does involve him"
"Oh?" Jack asked.
"I'm actually here about my sister. She disappeared about a thousand years ago, right?"
Jack nodded hesitantly.
"That's right," he said slowly. It was eleven hundred years ago to be exact. Has something happened? Has she made contact with you?"
"No, and that is what I'm here about. Do you know what happened to her? All I know is that she was here, but then she disappeared, and no one has seen her since"
Jack scratched his beard. "Morgana," He rumbled thoughtfully. "It has been several years since I've thought of her. She was a good woman. I can understand her anger with Arthur. After all, she did watch as Uther seduced her Mother, and she was helpless to warn her."
"Yes," Vivienne said quietly. "I remember."
HPC
Morgana Le Fay had been given to Duke Gorlois, of Cornwall over fifteen hundred years ago. There biological daughter had been taken and raised as Vivienne's sister, Nimue.
This was not an uncommon practice in those days. The magically weaker elves were given to mortals, and the sickly mortal children were taken back to Elphame. This was done so the weaker elves would not be killed by rivals in one of the three courts. After time in Elphame, the mortal children were altered. They became part fae, but because of the wild magic of Avalon, it was impossible to predict how the magic would change them. They were married to the nobility to strengthen the fae bloodlines.
These stunted fae on the other hand, usually grew up, found the wizarding world, and bread with the wizarding population. This increased the magic in wizarding bloodlines by revitalizing their fae blood; however, sometimes the elven healers were wrong about the magical abilities of the elven children. This was the case with Morgana.
From all accounts, she had been a loving child. She had adored her adoptive Father, spending as much time as possible with him. The duke was just as fond of her. All this changed when Uther laid eyes on Lady Igraine.
From all Vivienne had been able to discover, Uther had been a greedy impetuous man. Once he'd seen Igraine, He just had to have her. He cared not that the lady was married and loyal to her husband. He was a king, and her husband was a lowly Duke. He would have her no matter what.
To seduce the lady, Uther knew he would have to be cunning, so he went to the powerful magician Merlin for help. Merlin agreed to help him, but under the condition that he would be allowed to take the child and raise him as he saw fit. Uther, blinded by lust, agreed.
Contrary to popular belief, Merlin was not the son of a demon. He was the son of an elven noble and a mortal woman. He had inherited powerful magic and immortality from his Father. He cast a powerful glamour on Uther, making him resemble Duke Gorlois. He hadn't counted on Morgana.
By this time, Morgana was in her early teens. From what she had told Vivienne later, she had realized that she was different. She could light fires with a thought, make objects float, and see glimpses into the future. She had feared that she was possessed by the devil, but she didn't know what to do. If she told anyone, she would surely be burnt at the stake as a witch, so she kept her silence. She resolved to keep her supernatural abilities a secret.
Her resolve was tested when she received a vision of her Father dying in a terrible battle, and another man lying with her Mother. She did not know what to do.
If she went to her Father, he would not believe her. He may in fact believe she was a witch and have her burnt alive. She hoped her vision was a dream, but after the vision occurred a second and third time, she feared it was a foreshadowing of events to come. She had resolved to wait and see what happened. If she even suspected her Father's life was endanger then she would warn him. This decision would haunt her for the rest of her life.
HPC
Vivienne was brought out of her thoughts by a cool hand on her forehead.
"Are you alright?" Jack asked. "You looked distracted."
"Just thinking of what Morgana told me when we met for the first time. She gave me a memory of that night, you know?"
"No!" Jack exclaimed. "Was it as bad as I think it was?"
Vivienne swallowed. "It was worse," She choked. "She somehow incorporated her thoughts and feelings into the memory. I literally lived the memory as if I was her. I haven't looked at it in centuries."
Jack nodded. He didn't blame her. He slipped an arm around Vivienne's slim shoulders.
"Come," He said gently. "Let me take you to the queen. I'm sure she knows what happened to your sister."
Vivienne leaned against Jack. "Thank you," She said sniffing back tears. "I should have investigated her death more thoroughly."
"If memory serves, Argante said that she disappeared after a battle with the Unseelie court, correct?"
Vivienne nodded.
"And you had no reason to disbelieve her?"
Vivienne shook her head.
"Then you have no reason to blame yourself," Jack concluded.
Before Vivienne could protest, Jack had begun leading her deeper into the castle. As she followed Jack, she considered what he had said.
She didn't believe it. She knew there was something she could have done. Maybe by finding out what'd happened to Morgana she could finally get closure for her inaction all those centuries ago.
As she walked through the halls, Vivienne looked at the extravagance surrounding her.
The walls were white stone. Portraits of past royalty lined the halls. As she walked, Vivienne could have sworn that the eyes of the paintings were following her. She looked down at the floor to avoid those staring eyes.
The floor was polished marble. Every scene imaginable had been carved into the floor. They were scenes of love, hate, happiness, sorrow, and every emotion in between. The marble seemed to glow in the light of the hallway making the figures in the carvings appear to move. Vivienne could see herself reflected in it.
Finally, they reached a door of beaten brass. Intricate runes and sigils had been carved into the metal. As they approached, the door swung slowly open. A blinding light spilled from the room beyond. Vivienne and Jack both raised a hand to shield their eyes.
"Vivienne," A high musical voice said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of the queen of Avalon visiting my court?"
Vivienne shuddered. She reflected that if bells could speak than Argante's voice was how they would sound. She bowed before the throne, her head almost touching the floor.
"My queen," she said respectfully. "How have you been?"
Argante, queen of the Seelie court, chuckled low in her throat. Reaching out with one dainty hand, she lifted Vivienne's chin with a finger.
"My child," She said smiling widely revealing perfect white teeth. "You have no need to bow before me. I have never had a quarrel with you. You have always been welcome in this court. Now, tell me why you have come to me, for I know it wasn't just to visit."
Vivienne straightened and stepped back a pace. She looked the queen squarely in the eye before speaking.
"You are of course right, Queen Argante. Your beauty is only outmatched by your wisdom and perceptivity. I have come seeking knowledge. I wish to know what happened to my sister, Morgana Le Fay. I have heard that she vanished from this very court. I would like to know what happened to her in greater detail. Can you tell me of her disappearance?"
Argante was silent. Her long slim fingers gripped the arms of her throne so tight the knuckles turned white. Her sea green eyes were downcast. Finally she spoke, her voice trembling slightly.
"Morgana was my friend. What I have to tell you is not pleasant, and I do not wish to open old wounds. Are you sure that you must know the truth?"
Vivienne thought of Lily. She thought of the years that the young woman had spent a virtual slave in her own body, her will and emotions controlled by another. She had to know the truth to help Lily even if it proved to be painful. She had to make it up to Lily for taking her child away from her.
"I am sure, My Queen," she said bowing low. "Please, tell me what you know."
Argante leaned back in her throne. She laced her hands before her and looked at Vivienne sorrowfully. She didn't know how to begin.'I guess at the beginning is the best place.'
"As you know," She said looking between Vivienne and Jack. "I have only ruled the Seelie court for about 1000 years. Before I ruled, Gwyn Ap Nudd controlled the court."
Vivienne flinched. She remembered Gwyn Ap Nudd. He was a cold calculating warrior, who cared nothing for his subject's wants or desires. He only cared for his own ambitions. His subjects were just servants, pawns to be used and then discarded when their usefulness had ended.
"What happened," She whispered staring at Argante in horror.
"Morgana had a daughter."
Vivienne blinked. What did that have to do with anything? "What? I don't remember her having a husband."
"She was married after she came to the Seelie court. It was a lovely wedding. He is a good man. He was new to the court himself and they just clicked.
He supported her idea of severing contact with mortals. It was not an issue of race or religion. Morgana simply wanted the mortals to be allowed to go their own way, and the fae to go theirs. They were gaining followers too, but you know how harsh the court can be. Morgana became pregnant. After the child was born, she and her husband feared that Gwyn Ap Nudd would use her daughter to control her.
"Who was her husband?"
"That would be me," A harsh voice said from behind her.
Vivienne turned and her eyes widened.
The man that stood behind her was massive. He was almost eight and a half feet tall. Coal black armor covered him from head to foot. His glowing eyes were the only thing that could be seen underneath a horned helmet. He raised one large scarred hand and gave Vivienne a wave.
"Your sister used to tell me about you. She was sorry about your argument."
"Erlking," Vivienne gasped. "You married my sister?"
The Erlking chuckled. "Who were you expecting her to marry, Puck?"
"He's on Avalon now."
The Erlking laughed heartily. "I pity you then. Been causing trouble, has he? Is that why you're here? I could end him if you'd like," He finished dropping his hand to an enormous sword in a scabbard strapped to his right leg.
Vivienne's eyes rested on the sword. Could it be? She had given the sword to her sister for safekeeping. Had Morgana given it to her husband? She shook her head.
"Puck is behaving at the moment. He's actually pretty helpful believe it or not."
The Erlking snorted. He took off his helmet, revealing a face that looked as if it had been chiseled from stone, and ran a hand through his silver hair.
"Puck and helpful are two words I never expected to here in the same sentence. What are you doing here, sister? Morgana is gone."
"There is a mortal by the name of Lily Evans Potter. She shares Morgana's magical signature. I came here for answers."
The Erlking raised one shoulder in a shrug. He shifted his glowing eyes away for a second. Vivienne thought she could see an old pain there.
"My daughter," He whispered almost to himself. "It cannot be. Morgana would have found a way to let me know had she succeeded."
"What happened," Vivienne asked. "Does your daughter have something to do with Lily?"
The Erlking gestured sharply with one hand stopping Vivienne's questions. He would not talk of this yet. He wanted to see her first, to make sure she was his daughter before he opened those old wounds again. He turned to Argante and bowed low before her.
"My queen," He growled. "I request permission to leave the court. I must see this Lily for myself. I must know if she is my daughter."
Vivienne's eyes widened. Had she taken her nephew away from her niece?
Argante drew her golden hair away from her face. She wished she could accompany them. This situation interested her greatly and it did get so boring in the court some times. Besides, she wanted to know how this story ended. She inclined her head slightly to the Erlking.
"Go, and if this Lily is your daughter, bring her before me. I wish to meet the girl that was taken from us so long ago."
"As you command, my queen," The Erlking said respectfully.
He turned to Vivienne, placing his helmet back upon his head.
"Come," He rumbled. He started to stride away before turning back to face her. "Where is this Lily?"
HPC
Several weeks had passed and Harry was settling into life at Hogwarts nicely. It was almost the end of October now, and Harry was looking forward to the Halloween feast. The schools that were participating in the tri-wizard tournament were due to arrive on the 30th of October, just three days away.
Harry had kept his promise and begun teaching Ginny how to use wandless magic, but it was slow going. Ginny was making progress, however. It was true that she wasn't making near the progress she would like, but the fact that she was able to do even the slightest bit of magic without a wand astounded Harry.
Most wizards did not possess the talent for wandless magic, needing some type of Foci to access their powers. Ginny was different. After only a few lessons, she could successfully light a candle just by pointing a finger at it. From this act, Harry realized that she had some fae blood in her. How much or how little he didn't know, but He was determined to mention it to Vivienne when he saw her.
Ginny, for her part, had helped Harry understand the theory of wizarding magic. Like Ginny's wandless magic, it was slow going. He had no patience for writing essays. Also, He had no basis on which to build his understanding, so Ginny had to explain the theory from scratch. Privately, Harry thought he'd never understand the theory of wizarding magic. He was broken out of his thoughts as Ginny sat down beside him.
"Are you looking forward to the tournament?"
"I don't know. It will be interesting to see more advanced forms of wizarding magic."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Is that all you think about? Don't you have some kind of hobby?"
Harry blushed and looked down at his feet self-consciously. "I never developed hobbies. Godmother wanted to make sure I was well trained and could defend myself should the need ever arise. Don't get me wrong, I had a great childhood. I played with Puck a lot, and he's just a big kid himself. I just never had a lot of spare time."
He felt Ginny's hand on his shoulder. He looked up into her understanding gaze.
"You have time now. I'll take you all around Hogwarts. I'll show you how to have fun."
Harry smiled softly. He felt warmth rush through him. It was good to have a friend. "Thank you Ginny."
HPC
Harry shivered and pulled his cloak tighter around him. He hadn't felt a cold like this since He'd been on Avalon. He stood with the other students waiting for the other schools to arrive. He scowled as he heard Hermione Granger, one of Brian's friends, chattering about all she'd read concerning the tri-wizard tournament.
Turning his head, Harry looked back at the bushy haired girl, watching as she chattered to Brian and Ron.
"People have died in this competition, you know. I really don't know what the governors were thinking. This tournament sounds positively barbaric. Who would risk their lives for honor and glory, that's what I want to know?"
"I would," Brian said loudly. "Then again, I'm Brian Potter. I defeated Voldemort. After that, this tournament would be a piece of cake. It's just a pity I'm not of age. I could be the one to lead Hogwarts to victory," He finished dreamily.
Harry heard Ginny sigh beside him. He turned slightly to look at her.
"He's still so full of himself," She muttered. "As for Hermione, She means well, but she is more than a little overbearing. She doesn't have that many people skills, and hanging out with Brian and my brother hasn't helped her in that area."
"Neither my brother nor yours seem the type to listen to anyone they didn't want to, unless there was something in it for them."
"She helps them with their homework," Ginny grumbled, "She more or less does my brothers, to be honest. At least Brian will do his homework, even if he does turn it in late."
Before Harry could respond, there was an enormous flapping sound, like sheets rustling in a high wind. He looked up at the sky. Out of the corner of his eye, He could see Ginny doing the same.
Above the students, a powder blue carriage floated. It looked as big as a small castle. Harry had no doubt that it was even bigger on the inside. His eyes were drawn to the front of the carriage as it lowered to the ground beside the Black Lake.
Attached to the carriage were two enormous horses. Their hooves were the size of serving platters and dug deep trenches into the ground as the horses snorted and stamped.
"Wow!" Ginny exclaimed. "I've never seen pegasi that big."
Harry shook his head. "Me neither. Honestly, I've never seen any horse that big."
The opening of the carriage door stopped their conversation. A boy dressed in pale blue robes stepped out and hurriedly lowered a set of golden steps.
A shoe the size of a child's sled appeared. It was followed by a woman at least nine feet tall. Her hands were the size of trashcan lids, and her breasts looked large enough to be classified as weapons.
'Giant blood,' Harry thought staring at her.
"Dumbledore," The woman said her booming voice ringing through the night air. "I hope I find you well?"
Harry noticed that where ever she came from, she spoke perfect English with no hint of an accent.
"My dear Madam Maxime," Dumbledore said bowing and kissing her hand, "Welcome to Hogwarts. I hope your journey was not difficult?"
Madam Maxime shook her massive head. "Not very. The horses are tired of course. Do you have anyone that would be capable of providing for them?"
"Yes, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher will be delighted to care for them."
Dumbledore turned to face the students and gestured at the teenagers emerging from the carriage.
"Allow me to introduce the students of Beauxbatons academy of magic, the premier magical school of France. He gestured at Maxime. "This is their head mistress, Madam Maxime."
There was a smattering of polite applause as Dumbledore turned back to Maxime.
"Would you like to wait for Igore or go into the castle and warm up a trifle?"
"Warm up I think," Maxime rumbled beginning to usher her students towards the castle doors.
Dumbledore bowed. "Make yourself at home," He said grandly.
As the students passed, Harry felt a slight tingle of power brush his skin. His gaze sharpened. He reached out with his senses, trying to discover the source of this power.
His eyes locked on a tall beautiful girl with long silvery blond hair. 'Vela,' He thought in wonder. He had not seem one ever before, but he recognized what she was immediately.
Vivienne had told him about the vela. They were a race of fae that had been native to Avalon. During the Great War between fae and wizards, almost all of the vela were enslaved with powerful dark magic. The pureblood wizards had wished to breed them out of extinction, but the vela had the last laugh.
What the wizards did not know was that vela bread true. There were no half vela. Every daughter born to vela was pure blooded vela. Eventually, the Seelie court had broken the spell on the vela and asked them to return to Elphame. However, the vela's numbers had grown significantly during their captivity and they had elected to stay behind and rebuild their race.
"Is there something I can help you with," a clear cultured voice said from right in front of him breaking him out of his thoughts.
Harry bowed slightly. "No, my apologies for staring."
The girl stared at him. Something wasn't right about this one. He was more than he appeared. She could feel power rolling off him like heat from an oven. She would have to watch him closely. A wizard this strong was unnatural. Without a word, she stalked past the boy and into the castle.
"What was all that about?" Ginny murmured in his ear.
"I'll tell you later."
The students shuffled their feet restlessly. After Beauxbatons arrival, they were all eager to see what the other school would come up with.
Suddenly, the lake began to bubble and churn. Great waves crashed upon the shore. Slowly, a shape began to rise from the depths of the water. As it broke the surface, the students of Hogwarts gasped.
A long skeletal looking ship broke the surface. It was almost seventy feet long and constructed of what looked to be ironwood. It was at least three stories tall with a deck on each story. It bore a resemblance to the Viking ships of old, but was slightly longer and much higher than those mighty vessels. A snarling wolf served as the ships figurehead.
There was a 'click,' and a hatch opened in the front of the ship. A ramp lowered to the shore with a low hum. A tall figure wrapped in furs strode down the ramp. He was followed by a crowd of boys and girls also wrapped in thick furs. As the figure drew closer, it was revealed to be an old man.
He was very thin with blue eyes like Dumbledores, but where Dumbledores were warm and twinkling; this man's were cold and dead, not unlike the eyes of a corpse. He had silver hair and a goatee that did little to hide his rather weak chin. As he approached Dumbledore, he smiled revealing dirty yellow teeth.
"Dumbledore," He boomed. "How are you, my dear fellow?"
"Igor," Dumbledore said smiling and shaking the man's hand. "How was your journey?
Igor waved a dismissive hand. "It was fine, no trouble." He stared up at Hogwarts and his smile widened. "How good it is to be here at Hogwarts."
Dumbledore turned to regard the Hogwarts students. "May I present the students of Durmstrang, the magical school of northern Europe, and this," He continued gesturing at the tall old man, "Is professor Karkaroff the Headmaster of Durmstrang."
The students applauded again. As one, the crowd of students turned to head back into the castle.
As they walked, Ginny turned to Harry. Leaning close, she whispered.
"Is it just me, or do the Durmstrang lot look a bit unpleasant?"
Harry nodded. "There is a slight darkness to their magic."
"What does that mean?"
"Hard to tell," Harry scratched his head. "For now, it means nothing. Come on, I'm hungry."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Boys," she muttered.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur for Harry. There were many strange foods from Durmstrang and France. Harry tried some blood sausage and found it to have a rich iron taste. However, he refused flatly to try Escargo.
After they had all eaten, Dumbledore rose to his feet.
"I would like to welcome all of our guests here," he said his voice ringing through the hall. "The tri-wizard tournament is about to begin." He waved his wand, and a pedestal rose out of the floor.
Upon the pedestal, there stood a large roughly hewn goblet. Strange serpentine runes were etched deep into the wood. The cup was filled to the brim with dancing blue flames.
"This," said Dumbledore "Is the goblet of fire. It is the impartial judge that will decide the champions for the tri-wizard tournament. To enter your name for consideration, you must merely write your name and the school you attend on a piece of parchment, and drop it into the fire. Tomorrow night, the goblet will produce three names from those submitted. I must warn you once your name comes out of the goblet it constitutes as a binding magical contract. I urge you therefore to be very sure that you wish to participate in the tournament before submitting your name." He smiled at the students. "And now," He continued. "I think it is time for all of us to go to bed."
There was a scraping of chairs as the students and staff stood and headed towards the doors Harry and Ginny among them.
"What do you think?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Harry whispered, "but I have a bad feeling about this tournament."
HPC
Voldemort stretched his spindly arms and legs. He watched as Pettegrew stirred the cauldron. The bubbling green liquid steamed and shot tiny sparks into the air.
"Soon," he whispered. "Soon, I will be returned to my former glory."
HPC
The hallway was quiet. The Goblet of Fire glowed dimly in the darkness of the hallway. A figure stepped out of the shadows and walked over to the Goblet.
The figure drew a piece of parchment from its cloak and dropped it into the goblet.
"I'm sorry," it whispered.
HPC
The atmosphere in the hall the following night was charged with anticipation. Harry and Ginny were both exhausted. They had spent the day helping each other with their lessons. They just wanted to finish their dinner, see who the champions were, and go to bed.
At the head table, Lily watched Harry, a longing expression on her face. She just wanted to show him that she loved him and try to make up for her mistakes. Little did she know, that her wish was about to come true.
After the meal was complete, Dumbledore rose to his feet. With a flick of his wand, the pedestal holding the goblet floated into the hall and settled on the floor before him.
"It is time," he called, "for the champions to be revealed. When your name is called, please enter the antechamber just off the hall," Dumbledore finished gesturing at a door to the right of the head table.
There was a moment of silence, and then a tongue of flame shot high into the air. Dumbledore plucked a charred piece of parchment out of the fire.
The champion of Durmstrang is Viktor Krum."
The students applauded politely as a tall boy with a hooked nose and sallow skin slouched to the head table and disappeared through the indicated door.
Another piece of parchment shot skyward.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour.
The girl with the silvery blond hair strode haughtily towards the head table and disappeared through the door.
There was a moment of anticipation. The Hogwarts champion was next. A third piece of parchment shot out of the goblet accompanied by a plume of flame.
"The champion of Hogwarts is Cedric Diggory."
The applause from the Hufflepuff table was thunderous. That particular house had never gotten any honor and glory.
A handsome boy, grinning widely, disappeared through the door after the others.
"Well done champions,' Dumbledore bellowed. "This tournament will test all of your skills and I am sure that we can count on your fellow students to…"
He did not get to finish as a burst of flame lifted a fourth piece of parchment high into the air. Dumbledore caught the parchment neatly.
"Harry Potter," he said into the stunned silence of the hall.
A/N Sorry this is so late. I had to rewrite this chapter a time or two before I was satisfied.