AN: Alright here is my next chapter, hope you guys enjoy. And feel free to attack the comment button below ^^
Chapter 11: Returning Home
August 27, Ionian Imperium Council…
"Let the eleventh meeting of the Ionian Imperium Council be called to order in the first year of our King Harry." The familiar words rang in the ears of every Councilman as yet another session took place in the throne room of Montfortal. "To begin the meeting, our liege would like a few words."
Harry stood up, locking eyes with every man in the room before beginning. "As most of you should be aware, the September approaches quickly, and with it, my need to return to Hogwarts." He raised one hand to stop them from speaking, fully aware his choice was an unpopular one. "Please Counselors, let me speak. I am aware that several of you are against my return into the lands under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. Rest assured that I am still safe there.
"My status to them is only a diplomat, and as such, to attempt to take me as hostage would be far too risky a move. Furthermore, I have reached a compromise with the Ministry. They will be allowing me to bring ten men with me to serve as guards. The reason being that Hogwart's defenses itself are quite substantial, and to bring more would pose a serious threat to the school itself."
"My lord, with all due respect, returning to that school seems to be petty. Your place is here, to guide your people." Hyde grumbled.
"Counselor Hyde, I must finish my magical education. Would you have your King be mocked as illiterate? I am this nation's representative, so this is not discussable. Aside from that, the allies that I might still gain from continuing my education there would be an invaluable asset in the future. " Harry answered.
"Before I leave, I must make some appointments. General Raphalle, you are appointed as Supreme War Magus of Ionos. In addition, Director Faren Serathi, will be officially appointed as Captain of the Dragon's Guard."
He paused to observe their reactions. So far, they seemed unsurprised, as if they had been expecting this. He turned to Rigan. "Council Lord and Master Advisor Rigan, in my leave you shall rule in proxy. However, I am aware that it shall be difficult for you to fulfill your duties as both Regent and Council Lord." Many of the Counselors had moved to the edge of their seat in interest. Harry turned to face Hyde. "Counselor Hyde, from this moment forth, you are appointed as Lord of the Ionian Imperium Council." Both men bowed deeply to their King in acceptance of their new roles. Mutterings broke out among the assembled men at the unexpected proclamation.
"Lord Hyde, I entrust to you the proceedings of the Council as well as the strengthening our diplomatic relations in the East. Make sure that our affairs there are brought to a speedy resolution."
"I shall not fail you, my liege." Thomas said. His voice was filled with pride at the honor bestowed upon him.
"My liege, what should we do about the Irish?" The new Supreme War Magus asked.
"Do we have the manpower to spare considering that we have forces committed to aid the Japanese as well as maintaining a strong border presence with Azkaban and maintaining enough men to ensure civil order?" Harry asked.
Raphalle looked contemplative for a moment, thinking it through. "We may have four thousand foot in reserve. This can be supported by perhaps five hundred horsemen and another five hundred archers. The three ships from Norway are bound to be returned before we can launch an expedition. We have five ships left from our battle with Azkaban. Three of those will be sent to Japan. The two we can still use."
"As for Dragons, my liege, of the fifty-eight we have, only twenty eight are battle ready. The rest are injured or under training. Perhaps two squadrons of four will be able to support. The rest will be needed for patrols or to support the Japanese Expedition." Sinther continued.
"And with those forces, what are the odds of us emerging from the conflict in Ireland victorious?" Harry asked.
"With support from the Irish, I would say the odds are in slightly our favor." Raphalle answered.
"Very well then, Supreme War Magus, I entrust you with assembling and leading this expedition." Harry said.
"Thank you, my liege." Raphalle said.
At the same moment, the doors burst open as ten handpicked Guardians marched into the room. At their head was Faren, donned in full battle gear. Trailing behind was Kippy, the house elf that had been assigned to Harry by his mother especially for his trip to Ionos. "My King, your carriage is ready. All the preparations have been accomplished as per your instruction."
Harry stood up slowly, removing his crown from his head, and placing it lightly on the table in front of him. The staff he held in his right hand he gave to Rigan. "Lord Regent, let this staff be a symbol of the trust and authority I have given you." Rigan accepted the staff with both hands, bowing deeper. "Walk with me to my carriage, Lord Regent."
"As you wish, sire." Rigan replied, walking in step with Harry as they were led away from the room.
"Are you disappointed that I had to replace you as Council Lord?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"No, my King. If you should recall, I had already asked permission to retire. Whatever post you give to me, I shall accept humbly." Rigan replied.
"That is good. Hyde is an ambitious man. Hopefully, he is also a competent one."
"Do not worry about his competence. It is his loyalty you should be more concerned about."
"You do no trust him?"
"We have been rivals for some time. I am not sure how he will act now that his status has been elevated."
"Are you not Lord Regent? You forget that you are still his superior."
"And when you return I shall be nothing but your Advisor and-"
"And what? Once I return, you will be under my protection. Unless the man wishes to be charged with treason, no harm shall come to you." Harry said assertively. "You are the man I have entrusted the Staff with. You are the one who commands the Dragons in my absence." Then smiling grimly, he continued. "You have my Crown, the Horn and my Staff. The only thing you need now is my Ring, and you could usurp me." Rigan looked alarmed at that.
"Don't worry, it was a joke." Harry reassured him while unconsciously reaching out to touch the Sigil of House Peverell on his left hand. "I still don't know why it is I that was chosen as the successor to Ionos. By all logic, my brother would have done a far better job and have more legitimacy as well."
"The reasons of Fate are not for mortal men to know, sire. We must be content with the lot that is given to us and make do with it." Rigan answered wisely as they arrived at their destination.
"Farewell, my friend. I hope to see you soon." Harry said, stepping into his carriage.
"May God keep you safe, my King." Rigan replied in kind, just as the carriage door was shut.
5 Hours Later…
"My liege, we are about to arrive at your house." Faren said suddenly, breaking the reverie of the King.
"That is good. And from now until we return to Ionos, you and your men shall not refer to me as your King or your liege lord." Harry instructed.
"Yes sir." A loud thud was heard, signifying that the carriage had landed on the outskirts of the lot of Potter Manor. The carriage door automatically swung open to reveal lush greeneries. Harry stepped out of the carriage first, to see the Guardians already assembled and ready to move out. Once Faren stepped out beside him, the carriage took off again. "Your things are already in the Manor sir. The house elf insisted we let her go in advance."
"Let's start walking then. I'd rather hoped we could catch Lunch."
10 minutes later…
As the Manor slowly grew bigger in their sights, Harry could clearly make out his mother waiting for him at the porch. "Harry, it is so good to see you again. How was Ionos? Did they feed you properly?" Her mother asked in rapid succession, hugging him at the same time.
"I am well. And yes, they fed me properly." Harry answered, as he was released from the rib crushing hug all mothers seemed capable of. An air of unease hung between the two before Harry finally spoke up. "How much do you know?"
She faltered slightly, a momentary look of uncertainty in her eyes quickly replaced by feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"
"The only reason the elf would have been recalled as soon as we arrived would have been to report to you about what I've been up to. How much has the elf told you?" Harry asked, sighing. He had a slight suspicion his mom wouldn't make it easy for him. At the back of his mind, he supposed that although his relationship with his family had improved remarkably, his parents were wary of doing anything to jeopardize that…including informing him that they were well updated on his activities. The next few words he heard from his mother dispelled any doubts he had about the validity of the last thought.
"Kippy has told me everything, Lord Ionos." She said in an almost teasing manner, with a smile on her lips.
Harry smiled. "I am still you son. Nothing has changed."
"Nothing has changed? Are you serious? I just found out that my son was involved in a series of military engagements. And that he is the Lord of a State." She answered, exasperated.
"I mean between us. Nothing has changed between us." After a moment of silence, he spoke up again. "I suppose Father and Katy know?"
"Your Father knows. Katy doesn't. As for Alex, he has been difficult to contact."
"And how have you all fared during the summer?"
"Alex, as you might know, is in an apprenticeship with Nicholas Flamel. Katy has spent her time going to Galas and Balls, occasionally visiting her friends. And your father has just recently returned from Spain. He is at Gringotts now, along with Katy." Lily answered, entering the Potter Manor gracefully with her son trailing behind. The Guardians followed as inconspicuously as a group of men armed to the teeth possibly could.
"And what about you? How have you been mom?" Harry asked.
Lily smiled at the question. "Well of course I've spent my summer worrying over you, my darling boy." She said, turning around and pinching his cheek for effect. "Come, let's have lunch. You must be famished after such a log trip. Besides, I had the house elves whip up your favorite. Will your men be joining us?"
"They tend not to join me in my meals, so I think not. Although be prepared for at least two of them to act like statues around us." Harry had been observing everything in Potter Manor, taking in the familiar sights. And suddenly, it dawns on him what it is he's feeling. "It's good to be back." He whispers to the wind. Faint as his voice may have been, it brought a smile to his mother's face as her ears picked up on the barely uttered words.
"…The post of Supreme War Magus remains, to this day to be the highest rank in magical military tradition since its establishment by Lord Janus Grey of Azkaban in 1653. It encompasses all the divisions headed by the War Magi (singular War Magus). In most cases, the Supreme War Magus is in charge of the overall military standing of a state, as well as advising the Head of State about military affairs. The post also entails the need to direct large-scale troop movements and to coordinate a feasible military strategy among the War Magi…"
-excerpt from: Chapter 3, Magical Warfare (1st edition) by Charles Nott