Note: Characters and world originally based J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. This story is set in the future.
Note: By this time in the life of Harry Potter, he is known as 'The Great Wizard.' His name is John Bellamy. Children of the estate mentioned in this chapter: Charlie Pickering is the son of Susan and Marcus, Chris Barnes is the son of Oliver & Vivienne, and Portia Pickering is the daughter of Melanie & Bobby.
The Family Khatabi: Bouchra Khatabi-Vrie, Pasquila-Kha of Morocco. ***Non-verbal communication is that in italics.***
Chapter 50:
Bellamy was sure that Pierre wouldn't think he should be locked up merely because he occasionally talked to people who were not there. All the same, when Friday came, and he went to the DMT for a spell-breaking session, he took considerable care to appear as normal as he could. Both Najia and Zoe went with him, and Zoe took him as her passenger when apparating. He was still forbidden to apparate, and would not have done so in any case. He still had times when he was dizzy, and more times when his head hurt.
More patients than the previous week, including several from overseas. To his surprise, Joyce was presiding as healer, with the casual explanation that Bryce was busy. Zoe and Najia were not in the Observation Room, he noticed suddenly, after the first few easy patients, and he suddenly saw an image - Zoe, Najia, Pierre and Bryce, talking seriously in Pierre's office. He froze, and then shook his head. If they wished to discuss his health, it was not a sinister sign. He trusted them, trusted them all. He refused to allow himself to eavesdrop, and only took care that Jiro wasn't considering attacking. And that wasn't anything unusual. He made a check on Jiro each time, ever since he'd first been assigned to the duty not long after he'd qualified as an auror.
He agreed to stay for lunch that day, was sociable, tried not to show even that betraying stagger, and spoke for a long time with Bessamy Malfoy, mostly about her children. Bessamy said, "Claudia's engaged to Maurice Abercrombie."
Bellamy grinned, "Cilius won't be happy about that!"
He wasn't! Bessamy said, "Of course he was. Maurice seems a very nice boy." But Bellamy still saw her image of old Cilius roaring at the top of his voice about the importance of preserving pure wizard blood. He asked, "And Draco?"
"He's a nice boy. He lives and works at Mortdale, looking after the museum. He says he probably knows more about the history of the great wizard than the great wizard does."
Bellamy grinned. "I disguised myself and went on a tour at Hogsmeade once. All about the defeat of Voldemort and my days at Hogwarts. It was quite amusing. I had a lot of heroic adventures, according to the guide. But all they actually had right was the date!"
Pierre was all smiles, pleased to see Bellamy so nearly well, congratulating Zoe in being instrumental in helping Jordania become a member of the AOCWN, and saying that he'd show him his latest son as soon as convenient.
Bellamy said, "Why don't you collect him now then? It's ages since I've had a baby to admire."
Pierre rose decisively, "Why not?"
One of the aurors who'd been on duty in the waiting room, looked hopefully at Jeremy, and Jeremy nodded, "Your baby, as well, if you like, Basil."
Bellamy turned to him, and said, "I heard you had a daughter. Dangar, you called her."
The auror beamed and promised to be straight back. "My wife says she'll be a redhead, as well, but she's only got two hairs so far, so I don't know how she can tell." He strode off, and was back within ten minutes, holding Dangar, his wife by his side.
Carefully, he put the babe in the arms of his wife, and she went to Bellamy with what had become the formula. "My name is Kylie Young, and my baby's name is Dangar Abercrombie."
Bellamy prudently sat down before holding his arms out for the baby. But then he caressed the cheek, and when the sleepy baby opened her eyes, and burped a tiny amount of milk on him, he smiled tenderly. How often had a baby Abercrombie done that to him? He touched the fuzz on the baby's head, and said, "I think you're right. She'll be a redhead."
Pierre reappeared, and said regretfully that his wife was out. Bellamy said, "Another time, then," and continued stroking the reddish fuzz on the head of the newest descendant of Ginny. He smiled at her, standing nearby, but didn't speak.
Ginny also tenderly touched the tiny child, and said, Two hundred and thirty-three. His wives watched him, tolerantly.
Joyce said finally, "You're looking too tired, Bellamy. You'd best go home, now." Maybe he'd best. The baby was taken from him, and Rick helped him to his feet. They had to go the entry foyer yet, where people would probably be waiting just to catch a glimpse. But then he was home, and obeyed Najia who said that he was to go and rest for a while.
At dinner, Zoe said, "A letter from Bouchra today. A young man called Museveni Khatabi has asked whether he may rejoin the Family. He has a wife and three children. He was Sorted, and was designated Khatabi, so probably regards himself as someone who could be leader. But Bouchra says she doesn't think he's a threat to our position, and we should stay with John."
Bellamy said, "I might not be entirely well, but I'm well enough to go to Morocco, if you want to meet him." He didn't want Zoe to leave him again.
Zoe shook her head, and said, "We'll do just as Bouchra said. You're a long way from fully healthy, and anyway, I thought you might like to stay until after Christmas." And someone might see you talk to Pat.
Bellamy said quietly, "I would like to be here for Christmas." He didn't want Zoe or Najia to be ashamed of him if he forgot that he was not supposed to talk to Pat.
After dinner, Najia put on her robes. She was to go with Gabby and Susan to a party and fashion parade. Zoe hadn't wanted to go.
Bellamy hardly ever had nightmares any more, but that night, several times, Zoe soothed him with her voice. Images of his wives conferring with Bryce and Pierre. That Zoe didn't want him to be seen by Khatabis. Even that Najia had had guards on him in the early days. Najia was still out when he saw Zoe shaking her head regretfully as she locked him in his prison. I don't want to do it, but I must. And she spoke in that resigned voice she'd used when she'd agreed that Zola should put him down.
Bellamy jerked awake. Of course it was stupid, and he knew that Zoe would never do that. But his fear of confinement was irrational, and his body shook with the horror of his dream. Zoe stirred and blinked at him sleepily.
He said, "Just going to walk off a nightmare. Might be an hour or two." Shakily, he pulled on clothing, and left. Zoe stared after him, beginning to become more awake.
After a while, she dressed and went into the freezing night, to find him.
Bellamy's energy had run out, and now he clung to a fence as his head hurt him. He hadn't felt Zoe close. Zoe conjured a couch, took his hand, and led him to it. "Sit," she commanded, and waited until his head cleared a little. Finally, she said, "John, you know I wouldn't really do that."
Bellamy said, "I know you wouldn't. Just a stupid nightmare."
"And there's no need to pretend to me that you don't see them, either." Bellamy didn't know what to say.
Zoe continued, "You know how you can feel the grasses and the trees, as nobody else does. Animals and insects, anything living. You can see all around you sometimes, even if you shut your eyes. You can tell who made a particular spell. You can even feel something of those old books, even when they're only copies and you can't read them. You're special. Who am I to say that if you see Pat and Ginny and Hermione, that you're not seeing something that's there?"
"Do you believe they're really there?"
"Do you?"
"I don't know. But I can tell the difference. I know who's really there, and who's not. I think they're just memories, and my own mind gives them life. Puts opinions and knowledge in them that they had." He smiled fondly, "Except for Julie. She just wants to tell me about her latest shopping expedition, except that it's from a very long time ago. They're not ghosts. They're memories and imaginings."
"Did they help when you were in such pain?"
"What pain?"
"Don't you remember? In the first weeks you were here, Najia told me there were several episodes of very severe pain."
"I don't remember anything like that."
Zoe shivered, and Bellamy stood, "Best go back to bed. It's too cold for you to be out."
"Luke has the car to take us back."
Bellamy hadn't even noticed him, waiting at a short distance. But in a matter-of-fact way, Luke held the door open, and steadied him as he entered. When he was thanked, he said casually, "No trouble, Boss. It was a bit far for you."
Najia was back, and looking anxiously for them, when they returned. She agreed she'd had a good time, and Bellamy admitted he'd just gone for a short walk after a nightmare. Najia was surprised. "How long since you've had a nightmare?"
"A long time. Sleeping between two women I love... How could I have nightmares?"
Zoe said frankly, "He dreamed that I was locking him away because he sees people who are dead."
Najia was horrified, "John! You know that would never happen! Even if it did, who could keep you confined?"
Bellamy was embarrassed, "I don't really think it might happen. Just that I've had nightmares of being locked away all my life, and now some would say I'd supplied a reason."
"Because you see Pat? I dreamed of her myself the other night. I was reading a letter from her." Najia smiled, "She told me how pleased she was that we made you so happy. Also that we should take no notice if you see or know things that you shouldn't, because you're not like other wizards." She giggled. "Also that you like blueberry muffins, and she repeated that, and underlined it, as if it was more important than anything else."
Bellamy laughed, "Is that why we had blueberry muffins yesterday?"
Najia kissed him, and said, "The party we went to... The venue was double-booked, and so we wound up combining with an affair for men. I saw three new romances start. Let's go to bed and renew our own."
In the morning, Bellamy went out for his customary ride. He felt well and happy, and decided he'd start doing without his cane. He hardly ever staggered any more. Najia hadn't ridden with him since the first time. She said it was far too cold. Bellamy glanced at those waiting for him. Pandragon, already saddled for him, the three children with their pretty ponies, with Victor checking their girths. Melanie's chestnut mare, and a black Andalusian.
Victor greeted the boss, and said that Melanie and Maria were just looking at the old horses before they left, and added, "Peter will be looking after the children, and Luke and Michael are supposed to be on duty as bodyguards."
Bellamy nodded, "Peter says it's necessary."
"You don't agree?"
"Zoe's information is that I obviously can't be killed, so there's no point trying any more."
Melanie walked towards them, greeted the boss, and said to Victor, "Calliope and Dante, who used to be at Loch Lomand, Valreian and Lindi, also Starlight."
Victor nodded, and said, "You did them?"
"One by one, as you said."
Victor nodded. "The first really cold snap, and some of them just stop eating."
Melanie said, "I kept strands of the manes for you, as you like, and I think I might start a rope of my own. It's sad."
Victor said, "Death's a part of life, and our horses have a good life."
Bellamy passed a hand over the side of his head. The scar had started an annoying tickling lately.
Maria hurried towards them. Maria was Melanie's sister, and worked for Paul, but now she surreptitiously wiped her eyes. Bellamy didn't know Maria very well, but she came to him, and he heard her thought, He looks older. But she was smiling, and congratulated him on still being alive.
Bellamy thanked her, and asked about her horse. She said proudly, "Darius. Paul lets all his employees have their pick as part of their wage."
Bellamy glanced around, and as Luke and Michael had arrived, it seemed they were ready. Pandragon apparently thought it was past time, had freed himself, and was now standing ready for mounting.
Peter asked, "Want a boost?"
Bellamy declined, and mounted the tall horse by himself. He grinned, and said, "I reckon we could gallop today. Just maybe not the children."
Peter glanced at the others. The boss was a bit optimistic, he thought. But a little later, he and the children cantered ahead, while the others waited, Pandragon prancing and curvetting as if he was a colt again, rather than a middle-aged gelding. At last, the horses were allowed to gallop, Melanie's horse keeping up with Pandragon, and Maria's Andalusian falling behind.
Bellamy didn't go long, finding his head spinning, though he thought he concealed it from the others. Instead he commented on Melanie's mare.
Melanie said, "Her name's Sundance. She was a cull as a yearling, but the only reason was that she was too small. We keep a few of the culls like that these days, for riding horses."
Bellamy replied that he supposed it was more sensible than choosing only the best.
Melanie suggested, "Walk for a while? I'm a little tired."
Bellamy grinned at her. She was a little tired?
After a while, Melanie dropped back, and Maria rode at his side. He glanced at her, and asked, "Maria?"
Maria said, "I heard you were saying that Loch Lomand needed a paid employee. And Melanie says they still don't like Ani very much. That Ania would be better."
"Would you like to do that?"
"I realise that probably a lot would be cleaning toilet blocks, tidying sitting rooms, general housekeeping, as well as the horses. But I know all the spells, and Melanie says they don't mind seeing her work magic to make saddles clean, or horse shelters, or anything." And she grinned, "And I'd see Vince McDonald sometimes. He's still far and away my favourite movie star."
"He is married."
Maria blushed, "Not like that. And anyway, there's a McRae boy lives close by, who I'm keen on."
"So why do you really want to do it?"
"Melanie told me that it's getting too much for them. The housekeeping mainly. That she doesn't like seeing them looking tired. Not when some of them are getting old. And they were treated dreadfully."
Bellamy said, "They hardly ever talk about it, not to outsiders."
"I was there last December, with Melanie. We were cleaning the horse shelters, and Evita was there. So we started talking about acting. You know those films where Vince is a merman? Do you know how Vince learned to swim like a porpoise underwater?"
"No, I don't know."
"Evita told me. When he was about fifteen, they hobbled him, both ankles and right wrist, so he couldn't walk properly, or swim, or hit a guard, or even cut up his food without help. And he was like that for six months! Anyway, he learned to swim like that then, both legs working together, and arms down by his sides. But what a horrible thing to do to a boy!"
"I remember him telling me about being hobbled. That he'd taken three days to wake after Narzu-Han punished him with the Spell of Pain, and while he was still very weak, the overseer was trying to persuade Narzu-Han to agree to have him castrated in order to make him more docile. But he was only hobbled instead."
Predictably, Maria was horrified. "He was nearly castrated!"
Bellamy nodded briefly. It still appalled him.
After a silence, Maria said, "I suppose the hobbling was to slow him down, so he couldn't attack one of them."
Bellamy said, "Not that time. It was a punishment for telling his owner what he thought of his family. That Narzu-Han looked like becoming influential in the family, and it might make him think." Bellamy smiled affectionately, "He said that being hobbled was great, because the women all thought it was a terrible punishment, and every morning he'd have a different naked woman helping him shower. And when he was silenced as well, for insolence, there were two naked women helping him shower."
Maria grinned, "I wonder how many..."
Bellamy laughed, "He's never told me, but he's very close to half a dozen, and cares deeply about them all."
Maria asked seriously, "How can you stand to live where they did that to innocent medj?"
"Very difficult, sometimes. It worries me that they don't feel guilty. They did what was always done. They think medj so far beneath them, and tell themselves the women were treated reasonably. Even that there was no real reason for them to be discontented. I live and work there not only because my wives are Khatabi, but because in so many ways they've made up for it. It's Khatabis that have enforced civilisation on virtually all the countries of Arabia, and have been an influence for the good in Japan and Asia. Thanks to Zoe being leader of the Khatabis, not only have Khatabis stopped abusing medj, so have all the others, to the best of our knowledge. It's now a crime, and punished, rather than something accepted."
"There was Enclosure 3, as well."
Bellamy said seriously, "There was Enclosure 3."
Maria asked finally, "About the job?"
"Carol's the boss. Not me. I think you'll be very suitable, but it has to be Carol and the others who make the decision. I'll go there soon, and ask if you want."
"Yes, please."
They turned into the gateway, and Bellamy suggested, "A race? Around the perimeter track?"
Maria said firmly, "Not the jumps."
Bellamy grinned and said, "We won't tell anyone else."
They stopped their horses, side by side, as Peter watched, disbelieving. Bellamy said, "On the count of three," and Pandragon and Darius leapt into a full gallop.
Pandragon won by lengths, and Bellamy waited as the others pulled up. The whole world was swaying in front of his eyes. He gripped the saddle, and said casually, "Might just walk Pandragon back to the house. Maybe you can take him for me then, Melanie."
Peter said, "Luke, Michael, go with the boss. Pick him up if he falls off."
Insulting! He wasn't going to fall off! Pandragon walked very gently and gingerly to the door of the house, and stopped. Bellamy held tight, wishing the world would stay still. He squeezed his eyes shut a moment, and then slipped his feet out of the stirrups, and dismounted, relieved that he didn't fall. Michael said, "Hold onto me, Boss. You can go and lie down for a while." No point arguing. Hermione was already there, looking at him, very displeased. He was a little indignant, but stopped himself speaking to her. Hermione had told him weeks ago that he'd be able to gallop soon, and he still couldn't gallop!
On Sunday, he suggested to Susan that she should take him to Loch Lomand, so he could talk to Carol about whether she wanted Maria.
Susan said gently, "Dad, maybe not yet... I think it would be best if just I went."
Bellamy said, "Why not? You take me to the Ministry..."
"Yes, but to the medj, you're their security. If you talk to anyone you shouldn't, you'll frighten them."
"I haven't done that for over a week! I know I'm not supposed to."
Susan said, "Yesterday, you told Hermione to stop lecturing you. You said that it was her fault you nearly collapsed, because she told you you'd be better by now."
Bellamy asked, "Yesterday?"
"Yesterday afternoon."
He didn't remember, but Susan never lied. He didn't want to frighten his medj. He said, "I'll try harder. And you can ask Carol about Maria."
Susan agreed, and said, "The children are waiting just outside the door. They say you promised you'd tell them a story."
Bellamy smiled, "So I did. Gabby made me like a little pavilion in the garden, to keep off the rain. And the kids were going to bring chairs."
"Don't forget to make it warm as well then. Some of us feel the cold!" And a little later, the old, old man who didn't look old, told six children, aged from three to seven, about dragons. Children always loved stories about dragons, especially when he made images, realistic enough that cats hissed and dogs barked at them. It became a regular thing. On weekdays, every morning, the older ones went to Helene Pickering for schooling, but for an hour or two nearly every afternoon, usually after Victor gave them a riding lesson, they gathered around 'Grandfather,' or 'Boss,' and he'd tell them stories.
It was not only the children, and after the first few days, Vivienne was always there, others whenever they were not working. Bellamy had lived a long time, and had stories to tell.
Even now, he became tired far too easily. But he didn't think he forgot things any more, and his head seldom ached. The irritation in his scar became more intense, the edges of the groove becoming increasingly swollen and very tender. Bryce said he was absolutely not to touch it, and chose to do nothing himself, not giving any reason.
Bellamy decided to ignore Bryce's advice, waited until no-one was there, and put his hand to it, intending to use magic to fix the blessed thing. Hermione was suddenly in front of him, and saying, Don't you dare!
Bellamy stared at her mutinously, and she folded her arms, and tapped her foot. Bellamy glanced around, to make sure that no-one was listening, and even then he thought to her, rather than speaking. Why can't I fix it?
She answered, Because I'm not sure what's happening. You could do damage.
He took his hand away from his head, but glared at her. Dead, and still telling him what to do.
She smiled at him, Just be patient. You've made a good recovery, and this last thing is minor.
He protested pettishly, I haven't made a good recovery. It's been nearly six months, and I'm not strong, and I still can't read a book!
Hermione was tolerant. You always were a poor patient. Just do what I say and leave the scar alone.
She left, and Bellamy put his hand to his head again, just feeling the tender, raised edges. Like all the nerves were exposed. He sighed, leaned his head back in the high-backed armchair, and closed his eyes.
He was left alone, in his place in the garden. He liked being surrounded by Outside, even when it was cold and many of the plants were dormant. There was always a dog or two about him, and usually several cats. Occasionally a horse, Pandragon often, and sometimes Mystery, the foal of Naji and an unknown sire. Mystery was an undistinguished looking brown mare, a favourite because she was patient and friendly.
A large ginger cat jumped onto his lap, disturbing him. He opened his eyes.
Jarantimo, and he nodded his greeting. Jarantimo said, You like stories? I'll tell you about the Herekshi, if you like.
Bellamy smiled. He'd like that. He knew hardly anything about the Herekshi.
Jarantimo started visiting more regularly, and told him stories of olden times and half mythical creatures. Bellamy wanted to know if they were true, but Jarantimo gave a mocking smile, and refused to tell him.
***chapter end***
