I KNOW - I KNOW. IT'S BEEN LONGER THAN NORMAL AINCE MY LAST CHAPTER. I'LL TRY TO DO BETTER.
A couple of things- I know I promised the trial in this chapter but I prefer to do these in about 10 k increments. But it will be next chapter along with Balmoral castle. That ought to be fun.
Once more thanks for the feedback. It helps me know if I'm heading in a good direction.
Only a few more chapters until the end of this part of the tale. Then I will write somewhere about 100 k plus before posting the first chapter. I already know what has to happen, and most of how we're going to go about getting there.
The omake was inspired and kind of co-written by Rob4133. We need to drop him a line and kick him in the butt. He has two stories he needs to work on.
And lastly... Just because I haven't said it in a long time and I don't want to give the wrong impression. I don't own the harry Potter world- I am just another person trying to make it better than JKR
Thanks
Bob
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Bagman was disappointed when everyone figured out the Quidditch Pitch had been turned into a maze.
"Vraiment? We could not get it ourselves, Monsieur Bagman."
Her tone made it plain his detailed description of the hedges was not required.
Even rude Cedric chuckled.
"Fine then," Bagman answered with a little heat. "The Cup will be somewhere in the maze and your task is to get the cup first. In the maze will be obstacles for you to overcome. As before you will not be allowed any other items except for your wand. Any questions?" He didn't even pause to allow any. He continued, "Because of complaints by certain competitors," Harry received a chilled look from the exQuidditch star. "We will be following each champion with and everyone will be able to follow their favorite champion on a giant device of some sort. Dowager Longbottom has impressed the ministry to purchase the device for this task."
Viktor said through his vastly improved English, "Good, Our families vill not have to look at tall bush all night."
The ex Wasp even ignored that. He had hoped after Potter had proved difficult that since they were both Quidditch Pros they would have a relationship. He had pressed hard at first for inside information, but Viktor had long been used to people like that.
"Finally, the committee has unanimously voted and agreed that NO MUGGLE DEVICES WILL BE ACCIO'D, CONJURED, OR MUGGLE FLOWN IN!" He actually looked angry especially since Harry smiled and winked at him.
"He's got your number Potter. You wouldn't be even standing here with the true champion (A/N: singular form intentional), if not for your cheating muggle toys." He once again managed to make it sound like a curse.
"I keep telling you Ced. You three are the three champions. I'm here against my will." Harry forced himself to remain serene, even though Diggory was close to losing it.
"That's Cedric! How many times do I have to keep telling you?"
Fleur and Viktor were enjoying the evening show. Once more courtesy of Harry Potter. Bagman was a bit confused. He hadn't realized there was this amount of animosity there. He tried to determine how this would affect his betting.
"That's Lord Potter to you Ced. Do I need to write your father about this?"
Diggory was white-knuckling his wand. He so wanted to wipe that smirk from Potter's face. "You do as you want Potter. I beat you in the other events, I beat you on the Quidditch pitch, and I'll beat you and the other losers in the maze." He turned and yelled to Ludo, "We done here?" Not waiting for an answer he stomped away.
Bagman also walked away, deep in thought. The smart money was to bet on Diggory, he had a large lead, but Potter was a dark horse and could still win. No points mattered as long as he got to the cup first.
"Poor Cedric. He still PMS, non? He is so en colère."
Harry was glad he met these two. He didn't have many people he considered friends, these were two of them.
They wandered on the grounds generally heading in the direction of the carriage and the boat. "Harry. Bruno has been called home. He received a message yesterday. There are several rumors that his family has lost its noble status and they can no longer afford to send their children to elite academies. Luna made an enemy that day."
"We already had an enemy," Harry corrected. "But Luna didn't feel right killing him in front of children. He won't get another pass though. We've learned not to leave an enemy at our back. Is his family going to be a problem for you?"
Viktor hesitated for a moment, "No. His family is losing influence. My family is gaining it."
When you get the chance, talk to your dad and mum about becoming friends of the Potters and Blacks, officially that is."
Before he could answer a disheveled figure stumbled out of the woods. "Just who I needed to see," he rasped. "Cornelius, Deloris, I've made a terrible error in judgment. We need to send Wetherbee there to see Dumbledore. It's a matter of life and death!" Mr. Crouch started to drop as if all the bones were banished from his body before Harry/Percy caught him.
The three stayed on alert. They had been working together when ever possible and they each knew how dangerous things were around Harry. "Did you want to accompany me or..."
"Non," Fleur interrupted. "I will tell Madam Maxime. If I can pry her from ze arms of 'Agrid and their un tout petit peu." She turned to Viktor, "You need to tell Karkaroff but make sure you say it loudly so that many ears hear, comprends?"
The two ran off and Harry called for Dobby and asked him to "pop" the two of them to right outside Poppy's domain as long as the corridor was empty. Quick and efficient, they were staring at the double door that passed for the border of her kingdom.
"I am going to bring you to nurse Pomphrey and then go get Dumbledore. There is one very important thing you need to remember going forward." Harry wasn't sure how much the addled man retained, but he thought that this would stay. "Weatherbee changed his name, he now wants to be called Prissy." He was walking him in and calling for Poppy and added, "and don't forget to ask him why his nails aren't colored like all of the other girls."
Harry actually had a long argument with himself as he hustled to the headmaster's quarters. He felt guilty for planting that seed in an injured man's mind. By the time he was done briefing the surprised headmaster, he told himself to quit feeling guilty, he couldn't take it back and the ponce deserved it anyways.
Harry had briefed everyone on the situation and was now kneeling in front of the communication fireplace. "Cell phones and mirrors have these beat by 100 years." He thought as he threw a handful of powder in. "Clearwater Castle," he called.
Penny's face appeared in her fireplace.
"Harry!" She said suddenly nervous. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
He smiled. He really liked her. Both her and Tonks had the personality for the job. They were very different, but both very efficient. It helped that they liked each other as well. "No. Everything is fine. I need to speak to the missus if she's there. Do I have your permission?"
She almost laughed out loud, but her eyes were twinkling merrily. "Of course, she's just finishing cleaning. Let me get him." She spent about half the time using male appellations and half using female when it was just the two of them. He still had issues, but his declaration in the witch's council had earned him major kudos. The two of them were quickly getting to the point where they didn't care what other people thought. It was nobody's business except their own after all. But Harry was an exception to this rule. Percy still had no kind words for Harry despite the kind gifts they received from the Potter's and the Blacks. And Percy was fully conversant of that fact.
While he was waiting Harry had to smile at the incongruity of the whole thing. An unmarried male calling for a married female would require the spouse's permission to speak with her. So Harry was happy to follow this bit of pureblood custom.
Harry still felt a tad guilty over the Crouch issue, so he tried to be nice. "Hello Percy I have some important news for you."
Mrs. Clearwater's visage changed dramatically when he saw he was speaking to. "Potter! What do you want?" His tone was less than friendly.
Harry's smile disappeared. "Mrs. Clearwater! Is that how you address the Lord of an Ancient and Noble house? Your mistress gave me leave to speak with you, and you greet me in such churlish fashion?" His voice was rising. The five behind him grew quiet as they listened in.
Penny must have been close by, because Harry clearly heard through the floo, "Prissy!"
He knew he screwed up, and immediately apologized. "Forgive me my lord. It was rude and uncalled for. Miss Penny begs to speak with you once more before we break connection."
Harry nodded, "That's fine. I will say, I've done nothing to earn your ire, but as you said, I'll discuss that with Penny. Now to business. The reason I called is I found your Mr. Crouch on the Hogwarts grounds today. He is obviously ill, confused and looked beat up. I took him to Madam Pomphrey and notified Dumbledore. You may want to let someone in the ministry know what's going on. Sometimes Dumbles forgets to tell everyone that should know."
His lips tightened but he didn't say anything when Harry had mentioned "Dumbles."
"Thank you my lord. I will call Deloris as soon as your business with Miss Penny is completed."
Percy's face disappeared and Penny's replaced it. She tried to apologize once more, but Harry waved it off, kind of. "It's fine, Penny. It's just been a very tough year for all of us. And we count you as a friend and then he keeps treating me as he does. Please try to reason with him. I'll tell you a secret that everyone knows. The minister hates me as much as Percy does, but what do you think would happen if the minister wanted to make an example of someone if I had enough of the attitude?"
Her face paled. It was true. Percy had a future in the ministry, but right now they would sacrifice him without a moment's thought. "Thank you Harry. She has some floo calls to make, then her and I will be having words."
Percy stood and listened as Penny spoke with Harry. His face paled along with Penny's as he realized just how right Potter was. Deloris still had him curtseying and the "girls" in the office loved it. She would make some supportive remark on encouraging "his transition". Normally this was done in front of visitors or the minister. He couldn't say anything because any complaints that he didn't want to become more feminine would result in him being fired at best. The fact that he was comfortable in his masculinity was beside the point. One of the more knowledgeable muggle borns had mention metrosexual. He wasn't sure what that was, but it didn't sound like it would be something that he wanted.
Deloris had thanked him for his dedication and cut the connection to inform the minister. Percy thought furiously trying to delay the next "discussion" he was going to have. He couldn't think of anyone else he needed to contact, so he slowly stood while Penny watched him with a baleful eye. He tried to head off the discussion. "I'm sorry Penny, I shouldn't have said that out loud..."
She interrupted him, "You shouldn't have thought that in the first place. They've given us gold, clothing, a honeymoon, and are a good part of the reason why we are still together. I've had it with your attitude missy. We are going to take a more proactive role in correcting that. Come with me..."
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The six took their time eating dinner and discussing the future events. They had each in a different way remarked on how many "irons they had in the fire." The attitude in the dining hall had eased somewhat.
The headmaster glared. He had deducted points and assigned detentions as often as possible. But he quickly sussed on to the fact the teens didn't care a whit about house points and no amount of peer pressure would break them on it. He couldn't expel any because all would leave, and it was imperative that they be near for his plans. A willing pawn is better than a reluctant one but in the grand scheme of things the only thing that mattered was the outcome.
They felt his eyes upon them, as one they laughed at some inane comment Tracy made about him, all of them keyed up and thinking of the morrow's foray into the forest. Half of the time they worked hard to incur a detention, who ever had the freest time would always volunteer for it.
Each of them was comfortable with Filch, they were slowly winning his trust. Of course he didn't realize the person he was talking with was not necessarily that of the one that earned the detention. Harry smirked, Filch and Mrs. Norris loved their pizza. He made a mental note to have Dobby buy more polyjuice potion soon. Neville had paid Marcus a few times to hide himself while Neville hung out in the Slytherin dorms. Everyone was wary about the snakes, they assumed the Slytherin students had a way to talk without alerting the watch-snakes.
They heard, "Oh, here we go. It's been awhile since we've had our evening entertainment." Harry looked at the twins and quickly turned around to see what was happening. More than twenty students from the three houses had stood and were waiting in the large open area. Neville signaled with his eyes and the six stood and went to meet them while all talking in the dining hall ceased.
They hadn't even gotten into position yet, when the headmaster interrupted, "What's the meaning of this? Regain your seats!"
Minerva interrupted. "Headmaster. I've already given permission. Not only is this necessary house business, but it educational for those muggle born to see the inner workings of the houses."
He didn't like it, but she had pulled all of his teeth. He couldn't stop his deputy from doing her job.
With Susan Bones at the head of the other students, they paused waiting for the head table to bless or decry.
"Lord Longbottom, Lord Potter." She kept her eyes on the two young men. With Daphne and Tracey aligned behind Neville, and Luna and Hermione standing behind Harry, Neville took the lead. "Scion Bones."
It was plain to even the most naïve that this had been planned. As soon as Neville addressed her, almost as one, the twenty odd children dropped into deep curtseys or bows. These weren't the shallow dips either, the ladies went low and stayed there, the gentlemen stayed bent over examining their toes.
Neville wasn't vindictive. But he still harbored animus because the treatment the ladies received. After a protracted minute, he bid them rise.
"My lords. Our egregious attitudes have brought shame upon all of our houses. Our sires and dames have been most explicit in delineating to us our comportment going forward."
Harry scanned the faces standing behind Susan. The Patil twins stood on either side of Lavender. Seeing Harry's eyes on her, hers fell to the floor. She still couldn't speak unless prompted. A few professors had remarked on her silence in the classroom. They felt it a welcome change. Next to them stood Macmillan and Boot beyond him. The other students some in years above and beneath, all waited for Susan to finish.
Susan hesitated to say the next part. Her face colored as she thought of it. She had argued with her Aunt over the wording but had been vehemently overruled with her Aunt deciding this under "Head of House" auspices. "We are your servants. We offer ourselves in any manner you would have us, unreservedly." To emphasize it, she added, "In any shape or fashion you may decide."
This brought an immediate reaction from a good portion of the hall. Gasps of surprise, embarrassed faces, and those not limited to gender or even people associated with this. Neville nodded his head indicating his understanding. Luna took a step forward and began to whisper just loud enough for Harry and Hermione to hear. "They just offered themselves up to and including taking their virginity, offering the guys as indentured servants. Even slavery wouldn't be automatically refused."
Hermione began to bristle, but Harry squeezed her hand. It didn't need to be said that neither Harry or Neville would have anything to do with that. He once more focused onto Neville.
"Your apologies have been received. Lord Potter and I wish to extend to you an invitation to our quarters. Coordinate those visits with our ladies. You are welcome to come singly or in small groups. We hope that this will foster understanding between us."
Many faces looked relieved until he continued, "Make no mistake. Any further overt or covert hostility to any of the ladies will result in immediate retribution. And those penalties you are all contemplating aren't even the most severe. We're fed up with your treatment of us and our bonded. You may all consider this a probationary period."
His words had the desired effect as several blanched. The two young lords nodded, and the ladies behind them did a quick dip. As they finished they moved as a unit to the exit, and once more all of the standing penitents deeply bowed and curtseyed.
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McGonagall and Filius were hiding from the student body. It was one of those secrets that everyone knew and with it being McGonagall everyone was actually afraid to say anything around her. The weather had turned warm and the six knew it was a good weekend to look for Ron. They weren't going to talk to Dumbles about it. Privately Harry kind of hoped that Dumbledore would stroke out and save them a lot of time and trouble. Wanting to tell a staff member, they knocked on Hagrid's door at 9:00 in the morning.
"Harry! Neville! Girls." He turned and yelled over his shoulder, "We have company." One of the reasons Hagrid was so well-liked is because he was so honest with everyone. He always wore his heart on his sleeve. You could tell that he was obviously overjoyed to see them. Stepping aside, "Come in, come in. Let me get ya some tea and rock cakes."
They really tried to beg off of the rock cakes. They were something of a legend around the school, being overly large, and overly hard. The only one around whoever managed to eat it without breaking their teeth was Hagrid.
"Now, don't you nevermind. Olympe and Sybil told me what I had done wrong. Who knew that rock flour had to be pulverized before you lot could eat it."
To say that things were different in the hut would be a serious understatement. It would be akin to saying that hurricanes brought a spot of rain. The inside of the hut had been magically extended in every direction. Prior to Hagrid's bond, he was neater than most bachelors, but not by much. Now the place was immaculately clean and all of the furniture was replaced with comfortable chairs and couches. The only thing that remained the same was the heavy table that dominated the kitchen area and that was now polished to a high sheen.
"Professor Trelawney! You're looking gooood." Tracey was exuberant in her greeting, but it was nonetheless true. She had gotten rid of the coke bottom glasses and done something completely different with her hair. She was sober and had lost the "deer in the headlight"/"Bugeye" look that she had presumed made her look other worldly.
"Oh my dears. None of you have seen me since the ball. I want to thank all of you for your help."
While a lot of people had remarked on the change of the mystic, she rarely ate in the dining hall. Just like the six, she preferred the company of her bondmates.
"It has been tres dur for you, non? Albus has many umm ...stratagème pour vous?"
Trelawney provided translations, (even though it was fairly evident. She was obviously too used to dealing with the dull and witless.) "She means ploys, or machinations."
They all nodded automatically. The giantess had also undergone a transmutation. While she had always appeared every bit the refined lady, now she was more relaxed and easier to approach. "I want to thank you," her English had improved dramatically. "Fleur has found friends that can help her grow. Before, she had to watch herself from attracting boys and angering their girlfriends. She told me that she can finally be herself."
"Fleur is a wonderful friend. One of the few true friends we have. She is very important to all of us." Daphne spoke for the group on this. Last year she would have had issues with Fleur, thinking she was competition even though she held herself aloof. Now secure in the arms of her bondmates, she too could relax and enjoy a true friendship.
Sybil interrupted the conversation. Her voice had become deeper, and her eyes had nothing but sclera. "Four must find the path, regain what was lost so the path can be found."
There was silence for about half a minute. Everyone looked around nervously until Luna quipped, "Is that what you deal with all the time? That's just irritating. To be told what you already know." She thought about it for another minute or two and kept her inner most thoughts to herself before adding. You know I think the guys are right. Fate likes to screw with them."
"But that could mean so many other things!" Hermione added.
"Yep. It sure could. Like I said, Fate loves her boys, stupid prophecies and all."
They had told Hagrid they were heading to the Centaurs, they were not surprised at what he told them.
"I had told Dumbledore about finding the sign in the forest after the snowstorm. He informed me I was not to tell ya. When I told him unless he fell victim to one of the forests' predators the Centaurs would have him; he ordered me not to help you with it whatsoever."
"Figures."
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They followed a path for an hour, heading deeper and deeper into the woods. Winter had lost its strength and spring was evident everywhere. Harry caught sight of Hedwig more or less leading them. He wasn't entirely sure since he never told her what he was doing, but he never put anything past her either.
"Tell me again why Neville and I are leading the expedition? Didn't Fate or Magic or whoever say that you guys had to lead it?"
The four girls giggled, after a moment Neville chuckled but more because they did. He didn't understand either.
"Silly boys. That's not what she meant at all. Of course if you're afraid of the big bad woods..."
The guys just stepped up the pace. One of them mumbled, "Fate is definitely female. Can never say anything clearly. Shrouding everything in mystery just to make life harder."
The girls just giggled more.
For the moment Harry led and Neville trailed and the girls stayed more or less in the middle. Although they sometimes walked next to their mate. Talk was kept to a minimum, not out of any need for silence, each had their own private thoughts over the recent past and what the next few hours would bring.
They had crossed several streams all of them running merrily, overflowing their banks. The melted snow should help provide for a bountiful harvest.
The silence was shattered by the unmistakable sound of an arrow in flight and then hitting a tree near where Harry stood. Wands were out in a second and the many hours of practice of not just dueling, but wizard combat had them each turn facing outward.
"You are not welcome here. Return to the school. We do not wish to harm students, but we will if we have to. We have you outnumbered and surrounded."
"There are five of you. You've been watching us for thirty minutes now," Neville said from the back.
Harry corrected him, "You missed one Nev. There is a sixth a little further out, behind the hill over to the left." The only reason he knew this was Hedwig gave him an aerial image after the arrows flight. Arrows were one of Hedwig's least favorite things.
"It doesn't matter how many we are. We are a lot closer to my friends than we are to your wizard friends. Do you never cease stealing from us wizard? You move us further and further into the wood, farther away from the home we once held. You let the cursed spider roam freely and forbid us from eradicating them. We want nothing to do with any of you and a time is coming soon when any wizard found in the wood will not be spared."
"Harry this is our part. Magic calls us here."
Luna and the other girls stepped forward and Harry and Neville reluctantly moved behind them. Both of the boys were cursing softly, but the girls ignored them.
"Silence you," Luna called to the voice. "Magic says you are not the BANE to wizard kind. Before this day ends you will have a new name. Until then we are called. Go see your wise ones. See what message they have."
He snorted in derision, "The sun still rides high in the sky. The wise ones read the stars, you will have a long wait witch."
Luna chuckled, "There's more than one way to read the sky. There's another star that your readers can view. Go. We will not move from here until you escort us, one who was a Bane to wizards."
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Ronnie had just helped serve the elders at the high noon meal. He had grown comfortable here. Mostly accepted especially since his carvings now adorned almost every dwelling. The sudden call of "wizards in the woods," had everyone a bit on edge. Already the folks were going to another hidden enclave further away. He hadn't been there, but from what he had heard it involved some interlocking caves. At first he was unconcerned, but then he remembered just which wizards were most likely to come looking for him. Aria had noticed right away that something was wrong.
"Ronnie? I can understand when some of the herd get nervous when wizards draw near, but why are you suddenly fearful?"
He froze. He wasn't stupid, but he was lazy. And he had long mastered the art of distracting himself from weightier subjects or completing tasks in favor of thinking of Quidditch or playing chess. His mother harried by many other children and concerns had fallen out of the habit of following up with him as she should have. And Arthur as a department head didn't have the time to help around the house as he should have. By the time he got home both him and Molly were spent. Many years of this had ingrained into all of them habits that were hard to break.
Now they were here to take him back or worse. In a moment of clarity, he realized avoiding Harry and Neville wasn't the only reason he didn't want to go back. Aria seemed radiant as the sun shone on her. He loved her. He realized that there would never be anything between the two of them. There couldn't be. She would mate for the betterment of the herd. There was even talk of another nearby herd of Centaurs on the continent and Aria going to them. But he loved her nonetheless.
"I... I am," he sighed and tears glistened in his eyes. He wanted to yell and scream about the unfairness of it all, how Potter got everything and made his life hell. But he didn't have the time and every time he did everyone took Potter's side anyway. He tried again, "They've come to take me back."
She loved him as well. She didn't know how to define their relationship, but she loved Ronnie. She shook her head. "No, they won't!" And just like the girls the world over, she knew just how to manipulate her father. "I'm going to talk to daddy. C'mon Ronnie. We have to get to daddy first."
One of the patrol had just returned informing Magorian of the number of wizards coming into their domain. Not so many years had passed, when the wizards came en masse driving the herd to the deep woods. They claimed one of their number hurt a student, and everyone was sure it was a mere coincidence that the former dwelling place included a hill which had been the sepulcher of an ancient warrior wizard.
He continued his noonday meal. Let the younger run about needlessly. They always had too much energy to burn as it was. He kept his place in the herd not only by his strength but by his wisdom. He wondered why these youngsters would brave the wood called forbidden as his daughter came forward with her pet wizard. Smiling both to ease the fear he smelled from Ronnie and because he observed how the herd magic made him less of a threat. They still didn't question his pronouncement, "He shall be treated as an unmarried mare." It lessened his aggression, made him fit to be with the young females and lowered his admittedly weak strength of arm further.
"What child? You know full well that we have visitors near. Shouldn't you two be heading further to safer havens?"
"Daddy. Ronnie says they're coming for him. They want to return him to their world."
"Is this true?"
He hadn't felt so bad since he woke up in that tiny room and realized he alone.
His eyes downcast, tears freely falling down his cheeks, he gave an almost inaudible "Yes my lord."
"Didn't they send you to us? You told every one of the seer and the smartest witch, were these not true?"
He turned and asked one of his aides, " How many approach?" He had already been told this, but he wanted to watch Ronnie. How he acted would determine his fate.
"Six. Two young stallions and their mates."
"No adults?"
"No. They're all students."
He turned to Ronnie. Time seemed to stand still as Magorian asked, "Are these your friends?"
Ron fell to his knees his hands covering his face. His shoulders shaking with sobs.
Aria did her best to console her friend.
He gave Ronnie time to gather himself before he said, "The question remains Ronnie. Did they send you to us? Before you answer, I want to tell you. The stars see everything. They tell us everything. Your tale had the ring of truth, but we knew it was incomplete. The traverse of a star across the sky told us, there was something incomplete. The star cannot complete its journey until the truth is free. We welcomed you into the herd as a mare, you stand close to my eldest daughter. Speak the truth Ronnie the Roan."
The tears still fell. But he stood and squared his shoulders. He didn't always recall, but every once in a while he would recall a lesson or something important he was told. He could almost hear his father telling him, When there's nothing else to do, you stand up and face whatever is coming head on."
Thinking he finally understood something his father had said, He tossed his long hair back over his should and adjusted his vest; twin to Aria's. It was a sign of favor, one that he relished.
He wished his voice was stronger, but he spoke as loud as he could make it. "It's true. They had told me everything I had said. Hermione spoke of many things that I didn't understand and Looney, I mean Luna first instructed me in the words."
Magorian knew there was more to this. "Luna is the seer you spoke of?"
He nodded, "Yes my Lord."
"She is a child of the moon and sees far and clearly." His statement was more one of hope than anything else. He spoke it so his advisors would hear. They labored injuring children. To injure a seer would be unthinkable. "What else Ronnie. Why do they seek you if they sent you?"
Ronnie opened and closed his mouth several times trying to speak. Finally Aria grabbed his hand. Taking a deep breath he half smiled and asked, "Please don't hate me. I don't deserve your friendship or love, but just don't hate me."
"I could never hate you Ronnie. I love you as a sister."
His smile grew for a bit before the agony of the now resumed. "Repeat that in a couple of minutes."
He turned to Magorian, "What I didn't tell you my lord, is before I came to you I was their slave."
Cries of surprise cane unbidden from all around. Wizards weren't known to keep slaves, except for "lesser beings." "I had thought that Hermione was destined to be mine, so I tried to kill Lord Potter and Lord Longbottom."
Aria had let Ron's hand loose to cover her mouth in surprise.
"Even here in the deep of the wood, we hear of Potter and Longbottom. The readers," he pointed in the general direction of a group of elders. "Tell me the stars ring with joy at their coming and they stand in awe of the four. These are the ones you attacked? Had you been successful you would have doomed the four. Did they not tell you they were bonded?"
"They did my lord, but I thought the girls could bond with me."
He turned to one of the many near him. "Take him. Keep him apart from everyone. We have inadvertently aided a guilty slave. We are in the wizard's power now."
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They only had to wait an hour before another came to lead them to the enclave. At first he walked warily, still keeping the same formation. This was not lost on the stallions. Every once in a while Harry would point one or two fingers to the left or the right and sometimes to the rear. The rest would nod in acknowledgment. Only the war party leader knew that Harry was pointing unerringly at the hidden centaurs.
In almost no time at all, they were entering the public face of the Centaur herd. Automatically they realigned themselves. The girls fell behind the guys, who still had trouble trusting. The girls wondered if Harry or Neville had figured if this was actually their task. Based on the last prophecy they heard. But internally they shrugged their shoulders. They were each more attuned to magic than the guys and trusted magic to show them the way. Something Luna had once said seemed apropos. "Things normally worked themselves out if you leave them alone. The only time things go awry is when man tries to help.
"Lord Magorian," The guys bowed deeply.
"My lords. Your mission is known to me. But until recently we had no idea that we harbored an escaped slave." Magorian had decided that he needed to be up front here. The songs of the stars sang of these. To pit yourself against magic was foolish to the extreme.
Neville waved it away, "We view this as you protecting a traveler in need. We are in your debt."
The surprise was plain on everyone's face. They had all expected the wizards to yell and scream. Within the past five years, there had been several messages from the minister all treating the noble creatures like bovine or equine animals.
One wasn't happy. She had been praying that communication would break down completely. She had even thought of starting a battle. It would be easy to get one of the young stallions to do her bidding. She had half of them wrapped around her finger as it was. "No! You can't have her! I hate you for making her a slave!" Her eyes had locked on Harry's, but her ire was directed to Neville as well.
"Normally I have to at least speak before getting a girl angry with me." Harry said sardonically.
"I hate wizards!"
Most reacted by a sudden intake of breath and exclamation of surprise. Magorian's eyes grew hard and sudden anger crossed his features as he tried to control himself. Neville looked at Harry and mouthed, "her?"
Harry's answering shrug told him he was just as confused as Neville. The lack of reaction was noted by their mates. They were inured by the constant ridicule, it was good politically, but such a sad state of affairs that a couple of 15-year-olds weren't surprised by others emotional outbursts.
"Lord Magorian," Daphne called while the other girls stepped forward with her. "Our lords will tell you, that the slave is actually ours. With your consent, let us draw apart with this one," she said indicating the outraged Aria.
Still trying to control his temper, "Thank you lady. Your timely request saved someone." He turned to his daughter, "Lady Aria. By my command, you will take these ladies and treat them as honored guests. I will brook no further outburst from you this day."
She bowed, angry with those wizards, her father, those witches for owning Ronnie and now herself for losing control.
Luna jumped up and down, "Oh! Lord Magorian. Let us dine together tonight. You can teach our lords about you, and your ladies can teach us!"
There was no mortal male alive that could resist Luna and her dimples. Harry knew she used them as weapons and even after daily exposure to them had no resistance built up. Magorian was just another notch on her belt, as he too fell before them.
"I had planned on it lady. You all are most welcome. Aria take the ladies before that one asks me for anything else. My lords, join me and educate me in the combatting of that most unusual weapon."
"My lord I fear there is no shield stout enough. I had hoped your council would aid me."
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A sullen Aria with very little grace brought her four guests deeper into the camp leaving the males looking at each other with what now looks. The dutiful host asked hopefully, "Did you ever try our ambrosia? We brew it from a recipe we got from some Greek Satyrs many years ago. It wasn't long before the young men were enjoying a nice buzz.
An hour later.
"Magorian. Did you ever try a nice stout ale? Let's ask our friend Dobby to buy us some and he can get himself a butterbeer."
"Who is Dobby?"
"I is Dobby Mr. Magorian. I serve the Great.."
"This is our friend Dobby! He is the best friend Neville and I ever had!" A very lit Harry interrupted.
Dobby was humbled, and Magorian impressed. All of the males Including Magorian's closest advisors spent an afternoon getting louder and louder.
The highlight of the afternoon was the inebriated centaurs trying to teach Harry and Neville to shoot a bow. Allowing for the alcohol Neville did fine, better even than some of the drunk centaurs. Everyone took a ribbing. they lost it when they put the bow in Harry's hand.
"Draw back the bow and aim slightly, hic, higher to allow for your girly arms unable to fire the arrow right."
"Umm," A wobbling Harry hesitated. "Aim at what?"
"The target," A drunk Magorian eventually got out.
"Wha... what target?" Harry lowered the bow and arrow and covered one eye. Fumbled with the arrow and bow and then covered the other eye. Nope!" Accenting the P. "Can't see, no target."
"It's on the tree."
He turned to Magorian. "There's a tree?"
Everyone thought this was so funny. "Yeah Harry. There's a tree down there." Neville assured.
"Screw this." Harry handed everything to Neville. He pulled his wand and sent a powerful bombarda down range. He couldn't see where it went, but everyone heard the explosion.
He turned back to Magorian. "Is there still a tree there?"
Many bleary alcohol aided eyes stared at the destructive wooded carnage. "Nope, no tree. That'll do her."
Even the angry taciturn Bane giggled at the flying toothpicks the blast caused.
Someone felt the leaves and wood falling on them, "Look Magorian. It's snowing wood. Let's get another drink to warm us up. Besides, it's almost dinner time. I'm looking forward to those fine fillies"
Even Dobby was looking forward to dinner. He lay on the back of one of the stallions. one leg crossed over the other his free-floating foot keeping time to music only he could hear. Sometimes it didn't suck to be Dobby Potter.
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MEANWHILE- WITH THE LADIES
Aria was still angry as she led the four girls away towards the building all of the other fillies hung out in. The four must have been dense or something because they continued to chat amicably amongst themselves like she wasn't ignoring them. Since she was angry it took less time than usual. The interlopers didn't even look winded, even if they had to trot once or twice.
"Well this is where we gather when we are not getting dinner ready or bathing. Our sleeping quarters are over there," she said pointing at another series of buildings. "What else do you want to see? We are just crude animals to you witches. Aren't we?"
None of the girls took any offense, even though she was trying to anger them. The littlest blonde came and stood in front of her. Luna just stood and stared at her for almost a minute. Finally an impatient Aria exclaimed," What? Why are you staring at me? Say something!"
Serenely smiling she answered, "You know him differently than we do. Tell us about him."
She hesitated, then started with how he's changed and was covered by Magorian's geas. That led to another discussion, and the girls fought back snorting when they finally understood that he was temporarily emasculated.
Tracy couldn't help herself, "He wanted to do you two. Now he's the one that will be done."
Hermione and Luna hid their smile, but Daphne gave in and giggled. Naturally Aria and the rest of the young mares wanted to know what that meant.
Deciding that the truth needed to come out. The girls started at the beginning.
At the start of the tale, Aria didn't want to believe the girls. They had to be making it up. But the youngest, Luna, held her hand and hugged her when she needed it most. "But he's so gentle. He couldn't have done that."
Hermione was kind, "Where is he? Why don't you have someone get him here."
"Daddy had him taken away..."
"You tell the guard, or whoever that you need him and hint that daddy knows all about it. You do have your daddy wrapped around your little finger don't you?"
"Of course I do!" All the girls giggled, it relieved some of the tension.
A short time later Ronnie was led in holding Aria's hand. "It'll be fine Ronnie. I like the girls. We'll work it out."
Once he was fully in the door, the girls had to look twice before realizing it was Ron, with long braided hair, a vest indistinguishable from the other females, and boobs to fill the vest. Their shock must have shown because Aria began to explain while the others tittered and Ron turned beet red.
"He came and told us he was the bridge mare. He seemed sincere so father placed a geas on him, for him to be with the unmarried mares." She tried to be serious but some of the others still laughed a bit as she continued, "Daddy told me, as long as he remains unsullied then this is but a temporary thing. If however he is mated to a stallion the magic will become permanent."
Ron didn't want to go with Aria when she called him forth. The guard looked dangerous as he held a spear and waggled it every so often. He was almost certain it was just to scare him, almost. He was one of the more aggressive young studs, believing everything Bane had said to be truth.
"You can ask my father if you wish, but I wouldn't recommend it. He's already irritated because the wizards have a legitimate claim against us. Questioning him over something silly would not be well received."
Thants looked back at the two youngsters. Magorian's daughter had power even though she was young. Irritating her would not be good. He also looked at Ron. He didn't like him, but most did and everyone loved his carvings. "Fine. It's on your head though."
He really didn't care, one of his mates had already told him that the visitors and the other stallions were celebrating. This would allow him to get some before it was all gone.
"Thank you Thants. I'll put in a word with my father for you." And because she was a little irritated with his attitude and upset the Ronnie, she added, " Keep up the good work and maybe you'll be chosen to mount the Bridge Mare!"
He galloped out of there as quick as could while Ronnie just colored.
The girls repeated a lot of what they said earlier so Aria could hear Ron deny it.
Of course he really couldn't. He tried to explain that it was Potter and Longbottom's fault. But that sounded lame even to him.
Tracey spied the wooden carvings every where. There were necklaces and small statues of different animals and even an incomplete bust. "Who's the talented one?" She asked trying to change the subject.
Aria smiled brightly for the first time in hours. "That's Ronnie's work! He's very talented."
The detail of his first statue was amazing. For someone how never noticed anything, even the mane of the horse had fine delineations showing the individual hairs. With very little work it could be animated, but that wasn't their place.
Eventually all of the information had been spread. Ron they could tell was shamed, but the four girls thought it was only because the centaurs found out he was a slave and not because of his actions. "So," Aria began, almost afraid to ask. "What will your wizards do with Ronnie? Will they take him back?"
The four girls looked to one another and the silence almost grew oppressive. Luna decided to go in a different direction. "What would you normally be doing about now?"
One of the other girls, Marl volunteered, " This is bath time."
"Ooh. I love a good bath. Is it big enough for all of us?"
Surprised by Luna's nonsequitur. It's a large pool that's fed by a small waterfall. We've been bathing there three generations now. And it's in a protected grove for females only. Males normally don't even get close."
Ron once more turned red, for the memory of his first time when the young bucks did get close, and the insinuation that he was no longer a male in Aria's eyes. It hurt a little.
"We can bathe if you want. We normally bathe and then help prepare and deliver the meal to the males."
It was quickly voted by everyone that it was bath time. Ron sat and worked on the latest bust while everyone filed out. A moment later Aria and Hermione came back.
"Ronnie? Are you not going to attend me? As you have done every day?"
"But I would see Hermione and the other girls naked." Once more he turned red just saying the word.
"Ron. You heard Aria. You are an unmarried mare. Come bathe with us." She didn't wait she turned and followed the rest of the girls to the pool.
The girls didn't hesitate before disrobing and throwing their clothes laying atop the bushes. Ron hesitated. He hadn't even sneaked a peek at the girls so distressed was he.
Aria called, "Ronnie. My back isn't going to wash itself you know."
Hermione put it together and spoke with Aria while the other girls frolicked with the others females. "So he is like your handmaiden."
Hermione could see she didn't understand the reference so she listed the duties that a handmaiden would perform. By this time Ron was helping Aria stealing quick glances at Hermione's and the other girl's breasts.
"Yes. He's done all of that. And until you came I thought him a close friend and ambassador." Tears began to fall. "I didn't realize he was running from your lords."
"Well, what is it, Ronnie? Tell Aria are you her friend and handmaiden, or are you a runaway slave?"
He hated it when the two he loved the most spoke about him like he wasn't even there. In a brief flash of clarity, he realized that he would never have either of them. Hermione was already sealed to that Potter and Aria looked on him as another mare. Just as her father had ordained. He paused only for a second as he massaged her pelt. "A part of me is the runaway," he still didn't like the word "slave. "But I quickly found friendship here. Despite the fact I only have half the number of feet everyone thinks I should have." He smiled briefly at the running joke. By now most only meant it in jest. He didn't notice the three other girls drawing near. "Let's face it, I'm not much for the classroom. I would rather do anything other than written assignments, or even read."
Sudden thunder interrupted his reverie. Everyone looked to the skies for lightning or clouds. "Lightning?" Aria was ready to order everyone to quickly dress and return to the safety of the buildings.
But Hermione and Luna had turned to face the other direction. "No that's Harry playing. He fired a spell at something." She made it sound as if she was miffed.
"And he's drunk too!" Luna giggled pulling some of his feelings to her. "Go ahead 'Mione. Try it. He's happy for the first time in months."
Hermione did, and Daph and Trace pulled from Neville as well.
"Yeah Neville's feeling good as well. It's about time they let go for a while."
Ron was curious, "You mean you can tell how he is all the way over here?"
Almost exasperated, Tracey asked. "You are a pureblood. What did you think bonded meant? They are bonded to Harry just as Daph and I are bonded to Neville. We share everything. We can tell when they are hurt or angry or happy. And they us."
He shrugged. "I thought, bonded was just another way of saying engaged. Everyone says you can't mess with a bond."
"Yes Ronald," Daphne really didn't like him. Ignorance was no excuse especially after everything he did to the guys and them. "We're bonded. Had you been successful in killing our lords, you would have condemned us all to death. Painfully, slowly. Is that what you wanted?"
He stood with his mouth agape. "I didn't, I mean I wouldn't..."
Hermione interrupted, "No, you didn't mean to almost kill Luna, Daphne, Tracey, and me. Just your best friend and the other friend the one Harry loves like a brother. What kind of friend are you anyway?"
He was crying freely. So upset that he didn't see the four girls surround him. Even as he laid his head on Aria's hindquarters and his face.
He finally looked up. "I just wanted to be loved!"
She spoke quietly. "I did love you. As a friend."
"And I loved you more than that. Until you started calling me Looney. When I was a little girl, I once dreamed about being your wife."
Aria let him cry for a while. Neither moving him off nor offering succor. "You never answered. What will your lords do once he goes back? Will they kill him?" Once more forgetting what she heard about the girls having the majority voice over Ron.
Tracey answered, "It's a good question. Tell us first, now that you know everything. Would you like him to stay and be your handmaiden? Can you accept him, now knowing his failings?"
Aria played with her hair as she thought. "I think he's changed a little." Then quieter she added, "I don't want him to die."
"What about you slave?" Daphne's voice still hard. "Now that she knows your deeds, can you perform those duties she assigns? Or will you run away from your self and your misdeeds?"
Ron looked up. Hope in his eyes. "I'm tired of running. I don't like Potter but he didn't deserve to die. That was wrong. And the squib never did anything to me either."
"That squib is one of the most powerful wizards in England!"
A little bit of the old Ron still lived, "That's what I said isn't it?" Not realizing she was objecting to his slight and not his awful nick name.
The girls looked at each other. For different reasons, they all decided that he should stay. They communicated by Daphne's hard glare and firm nod towards the water, Daphne an imperceptible shrug, Hermione's left eyebrow raising, and Luna saying, "Goody! We agree. The path is found. As long as you are here Aria will be responsible for you. If you anger Magorian or Aria your life could very well be forfeit."
Ron looked to Aria. "I'll try to be the best mare that I can," he repeated.
"What about your lords? Don't they have to agree?"
"Aria," Hermione said, a twinkle in her eye. "Every girl in the world knows how to get what they want from their husband or father. Isn't it true for you?"
She smiled, finally feeling good. "Of course. Daddy normally does what I want. Eventually."
It wasn't until many hours later in the middle of the night while he was finishing his latest work, that he realized he didn't react the way he should have to four very pretty naked girls.
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The alcohol consumption had slowed considerably, but the loud raucous laughter was still evident. Magorian liked these two wizards, even Bane didn't despise the two teens. Pranks played on one another was the entertainment for the afternoon. Neville once again banishing Harry's pants. It took him fifteen minutes before he even realized it. Harry got even by turning everyone's pelt a different color, including his skin which was a kaleidoscope of colors, and once again he blamed it on Neville. Even Dobby got in the act and half convinced everyone that they had all eaten and evening was falling. It was an impressive bit of magic that even had the sky darkening.
Still in good humor, he banged his flagon down repeatedly. "We need food!"
All of the inebriated males repeated this and soon the tables were being hammered. The older females, the ones not tasked with serving the meals rolled their eyes and froze a smile on their face. Age had brought wisdom, they knew telling them to be quiet and wait would only earn them ire, or worse.
The girls plastered smiles on their faces and brought out the platters of food. Neville sat to Magorian's right and Harry his left. Dobby less drunk than anyone else sat in a special magicked seat on Harry's left.
Aria served her father, and the girls each served her mate. Harry called to his girls, "Wench. Did you have a good afternoon?"Hermione wanted to bristle but saw the happy smile and his tear glistened eyes. She could feel his love through the bond. Even Luna let out an involuntary, "eep." As she felt the strength of his ardor for the both of them.
Dobby waited a full thirty seconds before he said something. Harry had already offered some of his food, but Dobby would have none of it. Fun was fun, but now was the time to assert himself. Or so he felt.
"Winky, Misty. Where be my dinner," he spoke to the air.
The two "popped" in. Why you be seating with masters? Come wes be getting you something at master's house."
Winky added, "Youse be drinking the butterbeer?" She looked upset. "Wes can't be drinking that!"
Quiet fell all around as everyone waited for arguments to begin.
He said quietly, but his voice carried. "I bees Dobby Potter. With Winky by my side, we bestests all of the nasty goblinses. Theys don'ts wants me in their bank never no more. Now Lord Harry and Lord Nevy wants me to eat with them." Both of the females elves stood with their hands clasped together in front of them waiting for Dobby to finish. Even the other serving ladies stood still waiting for him to finish. "So Misty and Winky, you be my mates. Where bees my dinner?"
They didn't like it, but now was not the time to bring it up. With some snaps of their fingers, a hot meal appeared in front of Dobby.
Talk slowly resumed and the light hearted banter resumed.
Eventually Magorian had to address the 363-kilo Yeti in the room. He had at the beginning of the meal spotted Ronnie serving some of the younger males. Magorian waited until the ladies had finished their dinners as well.
"Aria. I thought I had Ronnie under guard?"
Without batting an eye she answered, "You did father."
"Then why is he here?"
"Is he not still under guard here daddy?" Pointing to the guards at along the wall.
"That's not what I meant and you know that. I meant, why is he here with us?"
"Because there are a lot of mouths to feed and I needed help. He wasn't doing anything else. That must be why you let him go."
"I let him go?"
"You must have daddy. There he is." She managed to look so innocent as she smiled disingenuously.
He decided to let that go. He knew when he was being "played." He really didn't have an issue with it as long as the two lords next to him didn't. Magorian realized they had seen him earlier as well.
"My lords?" He asked the young men.
They each leaned forward and communicated silently in front of the large equinesque Magorian.
Neville answered for them. "I believe the girls have this already decided amongst themselves. As long as you, Lord Magorian allow it." Each of the girls had moved to stand in front of the three. Ronnie stood behind the girls as well, fear plainly evident.
Magorian nodded acceptance and Aria informed Magorian that Ronnie would now be her responsibility.
Magorian nodded and Aria and Ronnie breathed for the first time in what seemed hours. "I am glad we could reconcile this my lords. I have enjoyed this day immensely. I have never had such a good day with wizards."
"A moment my lord," Harry interrupted. "One thing needs to be made more clear. We will not have a repeat of his last stunt." He looked directly at Ron who once more forgot how to breathe. "Neville and I like these folk. You will not do to them, what you did to us. Should I find that you harm any here, I will track you down and kill you myself. Is that clear?"
"Per.. Perfectly Har..my lord. I will not be any further trouble."
Harry's ire relented, a little. "Good. What about a letter to your folks?"
"Done my lord," Hermione interjected.
Harry smiled in spite of his anger. The two of them always brought a smile to his face. And they appreciated it.
Luna added, "Magic is satisfied. I've traveled as far down this timeline as I can. And it's the best for all."
The situation ameliorated everyone once more enjoyed the last hours together.
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Dobby spoke to the guys near him, the last butterbeer had hit him hard. "Dobby bees leaving. I needs to go." He stood on the table top and with arms akimbo he called, "Misty. Winky."
They stood, Dobby had insisted they sit and eat with the girls. "Like-like be she-elf business. But this be Dobby business. Come. Wes be going to the come and go room. Wes be spending long long time there in like like."
The two females colored but when he held his hands out to him they "popped" to him and stood one on either side. They only stayed there a moment their heads bowed before the three "popped" out all holding onto one another.
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OMAKE
REMEMBER - OMAKE'S MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CURRENT PLOT- (THIS ONE DOESN'T)
A handsome man marred beyond bearability by hate and self contempt strode across the featureless plain. From the frozen tundra, he currently traversed, to the volcanos that once spewed lava and ash unceasingly, but were covered by the cold unyielding rock. They didn't even have a benefit of any snow. At the very least some skiing would break up the monotony. Not that there were any trees to even provide crude skis.
No. Not a thing. Not even a mirror to look upon his own once proud features. He stopped in surprise. He hadn't been surprised in centuries. A rock. There along his path was rock. When everywhere else was nothing. It was an ugly rock easily help in one hand. Slate gray, a roundish shape. He hadn't been alive all theses centuries to not know what it meant. It was after all easy enough to check. Squeezing the rock brought blood that dripped to the frozen dirt to be swallowed immediately.
It was just another proof of his theory.
First, the heat disappeared and the cold set in. Simultaneously, the volcanos forgot their task and froze over. Now the stone the blood dripped from with compression.
"I hate to think what caused this," he thought. Surely no further proofs would come, that would lock his theory in for a certainty.
But sure enough, after another 15 minutes of walking that brought the dormant volcanos no closer. He heard it before seeing it. Turning to his left. There! Flying in formation! The first life he had seen in many a year porcine flying in formation!
Many miles away in a slightly different universe attached to the other. Three students, two boys and a girl sat at a long lunch table. "I can't believe it mate," said the ginger boy.
The bushy-haired girl had been silent for over an hour, that in itself was noteworthy, but she finally spoke. "Yeah Harry. I wonder if it's true. Did hell freeze over when Snape gave you 100 points?"