Chapter 20

Disclaimer/A/N: © to JK Rowling for all her Harry Potter characters, ideas etc. She owns that world! This is not a re-write of anything original. This is just my original story and story idea.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Your Majesty…." Harrius had been summoned up to one of the darkest and highest towers of the castle. He wondered why anyone would want to stay in such a dark and gloomy area. Two of Harrius' guards stood still at the side within the shadows. He looked over at the only sight of light in the small room he was in, and saw King Arthur standing silently, straight, looking out the window with his folded firmly.

"Beg pardon for taking you away from Ronald's-…celebration," Arthur said, his position not changing, the light shining only around his eyes as he looked out. "But unfortunately…you are needed else where at the moment, young man."

Harrius' eyebrows curled downward, he wasn't ever the one to feel frightened, but even the King would sometimes even send shivers up his spine. He cleared his throat and replied, "I do not understand, Your Majesty. Where am I to go?"

"I need you to take care of some errands in Romania," he told him, "things with King Lucius need to be fixed and well organized. Seeing as I cannot make the arrangement myself, you shall go…no matter how long it takes, get it done."

Harrius stood there, in silence merely just looking at the King who had still had his back to him. It was obvious to him that the King wouldn't just send him away from Hogwarts without a motif.

"I sense you have a problem, young one?" Arthur asked, his lips curling. "You should know by now, Harrius Potter that I do not take kindly to problems that come before me or my throne…and I never have."

"I understand, Your Majesty," said Harrius, "but my father was not planning on having me out of the country for Christmas—

"—My decision is final!" Arthur exclaimed, his voice echoing throughout the small area of the dark tower. "My assistants in my chambers have the parchments ready for you which you will need whilst abroad. I will be in Romania in two days after your arrivals to make sure you are for once putting your strengths to good use...now leave me!"

Harrius sighed; his eyes went shut for a split second. Like Ron, he was hard and did not want to fail at anything. He then took a breath and bowed his head, "…Majesty, Happy Christmas." He headed to go back down the stairs, leaving the tower with two of his guards following behind him. Harrius went into the King's chambers to collect the important pieces of parchment that were being kept for him. He stayed a while longer with his guards to discuss how things were going to be planned out while they were in Romania; especially since the King said he was going to pay him a visit to see where things stand.

The sound of the flutes, violins, and harps continued to play throughout the Great Hall, even though a lot of time passed, people still continued to dance, laugh, and merely just take in the Christmas vibe surrounding them. Harrius came back, walking past everyone hurriedly, over Ron and Hermione, who were talking amongst Dean.

"There you are!" said Ron, holding out his hands in concern, "What did my father have to say?"

Harrius caught his breath, he was looking serious at Ron, "May we talk quietly…?"

"Of course…," said Ron, before exchanging looks with Hermione. "I'll only be a minute, Hermione."

Dean cleared his throat and offered his arm to Hermione, "Why don't I introduce you to some friends I brought along from Little Whinging." Hermione smiled graciously wrapping her hand around his arm, letting him lead the way. Meanwhile, Harrius moved Ron behind one of the pillars away from the crowd of guests.

Ron sighed and said, "We were right to be suspicious once again, were we not?"

"Yes, you've got it right," Harrius whispered, making sure no one would overhear them. "The King has summoned me over to Romania again. Not even a request, merely an order. He says business with King Lucius must be fixed."

Ron looked odd-stricken, but the sound of that horrified him, "The last time he sent us off to Romania, Hermione almost lost her life." Ron cringed at the memory from when Cedric informed him while he was in his drunken state, about Hermione's attack, and then coming back to Hogwarts to find her lying in the hospital wing with that big gash on the back of her head. "I do however; think there is a part we are missing…"

"What do you mean?" asked Harrius.

"If my father were out to get Hermione for the Lord knows why…why would he only want you to be away from her?" said Ron, "He knows having me here, I will not let her out of my sight."

"I will see what information if any, I can find when I am there," Harrius replied, "As of right now, I do not believe Hermione needs to worry about anything."

Ron sighed, looking at Harrius seriously; he turned and took a glance at Hermione who was still socializing with Dean and his friends. "I would accompany you, but-…I do not want to leave her again, and…if anything happen to the baby…I-

"-Ronald, in all honesty, tis alright," Harrius whispered in reply, placing a hand over his shoulder. "I will handle affairs on that end. If anything happens I believe that may come of use to us, I shall send you news by parchment."

XXXXXXXXXXX

Like every passing year, Christmas at Hogwarts was a success. Hermione was left exhausted from the previous night. As soon as she got back to Ron's chambers, she immediately passed out still in her dress and her in front of her face messily. Birds could be heard chirping, outside the opening of the wall, which caused her to stir. She slowly began to open her eyes, only to see Ron standing at the side of her bed wearing a warm smile on his face. He was holding a tray of food; Cedric was behind him smiling down at her as well.

"Good morning, love," said Ron.

A smile spread across Hermione's face, as she slowly sat up on the bed, "Ron…what are you doing?"

"I brought you your breakfast this morning," said Ron. He carefully sat down next to her.

"'Tis usually not in a Prince's duties, but he really wanted to," said Cedric.

Ron looked down at glanced the bed, blushing; also the smile that Hermione gave him melted his insides. "I bought you some fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and nuts. Nan said nuts are good for your pregnancy. I would have bought some sugar scones, but I am not all together sure if that sweet intake would be good for you right now."

Hermione laughed as she took a look at the feast in front of her. She cupped Ron's face in her hands and kissed his cheek, "I do thank you so much for this…but you did not have to go through so much trouble…" She was starting to tell Ron this, a whole lot these days, even before she found out she was pregnant.

"Well I do hope you enjoy your breakfast, Lady Hermione," Cedric said, he looked at Ron and bowed, "Young Majesty…" Cedric turned and headed for the door, as he opened it one of the ladies-in-waiting entered with a cup of milk in her hands.

"There you are, Miss Granger," said the Lady handing her the cup, "Warm as usual."

"Thank you very much, ma'me," Hermione said, placing the cup on her tray.

"Young Majesty," she said, curtseying before Ron.

Ron sighed and smiled at Hermione again. "Hermione, I really do not want to make any more mistakes…I am going to care for both you and our son."

Hermione giggled, but it turned into a long sigh, "Ron…I am not sure if this will hurt your feelings or not but, I have been feeling a mere overwhelmed with how much attention I have been receiving."

Ron laughed; Hermione moved the blankets to let him get in beside her. "I shall take that as a good sign then." His face now showed a lopsided smile as he asked, "I am invading you too much, am I not?"

Hermione smiled, as she took a bite out of her bread and cheese and also some of her nuts. "No of course not, my love, it's only that…living as a peasant all my life…u-until now, tis' a complete change in my life…" The two broke into silence, as Hermione continued to eat her breakfast slowly. "You know Ronald…you haven't told me what happen with Harrius and King Arthur."

Ron shifted uncomfortably, he avoided telling her last night, because he didn't want to ruin her night and cause her more worry. Hermione tilted her head, so she could gesture him to look directly at her. "Ron, please…I know this matter has somehow involves me, do not keep me in suspense."

"My father has summoned Harrius to tell him he must go to Romania to fix up matters with King Lucius," said Ron, "…I had a feeling that this would worry you…because of what happened before. But I am to stay here with you."

Hermione smiled warmly at him again, "…But why would your father summon Harrius to Romania and not you?"

"I haven't a clue, and that is what worries me a little," Ron said, clutching her hand in his.

XXXXXXXXXX (track from GOF- foreign guests arrive)

As Harrius galloped on his horse across the green hills of land, up above swiftly flew the falcon, flapping its wings slicing through the clouds as easy as the wind blew across the land. He could already see a fortress from a distance, though it was blurred by the clouds. Two of his messengers rode close behind on their black horses. The glimmer from the falcon's wings was almost has bright as the sun's rays.

He pulled on his horse to stop; it trotted for a while on the stop. Harrius sighed, glaring to get a view of what was to come. He held up his hand for his messengers to halt. The strong and loud screech of the falcon caused him to tilt his head and stare up at the sky. He caught it soaring, it took him as amazing how its long wings flapped now what looked like to be in slow motion.

"'Tis not long till we reach, Harrius," one the messengers said, causing Harrius to shake out of his gaze.

"No, I only thought we'd stop for a view," Harrius chuckled, looking around him. He didn't feel nervous arriving on the soil of Romania again, but despite from leaving his father, Ron, and Hermione; he felt good to get away from the King for at least the time being. With a shift of the foot, his horse continued to ride on, entering the land of Romania.

"YAW… YAW!" the other two men shouted, trailing behind him. Another screech of the falcon echoed through the sky, as it moved along with the rhythm of the strides of the horses. The further they got to Romania, the more grey the sky started to turn, little snow peddles were coming down. It got colder and colder as they galloped along on their horses. It grew colder, as well as Harrius' emotions as he and his men looked forward entering Romania. What he saw was not the land he and Ron saw the last time they were there. The horses started trotting slowly passed people's houses which we shattered; some still had flames crackling from it. Children with their ash faces, and torn clothes were huddling up to their parents to keep warm. Men saw Harrius and his men approaching, they started gawking at them moving closer and closer; their faces were bloody with ashes. Women were gathering whatever they had left in their pots, with their sacs. The expression on their faces gave a pleading look, a look of help. This was the last thing Harrius expected to see when he came here. He made a stop and came off his horse, looking around at the destroyed town. A woman came forward, her eyes looked traumatized; she took Harrius' hand in hers and kissed it. He could hear her whimpers, as she was down on her knees.

Harrius tried to keep a serious face, "The land which was always so full of life, is now the land of distraught." He turned back to one of his men behind him, "Take the horses, and find a stable that still standing." He took his sword that was in his horse's saddle. He called upon another one of his messengers, "Go inside the fortress, you shall inform them that I am here." He continued to walk slowly through the town, taking in more, and babies could be heard crying around him. People were still looking at him in awe and also in intimidation.

"One of you speak!" he exclaimed, "tell me what happened."

"…A raid of K-King Lucius' men came at us at night," one of the villagers managed to speak out, coming towards Harrius. "They set torches on our houses, our crops…everything. My ass is even slopping on his own manure now he's so hungry…"

"Why would your King order his own men to destroy his own land and its citizens?" It was now coming to Harrius that it was not a coincidence that this happened just has he were to arrive in Romania.

"He has power!" another man from behind yelled, his clothes were burnt and dirty with mud. "Is there any other reason? You royals of the monarch, treat us as if we are lower than the dust! You say our village was prosperous and full of life, do you? You are blinded, because we have been in the dark for years."

It was now silent, everyone around that man was now more nervous than before. Harrius stood there looking at the man, as the man did him. The women were huddled next to each other with their heads down not looking at him, also trying to keep warm. The wind was picking up, his breath could be seen; he lifted his sword and pointed at the man causing him to take a step back.

"I will tell you now…I will tell all of you!" said Harrius looking around him, "I am Harrius Potter. Son of his Lordship, James Potter of Hogwarts! My men and I mean no harm to any of you! I was sent here by King Arthur on duty, but we have all been deceived." People now started to whisper amongst each other. "I want you all to help each other gather up as much food and water as you can and try to keep warm for the time being till I tell you further!"

"R-Right! You heard him, come on!" one the villagers yelled.

"You!" Harrius pointed his sword to him, "Help those who are injured. Brooker!" He called and gestured his right-hand man, "We will search for survivors, there are still some houses standing. Let's go."

Things only got worse as Harrius went further into the village. The sights were disturbing, the ground was stained with red, there bodies laying on the ground and some with chains around their feet or arms dead. He moved on with his messenger, Brooker, to one of the houses which was damaged but not completely. Before going in he grabbed a torch which was still lit, hanging from the side of the house. It was run down; the door was jammed, making it hard to budge open.

Harrius nodded at Brooker, "Axe it." He took a step aside, taking the torch from his hand. Harrius' right-hand gripped the long axe's handle in his hands and swung it forcefully at the door. After about two brisk hits, the door was able to open. Inside everything was distorted; tables were knocked over, various household items were scattered all over. This house on the land had been bigger than the rest; he assumed the worst that a big family must have been living in it. Everything was also now very dark and dusk.

"I do not think anyone resides here anymore, Your Lordship," Brooker told Harrius looking over his shoulder.

"Is anyone alive in here?" Harrius walked in the house holding his torch in front of him, his eyes carefully examining each part of the house. When there was no sign of life, he looked at Brooker, who shook his head gesturing that searching this house was useless.

"Your Grace!" one of Harrius' messengers called from outside. Harrius budged pass Brooker and went back outside near the castle.

"Well?"

"His Majesty King Lucius is not here, one of his Lords said he left sometime last night," the messenger said. Harrius was beginning to get frustrated; obviously this was some sort of setup. "Let us leave from this place, Your Lordship, there is now no reason for us to be here. We must explain to His Majesty our King-…"

"-We're not leaving these people behind…they've done nothing to suffer at the hand of their King…how fast can you get back to Hogwarts?"

"If I ride hard…a day or two…" his messenger said.

Harrius took another glance at the people, how they struggled to find food, calm their crying babies down and keep warm. "You will ride back to Hogwarts…do tell His Highness Prince Ronald the situation."

The messenger bowed before him, "My Lordship." He hustled into the stables to gather his horse.

It was starting to get colder; the wind became stronger which blew more and more snow flurries. Harrius was able to break into another house, this time he heard light sobs coming from the inside. He looked around to see where they were coming from. Walking further into the house, he noticed that it looked like a nice and cozy house before it was damaged. The sound of a painful moan, made his neck crack as he turned around. A lump got caught in his throat; it was as if his heart was beating desperately to jump out of his chest. The sight of the silk red hair first captured his attention. He hurried over and stooped down, looking at the woman he remembered so well the last time he was here.

"Ginny?" Harrius quickly moved all the things that had probably fallen on her. He cupped her face in his hand, "Ginerva…are you alright?" There hadn't seemed to be any cuts or bruises on her face. Harrius was still able to see that beautiful look to her, even when she had just been through a raid by her own King.

"H-How…d-do you know my name?" she asked barely able to say anything.

"It's me, Ginerva…Harrius of Hogwarts," he said.

"Your Grace…" Ginny had tears welling up in her eyes, she tried to breathe the best she could, "…it hurts."

"Please, try not to move…" Harrius gathered Ginny carefully with his one arm and braced her carefully on his leg. He slowly lifted up her light frock she was wearing and noticed a deep gash on her side. It was not looking good, ash and dirt and come upon it. "Okay, Ginerva…what I need you to do is wrap your arms around my neck as firmly as you can." Ginny could not stop her crying the pain was just too unbearable. She nodded and did what Harrius had told her. Her arms went around his neck, as soon as they were locked on, he picked her up bridal style. She splinched and yelped in pain. "Brooker!" The man came running into the house from the outside, "We've got to get this girl somewhere warm." Harrius walked with her outside rather quickly, he stopped and untied his robes and placed it around her. He took his wineskin which was filled with water and carefully gave her some to drink. "You are going to be fine…don't worry."

"M-My mother…" Ginny choked, trying to control her breathing, "Where's my-…mother?"

Harrius looked back at the house, he was such in hurry to care for Ginny, he had forgotten the family she lived with. "You!" He called upon one of the villagers, who was talking to one of the women. He hurriedly came over to him. "Go over to that house and check for any remaining survivors of this girl's family."

"They j-just attacked us-..at night," Ginny was trembling from the pain at her side and the cold was of no help either. "We-…"

"It's alright, Ginerva…I assure you, you and these people will not suffer for much longer," Harrius tightened his hold on her, hoping for a miracle. He had hoped his messenger would be able to get back to Hogwarts safely and deliver the news to Ron without the King's interference. He knew for a fact it was going to be a while before he would be back at Hogwarts again.

A/N- Hello to all my wonderful readers. So this chapter was more centered on Harrius' strengths and what he can do, next chapter will be on Ron. Hope you enjoyed this one R/R, try my best to get an update for you ASAP- dandin (Danielle)