Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world belong to J. K. Rowling. In this story, Harry Potter is very old, and is known as 'The Great Wizard.' His name is Bellamy.

Chapter 20:

The significant horse show was to be in two weeks time. The talk seldom strayed far from it. Plans were needed. Even to get so many there, was a big exercise, but Carol was an excellent organiser. Bellamy was to be there, acting as groom and helper, but in disguise.

The show schedule was studied, and Gloria watched riders with horses, and made the decisions when horses were in dispute. They were going for prizes, but they were also going for maximum participation. They had a borrowed horse called Thowra. Golden palomino, showy. He went well with Amber. Tiffany on Patrick was understood, but who would ride Nigretta in the showing? Nigretta was beautiful. The rider should not spoil her chances. The girls planned to blitz all opposition in the gymkhana events, with Mosquito, Gus and Storm.

Bellamy was consulted, and the women listened carefully, not arguing when they couldn't have their chosen horses. Four had their own horses, but would not necessarily ride them. They were too recently broken in, though Tasha planned to ride Honey in both riding and showing events. Gloria had been regularly riding Madigan, under Bellamy's eye to begin with. She would have him in the jumping. There was Kennedy, as well, whom she'd been riding regularly. Others had started to ride him as well, but Bellamy said he was too risky yet to take to a show.

Bryce McKenzie visited again one day. Jimmy and Valencio both saw him, and he used a monitor, told them they were perfectly healthy, and could sire children.

Jimmy frowned at the good news, and then said, "Keep it quiet, for goodness sake. Brigitta has been saying I should find someone who can have children, and she's more likely to marry me if I say I'm sterile."

Valencio nodded. "I might tell Tasha that, as well. I don't want children, and I do want Tasha."

Bryce said that of course he'd keep it quiet. "Healer's ethics, you know."

Valencio and Jimmy glanced at each other. Healer's ethics? They suspected they knew more about Bellamy's health than he did.

It was nearly summer school holidays, and Bellamy had his youngest daughter coming home from school. Thursday afternoon, he packed his things, put a dog under each arm, and left Loch Lomand, followed by Dot and Michael on Friday morning, though Dot would be coming back two mornings a week, to help with things such as buying premises for a dress shop in Bogridge, for Maliwan and Sheila, who were going into partnership.

Emma approached Valencio, and showed him a letter. "I need to go to Edinburgh, to see my parents. Dot or Michael or Susan would take me, if I asked, but I wondered if maybe you would."

"I'd be happy to."

Emma smiled at him, "I know I should learn to drive myself..."

No-one else wanted to go, as most of them were feverishly practising for the horse show.

Emma was very nervous, and clung to Valencio as they entered the large foyer of the hotel where Mr. and Mrs. Lestrange were staying. Donna Lestrange looked more pale and nervous than Emma, and Bill, Emma's father, fidgeted constantly, sometimes pulling out a cigarette packet, and each time remembering that it was a no smoking area.

Emma took a deep breath and said a grave hello, said that her friend was called Vince McDonald, but then she just stopped and stared. "Mum?" she finally said, in a quavering voice. Her mother suddenly knew her daughter, took a step forward, and clung to her, crying.

Valencio looked away, wondering whether he should come back later.

Bill was suddenly shaking his hand, vigorously, thanking him. Valencio shook his head, and tried to say he didn't bring her back, only acted as chauffeur.

Bill said, his voice breaking, "It was so terrible, not knowing, you see? It would have been easier to bear if they'd been killed. But every day, we thought of our little daughters, and we didn't know."

Emma shook her head, and said calmly, that she was no longer a little daughter, and maybe they should go somewhere with a little more privacy. People were staring. Valencio glanced around, and spoke to Emma. "How about if I come back in say, an hour? And you can decide what you want to do then."

Emma nodded, now looking timidly at her father. She'd been a sex slave - an unpaid prostitute. Was she still wanted?

Emma's mother glanced at her husband, and then said to Valencio, "Room 223 - and I'm sorry, I can't remember your name."

"Vince. I'll be back in an hour." He touched Emma's arm, and said, "Back in an hour." Emma nodded.

It was an awkward hour, an awkward day. It was so hard to know what to say to a long lost daughter, miraculously returned. Valencio returned to find Emma sitting looking unhappy, now and then asking questions about nearly forgotten friends. She greeted him with relief, and asked him to sit next to her. He sat close, and put an arm around her. They'd better not be making her unhappy.

Bill asked, "How did Laura die?"

Emma looked at Valencio, "You tell him."

"Are you sure?"

Emma nodded, and almost whispered, "They have a right to know."

Valencio's arm tightened around her, and he said, "Laura died of rape, the first night. She never lived to know what it was to be a prisoner."

Emma nodded her head, looking at the floor.

After a painful pause, Bill asked, "What was your role in it all, Vince?"

"I was just another prisoner, taken six months or so after Emma."

"Do your parents know you're alive?"

"They're both dead, and I use another name now. I don't want it known."

Bill nodded. No wonder! Donna persisted, "There must be other family, who would want to know."

Valencio asked, "Is it better to know something like that, or remain in ignorance?"

Donna answered softly, "I can only answer for myself. I lost Laura, and I lost so many years knowing Emma. But she's alive, and we'll get to know one another again."

Bill asked Emma, "Are you coming home?"

Emma said, "Others have tried to go back to their parents' home, and it doesn't work. I'll keep in touch, but my home is with the others now."

They were all looking down, all silent. Valencio said, "I have to find a good fabric shop, and buy material. I have a list. Maybe, if it's too hard to talk, you can help."

Emma stood straightaway, eager to get away from the difficult situation. Bill also rose, and asked, "Do you know how to find a good fabric shop, Vince?"

Valencio shook his head, and Bill took charge, asking for information at the reception desk. Half an hour later, Donna and Emma were selecting fabric from Valencio's list, arguing over the various choices, and accepting the willing help of the shop assistant. Valencio leaned against a wall with Bill beside him, and smiled. "Good idea," said Bill quietly.

"I've seen so many go to see lost family, and come back upset, rather than happy. It's a difficult situation."

"How many of you are there?"

"Seventy-nine women, nearly all of whom have gone fashion mad. My wife is Tasha, and she's appearing in a different creation every evening."

"Seventy-nine!"

"A bloke named John came and got us out."

"A bloke named John."

Valencio nodded. A bloke named John. John who'd listened to him and had given him something. John who was also the great wizard, not just any wizard, but far and away the most powerful wizard in the world. John, who was very old, and had compassion. John who was soft-hearted.

Bill said decisively, "We'll have this delivered back to the hotel for now, go and eat at a restaurant, and then you can take Emma back." He smiled, "And Donna and I can cry in each other's arms."

Valencio said, "One of the younger girls met her Mum, and swore she'd never talk to her again, because all she did was cry. She has relented, but you're right. Best not to cry until afterwards."

"Any parents unable to accept their daughter's past?"

"One. Told her she was no longer part of the family. As if she had any choice! Others, I'm told, just try and pretend it never happened, which is a much better idea, it seems to me. There is no need to dwell on old traumas."

Bill sighed, thinking of his beautiful twin daughters, Laura and Emma.

Valencio said, "The ones who did it are dead. Poisoned. Just the day after, we think by one of the women of the family, who heard about it."

"But there were others?"

"Not for a long time. You shouldn't think about it. You have your daughter back."

Bill nodded. He would make her an allowance, so she didn't have to live on any sort of charity or government benefit. She was a grown woman, in her twenties. He couldn't have his little girl back. Maybe she'd marry, and there would be grandchildren. They'd only had the two girls, but one day, there might be grandchildren. He asked, "Were there others, so young?"

"We think they made a new rule after Emma, that no-one under the age of twelve should be taken. I never saw anyone under twelve come in, and most new ones I saw were fifteen or sixteen, a few even eighteen." He glanced at Bill, "We were always fed and sheltered, and generally, no-one was hurt, provided they behaved themselves."

Bill helped Valencio with the large packages of fabrics. More were being sent on. Emma kissed her parents, hurriedly, said she'd write, and got into the car. Bill shook Valencio's hand, and said, "Thanks, Vince."

They waved, and Emma turned at the last minute, and waved back, too far away to see the tears in the eyes of both of them.

On the way home, Valencio said, "They said not knowing was the worst."

"You're thinking of the ones who died?"

Valencio nodded. "I think we should try and tell their families, somehow."

Emma asked, "What about you?"

Valencio shook his head. "I'm Vince McDonald, now, and there's no-one who knew me, would care that much. Those films... But I was barely twelve in the last, even younger in the others, and I'm sure no-one would recognise me. My ID papers even. I made sure to have a different birth date put on them, and I said I was British."

"You don't look British."

"A mixed marriage, Greek mother, Scottish father. I have a birth certificate, my parents' birth and death certificates, their marriage certificate. Dot gave me whatever I asked for, and never said a thing."

Carol listened to Valencio and Emma, and said she'd discuss it with the Committee. It had to be discreet, as the idea of having reporters approach them was alarming, and their address must not become known. Dot listened, and consulted. The result was a visit from Daryl Innes, from the DMT, who was an expert at the subtle Crio-Magic, that would protect their privacy, even when clues abounded. He wore wizard robes, and few of the women came close, though Valencio did, curious. He couldn't tell, though, whether the young Daryl he'd met once, might be the son of the brilliant wizard.

Only when that was done, were some paid advertisements inserted, in America rather than in Britain, as a further safeguard. The biggest newspaper in New York. That was the master list. 'Fate of some missing people.' The headings were Dead, and Almost Certainly Dead. They were in alphabetical order of Christian names, as so many of the surnames were unknown, never used in the enclosures. But there was nearly always country of origin, age when taken, if known, and the approximate year taken, as best they could work out. If there were any other identifying characteristics, they were also included, and they said that further information about individuals was available on request.

Other smaller ads were put in the newspapers of several countries, but containing only the names of its citizens. Further enquiries had to be made through the same New York newspaper. They couldn't be checking too many newspapers. They called themselves 'The Survivors,' and enquiries were to be made through the Personal Column, in the Classified Ad section. Within a few days, the newspaper made a subheading, especially for them - there were a lot of enquiries, not just about those names, but about numerous others they'd never heard of.

There was international furore, as police of dozens of countries combed their records, and sought additional information. Police enquiries were blandly ignored, but there were a dozen of the older women, led by Kaede, who answered the enquiries, as best as they could, getting as much information about individuals, and then deciding how much to pass on. It was like Valencio, who'd implied that Emma and Laura had been raped by two men, not dozens.

No-one tracked down the men and women of Loch Lomand, though several of the locals had a very good idea. Oddly, when Rhonda, the hairdresser, tried to point the finger, no-one listened.

There was a mother of Pamela, aged about twelve, blonde, probably English. She now knew her daughter was long dead, but had died very, very bravely. Her mind finally at rest, Pamela's mother also died. There were others. A Chinese gymnastics instructor, thought to have been too harsh, leading to the flight of four of their elite gymnasts from the New York Academy of Sport was now exonerated. On the other hand, four sets of parents now knew that their daughters were 'almost certainly dead.'

As none of those Lucy and Eva had known in New York had apparently surfaced, the 'almost certainly dead,' became 'dead,' on their lists.

It was a difficult job, answering the letters, and the medj continued to meet in the ballroom after dinner, though it was informal, and not with the 100% attendance that had been customary.

There was a newspaper article, with photographs of many of those now known to be dead. Police conclude that these particular kidnap victims were taken for use as prostitutes. Missing people who were not especially good-looking, are unlikely to be of the group calling themselves the survivors. They winced at that. Somehow 'prostitutes' sounded worse than sex slaves, though Gloria pointed out that the only difference was that they were never paid. A subheading, Some were boys, and names, Damir, Giuliano, Lionel, Jeremy, Patrick. They knew no other names. Pierre, the Favourite of Ahjmed for a few months, would never have a special plaque on the memorial track, and his parents would never know what had happened to their sweet-tempered little boy.

Two days after that article, Kaede went to Valencio, where he sat with Tasha and a few others, and showed him something. To the survivors. It was a plea to say if they knew anything of Valencio Durano, kidnapped when he was twelve.

"Dean Blockman," commented Valencio. "He was my stepfather for a couple of years."

"What will we say?"

"That I died, long ago."

"How will I say you died?"

Valencio glanced at Gloria, and grinned, "I died of pleasure because Gloria and Maliwan helped me shower."

Kaede smiled briefly, but said, "Maybe he cares about you. Maybe he's desperate to know."

Valencio shook his head, decidedly. "I'm Vince now. How can I go back? He was not my father, just one of about six stepfathers before my mother died."

"So you want me to say you died."

Valencio nodded, and said indifferently, "Any story you please."

Kaede rose, and said, "I'll tell him we know nothing of you."

Valencio shrugged, and then whispered to Tasha, who nodded. "Going for a swim," Tasha said, and a half dozen women joined them, followed by Jimmy. Valencio was not as excitable any more, and had given up bothering with shorts, and Jimmy also swam nude. The swimming pool was always very well patronised.

In the morning, Valencio took a car in for a minor repair, and worked contentedly with Bob, who addressed him as Vince, and said that he'd be able to replace a fan belt himself the next time. Valencio said, "I can do quite a few things, now, but the women still don't trust me!"

"Could that be because of the one that had an engine fire?"

Valencio said indignantly, "Even you said that was not my fault!"

Bob grinned. "I was saving your feelings. Of course it was your fault."

Valencio chuckled, "I rather thought it was!" Freedom. It was so good to be free. Good to know men, who just treated him as a man. Valencio was very happy.

Later that day, Inge and Brigitta said to Valencio, "Guess what we found." They had internet now, and showed him. "It's John's stud, the Line of Sheba. And there's pictures of his horses. People bid for them."

Valencio peered, and said, "Nantuckett, three-year-old black filly." He whistled, "Look at what they're bidding!"

"There's a filly called Kwai-Jeeha, as well. But it says she's still being broken in."

Brigitta said, "There was one called Brigitta sold a few weeks ago. What if she goes to the Olympics?"

"He says a lot get named as foals, but some just have numbers, but it's better when they're properly named."

"The new owners might just change the name, of course."

Amreeta glanced in the room, and exclaimed, "Valencio. I was looking for you." Valencio looked up, and Amreeta pointed out an article in the Aniragi News. He frowned, feeling suddenly almost ill. Narzu-Han. It had to be, though it said Narzu-Han Khattak. It said that he was the head of wizardry in Turkey, and that John had attacked him.

He put on a carefree grin, pretending he wasn't shaken by the unexpected reminder. He quoted, "It is assumed that no-one tried to arrest the great wizard because no-one can!"

Inge peered over his shoulder, and said, "He was in the Ministry building, in front of aurors, and he attacked Narzu-Han Khattak. His victim survived, but is still in shock."

Valencio's laugh was genuine now, "I cannot imagine Narzu-Han in shock. He was always so much in command!"

"Dot said the paper exaggerates dreadfully, remember, and Aniragi law does not include things like libel and slander."

xdividerx

There was a lot happening at Loch Lomand. They were going out more, a few with men, sometimes with women acquaintances. Many had enrolled in 'hobby courses,' including a 'current affairs' one, that included history of the last twenty years or so. A computer room was organised, with thirty new computers. They would be needed for those tackling further education from September. They were no problem for the younger ones, and Carol announced that there would be lessons for any who wanted, just as soon as an instructor could be found. There was the dress shop for Sheila and Maliwan, as well. After careful discussion, a thirty-six seater bus was purchased, to be driven by Jimmy, and a twelve seater bus was purchased, that anyone with an ordinary license could drive. There were not enough cars, but they shared whenever possible, and managed.

There were some changes in the Committee, with Clarence, Bernice & Gloria now on it, while Kaliska, Lucy and Helene had chosen not to put their names forward again. Carol was still undisputed leader.

Emma now had an allowance from her parents, and a surprise was a sum of money from Narzu-Han Khatabi, 'for the education of Ingrid,' with the promise of a yearly sum to follow. Dot was able to shed light on that. There had indeed been a confrontation between their John and Narzu-Han, and although John had threatened to kill him, 'For Laura and Emma,' he'd finally pocketed his wand and instructed him to pay for the education of Ingrid, who wanted to be a vet.

Valencio was relieved that it was not for him. He was frightened to have anything to do with Narzu-Han. His curiosity was overwhelming, but he tried to stifle it, and threw himself into the final touches for the hayshed, then went to Joe Corbett for advice on when hay should be cut, and how.

A few days before the horse show, Tiffany stood up at dinner, and made an announcement. She was going to marry Cramsie McGonnigal, it would be at Loch Lomand, and they all had to be there, of course. Bernice would be catering, helpers as rostered.

Tiffany was overwhelmed with the congratulations. Cam's family would be there, but no other guests. There were still many of them frightened of strangers. Talking about their experiences might have helped, but there was no miraculous cure. The date was set for two weeks hence, the Saturday following the horse show. They tended to speak in terms of the horse show these days, though it was acknowledged that for many, the interest in horses had only been a stage on the way to recovery.

Valencio was called on next afternoon, to drive the small bus into Bogridge. Brigitta and a few other of the women wanted to do some shopping.

"Duich?" Valencio suggested. Duich had a much larger shopping centre than Bogridge.

Brigitta shook her head. "Next week, probably, if you will, but Bogridge is okay for now. We're pressed for time."

It was only a small bus, but there were not many with the confidence to drive it. Jimmy accompanied Brigitta when it came time, saying he had to buy something on his own account, and he'd keep Vince company.

Valencio was pleased. It would have been boring with nothing to do, though he thought he might visit Veronica for a haircut, maybe. And maybe Maliwan wanted help again. He'd drop in and see.

Jimmy watched the women leaving, and said, "The top pub, or the bottom pub?" Valencio looked at him, surprised, and Jimmy laughed. "Maybe it's time we met a few of the younger locals, and a drink at the pub's the best way to do that."

Valencio said uncertainly, "I've been to a pub in Duich a few times..."

Jimmy led, far more familiar with the pub environment than Valencio. Then they just leaned against the bar, drank beer, and looked around. Two young men joined them, remarked on the sunny day, and casually introduced themselves. But another, standing not far away, raised his voice. "Hey, Erin, what're you talking to them for? They're fags!"

Valencio was puzzled. "What's a fag?"

There was laughter. "He's a fag, and doesn't even know what it means."

Jimmy was looking very casual, and explained. "A fag is a man who likes to have sex with another man. Whether we're fags or not, I reckon we should beat him up just for trying to be insulting!"

Valencio said cautiously, "I tend to lose my temper if I fight. He doesn't look very fit. What if I hurt him?"

Clarence might have listened to Valencio's concern, knowing how dangerous he could be, but Jimmy said, provocatively, "Well, I suppose he could apologise, and buy the next round of drinks..."

Roddy said contemptuously, "No way!"

"So, alright. How many want to fight the fags?" and Valencio and Jimmy both put down their drinks, and stood side by side, facing the husky young man.

Roddy said, "The pretty one must go underneath, I'd say."

Valencio's fist laid him out. There was a silence. At last one of the others said, "Roddy's my mate. Let's go outside."

"Round the back, there's a patch of grass," said the barman casually.

Valencio took a deep breath. He'd never actually been in a fight. He'd always just punched, and waited to see what happened next. He must not hurt, must not lose his temper. These were only young blokes fighting because they thought they should. No-one tried to stop it. No-one called the police. The four of them gave each other a few cuts and bruises, until the locals drew back, panting. "That do?" Jimmy asked.

Erin nodded. "I guess that'll do."

The audience included Roddy now, revived, but a touch dizzy still. He said, "You're got a great right, Vince."

Jimmy looked at Valencio's puzzled face, and said, "He means you can hit hard with your right hand."

Valencio laughed, "I thought I was fluent in English!"

By the time the women came to find them, Valencio and Jimmy were drinking heavily with their mates, Erin, Roddy and Tim. Jimmy and Erin had black eyes, Roddy a nasty bruise on his jaw, and Tim had a split lip. Eva raised her eyebrows, then laughed, "I guess it had better be one of us drive home."

Gary McGregor, brother of the policeman, had been waiting his opportunity, and now said casually, "I'm going out that way, and can drop them off if they want to stay a bit longer."

Jimmy instantly agreed, and Gary joined the group, and won the approval of Valencio. He was staying with his brother, Clem, and he was single. Valencio grinned. Did Gary hope to win a wife? He wasn't young, but neither were many of the women.

The local boys knew of the refugees of Loch Lomand, and they now knew that Valencio might be a little sensitive about certain things. They refrained from asking awkward questions, and spoke about soccer, cars, and Erin's girlfriend, who was pretty, but always sulked when he went out drinking with his mates.

Gary was as quiet as Valencio, although Jimmy was easy with the men, and argued the superiority of baseball over soccer. The Bogridge boys weren't quite sure where Jimmy fitted in. He was just an ordinary appearing man in his twenties, and happened to mention that he'd spent several years in the US Army. They didn't ask.

By the time Jimmy and Valencio were ready to leave, Jimmy was distinctly merry, and Valencio a touch dizzy. Gary drove them back, and was rewarded with dinner at Loch Lomand, and at last, met some of the beautiful women, including Kaede, whom his brother had spoken of with enormous admiration, but out of his wife's hearing.

With appreciation, Valencio watched as Gary took care to be undemanding, but talked to the older women about their interests. He was grey-haired, had a bald patch, and a severe limp. To Valencio's surprise, he appeared to win the approval of timid Mary, who told him about Ruby, at length, and then her painting. But Jimmy started telling Clarence about the fight, and Valencio listened, a little confused at his idea that a bit of a fight was a very good way of becoming friendly.

Gary's next planned step appeared to be to act as guide - an excursion to see the Loch Ness Monster. But it was to be in the small bus, Jimmy was to drive, and Mary would feel safe, with Connie, Kaede, and three other women also going. Valencio was protective about the women, but he liked Gary, who seemed to radiate kindness. Maybe he could make Mary happy.

xdividerx

There was a parade a few days before the horse show, completed costumes for the Fancy Dress competition. Maharni, who was to ride Nigretta, was to be a Spanish Senorita, Mariabella the Goddess of Sunshine, Tasha was to be a desert Arab.

Carol and Helene watched, smiling with satisfaction. But then, somewhat to his alarm, they turned to Valencio. Brigitta lifted a heavy object wrapped in sacking, and said, "Look!"

Valencio was stunned, "A real cutlass?"

"We're calling it a scimitar. You're to be the Turk."

Businesslike, Tasha said, "Take off your clothes, and you're to try on these."

Valencio eyed her armful of billowing red-orange silk, and said, "Brigitta told me that it's not manners to appear naked in front of women."

"Don't be silly. It's just us!"

Valencio rose and stripped off his shirt, and then his jeans, though leaving on underpants. Joyce was right. Jeans were a lot more comfortable with underpants beneath. The silk was pantaloons, and they billowed around his legs.

Gloria frowned at him, "The tan could be deeper. No more wearing shirts outside."

"Aren't you forgetting? I can't ride."

"You just have to sit on a horse, and steer, and you can do that much."

"Which horse?"

"We'll try Madigan, who looks so big, and as if he could be fierce."

Valencio suddenly laughed, "Why not?"

"There's a leather worker in Duich, so you have to go there tomorrow, and have a new scabbard made up. Urgently, straightaway. Brigitta will go too, to look beseeching if necessary, and Gloria because she knows how it should go."

"Where did you find it?"

"In one of the dungeons, with some rusty chains. On a high shelf, almost out of sight. Could have been there a hundred years! The scabbard was rotted, though."

Valencio ran his finger down the blade, and said, "Needs sharpening."

Tasha said reprovingly, "You're not about to kill anyone. Polishing will do!"

Carol said John would be staying the day after the horse show, and also probably the day before, as they'd need an early start, and he was good at helping where he was needed. Melanie was staying with them again, and giving an enormous amount of help. She was very enthusiastic about the horse show, and when asked if Michael had given permission, said only that Michael didn't know everything.

The last few days were fully taken up with practising. Madigan condescended to allow Valencio to ride him, though snorting in disapproval at his garb. It was not the good silk pantaloons, but a lividly coloured spare set, just to make sure the horse wouldn't take one look and bolt. There was a surprise addition to the line-up for the jumping. Thierry and Kennedy. They made a very good team.

Excitement, nerves. It had become very important to them, almost certainly the last big thing they would do together. Tiffany would be the first to leave, when she married Cramsie, and moved to his property, not very far away. But they all knew she was just the first.

xchapter endx